Theresadn88

So I went to her class yesterday and she is lovely and super helpful! Pity Toby has such a small stomach that after half an hour of treats, he was finished for the day. Didn't want ANYTHING after that. Most of the pups were 9 weeks and he was only 8 so he wasnt as playful as all the other pups. I can't wait til next week to see improvement. But my point: Carolyn is wicked

I love all this reassurance I'm getting. Yeah he's a very calm and collected boy. Except of course when I leave the room and he's in the playpen haha but I'm getting used to it now. And I think he is too, crying a little less each time and settling down quicker. This morning he even played with his squirrel without me touching it first! Soooooo HAPPY! hahaha

Thank you Aanie! Hearing that makes me VERY happy. He's just so sad and not eating etc at the moment. He does still follow me around and has moments of fun, but not quite the 'puppy' we normally hear about. I always knew there was light at the end of the tunnel but it just helps to hear a similar story turn out well. Your puppy sounds very cute and clearly knows how to look after himself (temperature wise). Good luck with pre-school tomorrow. I can't wait to start!

Thanks Persephone

Yeah good point. I tried some stuff and he likes it enough now. Which is good but still prefers the floor :D. And Persephone you're right that he IS just a baby. I'm just scared he doesnt enjoy my company because he cries in the playpen and when he's quiet I go to him and at times let him out and we play, but he's not interested and almost seems sad... this just makes me sad. He's in his playpen at the moment and he just looks sad I'm hoping to get him to like his toys soon because I go back to work on Tuesday and I just don't want him miserable all day long. I'm gonna start my puppy preschool tomorrow so I hope things get taught to me there because I feel he's just not enjoying himself but it is only day 2.

Yeah fair enough I won't close the door on him yet, also how do you get him to want to play with his toys. he's not very motivated to play with them without me there

Hi guys, I was wondering if you could help me with my 8 week old Toby and his bed. I've got him a temporary kennel/crate (soft one) that I don't think he accepts as his bed now. He only came yesterday and I try to coerce him to go in with his toys (which he has at times) and I gently close his door. and I tried to feed him and treat him in there. The only issue is he's not very food motivated, he must be adjusting to his environment and not feel comfortable eating (that's what both my breeder and vet say). But he does take his liver treats better. He did sleep in the soft kennel last night with a toy in there with him but of course after crying for a while. Right now he's in his playpen, the soft crate is in there as well as newspaper in a corner, water bowl and toys and he chooses to sleep on the floor. How would I start getting him to associate his bed as his bed - place to be comfortable and sleep. This is also a concern because I want him to associate this kennel as his bed and that means NO POOPING AND PEEING IN THERE! but if he just sleeps on the floor and is coereced to sleep in his kennel, will he know that the kennel is his bed?

Sure thing Kitteh

I just had a random thought... I'm picking up my puppy tomorrow after weeks and weeks of preparing and and waiting, and I thought to myself: Will my puppy remember his siblings if he sees them again one day? Or would he just meet them and treat them like any other dog - a stranger. Silly question I know, but after months of separation, if they met again would they remember? Or even years? Is there a particular scent to a family? Have you guys had any heartfelt reunions?

aww that's just lovely to hear

Yay!

Well great! I think I'm gonna go to Northern Suburbs anyway cause it's cheap and it gives me regular training with my dog througout the year/s (so he'll forever be a good dog - with my training at home too of course). But thanks to your suggestions I've contacted Carolyn and enrolled into her classes starting this Sunday! After all the first training sessions and puppy class/socialisation is the most important! I'm well and truly out of pocket but oh well. This will be my baby Thanks for your suggestions guys, and I'll post up what I think of the classes after I start. P.S. Carolyn was VERY nice and attentive with her emails and the information she was providing as well as trying to get me into the class I wanted. That's what convinced me to fork out that extra money to go with her. Someone who seems to go above and beyond what's considered 'necessary' must be someone who'll do the same in her classes. I'm a big fan already! Thanks guys

Thanks RV

Hmmm well this isn't sounding totally promising. I'll still consider it since I'm on a budget, but while we're all here... Where did you Perth people take your pets for training then? I live in North Perth - so fairly central. Any good reputations, what about the ones that VetWest run?

Hi there, Has anyone been to or heard feedback of Northern Suburbs Training & Obedience Dog Club in Perth, WA? They seem to have a solid program, good times (Sunday morning suits me), use positive reinforcement etc and it only costs 60 or 80 for a year (so long as we volunteer at one event or something). I can go to as many classes as I want. I was wondering if anyone has any more information than what I can gather from them directly and their website.

Theresadn88 - sorry, I meant personally... at home! I don't operate a shelter/kennel. Apologies for the confusion! haha oops right my mistake

Haha what a great story. Can't imagine why anyone would be without a microchip nowadays! It's invaluable and this article proves it. How upsetting to have lost your dog for all that time though

oops forgot to add - so probably no need to go to the vet This is just what I've read, so correct me if I'm wrong anyone!

I hear some dogs just do it for no particular reason, or whatever reason it's not "serious". Maybe just clear his poo away - composter or dispose of it somehow (even in your backyard) or watch him when he goes to discourage the behaviour with a "uh uh".

SecretKei - Ahh that's true, these do sound like the luckier ones. Gee it is really sad to hear about dogs on death row though. I guess the best way to keep them out is more awareness of how this happens and education for buyers to do their research in the breed and what its needs are. Gaylek, that sounds LOVELY! Congrats on the addition and it sounds like she's VERY happy you came into her life. Well now I know all that I know because of researching, I think I'll get a rescue dog as my next one when I buy a house in the next few years. Mita - that's what I was considering too! BUT I won't be one of those people that bite off more than they can chew. So I'm not gonna be greedy and get a second one yet, otherwise one's probably gonna end up homeless again. Labradork - is it the staff or the money that you are more low on? Or is it a bit of both? What impacts more in your (as in shelters) ability to look after a large amount of rescue dogs?

I'm getting my first puppy in 2 weeks, and can't wait! BUT then I see all these gorgeous rescue dogs on dogzonline and just go gaga. I have my eye on this Sibe girl but of course this is NOT going to happen since the breed won't suit my lifestyle plus I'm in love with my new puppy. I just think it's sad that these guys don't have a home. I guess seeing them and others like them really makes me want to promote reputable breeders and also to promote the right choice of breed. I know a few of my friends are looking at dogs, but I'm trying to convince people to get these rescues now. Especially that Sibe!

Thanks Naomi, can't wait to hear about your arrival of Archer. I've gotta get onto getting Toby a tag now too Having a look at you link now, thanks

I just visited my Bichon Frise - Tobias today. I've been around the forums for a while and reading heaps on what to expect, and I can finally say it's definitely happening. ;) Toby is 6 weeks today and I should be picking him up in 2 weeks. There were four boys to choose from, and although the oldest 2 got my attention first with their fully formed features and playful attitude, I chose the smallest. I wouldnt consider him a runt because he was only a tad smaller. His feature's didn't look as mature as the others yet but he stole my heart with his cuteness and attention Here's a pic

Thanks for that - theyr'e prices are slightly less than the one in Leederville (but hardly by much) and since I've heard such good rep about the leederville one, I think I might just go there. What sort of problems did you get into Drumbeat for you to need to have after hours care?? What dog do you have? I currently have a 3 year old Lakeland Terrier and am bringing home a 1 year old Lakeland tomorrow to see how he goes. We previously had a 14 yr old Lakeland who had a bulging disc which on a few occasions worsened and caused him problems. Sadly the last time he passed away in the vet clinic. We took our current dog to Vetwest at Yokine and were lucky enough to see a vet who was familiar with Lakelands from working in the UK. I would have recommended him to you but I believe he moved to the Carine practice. I'm sorry to hear about that, but good luck with your 1 year old and thanks again for the advice

True, I think I'll stick to around my place just in case of emergencies, but Subi isn't too far Yeah I think I should just trust that there are good vets out there rather than worry about bad ones. I'm sure I'll pick up the vibe, and I can always switch hehe I'm just a mum-to-be doing (too much) homework in preparation for my boy haha Thanks for that - theyr'e prices are slightly less than the one in Leederville (but hardly by much) and since I've heard such good rep about the leederville one, I think I might just go there. What sort of problems did you get into Drumbeat for you to need to have after hours care?? What dog do you have?