Loving my Oldies

I’ll never forget the one and only time I tried the “ignore” on one of my dogs from years ago. Once and once only. My dog was devastated and crying. From what you have told us about Hugo, it would be absolutely the wrong method. From what I have gathered over the years from reading, experiencing, hearing reports from others, so many trainers are implacably welded to their own ideas and have become rigid to the extent that some of their methods represent cruelty, to my way of thinking. ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL ....... dogs and children.

That’s lovely ricey. Photos when you have a moment

LOL - you may never have a true idea. So many dog breeds, so many mixed breeds. Whatever he is, he is very beautiful and I think you are in for a lot of love and fun with him.

She needs assessment from a vet NOW. Not wanting to move shows that she is in a lot of pain.

As the owner has already noticed this and thinks the dog might be cross eyed, it would appear to be something not quite right with the dog’s eyes. Whether it is something that could or should be fixed, I haven’t a clue. Perhaps you could talk to a local vet?? A fair while ago, I knew a lady who had one eye that “wandered” and I would find myself turning my head to see what she was looking at

If you and your parents see this situation as a battle, then there is going to be one loser and one who doesn’t even know there is a battle ........ the dog. 12.5 years isn’t all that old for a Toy Poodle, many live into their late teens and often longer. I adopted one when he was nearly 17 and he lived very happily and well for another three years. As you say the snapping and growling is something new, I’d be taking the veterinary investigations further.

Horrible predicament to be in. You seem to have all the medical issues addressed so keeping everyone safe when you visit would now be the consideration. With one little dog, this is pretty easy. For his safety and that of the children, make sure he is in a separate room or confined somewhere. But it would need to be somewhere where he can see what is going on. There isn’t anything much more stressful for a dog who is used to being involved in everything to be suddenly shut away on his own. As for your parents’ ages ...... I am early 70s and have four elderly dogs myself, really elderly with the youngest being nearly 15 and oldest nearly 18, so don’t let your parents use age as an excuse to do nothing . It can be hard, I acknowledge, but eternal vigilance and all that. One of my dogs has a tendency to snap when I try to wipe his eyes so whereas before I would happily let the neighbour children surround us, sit on the ground and pat the dogs, I either avoid a gathering of them or if I can’t, I watch very very carefully and tell them not to touch his face. They are all old enough to understand.

Ooooh. Sounding good. Looking forward to hearing about next drive

The latter and maybe just take a few blankets and things from Anne’s home. However, if you already have all their bedding and toys, I wouldn’t even do that. They are with someone they know and trust so I would not be upsetting that. Deepest sympathies for Anne’s passing . It must have been a great comfort to her knowing her dogs would be safe.

Oh good luck with Riley. Keep us posted.

Poor doggy and you, @westielover. Danny ()went through this and now Jeune is too. Danny had a few sessions of ablations (is that the right word??) and had a contact lens in his eye for protection. Jeune is now going through the same thing, but has been treated with Viscotears and Opticin three times a day. She was doing so well that the last time we went for a check up (these were weekly for quite a few weeks) the vet was so excited at the improvement that she dropped the meds to just Viscotears twice a day. Yesterday she was back to squinting and eye was watering copiously so I think we need up the meds a little bit.

So when it happens again with much greater consequences, you can’t argue that you didn’t know.

Love this, @B.J. Beautiful.

I agree with Juice. Also I would like to pay tribute to you and your efforts to help and love these dogs. Very heartwarming. Don’t be worried about taking them to classes because of their behaviour ... that is what classes are for . However, there are many so-called trainers out there who, in my opinion, shouldn’t be in that business. Training dogs is NOT a “one size fits all” process, dogs are as individual as people and what works for some does not work for all and can, in fact, make matters worse. If you can tell DOL what town or city you are in, there are probably people who know of good trainers in your area. Good luck and well done for wanting to help.

This is what I have been thinking. Shutting a dog in a pen or a small room for up to 10 hours is verging on cruelty, in my opinion.

Perhaps put “Staffy” in title. Maybe people think you are asking for a JRT.

It may be too uncertain an environment for Jester, of course, and others, but fostering for a while might give you and idea of how Jester would cope or otherwise, and what sort of dog may suit??

Yep, yep and more yep. So good to see, @juice

I’m sorry to read this. I have no advice on Palladia, but googled and found this extract in an article. Please note the comments (their capitals) about side effects. Go back to your vet and if you feel you are not getting clear instructions on how to medicate your dog or if the vet seems unsure, seek out another vet for another opinion, keeping in mind that finding correct dosages and/or correct medications can be a matter of trial and error, so it is very important that you keep seeing your vet regularly throughout the treatment especially if your dog is as sick as Thief seems to be. Good luck and best wishes for Thief’s improvement. In terms of administration, PALLADIA is given approximately every day. It should be given with food. If side effects occur, the most important point is to STOP THE DRUG. Side effects are generally reversible. Additionally, preventive and protective medications can be dispensed to help mitigate the risks and effects of treatment. Treatment will restart after the patient has recovered and is then given less frequently and or at a lower dose.

Some dogs stain more than others. My first puppies (Maltese) had shocking staining when they were puppies. I was pretty ignorant of the causes and it was so bad that when I was out with them one day, a little girl said to her mother, “They have blood all over their faces.” Out of the mouths of babes . . . . . . With the regular use of Optrex eye wash, the staining disappeared completely on the male and became negligible on the female.

Go to the chemist, buy some Optrex eye wash and bathe your dog’s eyes with it (soak a cotton ball) every day until the staining disappears or is reduced. After that, maintain the habit of bathing your dog’s eyes with the Optrex every few days. I regularly give my dogs eye drops particularly on windy dusty days.

A lot of people, as evidenced by many threads here and in other places over the years, don’t realise that ANY effort needs to be put in.

Just brilliant, Grizabella. Wonderful to see them simply being themselves.

Oh god, that is just so damned sad. Deepest condolences to you and your family, @Genabee. I actually read your post late last night, but was too saddened to respond then. I was in tears for all of you and especially Genevieve who was still so young and such a loved, integral part of your family.

I wonder how long the original owner had been looking for a home before she decided on giving the dog up in order to make it easier? I’m torn too; I would have to be in a state of absolutely last resort before giving my dogs up.