charmbug

Thanks guys, I guess this is not one of those things I can DIY. I'm going to see if Fossil can be desexed during her eye-operation this week (if they put her under for that) at the same time, then I think I should give her some recovery time before attempting this. There are a few training places that are local to my area, so I'll book in someone to come out to our house. Fingers crossed they can do something because I don't like the idea of permanently seperating them, it's too stressful worrying if someone will accidently leave a door open. Cheers Charmaine Ditto what the others have said about a qualified behaviourist. There are a couple of training schools near you (sleep over for the dog type) to be quite wary of with this sort of problem. Their method for just about everything is to jerk harder on a check chain until you get the desired behaviour - probably not the best way to go about things. Best of luck with solving your problems! Thanks guys, I will start hunting for a good behaviourist, because I know it is something psychological with her, not just a naughty dog syndrome. Once she goes into a frenzy she would not even notice how hard you jerked on the chain, if fact she usually starts choking herself during those moments. We will see if a behaviourist can fix this, but if she doesn't overcome the problem I think I may rehome her with one of my elderly relatives so that she can be an 'only dog' and get the lap time she desires. I'd hate to do it, but the alternative is one day one of the kids will not close the door properly then she will probably get into a big fight and maybe even killed. The only other option we could think of is to build a run, but both our dogs are family interacters and would not like the isolation. Zoe is so well behaved and responds so well to obedience that she will sit still while Fossil threatens her (although you see the nervousness in her eyes) but once Fossil latches on she will snap at her (and fair enough). Fossil has her eye op on Thursday and I am going to see if they can desex her at the same time, so we will probably look for a trainer in a week or so, once she has recovered. I thought I might try keeping Fossil in a crate in the room with Zoe and maybe after long enough she will be bored with the idea of attacking, but then I worried that the idea of being crated infront of a free dog might just frustrate her more. Cheers

Thanks guys, I guess this is not one of those things I can DIY. I'm going to see if Fossil can be desexed during her eye-operation this week (if they put her under for that) at the same time, then I think I should give her some recovery time before attempting this. There are a few training places that are local to my area, so I'll book in someone to come out to our house. Fingers crossed they can do something because I don't like the idea of permanently seperating them, it's too stressful worrying if someone will accidently leave a door open. Cheers Charmaine

Hi, I haven't posted on here for quite a while due to business and uni pressure, but about 10 months ago we bought home our border collie, zoe who was roughly 14mths old. Zoe is a sweetie and fitted straight in, the problem is with the little monster we already had. Fossil is a small x breed (Lhasa and Pomm) and we have had her for about 6 yrs, she was very attached to our little Mini Schnauzer that passed away. We thought she would love another dog and we wanted something a little more active than Fossil. At first she picked on Zoe at meal times, but within about a week they got along well, Zoe is extremely sociable with all other dogs and very submissive. Fossil became boss. They slept together and it seemed ok, but one time we went to Canberra for a week with Fossil and left Zoe with my dad as she gets very car sick. that was about 4 months ago, since then Fossil has started picking on Zoe again, randomly, like if Zoe sniffs her bowl, if Zoe gets a pat, if Zoe licks the cat... a couple of weeks ago Fossil had a frenzy attack and popped her eye out, which was luckly put back in by the vet. I had to seperate them because Fossil has started latching on and biting Zoe and Zoe is starting to snap back. Now Fossil is inside and Zoe out and we have to shuffle them around rooms. If Fossil even sees Zoe or hears her, she goes into a Frenzy attack. We can't keep this up forever and I just want them to get along. We have watched all the dog whisperer tapes and have tried the firm hand, socialising at parks (just not together now) and showing them to eachother on a leash. So far Fossil is still nuts. Now Fossil is having a string of eye operations and when that is over, I will have her desexed (shes never been bred and I never intend to let her), hopefully that will help?? Fossil is mostly my 10 yr old girls dog and I feel responsible to keep her even though there are times I cant tolerate her bad mood (postman is also a trigger for frenzy attacks, actually any man is), but Zoe is a real sweety and I really love her, she would actually love Fossil to come around to liking her again and pines for her. Any training tips for this matter? or recommended books? Should Fossil have a dog labotomy? Should I get a private trainer? Our vet didn't have any suggestions except to use a stern voice. Fossil used to be really bad with any strange dog during walks but frequent trips to the dog park cured her, now its just Zoe. I appreciate any suggestions . Regards Charmaine

I had previously bought a cheaper set of clippers - Breville, endoresed by Dr Harry, to do my Lhasa. They were rubbish, had trouble cutting through the hair and took me hours to do a clip. The end result looked terrible. At the time I assumed it was just me. I have since then bought the Whal clippers that others have mentioned on here. I just have the single speed, but they have been fantastic for cutting my previous Lhasa, my mutt which has pommeranian type wooly hair and my family and friends dogs. I have had them for about 3 years, could not even tell you how many clips I have done and they are still sharp. The only down side is that they also get quite hot after a while but it sounds like maybe all the brands do? I suggest puchase a spare blade so you can swap it when it gets hot. I have decided to get a second set just for when they get hot, and have bid on some andis cordless clippers on ebay (which I am now a bit unsure about). Good luck with your clippers and let us know how they go.

You're right BC Lover, I've only ever clipped my own dogs and they included one perfect stand still Lhasa, one gets bored easy and wants to play or lie down schnauzer and one mutt who is pretty good until you get to the face then she whips it all over the place, clippers, scissors, combs - anything. I couldn't imagine learning how to handle those or a dog that goes a bit mental and tries to bite over a video. Mind you, I do enjoy watching the ones on youtube - there is a good one on there showing how hard it is even for a professional to handle a Lhasa Apso that goes ballistic and tries to eat the groomers hands. Perhaps those correspondence courses expect you to undertake some work experience as well, although if you are going to arrange your own work experience, then you may as well learn there as well and wouldn't need the correspondence course.

Does anyone know how the correspondence courses work? I've seen a few different ones advertised and don't understand how they teach via correspondence or online??? I realize there is probably a dvd, but that still would be hard to learn how to groom properly. In all other aspects I love online courses because of the convenience. I would love to hear from anyone who has studied a canine course this way? Some of the salon courses are thousands of dollars for a few weeks so it seems to be a hard entry point. There does appear to be more courses available in NSW than Qld so perhaps if you don't find a vacancy at a salon, you could save up and shout yourself a holoiday while you train? It would be great if the RSPCA and other shelters ran less expensive courses in grooming, this could be a way of subsidising funding and getting all their dogs groomed and luring in more volunteers (assuming they need more?).

I have had a little success lately with my furry little muttly demon Fossil. She always tugs to be way in front and goes absolutely berserk when she sees an approaching dog, especially a larger dog. She gets so worked up that she doesn't even seem to notice the dog anymore and is just doing these weird feral backflips like a yoyo on the lead while snarling. This has been such an embarrassment to me especially because I have tried walking in different directions, but she will still explode if the dog is across the road etc. I have tried repremands and comfort. Anyways, after watching the tv show of the Dog Whisperer I figured I would just try one of his techniques (and if that works maybe I will follow Dr Phil for marriage advice), same as rest about alpha dog etc, except that he suggested making the dog walk behind rather than in front. So far this has been working really well for us, she frequently tries to weasle her way in front when she sees another dog coming, but does not go beserk when I keep her back. I just keep reminding her with a tcht! noise and pointing at her, and if she is showing signs of excitement a little poke along with the noise (apparently to imitate the pack leader nipping). Along with a loose lead and acting very confident in front of her, she no longer sees it as her job or her problem to defend. I don't know if I would be as confident with a bigger dog, but have only been doing this a week and she can now (sometimes) even say hello to other dogs without drama. Good luck though, I know it is embarrassing when it is the little ones that causes all the trouble.

Hi, I found this list of publications you could try to hunt down: Covacevich J., Davie, P. and Pearn, J. (editors), 1987, Toxic Plants and Animals: A Guide for Australia, Queensland Museum, Brisbane. Dowling, R.M. and McKenzie, R.A., 1993, Poisonous Plants: A Field Guide, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. I am going to try and hunt this one down, because the field guides have phots as well as details. Everist, S.L., 1978, Botanical affinities of Australian poisonous plants. In "Effects of Poisonous Plants on Livestock", edited by R.F. Keeler, K.R.van Kampen and L.F. James, Academic Press, New York, pp.93-100. Everist S.L., 1981, Poisonous Plants of Australia, Revised edition, Angus and Robertson, Sydney. McBarron, E.J., 1983, Poisonous Plants: Handbook for Farmers and Graziers. Inkata Press, Melbourne. McCaughey, H., 1980, Is it Poisonous? Poisoning Prevention and First Aid. A Lifesaving Manual, Angus and Robertson, Sydney. I was warned by my vet that Cycads are extremely poisonous causing liver failure in dogs, and seem to tempt them as well. Cycades are a spikey fern x palm looking plant, they are feature in a lot of pictures with dinosaurs. Will let you know if I find a supplier of this publication - I was surprised that the gov sites did not seem to have a listing online. Cheers

Hi, I don't have that site for you sorry, but years ago worked at the Herbarium for the Qld Dept of Environment and they often offered advice on poisonous plants and probably would have offered advice on high risk allergy plants as well. If you could find your State government department for Environment (sometimes called Natural Resources) and call them, they would be able to put you onto one of their botany departments and I am sure they will recommend a good website (they may even have one) or a publication that lists the plants and photos. I'm guessing the info may be different for different states. Now you have me thinking and I am going to try to track something down so that I can remove any poisonous plants before I get our next puppy. Will let you know if I find anything.

Thanks for the advice. I will aim for the Conmurra, I didn't realise that was the same one that Perfect Paws were offering. As for the price... what my husband doesn't know won't hurt him

I'm also looking at those two brands of Hydros, but am also looking at Perfect Paws, has anyone ordered one from them? I think I am leaning towards Barf, but the Hydrobaths Australia also offers the opportunity to lease the equiptment. Would never deliberate this much over picking my own bath.

Poor little Clementine passed away yesterday after intense treatment for severe vomiting and liver failure. The vets were never sure what was causing her liver to react so badly and we can only guess. In true spoilt pup fashion she did manage to run up a very expensive vet bill after 24hr treatment for a week and drips and plasma infusions etc. But we loved her dearly and are only glad that she went while under medication so that she was comfortable right up until the end. We are struggling with dealing with the fact that she was just under 2yrs old (my last dog died at 16 and the one before that 19), but sometimes that happens. I know we will need to look for a new baby to add to our family to fill the big hole in our hearts but it will be hard, I'm also scared now of all the unknown things that can take our loved pups. So goodbye darling Clem we remember you as the happiest looking dog we have everknown. xxx

Thanks guys, Puppy was just on a cheap kibble before, but I went to my vet today and bought up some Eukenuba (spelling?) in the puppy formula for her, as luck would have it my local vet's mum has a mini Schnauzer so he also backed up what you guys have been saying about the stones. I mixed a little bit of the meat I already had in the fridge with a serve of the new dry food and my pup absolutely loved it. Later in the day she ate some of the dry food on it's own and crunched it up so I don't have to soak it for her. She loves it, so the other one just must have been very bland. I also bought the maintenance one for for my other dog and she went for it like crazy as well. So I plan to give them this (use less and less meat until it's just dry) and the chicken wings and occasional chicken meat and meat bones. I'm just happy to see the dogs actually excited about their food again and not leaving bits out. I really appreciate all the advice. Top dog, I didn't know that the Mini's had sensitive skin. Must admit the breeder told me to feed the dog cooked meat with vegis once a day and if she was to cut out any meals she would cut out the dry food first. I really appreciate your info, if there is any other info I need to know on the breed if you can suggest a web site or book I will certainly search it out. I do have one book but it seems very generic.

Sidoney, If it has been ten years since you've had any driving offence, the RTA will wipe this one for you if you call them about it. you are allowed one mistake every ten years.

Rushed out and got some supplies, doggies have been very happily crunching on chicken wings this afternoon. You were right Jack, they are good for them, I bought those dental bones befoe but Clem is too little to crunch through them yet. She does however, love the chicken bones. And once again thank you again for letting me profile Cordelia's Rescue, the profile is just about done now and I am really happy with it, found out a lot more about how the rescue system works than I knew before. I will let you know if it is successful in being published. Cheers Charmaine

Thanks so much guys, I really apreciate the info, very helpful. I assumed they needed the kibble, because the breeder gave it to me. I one to not question, I like to be told what to do (except by men). I will try to find the Iams gravy and will try some sardines (although I may not want to kiss her afterwards) - But Bindo, where do I get my dog her daily source of Wombat poo??? obviously must be good for them becuase your pup looks very cute and healthy. I will omit the corn from now on, I wasn't told which vegis to throw in so I just looked in my fridge and went with the 'one of each colour' rule (which I may have just made up). And I will nervously start with some raw bones, I assume they will eat them quickly in one go? I wouldn't like them to leave them out in the sun and get maggots etc and then eat them. Is this enough for their teeth - does anyone brush their dogs teeth? I never have before. Cheers

the food I cook for them is pet mince and I add carrots, broccoli, little bit of potatoe, corn and little bit of rice or pasta. I add the Nutrigel on top for vitamins and also give a serve of yohgurt for calcium. Am thinking of adding some egg due to the posts about eggs for dogs on here. They always scoff that meal quickly. but turn their nose up at the dry food serves. She did like it the first couple of days, but has just started deciding to hold out for the yummier food.

Hi, My puppy has been home for a week and the breeder gave me a sample of the kibble she ate there, to be soaked in water for her. Before Clem came home my other dog was fed dry food, Purina. It took her a little while to get used to it, but she did seem to improve after a while. Now the problem: Clem came home, I give her a home cooked meal once a day and the others should be the dry food soaked in water. Because Clementine gets a home cooked meal now so does Fossil. What I have found is that they now don't want the dry food, but I feel it is better for their teeth and digestion. Clem is not eating the kibble she ate at her last home and Fossil wont eat it or the Purina. Is there an exceptionally fragrant yummy yummy dry food that they just won't be able to resist, or is there another way of tricking the dogs into eating dry food? Should I give up and feed mince and vegis a couple of times a day? My new puppy is a Mini Schnauzer just incase that affects her diet. Im told no cheese products because this breed is vulnerable to kidney stones or 'puppy' products because they contain ingredients that may give her the runs. I want to give Clem the best start and dont want her to miss out on anything she needs.