Let’s be honest—living with a female dog in heat is a little like cohabitating with a hormonal teenager who also happens to be very fast, very furry, and very opinionated. She’s got feelings, y’all. And if you’re a trainer or competitor, this natural phase can feel like it’s throwing a high-speed wrench into your carefully laid plans.
But fear not! With a little humor, a solid game plan, and a whole lotta patience, you and your spicy girl can make it through with your bond stronger than ever.
Diapers, Crates, and Keeping It Classy
First things first—diapers. Yes, doggie diapers are a thing, and yes, you’re going to need them. Think of them as her little black dress for the next few weeks. They keep your house clean and your sanity intact. Pro tip: Get a few washable ones in cute patterns. If you’re going to do this, you might as well lean into it with style.
Next up: the crate. During a heat cycle, the crate can be your best friend. It’s not a punishment—it’s a calm, cozy retreat. Hormones can make your girl extra sensitive, and a quiet, familiar space gives her a place to decompress. Just be sure she’s getting plenty of potty breaks (diapers don’t hold everything) and that the crate stays a positive zone, not a timeout.
Mood Swings and Mayhem
One day she wants cuddles. The next, she glares at you like you’ve ruined her entire life by asking her to sit. Sound familiar? Hormones do weird things, and our job is to read the dog in front of us that day. Maybe she’s a little sore, maybe she’s distracted, or maybe she’s just not feeling it.
That’s okay. Adjust your expectations and honor what she’s capable of in the moment. Training might look different day to day, and that’s normal. Use this time to focus on relationship-building, fun games, scentwork, or shaping quiet behaviors she can offer on her own terms.
Training Plans: More Like Training Suggestions
Planning to attend a seminar or compete during her cycle? That sound you hear is the universe laughing. Because guess what? Plans change. Be prepared to pivot.
Many events don’t allow females in heat, and even when they do, the logistics (and distractions for intact males) can make it more trouble than it’s worth. This is where having a backup plan saves your sanity—whether it’s shifting to virtual coaching, auditing instead of participating, or focusing on home-based enrichment.
Use the unexpected free time to strengthen your foundations. Work on skills you’ve been neglecting. Teach a silly trick. Or—dare I say it—take a break and go for a hike. She’ll appreciate it, and so will you.
Grace Over Grit
Most of all, give yourself and your girl grace. This isn’t forever. It’s just a phase (that will come back every 6 months, but who’s counting?). With a sense of humor, a flexible mindset, and a stash of good treats, you can keep training productive and positive—even when your canine companion is in full-on diva mode.
Because at the end of the day, this journey is about partnership. And even in heat, she’s still your girl—smart, sassy, and learning how to be her best self. One wag, whine, or wiggle at a time.