persephone

HI... could you give us a few more details ? How old is your pup? How long have you had her? What breed is she? What is an approximate plan of her day? Where does she spend most of her time? Is she home alone much? What training have you done with her so far ? Thanks:) Just gives us something to work with, and saves you being asked again

doubled up!

Not asa regular thing, but Hamlet likes apple, carrot, grapes,frozen beans, any cooked veg. watermelon, orange, banana...his favourite is tomato!!

A four month old puppy is just doing what comes naturally..exploring/challenging his world! Unfortunately for him, human rules of engagement are different to canine ones YOU need to acquire the knowledge to communicate this to him... not just the ability to effectively 'correct' him or to physically control him Your idea of someone visiting is an excellent one.... we just have to find the most suitable 'some-one' Guess it is hard for you to spend time alone with the pup..as you have young kids?

Haven't seen them in action, but haven't heard anything good about them either

Has anyone tried to make their own jerky? I would think it would be a useful treat to have Obviously the recipe would need to be modified, but you could experiment! I LOVE jerky..esp with a bit of chili (we have friends who make it..have not tried to do my own) http://au.answers.yahoo.com/answers2/front...8E7Y&show=7

kangaroo is very lean!! turkey? rabbit?

Oh Oops..I misunderstood..when you said you were taking..I presumed you would be wih him. I agree with Erny, too. I don't think this is a good plan... HOW will they teach him about not digging/barking in YOUR environment? HOW will they teach YOU to anticipate and correct his behaviour? NO way would I leave my pup with anyone if I had not observed them working with dogs and were happy with them. Ok..for the money you will spend at the farmstay..how about you engage the services of a professional behaviourist/trainer to work with YOU and your DOG as a TEAM, at home, where you are both more comfortable, and where the problems occur? I'm sure if you give us a rough location, someone could recommend a professional in your area PS... a week is not a long time to 'train' a dog out of certain behaviours and into good behaviour patterns :p

Tess, I THINK she meant that they are both staying at the farmstay for the week ? Could be a good plan, IF the person doing the training is capable of good people -teaching skills Use of check/correction chain? I guess if there are several/lots of different dogs there, most lacking training, the check chain would be handy for the owners to help control the dogs.... ... Check chains are only as gentle/loose/harsh as the person holding the leash! Flat collars can be used effectively We never used treats for training (except for going into a pen/kennel or vehicle)..and don't use a check chain either, these days Then again, our dogs don't have to cope with city life!

Widget did the same with the cats..she is definitely submissive to them :rolleyes:

I agree here... Sounds as if some leadership needs to be re/instated.

Oh... how horrible for her RIP dogs

Yep..he is very much in control!

I think I must be very cruel I put a collar on, and it stays on! The pups often will run around, or lie down, or 'buck' for a minute or three..but they are ignored totally, and eventually realise that the other dogs are doing things, and they may be missing out..so , of course they come over to investigate! I just leave them be, and they then realise that THEY are in control of whether they sit there and feel bad, or start moving and have fun.The collar is on them regardless... With a leash, the same applies... when the leash is on, it stays on. If they choose to make the experience uncomfortable, so be it. If they choose to move toward me, similarly to what Tony describes, then we have a lesson being learnt, and everyone wins Young Widget always comes and puts her head in her collar at night time...she gets fed, is given her bones and Kong,and is on the chain overnight...she is around 7 mths now... I hope you soon get your pup to associate the collar/lead with some of the better things in life

I thought he'd enjoy the challenge . Well, he gets10/10 for persistence! Ok.. Have you tried hanging out the washing with him on a leash alongside you? I would be doing this, and making him do a down stay!!! This both shows him that he CAN behave nicely around temptation, and that YOU are in charge of the washing. I would then crate him or whatever so he has NO chance... We currently have a young Koolie dog, who will possibly be going to a farm with horses. from day 1 when he arrived, I took him to see the horse we have, and when she was present, I made him down/stay. After only a few days, whenever we would walk over to the horse, he would lie down and ignore her Hopefully he will now assosciate the horse with being calm. (hopefully) I wish you luck with your boy..but would also recommend he get some really tough/ working-type toys to expend his energy on. does he have some 'work' to do? Does he have heavy things to toss around, or something strong to chew?

Sounds a good plan to me With dogs, I think that the more clues they get that "SOMETHING" is about to happen,. the more they will throw a tantrum I would also suggest that a few times during the day, you confine Obi to his area...very matter-of -factly..no baby talk, no pats goodbye, no admonitions to be good/quiet ..just have treats and toys ready, pick him up and put him in there..walk away immediately, and DO NOT respond at all to any forthcoming hysterics He will hear that you haven't left, but are going about your normal routine..and he should settle and enjoy whatever nice things you provided! He has to learn to be alone,.and to be independent. He also has to understand that what you say goes..and he has no say in the matter IMO. all comings and goings should be done with as little 'conversation' as possible...just everything low key and matter-of-fact. The more we give away in our conversations/body language, the more our dog will pick up on that and react. It's not easy to listen and NOT respond...but it is important! if a pup whinges/screams/scratches for 10 minutes and you finally give in........................ well, next time he will do all that for maybe 1/2 an hour, 'cos he thinks you WILL eventually give in Only pay him attention when he is being quiet, and preferably just lying still..... then, when you let him out..just do it, and walk away... don't pick him up, or anything...wait a few minutes, and if he is very settled, then tell him how beautiful he is and he IS!

Very pretty girl!! She certainly isn't way too fat..but neither is she lean ..maybe a bit more exercise now she has recovered from her spey op? Sorry I'm not much help... Thanks for putting up the pic

Hi... I don't think anyone can give you exact quantities to feed her :D She is still growing...don't forget. If you can feel her ribs easily..and she has a waistline, is active and shiny, then she is eating enough Do you have a picture of her that you can post ? Then we can SEE what she looks like Oh, and remember...she is a dog, so lots of bones to chew..

Hi.. any pups we have are always started on REALLY big bones..that CAN'T be swallowed at any stage..so they get used to the idea of chewing for extended periods..not gulping. I don't believe in cutting bones into chunky pieces...in case of a pup trying to swallow it whole

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is such good news

Bonnie working dog used to be terrific...til Purina got their paws on it . Sorry..can't help.

Oh I can identify with that. Sorry.

May she prove them all wrong!!

I'm sorry you are feeling so bad have you considerd contacting a grief counsellor or someone? They may give you some strategies for getting back in control.

Fingers crossed for her!!! Glad there is a little positive news )