Bluefairy

Nushie ~ When I leave Zoe all day, she gets a Wubba (a fluffy kong, its her favourite) and a biscuit, like the bone shaped Lucky Dog ones. But she never eats it, she waits until we get home then she brings it out with her and happily sits on her bed munching or barking and playing with it. She is a weird dog Oh and she is in a crate in the lounge. Kongs are great, but don't give too many liver treat ones as it can make a puppy have diarrhea, I learned the hard way There is no hard and fast rule as to what will occupy a dog, Zoe won't play with some of her toys, and she drags around others all the time. Its just a matter of finding out what works. As for the puppy and adult kongs, I have no idea why they are different, I just bought Zoe an adult one and she is happy with it. I sometimes fill it with dry food and she loves rolling it around the floor and watching the food fall out, she goes behind it like a vacuum cleaner sucking them up I took a picture of Zoe on OH's chair, she likes it better with the cushion down Saxon Pup ~ I agree. Our cat Shadow has always been the follower. Every animal we have ever had in the last 4 years, including a 12 weeks old kitten was dominant over her. She is such a wuss its funny you'd think the older animals would put the younger and/or smaller animals in their place. But nope. BF

Hello everyone, Niques ~ I have been leaving Zoe alone in her crate every few days, getting this kitchen renovation organised does not make for staying in everyday but she is getting so much better. I now use a very heavy pottery dog bowl for her water, she can't tip it up anymore but she can rip up the newspaper and stick it in the bowl I can't win. Zoe is showing our cat that she is the dominate one she is smaller than the cat. I am wondering how long this situation is going to continue....so far the cat is letting her rule Zoe is still not crying when she goes to bed, and is waking between 6:15am and 6:30am. So I am extremely happy with that. i do think I need to change her food bowl though.....I found 2 heavy pottery ones, I had for one of my previous dogs. The water one is fine as Zoe can't tip it. But the food one she seems afraid of, she doesn't eat her food like she normally does anymore (I mean with the last bowl (I replaced them because I was finding it hard to pick them up)) she gingerly goes up to it and takes a little at a time.....and she always leaves lots of food....weird, but I might change the bowl back and see what she does. BF

Nic ~ I take Zoe out at 11pm when I go to bed. I do have half the crate with newspaper and she always goes once on that. I was told as she is over 3 mths (she's 3mths 2 weeks) that I should stop giving her water after 9pm until in the morning. It is working as she would urinate in the crate a lot. I don't get up to her from when I put her to bed to when I wake at 6:30am. Michelle ~ So glad everything went fine while you were away. Its always a worry wondering if they are doing it right. Also glad Georgia had a friend to play with, I wish Zoe did. Magstar ~ I didn't get to chose Zoe, she was the last of the litter. But I must say my heart just melted when I saw her. She is so perfect for us I couldn't have done better picking her myself. I agree with Saxonpup, you will instinctively know which is the right one.....just be wary of any pup that shy's away from you, as that will will always be nervous. My last pup was like that, she never came to us (again last of the litter) and she was afraid of everything, think pitbull size dog who jumped and ran at every noise and object. It wasn't a pretty sight and it got worse as she got older, it would have been a nightmare if she made into adulthood, she might have turned into a fear biter. Well I put Zoe in her crate at 10:30am and we got home at 3:30pm. She never urinated in the crate, never tore up the newspaper (a game for her) and never spilled her water. We gave her a bone biscuit but she never eats them, she waits until we get home to let her out then she jumps on her bed and eats it weird but cute. BF

Wow its all go in here now with soon to be got puppies and puppies already here and yes Lauren they do grow so fast. Zoe is now sleeping through the night, but I don't get her up until 6:30am give or take a few minutes She is really good in her training, still teaching her 'out' when I want her out of the way. She will now sit and wait watching my finger when she eats now, so no more pushing her bottom down or holding her in place so She went to do a zoomie (pugs just run full pelt around a room or round the table etc) last night and as she started off she ran straight into the leg of a stool....poor Zoe just stood looking around wondering what happened ;) it was so funny to see the look on her face of total bewilderment Do you remember me tell you about that puppy harness I bought that was too small even though its supposed to fit all puppy breeds? I received a huge box on Wednesday with heaps of toys and a small harness, this one is a car and walking harness and is so much better than anything else I have seen. Zoe has been playing with all the toys and loves two in particular :cool: so spoilt she is :p Ok I better go as I have to take OH to work 300km away, but at least the girls and I get to have lunch out :D BF

:rofl: Zoe slept from 11pm and woke at 6:20am.....I am gobsmacked, OH and the girls were commenting on it this morning. I thought at first I was just so tired I slept through it all, but nope she did it herself.....how proud am I at the moment So the new "take control" me must have rubbed off on Zoe Lily ~ Aren't pups tiny when you first see them.....I kind of expected Zoe to be bigger, I don't know why I'm glad the book was useful to you. Its a great book. Wuffles ~ Ava must have rubbed off I think Nushie ~ Thanks Ok boy names with an alcohol theme :p Vino Gin Sam (Sambucca (not sure of the spelling)) Jim (Beam) Porter (Port) Cider Sake (sarky - rice wine) Ouzo Rum Brandy Clayton That's all I can think of BF

I am so sorry OP, how heartbreaking for your son and the rest of your family.... I have asthma, but the only thing that triggers it is cigarette smoke as no one here or even close to me smokes I haven't had an asthma attack in years. I did once own a dog that I became allergic too after having her for weeks, I found out she was a double coated dog, she was sent back to the breeder regretfully. I have since only ever had single coated dogs, even Zoe had to be single coated, and I have never been allergic to any of them. So it affects all people differently. I just hope you find a dog one day that your son can be near. BF

I've heard it mentioned, Off Topic Thread, I mean. But I have never gone in there, even though I have been able to for ages apparently....well now I know I can I guess I better have a peek.... BF

Nushie ~ This is going to sound silly, but lay down on the floor on your belly and look around the room at that level (pugs are tiny when you get them) now look at everything from their level and see if there is anything you can get into, onto, around, or bite. This is how I puppy proofed the place for Zoe. I also found Zoe couldn't climb or jump up on the lounge, and we didn't mind her being there, so we bought the pet steps from Deals Direct, they are only plastic with an artificial lambswool cover, but they are great for Zoe to climb up and down. When we are eating or don't want her on the lounge we push it away into the middle of the room. She will climb it anyway and stands there hoping someone will move it back again Don't forget a blanket, a teddy (with no eyes of bits that come off) or a Wubba, Zoe loves her fuzzy Wubba. Well, I have a semi good sleep last night.....I decided to take back control of this situation and be the boss (ok pack leader I mean) I put her to bed with no water, just her blanket, my jumper and some newspaper. I did everything like I always do....and nothing, no crying or anything......until.... 3:45am she cried but only did it for about 10 minutes (ghee 10minutes in the middle of the night in the dark is a long long time) then it was quiet.... 4:15am she cried but only did it for about 5 minutes... 5:15am she cried again for about 10 minutes... I got up at 6:25am. I woke each time she cried but went back to sleep when she did. I thought nope I am not getting up anymore until "I" am ready. I felt like a new person, even though it was broken sleep, it was still longer than I usually sleep, so all is right with the world Oh and guess what I won a competition in Dogs Life, it was the DGG one, I won 1ltr of DGG Shine Shampoo, 1 ltr of DGG Shine Conditioner, a gorgeous black and white striped T-shirt with "Escape Artist" on the back and a Grey and white striped T-shirt with a Purple reflective Dog skull and cross bones on the back. They are adult Pug size wow that made my day..... Plus I put the deposit on my kitchen today, so they will come do one more measure then its 6-8 weeks for the making then they will be putting it in. I have waited 10 years for a new kitchen and I have been trying to get it ordered for the last 2 years. I can't believe the time has come BF

No it was a lounge cover that you throw over and tie it around the back. The only thing I liked about it was the colour, it matched the lounge. I have a corduroy fabric lounge....one day I will update it, but until the cat and dog stop clawing it or biting it, it stays. Not even sure what lounge material to get, leather sounds so easy to wipe down..... But I love the Barka throws, and their pet beds.....I might have to invest some spending money BF

I have a Pug and she has an adult small Kong, she sticks her bottom jaw in the hole to hold onto it and carry it around. She loves it. I would say a medium kong for a Cocker Spaniel. I have no idea how the puppy and adult kongs are different, so I just went for the adult. Kong also make a range of almost indestructible toys, I have just ordered Zoe a Kong ball, as the rubber one she is playing with now has teeth marks all over it, and won't last much longer. I also got her a Dental Chew Dumbell, but she doesn't like that as much as the Rogz Teddy Bear I bought her. She carries this everywhere, she is always shaking it and mouthing it. I'd go with Kong toys as they are varied and very strong. BF

SP ~ yeah I couldn't hide anywhere could I Zoe is always bailing up our cat at the baby gate, Shadow is only 4yr old but has never climbed or jumped them, I think she thinks she can't. I only sometimes feel for Shadow, the rest of the time because she teases Zoe all the time I think she gets what she deserves BF

Is your friend prepared for: Expensive vet bills if the pregnant mother gets ill? Expensive vet bills if the pregnancy doesn't go according to plan - C/s, blood transfusions, vet stays, IVs, etc etc? Is she prepared to hand rear one or all the pups, feeding every 2-3 hours day and night? Is she prepared for the heartache if her female dies during labor? Is she prepared to keep any puppies she can't sell or get rid of? Is she prepared for the 8 weeks of sleepless nights? The mess and constant cleaning? The feeding and expenses? Having a female have puppies isn't all its cracked up to be....its a lot of hard work, expense and blood, sweat and lots of tears. Shame there's not a pill to cure people of these insane ideas BF

I had a lounge cover, useless thing. Then I tried a sheet, but it kept coming untucked and the dirt that it collects is atrocious....plus Zoe keeps trying to pull on it if its untucked......I give up. BF

Well I shoved an old jumper of mine in the crate with Zoe, and she did one cry and was quiet from 11pm until 4:15am. With the door closed in the hallway you can just hear her enough to wake me but not enough to keep me awake then she was quiet until 5am, then she was taken outside. The cat is totally frustrated she can't make a noise in the laundry ;) Also Zoe got hold of the cat last night behind my chair, I don't know what Zoe did but the cat clawed my arm trying to get away from her as she jumped up onto the chair. The cats ear was wet with dog slobber and her tail looked worse for wear. But the cat still insists on sitting just out of Zoe's reach and flicking her tail at Zoe, Zoe has bitten it several times but still the cat does it.....stoopid cat We went out to dinner last night, we put Zoe in the crate, left the TV on for her and also left the lights on so its not dark when we got home. I get a call from my oldest daughter asking where I am.....I told her, and she said our neighbour had come over to speak to OH, they heard the dog crying, the TV on and the lights on.....they tried ringing but couldn't find our number (we are not listed in the book), so the neighbour calls my daughter and she tries calling her sister, then as a last resort she rings me. I might have to leave messages about where I am going every time I go out.... what a drama.... Anyway thats my news BF

Zoe has a tail that curls one way and is kinda bent/broken and bends back again. She carries it over her back when walking, running it is out behind her semi straight (as I said it is bent or broken), or when she is asleep its this way. Bent: I have never seen a pug with a straight tail. It usually has some bend in it. Weird I'll have to watch the movie now to check it out BF

Niques ~ Thats great training :D as for the tantrum at collar time, Zoe used to fidget and squirm when we put her harness on or took it off. Now we make her sit while we take it off or put it on. She only plays up with OH as he has no patience and finds putting the harness on or off awkward so Zoe makes the most of his confusion....little scamp. OH has put the hallway door back on and is now covering up the hole from the cat door. We think maybe the cat who loves to claw the crap out of the cat flap is waking Zoe up....just a hunch as we have heard her once or twice. So as she hardly uses it now, and my grandson broke it, we might as well take it out and board it up. So we are hoping that doing these two things might stop Zoe from now waking at 3:30-4am, we are all so exhausted from her 30min -an hour crying at night and very early wake ups, she just continues to cry for over an hour before she stops. Even though its the other end of the house, her crying is so loud in a transportable. So hopefully with the hall door closed it might muffle the sound enough that we sleep through it.....I have all my fingers crossed. BF

Nic ~ Oreo is learning heaps more than Zoe. I do one training thing at a time, until she gets the hang of it. But she knows sit, stay, up, finished and the biggy NO!!! Up: for when she goes up the stairs out back and when she wants to go on the recliner with me or we want her to climb up her steps to get on the lounge. Finished: I say this every time I think she has finished going to the toilet outside, if she has and I say finished she runs either to me or to the steps. I have just started to teach her out: this is when we sit down to eat, she is not allowed to jump up, so we say out, and she usually goes and lays on her bed. She knows she will never get anything when we eat, she has to wait until after we are finished, so when I get up she starts to get excited as she knows this is when I will feed her BF

I too think this dog or even breed of dog is not the right one for your family either. I love GSD, Rotti's etc, I have had them when I was younger and love the breeds, but I know my energy levels have changed, as well as my family, so this breed is NOT a breed a would ever get again. I think what you really need to do is sit down with OH and go through all the breeds of dogs, their energy levels, grooming etc, and find a breed that best suits your family and life style. Also think of those times when exercise might not be possible (as you already have found out). There are some web sites that ask you questions about you and your family etc and it will give you ideas on different breeds that might be suitable for your situation. I know there is the perfect breed out there for you, it may not be the one you really want, but it will be the perfect one you need. BF

Nic ~ Thanks. She never just goes to her meal, she knows she has to sit and wait. When I fed her last night I just got her into a sit position and she stayed there, looking at my hand for the signal to "go" I didn't even have to hold her still this time. So its improving beautifully. Michelle ~ Georgia is so cute. I am so glad she is settling in well. My first night with Zoe was great.....but Miss Hyde came to visit and stole my well behaved quiet puppy I love everything she does during the day.....its the nights are a nightmare. She cried for over an hour last night, and was awake again at 4am, and cried until 5am when one of the girls got up. BF

:D Yes I have handled raw chicken (I wrote children instead of chicken didn't sound right ) anyway, it might be worth a shot. I'll put the rings in to be cleaned tomorrow. I'll wait until this outbreak has gone completely and then try again. I hope this is it.....it would be great if thats all it was, though like you say what on earth can be in chickens that cause that kind of reaction on skin.....now thats scary :D Zoe gets very excited at meal times, and the last few days she has started to bark, almost like telling me to hurry up. I have said NO to her, but it doesn't make any difference. But I fixed the problem, when I go to get her meal and I walk back to the lounge where she is fed....and if she barks I stop dead.....she used to run around me and back and forth showing me where to put her bowl. As soon as she stops and is still, wondering I guess why I am waiting, I will continue to walk. If she does it again I again stop. I have only now had to do this 3 times, she still gets excited but doesn't bark anymore. Just thought I'd share in case anyone here has this happen. Oh and her sitting before she is allowed to eat, has now gone from physically holding her in a sit position with two hands, to just touching her rump. I have always placed my index finger up about 5cm in front of her face, then when I say 'go' I put my finger down. She now watches intently for my finger.....I have always used hand signals when teaching my dogs.....there has been a time when I lost my voice and using hand signals was a godsend. So it pays to use other signals besides voice. BF

Michelle ~ Nope I have always been allergic to silver, but never gold, but the Dr says you can become allergic to anything anytime I might just wear them for special occasions now and just take them off after. Its one of the worse things ever I think fancy not being able to even wear your wedding ring. BF

Lindainfa ~ I agree, OH didn't want to get our cat either, but now he loves her and couldn't imagine life with her not in it. When we had to put our last pup down we promised each other no more animals. But I have always owned dogs, and not having one it was just too empty.....I was kinda pinning for one. The girls were easy to persuade, OH just went along. But it is always brought up we can't go anywhere because we have a dog.....thats why I chose a small breed, she fits in nicely anywhere I love the idea of your Oh going to Vegas so you get the dog and I love the name Viva. Do you know if your Frenchie will be a black brindle, pied or fawn? Nic ~ I agree feeding a Barf diet to a puppy it is a must to get all the ingredients and measurements spot on, so yes you can start that when they are older. I know Eukanubra is good, my friend's breeder of her Pug used it on all her Pugs. I hope the cut on your face heals nicely, its so easy to get an infection, look after it. at Oreo the escape artist. As he has now gotten out of it at least twice, you might have to find a more secure place to put him. I love Zoe's crate, at least she can't escape that.....well I hope not Michelle ~ OH has to keep our grass short too, mainly because of Zoe's eyes and it looks so much nicer. I'm just back from the Drs.....I could I am allergic to gold, I can no longer wear my wedding, engagement and eternity rings, and it looks like I will have to remove the chain with my 4 pendants on that I have worn for the last 15 years At the moment my ring finger is swollen, inflamed and looks horrible. I have had this for 3-4 weeks, then it went away 2 days ago, so I put my rings back on....and its back worse than before. So looks like I can't wear any jewelery anymore except for my Medic Alert bracelet, but thats surgical steal. Well thats my vent of the day BF

FM ~ Wow Jolie (I can take a guess at where you got that name from ) looks exactly like Frodo, she is so cute :nahnah: Nic ~ Usually smelly farts and smelly poo's are caused by the food they are eating. When Zoe was on Supercoat Oh My Goodness she could clear the room when she let one go. But now she is on Royal Canin she doesn't smell anymore. I think its the way the food digests in their stomach that causes that reaction....it would be like giving most guys chilli and beans And ouch about the scratch, I hope its not too bad? Hello Gorgeous ~ Welcome to the forum and thank you I think she is too, but I am a tiny little bit bias Jakeyjangels ~ Wow what is it when everyone thinks alike, collective thought processes or something....I too have been thinking of getting another Pug......not sure and I have never mentioned it to OH as he really didn't want another dog, so I don't want to break the spell and hint at it yet. I'll give it some time first :p Well Zoe seems to have set her little clock to waking up between 4:30am and 5am every morning. Seeing as I stay up with her until after 11pm, I am not getting much sleep at all. I even dozed off in front of the computer yesterday, and nearly hit my head on the laptop I am so glad I am not studying anymore.....I'd never make it through the day. Zoe's going to bed is better, she starts a soft cry from when I put her in the crate until I get into bed (about 3-5 minutes), then its quiet until morning. So that is a lot better than before. BF

Yes she was absolutely perfect for us, she seems to be just right for each of us, Kim is hyper and full on, so Zoe never sits still for her. Nicole is laid back and mellow so Zoe is that way for her. OH is quiet but loves to chase Zoe, and Zoe loves that. Me I am calm and slow, and Zoe loves to just sit in my lap and snooze at the newborn....I'm too old for that now, I'm a Grandmother of 4 ;) My children are Ken aged 27, married with a son. Beck aged 24, married with 3 children. Nicole aged 20 living at home. Kimberly aged 13 and at High School Zoe is mostly TT during the day, so long as the one thats with her takes her out when she needs to go (she sometimes doesn't actually show cues) so its more a matter of timing. My last Aussie Bulldog pup took over 5.5 months to TT Yes I have heard that Frenchies are stubborn too. Someone told me they will urinate anywhere they choose, including your bed pillow this also kinda put me off as well as the money. Also they seem a little more active than I imagined them to be. Pugs are either doing zoomies (running around like their tail is on fire) or sleeping, I guess thats why they are so perfect for us. We aren't a very active lot, just short bursts of energy BF

Michelle ~ Excellent news. I hope you enjoyed yourself in Hong Kong? Not long now.... ;) Saxonpup ~ I agree with you, I always thought they were bigger than they are. They are very small, and very cute. Lindainfa ~ I was originally going to get a French Bulldog. Every time I nearly had all the money something always came up. So I had to rethink my breeds and options and I opted for another breed the Pug, which I adore enormously And a newborn, so the countdown begins Well here's Zoe in her new DGG (Dog Gone Gorgeous) jumper to keep her warm on those cold night trips outside In the last one the ball stopped rolling and she seems to be wondering why its not moving I also bought her a new harness....what a waste of money that was. Its a My First Lead and Harness and it says: "Adjustable to fit all breeds and sizes of puppies" I have opened it out all the way and it only just fits Zoe I should have stuck to the Puppia Harness.....so now I'm out of pocket as I can't get back to the store to return it. Oh well she did get the free ball and a lead out of it. BF