persephone

Not much I can say ... just know we're thinking of you ..

Hi I can just see those delightful beardie grins and waggy tails! I suggest you contact a professional to come see you and your dogs at home.. and give you help in tackling the problems you have. On D O L there are several good people in vic/melb. two I can remember and recommend are cosmolo LINK HERE , and nekhbet LINK HERE

I have often had similar thoughts when reading corvus' posts. Why would you put a wild animal through all that stress just for your own amusement/interest/ego??? I think it is cruel. I wish I hadn't clicked .

So - he gets rewarded for this behaviour! ;) Continue with teh ignore. It's easy to do - just totally avoid eye contact/speaking ..as you come home & do what you normally do . when he DOES stop .. and just sits or starts looking at something else, other than you for a few minutes... THEN quietly say 'hello' . the main thing is NOT to 'feel sorry' for the dog. Enforce house rules etc .. obedience training ... only reward (by cuddling, talking to , etc) when he is is doing what you want , or think is suitable . perhaps lying quietly by himself .... or sitting away from you.. or looking out the window ... or not attempting to climb on you or the furniture without being asked first... This way he does get your love and affection... but not just because you feel sorry for him. A much better way , I think ... (and harder for the human than the dog )

mulch/sand would get smelly very quickly. gravel is ok if your dog doesn't try & eat it..as it can be hosed. pavers would be my suggestion.. as you can then take them with you ..or sell them on. They can also be hosed/disinfected regularly .

Anal gland smell gets teh vote from me too ;)

If your dogs squeaks when walking ... then it has rust, and is a machine :p

macro shots are still captured much better by my old fuji S8000fd point&shoot. .... The Canon does reasonable closeups and some zoom ;) We all work together .

We call labrador retrievers Slobradors ;)

Right now support / advice/ medical assistance might help take the raw edges off those wounds.....and time will do the rest ...like any wound - it does need some help ..

tomas- that's interesting ... I have read about dry food changing the pH of stomach acid, (but must admit to having fed a mix of dry/raw for many years and have never had a dog with a diet related tummy upset.)

what a beautiful tribute . I am so glad she went quickly, and at home, with you ... she did it in her own time , and saved you the decisions .... may I suggest you go to a Dr. & have a checkup? You have had a rough trot..and YOU now need a bit of TLC ..

whatever you do - you need to do it gradually .. to avoid tummy upsets ! So 2/3 current food- 1/3 new food for a few days .. then slightly less old food, more new food, etc...

no experience whatsoever- but just G88gled it - here's a LINK to what's inside.

I work on the idea that we play what the dogs like-and what they are good at ? I'm no help - have never taught a dog to play 'fetch' .. they either do , or they don't - I'm lazy ;) I love playing 'soccer' where I dribble the ball around and they chase it ..or I kick it and they run .. then I tell them 'leave' and I kick it again Most of ours love that . Do they normally carry things around a lot? if not, then 'fetch' may not be something to continue with. They need to enjoy carrying things , IMO. You could try a soft toy.. or an old sock instead of a ball ... How old are the dogs, and yes, what breed?

perhaps ask your vet about the harness rubbing?They would be better placed to answer, I would think... My old dog never wore a harness, and was covered in lipomas .

Awwww

Oh That is a big hit , so soon after Whitey. perhaps he missed her and was calling her .... for you and the kids run free Gypsy ... I will be thinking of you .

I think it's a good plan .. BUT study THIS THREAD on raw feeding well before starting .. introduce it gradually to avoid tummy upsets , and don't forget to ask lots of questions he'll love it!

if he has these symptoms- he needs to be checked by the vet. Hopefully it is something easily fixed with antibiotics

..could also be a lick granuloma .... the vet visit is the best idea

Our dogs LOVE the damp and wet after a run they come home looking like mud-men ..

I have had dogs with multiple lipomas.. all lived to OLD age and never had a problem