What To Do When a Bitch Is in Season
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
A Practical Guide for Dog Walkers
What To Do When a Bitch Is in Season
For professional dog walkers and pet care providers, encountering a bitch in season is something that will inevitably happen. Managing it correctly is important for safety, behaviour management, client relations, and professional standards.
This guide explains what is happening biologically, what risks are involved, and the professional procedures dog walkers should follow.
1. Understanding the Canine Season Cycle
A female dog’s reproductive cycle is called the oestrous cycle. Most bitches come into season roughly every 6–8 months, although this varies by breed and individual.
The active part of the cycle (the visible “season”) typically lasts 2–3 weeks.
Key Signs a Dog Is in Season
Dog walkers may notice:
• Swollen vulva
• Blood spotting or discharge
• Increased licking of the genital area
• Behaviour changes (clingy, anxious, distracted)
• Male dogs showing intense interest
• Scent marking more frequently
• Restlessness on walks
It is important to note that a bitch may be attractive to males before the owner notices the bleeding, so risk management must begin immediately.
2. Why This Matters for Dog Walkers
A bitch in season significantly changes group dynamics.
Risks Include
Male dog fixation Entire male dogs may become obsessive, ignore commands, or attempt to mount.
Fighting between males Competition can trigger sudden conflict.
Accidental mating This can happen in seconds and is extremely difficult to interrupt safely.
Pack disruption Dogs that normally walk calmly together may become excitable or stressed.
Escaping behaviour Dogs may try to run off to follow scent trails.
Because of these risks, professional dog walkers should never include a bitch in season in a group walk.
3. Professional Policy (Recommended)
Most established dog walking businesses adopt a clear policy:
Bitches in season cannot attend group walks.
Instead, the dog may be offered:
• Solo walks
• Garden visits
• Enrichment visits
• Toilet breaks
Some companies pause services completely during the fertile stage.
Having this written clearly in your terms and conditions protects both the walker and the client.
4. Immediate Actions When a Client Reports a Season
When an owner informs you their dog has come into season:
Step 1 — Confirm the start date
Ask when the bleeding first appeared.
Step 2 — Remove the dog from group walks
This should happen immediately.
Step 3 — Offer alternatives
Provide professional options such as:
• Solo walks
• Home visits
• Garden exercise
• Enrichment sessions
Step 4 — Confirm return date
Most dog walkers wait at least 21 days from the start of the season before returning to group walks.
Some prefer 28 days for extra safety.
5. If You Accidentally Discover It Mid-Walk
Occasionally an owner may not realise their dog has started a season.
You may notice:
• Blood spots on the ground
• Male dogs becoming highly fixated
• Excessive sniffing and licking behaviour
What To Do
End the group walk early.
Separate the bitch from the group immediately.
Return her home first if possible.
Inform the owner straight away.
Always handle this calmly and professionally.
Owners are often embarrassed — avoid blame.
6. Managing Male Dogs During This Time
Even if the bitch in season is not present, male dogs may still react strongly to scent trails left behind.
You may notice:
• Excessive sniffing
• Ignoring recall
• Increased marking
• Agitation
Management strategies:
• Use long lines where appropriate
• Increase distance between dogs
• Avoid known scent hotspots
• Keep group sizes controlled
Some males can remain distracted for several weeks.
7. Hygiene Considerations
During home visits or solo walks:
• Carry wipes and gloves
• Clean any blood spots in client homes if necessary
• Avoid letting the dog sit on shared transport blankets
• Wash dog walking equipment regularly
This protects both hygiene and your professional reputation.
8. Transport Safety
Dogs in season should ideally not be transported with other dogs.
If transport is unavoidable:
• Use separate crates or compartments
• Ensure no direct contact
• Keep journeys short
However, many dog walkers choose to avoid transporting them entirely.
9. Communicating With Clients
Owners often underestimate how strongly other dogs react.
Keep communication clear and factual.
Explain that the restriction is about:
• Safety
• Preventing unwanted mating
• Maintaining calm group walks
• Protecting other dogs in your care
Most responsible owners will completely understand.
10. Prevention and Preparation
Professional walkers reduce problems by discussing this during the onboarding process.
Good practice includes:
• Asking if the dog is neutered
• Explaining your season policy clearly
• Including it in the service agreement
• Reminding clients to notify you immediately
This prevents awkward conversations later.
Key Professional Rule
A bitch in season should never be included in a group walk.
Even the calmest dogs can behave unpredictably around reproductive scent.
Professional management protects:
• The dogs
• Your reputation
• Your insurance
• Your business
✔ Quick Rule of Thumb
When in doubt:
21–28 days out of group walks.
No exceptions.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
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