If you work all day, and can't get home, consider hiring a pet sitter to come in on a daily basis to give your pet some exercise and a chance to relieve himself. The female will not mate with a male except during this period. Some female cats and small-breed dogs begin to cycle sooner. Each cycle normally lasts 1-2 weeks. A bitch in heat may show little change in temperament or activity as compared with the exaggerated displays of many female cats.
Some dogs become somewhat lethargic, while others become anxious and possibly aggressive.
The bitch may become restless, making frequent escape attempts. At no time should a bitch in heat be left unsupervised in the backyard or off a leash during walks. Close supervision prevents undesired mating or injury. During walks, the estrual female urinates more frequently than usual, leaving a trail of scent to your home. Male dogs can detect powerful chemical signals in vaginal secretions and urine from a distance of several miles.