Question about Brenna

[Talona]

Okay, before I explain, let my start by saying that I have a call into Shelia (the previous owner of the dog), but I assume she is very busy, and I have not heard back from her. I called her about an hour ago, but it may be a little late, so I don't expect to hear back from her until tomorrow.

Brenna is 8 months old, and I believe that she is in heat. Shelia and I are arranging to have her spayed, but we had just not gotten around to it yet. It is the crux of our deal, so please do not think we had no intention of getting her spayed. It's number one on the To-Do list.

I know the basics of a female in heat, but I do have some questions for those of you who have been around them more. Since Brenna came home with us a few days ago, she has not exhibited aggressive behavior, but she does have some anxiety that we have been working on. I know part of that is being new to the home, but most of her anxiety is exhibited around men. <ie, she barks at them and hunkers close to the ground in submission> (Though for some reason she absolutely adores my husband, and is submissive with him without needing to be). Could some of this anxiety be caused by a dog coming into her first heat cycle?

Obviously we are keeping her indoors, and only outside long enough to potty, or play some fetch. Both of my neighbors have intact male dogs, so even if she wanted to stay outside longer than that, it's not a chance I'm willing to take. I have ZERO interest in breeding her. Let me repeat, ZERO interest! And I would slam my head into a wall repeatedly if we had an oops.

Is there anything else, behaviorally or physically, that I should be prepared for while she is getting through this? This is the last time I want to have to do this, but I want to be careful that we all get through this unscathed.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Dog in Heat for Dummies?

Some info that might help. I've only had one dog in heat so don't feel like I can say too much - she was not happy overall as I had just adopted her (sound familiar!), and that didn't help.

After stupidly trying to take her for a walk, and trying to get her to engage with me like she knew me, I just left her alone for a couple of weeks. I did NILIF with her, washed her, and let her hang out with my neutered male who she liked way more than she liked me. Eh! Now she is a dog that has exceeded all my expectations and is a wonderful friend - truly.

[Talona]

I question and wonder about Brenna bonding more with my husband, because as much as she 'likes' him, she and I bonded almost immediately. When I am on the couch, she is lying on my feet, keeping them warm. When I move to the kitchen, or go to the bathroom, she is at my side. I had a crying jag yesterday over a family situation, and during the entire thing, she was sitting beside me with her head on my knee. I am hoping that once she is over her puppy PMS, she will take to him a bit more (and stop barking at our friends when they come into the home)