persephone

Another here who thinks a veterinary behaviourist would be the best possible person to consult. The only one I know of is in Melbourne.... link No doubt there are others

X2 !!!

Oh - that's not terribly positive, is it ? Glad you have a plan - when is she doing her follow up visit? Keep us posted.

All the more reason to contact her breeder They are the ones who know what their pups should look like.... and what may happen down the track. There are Dogue folks on DOL, so I guess they will share experiences too for you.

What does her breeder say? have you sent them a photo?

Hi- it's hard when they get old... more frequent checks are good, to catch problems early . Your old girl sounds stressed.. old age can bring all sorts of things-with body bits wearing down and malfunctioning . With the incontinence and general change of habits/restlessness, I suggest your vet sees her soonish. "just Old Age" can be managed to make things easier ... or if this isn't possible, you can make informed decisions. best of luck with her...

LOL!! Brings back memories...

That's awful news to hear .I'm sorry. What is the condition?

Canned food is a lot of water, with some cereal/vegetables ,meat bits . It is not good for their teeth- there is nothing to chew ! It is not really good for your wallet , being so much water Dogs have GOOD teeth- IMO they don't need mince or canned food or soft food at ll... If you are feeding a good brand kibble , with a sensible list of ingredients, they do not need any canned food . Chicken necks are good for small dogs- larger dogs can happily chew on chicken frames /carcasses/lamb flaps or turkey wings.These bones are healthier than coloured/flavoured chews ... or chewing on plastic

He's a beautiful boy - he is having a ball ..... that's all he knows He will feel ill one day .. and then you will have to step back and do what you have to do for HIM, not you . When he can no longer run /swim/cope with the pack .... when he is missing out on the fun, and his eyes get that faraway look ...the look that says"I am concentrating on something else... something mysterious....I haven't room for your world now..I am tired" then you will give him his well deserved wings and a chance to rest :D I like to give my guys their wings when they can still crack a smile..and be interested in a car ride or a meal ..I refuse to let them be invalids . Corvus wrote : Indeed ;)

Sounds like one of those stories...someone buys a cute fluffy puppy .... then treats it as a toy and not a DOG with needs.Result - a poor dog who is frustrated and who develops all sorts of bad habits because it has nothing else to occupy its mind. Good for you in doing some work with him! He sounds as if he needs more, though... to tire out his brain AND body. Lots of training ..2 walks a day.. and , as suggested, perhaps introduce him to a crate ...slowly.... If you are thinking of a collar- then consider WHY the poor dog is barking.... yes, it may stop him, but IMO he will still be frustrated/bored/ and somewhat anxious... Perhaps consider getting in a trainer to help? Where do you live?

*stifles a giggle at the mini-monster* definitely feed her separately ....

Stanlo- glad she's home again:) Take it slowly ...and if she relapses, don't try fixing it yourself ! daisygirl- glad your dog is feeling better, too.

agreed. My heart goes out to those who work with these dogs- you are damned if you do, and damned if you don't

Tsar's Mum- Sounds as if she may be a good find - Fingers crossed for you!

I hope the 'someone' is not just a quick fix franchise person :0 I hope they are someone experienced in both the resource guarding, and spitz dogs ..and I hope they spend the time with you that you need Oh.. and looking forward to pics of dog& kids at some stage

melt..have you read this? from siks3

No, not really ..while the house is there, that's where he feels is 'safe', where he should be Start small... praise/treat/play if he is happy in teh front yard...then if he's on the drive, then the gateway, then 3 steps out onto the footpath.... will he follow a toy dragged along the ground ..on a rope or something? perhaps encourage him to do that in teh backyard. When he really enjoys it..put it away and only use it out the front Play with him..and drag it along the drive etc... then onto th e footpath...then along the footpath..and STOP while he is still having fun!! Toy and dog back inside, until next time

and total submission.....eventually

Must admit to thinking this as well...

Welcome! How old is the pup? if he is not fully vaccinated ( after 16 weeks) and is still a baby- he is at risk out walking, in case he picks up parvo. Can you carry him along the street, so he can see/hear things (without him being on the ground at all?) For exercise, do obedience training in very short bursts in your yard...and play fetch etc

human feelings/needs? It showed a dog being a dog ,reacting to certain things as dogs do.... Nothing human about her I could see.... I'm glad she found a home Cute little dog. did you also see ? ( much better with sound OFF)

There are worse things than a needle ..and this poor dog has been there.

Donna, I agree...