dougal

There's a video on the website with a run through of the test. Not sure if NSW is stricter than Vic, but my girl who had made it through 2nd class in obedience failed I would practice "leave it", sit/stay and walk away out of sight and have a range of different people handle him in strange ways (ie bump, grab ears, tail etc). I understood the importance of the test when I took the one that passed into a nursing home. Whilst she could pass the obedience test, navigating around a walking frame, and getting her to ignore all the crumbs on the floor made me realise how important it was. In the end I realised it wasn't for her as she didn't like it - loved going out with me and got very excited, but wasn't so keen on socialising and kept giving me the "I want to go home" look.

thanks for the ideas everyone. I was looking at the simple human ones this morning and wondered if they work given the cost. If a lab hasn't penetrated it, they must be good As I'm heading to the US in a month or so, thought if I didn't find a solution in Aus would look at bringing one back. The US have so many things of much better quality. eta - I like that idea pipsqueak, could be a quick measure until I can get something more robust.

That looks good JulesP - is it heavy?

I have a bin in the cupboard, but with a family it's not large enough and quickly fills with doggy attractive items. Maybe I need to get a lump of lead and put in the bottom to stop the tipping motion and try for a lid that doesn't allow for easy nose access! I have an area where I can jam it between two solid walls, so it's just the paws on the top to pull it over and nose under the lid. Grulife, I found it much easier when I was on my own, but trying to control large human habits as well makes it difficult.

I am looking to purchase a new indoor garbage bin. For some time I have had my bin behind a dog gate, but would like to move it closer into the kitchen......which includes dogs. Has anybody had any success with a specific type of bin? I'm thinking a heavy base (to stop them pushing it over), with a good locking mechanism. Just when I think I've found the solution they show me otherwise

I have two spaniels, both very excitable and enthusiastic. When out walking people are keen to bring their dogs up to my two, but I find their merriness can be overwhelming for the other dogs. Some owners look at me strangely when I hold them back, or only let them say hello, one at a time. I think they can be too much for some dogs, especially smaller ones, and larger dogs tend to,find them annoying. Mine are always wary of labs......a bit to bouncy, big and unpredictable. On the whole I rarely do off leash these days as there are too many variables and mine add to it. If a park is empty I'm much happier.

I am looking at changing over from preventic collars to scalibor. The no smell option is very attractive, however wonder how effective they are. I found a vet site that implied they may not work if dogs are bathed more frequently that fornightly. Does anybody have any feedback on their effectiveness? Would rather put up with the smell than run the risk of a paralysis tick.

So sorry to hear Danny is unwell. It is so hard when they are unwell......if only they could speak. I hope he is on the mend soon and SASH have some answers.

westiemum, what you have described sounds alot like the first attack my Cairn had with pancreatitis. All tests run by the vet did not confirm the diagnosis - the only way we found out was by opening him up and having a look - as he was continuing to detriorate ie losing weight. He was much younger than your girl (18 months), but he had the twisting/contorted look, smelly back end and vomiting.

It is so hard to understand why people are so cruel.

My two, both bitches have had the odd spat, with one trip,to,the vet. Always brought on by the younger one, generally resource guarding. I had them both desexed recently thinking it may be hormonal but it has only made the younger one more of a bitch. I continue to reinforce the older (only by 9 months) as number one which goes some way to keeping the younger one in place.

Harley, there are lots of options available, including high care facilities, prisons, hospitals, palliative care. Additional health screening is needed for hospital visits, and dogs are also rated with regard to working with children. The local coordinator is a great source of info and does a great job in guiding the right choice for the handler and dog. I went for something low key, as a newby with no experience with aged care, I chose a low care hostel, but it's really up to you. There is a good video and information on the delta website detailing assessment criteria etc. Delta also provide a comprehensive training day.

Chelsea and I have just started with Delta. I love hearing all the stories from the residents about their dogs. The facility I visit has pet birds, rabbits and even chooks!! Something of a surprise for me in the middle of Sydney. I had both my girls assessed, but only one passed. Now having completed a couple of visits, I can see why the assessment is so important, and particularly the things they assess. The ability to navigate around walking frames calmly is clearly key :D

One of my girls had an anal gland so badly compacted the vet struggled to clear.....it was like concrete. She's now taught me how to do it. She wasn't even scooting, just a general health check up picked it up. So many fun things to do as a pet owner!

I have just seen your tribute and am shocked to hear your news .... I don't often come in here as I end up in tears very quickly. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The love and bond you had with your girl was evident every time you posted. There is nothing quite like a cocker to get into your heart and take a very big piece of it.

Thanks Diva - the one I would consider desexing first, is the one that is the most pushy of the two (starts the growling), although not top dog. Usually the other one just ignores her. I was hopeful desexing would calm her down; more to think about. Aah Corvus, that all makes sense. They are both of similar age (8 months between), although of different lines. The older (top dog) is pretty easy going, and confident in herself. The younger is bolder, but lacks confidence; starts a fuss, then runs and lets the other one sort out what she started eg the younger one will happily go to meet a larger dog, then become overwhelmed, nervous and start to bark at the other dog - the older one will come to her aid. She also becomes stressed when left of her own. In contrast the older one takes it all in her stride.

Thanks Nekhbet - I had wondered about that :)

Dogmad, both were shown, and now that they are older, desexing is something that has been in the back of my mind, for their health. Earlier on it was my intention to breed, but I came to the conclusion there are enough others out there doing so, and if I want another show dog my breeder will oblige :) I stress this is not a long term problem, and I would never have classed them as "fighters". They are a pretty docile, happy breed and generally laid back. it is only the last couple of days they have been acting differently towards each other,which made me wonder what has changed or what I might be doing differently that is contributing. The breeder has had them on several occasions for several weeks and commented on how well they get along. Persephone, perhaps you are right in that the usually stronger one is weakening, or alternatively as Staffntoller suggested, a change in hormones. Thank you everyone for your suggestions, I have an appointment with the vet this week, who is a breed specialist, hopefully she can shed some light.

Just in case I'm doing the wrong thing when they fight, appreciate any other advice. I'm separating by removing one to a crate, with the other (top dog) uncrated. After some time, when they have settled, letting them back inside together. They normally sleep together in a crate - without problems. One of them needs to be crated otherwise she will urinate inside (lazy) and will howl all night if she doesn't have the other one with her. The other one (top dog) will happily sleep anywhere, crated or not and will hang on for lengthy periods rather than soil inside. The vet checked out the one that was injured the other night, nothing found eg temp normal etc. Aah, just realised what one problem is.....me! They have both been sleeping peacefully. One went outside, when she came back in, the other one quickly jumped up to keep her away from me.

I have two undesexed females, both 8 years old. Usually they get on well and I don't have any problems. However, the last couple of days they have taken a general dislike to each other, with one resource guarding more than usual, which seems to be the start of the problem. The one that I'd describe as No 1 (top dog) usually doesn't bother too much when the other one growls over toys etc, but for some reason they are both going at each other now. Neither are in season. The top dog is also a bit more clingy to me - eg sitting on my feet rather than just close by, at my feet everywhere I go. One has had a trip to the vet as skin was broken in the first episode (nothing serious just me being careful). I'm seeing the vet next week and will discuss desexing.... but wondered if anybody has any ideas why they have suddenly developed an issue.

wish I was in a different living situation at the moment.....would love to take this little one. I had a Cairn for 15 years and miss him terribly.

I used to go to Northern Suburbs - training is at St Ives - I think the Secretary is located at Turramurra. I enjoyed it for quite a while - all depends on the trainer that you get. Some were good, some didn't like spaniels (I have two), junior handlers (my daugher was handling one of my dogs) and made it known, others were lovely. I dropped out when there wasn't an easy way around the more difficult trainers.

persephone - I suspect it's because she's in season (although she's always been an excitable "wee'er" - I need to get her out the door as soon as she lays eyes on me or she just will just wee wherever she is - used to urinate all over me when I picked her up as a pup)- if it continues then we'll be off to the vet. Won't get her feet wet or cold, will just go wherever (think princess :-)) She's also been leaving other presents for me as well, both day and night.

Thanks Dyzney - really helpful advice. You are right, I think it was about look for me with the wire crate. SKG - They have been perfectly content in crates and trolleys previously (they are 8 years old), but neither are happy with now being restricted overnight when they have had the freedom to choose their sleeping spot in the house. The one that actioned the escape is too smart for her own good, very clever and determined, although generally not destructive. ....off to get a wire crate, and hopefully a full nights sleep soon.

Thanks everyone. My concern was that now she knows she can do it, she will (but hoping it was a one off). Is there a particular brand of wire crate that is tried and tested? They have only previously been crated in their show trolley or soft crate when we've been out, the overnight arrangement is new, due to my other girl deciding she is no longer house trained ....and howling all night if she doesn't have a buddy with her. The night wetter wouldn't dream of destroying the crate; the other one is Houdini.