Question about bitch in heat and showing

[CMDRTED]

I got asked a question at work today, by a person whom just started showing. Apparently I'm supposed to be the "expert", which by no means I am. So here goes....

If you have a female that comes into heat, and you have:

Paid you money for Class and Sweepsstakes and the show is closed so if you don't go your out your money.

You don't want to break a major....

What do you do, and how do you prepare for the show, and at the show, what are the tips to protect the girl, and stillnget the ringtime.

 

[R Taft]

In Australia you are allowed to show...you have to inform the stewards.

It is up to the owners of the dogs to control them and the owner of the bitch to control her.

Crating Is about as secure as dogs can be...i find that show dogs always seem to be under control here, I suppose it is because if you have misbehaving dogs you can be told to leave

Not sure about the USA

Some people with dogs (males) take advantage and position themselves and the dog might even show better

I am the Secretary of the our Local Kennel Club abd we organize 4 All Breed shows every year

 

[wrknnwf]

Do what you would normally do. Don't let her fraternize with other dogs, keep her crated when you're not grooming or ringside, or when you're not supervising her, and wipe her bottom if necessary (not in the ring!). A nice smelling grooming spray may come in handy if she tends to be stinky.

DO tell the judge that she is in heat. Just a quick mention when it's your turn to be examined. He/she won't want to put his hand there and will appreciate being forewarned.

 

[Capri]

In Europe you're also allowed to show when the girl is in heat. We have, twice, and both times it has been a complete disaster . Not because of the other dogs (they don't seem to notice at all or sniff them twice!), but because our dogs make complete clowns of themselves...! So nope, never ever will we be showing our dogs in heat because THEY don't know how to behave themselves .

 

[CMDRTED]

Thanks, I didn't even think about wiping Jane, I'll have to make a note for her on that. Thanks everyone so far, keep em commin.

 

[Ginny]

With Newfs it's ok, but I've been told that some breed fanciers frown upon it. If the dog isn't a Newf, I'd ask others in the breed to find out the etiquette. If she does show, tell your friend to keep her back and away from the ring while waiting to show. If she doesn't have to go back in the ring, it would be best to quickly get her crated in the grooming area. If it's at the start or very end of her cycle, experienced males will be less frantic. Young and inexperienced males could still pose a challenge then. All bets are off if she's near her fertile time...

 

[pawsx12]

Ted,
As a courtesy I always kept Rainbo away from ringside until the last possible minute. I also would inform the judge immediately when being approached for the hands on exam to be done. I then always carried a wet wipe (hand wipe) in my pocket to offer the judge when finished. Just me, not a MUST. I do have to say that the majority of time the judge accepted it, but not always.

 

[janices]

Chlorophyll will help to mask the scent but should start it at first of cycle and continue through out. Can find in health food stores. Males don't get as crazy when around. It does turn poop greenish color though.

If using handler and doing ringside pickup I keep back from ring and let handler know in season. I bring a good no rinse shampoo to clean back end while grooming before go in ring. My girls are not messy girls so no rinse shampoo works well otherwise may have to make a trip to bath area for back end bathing before grooming.

 

[CMDRTED]

Chlorophyll will help to mask the scent but should start it at first of cycle and continue through out. Can find in health food stores. Males don't get as crazy when around. It does turn poop greenish color though.

If using handler and doing ringside pickup I keep back from ring and let handler know in season. I bring a good no rinse shampoo to clean back end while grooming before go in ring. My girls are not messy girls so no rinse shampoo works well otherwise may have to make a trip to bath area for back end bathing before grooming.

How much chlorophyll?

 

[janices]

How much chlorophyll?

Liquid Chlorophyll 100mg 1 tablespoon A.M. & P.M. Put on food when eats. I usually get pills at GNC and dose for adult human, given A.M. & P.M when eat. It's what keeps my male sane around home so he eats.

 

[KatieB]

You can still show her plenty of people do. Just keep her away from the other dogs until right before ring time and keep her crated or if cool enough in a crate in your vehicle.

 

[ArtfulCharm]

Yup, what everyone else said. I would also say you should try to make sure you warn the handlers with male dogs, especially if you have to go in the ring with the boys (for best of winners) so they can keep a little more distance than normal. I used to be really careful about staying away from the other dogs until the last minute, but after a couple times I saw that hardly any dogs even notice that she is in heat. There is always going to be bitches in heat at dogs shows, I think the dogs kind of get used to it. Unless of course, the girl is sticking her butt in their face

Just don't let her get too close to any boys, and let people with boy dogs know so that they can keep their distance, or be ready in case the boy decides suddenly he has to have her!

 

[JPerrelli]

Ted, maybe we better drive seperately next weekend?

 

[CMDRTED]

Chlorophyll will help to mask the scent but should start it at first of cycle and continue through out. Can find in health food stores. Males don't get as crazy when around. It does turn poop greenish color though.

If using handler and doing ringside pickup I keep back from ring and let handler know in season. I bring a good no rinse shampoo to clean back end while grooming before go in ring. My girls are not messy girls so no rinse shampoo works well otherwise may have to make a trip to bath area for back end bathing before grooming.

Liquid, or pills? I know I can get pills.

 

[janices]

Liquid, or pills? I know I can get pills.

Does not matter. Either is fine.

 

[2Paws]

Just don't let her get too close to any boys, and let people with boy dogs know so that they can keep their distance, or be ready in case the boy decides suddenly he has to have her!

I always appreciated this when someone would warn me and keep their distance. Henry used to act like a total goof. He's gotten so much better. Now I have a younger goof by the name of Truman!!! Those boys....gotta love them! :lol: :lol:

 

[janices]

I would also say you should try to make sure you warn the handlers with male dogs, especially if you have to go in the ring with the boys (for best of winners) so they can keep a little more distance than normal.

I would say good idea except I know too many handlers if let them know won't keep their distance and just about stick the males in females butt to get them to be more animated in ring. :cussing2:

 

[Ivoryudx]

Yes, all the above for Conformation and Water/Draft, however, just a FYI....for Obedience, and Rally, you can not show a bitch in season. Most clubs offer your money back if they come in after closing with a letter from your Veterinarian.