Showing A Bitch In Season

[Hunterhound]

As it turns out I didn't take her out anyway, as it was the extremely hot weekend & it just wasn't worth it...for both our sakes!!!

She would have been day 21...probably still offering some lovely girlie smells to the boys, but definitely not putting on a show ;) I always toilet her away from everyone anyway, regardless of whether she is in season or not....I don't like using public toilets mayself, unless I have to, so I'm a bit the same with her.....

It was interesting to read everyones comments......pet hates & suggestions. Having a bloodhound I must admit my pet hate is people dropping bait on the ground...even if they pick it up, my girl still knows it has been there. I never complain, as that is part of showing, but it isn't always easy to get a bloodhounds head up if they are on a scent. Just my two scents worth for the frankfurt throwing handlers... :D

Thanks for everyones input.....it's been interesting!!

[OSoSwift]

I'd rather you show your bitch in season than allow your male dog to piss over any of the following:

* my gazebo walls

* my trolley

* a bag full of show gear

* my leg

I've seen all those. ;)

Bitches in season are permitted to be shown. Therefore I think its inevitable that they will be. No point getting upset about it. :D

Worst I ever saw in the peeing dog stakes was a dog peeing on a baby's bassinet, with the baby in it!

As for the bitches in season threads, like other common topics they usually go the same way - to the point that when I saw this one come up I thought to myself that I could write a summary of the thread before it got going!! Some people will say it's rude, others will say the objectors' dogs need better training. Neither side will agree.

I think some manners goes a long way, as well as some perspective about what a day away from a show ultimately means (ie, not a lot unless you're missing a once in ten years specialist God of your breed).

It can mean a lot if you have booked accommodation, made travel arrangements not to mention entry fees wasted especially if it's a cluster show. Or if you don't show very often for whatever reason. I know when I do 'away' shows, I have to take everybody with me. Could always scratch the bitch in season but she would still be there in the tent or whatever and I certainly wouldn't be leaving her unattended!

So it's not always a case of 'omg I can't miss a show for a single reason'.

I definitely agree with you about manners though, let people know what's happening and be considerate.

I agree, for me it is a rare occurence and there is a lot of roganisation and money involved in accomodation etc. Not to mention that I quite often have people coming with me and don't want to let them down.

Having said all that I am quite lucky my bitches seasons are quite predictable and consistant so I don't try to organise anything really close to a season anyway. Travelling with an entire female and male without a trailer would be a recipe for disaster I think anyway!

At this point in time my only planned shows and trials for the year are two shows and they are 475kms away(the closest shows to me) so if I drop "just one show" it could be 8 months before I get to another!

[whippets]

Unless it is a "big" show (specialty, royal, international breed specialist) I keep the bitch at home. It is to much hassle for me to take her. It's only a few weeks.

It doesn't bother me if others take their girls on season, as long as they don't flaunt them about and keep them properly contained.

[SpikesPuppy]

It can mean a lot if you have booked accommodation, made travel arrangements not to mention entry fees wasted especially if it's a cluster show. Or if you don't show very often for whatever reason. I know when I do 'away' shows, I have to take everybody with me. Could always scratch the bitch in season but she would still be there in the tent or whatever and I certainly wouldn't be leaving her unattended!

So it's not always a case of 'omg I can't miss a show for a single reason'.

I definitely agree with you about manners though, let people know what's happening and be considerate.

Might be a big dog/little dog thing? If ours aren't being shown, they stay home with a dog savvy house sitter when we go away for the weekend. As we have an old companion dog, there's always someone that needs looking after so an extra dog isn't a big deal. For me it's too much hassle to take a medium sized dog away if you're not going to show it, particularly a moody Saluki bitch

We only have 4 dogs, and the oldest is only 6 and a half so all are very capable of being shown - when the oldest gets to be a real geriatric things may change lol.

But I think we are also very lucky - none of our girls get moody (touch wood), and even my boy doesn't pay much attention until after the bitch starts flagging. If they were moody or difficult to handle etc then it would be a completely different story and I would definitely not show if they were not up to it (or if it was going to be pointless :D ).

[Andisa]

While showing a bitch in season may cause problems for some at least it is not against the rules. I have a 2 1/2 yo Rottweiler who has not been shown yet, nor has he been used at stud but he sure as hell knows why god gave him balls. He lives with girls and tells me one month before they come in season and lets me know when they are spot on. He is a gem of a dog to live with, has the most fantastic nature but put a bitch in season near him and he lives on hopes and dreams. If we set up at a show with a bitch in season in the next tent or walking past - we would be better off packing up and going home - he just can't think with his brain, while he would look mighty nice he would be no good in the ring.

When Charli (Pug) comes in season I will decide when it happens. I would be tempted to take her early or late in her season but she will be staying home while she is right on out of respect for those with males. I think it is unfair to make the girls stay home, especially the girls who come in more than twice a year, if they can hold it together why not, my girls are sooky buggers so would be better off at home anyway. Don't know what Charli will be like yet.

As for this comment posted pages back - "Anyway what is 3 weeks out of your bitches show career or are those ribbons too important". While some may frown upon showing a bitch in season others will frown upon showing desexed dogs. At least showing a bitch in season is not against the rules...I know what I would rather be showing in hope of taking home a ribbon.

Edited February 11, 2011 by Andisa

[laneka]

While showing a bitch in season may cause problems for some at least it is not against the rules. I have a 2 1/2 yo Rottweiler who has not been shown yet, nor has he been used at stud but he sure as hell knows why god gave him balls. He lives with girls and tells me one month before they come in season and lets me know when they are spot on. He is a gem of a dog to live with, has the most fantastic nature but put a bitch in season near him and he lives on hopes and dreams. If we set up at a show with a bitch in season in the next tent or walking past - we would be better off packing up and going home - he just can't think with his brain, while he would look mighty nice he would be no good in the ring.

When Charli (Pug) comes in season I will decide when it happens. I would be tempted to take her early or late in her season but she will be staying home while she is right on out of respect for those with males. I think it is unfair to make the girls stay home, especially the girls who come in more than twice a year, if they can hold it together why not, my girls are sooky buggers so would be better off at home anyway. Don't know what Charli will be like yet.

As for this comment posted pages back - "Anyway what is 3 weeks out of your bitches show career or are those ribbons too important". While some may frown upon showing a bitch in season others will frown upon showing desexed dogs. At least showing a bitch in season is not against the rules...I know what I would rather be showing in hope of taking home a ribbon.

Go Away, it is called stalking

Edited February 11, 2011 by laneka

[Andisa]

While showing a bitch in season may cause problems for some at least it is not against the rules. I have a 2 1/2 yo Rottweiler who has not been shown yet, nor has he been used at stud but he sure as hell knows why god gave him balls. He lives with girls and tells me one month before they come in season and lets me know when they are spot on. He is a gem of a dog to live with, has the most fantastic nature but put a bitch in season near him and he lives on hopes and dreams. If we set up at a show with a bitch in season in the next tent or walking past - we would be better off packing up and going home - he just can't think with his brain, while he would look mighty nice he would be no good in the ring.

When Charli (Pug) comes in season I will decide when it happens. I would be tempted to take her early or late in her season but she will be staying home while she is right on out of respect for those with males. I think it is unfair to make the girls stay home, especially the girls who come in more than twice a year, if they can hold it together why not, my girls are sooky buggers so would be better off at home anyway. Don't know what Charli will be like yet.

As for this comment posted pages back - "Anyway what is 3 weeks out of your bitches show career or are those ribbons too important". While some may frown upon showing a bitch in season others will frown upon showing desexed dogs. At least showing a bitch in season is not against the rules...I know what I would rather be showing in hope of taking home a ribbon.

Go Away, it is called stalking

These topics come up all the time.

[Stolzseinrotts]

While showing a bitch in season may cause problems for some at least it is not against the rules. I have a 2 1/2 yo Rottweiler who has not been shown yet, nor has he been used at stud but he sure as hell knows why god gave him balls. He lives with girls and tells me one month before they come in season and lets me know when they are spot on. He is a gem of a dog to live with, has the most fantastic nature but put a bitch in season near him and he lives on hopes and dreams. If we set up at a show with a bitch in season in the next tent or walking past - we would be better off packing up and going home - he just can't think with his brain, while he would look mighty nice he would be no good in the ring.

When Charli (Pug) comes in season I will decide when it happens. I would be tempted to take her early or late in her season but she will be staying home while she is right on out of respect for those with males. I think it is unfair to make the girls stay home, especially the girls who come in more than twice a year, if they can hold it together why not, my girls are sooky buggers so would be better off at home anyway. Don't know what Charli will be like yet.

As for this comment posted pages back - "Anyway what is 3 weeks out of your bitches show career or are those ribbons too important". While some may frown upon showing a bitch in season others will frown upon showing desexed dogs. At least showing a bitch in season is not against the rules...I know what I would rather be showing in hope of taking home a ribbon.

Go Away, it is called stalking

OT for a minute.........

How is this stalking?????

We are all entitled to comment in a thread and I really don't get your Stalking comment Laneka???

Now to get back on topic.

I don't have a problem with those who choose to show a bitch in season, that is the owners choice, there are no rules that say you can't and I am one for following the rules so I see no reason not to. Of course the owner needs to show a little consideration and keep the bitch away from other dogs. Each to their own I think.

[Andisa]

While showing a bitch in season may cause problems for some at least it is not against the rules. I have a 2 1/2 yo Rottweiler who has not been shown yet, nor has he been used at stud but he sure as hell knows why god gave him balls. He lives with girls and tells me one month before they come in season and lets me know when they are spot on. He is a gem of a dog to live with, has the most fantastic nature but put a bitch in season near him and he lives on hopes and dreams. If we set up at a show with a bitch in season in the next tent or walking past - we would be better off packing up and going home - he just can't think with his brain, while he would look mighty nice he would be no good in the ring.

When Charli (Pug) comes in season I will decide when it happens. I would be tempted to take her early or late in her season but she will be staying home while she is right on out of respect for those with males. I think it is unfair to make the girls stay home, especially the girls who come in more than twice a year, if they can hold it together why not, my girls are sooky buggers so would be better off at home anyway. Don't know what Charli will be like yet.

As for this comment posted pages back - "Anyway what is 3 weeks out of your bitches show career or are those ribbons too important". While some may frown upon showing a bitch in season others will frown upon showing desexed dogs. At least showing a bitch in season is not against the rules...I know what I would rather be showing in hope of taking home a ribbon.

Go Away, it is called stalking

OT for a minute.........

How is this stalking????? :D

We are all entitled to comment in a thread and I really don't get your Stalking comment Laneka???

Now to get back on topic.

I don't have a problem with those who choose to show a bitch in season, that is the owners choice, there are no rules that say you can't and I am one for following the rules so I see no reason not to. Of course the owner needs to show a little consideration and keep the bitch away from other dogs. Each to their own I think.

Stolzseinrotts - I post one comment in this thread (now 2) which is much the same as other posters yet I am called a stalker. Perhaps I am not supposed to post in any threads where she has - who knows - who cares or perhaps I hit a nerve...

How ever at the risk of being called a stalker (or worse) again I would like to ask Laneka how many times in her "over 40 yrs of being an exhibitor and breeder" has she shown a bitch in season and what consideration did she give the males and their handlers? I won't ask the other one though.

[becks]

It can mean a lot if you have booked accommodation, made travel arrangements not to mention entry fees wasted especially if it's a cluster show. Or if you don't show very often for whatever reason. I know when I do 'away' shows, I have to take everybody with me. Could always scratch the bitch in season but she would still be there in the tent or whatever and I certainly wouldn't be leaving her unattended!

So it's not always a case of 'omg I can't miss a show for a single reason'.

I definitely agree with you about manners though, let people know what's happening and be considerate.

Might be a big dog/little dog thing? If ours aren't being shown, they stay home with a dog savvy house sitter when we go away for the weekend. As we have an old companion dog, there's always someone that needs looking after so an extra dog isn't a big deal. For me it's too much hassle to take a medium sized dog away if you're not going to show it, particularly a moody Saluki bitch

We only have 4 dogs, and the oldest is only 6 and a half so all are very capable of being shown - when the oldest gets to be a real geriatric things may change lol.

But I think we are also very lucky - none of our girls get moody (touch wood), and even my boy doesn't pay much attention until after the bitch starts flagging. If they were moody or difficult to handle etc then it would be a completely different story and I would definitely not show if they were not up to it (or if it was going to be pointless ).

They have these things called 'Boarding Kennels' so you don't have to take an inseason bitch on a long journey to a show, there are even pet sitters and even good friends who can dog sit for a few days while you are away. There is no need to take a bitch like that. I have taken mine away for a w/e of shows and she came into season on the morning of the 1st show, so I drove home instead of going to the show.

As for this comment posted pages back - "Anyway what is 3 weeks out of your bitches show career or are those ribbons too important". While some may frown upon showing a bitch in season others will frown upon showing desexed dogs. At least showing a bitch in season is not against the rules...I know what I would rather be showing in hope of taking home a ribbon.

Showing a desexed dog doesn't interfere with the ability of others to show their dog to the best of their ability.

[Bisart Dobes]

We have just come home from a weekend away showing and I think about 90% of bitches there were in season. My boy worked beautifully on the Fri Night, was starting to lose it on the Sat and then by Sunday had perfect hackney movement when we walked into the ring - which the judge commented on and laughed when I told him that almost every bitch here is in season and he is so on his toes I will be lucky to get around the ring with him . He just laughed and said when I got back front triangle - yes, he needs a much bigger ring to hit his stride (which he does) and about 5 trips around it to settle I think. What can you do - one twot kept bringing her bitch into my tent and kept being told to go away !!! Must go away and work on a pheromone scent to counteract a bitch in season - will make a fortune .

[SpikesPuppy]

It can mean a lot if you have booked accommodation, made travel arrangements not to mention entry fees wasted especially if it's a cluster show. Or if you don't show very often for whatever reason. I know when I do 'away' shows, I have to take everybody with me. Could always scratch the bitch in season but she would still be there in the tent or whatever and I certainly wouldn't be leaving her unattended!

So it's not always a case of 'omg I can't miss a show for a single reason'.

I definitely agree with you about manners though, let people know what's happening and be considerate.

Might be a big dog/little dog thing? If ours aren't being shown, they stay home with a dog savvy house sitter when we go away for the weekend. As we have an old companion dog, there's always someone that needs looking after so an extra dog isn't a big deal. For me it's too much hassle to take a medium sized dog away if you're not going to show it, particularly a moody Saluki bitch

We only have 4 dogs, and the oldest is only 6 and a half so all are very capable of being shown - when the oldest gets to be a real geriatric things may change lol.

But I think we are also very lucky - none of our girls get moody (touch wood), and even my boy doesn't pay much attention until after the bitch starts flagging. If they were moody or difficult to handle etc then it would be a completely different story and I would definitely not show if they were not up to it (or if it was going to be pointless ).

They have these things called 'Boarding Kennels' so you don't have to take an inseason bitch on a long journey to a show, there are even pet sitters and even good friends who can dog sit for a few days while you are away. There is no need to take a bitch like that. I have taken mine away for a w/e of shows and she came into season on the morning of the 1st show, so I drove home instead of going to the show.

Well good-ee for you!

My bitch is in season, not ill. She has a spring in her step, super shiny coat and is just at her happiest & most confident when in season.

And I'm sorry but I wouldn't trust a pet sitter with an in season bitch (nor would I trust a stranger in my home), any of my few friends who would be suitable to take care of her would likely be at the same show! As for boarding kennels - the only one I use is not set up to cater for in season bitches. If they altered the regulations, I would cancel my show weekend and stay home rather than leave her in the hands of a stranger.

It is not against the rules, many people are able to train their dogs to behave around a bitch in season, it is not my fault or the fault of others who show an in season bitch (assuming we do not flaunt her and keep her contained and toilet her away from the rings etc) that some dogs fall apart.

[kelpiesrule]

Hey, I have a better idea.. Lets just make shows for males !!!!!!!!!!!

[brightonrock]

Well good-ee for you!

My bitch is in season, not ill. She has a spring in her step, super shiny coat and is just at her happiest & most confident when in season.

And I'm sorry but I wouldn't trust a pet sitter with an in season bitch (nor would I trust a stranger in my home), any of my few friends who would be suitable to take care of her would likely be at the same show! As for boarding kennels - the only one I use is not set up to cater for in season bitches. If they altered the regulations, I would cancel my show weekend and stay home rather than leave her in the hands of a stranger.

It is not against the rules, many people are able to train their dogs to behave around a bitch in season, it is not my fault or the fault of others who show an in season bitch (assuming we do not flaunt her and keep her contained and toilet her away from the rings etc) that some dogs fall apart.

We can't all have people who will drop their plans to look after a bitch in season for us, and how can you know that your bitch is safe in boarding kennels, just ridiculous. There is absolutely nothing wrong with showing a bitch in season. It's allowed in the rules so all the show dogs have to cope, poor things ! For the handler it's just something you have to deal with not "bitch" about

Edited February 15, 2011 by turkishdelight

[emery]

we have a stud dog sit with us and he only acts funny if they are spot on he knows but if he isnt allowed to play up he focuses on his daddy and does what he is told. we had two girls in season crated beside him last show.

my girl is end of week three on fri and we got a show. the stud owner has said it is no problem to have my girl crated beside him.

i also have a male who was sterlised at 5 and he knows as well that its not worth it and he doesn't even try though he does know what the girls are for.

i of course will take precautions and not flaunt my girl around others (one bonus she doesn't toilet at shows) but think we should be fine.

if the males in our tent will be fine then that is the main concern as they are in the immediate precent.

yes she may set other males off but as she is coming out of season and almost completely finished and is willing to show i see no reason to keep her at home when i will be at the show with other dogs anyway.

[OSoSwift]

Well good-ee for you!

My bitch is in season, not ill. She has a spring in her step, super shiny coat and is just at her happiest & most confident when in season.

And I'm sorry but I wouldn't trust a pet sitter with an in season bitch (nor would I trust a stranger in my home), any of my few friends who would be suitable to take care of her would likely be at the same show! As for boarding kennels - the only one I use is not set up to cater for in season bitches. If they altered the regulations, I would cancel my show weekend and stay home rather than leave her in the hands of a stranger.

It is not against the rules, many people are able to train their dogs to behave around a bitch in season, it is not my fault or the fault of others who show an in season bitch (assuming we do not flaunt her and keep her contained and toilet her away from the rings etc) that some dogs fall apart.

We can't all have people who will drop their plans to look after a bitch in season for us, and how can you know that your bitch is safe in boarding kennels, just ridiculous. There is absolutely nothing wrong with showing a bitch in season. It's allowed in the rules so all the show dogs have to cope, poor things ! For the handler it's just something you have to deal with not "bitch" about

There is absolutely no way I would trust a pet sitter or boarding kennel with my in season bitch!

[emery]

Well good-ee for you!

My bitch is in season, not ill. She has a spring in her step, super shiny coat and is just at her happiest & most confident when in season.

And I'm sorry but I wouldn't trust a pet sitter with an in season bitch (nor would I trust a stranger in my home), any of my few friends who would be suitable to take care of her would likely be at the same show! As for boarding kennels - the only one I use is not set up to cater for in season bitches. If they altered the regulations, I would cancel my show weekend and stay home rather than leave her in the hands of a stranger.

It is not against the rules, many people are able to train their dogs to behave around a bitch in season, it is not my fault or the fault of others who show an in season bitch (assuming we do not flaunt her and keep her contained and toilet her away from the rings etc) that some dogs fall apart.

We can't all have people who will drop their plans to look after a bitch in season for us, and how can you know that your bitch is safe in boarding kennels, just ridiculous. There is absolutely nothing wrong with showing a bitch in season. It's allowed in the rules so all the show dogs have to cope, poor things ! For the handler it's just something you have to deal with not "bitch" about

There is absolutely no way I would trust a pet sitter or boarding kennel with my in season bitch!

sneaky dogs and large wire disaster waiting to happen

[Sayreovi]

Well good-ee for you!

My bitch is in season, not ill. She has a spring in her step, super shiny coat and is just at her happiest & most confident when in season.

And I'm sorry but I wouldn't trust a pet sitter with an in season bitch (nor would I trust a stranger in my home), any of my few friends who would be suitable to take care of her would likely be at the same show! As for boarding kennels - the only one I use is not set up to cater for in season bitches. If they altered the regulations, I would cancel my show weekend and stay home rather than leave her in the hands of a stranger.

It is not against the rules, many people are able to train their dogs to behave around a bitch in season, it is not my fault or the fault of others who show an in season bitch (assuming we do not flaunt her and keep her contained and toilet her away from the rings etc) that some dogs fall apart.

We can't all have people who will drop their plans to look after a bitch in season for us, and how can you know that your bitch is safe in boarding kennels, just ridiculous. There is absolutely nothing wrong with showing a bitch in season. It's allowed in the rules so all the show dogs have to cope, poor things ! For the handler it's just something you have to deal with not "bitch" about

There is absolutely no way I would trust a pet sitter or boarding kennel with my in season bitch!

I agree, I would never leave an in season bitch with some stranger! I can't believe people are even suggesting it as well......

[jr_inoz]

They have these things called 'Boarding Kennels' so you don't have to take an inseason bitch on a long journey to a show, there are even pet sitters and even good friends who can dog sit for a few days while you are away. There is no need to take a bitch like that. I have taken mine away for a w/e of shows and she came into season on the morning of the 1st show, so I drove home instead of going to the show.

As for this comment posted pages back - "Anyway what is 3 weeks out of your bitches show career or are those ribbons too important". While some may frown upon showing a bitch in season others will frown upon showing desexed dogs. At least showing a bitch in season is not against the rules...I know what I would rather be showing in hope of taking home a ribbon.

Showing a desexed dog doesn't interfere with the ability of others to show their dog to the best of their ability.

sorry - but showing a desexed dog is against the rules (except in neuter), showing an in-season bitch isn't.

(as has been mentioned numerous times in this thread.)

throwing bait under a dog's nose to put it off is just as bad, as is running up its backside and stomping on the ground behind it. I see this happening every show I go to and this definitely "interferes with the ability of others to show their dog to the best of their ability". A bitch in season is often the least of an exhibitor's problems.