Simply Grand

Excellent advice everyone, thanks! And thanks for asking the question giraffez, great timing for me! I need to work on this with Saxon so I can use a toy for obedience and agility training instead of food all the time. Will teaching him the cue while sitting still affect us in agility, where I'll be asking him to run after the toy sometimes? Would I be better using the throw and bring back method flyingduster explained?

Happy birthday gorgeous boy! How could you not have fallen in love with that sweet little puppy! What little poser he was, the only baby photos I have of Saxon staying still were when he was asleep

I'm not Crisovar, but I actually felt some relief when I decided to separate my dogs and made appropriate arrangements to do so. My dogs are much happier, no tension, no wasted energy trying to avoid trouble. Now when they are together they get along very well because they are only ever together when they are doing something I have conditioned them to do together. Dietary changes have also helped. Well worth seeing someone who can offer practical advice tailored to a particular situation. This is what I was thinking too, it has to be less stressful for both dogs to have their own space where they don't need to worry about being aggressive or defensive. Both those emotions/actions take a lot of energy for the dogs. If they know they are safe in their own space they're likely to be happier. And of course it will be better for the human family. (And Aidan I'm not just saying this because I think you're awesome, although I do, you're my dog behaviour idol ) Sorry Amanda but to say that "human psychologist believe that behaviour is 100% genetic is just NOT TRUE! Maybe you spoke to someone who said that but you can't say that all human psychologists believe that... that just isn't true. Separation of the dogs will at least stop them killing each other while the issues are sorted out. Subzero12, please stick around and take on whatever advice makes sense to you. Most of us really do want to help you and your dogs and would love to hear how your situation turns out, whether good, bad or in between. Most of us are not here to judge, just to try and help (ok maybe we have some personal opinions but in the end just want the kindest outcome for dog/s and human/s).

Toooo cute! Mum looks very happy with her babies Hard to tell what they are from those baby pics, glad they are going well tho.

Exactly! I can't see that you really have any other option if you want to improve Subzero's behaviour and give her a chance at life, either with you or somewhere else. Even with a behaviourist, and certainly in the meantime, you need to keep them separated all the time. By the time she starts showing aggression it's too late, as you've experienced, it WILL escalate. The times you've caught it you've been very lucky. And when you're not there, you can't possible stop them - for all you know they fight the whole time you're away

Why on earth do dogs put up with us?! I love the ghosts with their treat buckets, so cute!

I'm definitely no expert and others who know more will no doubt give you some good advice, but here's my thoughts... Have you had a good behaviourist come and work with you? I think you need more than just the usual obedience training. You may have already tried this, but it may be worth trying someone else, I'm sure people here can recommend someone good in your area... It may be worth having her hormone levels checked. There is a female, desexed dog in my obedience class who is a lovely dog but has problems with fear agression and can get very worked up, for seemingly no reason. The instructor suggested that since being desexed, she may have excess testosterone which makes her aggressive. You mentioned separating them not having worked, but apparently they are not separated now, as they do get to each other. You may have to keep them in separate runs/areas permanently and spend time with them separately... Most importantly, like you've said, rehoming her as she is could be dangerous, so if you do rehome her, make sure you still get a good behaviourist to work with her, or rehome her with an expert who understands the issues. Good luck, I really hope you can work it out

How exciting, moving out and getting a dog, yay! Like others have said, there are properties out there that will accept pets, keep an eye out for them, and anything that doesn't specify no pets is worth a try. I agree with the suggestion to get on the good side of the property manager! If you can talk to her/him about the situation rather than just putting it down on the form you probably have a better chance. As a landlord, I like the idea of having a 'dog bond', if that can be worked out. I'd also be insisting that my property manager do regular inspections (as often as allowed) and look closely for any damage caused by the dog - so you just need to make sure that if there is any damage you repair it before an inspection! And for your protection, I'd make sure you have a VERY thorough condition report, and take photos of every area of the house and garden when you move in, with dates. Don't just rely on what the property manager gives you, they can be totally inaccurate or not specific enough. If you're unlucky you may end up with a landlord trying to claim for damage/wear and tear that wasn't caused by you, just because you have a dog!

I've been reading more of this guy's website, I find him very strange... Some of the stuff he says makes sense but he's so combative about it, as though everyone else who says anything about dog training or behaviour is totally wrong and only he knows whats right (even if the other person says the same thing as him). He says operant conditioning (which he seems to define as simply using rewards) is invalid, but also says that constant corrections is wrong, and I couldn't find anything that explains what he actually thinks works... Not that I read the whole website! It sounds like he says that all you have to do to train dogs is to be the pack leader and not allow the dog to do anything you don't want it to do, it's that easy! (he doesn't say how to do it, obviously you have to pay him to show you in person) Oh and the article about protecting you from prostitutes suggests getting a new dog and referring the prostitutes for counselling... http://samthedogtrainer.com/articles/using...om-prostitutes/

Go KTB! Excellent post, I think you've explained really well how many of us who are new to the world of dogs but love them and want the best for them feel. Like you, I'm so grateful for the advice and support I've received from people willing to take the time to pass on knowledge since I got my muttly... I know there are a number of passionate purebred owners/breeders/advocates on DOL who are willing to accept the value of any dog and support owners in helping their dog be the best it can be, whatever its heritage. Like KTB, my next dog will be a purebred (or maaayybee rescue) because I have learnt the benefits of pure-breds and the disadvantages, to both dog and owner, of many cross-breeds. But this is new knowledge, I had no idea until I came across DOL, after I already had the pup. Tracy, don't give up on DOL. You're right, it really is a fantastic source of information. I've not come across another forum that gives such excellent advice from such experienced dog-lovers. Many, many members will be happy to give their time to help you out with your new family member! Take on all the advice you get and figure out what works for you, your family and your pup.

At Belconnen Animal Hospital? I was justing thinking about that, the first time Saxon saw it he got all defensive and barked at it, even from inside the surgery He was wary of it for a while but ignores it now. Who knows why, it's not like it's big or scary looking?!? I've mentioned before Saxon getting very growly and alert after seeing swan painted (badly) on an electricity box at the side of the road... And he gets quite worked up at lots of animals on tv, any other dogs, cats and horses especially but any animal really. He used to look around the edge of the tv when he saw the RSPCA ad with all the animals crossing the screen but he seems to have learnt that they won't be there now. He still watches each one cross the screen though. I think it's hilarious He only reacts to actual animals on tv though, he doesn't seem to react to anything fake or modified... luckily coz I love horror movies but if he freaked out at them I'd have to stop watching them with him around.

Hmmm, spottychick I'm convinced by your excellent argument and would like to buy your dog walker machine! Operant conditioning doesn't account for everything in behaviourism either. In my experience there are very few hardliners in any discipline, after all you're not really studying something if you are ignoring it's weaknesses. As you say, this person isn't really acknowledging weaknesses. In fact, many of the things he regarded as weaknesses were strengths, for e.g you can clicker train a dolphin in the open ocean. And as far as I'm aware, operant conditioning theory never claims to explain ALL behaviour, does it? The opening statement claiming that it does and the random points listed after that lost me, I just skimmed the rest, which wasn't very convincing... Still, an interesting topic to raise KTB!

Awwww Moose is so cute, on his important dumbell business... I don't really know the answer, but yes I think dogs can get sunburnt. I don't worry about Saxon normally as his fur covers everything except his nose, which is black, but when he gets wet his fur droops down and his pale pink skin shows through. So generally if he's wet I'll keep him more in the shade until he fluffs up again. I also got him a rashie to protect him ( ) but we haven't tried that yet!

Oh Arash, I'm so sorry you lost your gorgeous boy :D However his short life may have ended, he lived it being loved and cared for from when he was a tiny baby. That's what matters, and that's what he will take to the Rainbow Bridge with him. Mourn him as you need to, but keep remembering the good times. We're all thinking of you

Hi Maxnkids, I just wanted to say, good on you for seeking advice! You seem like you really want to make a good life for your pup and your family. I also have a small cross breed (toy poodle x maltese) and I know they can definitely turn out to be great dogs, although like all dogs it takes work. You can do it though! They are unpredictable, and especially when yound and small, need lots of support and reassurance that they have a pack leader who will protect them, without encouraging them to be fearful. Small dogs need to learn how to read the world around them and react in a way that will keep them out of trouble, as they really have no other means of defence. Listen to the advice you get here, take on what makes sense to you and keep asking questions ) Also, puppy photos are always welcome... :D

lb, totally know what you mean! Being only a recent convert to dogs, I can't believe how much I love them! I have three breeds on my realistic next dog list ( Pug, Sheltie, Mini Poodle - based on living in this small house) but my maybe one day list just keeps getting longer! And Parkeyre, Aussie Shepherd is definitely first on my bigger dog list! I'd LOVE one, but won't have one until I can give it the appropriate lifestyle... sigh!

This is basically why I chose to get the dog I did - an apricot Poodle x Maltese ("moodle"). A friend of mine has one and I thought he was the sweetest, cutest thing ever (he is actually very sweet and cute). I did research "moodles" as well as Poodles and Malteses, and from the info I found, the cross suited me. However, the information you find on the internet is limited, and best case scenario! Saxon is a gorgeous dog and I love him to bits... ...HOWEVER, he is quite different from the "moodle" pup I first met - they are about the same size, but have different coat texture, shape, features, colouring, tempraments etc. I have also met several other "moodles", NONE of whom have turned out like Saxon - different sizes, colours, coats, tempraments... I know I was lucky that Saxon turned out to be a great dog for me, but he takes work! I brush him every second day, otherwise he matts, but he never actually looks neat, due to the mixed coat he has. He doesn't drop hair but his coat grows fast, and picks up dirt, sticks and smells. I'm learning to groom him myself (with $300 clippers) as groomers cost $60 a pop (for a 5kg dog). He also needs bathing about once a fortnight, which he doesn't love, and after a bath I trim his face, feet, bum and nails (which he also doesn't love). It takes half an hour to blow dry him. I have to pluck his ears and put stuff in them (which he hates) otherwise they get stinky and itchy. He's totally full of energy, he is always bringing me toys to throw or tug with him, and he's cheeky, he's a quick learner but he learns how to steal things and chew them without me noticing just as quickly a he learns what I want him to learn. He can be skittish on walks, he barks at ANY unusual noise even in the middle of the night (both Maltese traits I'm told), he still tries to play with the cats, even though he's had more than a year of them hissing at him. He has needed attention, support and constant vigilance from me when in public in order to be a confident and relaxed dog. ETA - I'm single, don't have kids, so I have plenty of time to spend on the dog, but I know that having kids and a family to care for would limit that time... When I got Saxon I knew very little about dogs. Looking back now though, I know that I should have just got a Mini Poodle (not that I'd change Saxon for anything). There was really nothing about Poodles that I didn't want, the only issue was the highly groomed image of them - sorry Poodle people, for me the teddy-bear look is really appealing, although I have seen some gorgeous groomed Poodles. My issue with Malteses was that I didn't want a white dog, and I had an negative image of Maltese temperament - based on nothing but what I'd heard over the years. In future I will definitely go for a reputable pure bred, unless I am ready to deal with the absolutely anything that comes with a rescue. What I would say to your friend is, think about what you REALLY want in a dog. I think looks is an ok thing to have a preference on, but if they like the look of a Shih Tzu, get a pure bred, then they'll know what they're getting. They look quite different from a Maltese! If they like the look of a Maltese, get a pure bred Maltese, or if they want something a bit bigger and maybe a different temperament, like people have said a Havanese, or a Bichon Frise or a Poodle... And if they get any of those breeds, be prepared for grooming, training and lots of energy! Sorry to go on so much, I just feel I've learnt so much and would love to pass it on to others

the laws in SA are that if a cat without a collar comes into my yard i can legally trap it and take it to the pound. if the cat has a collar then it must go back to its home which i have done. this procedure does not harm the cat. i contain my dog, i register her, i am a responsible dog owner. i have friends who have paid thousands of dollar to contain their cats because they are responsible cat owners. i want all cat owners to be responsible at their expense not mine. if my dog was wandering at large she would be caught and impounded, whats so wrong about doing this to a cat that enters my yard? Absolutely nothing wrong with this. You know the law and are following it. Cat owners in this situation have every opportunity to follow the law by containing their cats, as do dog owners. So, if you choose to have a cat, you choose to take on the responsibility of containing it. As I said, we all have the right and the responsibility to protect our pets and others' pets within the bounds of the law. However, currently cat containment is not the law everywhere. My only problem is in situations where cats are not required to be contained but are punished for leaving their yards, based on individual opinions.

If they can be kept OUT why can't they be kept IN ''at the owners EXPENCE'',thats like saying everyone should wear breathing apparatus so smokers can breathe their smoke indoors. Note we own a cat it stays inside or in our back yard,it can't get out by it's own devices,a lot of our neighbours didn't know we had one because it wasn't roaming around the area,I tolerate other cats and their habits but it seems lately others haven't as there seems to be less cats roaming around.I hope its because their owners have decided to take responsibillity for their pets. If the law says that they must be kept in, then cat owners absolutely should keep cats in at the owners EXPENSE. And if they don't keep their cats in under those circumstances, then they need to accept whatever consequences occur - legal, financial, moral... But, as with smoking indoors, there are laws, and being a democratic society, we live by them, not by personal opinion. There are ways to try to change things, but I for one value living in a country where we live by democratic law, whatever the personal cost. I know that cats roaming is not a huge political issue, and I am not actually talking about my own opinion, just saying, I don't think it's right to cause harm to a person's pet just because you don't agree with the law. If you don't agree, work to change it, don't just defy it.

Wow. I understand that this is a dog forum, but I am really surprised that people who love one animal so much can dislike another animal so much (this is not at all directed at the OP). The fact is, there are laws regarding containment of cats. In some places they must be kept inside or in runs, and in other places, they can go outside. If the law is being followed, then whatever your personal beliefs are, you don't have the right to cause harm to someone else's pet. As far as I'm concerned, you have a right to keep your pets safe within the bounds of the law, and an obligation to keep others' pets safe within the bounds of the law. If you live in an area where cats do not legally have to be contained, and are concerned about your dog or other pets within your yard, then the onus is on you to create a safe enclosure for your pet. Cats are not super-creatures, they can be kept out. I don't think you have the right to cause (or wish) harm to someone else's pet when pet and owner are abiding by the law.

Exactly! Agree with all you've said lanabanana. It sounds as though you know who owns this cat Aussielover, could you talk to them and let them know that you don't want their cat coming into your yard? Give them a chance to contain the cat somehow before you start trapping it and taking it to the pound. My cats go out during the day but if a neighbour came and told me they were causing problems I'd be happy to work something out. I'd certainly rather have that option than to find out my cat has been shipped off to the pound (or worse) with no warning. I feel like if we were talking about a dog getting into someone's yard, talking to the neighbours before going trapping and taking to the pound might have been suggested by more than just a couple of us. Don't be too hard on cats guys! If talking to the neighbours doesn't work or they don't wish to cooperate, then I agree with the supersoaker idea, I doubt it would take many hits to discourage the cat, but it shouldn't cause any damage other than to its pride. Re the cat coming in to your house - I'd say either leave the windows shut when you go out, or install screens, as someone else mentioned.

Thanks for the replies everyone. From everything I can find, foxes are covered under the Verterbrate Pests Act (or someting like that) in NSW and ACT, and probably everywhere else in Aus. They aren't allowed to be kept as pets and there are no sanctuaries or rescues (publicised anyway)... I do understand why, they are a threat to native animals and people's pets I called on Friday, but went past today and the babies are still there in the drain. No sign of mum, and no fresh food. They really are cute and I'm worried about them, but I know I can't take them in ;) It's a public holiday tomorrow so can't do anything, but I will go past on Tuesday and if they are still there call again. Poor little things, I do feel sorry for them as it's clearly not their fault that they were born in a country they should never have been brought to, and if their mum has left them they are just totally defenceless :p

Oh julzjc, how heartbreaking. I am so sorry What a horrible wait you have. Sending lots of hope and positive thoughts that they will both make it through just fine Whatever happens, you and your OH must not blame yourselves. You said it yourself, it was an accident. As sad as it is, tragic accidents do happen, despite our best intentions and the precautions we take. Spend the next ten days loving your pups, don't waste it feeling guilty or too sad, try to enjoy the time with them, and I really hope that in a couple of weeks you are posting that they are both going strong.

Sigh.... I know. I am thinking of them as the cute little fluff balls they are now, not as the adult pests they will soon be. Baby animals are a bit of a novelty for me, having always in lived in cities. I really didn't know what they were, they were not what I was expecting to see in a drain I walk past all the time, I was fascinated! Funnily enough, neither dog was the slightest bit interested in the babies, or really in eating the chicken or the rabbit, just in sniffing

On our walk this afternoon the dogs (Saxon and our house guest Laila) became very interested in a drain at the side of the path we were on. I let them have a quick sniff, then realised that they were sniffing at a dead chicken (which was not in one piece, ewww). I went to pull them away, then noticed this peering out of the drain: There seemed to be four of them living in the drain. I didn't know what they were at first, thought maybe kittens or baby possums, then when i saw them properly I thought maybe foxes, which they turned out to be (confirmed by google search). Their mum was obviously bringing them food - as well as the chicken, there was a dismembered rabbit nearby (a feral one, not a pet). I suppose I should report them, given that they are pest animals. I suppose they would be killed The chicken obviously came from someone's house though and I don't want people losing their chickens or other pets. And they'll be a threat to native animals too I guess... I don't want them to die though, they were soooo cute! They looked like a cross between a puppy and a kitten, and were so little. While I was watching one of them stood on another one, who got cranky and they rolled around and had a little baby fight, squeaking at each other . I wanted to bring them home with me - don't worry, I didn't and won't! So what should I do, report them or leave them be? PS this is in a suburb in the middle of Canberra, not in the country or bush.