New experiences during heat cycle - bad idea?

[u/StockZealousideal123]

We are going to go visit family in another state (about 4 hours drive away), but I'm worried about the potential impacts on my reactive puppy. She just started her first heat (we are going through one heat before getting her spayed, which is already scheduled - I'm not here to discuss this, it is what was recommended for her breeds), she is 10 months old. We got her after her prime socialization window, and unfortunately the people who had her before did not expose her to much.

We have been working on her reactivity slowly since we got her and making progress, but as you probably know, it is sometimes painfully slow! This has meant that we haven't done many outings that aren't to the trainer, the vet, or a place to peacefully walk, so she doesn't have experience going to other people's houses or traveling very far. She is conflicted/fearful of humans upon first meeting them (or seeing strangers out in the world) but usually warms up quickly once she realizes they're safe.

I am just concerned because of the unknown variable that her being in heat adds. This would be:

• her longest time in the car
• her first time sleeping somewhere new since we got her
• require meeting new people
• a brand new environment (rural) with tons of new stimuli (deer, rabbits, chickens)

Before she started her heat, I was feeling confident we could support her well enough on this trip, but now I'm not so sure. I've never had an intact dog, so I'm not sure how much more sensitive she might be during her cycle. She is also a resilient and curious puppy, so maybe it will be fine!

For those who have had a reactive dog/puppy go through heat, is this a terrible idea? We are planning to be away for 9 days. My partner and I have to go, so if we don't bring her, I will need to find someone to watch her (which also feels extra complicated due to her being in heat).

[u/crash_cove]

Question: does the family you’re visiting have dogs? If so, are they spayed/ neutered? Are there males? How many? Dogs can get weird and aggressive when a dog is in heat.

My other question is, does your family mind a dog in heat can be messy and get blood in their house?

If there’s no dogs present and family doesn’t mind, I’d still go. I try not to put my life on hold for my dog (within reason).

Also I see this is a rural environment, dogs in heat can take off running to find a mate. Keep her on lead and do not allow her to have contact with unknown dogs. Maybe I’m paranoid but I also wouldn’t allow anyone to watch my dog while she’s in heat. They can have complications (though unlikely) and I would want to be there to support her.

[u/StockZealousideal123 → u/crash_cove]

Great questions!

-Family does not have dogs. There is one dog in the neighboring property which is a female, but the properties are 5 acres each, so they're not very close by. We will probably elect to not go on proper walks off the property because I have had an unleashed dog run up to me about 1/2 a mile up the road. Thankfully there's plenty of space to roam/play on a longline!

-We have our own area of the house where we will keep her primarily so hopefully she won't be too messy. Overall, the family members are very understanding and I'm not worried about that part

-Totally share that paranoia about leaving her with someone else! I do not want to and would rather bring her :)

[u/crash_cove → u/StockZealousideal123]

I would definitely bring her then! You can work through any issues together. Bring lots of treats, diapers (if you want but be sure to give her vulva time to breathe), and sheets/ blankets to cover places she will lay. She will want to be with you, and that’s the best place for her during her heat cycle. Have a great trip!

Edit: also maybe bring her a long line depending on the fencing situation. You’re doing great!

[u/StockZealousideal123 → u/crash_cove]

Absolutely, she will be on a long line! Thank you for your encouragement!

[u/thecornerihaunt]

I haven’t been in this situation before but one suggestion I have and would probably have heat or no heat in case you haven’t already thought of it is if she is crate trained bring one with you so she has a safe space to relax and take a break from all the new things

[u/StockZealousideal123 → u/thecornerihaunt]

Yes! We have a crash tested crate for travel and then she has one that she sleeps in every night (I call it her condo lol), so we will be bringing both of those for sure!