Sam&Saki

Samodor, I think there's some thing where you can report your own post and have it removed, if you want to get rid of this. There are plenty of people on DOL who admit they've done the wrong thing in the past - whether having bought a pup from a pet shop or a breed they didn't research properly or whatever. & they've stayed on DOL and learnt a lot. The key is to admit you've not been perfect in your past actions, accept that others will point that out to you at times, react to this calmly not defensively, and move on. You made a poor choice. You're human and we do that sometimes. However if you realise it was a poor choice, no need to write lengthy rants defending your actions. Just leave it as you made a poor choice, rehomed the pup and try to learn from it. I am glad you found good homes for both recent dogs but if you continue to feel you can't deal with extra difficulties in dogs because of your two children (or all your other defenses you raised) then perhaps consider not getting another pup until your children are older or you're in a less emotional state. I think perhaps ending this thread is a good idea. I understand you've been offended but others will be offended by what you've said, and if the pup is gone now, no need to keep arguing in circles.

Good point re: correlations being very different to causal links. While it is difficult to deny the correlations, there is some debate about whether causal links have in fact been proven. I'm not sure what you meant by "the above mentioned studies" as I didn't post my reference list, however some of the studies I read were definitely based on correlations with no research into causal links. There are quite possibly other factors in play. However this argument can apply each way. Agreed. This could well explain why neutered pets live longer than entire pets, despite higher incidences of cancer. I'll still be going with my specialists advice, although may get a 2nd opinion first - it's a confusing issue and I don't think anyone on either side can accuse others of "wanting their dog to get cancer." All we can do is what we feel and have been advised is best for our own individual dog :D Great to see a specialist contributing to this thread x

Does this implant work by suppressing hormones? If so what physiological difference is there from spaying if the bitch still has unnatural hormone levels? No idea! I had not heard of it til our specialist mentioned it in our last visit. I suspect it works by keeping the bitch in a pregnancy like state hormone-wise, but I'll certainly be discussing it more with him next time, and asking for a proper name / term so I can research it too My girl can't be desexed yet for other medical reasons, so we have some time to learn more. Anyone who needs to desex sooner should get in and discuss it with a specialist, I am certainly not one, I only know enough to find a good specialist and go to them, and maybe read what other good specialists have researched and written, and then do what seems best for your individual dog x

Ooops, double post! ETA: Well if I accidentally made a double post, I may as well use it There is another option - non-surgical desexing. It's an implant. Most people are aware of the male one but few are aware of the female option - but it is an option, although again you'll have to go to a specific repro specialist to discuss whether it's right for your dog and/or to get it. There are a few repro specialists in Aus who travel to Europe to lecture on this topic and undertake study and so forth. PM me for a name.

Hi Aussie3 I first joined this forum as I was in the same position you are in now. I was asking for recommendations to a reproductive specialist vet who would be aware of the statistics, risks, research etc in this field. Very very few people replied to me but at least I didn't get some of the ignorant responses you are. You are best off either reading the research yourself or finding a specialist in the field to explain it to you. You're right, both the RSPCA and the AVA recommend across the board desexing at 6 months for all dogs, and recommend desexing bitches by ovario-hysterectomy. However just because it is policy, just because it is good advice to try to control dog overpopulation, doesn't mean it is the best thing for the health of your individual dog. In fact ovario-hysterectomy of dogs is frowned upon as a selfish and unecessary risk to a dogs health for the convenience of its owner in much of Europe. For those who are unaware, there are risks and benefits, including cancer concerns, for both courses of action - spaying or not spaying. Benefits of spaying female large breed dog: 1. Reduces risk of mammary tumours x7 2. Almost eradicates risk of pyometra 3. On average, increases longevity 4. Eliminates risk of pregnancy & need to deal with bitch going on heat 5. Reduces risk of ovarian, cervical & uterine tumours (Risk v low: <0.5%) 6. Reduces risk or perianal fissues 7. Lessens risk of socially dimorphic behaviour Risks of spaying female large breed dog: 1. Doubles risk of osteosarcoma (Risk v high: cause of death of 1 in 3) 2. Increases risk of hemagiosarcoma x2.2 - x5 (Risk v high: most common cause of death) 3. Increases risk of orthopedic disorders (doubles risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture; triples risk of patellar luxation) 4. Causes urinary incontinence in 4 - 20% of dogs 5. Triples the risk of hypthyroidism 6. Increases risk of adverse reactions to hypothyroidism 7. Increases risk of geriatric cognitive impairment 8. Doubles risk of urinary tract tumours / bladder cancer / TCC of the bladder x2-4 (Risk v low: <1%) 9. Increases risk of persistant or reccurent UTIs x3-4 10.Doubles risk of obesity So in fact a spayed bitch is actually MORE likely to develop cancer than an entire bitch. Leaving the ovaries intact would mean the bitch continues to have normal hormone production, which should negate any increase in those cancer risks. However, as we all know, leaving the ovaries in tact also means facing an increased risk of the cancer risks from the other side - ovarian and mammary tumours, etc. It is a difficult issue and no-one should judge another's decision, as long as they have explored all options and done what they believe to be in the best interest of their dog. Good luck with sorting it out for your pup x

I set the pace but let Saki be ahead or behind or sniffing along or whatever, as long as she keeps up and also doesn't pull me :p I do get her to heel close when other people or dogs are approaching / passing though, and to only greet other people or dogs if I tell her it's ok. Am admittedly a bit of a laissez-fair owner :p She never toilets outside her particular toilet place in our own yard thankfully x

Vaccinations are only considered to be effective a couple of weeks after the final one. Pretty standard.

Oh that is just horrendous! However I'm so glad to hear your dogs survived - best wishes for them both to recover fully and promptly x

Argh yes I see that other tick thread has been bumped, very informative. Very grateful we're too far south for ticks but seems a timely reminder for others x

Excuse my ignorance, but do we have ticks in Melbourne? What can we do to avoid them? I'm perpetually worried about bloat or puppy being stolen or cancer... Yet another thing to add to the list of things to worry about Rather be educated and forearmed, however x

There are many many different types of leads, collars, face harnesses, body harnesses, etc etc. Personally I think whatever works for your individual dog is the way to go, there is no one size fits all in these things. My puppy pre-school gave me terrible advice on this area so don't take everything they say as gospel! Especially with check chains you'll find some trainers who only use them and nothing else, and others who are very against them. As someone who owns a sledding dog a great deal stronger than I am, I have no issue walking my dog on a harness as a long term thing rather than on a temporary training basis. It's padded, doesn't hurt her, makes walking easier and happier for both of us - yes being able to know she'll walk nicely on a flat lead and never ever jump or dart suddenly or pull me over when we're walking down hill and it's wet and slippery would be nice, but I don't think she'll become quite that perfect any time soon heh x PS Have you posted Newfie baby pics anywhere on here!? Love Newfies!!!!!! Wanna see puppy pics!!! Hehe x

Ahahahaha sorry but the title to this thread just made me giggle (Not that I can laugh, I got a false eyelash glued to my hair yesterday, LOL) Glad to hear dog is de-stuck now x

Wow you are doing so well already! & listen to how much more positive you're sounding! Yay go you and go pup, woohoo x

You are just overwhelmed at the moment, take it a step at a time and things will look brighter very soon, you'll see :D x

I'm sorry for your difficulties and that you've become so disheartened :D Some very good reasons here why to never ever get a pup from a pet shop! I don't think you're necessarily a bad owner, you've just bought a pup with some difficulties due to its time in the pet shop. I hope everyone here gives you some useful advice to help you overcome this stage and your pup grows into a calm, happy, healthy pet in time (but that you encourage others to never buy from a pet shop and don't fund that pet shop by buying your pup's supplies from there!) Good luck x

I was told the formula is the age of the dog in months plus one. So a 3 month old should be let out to toilet every 4 hours, a 4 month old every 5 hours, etc. My pup didn't need to go that frequently though, and has never toileted near where she sleeps. Hope this helps x

Oh I am so sorry to hear it :D My Kia was 13 1/2 when she was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, I'd had her for exactly half my life and couldn't really remember life without her. Kia was given 10 days to live but went on strong for another 6 weeks before becoming sick / in pain. Enjoy the time you have left as much as you possibly can and postpone your grief until Harley is gone. I'm so glad I had that time with Kia. Keep Harley by your side for as long as is compassionate and treasure every moment. *hugs* x

Hmmm I left my comment before I saw your edit. I have to disagree, my dogs have been attacked by small and toy dogs many many times but rarely/never by large dogs. Please don't let this horrible experience make you prejudiced against larger dogs. Put the blame where it belongs - on irresponsible dog owners! x

My pup did the same when she was young but grew out of it. As long as you don't reward the fearful behaviour (patting to calm down or whatever) hopefully your pup will grow out of it too :D x

Oh dear I'm so sorry this happened to your pup, how horrendous :D No advice but lotsa *hugs* for both of you! x

You're the one that claims that your family are deliberately feeding your pet cat the wrong food, knowing that the food is killing it. You're the one that claims there's no point getting behaviourist advice because your family won't pay attention anyway. For the sake of the dogs, I do hope you're exaggerating about how poorly your family treats the pets. I didn't condone getting rid of the pets but I stand my opinion that if that is the situation, don't get any more pets - and I'm not sure what advice you are asking for if you're going to reply that your family is going to ignore it anyway! I do hope the dogs do ok.

So you got a new dog that does not have an "oodle" in its name? And this dog is a toy poodle? I'm confused & have I missed something here? What does the length of your marriage, the source of your pet horse and the nationality of your husband have to do with anything? Is it just cos I'm sick or is DOL extra confusing today?

If you live with people who are not trustworthy around animals, you have two options: (1) Move out (2) Don't have animals Really, what is the point of asking for advice and then replying to advice with "that won't work because my family won't do it anyway"? If your family really chose to kill the pet cat rather than listen to the vet advice about something as simple as changing the cat's food, you should not have dogs around them, with their far greater and more complex needs. Get out or stop getting dogs.

Hahaha oh dear, I'm actually kinda glad I haven't seen my precious baby display that sort of hussy-ish behaviour LOL Thankyou! Yeah I think we may start walking and training and everything again next week just to be sure. No boy dogs here to tell me, thankfully! x

Thanks Miranda I may leave it another week to be safe and then start taking her back to training and everything x