MadWoofter

They are gorgeous, but they sound like very hard work, and not suited to many people. That website is fantastic, and I love the 'why you shouldn't' page.

it's also doggy night in the Sydney event (Centennial Park). From what I can see the only rules are they have to be on a short leash )<2m) and you have to pick up after them and keep them quiet. Pretty standard stuff really.

Fantastic news to hear he's home safe.

Fingers crossed for you Clyde - let's hope the boy is well and seriously peeved at missing his dinner.

Oh, and if your dogs do get hold of one, you need to pick it up with a clean towel and put it in a carton/container and phone your local wildlife group or take it to the nearest vet. Even if they don't look particularly injured still get it at least to a vet. Reptiles can live a long time even when they are badly injured and need veterinary treatment urgently.

Sorry for delay in responding but had no 'net access over the weekend Basically, the lizards don't know that your dogs are predators. They've got no idea of boundaries so just wander where they think there might be food and water. They have no idea what is bush and what is your property. There are no known effective deterrents for reptiles. Barriers are useful. A solid fence that has no gaps under it will help. Landscaping won't make any difference as the lizard won't know what your property is like until it is on it. If it doesn't have a food source or water it won't stay, but by then it can be too late. There is no known reason why dragons choose one water source over another. They swim in salt water pools, chlorinated pools and any natural water sources. Why they choose one over another is a mystery. They are territorial and it will be very difficult to "persuade" them to stop coming into your pool and use the river a short distance away. Both dragons and blue-tongues prefer their natural diet but will eat left over dog food sometimes so making sure there is no food left about will help. Apart from having a totally sealed property there is nothing that can stop reptiles from coming onto your property. Te only thing you can do for Blue-Tongued Lizards is provide several shelter spots for them that dogs cannot destroy such as putting several long pipes around the property that are long enough to provide safety for a lizard that dogs paws can't reach into. There is very little you can do for dragons. They can outrun most breeds of dogs but not the speedy hunter types. The thing to remember is reptiles have no idea of property, introduced predators or anything except having a quiet life…………food, water, shelter and a nice sun bake. We just have to do the best we can to keep them safe. Best of luck with it.

My mum is heavily involved in wildlife (with a major interest in snakes & lizards) - I've asked her for some suggestions so will post them when they come through.....

Let's hope the weather holds out. Anyone else coming along?

I'd love to get toys for my two, but Fleming destroys them in record time. Mind you I only buy the el cheapo's as I know they'll get destroyed. So they get el cheapo toys and treats. I'll check out some of the things others are getting theirs though for ideas.

Oh Sway, I've just heard this. I'm so sorry to hear the bad news. Sending thoughts to you and Willow's family

He looks like a 'Leon' to me. Dunno why I agree with not worrying about a name that's close to his original. Tess answers to her nickname Magoo all the time - in fact I think she gets that more than Tess now !!

Oh claireybell that has just put the worst possible mental image in my head. At least mine's imaginary - you had to deal with it Hope the evil beagle is OK. Sorry, can't help with your actual question.

Well my time here in Adelaide is rapidly coming to an end. Work finishes on the 25th Nov, and I leave on the 29th, so it looks like a doggy farewell play-date is in order. Sat 26th November The 'usual' park, Main St Eastwood as everyone seems to know where that is 10am start, and BYO morning tea Hope to see you there

Tonight I was having a snack at the coffee table while watching tv. Tess was next to me on the sofa, and Fleming was asleep on the floor. Fast asleep. The snoring, feet-twitching-chasing-bunny-rabbits asleep. I gave Tess a bit of food, and the next thing I know Fleming was up siting next to me with that 'waht about me' look on his face. How did he know Tess got something and he didn't? Is he doggy psychic? Did Tess give off a 'ner ner you missed out' vibe? Funnily enough, if Tess is alseep and Fleming's the one getting the treat, she doesn't wake up and he gets both ! Who else has a 'psychic' pooch?

Go see Dominic at Beverly Hills Vet Clinic. He took over the practice about 2 years ago, and he's lovely.

But she is just soooo gorgeous how could you stay mad at her? No advice from me sorry, although the crimsafe sounds like the best option. Can you straighten the wire frames at all yourself? Or do you think you'll need to actually replace them?

She's gorgeous Gayle. You've done a wonderful job with her. It's such a rewarding feeling wnen you realise they've 'come good' isn't it.

A Belgian Shepherd and an Irish Wolfhound/Mastiff x

So much of it depends on the personality of the dog too I guess. Growing up we always had female dogs, and when I got my own I was only ever going to get a female - I'd been raised with that old phurphy that 'boy' dogs are pissers & humpers and not as clean as girls. Well, Tess does her fair share of peeing (she's definitely an alpha) and will pee on top of every scent she comes across, and cocks her leg doing it. She's also a bit of a grub and will walk in things (her food bowl, her water bowl) but I think that's also a size & age thing now. She's very demanding of attention and will sit & cry if you don't pat her when she wants it, and will stubbornly shove her head under your hand if you stop patting (or your elbow, or your armpit)...... ** Fleming on the other hard is soft & gentle and very clean & fastidious. He never even attempted to hump anything until he met Esky the Husky . He doesn't mark as such (although he does pee a lot). He's not demanding of attention like Tess is, but he's a lot more affectionate than her. Some of the male fosters I've had have completely lived up to the phurphy though !! I couldn't choose a gender preference now for myself. A lot would come down to what dogs I had at the time and their personalities (ie if something happened to Flemo I'd have to get another male, I couldn't have a female with Tess who is such an alpha bitch) but for me it would very much come down to the personality of the dog. Gender wouldn't really come into it. ** Disclaimer - I don't let her get away with this !!

Oh shite KHM, you have been having a rough time with the dude haven't you. Loads of hugs & good healing vibes being sent your way.

So glad to hear she's home.

Oh tlc, that would have been horrific to see, I was cringing reading your post. Glad to hear Miss Tully is feeling better. As others have said, just keep an eye on her as the AI wears off to see if she's in pain. Lots of cuddles are the best medicine (for both you & her )

She's adorable RL

Awwww he's gorgeous pixiemeg.

Thank you so much for a fabulous morning everyone, and was lovely to meet some new people. Fleming is exhausted, and I'm just sorry that Tess was such a bitch an I had to leave before it all finished - I'll leave her at home next time ! Going through the pics now - they are hilarious Big big thanks to Jacqui for organising it. I (& Flemo) should be up for the next one ;)