Leelaa17

That is one thing I get at my own house. I recently moved back in with my dad and he has two VERY old dogs and my younger GSD DO harass them (we have atrainer coming to the house tonight to see how we can fix it)... But when I first moved in, my friend (who also lives with us) wouldnt go near them and would always yell at them - she's still a bit like that but she has gotten SOOOO much better. She actually pats them now and talks to them which she never used to do. (shes a reptile person - doesnt really like dogs) and she doesnt know how much I appreciate it because it makes it sooo much easier on me. My dad and his OH are also making the effort - even though they ARE dog people - they were really struggling with having two (ELEPHANT SIZED DOGS) ... they are trying and making an effort with getting used to Max and Jen but its still very difficult for me to NOT get offended when they sit there and just tell the dogs to 'go away' and dont pay any attention to them and shut the door in their faces. They are such loving dogs and I hate to think that they question why the people in the house dont love them you know? Everything is, although slowly, getting better every day.

I am also up for baby sitting if you need a helping hand. If you felt comfortable coming over with honey and testing the waters with our dogs first you are more than welcome - I know it is EXTREMELY difficult to trust a stranger with a dog but if you ever get completely stuck then im sure there are a lot of people who would be willing to help out!

That. is. freaking. awesome!!1

The longest I have been away from Max and Jenna was overnight... (it will be an entire long weekend coming up in July and I am dreading it because I will miss them so much). But every day... and I mean every day, when I get home from work they act like that havet seen me in weeks... Jenna Launches herself into the air to get closest to my face (she is a 7month old 20kg GSD) and Max bends down and ALMOST launches himself (he is a close-to-2-yo 35kg GSD) then thinks better of it and just pushes into me. They lick and run around my legs and then go off and do what they were doing before... then about 10 mins later they come bolting inside and up to me and look at me with eyes that say 'mum I MISSED YOU!!!!' and they kiss and wag their tails!! In the mornings when I get up to get ready for work I go out and say hi to them while I have a smoke and I sit on the ground and give them cuddles.. Max comes and stands long ways over my crossed legs and leans his side into my chest (if you can visualise that!) and then Jenna comes and whinges that Im not cuddling her. Its so nice to be greeted like that every day. Makes each day worth it!

I will watch out for you as well!!

Have you noticed that a GSD is stood differently in the rear to other breeds? When you bring a GSDs legs 4 square (as the other breeds are stood) the slope becomes less obvious. You need to inform yourself about the function of the GSD firstly. The GSD is a trotting breed designed to cover the most amount of ground with minimum of effort. You cannot compare the gait of a GSD to the general dog in the street or other breeds which is why most people take exception to the GSD. Many other breeds are designed for different purposes, many are not trotting breeds, many are not working breeds and many do not rely on trotting over large distances. Many straight stifled breeds are not ground covering in their gait in the same sense that a GSD is and do not have the necessary forward thrust of the hindquarter to sustain endurance at that speed. With less ground coverage a dog needs to take more steps, with more steps comes more expense of energy and so on. I suggest that you read up about GSDs and then make your decision as to what pleases you. I am merely addressing this reply to Leelaa17, so please do not use this as an opportunity start a 600 page thread about the pros and cons of sloping back and "decrepit" hindquarters which have been done to death over the last few years. I am only saying to Leelaa17 that she should research her own breed and then make up her mind about what is right and what is wrong. Thank you Scales of Justice - I reaslly appreciate the info you gave me! and you actually answered a question I have been asking myself for almost 2 years now......... why does my male GSD not run? LOL I always used to say to people 'yeah he doesnt actually run, he just trots'... cant believe that they are actually a trotting breed - explains A LOT. lol Max doesnt run... I have seen him full blown run maybe twice in his life?... he just trots everywhere - quite cute. :D

Alaskan Klee Kai http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaskan_Klee_Kai Akita - apparently theswe ones become bored easily which means they need a lot of things to do??? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akita_Inu I was going to research more but there are just way too many dogs!! lol I was looking at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dog_breeds - and then if you find one you are interested in you can google it and get info on it?? I would honestly recommend GSD... I am bias though!! They are beautiful, reasonably long hair (even the short haired ones!), great with kids, EXTREMELY loyal and if they have room to run then they're set!

And your proof is... ? Quite a number of years charging people with various assaults. Poppycock. LOL!!!!!!! Im sorry but I love that response!!!!!

ohhh. Yeah I think I had heard something about kittens getting done very early - isnt that dangerous because they are so young?? or am i just oblivious?

8 weeks???? thats ridiculous! I have never heard of a dog being done that early! well im glad that it seems to be ok! I would never forgive myself if he got sick because of me desexing him early!

First of all - Sorry kitkatswing to hear about your situation - im sure things will turn out good for you anyway - just stay strong! thankGod you have little Maui to keep you both going! Very nice to hear!!! Second of all - So sorry to hear lollipup that your baby passed away two days after you needed her so much - thats just one bad situation after another. I am sure she is happy and running around and keeping her eye on you up in doggy heaven!! I had a dog similar - his name was Rossco and he was 15yo when he passed... his brother Rashka is still alive and going strong at 16yo. Whenever I was sad he would come up and just sit next to me. didnt need to do anything more. the night before he was meant to be put down my dad asked me to come over to say goodbye - I was distraught as I had loved him since I was 5 years old - I went over there are laid with him for about an hour and then had to go home... about an hour after I left he passed away and ym dad said 'it was like he was waiting for you to say goodbye to him'.

Quick question....... whats wrong with early desexing? I mean desexing at around 6 months... I thought that was ok? My GSD male was desexed at 6 months and is reasonably calm. He isnt fat either. He is extremely lean and muscley for a GSD (his legs are muscley anyway)... I have never had a problem with his eating (he is a grazer - which i KNOW isnt good but when I tried getting him to eat at specific times he started to not eat altgoether... now I have set times I feed him and I sit there with him to watch him eat - hes getting much better!) So... yeah.. I didn't realise early desexing was bad? I wish I had known that before aq couple of weeks ago.

I completely agree. Just relax and enjoy him - try to find the good things that he does. How does he look when he plays, what specific characteristics does he have that you have never seen - try not to (and I am not saying that you do) but try not to find faults... even though every dog has faults... try to look at the funny and cute things he does. I didnt connect with my younger GSD completely until she was outside at 4 months. I loved her dearly but she put a lot of strain opn my lifestyle and it was quite hard to deal with. Now.... I couldnt love anything more than both her and my boy max. It's different with each dog. Try opening up to your dog a little bit. Try to break the routine you have and just try to have some fun with him.. I know you play etc but it seems to me that you are very much routine and not enough spontaneous. :D

hahaha omg listen to you all!!!! hahaha thats great that your friend did that! he used his brain! fantastic! you sound like me. I worry sooo much about my dogs and whether anything is left out that they can chew or eat and get sick from!

your first basset (the 9yr old rescue) is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!! such a beautifuly sweet face!!!!! I just wish I could kiss and cuddle her!!!

Hi there, Dont know too much about Basset Hounds but I did some research and came across this website for you I will paste the link but also paste the details because I did want to highlight some things for you! http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/factsheet...sset-Hounds/993 Breed: Basset Hound Temperament: docile, loyal, stubborn Cost: $600 Lifespan: average 12 years Recommended for: families and older couples Dumpage rate: medium Maintenance: medium Appearance The Basset is a short legged, deep voiced pack hound with a long, powerful body. Its head is similar to the bloodhound, with a long narrow skull slightly shorter than the generously lipped muzzle. The dogs are characterised by their loose skin and low-set ears which hang in folds. Bassets have well boned forelegs, and angulated hind legs which finish with large feet. The tail is carried upright. Basset hounds are tricoloured (white, black and brown), lemon (pale lemon and white), red and white, and blank red (solid red with a speck of white on the tail tip and feet). On rare occasions white Bassets occur. Bassets are medium sized, usually reaching between 33-38cm. Temperament Basset Hounds are a gentle and loyal breed but they can be quite stubborn. They are not a particularly playful breed and have a low level of excitability and general activity. The Basset Hound is not particularly territorial, nor does it have the tendency to snap at children. The Basset Hound is therefore ideal for anyone who is searching for a dog that is neither active, excitable or aggressive. Health and lifespan The conformation of the Basset Hound leads to a number of inherent problems, the most common being shoulder and foreleg lameness. Bassets can also suffer back strain and slipped discs, therefore climbing stairs and overeating should be avoided because these activities can put extra strain on the spine. Basset Hounds should be picked up correctly with one hand under the chest and the other supporting the rear end to avoid strain on the spine and front legs. The Bassets ears and eyes are prone to infection and must be regularly checked and cleaned. The long ears can droop into food and if moist, will become infected. The Basset's loose-lidded eyes predisposes the breed to entropion (inversion of the eyelids) and ectropion (excess drooping of the eyelids). Weepy eyes need to be bathed with warm water to prevent excessive accumulation of dirt and dust. Bassets need time to digest their food before exercising otherwise they can experience problems with bloat. The Basset Hound lives between 11-14 years. Feeding Bassets are not big eaters but should be fed a balanced diet of meat, vegetables and pasta and good quality biscuits. Basset puppies should not be given too much exercise and should have a balanced diet (the diet should not be overloaded with calcium and other extras which will cause abnormal growth). In its old age the Basset enjoys its food and if allowed can become fat and lazy. Breeders estimate it costs between $7 and $10 a week to feed a Basset Hound. Breeding and cost Basset Hounds have difficulty breeding and require assistance with mating. They can be slow whelpers and generally have large litters (7 to 12 with an average number of 9). Caesarean sections are routine. Breeders recommend only those with experience try to breed Bassets. Basset hounds cost around $600 depending on the supply of the dogs. Prospective owners may have to join a waiting list for a pup. Housepet potential When it comes to house training the Basset Hound presents quite a challenge. More patience and attention to housebreaking technique is required for the Basset than with most other breeds. Between winter and spring they shed their winter coat and can leave hair around the house. [you said the dog could be inside sometimes - that's fine - my two GSD are mostly inside dogs as well but they shed like crazy so remember to vacuum! ] Space and exercise Despite their short stature, Bassets are not recommended for the inner city dweller. They need a good sized yard and at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Basset need to be kept in a securely fenced back yard because they have no road-sense. Ideal owner Basset Hounds are people oriented dogs so ideal owners need time to give their dog attention. They are particularly suited to families or an older couple who will take them on slow walks. [you said you arent very active but slow walks im sure would be doable?] Grooming Regular grooming of the Basset's short coat will keep the coat in good condition. A grooming routine should also include wiping the dog over to remove loose hair, clipping and filing nails, cleaning eyes and ears and a regular bath. History The Basset Hound is a scent hound. There is considerable debate about the origins of the Basset Hound. Some experts claim it is the result of a cross between the Bloodhound and the Beagle, while others say it was a mutation found in a litter of Stag hounds. Another theory is that the Basset is a descendant of the old St Hubert hounds. The British landed gentry reportedly used Bassets when hunting on foot because its short legs and steady gait made it possible to keep pace whereas other hounds had to be followed on horseback. The name Basset is actually derived from the French word bas, meaning low. The Basset was first introduced into Australia in the early 1900's. Uses Basset Hounds were used to trail and drive game such as rabbits and hares. The unhurried conduct of the breed in the fields made it possible to move game to gun without startling the game into flight. Today, Bassets make excellent family pets and companions. Due to the low level of aggression of this breed, they do not make good protectors of home and property. Trainability The Basset Hound can be difficult to train because of its stubborn nature. Owners should insist on discipline and training from an early age to maintain firm control over their hound. The Basset is a scent hound and can be trained to do tracking work.

omg. mumtoshelley. - the reason no one brought it up is because she almost got attacked. no one knows what wouldve happened to her if her dog HAD been on lead and was not able to go and stand in front of the men with its hackles up. The whole issue of this story ISNT with the onlead offlead issue. Its the fact that the poor woman had the fright of her life. if u want to talk about offlead onlead stuff then start a new thread.

LOL!!! I think he saw us walking one morning when Akira tried to take after a cat and I was desperately trying to stop her from killing it and dragging me through the dirt in the process. HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!

beautiful little kitten!!! sooo beautiful! hopefully there isnt anything too seriously wrong with her so she can live a LOOONG happy life1 And your other beautiful baby looking after her too = gorgeous!

I don't know what it is about toilet rolls but my baby GSD LOVEEEDDD them - she was OBSESSED. She would deliberately sneak behind my back to go and steal them out of the bathroom. And funnily enough - it was probably the only thing she DIDNT get sick of playing with!

agreed agreed agreed to everything you said. and what a heartbreakingly beautiful photo! It brought tears to my eyes just to see this poor womans sadness but I am so happy for her that she has found at least 2 of her beautiful babies. may she find the rest alive and well.

You can try getting a stretchy piece of rope and attaching your tug-of-war toy to it... they actually design these toys specifically as well so you can look in pet shops what you do is you attach it to something sturdy and she will tug-of-war with herself! see I think the kong is a GREAT idea... but it never worked for my two GSD... they used it for 5 minutes then gave up... make sure you do THINKING games as well for the pup (good work on teaching her sit!!!) as this will exercise her brain... its like that thing in Petbarn: There are 6 ways to play with your pet: 1. snuggle toys are comforting friends 2. Tug toys bring you together 3. chase toys make exercise fun 4. Dental toys clean teeth and gums 5. IQ toys entertain for hours 6. every dog loves chew toys I also find that stuffed toys are good but !!!WARNING!!! be prepared to clean up a hell of a mess aftwards! It does keep them entertained though! You can get her used to the lead straight away however I would just do it around the house for now - just to get used to be attached to something.. only dop it for a short amount of time and do it a few times a day... hopefully by the time shes ready to go outside for walkies she wont have an issue with the lead!

What is a fear period??

LOL!!! Of course you'd eb safe - because even if the guys THOUGHT your goldie wouldnt do anything... they'd be pleasantly surprised when the goldie goes for their jugulars if they try to touch u

What is canine calm?