The Female
Bitches are more affectionate and easier to control than the male dog.
They are about thirty percent smaller than the male and whatever their
breed, tend to be more gentle with children.
The bitch will come into season about every 6 months and this will last
for around three weeks. The female is receptive to mating and extremely
attractive to dogs that will instinctively try to mate with them. A good
clear sign that a bitch is coming into ‘Season’ is that she will produce a
discharge; initially a bloodstain, that will be deposited wherever she
sits or lays. She will spend a great deal of time licking her vagina.
Be assured that your home will attract the local male dogs that will camp
outside your home for about three weeks. Expect howling throughout the
night to attract her attention.
The female will attempt to escape at the first possible opportunity so it
is wise to keep all doors closed and secure, especially when greeting your
guests. I have known bitches that have chewed their way through doors
during the night to escape to get to the male dogs.
Do not underestimate the great heights that male dogs can climb and jump
to reach a bitch on heat. During this period it is well known that the
male dog can be extremely aggressive and would well attack you if you
tried to send him away.
If you are not going to breed from your bitch it is best to consider
having her neutered a few months before her first season. Veterinary
Colleges have endless scientific proof that the female will live longer
and the likelihood of mammary tumours is negligible. She will certainly
not put on weight.
The Male
Male dogs whatever their breed tend to be more dominant than the female.
The adult male has an instinctive urge to escape and wander free from home
for periods ranging from an hour to several days or weeks.
Often a clear sign of a dominant male although house trained, will show
when he starts to lift his leg in the house and urinate on walls and
furniture. He does this to scent-mark his territory and to affirm his
dominant status. This type of dog should be castrated.
Owners of dominant dogs should spend time re-enforcing their own dominance
and insisting on absolute obedience. This can be achieved through a
training club where you can learn how to control the dominant male when he
meets another dominant male dog.
Dogs that are confined and not allowed to roam can develop sexual
frustration and will mount the human leg and even mount children who crawl
on the floor. This is intolerable and very dangerous to a child.
The best way to deal with this is to discuss the problem in an honest way
with the vet who might consider either using a female hormone to try to
counteract the condition or to castrate the dog.
I personally recommend castration for all dogs that are not to be used for
breeding purpose. A castrated dog is happy and is free from worry and
frustration. He will be more pleasant to have around, less likely to fight
other males and more submissive to the wishes of the human pack leader.
By having a dog castrated in no way alters any other instincts. He will
guard, hunt, work, and retrieve.
The best time to castrate a male dog is around five to six months before
he starts to lift his leg. Your vet will advise when your dog is suitable
for this minor operation. Within twenty-four hours your dog will have
fully recovered from the operation.
Article by David the Dogman http://www.thedogman.net
