Poppy's mum

This is the only place where owning five pet dogs is not regarded as weird, crazy, eccentric or just plain sad! "I use DOL because I can?" what does that mean? To those who chose it.

I've seen some of this on TV before eg where they test the different breeds and whether they can work out whether to go around a barrier to get a reward - yes for working dogs. Breeds like pekes etc look to their human to solve the puzzle for them. So some of the answers are different for different breeds. There was that program on SBS recently where they demonstrated a lot of this. Wasn't it called "The Secret Life of the Dog" or somesuch. Awesome show. They showed the Russian experiment with the silver foxes, dogs that could recognise 100s of objects by name etc compared ability to follow a hand pointing to that of a chimp - dog will follow the hand and get the reward, chimp not because dogs dependent on human cues because of years of evolution/integration. I think New Scientist had some similar articles. I couldn't complete it because of a computer glitch

What is this obsession with PJs?

Oh Teebs! Those pyjamas! Classic

Hi My mum has always clipped her dogs. She has one poodle currently and is looking for some clippers that aren't so heavy. In the past she has had Andis and Oster brands. What is the go now? Are there any that are a bit lighter? (She's 86 and has bad rheumatoid arthritis but is determined to keep active on the basis of "use it or lose it". I suspect she wouldn't trust anyone else with her precious girl either!)

Why do British bulldogs look so absurd in clothes? ETA and Billy the Lakeland terrier looks half human half dog

I'm glad it's not just me with the vomity thing - 6 piles of smelly vomit after feeding a brisket bone and poo with bone slivers in. Nasty pointy bits. Too nervous to repeat the experience. There has to be a better way to keep teeth clean. Chicken wings are too small for big dogs/ a choking hazard. And I don't think they help dental health. Wish there was an easy answer!

That was where Tielle used to wear her antlers -if you're a greyhound, antlers are obligatory at Christmas! Lovely photos everyone.. Frodo is certainly the dress-up prince! Reminds me of the little baby girl on Modern Family! A few rather embarrassed faces in that lot and some par for the course I'm always dressing up faces!

Following on from the "packs" thread and the party animals...all those embarrassing outfits and musical antlers... (I'll add later, can't do it from the iPad) although my GF tells me Poppy's collar decoration in my avatar is naff and what was I thinking? It's only till her ETSY one arrives.

We need another thread for embarrassing owners who dress us up. Loved your description!

I have yet to get one of Poppy with everyone but this is one with my old girl Tielle the grey, sitting with Pansy, Chelsea and Fred (the brown dog) in the sun.

Does your greyhound have a bare bum (typical)? It's a marvel what a strategically placed chihuahua can do! My beautiful new girl Poppy and her accessory, Chelsea the chi.

I had just assumed it was a troll trying to get all the grey rescuers and fosters going I had a grey for five years. The very beautiful Tielle. A very pretty little blue girl, Rehomed to me at eight y.o. Her characteristics were: quiet, demure, aloof, patient with my little dogs, sweet tempered, undemonstratively affectionate, and, as I said, very aesthetically pleasing. She did play once a day, shaking the life out of her bed. I never saw her run fast. She had had six starts as a racer but clearly wasn't interested. Like many failed racers, she was taken to the vet aged two, to be PTS. I have just adopted a new grey from Friends of the Hound - the lovely Poppy. Quite a different dog in some ways. Not chosen for her aesthetic value but for her impeccable temperament with my rather old littlies. She is an active six year old, very affectionate, loves everyone, kids especially and greets every dog we meet like an old friend. She has mad zoomies, jumps up, levitates, spins, throws her toys around and generally enjoys an extended playtime -maybe a full ten minutes. I'll take her to obedience to channel some of her energy. She's a smart cookie. I suspect she raced reasonably successfully for a while. She has a few impressive scars. All hounds are different. Some do agility (the lovely Bethany), some are nutty clowns and some are super laidback. I believe you get out of a dog what you put in and you have to play to their strengths. I watched Poppy playing with a GSD in the fenced area of the park for a short time yesterday. When she ran, I swear, I have never seen anything so beautiful. I noticed peoples' jaws drop. That's the greyhound for you. I suspect it appeals or not.

Thanks for the info. It sounded a bit too good to be true. I do have an issue with hairy feet, too ( the dog's not mine )

Anyone used one of these? Not sure how you keep a reluctant dog's foot in place? (without ripping out a nail) Oster Gentle Paws Cordless Nail Clipper Trimmer Dog Cat Item Model Number: 78129-600 Product Description Oster Gentle Paws Cordless Nail Trimmer leaves smooth rounded nails that protect furniture and floors from scratches. A rotating head gently files your pet's nails quickly, easily and pain free. The safety guard holds the nail in place and prevents accidental hair winding. It has two speeds for all breeds of dogs and cats. Product Features Trim your pet's nails quickly and gently with no stress involved Up to 5 times faster than the competition with 2 adjustable speeds Ideal for dogs and cats of all breeds Safety guard holds nail firmly in place Includes coarse stone, fine band, and 2 coarse bands

Greyhounds are slaves to routine. They know breakfast time - no sleeping in allowed. Playtime 4pm. Dinnertime 5.30 weekends; 7pm working days. My grandad had a fox terrier who waited for him at the bus stop at 5pm every day ( jumped the fence, up the road, round the corner). They must have some concept. When mum was staying with me, she said the dogs all headed for the door at my usual home time.

I'm a case in point -I want a grey to replace my darling Tielle who was a glamorous blue. I'd like a brindle or a parti- colour for novelty value but the most important consideration is that they are totally reliable with/ fit into my brood. I'm going to see a black dog shortly. Not my first preference but colour is not the primary concern.

Sounds reasonable - I was told (secondhand) it cost $250 to desex small female dog recently.

Thanks yes it's a reputable group. My paranoia, that's all.

I am considering adopting a dog (greyhound). It needs to be completely reliable around my small fluffies. Should I be concerned if it's a dog that likes chewing/playing with fluffy toys? Does this mean it has a high prey drive? The weight of opinion seems to say it's not necessarily a factor making it unreliable.

Geoff Huegill has a chihuahua. That's what I call a real man. As for oversized head man - he's got a cute girl and a dog: don't knock it!

That's such a helpful document, thanks!

Some chihuahuas go grey early but I've never seen that type of "pattern" more a sprinking of paler hair throughout the coat, mainly head area. The spots are quite novel!

So cool! British Bulldogs - who knew! Loved the multiple surfers. I wouldn't have believed they'd enjoy it so much. Is that normal for the breed? Fun cowboys...