poodlefan

Contact Tony Henderson.. he's got quite a few dog friendly places. Diva and I are already booked in. Linky Here He has more houses than are up on the website.

Carpet makes their feet move differently.. more "grab". I really notice it in Howard.

Below the hock would be my guess. Try holding his foot steady and manipulating the hock. OK Dr PF, I will give it a try and report back. Not just yet though, he's sunbaking outside. Maybe he needs oiling!

The link between excess body weight and increased risk of cruciate ligament rupture is established. CL rupture is noted in by some as an issue for Labs. And of course the link between joint problems and excess body fat is also established. I'd suggest keeping dogs lean (not skinny) is a method of preventing, not just managing these issues, particularly in growing dogs. A dog doesn't have to look like a toast rack to be lean. Clearly body type will play a part in how a dog should "look". You don't want a Lab that looks like a Whippet but you should still be able to see a waist and a visible tuck. Its your hands on the dog that will be the best indicator of whether the dog is "in shape" or not. The fact remains that many people confuse fat with "muscle bulk" and for many a pet Labrador, this is an issue. Many pet Lab owners have no idea that their dogs are fat because every Lab they see looks like theirs.

Damn difficult if their legs aren't on the ground or the collar is wrapped around another dog's jaw.

Pretty damn difficult to asphixiate a dog from above Lo Pan.. the spine protects the wind pipe. I just don't buy it.

Below the hock would be my guess. Try holding his foot steady and manipulating the hock.

Ligament moving maybe? What happens when you manipulate the leg? There'd be less "give" on carpet.

Talk to your vet. Many have adopted the 3 year protocol already. However, I'd still recommend an annual check up.

Every 3 years...really? can I ask how...and why? New revised protocol from vaccine manufacturer.

You can always attach the tag to his harness or leash.

No yearly injection here either after reading of side effects. My tribe get Proheart monthly tablets.

I don't think the hazard is reduced by leaving a collar loose.. the chances of it catching on something because its not closely fitting are increased. It's a risk management exercise. You balance the risk of your dog being out of the yard with no visible ID (mine are microchipped) against the risk of a choking. My decision is to have no collars on. Others may choose differently. Breakaway collars are the obvious choice for those who want ID on but no risk of a choking.

Personally I think their story is full of holes. A dog becomes unconscious before it stops breathing. And yet they'd have us believe they continued to hold him AFTER he stopped struggling? Fell off a grooming table while left unattended on a noose? Now that I'd believe. Of course that puts all the blame on them and none on the dog.

Mine don't wear collars at home. I worry about the choke hazard.

I saw that, but assumed that they weren't accepting entries anymore because on the schedule it said "no late entries accepted". I'm new to this, would they accept it if oz entries is still open? I'd say so! I'd be giving it a whirl.

If he's being forced to hold is bladder Nic then he's probably not drinking enough. That wouldn't assist recovering from a UTI. If you are deadly serious that you don't think you're a suitable home for a working dog then I would recommed returning your pup. However if you're prepared to adjust your lifestyle to do what's best for the pup then you could have many happy years ahead. I hope formal obedience training and maybe a dog sport is in your plans. Working dogs need a job to keep them occupied.

From the SMH:

No apology necessary.

I agree. I don't see depriving a dog of all other enjoyment as an acceptable price for more attention to me. It's the Stockholm Syndrome approach and its one I'm no fan of. That's interesting, I don't remember typing that I deprive my dogs of all other enjoyment, but hey ... My comment wasn't directed at you Mrs D.. and if you don't deprive your dogs of all stimultation not derived from you (and this does happen) then my comment is not relevant to your practices anyway! And for what it's worth I agree that there's a balance to be struck between letting your dog run free with others and regaining its attention when training. A very highly aroused dog will maintain its adrenalin levels for hours or days.. not a state you want a dog in for effective training.

I agree. I don't see depriving a dog of all other enjoyment as an acceptable price for more attention to me. It's the Stockholm Syndrome approach and its one I'm no fan of.

Don't leave it where they can get it.

No. Compost bin pens are not suitable to leave an active pup in unattended. Changing the tent for a pen or crate will simply force him to hold his bladder again. He needs to be OUTSIDE so that he can follow his instinct not to pee where he lives. Why can't you organise something safe warm and secure for him outside? Nic there's no long term future in keeping an active working breed indoors while you're at uni. He needs space and sunlight to develop well. Have you discussed any of this with the pup's breeder? Has the pup seen a vet yet?

I'll give you some advice I was given HD. Wait for the Group to finish and politely ask the judge. Say that you're looking for some constructive criticism and ask if there's a reason they prefer the bitch. Hard to say without seeing your boy but he may lack maturity in comparison to the bitch or there may be another issue you haven't considered. I'd say time will be your ally.. he will need to mature. The boys are usually at a disadvantage in that department for a while.

I think you may be experiencing "Spitz temperament" at work. They aren't as effusive as some dogs.. that doesn't mean they are less loyal or loving.. they're just not as extroverted in showing it. They are simply there. Bitches can be a bit more aloof than dogs in some breeds too. I found adding a Whippet after poodles that its a bit the same. Hounds are different. Poodles don't just want to be with you, they want to go everywhere you go. Howie's happy to take himself out for a sunbake or to bed when he's tired. The poodles are always in the same room I am. Doesn't mean Howie won't scream like a big girl if I dare show another dog though. She is what she is Fran. Enjoy the fact that she's happy to do her own thing too - does make life easier in some ways.