This may be a ridiculous question – if so, I apologize. But do Alta-Tollhaus females tend to run late, early, etc. on coming into their first heat?
NO – I do not think Pieka is coming into heat. But I know we’re in the “maybe soon” time territory, this is my first intact female, and I thought it would be helpful to ask. You never know, maybe Julie’s girls are famous for coming in on their 9th month or something. 😉 With some of the horses I have known, heat cycles seemed to be very genetic in their regularity and timing.
Thanks!
I heard from Richard and Pieka’s sister Billie is in season right now. So these girls look like they will be starting at 6 – 7 months. This is a bit younger then the norm of 9 months. Often the first heat is not an actual season, sort of a practice run, with no ovulation taking place. But of course you need to assume it is the real thing so there are no “accidents.” Because then for sure it would be the real thing and not a practice season. 🙂
Kayla was almost a year old before her first heat—that is how she celebrated the New Year. I believe that is also around the same time that her mother, Kira, was in heat.
Julie has most certainly given you great advice—never assume that any heat cycle is not the real thing!
Oh, there will be no assumptions or “taking a chance” here. 😉
I’ve never seen a loose dog in our area and people are VERY good about that sort of thing at the dog clubs I go to – but we will be EXTREMELY careful. This is my little girl’s virtue we’re talking about, after all!
I have no doubt about how careful you will be. 🙂 I had to say it for anyone else that was reading it.
Shane and Jamie, I’m so glad you asked this question! I’ve been wondering about intact males and was just afraid to ask. So, not to change the subject, just the sex… Julie, blogger friends, when will Rudi and Schumi discover “girls”?
Julie, you mentioned last summer when I picked up Rudi he will go through a change for a bit, perhaps challenge me. I must admit at that very moment I was paying more attention to puppies, your gorgeous females, your kind hospitality and lovely home than to words of wisdom. Thanks in advance!
Julie H 🙂
Julie H.—how could you possibly be afraid to ask a question to this family?!!
Is Rudi about 9 months? If he had an experienced girl ready, willing and right in his face, he’d be able!
Should he? NO—but when has that ever stopped a male?
Julie H. – I have always had females in the past – Chief is our first male. From my experience (for what it’s worth) the difference was like night and day. However, everything Julie said (he’s almost two now) pretty much panned out exactly like she said. He WILL challenge you – it’s like they go through a really stubborn and pushy phase, and they could care less what you want. It was really hard for us, but it did pass – Julie said also they go through like a dummy phase at nine months to a year where it seems like they just refuse to learn. You just have to persevere and stick with reinforcing your training. Eventually our male got to a point in his maturity where he realized it’s easier to comply. For us, establishing routines really helped a lot and lots of exercise.
I don’t know so much about the discovering girls. I’m sure Carole is right on. Also, as Julie said, their testosterone is all over the map until about 1.5 to 2 years, at which time it levels off (thank God)and then our male really settled down. He did “show his junk” (for lack of a better term) A LOT! Much of that is excitement (not arousal) more than anything else. However, we were lucky because he isn’t a humper (thank God). Well, don’t know if I’ve helped you any, but just know that we all go through it, and the end result will be a stunning male specimen, loyal beyond belief.
Best of luck to you…
Schumi is at the point where he will go crazy for about a week, humping EVERYTHING! Then nothing for a few weeks, and then it starts all over again! Handsome little devil!
Schumi and Rudi have entered the horrible testosterone stage where the hormones are raging. If you can survive this period with out killing yopur dog, things will get better. There will be times you will be convinced that their brains are gone. Have faith they will return!
Thank you all for your words of wisdom. I’ll try not to kill my dog. Thankfully we’ve not gotten there quite yet and I am a patient person…hopefully.
Rudi is just over 10 months and as of yet not a humper from what I can tell. He did that somewhat when he was younger, trying to mount Hilda from any direction and that behavior perhaps has been stopped by her.
He’s pretty focused when he wants to be but I can feel the change and challenging period is near. Yes, Becky, we have very handsome boys. Thanks again! Julie H