Aleksandra 157

I do as Sarsaparilla and introduce on neutral ground,this has always worked for me.Could somebody please tell me the meaning of neutralizing training,I've come across it before,but don't know what it is.Thanks... :)

I think to post on a dog forum you are exceptionally fond of dogs.I don't think any of the posters on this thread would ever do anything detrimental to dogs,at whatever age.I also have chronic health issues which mean I am in a lot of pain.Some would think I should not have dogs,however,I have a husband who also is a dog lover,and when I'm not able he takes over.I can honestly say none of my dogs have ever suffered because of my health,but at times they have definitely helped me cope.I don't think this is putting myself first,my dogs have a great life ,on several acres,get taken everywhere we go etc.Next year I will be 70,my husband 71 ( going on 50 ) and iI dont imagine these will be our last dogs. :)

I'm so very sorry....it never gets easier.I'm sure you will know when the day comes,...I have no more advice,just want to send my thoughts to you.I went through it 2months ago and I know how you're feeling.

When I started this thread I had no idea there would be so much interest or so many diverse opinions.I think it came to me quite by surprise when I got Lulu 6 years ago and somebody asked if I thought my age (early 60) a was a problem . I will always have a dog in my life,I always have. Also an older owner often has more time etc to look after a dog than someone with children.,it usually becomes their foremost committment.(Not that there are not great younger owners.Obviously,every case is individual,and common sense must prevail as long as the person can care for the dog or cat,has things in place in case the unforeseen happens,I really feel 70s and 80s are not too old to have a pet.(I was recently talking to a breeder friend on this subject and she let's her old dogs go to older people she knows,and if something happens she takes the dogs back,a great system,I thought.)

I feel really encouraged by these answers! I used to walk my Keeshond and JS to "nana's. down the road until she was 90.She loved to see them but I had to be careful they didn't push her over.When she went into hospice at 92 I would take the dogs to visit.It became a regular thing and all but the very ill used to love to see them..

Gruflife, I am so encouraged hearing about the 90 yr olds not that I think I'll reach that...but just in case.I bet those dogs are looked after beautifully.

I should have added that I too have always had provisions for if I could not look after my dogs.20 yrs ago I got breast cancer and not dreaming I'd live this long,I made arrangements for Katie to go to.my friend in the country.I'm now married again,husband is 70 going on 50 ...but anything can happen...Another couple about our age have recently gone into a retirement village,while very luxurious etc. They are moving out ,they miss having a dog so much... :)

I've often wondered when are you too old to get another dog; I know it would depend on your health,circumstances etc, I was taken back when a friend,who used to have poodles said she felt she was too old to get a dog.She would be early 60s ,I'm a couple of years older....it got me thinking.I can't imagine thinking "this will be my last dog"...but is this selfish. :)

Lulu our JS purs just like a cat.She started it about a year ago,only when were holding her. :) She also grumbles,usually in bed(with us) when she thinks were going to roll on her!

Really glad about that,striped dog not acceptable! Lulu was getting dye slowly leaking out of her black collar ,turning her white fur grey,got her a red one and it's fine.Does anybody know of a harness that really is easy to put on? I've bought so many over the years but none really that easy...thanks. :)

So pleased that it's not a tick! Fortunately we don't have them in NZ,but my Aust.husband has told me how dreadful they are.Hope she continues to improve.

Love all of the breeds so far mentioned,.Also I'm thinking a Japanese Spitz or Keeshond.I have owned both of these breeds and they are fantastic ,loving companions.Both breeds need grooming 6 weekly,and a brush through about once a week.Loyal,fun great in a family environment .If not well trained they can be vocal,but I think this applies to most dogs. Good Luck :)

Rest peacefully,my darling boy.Run free with Suki,Katie,Sacha and Kym.RIP all of you.I loved you all so much....

What nice comments,DeNali,you must be very good! I've lost count of the number of people who refer to Lulu(a JS ) as a Samoyed puppy. :)

Love that BCC,think I'll try it with Lulu.... :)

I remember when Lulu :) arrived it was quite a while before I bonded with her.I always had at the back of my mind I should have bought a Keeshond to replace my Katie who had died a couple of months earlier (Lu is. a JS).My friend,a dog trainer,visited one day and suggested Katies spirit was still around me.I was really surprised as she's very practical and very grounded.Anyway,I did as she said,sat and said to Katie I was o k and she could leave.(I felt like a real idiot) It did happen ! Believe it or not later that day Lulu sat on my knee for the 1st time!I know,I worry about myself sometimes.....but we did get on much better after that!

I have always talked to my dogs as if they were people. O H used to think it was crazy when we met ,but now it's "How's Daddy's little girl"etc.Lulu is his baby.and he dotes on her! Lovely tho'. :)

Absolutely gorgeous puppy !! :)

He is a beautiful boy,love the lead colour too!

Jesse had an overshot jaw which didn't improve at all.I bought him knowing I could not breed or show him.He was sold on a limited register.

Thank you so very much for your wonderful support!It means so much to me.Looking back I knew something was not quite right with him,but I thought with enough love and training,I could overcome it.he very much knew how much I loved him,and I am left with some very beautiful memories.I have not informed the breeder yet,because I know she will be upset.I think I should though as the vet thought it was genetic,and important. to know for her breeding programme.Thanks again,Dolers,Hugs to you all...Alex.

Just a beautiful boy!!

Sorry I have not updated earlier,but I have been too upset.The day after my last post,we took Jesse with us to the local town.(he loved the car).I was talking to a friend beside the car ,Jesse and Lulu in the car.Jesse suddenly attacked the window,teeth barred,trying to get to my friend.I had never seen him so bad.....After talking at length with vet and behaviorist ,heartbreaking as it was ,we had to do the right thing.It was the hardest thing I have ever done....I had his head on my knee,telling him how I loved him..it was really peaceful.Still,I am heartbroken,even though I knew it was inevitable.(He probably had a brain disorder).Thank you so much those who supported me.

I'm sorry you are having such a worrying time with your new puppy! Agree with everybody,get him to an unrelated vet ASAP.Good Luck.

So very,very sorry.You're right...too many losses?Hugs and heartfelt sympathy .Alex.