boxer interest

Question
morning-I have a male and female boxer,Male is 2 yr 6 months, female is 1 yr.Female came into first heat On nov.1,2009.I know she is too young to be bred,and not going to.my male seems to have no interest in mounting her or anything. All he does is smell her rear. I was wondering why and is it possible to leave her outside unsupervised? I currently bring her in and crate her and seperate her, but noticed that he really has no interest in her. they do play and run around but that is it. Myabe she did not come into heat?I DONT KNOW? I was out of town when she started bleeding and came back a week after. Vulva does look larger. Have not seen any other dogs around - wondering what is going on?  thank you  

Answer
Hi Andy,
Do not let them be unsupervised until 30 days have past from the beginning of the bleeding. The male will know exactly when the right time is by her smell. So its not a good idea to leave them together at all until 30 days have past to be on the safe side. Yes she is in heat from the signs you have given. Thank you for your question.
Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
http://www.hitowerboxers.com