SpikesPuppy

I would keep with the martingale collar for a young Ridgie- they don't have much difference in the size of their skull and their neck and I have seen a few slip out of their flat collars (also, the loose skin makes this easy ). Also, I wouldn't be doing an hour of drill-sergeant like lessons with a Ridgie, especially not a pup. Manners and respect are very important for the breed (as is socialisation!!), but they get bored with constant repetition, most dogs do but Ridgies are hounds... not exactly bred to work hand in hand with man looking for constant guidance like many of the herding and gundog breeds. Keep things FUN and interesting for him. I've never owned a Ridge but I do like them and spend a fair bit of time around them, gorgeous gorgeous dogs and you are very lucky

I would try crating the dogs, at first they may whinge and carry on but I reckon they will soon settle down for a nap while you're gone. I crate my 2 Border Terriers (each in a 30inch crate), when I go out and they have a little whinge when I leave and when I return home (i know this as I ahve asked the neighbours and I have also sat in the front yard for an hour LOL), occasionally they apparently have a bit of a bark but that is usually if one of the next door dogs is carrying on or someone comes to the door (again, this is from my neighbour). I don't like leaving them with the traditional Kongs (the tree shaped ones), but I give them a Tyre Biter toy each (get one either far too big or far too small for the dog to get stuck in) as well as the Kong sticks and Buster cubes. They get a different toy each day and I fill it with things like some of their kibble, a biscuit, or smear it with vegemite or something else they like. They have no objection to racing into their crates when they see me preparing their entertainment in fact they spin around and occasionally yap at me to hurry up I would love to have them in the yardbut I don't feel it's that safe, and I cannot be sure they wont get 'upset' by something going on and carry on- they are terriers after all. I am working on building a shelf in the front room so I can stack one crate ontop of the other, to take up less space.

Thank you He is a very good walker, just like the extra communication the martingale gives me. Must remember to train him in the flat one when I get my bike

Oh Oh Cabey and I are currently in training We are currently making 4k in 30 minutes on foot lol as I don't have my bike yet Thought about jogging it but I dunno if I could get that fit!!! Can't wait Oh one question- regarding the collar, I generally use a chain/nylon martingale on Caber... would that be okay or must it be a standard flat collar? He has a leather buckle one he has for special occasions

So sorry for your loss Another one here who was a 'silent follower' of your quest for your pup. But he died a Hero, protecting his family. Good, brave Odin. Keep watch from up above. Spike will look after you.

We've been umming and ahhing about taking Nessa (9 week Collie Smooth) to PPS or not. We've had enough puppies that we know how to teach the basic commands and manners, and we understand socialisation pretty well (and take her out to various places), as for meeting other dogs- she will be a show dog and until she can show herself at 3 months, she will be coming to shows with our older dogs. Starting from last Sunday! I second what someone else suggested- a beginners and an experienced puppy class. Maybe a Puppy Pre School for the novice owners and a puppy socialisation class for the ore experienced? We also don't need to crap about what products to buy, desexing blah blah. Plus we don't want to teach sit at this age either. As for my experiences- first puppy school was way back in 1999 with my Newfy boy. it was run by a very clever vet nurse who did a great job IMO. Some off lead stuff but mostly on lead training. And it was always FUN and well informed. Then I took Caber (Border Terrier) to the same vets, different nurse, in 2004. It was a disaster, we only stayed for the first class and never came back. it was a free for all with bullying pups etc. I remember a 16 week old Goldie pup who kept wanting to pounce on Caber (9 weeks at the time), to this day he is uncomfortable around Goldies. And the whole time the moron owners just laughed at how cute their puppy was. Oh and another thing about many puppy schools, from a dog exhibitor's point of view- I do NOT like other people giving my pups commands (especially sit, which the moron Golden owner tried to do with Cab), and I also get concerned with 'pass the puppy' when kids are involved, and I always request that no one touches my pup's mouth (because I don't want them being mouth shy etc). After that disaster, I enrolled Caber in a different class, this one was better, it was outdoors in a private park and mostly on lead (with supervised playtimes), this class focused heavily on socialisation and that part was great- there were tunnels, different surfaces, strange toys or household noises (vacum cleaners etc), mini agility equipment such as a see saw and a frame (no jumps!). Pricey and preachy at times but overall I was impressed. Then in 2007 I got Ziva, went back to the original vet clinic and attended their class, being run by a qualified instructor. This was a good class (if you ignored the usual preaching), and was positive based. Also very understanding with me not wanting to teach sit and being concerned about Ziva's mouth and so on. There were playtimes at the end of class, with all pups being monitored (Ziva was a bully had to be MY dog that was the one given time outs ).

Oh Anne I am so sorry. I don't know what to say except you are in my thoughts. Run free, beautiful, brave Sophie. Big hugs to you.

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I'm still in a kind of shock about it- I've never had a 'big' pet just die before. I have found a few rodents passed away but they had been very old. I spoke to the vet about it and she suggested it may have been a heart attack or his body just gave out on him, going by my description of him (he looked so peaceful, like he was just sleeping and forgot to wake up ). I miss him, he was a very personable cat, always there to 'help' or to taste your food for you :rolleyes: He had a cheerful voice and would always say hello when you went into the laundry (the 'cat's safe room'). He was a pain in the bum at times, and he could be very demanding but that was part of his little (big) personality. Anyttime I was sick he would curl up on me and just purr, very comforting. The house feels so empty without him here. Thank you again.

I don't know what to think at the moment, my beautiful little cat is gone. He wasn't even 10 years old. I fed the dogs, then went to feed the cats (and wondering why Angel wasn't hanging around like he always does), Called them and shook the food jar... only Buffy came out of the sleeping box. I looked inside and I thought he was sleeping. I hoped he was sleeping. I patted him and he didn't move, he was still warm. I gently pulled him out and he was very limp in my arms. I have no idea what happened to him. He had been off-color the past few days, but that is not unusual for him (he has a sensitive digestive system and also gets - got - hairballs), and he really seemed better yesterday and this morning he took his usual swipe as I poured milk into my coffee. And when I got home from walking the dogs this afternoon, he was his usual cheery yowly self. I'm gonna miss that little black cat so much. He was so unique in SO many ways. Half feral he was known to attack strangers but he adored me, he acted like a little dog, following me around, learning tricks and he was half Burmese so he talked all the time. He was 4 months old (approx.) when I first met him. I was at a friend's birthday party and we went to look at some kittens down the street. They and their mother (pure Burmese) were housed in an old car. The guy told us that because they weren't pure bred, he was going to send them to the pound, they weren't worth anything. I asked if I could have one and he said yes, if I could catch it! So I lay down and called. The smallest, a little black one with a kinked tail was the one who came over to me. He cuddled upto me and purred. My friend tried to pat him and he hissed and swiped her! He was defeinately mine. My friend's mum drove me home that afternoon, where I showed my mum this little cat in my backpack. Of course she let me keep him but she wasn't impressed! He grew very close to me, loved walking on a lead or harness (he would go to the park on a leash every so often as well as to the shopping centre, even the vets!). But he was nasty to strangers or visitors. Once he attacked my poor friend who was fixing my computer (and this friend is a huge cat lover!!). He was my first cat, and he was amazing. I just wish he was still here He would have been 10 in November (we share the same starsign). Rest in Peace my sweet Angelus. 1998 - 2008

I am so sorry for your loss Run free beautiful boys.

Thank you everyone for your words. It's been 3 weeks now and I'm doing okay, still randomly bursting into tears or sobbing when something reminds me of him but I'm okay. The little guys are keeping me busy, such happy little creatures who get mighty worried when 'mum' is upset. Still, the house is very quiet and I don't feel 100% safe without a big dog but that will come with time. Still haven't got my scanner set up. Soon. I have been looking over his baby pictures though, remembering how 'small' he was when we brought him home, I also found his puppy journal, lots of fond memories there.

Thank you for your kind words and thoughts everyone- it really means alot to know there are people out there who understand and who care. Spike would have been pleased to know he had so many 'fans' out there in cyberspace He was a very special boy, always a gentleman and always (almost...... he had his cheeky side! A 70kg dog with a wicked sense of humour hehe) dignified and noble. I am doing okay... we have moved house (and yes, we found a place which would have ALL of us), so I am not constantly thinking "that's where Spike should be", and I think that has helped (though we have 2 enourmous kennels in the backyard... and only 2 small dogs hehe. Neighbours must think it's a bit odd!), but of course I still miss him, I miss his heavy breathing, finding his hair in every meal, wiping his slobber off every surface etc. I still hear his bark sometimes, and go to let him in....... that is hard. When buying dog food, treats etc I keep looking at the large bags/large size biscuits when I only need to buy the smaller ones now. And we have a bunch of giant nature's Gift tins left over, obviously 2 wee terriers don't need much of that! And rascall, I miss him too but he wasn't so *there* if that makes sense, he was often off on his own, doing his own thing. He was a sweet little man. A pain in the butt but very sweet. It's a huge adjustment to life without Spike, and it's very odd to not have a big dog here. Once again, thank you for all of your words and messages, they have really helped. When I get my scanner set up again, I will post up some baby pics of Spike. He was a mighty cute puppy

More pics, showing his patient nature (yes, Ziva has her head right inside his mouth!!!) Fifi - I don't know how you do it with the Wolfies. I don't think I could ever have another giant breed again. I thought I was tough, that I could handle it ("big breeds don't live as long") but even though I knew it was coming..... somehow that made it even harder. I don't know. Thank god I have my Borders to keep me busy. We also lost our little 14 year old Shih Tzu, Rascall, the day before Spike went, but that wasn't so bad- he was very elderly in body and mind. I mean, it was horrible but there was nothing 'well' about him at that point. As opposed to Spike who's mind was still fine. There will be a thread for Rascall soon, mum wants to write it as he was her dog. Thank you everyone.

Some more pictures of The Bear, also known as 'Flower' for his sweet, gentle nature and his love of nature. God I miss him.

Walking With an Old Dog Because you will not be forever, Hope against time though I may, I paint your picture in my memory, Eyes blue with age, muzzle gone gray. Because you walked with me in Springtime, Puppy-clumsy, running free. As you grew, we grew together- You became a part of me. Because you shared with me my sorrows, Not understanding- simply there. Often spurring me to laughter-- My friend, you know how much I care. Because the years have slowed your fleetness, Though your spirit still is strong. I promise I will take more time now, So that you can go along. Because you do not fear the future, Living only in the now, I draw strength from your example- Yet time keeps slipping by somehow. Because the day will soon be coming When I will no longer see You rise to greet me-but in memory You will always walk with me. - Gayl Jokiel The above poem describes how I have felt the past few months and the dreaded day finally came on the 23rd of May. Spike was getting stiffer, the medication wasn't working like it used to and when he screamed in pain because he couldn't get up, I knew I had to let him go. His mind was still bright and alert but his hindquarters were deteriorating rapidly. If he were a smaller dog, it wouldn't have been so bad but because of his size and weight, it was just not fair to him. So we went to the vet's first thing Thursday morning. I think Spike knew what was happening, he walked very calmly into the clinic and stood in the consult room. Mum and I held him, embraced him and he lay down very quietly, and calmly with his enourmous dignity. Then it was time, when the needle came out and just before it went in, Spike looked at all four of us (myself, mum, the vet and the nurse) in turn and gave us each a gentle kiss. He went to sleep with no fuss and no trouble. Right 'til the end he was a gentle giant and just so perfect. I truly thought I had more time with him- his mind was perfect and alert but it was not meant to be. He was my best friend for so long, coming to me right when I needed him most of all. He was more than a dog- he seemed to understand exactly what you wanted, what you were saying and what was going on. He learnt new things very quickly, but wasn't too keen on repeating things just for our amusement (he was far too dignified for that!). But he had his 'softer' side as well, a favourite trick of his was to headbutt you or herd you towards the feed bin at dinner time etc. He loved his fruit, especially banana, and if you forgot to give him the last bit of banana, he would give you a sharp nudge with his nose and a shrill bark to announce his disappointment. He was, and will forever be, the most amazing dog I have ever known. A true gentle giant, but one who also made us feel 100% safe with him around. He knew how to make himself look threatening if he needed to. There will never be another dog like him and I am truly the most blessed person to have had him in my life for the time that I did. To be owned by a Newfoundland is the most amazing experience one could have.

My dogs and cats battle over who gets the Vegemite Kong My rats & mice also get vegemite toast every morning

I can hardly believe it's been 2 years myself. I often sit back and wonder how I've made it this far without her. Of course, the dogs I have by my side tonight are wonderful in their own right but sometimes......... a dog or any other animal, has a very special presence, even if they are longer physically here with us. I still have her kennel in the yard, and although it is in excellent condition, I still cannot bear to allow the others to use it. Perhaps when Ziva has her first litter I might use it in the puppy run....... Tim may not have been always good with other dogs (fear aggressive) but she was always faultless with puppies. She was a big, strong active girl but always knew how to be gentle with the youngsters. I must scan some of the pictures I have of her playing with Caber when he was a wee man. Thank you, Clover and Blacklab :rolleyes:

We buy the largest size, use 2 for the Newf and split one between the 3 littlies Have never had a problem with it. I'm not sure if we end up saving any money LOL but it's much more convenient than having several boxes of the stuff!

It's been 2 years today since Miss Timothy crossed The Bridge and not a day goes by that I don't think about her, that I don't wish I could stroke her velvet ears just one more time. She was with me for almost half my life. I still remember bringing her home, all scrawny and terrified. I remember her teenage years where she needed hours of excercise just to relax. I remember going to obedience classes with her, struggling to get through the basics but once her mind matured, she 'got' it. I remember her saving the life of the dumped kitten, I remember the morning she escaped from our yard and I got a phone call from the person who had found her........ she was old, disoriented and her hips were giving out but she still ran to the train station where we would meet my mum each evening. I miss her sooo much. But I know she is with me, watching over me, keeping me safe.

Yaaaaaaaaaay!!! No shows and no work....... we should be there!

If you're anywhere near Williamstown next Thurs/Fri/Saturday, pleeeease drop by The Paws Store with Turtle, I would love to meet him ;)

SpikesPuppy and Cazablanca, the pup may not be overly dominant - and just may be an intelligent puppy responding to a lack of clear leadership. :D I understand this and agree for sure, but was just responding to what the OP said about being sent a 'naughty' pup. I have known breeders use terms like 'naughty' to describe pups that they send to very novice owners, and these breeders are not responsible- and I do know there are some like this in the Newfoundland breed. I do sincerely hope that you and Turtle get the help you need and everything works out for you and your family.

Do you mind sending me a PM with the breeder's name/prefix? Like Cazablanca I don't quite understand why a breeder would sell you such a pup. Yes, Newfies are gentle giants but they can be dominant and they can be damn stubborn. Their size can also be very daunting, even if you don't realise it. They are very, very clever dogs who, if given an inch WILL take a mile. I love them, they are my heart breed and they are, as said above, very gentle giants but they can also be horror teenagers. Temperament is also a bit of a concern these days in some lines I have seen, the true Newf temperament doens't seem to be around much in today's youngsters- only the older dogs seem to have the real newf nature from my observations. Good luck with Turtle.

Forgot to mention- I am now looking into some kind of booties, like the sledding dogs or working sheep dogs wear, for him to have on when he goes outside during the day.

I just clipped off my Newfoundland for this very reason! For the past few years, I've done a portugeues water dog style (shaved bum but fluffy chest) so he has the comfort of a shaved bum but the protection over his chest, but this year, the grass seeds are out in full force here so I went mad and cut all his hair off. But yes, even though he is short now, I still pulled several off his chest :shakehead: and he had 2 very sore paws...... pulled a few half-embedded seeds from one paw and it was instantly less sore, but the other paw, eve though I got a few out, was still yucky so have poulticed it up (on vet advice, mind... he is 8 years old so we don't want to do surgery if we can avaoid it!). I also went over his feet with scissors (very carefully) and clipped off as much hair as I possibly could from his feet, so his feet are kinda bald now (like a poodle hehe), and it wont stop the grass seeds, we still have to do the 2x daily check but it will make them easier to spot. Feel for you poor dog (and you, they are nasty buggers!)