During heat, dogs may exhibit unpredictable behavior, becoming nervous and capricious. Owners should closely monitor their pets and choose walking areas where there are no other dogs to avoid conflicts, noted dog trainer Vladimir Golubev.
Heat is a natural physiological process that occurs in sexually mature animals. It usually begins at the age of 6 to 12 months. Some dogs go into heat twice a year, while others do so once. The expert shared recommendations for walking dogs during this period.
Pay Attention to Your Dog's Behavior
During heat, under the influence of hormones, your calm pet may become disobedient and impulsive. Even dogs that previously did not exhibit undesirable behavior may change during this period. Your dog may become stubborn, not listen, pull on the leash, and not respond to commands.
Additionally, during this time, do not allow your pet to swim in bodies of water, as they can easily catch an infection. Keep an eye on their movements, prevent unwanted contacts, and control the animal's behavior.
Choose Walking Areas Carefully
During heat, it is not recommended to take your dog to public areas. This can ruin the walk not only for you but also for other animals and their owners. Show respect to other dog owners. Male dog owners may face problems if your dog is walking nearby: male dogs have stronger sexual instincts and may show interest in females, especially if the dog is in heat. This can lead to fights between pets, which are difficult and dangerous to separate.
It is better to choose walking areas further from home and away from places where dog owners usually gather. This period will not last long, so there is no need to worry about your dog's socialization due to a lack of contact with other animals.
Inform Other Dog Owners About the Heat
During walks, be sure to inform other dog owners that your dog is in heat. This will help avoid serious conflicts.
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