VJB

It is chaotic when pups are young, and tempting to put them outside, but nows the time to train your pup what is acceptable in the home. It won't take forever, but when its all happening it can feel like a pretty wild time. Your pup wants to be with you. I'd let your pup inside after a good play outside where a few games have been played and the chance to toilet. Then bring pup inside and hopefully he will be tired enough to settle down for a nap. But, this is not always the case... sometimes they come back inside and pee straight away. He's a baby, with lots to learn. I've never been in favour of giving chews/rawhides etc unsupervised either. But the kongs are great and I will leave these. Don't make them too challenging to begin with, so that he learns how to play and get a reward from rolling it about. Toilet training and accidents indoors are bound to happen. It's a frustrating time, but again, not for long if you stick with a plan. If the pup has an accident, don't blame him, blame yourself for not picking up on the signals and taking him out. After a week or so of taking pup out to pee, try to call him out so he can figure out how to go on his own, rather than expect you to pick him up and take him. Once you establish a routine when you are home, it will all start to fall in place. It's not always easy though, I understand that part, but given that you are away from home for a lengthy period of time, it's quite reasonable that he's crying to be with you. Good luck, keep reading these forums, it's a great way to learn heaps. And I'd definitely take advice from the other posters about crate training and keeping him inside at night. I've not done it myself, but know that it works well for others. In a few weeks time, he probably won't even need to go out for midnight wee wee trip.

When Heidi got Kennel cough, it started out as just a little tiny cough. Barely enough to call it a cough at all. But I noticed that she was doing it in her sleep as well, and after exercise. I ended up taking her to the vet cause it was a day before new years and I didn't want to get stuck on a public hol trying to find a vet. We were lucky we went, because my friends dog was at the vet under sedation due to kennel cough, and she was in a terrible way. In fact, she's only just coming good this last week. We all had visited the same dog park, and lots of dogs caught it. If it is, the manuka honey is suppose to be fantastic. But I tend to agree with Erny above re the irritation. Can you get a mobile vet to visit?. These are often no more expensive than if you took the dog yourself to the vet. A lot less stressful for the animals who take a dislike to these situations.

My dog runs in front of me, then stops 20 or so metres away and looks back, waits til I catch up. This continues throughout our of leash time. If I over-take her, and just keep walking, she runs to catch up. I think she keeps a real good eye on where I'm going, even if she's sniffing around everywhere. As for on the lead, she is generally a step or two ahead of me, but I don't interpret this as her being dominant or trying to be pack leader. She knows who's boss,,, tries to get away with mischief at times, but she knows.

Our dog has a sensitive tummy too, and we use Advance. I know that lots of people use Royal Canin. Bones and raw don't go down too well in this house either.

Yeah thats what I was thinking vjb you couldnt leave the puppy in a crate all day And the crying at night may also be due to the need to go to the toilet. It takes a while for their bladder to mature enough to hold on. Toilet training is best established from day one, so it would be best if someone could help out if pup is going to be alone for long periods..... or it can take a lot longer to toilet train. There are heaps of people who work full time, but young pup's are quite dependent and require lots of human interaction to help ease them into there new environment. I'm really glad you've taken a positive step and joined this forum. You'll learn more than you ever expected and hopefully we can all help out somehow. So many people that get a pup are in a state of shock initially, cause they didn't expect it to be as full-on as it is. One thing I always remember reading somewhere is that "You have your whole life as well as your pup, but you are your pup's whole life".

How long will you be gone throughout the day? I'm not familiar with crate training, but heard it's good. I wouldn't imagine you could leave them in there all day though, without toilet breaks etc. With crate training, I would do lots of reading and research so that you can set up a good routine for yourself and pup.

Any news. Positive thoughts for your boy. 15 is great, I love old dogs, but I agree that it's never long enough. Here's hoping he's OK.

She wouldn't be getting much of a mouth workout with just chicken and rice. And before long, her teeth would be terrible I'd imagine. I've recently had an issue with my dog becoming picky food wise, and some DOLers gave me very good suggestions, which I've tried over the last 2 days and they've worked great. Sardines. Mix a couple in with good quality kibble (if you give kibble). I did this and Heidi couldn't wait for me to put the bowl down. Today I tried about 2 ice cubes of steamed pumpkin with her kibble, and a dollop of cottage cheese. Loved it. Tomorrow, I'll be trying egg & mince with her kibble, and I'm just going to keep her diet as varied as I can. You may also like to try chicken carcass. Most dogs love these, and they can be given frozen. Lots of people use chicken necks or turkey necks.

I've just finished reading this whole thread. What a terrible experience. You are very strong and I'm glad your pup has you as it's owner. I can feel your relief at him getting better. Poor boy.

hello :rolleyes: Poster above originally just said "Hi There"... so I just thought I'd say Hi There back.

Could she have been bitten by something there? Horrible thought, but it could easily happen..... ants etc. Is there any signs of any discharge?

Maybe he drank more than normal, and brought a bit up. That can sometimes happen. I wouldn't be worried unless he shows any other signs at this stage. Glad to hear he was kept out of the stifling heat.

I've yet to get a bag of Adult advance, but would all their kibble have been the one size. Maybe the small kibble was that size due to it being for puppies, and now that you have the adult bag its changed to adult size.

I did the dog poo in the hole and it worked. No digging since, but she has two areas that she can did in.

I think your doing the right thing with the visit to the vet. Let us know what happens.

I'm intrigued as well. I cannot think of anything on a desexed female that would need regular wiping. What sort of dog is she?

Thats so sad. Glad he had someone who loved him, even if it was for such a short short time.

I've always heard that bones are good for teeth in general, but have also read about the risk of breaking teeth as well. Certain bones are much harder than other too.

Yep, I wouldn't be taking him to dog park yet either. Better to wait the two weeks than risk something horrible happening. Puppies of this age really only need the exercise they give themselves. It won't be long before he's old enough to have a little more..... it goes really fast.

Poor Chais, that must have been just so horrible for him, and for those who had to look on. I don't have one of those balls, but this story will be etched in my mind for ever. Will pass on info to others.

I also used a hand signal. Had a treat in my hand and used the hand signal while saying "drop" It's a bit hard to explain, but I moved the treat from her nose, down her chest and then forward. It only took a few goes, til she knew the hand signal, and within a few days, she understood the word without the hand signal....... hope that makes some sense

Thank you saram Heidi is a German Shorthaired Pointer. She is just on 8 months old now. Total sook, unbelievably lovable, and brings our family huge amounts of joy. I notice you've got 2........ you must be kept busy

I must say, I'm not overly keen on off leash parks, but have tried it a few times. You could try going when it's not busy hour, and then you may only get interaction with a few dogs, rather that 20 at once. Other people go to puppy/dog obedience school etc. Or you may find a dog walking club near you. I've recently heard on this forum of others doing similar things. At least that way, your dog and hopefully others are under control on a lead.

I would think working at a boarding kennel, you are not going to experience the dog in it's natural state.. (as you explained). Gundogs are ........... words cannot describe.......... They are loyal, loving and beautiful dogs, and I think any dog can come across as "nutty". I am not partial to very tiny breeds, so its a preference thing I guess. I love Gundog though.... obviously.

ditto