Ms Genki

Mine had a positive temp test at the pound by ARF volunteers. The problems didn't arise until he was brought home and entered a new environment. Just bear in mind that sometimes, one doesn't always see the 'true dog' until a couple of weeks later.

Megan, Your inbox seems to be full so here's my message. I was very surprised and relieved to see your thread on keeping reactive dogs active and occupied. I have one such dog that's very athletic and was despairing that he can't play off leash on ovals because I just can't take the risk that a small or medium dog will be sighted off in the distance. He can and will break away from me because he's strong and nothing works when his prey drive kicks in. I'm very grateful for this thread. There have been many times in the past when I've beaten myself up for taking on a dog that was a constant exercise in micromanagement for a very long time. Feels great to have more options for managing him. Thanks for starting up the thread. Have a lovely weekend. And for the record of other readers, yes, mine has seen a behaviouralist who was excellent. Some of these ideas are a great complement to the things that I didn't get around to discussing with him.

Yikes, sounds like a repeat offender and it's only one individual then. I didn't know about the other dogs.

Wish someone would send out notices to remind owners to secure their dogs before SkyFire. I'm one of those people who never know when it's on until the day. All it takes is a mailing list and a request to pass the reminder on to family, friends and colleagues. If numbers remain ridiculous at the pound next weekend, I'm more than happy to come out with my little laptop and camera to assist with temp testing in whatever way I can. Unfortunately, can't host a dog as one of mine is not the friendliest.

We walk our dogs often and know quite a few regulars. One old fellow told us that he had lost his labrador about four weeks ago. The painter left the gate open and the dog got out. Half an hour later, the owner received a call. A sixteen year old had stabbed his dog, in the throat, shoulders, back and legs. Presumably someone was kind enough to stay with the dog or get it to a vet. The owner went to the vet's and the dog had to be put to sleep due to the severity of his injuries. I don't know the rest of the story and I don't want to know the rest of the story with regard to that teenager (given the legal status accorded to dogs and the fact that this apparent sicko is a minor). This poor old guy is now looking to adopt another lab that is similar to the one that he lost. Please ensure that your dogs are secure in their yards- or the house when workpeople or visitors are around. I see a few roamers every now and again. Might carry around my mobile, a spare leash and treats in the event that I ever have to hold onto them and contact the owner.

Oh dear, I had the same situation and didn't find a solution until two years later, due to trial and error! Adopted a very athletic and muscular ridgeback cross from DAS who is a high jumper and liked to go exploring at any opportunity. Installed colourbond, bought a $600 roofed wire run that he chewed out of...clad three of the walls in $300 of colourbond...he still got out by making a gap between the door and wall.... In the end, I got over my reservations and purchased a DAC electric fence. He tested it twice and though he's the dopiest thing ever (much brawn, little brain), he never steps within two metres of the fenceline now Not even to pursue a ball that he is utterly obsessed with. He absolutely hates being zapped. Go with an dog-specific electric 'containment system' and be committed to do the training properly. But yes, expect to have teething and settling issues with a dog that's straight from the pound. I am certain that my dog ended up there because he was a chronic roamer. He was an absolute handful. These forums kept me sane. More than happy to answer any questions you might have- it took a long time for my dog to settle down and be content with confinement in a large backyard with several toys and a canine companion. He preferred other people's front yards and ovals. Another dog may not necessarily keep yours in the yard. P/S: Bull Arabs are absolutely beautiful dogs. I hope your former pound-hound gives you less grief than mine. :D

Another recommendation for Pets at Peace Canberra from me. My family used them when our first dog, a Samoyed, died (picture as my avatar) and everyone but me was an absolute wreck at the vet's. They made a very painful part of the process bearable. Great thoughtful personal service, the guy came around with our dog's ashes in a beautiful urn and handwritten note. I was very impressed, and I am seldom impressed with service providers! (Satisfied, but not impressed!)

The only non-blurry product from today's attempted Christmas photo shoot...(the labrador resisted capture). Merry Christmas everyone! Go easy on the turkey.... ;)

I purchased a PAC electronic fence after doing searches on DOL about escape behaviour and containment systems. It's similar to those Innotek systems. There are instructions and I should be able to put it together, albeit very slowly. The information that is missing is how to secure the wire around the yard so that my other dog doesn't trip around and loosen it. I need to figure that out first before I install everything properly. Thanks for the replies so far. Will look into JulesP's suggestion, though I am on a student budget at the moment. Pigtail posts look ideal but I'd need quite a few to go around the area.

Hi all, this is a rather embarrassing shout out for suggestions. I purchased a containment system for a dog that likes to leap high fences. I have 6ft colourbond fencing and thought that I'd lay the wire on the ground, but I don't know what to use to hold it in place. This is the first time I have to do something hands-on and it's a bit of a finicky challenge for me. Will something like metal pegs or stakes interfere with the signal? That's the only product I've looked at so far. Alternately, the instructions say that placing the wire at the neck level of the dog is most ideal, but I don't know how I'd attach the wire to the fence. The people at Bunnings were at a loss too. Grateful for your help.

Intriguing... I must investigate those. Here are my recs for bombproof toys. Trialled and tested with a lab and a stubborn staffy mastiff cross: Tuff cuz, good, bad and other guy. The softer animals ones like the fish didn't last long with the second dog around. The former are still going strong several months later, sans feet and squeaker. Bob-a-lot. Great for stretching meals out for over 30 minutes, mental exhaustion is good in this household! This one has heaps of chew marks, but no cracks and still stays upright one year later. A definite keeper. I clean it with warm water and bicarb. Aussie Dog Home Alone. Bought for Dog 2 who is obsessed with it and has to be monitored because his determination to pull it down from the tree can be heard across several streets. Pricey, but worth it as a toy for dogs who destroy everything. Kong ball. Better than the rubber Chuck-its (lasted only one month, with monitored play sessions). Know that it will last for years, given its material. I'm keen to try out the Kygen invisibles... my dogs go nuts for squeaky toys. Just worried about its durability because Dog 2 is a major chewer and capable of destroying anything.

Just recommending the one that I always send my dogs to so your client has more choice location-wise. I haven't inspected the premises, but the designated playing grounds are nice and my dogs never come back scarred for life (even the neurotic one) so I imagine they treat them well! www.bestfriendpetcentre.com.au - Parkwood Road, Macgregor - (02) 6254 6399

I have nothing but admiration and respect for compassionate and kind-hearted vets and vet nurses. It would have made all the difference to my family when dealing with the passing of my first dog. At least I know who to call now when it's time to say goodbye to the next one. Last year my lab had a minor rumble with a car. Of the people who stopped for her, one was a young vet nurse who popped her in the car with a towel and took her to work. All the staff at the emergency clinic were excellent, they kept us informed at all times. We ended up leaving a batch of brownies for her/them when we picked her up.

Yes, seconded!, I would love to be more of a responsible pet owner and have my dogs toilet in the yard prior to going out on their walks and runs. Especially prior to their runs- I need to get fit! And partly because we compost or bury their poo - I hate dumping it in bins. Their toilet times are presently very unpredictable. actually you can It's just a matter of training them to go ON COMMAND .. and then,when walking, there is no peeing or pooing except where YOU want them to go . I trained many many dogs to do this, when doing Guide dog training ...as a lot of guide dogs go to work ..and at pee breaks , there is often only a small area in which toileting is possible/permitted. Must admit- seeing dogs peeing everywhere when walking is a pet hate of mine

I agree with the others re a behaviourist and containment system with a pen as an additional option. I forked out $600 for a pen for my escape artist and tried to train him to like it i.e. gradual baby steps. Most of the time he hated being 'cooped up' and found several ways to escape. One lady in my suburb has come across him about seven times and has always kindly kept him at her place until I've been able to dash back to pick him up. It took him over six months to stop kicking up a fuss and he will now stay quiet and put (until we get home!), but a containment system would give him access to the other dog, the yard and sunshine. Best of luck, I know exactly what your sister is going through! I hope it works sooner than later.