Gundog Training Forum

Hi My ESS had her first season at 14 months old she is now 2yrs 2months old and as yet she does not appear to have had a second season. She has appeared swollen but there have never been any signs of blood. I wondered if anyone has any knowledge of this kind of thing.
Thanks
Stu

Every girl is different. There do seem to be more 'split' seasons around nowadays or perhaps just hearing more about them. If you are wanting to breed from her, then there is a way to induce a season - I think Vicky was considering an intervention with her bitch Rumer so best wait for her to reply. Putting your girl in a kennel with a bitch due to come into season often brings on a season. I'd suggest having a word with the breeder of your bitch and ask what her dam was like, often like mother like daughter. I've got a bitch who had a season in March 2010, nothing then until Spring 2011 when I mated her and she had a good litter. Then no further seasons until Spring 2013. I've got a stud dog who never misses telling me when I have a girl in season but as I said to begin, every bitch is different.

Everyone expects seasons every 6 months, but 7 months is the real average and anything from 5 to 12 months can be normal.
It is possible that stress, being out of condition or the presence of other bitches can suppress a season and in older bitches hypothyroidism is a common cause of anoestrus.
There is an unlicensed treatment which will advance oestrus in some cases (if the season is due in <3months or is overdue) but it is expensive and not all vets are confident in using it. I did use it on Ru for 30 days but nothing happened....I did acupuncture a week later and she came in in 2 days. Hmmmmm what did the trick? I don't know!!!