wednesday

I value all your input. But I'm no less confused.... Personally - knowing this dog - I think she could make someone a really good pet IF that person has the time and the knowledge to put in with her. I honestly believe that she just needs someone who would put the time in. Generally - she is not an aggressive dog at all.... I do think that with the right handler, she'd be fine... but - do you take the risk with her before the time is put in? How do you know that a person will do the right thing and act responsibly with her until she gets to 'that' point? Further info to hand is that the boy picked up her bone, to put her and the bone into the crate. She did not like the fact that he picked up her bone (she bit the hand that held the bone). I do agree with you Griff - in that she thinks the kids are lower than her, and herein lies the problem. They have 3 kids - 4, 2 and 5mths. The dog needs a place with either no kids, or older kids, and one where the owner is prepared to put the time in to ensure she knows her place. This is so difficult.... if I knew she was a dangerous menacing dog, I would advise to put the dog to sleep in a heartbeat. I have seen those sorts of dogs, and know that many of them cannot be rehabilitated, she is not one of those dogs, and that's what is difficult.

My brother-in-laws Bullmastiff has had issues with behaviours for quite some time. She's sometimes afraid - she gets overly excited, she's just not a very 'together' dog. She's from a BYB - but she's absolutely gorgeous - and has had no issues with any people (grown ups). She has also never had any issues with their own kids, but in the past nieces and nephews have really teased her when she was younger, and she wasn't the same since then with strange kids BUT she's never, ever bitten anyone - until today. Today she bit his son (my nephew) on his hand. It wasn't a full on attack, and there was a bone near her, but nonetheless, it was a single bite that did draw blood (not just a nip). No one is really sure what happened, as they kids were unsupervised with her at that moment. I honestly don't believe that with 3 kids, the eldest being nearly 5, that she can remain in that environment. Not only because of this incident, but my brother-in-law does not have the time to put in with her to try to stabilise her, and even if he did, he doesn't feel like he trusts her anymore, and he must put his family first. The advice I'm seeking now - is it worth while trying to find a home for her where someone with experience can put in the time to try to rehabilitate her? Or should she be euthanised? Obviously this is heartbreaking for the family, and even my nephew who she bit is crying for my brother-in-law not to get rid of her but realistically - she can't stay there. What should they do?

Reminder - training tonight - all welcome.

Reminder - training is on tonight. Tigger, Cinder and I will be there.

My Bordeaux is 4 yrs old, and she'll still chew stuff if it's left in a spot where she can get to it. Just last week she chewed my dustpan and brush - and my OH's shoes a few weeks ago - both were left outside where she can get to them. Anything we don't want chewed, we don't leave in a spot to get chewed. We have a Rotti pup inside at the moment, our house is a maze of baby gates to keep her in places where she can't do any damage to herself or to other things. When we're not home, she is put in her crate. She loves her crate, and will put herself to bed of a night in there (even when the crate door is open). Our bordeaux will sleep in the crate outside (we leave it outside with the doors open and she stays in there more often than not). Crates are not cruel by any means. My OH actually hated the idea of crating before I bought one - and now he ordered himself another one for the car and doesn't know how we ever did without them.

Just a quick note, that the Rotti Club of NSW runs Obedience/Show/Socialisation Training fortnightly at Erskine Park. You don't have to have a Rotti to come - all breeds are welcome (better for our Rottis to socialise with all shapes and sizes!). All details can be found on the club website: www.rcnsw.com (click on the 'lots of info' page) The next session is tomorrow night (Tuesday 31/7/07). Show training commences at 7pm, obedience 7:30 - 8:30. Hope to see you there. There is no 'membership fees', just a flat $5 rate for attendance. Feel free to contact me for more details.

It was with a heavy heart that I dared to click into Rainbow Bridge today, knowing that you were going to the vets this morning. Victoria was a lovely lass and was blessed to have had you as a guardian for so many years. Thinking of you Dru :D RIP Victoria, you will be missed.

The nutrience website does have a dealer locator: http://www.nutrience.com/australia/locating/index.cfm which includes SA.

My new pup who is 12 weeks on Tuesday can go from 11pm until 6:30am no worries. She too is crate trained, and we've been slowly extending the time that we're letting her out.

We use the dremel. All the other dogs I've ever had - their nails naturally file down, but Tigger is a totally different story. Clippers just don't work they are so big and thick, so we use a dremel. Usually just a little bit every few days to keep them down.

Yep, I got the adaptor piece from Bunnings too so the hose hooks into warm water - and Tigger LURVES bath time.... no lead, she just stands (or lies) there.

So sorry Shek. RIP Tommy.

Only just saw this. I'm so sorry to hear this Kristie, Mr Gilbert was truely one of a kind, and I'm glad he got to spend his final years with you. RIP Gilbert. :D Jo & Fur-family.

I'm glad you have raised this discussion. Having seen and met both Schutzhund and law enforcement trained dogs, I think the perception is that they are agressive dogs. They are not. They are better trained than many dogs out there. Anyone who puts that much time and effort into any sort of training for their dogs is not there to create some kind of uncontrolable monster, they can do that at home with very little effort. I seriously doubt that those that are anti the sport have actually done any research into it or have any first hand knowledge of it at all. They have read a piece of paper that says there is 'bitework' and that's the end of their reading and what their entire opinion is based on. Bitework is a 'PART' of it, not 'ALL' of it.

Sorry to hear of your loss Tilly.

Sorry for your loss. RIP Suki. :rolleyes:

I'm so sorry. RIP Mary.

I also vote for a chiropractor. I've seen amazing results in some dogs (and it's not as expensive as one might think).

Ring several vets I say. The price differences are amazing. Even when I recently had to make the decision to euthanise my girl - one vet wanted to charge $300, the next $45! Vaccinations - again, I was quoted $200 from one - and $80 from another. If you bought her from a registered breeder - ring them and tell them the situation and find out if their vet would do it?

I just wanted to say a heart felt 'thank you' to everyone who has replied here, emailed and PM'd me during this difficult time. I have been overwhelmed by your friendship and thoughts. It is truely appreciated and does make the pain a little easier to deal with, knowing there are so many of you that know what we're going through. Tigger is a little lost without her best friend. She is being quite clingy, and we are spoiling her as an only child now. It's difficult to watch her look for her friend in situations where they used to do things together. Thanks again, and hugs to your fur-kids.

On Saturday, we lost our beloved Rottweiler girl Abby. ;) Abby was the personality of the litter - and boy did she have it in spades! She was jumping over her sister, cheekily biting her on the butt then running off. She kept those cheeky 'crazy' eyes whenever she decided to push her luck. As soon as we brought her home - she pranced around like she owned the place. Not a shy or timid bone in her body - she loved her new home, her new surroundings, and her new friend "Spike" (my beloved heart dog). When Spike passed away, we were determined to find her a new playmate, and fate brought us to Tigger. They were inseperable from day one - and on the first night, they played until well after 2 in the morning! Abby was my 'introduction to showing' dog. She was never bought as a show dog, but being on main register, we decided to give it a go. Abby and I were complete novices and didn't get into the ring until she was nearly 3 yrs old - and we dived in the deep end, at a Rotti Club pointscore. We came last in our class - but we had fun - and we were bitten by the show bug. Over the next year, we did better, Abby won her class on several occassions, got 4 Res. Challenges and even a Runner up Best of Breed. She was also twice rated SG at the two Rottweiler specialty shows we entered. Abby also came 7th in last years Rottweiler Club of NSW pointscore competition - not too bad for our first year in the ring... Abby loved to please us, and whatever was asked of her, she was happy to do it. Abby learned how to do flyball over a Christmas break - the trainers were amazed! Abby often came along with us to Pet Expos, either as part of the Rottweiler Club of NSW stand, or at the EDBA stand - always educating people on how wonderful the Rottweiler breed is - and that they are not all snarling monsters. One of my fondest memories of Abby is her lying in the middle of the aisle at a Rosehill pet expo, on her back, with a crowd of kids rubbing her belly. Abby was diagnosed with Lymphoma at the beginning of this year, and we knew that we would lose her soon, but it still doesn't prepare you. The thing I miss the most at the moment, is that wiggly bum when walking outside. You were a great dog, a great friend, and I was so very proud to be chosen as your guardian - you fought a good battle. Rest well dear Abby, until we meet again. ;)

RIP Sarah. So much sadness at this time.

Sorry for your loss Rozzie. RIP little John.

I'm still in shock over learning about poor little Ish. May she run free at the bridge. So sorry for your loss Pandii & family. RIP Gorgeous little girl

So sorry for your loss Warley and Excel. Pyro will always be remembered. May he run free at the bridge.