How long after Heat to compete?

[JemarsSerena]

Ok, so I got all excited about going for Serena's CD and forgot that she was due to come in to heat at any moment. Well she started today. The Obedience trial is in 4 weeks. If she is still bleeding and showing obvious signs of being heat I will of course pull her out of the trial. So here's my question. If she stops right before the trial, is it ok to allow her to compete? I'm just worried that even if she stops bleeding she may still be giving off a scent to the boys. I don't want to mess up anyone else at the trial. Any thoughts?

[frontierrots]

It depends on how her cycles run. If she bleeds for 3 weeks or less and the swelling goes right down you'll be fine. If she's one of those that bleeds 3 weeks and stays swollen for another week then she may be good smelling still

Bea is in the first category and I have competed at an outdoor rally trial with her at 3 weeks and 5 days. Bathed her very well 2 days before the trial and washed her rear very well. Not a single male paid a bit of attention to her, not even the Corgi directly next to her and he's been used at stud

[JemarsSerena]

Originally Posted by frontierrots

It depends on how her cycles run. If she bleeds for 3 weeks or less and the swelling goes right down you'll be fine. If she's one of those that bleeds 3 weeks and stays swollen for another week then she may be good smelling still

Unfortunately it is only her second heat and I have nothing solid to judge this by. I guess it is a waiting game now. Would you say that the reduced swelling would be the deciding factor?

[targonrotts]

this is my rule...and what has been fine with my fellow competitors....
if she has stopped having discharge-100%, not flagging, i have been by a few dogs in class with no distraction and gave her a heck of a bath-yes, i compete.
every heat is different, every bitch is different. i have had bitches with a short 21 day from start to compete as well as 30-32 days before i can go in the ring again.
i don't go exactly by reduced swelling since after some heats, my females stay a bit big back there for up to 2 months after the heat.

[Sharon Marples]

I've done the same as Diane and targonrotts. What I have also done just to be certain there is no scent left is to spray the bitch's bottom with listerine just prior to going into the ring. If there is any tell-tale scent left, that normally eliminates it.

[JemarsSerena]

Thanks all!! Let's hope it is one of those nice 21 day heats.

[Ayoka]

Can't wait to hear about that CD!