jacqui835

That is a gorgeous dog

I completely agree. It's a bit OT but I always wonder about how my dog's nose seems to work, because strangely enough, many of the smells that seem absolutely disgusting to me seem to really do it for him. Eg. raw sewage, decaying animals, rotting food, fecal matter from any species etc.

That sounds good, my dog would stay and come under just about any conditions so I'm confident he could pass that test, but does he need to have done a special grade 5 test/have a certificate or anything? He was in what was called the advanced class back in Sydney, I think it was yellow or white I can't quite remember but I don't remember any numbers... When I say that we like agility, well I mean, he's not very good but what he lacks in ability he more than makes up for in enthusiasm lol and it's just something we like to do together for fun. It's a bit sad but I just don't think he will ever be competitive, but we love doing it if they'll let us.

Thanks for the replies! I live in Camden Park, but we used to travel about 30-45 mins to our old dog training club back in Sydney and will happily travel again for the right place. I liked my old one because they seemed to have a "if it works, then do it" policy and helped people learn how to use tools properly. I start my new job next Monday, so a club that trains outside of normal work hours and/or on the weekend would be ideal. When I was first looking for a training club back in Sydney, I was told that because I owned a doberman, it wasn't safe for him to be off-lead under any circumstances, and never would be no matter how much training he had. I'm not interested in those sorts of places. Going to check out the places you guys have linked now

He actually has some on his camera, I will try and get one tonight. Unfortunately we've had no luck finding a cure, and the tricky part is they have this way of looking at you before they get on your lap, which makes them irresistable and you somehow forget just how uncomfortable it is to have them there. Next thing you know you've invited the huge animal (which looked much smaller when he was curled up on the floor looking cute and in need of hugs) onto your lap and it's all over... To the dog in the small bed, my dog also had a thing for the cat's bed - no-one or thing is spared the effects of this syndrome...

My father died from cancer when he was 45 years old. Never smoked a cigarette in his life. My mother smoked from when she was maybe 16 until about 35, she also drinks well beyond the recommended daily limit and generally has a pretty unhealthy lifestyle, but she's an ox. She also grew up in a small farming town and was regularly exposed to all kinds of freaky deaky chemicals as a child and laughs at the precautions people take today. Wait, her father drinks alcohol at breakfast and has been smoking for over 60 years and he too is going strong! Well this must mean that smoking and drinking are good for you right? Or maybe it was the farm chemicals? Just because you know of one, two or even several people who had different experiences, this does not change the fact that cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that aren't good for you and many of these chemicals cause cancers under both lab and real world settings. None of our personal observations are of statistical significance. Now does that mean that if you smoke, you will get cancer, or if you don't smoke that you won't? No, because you're unique and other factors come into play. Does this mean though that smoking is bad for you? Yes, it's virtually impossible to predict exactly how you as an individual (or your pets) will be affected by smoking, but we can safely say that you won't be better for it. Second hand smoke from cigarettes is damn nasty too. These people you know of may only have been exposed to small amounts that don't seem to have affected anyone else negatively, but perhaps for them, it was too much. One day we'll probably know a lot more about this sort of stuff, and that might be a good thing or it might not... As to why would someone would want to smoke in the first place. Well, smoking makes people feel good, it's addictive and if your friends do something it can be hard to say no. It's kind of like when I go skiing and go off the main runs and ski really fast. Sure it's dangerous, if I crashed I'd probably die and not be found for ages. But it's my life, I think it's worth it and I firmly believe that people should be allowed to do what they like with their lives so long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. But you should be informed.

I have a dog with Big Dog Syndrome, ie, he seems to think he's much smaller than what he is. He is a doberman who thinks he can fit under tables, into tiny gaps and most troublesomely, onto my lap. If I'm on the couch by myself, and invite him up, instead of taking the unoccupied side, he seems to go for the tiny gap between me and the edge of the couch that I'm closest to. Of course, he can't fit, and so he ends up trying to balance his huge backside on my lap, which I might add is bony and so really painful. Once he's on your lap, he leans back into you which means your face is smothered and you can't really breathe. The worst part about big dog syndrome is that the people around always think it's funny, so although my OH might be in the room and probably able to help, he typically can't stop laughing. This is the pooch, looking innocent as usual, but don't be deceived...

That's like saying some people who smoke live to be over 90 etc (though the number of those who are under 70 years of age and die from smoking-related illnesses actually exceeds the total number of deaths brought about by AIDS, breast cancer, drug addiction, and traffic accidents. Smoking causes 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer. It is also a proven risk factor for cancer of the kidneys, cervix, bladder, throat, esophagus, mouth, stomach, pancreas, and certain types of leukemia. In other words, smoking is also the biggest and most avoidable risk factor for cancer. Fact is, smoke and the chemicals in cigarettes are bad for humans, other mammals (most of the studies were conducted on rats) and probably every oxygen breathing life-form. Does this mean that they will all react in the same way? Of course not, because they're all different to begin with. Why does one person/animal live longer than another? Smoking is not the only factor that affects longevity, but both smoking and second hand smoking have been conclusively shown to be harmful. I believe it should be personal choice whether to smoke or not, just as I believe people should be allowed to have control over their own lives and kill themselves if they want to. But, that said, I do take issue with habits that affect others, it's not fair to deny them their right to the same choices. Cigarettes contain * Nicotine: a deadly poison * Arsenic: used in rat poison * Methane: a component of rocket fuel * Ammonia: found in floor cleaner * Cadmium: used in batteries * Carbon Monoxide: part of car exhaust * Formaldehyde: used to preserve body tissue * Butane: lighter fluid * Hydrogen Cyanide: the poison used in gas chambers These are all harmful to humans and other mammals - I can't say for sure about the birds, but I would argue that as they are physiologically quite similar in many ways to mammals, well, it probably wasn't great for them either. Smoking is your choice, but at least be informed. Re the car fumes points. Car fumes are more deadly because they pump out more carbon monoxide which can quickly bind to your red blood cells and hence prevent them from transporting oxygen around your body, resulting in death. If you exposed yourself to that much carbon monoxide from cigarettes, you would experience the same result, however, the carbon monoxide from one cigarette is not enough to saturate the red blood cells in a human. Any source of 'smoke', burning etc contains carbon monoxide - it's the same thing that most people die from in fires. Car fumes consist for the most part of carbon monoxide, nitrogen (fine) and water vapour (also fine). Your body continually produces new blood cells and the kidneys remove the ones that have become clogged with CO - long term this has minimal effects so long as the doses are controlled (ie you don't deprive major organs of oxygen). So to recap, breathe in too much smoke from any source, you'll die. Cigarettes contain 'smoke' Carbon Monoxide (CO) as well as many additional harmful substances.

I did the exact same with my dog until we had the toilet training down pat (withheld water from 8pm onwards), but I would specifically take him for a drink at 8pm. Now he can drink whenever he likes, and he never needs to go out during the night.

Have called vet, and they said that because he's a big dog a small amount of one tablet should be ok but to watch him closely. I was just worried it was one of those things where he would seem fine but his liver was dying and then he'd die or something and also, he's not the sort of dog to reveal pain etc.

Just found my dog chewing on something, but when I got him to drop it I saw it was a tablet of Panadol Forte. It was still in its packaging but broken in half and half had fallen out, a home visit doctor gave me one the other day (my bf arranged for him to come over when I had the gastro bug) but I never took it. Somehow it ended up on the floor and the dog got it. The dog likely swallowed some, though probably at least 95%+ of the tablet was still there just broken in half. Will he be ok or do I need to take him to a vet? I tried washing out his mouth and have given him water.

Haha! Very funny visual, thanks for sharing My dog is the same with rabbits, once he's seen one, we pretty much have to leave before he regains any sense.

I have the exact same thing with my dog (a dobe). I get everything from people picking up their children and small dogs and crossing the road to avoid us, to people racing over and nearly getting hit by cars to come and see us. My dog loves everyone I like, he's fine with all people unless they're being aggressive or acting strangely (eg people who yell or who are drunk etc), and he loves the attention when he gets it. It's so funny, he seems to have learned about 1000 different words that could possibly mean he's about to get a pat - anything like, oh what a cute/handsome dog or hello etc and he's over to them immediately, ears back and head exposed for maximum patting access. Mainly I get men, children like him because they think he looks like scooby doo but their parents often stop them from patting him. If a woman does come over, they have almost always had a dobe before. I have also been asked if I want to part with my dog lol and I'm often asked how much he cost. People, when I ask them to guess reckon it must be over the 2k mark, but crazy thing is he's not pure and I only paid just over $300 for him. He just turned out to be a very good looking, very sensible and smart sort of dog. Interestingly, there doesn't seem to be a middle ground with him. People either think he's just about the best dog they've ever seen, or they hate/fear him so much they can't even walk past.

Just wondering if anyone could recommend a good fun training/obedience/agility club in Adelaide that I could start going to with my dog. We used to go every week in Sydney, and whilst we'll never be competitive (he still doesn't sit in the right position etc) it was a lot of fun for both of us and I would like to start doing it again. I think the working around other dogs was really great for him, and he had an absolute ball completing agility courses. Only thing is it would need to be one that offers classes outside of normal working hours - so late nights, or weekends.

My dog (a doberman) will do the same thing, but mostly just when he's really excited. It might be a different thing though, as he doesn't really carry stuff around. It's just when he sees us and we've been apart for anything more than say 2 mins, well he tends to get quite excited, and he quickly looks around for a toy to grab. If he can't find one, he just comes and says hi anyway, but if he can, he brings the toy with him. I don't think he is bringing the toy to us, I think it's just the way we've taught him to deal with excess energy and the urge to play bite. Seems like it might be a lab/retriever thing to actually carry stuff around, as once he's over his excitement, he abandons the toy. My dog also would happily sleep on clothing I've worn if I let him. I think he likes the smell or something, because he fortunately has no interest in my clean clothes. I often come home after being out for a while, and my clothes have been moved around the house. He won't come near me when I go near one of my clothing articles (and it's not me being angry because typically I haven't seen it yet), but that's how he tells me whether he's been naughty or not, because he wouldn't dare touch my clothes whilst I'm around...

Guys I don't think the aim of the ad was to say, oh look, you can get a beautiful perfectly groomed dog from us. I think they were just trying to attract attention, and yeah, their advertising/marketing guy probably knows little with the exception that the company attempts to rehome animals. What's the bet they don't even know what breed it is... My family are all dog owners but I can safely say not one of them would be able to identify the hound firstly as a purebred and secondly as Afghan.

Oh gosh, my dog is obsessed with cat poop. He would eat every other kind of poop too undoubtedly except fortunately for dog poop, which is what we come across most often. If I'm there I can stop him, but left to his own devices well he can't seem to resist. Being a doberman he is often very close to my partner and I, and this might be a bit too gross, but he tries to follow us into the bathroom. I have my suspicions that he wouldn't mind having a go at our er waste produce, as we often have to kick him out of the bathroom as he seems desperate to get his head in the toilet

Yeah my dog does that too - kinda sits as close as possible and ends up half on my lap. I think what I love most is that he knows how to hug. If I hug him, he wraps his head around my shoulders and leans into me which is one of the most wonderful feelings in the world. The other great thing is that no matter how many times I have thrown up and no matter how bad I undoubtedly smell, he doesn't seem to notice and is still as keen as ever to be close to me. You can't put a price on that sort of unconditional commitment. I'm feeling a little better thankfully which is lucky because although my dog seems to be really sympathetic right now, I'm pretty sure he won't be happy about a 2nd day without a proper walk...

I have awful food poisoning tonight and everything that goes with it, I can't sleep because of stomach cramps and I feel as though if I throw up one more time I will just collapse. My partner is being as supportive as he can, but having just started a new job in a new city, well he has no sick leave yet and staying home tomorrow is not an option. My dog though is just following me around and won't leave my side. I was in the bathroom, didn't have enough time to close the door, and he just came in and put his paw on my leg, whilst just looking up at me. It was an almost human gesture and just immeasurably comforting. He just sits by me every time I'm sick, and is now curled up next to me in the lounge room - since there's not a whole lot of point going back to bed. We tried making him go back to bed, but he just sat on the floor next to me, so my partner brought his bed out and now he's sleeping here next to me. I'm feeling very mopey and emotional right now, but I can't imagine going through this alone and I'm just so grateful to have such a beautiful creature in my life. It's amazing to me that he can tell I'm not well, and even more amazingly, he cares and knows how to make me feel better. If anyone has any similar sorts of stories I would love to hear them.

Very cute pictures of all the dogs rugged up and in their outfits. He will wear clothing - I have for laughs put old t-shirts on him before and he has always seemed nonplussed so I think that's the answer.

By popular request, here he is in bed. He wasn't actually cold on this occasion, but is always very happy to be invited onto the bed. Thanks for all the advice guys, looks like he's going to get a coat. I need an outdoor one for him too, because sometimes we take him fishing and stuff and if he's just standing still he also gets cold.

Last night it got to about 13*C and my poor dog (who's a doberman with a very short coat) was so cold I had to let him into the bed. It was ok last night because I don't have work today and my partner wasn't there either, but it's not a viable long term solution - he is just too big. I have tried wrapping him in blankets, but he the only time he seems ok with being under blankets is when they're the blankets on the bed, he happily sleeps under my covers with his head on the pillow. Otherwise he just shrugs the blankets off and goes back to shivering. It's still summer so it's only going to get worse and I'm just at a loss of how to keep him warm short of sharing my bed with him. Anyone else have a big dog who gets cold at night? How do you keep them warm? We are thinking of getting a second dog at some stage this year and it would be a german shepherd, so hopefully she would then be able to keep him warm but that is still some time away...

Yep I don't see akita anymore, just ACD and maybe kelpie or something else with huge upright ears...

Probably a puppy though I would potentially consider an older dog from a breeder I knew well and respected. I don't really enjoy the puppy stage, but I do feel that the result is a deeper understanding of your dog, which for me is worth the negatives.

My entire male is exactly the same - squats in our backyard, marks in public. Sometimes he will have a full bladder in the morning and we'll be over at a friend's house so he cocks his leg which is hysterical, because he will literally stand there with his leg in the air for 2 minutes. He's a big dog, with a big bladder - my partner and I say he pees for Australia... Never had to teach him not to pee in other people's houses but he's been moving heaps since he was a baby and staying over in people's houses due to personal circumstances. First thing I do when we go to a new house is take him to where he can go and he seems to have a good understanding of both the words and concepts of inside and outside. I had absolutely no luck teaching him not to mark, which I did try to do when he started at about 5-6 months old. The best I've achieved is that he won't go whilst on the lead, and he is 100% toilet trained to the point where even if there is an entire male dog who is not toilet trained peeing in the house, he will not go over it. He has however, peed on other dog's heads :s All dogs can mark, whether desexed or not, and if you have a dog who wants to mark well they're probably going to mark. Desexed dogs definitely mark less though. My dog will spend a good percentage of his time at the park peeing on things, whereas the desexed dogs will pee on the most popular spots and then go back to chasing balls and stuff.