The Spotted Devil

I see your point but I guess I live in a whole other training world. My dogs are always given guidance and so are those owners and dogs who train with me. "No" or "leave it" simply become associated with the undesirable event and actually become a cue! Mr TSD left his dinner plate on the floor (go figure!) and I turned around to see my dogs making a CHOICE to not lick the plate. No worried faces, no commands, just dogs who have self control. It's not how I've always trained but it's how I will train forever more. It's more fun, more reliable and way less stressful for all of us!

Thank you Monteba Could you please adjust mine to Due 11th, Born 11th! Thank you!

I would disagree. Leave it and No are both verbal cues. They mean nothing unless you train it. You could say "bananas" and have the same effect. I would be absolutely keeping this dog on leash, putting buckets of value into recalls and engagement PLUS doing counter conditioning with other puppies/dogs. I would suggest that a decent trainer is necessary to help your timing, management and use of reinforcement. "Why" the dog is doing this now is a moot point. I can't read dogs minds even with years of study and practical experience. So I don't waste my time. I just ask "what have I got? What do I want?"

Hey everyone I will try to update here when I can but it's really tricky to cover so many social media platforms plus keep my puppy people updated. And there's something called rest and sleep that I'm sorely missing. So! If you would like to be puppy spammed you are welcome to follow me on FB. Shoot me a PM

Brain dead is permissible. I know the feeling

Thank you. I'm going to have them cremated. They are just so perfect.

Sorry to hear that. RIP little one.

Sending you my best wishes for a good outcome @Rebanne What a stressful time for you and your girl.

4 strong boys, 1 feisty girl and sadly 2 perfect looking girls still born. Em is just amazing

Eyes falling out of my head...sorry In the end we had 7 beautiful babies but unfortunately 2 perfect little girls were still born. The last was a late entrant only an hour ago. Very grateful for our 4 strong boys and 1 feisty girl who are all ready to be taught the ropes by Aunty Ginny.

So is she

We will be keeping each other company tonight I expect @Rebanne!

We both finally settled and relaxed at about 2.30am. Lots of toilet stops for Em. Very snuggly this morning.

All fairly quiet here still...

Nesting by proxy...

Not a comment on the case but in the diagnosis of PTSD. What absolute rubbish. There is no denying animals can experience fear and trauma but that does not mean they suffer from PTSD. If you listen to the experts on PTSD it's about experiencing too much (flashbacks, hyperarousal, hypervigilance) or experiencing too little (avoidance, numbing, amnesia) and dissociation amongst other things. Many of these issues arise BECAUSE humans have a higher level of consciousness and self awareness. As PC said, not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD either. This sort of diagnosis is unhelpful because it doesn't actually identify what is wrong or help the animal. It's a label. Treat the symptoms not what you think the animal is thinking/experiencing and you'll have a much better welfare outcome.

Doesn't she look flash against it! The person who picked it out has fabulous taste!

She looks so uncomfortable but she's very relaxed and happy...it makes a difference it being her second litter...

Too funny! Lucky Warrior Em is normally 16kg on the dot and she was 20.7kg today. But sooo skinny! 3 meals a day plus sardines, chicken quarters, eggs etc. She normally lives on the smell of an oily rag. 1 cup of dry food plus training treats.

Does Phoebe have leftovers? Em is eating like 3 horses....and is still all spine and ribs....even my vet commented today! She just gives it all to the babies bless her

Definitely 5, possibly 6 and don't be shocked if there's 7 Think my vet is having a bet each way!

My working Spaniels don't mind a snuggle under the doona either