Heat cycle questions - Page 1

I tried to post this once already, didn't work.  May be duplicated. Sorry

My bitch is 18 mos and has started her heat cycle. Since it is her second it is heavy.  We only have two dogs so they are both house dogs.  Can anyone give me any input about how to manage this so she is not stuck in the back yard for two weeks.  Can some one give me input on dog diaper things that are a good type, or any general suggestions?

Also, she has been more challenging to our 3 yr old dog, we assume this is because she's getting more mature.  The three year old is a small dog and I'm wondering if we shouldn't start treating the Shepherd as alpha or would that just cause conflict.  My reasoning is the GSD will be able to hurt the small dog not the other way around.  So, if we treat her like alpha to the smaller dog maybe it will skip the step where they establish it themselves and small one gets hurt.  Is this flawed reasoning?

Any input would be greatly appreciated,

Dawg

Ok first off I would never put an "in heat bitch" out in the back yard unless you are wanting a stray to sirer the litter. I would say crate her. Is the other dog spayed and are you planning on breeding the GSD dog? if not get her spayed and be done with it. No use to go though this and the health problems if you are not wanting to breed. I have never used diappers on my dogs due to the fact they would tear them off. Besides my children are out of them why do I want to go to changing my dogs diapers? I don't miss it that much. Yes she is getting older but it is common for females to be moody while in heat. Again a crate will do wonders for her, gives her "her " time. this is JMO

I do use the plastic belts (called Sanipaws, I think).. they come in a clear plastic box and you can find them at Petsmart.. I order them in bulk from PetEdge or J&B Wholesale, etc.... I use grocery store self stick pads, the thin ones with the wings... yes, the human ones Sorry, but all my girls have learned to wear them and leave them alone.. it's a simple thing... if you want to come out of your crate, then you have to wear this.. I've done it this way for years.. they usually stand at their crate door on trhe towle under their crate, while I put it on.. we go thru the house and out to he porch where I take the belt off.. you have to remember this part cuz most of them will go with it on!! Like the previous post, I'd never leave a female in heat unattended ANYWHERE, but then again none of my other dogs are left unattended in the yard either....

I do use the plastic belts (called Sanipaws, I think).. they come in a clear plastic box and you can find them at Petsmart.. I order them in bulk from PetEdge or J&B Wholesale, etc.... I use grocery store self stick pads, the thin ones with the wings... yes, the human ones Sorry, but all my girls have learned to wear them and leave them alone.. it's a simple thing... if you want to come out of your crate, then you have to wear this.. I've done it this way for years.. they usually stand at their crate door on trhe towle under their crate, while I put it on.. we go thru the house and out to he porch where I take the belt off.. you have to remember this part cuz most of them will go with it on!! Like the previous post, I'd never leave a female in heat unattended ANYWHERE, but then again none of my other dogs are left unattended in the yard either....

I do use the plastic belts (called Sanipaws, I think).. they come in a clear plastic box and you can find them at Petsmart.. I order them in bulk from PetEdge or J&B Wholesale, etc.... I use grocery store self stick pads, the thin ones with the wings... yes, the human ones Sorry, but all my girls have learned to wear them and leave them alone.. it's a simple thing... if you want to come out of your crate, then you have to wear this.. I've done it this way for years.. they usually stand at their crate door on trhe towle under their crate, while I put it on.. we go thru the house and out to he porch where I take the belt off.. you have to remember this part cuz most of them will go with it on!! Like the previous post, I'd never leave a female in heat unattended ANYWHERE, but then again none of my other dogs are left unattended in the yard either....

Well, i don't know how that happened but my post was sent and Twice!! sorry about that! As for the relationship between the 2 dogs, if the other dog is smaller.. I'd never let them "work" it out.. the smaller dog needs to be safe.... Either you need to always be in attendance (and I would be ready to step in)when they are together or one would be up while the other is out.. if and until,peace and harmony occur.... It could just be her age, so I would try to get them (her) to figure it out .....

Make that 3 times, so sorry.... how did that happen??