Whippetsmum

Slightly OT but can dogs learn this behaviour from other dogs? (if all at Doggy day care did it?)

Had to share. I just got a new sewing machine YAY, Whippets are very excited, I've been sorting through material, planning my first project, and they've been wrtapping themselves in it. I think they want new coats for winter..

Pav, Can you advise what rate of application for the lime, and how long after application before it's Ok for the dogs to be back on the lawn? Thanks

It's usually not the kid that gets me irritated, it's the parents who don't give a toss if their kid is bothering you or not, or fails to stop whatever bratty behaviour the child is doing before it annoys someone. I don't hate kids, I don't love all kids, I like some less and some more than others. I would not tolerate a child being harmed and will intervene if it's necessary, but would not tolerate a child harming my son, or my dogs, someone elses child, or their animals or other property. There's nothing wrong with asking to be moved if you are sitting next to someone you find irritating, If a person has a bad body odour, reeks of cigarettes or alcohol and I'm sitting next to them on a flight, I'd ask to be moved, if they had a noisy ipod, I'd ask to be moved, if it's a bub, it could be noisy and I'd rather not hear it. I had plenty of flights up the back of the plane when my son was small, airlines usually put families up the back then.

The kids started the attack and the dog finished it off. I agree impound the bloody kids with the dog-though I wonder what hope the dog ever had, if that's how the kids were raised too?

It does depend if the animals are inside or out, if they are indoors, don't forget someone will need a key, same for if you have locked gates, so your ICE contact should ideally have a key. I remember there was a sign you could get to notify emergency services if there are pets inside your house. I think it was more for in case of a fire though. Would the SES rescue little doggies if they were notified (flood etc)?

Purely hypothetical, don't know why I'm even curious, but I am. I'm wondering what happens when dogs get surrendered to rescues or pounds. Are their microchips scanned and ownership details verified? What happens if the ownership details don't match? e.g. hypothetically, someone finds a dog, keeps it a while and then surrenders it, or "gives it away" and it ends up in a facility. Would the original owner get contacted?

I don't know how much a GSD is, but I think Telida is on the ball. It's like that old Mastercard add where the pucnch line was "Priceless" Take the price of a puppy and add the cost of the following: You need to factor in the cost benefit of what you will be getting in an almost mature girl. How much would you pay for all that training? The dog is most likely fully trained, well mannered, experienced around other dogs, toilet trained etc. You have met an almost adult GSD who gets along with your kids, so that's peace of mind ( of course you still need to supervise the kids and dog). How many things does the average puppy destroy before we get with their program? I know my girl killed a pair of new shoes, a few DVDs including a collectors edition, some books, and we thought we had her well supervised. Your new girl will be fully vaccinated, another cost saving to factor in. Will the breeder desex her? possible saving again. Unless you are experienced with dogs, there could also be a few toilet training accients with a puppy (factor in getting the carpet cleaned). Also factor in a few chewed belongings, plants dug out etc. If you factor in all that, and you pay what the breeder is asking for her pups, you are probably coming out ahead. You have 2 little kids too, so you remember sleep deprivation, how much would you have given for a good nights sleep? :laugh:

Lizards of any shape and size One also likes hunting and collecting rocks and pebbles

Sorry to drag up this thread, Where do we get the crystals again? If you can throw a handful into a dogs mouth, is there any risk of overdose? I had a whippet get something stuck last night. He ate grass for 30 minutes like a cow, I gave him cucumber leaves which seemed to work almost immediately (bulkier and have furry surface). He bought up the blockage nicely cocooned in green, and is fine now. I just don't want either of use to go through that again.

Whether or not it's correct or good advice, or we agree or agree to use Dentastix over bones, there could be a rationale, that's why the vet gets paid. e.g. Mother's dog gets impacted anal glands, and also tries to swallow chicken wings whole. Bones for him are potentially dangerous.

IF the child has autism or a brain injury , and is a teenage size , and has not much inhibition - the the adult /carer may well have some hesitation in confrontation , esp in public. A possibility is that the child reacts badly to being thwarted ..and perhaps the adult/carer is hesitant to be too assertive. ? Behaviour management 101....don't let things escalate....i.e. be present in body and mind with the person you are supervising, there was a point in time when the carer wouldn't have had to be "too assertive" and they could have redirected the child. If it were a dog that had run up to the OP, everyone would be united, the person handling the dog should have kept their attention on the dog, and called it back, run after it and prevented a possible confrontation. No one would be saying, the dog might react badly to being thwarted, and no one would be saying the handler might be having a hard time, we would all be in agreement, don't put your dog in a situation you can't handle, for the safety and well being of all involved. If that dog had been injured, everyone would be saying that the handler let their dog down. Why set up lesser expectations for the adult in charge of the child? Don't kids with needs hava right to feel safe? Didn't that child deserve the adults attention and protection? Does anyone think the child would enjoy the sensation of being in a rage, out of control and confused? What a sorry world we live in when.

It's a teenage girl thing. Make sure there's nothing obviously wrong in the crate, change the bedding if needed etc and then be firm. My 2 yr old is a pain- will go to the crate when she wants, even had a period where she wouldn't leave her crate during the day(?phantom pregnancy?)but still refused to go to bed when told of a night. I think it started when she was spending too much time in the day sleeping, and wanted to play of a night. I found out Daddy had been carrying his little princess to the crate each night! Little brat decided she didn't have to go unless carried, and she is super cute and cuddly when she is sleepy, and refused to go under her own power. I found out about this behaviour a few weeks ago, and had stern words with "Daddy", but he still wimped out (daddy stays up later than I do) I got fed up about a week ago and told her to go to bed, just stood my ground, and firmly repeated the command until she complied. Yes she did carry on when she got to the crate, but I ignored her, she wasn't in pain, she had been fed, there was nothing wrong with the crate, but she just wanted to sleep elsewhere.

My dog said No, my cat disagrees. :laugh: Maybe we should do a poll and everyone try this simple experiment: If you think your dog "knows" when you are coming home, because it has some power, try this simple experiment, arrive home quietly at an irregular time (maybe park up the road). Poll how many people find the dogs don't notice you, until you make yourself noticeable. If your dog had some power, they'd be waiting for you no matter how quiet you are.

Surely in a civilised society, we should expect an adult to care as much for the child in their care as we do about our dogs. We keep them out of harms way, try to stop them from being a niuisance, aggressive etc. It should be simple- Dogs kept within 6 feet of it's handler, and under reasonable control therefore it should be at least the same for a parent and their child. I wouldn't let my dog within 6 foot of another dog unless I knew them well, why allow a child to approach a strange dog? To be honest, it's not just the dog that people should worry about**see footnote. It should be the same for any adult supervising a child, don't let the child within range of something that you don't know is safe, e.g. a dog on a lead, a stranger. Don't let a child wander unless they have good "recall" (happens at different ages for the child and is highly dependent on "training"). Equally, don't let a kid out of arms reach in a car park, when approaching a road etc unless the child has "good recall"...I wouldn't let my "property" i.e. dog wander in a carpark. There's definatley an inverse relationship between personal responsibility and litigation, the less repsonsibility you take, the more likely you are to sue someone. For the record, yes, I'd keep my dogs tight leashed if some idiot let their child wander up, and yes I'd not ask but tell the parent directly to get their kid under control. ** It's not good when adults allow their childen to approach strangers with or without dogs, if you can't easily get to your child to pull them away from a dog, what hope would you have if the person the child approached grabbed the child and made a run for it?

This is how a Whippet knits a beanie

I still think it's worth the OP getting something in the local paper, not everyone has the skills that some dedicated dog owners have developed, or has put the same amount effort into their dogs as Donski. The only way to have a split system is to have a recognised controlled system like a "Green Collar" system for off leash dogs, similar to the Greyhounds that can earn a Green Collar and not have to wear a muzzle. A behavioural test, a few hunderd dollars and you could have your dog off lead- Bingo. Otherwise, it's hard to say to one person, your dog should be on leash but mine can be off leash because I say so and I know what I'm doing. No matter how well trained Donski's dog is, without some system, what's to stop anyone off leading with an untrained dog? The least an "off leasher" can do is to leash their dog immediately when they see another dog, or if requested by another person. My dogs aren't on lead because I don't work with them/haven't put in the hours, I don't want my dog injured by running at speed on uneven ground, (that's my personal choice) and I don't ever want to be mourning my dog because my ego told me I was "super dog girl" and my dog doesn't need a leash. I have more chance of blocking an advancing dog with mine on lead; if a dog is startled we can't guarantee their reaction, so a leash helps me stay in control. Sadly, it's not a matter of how friendly your dog is Donski, I believe you when you say you put a lot of work into your dog, and that you both enjoy yourselves when you are out walking. Unfortunately, it's how many other dogs aren't friendly and have caused damage- not just physically. Your friendly dog appraoching may still arouse anxiety in another dog depending on that dog's history. Just 2 incidents that my dogs don't seem to have forgotten: 1. a lovely Rotti ( she was stunning, and I do like Rottis) but she was off leash and stalking my 2 walking through a park, hackles up, head down, equally lovely owner who said cheerily, "it's Ok we;ve trained her", and then abused me when I said, "That's great! Call her back please, could you leash her?"- she didn't actually have a lead with her, but finally called the dog back after several attempts, but my dogs were definately on edge and so was I...why should we have been threatened in this way?. 2. Same park, a charming man with 2 dalmations off lead. 2 Dalmations rushed and growled at my 2, and were still lunging and snapping. I asked the man to call his dogs back- he could have called them back, seeing they were so well trained, but he was such an arrogant %#@$% and refused "Why the F%$# should I?" he said. Man then grabbed my dog by the throat and lifted him off the ground. At the time, the younger of mine was 6 months old, and as I said, the other dog was being dangled by his neck. His dogs didn't have to do any more damage because the owner was doing it for them. Why should I or my dogs been subjected to this? Because "everyone" has their dogs off lead in that park. Sorry Donski, some bad apples are spoiling things for you, but can you understand why some of us don't like dogs approaching us off lead given these kinds of incidents?

I'm hoping to start agility at a local club, and they have a mobile you call with a message to say if it's on or off- I thought it's a great idea.

The OP made it clear that hers was a non expert opinion that perhaps the child had autism, and did so in a non judgemental way- she tried to make sense of a confusing and frightening situation. It would have been scary that the child's behaviour was escalating and the accompanying adult didn't intervene, her words were that the boy was angry and shoving her- unacceptable behaviour from the child and the accompanying adult, whatever the background of the child. I don't think anyone has really addressed the original questions of the legal implications, and to keep on track, is there any thing else she could have done. The OP did what seemed reasonable for most children of the apparent age, told the child: no/stop. The accomplanying adult would have had a better chance of knowing how to handle the situation, as they were more familiar with the child than the OP, unfortunately they were too far away.

There was also a very large mixed breed dog in one of the "shed" stalls- he was actually in the shed, like he was for window dressing. Poor dog was looking for a new home, he seemed miserable/over being in such a busy place when I saw him. I didn't think it was responsible having any animals that needed new homes, too much of an impulse risk.

They are wonderful!

I'm thinking about the comments posted saying if you have a certain kind of dog (aggressive/fearful etc), you should be in absolute control. The OP asked what would have been the consequence if the child had of been injured in some way, so I'm trying to clarify what reasonable control really means. Having reasonable control seems to be the issue when dogs get into trouble with council. My question is: Does having control of your dog mean that despite any provocation that could be thrown at them, they won't be upset by it, or does having having control mean that you are aware of your dogs strengths and weaknesses and avoid as far as possible situations that may be problematic and minimise the risks if the situation is unavoidable? I am not asking about having a dog who is declared dangerous in a public place, but an average dog on lead.

Diabled kid vs cute puppy....oh dear, no winners, press would have a field day if something happened. I think the main issue is parents not controlling their kids to an adequate level for their child's age and ability in order to prevent harm. Basic commands sometimes work best with kids, especially when it's urgent, none of that "dear the puppy doesn't like it, I've told you before, don't you remember?".....Stop! (with a hand signal) No! with a head shake. Just like puppy training, if a lot of words aren't getting through, use simple direct language, tone of voice is the most important thing though. I'm not saying kids are dogs, but I tend to use some hand signals naturally with kids that I have picked up at dog training, "stop", "sit", stay, "wait", and "look" cross over nicley. I use the finished sign with my dogs, I learned this working with kids so it works both ways. Some people may call it non verbal communication, body language etc, some people use signing with their dogs, and some of these kids also learn signing to communicate as an alternatove to speech.

Was it Wednesday that was looking at the enormous leather collars? (I was looking at collars for the Whippets). All the dogs that were there were fabulous ambassadors for their breed, The GAP was there, there were lots of beautiful BCs, the DDBordeaux, Staff Rescue, GSD, there were Chihahauaauauauauaauauauus (can't spell) and a few others. There were a lot of breeds not represented. I think the day would have been exhausting for the dogs and their owners, it was quite hot in the morning. There is the Dogs on Show or soemthing like that at Erskine Park mid year, maybe some of the Amstaff community will be able to attend.

I've had one elderly whippet of my own (14 years), and watched my sister's Whippet aging to 14 or so. I also have a 23 year old cat, so I'm using my experience of her too, it's not a great sample but this is what I can say from that limited experience: At that age, doing what they always used to can also "pull a muscle", they just seem more susceptible to injury from harmless activity. e.g. jumping up or down a lounge, chasing a ball, can lead to some sprains. Take her to your regular vet for a good check up. I did notice that there were a few wobbles with my elderly Whippet, she was 13-14. I noticed with both Whippets, their muscles around her hips weren't as strong,so they'd struggle on a polished surface, or on tiles to keep upright because their legs would slide out. Non slip mats and carpet were helpful. Getting out of squishy furniture is harder e.g. their favourite bean bag, the trick is to have bedding that protects against pressure sores, keeps them warm, but they can get out of. When my girl was really very old, and she was ill, I used to get up early to carry her out of bed for a toilet break, because she couldn't get up quickly enough to empty her bladder on a cold morning. She had a few accidents because she'd wrap herself in her blanket and then not be able to untangle herself, so her dignity was preserved by having me help her up! It was better for us both to help her out of bed, less cleaning, skin condition was preserved etc. My cat has penicillin shots a few times a year, as she reacts badly to minor infections, so I take her up straight away as soon as she isn't herself, before there are more definate symptoms of illness. The thing is with the elderly, to respond to minor symptoms as they can escalate really fast. Some things to talk to your vet about would be : If you watch your girl stretch is she able to do the full Whippet stretch or is she limiting herself? When she shakes herself out after a bath, is she moving freely, does she do the shake all the way along her body, when you pat her is there any points she pulls away from, is she better on a dry warm day, in the mornings etc? Is her hearing 100%? Sometimes they can get ear infections and not quite hear you so it takes longer to respond, eye sight is also getting less clear, so you may notice that if there is low light she might be slower to respond, because she is less sure of her environment. Don't forget to take "samples" if you can so the vet can check them too- they always ask when you haven't bought them!