blinx

I'd be so but could never stay mad at my dog if he did something like that! Lol.

What a traumatic experience...really hope the dog is now recovering okay. Having a "P" plate stuck on their bonnet sometimes doesn't mean jack to idiotic fresh drivers out there.

;) *envy* That would be something fun and different for puppy. Wish I could bring my pup to work! Bet he'd love it.

I've heard good and bad stories of going down such a path. Have had one family take home a chihauhau for free, from a tax driver (yeh didn't know them but randomly told them while picking them up for a fare) whose dog had a litter by accident and its been their love and joy for almost 10 years so far. They hardly take it to the vet, but that's not to say they're bad owners since the dog doesn't leave the huge backyard. Then I've know someone else who saw cattle dogs going for $20 and chose the first pup that came to him. Took it to the vet who listed a mutitude of issues like blindness (which came true) and arthiritis. Heartbreaking. Its really a matter of chance, imo.

Thank you! I'll try the pepper and deep heat spray. Chili isn't an option because we might get it on our skin (pebbles and gravel surround the stepping stones and clothes line)...that, and my man has chili with almost every meal and values them too much to be sprayed. :p

This is exactly what my partner and I are currently doing. We've been taking turns waking up (puppy let's us know when he starts ripping newspapers in the crate, lol) and take him out on to the lawn to do his thing. Works great! sheena, if your pup is doing its business everywhere, you have have to re-train it on the right spot that he can only do his business. Before that, I'd start by cleaning all the places he peed/ pooped with non-ammonia based cleaning products as he'll smell the scent where he previously "marked".

Im sure thats why so many "working kelpies" end up in rescue. they dont have the desire to work so they are disgarded....My last rescue kelpie that i fostered was quite content to lay on the lounge with my 2. I was actually hesitant about getting a Kelpie since they have that reputation as working dogs, but my partner was keen for an active dog. Have to say, my Neo has been a bit of each which I'm happy about - active in the mornings, goes through a major afternoon slump and sleeps for hours, then a bit of bounce around before dinner, then gradually slows down into the evening. Definitely suits our lifestyle!

Love Elkhounds! I've met two (Elkhound-German Sheperd X) and they have the most beautiful temperaments, and highly amusing at what they get up to...one of them once managed to climb a shed roof?! :D

Well, at least this gives you some hope that their so called "negative" experience means they'll never return to the same cafe!

To stop my puppy from eating gravel, pebble or bark, I've tried spraying lemon and vinegar. Results? He loves it! Licks it all up and continues playing with whatever I'm trying to ban him from touching. I'm not too keen on using chilli. My partner and I are in the process of teaching pup to leave things alone but until then, any other products someone can recommend?

Wow, your dog is a true Lassie! I heard there is a medal for animal heroes, will need to do a bit of research on that. :p

Not prejudice about any particular breed but moreso based on how the owner treats and trains them as that's how the dog will turn out. However it may be a coincidence but I've had most negative experiences with Shi Tzu dogs. Have lived with a lady who lets her Shi Tzu rule the roost. Needless to say, that dog is pretty uncontrollable with his small-man mentality and have had to live with their lovers quarrels - he turns his back on her then suddenly runs over and bites whenever she comes home late. I've also lost count the times she handfeeds him from her plate and carries him to her bed. Needless to say, I had no qualms moving out quick smart. One of my closest friends also owns a Shi Tzu-Maltese X an have had to walk around the other way each time I visited because of his insanely aggressive barking and snapping at everyone except the family. At least he makes for kind of a guard dog. :p

I'm also interested...anyone can let me know where to get one locally? Any shops in Sydney stock em? Ordered one online but just found out they need an extra couple of days to ship it in from overseas.

I've had friends who are against me bringing my pup to a dog-friendly cafe and just sit there with their waterbowls, telling me to get a petsitter so I can get a social life. Needless to say its pretty rude and equivalent to saying get a babysitter for your newborn each tiem you go for a coffee, but that's just how some people are.

Our vet recommended Aloveen as our pup has really dry, flaky and itchy skin. Seemed to have work for one day only. Can't be his diet (more fish oil, coat-maintainance puppy kibble) so back to the drawing board! Might even resort to leave-in treatments.