Scent work during heat cycle

[TimL_168]

Hi all,
I've been reading a book that has some specific references for the type of tracking I'll be using Endeavor for in just a few more weeks. The author recommends putting up intact bitches during their heat cycle. He referenced something that I don't remember specifically at the moment, but the gist of it was that a menstruating dog's nose might not be as sensitive.
Endeavor is intact. I'm keen on leaving her that way for the near future. Beyond that, I've done a fair amount of research on spaying/neutering, but it's been a while, and I'd have to revisit the subject.
Does any one here have any first hand experience with the issue? A friend of my mother's runs border collies in nosework, and I plan on asking her but she has the misfortune of being on vacation in Iceland right at this moment.

[centrop67]

Hi Tim - I am surprised this post has gone unanswered, unless of course you've received info via PM.

I don't have any experience, but I though maybe giving it a fresh reply would bring it additional attention.

[TimL_168]

Nah- nothing. I'm reasonably assured that the idea is bunk, though. I did get in touch via Facebook with a friend of the family, and she's been working an intact female for some time now. She said the only difference she's noticed is that the dog occasionally gets "a little flirty". It's been a couple decades since I've had an intact dog.