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TSD have you seen Susan Garrett's current litter? They all seemed to reliably use litter trays filled with paper based kitty litter by 6 weeks of age, and toilet outside when they have access. She says she never has issues transitioning.

The only place I use now - and recommend - is Akuna. They're near Maitland, but pick up and deliver. Great service, and it's one of the few places that won't mix your dog with other dogs, be it in kennels or for playtime. You get video updates and they cater to special needs when required.

I know very little about the breed, besides admiring them and having them on my "one day, maybe" list.... But thought this ad would shed some light for you :) http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/mature/pointer.asp

Great videos Sheena! Are you working towards a hand stand with that last one? I'm having issues with backing up straight... Somehow my girl deviates to my left (just like Bindi in your second video). In frustration she taught herself to reverse back around me

We touched a bit on first aid as part of the Delta course, but I too looked into taking it further (not that I've done anything about it yet) and it would seem the most reputable one is run by the RSPCA https://www.rspcansw.org.au/get-involved/education-and-training/rspca-academy/first-aid-for-companion-animals I'd be interested to hear your feed back if you do it (or end up doing another one)!

Appalling

Happy to help! Do you still have my details?

I used Meadowmist years ago and was happy enough with it then. As far as I can see the ownership hasn't changed so I would need more than a single negative review , particularly from a poster who joined in order to publsish the poor review, to not use them. Tussa - not saying you didn't have a bad experience - just that damning a business without context is a little unfair. I assume from your wording that you lost your pet and if that is the case you do have my utmost sympathy. Sorry but I've heard more than one bad experience with this particular kennel, I've also been there in person and didn't leave my dog there. This. I didn't want to sound overly critical, but HMD perfectly summarised my own experience... Slightly OT but i find the way they reply to online reviews "interesting"

Nothing much to add to the breed qualities (I know a few that match the descriptions above, but have never lived with one). However, I would hope the breeders do their share of homework too and assess the suitability of the family. I see quite a lot of people turning up at training with rarer breeds they chose on looks alone and that are a far from ideal match to their lifestyle.

Stress magnet, if you're after a training tool to reinforce calm behaviours (amongst other things!) I can really vouch for the late Dr Yin Treat and Train / Manners Minder http://drsophiayin.com/videos/entry/treat_train_overview

I'd really recommend Akuna near Maitland. I know it's further away but they do pick up and drop off, and they'll keep your girls together with no interactions with other dogs. That's one of my main concerns these days... I used to board my two at Pet Resorts in Dural, thinking the two hours of supervised yard play with similar dogs would be ok. One of my two (the timid shrinking violet) came back with scabs on his ears and back legs that were dismissed as probably rough play from my other dog (she never mouthes him). I then found out they were kennelled with 2 other dogs because it was peak season (so, yes, 4 dogs unknown to each other cooped up together for 22 hours a day). Never again...

Black Hawk - The fish one is similar or slightler larger than the chicken and rice. I could take a photo if you want I have all of them. I feed mine Advance Active, large triangular shape probably around two cm sides and around 1cm thick?? I can measure properly later. Interesting that someone should raise kibble size. I don't feed much of it (mostly raw, home made here) but when I do, it's through food dispensing toys and Advance in regular size is one of the brands that doesn't fit through Kong wobblers, bob-a-lot and a few other treat balls. Recently won some Royal Canin breed specific and have the same problem...

I'm no a spitz owner, but I had people with a chow pup in my puppy class and they swore by listerine diluted in water (1:6). I think the tip came from their breeder...

Absolutely doable! I'm always amused at the Aussie attitude that dogs need a backyard... Coming from Europe where apartment living is much more common, and dogs are well adjusted and used to city living. I live in a small terrace in Sydney with a cat, a small terrier cross and a cocker spaniel and they all live indoors. 45 to 60 minutes walk in the morning, another one late afternoon and a toilet break before bed time and they all cope fine. My spaniel needs more mental stimulation than anything (loves training, doing tricks, nose work etc) and provided their needs are met, I see no issue with your living situation. I know of a few other cockers in the area who live in apartments, and many other breeds too. Most people in my area have their dogs indoors too, and I believe a dog left in a backyard in a highly urbanised environment could easily become problem barkers (high level of stimulation, passer by, construction noises etc)

Just seconding this; I'd go to a behaviourist vet and let them point you to a reputable trainer

Happy to help, if you want to pm me :)

I believe the chasing a ball in motion, with sharp turns and stops is what causes injuries... People like Susan Garrett who run their dogs in agility don't play fetch for that reason. But there's nothing stopping your cavalier to do controlled retrieves. Have him wait until you release him to fetch the ball / soft toy etc that is stationary on the ground.

I'd really recommend you get professional help from a proper behaviourist.. Personally, I'd highly recommend Gaille Perry as a behaviourist veterinarian. It will cost you a bit of money but I really believe getting an appointment with her (or someone she works with) is the best way forward. They'll be able to recommend you a behavioural trainer who can help you assess the situation, implement management strategies and look into behaviour modification training. Please, stay clear of franchises and unqualified trainers. There is an awful lot of cowboys out there... In the meantime, I would separate the 3 of them before you even start preparing their food, and obviously feed them all separately. The 2 adults are just getting out of puppyhood and reaching social maturity, showing their "true colours". Your girl would have had a awful lot of hormonal changes over the past few months too. I'd be super cautious there's nothing else lying around that could trigger resource guarding (chew toys, sticks etc...) and keep them separate when you aren't around to supervise.

You can definitely flea bomb the house yourself using one of the products I mentioned before (make sure it targets ALL life stages, including eggs). Just remember you need to unplug all electrical appliances (including fridge), cover your fish tank if you have one, and be able to leave the house with all doors/windows closed for a few hours. As far as the yard is concerned, it might be with calling a professional, as I'm not sure what can be done. I think I'd be giving Hank a comfortis tablet (I've done so in the past), but remember you'll keep on seeing fleas on him as the ones living and hatching in the environment will jump onto him to feed. They'll just get poisoned from feeding off him but it might take a while for the population to get eradicated (hence the need to treat the environment).

Great pics everyone! Not a crate related question, but where does one buy sheepskin? And how easy is it to wash/keep clean? It looks very warm and comfy, and would be a great alternative for the doggies to sleep on, compared to all those horrid polyester "fleece" blankies

Hey Max#1, 2 cents worth from someone who faces the same issue (closing my fist led Will to go away, tail between his legs, and into his bed). I found doing it when really relaxed, in a room where the dog is comfortable and with no other distraction really helped. But the big game changer is to find a food that your pup is really motivated by. So I've been boiling chicken liver and that seems to work for Will I think the main thing is to keep it very light hearted and not put any "pressure" on your dog. Easier said than done, I know, when one has a hypersensitive dog!

I'm having the same issue Silentchild, so going very slowly with high value mushy food. Not sure about Will's background (picked up as a stray and repeatedly failed assessment a at the AWL for being too fearful), but I suspect it wasn't a happy one. He's very weary of hands and feet We did a crate game session with Penny tonight which I think went well. She maintained solid sits at the back of the crate pretty much the whole time. In hindsight I wish she'd made mistakes early on, because towards the end she just lied down nod didn't sit up when the hand touched the door... Back to square one tomorrow!

We are July the 3rd and I'm already way behind... And these games just confirm how clumsy and uncoordinated I am I've managed to "slap" Penny trying to cover a treat when she was diving for it, and did the same with my foot I start every session with a closed fist, that she will mouth and paw before just sitting back and staring at it. I've been trying to deliver food when she ever so slightly glanced at me, but I can't seem to get her to back out or anything. I must be doing something wrong... As off Will, my hand closing gently when he tries to get at the treats is enough for him to retreat back to his bed, giving up. This boy is just so soft and timid, I think the games are too much pressure for him. I'll try to persevere very slowly...

Has anyone else had their dogs come across human poo at the park Still dry retching at the mere thought of it Other poo doesn't bother me as much

OT - TSD your inbox is full :) I agree with SAS, I would make sure your husband doesn't initiate any interaction with her. On the other hand, nothing stops you creating a positive association with him. Eg husband comes in the room, you treat treat treat - husband leaves, treats stop