megan_

You can get small cans from amazon. They don't stop truly aggressive dogs though - even pepper spray doesn't always work. There is a great bog post on dogsinneedofspace.com - ill try to find it.

1. Get a new trainer 2. Take him to s puppy school that isn't just a group of dogs flooding yours. Not all dogs like lots of strange dogs in their face. They need to greet properly etc.3. Practicing something life " nothing in life is free" and "triable of temptation" are good ways to build a good relationship with you dog. 4. Can't emphasize enough: get a new trainer.

Doh! Fortunately security will stop you looking at my project's documents....

Thanks for the open and transparent response. Perry'sMum, the RSPCA in the ACT and SA are totally separate.

K9Pro also have an interview with her on their blog and it has a simple guide to looking for balance: http://k9pro.com.au/services/structure-in-action-an-interview-with-pat-hastings/ ETA: correct link

What is "BARF"? BARF generally just means a pre-made raw food patty with meat and veggies and other yummies. There are many brands, not just the one given below. Google "barf dog food" and you'll get some good results. BARF doesn't mean patties at all - it stands for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food" or "Bones and Raw Food". The patties were only developed relatively recently, and seem to be different to what true raw feeders feed anyway (they don't help teeth, for example).

Before you rush off and get a new vet, the statement needs to be taken in context. For example, if you have someone with compromised immunity in the house (auto-immune disease or undergoing cancer treatment for example) and they interact a lot with the dog (kisses and cuddles or dog sleeps in the bed) then there is a risk with raw feeding as the dog sheds bacteria as a result of this. If your dog has a lot of facial hair this is increased. This is why therapy dogs aren't allowed to have raw if they visit hospitals. There is also an increased risk of obstructions or bowl perforations. I have heard of vets who don't advocate raw after seeing dogs screaming in pain as they try to pass a shard of bone. I feed a fair bit of raw but the zealotry of some in the community is sometimes very off putting. There are risks, you need to know them and then make an informed decision. My dogs are young and healthy so I'm prepared to take the risk.

I do LAT without a clicker at all. At first I didn't worry much about threshold differences. They look at something, they get "look at that" and treats shoved in their mouth.

A little update. We went to the physio tonight and things look positive. The physio was fantastic and worked with Fergs for about 45 mins. She checked him out fully and she says it isn't a conformation problem. He has a sore spot (muscular) on his right mid-lower back. She said this particular spot indicates that he most probably hurt it when he was younger and things haven't repaired fully. She said that if it was structural it would most likely be in a different spot. The plan of attack is: i) Stabilise the injury (2 weeks onlead exercise without confinement, massage, some stretches and very basic core exercises) ii) Then increase his core strength. He is very fit but his core needs work. We have a few exercises to try in about a weeks time to start this process. We'll then build on these from there (I already have a fair few things from the FitPaws range, I just didn't want to use it a lot until we had seen the physio in case I did exercises that did more damage). We go back for a follow-up visit in a fortnight. We aren't out of the woods but we now have a sensible plan-of-attack so I'm hopeful that he'll be back in action at some point - we aren't in a rush. Thanks to everyone for their input and ideas. ETA: He was walking with a very slight roach in his back before - he has been this way as long as I can remember. After she had worked on his back, it was flatter and more relaxed - so much so that both of us noticed

I just cut a small hole in the frint

It isn't just "dogs who are shits" that need space...some dogs are just nervous. I like my dogs to be given space - even my super friendly one. Just because he's friendly doesn't mean he wants to be jumped on by dogs 10 times his size.

Thanks Smich. Fortunately his x-rays are all clear and Ray says he doesn't have anything structurally wrong with him. He has never even limped - I just notice him jumping with less enthusiasm. I did feel a bit crazy when I first took him in to see Ray: "Has he been lame?" "No" "Has he favoured one leg" "No" "Has he been quieter" "No" "Then why do you think he's injured?" "Uh, his jumping isn't as enthusiastic as it has been in the past..." Ray then felt around and feels it is muscle soreness only. We see the physio tonight so I'll know more then.

That is not true. If you are obeying the law and another dog rushes up to you, the person walking that dog at the time is liable.

Look up a game called "Look at That" (LAT) on this forum. It is a good way to help your dog not react to other dogs on walks (which isn't to do with loose leash walking).

Does he get egg every day? My understanding is that excess egg white is very bad for dogs.

I think that's the key. Pats only count for so much. Go out and train your dog and she'll be yours for life. Don't fawn over her to build a relationship - that seems to drive them away!

What is she allowed to chew inside? Do you redirect her and praise her for chewing her toys?

Have you tried feeding him every meal out of your hand? Remember that dogs are far more sensitive than humans - no new cologne, haircuts etc? I'd also get a full vet check, including thyroid.

Good on you for trying to do the right thing. The thing is if you return one now the chances of it getting another home is really good - puppies get snapped up quickly. If you return a 6 month old pup there is a good chance that it would just land up in the pound. Personally, I'd set my own feelings aside and do what is in the pups' best interest - a new home for one, and time for you to concentrate on the other.

I just googled pics - there are some very badly bred ones out there. Some even seem to have a very short snout?

They are a real breed in the US

Great news snook. You always need a good session to help let go of the bad one. I love the way stable dogs communicate - they teach our dogs things we'd never be able to. I don't let Lucy meet strange dogs, but she has a few friends (Cosmolo's dogs and Fergus). It is great to see her so excited when she sees Gilbert but greet him in a totally appropriate way and then invite him to play.

I've read somewhere (DOL) that giving it to young dogs as a preventative can cause long term problems?

Lucy had a great time at agility on Saturday. The club is really nice and small. She was so confident and worked off leash well (she did a sit-stay with a stranger behind her, even though she is fearful of people). I do shaping with her at home and she knew all of the exercises that we went through. There was a very reactive BC there that set a few dogs off but Lucy ignored her totally and was so focused on her work. If you're in Melbourne and want to do agility with a dog that isn't into crowds then I'd suggest Frankston on a Saturday afternoon - it was a very pleasant experience. You can drive your car right up to the agility field so you don't have to run the gauntlet of lots of obedience dogs wanting to say hello. We went to Croydon on Sunday and worked around the club house again. They were cleaning the equipment and there was a lot of noise and movement. She startled a bit a few times but recovered really well. I have to remind myself that it is normal to hit the deck a bit when someone drops a huge bucket nearby! I'm going to see if I can get her doing agility there too, as this is where Fergus goes and he passed his assessment to move up to the next level yesterday. We also got to meet JulesP - she recognised my dogs.

I took it as very harsh and defensive too - especially the last sentence. Some people have pointed out that the chances of aggression are higher with two bitches. That is a simple fact about dogs. Most people who come on DOL wanting two girls are warned about this. Sure, it can work out, but when bitches get a grudge they tend to hold onto it.