Lollipup

I have a problem where when we go away, I stress about the dogs the whole time. We usually leave them with my parents but that's only usually been for short periods of time and I wouldnt like to leave them there too long because my parents have three dogs there already and can't walk them all. Also there have been a few issues in the past that makes me not really trust my dad with the dogs, unfortunately. However, the dogs do love going there and it is familiar to them. Another difference is that there have to sleep outside whereas at home they sleep inside. So we are invited to go to Fiji for just over a week in October to a wedding. My husband wants to go because its his family that he doesn't see often. He's been overseas a few times before but I never have. So although I have a bit of a fear of going on a plane and never been overseas, I want to go so that I don't ruin it for hubby. There is a pet motel here and I know the manager, have seen the kennels and all the grounds and its all very good. If I was going to put the dogs in a kennel, that would be my top pick. But I do stress because they have never stayed at a kennel before. I know deep down that they'll be fine and will stress less than me. So, are they better off trying something new and staying in the kennels, or going to my parents where it is familiar? Will they stress or is it just me? Is there anything I can do to make myself adjust to the idea, since I think it's probably the right one? Where do you leave your dogs when you go away?

I know red collar rescue recently put out a desperate call for any dog items so thats one option if anyone wanted to donate :-)

I had a problem on their site yesterday too. I paid by credit card and it came up saying error when I clicked to pay. So silly me tried again and it deducted my card twice. I emailed them last night when it happened and they said they are aware of a website issue and will process my order manually and also fixed up the billing. All sorted by lunch time today. Very impressed.

Thank you. He does love it.

Thanks, the jumping one he just kinda started to do naturally that day when I had the camera rolling so I started capturing it

Just wanted to share my latest video of Chester and some of his latest tricks and just having fun! He loves the frisbee but tends to just leap without aiming for it

This is my two chillin in the pool Chester, one year old Border collie and Lola, three year old cocker spaniel cross

They both like to chew up tissues, rip em to shreds all over the floor if they get one. Lola is a bit OCD and chases reflections or shadows. She chases anything that moves really, She chases fish in the inlet which I think are imaginary half the time but when she is hunting them she bounds. Like bounces along through the shallows. On-lookers laugh out loud and point at her. Chester does loud or squeaky farts but they don't smell. Lola does silent but violent ones! And they both come running when I head to the toilet too. They want to sit with me, maybe to make sure I don't fall in?

a cocker spaniel cross mini foxie (apparently) and a border collie

I know, what a crack up! I expected them to take the piss out of him (like they do with other celebrities) but they don't; they show him in quite a positive light, which is interesting. Oh, I saw it as making fun of him. It was pretty true to life though with how he describes things.

You will probably be wasting your time going round in circles with this close minded person, as others have said. I LOVE that photo. Your vicious killer has a perfect pedicure!

How heart breaking I hope the unmentionable that did this reads the letter and feels something dreadful for it.

Mine loves cabanossi too and you can buy it from Woollies precut into nice little doggie-treat sizes Precut! That's what I need. Mine work so well for sausage type meat but I am so sick of slicing it up into tiny peices!

Sometimes the right one comes along a little before you think you are ready. I guess you have to decide how you would cope taking it now as opposed to waiting a few more months, whether you would have enough time for it now etc. Only you know

Sorry, I have been away from the thread and haven't read it all but wanted to reply to you. Yes, she works for someone who owns a couple of pet shops and her job is to source puppies. She also teaches the cert IV in companion animal services at TAFE. And she breeds dogs and sells them through the pet shops also. She said the key is education. But apparently I'm the type who needs it. Even with the pet stores that have the best intentions though, my concern is that the puppies are there through their critical period of development and can miss a lot of important interaction. Also the issue of health testing and knowing the temperament of the parents. And if the pet shops are sourcing from bybs, then its just keeping them going. I think the choices of ethical registered breeder or adopt from shelter provide plenty of dogs available without the need for petshops, puppy farms and BYBs.

I got told last night that I shouldn't believe what the media says in regards to pet shops and puppy farms as its not all that bad. And that I have clearly been influenced by animal rights groups - because most pet shops are ethical and fine.

So many people think that! When I started my current job and a lady I work with found out I am dog mad, she said "oh I'm a breeder, I breed lhasa apsos, do you know what that is?" I was pretty excited to be working with someone who is into dogs but as I found out more I realised she wasn't an ethical or registered breeder, sells litters to petshops and honestly believes a bitch is a better dog if she has at least one litter.

I understand your frustration and why you said what you said. However if I were average joe public who had no idea about puppy farms and why back yard breeding is not good, I could maybe feel a bit judged - but I'm just trying to put myself in their shoes? You have every right to deny them a puppy and explain why though. So many people out there think this way and they need to be educated. But maybe they would look into the issues further and learn not to do it if someone explained it to them in a kind way ( I think you did pretty well with this). If they are offended they will probably just judge you and stereotype registered breeders, then go and buy from a byb anyway and still have their planned litters. I know so many people that think the way of the person who enquired to you but they really have no idea that there's anything wrong with it and they probably won't learn with a lecture as well as with some helpful guidance from someone they are willing to listen to. On one hand, at least they have enquired with a registered breeder and not gone straight to the trading post or pet store I guess. But overall no I don't think you were too harsh in general, maybe just too much for this person, maybe they are sensitive.

Ahh thanks for those!

Oh I would love the link to send back as my reply to Mum! Hope someone can find it. Do you know what its called at all? are you referring to the "denver" yellow lab youtube video? if you search youtube for something like "guilty dog denver" the clip will come up and also the video clip discussing animal behaviour regarding Denver's perceived guilty behaviour should be in the list too. I've seen that one but I thought the filmer in that was trying to show that his dog is actually guilty?

Yep!

Oh I would love the link to send back as my reply to Mum! Hope someone can find it. Do you know what its called at all?

What do you think of the video? Do you think the white dog is more sensitive or has had a bad experience? Why do you think the other two looked at him right on cue?

my mum even has a bachelor of science so she should know what anthropomorphising is

Theres been a few videos going around lately with "guilty" dogs in them. Do you think dog's actually feel guilty? I have been taught no, they are reading the body language of the human and have learnt from past experience the circumstances that cause the human to be angry and punish them. Then some dogs may be more sensitive than others or have had a harsher experience in the past. My parents think they feel guilty. They (especially dad) are big on the "who did THIS?" with the whole posturing and tone of voice. So when I explained my view they burst out laughing and said you can't possibly think that! come on look at them! you've seen them being guilty! Now mum has sent me this video in an email and the text says this: "Anyone who thinks a dog does not remember or does not feel guilt has not lived with a dog. Just look at the expressions on the faces of these three dogs when they are asked the same question at the same time.....same tone of voice. The guilty one cannot help but feel guilty while the others have no look of guilt whatsoever. They are all being asked the same question." This is the clip: I have no problem laughing at the cute video but I know she's trying to prove me wrong! So, what do you think?