SammyZ

Well the three Irish Setters I/my family have had over a number of years certainly liked a good bark at happenings going on over the fence/birds in trees etc (this was with walks and plenty of stimulation) and I can only go off my own experience of owning the breed can't I. This was fine as there was always someone at home to nip it in the bud and it was a larger property but I work part-time so I won't have the luxury of doing that. It doesn't mean that I don't think they are terrific dogs and over-the-top barkers, I think they are not the right breed for my situation being so close to my neighbours. OP- have you made a decision yet?

I am also in a strata and the first thing I made sure of, before buying the house, was getting a signed letter from the strata management that dogs are allowed in the complex. Can you do that? I personally would love to get an Irish Setter but realistically, even though my backyard is generous and the same as a standard house, I feel they are just not suited to living so close to neighbours as they tend to like barking especially when they are puppies. I would put Labradors in the same boat tbh. High energy dogs/pups and even with a long walk in the morning and in the afternoon plus training I don't think it would be enough in the backyard set up you have. I am all for inside dogs but I think those breeds need room during the day to stretch their legs/do zoomies. How about looking at a more chilled out breed? It doesn't necessarily mean a small breed at all. I am currently considering a Great Dane as our next dog. Tbh with your garden set up it is basically like an apartment (small paved area out the back) so have a squizz for a breed that is known to be OK with apartment living, obviously with the right exercise etc. Although, like pf said, a senior Labrador/other dog might be a great option Also can you move some of the paving to put in some grass for a toilet area? I have seen an artificial grass set up at the local Pet Stock so maybe check that out

What about when a dog digs/leaves a bone in the backyard and eats it months later? Or is my dog just weird Wouldn't that be similar? I thought that is what dogs did....

A friend of mine has a gorgeous 10.5 year old Ridgeback who unfortunately has been quite sick recently. The vet has advised that she has renal issues and has advised to put her on a special diet. As far as I know she has been on medication and doing well The vet has recommended the special Renal Eukanuba, which she is currently on, but my friend is looking at other options (preferably home-made but other commercial brands too). Any advise would be really apprecaited? Bec.

Oh What a stunning girl. RIP beautiful girl.....fly free...

So sorry for your loss

With some dogs you can't 'cure' them, all you can do is manage. I have one sitting at my feet! Having said that, it is different from dog to dog, so definitely get a session booked with a reputable trainer/behaviouralist and take it from there. Nekhbet - you said it so much more eloquently than me Does she really need to be offleash or is that something that you yourself want? I would love to have a dog that I can have offleash but it just isn't going to happen with Angel and once I realised that a weight lifted. I was wanting her offleash for my sake iykwim. Not saying that this is the case with you but just thought I would bring it up. Bec.

In my experience, having a muzzled dog with aggression issues offleash just heightens their reaction. Good for others, in that they can't get bitten, but not good for the muzzled dog itself in helping with its aggression/reaction. I think about why the dog is acting aggressively and will being offleash with a muzzle help that or hinder it. Plenty of people wouldn't agree with me so you have to do what is right by your dog. It might be worthwhile to get a trainer/behaviouralist out. Bec.

I wouldn't let a muzzled dog offleash full stop but that is MHO. I agree with Poodlefan. Work on the dog some more before letting them offleash - something is holding you back from doing that by asking this question so it isn't the right time. Bec.

Can you relay this onto your vet and see what they come up with? Always worth asking. Bec.

I got some great information re: Schutzhund from here - http://www.schutzhundaustralia.com They have a Clubs page with contacts. Unfortunately (for me! I would love to see it in action) there doesn't seem to a WA branch at present. Good luck, Bec.

I have pet insurance with Pet Plan for my cat but not for Angel. Any animals I get in the future will have insurance. I just figure for such a small amount it is a buffer that I feel more comfortable having. Bec.

Ta for the responses re: schutzhund. From the reading I have done, I see it as a sport, harnessing the existing ability of the dog and a very positive thing to do (if done correctly and with the dedication/knowledge needed) but was just curious on the councils take on it. Doesn't surprise me at all *roll eyes* Sorry to go slightly OT but thanks. Bec. Bec.

Agreed. Just a quick side-note thing, is Schutzhund classed as protection training (from what I have read their third phase is a 'protection' component) and if you take part are you subject to the licensing/'dangerous dog' policies? Bec.

I feel slightly ill Would it make you feel better if I mentioned that generally it's the dog licking itself that makes the problem flare up? God I need another coffee....I don't think having a toasted cheese sandwich for breakfast was a good idea Bec.