Cosmolo

I know some really wonderful lagottos with great family dog temperaments. Choose a breeder with dogs you can meet and discuss with the breeder your requirements. In my experience the groodles are much more full on.

Personally I’d be addressing the issue AND managing mealtimes rather than just the latter. Management is vital but training helps to prepare for an occasion where management is not 100%. Dont wait another month. Get the professionals back involved now and get a serious training plan in place.

When is the trainer coming back?

It would be unwise for me to make any strong suggestions given the seriousness of the situation without seeing the dog. But an an array of brain work including nosework and scent trails, puzzles and problem solving work plus impulse control, the use of distance as a reinforcer and the use of a tether for safety would most likely feature as part of the behaviour modification program.

What training was recommended in combination with the meds? What breed and how old is the dog?

Does he do this with all food? A tiny treat? Low value food- a piece of carrot for example? What skills does he know- obedience/ tricks? What’s his general attitude to training like? These things are most important as you must have the brain functioning at its best in order to generate genuine behavioural change.

It’s for a lovely relative of ours- they are an older couple, retired, love to go for walks and have always had dogs- they are really great people.

He sounds like he might suit well!! How can they enquire if they want to?

Putting the feelers our for a family member seeking a dog- Wonderful life with older retired couple who would walk dog daily but not wanting anything super active. Small breed aged 4-10 good health and no behaviour issues requiring resolution- needs to be friendly and sociable within two hours of Melbourne Hopefully there is something suitable around!

We have artificial turf and even a few persistent diggers don’t dig in it. We went for top of the range professionally laid though.

Contact NDTF directly and ask.

I'm not sure if she would pick up/ drop off but would be worth asking Natalia from Furritory https://www.facebook.com/terrierhandstripping/?fref=ts I have been extremely happy with her and I am VERY fussy.

Yes definitely. But I also think some of that enjoyment is learned.

If I ran a shelter the dogs would get their entire daily food allocation through enrichment activities and exercises like this unless there was a medical reason not to feed this way. The simple way to ensure no nipped fingers and only paws on the ground to be rewarded is to run pvc pipe or similar from the outside to inside of the kennel door so treats can be 'posted' through the door on to the ground.

Standard schnauzers are not for the faint hearted IMO- need plenty of excellent quality, early training and socialisation to ensure they are lovely adult dogs. They can be very protective and somewhat territorial and much sharper in temperament than the mini schnauzers or lagotto's. From what you're describing, i'd suggest a well bred Lagotto.

Thanks everyone!

I am after some photos for a presentation of real dogs (not just drawings) displaying aggressive behaviour and/ or fearful behaviour. If you have any you'd be happy for me to use, please post or can also email [email protected] Thanks in advance.

Yes but it's your choice if you leave the dogs there with tin sheds and dodgy fencing- if you choose to do so, I think it's reasonable that you remain responsible for the dogs with the exception of outright negligence which no contract can cover for anyway.

I have MANY clients with lists just as if not far more "impressive" than that one and it doesn't mean they should be looking at rehoming the dog!

I think it's normal and i have seen similar clauses in boarding contracts before. Business owners need to protect themselves from litigious people- whether they care they offer is good quality or not!

Sorry Corvus- that's exactly what I meant. If i believe a dog would benefit from medication i encourage the client so speak to their own vet or vets that i know who have been helpful re: deciding on appropriate medication in the past. What you have described is exactly what i would do- I'm certainly not telling them they need XYZ medication!

We service all of Melbourne's south east www.underdogtraining.com.au

With regards to reliable recalls I also think it depends on the type of dog- the more independent or more distracted, the higher the ongoing rate of reinforcement needs to be and classically conditioning a recall can be really beneficial with these dogs, meaning you reinforce every one.

Thrown food rewards are very powerful and useful- i don't find it increases ground scavenging when trained properly either and i don't see it as a bad habit!

Yes. The course has changed a lot.