Bitches in Season, Mating & How We Manage It at Daycare and Boarding

By Tarah Spyve
3 min read

At Shine Canine, we welcome both entire males and entire females into daycare and boarding — provided they are well-mannered, social, and suitable for group care.

Being entire (not desexed) does not automatically mean trouble. It does not mean puppies are being made. And it certainly does not mean dogs can’t safely attend daycare.

What matters most is behaviour, supervision, and responsible management.

However, there is one clear boundary:

👉 We do not accept bitches in season.

Let’s explain why — and also give you a helpful refresher on what “in season” actually means.

Entire Dogs at Daycare – What That Really Means

Entire males and females can absolutely attend daycare when:

  • They have good social skills
  • They are not hormonally reactive
  • They are not displaying mounting, obsessive behaviour, or tension in groups
  • They respond well to handler direction

Hormones don’t necessarily create behaviour problems — lack of boundaries and poor social skills do.

Our team supervises closely, manages group dynamics, and ensures dogs are matched appropriately. Safe, structured play is always the priority.

Why We Don’t Take Bitches in Season

When a bitch is in season (in heat), her body is fertile and releasing powerful scent signals (pheromones) that male dogs can detect from a long distance (even up to several kilometres away!)

Even the most well-trained male can struggle around a female in heat.

Allowing a bitch in season into a group setting would:

  • Create stress and arousal in male dogs
  • Increase mounting behaviour
  • Disrupt group harmony
  • Create risk of accidental mating
  • Be unfair on the female herself

For her own wellbeing and for the stability of the group, we require females to stay home during their season.

Understanding the Heat Cycle

Most female dogs come into season every 6–8 months, though it varies.

What you’ll notice:

  • Swollen vulva
  • Bloody discharge
  • Increased male attention
  • Behaviour changes (clingy, grumpy, restless, or flirty)

The fertile period usually occurs around days 7–14, but timing varies between individuals.

A season typically lasts 2–3 weeks.

What Happens During Mating?

If a male and female mate naturally:

  • The male mounts
  • They may experience a “tie”
  • They can remain attached for 5–30 minutes

This is normal canine reproduction.

It is not something that happens casually in a well-managed daycare environment — and it is absolutely not something that would ever be allowed here.

Responsible Breeding vs Accidental Litters

There is a big difference between:

✔️ Planned, health-tested, well-timed breeding
❌ Accidental matings due to poor management

Breeding should only be done with:

  • Health testing completed
  • Temperament considered
  • Proper facilities and knowledge
  • Financial and practical preparation

Daycare is not a breeding facility — and never will be.

If Your Girl Comes Into Season

Please let us know immediately.

We’re always happy to:

  • Pause bookings
  • Reschedule stays
  • Help you plan around her cycle

Most owners start to recognise their dog’s pattern after a couple of seasons, which makes future planning easier.

If she is in season, please note that you will need to keep her secured from where male dogs can get to her. They can climb fences and can also mate through kennels/crates! So don't leave her in a kennel outside or tied up in your back yard.

The Bottom Line

Entire dogs are welcome here when they are behaviourally appropriate.

Bitches in season are not.

That policy protects:

  • Your dog
  • Other dogs
  • Our environment
  • And our standards

If you ever have questions about seasons, behaviour changes, or what’s normal, just ask. We’d rather talk early than manage stress later.