NaturallyWild

I'm not so sure about that. I thought it was because of all the additives in dog food and fresh dog meat etc. and the culmulative effects of same. I strongly believe that it is a combination of both. The additives, preservatives i would say have started the problems, but now over generations the problems are showing up as various sensitivities/illnesses (eg irritable bowel syndrome) where some/many specific foods are not tolerated (now a genetic problem because of the original effect of chemicals). Over time, isolation from additives/preservatives/chemicals, and any sensitive foods, subsequent generations will return to 'normal' good health without these sesitivities. I can see this situation having occured with humans over the last 15 years (or more) but occurs much quicker with dogs because they reproduce so much quicker than we do. A similar situation to this was demonastrated by Pottenger with cats and cooked v non-cooked food many many years ago (30/40s).

I would say it was the 'adductor' that Elizabeth was referring to (sits high, middle, inside the leg) and this felt a bit tight when i saw him on Sat. This is possibly only because he was propping with the leg because of the tear to the hamstring and over using that muscle. A relief that he was increasingly using the leg with time though. He'll be back leaping lakes in a single bound in no time (particularly with all his saved up energy from resting). George is getting on, heard this from quite a few people. Still a legend for his time though.

Have pm you with some details. Might see you at dog training sat. Tim

Some probiotics may help the situation. My pup had Salmonella when i got him home, runny stools for ages with smal amounts of blood in it, and no amount of suggested food changes by the vet would fix the problem. The one thing from the vets that did help was the probiotics (good gut bacteria to help fight the bad stuff and obtain more nutrients from the food). They only thing that solved the problem for us was switching accross the BARF. Rice can sometimes help firm up the stools if they are too watery (need to be careful about dehydration). Definately see the vet again though. Tim

I think there is a lot to do with leash aggression as well - mixed signals being given to dogs rather than being able to communicate without our interference. Because legally now dogs are meant to be on leash everywhere outside of home and dog leash parks many people are not aware of how to use a leash without it taking effect. Less of this issue back then.

Kis: As I have a sit/stay happening, should I go totally back to basics and tie her up? Or is it OK to run with the progress I have to hand? T: Best to start from scratch (like you said 'can't hurt')- particularly seeing you said she headed towards the bowl and had to growl to get her back on track. Going from basics will mean that you will get better control without needing to apply pressure to get what you want (except for the use of a long line to stop her getting what she wants). Once she learns at a good degree of difficulty, getting the kids to then start at an easier level, ie just a look means reward and then build up for them, should be then easier as she already knows how the process works. Just wondering whether when your kids do it if it's best that you be out of sight (assuming they can handle the lead/tie back) so there is no issue of her looking to you instead of the kids?? I'm sure K9 will correct me if i'm wrong :D .

My pup had salmonella when he was just home (possibly from eating chicken) and constantly had the runs. The vets gave us a tablet to give (can't remember name) that reduced fluid loss in the stools, but this only worked temporarily. They also tried us on food product after food product, none of which worked (and probably didn't help with changes of food). I finally changed to BARF and the problem went away almost immediately (even though it was a complete change in food types - not gradual like suggested). If they choose to go BARF best to maybe start off with some cooked white rice mixed with some steamed and blended veggies (carrot, spinach, brocolli, etc) and a small amount of minced meat (potentially cook this to begin with). The most important thing is that the fluids are kept up -vital in a pup with the runs because they loose so much water. Definately keep regular checkups with vet (hopefully the blood test will show something) - and potentially may need a intravenous drip to keep the fluids up if it gets too bad. Giving a pup antibiotics that is already unwell will lower it's immune system even more (but may be necessary to kill the involved bugs), but is important it gets given some good bugs for the gut to compensate for this (probiotics etc). Make sure there aren't any unecessary stresses happening around it so it can concentrate on getting better. Depending on the blood test results, they should be very careful in the future about vaccinations, as some dogs can develop bad reactions that can be fatal. Make sure the dog it in the best possible health if/when you vaccinate next. Do a search on DOL/google and you will find out plenty of info on over vaccinating. A titre test might be the best option. Sending good vibes Tim

S:i'm booked in for K9's next vic workshop... but it's still a few months away... and i want to try to keep training my boy as much as i can in the meantime... maybe i should wait til K9 comes down before i start prey training? i dont know... :/ Did i miss something along the way - have the seminars been booked or has it only been the private training that was sorted out. I don't wanna miss this. Tim

I think the ''all or nothing'' program is probably the same as NILIF but probably starts out using treat rewards then progresses onto general resources as rewards - eg sit for pat, sit to go outside.

Gruff can be conditioned to being a good thing - ie slowly change your voice with a command to being gruff but rewarding along the way. Some people training dogs will want to behave in a manner that is not ideal (ie loud, gruff instead of higher pitched,exciting which is naturally more interesting and posistive for dogs) so you need to learn to taylor training programs around what they want - don't just tell them they're wrong and do it this way. I think this was what you were talking about. The other voice was the reprimand voice which was more 'urgent' in sound, not necessarily gruff.

I saw it advertised on www.k9events.com along with many other events that are advertised there. Now now julie, you never share secrets with any one else do you Dr Dunbars main focus is that all training from a puppy up occurs off lead (apart from learning to walk on a loose lease). That way you don't gain any reliance on the leash (or any other tool for that matter) in the training (effectively in the long term control comes from allowing access to resources - eg require a sit every 15sec when on a walk if they want to continue walking around freely sniffing/playing/etc ). His other focus was that puppy/dog classes need to be fun otherwise joe blow looses interest and won't strive for that excellent control/relationship with their dog. Excellent explination and presentation of seminar - lots of fun - suggest anyone who has the chance in the future to get along to anything he does. Tim

Along with diluted vinegar to aid with cleaning the ears, grape seed extract (internally) can be useful in gaining control over the yeast infection. A food allergy would generally (but not every time) have other signs such as excessive licking/chewing (paws/skin), scooting, skin reddness/irritation, lethargy, muscular pain, etc and can be any or all of these. There is also another ear rinse now being used by vets that is natural based (from milk) that apparently works well for these situations (?Zymox Otic?). Best of luck.

Along with trying to maintain your dogs ears with a cleaner, i would seriously suggest looking at your dogs diet to reduce the cause/aggrivators for the infection (eg-removing yeast, high levels of sugars and carbohydrates and giving herbs etc to help the situation). Try find yourself an animal naturopath (both vet or not) who could help assess this better. Cheers Tim

His number is 9333-1602. Definately recommend. Might be a bit far away from you though, he's in Yuroke (near Craigieburn - Nth Vic). Cheers

Sorry to hear this. I feel they will let you know somehow when they don't have those little bits of spark left in them. Have you considered seeing an animal naturopath. A lot of natural medicines (herbs, homeopathics, acupunture etc) can really help. I can't remember any ones in SA but if you contact the SA college of natural medicine i'm sure they can point you in the right direction -(08) 8371 3055 or surf the web. Hope this might help Tim

I assume its just NSW at this stage - cos' i didn't get one either. Eagerly awaiting Victoria details to be confirmed.

No probs - i can send you the original/cropped photo via email if you want and your email server will allow large sizes (about 2.3MB for both). Tim

A few of my boy - Stoli Can't wait till the next one already Tim

Here's a few pics i took on the day - I think i got some of the names right. Little guys/girls? Ridgy pups Ridgys Cherry Buffy and Schnaggles Boxer Pups Boxer and Toller Indy/Jyra/Chili?? Enjoy Tim

Another vote for Victoria I would definately be interested in both K9 force doing his recent workshop on handling skills and SARDOG giving us all a better insight into what they do with search and rescue (their demo at Steves last workshop was great) and hopefully doing this sort of thing will get more info into the community, a few more volunteers and maybe some funding that they deserve. I'm really busy the first 6months of the year so fingers crossed i'm available if it is organised by then. Hey Julie - run all the possible dates by me first

I want in !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D Missed the last 2 beginers days - bad timing :rolleyes: ;) Messaged/emailed you bothe (Geoff and Dave) Tim

I've compiled a list of everything so far Puppy Socialisation: Places/People/Situations in general •People - different race, age, size, conditions (weird walking, drunk, handstands, dancing, busking, etc) and in costumes (santa, clown, masks, big hats, beards, sunglasses, crutches, bald, coats, gothics) •Babies - in prams, cot, holding, on floor •Handled – All over by family and different people (Leads, being tethered , being restrained, having ears cleaned, having eyes cleaned, every part of body, having mouth checked, being picked up, pinch/scruff all over to make up for being chewed on by littermates) •Veterinarians – also do mock vet stuff like muzzling, bandaging, being carried on a strecher, checks etc. •Shops – Hardware, nursery, shopping centre, markets with lots of people milling around •Hospital - rehab centre (people in wheelchairs/walking frames those) •Sporting event - footy and tennis •Schools – start and end of day •Gym •Police and fire stations •Airport/helicopter land and take off! •Wreckers yard/Car factory •Building sites/renovations •Parks/reserves •Bbqs/fires - cooking •Adventure park - hearing all the noises, screams eg Luna Park •Main road •Animals - Horses or stables, cats, chickens, cows, chickens/other birds, cats, rabbits, fuzzy dogs, bull-breeds and dogs of all shapes and sizes, alpacas, sheep, other livestock, fish, reptiles, bugs •Fireworks •Gunshot •Speedway or dirt bike competition. Very loud, smelly and dirty. •Sound effects cd •Train station (and on the train) •Bus depot (on bus) •Different surfaces – texture, temperatures, height (bean bag, bubble wrap, checkerplate, wobbly bridges, different walking surfaces, steps etc) •Water :Swimming (at the physio, beach, lake, river), bathing, rinsing with hose, water features/fountains, throw bucket of water, sprinklers. •Automobiles – Tractors, bob cats, ride on lawn mowers, cars, trucks, motorbikes •Push bikes •Go-karts •Scooters •Skateboards •Whipper snippers/lawn mowers/chainsaws •Trampolines – people jumping up and down •Agility equipment •Umbrellas •Wheelie bins •Musical instruments •Wheelchairs •Rain/storms •Radio •Vacuum cleaner •Hair dryer •Flags •Banners •Tree branches moving in strong wind •Remote control cars •Kids toys (especially ones that make noises) •Ceiling fans •Glass sliding doors •Boats •Opening bottle/can of fizzy drink •Balls and frisbees. •Tents. •Flashlights. •Do a star jump infront of your dog (my dog got freaked when I did tat) •Shopping trolleys •Plastic bags •Mirrors •Nail clippers •Tooth brushes •Balloons •Gym ball (the excersise ones) •Treadmill – walking on it slowly •Escalators •Parties •Big plastic objects •Computer dial up noises •Billboards/ posters of oversized people •Suitcases. •Big pile of dirt •Christmas lights and decorations in their yards •Postman and his/her motorbike. •Dragging chairs over floors/moving furniture

ImaShepHead don't even think that, i'm the same way (bad tax return), i'm sure the dogs will need a break as well the rest of us. Either we round up something or we sneak in with our lunch. By the way the more camcorders we can have the better the possible production we could produce (i can do a bit of post production (those that want to be edited out can be,etc) but i don't own a camera - but might be able to get get one (definately a tripod or 2)). Can't wait till then.

I've been to a seminar on animal nutrition by Dr Bruce Syme (maker of VAN) - he knows his stuff, one of the limited number of vets out their that has spent many years researching animal nutrition (and still doing so), and "strongly" recommends raw fresh food based on the evolutionary diet. I use the canine nutritional powder and make up my own patties, mixing it with blended fruit/veg, minced roo/chicken etc, and small amount of soaked oats. His products are excellent quality and very well priced in comparison to a lot of other similar products. Still worth looking around at what alternatives are out their though (never know what suppliers you'll find) - i managed to get his stuff cheaper than listed on the internet, shop has closed down now though . Closest place in Melb near templestowe i can think of is the Greensborough grain store (rear of main st - near pool).

Not sure if this has been mentioned previously at all, but i would be very interested if we could organise to tape the workshop (like done in previous workshops of his). That way we can go over what didn't sink in on the day.