Bluefairy

Like Niques I too was told to stay away from garlic as it can be harmful I think that puppies have an off day like us not wanting or feeling like eating all the time. I won't ever give Zoe tinned food, I have for my other pups in the past, but this time I am not giving it, I just give Zoe dry food. I adjust it so she now eats it all at one sitting, sometimes when she leaves a bit I add it to her kong and she will eat the rest while playing and amusing herself. I also add tinned sardines in oil (only quarter to half a tin per day) every 2-3 days. Zoe loves it. Also I was told that dogs and cats are lactose intolerant, so giving human yoghurt was a no no, but other puggers have done this with no problem.....I haven't yet given Zoe any because of her upset stomach from the Supercoat, but might try her on it later. It could have also been something Maggie ate outside or inside that upset her stomach, its hard to tell. As for teething, other than wanting to chew more, I have never had a dog that went off their food or even noticed when they were teething. So I don't think it would be that. You could try looking at Maggies gums to see if there is anything wrong with them, they should be a nice bright pink, not deep red or white. I just think you should wait and see, it might just clear up and it will be one of those things that get put into the unsolved basket....with lots more things to add in the future. BF

Niques ~ Yeah I see spinning as a dizzying thing wow he is learning so fast. I have been saying ( without realising) every time she goes toilet outside, I ask Zoe are you finished, then she comes running over to me to be picked up (we have 3 steps out the back she hasn't yet mastered). Now she is going and running over to me. I didn't realise it until I read you post clever aren't they? BB ~ here's some, I'm not sure if I posted them or not....but saves you going back through the pages.... We were comparing Stenotic Nares (the nasal opening of their nose) on the Pug thread, Zoes' are narrow but might widen a bit when she gets older. Lauren ~ I'll go over and have a look.... MAD ~ I agree with Niques, the sequences are a learned thing, I am teaching Zoe one thing at a time, then when she has mastered it, I try another while still doing the learned one as well, but just in every day thing, not as a timed event. Zoe has gone from a bouncing ball who I had trouble holding on to when her dinner was placed on the floor....she was "FOOD FOOD, its mine gimme gimme, NOW!!!!" and now she will sit calmly and wait until I say go. She has the "Wait and Sit" down pat, she is learning the finish and up now. As for the classes I don't know, we don't have anything here like that....well I don't think so. Zoe cried for maybe 2 minutes last night, then she woke up sometime when it was starting to get light....I forgot to look at the clock, but I know she was let out around 6:30am. But she is getting much better We now have to watch there is nothing near the crate, as she loves to pull things through it and spend the night eating them Her diarrhea has stopped and is back to normal, so it appears Supercoat wasn't agreeing with her. She loves the Royal Canin food, so at least thats great. Its so funny to see her get so excited when you pick up her bowl, she follows you around the house until its put down again. I'm glad I have a table top to add the food otherwise she would be sticking her nose in it BF

Hi Lauren, I got it through PIA (Pet Insurance Australia) I went through and checked a lot of insurers, and these appeared to be the best, plus they come highly recommended by other pet owners. We have the Comprehensive, illness and accident cover: http://www.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au/ht...are-covers.html Total payment is $17.05 per fortnight with $100 excess. I also have this cover for my cat. You pay upfront any vet costs and they will reimburse you up to the maximum amount. Pugs can suffer from Luxating Patellas so there's a 6 month waiting period. I got my vet to examine Zoe for this condition and filled out the form, to say she does not have this condition (not yet anyway) so they will waver the waiting period. I signed up over the web. And when you get excepted they send you out the Certificate of insurance, your 1st claim form, a credit card thing with both my pets details on (like policy Number etc.) and a little tag for the dog to wear on their collar. I think its great. Its well worth the money even just for the peace of mind BF

Zoe doesn't so much bite as 'mouth' things, I always so no and keep my fingers out the way, very hard when you are holding them Its funny you should mention men's voices, my OH when he says in his deep growl of a voice NO to Zoe she stops looks at him and then continues doing what she isn't suppose to The girls she ignores, but me she listens to, it must be the tone of the voice, I have never had a problem saying a command and a dog listens. But then I am boss and pack leader in our house, so its only natural everyone pays attention Lauren ~ I agree any training is a very general thing, it is meant as an idea, and not to be taken literally. Because all dogs are different, as well as owners, you find what works for you and your dog, then stick to it. I can't do the high pitched yelp, so a stern NO and Zoe gets it. As for the TT Zoe usually goes to the toilet about 20-30 minutes after having her meal, so again its you having to find out what works for your dog. Its exactly like kids, some forms of punishment (sitting on a naughty chair, time out, removal of possessions works for some but not for others). You'll get there and then you will be amazed at how quickly she learned that Spirrall ~ Welcome and congrats on your upcoming new Chow. How exciting Well it looks like Zoe's diarrhea has cleared up she is now on the vets food totally. I guess the supercoat doesn't agree with her, because all the while she was on it she had this problem.....at least the bag will last me nearly 2 months each time. My house stinks of vinegar, I am pickling onions this is my first attempt, so in 3 weeks I'll let you know whether it was a good or bad thing I also got the paperwork for Zoe's Pet Insurance, and I have faxed through the vets report on her health and her not having luxating patellas, so now she doesn't have to wait 6 months for the waiting period. So now she is fully covered. BF

Lauren ~ Just an idea to get Maggie used to the lead. Place the lead on her collar and let her walk around inside with it for a few days, taking it off and one all day. Then try tying something to it with a little weight, like a toy for her to drag around. When she gets used to being on the lead, and moving around with some resistance to it, she might then be ready for you to hold on to the lead. This is an idea from Cesar Milan (the Dog Whisperer) and I reckon its very reasonable to do. I love this guy and what he does. BF

Dogawne ~ It was a surprise when I got her she was on Mains Register (which means I can show her), but I don't think I will, as we live in country SA and getting to many of the shows is an organisational nightmare. I'm glad you feel this is the place for you, and yes you get heaps of support here so any questions you may have, puppy or pug wise just ask Well I didn't end up taking Zoe to the Fair, but she did get to hear the fireworks and she was sleeping at the time, she woke up and looked around when the loudest one went off....that even scared to death the girls. But Zoe just went straight back to sleep....I still can't get over how different Zoe is to our last pup Annie, Annie was afraid of everything and Zoe just takes everything in her stride. I know I have mentioned this before, but I am just so amazed at how different 2 pups can be from different breeds and different temperaments....amazing. Another quick cry time last night and again an early morning wake up....OH got up to her this morning so I got a sleep in Zoe was sleeping on the lounge at the side of Kim last night when the cat came over and slept the other side. So they are now sleeping on the same thing, so they are getting closer. Plus Zoe is so good now with sitting and waiting until I release her for her meals. She doesn't rush the bowl now, she waits at a distance, I put her in the sit mode and gently hold her and she will hold very still until I say 'Go' then she starts to eat. I haven't as yet done any other training with her besides this and getting her to 'wait' when you go out the door, so she doesn't follow. Once she has mastered these I'll try something else BF

Niques ~ They are like kids, they always show you up or make you proud when out in public Nic ~ From what I can make out beef seems to have a stronger protein or something so maybe wait until he is a little older and try introducing it again. Chicken is bland and great for upset stomachs. BB ~ I am so glad things are now sorted out or kind of. ;) when I put up my crate for Zoe, my cat also went into it and slept, she must of thought we bought it for her..... Wow not long now....lots of pictures remember. Dogawne ~ Thank you you won't be disappointed with your choice of breed. Why don't you come over to the Pug Thread in the Sub Breed forum, and say hello. I was there for a while asking heaps of questions before I got Zoe. There are breeders and owners in the group and they are so friendly. Well another night of short crying until she went quiet......can I hope its a sign of things to come I some how don't think so :D I just wish she'd change her waking up from 5am to 6am At the moment my youngest daughter needs retraining its her day to take Zoe out when she needs to go toilet, but either Kim is missing the cues or Zoe isn't giving any....and Zoe has left upteen surprises in the laundry :D it seems like every time you go past the laundry there's another job to be done :D poor Kim, she'll get it soon and at least its not all through the house, Zoe is keeping mainly to the laundry which is where the back door is. Well it has turned out to be a nice day so we might take Zoe with us to the Folk Fair after lunch. Lots of people, noises, strange and wonderful sights. Tonight is the fireworks, we live about 2-3km away from it, we can see it but the noise isn't as loud. So it will be great to take Zoe out into the backyard and introduce her to that as well. Lets hope all the socialisation helps Zoe...not that she needs much, as she is the friendliest and non afraid dog I have ever met. BF

Awwww the poor puggy. I couldn't help myself, I'd have to pick him up and give him a cuddle. He looks like he has lost his best friend.... BF

Since my aunt and uncle had one of their dogs jump a fence and the collar got caught on the top of the fence, the dog died a horrible death, I am reluctant to leave a collar on my dog while at home. I have a collar that has all my info on the tag, and a tag that says she is microchipped, and this is worn when we go out. Other than that she wears nothing at home. BF

Poor dog I agree anything but the actual operation for the eye condition is the responsibility of the owners....how they could of let the poor dog get in that condition is beyond me. I would explain you won't pay for anything but half the surgery for the specified eye condition, ask them for an itemised bill so you know whats in or out. If they give you this then thats ok, but if not then could you ring the vet and ask for the cost of the operation only? Also make sure the bill is from the vet not from them just listing the prices down on a pdf sheet. BF

Hi, Jakeyjangles ~ The only difference in the vaccinations is the time gap between. They are the same vaccinations as the yearly ones. The Veterinary Assoc. found that dogs given yearly vaccinations were actually still fully covered by the vaccine when they became due for the next one, they tested it out and the vaccine actually lasts about 3 years, sometimes longer. They have recommended that animals be given this vaccination 3 yearly instead of yearly. But a lot of vets wont do it....this may be a distrust it works this way or its a money making thing.....who knows. Some people after their dog has had 4-5 years of vaccination refuse to revaccinate, they believe the vaccine works a life time....not sure on that part. So from now on pups get only 2 shots, one at 6 weeks and one at 10-12 weeks. Then another a year later and then 3 yearly after this. I am not sure about boarding kennels, but as this 3 yearly vaccination becomes more popular they will have to change their rules to suit it. Maybe getting a letter from the vet to say the dog is covered for 3 years might help. Thank you everyone for the comments Lauren ~ Your little girl is gorgeous Jodi ~ I have pm'd you MAD ~ Thanks, I think she is cute too but I'm biased :p That is great your puppy is so easy to train. Zoe is, but needs to be food trained.....meaning she is stubborn and will only do what you want if you have treats otherwise forget it :p I slept last night..... I put her to bed, she cried for about 5-10 minutes then quiet.....I was trying to read a book but I kept drifting off so I thought I'd give sleep a go, I heard her waking up at 5am.....but after an hour my daughter got up to take her out. I then got to sleep in till 8am, when the phone rang....boy did I need that. So now my batteries are charged....kinda, and I feel I can tackle another day :D Zoe is loving the new food from the vet, so fingers crossed it helps her over time. She left some food in her bowl yesterday so I put the dry food in her kong, it only took her seconds to realise she had to make the kong spin to get the food to fall out, she had a ball for the next hour trying to get the food out of the kong and from under things when the food got knocked about. But she ate all her meal in the end We have a yearly folk fair in town this weekend. I was going to take Zoe to it (carried around of course) but now it seems it will be a washout, as its supposed to be raining all weekend....bummer. Poor Zoe misses out on the socialisation things I was hoping to take her to. I'll have to organise other things for her. Well I better go to the shops, I have to get the finishing touches for our BBQ this weekend. Nothing special just a lazy day for us :p BF

What a day..... :p I went into town, parked the car, water is pouring from under the front....thought crap the bottom hose on the radiator has gone. I called OH who happened to be at work 150km away, tried ringing a mechanic but no-one was there. I ended up joining the RAA (I have been meaning to do that for a while) so $180 later they called a repairer out for me. I had to wait nearly an hour in the car, but he finely made it, luckily I had bought us all a drink. The guy had to remove the thermostat, and replace the radiator cap. The radiator needs flushing out, but at least I was able to get it fixed so I could drive it around for a while. This then made us late for everything. I had to run around doing shopping and buying my grandson a 5th Birthday present for this month. Then we grabbed lunch, and got home long enough to breathe then off to the vet.....same distance from town, just the opposite direction. The vet checked to see if Zoe had a microchip, nope, so while I fed her treats the vet put a microchip in, vaccinated her and wormed her without her batting an eyelid She thinks Zoe either has worms or its an upset stomach probably from the food. So she said it should be fine and has given her a Royal Canine Puppy food, she said it is better suited to a more sensitive stomach, and should settle down soon. To thank the vet Zoe crapped on her floor Anyway Zoe's temp is fine, she doesn't have Luxating Platella's (I think thats what they call it) thats for the Insurance company, she weighs 2.8kg but was hard as Zoe wouldn't stay still and she needs one more booster shot in a year then she can have 3 yearly vaccinations from then on. So YAH Niques ~ I thought it was supposed to improve with time, but nope it seems to go up and down. I need to bath Zoe too, I have done her ears and face folds, she doesn't mind that, in fact she sits there and makes noises like she enjoys it sooo much I'll let you know how the bath goes.... ;) Lauren ~ God its hard isn't it? I wouldn't switch the TV off, I'd do everything you normally do, make as much noise as you like, the dogs will eventually get used to it. I suffer from hayfever and I sneeze a lot, when Zoe is sleeping, and I sneeze, she wakes up watches me then lays back down and goes back to sleep. As for the crate, I don't know what to do.....I am so exhausted....I am going to bed late and waking up at 5-5:30am and not sleeping much in between. I left Zoe while I went into town for the first time....I wish I knew if you can hear her outside the house..... BF

Jodi ~ My How exciting the countdown of course begins now until she has the puppies, then once you know what sexes the puppies are hopefully you can countdown again, but we are here with you all the way. Myzchev ~ Its a mad house here too, we are about to start renovations on the kitchen, and still trying to get the back yard finished so Zoe can go outside without a lead... Nic ~ I agree with Poodlefan I do more things like hiding treats (I use dry food biscuits) and getting Zoe to find them, then rough and tumble play. You can hide treats inside and out and it gives Oreo hours of fun and stimulation, and this will wear him out too. Another full night of crying...... ;) Zoe is going to the vet today, she has had diarrhea for about a week, it was black but now its the right colour but wrong consistency. I had to change her diet as we couldn't buy the food the breeder suggested, I did this over 8 meals so it was slow. I have given her Liver treats for her kong and it was suggested this was the culprit....but she hasn't had them for days....so its not this, other than sardines every 2-3 days she is just on dry food. The breeder said she had been wormed....so I'm at a loss as to what it might be. BF The appointment is this afternoon so I will be back after to let you know.

Lauren ~ ...and counting lots of pics remember!!! Niques ~ Yes she is smart, in a devilish kind of way I will see if I can get a picture of her and the lounge to give you an idea of her size. When she is standing on her back legs her head just comes over the lounge cushion She has now undone the hammock that was attached to the cat scratch post, she loves to sleep on the base of this....poor cat doesn't get the chance to use it unless Zoe is busy elsewhere. The cat had a cardboard box she loved to jump into in the lounge, Zoe ate a hole through one end, so now its outside. The cat has one more stronger box left I wonder how long until she gets through that...she has started already BF

I have had my Pug puppy 9 days, and I have only slept for 5hrs straight on 2 of those nights.....but when I went looking for a pup I knew what I was getting myself in for....obviously these new owners either had forgotten that about puppies or never had puppies so young before. It is an eye opener for any new owner, but I would never return my pup because because of lack of sleep.....however I am now seriously thinking of putting her in bed with me just so I can sleep I just don't think the new owners had any idea at all of what was going to happen though thats really a no brainer.....I'm just glad the pup is now back with you and at least you can find her a better home with someone who has some knowledge of pups. BF

Myzchev ~ I am glad BB and you are working this out in pms. I hope it all gets sorted and everything for you both can go back to normal....well as normal as it can be BF

BB ~ I didn't mean anything against you in my post in reply to myzchev. I so know how saying something can and does get you into trouble, and you wish the world would just swallow you up. A mistake was made, and there's nothing you can do to change that. If you learn by your mistakes it will make you a better person, some people never learn. And saying anything at all on a public forum other than mentioning your own business is open to all sorts of interpretations by everyone....good or bad. I can also understand the heartache myzchev has been through and I hope the person that started all this gets their just desserts What's done is done and that can't be changed. So wipe the slate clean and from now on if you have questions concerning a particular breed ask the breeder concerned. If you have any questions about puppies in general ask here, we are as interested as you are and some of us here might be able to help you Lily ~ I agree ignorance is bliss, but not from my eyes looking out.....Zoe decided that crying every 30 minutes to an hour all night was fun...why oh why don't pups lose their voice I dragged myself out of bed at 5am, made a cuppa, sat down and after a bit of play Zoe decided she was tired and slept in my lap until everyone else joined me at 7:30am Zoe has now learned to climb on the lounge by herself......well not really by herself, but with some help of a stool. She jumps on the stool and then onto the lounge.....she can't get down though.... she has jumped from the arm of the chair and my heart skipped a beat as I instantly thought, broken leg, head injuries....she was fine but I have also learned that the Liver treat biscuits for the Kongs can cause black chronic diarrhea...so only give sparingly OK? BF

Myzchev ~ I'm sorry you went through all this crap. Its horrible all the thoughts and worries that go through your mind and all the bleeding "What if's????" I agree with you BB should have asked you and not listened to others and their opinions. BB has been reading this thread, so yes she will see it. I have seen her in here a few times. Thank you though for coming in and stating the facts for us and for her. BF

Poppyx ~ What cute pictures, your baby is growing up fast ;) Nic ~ Its not nice when pups get carried away with the chewing thing Zoe doesn't play the tug of war game....I think if she did she'd just slide across the lino floor. When she sits she slides slowly backward and its so funny to see her trying to stay put in one place Michelle ~ I noticed you'd changed your user name. I had to look twice at your signature to make sure it was you Lauren ~ Maybe the breeder is not at home or out for a few days. I don't think its right not to give at least weekly updates of puppies. After all you are buying (for lots of $$$) something from them, they should give details frequently. I hope your babies arrival goes well and after this we need pictures posted here asap OK????? :D Well my daughter and the grandkids (aged 7, 5 and 2) came down, all hyped up and Zoe got into over excited mode and did zoomies everywhere rofl1.gif making the kids laugh, they played with all Zoe's toys.....OK yes she has more toys than most kids nahnah.gif but after about 2hrs she was getting a little zonked out, so I asked Nicole to take her out for a toilet break. When she got back she was ready to play again, then it was time for everyone to go home, Zoe just plopped herself on the floor next to me totally exhausted....poor thing heart.gif stroke.gif She did jump up at them, but I think she was in hyper mode with the kids. She never barked, bit, or hurt any of them. So after 2 different days of varying experiences, I think Zoe did extremely well. As far as I am concerned she passed the aptitude test with flying colours laugh.gif now I'll give her a couple of days quiet time and then its off to the vets for vaccinations and microchipping (I was supposed to get it done last week but I had to cancel). BF

Gumnut ~ Thanks. Yes she is settling in very well....all she does besides playing is walk around the place sniffing and chewing on anything, then its a mad rush to get what she has out her mouth before she swallows it. she at least knows what the word NO is Nic ~ Good luck with the Puppy school I think Oreo will love it. Lots of new friends and new smells. They must get sensory overload I think. Niques ~ Our problem was the breeder had premade a container of this food, it was either chicken or turkey mince, pasta, veggies and soaked Eagle Pack. Everything was soft.....we can;t get Eagle Pack or Science Diet here, so we chose the best supermarket food we could get, which was Supercoat. I don't soak it, never have for any pup I have owned, and Zoe loves to chew on the biscuits.....I think as the breeders food was all soft textures and mine is hard and crunchy, Zoe prefers the crunchy stuff. This might be the reason she likes one over the other, or like you said needed to settle in a bit. I'm just glad she's now on the Supercoat fully, as the breeders food smelled funny BF

Matt ~ Diesel is gorgeous. I love brindle's Michelle ~ Georgia is very feminine in looks. I love her white stockings. Nic ~ Zoe tries to bite our hands and toes too, but if we say or growl NO she stops it instantly. If she doesn't she is put down straight the way and ignored. I have learned to only pick her up or play with her when she is calmer, and not in that hyped up state, as they just bite anything in sight. But then Zoe doesn't know what sit is, her breeder never taught her as she was going to be shown. But she knows what stay is and is very good with it. So retraining is in order. I have to make Zoe sit for her meals, she'll stay, but not sit. So looks like separate training with treats is in order for this one. Jakeyjangels ~ Jangles is so cute, I love labs. Ghee he is growing quickly huh? I love the picture with his Teddy. And its great he is socialising well. That is something I am yet to do. Zoe isn't vaccinated fully yet, so when I take her anywhere it will have to be in my arms. She is going to the vets on Thursday for her last shot and to be microchipped. Luckily she loves the car, I just hope they have some dogs come in.... for her to get to see. Zoe is now down to about 30 minutes of crying at night when she is put in her crate and she wakes at 6am, so not bad at all, though she does use the papered section of the crate to go toilet in. At least its easy to clean. The cat and Zoe walk together and I was noticing that Zoe just comes above the cats belly. So the cat at the moment is double her size.....I told you Zoe is tiny Its funny, the breeder gave me a container of food for Zoe to come home with. So I slowly gave Zoe this and added the Supercoat Puppy I had to put Zoe on. Zoe used to eat a little bit and walk away, then she'd graze on it until it was finished.....I thought this weird at the time (never seen a puppy eat this way before). But now Zoe is on the Supercoat only with Sardines and mackerel added once or twice a week, she now sits and eats all the food until its gone. Now this to me is how puppies normally eat.....I got the feeling she didn't like what the breeder was feeding her. What do you think? BF

Poomother ~ How exciting. Love puppies Here's some pictures of Zoe, she is becoming a real poser for the camera, at least she doesn't run up to it and stick her nose in the lens like my last pup This is where Zoe sleeps when I'm still up And her wondering why I am disturbing her again BF

Fiona ~ Yeh I understand about renting. But sometimes too if you ask the landlord if you can move the plant (not a tree obviously) as its poisonous they are more than happy to do that. I had no idea most plants were actually dangerous to animals, so when I see a plant in a nursery I buy it because it looks nice and is the right height I want. I never thought of the dangers. Most landlords would be ok to move a plant if they thought it would harm an animal. As for the enclosing of a tree area, yes it would be a pain but easy enough to always go out and check the ground for stuff blown over in the wind. But there may be one you missed or one that falls when your not looking....Using a penned off area might be better I think when there are more than one tree or plant that can't be moved. Makes it really hard for the renters....I wonder how people and animals managed years ago, before the poisonous books came out MAD ~ Welcome back RCBG ~ Congrats on the Baptism :D BF

Nic ~ If you know the common or plant name I will look it up for you BF

Michelle ~ I agree, you have to have lots of forethought, eyes in the back of your head, and be able to read animals minds as well as know what the future entails.....with that we should all be fine Fiona ~ Some plants, its the whole thing that is poisonous, so a leaf or flower, berry, seed etc can be blown out of an enclosure, so enclosing it isn't any good, and not worth the risk. With our Cherry Tree (I so wish we could have done something else besides cut it down), it is in the middle of the yard, making enclosing it in impossible. Its a shame, but it was worth the sacrifice. BF