Adele

It could be a 'coming of age' thing. My female was desexed at 6mths and when she got closer to two years she became very interested in marking, I got her checked for a UTI but she was clear - it was more that she wanted to make sure everyone knew she was around! I now let her have toilet time but once we are walking she isn't allowed to stop and mark.

Lovely photos! It's nice your dog will share his toys :rolleyes:

Not sure about the protein and fat percentages but I feed biscuits in the morning and raw at night and we have never had a problem. I do it this way because initially I was too scared to go all raw in case I messed up the diet but I have continued as I leave the biscuits in toys when I go to work and they keep her entertained for awhile.

Aww Trixie's getting to be a big girl! If it is just a normal weekend for me and if everyone is hanging around for a bit I should be able to come after training.

I have left my dog outside by herself since she was 14 weeks. She had access to the house via dog door but she refuses to use it so has been left out to her own devices which includes sleeping, sleeping and more sleeping. I walk her before I leave for work and when she was younger would give her breakfast before I left and my husband was home early afternoon and use to feed her again. She has never barked out of boredom, she's not much of a barker in general but we leave her with toys to entertain her although I don't think she really does that much while we are gone! You do have to remember that whilst you love your dog very much it is a dog not a child.

Lovely photo, she looks quite regal.

I started off having Sooty in front as we were practicing loose lead walking, which she can do, but I find having her on my left a lot easier and when we are walking on-lead we are walking, like ruthless she is not allowed to pull, sniff or mark. We can pass a dog with no problems when she is walking on my left but if she was out front she would think she has the right to greet.

I think some people are more afraid of the name of the breed than the actual dog and they tar an entire breed with one bad experience. I've had one guy let his overly enthusiastic lab pup come over for a play with my dog, she's fine with that and is happy to play but once he asked what breed she was he almost whisked his dog away. He commented that he thought they were all vicious dogs but yet could plainly see she was just happy to play If I never said what she was he wouldn't have had a problem with her.

Have to agree, they have turned out great! Makes me realise how pathetic my camera (and skills) are. The running ones are hilarious - all tongues and ears flying

Gosh that doesn't leave you with an awful lot of options does it!! I guess Mason will have no trouble keeping to his goal weight Don't feel discouraged about Mason at obedience, Sooty was exactly the same and ironically she stopped lunging towards other dogs when we got to class four and we didn't have the lead on any more I always thought my goodness if she was like this with obedience training what would she be like without!? Everytime in class two and three the instructor walked around to 'check your badge' she tried to jump up on them or greet them. We don't do this in class four but last week when we joined class three again they walked around and I had a momentary flashback of naughty dog but this time she didn't do anything Yay! She might finally be maturing! It does depend on whether you enjoy it or not, it has to be something you are interested in or you are not going to get any enjoyment out of it.

Sooty took herself up to the park today Luckily the ranger contacted me and I was able to get to her before they took her to the pound - had to drive from Darlington to Joondalup though Just glad I got her back safely and we've found where she got out. First day home by herself for a week and a bit so I think she was showing her disgust at being left alone!

I voted both as she gets her main raw meal at night but I give her some dog biscuits in the morning to distract her when I'm going to work.

Awww cute pics! Are these taken with your new camera?

I don't think Sooty would forgive me if I did rabbit ears, it took awhile to get over Christmas hats Love all the photos, Ivan looks like he doesn't mind all that much!

Hi Jules1 Axel looks very cute indeed! I know you can pick up some good specials at Drovers, I have seen 5kgs of chicken wings for $10. I also get mince from Lenard's and chicken frames but find there is not much meat left on them so have been getting some frames from Wanneroo farmers market.

Sooty doesn't have 100% recall rate but she certainly has improved and we practiced using a long line. There are *some* dogs that have a problem with another dog being leashed but I would work at practising being in close proximity to other dogs rather than actually being so close to touch - that way you are working on focus and recall before he's even had a chance to run. Really watch his body language as well, I was missing vital signs that she was about to bolt until I started watching her more intently and I could redirect the focus to me. Also have the DVD Really reliable recall that you can borrow if you want but it's pretty similar to what is written in the articles

That's so funny and what smart dogs! Sooty is very good at telling the time and would make a good alarm clock if we ever needed one, she does little nudges to the closed bedroom door so we can hear that she is ready to go for a walk.

In some instances it does look like trancing but he does seem quite alert too. Our cross breed girl used to get a far-away look in her eyes as if she was thinking this is the best thing ever and would creep under the tablecloths so they brushed her back and do little licks with her tongue.

I was talking to my husband about this just last night as when I went for a walk a mother who was a fair bit behind us was letting her six/seven year old boy run in front of her but he was running right behind us screaming at his sister and Sooty was getting so spooked. They ran straight past us so I pulled Sooty off the path. We were doing a loop so we met them again and again the mother just let her kids run right up to us - Sooty wasn't that bothered this time because she could actually see them but I wish more people would have the mind set that every dog has the potential to bite rather than they won't bite. It sounds horrible but if more people were cautious and expected a dog to bite then I think some incidents could be avoided. I am a lower primary teacher and I do teach my children dog awareness and have read the book "Can I pat that dog?"

Tell me about it! I'm pretty much a stalker in the French bulldog threads and am always checking the puppy listings. It was torture when I saw a little girl for sale in WA...but I am not allowed one ...yet! The price is what puts husband off but after leaving some pictures lying about and yelling out when I see one on the TV he does agree that they are pretty cute so maybe one day when we are feeling rich

Thanks bedazzled, I was a bit hesitant to do that as we have been working on a longer 'hold' and I was thinking by rewarding her quick we were taking a step back but I think it might be necessary to ease the chomping. She is my first dog that I've done any kind of formal obedience with so sometimes I think I've "got" something then someone will pick something that we can do better - I don't mind, I wouldn't have a clue otherwise! I feel bad because Sooty will always be my practice dog as I haven't done certain exercises and routines before but I couldn't be happier with her and she is doing so well for such a novice owner!! We are learning together.

As of today we are now working on not chomping on the dumbell, she understands hold really well and the retrieve we are getting better at but she does work it around in her mouth. Was thinking of getting her to hold it until I can see the chomping has stopped and then reward - any people who have stopped this in their dog suggestions would be welcome! Also a rock solid stand - we are getting better but sometimes she will move her front feet slightly when someone approaches for the examination.

Wow Great job tj, it makes it so much easier to find the information.

Everytime I see Frodo's bucket head it cracks me up He looks like such a character!

Such cute pictures! Hee hee Sooty does this too, she is a very animated sleeper and makes a lot of noise but it is so cute when you can see her suckling like a little puppy. Unfortunately I don't think toys last long enough around here to be able to be sucked on, they get ripped to shreds.