persephone

:) Sounds like the boarding kennel is the way to go . perhaps do a weekend stay beforehand just to let them/and you used to the new feeling first ;) edit: and if one of your dogs is 'impressionable' just BE CALM and matter-of-fact.. no fussing/ extra cuddles as you leave ..that sort of mummy stuff - he will worry then , because you are . Better to just put them in the car..walk them in calmly..take them where you're told, and just turn around & walk out ...THEN have your breakdown ;)

Just make sure pup is only with her for a short time ... then give her a rest, poor thing. It's up to you to do it gradually and in a way where teh springer has her peace & quiet. :)

I do not use any formal obedience stuff.... "resting" , or "down" for lie on the floor .. OFF for jumping off furniture, or people "Give" for giving me what is in their mouth

feed her in a treatball/kong? Give her carboard boxes to rip? Lots of BIG bones she can chew but not break bits off ? Make up iceblocks ? ( chicken stock (no salt) or water in an icecream container .. together with some pieces of fruit/kibble/chicken/treats .. Freeze, and enjoy :) )

I agree with this concept for a few reasons . :) there are people on here who are involved in rescuing/fostering dogs .. and doing it this way, with a reputable group , you get someone choosing a dog with attributes you want , and that will fit best into your home. You also get support . Getting a dog from a newspaper or online selling platform is probably not a wise plan for you , being so new to the dog world.

LINK TO LETTER dated Jan 05 2012 from HERE

..or it may simply be a malformation in skull structure. Mother Nature does make the odd boo-boo .. poor baby.

Don't panic yet - :)

..or perhaps the fur gets wet when she toilets? if you are actually rolling her over .. her brain may be interpreting this as her having to be extra submissive, so she pees just a tiny bit , as submissive puppies do . try just gently stroking her under the chin, and on the chest while she's sitting /standing .. rather than rolling her over, and see if you still notice it ...

Hydrocephalus?

My guess is also you would need something with a short coat and ears that don't dangle in grass/collect grass seeds/dirt. Smaller dogs are often bouncier/quicker in movement than larger dogs...and may more easy escape fences it is really difficult to simply dog proof 5 acres :( Having a dog that is not yappy and snappy, and will only alert you to snakes without trying to kill the snake , and will remain in your yard, and be trustworthy around kids/chooks/cat ..Phew!! That's a LOT of learning/training on your part ..and if you have not had a dog before , I would advise doing HEAPS of reading, questioning, and spending time with different dogs , before you start thinking about a dog /pup. I'm glad you came here to start your education :) If you're patient , there is a wealth of info on the forums which will help you find what you need :)

Welcome to D OL Rosalie Willow :) (must admit to liking Rosalie/Rosy )

I keep on going back, and reading, and forgetting, and going back, and .... :)

I have hired staff on my dog's say-so ... ;) A person that my dog was wary of or aggro toward would not be a partner.

She is a very sensible dog! :D

Ohhhhh- you have done/are doing such a great job!! She looks so much better, now, and looks also to be totally relaxed and happy.

Thanks for a happy update :)

:) She'll feel more comfortable by tomorrow .. good thing you went today .

:) Glad there's nothing too drastic :)

Ouch looks bruised, too .

:) that makes sense .

isn't 'df ' dear friend, in txtspk?

Whatever he is, I have to keep looking his photos - such a wonderful shiny and smooth coat ...and a happy face :)

;) these are also things which a body does when coming out of anaesthetic, pain or not ..all the systems are somewhat out of whack , and it takes a while to settle down again.

TAILS OFF THE LEASH