Staffyluv

Thanks.. Zig had an issue when visitors gave him bacon once - he was so sick, so I have always monitored the level of fat in his diet. He is just on chook mince and a little soaked kibble (when he feels like eating) for a few days. Our vet just called to see how he was. He has pretty well slept the whole day.

I did K9 and it looks fine - there is no indication of any nibbling or even walking in or on it.. I have pulled some out and put it in a bucket but the rest of it is firmly planted behind the shed - I don't think it is going to be that easy to get rid of. I am planning on some raised garden beds in the backyard for some veges, so I might just put one in that corner in front of where the lily is - that way, he will never be able to get near it (just in case).. He just got up, had a little drink of water and went outside. The lovely old BC over the back came up to the fence to see him. Funny, that dog and Ollie hated each other but she is fine with Zig.. He is curled up on the lounge again now.. He is still very groggy and slow..

I will ask our vet about it LG - this isn't the first time he has done the frantic grass eating, with a rumbling tummy. But this was most definitely the worst case he has had. He has done this a few times now but it has never escalated to him labouring to breathe and shaking. I am just glad it is over and will make time to discuss it with our vet and if he needs to, I will move him from raw food to a kibble based diet (with some raw bones). I agree, my nerves and credit card can't afford this happening again. I was sick at the possibility of him not making it (I was fine until the vet had me sign paperwork to say if I wanted him resuscitated if he crashes.

Thanks everyone, he is home I doubt it is the roo guys, I buy from the organic butcher at the markets or get the roo steaks from Woolworths (human grade meat).. The vet said apart from his dinner last night all that seemed to come out of him was grass - she thinks he had been eating it all day judging by the amount there was. He is sleeping on my lap (I doubt I will be working much today) as I type and the vet said he will probably sleep most of the day. Bland diet, if he feels like something to eat (in small amounts) for a few days and take him straight to our vet if he shows symptoms again. Hopefully he has learned not to eat so much grass (but somehow I doubt it). Thanks all so much

Thanks all, I can't sleep. Poor little guy. Moosepup it is very similar symptoms (the grass eating and frantic sort of behaviour) but much more exaggerated than it was - I wonder if it is related.. He was sick (not as bad as this) the other week.. I didn't even relate the two until Moose pointed it out. I wonder if there is something in the yard he is eating - the only plant out there that would be an issue is the Arum Lilies.. I might pull them out tomorrow to be on the safe side.. If anyone in Canberra or Quangers wants some white Arum Lilies you are welcome to them (I might put a few in the front yard).. We have some ants in the yard but there really are not any bugs around at the moment - could be a spider?? Sorry guys, my mind is working over time.. I hope he is getting a good rest and feels better in the morning. We haven't really been separated (apart from 2 short trips away) since I got him 18 months ago..

tlc our yard is very enclosed, with locked gates - unless it was a neighbour over the back fence, there really isn't anywhere that someone could get to him. I sprayed a few weeds out the back a couple of days ago with some Zero but it has rained since then and I did as the instructions said and didn't give him access to the area for about 4 hours (the bottle said 2 hours or until the product was dry).. Even the vet said it is unlikely it was the Zero as it was a couple of days ago and it has since rained and he only became sick tonight.. There is no poisons around that he could get into. The one thing I did think about a while ago is my Arum lilies out the back but he has never touched them before (I know they can be toxic to dogs).. I will check them first thing in the morning and it looks like they have been walked on or nibbled on, I will pull them all out.. He hasn't been anywhere as he is on rest due to a leg injury the last week. He had his breakfast as usual this morning (a few lamb ribs). Then he came into the office with me and a few times we got up and played ball and did some little bits of training. Dinner was about 6pm and he had 120g of roo steak. Within about half an hour of this he started to salivate a lot and run outside to eat grass. He came back in and run back out to eat grass again then came back for a drink of water. He did this 5 times over the space of about an hour - I called the vet at this stage and they suggested I bring him in just in case he has eaten something he shouldn't have.. It is literally a 5 minute drive and by the time I got there he was reaching his neck out to breathe and trying to be sick without success. His eyes were red, his gums were a bit pale but not to bad, his breathing was laboured and his temp was up. He started to shake at the vets so that is when she suggested they keep him over night, knock him out and flush his system.. I can go back between 7 and 7.30am to see him and if he is better, he can come home with me, if not, I can bring him to my vet (where the cost to keep him won't be as much).. I doubt I am going to get much sleep - I just hope he is fine and doing well.. they did say they would call if anything happened..

Shivers sausy dog. I hope the little one gets better soon. I just made a cup of tea - I feel sick.. He has always eaten grass when he has had an upset tummy but he was practically mowing the lawn tonight and he was a bit 'frantic' - just not himself. So I called the emergency vet and she said to bring him over.. $700 for the night (I don't pay that much for my own motel accommodations).. She said they will put him on a drip, knock him out so they can flush his system (not sure how they do that).. I was fine until she had to ask me if I wanted him resuscitated if he crashed. Then I lost it and said of course I do..

I just had to race Ziggy to the emergency vet. They have anaesthetised him to flush his system as they think he has ingested something toxic. I am a freaking mess right now.

It says all three dogs were on lead - how does something like that happen when they are all on lead?? Does no one have effective control of the leash? Someone must have had some sort of control as they tied them to a fence.. (hope the lab makes a full recovery poor dog). Did the BT attack and kill the American Bulldog when they were tied to the fence? That story leaves so unanswered questions. There seems to be quite a few of late.

Having a dog diagnosed with a terminal illness and being told that dogs with his disease at that stage live on average 12-18 months, I can tell you sheer willpower on the humans behalf to keep them healthy and happy make a big difference. I changed Ollie's diet, added holistic treatment, walked him every day (even if all he could manage was to get out of the car and sit at the park in the sun). He was a happy boy and I truly believe that caring for them and keeping them happy makes all the difference in the world.

the german coolie has been here for 200 years now. at least when we look at a coolie we know what it is until we run into an Australian Shepherd. but at least they not only look very alike are even the same size. Although I saw an identical twin to those dogs involved in the liverpool attack not that long ago and his owner thinks hes an english staffy? that grew incredibly tall? You could stack two and half english staffies just about, to reach his shoulder height. wonder what his dog really is, APB, Amstaff or Ambulldog? whats the differences? besides starting with A? good old google http://www.bulldoginformation.com/american-bulldog-types.html “This makes the standard type American bulldog very agile and structurally sound. They have a very strong prey drive and can be dog aggressive, which is exactly what American Bulldogs needed 300 years ago to protect the farm from wolves and coyotes, and to do catch work.” just what we need to keep undesirables out of our property today. Maybe what we need to do is make it mandatory everyone should to wear "I am not a coyote, a dog, or a wolf" prominantly in future. They were only doing what they are bred for. Although is this really necessary 300 years later? For inez, American Bulldog american bulldog by Jodie Moore Photos, on Flickr Pit Bull pit bull by Jodie Moore Photos, on Flickr Bull Terrier bull terrier by Jodie Moore Photos, on Flickr American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff) American Staffordshire Terrier by Jodie Moore Photos, on Flickr Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy/SBT) Staffordshire-Bull-Terrier by Jodie Moore Photos, on Flickr To me they are all quite different but I suppose if you were not into bull breeds, you might confuse a couple of them..

Sadly HugL, it is the cost of enforcing the current legislation that seems to inhibit most councils - they just seem happy to take the rego money and let it be (unless a complaint comes in). Don't get me wrong, I agree with you but we have to start somewhere and I think educating some of the herd and 'hope' it trickles down to some more, is the best we can hope for at the moment. The councils are only interested if they have to be - when something happens. In my Utopian dog world: What I would like to see happen is jailing (not just fining) those who raise dogs that do damage, like those in this particular attack. Assess the dogs (don't just PTS immediately) - why did they do what they did? Is it environmental, training (or lack of), diet, breeding (from unstable parentage), pack mentality, fear, aggression or all of the above and more? We need to know why this happens so that we can educate to prevent it. Start educating in schools, so the kids take the education home. We have registration for dogs (council rego) - how could we enforce training? Make basic obedience part of that rego? Fine those that don't attend so the council makes more money to employ more rangers? Just some examples - I am sure as dog lovers we can come up with plenty more.. But how do you get the powers that be to enforce something when they don't have the funding to do so?? We have a responsibility to the animals we bring into our homes to train them, feed them, vet them and make them good canine citizens - so they don't go attacking every jogger that runs past the front fence.

Bully breeds of some description.. (Not having a go at the writer above, just pulling the statement because that is how Joe Public see it). Sadly that statement alone shows how little people realise what they are doing to a whole range of dog breeds and types by stuffing 'bully breeds' into one category. That is everything from French Bulldogs to American Bulldogs and Bull Terriers, Amstaffs to SBTs and Pit bulls all in the same group. They are all very different breeds/types and in each breed/type, you are going to get some dogs that are alike and some that are not.. It isn't about the breed, it can't be that simple. There are so many variables in 'bully breeds'. Education goes a long way these days. I agree with an earlier statement that the owners of these dogs need to feel the full force of the law when horrors like this happen. If the law isn't strong enough, then it needs to change to start making an example of the people that own these dogs and don't protect the public from them.. Edited to add for inez, you need to ggogle French bulldog. They are about the size of a pug..

Perhaps before you go on a rant, you might like to do a bit of research on the 'breeds' you are bashing on about. People (and the media) who refuse to educate themselves on what is what in the dog world are part of the problem.. Perhaps if people knew what a pit bull looked like, then they wouldn't be blamed for every single dog attack in the country. I disagree with your notion that Australia didn't need certain breeds. We don't live in a Nazi state and can have the dog of our choice (apart from those that are now restricted). The restricted breeds are: Pit Bull Terrier Breeds, includes the American Pit Bull Terrier Japanese Tosa Dogo Argentino (Argentinian fighting dog) Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian fighting dog) Perro de Presa Canario Any dog that is any part restricted breed, declared by a Council under Division 6 of the Companion Animals Act Any other dog of a breed, kind or description prescribed by the Companion Animals Regulation Just so you know - here is a picture of a Lagotto (sweet little things they are). :)

Our lives revolved around our old stafford for a long time, while he was undergoing chemo. It took ages to pay off the credit card that we took out to help pay for his treatments. These days with the new guy, I find that I am still just as happy to hang out at home and do stuff here rather than go away. I like taking him to obedience and for walks - he comes with me a lot when I go out (if I can take him). I have met a lot of great people through the dogs over the years. Most of my friends have dogs and they are more than happy to bring them over here for a play with Zig, while we sit around and have a BBQ/lunch or dinner.

That is good to know - I was looking at them at Petstock last week and thought about one for Zig but he would probably break a tooth. We will stick with the usual lamb and beef ribs from the butcher..

Ollie dog was without doubt my heart dog. But Ziggy saved me when my whole world fell apart after losing my husband and then Ollie dog just 3 weeks later. I think I do love them as much as I loved the other. I have adored the foster dogs as well - there really isn't another feeling like helping a little lost soul find a family to call their own. Earlier dogs were all loved and adored as well. Louis was certainly our character dog (SBT) and he and my youngest were the best of friends when the youngest was crawling around. We had SBT growing up but also had 2 Dobes and a Rottweiler live with us (these were my brothers dogs but the whole family used to look after them). I think growing up with dogs in my life all the time - I really could never be without one.

I'll try that MUP - thanks! T. Yep, boil your kettle and pour it down the ant hole.. Might have to do it a couple of times but it is pretty effective. All cute but my fave the little Black and Tan one in the far right of the 6th photo. Also the tan baby.. No idea about breeds, never been much good at the guessing game.

I have 3 leashes. 1 of the long line gripper leashes from K9Pro and it is great for long line work. I also have 2 Ruthless Leather leashes. 1 standard, which Ruthless gave me with my first collar purchase as a birthday promotion they were having and a 3 way training leash that I bought with Zig's second collar. I have to admit, the 3 way leash is my favourite and I tend to use it much more than the others and it is so soft on my hands. The quality is nothing short of amazing and Zig and I are pretty hard on his equipment, it stands up to everything Zig dishes out. He can be a puller sometimes on lead when he gets excited and I know the lead isn't going to rub or burn my hands if he does this. He will also take the lead in his mouth if he wants to go and he has never even marked it. I have seen the K9 Pro leather leashes and they are pretty awesome as well.

I don't know why any parent lets any small child hold any dog - even little ones can get away from small kids. I watched in horror today as a known DA Sibe at training was being held by the owners 6 year - got loose and attacked a goldy that was tied to a fence. The Sibes owner took her sweet time going to get her girl as she was training her male Sibe (who in contrast is very dog social)..

Kirty I am sorry for what happened to you and Toby - I hope with time you heal both physically and emotionally. I remember seeing my old stafford attached twice, it is a pretty horrible experience. Being an idiot bull breed owner, I can still sympathise with you and Toby..

I will see if I can find Zig's thread because this was exactly his problem.. He still gets excited at the prospect of meeting other dogs but he no longer gets to say hi on his terms. He only gets to say hi if he walks in calmly.. Not like he used to, jumping all over the place and being out of control. There is loads of great advice in the thread, one of the best things was NILIF.. nothing in life is free. We don't use it anymore but it did help heaps. I had the added bonus with Zig of him having no interest in treats whatsoever. I could dump dog chocolates, salami, cheese, kibble (you name it we tried it) in front of him to get his attention and still he was a nightmare. I will be honest and say, I felt like giving up a few times. His intense focus on other dogs, even had our behaviourist telling us not to go to obedience as it may make him worse. I have had wonderful help from our trainers at obedience. We started by not standing in the group, we were about a metre or so away from them and every time he did the right thing, we moved closer. When he did the wrong thing, we moved further away. Check out the reactive dogs thread here in the training section as well. Reading that thread gave me a better insight into watching Zig and looking for his cues of when he was going to jump or lunge forward. They all have their little tell signs and when you learn what they are, you can correct the behaviour at the right time.. That was one of Zigs biggest problems, me! My timing was terrible and since going to obedience, I have learned how to correctly time a correction. I am still learning and have a long way to go. But here is the clincher.. Zig started obedience earlier this year and at his beginners assessment, he came first. That uncontrollable dog, with no focus, came first.. It can be done.. Read as much as you can, watch you tube videos on training and another great source is the K9 Pro blog.. Steve Courtney is a genius IMO. Good luck and I will hunt down the link to Zigs thread tomorrow when I am on the computer.

It has taken me a year to find a food that Zig considers worthy of giving up his tennis ball for and of all things, it is home brand devon. That stuff is just nasty IMO.. But he works for it, so I use it. He gets bored with it quickly though so we still do half our training with a tennis ball. He really does prefer his tennis ball though and if it is a squeaky kong one, even better.. A big treat for him is also some RC kibble mixed with cottage cheese and stuffed in his kong.. He has worked out if he stands on the deck and drops it over the side, all the filling comes out, without him having to work for it..

Construction commenced in January 2013.. Can't wait until I can get it.

I like it.. I just go the email to say that everyone gets a free terabyte of space.. I signed up for Flickr Pro ages ago because it used to limit the amount I could add each week and have loved it ever since.