Edslaine

What a delightful thread - all those stories and gorgeous photos. The first time I met Edward he was skinny, fur matted and frightened of his own shadow - after spending 11 months locked in an electrified paddock. He didn't know how to play or what to do with bones and he went mental every time he saw another dog. But thanks to trainers, obedience and my vet he is now my beautiful, beautiful boy. Actually lots of things I read on DOL helped too. He was six last week - well I think six - the vet and I had to estimate. I think about how far he's come and sometimes I don't believe it. I don't know if I could do it again. My next dog will be a puppy from a reputable breeder but having said that I wouldn't swap my Edward.

Thanks. A very interesting read and something I've never thought of before. The first paragraph made me think - Surely there aren't many people out there who seriously think it's as simple as "having a wolf in your living room". The points put forward seem feasible I guess. From books and film I've just always thought dogs were descended from wolves. This is the first time I've seen anything different.

They look great. What a good idea to share postage. I really like the Turbo Rush tug toy. I'm going to to get three of them. Could you add me to the list and let me know when to order? Thanks

I agree too. Edward had so many problems when I got him it was a very serious business to train him. I think the training helped with his Separation Anxiety too. Now five years down the track it's nice to relax a bit and have fun with him.

I changed from Super coat to Advance and noticed Edward's poo got darker. I now feed him Coprice and Advance mixed together and the colour changed again :D

Great idea. Edward is the same. He never gets on his tramp bed so I'm going to buy some for the back verandah for when I'm out. Ta

What a beautiful, beautiful dog - I love the photos. Bit out of my league I think.....

Thank you Jed that was a lovely read. I look forward so much to having a dog from a puppy and hearing all about his first adventures from the breeder. The only dog I've owned that isn't the 'family' dog had a terrible start in life and came to me when he was 11 months old. He's now 6 so maybe it's time..........

Totally recommend Appletree too. I'm sure you'll be happy ;)

Edward is outside during the day. He has a kennel and a bed in the laundry that opens from the verandah. Plenty of shade and toys - but I agree with kiesha09 that your dog will probably sleep most of the time. I also have a chain and padlock on the side gate for extra peace of mind as someone once went down the street and opened all the gates and let the dogs out - idiot Luckily most dogs stayed close to home, mine included. If I'm out for shorter amounts of time I leave him inside.

Very cool

Edward's just stayed for 3 days at the dog 'otel near Hall. He stayed in one of their luxury "suites" with a people double bed to sleep on in quite a large room - with tv if you like. :D There's a huge paddock enclosed with a really high fence and he apparently had a great time in there with a labrador most of the weekend I really liked the owner too. I'll be happy for him to go there again.

Edward's comes over and puts his head down between my knees. I rub his ears and neck then he turns around and backs up for me to rub his back. Then sits with his back to me so he can have a massage. He also likes to carry his own lead when it's been clipped onto his collar, at least as far as the car He also does a funny little dance when you give him a treat.

Both. Chicken necks in the morning and dry at night. And every two days lambs flaps, beef neck or other meaty bones.

No you should definately not feel guilty.

Thanks a great site to have in your favourites.

Hi - welcome I had the exact problem when I first had Edward - standard poodle size - he pulled me over and dragged me along the street once, skinning my knees much to the horror of some poor older man walking his little dog. Not that he was aggressive either, just excited and barking his head off. I stopped walking him too because it was just too stressful. I tried all the things you've written about but in the end it was personal sessions with a behaviourist/trainer that worked. It took lots of work (well worth it) and I can't tell you the relief I felt the first time I walked him with no dramas :rolleyes: After some sessions and practise we could join an obedience club where working in a group was beneficial too. Good luck.

I use Coprice (family dog) as it's cheaper but the ingrediants and the % protein etc are good. I mix Advance with it 2/3 to 1/3. It's not Edward's total diet though, he has chicken necks, beef necks, lamb flaps and a great recipe GayleK gave me.

How sad. Poor baby I would have paid it but you're right not everyone sees animals the same way we do.

They look great. I really like the idea

I take Edward with me. He sleeps the whole way - seriously I have to wake him up when we stop. Mostly we go visit family in Canberra but we've been to dog friendly caravan parks across the country. I'd love to rent a holiday house somewhere down the coast that welcomes dogs. Edward's never seen the ocean Friends have just come back from Mystery Bay where they had a great time, dogs and kids, in a holiday house.

This is my favourite too

Rats - I was in there today. I'll have to go back now Thanks for sharing

What a great thread. These are really interesting stories. My mum has had a hip and knee replacement and walks with a stick. When I visit her she likes to walk Edward on his lead up to the carpark of the units she lives in. He never pulls, walks right beside her and is really careful never to step in front of her. The complete opposite of what he can be like with me

Ahh very cute photo