Isabel964

Just wanted to say I'm so sorry for what you are going through and I wish you all the best with him. You are doing the best you can and I congratulate you on that.

Thanks for the helpful responses. Its really good to hear they are reasonable at the City of Kingston. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem having my dogs on leashes except in off-leash areas - but a 1 metre leash is too short IMO (for well behaved dogs anyway). And I do feel that each council should have one 24 x 7 dog beach.

I no longer crate my dogs, use it for puppy training really in the first year. But I would not put water in the crate when traveling - I would provide water in breaks to stretch legs in parks, toilet breaks etc.

Glad its working and not bothering Benson. He sounds like a very loving and sweet boy. Its been great reading this thread - barking is just a hell of a problem. I found it funny how 'chatty' he is LOL

Hi, just wondering if anyone is living in the City of Kingston with dogs and how they find it. The reason is that I am thinking of moving there, but I have heard and read some things that make me think the council is not dog friendly at all. There is the thing where the council is apparently considering making a requirement that all dogs be on lead everywhere except in an off-leash area - on a lead no longer than a metre...even on private property. Apparently the council is very concerned about the high number of dog attacks on people and other animals in their area. It just seems a very severe reaction and is not fair for responsible dogs owners who have trained and well behaved, wel adjusted dogs. There is the other thing where it seems that nowhere in the city of Kingston or the City of Frankston which have most of the coastline from below Brighton onwards down the coast - between them there does not seem to be one single dedicated dog beach. There are dedicsted 24 x 7 dog beaches in Port Melbourne, St Kilda, Brighton and Beaumaris - but South of there - nothing....why? So I am just wondering what its like for responsible dog owners to live in the City of Kingston.

We had one dog and decided at 9 years of age to get him a companion - for much the same reason you are considering it. Well, it gave him a whole new lease on life and he was so so SO happy! They loved each other and were inseparable and now we would never have a just one dog (unless we had work where the dog could come or if we worked form home or were retired etc). Dogs are social animals by nature and I seeing the difference in our dog when we got him a companion - I am so sad I did not do it sooner. He died 4 years later but lived a wonderful final 4 years. We then got a companion for the companion and not these are our two girls - also inseparable. I can not recommend it highly enough.

Thanks for posting about this - I had NO idea!

Bump

Hi Everyone, I live near the Knox Shopping area at the foot of the Dandenongs. I am trying to find some places I can take my dogs to for walk, preferably offleash. I am happy to drive up to an hour away to give the dogs some quality time as they love adventures and running free. Any places,hints and tips would be much appreciated Ps I know to watch out for snakes etc, and I know the dogs can't go in national parks. One thing also is to be careful and know where there are baits for foxes etc that dogs might like to try.

So its very *insert expletive here* hot in Melbourne and I went with the dogs to St Kilda dog beach It stank, it was rank - so gross. someone told me they dump some crap in the bay near there - could that be true? I don;t understand how a beach can smell like sewerage like that. It was beyond gross. I went there a few weeks back and it was glorious, the water was clear, the sand was ok - how can the same beach be so different today? Does anyone know what the story is with St Kilda Beach? I know it was low tied and there were jelly fish around - I understand that, its natural, but the smell was just awful - and though they are not pleasant it certainly was not the jellyfish!!

Yes when and where - I'd love to go. Caulfield Racecourse?

Guys, thanks so much! This is GREAT news!!

Hi Everyone I posted in December to find a dog beach south of St Kilda dog beach. You let me know of Brighton Dog beach which is fabulous. So sometimes I go there and sometimes I still got the St Kilda one. But traffic to get to both from Ferntree Gully is just a bit much. Both take 40 minutes and the drive on a hot day for the dogs through all that traffic is just a bit of a put off (though we still do it LOL). I called the Frankston Council today and they said dogs can go on all their beaches after 7.30pm during summer through to the end of March - but they have to be leashed. Being leashed is just not helpful when a dog wants to chase a ball, play around and romp with other and go swimming! The traffic going more south would be better, even if its still a way to go - and using the Eastern freeway makes it easier. If anyone knows of any dog offleash beaches south of Brighton beach, it would be fabulous to share that. No matter how far south I guess - it might be nice to know of an option. I only know of offleash dog beaches in port Melbourne, St Kila and brighton. Surely there are some further south. It would be really sad if there aren't I mean why don't more councils set aside an area for a dog beach? There is lots of beach and it would be much appreciated.

My American Staff cross Zeus (RIP) got 'old' at 8 years. He really slowed dfown, had bad arthritis, and just was not the playful dog he used to be. When he was 9 years old, we really did not think he would make it Christmas. But that August we decided to get a second dog as company for him. We got a 3 months old Kelpie female and I tell you, its like a miracle! He became a new dog, he got a new lease on lease on life. It was like he was 4 years old again! Zeus made it to that Christmas, and his arthritis was always an issue, but he died in my arm one morning 5 years later at 14 years of age, riddled with arthritis and cancer. But he lived and he had a second lease on life, and he was my boy. So I guess we never really know if we are doing all we can already or not. If you already have two or more dogs, then a companion is not needed like it obviously was for our Zeus. We can only do what we can do, and we can remember that every second of joy they bring us now is worth all the pain of loss and sorrow when they leave us.

RIP Dianne. I did not know you, but you obviously brought much joy to many, and made this world a better place just by being you. All the best to your family and loved ones at this time. I hope they find a way to celebrate the life and joys they had with you, through the tears and sorrow of losing you.

Hannah, I am so sorry. What a tragedy. Take care of yourself. I can imagine what heartache you are going through. It was an accident, she was so fast and things happen. She had a happy life. If you PM me I will give you my email address, and if you like I will try to do something nice with the photos using digital scrapbooking and send them back to you. It might make for a special memory. Totally up to you of course. I send you a big long warm hug.

Oh I am so sorry. Its not fair they live for such a short time. I'm sure she had a wonderful life and will be wathcing over you for always. Are you ok?

My Kelpie cross Punpunya is a lovely wonderful girl. But she is very submissive and lacks confidence. We got her as a 3 month old puppy as company for ourZeus, and American staffy cross male. He was older and the dominant one and it worked well. But Punpunyas submissivenes was always extreme. After 5 years Zeus passed away at age 14. We got Jindi a 3 month old Westie (Jindi). Things changes. Punpunya became the dominant dog and gained confidence. As our Westie grew up (she is over 2 now) they became more equal. I think Punpunya is still dominant, but she lets Jindi get her own way alot of the time. I wouldn't say that Jindi is the dominant one though. However she still hangs her head low, has her tail between her legs often and shrinks as if to say "I am only me. I am not worthy". I know its good for her to know the hierarchy, but she is obedient and very eager to please and it would be so nice to see her with more confidence. There is much infmoration how to deal with dog 'problems' but I have not found anything to increase a dogs confidence. If there are any ideas out ehre, or if anyone can share how they dealt with this sort of thing, that would be great.

I would just change it - don't use it. For whatever reason, she does not like it. Use something different, your dogs happiness is worth it. Even though she is ok once its on, its causing her grief. I would change it right away.

You are obviously trying very hard and love your puppy veyr much. I am no expert, but from my experience I offer the following; Crate Training I highly recommend. I thought it was cruel when I first heard about it, but I researched it well, and love it. It becomes a den to your dog. A safe haven that she will cherish. It keeps her safe, it mkes her feel safe. She will go to even if you leave the door open. I think that she does sound like she is really missing her mum and siblings. Its all been taken away from her and she sounds frightened and insecure. If I was (and I know I am not) I would crate train her. When home I would have her with me all the time. At night she would sleep with me some of the time and in the crate right by the side of my bed for the rest of the time. She will learn that you do come home and when you do she is loved and warm and safe. WHen you are away, she can be in her crate or near her crate where she will wait for you. I did this with my puppy. And during the day I used a PuppyPen. In that I put a toilet training pad (has a scent in it that encourage it to be the place the puppy goes to the toilet and avaiable in pet stores), some toys and chew things, a kong with treat inside it, and the open crate with a nice soft cushion on the base. My baby was so happy there, and safe. She is a well adjusted fabulous dog who loves her crate. (Never ever put a dog in a crate as punishment). Now it certainly is possible that she may be a submissive sort of dog, needy. I have a kelpie like that. She is just born a total friggin woos. These dogs need ALOT of consistency. You can get a trainer to help you if this is the case. I spent the first year trying to get this dog to be confident but I went baout it the wrong way. SO once she was about 2 years old a trainer got me to basically ignore needy displays of behaviour like coming up to us with her tail between her legs and soppy puppy dog please-give-me-love-or-attention-eyes. So if she did this I would ignore her. Or I say 'Enough' with a monotone. But when she comes up confidently I reward her with some attention. Same as when we get home, she sometimes wimpers pathetically and loudly. I ignore that and she soon stops, I reward the lack of wimpering and she is very happy LOL I'd try my suggestion about crate training, having her sleep with you for a while, and then the rest of the night in the crate by your side. Properly crate trained she will not go to the toilet in the crate so its clean and healthy. (You will take her out for toilet breaks and crate training is fabulous for toilet training/house training). Build her confidence. As for socialising her, this is often a hot debate. Use your judgement. Socialise her with other puppies her age and size. If she feels intimidated or unhappy it will do more harm than good. Work on a building her a safe comfortable foundation to grow from, and as she feels trust and safety in you, she should gain the confidence to do more. Congratulations on your puppy. She is a wonderful addition to your family. All the best. If things do improve soon, I'd invest a couple hindred dollars in a one on one experienced dog trainer. It may be alo of money, but getting this right as early as possible is worth every cent.

Yep, its called time out. It works for some dogs. As long as you only do it for short periods, and as has been said - never let him out when he is crying or barking - only when he is quiet. Reward good behaviour. I never used it with any of my dogs. Never needed to. But dogs are different. I would if I needed to and it worked. Oh yeah, please be careful not to ever forget him while he is locked away LOL (easily done!) Congratulations on your new puppy! He sounds wonderful!! They are alot of effort and work, but after the first year, its SO worth it! The dog and you will have a wonderful life together. There are heaps of great books on dog ownership and training. Check out the dog section of your book shop. Get something simple and straight forward at first. Also keep in mind clicker training - its MAGIC I tell you and so easy. Search for threads here on it if you like. Welcome to the forum. I hope you like it here.

Yep, I knew they were prone to skin issues (I was a good girl and researched the breed alot before bringing one home), and so I gave her the best food and the best care - shampooing with special oatmeal low allegenic shampoo etc. But oneday it was awful. It seemed to flare up right out of the blue! Freaked me out! But she's all good now.

Many thanks to all the wonderful people who posted and PMd me after I was horrified to find my Westie had skin issues. I took her the vet who gave her something to help, but basically was told its a Westie thing I took the advice from here as follows and she is all better Give her zinc once a day to help keep the skin settled Give her fishoil daily - she just eats the capsules in her food - too easy! Rinse her super well when washing I also do not give her too many food treats, and feed her the lowest allergy type foods as possible. I'm very careful with what she eats. So thanks again - I was so grateful for all your help and support.

Sorry for the trauma but you are doing the right thing by asking for suggestions and advice. I don't know if I can help but will try. Staffy's are wonderful but some need a strong firm handling, then you will be rewarded for life. Try getting some bitter spray from pet shops. You can spray some things with that to prevent chewing - like on the bedding and things you can put away. Shoes and stuff need to be away in cupboards. As for climbing on tables - thats the training/boundaries needed. Some dogs, like you other one, just know not to go on tables - some have a bit 'Bart Simpson in them LOL. If you have the money I would ask around for a recommended one on one dog trainer from Bark Busters or Ozdogs - they know what they are doing and will help you so much - with a guarantee! I have used John in Melbourne from Ozdogs and he changed my life. I really recommend crate training. Its not cruel. You never ever put a dog in a crate as punishment. Crate training makes the dogs safe and gives you peace of mind. They can be in there for seversal hours (You must do it properly and really reserach it so you understand crate training because if done right, its quick, simple and very effective and the dog will love the crate. If done incorrectly it can be cruel and unfair and confusing and upsetting for a dog. But if sone properly - I think this will help with your staffy - together with some other things too. She must knows who is boss. Have you considered clicker training? Staffy's are pretty smart and clicker training not only helps train dogs, it also can be taken further and be a great source of mentsl stimulation for dogs. I heard about a border collie that would chew decking. The own would run the dog to a park, hit 100 tennis balls and the dog would fetch each one and then run all the way home. Then the owner would go to work, come home and more decking was gone. She tried everything but no amount of physical exercise stopped the deck chewing. She got a dog trainer who showed her how to stimulate the dog mentally with some mental exercises and the deck chewing stopped. You know how a dog can be zonked out one minutes from lots of exericse, panting and laying flat completely pooped out...and 10 minutes later and can run like the wind again? They recover from physical exercise pretty quickly. But you know when you have had a tough hard day at work that uses your brain or a highly emotional day.... how you are exhuatsed and sleep like a log? Well tis the same for dogs - some need more mental stimulation than others and yours might be one of those. You obviously care heaps and are doing your best. Good one you - keep up the great efforts and I'm sure you will be rewarded. I know its not easy, but I get the feeling you will perservere and you will get there. Good luck! Let us know how you go, and yell out if you need more help - that why we are here!

Man thats a tough one. I'd just use a dryer LOL