fbaudry

What did you find uncomfortable about the third video? SG is certainly persistent with getting the tugging! I'm not sure I can articulate it properly Kavik, and Mrs Rusty Bucket did a better job of it than me. To start with, I don't understand why a head halter is required for this particular dog. I agree there's a place for them, but to me that should be limited to reactive dogs that needs to be redirected quickly on walks etc (and that sort of class environment would be highly unsuitable to these dogs). Then, the dog starts scratching at it when stressed, and gets corrected for it. I don't get why one would punish a dog for an emotional response, instead of trying to address the issue? There's another example when she asks the dog for a sit and visibly yanks it in position with the halter. That but really made me cringe. I'm just confused about how she keeps on harping on about letting the dog make choices, but then puts the dog in a situation where it can't make any choice (being held head up tight on the halter). The other videos had me pretty convinced on signing up, but that segment left me a bad after taste.

Ok, more questions from dumb me... There's no need to submit videos, right? (If one was to register at the last minute) I've got a little Ms Whiney here when she's trying to figure things out, or wants something, of thinks she's missing out on something, which really drives me nuts at times. Am I likely to see an increase in this behaviour if I do the course (just going from the above comments about barking / whining) Not sure it's appropriate to discuss here, but was anyone else uncomfortable watching the 3rd promo video with the segment on the ball obsessed Golden Retriever?

Capstar is only effective for a 24 hours period; so any flea biting Hank say in 2 days time won't be poisoned. You could administer frontline at the same time (though I found the fleas around here to be completely immune to it, hence the switch over to Comfortis)

I think the large bob-a-lot wouldn't allow off larger size biscuits; I couldn't use it with the regular size adult Advance kibble for example, which is really annoying. Same with the Nina Ottoson pyramid (and that one you can only refill one biscuit at a time). And I've seen a really food motivated dog destroy a kong genius (and they're a pain to fill up) Suggestions for the OP: Large soft drink / milk bottle, slightly crunched up once filled to make it harder to get the food out Muffin tray with each compartment covered with a tennis ball - though a food obsessed lab might just tip the whole thing over, but at least he will have to slow down to pick up the scattered kibble Scatter kibble amongst old towels, partly folded and crunched up in a pile to hide it

Sorry I should I thought about Odie; I think your vet would be the best person to advise you of any treatments for her (if any). I suppose the spot on ones are out of the question too, since they would get into her system as well? I also forgot to say if you have other pets, cats in particular, they should be treated as well even if they don't necessarily show signs of infestation. Not sure if they spend a lot of time outdoors and what your yard is like, but if they tend to hang out in areas like under a deck etc it would probably be a good thing to treat that as well. Diatomaceous earth is recommended for this.

Thank you Mrs Rusty Bucket! It does work.... And makes me want to max the credit card!

I would put them both on Comfortis (starts acting very quick), wash whatever can be washed and treat the rest of the environment. My dermatologist vet recommends using a spray that targets both the living fleas and their eggs (some supermarket brands do the trick - baygon, mortein). Make sure you pay special attention to skirting boards, floorboards, underneath and behind furniture etc. Also dispose of - or spray as well - your vacuum cleaner bag that will most likely contain eggs or fleas in their larval stage. Good luck!

Hey guys..... I caught the first two free videos and was hoping to catch up on the other two today but they seem gone. Am I doing something wrong or are they really gone now that registration is open (and really can't afford it right now :-( )?

Thank you for that! I know what you mean about it not being an overnight result; we are not yet at the 2 years mark so I should just persevere. I'm just being cynical maybe, but wonder if sometimes they "grow out" of allergies, and would have had with or without the desensitisation. I was quite severely asthmatic as a child, and the specialists advised against desensitisation back then, because the list of allergens was so long. Now as a middle aged adult, I only need the odd puff of ventolin! Penny started itching after her last set of puppy vaccinations (coincidence?). The vet immediately jumped on the food allergy band wagon (I think he wasn't impressed I wasn't feeding her 100% dry), and she was as it uh as ever after 8 weeks on the prescription diet. That's when I got the appointment with the dermatologist, who basically said I could chuck the rest of the bag and give Penny a meal of whatever the very same night. We went through the skin prick test and she came up with a mild reaction to a number of allergens, but nothing really stuck out. Maybe I should just persevere, and book in another appointment with her. She never mentioned Primrose Oil, just making sure she was supplemented with Omega or flaxseed. Plus using Alpha Kerri lotion on broken skin, and the range of Paws sensitive shampoo and conditioner...

Ptolomy, would you remember how long it took for to be able to notice a consistent improvement in your dog's condition?

Might be time for me to book another appointment with her; was thinking of going to the natural vet at Russell Lea but maybe I should stick to her for now

We are getting close to the 2 years mark and I honestly can't say it's working for us. There are times when she gets better and I go "that's it, it's kicking in" and then the itch returns. Aussielover, did you get apoquel through Linda Vogelnest or your regular vet?

Is day 3 when you know for sure you're onto a good thing? Just out of curiosity HW, how round you rate this food compared to the VIP grain free or the new Natures Gift semi moist?

I'll try to be polite, but here's another pet peeves of mine... The correct spelling for the long coated fawn variety is Tervueren (tervuren is also accepted), not Turvuren

The magic roundabout is why I want to use it :) (yes, i know Dougal is supposed to be a Skye, but look at the pictures - he could be a Shitzu too - right??) Actually, the creator of the show insisted that Dougal (Pollux in the original French show) was based on a Lhasa Apso.... So you are not that far off!

I'd personally stick to the tablets; I too am notorious for forgetting but I believe the tablets really cover the dog for a period of six weeks. Back in 2006, a vet convinced me the injection was the way to go. Olaf was quite sick for a while after the injection - vet refused to admit there was a cause and effect but I couldn't help but believe there was. Been slightly more educated now, there's no way I'd let my dogs being injected with so much poison in one go - especially if I had little ones like yours. Considering yours seem to be mostly indoors, I think it is not worth the risk.

Great video Kavik! For some reasons videos only seem to show randomly on my iPad - very frustrating when everyone talks about it and I can't see it!

I'm the one who trialled it, courtesy of Scottsmum's generosity; it was the green tripe pellets though (not the lamb food JulesP referred to). The smell reminded me, in a milder kind of way, of cow dung. My two ate it, but didn't do cartwheels for it. I understand it's more of a food one would give to transition a dog from a dry onto a raw diet, to establish the right bacterial flora?

Thank you for the feedback guys..... I've had it sitting in my cart for a while now, I guess I just won't go ahead with the transaction.... I wish Natural pet store were selling the 3kg bags of Holistic select and not just the large size :-(

Aargh! You enablers.... Just saw a promo video of SG going around with 3 ladies explaining how much the course helped them Probably out go my price range right now, but would be interested to know how much it would cost? Also, Kavik, does one need to submit videos (can't do that ), or is it possible to just follow the course without actually submitting any material? Thank you! ETA Leah82, I've just done the same... Didn't think it was an actual registration for the course though. Doh!

DD, maybe her poos are enormous because she's eating more kibble than she actually needs? The feeding guides are quite often way too much, and I'm amazed at how little it takes for my guys to stay in good condition... If you can't get hold of Canidae, a lot of breeders use Advance with great success (although I believe it's another brand owned by Mars). From memory there's a small breed Turkey and Rice formula (small sized kibble, as the other regular ones are quite large pieces). I've been using Holistic (either duck or anchovy) as a back up when not feeding raw and I believe it is a very good quality dry food as well. Maybe you could try and get some samples of different brands (wish it was easier to get hold of) to try them on?

Dogmad, your first point is so close my heart... Back in 2011, a former colleague of mine who was volunteering at the AWL came to me in tears about another little dog who was going to be PTS because he failed his temp test 3 times (small terrier, very timid). One of the supervisors had taken a shine to him and fought hard so it didn't happen. They eventually reached a compromise that he could only be released to a foster home, and after months of red tape, I was able to foster him. The rest is history as we decided to adopt him, and I have no doubt he would fail their temperament test even today. He is a sweet little dog, has never growled at or bitten us but will avoid strangers. Fine going to the parks, walking on streets etc but I'm sure he would fail having strangers corner him in a cage and hover over him. This ex colleague of mine and the above mentioned supervisor both left after years there, precisely because of the reason you mention. I chose to volunteer at SDCH because that's where I adopted my first australian dog (RIP Olaf - my avatar) and I knew I could cope with the driving distance. I try my best to make a little bit of the difference to the animals there, but I'm not saying I agree with all their policies. And to completely derail this thread, a quick pic of Will the timid, courtesy of Ruthless, just because I can :laugh: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151637665971526&set=a.10150319437651526.337734.675806525&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-frc3%2Ft1.0-9%2F1377085_10151637665971526_998716542_n.jpg&size=448%2C674

That's interesting that they chose not to use the no-kill label then if they could. Not sure the definition you quoted is so widely accepted in the community, as it differs from the one used in many circles (including students in companion animal services), for whom only a rescue group who seriously screen their intakes can claim to be no-kill. To me, un-adoptable or non-rehabilitable leaves the door open to very subjective interpretations. The young dog I have in mind recently (and there are other cases) was perfectly fit, healthy but in need of far more training, stimulation and exercise that could be provided in a shelter environment. Being a very common cross, excitable young male just didn't appeal to any potential adopters and sealed his fate.

Interestingly Melzawelza, when you chat to the manager, or during every batch of volunteers induction programs, they state very clearly that they are not a no kill shelter, but a low kill one. I can think of one healthy young dog PTS recently. Very active mix of breed who was going crazy in a kennel environment and would have required a very dog savvy owner willing to put in a lot of hard work in training / managing / meeting the exercise requirements.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2014/06/09/dog-deer-best-friends/10239287/ Not sure how to read the dog's body language on that one