Henrietta

Glen of Imaal Terrier?

Naww, cute. I don't have any pics of rare breeds, so I will quietly sit this one out. Someone else can continue if they wish.

Lowchen?

Everyone, thank you, thank you, thank you! For your suggestions and stories, I really appreciate them all. We live in Bundaberg, Queensland, so unfortunately some of the rescues mentioned will probably be out of the question (keeping in mind the potential stress that transport would bring). I will have to look closer to home I think (a car trip away perhaps), but I will be doing some research and finding the right rescue/breeder and the right dog for Nan. I agree with a medium dog too. I know I have to be careful with my little one when I visit. Due to where we live, I don't think my Nan would be suitable as a foster carer and I also don't think she'd want to let a foster dog go (this is just my honest assumption). But again, I appreciate the ideas! I understand how she feels and I too would be very sad to not ever have a dog again. I certainly didn't wish to deprive her (I don't think I could've anyway, she is truly her own women). I wish I could guarantee a home in the event of Nan's passing and perhaps I could, but it would be irresponsible for me to commit and as a family we need that extra back-up. Edit, I think a greyhound could be ideal too...

Well, she does have a lot to offer a dog, I know that. And the family will be there to help out with daily tasks if necessary and vet trips, etc.

Gremlins

Gremlins

Ok, this is perhaps looking possible. Perhaps I was being selfish. I will certainly talk to my nan about an elderly dog. Well, I might do a little research first and present it to her.

Hi DOLers, My nan recently lost her dog. It's been a tough time for her. She is now saying she wants another dog. She is 88 and not in prime health. I would have to exercise and train the dog (I would be happy to do this). This sounds terrible, but my gut says it isn't fair for my nan to get another dog, at her age and condition, because neither of our families can guarantee our ability to take on another dog when she passes. I feel this is unfair to the dog in question. When I move out, I have a reactive dog which may or may not accept another dog. My parents don't really want another dog after their current one goes to the bridge, at least not for some time. I also feel desperately sad for my nan. The best I can offer is to go visiting with my dogs, she has always liked that. What's your opinion on this?

I think it is just plain disrespectful to the owners of the property for a start. The point about allergy sufferers is also very important. I truly believe as responsible dog owners we need to always put our best foot forward and make a good impression on other non-doggy folk. I think we should always do our best to present ourselves as considerate people, not just thinking about ourselves and our dogs.

Aww, Happy Birthday Miss Daisy!!

Yes. I can also see that this lack of knowledge could lead to very much a 'watered down' dog because that is all that our society can handle, perhaps? Maybe I'm being overally paranoid in this respect, but I feel much of what some find undesirable in a dog is just a dog being a dog without any thought given to training and management and meeting the dog's needs. Can I just say that I have been guilty of having a supreme lack of knowledge about dogs, the best thing I ever did was to make a commitment to learn as much as I can about dogs, starting from the basics up. I'll never stop learning to be sure, but what I have learnt will prevent the same mistakes from happening again.

Last night I had the radio on our local AM station which broadcasts some talkback host from 2UE (I think). Stuart someone, apologies I can't remember his last name. Anyway, he was really going on and on about how pitbulls are ticking time-bombs. That was the crux of his opinion. And I just thought how many, many dogs can be seen in that light, not based on breed at all. Dogs that aren't a part of the family, dogs that are chained up and just 'kept', lack socialisation etc. It would be just brilliant if we could see the discussion move toward this, I agree PF and Fran... it would be much more valuable.

I can understand this guy, I really can. In the heat of the moment it can be extremely frustrating. I've been called a bitch for making my point a little bit more strongly in the past. Well, it was more in the tone of my voice. I said the usual, 'Please keep your dog away' only to be assured, 'oh, she just wants to say hi'. 'My dog doesn't want to say hi! She is UNFRIENDLY. PLEASE take your dog away'. 'Ahh, your a #*$%&* bitch' I actually laughed at this women. And moved on to another place. Some people won't listen or comply to your request or even comprehend what you are saying, no matter how bloody clear you are. 'Please keep your dog away, she doesn't like other dogs' or 'she's not friendly' just don't seem to work for the vast majority of people. My only saving grace I think, is I go to places that have a very low probability of other dogs being around offlead. I would have given up going out in public a long time ago I think. I've been told time and time again that I shouldn't pick my dog up either (and I agree theoretically I shouldn't) but unfortunately now I do. I try and do this before the other dog comes, as calmly as possible and I usually shove her face with food. I practice this manouvre without dogs coming as well. It's not worth my dog's life. I'm not really cut out for this behaviour modification, I suppose. ;) Edit - I should add that my dog is never offlead in public.

This. Tricks have actually had a practical application for me as well. I have highly reinforced a number of easy tricks so much that I can get this behaviours from my fearful girl in most situations. They are a great warm-up exercise in new places. I have also used them as an ice-breaker for when visitors come over. We do a few tricks and we are all calm, so we go and greet our visitor in a lovely calm, appropriate way. Having said that, I'm sure I could have acheived similar results with a different approach.

The brushing should be fine (well, I love doing it) but clipping does freak me out a little because I don't know how. Scissoring is not a strong point either, as my girl can attest. When I get the scissors out to trim feet hair the results aren't particularly stunning. So this grooming thing will be a huge challenge, but I do have the time and dedication to put the effort in.

No Sammy, no showing. But I plan to keep a fullish coat on a TT. I would say that the TT would be more grooming overall than a mini. Edit for spelling

Hi Dogs4Fun, Sorry, I did say relatively low maintenance... I guess I should clarify. I actually expected poodles to be more work (for a pet). I would expect to be grooming between clips of course!

Hello. I think it may be time for me to become more knowledgable about grooming. I have finally narrowed myself to two breeds for my future dog (in 10 years time most likely lol). Both have different grooming needs, but both have more grooming needs than my current girl. My choices are..... Miniature Poodle and Tibetan Terrier. I want to ideally learn how to do my own grooming, but still use a professional groomer occasionally so that s/he is used to this. One breed needs regularly clipping, but is relatively low maintenance in between (unless they get dirty.... inevitable of course ) The other (the TT) needs more regular brushing and trimming. To those who found themselves with a coated breed, how did you learn and what was your experience like? Anybody is welcome to answer, not just for those breeds with similar coats to the ones mentioned. Thanks.

I'm trying this tonight.

If Odie is going to a home that is better than you can provide (and by the sounds of it, he would be), I cannot see the problem whatsoever. Of course it will be hard for you, but he is in the family still so you can visit and you needn't worry for his future. Edit, wording wasn't the best.

Thank you everyone. I just realised that I don't shut my girl in her crate at night either, she sleeps in there but is free to get water from the water bowl in my room. I am confusing myself because the other night I stayed over at my grandma's and I did have to shut her in and sometimes when she stays with my parents. Our last pee stop is pretty late (11pm) and I let them out at 5am for another and then I'm either up for the day or we go back to bed if I'm not needed anywhere else. Can I use the excuse that moving rooms has confuddled my brain?? I do, however, need to look into this for our training and when we go visiting. I will look for a no-spill bowl, it will be handy for my bigger crate and a water bottle contraption will be good for the smaller crate. Dyzney, the iceblock is a great idea too.

Hi, I have two crates for my girl. One is a wire crate which is honestly a touch too big for her. I use this as her bed (if she isn't in mine already) and make it nice and cosy for her. The other one is a smaller soft crate, lovely and cosy, I know she prefers that one... But I only use it for short car trips and at training in winter because, although I can fit a water bowl in there, if it spills (and it does) it makes the whole crate wet. When we go to training in the cooler months it isn't too bad, I just have water available outside and make sure she has many opportunities to drink. But I will not have her in her crate overnight without water. But, in the warmer months I have to switch to my larger wire crate so I can fit a water bowl in and leave enough space so that if it spills, it's away from her 'nest'. All the time I have used it I have never had a spill that would make her uncomfortable. It would probably be easier to just keep using it as a bed, but my room is tiny, so it makes a difference space wise. I guess I could just ditch the bedtime crate and let her have my bed all the time. Any ideas for a water bottle for dogs that hangs or is relatively small and spill free so that I could fit this in her small crate? Thank you!

Oh Lord, Zoe is a cute scruffer! (I love scruffers). I don't think my friend is ready for a dog right now though, she is just starting to research. I will be sure to let her know about rescue options though. I love Schipperkes, but I always thought they were quite 'sharp' dogs in general. What are their temperaments like? I always get the impression that they are a dog that needs a lot of mental stimulation. Thanks for the info on the Welshies and the Brittanies. I have considered the Brittany for myself (along with some other Utility gundogs) but have decided that, in this point of my life, something smaller is for me and I have it down to a couple of breeds now ( I never thought I'd see the day).

Thank you everyone, some great suggestions for breeds that I hadn't considered either like the Brittany, the flat-coat and the curly-coated retriever. I will suggest attending a show so that she can see what she likes, talks to some owners/breeders and meet some dogs. What are the grooming requirements like for the setters?