FIRST HEAT QUESTION - Page 1

its so hard to say I have heard of dogs that did not ovulate until 21-24 days the only way you could ever really know was if you pulled progesterone and knew when the dog ovulated. 8 days post ovulation is usually safe though some will keep flagging after that

the 2nd week in heat they get very playful, it just part of this.
the normal heat goes for 3 week is average, so she should be almost done.
her vulva should go back to normal when she is done bleeding.
 

how old is she?

Thanks Panzertoo and bea for the quick replies! 

Echo is 8Mo 3 wks.  She started her heat the day before she turned 8mo.  She doesn't flag quite so readily now, just every once in a while when I scratch her rump.  I like to think that flagging is a good sign to go by but our old girl, Airin who we had spayed at 18mo would flag everyday for the rest of her life if we scratched her rump. (the tramp!)  I think she had been bred prior to us getting her but no way to know for sure.  Echo hasn't been around any intact males without strict supervision even prior to her coming into heat.  Although at agility class last week she "army crawled" her way the only other GSD in class who just happens to be intact. 

We were waiting our turn while they had difficulty with a dobie and the A-frame.  The object of her desire, Mitch is 10.5 mo now a handsome showline.  Mitch & his owner had their backs to us and were not aware of her antics.  The rest of the class snickered as I let her continue across a span of maybe 10 feet first on her belly, then on her side, then the other side.  She was trying so hard not to be obvious since she was put in the down position, but I did not tell her to stay.  I should mention she has known Mitch from a previous obedience class and we allowed them to run loose together until the heat so neither of them understand right now why they aren't allowed to play.  Echo finally reached Mitch's tail and put her paw on it and he spun around to say hi.  At that point we let them play-bite at each others muzzles for just a moment and then pulled them away from each other.  I wish I had it on tape.  It was so amusing.  Guess I should keep them apart again this Wednesday but maybe next week they can frolic. 

I'm just concerned about her overall health more than anything.  I don't know the names of all the things I have read that can go wrong if you don't spay but I'm hoping to put it off until she is 2.5 years minimum.  I'm just a worry wart mommy!! 

3 weeks. bathe her to remove the smell. the heat also should subside faster

Ok, she just passed the 4 wk mark and is still swollen and has started the bloody discharge again.  She is really fussing about it and spends alot of time cleaning herself and anywhere she sits or lies down.  She seems to feel fine but we're going to run her by the Vet's office tonight or tomorrow morning just to be sure things are ok.  I really thought things were winding down this last week until last night when I noticed a trail across my kitchen floor.

there has been females that will stay in heat up to 6 weeks, she is having a long one.
i would not worry.

Thanks bea,

We talked to a local Schutzhund trainer/breeder about it and she basically said the same thing so we cancelled the trip to the vet.  I'll just continue to keep a close watch over her and keep her boyfriend at bay. 

i would not be concerned till it been more than  2 months,
i bet she will go out by 6 weeks.
she will be fine.