persephone

:) and it is a bit easier for them, again ,as we are the same species, and can communicate ....

Were you surprised they recommended a behaviourist? Behaviour IS a specialised area . vets with normal training ,cannot , IMO, be expected to understand and be able to work with anatomy/physiology of multiple species/breeds ..... AND be comfortable in assessing and helping with behavioural issues . Its like human GPs - they have enough trouble working with physicalities - most are just not equipped to deal with the psycholgical ..or other specialised areas ...and they only have ONE species with which to deal! ;)

Can't help .. but maybe these can? LINK

:)

No idea of show groupings- but I love seeing stories like this , of poodles doing what their breed used to do :) They are sturdy , can think independently, .... it's great! LINK

Thank you folks :) Its given me something to work with.

Oh Dear ..I do hope she can now find somewhere safe to live ...how awful :(

just for the photo :) She's now 12 mths old- going on 6 mths!

5kg dog + flexi lead = YO YO

But, but .... they can be a godsend used ON small children! ;) Yes, I have ....clipped onto a belt at the rear ... and everyone was totally safe . This was the original Flexi leash ..strong and reliable as!

I am so sorry ...Herbert looked just so at ease with his world :)

:) Thanks.

My apologies- I didn't read properly and note age of pup. cnsunshine Definitely hold off on trying aversives ..and get some professional help.

some natural yoghurt , yes :) or a probiotic ..to help increase the 'good' bacteria in his gut , and get rid of the bad . Depending on what normal' food is ..you may need to decrease grain etc for a while to give the bacteria less on which to feed ..?

:) and she gets the attention !! To everyone who is getting bitten ...just keep hands away , perhaps? IMO pups really don't NEED to be cuddled and patted lots ...and then only when they are doing the 'right' thing :) It is their way of playing ...and they must think humans are SO good ..providing wiggly things and fun noises all the time !!! I suggest people don't use hands to play with a puppy ..use toys - do tug ..throw balls , hold treats and squaeky toys ... IMO Hands are for feeding from , for scratches/pats when there is a QUIET puppy with FOUR FEET on the floor , and a puppy who has responded well to a command :) ..hands are there for a secure pick up when necessary ..and a soothing comfort when hurt or sick.... hands help with grooming , and with cleaning ....but not playing. ;) What games does one play using hands ? I have no idea....

I still have my original old green retractable FLEXI_LEASH ..used for around 25 years .... with labs ..... ratbag Koolies, and a PIG or two :) and still going strong . There are so many cheap and shoddy ones to be sourced now. The users of these mostly have no idea of how to train their dog to use one the best way .... and owners let dogs roam and pull. Not the retractable lead at fault at all.... just another example of dog owners not understanding their dog and how to use training tools

..if you have some spare money ..something like THIS would be perfect -worry free and secure and sheltered :) Ooohhh ..I like the look of these- shade AND shelter and look good :)

Mind you .. The breeder may take her back to board for a week , while you get organised ..... sounds less stressful for you both :)

:) thanks ... South Australian person is interested -but I am trying to talk her out of it :p She has two small dogs already .... much loved and cared for ,but is no longer as agile as she once was ..has lots of steps/some very steep stairs and I am concerned about a gangly pup zooming about .... BUT I said i'd ask :)

Well until I went back and read the 'Boxer' bit in the sub-heading, I thought it was maybe very much in the wrong forum!

Just wondering? female/young pretty well bombproof .... where can I ask?Thanks. NOT for me .

the diet stated gives plenty of calcium, it doesn't need a supplement. I agree :) add good treats , and some large recreational bones, the odd slipper and toy .... :p

It IS hard work , raising a puppy :) BUT relax your expectations - she is a baby , and will do baby things until she is more experienced ... She possibly has no idea what to do with toys ....and her concentration span will be a few seconds!!!By all means leave her outside ... make sure she has a meal to eat ..a BIG RAW bone - almost her size ..sh she cannot try & swallow it whole ..and her bedding, plus an item of clothing you have been wearing. When you leave ...it is much better for you both if you do NOT fuss..or say 'mummy will be back soon - give me an extra cuddle ' Just have everything outside ready well before you go ... take her out - give her a bikkie or her meal ..and , dont look back - just out the door and go . Same when you get home ..no excitement or anything ...just walk without speaking striaght outside and get her to toilet ..THEN praise, and hello, and walk inside.... This helps teach babies that humans leaving and returning is just an everday thing ..like walking from one room to another :)

:) as well as your post grad work - I suggest you read up on what makes a puppy tick!! Did you do any research before getting your little girl? I find it seems to make things run smoother - a bit like being faced with a Uni test paper, and suddenly realising you have forgotten the recommended reading list ! ;) here's some more IMPORTANT reading for you - you are now totally resposible for a living being , whose welfare is in your hand :) http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-should-I-do-when-I-bring-home-a-new-puppy_18.html http://www.training-your-dog-and-you.com/puppy-development.html http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-to-expect-from-your-8-week-old-puppy/page1.aspx

OK... is your backyard puppy proof, with good fences? No reason she cannot be in the backyard . for some time when you're busy, .playing with toys, sleeping in a cosy kennel/basket ....exploring...chewing leaves and grass ... Puppies learn much about their world by using theor mouth- as they have no sensitive fingers ;like human babies :) SO.... puppy proofing your home is a very important project ! pretend you have a 12/18 mth old human baby in the house . The potential for injury/damage is high! make sure all electrical wiring is out of reach ..don't leave shoes etc lying around , NO rat poison /chemicals/cleaners anywhere she can get to .....put bins up high or behind a gate ...that sort of thing. I always like to START as you mean to GO ON. teach pup that 'alone time can be fun ..and no, you are NOT going to nurse it much on your lap as when it weighs 30 kg it will be TOO big: NO you are NOT going to be there to amuse it all the time ...instead , a VERY LARGE bone with meat on ...or a rope toy , or a sandpit will do nicely :) Finally ..remember it is a BABY ,,and it needs to BE TAUGHT ....not just either expected to know, or be physically locked out, etc all the time :) Pup needs to be SHOWN which are the things which get it a reward .... and which not :)