The Spotted Devil

Agree with all of the above for clean up - the Connie pads are great (use them under the cat litter trays) and the black light and Urine Off are great for clean up. I wash bedding in a tiny amount of standard Earth Choice delicates plus a heaped tablespoon of bicarb and put a slurp of vinegar in the softener compartment.

Along with the love you felt for her and gave her, this will help you through those times when you miss her so much. Vale, indeed, Anna. :rainbowbridge: Beautifully put. It hurts so much but it always does when there is such a bond and so much love. Sorely missed Anna. My thoughts are with you Beth xxx

Rest peacefully dear Anna Thoughts are with you beth. I really feel your pain

I offered mine a skinned and scored chicken Maryland (Em's usual dinner) at about 3.5 weeks. They sucked on it with great gusto so I started them on a tiny ball of minced chicken the next day and they never looked back. Em was a super Mum and fed them and played with them until they went to their new homes.

I do believe that is correct. And there is also input from the National Breed Clubs as well. Yes I was at the Dalmatian Club meeting.

With regards to Dogs Vic, breeder clubs were asked for feedback re minimum ages for breeding.

Oh gilly I'm so very sorry. She's had such a wonderful retirement with you. Knowing you're making the right decision won't make it any easier I know but you're doing a very special thing for her. Hugs to you both xxx

Look for Codes of Practice :)

Hi soothie - good advice above. As someone who competes in retrieving trials I NEVER throw balls for my dogs - that twisting and turning action as they pick up the ball is very unnatural and can cause injuries. My dogs are super active too - the more mental stimulation I give them the better. So a sit, throw toy, toy stops, fetch would be my approach amongst all the other stuff I do - but definitely no chasing balls until you get that rear leg checked out properly would be my recommendation.

i don't worry too much about nutting out what's going on in their heads - rather just work with the behaviour. I would approach the known scary spot...dog takes a step towards/looks in that direction, reward, then move away from the scary spot - reduce the pressure. Rinse and repeat. If the dog can't take a treat increase the distance to decrease arousal.

Classic age for it! Keep up with the mind games and have a calm, quiet consequence in mind. Don't make a big deal out of it. Don't say anything. Just remain cool as a cucumber, pop her in the crate and go back to bed. And where are the photos???

Ha! My vet and his team know better! If it's any consolation a lot of these reminders are automatically generated.

How old now Rozzie? I'd probably look at crating at night - sleeping loose is a privilege not a right in my house. One night Ginny was going silly with the cats - more than usual - quietly put her in the crate. Never had a problem since. She's still excited by them but gets that she needs to chill on the bed. Also, make sure she is mentally tired not just physically - when Zig was young the times he'd hump a cushion were about frustration - not enough training or being left out of some activity eg making his dinner in the kitchen.

I met a GD the other day (show dog) that had huge jowels and it just looked awful. Nothing like the majestic dogs I'm used to seeing.

Hate Tramadol for me too. Some animals have different anaesthetic reactions too.

Sars - I do the vast majority of my training and proofing away from clubs (obedience 100%, agility - private small group run classes only, retrieving 100%). I have my own ideas about how I want to do stuff. I can set up distractions, rewards etc and can squeeze in short snappy sessions around a busy day...last night I did some shaping....videoed it start to finish....9 minutes and 3 dogs.

Good on you RS! They don't forget the FUN! Shoulder is well and truly frozen so not having much fun - Physio is like being tortured on the rack :laugh: - mentally exhausting having pain for this long but still managing to train with one arm. No trialling until I can get a left back happening. Even scratched from agility trials with migraines - yuck. Trying to look at the bright side and concentrate on foundations with Ginny Muppet. She's still crackers and boy can she move!!!! Did some super single marks yesterday - steady, nailed the mark, beautiful line and delivered to hand nicely. She will be a while maturing I expect. Exactly what I wanted so no complaints here

100% agree. Hahaha. Definitely :laugh:

yess.. becoming immune to cuteness and big eyed appeals takes much practice ...... It does indeed :laugh:

I agree with Pers - I want my pups taking responsibility for their actions...learn the consequences and display SELF control. My litter were all sitting to be picked up and cuddled from 5 weeks...hardest bit was training the HUMANS :laugh:

Don't worry - normal puppy behaviours for which there are plenty of positive reinforcement based training solutions :) First, Google shaping/dog training. Second, how old and what breed is your puppy? Third, where are you? I can recommend trainers in Vic.

I put one of my cats on a Z/D diet. Allergies can often be multi factorial and you need to tackle each aspect as they "feed" off each other. So - fleas always being the first port of call, I treated for that. Some animals only need one bite to start the scratching cycle. Then - make them feel better - break the cycle - meds are great for this and discussed it extensively with my vet before making a decision. Lilly ended up having an anti-inflammatory with a side effect of reduced anxiety. Mainly because I suspected the latter was a problem. So after 3 months of pure Z/D we started introducing what were then novel proteins. Chicken was fine. Regular dry food (Artemis) was fine. Beef made her throw up and itch and pluck like crazy. As did lamb and turkey. Quite likely her anxiety made her reaction to foods and fleas more dramatic. But she's a very happy little camper now I'm pleased to say :)

3 dogs, 2 cats no insurance. I've done my sums and it's just not worth it. And yes I have had some hefty vet bills!

Wow! How interesting - I will have a hunt through journal articles and see what I can dig up.

Yeah my little fat slugs were certainly not playing with toys at that age. Their eyes didn't open until very late either - which the breeder of my bitch told me would happen.