MsBex

I understand your frustration but from the other end of the stick. Cory's supposedly a medium sized dog, but by my own measuring stick he's a small dog, and I only ever go to dog parks now during off-peak times, as I find most larger dog owners don't seem bothered by the fact their dogs are using Cory as a soccer ball (literally being rolled between their legs!) My conclusion is that rude dogs and owners are everywhere regardless of dog size!

x1 My dog loves to play and is quite boisterous, however he doesn't have the physicality to keep up with the larger dogs. I'm so disappointed Gold Coast City Council doesn't offer segregated parks, and occasionally will drive 45+ minutes to a neighbouring Council (Logan) just for that peace of mind.

Thanks for your replys. I have seen a few other puppys do it, and never really thought much about it, until I got a chance to live with it. Have been pretty much doing similar to you Danielle, so will keep doing that with more consistency! :D

Hi. We've just moved into my sister's who has a 4yro SBT and things have been going well. There was the expected humping by Storm (SBT) to 1yro Cory (Cocker) but overall Storm is a pretty laid back dog. The thing I'm not sure on is that Cory has been chewing on Storms ear whenever they play, and generally being a pest as he has a higher energy level than Storm. Storm doesn't seem to like it but just turns his head or lies down trying to ignore Cory when he's not interested. They do have a lot of down time just sleeping side by side, however have been wondering if the ear chewing is just normal behaviour or if it is something I should be stopping, and is so how? I have been separating them whenever I think Storm needs a break, as I know its my job to discipline Cory. Any advice would be appreciated.

Awwww ... Amazing how she's changed in a year! What a cute puppy and gorgeous dog! Happy Birthday Shyla!!

Voted.

Sorry for going OT

Yep - anytime a new dog comes into the dog park Sophie runs over for a butt-sniff wanting to play with her Hackles sky-high and people are going "is she going to attack?" Sigh. I just keep saying out loud so people can hear me "Sophie put your hackles down so everyone else knows you just want to play". People think the big scary GSD is going to eat their shit-malti-poo haha ... I was in the dog park the other day, giving Cory a good run before his desexing op (the next day). There were only 3 other dogs in the park, all little dogs. A great big GSD came to the gate. Immediately the two other owners packed up and left. Thinking of all the good GSD owners on this site, I went with Cory to the gate, and politely asked the owner before he entered if his dog was ok with small dogs who still think sometimes they're puppies. The owner was great, and said his GSD loves small dogs, alot better than he likes big dogs. Was a great opportunity for Cory to play with a big dog in a controlled environment (by now we had the only 2 dogs in the park!). The GSD was awesome, but was so sad to see, as he was only 18mo but had terrible elbow/his dysplacia (spelling?) and after about 10mins romping, slowed down considerably Back to your post though, I naturally would want to know if a big dog was ok, as if he wasn't, the danger to Cory would've been alot greater than if it was a Pomeranian for example that didn't take a liking to him.

Thanks for the tip, I've set an alarm reminder ;)

Best of luck with Charlie. I really admire your positive attitude (know it must be hard to maintain at times) and think the confident vibes you give, would be nothing but helpful for Charlie. What sort of pup are you considering getting? Such an exciting time!!

I'd be wary if I saw a SBT offlead when I had Cory with me, because I used to own a DA SBT. I'm also very wary if one comes to the dog park because you just can't tell from looking at them if they're going to be DA or not. Having said that, I'm soon moving in with my sister who has a SBT that isn't DA, but even then the two dogs will be separated when no-ones home to supervise. Personally I the breed, there's nothing nicer than patting the big, thick head of a SBT!

Cory loves empty milk bottles with a bit of rice thrown in for sound effects! Very funny seeing him drag it in and out the doggy door. I love it too, as its FREEE! Soft toys go without saying!

Aww that's sad! I've always admired the bond between Caesar and Daddy. Run free Daddy, you were a great ambassador of your breed.

Does anyone have any links for a good long lead? I can only seem to find horse leads?!?! My son still bears the marks of a retractable lead wrapped around his ankles, needless to say that went straight in the bin!

I think it's a battle you'll never really win with educating kids, which leaves the only other option of controlling/acclimatising your pet better. I do understand the frustration that comes with kids who aren't dog savvy, particularly having previously had a dog with a very high prey drive, yet I don't hold any high hopes for kids to change their behaviour. My son for example has been around dogs since he was very young. He's always been taught not to run and scream around dogs, not to approach/pet a strange dog without asking both mine and the owner's permission, and not to play wrestle with even our own dogs, however despite being told NUMEROUS times sometimes it seems to go in one ear and out the other! He's very repentent when I tell him off, yet I know it won't be the last time. He's not a naughty nor a highly strung child at all, just forgets things, like most children I know.

Well, at the risk of offending Cocker owners, the "average" Cocker isn't the most sensible nor sane dog on 4 legs anyway. Not Cory anyway But I'm still pinning hopes he'll grow out of it!! Thanks for the replys to my question earlier guys.

Legitimate question please. Do wild dogs ie. wolves/dingos generally inbreed like this? Father/daughter, sister/brother? Not talking the odd occasion, but generally speaking? It seems terrible to me, but am aware I may be putting an anthropomorphic spin on things. Is it natural is my question?

*taken from the link* Remember - every time your dog gets somewhere on a tight leash a fairy dies and it's all your fault. Think of the fairies. :rolleyes: I like that video too Aidan, has reminded me I need to start slower instead of expecting to actually be able to walk at first. Flux, I could have written your post. Totally understand the frustration! When Cory gets desexed in a week, I've even written down a reminder to ask vet to check his throat, as he pulls so hard, he's started making weird noises! My neighbours must think I'm a little crazy how I'm constantly walking in circles to change direction. Food's not even much of a motivation, when he's outside! I also understand the anger side, as with Cory's nipping I range from 'thumb under tongue' to 'bah' to 'timeout' to 'planned ignoring', dependant on my frustration levels. Not much helpful advice sorry, but commiseration, and the knowledge that your not the only one Hope some of the advice you've been given works for you!

Just googled it, looks great! Thanks for the heads up. If I found the right site, Brisbane's isn't until the 27th March. http://www.beneful.com.au/events.html#

When I first got Cory I left the collar on him all the time, and I've blessed that collar and tag on more than one occasion (a few successful escape attempts)! Now that he's more settled, I've started to take it off while he's at home, but only since I've had him microchipped!

They're great! Spewing they don't have Cocker Spaniels or SBT's though! I like the French Bulldog T, very cute

I have a dog a little like yours. I think he would prefer not to eat than eat dry food. Was pretty worried as I didn't want to create a fussy eater, so did the leave it, then take it away for about a week. And he cut his food intake down drastically! To like a third a cup of dry a day (if that!). After some great tips from another DOLer have just changed his diet, more meat/bones and less dry (extra nutrition during the week, but that's the basics). He's LOVING it now! P.S. Also caught my son sneaking him food during the day, so that would have probably been a major factor in him not being fussed with the dry

My boy had Canine Cough when he was 12 weeks old, and recovered well once they put him on the antibiotics. He had other symptoms too which was why the vet went with the antibiotics, a runny, crusty nose. Very similar to human flu I thought at the time. Also got charged $50 for cough medicine from the vet, but when I peeled the label back, noted it was normal cough medicine for kids, that I could have bought over the counter at the chemist .. FYI. All the best in their recovery.

Beautiful pictures! Makes me homesick, although Auckland looks nothing like that ... lol. Where's the ones with you in them

Oooh I am SO trying to fight off the green-eyed monster right now