Entire Females

Walking Entire (Unspayed) Female Dogs in a Group

Entire (unspayed) female dogs can be excellent companions on group walks, but their hormonal cycles can influence their behaviour, energy levels, and interactions with other dogs. Careful management is essential to ensure they are walked in a suitable environment.

1. Social but Selective

Many entire females are friendly and social, but they can also be particular about who they get along with. Some may:

• Prefer the company of certain dogs and avoid others.

• Become less tolerant of pushy or overly playful dogs, especially during their season or phantom pregnancies.

• Be more prone to mood changes, sometimes acting affectionate one moment and aloof the next.

2. Impact of Their Season (Heat Cycle)

Unspayed females typically come into season every 6–8 months, and during this time, their behaviour can change significantly. When in season, they may:

• Attract excessive attention from entire males, leading to potential chasing, mounting, or conflict.

• Have increased scent marking, drawing interest from other dogs.

• Show changes in temperament, becoming clingier, moodier, or more withdrawn.

• Be less responsive to recall due to hormone-driven distractions.

• Become irritable or more prone to setting boundaries with other dogs.

For safety reasons, females in season should not be walked in groups, especially in areas where entire males may be present.

3. Potential for Phantom Pregnancies

Some unspayed females experience phantom pregnancies after their heat cycle, which can lead to:

• Nesting behaviours (carrying toys, digging, or hiding).

• Mood swings – becoming more affectionate or more withdrawn.

• Mild aggression or defensiveness over food, space, or toys.

During this time, they may need gentle handling and selective walking partners to avoid unnecessary stress.

4. Influence Over Other Dogs

• Entire females can cause excitement among males, even when not in season, simply due to their natural scent.

• Some females can be assertive or dominant over other females, especially if they have a strong personality.

• In some cases, entire females may become the focus of group tension, as dogs adjust their behaviour around them.

5. Managing Entire Females on Group Walks

🐶 Avoid walking them with entire males, especially if they are in season or close to it.

🐶 Monitor behaviour for mood changes – Some females may need solo walks during certain times in their cycle.

🐶 Choose calm, well-balanced walking partners to prevent unnecessary tension.

🐶 Ensure strong recall and obedience, especially if they become more distracted by scents or hormonal changes.

🐶 Watch for changes in social tolerance, as they may react differently to familiar dogs at different times.

While most entire females can happily join group walks, their cycle and temperament shifts must be considered. A flexible approach—such as adjusting their group or offering solo walks when needed—ensures their safety, comfort, and enjoyment. 🐾