betsy

My dog learnt the old "I go to the door to pretend to need to be let out for the toilet, then I double back and steal food from table" trick too. First time he scored (a taste only) of my fruit mince pie. I caught on pretty quickly. But he was smart enough to try it on my parents when they stayed, scoring himself some toast. Bloody smart dogs.

Kyliegirl - I think that Echo sounds pretty normal, maybe a bit more drivey/high drive (like aussielover said)? And although I don't have a dobe, I do have a 'working' dog. I think I was walking my dog for about 45minutes at that age (sometimes an hour) easily. I remember well getting up at 5.45am to fit it all in. Then I worried about having a really fit dog. I found as he got a little bit older his "off switch" is a bit more noticeable, and I am able to miss a day's walk here or there - but instead will play in the yard, or do a bit more training at home. Also, as he has matured, he is much more eager to please, which makes playing games/training at home much more enjoyable for the both of us, as he has enough basic obedience to then do other stuff. I notice that at the beach when he is off lead he is all go go go, but relaxes a bit more at home. He certainly has more stamina than a lot of other dogs at the beach. He is now at that pleasant stage where if I needed him to be active all day, he could and would be, but if I am not so active, and its a game and walk then he's ok lounging around with me at home too.

Miss G sounds like she has certainly charmed the neighbourhood!

I laughed when I read this! I imagine an agility course with KTB and Mr KTB popping out from various objects! :p It did get me thinking about what games I play with Ziggy - it is usually just me throwing various toys in the backyard and him chasing them and zooming around the backyard! Occasionally I play tug but not very often. Agility sounds like it is fun and exhausting! Elbie also did pretty well I think. I am also sure that week after week you will see improvement! I remember those first few months of puppy/dog school when Ziggy was just pulling on his lead he was so excited! Impossible to focus him on me as we walked in past the other doggies. He is much better now (although not perfect!). Maybe by the time agility comes around he will be ok to do it.

Wizzle - Miss G looks very looooong in the body in her photo! Is she waiting for the postman?

Welcome Diesel&Ryder! You have a beautiful doggy. Wuffles - I am very jealous that yourself, Ava, KTB and Elbie will all be having agility fun tonight! I am a bit concerned that because of stoopid winter our dog club doesn't do agility this term (and maybe next term as well). Oh well, we have games night, sausage sizzle and AGM tomorrow night (for the last night of term). And I guess tracking might be fun (I could train Ziggy to do S&R!). I really hope that there isn't a lot of dog pee on the course as that will really throw him off....... And yes, you have been slack, we need more Ava and Satch photos!

Sorry to hear not everyone is having good times in their doggy households. The second dog is obviously not always easy to do! Will keep in mind when I am thinking about it. Some random photos...('scuse the quality of the first one) Nom nom Posing Toys

Hi Naomi! Sounds like your Aussie pup is normal. I'm sure you would be able to ask things in the Aussie thread too - I have found it is quite friendly. Maybe even ask the breeder or if you have a good trainer at puppy school? (I emailed my breeder alot and phoned a few times in the first few months, it really was good to have the support) I remember having to make an "eek" sound when Ziggy bit my hands, and re-directing onto toys. Ziggy also had the chasing trouser thing happening too (but not as much as Elbie - I remember reading the thread at the time!) . I think if you are consistent in your displeasure/timeout/etc, then with a short period of time it will be better. Remember - you DO have more persistence than a puppy! Unfortunately this method does not work for cats. BTW, I thought Ziggy was also a bit of a live wire puppy. But I enjoy his boisterous nature and sheer enthusiasm. I have noticed that in the recent weeks he is becoming much more focused and he is a pleasure at training now.

Happy Birthday Pepper! :rofl: (you should get auntie KA to cook up a big roast :D and pudding!) Echo looks very proud of his new coat. What a handsome boy.

He is nearly 14months - so I have plenty of time! wuffles - I would definitely be looking at another Aussie! But possibly a girl. I am perhaps insane. I never have time to myself at home. In the living area Ziggy is usually lying close by. When i go down to the bedrooms and bathroom (and toilet!) My cat is all over me!

Congrats SammieS. Fysher is CUTE! I am sure that you will all end up fine with the 2 doggies. I am hanging out until Ziggy is 2 then I would dearly love to get another. For all the wrong reasons - for company for him! He loves other dogs! And, of course, puppies are so cute.

So cute! How did meeting your other dog go? Jealous of puppy cuddles.....

Aussies...

KobiDaisy Your pup looks gorgeous! Can't wait to hear of puppy fun and games....

KTB - I blame all those "Lab Tested" Kleenex toilet paper adds, promoting this sort of addictive behaviour in young dogs. They should be banned, or at least not aired until after 9pm

Just as well euthanasia isn't legal for humans in Australia

Happy Birthday Genevieve! :) :D

Thank goodness we have had no real pooey pants here I have only had to 'spot clean' once! Lilli_star with that on offer I am surprised miss roo is not pulling more sickies! My parents are still at my place. They have taken to my monster well. I had to laugh tonight, my mum had been sitting on the couch with a cushion and snuggly top, she got up to go and do something quickly and came back to find a very comfy Ziggy crashed out on the couch with his head snuggled into the cushion and top! Very cute....

Hi Peeps I am away at the moment (work) so my parents are dog-sitting for me (thanks goodness). Have been missing my boy but glad to know he is at home in his own environment. Apparently my dad is so taken with him that I am in danger of him being dog-napped when they leave! Wizzle - sounds like you had a great time at the beach! Glad to hear that Miss G had a doggy playmate there. KTB - I laugh at your two monsters and Elbie sin-binning himself. Are you noticing changes since implementation of K9Pro methods??? I also have a very excitable dog so empathise about the crazy lunging and pulling when arriving at dog school. Or just being anywhere exciting really.... Fenstar - can't wait to be inundated by cute puppy pics tomorrow! Rest up... Kyliegirl - sounds like echo might be reaching his adolescent phase? I agree with what KTB said, alot of behaviour diminishes with time but certainly there needs to be management of it (particularly when you will end up with a large dog). I realise I have not been keeping up with photos, so must take more when I get home (although they seem to alternate with Ziggy running flat out or sleeping......)

Poor Ava and Wuffles. Hope Ava is ok. I feel slightly bad as my dog always goes and says hello to other dogs and people when off lead (hence being very careful with him off lead). recall very average Not all puppies are monsters. I think I was lucky in that mine grew up very quickly, and started sleeping through the night without weeing from about 14 weeks. I think if I did get another dog I would look at getting a puppy first (but consider a mature dog). Temperament would be important. Realistically I can't see this happening for another 9-12 months. he he at Hoover in 'time out' (is this another of K9Pro's methods????) Lilli_star - I had Ziggy rush out to the driveway one day when I was putting the bins out (The doors - plural- weren't closed properly). I freaked out but then made it into a game and ran to go inside, luckily he followed and there were no distractions present. (There is a park across the road and people and their dogs are frequently there.) My heart skipped a few beats. I have been finding the dark side very amusing

Poor Astrid and Ravenau - I remember the days of 'surprises' of items I didn't know existed in the backyard just appearing. And the day I had to clean out the laundry and walls because a certain little doggy had an upset tummy (yes, I know, I was a bad mum putting Ziggy in the laundry when he was little. He had free range of the lounge after he figured out how to open the laundry door.) Fenstar - are you anywhere near the off lead beach at Brighton? I have seen other posters mention it. Not sure if the alarm clock works. I didn't actually have anything with the smell of doggy mum/littermates on it (wish I had), I ended up throwing my socks in. I also bought a small treat-dispensing ball which was great to keep Ziggy distracted when I put him to bed. I also tried to keep him up after 7pm so he was exhausted when he went to bed. I did not crate train so feel free to discard any advice I have just given! Maybe also look up somewhere here about dogs and cats? Ravenau - I think you have had success (where I have failed, I blame Ziggy's prey drive ) And get lots of sleep now!!!! I am only just managing to get sleep ins past 7am again (in summer waking up time was 5.30am :D) Lilli_star - maybe Miss Roo realised from her farm stay what a privileged doglet she is compared to the farm dogs, and has decided to use her Bed! Ziggy would love to play with Miss Roo on the beach Max#1 - sorry to hear that obedience isn't going so well? I honestly don't do 'sessions' at home, but I normally incorporate 'manners' into walking, or around the house. I know Ziggy went through an awful adolescent period where he didn't really learn anything new. He is only just starting to pay attention again now, and want to please. I should really do more with him, but I'm not the greatest trainer. well, I have just been for a proper run with Ziggy! I am undertaking the couch to 5K app, so it is a combination of running /walking. He actually did really well once he got the rhythm going (and stopped trying to heard me from behind ) OT - I have finally selected the shade of white for my spare bedroom walls - my dad is coming to help paint this week. It would have just been easier if I had googled "No1 paint colour Australia", because that's what I ended up picking :D

I did not know that I was participating in Satan - worshipping by using this forum. Although some of the threads should have given me a clue Have fun at the beach fenstar (i love having an offlead dog beach to let my boy do mad zoomies on!)

Norty Clastic doing that to poor Mars. AND taking a photo for everyone to see :) PS I bath Ziggy when he is smelly, about 3-4 weekly (not 3 or 4 times per week)

Wanted: Companion for long beach walks............must also be crazy enough for zoomies, bitey face and body slamming. Small dogs need not apply. Fenstar - you must be getting excited, your puppy is so cute! It is 150 posts until you reach off topic. The safest way if to make inane comments in either general or puppy section... Wizzle - Miss G is looking very cute in those photos! Lilli_star - glad to see Ruby is making use of the Expensive Dog Bed. Is she still tired from all the shenanigans at your brothers place? Clastic - Happy birthday for yesterday KA - hope you are getting better Canberreans - how did training go today? Well, I have been using the front attaching harness (Black Dog one) for walks, and it is certainly easier, but I don't get the same feel for when he is pulling (like you do on a flat collar). I think I will keep going with it though. We have been to the beach twice this weekend. Yesterday not so good because there were a lot of smaller dogs, and, well, Ziggy is such a big boisterous boofa that I have to put him on lead when small dogs are around (it is an off lead beach). He is also such a social butterfly and just luuuuves playing with other dogs. So yesterday was not so good, but today we went earlier and there were heaps of playful medium to large dogs so he had a great time. I often think he will never come back, but he does (reluctantly). He's also just had a hydrobath on the way home, and I think he's a bit tired so is sleeping in the back yard. I can see I will not be a one-dog household forever.