MolassesLass

Operation went well and he should be fine. He's got a narly scar, cut from sternum to whizzer. The offender? A knot from a rope toy, about the size of a ping-pong ball. Rope toys are banned from now on.

Thanks everyone, Jack went in at 2pm, so we're hoping for some news in the next half an hour on how it went --- and what it was!

One of my pups is at the vets about to have an operation to remove a blockage in the digestive system. His owners called me last night reporting that he was not eating and had vomited. When he hadn't picked up this morning, he went straight to the vets who could feel the lump externally. They waited for the day to see if it was moving but it's not. A pretty routine operation but I'd love good thoughts and for everyone to think really hard that the blockage is easy to get to so that the cost stays low (quote of $1000 - $2000 ).

In this case the trainer just wasn't even listening. He didn't pay any attention to my brother explain the dog's history etc, just gave his cookie cutter fix for all dog's any type of bad behaviour. And it was purely positive (proper purely positive) and had my SIL in tears trying to wait out the fence aggression on walks so she could praise. Wasn't told to come back, apparently it was all fixed in that $200 hour. That's why I said it would need to be worked out before hand. Say trainer agrees to refund half of fees if the owner follows all instructions and there is no improvement (which would also need to be quanitified). It is, especially when a leaking tap is known to be fixable every time and in a certain amount of time and the tap owner doesn't have to agree with the methods and nature of the plumber. Are trainers willing to talk to potential clients for free and explain their preferred methods and so forth? If so, then the initial consult I am thinking of, probably isn't necessary.

Just wanted to make sure it's understood I said "an improvement" not "issue fixed" and I did't say a "full refund". My POV comes from having an absolute fool charge my brother $200 for nothing. If the initial consult was a quick assessment and general discussion on the types of things that may be required for say $50 then my brother would have known he was a tool and not been out of pocket so much. I simply won't risk my hard earned dosh on a potential fool, whether recommended by others or not. ETA: And I only know of one place that does the above which is why I try and fix any problems my family or puppy owners have. I may not be the best or the quickest but I'm not a useless rip-off.

I would be very unlikely to pay for a trainer who was not willing to offer money back if there is no improvement in the issue. This would be agreed upon prior to anything starting. ETA: Or the trainer would need to offer a nominal fee initial consult with a basic plan talked about (what the trainer would do, what the owner would be required to do and what level the dog is likely to improve to if it works) before the training sessions at full cost.

I'm concerned that the current ideal is not what every breed should be aiming for. Different breeds have different purposes; surely they would therefore require different hip constructions. But at the same time, I think it sucks if ANY pet owner suffers the heartache of their pet being PTS for poor construction. Breeding dogs early when they are at their prime is at odds with leaving them until they are old enough to show construction problems. What to do? I personally, would not buy a dog of a breed that is commonly scored without the parents being scored.

My vet has recently changed. It has gone from a single operation breeders vet to being one of a franchise that I'm not sure is still a breeder's vet IYKWIM. I've been burnt by franchise places before so perhaps am biased but... Bitch is young and healthy, not in season, no litters and no reports of problems with the operation. When asked, the vet nurse said that it is their routine to cover the wound and to give the meds for ANY surgery. They have also insisted we return in 3 days time. I will be doing that, as I'm hoping they use something to get the wound cover off which won't hurt her skin. Previously it has always been come back in 10 days to have the stitches removed which I do at home myself. I'm just surprised I guess. I've had heaps of bitches spayed with my own pets and rescue bitches and this is the first time either of these things has happened. I haven't given her the Rimadyl tonight as instructed and you honestly could not tell which of my dogs has had surgery this week. It says on her discharge sheet that she was given a Rimadyl injection when the operation was done. If people think I'm cruel then so be it but for me, it is far more of a risk to give her these drugs than not to.

Thanks for the replies everyone, I feel much better about not giving it to her now. In fact, I'm going to take it back to the vets and tell them why I didn't use it also.

I had a bitch spayed July 2007 and then again yesterday and things have gone and changed on me! This time around the surgery site is covered in a fabric bandaid - ok, keeps it cleaner though I'm a little concerned I can't see the wound. And I've been given Rimadyl to give to her the next three days. This drug scares me and am a bit concerned about giving it. But at the same time don't want to not give what I should. I asked the vet nurse was it really nessecary and of course she said it is and that they perscribe it for every surgery. The chewable! tablets came with a brochure and a little promotional box thing - strikes me as advertising. Does anyone elses vet do this; anyone have an opinion on whether it's better to give them or not?

1) What Dry Food do you use? Cobber Non-Working Dog Formula (as an addition with a BARF diet) 2) How long does that last you? 5 weeks for 4 dogs 3) Do you buy more than 1 bag at a time? No 4) What is the size of each bag and its cost? 20kg - $38.55

I'm no expert but I just bought myself the Canon SX10, heaps of features but not a DSLR. So far, it's been really easy to use and I'm loving exploring it.

I ordered a new camera online on Monday afternoon, got an immediate, personal response email. It was given to the courier within 3 hours and arrived on Wednesday at my house. Cheapest online price for the camrea I bought, great service, great postage - could not recommend them highly enough. JC's Tech Shop

Nup, not yet. I'll let you know when I do.

Is it sad that I've been checking my email hourly all week?

Fair enough, I'm just saying that I wouldn't be satisfied with a response that doesn't directly answer the question. I'm picky like that. :rolleyes:

Now my only problem is the price. :rolleyes: They seem to have replied about how their product is made, not whether it is irradiated by AQIS after being imported in to Australia.

I found this which suggests there are certain NZ and US places that can send food here that doesn't get zapped.

Keeping in mind I only feed dry food in addition to BARF, I feed Cobber and it's Australian made.

He scores via the AVA method.

Sweet! Thanks all, won't have to operate with crossed fingers too long then.

I have two 16 month olds, a 3.5 year old and a 6 year old. I never trained the behaviour, Duke the Bullmastiff just did it. He was always a very clean boy though, only once did he pee inside and never pooped, right from 8 weeks old - even though I was told it can be really hard to house train male BMs. He was about 2 when the dogs started sleeping inside and he would quietly huff in your ear until you woke up. I could see he didn't want to play so took him outside and sure enough he toiletted then headed back inside. The two youngsters I guess learnt from him or were just naturally like that also. One of them jumps up and licks my face. There were probably a few times when they were younger when they woke me for something other than toiletting. I guess since they got no reward (no play or interaction) if they asked to go out for no reason, they stopped it.

My dogs wake me up if the need to pee (or vomit) at night. But they've learnt that it's only ok for these situations, I've never had them wake me up just to play or anything. I'd rather be woken for a few minutes than have the dog have an accident I have to clean or do damage from holding on when busting. I would be ok with just taking her outside when she wakes me and if she doesn't immediately go to the toilet, go straight back to bed. I don't really interact with them (no talking or eye contact really) so that there isn't really a reward for waking me. I don't know the training implications of it, but that's what I do.

How long does he usually take to get results to you? Has anyone had some xrays scored recently and know if he's not away or anything?

Has anyone been charged with an offence for playing tug yet? It wouldn't stand up in court, would it?!