Poodle wrangler

I don't think it would hurt at all! They're good programs for so many reasons. Won't necessarily help with barking. I had/ have a similar problem, but have tolerant neighbours and am not away for quite so long in the day. The dogs aren't bored, they like the sound of their own voices. My dogs sometimes bark when playing together, though not excessively. Antibarking ultrasonic collars are useless- they might have some surprise value for a few days, but I wouldn't waste my money (tried that). If going for a antibarking collar, I'd go straight to the ecollars, but they're not cheap. Cheapest I found was http://vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.php?pr...at=0&page=1. I think K9 now sells this brand, too. The dogs can get sores where the metal parts sit on their throat if you leave them on for > 8 hours, so keep that in mind. They need to sit firmly on their throat.

The sleepiness might also suggest diabetes? Best wishes.

Dogs are not like people with food. They don't have the psychological baggage we have. There is no problem feeding them the same thing all the time (preferably nutritious for dogs). Many dogs eat the same thing day in, day out with no problems or ill effects. Even dry, "boring" (to us) kibble. Healthy dogs do not starve themselves. I agree that if you're concerned, take them to the vet. Diagnosis via internet forum isn't the way to go. Hope they're fine.

Sounds normal. Let him have a run, but only pat him when he's calmed down (reward him with your pats and attention). Try Triangle of Temptation (TOT) here: http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=64101 Do it exactly. It's great: Gets pup to look, listen, sit, wait, stay and takes nothing away from the pup. Sends all the right leadership signals and isn't harsh in any way. Training should take about 5-10 minutes max. with a young pup. He's still a baby and has the concentration span of a gnat. You can do it more than once a day if you like. Toilet training is advanced training, so he's doing well. Small bladder still, so more accidents would be normal, too. I waited until about a week after 2nd vaccs before socialising with other dogs, parks etc.

You've got a baby and toddler and what sounds like an aggressive dog?? (Don't know of course, but sounds that way??) Snapping, growling at both you and other dogs at only 10 weeks old. You've already spent the money to buy him. I'd spend the money to get a professional trainer out to help you, otherwise you might have wasted your money buying a dog that's not safe around kids :D . Temperament is both nature and nurture and it's possible that you've got a dog born with problems. When you go to the vet, keep some notes. I'd have issues with the breeder if they've sold you a pup with early behaviour problems. Breeders shouldn't sell dominant pups (if that's all it is) as family dogs with young kids in the house, either.

Are you rinsing very, very thoroughly when bathing? A little shampoo left in the coat can irritate the skin. Can also leave a residue that looks like dandruff (I've done this, myself :D).

Could it be nail clipping technique problem? I use a dremel to grind down the nails, but did a rough job the other day and noticed some splitting of a couple of nails. No problems on those I did with neat edges.

Sorry, I have no advice but you seem like a caring owner to make an effort to make his life as good as possible. By all means, try some changes. You have no reason to feel guilty if these don't work out and you do decide to PTS. The treatment options and medications aren't great for older people with dementia, so for dogs

Go the KONG and reduce her other food accordingly. A small meaty bone is a meal in itself e.g. brisket. One of the best things to do for her is get that weight off! That means drastically reducing her food- as in half- especially as she is not exercising. Follow the vets instructions for rest. It's only short term for long term gain. Good luck .

If new to clipping, start by going WITH the fur growth. To go shorter using the same blade, go AGAINST the growth. Don't tolerate any silly behaviour while you have clippers in your hand- never reward the dog by letting them get out of clipping. If you want less stress, just do a small area. But once you start, finish it on your terms . You are NOT hurting the dog by clipping them and if they don't like the vibration or noise- they need to learn to get over it! Be firm, but don't expect them to stand there for 1 hour for their first time, either. The dog is reassured when you're firm, but fair. Sorry, I can't advise for Shih Tzu's having just given the MIL's Shih X a poodle pet clip

Raw bones are great for dog's teeth. My 7 year old dog has great teeth with regular bones, dry food and some raw foods, too. If they're already discoloured + sticky breath she may have some gum disease and need a proper clean with the vet. If her teeth and gums are painful, she will not want to eat bones at all. How old is she?

I've recorded the show, too. Only watched the first bit .. Erny, if you have trouble getting a recording, PM me. I'm at work all weekend, but can try Monday. Had a laugh, too, when they said it was a "new method"- positive reinforcement- radical :D

She's still very, very young and truly it's easier to roll away the rug than try to train her to stay off it entirely. Toilet training is major in itself, so make life easier for everyone :D. If you need a rug in that area, what about a very cheap one? Carpet offcut?

:D Well, you have to live with them. Should I mention how much quieter the Andis AGC2 are? - they're the next ones I'll be getting :D. You can try putting cotton wool in your dog's ears to dull the noise.

My dog was quite dopey and sleepy the afternoon-evening after the op. Op sounds same as yours. He's a standard poodle and so is shaved all around that area with clippers- no problems at all. I was told to only give a light dinner and not worry about food- as long as he was drinking normally. Vomiting can be a reaction to anaesthetic, but if you're worried speak to the vet.

What do other GSD people think of this? I thought over 25kg adult was considered "large breed" as far as joints and dry foods were concerned :p. My standard poodle is tall as a smaller GSD and is certainly considered large breed- e.g. standard poodles can get large breed nasties like bloat, HD etc.

Short answer is: I'd buy neither. Forget the cheaper one. I bought Andis Pro MGB as my first clippers- you can get better for a similar price- they're only a very basic clipper. The Andis AGC2 is far superior. If too pricey, I'd look at the Wahl KMSS series. Try Clipperworld for clippers: http://www.clipperworld.com.au/shop/index....Cat&catId=1 For blades: http://www.freewebs.com/clipperbladesharpe...ipperblades.htm (nicestmann77 on DOL!)

My dog Charlie (avatar, standard poodle) has tried to eat a blue bottle- was OK. Obviously was uncomfortable- pawing his mouth and wondering what the hell had happenned :p I was wondering whether or not I'd have to carry him to the car and off to vet- a long way to carry 25kg- but he was fine to walk back to car and needed no special treatment.

How far out in the SW? Friends of mine had their dog almost die with a paralysis tick, just outside CBD. I asked about Picton- Thirlmere area for the FIL- apparently very uncommon out there, though their dogs had a few bush ticks on them.

I'd clip him shorter, so it's easier to manage the coat thru summer. Is important to brush and comb right down to the skin and get rid of knots so the skin can "breathe" properly. It's amazing how much rubbish you can get out of the coat with a good brush, followed by a thorough comb as well (dead fur, dust, dirt). There's a thread a few ones down that suggests a shampoo with evening primrose oil. A soothing shampoo wouldn't hurt in another week or so. Vets can prescribe antihistamines which can help with allergies. Often need to try a few different types of antihistamine to see which works best for your dog. Some may not work for him at all. Steroid medication gives fast relief if itching's really severe, but is a only for the very short term and have nasty side effects.

Does he have the antihistamine regularly? If it's that bad, I'd just give it every day. Sometimes a bit of experimenting with different antihistamines is needed to find the most effective for your dog (varies). I don't see any harm in baby shampoo, but would look for a more soothing one to try first. See what works best.

I've had to use pliers to get a bit of stick out from across the roof of one dog's mouth. The other had one stuck up there and showed no signs whatsoever- was only that I check him over at least weekly that I found it. Decomposed stick would have stunk pretty soon .

They don't want to say much, do they? "Changes" really is hedging bets, but implies there's some problem evident in the way the top of the thigh bone (femoral head) sits in the hip joint (acetabulum). The femoral head is like a ball and the acetabulum is the socket it sits in. The vet normally has little models to show you how the joint works. Muscles and ligaments also support the hip joint, so all is not lost if those minor changes continue. Yes, I'd be cautious with her and follow breeders advice about growing large breed dogs e.g. Keep a lean weight, use large breed puppy food (if feeding dry), short walks only, no jumping/leaping/ carry-on that is hard on growing joints. Were her 'parents' hip scored? What was the results?

Quick note about ecollars if you look to buy one online. ... I emailed customs and they said an ecollar will be confiscated if posted to Australia from overseas . I was looking at the antibarking type and they're far, far cheaper in the USA. Customs said something about Federal laws applying to Customs/ Imports and state laws applying if you buy within Australia .

No idea! Haemorrhoid? I'm guessing it's been there for some time, so should be OK for the vet in the morning?