poodlefan

How do you know that the dog who tried to "sneak away with head down" wasn't responding to the sternness of your voice and facial expression? Could be the other two didn't care. Agree. Most submissive dog would have responded like that whether guilty or not. Dogs have longer memories than goldfish but no point in correcting them if you don't catch them in the act.

You can tackle this from two angles: 1. You need to train yourselves to keep more attractive items out of his reach. No point blaming the dog for the loss of the wallet etc. 2. Rather than deter this self rewarding behaviour (virtually impossible unless you catch him in the act) you can attempt to deflect it on to items he can chew. Gummi bones, large meaty bone, beef tendon etc can provide an outlet for this instinct. Just out of interest, what do you feed him? One of my dogs turned into a destructive fiend when he had oral surgery that required him to be restricted to soft food for 10 days.

Darcy has survived two bouts of HGE. After the worst bout he was only on liquids (piglet mix) for two days. Then small amounts of Hills I/D canned food frequently. The amount of food increased and the frequency decreased over the week. Agree that you need to start very slowly introducing food to a dog that's basically had lining of its intestines destroyed by this disease.

Many dogs show sensitivity to Eucalyptus. I'd not suggest wool wash. Pure soap flakes or a sensitive detergent would be the go I reckon. Use white vinegar instead of fabric softener. If you use carpet powder etc, discontinue it. One issue though.. are you absolutely certain they're reacting to something inside? Many common allergens are in the garden.

MAO: If that's on lead, its a lot of walking for such a young pup.

I think you need specialist orthopedic advice on your boy Chiara. Charles Wentworth has just been through the wringer over bone issues with her boy. First and most obvious question is what diet was/is your boy on?

I suggest you temporarily fence off the gravel from your pup. If this continues, seek some behavioural advice. Obsessive/compulsive behaviours can be a real challenge to manage. In the meantime, try to offer him other options. This time of year a clamshell pool might distract him. He is a retriever. You could channel some of that instinct by teaching him to retrieve objects. What sort of obedience training is he getting to work that active gundog mind?

I can't think of a worse time/place to ask her Bub. She'll be excited, you'll be anxious. Leave till when you get back. Seriously, if you think you're going to be a bit of a mess, don't go. Get your OH to drop the dogs off.

I'm surprised they tried her on solid food... or was it electrolytes or similar?

Ring your vet in the morning. I expect you'll be told to watch and wait but to attend at any signs of vomitting or straining to poo. Keep an eye out for signs the dogs have passed it. Happy poo inspecting.

Capital have a very good reputation. My friend is 3P's Grooming at Fisher Shops. Smaller operation but she's great with the dogs. Are you on the south side of Canberra. Advantix spot treatment is fine with dogs getting wet btw. Once it's absorbed into the skin its not affected by water.

Lots of variables there Tyler.. size of dog etc. And most feeding guides on the dog food bags specify waaaay too much food.

I would like to have him clipped. He is a dirt collector. This close to Christmas you're probably going to have trouble. This is the busiest time of the year. My dogs old groomer is booked solid. Will a good brush and a bath tide you over? Thanks. Yes, it is not urgent and his coat is in very good condition, he gets brushed every 2nd day and washed once a week. We are spending a month at the beach like most Canberrans so he will be in the sea constantly and it is easier if his coat is shorter. Don't forget to treat him with a tick preventative!

I would like to have him clipped. He is a dirt collector. This close to Christmas you're probably going to have trouble. This is the busiest time of the year. My dogs old groomer is booked solid. Will a good brush and a bath tide you over?

What do you want done?

Reminds me of Mrs Pumphrey and Tricky Woo from the James Herriot stories.

I agree with Miranda - this should have been stopped while the dog still had its baby teeth. What's the trainer advising?

When I first started grooming my poodles myself I had Shirley Kalstone's book open in a recipe book holder in front of me on the bench. ;) It was a big help.

More like horrified I expect.

I think decent Schnauzer groomers would be harder to find than decent poodle groomers... and that ain't easy.

No, definitely not too young. Regular grooming is the way to go to accustom pups to the process. I agree with other posters that you need to check that the groomer know what he/she is doing wrt Schnauzer grooming. I don't like your chances.

Head for the vet. If nothing else she might be given some pain killers that won't affect the babies.

They are dogs. They were raised by the same person who'll be looking after them. Seriously Bub.. you need to get a grip. If it freaks you out that much the answer is simple - don't go on holidays when you can't take them with you.

I have removed a number of the more 'political' posts that do not contribute to educating people about the Labrador Retriever. May I suggest that people keep those for the thread in the General forum. PF

Take him to the vet. Could be a hot spot or ring worm. How did you know he wasn't allergic to anything in the Supercoat?