persephone

I used to live in a big bad city ..but was never afraid when walking my dog at 5 am , or 10 pm ... I could doze away a Sunday afternoon in city parks, or in my car on long trips - and felt protected . Maybe I was dreaming, but I FELT fine :) My dog would alert me to anyone approaching - he would growl , and he would also bail folks up at home if they got as far as through the big gates ,and into the backyard... (he never bit anyone)..but would keep them flat against a fence . What was my protector? An 18 kg Cocker spaniel X bordercollie , who I obtained as a young adult . A dog does not have to be huge and potentially uncontrollable to be effective. ..and unfortunately, unless you have a recognised condition, you can not have your dog (especially a 50 kg one) with you at all times. So, you are fresh out of school? Young people often move house/go on holidays/ need to rent / get partners ... what provision have you made for the care of a VERY large, possibly protective/aggressive dog in some of these situations? It's all fantastic if you are physically and psychologically able to train/handle a large breed/guardian- but consider housemates/family/friends . Will they be able , or even want, to have that responsibility?

My advice? Secure quiet carrier/crate ,and less people = less excitement /stress for puppy . That first few hours/days should be calm ,and immediately set the house rules etc in place . The vomiting and peeing/pooing is a very common thing, and , as well as being unpleasant, does also distract the driver .Something to consider.

aawwwwww :) How wonderful is seeing those pics first thing in the morning !

...That was an interesting exercise , and I hope your OH has now been shown the error of HIS ways...a night or two sleeping in the laundry might help :p

:) thanks for that story !

It's a worry - hopefully there is a test , so the owners know exactly what they are dealing with...

It's so hard , isn't it? Knowing how far to let them go along the road to loss of control and enjoyment ...how far do we let them travel when their bodies are too weary to process food properly , and when they are finding normal things tiring... Thinking of you ...

Was he excited? That may have played the part of exercise..... (not that I know anything of E I C ) Another thing to consider, amongst other possibilities,is hypo glycaemia . A friend's dog used to collapse ..they thought he had heart problems, but found him to be hypo. A change in feeding times etc helped :)

this afternoon....

That was a long time ago ..and I think, with a vet behaviourist help , things settled down.

yes . Dogs dream, and most owners will have seen the feet paddling, eye twitching involved..also heard the whimpers/muffled barks of a dog dream. hamlet tends show a lot of dream activity after a rabbit chase .... ! Nighmares, I will say yes. I have seen dogs , after a very traumatic event, like escaping from a house fire , have screaming nightmares ...... what you are describing certainly sounds like dreams :)

:) Glad she's been to the vet , and hopefully she will now be feeling more comfortable .

:D

I am no 60 lb. weakling ,and am able to change car tyres, however I can not change a 4WD tyre - they are too heavy for me to maneuvre, and the wheel nuts are on waay too tight, usually , so I can understand folks not being able to do it ....however, that is why I have my RAA membership :)

Things are drying out, now, K9angel.... thanks :)

Wish we had a rainy day! :)

I haven't felt like walking dogs for ages ..so it was nice to go with these two for a little stroll late this afternoon :)

I'd forgotten bouves..... have worked with a couple, and they were just lovely - certainly need wise handling , but these had lovely temperaments :D

Ok..yet more info for you - LINK here LINK :)

you aren't a member of RAC WA ? Those folks can be VERY useful for flat tyres & such " :)

Welcome :) having any dog, let alone a very large one is obviously a serious undertaking - good on you for doing some research! To help us help you - some more info would be good .. What dogs have you trained previously? How much experience have you had with the large breeds? If you've had other dogs - how did you find fitting in the exercise/training times , and kids ? :) How old are your kids? what are the neighbours like ? Are you aware that having 'something rare' may make your place a target for thieves? Where would you want the dog sleeping? What do you think of maybe getting an adult ,rather than a pup?

I also recommend a thorough vet check before the trainer comes! A trainer a: should not work with a dog who has a possibly contagious tummy bug , which they will then carry to other clients .., and b: it is unfair to the dog and trainer to work with a sick dog.

that poor dog was so tight .. I wonder what would have happened had he been poked from behind :p

Also - you can have the best lens and nicest looking camera, but , if it doesn't 'fit' your hands, and the controls are confusing , you have wasted your money . You would be wise to handle several cameras ... and find one that you immediately feel comfortable with . :)

Your girl does sound very stressed..and this needs careful and professional treatment . Dogs which are fearful ,and show aggression can be tricky to handle .. I also suggest you call in someone experienced ....