donski

Oh that sounds a bit sad

I get fleaed as well as licked. They seem to go for the neck and the crook of the elbow. Tickles so much I have to stop them cause I erupt in giggles

Yeah I have one the same. It makes me feel guilty leaving a room that he has just settled down in, so I invent reasons to stay in that room longer so I don't disturb him as often. Pathetic!

On a hot day....

When I get out of the shower I get my calves and knees licked dry for me. That's as high as he can reach luckily!

I love it when dogs are able to be out in their front yards. It means they are getting stimulation and exercise and not shut up in a four walled backyard while their owner is away. It's bored dogs who cause lots of the problems that are discussed on this forum eg. digging holes, destroying things. At least when a dog is in the front yard it can watch what is going on a round it and have some mental variation in their day. And yep, I'm another one who is so wholeheartedly sick of nervous nellies and report-happy people who really need to not sweat the small stuff in life. Dogs bark, deal.

I'm terrifed of the approaching Perth summer and associated snake risk. We're on 16 acres and half of it bush. Based on the replies already I'll consider using them. Does anyone have any recommedations of types/brands?

Ha, that's gold!

I just can't help but feel we're all a bit precious here in Australia. I much prefer the European model (France in particular) where all sorts of dogs are in all sorts of places and no-one is shocked or horrified. It wouldn't have worried me at all seeing that. I personally wouldn't feed my dogs caffeine and they're too big to sit on my lap but if someone else wants to do that, then go for it. All utensils are put through the dishwasher, so there's no hygiene issues. I enjoy being at a cafe with my dog and I enjoy seeing others doing the same. I much rather see examples of people loving (or even over-loving) their dogs than instances of cruelty and neglect.

I quite like the fact that people are trying to be friendly/social and are probably looking for a conversation starter.

Far from an expert, but I'm guessing anything with the name 'bull' in their title? Bull terrier, bull arab, bull mastiff. Bulldog?

I admit my post was rather harsh, so apologies for that. My exasperation at these type of posts though have been building over time, and I took it out on this particular comment. I just feel that it's the nervous nellie, woe-is-me types that are actually exacerbating the exact situation they're complaining about.

Now you all have your knickers in a knot as I suspected you would, so calm down and read this..... At no point in my post did I say that dog owners shouldn't check with parents before allowing their dogs to interact with their children. At no point in my post did I say that it's acceptable for dogs to jump up on adults or children (but let's face it, most of them do). At no point in my post did I say that dogs should be allowed in children's playground. My point is that bad thing NEARLY happen all the time, but they don't. So what is the point about making a fuss about it. To illustrate my point - a dog ran by us off the lead today, the owner clearly had no control over him. Oh dear. NOTHING BAD HAPPENED, so I'm not going to mention it. Not the ideal situation, but no negative result, so what's the point in bringing it up? Another opinion that I hold, is that children in general these days are way too cosseted. Kids should play outside, kids should get dirty and scraped and bruised and bumped and yes, even the odd broken bone. It's life people, get over it. Dogs will jump up and kids will get scratched and bumped and maybe even knocked over. Teach them to get back up and get on with things, not to cry and whinge and look for someone to blame and for a lawyer to start a civil case.

Oh dear a child was jumped upon and scratched by a dog!!!! Gosh, better call an ambulance and contact the media. Sheeesh, really? Is she that much of a princess that it was an issue?

Most interactions with most dogs (as with people) are nice and social and friendly. IMHO we create more problems for our dogs by teaching them that any or all interactions with other dogs are to be feared and avoided. By crossing the street every time another dog approaches, by tensing up, gripping the lead tighter we are conveying tension to our dogs. This then is communicated to the other dog and thus a conflict may arise. However we ourselves have created the problem, not the oncoming dog. We usually get what we look for in life. If we expect hassle and conflict we get it, if we expect niceness we get that more often that not. Sure bad things can happen, but do we wrap our kids and dogs up in cotton wool to avoid such possibilities, or do we raise them with confidence and reslience?

Wow great video, that's some amazing stuff he does

Oh poor things - and you. Here's to a good outcome, hang in there, they are getting good treatment it sounds like so you've done all you can

I've just moved to the Perth hills. We're on 16 acres and alot of it is bush. Does anyone know how common paralysis ticks are over here please? Wasn't concerned til I read this thread. I've lived in Melbourne where it doesn't really seem to be an issue.

Oh god, PLEASE get that dog some pain killers. Poor thing. That would have the first thing on my mind and I'd have been insisting. His appetite could be reduced simply due to his inactivity.

Yes I can so relate to this with my bull terriers. I'm thinking of getting t-shirts printed up for them "I am not a pitbull" (Not that there's anything wrong with that of course :))

My mini bull has a permanently tragic expression which puts me in a state of constant guilt. Except when he's out exercising, in which case I take (and possibly miscontrue) his panting for smiling. As a result he's extremely fit!

One of the things I love about Europe is their free and easy attitude to dogs. Dogs everywhere, in pubs, restaurants, shops, hotels. And they aren't just little, fluffy things that fit in handbags either. Oh if only we could be the same. I am a definite rule bender if not breaker. I must admit I take my dogs as many places as I can and probably some I can't. I do push the boundaries, but do all the right things otherwise eg. training, on-lead, poo picking up etc. If I can't see it hurting me, my dog or anyone (or anything) else then I'll give it a go.

I leave both of mine indoor, definitely. They're part of the family

I've used Tony - from 'Tony's Practice' in Woodend. He's a vet and an animal chiropracator. He did good work with my dog and also that of my friends.

I do really try NOT to do the baby talk thing, but seriously it seems to be a subconcious act, a biological imperative over which I have no control! There must be some sort of science behind it