Alkhe

I'm always scared of doing it too! Though that hasn't stopped me yet - I would rather do 10 x anal glands than 1 single nail . The one time I accidentally clipped the quick, there was blood flowing everywhere and my dog was just looking at me like 'URGH, you IDIOT'. She didn't even squeal or flinch or anything!

The only other fenced ones I know of are Clayton Reserve in North Melbourne (bit of a hike, and probably not worth it - it's only 5 or so km from me and I don't even go!) and JJ Holland park .. might have a fenced area. Most council webpages also have lists of off-leash parks too, and this site (off lead areas in Melbourne) has a list of off leash areas by council, but I'm not sure how up to date it is.

Dead mouse, killed by rat bait (bad, but worse when you're only 4kg!). That was definitely the most expensive and traumatic! Half a block of chocolate (again, the 4kg thing..) Blood soaking pad things that come on the bottom of meat trays (a few times) Used tampon.. I thought they were bad, but I'm quite thankful, having read the rest of this thread..

Nah, a cursory look at the case law should do the trick. I'm sure there's some- I will have a look later today, and the legislation. Stranger things are divided all the time, people own weird, weird things.. It's more in the realm of property and division of property etc, rather than companion animal law. That's all about registering, dangerous dog registration and requirements, requirements relating to business operations and transferral of permits, etc. This is a matter of ownership transferral rather than anything to do with the actual dog. lol. Oh wow, is that all it takes? You must be brilliant with these open/shut cases without knowing the facts....but hey, case law/legislation, you can't go wrong. (FYI, Danois is a Lawyer). I gathered from her response I'm halfway there. It's obviously not a matter of open/shut, but I'm sure there are cases where dogs were divided up between parties, along with other property. It's not something so strange and complex that you couldn't make a half decent stab at it. lol. I figured you were a student given the 'case law and legislation' comment. That was EXACTLY my approach when I graduated. You'll be surprised how pointless a lot of what they teach you is when you enter the field! (I'm a 2nd year n00b solicitor, Danois is def. the go to experienced legal expert on DOL). Yeah I'm a total n00b, I know. This is not my first degree though, and a change of direction, so I'm a bit less wet behind the ears than some. I still think this is an issue of property not companion animals though!

I'm considering that recommendation enough to upgrade when I get the chance!

Aw, I think they're ok! I bought Wahl Show Pro clippers a month or two ago, and I haven't had any problems yet. I also didn't want to spend that much before I decided whether I would be able to do it myself- I have a poodle and so far it's been fine. She doesn't look nearly as neat as when she comes back from the professional groomer, but she's a pet and they definitely do the job for that. I think I paid.. $86 or something, from memory, and each professional clip was almost that much. So no love lost if the cark it!

Nah, a cursory look at the case law should do the trick. I'm sure there's some- I will have a look later today, and the legislation. Stranger things are divided all the time, people own weird, weird things.. It's more in the realm of property and division of property etc, rather than companion animal law. That's all about registering, dangerous dog registration and requirements, requirements relating to business operations and transferral of permits, etc. This is a matter of ownership transferral rather than anything to do with the actual dog. lol. Oh wow, is that all it takes? You must be brilliant with these open/shut cases without knowing the facts....but hey, case law/legislation, you can't go wrong. (FYI, Danois is a Lawyer). I gathered from her response I'm halfway there. It's obviously not a matter of open/shut, but I'm sure there are cases where dogs were divided up between parties, along with other property. It's not something so strange and complex that you couldn't make a half decent stab at it.

Nah, a cursory look at the case law should do the trick. I'm sure there's some- I will have a look later today, and the legislation. Stranger things are divided all the time, people own weird, weird things.. It's more in the realm of property and division of property etc, rather than companion animal law. That's all about registering, dangerous dog registration and requirements, requirements relating to business operations and transferral of permits, etc. This is a matter of ownership transferral rather than anything to do with the actual dog.

I would get your friend to seek legal advice - if it came to a legal dispute, I would strongly doubt that the name registered on the microchip would count as proof of ownership. I would personally definitely not be willing to assume this if it were my dog/s. That said - anything your friend does (be it legal dvice or otherwise) is probably going to have some effect on the friendship between them. The first thing will obviously be to talk to the friend, but perhaps have some legal understanding in the back pocket so they know exactly what to say and what their rights are. Edited - get your FRIEND to seek legal advice, not your dog...

I'd definitely go with the rescue dog, if I were you. If I were in this situation, I'd much rather rescue a dog than take on a new puppy for basically every single reason I can think of. From the "selfish" (for want of a better word) point of view, I'd rather not have to toilet train and go through puppyhood and adolescence, but also because rescue just sits better with me. Obviously there are always going to be differences between 2 dogs and situations, but if on balance all things are equal and the only difference is whether it's a rescue or from a breeder- I'd go rescue every time. I understand people wanting to get a puppy from a breeder rather than take their chances with a rescue dog of unknown origin, but I suppose in my head there's a difference between breed rescue and random mutt from pound rescue. Maybe that's stupid, but it's just my gut instinct . In this case, it actually seems like you might already have found what you want in a dog anyway, and with a puppy there's never a guarantee that you're going to end up with the dog with the kind of personality and attributes that you want. You can maximise your chances, but never guarantee it. I'm sure we've all heard stories of the perfect, purpose bred agility dog that hates agility, etc etc

Mine is also only allowed outside under supervision, as our escape artist doggy neighbour likes to create gaps in our fence that my dog takes advantage of. Lucky he's cute, and a welcome visitor to our side ;) Whenever I leave for work, I give my dog a greenie or some chew type thing to occupy her. Thankfully she's not destructive and just sleeps all day, but this makes it easy for me to leave too. Perhaps start with a long lasting chew that will keep your dogs occupied while you go out, and gradually increase the time they're alone for?

Is it sad that I have a list that doubles as future dog names and future child names? :laugh:

My mum bought one for her incredibly anxious dog and it works wonders for him. She didn’t do any preparatory work at all – just bought it on a whim while in America, and was completely shocked and amazed at how much calmer her dog is. I didn’t believe it until I saw it.. I'm sure their value and impact varies on a case by case basis, but they get a thumbs up from me.

I completely agree with you dogmad, on all counts. The thing is, it doesn’t take much at all to keep a non-shedding dog or other breed that requires regular grooming, in good nick. Yeah, it’s great if you can get your dogs professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks, but it’s not necessary if you spend a couple of minutes each day with your dog to maintain their coat etc. I grew up with Poodles that were never professionally groomed, but were also never matted, ever. We clipped them at home with scissors and gave them regular baths etc. It’s not hard! Just from patting my dog and the general affection and playing that we do every day, I know that she doesn’t have any matts anywhere and could take care of any problem areas- matts don’t just come instantaneously. It’s really not hard to keep a handle on these things! It doesn’t matter how busy you are, there is no excuse. I was at work with this man (we used to be on very good terms, hence me looking after his dog!) when he decided to get another dog. He found the puppy on gumtree and bought it that weekend- I tried to convince him to go to a shelter if he was dead-set on a Maltese x Shih Tzu, but he was adamant that he wanted a puppy and wouldn’t consider getting a puppy from a shelter or anything. From memory, he wanted this particular cross because they’re friendly or something, and he loved the temperament of his Spoodle (or Cavoodle.. I’m thinking Spoodle because of the size but it could be either, I can’t remember). That dog is an absolute gem by the way, such a gorgeous and loving little dude. It’s just heartbreaking to see him now. He has been reported to the RSPCA – I will post when/if I hear anything or have any further updates.

Argh, on paper it's so easy to say 'just tell her not to do it' etc, but in reality it's so much harder to have these kinds of conversations. I've even done training at work for 'courageous conversations'. It's only made more complicated when it's a neighbour who by definition you're stuck next to, the last thing you want is a frosty relationship. Good luck with speaking to her - hope it goes ok!

Not in Vic, unfortunately - any dog can be assessed (ie they don't have to be in the program), but they do have to go to the GAP kennels for the week long assessment period.

That’s also the case with Greyhound Racing Victoria. Greyhounds that have passed the GRV test also wear those green collars and all greyhounds that go through the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP, which is affiliated with GRV- not sure if it’s called that in all other states) are green collared dogs. Only greyhounds tested by the GAP program are eligible to wear the green collar, and are exempt from wearing a muzzle in public. In Victoria, the greyhounds must be sent to the GRV kennels for a week to be tested. Reference here. Which raises questions in my mind about animals being put in an unfamiliar environment and the effect that has on their performance and assessment outcomes. That’s another story though. I have heard stories about the fallibility of the assessment approach, which I’m sure is similar to other temperament and behaviour testing more generally. I actually witnessed a person with a green collared greyhound purchase a muzzle from a rescue organisation volunteer, because they did not trust their dog around the other dogs at the particular public event we were at. Just an anecdote of course, but something to consider.

Oh dear Sounds like my grandma (minus the alcoholic part).. I've been slowly working on her about how dangerously overweight her dog is getting - slightly easier when it's a trusted family member though! It’s such a fine line sometimes, between interfering and being nosy or rude, and doing something because it’s unconscionable not to. I suppose it’s just a matter of assessing each situation as it comes, and the imminent danger that a situation poses for the dog and its welfare, as well as the likelihood that anything you do or say is going to make a difference. I’ve seen some people with good intentions completely alienate or offend other dog owners with the tone and manner in which they’ve spoken to them. Eg, someone brought a tiny young puppy to the park and was walking them around, and another owner started firing questions at them about how old the dog was, they shouldn’t be walking it on the grass so young, has it had its shots? What about parvo? Etc etc etc. The woman walking the dog was almost in tears, and it was just totally the wrong approach for the other owner to have taken. Though she really was concerned about the little pup, she went about it in totally the wrong way . Good luck with your situation!

I have just filled out a report on the RSPCA website with details of the problem; I'm not sure what the normal process around this is, but I explained that I don’t know the man’s exact address but would be more than willing to be of assistance in any way, etc. Fingers crossed that I get a call or something, and see what can be done. In the mean time, the next time I see him at the park hopefully some of my park friends will be there- will definitely speak to some people there tonight and get them on board. Thanks again for all of the advice, everybody. Much appreciated!

That is such a great idea!

Thanks for the replies everyone. Juice - I didn't actually think of that! Will see whether he drives to the park and see whether I can take down a numberplate, and whether that will work. Good thinking! Saxonpup - that's actually a great idea too. I actually have a Toy Poodle too, and have those exact conversation with a number of other people at the park. Unfortunately this guy doesn't tend to approach other owners which makes it more difficult, but I might speak to some of the people I know at the park and see whether we can have that kind of conversation within his earshot and .. get him to join in I suppose. Most people tend to say hi to each other and have a bit of a chat while our dogs play together, but this man tends to steer clear of the group. I'd even offer to clip his dogs FOR him if I thought he would be amenable to it, but as Tilly said, this is hardly likely to work in this situation! Thanks again for your input, definitely some things to think about.

I'm hoping someone here can give me some advice on whether and/or how to approach this situation tactfully. I used to work in the same team as a man who has 2 dogs. Last year I actually looked after his Spoodle/Cavoodle (I can't remember which) a few times, including when he brought home the new Maltese x Shih Tzu puppy. Fast forward 9 months or so: We're now no longer working together, but sit a few metres from each other and have had some run ins at work. I don't want to go into them here, but essentially we don't have a very good relationship anymore. A month or two ago, I saw him at the park with his two dogs. Initially I didn't recognise them, because they are the most matted dogs I have ever actually seen in real life. They rival a RSPCA/rescue organisation's before shot. The larger dog (that I have previously looked after) was almost not even shaped like a dog, he is so matted. You can hardly see his legs moving when he runs, there is just so much thick matted fur all over him. The younger white dog is in a similar state. I would not be surprised if he has never actually been bathed or groomed in the 9 or so months that the man has had him. It is absolutely horrendous, and I was completely lost for words the first time I saw the dogs and then saw him, making the connection. The man went away on holiday for 3 weeks or so, and got back a week or 2 ago. I thought that maybe he was going to get it sorted before he went away, or that he would get back from holiday and get them clipped. However I saw them again yesterday at the park. Another woman I know from the park actually commented to me on "that man with those poor, poor dogs". It was a pretty hot day in Melbourne yesterday, to the point that I actually clipped my little dog back even more, and my park friends and I were sitting around in the shade with frisbees filled with water for the dogs. I have no idea how this man's poor dogs coped in that heat. My question is - is there something I can do? I don't know his address, or I would report him to the RSPCA. I have considered making a light hearted commented about how it's time for a clip, hey! Or something about how summer's coming, looks like our dogs all need new hair cuts. Something along those lines - but I'm just not sure. It's also complicated by our work relationship, which would be a complicating factor regardless of whether we worked well or poorly together. It just means I'm quite hesitant to broach this the wrong way, because I don't want to damage things further. There has been a lot of me "being the bigger person" and biting my tongue- it's just that I'm genuinely distressed at the welfare of these dogs, particularly coming into summer. He brings the dogs to the park at least once a week, so they get some exercise and I'm assuming they're not neglected in any other way. They run around and fetch balls quite happily, but.. their physical state is honestly atrocious. It really, really does look like a photo that a dog rescue would show, before the dog is clipped back to reveal flea infestations and urine burns all over their legs. I am not exaggerating. Has anybody ever been in a similar situation, or do you have any advice as to how, or whether to attempt a conversation about this?

Absolutely - I always rush home to take my dog out, and feel so so guilty if for some reason I can't. And usually call in a trusty back up to take her out. If I didn't take her out in the morning too, I'm sure I'd arrive at work half asleep.

I ticked that (along with some other options) because half the time I just browse around reading and clicking at random, when I should really be studying

I've got a screamer, here. My toy poodle used to do the most horrendous screams when intimidated by larger dogs. She's better now, but is still nervous around large dogs and/or boisterous or rough playing dogs. I'm sure other owners would react in the way that you have described, but I know enough about my dog to know that sometimes her reaction is completely disproportionate to the actual pain she has felt. Particularly when no body contact has been made... ! I don't know whether it's as simple as, like with humans, some dogs don't like each other. But I do know a handful of dogs that for whatever reason have taken instant dislikes to other dogs, which (thankfully) both owners are very savvy. Eg at one park I go to, an old English Pointer has since their first meeting, hated a black Lab. Both owners just laugh it off and avoid each other, particular as the Pointer is too old and frail to do any damage even if he tried.