kiesha09

I'm not flaming what you have done about the behaviour in the past by any means because you were just doing what you thought best and from reading your previous posts about your dogs I know you have their best interests at heart. But I would like to reiterate the fact that its best that you don't reprimand her for her warning behaviours (growls, lip curling etc.). These are all behaviours that are telling you she is not happy about the situation and should it continue she will bite. If you reprimand her for showing these behaviours it will come to a point where she won't give a warning and just straight out bite - be it you, another dog or even a child. It is hard to say what the underlying issue is and that is why everyone has said to see a behaviouralist. Because whilst the situation may not be serious now it has the potential to become serious. From what you have described it sounds like she is resource guarding, both her ball and her space. Therefore I would start with managing the ball issue and not allow her access to it while other dogs are around. Then I would implement the Nothing In Life Is Free (NILF) program so remind her that YOU control all the resources and everything good comes from you. It will help to remind her that complying with YOUR wishes is what is going to earn her all good things in life. In terms of moving her around etc. I would try not to physically move her but to encourage her to move. Perhaps teaching her to target could be useful for this. Other than that, take everyones advice and see a behaviourist. Resource guarding can be very serious as I've said so best to get it under control whilst she is young than it become a full blown problem.

Its in my will that my parents would take them both. I have absolutely no doubt that they would be completely doted on, being the last thing of mine they could really cling onto.

I would put a sign up saying 'beware of dangerous dog.' Even if they aren't most people would think twice about trying to pat the dog. Or I would put up a baby gate style rig up so that you're dogs can't get down the side of the house to the gate.

I agree with everyone re the poodles! I personally love them but you're just not going to convince him of their greatness I'm afraid A whippet is also a good dog but they really want the willingness to please and attentive nature of a working dog which I don't think whippets necessarily are know for. I'm no expert on them so please let me know if I'm wrong here. They don't actually have a courtyard as a backyard it is more of a small backyard. They have lawn and enough space for a good run around and to play ball and frisbee. Gosh it certainly is a hard one! But I'm thinking they could make it work if they had a really really laid back working dog, it would just take very careful selection with the help of the breeder to get the right one. Lappies could be interesting but as someone else asked how easy are they to train? Also how do they go in the heat? It gets very hot here in SA!

No they don't have to have a pup its just they want one which I can understand. THere is nothing better than bringing home a new puppy but I am going to suggest perhaps a breeder rehome situation might be best for them. Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far!

No never! But I so so so wish they would. I'm totally jealous of you guys with the snugglers!

I had considered both these and are going to mention them but my initial thoughts are that the blokey country guy may not be convinced of the poodle and the Cavalier King Charles may be a bit on the small side. But thankyou for your suggestions so far!

My friend and her partner are looking to add a puppy to their household in the coming year and have asked me for their advice about what breed they should get. I honestly don't know what to recommend for them so said I would ask here. The scenario is: They live in a house with a small/medium sized yard (think courtyard home). It is just the two of them and they are 27 and 28 years of age. They both work full time and are looking forward to bringing up a puppy and taking it to puppy school and obedience. One of them is from the country and has grown up with animals all his life and had Border Collies and Kelpies as pets. The requirements of the dog they would like as put to me: - Temperament like a Border Collie where they are very human/owner orientated - Happy to be exercised for between 1/2 hour to hour a day - Smart and easily trainable - A breed that is more than likely going to enjoy playing ball and frisbee - Doesn't exessively moult - Medium sized - Will happily be at home during the day whilst they're at work They were very honest in saying really they would like 'a Border Collie without the exercise requirements and the need to continual mental stimulation.' They are quite dog savvy people and realise they cannot provide everything a BC would need but its the kind of dog they like. So can anyone think of something else that would suit?

Yes it has a manual mode where it allows you to set the exposure myself plus it has other modes where it does it for you.

Yes it has a manual mode where it allows you to set the exposure myself plus it has other modes where it does it for you.

Thanks for all the links everyone I have read the manual but I think I'm going to be reading it ALOT more times before I get the hang of things The poor dogs are going to run and hide every time I get it out if last night was anything to go by. I think they are over sitting and staying in different spots and poses already

Thanks SchnauzerBoy! I'm in the Eastern Suburbs so close to North Adelaide. I'll have to check out some of your suggestions.

I have just been given a super zoom Fujifilm HS10 for my birthday (yes I know VERY spoilt). While this camera isn't a SLR it does share a lot of features that a base model SLR camera has so I am more than happy with it. But I am very new to photography and I don't really know where the best place is that I can learn or even really where to start. I definately want to utilise this cameras features and not let them be wasted so am keen to learn and know more. Can you recommend some good books, websites, forums etc that can give me a good grasp of basics? I'm feeling quite overwhelmed with all the features so far!

I would love to know approximately how big a bitch and dog are? Can you give an example of another breed it compares to in size? What are they like with children? How active are they? What are the daily exercise requirements? How do they cope as an only dog? How do they cope being alone if owners work? Do they like to retrieve? * SOrry for all the questions but I have just come accross this breed and whilst I'm not in the market for a new dog now... I will be one day

I think it comes down to matching temperaments in any situation. It is hard to say whether two bitches together will be fine or have the odd scrap or fight to kill but then its hard to say if two males will face the same situations. My family had two males who would certainly fight to the death if they weren't seperated and our family friends had a male and a bitch who would fight to the death also. So in my oppinion it is always going to be speculation. There are plenty of people here who have had two or more who have had two bitches together and its been fine and some who haven't.

Fair enough re the vets not knowing everything about every breed.

I heard it was the dirt that gets stuck on them too. But surely any ball that that is used extensively is going to cause wearing.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Honestly, I don't know much about Bostons so didn't know about their tails being naturally short. However the reason that I thought it was docked was because another family member who was at dinner brought it up saying she was appalled that he had been docked. This lady is a vet :D so I thought she would know what she was talking about!

Is it illegal to dock tails in South Australia? I have a friend who just purchased a Boston Terrier from a registered breeder here with a docked tail but thought it was illegal.

Ness - have you had her eyes checked? Although if she isn't having any problems with agility they shouldn't be a problem but just an idea.

Depends how bad the rain is. I have been in situations where it started bucketing down half way through the walk. Chip apparently doesn't like walking when its raining too heavily so he sits and watches it in protest or admiration (not really sure which)! But I don't really fancy carrying him the 3km journey home again! Generally if its raining lightly we do a smaller walk (just in case it gets too heavy and we're far away) but if its bucketing down and windy I sit on the couch and thow the tennis ball down the hallway for them to fetch for half an hour or so :D Also, if I were to bring a rain jacket out for Chip he'd hide under the bed because he's a big girls blouse and apparently its scary

Another vote for EP salmon here too! Mine go nuts over it but I only use it for my manners minder.

My first dog was not left alone very often as a puppy and he found it harder adjusting when I eventually had a full time job and so did my ex. My second dog was left alone for a full work day 8-10 hours the day after we got her. She couldn't care less when I leave, just hops on my bed and sleeps. My theory is that its kinder to teach your pup how the routine is going to be rather than creating one routine only to change it completely in a couple of weeks when you go back to work and you're not there. Now they are both left for a full work day and they are absolutely fine. They are inside on my bed, have access to the backyard via a doggy door and have a range of kongs, treat balls and other toys. From filming them when I go to work I know that they play with their toys when I leave for 1/2 to an hour and then go to sleep for the rest of the time. They are even so used to their routine that they do it on the days I am home. Sometimes I will leave them overnight too and they're perfectly happy. I used to feel guilty about having to leave my dogs but honestly don't anymore. Its a fact of life that I need to work in order to provide for them. But also they have a warm 'human' bed to sleep on, food, water, love, toys, each other, exercise, training, play time and attention. They're on a pretty good wicket and much better than most dogs have it!

At the same time I see alot of working dogs who will 'stalk' their way up to my dogs say a quick hello and run off again. Often with working dogs its when the SWF runs away that they get chased and herded. I just ask mine to sit or drop so that this doesn't happen and stand next to my dogs and ask the owner to call their dog away. It have solved LOTS of problems!!

I say produce the super soaker and give the owners a point blank wetting for being so stupid as not to call their dog back!!! I also have SWF who I have put a lot of effort into training so they don't conform to the stereotype. I certainly don't appreciate it though when other stupid owners let their dogs rush mine - bigger or smaller. I generally ask other people to call their dog back (one of mine is actually very fearful of other dogs so I have taken many backwards steps by other dogs rushing at her) in a very commanding voice. Failing that I go up to every single stupid owner and explain to them exactly why I asked that and why it is important that their dog doesn't rush at other dogs. Some people are rude and some very understanding. To be honest I don't think there is all that much you can do about it. It just goes with the territory of having a smaller dog and worrying about it.