Paptacular!

It was the second session of a beginner's class. Switching your dog on (sitting alongside the left leg) was taught last week and was meant to be homework, as was asking the dog to sit at the same position after completing an exercise. There is every chance that the dog knew what was being asked of him for the sit command (probably not the 'heel' as it was the first demonstration). The fact that the dog slumped to the ground after the trainer's hands guided him to a sit was an eye opener. The dog looked very dejected, tired, and may have been fearful of the trainer, due to the fact it was trying to get as low to the ground as possible. After seeing that, I had to leave the class early and I don't think I will be returning.

It was quite a large class, and I was standing about 6 people away from the owner in the circle. I didn't see his reaction to well, but he didn't seem to flinch. Maybe he thought his big tough Bully could handle it, but if anyone did that to Portia I would be telling them where to go.

What I want to know is, is it common/acceptable for a beginner's class obedience trainer to do this? Trainer has a large dog (eg, a bully) he is using for a demonstration, owned by someone taking the class. The demo is heeling. As the dog's lead tightens, he pulls on the chain to correct the dog. Not a small tug. Rather a large, heavy handed pull. Which causes the dog to yelp (in pain or surprise, I'm not sure). This happens several more times. The dog sounds truly pained in some instances. At the end of the demonstration when the dog is asked to sit (being guided by hands), the dog slumps by the trainer's feet into a drop. Demonstration repeated once more, with similar results (yelping and slumping). Do you think this is acceptable? Or am I just soft?

They look cute! I've ordered a Hide-a-squirrel from the US, but they'd probably be more interested in the balls than the squirrels. On the site I ordered the squirrel toy from, they also had plush animals with velcro detachable limbs, so your dog can literally tear the limbs off their new toy!

RIP Grandma. ;)

I haven't heard of sunlight soap before. Where can you get it? I use Animal House White n Bright also.

And how did I not know you came into possession of a little Sheltie!?!?!?!

Because Blaze's teeth are quite bad (he doesn't like chewing on things) we have started t/d, and are still in the process of introducing it slowly. The dogs seem to like it. I thought this seemed like a good option to try and avoid another dental for Blaze. If there's no visible improvement within a month he'll probably need another scale/clean, and possibly another tooth out.

Good to see that he's perking up a bit and peeing for you. Go Bucca!

Poor little fella. Sending wishes for a speedy recovery.

Another vote for allergy, perhaps to grass.

So sorry to hear about the problems with your little girl. I love the Jap Spitz, they're adorable. Is the vet going to do a feacal float? Might help to rule out the possibility of gardia or coccidia. I had a pup with coccidia and she had the vomits, a touch of diarrehea and was very very listless to the point where she couldn't stand.

Can someone please make me a Christmas sig? Something maybe with a slogan below the pics, Merry Christmas from the Pappylove household!

Barkly is my favourite Cocker, he's stunning.

She hasn't been to the vet for it, it's a common papillon trait for the eyes to run a little bit, so it's more for cosmetic reasons that I want to clear it up. It never gets the red tinge I have seen in some dogs, just the dark lines from under the eyes.

Do people use eye drops to clear up and prevent tear stains from occurring? I'm using a solution on a cotton wool ball but Portia makes hard work of it. Are there eye drops you can use, and how often would you use it?

Congrats! Well done to everyone who's been working so hard to make this happen.

Some Papillon prefixes taken from the DOL breeder listing: Quinvale Yunbeai Kalkite Betisechien Burleeds Gemz Kutas Tamdale Toistoree Mexicatl Jayjess Tonichi Watermill Glengunn Knightbrook Basilika Basileus Corkinikroy Cavalrite Tap Dogs Napaj Caroblee Amberlindz Fyaril Starblaze Waiwilta Treborial Sailoz Tekaha Chyaree Papandi Talleaffe Evablue Quola Kyryndaley Chienderace Enve Ukillion

She doesn't go out unsupervised.... she's so small I wouldn't want to chance her getting lost in one of the bushes where I won't be able to find her! I'll try moving the pad outside... fingers crossed that it might work.

I have a new 4.5 month old puppy (Portia). She's been here since Wednesday, and in that time she's toileted outside a grand total of about five times (and not for lack of us taking her outside!) She seems to prefer to use a training pad inside to wee on, and poo wherever it falls. While I'm glad she's at least peeing on the training pads, we would really prefer for her to go outside, and we are fussing her and praising on the rare occasions that she does 'go' outside. I thought the breeder may have paper trained her, but the funny thing is that she wasn't. She used to go outside on mainly concrete (same conditions as here). Anyone have any ideas about how to make the transition to outside toilet easily?

Farewell Ziggy

So sorry MsJ. RIP Roggie doggie. Take care of Charlotte matey.

Well done guys, what a fantastic idea and a great site! And luckily, my future prefix isn't taken as of yet!

OMG, I'm so sorry! What a terrible accident. You can't blame yourself, there was nothing you could have done to stop it. RIP Ripley. Little Charlotte will meet you at the Bridge. It's a shame when out little friends are taken from us so young.

Thanks. I was kind of wondering about little pups hurting their baby teeth on hard bones, but I guess it should be ok.