Her Majesty Dogmad

And any dog can go for children but not if you never give them an opportunity. Crawling babies and dogs don't mix, screaming toddlers are equally a challenge for many poor animals. Kids come here but my dogs go outside, they are rescued and all have superb temperaments and are actually good with kids but I never compromise them, just in case.

I'm someone who has worked with dogs very closely over the last 6 years in particular. I've fostered over 100 dogs for rescue organisations in that time as well. I 've done rehomings and managed foster carers. I tell you this because it looks like I'm in the minority but I don't agree with having a puppy alone all day. I don't agree with crating the dog either, I think that is particularly unkind actually. When I've had foster dog issues, it has been with the young ones, barking because I'm out for too long, eg at work. This is in spite of them having each other to play with and an hour's exercise before I leave. With your lifestyle, I believe you could look at a more mature dog (4+ yrs) but 10 hrs is a long time for dogs to be alone and some dogs don't cope. You can leave the radio on, pay for a dog walker etc, pay for them to go to doggie minders or similar. We all have to work, it's about getting the right fit for the lifestyle and in my experience, puppies don't work well with full time workers.

I spoke to a Lagotto breeder in Sydney a few months ago, she was absolutely fantastic, I was very impressed. They are a rare breed and she would def take one of her dogs back, we discussed this actually as I had found one being rehomed. Usually, breeders have waiting lists - believe me, rehoming is not easy. It's not about giving the dog to the first "nice" people that call. There are plenty of pitfalls for private rehomers. I'm also appalled that the person wants to see the dog after giving it away. I can understand it when people go into nursing homes or hospitals and are physically unable - if I took on one of their dogs, I would take the dog to see them. Generally, when people are rehoming their dogs and they indicate they still want to see the dog - I say "no", it is too disruptive to the dog and quite simply NOT FAIR to the dog or the new owners. You love the dog - keep the dog. You give the dog away - say goodbye.

I've got some suggestions - always walk dogs (especially young dogs ie under 5 yrs old) in the morning before you leave. They've slept all night and are full of beans. Provide a doggie door (if you don't have one), many dogs are much quieter for that. Leave a radio on inside the house. It is good that your neighbour has let you know rather than go straight to the council, you don't get too many options once that happens.

Some breeds seem to commonly get dry eye, shihtzus are prone to it. I have a malt with dry eye and just rehomed a foster who also had it, she was possibly a Lhasa Apso cross. Hers was worse than my malts though, he needs drops once a day whereas her eyes needed Optimmune twice daily together with drops in the middle of the day - imposible to achieve if you work fulltime. She's gone to a home that can keep that regime up. Optimune is expensive but is the best dry eye medication. The drops I used in the middle of the day were Systane which are fantastic (I have dry eye and use them too). I found with my foster girl that Genteal eye gel was also good to use after the Optimmune and after 8 months of trialling different drops, gels etc in conjunction with the Optimmune, I was able to hand her over with the best things to use for her.

He certainly knows all about horse sh*t I well remember the program where he had pictures of the "well-socialised puppies" in puppy farms, compared to a "typical breeder's set-up" (dog in small chain fenced concrete run) ETA - that was the last "Burke's Backyard" I ever watched Me too, I was ENRAGED. Lucky he wasn't anywhere near me whilst filming that disgusting propaganda. Farming dogs like chickens is CRUEL, no question. DB needs an empathy transplant.

I use a mixture of Napisan and water, soak it all over the stain and the surrounds, patting it in until it's really wet, then get an old towel and stand on it and soak it all up.

Poor boy, I can never understand people who cannot be bothered to make an effort to fix their fence and will let an animal die instead. RIP Nelson, you were loved by us.

Well that's two dogs that need euthanasing, such a high level of aggression, could have caused a road accident too. Your poor sister and dogs, they'll be nervous wrecks. Hope they are all feeling better soon. It's the stuff of your worst nightmares.

My old IG did this for the 9 years I owned him. I used to wipe his legs down!

I always wanted a Cocker Spaniel but we didn't get a dog until I was 22 and he was unwanted, he was a Lakeland Terrier, it was a baptism of fire! I wasn't in a position to own a dog until I was 40. In the intervening years I met Cockers and I can honestly say I would probably never want one. THey are just not right for me. I'm very much into IGs, whippets and terrier types!

Such a young dog, sorry to hear this. I hope he's back on the straight and narrow now. I've recently been buying turkey mince as it's extremely lean, and cooking it up with basmati rice (very nutritious) and veggies. My dogs can't get enough of it!

Here is an article I wrote on housetraining for the Doggie Rescue magazine - it may help possibly. HOUSETRAINING People often run into troubles with housetraining, there are some important things to understand before you start: • You can housetrain a dog at any age • Praise is more successful and kinder than punishment (rubbing a dog’s nose in it’s mess is simply cruel and will damage your relationship with your dog) • It is crucial to dedicate time – ie 2-3 days - to training • Be consistent and develop a routine • Clean up with the right things (not disinfectant or liquid soap) • If possible, it is best to provide the dog with easy access to your outside area – put in a dog door or keep the door open. I’ve housetrained many dogs up to age 14. I must admit I generally find males are easier than females and some breeds (foxy types) are quicker at learning than others. I train dogs to wee on command but they will still go when they need to. Please see my method below:  Decide on a command - eg “do wees” you will repeat this over and over.  Keep a pocketful of special treats on hand all the time for the first 2-3 days but praise/pats will do if you run out  Walk the dog several times a day (ie every couple of hours)  When the dog wees – every time - you get very excited and keep saying “Good boy/girl, do wees, do wees” – give the dog treats every time.  First thing in the morning, last thing at night and every time you see the dog eat or drink (both precursors to weeing) whisk the dog into the garden and repeat the command “do wees”. Get very excited and present treats every time dog goes.  The dog’s aim in life is to please you. If the dog should have an accident inside the house – say NOTHING at all. The dog soon gets the idea that when he/she goes outside you are really, really pleased and he/she gets rewarded.  Clean any accidents with a mix of white vinegar and water. For carpet/rugs, I use either a mixture of Napisan/water or bicarb of soda and water. I completely soak the stain using a dab on technique with a cloth. When it is very wet, I use an old towel to soak up the excess moisture. Be careful on any expensive carpet/rug, wood etc. I have never had any problems but I cannot guarantee any method here. Still having troubles? Start over again and ensure you are following step by step. For anyone in units – have you had a look for a product called the “Pet Loo” – it’s worth checking out and is available in Petbarns or on Ebay.

My boss has ended up in a difficult position with her Rottweiler, he is about a year old and weighs 60kgs. She got him from the same breeder as her 9 yr old Rotti who is a gentle dog. She got the second dog to keep him company and to remain when the old boy goes. They have always had a sociable life with other dogs and visitors with kids coming and going and there was never a problem with the first dog. Unfortunately this second dog, with exactly the same upbringing as the old boy, has turned out to be aggressive, not only with other animals but with people/kids, even those he has known and seen regularly since he was a puppy. The only people he's OK with are my boss and her husband and child. He has to be locked away when visitors come round for everyone's safety. He has also taken to dominating the old dog who doesn't respond luckily. After discussions with the breeder, my boss tried to find something in the forces where this dog could use his guarding skills but they are not interested so today he has been put to sleep with the breeder's blessing. He was just too dangerous to pass on to anyone.

Go with the breeder. A month is far too long to go with a pet sitter. My neighbours did this for 2 weeks, their dog barked the neighbourhood down the whole fortnight, she was very lonely indeed, in spite of a daily walk and feed - it simply isn't enough over a long period, a weekend is OK. I've just returned from 3 weeks away and I can tell you that there is no way your own dogs forget you, mine were very excited. When I've gone away for a week for work, I've had a housesitter but you need to clear some things up - to my surprise, mine didn't pick up the poo - there was mountains of it after a week and 4 dogs - she doesn't walk the dogs either. Mine are old so it doesn't matter for a few days. It can also be expensive, mine charges $50 per day but she is very trustworthy, I wouldn't be happy with many people staying in my house.

Hugs to Nic and Linda, no matter why we have to do this, it is still so distressing. Thank you to all for giving her a chance and then nothing but love and tenderness, especially when she needed it most. RIP sweet Gabrielle.

Too easy to let your heart rule your head in a pound. I would also recommend you contact a rescue group that has foster carers and discuss your requirements with them and see if they have a dog to match! Much less stressful. I have matched quite a few people with dogs, I discuss exactly what they want and then start a search. Many people can't cope with seeing too many dogs in dire straits and only want to look at one or two in a more relaxed environment.

Barbarians.

Poor old boy, hugs to you.

Here is something I wrote for the Doggie Rescue magazine last year, on Dog Parks. DOG_PARKS.pdf

Another thing you shouldn't do (for safety reasons mainly but also for being responsible ie poop scooping), is don't stand gossiping with other dog walkers. Far too many people whe were busy chatting, didn't notice the beginnings of incidents between dogs and fights/injuries could be prevented if they had been paying attention. We have a huge dog park in this area and the other owners usually stand in one area chatting. This park has had many attacks and I didn't like it last time I went when 3 out of control labradors nearly knocked me over and harassed my dogs. They might have been wanting to have "fun" and were not nasty but they were certainly dangerous in that the three of them together was far too much for some people and small dogs to cope with physically. Dogs out of control and bouncing all over other dogs - No. Undesexed dogs - no, esp not if females are in season (you shouldn't have to tell anyone but from posts on DOL, I'm afraid you do). Greyhounds and other dogs with uncontrollable high prey drive - no. There's just so much that can go wrong isn't there?

No, absolutely not. DA dogs should be kept muzzled and on the lead in the street only. Yes, I'm very strict on this. Dog parks are not safe, I don't go but not only should DA and HA aggressive dogs NOT be taken to them, nor should puppies or dogs that have an issue with dogs of a certain breed/colour/sex. Timid dogs should not be taken in either, it doesn't help them "toughen up", it gets them attacked. Toddlers should not be taken into a dog park either. Don't mix the sizes, it's dangerous. I've actually written a whole article full of advice on how to use dog parks if appropriate. Dogs are always getting killed or injured in local dogs parks here.

Having a dog is a privilege, not a right. So, your moronic friend's dogs are roaming and picked up by the Council - well guess what? It's his fault, not theirs. He doesn't deserve to own any living creature with his mentality.

Erny, according to owner, the dog is a 6 yr old male foxy/maltese cross although the carer had me confused because she said it is "a JRT". I asked for a photo. I asked about the cost, the recovery etc and she didn't have any details. I will ask the PAWS vet about it. Apparently there is a drain in the abcesses and it "just comes out" according to the carer but isn't healed so needs surgery. She's several hours away from me so not easy but I said you cannot rehome this dog in that condition nor can you leave him like that. He is definitely in a lot of pain. She said she'd go to her vet tomorrow and see what they think. I'm not hopeful, this person wasn't interested in me finding a foster carer but wants a perm home. Not easy.

I got a call last night from someone who has had a dog left with them to rehome by an elderly owner who cannot afford the necessary surgery. This dog would be in a lot of pain but the carer wanted to find the dog a home before looking at the surgery. In my rescue experience, noone is going to take a dog on with an issue like this unless it's a rescue group. The dog has abcesses just under its eyes, in its sinuses. The vet has already operated once and the abcesses came back so vet now advises bigger surgery is required. Apparently it is an expensive and extensive surgery. I've only had one dog with sinus issues previously and a scraping showed it was allergies so the dog went to a home away from the bush and was much better. Apart from this, the dog's 100% ready to go, all vet work done but the question is whether it is best to put him to sleep or do something in the hope he can be rehomed. I hate to think of him suffering over the last few months (or years I'm not sure) due to the owner's lack of money.