SoL

I had another method cos I'm kind of going through the same thing with my girl but after having read the previous post I'm going to try what Jed has suggested, sound good Oh yeah, remember he's a BABY

We have an Eclectus Parrot called Ruby. Well, she's my husband's bird now. She used to be my baby until she hit puberty and fell in love with Mark, the little tart. Now I can't get near her cos she's too busy sticking her tail feathers in Mark's face trying to court him and woe betide me if I get in her way!

HEY :rolleyes: HELP NEEDED OVER HERE Can anybody suggest what would look nice but not too gaudy against a black/brindle and white puppy girl? I don't want her to blend in with me but not want to take the focus off her, if you know what I mean. Will be looking through op shops soon as I've been recommended to go there for show clothes but would like an idea of what to look for. Ta muchly

Hey there Boy, do I know what you're going through. One of my girls has been taken to the vet 3 times with the itchies. We've done tests to rule out both demdectic and sarcoptic mange (clear, thankfully); we've done the medicated shampoo (she reacted to it!); we've done the antibiotics and ilium (clears up for the length of time she's on it) and now we're just about to embark upon the wonderful world of elimination dieting to see if it's food allergies. Our vet said that, even though she's had the same diet, she can develop an intolerance to it and that may be what is causing the itches. The vet also suggested buying Omega 3 and 6 capsules and adding them to food (not too much though) to treat from the inside. I'm sceptical as to whether this is the cause though as she just loves dragging herself along the grass. Also check your yard for wandering jew. I would also try using an oatmeal based shampoo to calm your dog's skin down. ... and off to the vets with you ... Good luck

No, never tried THAT technique, though a bear hug has come into play during a tantrum LOL

Dear Amhailte and Khan28 Thank you for your replies as yours especially Amhailte was from a factual and educational perspective, rather than an insultory or derogatory one. Naturally I have never tried this technique on anybody elses dogs but my own and the point you make about telling someone else to is valid and taken on board. I'm not in a position of thinking I am perfect and am always open to learning something (you can teach an old dog new tricks after all). I just really resented the fact that a mere suggestion made with the intent of helping led to someone criticising the way I looked after my dogs. I will look into the other ways of teaching, thank you. I breed and exhibit staffies. As you may know, if they get into a fight frenzy, nothing can stop them unless you are prepared to dive in between them. I have 4 adults (boys and girls) and one bitch pup and I am not in the habit of keeping dogs in crates or runs all day, but I also look after my 2 young kids so I need to know that I can diffuse the situation with a word before it gets to that stage so I need to be alpha. I am lucky that my dogs listen to me in that situation. However, I also believe that more discipline when pups equals more respect when adults so I tend to be strict on the puppies and easier on the dogs because they've learnt their lessons. Does that make sense? Cheers

I would hate to be your dog. Have you been bitten yet? Actually never and I treat all of my dogs like my babies and I don't thank you for inferring otherwise. The most dominant dog of the pack is my best friend in the whole world and I used this technique on him once when he was way out of hand as a 6 mth old and he's never tried it on again, so therefore I've never used it on him again. Actually I didn't realise it was such a contraversial move. I'm interested from an educational standpoint as to why and also of the alternatives.

I don't know if this would work for your Dobe but something has to be done. It sounds like it needs to be taken down a peg on the heirarchy. When it starts getting nasty, rouse on it (and mean it). If it carries on then put the Dobe on its back, your hand over its throat (imitating a dogs mouth) and growl like hell at it. Basically, you are acting like a dog and placing the Dobe in a submissive position. The only problem is that consistency is the key and make sure your Dobe does not get jealous of your Lab. The sin bin is also a good idea, as mentioned above.

Don't have a video, but here's a piccy of my daughter Grace when she was about 4 months using one of our boys Burton as a cushion:

Don't have a video, but here's a piccy of my daughter Grace when she was about 4 months using one of our boys Burton as a cushion:

Can you please tell me the basics of using a crate for toilet training? It's essential for saving my sanity (and my chux cloths LOL)

Hi there We have a 17wk old pup and we've just started taking her for little walks up and down the street. Well, it's more of an up-stop, stop, stop stop kind of walk so it takes a long time for such a little way LOL However, I also 'train' with her (ie lead training, stacking up etc) for about 5 mins a day. I would say don't do too much at this stage. They need to grow and be strong before any strenuous exercise takes place. Playing in the back yard should be quite sufficient for the moment.