jemappelle

The poor Cavs look so frightened. I wonder if there is an update on the dogs. Everything crossed they get returned quickly.

Cattle dogs were developed specifically for herding cattle.

Having taught in TAFE for way too many years, funding is the struggle. Teachers want to teach quality but for anyone above teacher level it is all about results and funding. It was very dis-heartening for long time teaching staff who started with quality teaching (plenty of hours and resources) and quality outcomes.

I've taken mine out and about from 8 weeks, attended puppy pre-school, and gone to friends' homes with them as pups. From about a week after the 2nd vaccination I start to walk them for short periods around busy areas, eg ferry wharves, where there is a lot of traffic and so on. At this stage I also start them on different surfaces eg, jetties, sand, over the rocks at the beach and so on.

Mine follow me outside and I throw it over the gate as I am about to get in the car! I have a doggy door so they can get back in the house if they want. You have to be really organised and give it just as you're going out the door.

One of my Cavs is very full on and a bit highly strung. They always know when I am going out and get excited because of two things. Firstly it means they are going with me or secondly, they are going to get a treat! I started doing this after she became an only dog. The first time I left her I could hear her inside, barking anxiously. It worked for me but she is very food driven! A give something that will keep her occupied long enough for me to be gone.

How lucky were those two dogs that they were seen in time.

Another tip. a friend makes covers for the dog beds out of waterproof mattress protectors, puts them over the inner bit, then the outer bit over the top so she only has that to wash. Hers do tend to pee in the beds though.

I put the whole bed in my top loader and only occasionally get a bit of hair around the bowl. I just wipe it out with a damp cloth, clean the filter regularly and remove and clean the inside of the agitator.

As soon as they release, quickly shut the door and tell them to wait/ hold it whatever you use. Don't start to open again until they are sitting. Repeat until they get the idea that you go through first. Then praise when they get it.

I've witnessed some terrible behaviour from the public at the vets. And after one my appointment followed so I then saw how upset the vet was. I've also been the next customer in line at the Roads and Traffic Authority as it was at the time. I greeted the poor customer service officer, who was clearly upset, with the biggest smile I could muster and told her that I was a nice customer and to ignore the previous one as everybody waiting sympathised with her. I would never work in a public role if he had my life over!

It looks things have escalated from you post in September. I hope you follow the advice given and come up with a solution.

In one of the many comments a poster has said that he was at the park when the dog was trying to play with his kids and knocking them over in excitement. It had a lead on that he grabbed and it was then fine with his kids. I feel a bit distressed for the poor girl, she shouldn't have been in that predicament.

@marea oneillI have forwarded this on to someone who will hopefully be in touch and can help you.

You could also try the motels - some are pet friendly but don't advertise it so phone calls are best. Many have kitchenettes as well.

Have you thought about crating the older dog? He/she would then have her own space and be unable to play with the pup. I very easily crate trained a 13 year old Cavalier who really lived to please herself.

Do you keep the insides and immediately surrounding hair to his ears clipped as that will help as well. And I wouldn't be too concerned about the steroids, I've had a few dogs on them now without any problems. The dosage for skin problems is very low and considered very safe.

I'd be giving them separate sleeping arrangements. When I got my 2nd cattle dog, he and my old girl would play at first light. Their play involved lots of high-pitched barking! Bringing one into my bedroom and having the other in the room adjacent with a baby gate up meant settled nights for me and the neighbours!

Yes, definitely talk to your vet. As she is an older girl she really needs to have professional help. I've had a couple of old dogs on macrolone without any problems so I think you need to at least talk to your vet asap but, if she was mine, I would book her in for an appointment.

Brain games and training are a great way to tire a puppy out. Heaps of info on the internet with videos. And we need photos!

Also, 12 weeks might bit young to be walking a puppy due to the damage it could cause their growth plates. Here's a link with some info that might help: https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Puppy-Exercise-Needs-How-Much-is-Too-Much

At first I went to their house and house sat as it was in a beautiful location. Now they come to mine as they are now part of my pack and settle easily.

Another thought, I found my wonderful dog sitters (for the very rare occasions I don't take the dogs with me) on a local breed specific Facebook group. We have become firm friends and I look after theirs as well.

There are a lot of solo women travellers that live in their vans that would be very interested in helping you as well as many couples. Many are happy to stay in their vans as long as they have access to water and electricity. There is a Facebook group that I could link for you if you're interested.

@Rob Here's a link to their Dogzonline info in case you didn't know these pages are on the site: https://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/member.asp?name=REDORAH