Di*

Hi folks My Dog Man small slicker brush has been trodden on. Any recommendations for a replacement. My dogs are toy/small sized, pretty wimpy with slickers and short coated so I'm looking for the softest option. best Di

When we did the training there was just an assessment session and then a seminar--about a half-day long from memory (though might have been a whole day). My dog also loved the work. There seems to be more options for placements if you are available during the week to do visits. Di

Can you install a pet door? D

I think there was a thread about problems/concerns about petfood247. Perhaps, do a search before you order from them. Di

Warning: A Rant There have been so many posts on annoying out of control yappy aggressive little dogs. I thought I'd offer "The little dog POV ..." Playful bouncy young labs are among the most dangerous dogs for my old chi cross. He has luxating patellas and a bad back. One playful knock would mean not only pain but quite likely the need for surgery. Even when I keep him on lead and tell the owners of these dogs that he does not like labs or that he may get hurt, they insist their dogs are friendly. When I pick him up to keep him out of their way, they lecture me on how bad it is to pick up small dogs--it makes them aggressive, etc, etc. However, when my dog is in obedience classes with well trained labs in a controlled situation he shows no aggression at all towards them. He'll sit next to a lab in long stays. He'll act as 'a post' and allow the labs to weave around him. We rarely go to off lead areas but even owners with onlead dogs want to force my dog to socialise with their dogs or want to "cure" my dog of his discomfort with bouncy young dogs by forcing him to interact. It drives me nuts. Di I think by naming labs as a "dangerous" dog for your old boy is being a bit unfair, ALL of the large breed dogs would be a danger for him then such as ridgebacks, great danes, boxers, they are all large and high energy. The only reason that labs get picked on is that there are so many of them around. Personally if i had an old dog I would never take them to an off lead park because accidents do happen , a dog could be running for his own ball and step on your oldie by mistake. Please read my post. 1.I clearly stated that labs are "among the most dangerous dogs". The reason labs get "picked on" by me is that their owners are the most likely to say "don't worry, he's friendly" ... 2. I said that this also occurs when my dog is onlead and not at off lead parks. Di Your statement "among the most dangerous dogs" is so ridiculous it is laughable and yes 9 times out of 10 the lab is friendly - pity you can't take a leaf out of the lab's book Labs are so dangerous that they are the most popular breed in Australia, US, UK etc and used as guide dogs, sniffer dogs, therapy dogs etc etc . The fact that our beloved breed is so renowned for its awesome temperament, is so intelligent, so good looking and has so much visibility thru its role as a "service dog" engenders a lot of jealousy in the dog world So lab owner 1 thinks that when I say the following: "Playful bouncy young labs are among the most dangerous dogs for my old chi cross. He has luxating patellas and a bad back. One playful knock would mean not only pain but quite likely the need for surgery. Even when I keep him on lead and tell the owners of these dogs that he does not like labs or that he may get hurt, they insist their dogs are friendly" that this means I'm claiming labs are the only dogs dangerous to my dog and lab owner 2 thinks I mean that labs are amonst the most dangerous of all dogs. Defensiveness appears to lead to an inability to read what is written. To clarify ... some of my best friends are labs but they are AMONG the most dangerous dogs FOR MY little dog. Hope that is clear. [AND I believe this is not only because they are big and bouncy but, as importantly, because they are believed to be friendly, safe dogs. This means that the risk of big, bouncy, friendly dogs to other dogs and humans is often overlooked.] Di

Warning: A Rant There have been so many posts on annoying out of control yappy aggressive little dogs. I thought I'd offer "The little dog POV ..." Playful bouncy young labs are among the most dangerous dogs for my old chi cross. He has luxating patellas and a bad back. One playful knock would mean not only pain but quite likely the need for surgery. Even when I keep him on lead and tell the owners of these dogs that he does not like labs or that he may get hurt, they insist their dogs are friendly. When I pick him up to keep him out of their way, they lecture me on how bad it is to pick up small dogs--it makes them aggressive, etc, etc. However, when my dog is in obedience classes with well trained labs in a controlled situation he shows no aggression at all towards them. He'll sit next to a lab in long stays. He'll act as 'a post' and allow the labs to weave around him. We rarely go to off lead areas but even owners with onlead dogs want to force my dog to socialise with their dogs or want to "cure" my dog of his discomfort with bouncy young dogs by forcing him to interact. It drives me nuts. Di I think by naming labs as a "dangerous" dog for your old boy is being a bit unfair, ALL of the large breed dogs would be a danger for him then such as ridgebacks, great danes, boxers, they are all large and high energy. The only reason that labs get picked on is that there are so many of them around. Personally if i had an old dog I would never take them to an off lead park because accidents do happen , a dog could be running for his own ball and step on your oldie by mistake. Please read my post. 1.I clearly stated that labs are "among the most dangerous dogs". The reason labs get "picked on" by me is that their owners are the most likely to say "don't worry, he's friendly" ... 2. I said that this also occurs when my dog is onlead and not at off lead parks. Di Your statement "among the most dangerous dogs" is so ridiculous it is laughable and yes 9 times out of 10 the lab is friendly - pity you can't take a leaf out of the lab's book Labs are so dangerous that they are the most popular breed in Australia, US, UK etc and used as guide dogs, sniffer dogs, therapy dogs etc etc . The fact that our beloved breed is so renowned for its awesome temperament, is so intelligent, so good looking and has so much visibility thru its role as a "service dog" engenders a lot of jealousy in the dog world

You're not serious? There is a very HA and DA lab down the street from me - people cross the street when they see it approaching (on leash). Most labs also play very physically. They can easily hurt a small dog even if they didn't mean it. I'm deadly serious! Who could be scared of a labrador?! They're known as the world's friendliest and most family orientated dog! I would never cross the street if I see a labrador on a leash. If I see a little yappy thing, then I cross the street! An unruly lab, owned by someone who thinks that all labs are friendly and wouldn't harm anyone, could easily bowl over a toddler, body slam a smaller dog (has happened to mine) or, as I pointed out in my previous post, become aggressive due to a lack of socialisation. Any dog, in the wrong hands, can be dangerous. Sometimes "the wrong hands" aren't just bogans with aggressive dogs, but ignorant people who assume that their dog will turn out to be friendly by virtue of its breed. FWIW, for the last few years running, labs have been responsible for most bites to children in the US. Lab owners please note: I'm not having a go at labs. Love them. I just can't stand it when someone says that all labs are friendly and can't understand why some people are scared of them. I'm scared of owners like that. ETA: Do you know there is a difference between human and dog aggression? A dogs might be family friendly but aggressive to other dogs. They are totally different things. Precisely!

Warning: A Rant There have been so many posts on annoying out of control yappy aggressive little dogs. I thought I'd offer "The little dog POV ..." Playful bouncy young labs are among the most dangerous dogs for my old chi cross. He has luxating patellas and a bad back. One playful knock would mean not only pain but quite likely the need for surgery. Even when I keep him on lead and tell the owners of these dogs that he does not like labs or that he may get hurt, they insist their dogs are friendly. When I pick him up to keep him out of their way, they lecture me on how bad it is to pick up small dogs--it makes them aggressive, etc, etc. However, when my dog is in obedience classes with well trained labs in a controlled situation he shows no aggression at all towards them. He'll sit next to a lab in long stays. He'll act as 'a post' and allow the labs to weave around him. We rarely go to off lead areas but even owners with onlead dogs want to force my dog to socialise with their dogs or want to "cure" my dog of his discomfort with bouncy young dogs by forcing him to interact. It drives me nuts. Di I think by naming labs as a "dangerous" dog for your old boy is being a bit unfair, ALL of the large breed dogs would be a danger for him then such as ridgebacks, great danes, boxers, they are all large and high energy. The only reason that labs get picked on is that there are so many of them around. Personally if i had an old dog I would never take them to an off lead park because accidents do happen , a dog could be running for his own ball and step on your oldie by mistake. Agree, I don't take my older mini schnauzer to the dog park anymore - she is no longer dog tolerant and she is losing her sight and hearing (and most of her teeth). She would feel threatened and I would be worried that she would get knocked over and hurt - why put a dog (especially a small one) in that situation? She now just gets gentle short leash walks which she enjoys. There are plenty of other options other than off-leash parks. Please read my post. I said I rarely take my dog to off lead parks. These incidents occur even when both dogs are onlead. When my dog is in an off lead situation, it is when there are no other bouncy dogs present--usually no dogs at all. A typical scenario would be: me with my dog in empty dog park. Car arrives in carpark. Owner and dog(s) get out. Owner opens gate and let(s) dogs to race across the park with no concern about anyone else. I've even seen a young lab plow into the back of the legs of an older woman walking her dog and knocking her to the ground. These are high energy strong dogs whose owners often use their friendliness and energy as an excuse for their own lack of control. D

Warning: A Rant There have been so many posts on annoying out of control yappy aggressive little dogs. I thought I'd offer "The little dog POV ..." Playful bouncy young labs are among the most dangerous dogs for my old chi cross. He has luxating patellas and a bad back. One playful knock would mean not only pain but quite likely the need for surgery. Even when I keep him on lead and tell the owners of these dogs that he does not like labs or that he may get hurt, they insist their dogs are friendly. When I pick him up to keep him out of their way, they lecture me on how bad it is to pick up small dogs--it makes them aggressive, etc, etc. However, when my dog is in obedience classes with well trained labs in a controlled situation he shows no aggression at all towards them. He'll sit next to a lab in long stays. He'll act as 'a post' and allow the labs to weave around him. We rarely go to off lead areas but even owners with onlead dogs want to force my dog to socialise with their dogs or want to "cure" my dog of his discomfort with bouncy young dogs by forcing him to interact. It drives me nuts. Di I think by naming labs as a "dangerous" dog for your old boy is being a bit unfair, ALL of the large breed dogs would be a danger for him then such as ridgebacks, great danes, boxers, they are all large and high energy. The only reason that labs get picked on is that there are so many of them around. Personally if i had an old dog I would never take them to an off lead park because accidents do happen , a dog could be running for his own ball and step on your oldie by mistake. Agree, I don't take my older mini schnauzer to the dog park anymore - she is no longer dog tolerant and she is losing her sight and hearing (and most of her teeth). She would feel threatened and I would be worried that she would get knocked over and hurt - why put a dog (especially a small one) in that situation? She now just gets gentle short leash walks which she enjoys. There are plenty of other options other than off-leash parks.

Warning: A Rant There have been so many posts on annoying out of control yappy aggressive little dogs. I thought I'd offer "The little dog POV ..." Playful bouncy young labs are among the most dangerous dogs for my old chi cross. He has luxating patellas and a bad back. One playful knock would mean not only pain but quite likely the need for surgery. Even when I keep him on lead and tell the owners of these dogs that he does not like labs or that he may get hurt, they insist their dogs are friendly. When I pick him up to keep him out of their way, they lecture me on how bad it is to pick up small dogs--it makes them aggressive, etc, etc. However, when my dog is in obedience classes with well trained labs in a controlled situation he shows no aggression at all towards them. He'll sit next to a lab in long stays. He'll act as 'a post' and allow the labs to weave around him. We rarely go to off lead areas but even owners with onlead dogs want to force my dog to socialise with their dogs or want to "cure" my dog of his discomfort with bouncy young dogs by forcing him to interact. It drives me nuts. Di I think by naming labs as a "dangerous" dog for your old boy is being a bit unfair, ALL of the large breed dogs would be a danger for him then such as ridgebacks, great danes, boxers, they are all large and high energy. The only reason that labs get picked on is that there are so many of them around. Personally if i had an old dog I would never take them to an off lead park because accidents do happen , a dog could be running for his own ball and step on your oldie by mistake. Please read my post. 1.I clearly stated that labs are "among the most dangerous dogs". The reason labs get "picked on" by me is that their owners are the most likely to say "don't worry, he's friendly" ... 2. I said that this also occurs when my dog is onlead and not at off lead parks. Di

Warning: A Rant There have been so many posts on annoying out of control yappy aggressive little dogs. I thought I'd offer "The little dog POV ..." Playful bouncy young labs are among the most dangerous dogs for my old chi cross. He has luxating patellas and a bad back. One playful knock would mean not only pain but quite likely the need for surgery. Even when I keep him on lead and tell the owners of these dogs that he does not like labs or that he may get hurt, they insist their dogs are friendly. When I pick him up to keep him out of their way, they lecture me on how bad it is to pick up small dogs--it makes them aggressive, etc, etc. However, when my dog is in obedience classes with well trained labs in a controlled situation he shows no aggression at all towards them. He'll sit next to a lab in long stays. He'll act as 'a post' and allow the labs to weave around him. We rarely go to off lead areas but even owners with onlead dogs want to force my dog to socialise with their dogs or want to "cure" my dog of his discomfort with bouncy young dogs by forcing him to interact. It drives me nuts. Di

Agree. My four have a raw diet with plenty of veggies and they still love their grass. No probs with farts. Sometimes some very grassy poos but otherwise fine. D

Beautiful pics--lovely greys and lovely kitty. I especially adore the pup and kitty combo .... you're so lucky to have them (if only for a while) Di

Are you kidding? Is that the latest "ban" ??? So ..... "Baa Baa visual-impression-experienced-when-no-visible-light-reaches-the-eye sheep, have you any wool? ...... ". It's actually baa baa rainbow sheep now. Just another urban myth trotted out by those who constantly decry political correctness ...

2 small for me, please. Di

Best wishes, Peacefrog. Di

You have my sympathy. I had a live and let live attitude to ants until I moved to this house. I even quite liked them. I've never lived anywhere before like our place. I think it's because the house is built on sandstone and it is riddled with ant nests and tunnels. We can't hang out the clothes without having our feet covered in ants. We can't give our dogs bones outside without them being attacked by ants and they can't even curl up on the lawn most of the time. When we put their leads on at the top of the steps, their feet are being bitten by ants--took me a while to figure out why one dog never seemed keen to go for walks. These aren't big monsters or anything, just normal little ants. And they swarm around dead bugs, a drowned earth worm, dog poo, bird poo, possum poo, the garbage bins, garden fertilizer and a drop of anything that may be spilt. Even the hose and taps when it's hot and dry! And it's not just the ants on our property, they march into our place from next door or from the pavement. They bite first and ask questions later. Yes, I'm now ant-phobic! I think Epping may be buit on a giant ant nest ... We only "manage" the ant problem. We now keep our bins away from the house, generally don't give the dogs long lasting bones in summer when the ants are worst. Feed the dogs their chicken wings inside on mats. Feed all the meals in the house and pick up and wash bowls straight away. I've heard that talc works but haven't tried it. We use ant baits in places that the dogs can't get to--you can stick them to surfaces--and Antrid. We also use ant powders, ant sand and sprays (yes, I hate them) when things are really bad but only in places that the dogs don't access. Every couple of years they even make an onslaught on the house--our last line of defense .... Borax mixed with sugar is the "classic" ant killer. It's suppose to have low toxicity to dogs but who knows. Good luck with your battle Di (war correspondent, reporting from the trenches)

Sounds like one Kei weighs more than all of mine together! D

I'm in Sydney. I get Strictly Organic pet mince. You can get organic lamb, organic chicken or organic beef for $7/kilo. I think it comes from Qld so you might find it cheaper. I'm a vego so the only meat I buy is for the animals so maybe it just seems a reasonable price to me???? Also I only own small dogs but I do have 4. I mix the meat with veg etc so a kilo probably lasts them a week (dinners only). Di

That's funny! Perhaps we could leave the temp testing of rescues to them! Di I saw a similar thing with Angel, our tiny tibbie, who was a small dog tester for the GAP program. We'd always get to the test place before the grey to be tested. Angel would see the grey coming towards her & be as happy and confident about meeting a new 'friend'. She was right, they were fantastic dogs. Proving right the good racing owners who'd picked the GAP option for them. But one day, with one grey, Angel's body language was different.....her usually upcurled tail went down & she was a bit more tibbie-still than usual. But the testing went OK. Then I learned that this grey had not come via the usual GAP route from racing people who'd picked a best option. But had come to the new owners from the RSPCA shelter. And these owners needed to have her tested in line with new laws about pet greyhounds. The little dog had picked up some subtle difference. It'd be interesting to know if experienced foster-carers see their own dogs picking up subtle differences in the rescue dogs they take in. If my chi x boy was relied on for testing, there'd be no border collies, labs or golden retrievers in rescue!

That's funny! Perhaps we could leave the temp testing of rescues to them! Di

Can't think of anything inspiring to say, I'm sure her recovery is the only thing that will make you feel better. Hopefully, some good news soon. best wishes Di

Rappie Thanks very much for your expertise and the time you've spent responding. My boy's precious--an ex-rescue--so I want to do the best for him. He's had his blood tests done and is otherwise showing no symptoms. best Di

Sorry, no experience but there's quite a bit of info online. Must be very worrying for you. From what I've read sounds like it's a bit of a wait and see scenario. Best wishes to you. Hope your girl makes a full recovery. Di

Thanks, Stzeinrotts Have nothing to compare the price to so can't really comment on the costs. The vets around my area in general are not cheap. Sydney real estate costs?? I don't mind paying extra for particular expertise and services but might shop around a bit for this, or, as you say, check the specialists. thanks again Di