persephone

I LIKE that :)

That's fair enough, Terri S. But if something's working well for a dog, the trainers should be able to recognise that, so hopefully they'll accept the good that's happening, embrace and help you with it. Actually, to a certain extent I kind of agree. Many dogs find stroking down their bodies or a hand ruffle on the side of the neck more rewarding than a "pat" on the head. Much does depend on how the "pat" is delivered, and the circumstance though. My dog will appreciate a finger ruffle to the top of his head when we're (e.g.) sitting and waiting at lights to cross the road (well, he's sitting, I'm standing ... lol), or when we're sharing a 'cuddle' moment and I gently move my thumb over his stop towards the back of his head. But when we're in active training, a long but swift(isn) stroke or rub down the side of his body is what he prefers. They're all different though and I know of dogs who enjoy a bit of a ruffle at the head. In general, however, I find it can be off-putting and for some a bit too dominating (and I tend to find it can deflate drive, if that's the method being used to train in). Just my thoughts and experience - not intending to debate on it. IMO, it really is a "to each his own" and if a dog shows he doesn't mind and/or enjoys it ...... kudos :) . I am of the 'please don't pat the dog on its head' belief as well ;) Under the chin ..or as erny describes :) is what I use mostly .. .

I really do want to steal this pupp!!! Think he has enough different breeds in him to make him a league of nations!!

it would be awful to be stuck with a litter ..bitch anti- motherhood because of her surgery etc ..then puppies dying from various things .made worse by distance and isolation

It sounds to me more fear/pain/discomfort .. Mitchell used to chatter his teeth at a vets or when he was sore ... It is your dog - however, I would hold off on encasing her in too much clothing as yet..giver her a source of warmth she can use when she needs to ..and which she can move away from if she gets too warm ! an easy "igloo which is SO warm (mitch used to use this when visiting friends where temps were minus 4 etc ;) ) a single bed foam (sponge) underlay .. made into a tunnel ..and secured. Place bedding inside .. with one of those snugglesafe things . Block one end , and hang a sheet or woolen blanket over the curved top :) Dead easy ..extremely comfy (dog can stretch /move without any hindrance from clothing or heavy covers ) :)

after several days of much happening ... this afternoon I thought to sleep on a verandah ... Possum was with me ... and she settled on my ample belly and snoozed......... EXCEPT when I dozed off and snored ...then I would see.... *sigh* I will enjoy a night's sleep without a snore detector :p

artyificial feeding may be very tricky with these --- if they have an infection of some sort , they may not be able to tolerate certain things ..they may also need tube feeding , as well as drugs etc . Hope they go OK at the vets . The bleeding does sound ominous ... is there to be an autopsy?

I wanna cuddle him......................................... :)

oh dear I only just saw this . Stan ....what an absolute cruiser Poor Miss maddie having to be sewn up ..she will be very sore, And you - Hope all goes OK at the doctor ..also explain they are results of a dog attack - so there is written proof. I am so glad the owner paid vet bills - and am hoping those dogs are now responsibly dealt with . Take care ..be kind to you ..and hug your two from me ..

What a perfect subject on which to practice!! i just love that scruffy face :) :) well done, skyefool !

You really do need a diiferent vet , or specialist , instead of guesses...

A big belly can also be from scrounging ;) hopefully all is well. I recommend a no-gulp bowl!!

I've never signed in with Gmail ...always had a yahoo login My link

DOG BOOTS

I have never seen mange just on feet like that ..not to say it is impossible .. if/when you start a new diet ..it will need to be done consistently for some time . Chopping & changing foods/medications will not be helping at all he could be allergic to absolutely anything. be very careful with the boots, too ..if his feet get damp/warm/hot you will find they itch /hurt more!! skin problems are something which need to be diagnosed and managed/treated with thoroughness, consistency and patience . best of luck :)

if it is mange , and has been present since December --- from my experience ...you would probably have a bald or dead dog by now I have seen many dogs with both types of mange - sarcoptic, and demodectic ....and treated lots of them myself , too. The scurf (dandruff) in his coat is not terribly concerning ... 4 weeks isn't a great deal of time - and if the scurf has developed over that time , then perhaps the diet is not what his body does well on? Skin problems are terribly tricky .. the breeder recommended Cobber? Hmmm ..if he were mine he would be having NO grain at all ..just lots of good meat(with fat on /bone and a little veg/fruit , eggs ..and plain yoghurt) NO treats, biscuits or human food . I had a dog who was teribly allergic to food colourings /grass/and some pollens . It was horrible. have you cleared that wandering Dew yet ?

You need to get a skin scraping from everyone first. Don't just add more chemicals to what they already have in there systems. Ask a vet. Have you totally eliminated the wandering dew yet? If not it still may be that causing problems. Perhaps change vets ?

well done

I think that sort of thing should be pre-advised Yuck.

Some of us "older ladies" like all sorts of dogs :p (when this older lady downsizes ..a Chinese Crested will be top of the list - but I have no kids to consider .) Any dog good with kids , and calm etc has something to do with breed , and a LOT to do with training . I have know Koolies who are fantastic with housebound older folks..and labs who have so much drive and energy .... I second/third letting the person read through BREEDS 101 .there she can read up on the basics..and learn a lot :) It's a useful resource! My thoughts also run toward a young adult or a mature ,well socialised dog of her chosen breed ... Hope she has fun ! :)

:)

poor lady - though to be fair ..the owner did at least give her some care - the eye would not have looked all bruised & swollen at that stage ... What a shame

Glad you got to it quickly :) Hope all is well.

there's a rescue Tibbie X boy ...HERE