haven

I don't think there is any fair/unfair about it if you do it right and your dog enjoys it. My rotti will just as happily eat a banana as a chicken wing.

I used clomicalm 80 for my GSD who was extremely fearful of everything when I got him 3 yrs ago. in my opinion it took the edge of things but really didn't do much and was extremely expenseive. Since then I have used other things with much more sucess. Seeing a behaviourist wouldn't be a bad idea. They can explain things like independance training, the importance of leadership and how to show it etc. Also I'd recommend a change in diet, DAP and consider using natural therapies. Gotta get off the puter so can't go into it now but there is another thread where I wrote all the info....the one about the timid retreiver

It seems you're having an identity crisis I'ts funny you get to know people through their posts and make assumptions only to find they are not who you thought :rolleyes:

No critiscism Poodlefan, but in case anyone is having trouble finding the book (and it's a must read for dog owner IMO) it's called 'Give your dog a bone.' You might get lucky and find it in a shop but I needed to order it from Dr. Billinghurst directly. This I was told after waiting 10 weeks for a book store to order it in for me I think the website is www.barfworld.com

I know! I can be a nightmare with so many options, knowing which to choose (you should see me trying to buy pantyhose)! Yes, I use the complete mix and also use the omega blend and the joint formula. The wound spray is magic too! Basically I mix it with water, let it soak, mix it with mince and stuff chicken frames with it and ta da! The other stuff (egg, yoghurt etc) I'll add every now and then, or feed seperately. If you go with the omega blend or flax seed oil you will need to supplament with vitamin E.

Amen to not feeding commercial pet food! I personally wouldn't feed my dogs on a vege diet, but I have heard that it can be done. If you can do it without sacrificing your dogs health and they still love the word "dinnertime" I guess there is really nothing wrong with it.

I wouldn't flame you, you're entiltled to your own opinions. I too, am curious as to why you would choose to put your dog on a vegetarian diet. They are not strictly carnivores but diet should consist of roughly 70% meat. True, you can keep a dog healthy on a vegetarian diet if you're careful. The only book I know of where it is mentioned is Ian Billinghurst's 'give your dog a bone' but I don't think it gives heaps of info. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Good luck, whatever you decide. I know you love your dog and would only act in his best interests.

Sorry guys, I read a few of your stories and they all made me cry. I wanted to tell you all how sorry I am for your loss I know how heartbroken you must feel. I've lost animals in the past, when I was younger and it was sad, but now that I'm older its a bit different. My guys are my whole life and have got me through so many tough times. I can't imagine losing any of them and staying sane. I wish I could reply to you all singly and give cyber hugs and wish you all the best but I just couldn't read so many sad stories all at once. My love to you all at such a sad time

Depends on how you do it in regaurds to prep. time. I thought the same thing when I first looked into it. That's why I recommended the Vets All Natural. It comes in a complete mix with fruits, veg, grain and added vit and min. All you have to do is add water, leave it for 24hrs and mix it with meat. In addition to this and the chicken/lamb bones I feed my dogs I'll throw in things like fish, eggs, yoghurt once a week or so. With my Rottis its easy cos they eat anything, I can peel a banana and give it to them and they eat it. My GSD not so simple unfortunately. But feeding a BARF diet doesn't have to be as complicated as it sounds. Takes me five mins to feed (five seconds for them to eat) and costs less than $25 a week to feed 4 dogs.

Good on you for going with your gut and getting a second opinion! All the best to you both.

:protest: What party poopers! I took my pup to a big nursery that does deliveries of mulch, soil etc. It was great because it was outside and they didn't mind him being there and had all manner of things , big piles of stones/soil, earthmoving machienary, power tools etc.

I haven't had a chance to speak with her today but she is a lovely, extremely helpful person and a fountain of information. I'm confident she wouldn't mind me passing on her contact details. I'm going to PM you rather than post it but if anyone would like to contact her please pm me and I'll give you the info.

Can't believe the hide of that trainer! How does she expect you to overcome the issue? Keep up the classes. I'd go with one of two options: Attend as many classes as you can with no expectations on training just to get yur dog over the distraction or train, but stay on the outskirts of the class so he is not quite so distracted. The food thing is so annoying!!! My dog doesn't take food treats away from home and won't play with toys of any sort and I've come across many trainers that either don't believe me or just don't know what to do when that option is unavailable. Needless to say I no longer train with these people. Use what works for you and keep it only for training so the dog is really motivated to work for it. My only option was compulsion training using negative reinforcement to teach commands and positive punishment to enforce them. Unfortunately he doesn't even give a rats about praise, but I still give it to him, of course! Don't worry, if your dog went to puppy school and training at a young age, you haven't missed out on any critical periods.

You are not a bad dog owner! Clearly everything you do is out of love for your dogs! Yes it can be difficult to see status at times, particularly if there is a change. My Cocker bitch was dominant over my GSD until he hit maturity, then he took over, which may or may not be something for you to watch for. I agree 110% about obedience training. Your dogs will love it and it's great for leadership. Apologies for the 'rage syndrome' debate, I never wanted to imply that your dog had it.

Ah yes the fly problem, forgot about that one. When I got my Rotti she had very badly bitten ears so I did hours of searching on the net. I ended up making my own flyspray but soaking lavender, mint and lemongrass in (initially) boiling water for 24hrs. I keep it refridgerated but I don't know what kind of shelf life it would have. Didn't get too many chances to test it cos it got cold but it seemed to work a treat. Also read that diluting an Avon product called skin so soft insect repellant works well but never tried it. To clear up the existing wound I used Vets All Natural wound spray. Never used anything better! Years ago when I worked in horse racing we used to wipe the horses down with a kerosene rag!!! Cigarette, anyone?

This is a particularly great technique, if you have the willpower! Some trainers of working dogs eg, farm dogs, sniffer dogs etc, will only give their dogs any attention when they are working so the dog is super motivated to do its job. Of course they are not neglected in any way and still get quality food and care.

Totally agree with everything you said PGM! Sometimes, though I think it's ok if the dog associates a correction with the handler, for leadership reasons. Rusky, I see what you're saying but I think for some handlers there could be a danger of creating a problem behaviour because the dog learns that is they way to reward. Eg dog wants reward, jumps to get alt command and is rewarded. It's not that I don't agree with the method but I think many people don't have the timing to use it. True, teaching pups proper manners right from day dot is ideal. Personally I put behaviours like digging and jumping under stimulus control and find it works very effectively.

Birni, I'm very sorry to hear about your dog. I know a woman whose dog had cancer and was told she only had a few months also. She didn't accept this and after much (and I mean MUCH) research, treated her dog using natural therapies. It's been 2 or 3 years now I think. Her vet actually refers all his cancer patients to her now. I'd like to give you her contact number but I wouldn't feel right without asking her permission first. I'll call her tomorrow and get back to you. In the mean time All the best.

I never said her dog suffered rage syndrome. I specifically said that wasn't the issue. I offered her IMO some very good advice on how to deal with the issues she is having. If anyone disagrees or are confused about what I said im not going to cry about it but if anyone still wants to argue about my grammar or whatever, I suggest you pm me or start a new thread instead of hijacking this one. There is a saying "the only thing two dog trainers will agree on is what the third one is doing wrong" rather apt.

Good thinkin 99, and thanks for specifying to make the experiences enjoyable, sometimes I forget the obvious is not so obvious for everyone (no offence intended of course) If I listed all the things my dog is scared of it would take forever, he was a rescue to and IMO, going on his behaviour, received very little socialisation during the critical period (up to 16 weeks). He is particularly afraid of things that spin in a circle, like the ceiling fan. Also the sound of gas escaping when you open a carbonated drink. Flags. Balls and frisbees. I followed the super puppy suggestions with my pup when he was very young. Also put him on diferent surfaces at diferent temperatures and used things like flashing lights. Because my little guy was a single litter pup I used to pinch and scruff him all over to make up for being chewed on by his littermates. Bath at an early age is good. Think about what you want your dog for. Had a guy come to me because his dog wouldn't go in the water. He got the dog to go camping and boating with him but never thought to take him in the water when he was young. Tents. Flashlights.

Again, re-read my post and don't use quotes to cut sentences and twist what I say. I never said only cockers are known for it only that they are known for it. No I don't think it's only a breed trait I think it can be a result of genetics and/or management. Yes I have seen it personally in cockers, more than just my own and yes I have seen it in other breeds. I never used the term 'cocker rage' and no, I don't think it is the case here.

That's great, thanks. The more the better! It helps to have a list to ensure you don't leave anything out. I like your way of writing things too, much easier to read than mine

Re read my post. I said 'rage syndrome' in response to your post. I used the terms 'possesive aggression' and 'resource guarding' in my post about the cocker in question because, like I said rage syndrome is not prevalent today and I don't believe it is the case in this situation either. But the term 'rage syndrome' was origionally coined to describe cockers and they are still known for posessive aggression and resource guarding behaviours today.

Of course any dog can show these behaviours! But look up 'rage syndrome' on the net or in a book and I could almost guarantee you there would be a picture of a cocker spaniel. Although not as prevalent today, cockers are still prone to these behaviours. I base it on education from countless books, vets, breeders, owners and my own personal experience. Don't get me wrong, I love them, share my home with one in fact.

I totally agree