ChristineX

Hi Wuffles (where's the welcoming wave of friendship when you want it), Duke was a rescue (i didn't rescue him, just gave him a home) and from what I and the dog shrink can work out, the only times he ever went outside of a house/property was to be moved on. He's triggered very very easily, and even after 3.5 years doesn't have fabulous coping skills with anything that is outside of 'normal'. So I think that it is very easy to cascade his triggers - which are pretty much too much of noise/sound/smells/external stimuli (think kitchen/people/dog/garden/traffic/frustration/happiness - poor boy still has problems because he is trying to take note of all of them at the same time). And each dog will be totally different, with different causes/reasons and reactions to different ways of doing things. I've seen enough of that at reactive rovers over the past 3 years. I'm just thankful that my other dog is totally opposite - rock solid calm! (which is amazing - because the new deer antler chews yesterday sent duke into hyperspace - and he re-directed that onto Kate. End result - one torn ear and shocky Kate who didn't see it coming. Who has already forgiven him. Deer antlers put away in very high cupboard for now.)

Kavic has a good point - I know from experience with Duke, if I walked him outside the house, he would be in a 'non-coping' state of mind for around 48 hours. Last year I ran an 'experiment' (I know, Corvus, not up to scientific standards) where I only took him to obed training or reactive rovers (yup, we are long term clients). He made progress in leaps and bounds! So it also seems that keeping stress levels to a minimum while you work on the issue can be quite important too. (in order words, for Duke, being outside stressed him beyond the point of quick resolution) So this year, he is getting small walks outside the house. If I think he is getting a little stressed, we will just hang around in that spot. We're up to two houses either side of our driveway, at the moment. :D With reactive dogs, its all about very small steps, slowly.

Always happy to talk to another sufferer with a reactive dog! With dogs that are staring (its actually rude canine behaviour), I will step in front of Duke to break it off. Likewise if Duke starts staring at another dog. For classes, I wait until everyone is pretty much at and in their class, and then get Duke out of the car and walk over. (of course, the instructors know all about Duke, and are willing to let me do anything I feel I need to do) Reacting to other dogs - that's working at Duke's threshold, and rewarding for calm behaviour - pretty much the Look At That Game. Over the past 3 years, its worked pretty well, and his threshold has shrunk from 5 blocks (and saw just a tail) to about 2 metres. Over-excitement - I walk him away until he calms down, reward, and walk back one step at a time. If he's calm, I reward, and we move one more step. If he's not, we go back one more step and repeat. Its about teaching self control. He's not good at that. And working on staying calm myself, and just moving Duke backwards away from anything he's not coping with. Like offlead pups playfighting - I also belong to Australia's best dog club - when stuff like this happens, I depart at the rate of knots and the advanced class jump on the offleash dogs! and return them to their owners! I've learnt masses of stuff relating to being a better dog handler having Duke. That's the upside of a reactive dog.

I desexed Duke for a couple of reasons; (1) I had an agreement to do so, (2) risk of testicular cancer and (3) I've noticed that entire male dogs are often the first target of an aggressive offleash dog - and I seem to have a lot of those running around. It also decreased marking behaviour. In the end, it depends on your dog and your circumstances. Duke suffers from hysteria outside the house, so number 3 was very important to me.

Hi Harper, getting back to pups - things I have tried with my separation anxiety dog (now RIP), leaving the radio/tv on for sound, giving breakfast as a largish meal, leaving yummy stuff to chew (in my case, pigs ears - but quin was larger than your guy, training/walks before breakfast/leaving, no interaction with pup 20 minutes before leaving the house. Leave,no looking back, no goodbye message, just leave as though is is normal in every single way. And yes he is probably picking up on your emotional state - but that is one of the things we like about having dogs. Also someone mentioned support for the defense forces 'support staff' (ie spouses) - give that a go. Its always nice to talk to people who are going thru the same situation as you are (which is, after all, why we are all on DOL. So we can talk dog without having to watch someone elses' eyes glaze over). And its a nice way of making more friends too. Also, its another change in routine, and he'll take time to get used to that, too. ChristineX

Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda Australian Cattle Dog X : Frosty Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Spfyre, Milky, Kinta, Banjo Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Bichon Frise: Jag Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumor, Diesel, Kobie, Emma, Kenzie, Maggie, Ella, Shelby, Jayde, Ashli, Mia, 'Bubba' Border Collie x: Anna Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas Bull Terrier (Miniature) Lainie Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy, Maggie Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper, Bella Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose & Chevy English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera, Annika Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee, Alexis, Claire German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo German Spitz (Mittel)- Amber Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby, Sasha Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan Irish Terrier: Kate, Duke Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi Japanese Spitz: Emmy, Angelo Keeshond: Jedi Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Miniature Fox Terrier: Cleopatra Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Miniature Pinscher: Mischa, Cleo Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli Poodle (Minature): Caroline Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint Saluki: Bella Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato Schnauzer (minature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Shih Tzu : Gizmo Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos, Brutus SWF: Zoe Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz, Lewis, Rommi Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy, Mac, Sarah, Andy

Hi Kitteh Yup, the dreaded 'teens' For problem 1, enlist the help of your friend (when she has time to spare). Put Harper on a leash, and arrange for her to come over. As soon as Harper starts misbehaving, she walks away (regardless as to wether she has reached the front door or not!)(and out the house etc. comes back once harper settles, goes away when the misbehaviour starts - immediately the misbehaviour starts) Keep repeating until Harper gets the idea - misbehaving makes the lovely visitor go away. This really needs to be a series of set ups until Harper gets the idea. If you decide to come to Perth Ob - let me know so I can look out for you! That's my dog club too! I'd also keep training sessions really really short, and massive reward for complience. No complience - say too bad, and walk away (ie game ended). And keep at it, the teens really do end. ChristineX

a question for the collective knowledge of DOL ..... duke has yet again had a fast visit to the vet with 'degloving' of his right back foot pads. (ie, the pad skin seem to be peeling off his foot). I actually have a timeline for this episode (this is not the first time this has happened, by the way. It seems to be happening every 9 months or so). So, he was fine at one point, and half an hour later, he had a raw red spot the size of a thumbnail on the side of his foot. Morning - not much change, but by evening, it was across half his foot. there does not seem to be a initiating trauma or insect bite that anyone can find. What could be causing this? Is there anything I could be doing to avoid this happening in the future? He is currently on pain killers and antibiotics. Although there is no doubt that his foot is still extremely painful. Thanks, ChristineX

I was about to move out on my own, slightly rough area, and my list was: - medium sized - big enough to make most people have a think, but small enough to pick up if needed. - not fluffy or heavy shedding - people orientated rather than dog orientated - reaonsable energy levels (was thinking about getting into agility at that time) - smart and reasonably trainable - watchdog qualities, but not a dog that would be a noise pollution problem - long legs and a long snout I had problems finding a dog to match until someone suggested an Irish Terrier ("you'd like the scruffiness". I was fortunate enough to find a breeder (really, only one in the state) who kindly let me come round to meet her dogs. I was there for four hours. Loved her dogs. They barked if you touched the gate, stopped if you backed off. The attitude was "you want me to do this? - No problems!" A great sense of humour, terrific colour too, and a twisted type of smart (what else do you call a dog that decides to get rid of the new kitten by trying to drown it in the goldfish pond with its front paws?) I'm on my third Irish Terrier now. Even if one is the not-so-sane Duke,he still qualifies!

His penis got stuck, he could not get it back in and by the time I noticed something was wrong it was inflamed, dry and mostly dark blue/purple. And it looked as though the entire contents of the abdomen were trying to get out along with the penis. this morning that whole central abdominal area is clearly bruised, so he did do some damage, and I will be having a chat with our normal vets just to make sure he is okay. Apparently, we are supposed to have so many vet visits a year, and he is down on his quota. Good thing I love him.

Dear GrumpySmurf, hang in there, it is worth it. From the person who just got back from Balcatta Vet Hospital because someone overhumped a cushion! So much for my quiet friday night!! ChristineX

Yup, in general, I like the quality of their general vet service too. You can talk to them about concerns you have (any time I have medicine concerned issues, they will go off and check stuff out andcome back and talk to me about it), they don't push their point of view, and will (usually) discuss all options before suggesting a course of action. Particularly, if you can get Steve, toby or sam, they are really terrific (at least, I think so). They are also open 7 days a week, which works out well for my guys. What sort of pup are you getting? ChristineX

If you are around South Perth, I like All Creatures Great and Small Vets on canning highway (used them for years). they do run puppy classes, but I was last there for puppies 10 years ago. The last puppy class I saw there (last year) had a great dane, doberman, and small fluffies - so a nice spread of dogs. Have fun with your pup!

With regards to cats, in Perth, your backyard and your dog kills a cat that wandered in, thats a sad story, and in the rangers words "its sad, but...." Certainly the owners of the cat that Duke killed tried their best to at least have Duke declared a dangerous dog, without success. And Duke is certainly not a danger to people (other than being too boisterous). The owner of the cat was asked several times to not let his cat in my backyard. Had this occured on the street, that would have been a whole other story. Christinex

Hi PennyGB - Perth Training and OBediance (PTODC) currently have a boston training with their club - he's a lovely dog! They train in Vic Park on wednesdays.

Hi Jessegirl, currently the best treat pouch I have is a leather and canvas carpenters tool bag from bunnings. It has a series of pouches, the first and tighest is where I keep keys and phone, poo bags in the next. Treats go into the next one which is a bit roomier - easy to get my hand in fast, and deep enough to catch most dogs doing the 'self-help' trick before they get rewarded. The last pouch is big enough I can rollup the long lead and carry it there. When we're not training, its in use as a general purpuse chew toy,and has lasted several years. I have irish terriers, so not particularly small dogs, either! I haven't found anything else that comes close for sheer functionality to that carpenters tool bag! Will you show us the prototypes? I think most of us would be interested! Christinex

I know, but i am flexible enough to enjoy and appreciate them all! Christinex

Kate was about 12 - 14 weeks,we were at Mums and mum says - its okay if she eats a bit of the ratsak, isn't it. It was only a pellet...... Fortunately, the vet surgery was just around the corner. Vomiting induced, charcol given, and vit K injection and medication - no known side effects. The pigeon carcass (much decayed) some weeks later caused more problems. One of my favourite dogs that I sometimes see on the way to work got into the ratbait at Xmass - survived,but her hindlegs have not been as good since, apparently. She is getting on in years, so I don't know if it was the ratbait or just co-incidence and normal aging. ChristineX

Vesper12, that is a truly gorgeous pup that grew into a completely stunning dog! I may have to move the RBT/BRT up in the list of dog breeds being considered for my next dog! ChristineX

Oh yes, you can hear Duke crashing things off surfaces in the kitchen- it is kate's cue to run interference by wanting attention and cuddles Right Now!! And keep in front of your feet so you cannot rush to see what Duke is up to! ChristineX

Hi Sharna3, sorry to hear that you are having problems. i second the lady persephone has linked to, she is very good (okay, somewhat biased, I have been seeing her for a couple of years with Duke the discopia dog. He keeps improving, we keep going!) She is very upfront with what she feels can be achieved in what timeframe. Also a darn nice lady, too. ChristineX

hi Persephone, i've a chronic mouse problem - old house, floorboards with air under etc. The mice own all but one kitchen cupboard - so all food is in that one cupboard. There is less 'mouse stuff' to wash off if the dishes etc are not in the cupboards. And Duke can jump - reaches the nose of people 6ft and over with ridiculous ease (he has been trained out of that, fortunately). if it wasn't for the head issues, he would have made an amazing agility dog. yes, he has access to the house when i am out - he is my security system (he does well at it too, just ask the prowlers he has run off), he has even been complimented by the police on his home guarding abilities. I've almost enough spare cash to rebuild the house which will be on a concrete pad with cupboards that have all walls and floors and no holes at the edges of the floorboards!! (can't wait :D ) ChristineX

Hi, its not small rocks, but Duke, my irish terrier - collects crockery. Also, at times the cutlery which seems to wind up in 'heaps' around the place. its why i don't have a lot of sharp knives anymore, and plastic picnic ware for crockery - it bounces. he's also been known to collect all rugs and doonas and pillows to make a comfy 'nest' for himself! not to mention my shoes - if i cant find one of a pair, i put the one i have on top of the TV. its missing mate is always found in front of the TV when i get home! it sounds as though your puppy is a bit of a character too! I spent a few months 'discussing' the doona business,and for the most part, that is now left on the bed (or on the floor next to the bed. its better than Duke taking it out the doggy door - changing his mind, and bringing it back in again - via the doggy door. Takes him ages) ChristineX

Count me in too - i'll see what I can find around the place and send off this week/monday at latest. poor Erny - luck with the surgery. ChristineX

My vet is totally out - they were supposed to call regarding royal canin- bit iffy, as the duck apparently also has a bit of fish which is on Kate's no list. And it needs to be specially ordered in. Kate also can't have roo, but maybe if I cook up sweet potatoe, egg and cheese - for a short while?? Carrots as treats, bits of apple, hopefully balanced enough until the supply of Z/d evens out. Any suggestions gratefully appreciated. ChristineX