JRG

A heap of stones is good. I just get the guy to deliver gravel for my dog yard in a heap, and the “inmates” soon distribute it! Great fun.

talking a pens for pups got me reminiscing so here are a couple of photos

Disneyland type play areas are great for puppy’s and older dogs. We used to have one with a huge tractor tyre in it plus logs to walk along and a sand shell to dig in. All gone now except the big tyre which is still a great favourite with our dogs of all ages — now it has a tunnel entrance built by generations of dogs and a great place to sit!

The. most important thing is routine. He will learn very quickly how to get round you, so be firm and stick with the timetable that YOU want. If he needs to go out during the night, straight out and back - no playing or rubbing of tummy etc

Nothing quite like a Snooza. Good quality and service and an excellent free repair service for when someone takes a nibble or the zipper gets broken

If you need any other info you can P M me

Look at the Retrieving Australia website. Breeders advertise litters on the forum page and you can look back and see the breeders on there

Michael at Surefind Kennels (see the banner advertising on the main Dogzonline pages). Will make cages for the back of any vehicle. he is very reliable.

I understand that the company who made them is no longer doing so. not sure if they are closing down completely or not. Does anyone know ?

I am in Victoria so no use to you. Try to find one reasonably close to home as he/she will need to see your dog to be able to prescribe a treatment regime and help you with her specific problems

There is no doubt that a Veterinary Behavourist would be able to give your dog drugs etc and advise you on care matters, but armed with that advice, you will still have to Iive with her for forever long it takes and only you can answer this. Speaking from personal experience, I can say that my Vet Behavourist is a great source of help and support.

As I pointed out, there are now reasonably specific regulations in Victoria concerning your rights as a puppy buyer and the breeders obligations. It might be an idea to check these . . .

Buy yourself some clippers and keep the hair in that area short. The same happens to other breeds and, with practice it will look OK. i would not shave. Just use the clippers like stroking down the length of the hair. -if you were closer I’d say come round and I will show you, it really is easy.

There are very specific regulations about this in Victoria, so do check before you “attack” the breeder

Don’t know anything about the one you mention, I use a Road Refresher which does not spill and is difficult to play with the water.

The vet said I can give him three x 450mg if I foresee a problem day (ie lots of male visitors!) but I have never given him more than 2. I have to admit that Ted is much improved, but it has taken us 4+ months to get this far. Don’t expect too much too soon.

I used adaptil 24/7 + zylene (up to two 450mg capsules per day) for a 20kg boy. have decreased as he has become more confident and dropped the adaptil altogether.

I have not tried deconstructing the capsules, Ted will eat them buried in cream cheese! Fortunately he LOVES cheese and will now take it from my hand.

I did not see anything dramatic, just a gradual calming down and a reduced reaction to the world at large. He can still be “spooky”, but comes round quicker and does not hide in his crate all the time.

Try budgetpetproducts.com.au. I have found it cheaper from them than anyone else

Zylkene has been a godsend for my very nervous “rescue” spaniel. You can buy it on line or at some pet suppliers. No prescription needed. My vet behaviourist says my boy can have two or three times the dose on the packet if needed.

When I look at your responses to the various breeds, I have to confess that you do not really want a Gundog at all particularly not one of the working types.I agree with dogsfevr, get a dog that the family want, and take it with you on your hunting trips. As long as it bashes the cover a bit and stays with you , it will be a good companion

Like Tassiee, I would start with a big soft toy not a ball. Start in the house, in the passage. All doors shut so he cannot escape.. sit on the floor and get the pup interested in the toy, then throw a short distanc (1 meter ) and en courage the pup to go after it and as soon as he goes to pick it up, call him back in an excited voice and welcome him with enthusiasm. Do not immediately take the prize (toy). Play with the pup and toy for a while and only then,ask him to give it to you . Start all over again.

Just watch that you don’t create jealousy between the dogs. I would never play with one of the girls unless the other one is confined.

Yes.don’t bother with an ultrasound. At this late stage and possibly a small litter, X-ray is more accurate.