poodlefan

and be STRONG. Dogs are resilient and sensible ..and will not pursue a lost cause (usually) Although the OP could suggest to her partner that we said that he should pitch a tent and sleep outside with the pup for at least a month.

Put them out and tough it out.. its the only way I know of.

I happily accept blame. Everything is 'political' - its unavoidable. You may as well be doing something you're passionate about and putting up with the politics than having to endure them anyway.

Nicely balanced too.

Ah, ok Corgis suck!!!!

I googled "lean Amstaff" and came up with this shot. Note the hint of rib. If she looks like that side on, I'd be wrapped!! Dog has obvious tuck, and clearly defined waist.

Your opinion. Last three ribs showing is acceptable to me. She doesn't lack muscle. If her vertebrae were visible I'd say she was underweight. Agree to disagree Feel free. But the dog is not 'extremely thin'. She sure doesn't look anything like a greyhound. Here's the best link I've found on the issue of body condition. My guess is she's "lean" according to to the test at para 5.

Your opinion. Last three ribs showing is acceptable to me. Perhaps to her breeder also. If you're suggesting the dog has been starved, I just don't see it. She doesn't lack muscle. If her vertebrae were visible I'd say she was underweight. Unless you can show me a photo of a dog with a full ribcage showing and exposed vertebrae I can't agree that she's 'extremely thin'. Most Australian dogs are overweight. 40% of dogs are obese. See what the vet says but I'd not be embarking on a "fatten her up" program based on the scales. Most vets accept dogs at a weight far greater than is good for them anyway. She looks to be in what I would call "hard working condition". Certainly not in a condition worth shredding a breeder's reputation over. If she's young and active, its probably only a couple of days feeds between having light coverage over her ribs and having exposed rib.

Me either They shouldn't look like kegs.

No, but I am pretty sure your princess poodle fits the small dog with basic obedience who can run around the house bill! She'd be perfect. She would. I wonder if the job provides her own trailer, groomer and security though.. oh, and a golf cart to get to the set. A girl's got to maintain her standards.

Is that what they're called? I 'learnt' of another app. this week!! I still dont know how to isolate quotes.. I just highlight it, click the little speech bubble and delete the rest. I'm beginning to think we were separated at birth in that regard.

I don't suppose a mad Whippet who "roo roos" really fits the bill.

I didnt know what an emoticon was before I joined here

I'm coming up on my 7th Anniversary of membership of the DOL forum. My that time has flown. Being a member here has changed a lot of things about my ownership of dogs. Since joining I have: * added two more dogs to my tribe including a new breed (Whippet) * changed the way I feed. I was a committed BARFer when I joined but now my dogs also get some kibble * learned a HELL of a lot about dog behaviour and health. * learned even more about breeds other than mine and more about my own. * found an awesome trainer to help with some of the more challenging behaviours in one of my dogs ( K9Pro) * made the leap into the show ring * met some bloody awesome people who are members here * had my eyes opened to many issues relating to dogs in the community including rescue and BSL ETA * bought a lot of stuff that evil DOLers have posted links to or that I've found on advertised sites here. Troy you and this forum Just wondering how DOL might have had an impact on others?

Chicken wings are bad for dogs IF COOKED. Raw they are fine. My vet calls them "canine dental floss" You can buy all these bones in the butcher or supermarket. For a Shiba, I suggest you have the butcher cut a lamb neck into quarters. Specialty poultry stores like Lenards often have the best prices for chicken wings. I buy them in 20kg boxes!!

Canned food is mostly water - a pretty expensive way to hydrate your dog! Its also cooked - not something a dog needs. Canned food also comes out of a dog in a pretty unpleasant form I'd suggest you think about adding some raw meaty bones. Chicken wings would be a good start. Lamb flaps/necks are also good and a suitable size for a Shiba. Great for teeth and jaw muscles. If I were changing anything in your current feeding program, I'd be swapping the mince for raw meaty bones. Adding a dob of yoghurt, left over veggies from your meals, a bit of cheese and the odd egg are good. Don't get too hung up on variety though - most dogs are pretty happy with a stable diet.

Breezy, I think you'd be far better off with a decent leather lead than a chain one. Chain is difficult to control in terms of shortening and lengthening the lead and is heavy - making it difficult to signal to the dog when the lead is loose. If you want to persist with a halti I highly recommend you get some professional lessons in how to use it - a dog pulling hard on one (or God forbid lunging) can potentially do itself some spinal damage. Obedience training sounds like a very good idea for this dog. Perhaps the difference in his behaviour at the beach and with the Labs was because you controlled the greeting. Haltis also tend to suppress some dog behaviour. I'd not be concluding that he's going to be fine offlead with dogs but it appears you aren't. He sounds very much to me like a dog that's missed out on socialisation and training. Socialising him now won't make up for what he missed out on as a pup but training will go a long way to helping you manage him.

Using a dog transport company is your insurance against this. I'm sure if there was a pup at any airport in Oz, a post here would get DOLers scrambling into cars to take care of it for the night. We are using a dog transport company, but then, so did Mercedes. And yep, I know I could count on people on here to help out. AAE made the stuffup, not the transport company - and it will be the transport company's Hobart agent that probably cared for the pup overnight. If someone told me there was a Lab puppy stranded at Canberra aiport overnight, I'd break the land speed record out there to babysit!! Of course, I'd have to beat FHRP and she lives closer

Using a dog transport company is your insurance against this. I'm sure if there was a pup at any airport in Oz, a post here would get DOLers scrambling into cars to take care of it for the night.

Oh no, what a nightmare! Crap! Make sure you ask for the frequent flyer points she's accumulated. At least flying with Dogtainers you have someone in Hobart looking after her. Imagine if you didn't!!

Personally I think its your partner that needs the trainng, not the dog. Put a pup outside and what you're reaping is one possible consequence. What he's doing is reinforcing the undesireable behaviour. I suggest a compromise - dog sleeping inside crated in the living room. My guess is your neighbours will be very grateful. The only way you will get the dog to accept being outside is to ignore any and all behaviour that seeks your attention to let her in. As I said, you wont' have happy neighbours.

It's pronounced Cohburn Dru Any one who leave their dogs tied up outside shopping centres? Read this thread - both dog and owner paid high price for the practice. Any parent who doesn't teach kids NOT to approach unattended dogs - teach them NOW. I know 12 year olds aren't the best for adhering to parental rules but the risk should be conveyed.

Banned from import into the country. Restricted (banned) breed in most if not all states. Don't think you'll find anyone recommending a breeder here, even if the dogs are in the country. Why not go for a legally permitted breed?

1. Stay out of the dog parks. This sounds like a serious incident waiting to happen and as his carer, you will may be liable for any damage he causes to another dog. 2. Get some professional help - both with training and dealing with his aggression. 3. As you've found out, investing in good quality collars and leads prevents accidents. If it were my dog, I'd be contacting K9Pro (member here and dog trainer). Not only can he help you with your boy's behaviour, he can sell you good quality gear that won't break. I note that he's on trial. Unless you're prepared to put time, effort and money into working with this dog to make him more manageable on lead, I'd return him. If he starts in on the wrong dog, there could be a serious fight. Its good that he seems to be mostly noise but you'd need to put some effort in to rehabilitating this dog. Frankly I'm a little dissapointed that the rescue gave you such a handful. :D The right dog would be bringing you pleasure, not stress and worry. Oh and bravo to the foster carer for having a dog that should be being quarantined down the dog park NOT! :

But according to my sources ( FHRP) someone else is!! :D