persephone

Hi.. I wouldn't recommend going near a new dog with scissors! Too risky, especially near eyes/nose. get some clippers, or even a razor comb... take it slow.. start off by brushing face with your hand... then a soft brush... then a comb.. then trimming.. all progressions done as the dog is comfortable with one level. IF the matting is already bad.. then a professional groomer shoud perhaps start off. It is surprising how many dogs behave when in a groomer's rooms...

So sorry to hear the little one is so ill. Did the vet say what it was? Did they test for Parvo? Don't bring her home too soon!! Little ones go downhill so quickly .... Sending thoughts to her and you.. Hoping to hear better news later.

How long have you had the pup? I would say everything sounds normal at this stage... depending on what you are feeding him.. if he is getting lots of liquidy stuff.. puppy milk..canned food,etc.. he may need to toilet more frequently... not sure. as for playing,, pups have VERY short attention span at this age have a read HERE, if you haven't already

We did have another sheep.. about 9 yrs old.. however when the OLD sheep.. Emma got her wings a month or so ago... and then Gladys.. The other sheep left home.. and has gone to live with the 'wild bush sheep" !!! Funny old thing.. at her age, and an 'always in your face,velcro pet sheep'... she won't even talk to us if we call her name ! I was thinking of another goat... but really, it's nice NOT having to worry about cars being jumped on/trashed, chook food being stolen, garden being eaten.... etc . Collie is nowhere near as bad as she was with this sort of stuff, thank goodness. We shall see how things go...and I will try and keep her fat.. slows her up a bit :rolleyes: luckily she knows and responds to "OUT!".. which means "stop what you are doing!and/or find a gate and get the hell out of the garden and/or/ leave the bucket of dog food ALONE...etc" ;) She also comes when called, and walks on lead... so we'll see.

AFAIK.. most rabbits are intensively farmed.. some have large runs in barns.. growers are fattened in wirefloored cages... I think.. from memory. :rolleyes:

persevere.. he is a teenager, and male! it will take consistency and calm leadership ..he WILL grow up :rolleyes:

Cairns are very robust little tanks ... IF he isn't given junk food... like sausages and coloured/flavoured treats... he won't eat them providing his teeth are in good order.... Try him with chicken wings.. turkey necks, lamb flaps...all RAW and UNCUT. Ignore his cute fluffy face, his tantrums and his whining. if you want to spoil him.. give him an extra brushing session, or some doggy massage

laker... thanks for that .;) We have but one left, Collie.. who is about 3 /4 yrs old, and just hitting her prime. Now she is lonely... and would love to be with the dogs , as she was when a bub...BUT she also would enjoy grinding them into the dirt:( She is very violent with her horns (these are feral goats.. not dehorned). I have to put a lead on her if we go for walks... as 6 dogs, one old cat, and a very animal aggressive fat nannygoat does NOT work If I leave her behind, tho.. she screams... and you probably know what THAT sounds like !! Some re-education is in progress.. but I don't think she can ever be gentle with teh dogs again.. too many years of locking horns (literally) with gladys and Pippa...

I have bolded these two comments he 'knows" .. what proof do you have that he knows? ALL food is fair game for dogs... puppies moreso. The 'intention" bit .. were you smiling, and encouraging a swap? what was your body language? I am of the opinion that while puppies should , from day dot, be taught to show what they have in their mouths, and 'swap' at ONE request... dogs eating their meal or a bone should be left alone. Your pup is now viewing you as a threat to his food.. food is his ultimate prize..and YOU are a competitor, IMO. BREATHE.... be calm. he is a baby still. he needs guidance and education. BOTH of you need some more practice in interspecies communication You may want to start doing THIS with your pup. It is a positive but non negotiable way to show him exactly who is in charge of the food ;) The only other thing I would say... based on MY experience.. is to keep the pup away from food areas! make the food IMPOSSIBLE for him to get! if it means keeping him on leash or in a crate for some time indoors.. so be it. If it means keeping dogs out while food is exposed in the kitchen..so be it. he can't get the food if it's locked away, basically ... he is still a baby... and needs to have good habits taught to him... which will bring the rewards that his current BAD habits are doing now :p

well, if you want organic/free range for the dogs.. just buy kangaroo. guaranteed organic AND freerange !

Hmm.. her fussy eating, and now mince alone will possibly lead to all sorts of deficiencies.. and being deficient in vitamins/minerals will cause the body to not work properly. I have no ideas for you just at present... sorry.

Everything you never wanted to know THIS

fussiest dog thread for background info hamishn andy.. with her needing to put on weight, being 'fussy' and not liking to chew bones etc, and having sensitive gums...and that tummy upset..... she may have some general underlying health problem.... maybe ? has she put on weight since you first posted?

The treats our dogs get are sincere praise, and gentle stroking for a job well done You don't need a bag or pocket, and they can be taken everywhere

Hi and welcome..Sorry to hear that.. what did the vet say? If it is cancerous.. an early vet visit is better than a late one for your special girl .You have been her angel thus far

Poor old boy- his system could be just winding down now... I would agree to get him OFF all grain/coloured food, and feed meat with some veges

Good- hope he's ok.

Could she maybe give her her meat quota ON bones? So the dog, altho not crunching bones, is working the sides of her teeth chewing/slicing meat off the bone?

casnpete.. I am glad you went to the vet. Have you spoken to the breeder about this problem? It is very sad that they didn't notice it happening,or tell you about it . Mia will be much happier when the irritation is removed, and the tears will be much less. We will need more photos of her now ... very cute girl!

It looks to be very bad tear staining, for such a young pup! maybe I'm wrong... I don't know much about the breed ,apart from the fact I think they are very attractive - but I would be very concerned about some problem with either the tear ducts, or with things like entropion. Please get a vet check if you haven't done so... Will the breeder refund you money if there is found to be a substantial problem? Did you have it vet checked upon purchase or before?Did you SEE the pup before you bought it? See the parents? Have a look at some puppies of that breed here

Thanks..

is he microchipped?

Could it just be she reacts very visibly to changes in either her temperature, or outside temperature?

What is used ? We have to start using one on one of our workers who has developed collie nose As well as an external application of goodies, and internal mixture..extra vitamins& Cod liver oil... when she's out working she will need sunscreen. Directions were to use one low in zinc... and to stop dog licking nose for 15 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!! Any brilliant ideas?

op = original poster DD + 'designer' dog... one who is made for the consumer market.. a mix of breeds.. Have you talked to teh breeder of your dog? I was wondering if perhaps there may be others in teh family with a similar problem??Allergies can be like that. Have you tried pup on a purely fresh diet ? Using chicken or turkey.. and lots of bones, etc?