RiverStar-Aura

+1 Peanut butter works like a charm! :D Once I crushed one of Kirah's worming tablets in with a mortar and pestle then mixed it in with the water/juice from a tin of tuna. Gobbled the whole lot up and was none-the-wiser!

I'll always have an Aussie Terrier or two. They're so adaptive and will be quite happy to run amok or lounge around! :D

Hey Scruffy n Flea, It may be worthwhile looking into a professional clean under GA anyway. That way you know your boy's teeth will be nice and disease free before you move onto brushing them yourself. I just recently had my 9 year old cat in for a teeth clean and she was fine. The vet said she could've gone for another year before it was needed but after Poochie had such disasterous teeth and needed nearly all of them removed I wasn't going to risk waiting with Callie. By having them professionally cleaned you won't need to worry about missing spots or worry that you're not doing it wrong and once it's over you won't really need to worry about his teeth for a while -- provided you feed him bones and stuff. And under the GA your vet might be able to look for sharp teeth or problems on his right side which might explain why he doesn't use that side as often.

Also just to let you know they sell boar bristle brushes at Priceline. I just picked one up for my bubbas!! It was $30 but I don't mind because I love spoiling them!!

Zeus doesn't like me using the furminator along his spine coz he's very bony so I guess it's uncomfortable for him. I furminate everywhere else and zoom groom after. He loves the attention!! Nail clipping is a dream with him too as I only need to clip his dew claws; hooning around our backyard and paved areas keep his others nice and blunt. I have him sit on my dad's work bench, say "foot" and he lifts his paw and stays still until I tell him to turn around so I can clip his other side (he sits side on as that's how he fits on the bench). He really is my gorgeous boy - now I just need to work on his (my) lead and walking on lead problems! Just keep persisting with the nail clipping; your pup will soon learn to sit still. I used the "stay" command once he was sitting - it kept him still on the bench. Also, does your dog know how to shake hands? I taught Zeus this before I even attempted clipping his nails. That way he was used to me holding one of his paws. Good luck! Claw clipping is not easy at first!

I'm sending healing vibes to Amber and huge hugs to you Jules. I really hope things start looking up!

They drool quite a lot and even though I'm not a fan of slobber, their cuteness makes up for it! :D The lady I was speaking to about her boerboel was so enthusiastic about the breed and was explaining to me the strict breeding guidelines I was very impressed. Her "little" man is so gentle and was so relaxed I didn't believe her when she said he goes crazy at home with her other dog. She said they love to run around and tease each other and while we were talking Zuka was sitting quietly at her side. He did get a bit fidgety later on but that was only because he needed to go pee!

BC Love the boy I met, Zuka, is from one of Sandra's litters. His owner works at Pet Barn and also has him at NDS. Very handsome boy!!

OMG!! He was 4 months old and already packing 30 kilos! Such a gorgeous breed but OMG huge! His paws were massive and he's going to reach around 80 kilos full grown. They're apparently not a recognised breed in Australia yet but the Boelboel breeders are working towards this. Has anyone else here come across one? And I was more shocked that there's a local breeder in my area -- I had to drive to the ACT for my Aussie Terrier!

I find with Zeus a zoom-groom works wonders. It's made of rubber prongs, which lift out all of the loose hairs and it's also nice and soft. Zeus loves it and he sheds like crazy!

The temperament argument doesn't hold much stock in my eyes. It sounds like she's trying to shift the blame of bad ownership onto the breeders. If a dog is yappy, snippy etc that's more of a learned behaviour rather than a genetic temperament issue. I also know first hand that cross breeding isn't a good thing because it's their cuteness that sell rather than the fact they're "hypo-allergenic" or "genetically sound". I bought Zeus (beagle x JRT) because he was cute failing to realise that this is the worst possible dog combination EVER! I knew nothing of beagles or of JRTs (other than their endless energy) and have found out the hard way about both breeds. I only ever joking refer to him as a "Brussel" (the Americans call this mongrel breed "Jack-a-Bees" :rolleyes:) and when people tell me they might consider getting one because Zeus is so gorgeous I tell them very emphatically NO! Sure, he is a bloody gorgeous, smily boy, but no. This is one combination of dog that should never have been created. I do love him to bits because he's lovely and smart as hell and he's mine, but I wouldn't wish this "breed" on anyone. And frankly, I think if anyone doesn't want a pure-breed based on health issues/temperament/whatever, then they shouldn't get a pet. We don't try crossing humans for the improvement of our species nor do we stop procreating purely because we may have some horrible disease hiding somewhere deep down our family tree. Hmm ... I don't know. Now I'm just rambling nonsense. Sorry!

I guess the best way to look at the situation is that you were rejected as an owner because Alywn was already waiting for you some place else! :D It really does suck that people still judge others like this. Things are changing, just very bloody slowly and it sounds like the breeder needs to join us all in the 21st century! Good luck with Alwyn and you totally need to keep us updated with photos! He's such a cutie!!

Zeus absolutely loves to be brushed however having a short beagle x JRT coat it doesn't really require much grooming at all. Kirah on the other hand is a wire coat Aussie Tee and I've been brushing her daily on my dad's work bench in the garage. When Zeus sees me grab the brushes and combs he jumps up on the bench and stands all proud waiting to be brushed before I can get to Kirah. He's my princess! :D

There's an old adage saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away and I'm wondering how this fairs in the world of dogs. We have 2 apple trees in my backyard and Zeus has taught Kirah-Little how to pull apples off the low branches to eat them (he does this too but also stands on his hind legs to reach the higher branches!!) so I was wondering if they're okay for them to eat. Can apples aid in keeping teeth clean or provide any nutritional value other than being a tasty treat?

Thanks for all the advice guys; I'll definitely contact my breeder in regards to stripping because I really have no idea. It's really amazing just how different dog coats can be and it's definitely been a real experience for me!

Well at the moment she's only just approaching 16 weeks so I haven't really started grooming her as I don't know if I should yet -- won't she still be in the process of losing her puppy coat? Also Kirah is my first real wire coat dog that is fully my responsibility so I really know nothing about grooming and stripping or how to go about learning (or if I even need to this for my dog's maintenance). I know with Poochie my parents didn't do anything other than bathe her and when I was old enough to take over her care I still didn't know anything (or even know this forum existed!). Poochie was never clipped or stripped and only washed and combed (and occasionally the really tangled bits needed to be cut off) and that's about it. I feel like we must've neglected her in the grooming department. Sorry Poochie-Pie! Will check it out. Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely look into it before her next bath -- which will be soon as she's starting to get a bit fresh!

Thanks for that Austerra. I'd done a forum search for the same topic and Biogroom Wiry Coat was suggested there too, however as it was and older topic I wasn't sure if it was still available. One last question: where can you buy it from as I've never seen it? Do places like Pet Barn or Pet Stock sell it?

I can totally understand where the OP is coming from. I work in retail and get asked the same damn question no fewer than 10 times a minute: "where's the fitting room?" Of course the question p1sses me off, however, I always remember the best advice I was ever given: each person is a new customer so they don't know you've been asked the same question millions of times before therefore you don't have the right to get the sh1ts with them. It was insanely rude to reply as you did, however, you've definitely learned your lesson. I'd try and locate the woman when out on your next walk and apologise and perhaps explain what caused the outburst. Me personally though, I love it when people come up to me and start talking about Zeus because I really do think he's a beautiful dog. He's always happy and smiles and I love watching him run so I love it when people agree with me. But I really, REALLY love Zeus more than I thought possible so my opinion of him is just a teensie bit biased!

I'm having the exact same problem with Kirah's coat as I did with Poochie (also an Aussie Tee). I'm not sure if Aussie Terriers are considered to be a wire coated breed but I've found that her coat seems to hold dirt in whereas Zeus's coat (short-ish and smooth) seems to reject it all (I don't really have to bathe him at all and he looks so clean and shiny!). I use Aloveen on Zeus and it works wonders and I've tried the same on Kirah but I'm finding she looks dull, dusty and dirty within a few days. Is there a better shampoo designed for her type of fur and what would you suggest? I've tried brushing/combing her daily too but the dirt really just seems to sink in and remain behind. I also don't want to be washing her too much because I'm loving only needing to wash Zeus when I feel the need (maybe once every 3 or 4 months) but I also don't want her looking dirty and being smelly.

I've always spent excessive amounts on Zeus and since Kirah's come into my life, I've gone even crazier! I'd probably spend between $1000 to $1500 each month on food, treats, toys, collars, leads, blankets, bedding and general well-being items (worming/flea treatments, shampoo, brushes etc). I'm pretty bad though when it comes to buying dog stuff because I get bored with collars and leash colours quite quickly and buy new ones nearly every other week! And I'm forever buying dog blankets and bedding because I want my bubbas to be nice and warm during winter and toys ... I have a destructo dog so the squeakies don't last all that long! Did try to cut back on my dog spending; am still waiting for that to kick in!

Just added my 2 to the list: Kirah (Australian Terrier) and Zeus (Beagle x JRT). This list is getting quite long now! :D Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie Australian Terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper, Kirah Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Spfyre, Milky, Kinta, Banjo Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Beagle x JRT: Zeus Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumor, Diesel, Kobie Border Collie x: Anna Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper Cocker Spaniel: Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose & Chevy English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Finnish Lapphund: Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi Japanese Spitz: Emmy Keeshond: Jedi Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka Pointer: Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli Poodle (Minature): Caroline Poodle (Standard): Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint Saluki: Bella Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato Schnauzer (minature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Shih Tzu: Gizmo Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos, Brutus SWF: Zoe Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz, Lewis, Rommi Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy

I think the problem I'm having is that they both want to annoy the s*** out of each other. They both love to wrestle and Zeus is mostly on his back with Kirah jumping all over him with both of them mouthing each other (Kirah delights in putting her mouth down Zeus's throat ). It tends to be rough play and Kirah's a typical Aussie and won't back down (and neither will Zeus!) so I'm just worried that if they're left unsupervised, Zeus might run at her and knock her off the retaining wall (about 1.5 to 2 metres high) in all the excitement. I was outside lying on a picnic blanket in the sun with them both for 3 hours before her lunch and I was just watching them rough-house and wrestle over sticks of all things. I've given them a stick each but they only want the stick the other one has -- I honestly think it's an excuse to cause trouble! And it's funny because it's never really Zeus I have to separate; Kirah's a firecracker and won't quit! And yes, boy are her teeth sharp!! I'll get some video of them playing tomorrow and see if I can upload it and get some opinions. I'm pretty sure they are both just rough playing because Zeus makes the funniest little puppy play noises of encouragement!

Hi all, I have a 2 year old beagle X JRT (15ish kilos) and a now 14 week old Aussie Terrier puppy (3.5ish kilos). At the moment because of the size difference they have supervised play and if no one is outside, puppy is put in the garage in a play pen and a baby gate is across the door to keep Zeus out (so they can both see each other). I'm just wondering how I go about introducing supervise-free play because eventually they'll both be outside and won't have access to the garage at all. Obviously I can just dump the 2 of them outside then bugger off to work for the day so would I just start by leaving them outside alone but keep the back door open and stay close by just in case? I've never had the problem of size difference before because when Zeus was little he was already the size of Poochie. Now the sizes are reversed and I'm not sure how it works. And I'm also thinking of waiting until she's about 6 months minimum before I actually start leaving them both 100% alone just so she's grown a bit more. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!!

Let me know how Naughty Dog School turns out BC Love because I'd love to know how it seems. Along with Zeus I also have a 14 week old puppy who's just graduated from Puppy Pre-School and is in need of further training too. Oh and maybe once your little guy has finished with NDS you could give Dapto training a go for further obedience. Most of the things I've taught Zeus has been outside dog school. He knows: how do you do? (shake hands), roll over, BANG! (play dead), spin, around (he circles around me clockwise and sits at my left side), through (circles anti-clockwise and sits between my legs), high-ten, where's the duck? (it's our hide and seek game where I hide his squeaky duck and he looks for it) and we're working on balancing a treat on his nose. He's a really smart boy and a quick learner and it frustrates me that I fail at teaching him how to walk on a leash without dragging me along! That's the area I've failed at as an owner but I'm glad he'll never be too old to learn because he's always eager to be taught new things!

I took Zeus to the Dapto training (it's very local to me! ) and found it was okay at the start but once he graduated to Class 1, the classes were far to crowded for my liking, especially since Zeus is a very social dog. I also had trouble with his half beagle nose as he wanted to sniff out and eat everything that had been dropped on the ground during the markets. Also, as Zeus is my first dog, I found that the instructors didn't really have time to help me one on one, which is what I needed in order to teach him to walk properly on lead, rather than drag me around. The beginner classes were much smaller as everyone seems to graduate quickly -- also, the higher classes are designed for Obedience Trials and I don't really require Zeus to learn how to do all the stuff taught in those classes. I'm now looking into the Naughty Dog School at Kembla Grange; it's held on Sundays and the maximum number of dogs in each class is about 8 so it's much smaller, which is what I need. And they also run all types of classes (not just for naughty dogs!!!). Will let you know what I find out!