LisaCC

"Purchase your puppy from a breeder that focuses purely on the health and functionality of their specific breed, not appearance." But the main picture is of one of those big boofhead blue staffords? Hmmm.

I'm the same as this. I buy good quality stuff for him, but that stuff generally lasts longer. Ok I will admit that I also let him "pick" a toy at the pet store which he then proceeds to carry down to the counter But he has boundaries and certainly doesn't get to do what ever he wants and run rampant. People who let their dogs do whatever they like is what I would call "spoilt".

Ah thank you! That is a really really tiny ingredient list! I will check it out next time I'm in pet stock!

DDD, is there anyway you could get the ingredient list for me? I've been looking for something similar to help bulk up and keep weight on Nova but most of them contain stuff he has issues with.

We have new (well 6 months old now), neighbours across the road, who as soon as they moved in bought a new puppy, that is never on a leash. They walk it by riding their bikes fast down the street and letting it run (tiny puppy yep). Now they just open their garage door and let it wonder the street all afternoon. Yesterday arvo before they got home I took Nova out the front (on lead), to de shed him. They come home and give me the most evil look because I dare have my dog in my own front yard which stops them from letting their puppy be loose. Urghhhh.

Thanks Aliwake DDD, you should take monthly one still, just so you can see her mature. Do dallies change much after one year? Nova has filled out a lot in the last 5 months, and I was told he probably has quite a bit more to do.

Aww lab puppies are just so gorgeous! Aliwake, we got 2 Best of Breeds One didn't have any other Aussies but on Friday (so our first show) we actually beat other dogs! I couldn't believe it, someone had to actually tell us we got it I had heaps of fun and met some really lovely people!

Kirislin those photos are gorgeous, I love it when you post dog photos! I really like Collie and Sarahs resourcefulness. Nova was a very resourceful puppy, laptop bags were a favourite! It's also not the first time Nova has climbed something. When we visited my Mum for Easter, he felt left out so climbed the air conditioning thing outside so he could stare in the windows at visitors

Little gifts that sounds hilariously disturbing Didi looks awfully sorry for herself! And Terri I have no idea how he got himself up there without banging through the window! Dory!

Another light hearted thread. Just caught Nova being a weirdo. Obviously was a cat in a past life! Share your 'What the?' 'How the?' 'Whyyy?' Dog moments!

Just gorgeous, your writing is beautiful. This is making me want to go to Italy even more. Looking forwards to parts 3 and 4 :)

Ahhh just catching up on this thread. Suzi Laiken is just gorgeous!! Is that Wilbur's Mum with her? Are your doggies siblings? :) Hope everyones waits aren't too horrible. It's the best feeling when you finally get your puppy after such long waits!

Nova is almost 17 months, we are entering some proper shows this weekend and are almost ready to start obedience trialing. He still looks quite immature compared to a fully grown Aussie, but he's definitely grown up recently, in both body and brain. 'Say hi'

The new puppies are so cute! And last years puppies have grown so gorgeously! Fritz is a monster (in the best way)! DDD you know how much I love Nala

Nawww!! Ronin is so cute! Novas first toy is headless. It did last quite a long time, but then he destroyed it at about 12 months. It's body still gets played with though

I was just thinking this vet could know someone in the ACT as it isn't very far away.

Mel I don't know about the ACT, but I do know of a Vet in Wagga that does it. This vet is recommended by lots of breeders too. I can PM you details if you like, she might at least be able to point you into the right direction.

I've said this on a few previous threads but I'm definitely in the "What ever your dog does best on". My lab with IBD could only ever maintain weight on a specific Pedigree Meaty Bites, and we tried everything including raw, exclusion diets and prescription diets. When Pedigree got rid of that type he went down hill on everything except Wellness Senior but it still wasn't as good for him as the Pedigree. My current dog does fantastically on Earthborn Holistic Grain Free Coastal Catch. So I'm more than prepared to buy the most expensive food, but my lab just did best on one of those regarded as "crap".

Wow! Thats a big change! Imagine how much different she will be at 2

Aww that's brilliant!! Happy Early Birthday Nala! I did a monthly one of Nova and still haven't gotten around to doing it up. He's actually grown heaps since he turned one so maybe I should keep going to 2.

I may be biased though, the few dogs I let Nova free run with are sighthounds, a greyhound and a Staghound x

There is no reason you can't enjoy him running and playing, but why not limit it to dogs you know so the risk is lower? Get those greyhounds and their owners together and organise a quieter time to go and let them run their hearts out

Does a mock obedience trial count? We went super well in that today and would of been a pass if it was real Looking at entering some now. Getting better with our Agility training, but he won't be 18months until November so we might have to put agility trials into next years goals. Doing some shows this weekend and a few more entered.

We use the blue one at work (in a pharmacy), it gets a work out. The blades can go blunt though, so perhaps it's just time for a new one? I definitely agree with using tweezers, and if the tablet has markings on them make sure you do follow the line. If you don't they can split there anyway and you won't have an even half, or they will just crumble.

He could be like me, I use dog parks but not to let my boy have free play with other dogs. I use them to give him some off leash running and to practice training in distracting environments. If someone is in the park I will go to the oval next to it, walk, train etc and wait for them to leave. I personally wouldn't take an injured dog to a dog park, but that's up to him. As a husky owner I'm sure you already know this but Huskies natural stance can be a bit unnerving to some dogs too. So even if Ronin was perfectly behaved some owners might know their dogs get worried by huskies and certain breeds. My boy stresses just being too close in obedience class to a doberman because of it's upright posture and it has a tendency to stare. It a lovely obedient, friendly dog, just it's own relaxed behaviour unnerves my boy.