SammyZ

Hope your dog is doing OK. I second, third, forth for you to only go off a vets advice in a situation like this. If it was Angel I would have called straight away and taken her to our vet or the emergency vet if after-hours. IMHO forums are of no use for 'hard facts' in possible emergency situations like this iykwim. Bec.

Eagle Pack Regular here and I can really see the difference! My 14yo has got the zoomies back again and her coat looks beautiful I would hate to see how vigorous she would get on the Eagle Pack Holistic lol Bec.

I agree with PF. Adult training then kids helping. I do think it is important to get the kids involved no matter the age. Gracie, who is two, knows not to look Angel in the eye directly (like the 2cm away I love you thing lol!) and know that Angel prefers to be patted under the chin. Angel is going semi-blind so it can freak her out if you pat her on her head suddenly or there are sudden movement around her face. But IMHO that is just good practice for interaction in general. I think it is important for kids to feel calm and confident around dogs and kids need to know the boundaries just as much as the dogs. In so far as sit, stay, roll, obedience etc etc training I know that I was doing this with our setters from when I was young - maybe 5 - so I think it depends very much on the dog and the kid. Go with the flow I say, don't force it and you will see what the best way to go is Bec.

Epi-Optic all the way here. Every couple of months Angel needs her ears cleaned out and it does the trick nicely

Ta guys for your posts. Love the 'pointing' Luke I am going to go with what I know - an Irish Setter it is SparkyTansy - I used to groom/brush/wash etc the setters we had (my job rather than the poo-patrol ) and loved it I do remember the red hair spinifex thing though across the tiles lol - might have to invest in a better vacuum cleaner The other major consideration is that I like going on long walks/jogs and an Irish will probably be more suited to this than a Great Dane I think. I have my name down for a girl puppy so fingers crossed, all things going well, that will be happening at the end of the this year! Ta again, Bec.

I ride with my dog sometimes but she doesn't get much exercise!! lol She sits in the back of my Chariot - http://www.chariotcarriers.com/ - usually my two year old is the passenger Haven't done it for a while, might pop out next weekend if the weather is nice! Bec.

Ta for that! Wow you learn something new every day

Sorry can't help with any training tips but wondering why you want a dog on a treadmill? lol :dummy:

Ta so much settrlvr. Yes - showing is still an option at the moment. The breeder I am looking at at the moment for Irish Setters is primarily show lines (I actually think I contacted you regarding looking for a breeder earlier this year via email and, if it was you, you gave some fantastic advice!) which makes sense regarding energy output and wanting to possibly head that direction. Good consideration regarding grooming requirements of irish and GD for show. I must admit the lifespan would be upsetting as I find it hard enough with a 12 year old innings with our setters But then again dogs bring so much joy regardless of how long they are with us but it is just devastating when they pass. Just this morning I saw a red setter being walked (the people must live in my area) and my gut reaction was I LOVE YOU! lol! I think either breed would be fantastic but I just need to make the decision I am dreaming of having both but I think it would be a touch too crazy with an Irish and GD pup Ta for the show info - great to have an idea re: time slot etc

I am thinking about what puppy to get next and would like some opinions if possible. I currently have a bully x old gal and she is content to sleep in my bedroom all day at the moment. Angel will keep on sleeping in my bedroom while I work (three days a week) as she does now and the puppy will have its own shelter (brick shed with bedding etc) and run outside (I will section off some of the garden and increase this while they grow). Obviously when I am home they will both be inside with me I am really torn between an Irish Setter and a Great Dane. I was firmly fixed on an Irish Setter. It is a breed I am very familiar with and love. I also want to give Gracie, my two year old, the experience of growing up with one as I know that I loved it. Beautiful dogs to have around children (supervised of course ) imho. We had a few as family pets when I was young. I 'know' them and their requirements. I have been to see a lovely breeder and saw a bitch who is due to come in season later in the year that has the most amazing temperament. We have quite a lot of native birds around the area so one of my hesitations is that an Irish might be barky when I am not home when they see one! I know that my other Irish's used to be like that but I know that training will help with this After going to see Jet, a black Great Dane, at the RSPCA about a month back I have also fallen for this breed. I just loved the feel of walking him. Might have something to do with the fact that I am just under six foot! Felt very comfortable And loved the personality. I also feel they would be fantastic around a child and possibly less 'barky'? I am also thinking that the Great Dane might actually be more of a 'guard dog' than an Irish. I obviously don't want an 'attack guard dog' at all but would like reassurance that they will bark if need be. I can't get Great Danes out of my head!! Ok my situation is: own a strata home (with approval to have dogs :D ), 3 bedroom (the new pup will have a bedroom of its own!), medium sized yard, good fences, across the road from open spaces and walk paths. I will walk at least once a day for up to an hour with on and off leash time on work days and twice a day every other day. I also like being social with my dog ie taking them to a park cafe etc. I am able to take time off work to spend with the puppy initially then will be coming home at lunchtime to spend time with the pup and Mum, who lives 2 minutes away, will also be coming during the day to spend time with the pup. I know for a fact that Mum would be more comfy spending time with an Irish Setter as she is 'used' to them iykwim. I work Mon, Wed and Fri from 7.30 to 4.30, the rest of the time I am at home. I am on my own with a little two and a half year old girl who is respectful to dogs, doesn't rush them etc. I love them both - help! What is your advice?

I understand regarding the vegetarian thing (coming from an ex-veg gal) but my mindset is that I hate nothing more than wasting an animal that has been slaughtered by only using the 'good' bits and packaging them to look as little like the animal as possible. I think it is much bettter, if that animal is going to be slaughtered, to use every bit (and feeding dogs liver, heart, chicken frames etc etc does the trick) and be respectful to that life. I think being unaware of where our meat comes from, desensitized by only buying pre-packaged meat etc has proliferated our use of meat for breakfast, lunch and dinner iykwim. Just another take on it and I know it is a very personal decision

Congrats Are you heading to the vets with her? Maybe book her in Monday for a checkup and the vet will be able to let you know re: worming

OMG look at that wall! It seems that they have so much pent up energy!!! Have you tried walking them in the morning to get rid of some of this? How often are they exercised? Sorry can't really help with the other stuff - just wishing you luck. Bec.

So sorry They definitely take a little piece of you with them don't they - hugs. What a beautiful beautiful girl. Bec.

My bully x ACD does it. I just do a kissy sound and open my arms and she boings up! Tbh I wouldn't want to do it was a larger dog for fear of injuring myself or the dog as it is tricky enough with Angel!