persephone

Cats usually don't attack stock ... but I guess if someone caught them killing chooks- then yep... they would also be dispatched.

I use permoxin spray LINK

Obviously, the desexing will not alter things drastically .. a lot of his behaviour is now learned . Walking them on lead together I see as a very good thing ..they still keep their 'pack' thing going

Your dog is not a human... he will not recognise your invisible 'boundary' Because he is young, and full of energy, and a need to work/herd/explore,he needs you to ensure he is safe from harm, can not be led into temptation, and can not become a nuisance. It is your responsibility to keep him contained - preferably behind good high fences. he has already been allowed to amuse himself and satisfy his instincts by car chasing- this habit usually ends one way- with the dog misjudging, or a driver deliberately running over the dog. I know you call him, but it is already done - he has had fun. Fences are the only way to keep him safe. We live a couple of kms from our nearest neighbour .. our dogs are never allowed to run free without our presence - just on case. Around here, where people have sheep , stray dogs can be shot if found trespassing/worrying sheep. please buy/build a pen for him... walk him on leash everyday, spend some time doing obedience/trick training with him, and then you will know he is happy and safe.

Fleas LOVE under the house- dry, dusty and warm... ideal!! The rest of your 2 acres I would not worry about ....why cover the whole area with insecticide- killing EVERYTHING when your animals mainly live in/around your house? Spray underneath the house thoroughly with a product specially chosen..or get a pest controller to do it. Completely block off access fro dogs and cats. Then, follow the previous instructions... Did you know- with the spot ons for your dogs.. they may work more effectively if applies in two areas..rather than one? I usually apply half on neck/shoulder area..and the other half just at the base of the tail ,on the rump.

..Any chance of having your cats in an enclosed yard or run? That way you have a lot more control over parasites (and risk of accidents,contracting feline AIDS thru wounds inflicted by another cat) They won't be bringing nasties home to share around

Yes.. we lost old Freddie a few days ago .. and now Molly. wonder who the third will be ?

I found my Molly girl dead this morning . We presume snakebite. She was in the bitch pen...safe .yeah, right. Molly was born almost 6 years ago .. and was originally called "Moley" cos as a pup she had the velvety charcoal coat reminiscent of moles. Grown up she had a beautiful glossy black coat- soft and sweet smelling. She was not much of a worker- so became 'mine' and used to be my rabbiting dog . She had a very soft mouth ..and was a terrific retriever! certainly saved me lots of climbing up hills etc after bunnies. She did have a bad habit of barking... a lot and was fearful of strangers .. but that in itself was ok.. I knew no one would get past her to the house She was under appreciated ,and probably could have had a much happier life- but she luckily knew no better, and enjoyed what she had ..her old crotchet rug in her kennel..which she would put back if it got dragged out by her chain ..her Kong , and the odd soft toy of Hamlet's she would kidnap from inside , the deep shade under 'her' apple tree , and kissing me on the hand each time I walked past her ,along the path to our gate, her frozen bone every night, cleaning out the nearly empty peanut butter jars , and ,of course, chasing bunnies. I'll miss her . MOLLY

What exactly have you tried,can you list the chemicals you have tried, and also tell us what you have done,management wise ? That way we won't suggest what you have already done

We use the 'bird netting' I lost my Molly dog last night- presumed snake ..as we recently dispatched a BIG brown from near the pen she was in. Molly was not a worker- she was very soft mouthed, and my rabbit retrieving/hunting dog.I had her for 6 years. She was always sneaking inside and stealing Hamlet's soft toys ... Bloody snakes.

blockage ?

Oh I hope that picture of the foxhounds is photoshopped . Sending a pack over a barbed wire fence is not a smart move....

Ok... justa surmise....if the behaviour seems to occur more on muggy days ... perhaps... he is sensing the different atmospheric pressure .. a bit like dogs who alert to approaching storms? He may well be very anxious about it, but not know why--- it just happens...and he desperately wants to find somewhere safe? How is he with thunder/lightning?

Well, perhaps he needs something more to interact with? Damp sandpit? Different toys? trickling water?

What does he have which can capture his attention outside? What training/walking does he get ?Has he had a good health check? Dogs which are unwell, but not showing active symptoms can be instinctively seeking a secure 'den'/support.

Is there any dog hair on fences,etc? get him to look carefully ... pick up any stray hairs..and perhaps they can be matched to teh chook killers. Paw prints which don't belong to his dog? How awful to come home to something like that:(.

NG treats are all I buy ..and I do use the canned food in emergencies, etc .It's not bad .

It sounds as if the new living arrangements may have exacerbated behaviours he has . Not good. I would recommend a professional assessment if you can -then make the decision.I agree with you - any sign of HA , in a situation where there are kids, is not on.

That's what I thought.. perhaps the dog needs to go back for another injection of AB's ? Hope it heals up ok

Chances of him forgetting you/ ZERO!! You have bonded strongly with this boy- and put in HEAPS of work.... trust me , there is NO way he will forget you :laugh:

I think, as your dog has had an overdose, a vet should be phoned to check on possible adverse reactions !! Hopefully there will be none- BUT... better to know what may occur.... If you are seemingly wasting money on vet visits- perhaps consult a dermatologist ?

We have to take containers away..or he drives us mental - everytime we sit down for a cuppa/meal, someone shoves a container at us and stares at us....

thanks, evolving. I actually took a lot ... and will try & get them in order onto flickr .. a bit brutal... but fascinating .

DAY 3: Sunrise.

I'm glad he made you smile..that's about his only forte