temperamentfirst

We're working on a health survey, and that is one of the first questions.

Our pups firmly believe that being crated is a big treat - because they only get chicken frames when they are crated:-)

Quite a bit of misinformation on that website. It has a lot of incorrect statements, and leaves out vital things like health testing. Talks about CL and TNS, but doesn't mention the DNA tests. Not a good guide to Border Collies! Wonder who this so called expert is? As others have said, make sure your pup is from a responsible breeder, and it will come with a comprehensive diet sheet. Lots of breeders send the pup home with a food pack too.

If you get the purple spray on your hands - use hairspray to get it off.

Use vinegar and water as a final rinse and leave it on - does wonders.

We have both cork and commercial grade vinyl planks. The cork has been down for nearly 20 years, and is fantastic for the dogs as its slight 'give' means they don't slip. The planks are the highest grade of 'non slip' but are far more slippery for the dogs and they often lose traction on it. My daughters think the cork is very old fashioned, but I wouldn't have anything else for my back and for the dogs.

I tried them, but the dogs actually remove them from the water bowls!

Tippi, I've had to have old dogs PTS, and every time it has seemed like they just let go. My last one was sitting in the car, and as the injection took effect she just collapsed down. I have seen one in terrible pain, and the change from suffering to peace and knew I had done the right thing.

Re papers - one thing that legally all breeders must do in NSW is microchip - so if she didn't give you those papers she is breaking state law.

Mine have no problem with it. One boy who is pretty difficult re even fish oil capsules eats RHVC with no problem. I am using the equine version fro the dogs, and it ahs molasses in it - the dogs LOVE it.

A lot of cav breeders don't let their pups go until 10 weeks - your breeder has not done the right thing by you or the pup. I second the suggestion that you find another vet - perhaps if you tell us where you live we can suggest some good vets for you. You are doing a great job - and best of all you have asked for help when you were unsure :-)

It's ok to be hurting and crying - give yourself permission to cry and grieve for your best friend. It does get better ... eventually. Hugs

We simply replace the dry food with cooked pumpkin and roast cabbage. Much better for the dog, and the hip pocket :-)

Raelene Koerber is fantastic :-)

We use the Bunnings garden waste cages to fence part of the family room off from the pups. I find that they object to being fenced in, but are fine about being fenced off from the leather couch :-) As he grows, he will need more space than the laundry and boredom could become a problem, so if you can safely give him part of the family room, it will make a big difference. The panels are also very useful for reinforcing fences. There's a new kong out - flat and sort of star shaped - that keeps pups busy for hours. I also downloaded an app that plays all sorts of sounds.