persephone

A run need not be huge... and it can be snake proofed to a certain extent. OK... if there is room for this setup.. then why not consider a long,narrow run in teh same spot? Something to think on, too.... the more freedom/running you let your dog have- the more he will expect/need. if puppies are raised with 'down time' , regular exercise periods, daily mental exercise in the form of training ..then they adjust well to that lifestyle. pups allowed to roam/chase are a bit like street kids- they can then have trouble becoming socially acceptable

AGREED!! Laycie is now with someone who cares

I think I would be taking her to Werribee for a second opinion, anyway Don't panic yet- get someone there to do an examination..give them ALL her history, including recently prescribed drugs... and then make your decisions.

..also- what vaccinations has your puppy had ?Did the breeder advise you on a vaccination schedule..and how to avoid your puppy picking up possibly fatal diseases while vulnerable? One thing I will suggest is that you take her to your selected vet ASAP and get her thoroughly checked/have any vacc's done if needed, and , if the breeder has not done so- get some worming tablets into her ,and make sure her eyes/mouth/feet are all normal for her age/breed.

Dogs need good quality meat - they do not really need much grain- and do not digest it well... Have a think about it - what do the dog's wild relatives eat? Mother wild dogs do not bring mouthfuls of wheat/oats back to the den for their babies - they bring whole small animals, or pieces of meat/bone/skin Most ordinary processed dog food has some grains in- but ,with research, you can find the ones which are the best utilised by your dog. Weetbix is purely a 'filler'.. edit to add- so this pup was still drinking from teh mother when you bought it? The breeder then did not wean the pups before sale .. and see that they were happily eating independently ? Makes more work for you-- as you have discovered- puppy doesn't really know what food IS .

Ok... perhaps you should have done all the research before you bought a pup- but it's good to see you looking to do things right Any reason why you are not letting your pup be with you in the living areas? is it because you think she will not behave ,will jump on furniture,or perhaps be 'dirty'? If it is- then I will let you into a secret ...... these things are totally in your control if not- if for allergy reasons or something.. then that's fine. Here is some reading for you ...lots of hints,and explanations of behaviour,etc. CLICK here CLICK here and CLICK here

Dogs don't usually learn from being snake bitten- as, unless they are IMMEDIATELY put in hospital, they usually die. Why can't you buy a 2nd hand dog run.. or build one? Would be a LOT easier than dog proofing 5 acres!!Look around for 2nd hand materials- frames/weldmesh.colourbond.... Look in the Stock Journal newspaper perhaps? If he loves to run.. that's fine. YOU need to put the training in so that he learns recall and respect - so then he can run safely ,and you know you can call him back at any time.

So sorry your boy had to go... take care.

Some fibre like metamucil/psyllium husks were what my vet advised ..as this is insoluble and provides both a 'cushioning ' of any sharp bits- and also a lubricating effect on the bowel lining.For a munchkin like yours. probably only at most a scant 1/2 teaspoon ..moistened/soaked for a few minutes before adding to food. If nothing like that- I would be using half a weetbix Something which will bulk things up a bit Most likely there will be no trouble- lost of dogs live on cooked bones!

To be able to touch your dog's food/treasured items.. your dog needs to be able to have complete trust in you and to BE TRAINED to do swapping /giving etc. You trained her to win. You let her take control of the game, and the toy. Training is often VERY easy ... especially when the training is done by the dog She now knows if she pulls hard enough- she gets the toy. If she snaps- you stop annoying her when she's eating. PS - why does your Mum want to let people handle the dog when she's eating? May I suggest you use the TRIANGLE of TEMPTATION to feed your dog...and don't muck around with her bowl/food :D CLICK here When my puppies are new and open minded and trusting..THEN I teach them 'swap'/give. While they wobble around with a toy, I play with them.. then say give/swap, take the toy and immediately praise and return it, or give a treat .. repeat, repeat, until it second nature .I never abuse the privilege ..and if I must take away something forbidden/dangerous, I try & replace it with something ..if no treat/toy, then a little game May I also suggest you use the services of a professional- just to assess you ,your dog,and the relationship- and perhaps give you some strategies to help get things back on track.

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.