Boxer Depressed with Doggie Pads

Question
So my boxer started her period about 2 weeks ago, and i decided to buy some pads and a doggie like harness thing to put the pad in to hold it on her. When i put it on her she becomes extremely depressed, she wont eat, not even people food, wont drink, wont come to me, move....anything. She just sits under my dining room table all day until I take it off her. Then she runs around and is back to her regular self. What can i do to make her get out of this depression because i cant have her making a mess of my house and i dont want her to be tied up all day or caged all day....please help my baby.

also, how long after she stops bleeding will she be able to get pregnant? its her first cycle but im thinkin about breeding her next year but i want to read up and get prepared as much as i can before i just jump in head first.

Answer
Hi. Make the pad harness a fun thing. Lay it on the ground, and when she sniffs it, or comes around it on her own, praise her and give her a treat. Get is closer and closer to her, doing the same thing, until she gets use to it. Eventually, you should be able to get it on her with no problems. While she's wearing it, praise her. Put it on for short periods of time at first to get her use to it, and praise her. They do have something that's called heat panties, she may like those better. You can usually get them at a pet store. Get her to wear them for short periods of time when she's not in heat as well, just to get her use to wearing them. Try for 15 minutes at a time.

Most breeders try on days 11 and 13, or on days 12 and 14 of the heat cycle. They usually won't completely stop bleeding, but the bleeding will lighten in color and frequency when she's ready. Here's a good website to help you along....  www.americanboxerclub.org