Do you have a female dog that is in 'season' / on 'heat'?

Auckland Council Guidelines

The Auckland Council Dog Management Bylaw 2019 outlines your responsibilities as an owner and specifically states that an owner must not take any female dog in season into any public place. The bylaw also covers other responsibilities:

• Regulates the public places where dogs may be taken by their owner
• Requires owners to obtain a licence to keep more than two dogs in an urban area
• Requires owners to pick up after their dog in any public place
• Prohibits the owner of any female dog in season from taking that dog into any public place

Why These Rules Exist

Risk of Attracting Male Dogs

When a female dog is in season, she is at the peak of fertility and emits hormones that signal to male dogs that she's ready to mate. These hormones are powerful - male dogs can detect them from far away. If you take a female in heat into a public area, you're likely to encounter an overwhelming number of male dogs showing intense interest.

Increased Likelihood of Aggression

Male dogs can become very eager when they sense a female in heat. If multiple males start to compete for her attention, it can lead to aggressive behavior or territorial disputes. Even the most well-behaved dog can act unpredictably in this situation.

Safety Concerns for Your Dog

During her season, your female dog is more vulnerable, both physically and emotionally. She may try to escape or wander off to find a mate. If you're in a busy area with traffic or other hazards, she could easily get lost or injured.

Health and Hygiene Considerations

A female dog in season will often have some bleeding, and while it's a natural part of her reproductive cycle, it can be messy and not something you want to deal with in public spaces.

Managing the Situation at Home

Instead of bringing your female dog into public places during her season, manage her needs at home. Create a comfortable, quiet space where she can relax. Ensure she still gets exercise and mental stimulation through safe means - like playing in your backyard or engaging in fun training games indoors.

When Should You Avoid Public Places?

A female dog typically goes into season about twice a year, with each cycle lasting 2-4 weeks. If your dog is showing signs of being in heat (frequent urination, behavioral changes, a swollen vulva, and possibly bleeding), it's time to keep her away from public spaces until she's fully out of heat.

Even after visible signs like bleeding stop, the scent of her hormones may still attract male dogs for a little while. It's a good idea to wait a bit longer (several days) after her heat ends before resuming trips to busy public areas.