betsy

Really enjoyed it, well done to those featured. Some really great work.

This is quite an old thread but I thought I might jump in again. I have been following the Zen crate progress in the US and it looks good, don't think they are at the shipping overseas stage yet though! I would be tempted. I still need to manage storm phobia, but have recently had some more success so I thought I would share in case others might be interested. Ziggy is still on the twice daily clomipramine which has made a positive difference, but there is still anxiety during storms (although no where near as severe). I had done some reading on the web and saw that some people (USA mainly) were having success with melatonin. So I tried it and it has been working really well for us. I only use it if I know there will be a bad storm or one has started. I did mention to the vet but they don't have a lot of experience here - I will follow up with them. I think you need to order from OS (USA) though as it is not easy to get in OZ, but able to buy OTC in US.

It is awful to see the severe anxiety. We have had good success with clomicalm, after trying xanax with no good results, plus other adjuncts too (DAP, thundershirt, music). I also allow sleeping in the bedroom when it is a bad thunder night. In a much better place now, but took a bit of trial and error, and I'm glad that the medications have helped. One day we might get off them. It is. There was one which just dulled her faculties but I could still see fear in her eyes and I just held her. I can't remember what that one was now, but we did find one which just made her sleepy rather than dull. It really is plain horrible to see them in such a state of fear. Molly is so bad she associates heavy rain with thunder so that sets her off. We started giving her a beta blocker to stop a heart attack after a consult with a veterinary behaviourist. And because we are rural, a farmer shooting also triggers a strong fear response. I know what you mean about the heavy rain - we experienced the same here. But actually on the meds the heavy rain anxiety has almost gone completely!

It is awful to see the severe anxiety. We have had good success with clomicalm, after trying xanax with no good results, plus other adjuncts too (DAP, thundershirt, music). I also allow sleeping in the bedroom when it is a bad thunder night. In a much better place now, but took a bit of trial and error, and I'm glad that the medications have helped. One day we might get off them.

I wonder if it would be safe to use outside (undercover). When I am home I can manage it ok (with lots of other help and medications) but is when I am away that I worry. We have made progress with the medication and some other strategies though. I think that there would be a market for something that works. I think there is a crate made in the UK that is supposed to be soundproof, with aircon fan etc. http://www.prestigepets.co.uk/quiet-kennel/

If it worked it would be amazing!

That is great, thanks!

I have attended pre-school with both my puppies and found it valuable. They were run by a trainer at a vet after hours. Even though the second time around I had done a lot of training already, the socialisation aspect was great.

Lovely to see pics of your fosters doing so well. I'm sure Twiggy will love her new life, and you will have plenty of fun with Cupcake. Cannot get too many photos of Hoover and Mini Me.

I'm still deciding on whether we will be ready for June 21 at Altona. I don't know the Cherry Lake area - but have been looking on google maps. Is the 20km covered by doing multiple laps around the lake?

Yay for Twiggy and her fabulous new life

Great to hear fur-Panto is home and doing well. :)

She looks like such a gorgeous girl. Glad you took a break from your break :p

Hi I'm lucky enough to be going on a safari next year, and I'm in the process of trying to work out what gear I might need to take. I was wondering if anyone uses any sites etc for decent second hand cameras/lenses etc that they could recommend. I have a Canon 60D, but was specifically looking at a backup camera. I also will need to get a/some decent telephoto lens/es which I might be lucky enough to pick up second hand (or not). Still trying to work out which one I can afford! Thanks!

Might try to aim for the ET with the GSDCV this year. I found the old thread from 2012 with tips for starting out training: http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/231999-endurance-test-2012/page__view__findpost__p__5704166 I have a bike and a dog, just need to get him trained to run beside the bike! :D