poodlefan

Which Royal Canin was it? My poodles are nuts for the Royal Canin Poodle. They dont' make a Whippet though. I thought Medium Puppy might be best for a Whippie due to the higher fat content than the adult.

Moselle: I have many issues with it. However, until its against the law, my personal feelings are not sufficient reason to call the RSPCA. They need evidence. At worst, these are vexatious complaints - that's harassment.

I take it you have met my Sabella? No but I know FHRP's Polo. He could probably work for a timber company - he's a strong boy.

Still no pics of camera though ;)

That's true for little dogs. Big dogs you just let the line drag, sliding through one hand. Dogs take care of the rest. That's why I recommend a proper tracking leash, 10m or longer, even if you really only want to give 5m of freedom. It would be a bit like chain felling wouldn't it?

God put video cameras in mobile phones for a reason. I'd have dialed up to about 180 decibels, yelled "What the fark do you think you're doing to that poor dog" and slapped $50 on the Secretary's desk. I'd probably also have considered a report to the RSPCA. I'd have been more ashamed about the number of witnesses that didn't do anything.

Damn - thought this would be puppy pics.

YG: Point taken. However if someone can help you or others learn from what you're going through, I call that a bonus. I appreciate that its a bonus that some folk just don't want to get but I think it can be beneficial in the longer term.

and never a truer word was spoken... would like this on T shirt Rescue dogs, new baby puppies - its the same syndrome. When the glow of the new acquistion (be it as "saviour" or the "daw' factor of the bub) wears off and the reality of day to day life with a living breathing creature that needs care and attention sets in, then you find out whether folk are up to the task they assured you they could handle. Dogs with issues add complexity to that reality and some folk just aren't cut out for it even if they thought they were. I dont think they should be criticised for contacting Yellowgirl rather than booting Banshee outside or dumping her at the nearest pound - they did the right thing. THIS is the reason why is so important that responsible rescuers and breeders have a return policy. Full credit to Yellowgirl for taking Banshee back because in reality there are rescuers that would have added her to their "successful rehoming" stats and told the new owners it was now their problem to sort out. Greytmate has made some good points. I hope YG can accept them in the spirit with which they have been made and learn from the experience. I'm confident she will. As has been said time and again on here, expressions of sympathy, whilst pleasant to receive, are neither informative nor educational for OP or readers. The dog is safe and some folk may profit from YG's experience. I call that a win.

If he's himself in terms of general attitude and keeping water down I'd not panic. However several days of vomitting would see me at the vet with the dog.

Have a good look between the pads for grass seeds. Excessive licking might have caused the irritation.

ooops - double post

No, but I'd be taking him to the vet without delay.

If you have a wagon it may be fitted out for a cargo barrier. Have a good look on the roof behind the rear seats and on the cargo floor. What sort of wagon is it? Bear in mind that the latest wagons with side curtain airbags cannot have a metal barrier installed as it interferes with their deployment. It's a mitsubishi station wagon (magna) dating from somewhere in the 90s ;) Pretty old but in good nick. I cant see anything that looks like cargo barrier fitouts or whatever - but maybe I dont know what to look for or am looking in the wrong place OK - it should have the fittings. Look up at the spots above the windows on the side of the car just behind the rear seat headrests. In the roof fabric can you see some round plastic "buttons"? The centre part comes out and the cargo barrier fits in there and into grooves in strips of metal on the cargo floor of the car. I'm on my second Magna wagon and my parents are on their third. All had the fittings. Once you know how, it only takes a couple of minutes to put the barrier in or take it out. I do it all the time. ;) Try a wreckers or Ebay for a second hand metal barrier for a Magna. Milford made good ones. Incidentally, Magnas have a second set of "buttons" behind the front seats and extender bars on the barrier allow it to be fitted behind them. Avoid the barriers with the perspex centre part - I think they restrict airflow too much and get covered in dog nose wipes anyway.

If you have a wagon it may be fitted out for a cargo barrier. Have a good look on the roof behind the rear seats and on the cargo floor. What sort of wagon is it? Bear in mind that the latest wagons with side curtain airbags cannot have a metal barrier installed as it interferes with their deployment.

Does Elbie play mouthing games with him? It might be mange or wear. Hopefully the vet will shed some light on it.

"Fighting it"? Generally speaking the most effective way to "fight" a law isn't to insist that you are special and it shouldn't apply to you because YOUR dog fits in your arms. Courts don't change laws. They enforce them. You can't fight a law in court. The most effective way to fight for change is to target politicians, not rangers doing their jobs and enforcing the laws on the books. The reason there are so many anti-dog laws is quite simple - irresponsible dog owners allowing their dogs to make pests of themselves and not picking up after them. Laws get introduced because non-dog owners get pissed off. Fix that problem and we wouldn't need any more laws. I'm pro dog alright. Unlike the "fighters" in this case, I'm neither ignorant nor arrogant enough to think the law doesn't apply to me and my dogs.

Yes but lets not lose sight of the fact that what these people are doing is LEGAL. You can't simply report people for carrying out their business. You need to have an issue with the welfare of their animals. Reporting something you have no first hand knowledge is a waste of the RSPCA's time IMO.

we have a crate, so i might put him there, hes not toilet trained properly yet, and house is too open plan to trust him yet, plus the kids wont leave him alone, and when im busy i cant trust them all. I never thought of the social bond, so much you have to learn and think of when you get a dog, thats why this forum is sooo good, so much great advice thanks tracy It doesn't have to be all the time Tracey but both pup and kids have to learn that having each other around is just part of the routine. Constant exposure (with controls) can help to lower excitement levels on both sides. I'm not one for long spells in a crate but he could be inside to sleep, after play time and just chilling out with a chewy treat. A child lock on the crate door will solve any issues of unsupervised access. A balance of inside and outside would be best I think. He needs access to sunshine and fresh air and to learn to be on his own. But if you're all inside watching telly, he can be too.

Change the game to your rules. I'd be teaching a formal give and take with the dog in the sitting position. Use a new cue as you've tainted the old one. Have the dog sitting. Offer him the toy and if he takes it praise him. Then ask for it with your new cue.. "please" is one I've heard used.. then reward and this time fade that lure. The sit should cue the dog that this is not a tugging game. An obvious change like that should help.

Inside - always. Mine have the option of inside or out once toilet trained. A dog can't form a social bond with the family if its separated. I'd put puppy in a play pen or crate when you can't supervise but I'd want him inside observing family life for at least part of the time.

If you're actually planning on walking him on the lead I'd buy a good quality 5m flexi lead. Managing a 5m long line in bush would not be easy.

I'd not recommend a leather suite in anything other than a fairly dark colour. I've got burgundy but black or tan would be my top picks. You can bring them back up with a bit of TLC. The quality of the hides will also matter. Split hide doesn't have a lot of longevity.

Dog friendly = leather IMO. I'd never have anything else.

PixieMeg I'm a bit like you - I'm not a perfectionist but I do use the accumulation of knowledge and prior preparation to "calm" myself. Once I'm in the ring I"m fine - its a bit like public speaking for me. If you have a good idea about what you need to do before you enter the ring, I find that helpful. I watch how the judge is judging dogs - stack first then run, or a lap then stack - the Afghans will be a template for you. I took some handling lessons and again I found that very helpful. I kept at them for some time after I entered the ring and I still ask for and receive helpful advice from friendly fellow exhibitors (and the odd judge ) But as I advised a friend who's new to the ring, the best practice for showing IS showing. I'd work on twice a month every month so that you and Oberon learn your roles as a show team. Practice, the accumulation of knowledge and helpful critiques will get you there. I don't know about others but your first show dog is a learning curve. I've been blessed by a calm honest dog who tries every time he's shown. Once I learn more about getting the best from him (and I'm still learning) I'll be able to do justice to him everytime he's shown.