Zug Zug

Update: Zamba - right on track. She's nearly 15 now and still enjoying lying around and the occasional game of fetch or training inside the house. A little more incontinent than she was, to the surprise of both of us at times... Pasha - well it's been a busy year on a personal front and our trial hopes went by the wayside. My mother is very ill, and I'm currently recovering from a major op, so the trial dreams have had to be put on hold until next year. But (great news) he's good at the beach these days. Took a while, and relies on me having his ball with me for those times when he gets over-excited, but he's finally a good beach dog and that makes me (and him) very, very happy :)

This is precisely the problem I have with my current dog. I wasn't even aware of it until I videoed us and he steps his front feet forward as I leave him - just about every time!

Yeah young dogs can be real buggers, especially with a weakened older dog. If there is rough treatment, I would suggest keeping them separate when you are unable to supervise. Baby gates can be very helpful. She may learn, or she may continue this style of relationship with your Chi x. Only time will tell.

Soft tug toy as soon as you like, but keeping things light by wiggling the tug on the ground and encouraging the pup to chase and catch it. Nothing rough yet but keep it silly and very brief. That's how I started with my pup anyway, and he loves to tug. I could have put more emphasis on the 'out' command, because he sometimes hangs on a bit, but not too bad. So perhaps rewards for releasing the tug? I would be interested to see what others suggest about that aspect.

If he loves being touched and patted then you have a good base from which to start the process. Good on you for giving him such a great home. I'm sure with patience, and doing a very little bit with him every day, he can gradually learn to cope far better with the grooming process. He's a gorgeous looking dog :)

A bit off-topic but thanks for your two posts on this Alyosha. I think that's what my bichon had at 13 years old. It came on quite suddenly, and he couldn't get up and yes he dragged his toes when he did struggle to stagger forward on that last day. I had him PTS amid lots of tears and never had a diagnosis confirmed. Everything I read on the link you posted makes me think that's what happened. I've always wondered. So thank you.

Can you keep a vizsla in a block of apartments? What happens if it barks? Do you need permission from your neighbours? Are they likely to give it?

Good luck but I don't fancy your chances if she is that keen Perhaps start inviting her along to some doggy things and see if you can get her interested in doing it properly. Such as obedience school. A large obedience club is great for dog watching. You often see the down sides of common breeds. But vizslas often really shine in that environment, so perhaps it will reinforce her choice. But perhaps in the process she'll develop an interest in training the dog...? And yes, I am being a bit optimistic perhaps

Good on you for coming in here to ask. So much about training sits between the lines of what you read in books. Yes it's good to reward these behaviours - it's just that you don't expect them to last long and for a casual walk, eye contact isn't really needed. Sounds like you're doing a great job with your pup overall. A slightly more relaxed approach to walking will no doubt help bring her back out of her shell. And don't forget there are some fear periods in the early months as well. There is a pinned thread in this forum that talks about when these show up. Some avoidance behaviours develop at these times, but if managed carefully will usually subside later.

Looks like a fabulous start to me! If you want some tips from some top agility handlers, why not take your video and re-post it into the Training/dog sports area rather than the 'general dog discussion' area. There are some very experienced people there and they'll give you some helpful tips, I'm sure. I think the next step may be for you to join a club and show off your wonderful little dog in company (and at the same time, get him/her used to working around other dogs, which can be difficult for some dogs)

I am too. I just don't let them lick me. If they do, I wash it off straight away. A bit itchy, but not too bad. I also wash my dogs regularly.

2 syllables work best for me. And yes, of course they'll be lengthened and shortened and nicknames will get thrown in as well... So I think you wanted girls' names? Asha Amber Bindi Blush ( ok that's only 1 syllable) Crusty Evie Ember Fiver Georgia Gift Heifer (ok perhaps not) Ingot (but could be confused with the 'in' command) Jaffa Lola Lori Mintie Olive Orca Punter Quilty And so it goes on

My childhood dog was the first. She certainly paved the way for a life lived with dogs. But I have found that it does happen again, and it dawns on you very gradually as you live with the dog and they become so much a part of your life. Doesn't happen with every dog though.

So much nicer! :) What a pretty face he has

He may have been raised in a pen, and got used to having poo nearby. It may take time to train him to do it outside reliably. Be patient, and carry some awesome treats! Best option may be too teach him to toilet on command, and you take him out at set times. Remember, he gets a fabulous fuss and reward every time he poos outside. Don't hold back in your praise. It sounds like he needs to relearn his toilet 'norms'.

Again? Or are you describing what happened the first time?

That's a great sign

Be patient. He may be unhappy about the crate after that experience. You'll need to build him back up to it gently, with loads of special foods and toys, and yes keep the door open for as much as you can. Then when the door is closed, you are right there as a comforting presence and he has something delicious to chew on. And you don't leave him there, alone, for a while yet if you can arrange that. Give him time to adjust and try to put him in there when he's tired, and therefore more likely to want to naturally settle. Good luck! It's worth it. Once they love their crates, it becomes a very useful training and management tool around the house.

This. I have one and he's gorgeous. He likes running with me (although he is a pain if we have to jog past houses with dogs in the front yard). But yes his prey drive is very strong and my older (smaller) poodle x has had to learn to manage him. He can be a bit of a bully with her at times, although he never hurts her. I don't let him off-lead with small dogs at the park for the same reason - he can be quite overwhelming. Also the grooming requirements for a standard poodle are a huge jump from that required for a Cavalier. Massive difference. Having said that, he's so beautiful to live with around the house, and such a lovely all-round dog, I still love the breed and will have a hard time shifting to anything else. But I do also love Rough Collies and if I didn't have dog hair allergies I would covet one of those for sure! Far more placid in my experience - more of a quiet dignity whereas my standard poodle is dignified in a more 'look at me, I'm so incredibly self-important' way. The whole family adores him - including my husband who is not really a dog person. Some children are scared of him because he's big and black, even though he is completely gooey and soft with kids. I like the fact that when I'm running with him, some stalkers may take a second look at him too and that's gotta be a good thing in my opinion. Have you also considered an Australian Shepherd? I reckon they'd be absolutely ideal for the lifestyle you describe!

Hi Teebs - big hug from me because yes those early months can be a big shock. Glad your dog is adjusting well. I would suggest you think about using a baby gate to allow your dog some inside time, while restricting it from jumping all over your baby, which is what I presume the problem may be. It allows your dog to still be part of your inside lifestyle, but still allows you to feel comfortable in managing the baby. And some outside time is part of life for most dogs, so that's not the end of the world to be honest. I do hope you can also get some support from those around you. It can be really hard, and while you're missing out on sleep every little thing can feel even harder than it really is. Back when my twins were born (20 years ago now) my dog went without a walk for many months as well. It takes time - you'll find things will get easier over time and your dog may be able to offer you some comfort and companionship along the way if you can find a way to invite him/her back inside with you.

When renovating, we fitted a handheld shower to the outside of our new shed. Connected to house hot water via trench. Use a dog bath on a stand to bathe them in lovely warm water. Then we head to the outdoor kitchen bench to brush and blow dry. Very happy with this arrangement. It's also a lovely way to cool off in hot weather.

Yes patience is the key, and I agree crate training is certainly going to help. I have my fingers crossed for you that she is not one of those dogs that will pee in their own bed. Most won't which is why the crate works so well. And it allows you a short break from constantly watching her. It takes time and the trick is to keep her carefully guided to the right choices, not leaving anything to chance. Only have her wandering around inside when you know she is empty, and never for very long until she is showing she is more reliable. Good luck with the separation anxiety. Hopefully she will soon bond with your other dog as well, which may help on that score. Do not reward any fussing at the door. It can quickly become habit forming so you'll need to find ways around that, and be strong.

My husband has it actually, so I will give it a go. Peaceful night in her crate last night, and doing the same tonight after a small evening meal. Thanks for your help everyone. I knew someone would know what to do. Yes her tummy is quite sensitive these days. No bones for her anymore, sad to say.

Thanks everyone - will do that. I won't feed her tonight, and will call our usual vet on Monday morning if she hasn't settled by then. I have also set up her crate on the back verandah, with a heat pad and her favourite mattress. I don't think she's going to like that very much, but have moved Pasha's crate out there as well and hope she copes with it ok. I will leave the crate door open and hope she settles for the night. Had a good day with Mum today and hopefully helped keep her spirits up so that's good.

My 14 year old poodle x is struggling at nights with repeated diarrhoea. I am flat out looking after my mum this weekend, who has just been diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer and I have promised her a string of nice activities today and tomorrow, because they're letting her out of hospital for the day times only. So I can't get to the vet and hoping someone here can give some advice. Zamba normally sleeps on the floor alongside my bed. Earlier this week she started waking me up several times during the night to make repeated trips outside. After a few nights of that, and with my Mum's shock news this week, I was exhausted. Thought maybe the bedroom was just too cold for her. Let her sleep up on the bed night before last, but still up with diarrhoea and I then locked her in the family room for the rest of the night. It's fairly warm in there, but 3 piles to clean up yesterday morning. 4 piles this morning. I am reluctant to crate her during the night while she is having this problem, and it is very cold outside at night. I haven't changed her diet at all. She has been on science diet active maturity for 8 years. A few weeks ago I tried her on raw, which is what I feed the other dog, but she farted a lot so I switched her back. That was over 2 weeks ago - no diarrhoea then. She has a history of pancreatitis, and her tummy is fairly firm to touch. Normally I would take her to the vet, but I can't get there this weekend.