VJB

This makes me feel a bit better thanks. Does anyone know how long it would take to be affected?

My dog does this all the time. It appears she gets a burst of excitement when we are only a few houses away from home. I stand still and be very non reactive, as I found if I reacted too much, it would excite her even more... therefore making the situation more unpleasant. She still does it, and if I stand still, do nothing, she knows we won't be moving forward until she stops. It is only very brief now. She grabs lead, excited for approx 10 seconds, then lets go of the lead by herself.... and we continue to walk. Takes a bit of practice though.

I am worried about some 'chunkers' that I bought for Heidi to use as training treats. Having never bought them before, I thought they smelled a bit strange. Used them for a day or so, then bought another brand and the yucky ones made their way towards the back of the fridge. Hubby didn't know this, as it is usually me that feeds the dog. As I was out today, he fed the off ones to the dog, about 10 of them, with her dry food. Do you think she will be ok, or am I expected to have any effects from this. I've since thrown them out,,, but am worried....

I give my dog venison ears.... 99% fat free and she loves them. We give her one a day. Sheep ears are smaller, but just as good.

Gorgeous photos. What a stunning pup.

Heidi mud face.

I was thinking the same thing. Maybe needing the toilet. Some dogs need to be taken out to the toilet for a number of weeks once home.... some even months...

He needs a Superman cape.

Yep, sounds like a good idea. I would be worried too, especially if it continued.

Sounds like a reverse sneeze. My old girl use to do this a fair bit. Heidi does it occasionally. I don't think it causes any harm or anything. I once read that putting your hand over their nostrils for a couple of seconds can stop it.... but it usually stops by itself.

I definitely wouldn't say a GSP is reserved. Love company from other dogs as well as humans..... the more the merrier. I agree with what Cosmolo said re excessive excitability.

It is hard, and it is frustrating,,,, not just for you, but also for your pup. She's just a baby herself, and finding out all the boundaries, (as well as testing them), it's part of having a dog I guess.... I do feel your pain though, and I do know your frustration. You will learn a heap from puppy school no doubt. Things will settle eventually, and I understand you want the best outcome for all concerned. Dogs often bring out their best behaviour when the treats are super yummy. Cut up frankfurter, cheese etc... really small pieces, but really yummy for dogs. When she jumps all over the place, turn around and wait it out. Eventually she should do something towards sitting, and at this precise moment praise/treat. Even for having all 4 feet on the ground at this point is worth treating. It will teach her that you expect calmness from her. Dogs are very smart, and it is usually the humans that are not getting the messages across correctly. You just need to keep persisting, and don't give up. She will learn these things, and so will you.

Maybe sit on the floor with the baby, and the dog on a lead. As soon as the dog is behaving appropriately, give a treat. Have a treat bag attached to you so that you can access treats very quickly. Dogs respond very well to positive reinforcement. Sometimes the communication takes a while, but you should get a good outcome with some persistence.

I would not suggest spraying her directly in the face. Some dogs can react aggressively when frightened suddenly, and could also destroy your relationship with the dog.

Is she getting any daily exercise at all. A tired dog is often a good dog, although all puppies will be mischief at times. Has she got any other amusements, toys, kongs, cardboard boxes to rip up, etc.

I have mixed kibble with sardines and had more success. I did this every now and then for a couple of months, and now I can make things a little more challenging for her. I don't have a typical shaped kong, but a round one with ridges around the outside. I sometimes smear peanut butter around the edges, into the grooves.

What colour is the sloppy poo, brown, orange??

It could be kennel cough.. It is very contagious and they don't catch it from going to kennels as such. Exercise makes it worse, and it can often produce vomiting episodes. May be best to take your pup to the vet. eta, They can catch from kennels, but other places too.

Fabulous photos. Heidi would just love some of that snow to play with. Your two look like they are having a snowball of a time.

where did you get it? it sounds interesting..... Marley gets bored with his treat ball aswell, if everything doesn't just fall out when he rolls it he just walks away....Lazy! Vetnpet direct. $29.00.

My dog did not take to a kong initially. I have a red circular one, and started with all sorts of bits and pieces in it. Must have been too difficult for her, as I found she got frustrated after a while and would just leave it. Then I tried dry food in it. This only lasted about 2 minutes, but still a success. I started adding peanut butter, cottage cheese, slowly increasing the variety, until I can pretty much stuff it solid and she knows what to do with it now. I have, only 4 days ago or so, received a toy called "BOB-A-LONG" It is for dry food. It is shaped similar to a bowling pin, and has a weight at the bottom, so that it keeps bouncing upright after she pushes and prods it. So far, so good. I love that it is a no mess item, and for the last few nights, she has been getting her dry meal in it. I don't care if she scoots it around the lounge room, because there is nothing messy about it.

I am having the same issue with my GSP at the moment. I am confident that there is no urine infection happening, just marking a lot since turning 2. Will be interested in the responses.

I was going to suggest a Lagotto as well.

Now thats a thought. That would surely be a possible cause.

Lovely poem. RIP Lilly. In memory to all those gone too soon.