The Spotted Devil

Not forgetting Barkley at 4 and a bit months :laugh:

5 weeks: 8 weeks: All grown up (nearly 8):

Artemis is probably on the small side of medium. Can measure later if you like. I mix in a bit of Pro-Plan Sensitive with Zig's and the size really varies - used to be small then changed to really large and now probably the larger side of medium. Em eats all the prize food so she's tried nearly everything - I think she's currently eating Hills grain free - which is on the small side of medium. My dogs are fed out of Kong Wobblers or stuffed Kongs etc which slows them down no matter the kibble size. ETA: For cats I'm not sure the size of the kibble makes much difference to their teeth. I know mine do the one crunch and swallow with large dental biscuits and I suspect that's pretty common. Would rather feed chicken necks.

My bitch only wears pants to stop her dripping discharge and the associated scent all over the house - saves my lad some angst but definitely no protection against mating.

I don't know the name of the drug - sorry - but it acts to stop bitches coming into season. Someone will probably be able to name it or give a few vets a ring.

I know of a breeder outside Australia that will have her bitches needled on occasion - not sure of the risks etc but she hasn't had any problems with hers including very successful breedings. Most good working gundogs that I know are good regardless of desexing status and the entire males (particularly if they've been used at stud) will only be a real PITA when the bitch is ready to mated. Even my Dalmatian will happily train with me when Em is in pro-oestrus….he will still train when she is ready to stand but is just silly and I only do it to keep him busy. As pers said though, accidents can and do happen!

I was about to suggest a muzzle and then saw your post! I would be LIVID! What is it with some people?

Yes same! I had a pup here for a bit that loved it but my 2 would rather melt than use a clam shell.

I feed at night because we often go out and do stuff early in the day (go to trials, or big forest runs) so I don't want her doing that with a full tummy. Also Elsie is not a morning girl, and as I said earlier she will leave her breakfast until around 2pm normally... So if I try to feed breakfast before a trial (around 6am) she doesn't touch it. Yes same as DD my days are variable and the dogs may be training/exercising hard in the morning/afternoon or evening. They know that they will get fed as soon as we get home in the evening after competing or training - usually an hour to travel home so they are well rested but it could be very late. Before a trial they will get a dry biscuit and lots of awesome, nutritious treats after they run in a ring. I also read a study that suggested feeding Dalmatians once a day at night slightly reduced risk for urinary stone formation when fed the appropriate diet.

Mine like them when they're young and silly but lose interest as they get older.

Mine eat once a day in the evening plus treats for training through the day when it's convenient for me. ETA: Youngsters or confined dogs (eg bitch in season) will have their meal in food toys over the day to keep them busy.

Not to enable or anything.... :D but I really like "30 Days to Phenomenal Stopped Contacts" if you're after ideas for proofing. I bought the e-book.

Completely OT but you can't post for the first time on DOL with a name like dallymumma and expect to get away with no photos…. :D

I go to a couple of different people depending on what the issue is. I've found a physio through some agility folk but that really is for muscular issues - she is amazing but uses a lot of strength to get things moving - I might be a bit wary if you're not sure what's going on. Em went in on 3 legs and ran out on 4. Zig slept for 2 days and will be having another visit as his is a recurring tightness that I've never been able to quite pinpoint. As megan mentioned my Bowen practitioner is really good at giving relief from pain in an incredibly gentle manner - she is in the Brighton area. Dr Georgia Davis from Optimal Chiropractic is also a vet so another option for you - she does a lot of in home visits too.

You can also set up a few compost panels where you want pup to toilet to create a play pen - minimise distractions for a busy pup.

Yes it's amazing how kids will open up with an animal in the room...even adults are much more attentive when I take my cats/dogs/pups to lectures and tutes :)

Frozen chicken frames are a favourite here. Frozen turkey wings also.

I agree with Mrs RB. Kid - pup interactions should be in a controlled setting. Kids running around the playground = pup separation.

I would keep her on the flat collar now - reward for keeping her head up for a few steps (with amazing treats when she is really hungry) and then release to SNIFF. Double whammy rewards can work really well.....so well, in fact, that sniffing, peeing, scraping and flirting are huge rewards for my Dally after running in an obedience or agility ring :) ETA: Be sure to reward the head up rather than lure the head up. Surprisingly big difference! Also practice in a low distraction environment first...,hallway etc so she learns the cues in an easy setting.

Very briefly....make sure you clean the area with Urine Off, block access by popping him in a play pen indoors when you can't 100% supervise and continue to take him outside very regularly and reward for toileting in the correct spot. With pups that are having troubles use their daily food ration - I will feed a big handful at a time to reward the correct behaviour and they soon work it out!

That's so sudden and so sad Hugs xxx

Mr TSD was walking my 16 year old ACD. Down a mall. And she did a huge crap. Outside a Fairy Shop. He had to go inside to beg for a bag. They were hosting a kids birthday party. Never. Not. Funny.

Here 'tis Gruf!

Tay they're brilliant pics but I'm afraid your pets are going to need therapy after all that Loving all the pics - Steph your elves are a crack up :laugh:

Not sure you call 10 Maremma babies and 6 Beagle babies all trying to rip the chrissy presents apart festive - but they sure are cute. That sounds like my dream Christmas, who are you kidding! I hope there's some treats under the tree for your gang! :) Road trip Steph