Sexual and behavioural tendencies in dogs

The Female

BITCHES are more affectionate and easier to control than the male dog.

They are about 30 per cent smaller than the male and whatever their breed, tend to be more gentle with children.

The bitch will come into season about every six 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 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 when on heat 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 could 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 with a 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.