lanabanana

Just wondering why you tell her off for growling when playing? Is that something everyone does? My dogs are extremely vocal when playing....lots and lots of growling. SOme people probably think its aggressive but it's totally different to an agro snarl. Pups can be funny at puppy preschool huh. When my wee pippi (foxy/shih tzu mix) went, she acted all tough when we first got there and was barking and growling with her little hackles up and tail all stiff. Then th eminute the leads came off she scampered behind my chair and stayed there pretty much the entire first lesson. The second one she came out in the second half and the third one she was right into it. My big boy was the same....only be the last lesson was he willing to play with the other pups - before that he would run if they sniffed him. What made it really funny was he was 19kgs and the next heaviest pup was about 6 LMAO

I think if you feel soemthing is wrong and have checked on it a few times and still think it is wrong then you do something about it. If you are wrong the worst thing that can happen is the owners get annoyed, but if you are right the worst that can happen is soemthing awful for the dog. Tricky situation to be in and I am thankful I have never had to decide anything like that. Someone called the SPCA on my mum because of her dog a few years ago because he was chained. He had shelter, water, was fed and loved and let off for exercise but had to be chained if noone was home because he was an escape artist. Anyway, her neighbours called the SPCA and said "the dog never comes off the chain and doesnt have any shelter". What was quite funny though was when the SPCA turned up to check on him, he was inside the house with mum. They checked his shelter and mum had a carport which the neighbours couldnt see into from their house and what was inside the carport/??? Yep a kennel. Anyway mum had had issues with them so I think it was a "revenge" call. But sometimes, you can't know everything that goes on. My neighbours have never ever seen me walk my big dog. They would have seen me walkign the little one as we go out at about 5pm...the big dog however I walk late at night if we are going (puller issues - which we are working on) so they may think I am worthy of a call too LOL

I think 18 is a good age myself. That is generally when most teenagers start becomign responsible for themselves. I got my dog at 17 because the pups were an accidental litter and the owner of the mother was a friend of my boyfriend at the times family. She was an awesome awesome dog and has really set the standard for well behaved, lovely natured dogs and she had minimal training as she just automatically did what she was meant to do. We (not the same boyf) had her until 1st July last year when we had to PTS (cancer) only 3 weeks after she arrived in Oz (and 3 weeks after her 12th birthday) after 3 months away from us (the dogs stayed with a very good friend while we settled). So very glad she made it home for 3 weeks before she got ill though to be honest, I thought I would have her for a few years yet. I miss her lots - my special girl. Looking back I think the only reason I was mature enough at 17 for my own dog was because I had already been living out of home and paying my own way for over a year by that stage. You soon grow up when mummy isnt doign everything for you LOL but otherwise, I totally agree with 18....anybody under that would usually be living at home and it would really be their parents dog.

good answer - thanks I was only using my post above as an "example" - though all was true. It was just an easy example for me as I am a renter and have owned dogs since I started renting. The car part was admittedly a bit silly but I was more trying to emphasize that I would do anything bar rehoming a dog LOL I don't assume only bad dog owners are evicted - I don't even think dogs comes into the equation most of the time when it comes to eviction - there are other reasons for evicting someone and I imagine dogs would be a very small percentage of the reasons In regards to you asking "why are you renting"....is that really a serious question? I mean, surely most (not all obviously) people are renting due to ridiculous prices on purchasing so the question is almost answered before it is even asked isn't it? And the one about "waiting for secure accommodation before getting a dog" - what if they already have a dog? Some of these questions (not just yours) get a bit nitty gritty - I mean there must be less invasive questions to ask that will give you an idea of whether someone will provide a great forever home whether they work, dont work, rent, own, whatever.

In regards to the "renting or owning" issue. What if someone is renting? Do you not let the dog go to that home? For example, I moved out of home at 16 and got my first dog at 17 (first OWN dog). I have never owned a property (and it doesn't look like I will anytime soon - sooo expensive) and I am now 30 and have had 2 dogs all during that time (the dogs have changed obviously). I have never been homeless. I have had trouble finding a property sometimes but have always got one when I needed to. I don't have any familial support in Australia (we have been here a year) or any friends yet so nowhere to stay with the dogs if I was to have no home to go to. I have never rehomed a dog as a result of "not finding a property that allows dogs" and I have never lied to a landlord about owning dogs. Also, I don't hold out for a nice place that will take dogs...I am happy to live in a nasty house if it means I get to have my dogs there and it is suitable for them. My opinion is, if it really came down to it, I would live in my car with my dogs until suitable accommodation came up, or put them in a kennel temporarily. So, would this affect me purchasing from a breeder? Am I going to be seen as a less desirable home because I do not own my own property? Even though my history suggests once I take a dog, they have a forever home where they are considered just as important as the human members.

When I was growing up we had a "similar" issue. We had a border collie and a staffy. Both speyed females. The border would have been around 8 or so when we got the staffy. The staffy adored the border until she became mature, and then it was like she decided she had to be "higher" than the border. The border would not back down so we had many fights with various members of the family being bitten when trying to separate the dogs or when the fight occured in an incovenient place such as in the car or on a bed (what's funny though is, the minute a human was bitten, the fight would stop). My mum eventually ended up separating the dogs (the border lived until she was 16 or 17) and when they absolutely had to be in the same area of the yard, the staffy was chained. Funnily enough they would cuddle together etc, but having the staff on a chain allowed the border to move away if the staff started getting ready. This basically continued (the separation and fights etc) until the old dog died - who still refused to back down even when she was a walking wreck. I don't know if I would separate the dogs but it was what worked at the time for a single mum with 5 young children and two dogs who couldn't sort their order. I don't have any personal experience. All the dogs I have owned have never ever had a scrap....the odd snap at each other but never an actual fight. The biggest we have had was Barney (36kgs) had a go at Pippi (5kgs) a few months ago when she got too near his food bowl. I always supervise feeding though so just said "Stop" in my angry voice and it immediately stopped. Needless to say, Pippi now stays away from his food bowl until he has finished (then she has to clean it for him). Good luck to those people with their foxies though - I hope it all works out for them EDIT to add: The staffy then went on to have issues with my mums next dog (who was actually my sisters but ended up at mums). So, it was always the staff...one minute she could be fine, then suddenly she would be having a go at the other dog and it often revolved around excitement with the second dog (who was younger), e.g. kicking a ball round the yard and the staff would get excited and end up attacking the other boy.

lucky i dont have a complex about buttholes, my big dog has a huge highly visible one and he would look like a dork with a flower on his bum

At first, pick times where he is not distracted and has nothing to pull towards. Short bursts, reinforce the good stuff. Build it up. Be absolutely consistent, never let pulling achieve anything for him, even in the harness. If he can pull a little bit and get a sniff at something, he'll keep doing it. If you identify that he wants to go over to something, let him - so long as it's on a loose leash. He would be calmer and more sure of what he is supposed to be doing which is very settling. Glad it's working out, do keep us updated. Thanks for those extra tips!! I do try to make sure he doesn't sniff anything if he has pulled me to it and will really keep on top of that with your advice as I would not like him to think he can keep doing it. Thansk for the tip about "when distracted" - I didn't think of that but that seems like really good advice! Will definitely keep you updated. I feel like a bit of a dork because I am just so stoked that we managed to have a walk without it being stressful and I have been going on about it to my friend who has called (she doesn't like dogs and is not excited about it but thats not stopping me LOL)

he did get lots of praise and was looking quite happy with himself but i forgot the treats so will take those tomorrow night...he likes cheese a lot so mmight try some of that

Well, we went for our first "street walk" with the front attaching harness today. Honestly, the harness is too large. We have accidentally bought an XL instead of a L so will need to change it. However, the actual walk itself was the most pleasurable walk I have had with my boy in the last few years. My arms did not feel like they were going to fall off. I never felt like he was going to yank me off my feet. He was a little over excited as, to be honest, it has probably been a couple of weeks since his last decent walk due to the frustration of walking him, so he was a little "yappy" but I actually enjoyed walking him tonight....well maybe enjoyed is a little strong but it was a great walk. I always try to get my partner to come walking because he is striong enough to handle Barney even at his worse but he gets very stressed by it so the dog does not get walked as often as he should. We had a lead on the harness and one on his flat collar (I forgot to buy a double ended lead). The few times he actually pulled, the harness "tightened" and he would immediately stop pulling. Also, I am not sure if I should have done this, but when I could see he was about to pull, I gave a light tug to tighten the harness and he wouldn't pull. I managed to have my arms reasonably slack for the entire half an hour. Now, the odd time when he did manage to become a bit of a nuisance I was able to easily "control" him and get him back to where I wanted without really straining (he is very strong and I am not). Now, because the harness is too big, the "attach" bit doesn't sit in the exact right spot but I can only assume that when I go back and get the correct size that the walk will improve even further. Once we are walkign consistently nicely on the harness, I am going to start switching reliance to the flat collar, slowly but surely so he doesn't really notice. Oh and another thing I noticed was, the odd dog bark we heard, he didn't react to as much as he normally would. I am not sure why this would be - maybe he was too excited to be going on a walk to bother barking back as he normally would. I don't know yet if this is going to be the right solution but I will keep updating if anyone is interested. FYI, he is now fast asleep on the chair next to me (his own chair, he doesn't fit on mine with me - 'sides pocket monster is taking up the tiny space next to me) instead of being constantly in my face wanting a cuddle (I do realise this is because of the fact he has had some exercise - even though not much). And we can now walk him every night and enjoy - thank god coz I need to lose some weight! Thanks for all the advice and information. I feel like a terrible owner not walkign him as often as I should. I always want to take him out but it's just usually such a stressful experience it's not enjoyable for me or him. Looks like that is going to change thanks to all you people.

*sheepishly raises hand and admits to taking forever to get out of car without dog dragging me across the field to enthusiastically greet Aidan* LOL I can so sympathise Barney would be ok to get out of the car not a problem. And would stand there waiting for me to walk - great, though he may whine or yelp a bit coz he wants to get going. However, the minute I took one step forward BAM he'd be at the end of the lead and not necessarily in the direction I wanted! I have been a bit slack and wasn't able to try the harness properly yesterday but we are off tonight on our first real street test. I will post how it all goes if anyone is interested. Please feel free to let me know any further tips or advice based on tonights attempt. I have found all of the information really informative and helpful (even though at this stage I may not be listening to all).

That was so funny - love it. Love the smart fella at the end!

I am sorry for your lose OP This happened to my friends large breed mutt, Toby. They went out and when the returned hom he had died. Brain anuerysm

Is an animal that seeks out, consumes and digests non-animal foods omnivorous? That would be my understanding. Wiki is our friend: Omnivores (from Latin: omni all, everything; vorare(infinitive) to devour) are species that eat both plants and animals as their primary food source. They are opportunistic, general feeders not specifically adapted to eat and digest either meat or plant material primarily

LOL yea, my little dog is generally a wrecker (you should see their bedding) but she doesn't chew her coat - she must secretly love it even though she runs away when it comes out of the cupboard

I don't coat my lab mix at all. Ever. We are from NZ so he is used to very cold weather and he used to live outside. They live inside now. Our wee mix has a very thin coat so at nights she gets a fleecy on - and hates it. I say "pippi do you want your jacket on" and she runs away LOL She doesn't have it during the day. When it is cold they stay in their bed, which is Barney's travel crate (wooden) from when we shipped him from NZ and it is also in the outside washhouse behind a door so no breeze and she snuggles up to him - he is always warm. I have tested their outside bed to make sure it is warm by getting in it and I found it was actually very snug. They sleep out there during the day and at night, when they aren't allowed in with mum and dad they sleep in their own bedroom.

he is gorgeous - looks a bit like my dog when he was that age

We are quite new to Oz and have decided that this summer we are going to do a 3 week road trip up through queensland to Darwin and then back down through the middle. I would like to take the dogs but we have decided it's probably best to leave them at a kennels. We will do a one night stay in th enext month or so and then bwteen that and the trip we will do a weekend stay for practise and then they will do the 3 week stay. I have been looking at net and so far I think Woodcroft kennels looks OK - I havent been to check it out yet but will do so in the next week or two. Has anyone used this kennel and what are they like? Or any other recommendations?

Name: Barney Nickname: Son, Bumbum, big boy, lump Breed: Lab x somethingorother Gender: Male Age: 5 Picture: see end - he's the black dog Where did you get them from? SPCA How often do you exercise your dog? He is a bad puller and lately it hasnt been much but we try to go daily for anywhere between 30 mins to an hour. Plus play time at home. Where we used to live we used to go down the river (off lead) and go for 2 and 3 hour walks on an almost daily basis. I could probably exercise him more as I have definitely started slipping because of the pulling making it so stressful - however, we have just got a harness and it looks like it is going to be a life saver and walkies will go back to where they should be. Do they know any commands? He knows sit, stay, leave it, off, big loves (jumps up paws on shoulders for a kiss), time for bed (go to own bedroom), toilies, outside, down, bring it, get your toy, fives (high five), rollover, move, come to bed (get in our bed - not really sure how he knows the difference), walkies etc etc - I wouldn't say he is 100% reliable on them all the time though LOL Compete in any dog sports? No but I would so love to do fly ball but our obediance isn't up to scratch Favourite treat: Anything edible...or non edible that looks vaguely edible Favourite toy: Old soccer ball Funny habits or quirks: We have a couch on the front porch and the backs of it lift up. Whenever he goes out there he will lift it and lie under it so it covers his whole body except his head and bum. I have a special voice I use to tell him he is a "beautiful boy" and when you say it to him in th evoice, he will hide his head in your side - I think he hates the voice. What's their personality like? He is a big sooky. Thinks he is a lap dog. Fantastic with our daughter and the little dog (won't even tell her off ever and in fact cries when she hurts him). He is quite boisterous. Really happy all the time. Somewhat clingy but just such a big softy Do they get along well with other dogs? Yes, however on lead he gets a bt over excited so I wouldn't like to introduce him while on lead but every dog he has met in their yard or our yard or at the beach, he just wants to play. Big fat daddies boy Are they scared of anything? Small dogs (was hilarious when we brought the pocket monster home, she snapped at him and he bolted all the way outside), and being told off. He hates it so much if you even have a slight "telling off" tone he starts cringing What training methods do you use? Positive reinforcement? Corrections? Usually treat based coz he is a major sucker for food, or praise as he thrives on being told what a good boy he is. Name: Pippi Nickname: Pippi shortlegs, Pipster, Pocket Monster, Little Lady, Dollop of Evil Breed: Shih Tzu/foxy x Gender: Female Age: 1 on Friday! Picture: See end - she is the small black and white one (nothing like stating th eobvious) Where did you get them from? A BYB (didn't realise, thought she was an accidental litter - same thing really - until we got there but took her anyway as was pretty much love at first sight) How often do you exercise your dog? I could exercise more but we try for daily for between 30 mins and 1 hour...though as above. Lots of home play time though Do they know any commands? She doesn't know as many as bumbum, sit, stay, come (which she usually ignores at home - though not off the property which is odd), off, leave it, come to bed, dance, toilies, enough (this is specifically for her and it means stop attacking barney and give him some peace woman) and maybe a couple of others Compete in any dog sports? no but as above Favourite treat: Anything - she is a major gannet Favourite toy: The big dog, or this tug rope thing of all different colors which we call her "angry toy" coz she really goes hard nuts with it Funny habits or quirks: She is just a hilarious little dog full stop. If we got out to the front porch (we are smokers), she always knows which one is the last one for the night (i am not sure how) and she will not get off the couch and come inside - she has to be carried. Only for that trip - I am not sure what it is. What's their personality like? She has two personalities. On one hand she is stubborn and arrogant and won't listen. Has an attitude a mile wide and when you tell her to do something she will stop and look at you like "and what?!". Naughty and forever getting into mischeif. On the other hand she is just such a sweety, she give fantastic cuddles and kisses. Her greetings when you get home are the best ever. She is just a neat wee dog (didn't like small dogs until we got her and now I am so in love with them). She loves everyone in the house but she is very much a mummies girl Do they get along well with other dogs? Well she acts kinda tough all barky bark and then if you take her off lead she will hide LOL. She is a bit shy but once she comes out of her shell she is all good. Are they scared of anything? Apart from the above, not that I can see. She is such a little toughy What training methods do you use? Positive reinforcement? Corrections? Same as for Barney, especially food as she prefers food over praise. God - I look like a terrible owner!

I think that much excercise sounds pretty good, a tiny yard will be fine. We have quite a big yard and I am pretty sure while we are at work all day the dogs sleep. The do occasionally do Zoomies round the back yard together (without any encouragement from me) but this is always very short lived so they don't use the yard that much. Though having a big yard means there is always plenty of room for new poop LOL. My dogs usually wait to run round like maniacs for us to come home and let them inside - not really sure why they don't do it while they are in the back yard - aparently there aren't enough obstacles out there.

I have asked the mr for pics from "the pet photographer saved on my faveourites list" for my birthday and xmas pressy. Hopefully that was enough of a hint for him

That is pretty cool alright!

Excellent points in there regarding the lab and yorkie owners. I will use myself as an example, we have a large dog (36kgs) and a small dog (5kgs). A lot more effort is put into the large dog because if he becomes uncontrollable or misbehaves he can cause damage (not necessarily to people) or be very scary due to size. The little dog not so much effort. she is smart though and learns quickly but the effort is lesser because she is easy to control regardless of whether she is behaving well or not. If you get what I mean. (this is goign to change though and both dogs will be having the same effort for training). Sorry, I cant offer anything further to this discussion - just thought that was a really good point and very very true.

lmao at the ridgeback one - that is so funny

I am going to have a look at this keohler (sp) method just out of interest. I am definitely open to learning new things, and some of the advice and suggestions in this thread have been awesome. All have been taken on board and I imagine some put to use and others discarded or perhaps a mash of all different types. We won't wait until the last resort to get a trainer, but we will probably give th eharness and the "back to basics" a go for the next few months and see how we get on. If we aren't clicking, then we will call someone in and do some research into someone who looks like they will be able to help us and our dog in the best way. I will most likely ask for some advice if and when we get a trainer in around how to select a good trainer LOL