trinabean

Good on you for putting her in her place....Far, far away from your dog! I've had a few know-it-alls take me by surprise (including one man on a quiet trail in bushland, scared the heck out of me ) I've deflected them, usually politely, sometimes more tersely (creep in the bush).Really, I'd hate for some stranger to ruin my dog/ set back our training. I envy you your witty deflection of "pinning her on the floor by her neck and patting the busy body out of her" I just don't think quickly enough to come out with anything witty.

As Sandra777 stated, a good breeder really has the best interests of the pup in mind and will place/not place accordingly. I think a good breeder would rather keep a pup than take it back from an unsuitable home further down the track. I did trust the breeder to choose a puppy for me and I was nervous initially. I think she did pick the best temperament for our family (we have 2 young kids) and I would happily trust her judgement next time. I think the only people who were offered some choice of the litter were show homes. Your ability to choose from a litter may come down to whether you want a potential show/ pet quality pup. As for what information a breeder will need from a buyer, I suppose you can take it as a positive if the breeder asks you LOTS of questions! I also chose a breeder that was happy to answer all of my questions and seemed very honest about the pros and cons of her breed. Good luck with finding a good breeder who you feel comfortable with, -and whose dogs you love!

Is it too late to lobby the powers-that-be for due process/appeal to use temperament testing? So unfair that so many beautiful dogs with be tarred with the same brush as being 'dangerous' when temperament testing could clear them.

No doubt. There is a place in this world IMO for dogs prepared to do harm to humans who simply trespass. IMO Australia is not one of those places and a dog with the temperament of the Fila needs to be carefully placed in the right homes anywhere. A correctly temperamented Fila will do more than just guard.. so when little Timmy comes uninvited over the fence looking for his tennis ball, he won't be leaving in one piece. I'd say he wont' be leaving anyway but in a coffin. Anyone who could casually say that they wish to own such a dog in an urban setting in this country needs their head read. Place that argument in a place like Johannesburg and its a whole new ball game. What ever "poodle fan". I live in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Australia, we had over 5 murders in this suburb last year and many, many other bashings, sexual assaults and attacks. Just cause you live in posh poodle ville doesn't give you a right to judge. I've only been here a year and I have already had my place broken into and my possession stolen, including my former dog (which was a labradore). You can really go stuff your opinions. Little Timmy isn't going to be coming over my 3 metre high fence, I don't have any kids as neighbors and all the neighbors are long term. Its none of your bloody business why I want a specific dog or not, and I have every right to have a guard dog that is capable of taking down an intruder for my protection (well I should have that right, if Australia wasn't such a gutless cotton wool nanny state). I have a right to protect myself whatever you may think. You may like dogs that are "like little poodles" but I like real dogs with assertive temperaments that are capable of protecting me. BTW You would make a great leader for this nanny state, seeing as you like to judge other peoples business. I am a responsible owner, entirely capable of managing my dog and restricting my dog to my property. You are a clown who likes to think people are too irresponsible to handle things and everything should be banned. Oh and "poodlefan", there are many non-banned breeds which are quite capable of mauling to death little Timmy, I have met great danes and other dogs that would maul little Timmy if he jumped the back fence, its not the breed, its how the dog is trained and socialized, its hypocritical and deluded reasoning that thinks some breeds are "bad". There is no such thing as an evil or bad breed of dog. Screw the government banning everything (especially dogs), because of the extremely small minority of dog attacks by irresponsible dog owners (you know instead of actually holding those owners heavily responsible). Ban cars, ban back yard pools, ban swimming, ban sports, lets all wrap the whole of society in cotton wool and take away all of our liberties, otherwise poodlefan might have nightmares about the bad things that could happen. OH WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN! Cybergenesis, in case you hadn't noticed, Poodlefan has actually argued AGAINST BSL in numerous recent threads. As a bully breed owner I for one have appreciated her going in to bat against those who are pushing BSL. She has countless times pointed out the reality that "there are many non-banned breeds which are quite capable of mauling to death little Timmy"(in your words). You'll get the rest of us nowhere with your attitude. Oh and if you believe your own words that it's not the breed but how the dog is trained and socialized, how's about just training a non-banned breed to be a guard dog?;)

Thanks Ososwift. I'm going shopping for both dogs today. I figure if I stock up on rawhide bones and chewy treats any crate/separation time will still be fun for both dogs.

Yes, I've got no idea. Sandgrubber, if you add 'Don't know' to the poll options, I'd choose that.

And I got asked if my Boxer was a Rhodesian Ridgeback...go figure! It seems that the general public struggle to recognize what I thought were well-known purebreeds?

:rofl: :rofl: Sorry you're sick, but that is priceless!

Well when it comes to in-laws, I for one am a bit better prepared if I have prior warning. As stated in a previous post, I'm not just stressed about accomodating an extra unknown dog. Go easy on me GayleK, I'm not heartless or inhospitable. Life for us has been a bit pressured lately. Among other things, both my parents are seriously ill in another state, I'm parenting 2 young children single-handedly while my husband works away and I've been sick for weeks. I did specify that September was diabolical and that October was a great time to come, so it's not ideal that the communication failed. I would love them to have a great time here and I do hope the dogs and children get along fine. We had some lovely plans that we could have managed in October. Nothing wrong with managing and 'planning' IMHO. ;) Me too.....but I do have areas in the house where I can keep their dogs seperate from mine for sleeping arrangements & bad weather. Also the house yard is divided into two allowing access to seperate parts of the house, verandahs & sheds. I don't allow friends dogs free range of inside the house, nor do mine if unsupervised, so they understand this before they come, otherwise they make different arrangements. Sheena, your set-up sounds perfect. Wish I could borrow your house! edited: spelling

Agree. The safety of both kids and both dogs is paramount. More important than anyone taking offense to the rules actually. I think you did the right thing for Sasha. Yes, this sounds like a good idea. I'm wondering if it would help to walk my dog just before they arrive too? They could meet us close-by and walk together for a good while before going home. Might burn off some of the boisterous boxer energy first?

I have a crate which I used as Bruno's bed in the laundry when he was younger. Since he's been housetrained though I haven't used it much as he has a comfy bed in the loungeroom (in front of the heater.) I guess I could set up the crate in the loungeroom? He dislikes being 'banished' to the laundry methinks and he's well-behaved and calm when he can see what we're all doing. Nosy little guy. Probably can't manage the pine logs and separate yard area on my own (OH is interstate and I'm not handy!) though it's a good idea. Separate rooms/crate / time outside will have to do. As they've taken me by surprise, unfortunately I just won't be home all the time as I have some commitments I can't change. Will have to juggle the separation when not supervised as best we can. Thanks, this is a good idea. And yes, it's good that the poodle is young and not elderly/unwell (and not up for zoomies and playing!) She might be a good playmate. All good points Zug Zug. I'm not just stressed about the dog I suppose. My in-laws both have special dietary needs and need separate meals, plus with OH interstate I'm functioning as a single parent,-with no family support in WA. I've been pretty sick too and have just been tested for whooping cough (yuck!) Oh woe is me! I'm disappointed that they're coming in the month we specifically told them was really busy. Had they come in October, we could have done some really nice things together. As it is, we will hardly be around. I will make the best of it when they arrive though... Take me! Take me! ;) wire crates, cunningly disguised as cubby houses ............... Hehe maybe I need a crate for me? Small wine bar, cunningly disguised as a dog crate!

Good point Showdog. Im pretty sure she will be current, they are good with things of that nature. Yes, a few people have suggested this, definitely worth trying. Yes, the supervision of kids and dogs is probably my main concern. It's ironic that more adults present sometimes means less supervision happens. People get distracted chatting and everybody thinks someone else is watching the kids. I've seen this happen at swimming pools. Henrietta, I wish I could visit nan for a glass of wine!

Thanks everyone for your input. Love the collective wisdom of DOLers.

I thought the same thing. My confidence started to fizzle out by the end.

Well I think he's cute... Boston Terriers were on my list of dogs when we were looking. Love a smooshy face.

I have no idea about their dog. Mine has been a bit more alert to other dogs on walks since being bailed up by an aggressive dog last weekend. That's a good point about the memories and I hadn't looked at it that way. I hope this will end up being a positive experience for us. We have a good sized garden. Bruno is good with other boxers but I don't know about smaller dogs. Puppy school separated large and small breeds and dog obedience didn't allow dogs to meet. I don't know anyone with a reliable small dog to 'test' him with. Can't speak for their dog though, she's about 18months old and I haven't met her yet.] Long walks are definitely part of my plan. Not sure if they can walk my dog though. He is boisterous and strong and 'loose lead walking' is still a work in progress! ;)

Exactly Clyde. Oakway, I just want to do what's best for my kids and my dog. Oh, and peace and harmony with the in-laws would be nice too.... You may have been there and done it before but I have not. Hence my original post.

So sad

Perhaps you're not a cow...just a clear communicater! Yes, I will be specific about my expectations. I get your point re "they're dogs, they'll sort themselves out." I won't be away for more than a few hours at a time. Will think about this but I don't really want to kennel my dog. .As I see it this is his home and he is happiest here. He is an active dog who loves his walks and backyard 'zoomies' so kennelling is no fun for him. I kennel him when I absolutely have to. This. I would explain that due to the miscommunication, you weren;t aware until it was too late their dog was coming, and you're just not set up to have two dogs in th ehouse, particularly a "new" dog....I wouldn;t even give the an option, be firm, but nice, so maybe say "Ok, so I've found them a great boarding kennel and tomorrow we'll go and look at it and your dog will be able to stay there" That is a good way of putting it. I will seek out some info on good kennels in Perth. My pup gets kennelled at his breeders but she only takes boxers. Not sure I trust them all to communicate clearly now! This incident is bringing my inner control freak to the surface! But yes, any instructions to kennel their dog are going to be better recieved if they come from him rather than me. It truly was a communication breakdown. They were planning on arriving this weekend, meanwhile their son is interstate for work! I'm tempted for the sake of family unity to test the waters and see how the dogs react to each other. Perhaps off-lead in the backyard? I do have a crate (and child gates to section off no-go zones like bedrooms) though we haven't used it much since our dog became house-trained. We are in the process of building a secure dog run but that won't be done in time.

I think you're about fourth in line for him at this stage Figured as much but thought I'd get in line ASAP!

My in-laws (who live interstate) were due to visit us in October for 2 weeks. So...in a miscommunication of epic proportions between my OH and his parents, I am suddenly hit with the news that they will be here to visit next week. As September is very busy for our family, I'm ill-prepared and now have an additional worry as they are bringing their dog. Had they asked I would have advised them not to. Before I get flamed let me explain, I love my dog but would never impose him upon people without asking if it was OK to bring him. They are however, halfway across the country now so I will have to judge the situation when they get here. My main concerns are: 1. Based on their previous dogs, their dog may not be well-trained or supervised. This was apparently tolerated because they were small dogs. 2. My dog is a large 8 month old boxer and their dog is a miniture poodle. They differ in size and play-style. I have no idea if they will get along. 3. My pup's training is a work in progress. I have rules in my house that they do not. I'm not sure if they will enforce my rules or if they will let their dog do as it pleases. Will they undermine my dogs' training? 4. I'm not going to be home all of the time and don't think that it's a good idea to leave the dogs together unsupervised. 5. Probably the biggest concern is that I have children and I only ever have my dog and kids together when supervised. The chaos of an extra dog and visitors is just a whole different dynamic to manage. Their previous dogs (same breed) were a handful with separation anxiety and owner guarding issues. They were also resource guarders, especially with food. I have no idea what this dog is like but I'm not confident that they will have done anything differently in raising it. I'm trying not to completely stress myself out. Not feeling as hospitable as I normally do. At all.... Ideas welcome. I have suggested that they consider kennelling their dog once they get here, especially if it's clear that our dogs don't get along.

I love your Bruno Now, if you ever decide you can't keep him...

Bought a Zoom Groom and a hound glove with a chamois on the reverse side. Haven't found a boar bristle brush today, will check online though. One glistening and gleaming dog now...:D Saw your post after I went shopping Stormie. Thanks for the horse grooming block tip though. Might try one on him. Next shopping trip... Just need to work on the dreaded nail trimming now...

Greyhound or whippet?

Thanks everyone, It sounds like the Zoom Groom might be the best option. Bruno isn't overly keen on being brushed but I am perservering (and picking opportune moments to do a bit!) The Furminator did seem a bit harsh so I would prefer something softer too. I will look for a good body brush too Poodlefan. I love a shiny dog! Thanks for all the replies.