jls

So Sorry for Chances passing Anne. My thoughts an prayers are with you. jls

All the best Bonzawani, You can never replace these special ones, but I agree with you,a healthy pup,brings a little healing. When you finally, get that new addition,I wait with baited breath,to meet them. We'll be doing the same ourselves,helpful near years end. Your in my thoughts an prayers. I love cockers, my mum used to breed and show them. Sweeties aren't they?? jls

Ooh,me too, can't believe the timing. Your in my thoughts isaviz. So sorry. jls

Isaviz, I'm sorry for Grammy's passing. I understand your thoughts.Having them with us for so long,makes them all the more special. Even now, I still find my old girl's fur in odd places,but now it serves to bring a smile and a gentle reminder of her. My thoughts are with you. jls

Bonzawani, Andy was such a beautiful boy. I'm sorry for your sad loss. jls

Try garlic with meals. jls

Ooooh, so beautiful. It totally worked for me. Just have to be a bit stern the first time,no sympathetic looks or consoling or the game is over.A bit of tough love. Especially since they are so cute,it'll be hard, but worth it You'll see, they'll be travelling with you in no time. jls

I think haven, may have a very good point, get the contact details of a behaviourist,who deals with human pschycology as well. See if you can get advice from them etc. Plus,introduce her (your friend)( by inviting him to your place, with the pretence of helping your whippets etc) I wouldn't do the, charade,of pretending her prob,is yours etc,as I feel,you'll only succeed in humiliating her ,and she'll feel betrayed. As you are her only support, be discreet. But let her spectate and maybe,she'll feel compelled to seek his advice herself etc. Just make sure the behaviourist leaves two business cards etc. (open that avenue up to her) Can suggest a picnic,outing etc Or find out locations of those canine/people cafes etc. They are becoming popular. It must be tough on you,your such a good friend, I hope that,in time, between her seeking help and your supportiveness,she'll get stronger. I sincerely wish you and your friend and pet,the best. jls

Lilypily, I hope Doof recovers soon. I feel for you. (Bear had Enzyme insufficiency) My Gsd girl,made it to almost 11yrs,which for us seems like a miracle. From our experience,which is exactly why we are only seeking new fur kids through a breeder etc. When we met her, I did check her, read her parentage paperwork etc. But was still ignorant at that stage,about more health checks,such as the breeders do on their litters etc. The only sign outwardly I could discern was that her droppings were a yellow,but sloppy firm stool. Was a bit unsure,but her overall demeanor was healthy. Both parents again healthy looking etc. I listened to the breeder,and followed the diet she'd given me.What a nightmare. Even on the breeders' diet. Week one -She started vomitting,diahorea,breathing difficulties,drastic weight loss. (I think we spent over $1000 the first year)Being a 6wk old pup,dehydration and vomiting was quite serious etc. Nothing stopped the episodes, except with the medication and restarting her on a diet of chicken and rice. nightmare. We went to the vet,countless times,from that point on, she was on antibiotics. He suspected Enzyme insufficiency, 1 in 3 gsd are prone to it.Salazyprin,to help with bowel inflammation. He advised no bones,low fat diet etc. and trail and error an what other things she's sensitive to. Advised to give a rice and cooked roo meat diet. Roo meat is the leanest meat available. I cooked a kilo of it a day. Gave her the antibiotics etc. If she wasn't fed a large volume of food, she had drastic weight loss with in days. Gradually after doing studies,learned abit about her condition and canine nutrition. She couldn't tolerate anything higher than 4% fat in her diet,otherwise, the vomiting,diahorea and laboured breathing started again. At that time,very few cheaper food brands had lower than 10% fat content. So, I cooked her chicken,rice and veges,or pasta. Used to give her carrots for teeth cleaning etc. She loved them, everytime,I was preparing them in the kitchen,she'd be standing by waiting etc She couldn't eat eggs either. Gradually, started using Hillscience ID range (intestinal disease) $26 a carton. Her illness was cyclic, every 2wks,she'd have bouts. So,started her medication. We could only use that tin stuff,for about 3 days in a row,or she'd have another bout. I know, these aren't the same condition, but very similiar,especially,regarding diet etc and reactions. I'd give the Hillscience ID range a go,it's only through your vet though. I gradully returned to, cooking chicken,veges,rice or pasta,adding vitamin powder. When she was first diagnosed,we used,enzyme powder as well,but it seemed to make her worse. So,using,diet,antibiotics and vet management,she found a reasonable balance. We had it pretty down pat in her later years. Her health developed other probs,so was on other medications,unrelated to this. I truly hope things go well for you and Doof,my thoughts and prayers are with you, jls

My guess is yes~!~ But you'll find out for sure,when you do the the training etc. Otherwise, Mitchy,might get travel sickness etc. See how you go. Such a cute little guy. jls

Arwwwh~!~ Luv Mitchy With the car probs. My mum's rotti had the same probs,due to a rough start also,so associated the car with being,dumped off to another family. A bit of a prob,when the dog is 4okgs,an had to be lifted into the car each time etc. It just means a bit of tough love. Leave the car in the drive with the door open. Watch Mitchy around it, freely etc. Start doing training with him. Using a firm tone and happy demeanor. Come~!~ He does big fuss Sit Hold treat above his head as he approachs, gets him into sitting position. Big fuss & treats etc. [/color]Car Training Ignore any fear or hesitancy upon his part. Do not sooth or pat or even look at sympathetically. Than, make a trail of treats to the open car door, onto the car seat. etc (careful,he doesn't eat it before the lesson starts) Once her starts to the open car door,praise like mad, than more treats, preferrably him's started climbing into the car. When he's in the car - more treats. Lots of pats and treats and time with him. He'll associate the car with affection and treats. Have ago, let me know how it works out I did this with my mum's rotti only once, than she, realised,not just that it was good, but that she'd be able to travel with my parents regularly. She actually got to love travelling. Plus, hoisting a 4okg rotti,was a bit of a handful to manage,especially one,who didn't want to cooperate jls

Hi Linda, I agree with Erny. Try another method,of softly,softly approach. Let her decide, without pressure, open up other avenues to her. Atleast she's seeing a professional,and attempting to help herself. That,atleast means she's leaving the home. Gradually, see if she'd join you for coffee or movie etc. Or what ever you both are interested in. Than gradually lead back to the interest of pets etc Let the time you spend together,be her escape an relax time etc I think obviously she's retracting as a coping mechanism, the more you impose upon her,the more suffocated she'll feel.( That'd include telling her how to fix her pets behavioural probs) Let her have her safety zone and breathing space. If she's definitely not upto it, than perhaps,get dolers to suggest a reputable dog behaviourist in her area etc. You could try saying it's to help your whippets with a prob(not that I think they have one etc) and invite her to just watch and learn. See how she feels etc. (quietly ask their advice on her pets' situation - not infront of her etc) Might change her mind. (get the behaviourists card to take home) All the best Linda,I hope it goes well for you all, jls

Hi kristie, love your babies. Gorgeous, soo glad things are taking a turn for the better, keep up the good work. Love more piccy's too They keep us entertained that's for sure Love to hear your updates, jls

Hi Pewithers, I know you didn't mention the exact triggers for the anxiety, but, maybe we can advise how to desensitise your pet,through behaviours,reducing his stress that way. I'm only offering an alternative to your circumstance. Hope he goes well. jls

Krislin, your poor friend is in as much need of help, as her pet. As you've probably realised, both are intertwined. To help your poor friend, to even be able to leave her beloved Gsd alone, the pet issues will need to be tackled first. Try visiting, and join her in establishing the pack hierachy in the house. She will have to do it, or the dog,will still be confused as to who's leader etc. When doing this, place the dog outside - for safety. Start with very basic ideas, if the pet sleeps in her room,she must move it's bed to say,Ie the laundry, (or where ever is suitable)than place it's water bowls and food bowls there. Move toys there also,if applicable. Allow pet,into investigate, with bedroom door firmly shut~!~ Your friend must fuss over her pet, tell it,what a good dog it is,when it's in the laundry or designated spot. Might take a while for it to adjust,to the realisation,it's no longer in the bedroom etc. (this one maybe tough,as the dog,probably serves as security to her,since her husbands' passed)(Say nothing about that, but be supportive as she does it) With ball in hand of your friend, call pet, than walk outside, it will probably attempt to barge past her at the entrance way, your friend is to block it,with a firm toned "No"~! and exit first, than her pet. This applies when leaving or entering any room. Than, praise dog,after she leaves behind his owner or enters each time. Go play ball, make these adjustments fun for both. When a game of ball is over, reapply above situation upon entering. Than,she must send pet outside, while you chat to your friend. Let dog see, both yourself and your friend. Let you and your friend enjoy a little company time together,Enjoy a little R'N'R together over coffee and chat etc, give the dog the idea, it is still second to your friend and yourself. ( your friend will finally have a little time to relax with you without worrying her pet, isn't coping etc. I suspect,the dog helps her cope also,but having your company,with transfer the support she feels from her pet, to you,atleast in that period) And in the duration of friends catching up, she will be instilling the hierachy lesson to her pet,minimal stress,hopefully for you all. Get her to follow and strictly inforce these changes in their lives,permanently. When lunch is over, get your friend to call the dog in, with trusty ball in her hand,and start basic training. "Come"~! Dog obeys her - Big fuss, lots of praise. "Sit"`!~ if, not compliant immediately, show the ball above the dog's head and motion towards tail. Usually, gets the dog to sitting position. When it does so, Big fuss Whilst in sit position ~ "Drop"~!~ used the ball to draw dog forward,until on it's belly. Big fuss, praise etc Get your friend to pat dog,on the head. (also establishes, she's the boss, in a circumstance,pleasurable to dog) (By, getting the dog to sit, than drop, you are also establishing,a submissve pose) Practice these training commands daily. Continues to establish pack heirachy in the dogs's mind. I'm not trying to be patronising in simplifying the situation, step by step, it's so you can be able to support your friend to train her pet etc. When the dog is behaving,or acting in an antisocial way, get your friend to Firmly say "No" Than do the above training techniques in a firm but calm tone and demeanor. Ignore bad behaviour and distract with good training behaviours. Reinforcing in it's mind who's in charge. Make your weekly lunch visits, like this, only, sit,come, drop commands,followed by ball game. Than leave him outside to play, whilst you and your friend can relax an spend time together, support her through her obvious loss. Your company, obviously is the only company she has,and I'd say 33yrs of friendship is a rare and special gift,worth the time. You obviously care about her,because you are looking for answers for her. She's very lucky in you, as her friend. My second guess,is, this dog,brings her solice, not just from it's unconditional love and support,and evening security, it's a reminder of her passed husband. This dog was apart of her family unit along with herself and her husband.A family unit she was once apart of. She was someone's wife,and to her pet,someone's mum etc. It will take a long time for her to heal from such a loss, a long marriage is a huge chunk of someone's life etc. Luckily,your friendship, is also a huge chunk of her life. Hopefully,they're be a time, when she has her pet at a comfortable level of behaviour,when your lunchs could be branched to outings etc. cafes,movies etc The dog has separation anxiety,which will have to be addressed before this happens,but you'll get there.All the dolers can give you advice,when that comes etc. And as you get to outings,and broaden her existance, you could help her find support through councillers for her grief etc. If not support through your friendship. I wish, you,your friend and her pet the very best. I hope I've helped etc. Here the dolers have such a broad range of collective experiences,not just in the canine world but in life and I feel sure,they can offer you support,if you want it. Please let me know how things go. jls

;) Must have been making him itchy ;) Sorry couldn't resist, jls

Maybe it's ADD ;) Kristie,I'd start the training commands with him again, reinforce in his mind,the pack hierachy. Come commands,sit, Drop,stay and the like(maybe using his ball or treats to get his attention) Make sure his bed, isn't in your room etc. You enter the doorways first,before him, all the basic steps,the get the hierachy back in the house etc. Plus, don;t feed him,when he indidcates he's ready to be fed.After Practicing commands again,than reward him,with his dinner. See how he goes. Keep us updated? jls

Hi Wyvernblade, I've never been exposed or studied the flank sucking thing,so, I'm as much a student as you, in this matter etc. Very interesting etc. But, you mentioned, this guy had missing teeth?? Is, it possible the blanket sucking thing,is due to pain with the missing teeth?? Might be worth having the vet investigate the situation etc. Might have sore gums or a mighty tooth ache Is his eating effected?? Does he drink alot??? I have to say, I love that piccy of your german shephyboy, what a beauty. Plus, can relate to being dragged by my shephy,when she was alive, she was a 40kg dynamo. My family memeber,asked to walk her, I explained she is very full on. Assured me they'd be fine. Out the door a few mins later, heard a shrek and a thump,and they were being dragged to the top of our yard to the mail box and still going. Neither one of us is a light weight either.but they didn't realise to the extent,to how full on she could be. I admit,I new she needed a lot more training,but was a bit lax etc. She also passed most of the criteria used by the police dept. Not a flinch when we put her next to express trains and noisy things of the like. Highly intelligent girl,guess that's why we miss her soo much. Good luck with your boy, jls

They are all such gorgeous pups, I'd hate to see posts about any of them gettting sick. I know it's not necessary, but for myself, would only allow them to wander out of the yard, a month after final shot, C5, which includes kennel cough in the vaccine. (I'm guessing you'll definitely be showing these guys,as they are such stars,so the C5,would be recommended, when they'll be mixing with lots of others etc) All the best, but found that this was always effect,even if over cautious jls

Hi ,I think Kitkat is right, if you still feel the pup is not behaving normally, than revisit the vet. Sometimes, worms, ie round or hook worms, can cause blood in the stool etc. But was curious about the soft chicken bones ??????etc. Were the bones raw??? If fed cooked bones,they can splinter and cause damage etc. I hope your pup is better soon, jls

:rolleyes: Sorry for your loss. ;) jls

Sometimes, it's a sign of intergestion,especially if they're eating grass too~!~ Mighten hurt to call the vet and see what they suggest etc. Very cute pup ;) :rolleyes: jls

oooh,Stevie's great, that's horrible. I hope the termites have been found early,feel for you, as we've been through that. We are still trying to afford the repairs,and replace things as we save. It's gone through about 4 properties in the neighbourhood. Not happy Jan~!~ Wish you the best. Dogs4fun, Your guys sounds like you, have your own canine excavators. I never imagined that they could have achieved that kind of feat,downing a tree,and finishing up the root system, WOW Makes Bear's bonsai and pot plant redecorations, seem amateurish. Cudos to your guys~!~ Jill

Hi Jo, I'd still be proud to call that gorgeous garden mine. You poor thing, with possum chasing antics and the ruined staghorn We are slowly, trying to establish a garden of our own, inclusive of getting the neighbours to help,finance the fenceline repairs etc. - so we can get a puppy or two. I was concerned how the landscaping and the natural puppy chewing stage would mix,seems like we'll be in for abit of fun. jls