chloebear

If you do decide to re house or return this dog to the breeder, are you planning on getting another dog? If you are who is going to be reasonible for training the new dog to ensure that the same issues don't reoccur in the replacement dog. Over the last few days I have been very busy and haven;t spent as much time with my puppy as I should have and yes after two days I can see that she has started to slip back into some bad behaviour that I have been working to get her out off. I have learnt that dogs require on going training and time spent with them. But when I sit back and look at what I have done in the last few days, I realise yes I could have found 10 minutes three times a day to spend with my puppy on training without too much extra effort - have my morning coffee outside with puppy - yes we could have watched the sun rise together (I get up early), have a drink in the back yard at the end of the day whilst playing with puppy and training. I have realised small changes to what I do each day will free up the time that I need to spend training my dog.

I would be more concerned about the behaviour of the dog, sorry to say this but I wouldn't get the operation done. Instead I would buy a new dog from a good breeder and ensure I was getting a quality puppy plus use some funds on being taught how to handle and train my puppy to avoid behaviour problems in the future. But in saying that if it was one of my children that needed the operation regardless of how naughty they where (they are 2 & 4) I would happily pay the money and go without if need be.

My response to you was written from being a parent and a dog lover. I would hate to ever face visiting one of my children in hospital after having them bitten by a family pet. That is why I have suggested that if you are unable to devote time to correcting this behaviour or are unable to correct this behaviour to perhaps look at re housing the dog before any serious injury happens. Plus you don't want you son to become afraid of dogs. I can understand that both you and your wife have time restraints and that life can be a difficult balancing act but this sitution needs to be resolved before it becomes more serious, either you need to seriously address training issues with sound guidance or look at re housing the dog.

Frank - So far you have been lucky that no permanent damage has been done to your son but unforuntely next time you may not be so lucky so perhaps it may be better to offer the cocker to someone who has more time to devote to addressing the needs of the dog to correct the problems before they become more serious. As a parent I can understand the time restraints that you face and yes it can be very difficult to find the time to train a dog. No matter what you decide to do I am sure you will consider both the needs of your family and the cocker.

Sorry I forgot to say - Yes to I have made several mistakes in the way that I have done things in the past with training (and I still do). But it is about recognising your mistakes, getting good sound advice and moving forward. After all a new day brings a new beginning for both your family and your pets. I have found that using this forum is a good place to get a variety of ideas on training and then choose the one that best suits your sitution and the one that you feel most comfortable with. The advice here is from people that interact with their dogs on a daily basis and have a variety of different experiences.

I have never had a professionally trained dog, but I have spent a lot of time with my dogs each day to teach them what is expected in their behaviour. I have found that the biggest thing is to be consistent. My previous dog was a very high spirited activate dog but was execptionally gental with my young children this was because of the amount of time my husband and I spent training her we have never had anyone bitten. My new puppy is the opposite from an abusive neglected sitution so the way in which I am training her is different to that of my previous dog, but once again it is about consistency and regular training. I also involve my children in the training in small ways - my children are 4 and 2 but I feel this teaches both the children and the dog how to interact with each other appropriately.

Sorry to ask this but what is kibble - is it a dog biscuit? before starting to use this forum I have never heard of it, I am learning so much.

I have used advantix for a number of years and never had a problem. I am currently using it on my 4 month old puppy with no problems. I live on the coast on acerage so I need to have my dog protected for ticks. For heart worm and general worms I use intercept. A couple of my neighbours are also using advantixs with no problems.

I have noticed when buying chicken necks that I can also buy minced chicken frames is this worth feeding to my puppy, plus pet mince from butcher does it have any benefits or just full of offal and no good for puppy.

Hope this makes you feel better, but my vet told me that I am completly wrong with what I am feeding Holly (4 mth old) as I am giving her raw fruit and veg sardines and chicken necks plus giving her some puppy biscuits. According to my vet I should just be feeding her twice a day, one cup of commercial good quality biscuits (puppy). But I am still feeding her the way that I want as she is in very healthy.

Holly (4 mth's), I am wanting to give her a bath but she is afraid of water. We are in a rural location so Hydro not an option, any advice on how to overcome this without just tying her to post and bathing her.

She knows sit, but I haven't taught her wait and to be honest I am not sure of how to teach her this command

Holly is 4 months old and I am trying to teach her to sit and wait till instructed to eat, but she is into the bowl before it hits the ground. When feeding her I tell her to sit, but as I put the bowl down she is already eating. I am not sure of how to deal with this as she is a rescue dog, that had been very badly treated. When we got her she was underweight/straving and gulped her dinner in what seemed like less than a second. She takes longer to eat now but I can't get her to sit and wait. ;) She has worked out that I have a big soft spot for her and yes she is taking control of me. But I am worried that if I push her to far, the progress that we have made with her will be undone.

Thanks heap for the website

Sorry to ask this question but I keep reading threads about the benefits of BARF but I don't have a clue what it is, other than dog food. I am sure that there would be a tread about it, but I have only recently starting using the forum since getting my new puppy so I don't know how to find the information. So any help appreciated.

Where are you located chloebear? We may be able to suggest some trainers/clubs. We have a number of very successful rescues in Sydney who started out very timid & who have really blossomed by starting agility. It can be an enormous confidence booster. Good on you for deciding to try her. Keep us updated I live approx 45 mins from Mackay in Qld.

Holly (rescured puppy) 4 months old is very scared when faced with other dogs. She is a large dog but when a mini foxy came over, she yelleped across patio , wet herself and hid. What can I do to overcome this? I don't know what caused this problem because I don't know her history.

Holly has made wonderfull progress with basic comands and walking on a leash, but only when she smells food. Unless she gets a food treat every couple of steps she plants her butt on the ground and won't go any further. How do I get her to do things without always having to reward her with treats. Yes a four month puppy is out smarting me.........

Thanks everyone, yes I am going to give Holly ago. She is a wonderful dog which I love spending time with. Biggest problem will be trying to get her motivated. Yes she loves food, but she has worked out to sniff for food before doing anything.

Took her to the vet, yes I over reacted it was a reaction to an immunisation. Sorry havn't put update on sooner, but been busy building a fence.

So glad you asked this question I was wondering the same thing.

I am thinking about getting involved in agility training, what breeds of dog should I be considering. My current dog is a cross breed from the pound, but she is very timid so I don't think Holly would go to well. Do I need to have a pure breed dog to be able to compete?

I think you are talking about DR Katrina Warren from the Dr Harry Show. Dr Harry also recommends Supercoat biscuits

;) Oh I was so exicited I just have to tell everyone that finally my timid pound puppy has walked on a leash. This morning I managed to get Holly to walk a lap around our house. I was using food rewards, but previously I have only managed to get her to take a couple of steps. So thank you to everyone that sent in different idea's to try.....yipee they worked.

Holly is 4 months old, just discovered a lump between rib cage and hip on her side. The lump is about 5 cm ball shape and soft, my husband is worried that it is a cancer tumour. She is eating fine, and drinking well. No problems with going to toliet. She is due to go to vet on Wednesday, but I am just feeling sick at the thought of something happening to her.