poodlefan

I agree about agility. Wet contacts aren't safe. I've seen too many dogs slip on landing and turns too. The one time I obedience trialled Ted in the rain he did squats for sits and bows for down.. Not a big fan of the wet was Ted. Of course ask him to go for a bush walk in the rain and its a whole different story. ;)

Corvus: Join the dots Corvus. Your dog never initates this kind of play. Could it be because when he responds to being "pushed around" by getting over excited, he gets told off and shuts down. You have some interesting ideas about what constitutes an enjoyable game for a dog. Personally I think it's extremely unwise to encourage ANY behaviour which results in a dog having its teeth on you. That goes double for people outside the dog's immediate pack. But no doubt that's an argument I won't win.

And the saddest thing of all is that it's the dog that pays the price. If you needed a living example of what happens when a people focussed dog is placed in the wrong home, this dog's story is one.

A bath and a good blow dry could move a lot of coat. You'd probably benefit from a trip to a professional groomer who could also advise on correct grooming equipment too. No reason why she can't sleep in your bedroom but not on the bed is there?

Only a vet can diagnose the condition for sure. Just out of interest, does she get walked in harness or wear a dog coat.. looks like a real wear mark in some ways.

I know its hard but I'd not be going.. it will stress him out when you leave. I had a big howl at my vets not long ago when Darce had his back issues.. they understand

Borrow it? Credit card extensions/personal loan?? How is he in himself..any chirpier? Anything that's not worse is good news.

Really loud.. show them outrage.. and try not to giggle - ruins it completely.

If he's not all that well, he'll just sleep shmoo. Hopefully he'll feel better in the morning.

A ground line is usually a pole placed on the ground to give a horse some indication of a take off point. It discourages getting too close or taking off too early and tends to encourage a rounder jumping style. Sometimes its at the bottom of the jump, sometimes, depending on the horse, further out where an earlier take off is needed. So does jumping barrels and broad jumps.

The other thing to watch out for is whether she's gaining food elsewhere.. other dogs bowls, too many treats or a human that's adding to the calorie intake.

Time for you to act as her personal trainer... no need to give her the "boot camp" treatment.. just some more walking perhaps.

I'd cut that down for a while or up her exercise.

I dont' think they are particularly high in fat. Your issues might be more around quantity than fat content. How many does she get?

Howie has his first kindy agility lesson on Sunday.. I'm sure it will be "interesting" I've seen a couple of dogs benefit in terms of judgment from having jumps more filled. You'd only expect a very experienced horse to be able to jump a single pole at full height.

Having come from a horse background I find it interesting that we expect dogs to jump a single bar rather than filled jumps (something you'll never see on a show jumping course), and all jumps the same height. You also rarely see dogs trained to jump using a ground line to indicate take off points. It can be quite helpful.

If you can't get your dog to eat more in volume, you'll need to increase the calorie content of what she will eat. You could try feeding a higher fat "performance" or "working dog" kibble and fattier meat like lamb. I can't tell much from a photo about a dog's condition unless its really porky or emaciated. You need to get your hands on the dog.

What crouched?

Using the "Poodlefan Standard Meal Measure", how many chicken wings would it take to make up an adult Great Dane meal? Feel free to use kilos if that's easier.

One on one is essential but it won't solve the issues of rough play when there are two of them near you. You need to address both.

I have images of monkeys swinging on vines and nasty big cats chasing tails Good analogy. Picture a Lion or a Wolf resting with playing cubs .. if it gets to too rough, too close the youngsters get told to keep their distance....loudly.

Why would they not want to play fight right on top of you? They get to be with you and play at the same time. Next time they do it ROAR at them.. AGGGGGHHH NOOOOOO - when they stop in shock, smile and say "good puppies". They'll learn fast that you are not a play gym and to mind their manners when they are close to you.

However, a smaller dog's "most economical line" will always be tighter due to smaller stride and landing distances. Smaller dogs don't tend ot have the same issues with call offs because they just don't get as close to the distraction - the challenge is speed across the ground and the contact obstacles and handling to get a very efficient line between obstacles. Every metre you shave is time off your course time. ' I've never seen either of these practices in NSW/ACT. I've seen seperate height categories with course/time adjustments but never more time on the same courses or restricted height courses unrelated to breed trials. As a 300 competitor I can tell you that its very unusual to see dogs of that height or 200 dogs take bars. As a steward I can say with complete certainty that its the 500 and 600 dogs that knock most bars.

Fingers crossed here Shmoo. They sure know how to worry us. :D

I agree. IF a shedding dog is a problem allergy wise and IF Sluggo could handle an inside dog I would recommend the Miniature Poodle provided it was regulary groomed. Even my tough country boy dog chiro reckons he'd rate them as a great family dog now he's met a few. Treat them like dogs, not Barbie dolls and you get a versatile family pet. And Sluggo would be able to walk an acknowledged chick magnet. :D