Her Majesty Dogmad

Wonderful news, so glad it's working out! It's an adjustment for both owner and dog and not everyone understands that, this is when things can go a bit awry but it's looking very positive.

Breaking my heart!!

I think that's a great idea, especially in this case - I really think she'd enjoy it - you can feed them in there, make it all positive - no need to close the door either but dogs love it usually. With the clear doggie door that she's not using so confidently - just cut out 2 squares of paper and stick one on the outside of the flap and one on the inside - this gives dogs a target and they will not worry about using them. Sounds like she's coming along very well! Good job

I couldn't agree more.

In addition, I also tell new owners to close all doors and remove mats from the floor. Can't do much about carpet but these things will lesson the secret accidents that you find later ... :)

I've replied Mackiemad - please read my message before you start following my method below as I have different info there. My latest foster is a 10 yr old IG from a kennels who'd never been in a house before. It took a couple of weeks (IGs are slow) but she got the dog door in record time - about 3 days - for an IG. They normally are very slow to do the door, some never will. It's important to start showing them how to get out as well as the training, all goes together. If there are issues with the little dog learning the door, please let me know. Here's my housetraining method - pls note it is all about repetition and reward, no punishment and it's vital to clean up any accidents with the right stuff: HOUSETRAINING TIPS Ok - first thing to do is decide on the command (I call it “do wees”) you will repeat over and over. You have to really focus on the dog for about 2-3 days to be successful. You have a pocketful of special treats on hand all the time for the first 2-3 days. Walk the dog several times a day and every time the dog wees, 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. NB: Please note that the smell of urine must be properly removed for any housetraining to be successful. There are products on the market such as “Urine Off” but they are very expensive. A mix of white vinegar and water is a much cheaper alternative and should work for tiles and other surfaces although you should always take care with wood etc. 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. Again, be careful on any expensive carpet/rug, I have never had any problems but I cannot guarantee any method here.

I think there's an RSPCA in Launceston but have no idea if they have a foster program.

Sydney - Foster care or new home wanted for purebred female 8 yr old Dalmation. She's got a rescue name on her and will have all vet work done. She's great with other dogs (has lived with dogs of all sizes/sexes) and even rabbits and chickens apparently. She's had a rough time lately and would love to find a stable and loving home! Please let me know if you are interested!

I just alerted a lady on the central coast looking for a female Shihtzu type around this age - fingers crossed!!

Make a final list and then when your doggie arrives, trial them out! When I pick up a rescue dog without a name, I normally read them a list of names slowly and watch for a response. :)

How about: Flinders Mallee Darwin Tasman Cobber :D

Re the Tax question - no you can't do that. Medical expense claims have changed. My Accountant told me that because I have made medical claims each year (over $2000) for a few years that I'd be able to claim for Tax Year 2014 - 2015 but after that, the Government is stopping all medical tax claims. I also don't believe that a Pharmacist would do something fraudulent which is what you'd be asking unfortunately. Years ago I had a dog on Thyroxine for Thyroid, I didn't know it was the same meds for dogs as humans and was paying quite a bit for it. Someone told me that my vet could write a prescription that I could take to a pharmacist (in my dog's name) and get the prescription filled so that's what I did (my vet wasn't happy so you can just go somewhere else) and it saved me a fortune.

OMG, that is really expensive, so sorry to hear that. I can't say for sure but sometimes you can find compounded medication that is equivalent to canine medications. I know of dog rescuers who have utilised this as an option. Maybe contact a compounding chemist (some will post out medications) and explain what medication / dosage your dog is taking and see if they can reproduce that.

It wouldn't happen more than once at my place. Any dog behaving in this way would be gone (I'm a foster carer). This is very unsafe and you must put your dog's safety as a top priority. The owner of this dog also needs to know about the dog's behaviour and in future send the dog to a single dog situation.

She's obviously got some mental health issues, could be hormonal, could be drugs but so many feral people out there these days, it's all about them and if they are not everyone else's top priority as well, they lose their sh-t. Sick of people acting like a--holes.

Excellent news - being a chi he should have another 6 or so years of happy life left!

He is adorable!

CBL, I'm hearing you on the Iggies - 3 times over right now LOL. Sure you don't want a girl who can take his mind off himself for a second? :laugh: they can also eat you out of house and home, they eat literally 4 x what my terriers eat (same size dogs) and aren't fat .... ALWAYS hungry even after they've just eaten.

Chi Rescue are in VIC and do a great job. There's also Adelaide All Breed Dog Rescue who are very good. Alternatively, as an ethical rescuer (any vet work needed such as dentals would be done) I'm also prepared to take him although he'd have to get to Sydney but I do this all the time and know that it isn't that bad. There are far worse things than travelling for a few hours when the situation is dire like this. There's every chance he'll be seriously injured by the other dog or worse. Please let me know, I am happy to take this little fellow and keep him, I love little Chi type dogs. I can pick up the phone and make the flight booking if the owner is happy to get him to the airport.

Thanks very much - i'll ask Lisa to contact you directly!

That's lovely - thank you. I will forward the information to you unless you want them to call you? Lisa is organising this on Denise's behalf.

Thanks Panto, that would be great if they are nearby and happy to help? :)

Denise at PAWS (DAP) has a great sounding enquiry from Brisbane in the Bayside/Manly area. Would anyone be available to help with a yard check please? Thank you in advance

I sprinkle Baking Soda, go over with vinegar / water mixture and then disinfectant on my concrete steps and courtyard, seems to work but it would just be easier to use 1 thing so these are handy tips!

Unfortunately it all comes down to education and supervision, both of which are all too lacking these days. I don't blame the dog for this, it was in it's own yard doing nothing wrong. I feel very sorry for the little girl and her family and for all concerned, it's a horrific result of her making a mistake that should not have happened. I hope it doesn't colour her feeling about all dogs for the rest of her days.