Ren

Belgian shepherd groenendael, medium large, black great guard dogs that love their family, wary of strangers. Grew up with one so they're ok family dogs too, probably with older children though because of their herding instincts.

The last vet I went to asked me the same question, three times, straight at my eyes "do you want the kennel shot too?" I said no everytime and stumbled on my words feeling patronised "I never board him, I never go on holidays or someone minds the house". I felt like I was dumb and like I missing something about this question, maybe I still am (?) but I won't be going back to him again, I thought he was rude on other regards as well.

1. Hard enough to bruise 2. Hard enough to break the skin 3. Never bitten, doesn't seem to have prey drive for small animals, although I don't test that assumption. This is a dog with reactivity issues, so he's muzzled with anyone but the family.

Didn't know there even was an OT section! I'm too new. I'm close to the springwood, mt riverview fires. Not in direct trouble, but unpredictable weather is the only concern currently. Best of thoughts for those right in harms way, and especially to those who have unfortunately already lost homes.

I'm not sure what breed you have or it's size... but think of it this way; a chic chip biscuit for your dog is the equivalent of you eating a hamburger. Most people think they are not over feeding their dog. They are, and then some! My tips: Do NOT feed anything over and above their regular feeding. That means NO snacks, and NO tidbits from what you or your family are eating. They will not die from the absence of snacks. They do no need treats, particularly commercial treats, or any other rubbish food. If you feed twice a day, each meal should be HALF of what the daily recommended amount is. Most people tend to feed two meals that are equivalent to the daily total amount in each meal. If you really think your dog will not get enough to eat and will look for more (in reality, he may look for more but he'll have had enough in his meal... it is the owner who thinks he hasn't eaten enough usually...) then make up the bulk with something like boiled cabbage. It's mainly water and it's filling. Seriously though, just reduce the amount of food. You have to be firm. It's for your dogs benefit. Thanks for the tips! The cabbage one sounds particularly good, my dog is crazy for food, he does complain when he thinks its not enough. He usually isn't given treats though. He's a mixed breed, by the chart he's on the "heavy" diagram, about golden retreiver size in height and body type.

My dog is overweight, I don't get offended when people mention it, I know. I struggle to get the weight off him though. When I adopted him he was overweight, managed to get a bit off, but it came back on over winter again. He's getting old and doesn't seem to have as much energy that he had even a year ago, I'm finding it hard to get the weight off him. And weight loss tips, I'm all ears for! I don't know if it's the same principal as weight loss in humans, I've always been naturally thin so I dont know much about it, vet was usless too. Ive just been going by the idea of "eat less, exercise more". What else can help?

How about the "sudden change in direction" technique whenever she passes you? It might help her understand she is following you, not choosing where she likes to go and veering off/pulling.

I'm with you KJJ. My dog is also reactive so unfortunately he can call over the wrong kind of attention. He once bit a roaming dog's heal so now I walk him with a muzzle due to this possibility and an inability to always control other people and their own animals. Often wonder what I'd do if another dog had a go at him first. I only carry a small umbrella at the moment. Pretty good at avoiding dogs in general though.

Cabanossi and hot dogs work the best for my dog. High value, quick and easy to eat. Not terribly healthy though I imagine. For lower value I tend to tear up small pieces of smacko style treats. I can't remember the brand but there is one, liver flavour that smells intensely strong. I left the packet in my bag once and had to air it out for the day to dull the smell. Kibble works out ok too, but it takes more time to chew.

I feel bad for thinking so but I often dream of a Goldie like this. Only after adopting a highly reactive dog I've really been thinking of the breed, but alas, I also need something that would also make me feel safer if needed. My dream dog would be like my previous groenendael, beautiful dog looks protective, and is only if needed, good with dogs and people, and would love it if they were great with smaller animals too... Loved her bark as well. My current dog is very loving, but so difficult especially when I would love to take him on longer, stress less walks. Both dog and human reactive.