Toohey

I usually try to make it a habit to read the entire thread before I post, but thanks for the advice I saw Dougie refer to an unknown vet/s as morons for recommending pups be taken to puppy school at the clinic before fully vaccinated.... And, I saw Uforia call Dougie a moron for expressing that opinion (in a now moderated post).

who are you referring to? A lot of times people think they are doing the right thing, however, a little education and experience can change their whole outlook. This statement is just plain rude! The long standing members share knowledge to help new dog owners better care for their dogs. If you think they are deserving of such insults, perhaps you should seek your dog knowledge elsewhere. Not everyone knows how to sugar coat their replies, but rest assured that all advice is offered with the best interests of all dogs at heart.

What about kennel cough? After several recent vet visits I have been hassled repeatedly, to remind me that my adult dogs were overdue for vaccination. I replied that I was not vaccinating every year anymore and faced much disapproval, but was told I should at least be giving kennel cough vacc annually.

I'm sorry for your loss. What an awful thing for a baby to go through, and so sad for you.

because sometimes you don't have a choice. I have tried two other clinics in my area and there were similiar problems. Luckily, I have a breed that I can carry in and nurse, and I always make sure the vet's table is cleaned before I put a dog on it. You cannot sterilise a waiting room, you can only try to disinfect as best as possible, and if the staff actually did that I would not be so concerned.. but when you can actually see the bugs/bacteria it makes you worried about what you cannot see. Moreso with me, as my background is operating room nursing.

The scales at my vet clinic are always dirty and covered in dog hair. I asked the receptionist once how often they were cleaned and she said ummed and ahhed and said she didn't know. I take my own spray bottle of disinfectant and a rag and wipe them down and dispose of the rag whenever I go there now. Just last week I had to let the staff know there was blood drops all over the floor near the seats where we supposed to wait.

Dougie makes some extremely valid points. Puppy owners need to carefully consider all the risks before they make the decision about whether to take the pup out before the final vaccinations have been given, because there ARE risks. Especially when you choose to partake in puppy schools run by vet clinics, which are populated during the day by sick animals. You should not be brushing aside and ridiculing the views of experienced breeders.

I went into Bunnings today and had a look at them, and came home with a set identical to the one on Ebay that I linked to earlier. It only cost $12! I thought if it does the job and the dogs are OK with it, I can move onto a better model later on. They are not happy with the whole vibrating thing, and only one would actually let me do it without too many complaints. Will introduce it slowly, a bit at a time and see how we go. I tried it on one of my nails and it certainly does not hurt, but it is a slightly unpleasant feeling. Thanks for the link Erny.. most helpful.

Thank you. Would this one be OK? Or is it too small... ebay link

Who uses them and how do you find them? Where is the best place to buy them? Thanks

I clip my pet cockers into a show clip. Otherwise they would look like sheep I could never ever bring myself to take it all off though, have to leave their feathering, but I can understand why some people do. I can't stand to see dogs like BC's and goldens shaved off though.

I'm never allowed to finish my own ice creams. Same with the yoghurt. Very willing helpers always on hand to clean out the tub for me

Never mind...

Yep , she sounds pretty frustrated. How often does "most days" mean? Is she an outside dog? How much time you spend with her in general? Does she get to go for car rides, do obedience training, go swimming, play with other dogs... stuff like that? You'll probably have to securely block access to the things you do not want destroyed until you can work out a way to keep her happier and more satisfied.

Thanks for that link Toohey- looks like a lot of good stuff there! I love Greenpet. Their nutritional supplement is excellent.

I got mine from GREENPET

Hi Lello, he needs lots and lots of socialisation. Every day, in as many different ways as possible. He needs to meet other dogs (vaccinated dogs) EVERY day. Probably best to keep him on a lead and introduce him gently to one dog at a time... the training people will give you good advice on this I am sure. Intensive socialisation while he is young is hugely important. Get yourself into puppy school tomorrow if possible... don't wait any longer. And, add to that obedience training where he can meet other dogs also. If you use the forum search button and type in the word "socialisation", you will find lots of previous discussions.

A little more info taken from HERE Sorry, I had to type those quotes myself so was unable to quote full paragraphs, but the fact is that what she is saying in these quotes is fundamentally wrong. How can a puppy grow properly, (and they grow so quickly too,) when they are not fed primarily proteins? Isn't that basic common sense?

No, still heaps of life in it, according this topic anyway. Ahaze, can you tell us what is the main ingredients in the farrells' kibble? Keep reading, there is heaps of info out there and it usually just a matter of working out what is best for your dogs. I'd try different bones or persevere with what you have tried before... might take them a while to get used to them after such a concentrated carbo diet. They really are important for many reasons, and if you want to feed a natural diet, it is common sense they should be large part of that

I feed raw whole eggs twice a week, shells and all without ever a problem, but that's not what this thread is about, so perhaps start another one to discuss eggs?

Ahaze, do you feed any meaty bones at all? How much protein are your dogs getting? According to the Billinghurst BARF diet, 60-70 percent of their diet should be raw meaty bones... Such as chicken necks/wings/frames, and lamb necks, chuck bones, brisket bones and an occasional recreational marrow bone would go a long way to stave off "starving dogs"? Although, many dogs will tell you they are starving, even after dinner! One more question, can you tell us the ingredients of the farrells kibble? I really would not follow that diet at all, the things quoted there are quite concerning... dogs need protein, they need bones, they do not need many carbs, and please never feed onion. It can cause anaemia.

I have a copy of "Natural pet Care" by Pat Coleby, and just pulled it out to read the diet chapter. It's got some ideas which are very outdated and very different form Billinghurst. I bought the book originally for her ideas on natural health care, and did not really follow the dietary advice. Fortunately for my dogs i think.. Here are some excerpts... she is big on carbohydrates and fibre.. Ahaze, do a search online for Billinghurst and BARF, or as Miranda suggeste, buy a good quality complete dry food. .

Once I was sure my older dog wasn't going to kill the new pup, I left them to it. She adores him and loves to lick his face and ears, she drives him mad trying to get games going, and he normally tolerates it really well, but on the odd occasion he will get the shits and tell her to bugger off. Sometimes takes him three goes at her before he gets rid of her but he would not hurt her. Steve is right, let them sort it out themselves.

Thanks Steve. That's pretty much what I decided to anyway then I read the replies here and the brains starts ticking over and you start thinking of underlying disease and metabolic problems. Yvonne, they get different sorts over the week... lamb necks, chicken necks and wings, meaty chuck bones and brisket, sometimes a marrow bone cut up. Dunno if she needs a $170 consult at the moment, but thanks for the link. Sorry about your dog Lenni, but hey, I hope my kids live to 17.. great age

No, don't do that. Just chop them into smaller pieces with kitchen scissors. Chicken necks are a great addition to a pup's diet.