Nik

I met a lovely SBT the other week called Steven. Mostly got Steve, but when he was being silly he was called by his proper name. It suited him too!

I'll keep my eye out today

I've just bought a DOOG bag, which is a bit like a "bumbag" in that it's kind of belt-like. There's a pouch for poo bags, one for antiseptic hand wipes, a large-ish middle section which fits my keys and treats, and a mobile phone/ipod holster. Oh, and a velcro bit for the ball . I feel a bit daggy wearing it, but it sure is handy, and beats beating my poor girl on the head with my handbag when I bend over to treat her!

Yup, offleash all year round! Nice shallow beach too. And the advantage of a cafe nearby

Found this gorgeous one of our now 6 month old pup at about 4 weeks of age... and this one of my FIL's beautiful lab. Those soulful eyes just grab you!

Here's one of my Aussie shep pup and our almost 2yo at the time and in the kennel together...

Christie who runs Hairy Hounds is lovely, and so are all the trainers. Not the cheapest around, but I (in my "experienced" dog ownership ) believe that it was quality instruction. not many in the classes, and very clear instructions.

Now that's dedication to walkies! Makes me think of horses! No, our girl squats and walks, looks rather awkward. Often it's that last little bit that ends up furtherest from the main pile.... the hardest bit to spot

Yarraville Village Animal Hospital do their puppy school in conjunction with the trainers at Hairy Hounds in Williamstown North. Really informative and real training, not just socialisation. I think though that Hairy Hounds is breaking for the Christmas break after this weekend, not sure what's happening at the vets (I have a friend with a great dane doing the PPS there at the moment). Good Luck

Me too. I saw the title of this thread, knew it was to do with spiders, which I am ridiculously afraid of (give me snakes any day) and yet I still looked! I especially hate the way they move..... eeeek On a brighter note, we've had hardly any spiders in our house since I treat every entrance spot once a month with lemon essential oil. Spiders just hate it, and wont pass through. So around all the wondows and door frames I wipe a miniscule amount, and I rarely have to kill an unsuspecting spider (only when they end up in the washing for some reason). I've had too many scary moments to think about, but the worst was having a shower when a huntsman dropped on me. I still get shudders thinking about it and it was 18 years ago. My most embarrassing was at uni when we were looking through the microscopes at leaf litter when I gave a small scream of "spider" then I realised I could only see the horrible hairy thing with a microscope.

Well SOMEbody could have told me that before we decided on an Aussie . If this is her most frustrating habit, I can live with it. Just makes doing the rounds in the long-overdue-for-a-mow-lawn rather difficult. Hmmm, better get to some gardening.

Went to the Chiro today - he was fabulous. Checked her over thoroughly and agreed with my vet's diagnosis of a pulled tricep muscle. She's on light exercise for a few weeks until it heals. Great Chiro, his dad's a vet, so he often asks him for advice if an animal is presenting any problems.

Nope, she's always done it. Her injury seems to be healing well - vet said she's pulled her tricep muscle, and I took her to a chiropractor today (very happy with him) and he thought the same thing. She's almost back to normal, but we're not going for off-leash zoomies for a few more weeks. Guess we might just have to resign ourselves to being extra vigilant when doing the poo rounds.

Hi My nearly 6 month old Aussie Shep pup has a really annoying habit of walking whilst doing her business. Has anyone else had their dog do this? And is there any way to help her do it in the one spot. I'm sick of doing the pooper scoop in the backyard, thinking I've got it all when I step in that last small bit. Thanks

hmm, hadn't thought of that... I wonder if there's one near here. I'm in the inner western suburbs of Melbourne. I've made an appointment this evening for the vet, so will ask her when we get there.

Hi Our Aussie shep pup strained her shoulder (we think) at the park on Friday doing zoomies. We've rested her this week and yesterday took her out for her first walk since (poor thing was going a little stir crazy) Walk was going well with no limping until she decided to chase my son on his scooter (I had her on lead to prevent this), and those few short strides before the leash prevented her from going any further has seemed to aggravate the injury again. My question is, should we continue with resting her or does anyone think it is worthy of a vet visit. She's fine walking and even trotting around in the house, and doesn't complain if we try and gently manipulate the leg. Thanks Nik

Wow, your dog sounds similar to my friends staffy?? cross. She's decided to join an obedience club to help with his issues, and whilst it is helping, it's not getting the result she's after. I'll mention your technique to her, and see if she's willing to give it a go. The posturing sounds very similar to hers - he's been this way since a very young pup, and now he's the size of a small GSD and terrified of small dogs. ' Thanks for sharing

Nik, did you have to ask for any of that stuff or did they have it out? We go to Tasman every fortnight for our food but we go to the one next to Moorabin Airport. I am yet to see any chicken mince or tongue or anything like that.. Have seen the frames though. The chicken carcass mince is in the freezer at mine - I just happened to find it. They did only have 2 bags left last time I was there, and I asked for more but they said they only do it once a week. Guess you just have to get lucky. There is a whole display fridge at Brooklyn dedicated to offal and bones - that's where I found the fresh chicken frames. I bought a side of lamb last time I went for just over $30. We had the roast and chops, Annie got the breast, shank and neck bone! Good deal I thought.

and more... What lovely rotties - Finn kept putting his hand in their mouths and banging on their heads -they were so gentle with him Mabel and Annie puppy playing A doggy form of Twister! That's it from me

More...

I'm uploading now, just waiting for photobucket to do it's thing........ ok here goes

Great photos. I'll get my butt into gear later and add some more. I didn't take too many as I had my habds rather full! Oh well, there's always next time

Great photos! Was really good to meet you and your special girl. I think Annie and Bronte will be great friends. :D

Ooops, so I did. I just wasn't envisioning them walking her in the halti - that would be something I would use. I don't really like them anyway - too many dogs I've seen fight them. My friend has one for their boxer, and they use it incorrectly - leave it on her with the lead attached when they let her go in the backyard . Poor thing, she's a crazy pup, but I'm sure that thing sends her crazier.