Female cycles

Question
Hi My 11 month old lab has came into season, I hear it lasts two weeks is this correct? also how offen do they come in season? our fence is a good five feet tall or taller.... would she try to run away during her season?

Answer
The discharge will wind down in 2 weeks becoming less bloody but still continuing to ooze mucus.  That is the most fertile time.  Watch her very carefully.  I have a 5 foot fence, and none of my dogs have looked like they thought about jumping it.  On the other hand, one of them did jump a 4 foot fence.  She could jump it.  Do not leave her out in it unsupervised, a male could come along and jump it.  Do not be surprised at her bolting for an open door or gate.  The males and females will do anything to get together.

The worst stage is a few weeks after the discharge has ended.  The dog ends up smelling, but her vulva is still swelled, and you risk an infection if you bathe her before the swelling has gone down.  Do not let her swim any time from when she first begins to swell, until it is all done.  You can buy ''Seasonals'' or other brands of doggie sanitary pad holders.  They work surprisingly well and are easy to keep on the dog.  

I forgot to mention, most dogs have their season twice a year, many like clockwork every 6 months.  Being biological, there can be large variations.