mumof3

Sorry, just read your last post. I think it sounds like a Staffy and fix something up for the guinea pigs - or give them away. What about a hutch off the ground?

I'm in NQ too! In the west. I've 3 kids aged 1, 3 and 6. Bought a Brittany puppy in June from a great breeder and I'm thrilled with her. Why do you need a second dog? What are you looking for that the first isn't giving? Why not another boxer? I think the Guinea Pigs will be a challenge with alot of dogs. Personally I don't like Terriers with small children. It seems ironic, but I prefer alot of the larger, more placid breeds like the Golden Retriever, Lab, Mastif. A rescue staffy could be good, they can be very tolerant, but they can also be a bit pushy and I've never seen a good mannered one. The whippet was high on my list, for practical and temperament reasons, but I just didn't fall in love with the breed like I did the Brittany. If I were closer to a rescue, I'd probably have just waited until the right animal came up, but 500km from a city, it just isn't practical - RSPCA want the whole family and other pets come to look, which just isn't going to happen over that distance. Read a bit about the Brittany, The Whippet, Beagle, Staffy - maybe even a rescue keplie or kelpie cross. Good luck!

We've had friends stay there when traveling for speedway, was cheap but wouldn't do it again. Ahhh, Thanks. hearing you loud and clear. Marlborough and The Caves may be a better option than Rocky itself.

Hi there, We will be travelling through Rocky after Christmas and are looking for somewhere who will welcome our family of 6 (which includes our lovely 9 month old Brittany. We like semi rural van parks, offering cabins or something, just cause there is a little bit more room for us, the kids and Molly. Parkhurst Van Park seems a likely option but I can find no pictures or website on line. I've had some nightmarish experiences booking pet friendly accom sight unseen. After 8 hours in the car, the kids, and Molly, probably need more than just a motel room. Any help much appeciated! Cheers

Hi Dave, Cattle dogs are a terrific breed. I bet he is heaps of fun. He could be barking at anything, cats, children, anything really. Unlikely that he is barking at nothing, particularly if it sounds agressive. Once the habit of barking at something in particular has been formed, it can be very difficult to turn off. Here are some ideas: 1: Change the way he is confined so he can't see whatever it was anymore. This may mean making it so he can't see through the fence, or confining him in a different spot. 2: Distract him when he barks. We've often used either a stockwhip or a long low whistle. If you can swing a stock whip, that usually gets their attention away from what is causing the barking (you only use the whip to make a noise, not to hit the dog). Trouble with this method is that it only works when you are there to do it, so it won't stop him barking when you are away. 3: Consider some sort of anti barking collar. There are two basic types that I know of. The citronella ones, and the electric ones. They may help to break the habit, but I've found that dogs soon know it is safe to bark again when the collar is off. It works for some dogs, not for others. At least they work when you are not there. Check the legality of using electric antibark collars in your area, and make sure you follow the instructions carefully and read everything twice. They can be harsh, but cattle dogs are tough, and it is better than having to get rid of your dog because you can't control his barking. I think option 1 is your best bet. He is a working breed, which means he will really notice and be attracted to any movement outside the fence. He is an adolescent pup, which is the hardest time to get through. Try whatever you can to remove the problem. Another idea, to get some more support and advice is to join a local obedience club or something similar. All the best with your dog.

Excellent advice. Thank you Nekhbet. What a pity though, it was quite an appealing thought that all you had to do was buy one of these things and stick it in the corner of the garden and BANG - puppy would do his business in just the right place. Oh well. At least the light is at the end of the tunnel for us now. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories.

Yes, this is what I am imagining. I wonder if you used it from the beginning with a puppy that had not already formed a habit of, say "peeing on the potplants". BTW I used to hve a much loved and often used collection of kitchen herbs at the back door, then one day I spotted my husbands working do peeing on them. I didn't use them again. Now I've bought a pet dog, I've got a bitch. That same dog was caught peeing on the stroller, the esky, pretty much anything that he shouldn't...

I was just looking through an online pet supplies shop, and I saw these things for toilet training puppies. It looks like they are impregnated with either a pheremone or a scent (there are two different brand names) and you place them in the yard to encourage your puppy to toilet near the stick (with the smell / pheremones). Has anyone tried them and are they any good? If they work well, what a wonderful idea! We seem to be rounding a corner with toilet training now, but I wonder if these would have made things any easier / faster?

LOVE this idea! Great thread.

I'm sorry to hear about losing your pet, and that your children are grieving him/her so. I think the idea of looking for a children's book about grieving for a pet is a good one. Such literature is sometimes available online. Also, consider having the whole family see a family psychologist to go over this. Ask around and see if you can find anyone who can reccomend a good psychologist or family counsellor in your area. In my experience, psychologists are a bit like chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, bowen therapists - get a good one and they are worth their weight in gold, but there are a few ordinary ones around that are a waste of time. Having been through some difficult grief myself, I understand that it is probably a mistake to attempt to distract your children from their grief with a new pet. It is important that the grieving process is allowed to take it's natural course, and this can be facilitated by a good counselor or psychologist. All the very best.

Hi Sal, Wow! The first few weeks of having a new puppy in the house can be a daunting experience. And there certainly come times to all of us, when we throw our hands up in the air and wonder, just what are we doing wrong. I've got young kids, too. Here is a great website with very comprehensive training information: www.dogstardaily.com Re don't touch the baby. I'd probably get a spray bottle for this. Everytime she harrasses the baby, spray her and say NO! Spray her in the face. It is sometimes hard to dol out tough punishment, because we think it is mean. I think, however, that the kindest thing you can do for your dog is inexplicably communicate the rules, and enforce them. Re don't jump on the lounge. I think, yes you may be confusing her. you say you push her gently down, which she probably feels is like getting a pat. Again, very clearly communicate your displeasure. Perhaps not so gently push her down. I wouldn't allow her on the lounge at all at the moment if you want to teach her that she must be invited. Try to teach her something positive, for a distraction, instead of focussing on negative behaviour. For instance, with harrassing the baby. Spray her when she harrasses the baby, then ask her to sit and lie down near the baby, then reward her (teaching this is very well covered on the website I've given you). This way you are teaching her HOW to behave, giving her an approved alternative to the behaviour which you don't like. Another expample. When she chews the shoes, take them (without allowing that process to be fun), and give her a chew toy instead. To take them from her, get ahold of her (so she can't pull against you), use your fingers to prise her teeth open, say ta and remove the toy. No fun, no tug of war, no chasing. Then, when you have the shoe, giver her a toy instead. Re toilet training, it does just take a while. Crate training is covered well on that website, too, and I have found this a useful way of juggling the needs of my family (kids 14 months, 3years and 5 years) and our new puppy. I think in the case of some negative behaviour, it is best to remove the opportunity to be naughty - like move the bin with the food scraps so she can not access it, put toys and shoes away so she can't get them, use puppy pen / crate / baby pen (I'm not into that sort of thing personally, but perhaps you are) to seperate the puppy and the baby so they are only interacting when you have the opportunity to devote your attention to ensuring the correct behaviour. Different animals have different motivators. Some it is food, some prefer play, or cuddles, or a toy. Trying to communicate your displeasure I find is harder than rewarding the correct behaviour. The key is like parenting, consistent, clear, loving correction and education. Remember that every time you tell her she must not do something, you must give her something she CAN do, so she is not just standing in the same spot thinking about the same behaviour and ready to repeat it. distract her away from the bad behaviour. Hope that helps. Check out that website, I found it very useful. Best of luck.

Whatever. Unless you lose your indignant know it all attitude, you will have wasted your money anyway.

The dogs are reacting to the pony as if it were an animal they should herd. Not on. Fine, dismiss my comments. I suppose that the experience and comments of someone who has earnt a living working and training dogs and horses on cattle properties that are over 200000 acres are probably irrelevant to a weekend warrior working dog person. Sorry. Of course it is unnecessary to teach your dogs to behave properly if they are either always on a lead or locked in your garden. As for bolting around your horses paddock, someone of your obvious intelligence and superior experience should have known better. No wonder your pony left her food, with you galloping around like a loon.

Worse than all the horror stories of horses attacking dogs is the thought that a working dog would pester, chase, whatever a horse with a child riding it and the child could be hurt. It is imperative to correct this behaviour.

I have a working dog background. I would fence sit for the weekend. You won't get the best out of either of you with this hanging over your head. You can still learn alot fence sitting. If she is young, though, take her along for the outing, but don't let her herd. I've seen working dogs work until their body gives way. They have alot of heart. Re the vet. You probably know. Swelling, disfigurement, strong pain when touched, fever etc - immediately to the vet. Otherwise, give it a couple of days and first aid to reduce minor swelling, some containment and go to the vet if it is not much better. Vets I think love it when you take your animal in - that's how they earn a living. Re the chasing the horse (or even LOOKING at it twice). This is not on. At all. Get some advice at the clinic about stopping this behaviour. I've seen working dogs shot for this. Personally, the dog should be on lead near the horse, correct her everytime she reacts to the horse like it is an animal to be herded. You need to turn her instinct off with regards horses, poultry, children and bikes.

My puppy doesn't even really like dry food, and isn't all that keen on the whole kong thing. I dutifully bought two different kongs and two other food dispensing toys, just to find she LOVES my kids soft toys, and the two little squeeky toys that I got. She has no time for the kong, even filled with fresh meat. A frozen bone, though, is filling a similar need except it is a little messy to have in her crate.

Hi Bonnie22 and welcome to the forum. I'm sure you will get some very helpful advice from some very knowledgeable people, and hopefully someone can reccommend a vet in your area. So far as grooming is concerned, personally I would do whatever she allows you to do without stress or protest. Try a warm bath, with some good quality shampoo, and dry her thoroughly with a towel. Make sure you rinse her really well, and put something in the bottom of whatever you bath her in so it is not slippery. If she gets very distressed, perhaps you would be better to get some help from a professional groomer. If possible, I would try to bring her grooming under control so that the vet can have a better look at her. You can try cleaning the weepy eye with a medical strength saline solution and a clean cloth or cotton wool balls. Make sure you use a clean cloth for each eye so you don't transfer bacteria from one eye to the other. If there is an animal shelter in your area, you could call them and explain you are trying to give this poor girl a new home, but you need advice on choosing a vet, and ask if they can help, or if they even might now where discounted services may be available for a situation like this dogs. I would certainly take her to a vet for a general check up and information on how to keep her. If veterinary treatment is something that you may struggle to afford in the future, please consider carefully wether you are truly able to handle the possible expenses of taking on this little dog permanently. Well done picking up this little dog and all the very best of luck with her.

Hello dolers, Asking for some suggestions for a soft and comfy bedding material suitable for a hot climate. Something cooling. The working dogs have always like the concrete, or wet dirt in the heat of summer, but now we have a pet, I'd like to make something available indoors. I won't need it immediately, but like to plan in advance as we live in a remote area and getting things generally takes a bit of planning. Oh, also, it should be suitable for a young dog which may still be chewing stuff as our puppy is only 11 weeks old at the moment. Cheers

I actually think it may be too early to get a dog. If this man is , as you said, recently become single, then I think probably a little more time to work out what his life is going to be like would be a good idea. It sounds to me a little like a few aspects of his life may change over the near future (this is the impression that I am getting). It would probably be better for all concerned if he kept himself free of commitments like getting a dog so that he is free to choose whatever he likes. As you know, getting a dog is a real long term commitment. Is it really the right time to make a commitment like this? Even if the dog would make him happy, that doesn't mean he should have one. Post breakup is an emotionally turbulent time, and he will need your support and understanding. I'd suggest waiting a while, deciding where he is going to live, and all the other aspects of his life, then deciding upon a dog once things have stabilised for a while and the worst of the hurt is over.

Hunting breeds can also carry a bit of credibility for country people. There are many great pet choices amongst the gun dogs, for example. For my own much younger family, I've just acquired a beautiful Brittany puppy. Some of the breeds and cross breeds used for pig hunting in the bush can also make excellent kids pets, and such animals are also often found in shelters. We've had what we guessed to be a mastif boxer cross, who was an absolute delight, simillarly, the Bull Arab breed can be excellent. Lovely dopey dogs who are not excitable unless you happen to be a pig, then they get excited. These may be too large, though, for your friend. Also, don't write country people off as not going to a responsible breeder. I'm as country as you get, 500km from a city, a big W etc. I very carefully purchased my puppy from an excellent registered breeder. Country people can often have a good understanding of the necessity for correct, sound confirmation, and a great distaste for poor animal husbandry.

Australian Cattle Dog from a breeder dedicated to producing excellent temperament. Though a working breed, they have much less energy and lower excercise requirements than Collies and Kelpies. Easily maintained coat, though they can shed quite a bit. Generally a placid temperament not easily worked up once they are mature, though this does depend on the correct conditioning as a pup. I've found them to be very biddable and companionable and thoroughly excellent family dogs for children of the ages you are talking about. Very suited to the lifestyle you outline, and as a mate for a bunch of rough and tumble boys. They take a hit well (ie if the kids hurt them accidentally), having a very tough constitution and somewhat high pain threshold. I've also found adult ACD's to be somewhat layabout lazybones. I reckon horses for courses, these country people would probably be happier with a meat and potatoes Australian country dog breed rather than some other flash breed. Many adult cattle dogs and cattle crosses are available through shelters. I'm a country person, too, and dislike the terrier temperament, and many of the "lap dog" breeds just seem a little prissy (no offence lap dog lovers, I'm not saying they ARE prissy, just that they are not for me). I'd be against the Staffy as every staffy that I have seen which has not received formal training is quite obstinant, pulls heavily on the lead and knocks people over.

Sorry to hear about the early release Jed. I was released early once at the end of a complicated pregnancy, still pregnant and I really doubted the medical sense of releasing me (pre eclampsia etc), I went from 2 hourly bp obs to "come into next weeks clinic". I took myself to a GP every day and 3 days later I developed further symptoms, and he wrote a very scathing letter to the hosptial to get me readmitted. Might be worth a thought if you have a good gp, and can manage to see them or have them visit you. A doctors letter can get you back in if you feel that is where you need to be. All the best

Golden golden golden golden. But, they are boisterous when young, and big so they can knock little kids over. They also can take a while to mature mentally and if not prevented, can be very destructive if they are allowed to be bored. They also shed quite a bit. I have never had a GSD. Perhaps an adult golden would fit the bill, rather than a pup, but they can be hard to find. So far as knowing the temperament of specific lines, ring a few breeders and ask them if there are any lines that they would particularly reccommend or suggest you stay away from given your specific requirements. If you look through the breeder listings for a really small kennel, perhaps one with kids, then you have common ground and if they don't have pups to sell, then they might be prepared to make a reccommendation for you. There is no substitute for research, and this can take time and many phone calls. Not all breeders will be happy to discuss these things with you, but keep trying and you should find someone who is helpful. While I don't think the breeder having children is important, I do think it preferable that puppies are raised in the home, rather than in the kennel, for their first few weeks. If you are looking at an adult dog, I would choose one who had been raised in the home and permitted to live with the family, rather than one that was kenneled. Also, if you choose to look at an adult dog, definetely look for one which has been raised with children. Read up about hip dysplasia with Goldens, and make sure you cover this, and other breed related health issues in your enquiry. I've a pup on order for my family, (a different breed though, a Brittany) and I can't stress how important I think it is that you really take your time and do your research and make a careful and well informed decision for your family. REad about what is important in raising a puppy to be a well loved part of the family (www.dogstardaily has some great info). Think seriously about wether you have the time to invest in a puppy - they can only ever be as good as you make them. If people think you are being too fussy - stuff them. You are a Mum, and you have the right to look for the PERFECT family pet, for the PERFECT forever home. You want the right fit, for the sake of your children, the dog and your self. Buying a pup is a big investment, but more important is the emotional investment your family will make in this new family member - you really do have to get it right, first time, particularly if your kids are quite young. all the best

Pipsal, I'm sure if you can get them to Rocky, you could find someone to take them there. Shelter, rescue group, whatever. Rocky is big enough to have a bit of this sort of stuff. Good on you. You've done a terrific job, it'd be a waste for them not to find a great home.

Congratulations, Jed, on your hard won recovery to date. It is truly wonderful to see you online, and heartbreaking to see your tributes to your lost little ones. Big hugs from one of very very many people who have had you in their thoughts over the last month. You are an absolute hero. All the very very best for the future.