Poodle wrangler

Toilet training- As long as you allow accidents in the house, they will never learn that they're doing the wrong thing. Where else can they go if they're inside all day? Forget the "rubbing their noses in it" method- doesn't work because the dog makes no connection between the deed and the "punishment". Only teaches dog to be afraid of the crazy person who rubs their nose in poo . You have to catch them in the act and take them outside immediately, otherwise ignore accidents. Have you considered a dog run for outside? How big is the pen? Crates- They're meant to be like a den for the dog. They're for overnight and no more than a few hours at other times (as you know). Otherwise it's a cage, not a crate . They're too young to hold on all night, so you'll have to get up at least once overnight for a puppy toilet break. They'd need a crate each, or a large one with a partition in to 2. 2nd dog would need another one later if you wanted to keep using it. Biting you- very bad puppy habit which they all do. You have to teach them not to bite/mouth you. Yelp and then ignore them. Pats/ attention only once they've calmed down and stopped mouthing. Biting each other: My dogs are about 18kg size difference and they have teeth out, wrestle, growl etc. but there is no aggression, it's play. No broken skin, ever. Nipping is rare. It is very clear that one dog is the boss and the other doesn't challenge him. I would be worried if they were worse than this. They may need to be separated for safety.

This would worry me, too. But I'm not a trainer. Supervising children 100% is great in theory, but you know how difficult that is. Try using Triangle of Temptation (TOT) - it's posted at the top of the Training/ Obedience/ Dog sports subforum. It takes only about 5 minutes extra to do compared with feeding normally . Do you use a crate? Perhaps it would be good for those times you cannot watch both pup and kid. My 3 year old loved to play in there more than the dog, though . If the situation is ongoing, get some help asap, don't wait until it escalates. Trust your gut feeling. Not saying this is necessarily the case, but some dogs have more stable temperaments than others. An experienced person (behaviourist) would need to assess that. May well be he just needs some leadership and teaching from you

I've got no dog experience with allergy testing, but had it myself after getting severe hives for no good reason. I ended up having to go to A& E as time went on they got worse and worse despite my taking some medication at home. Took antihistamine+ steroid tablets at the hospital to settle it down. Despite testing never found a cause or trigger. Never had anything that bad since, but occasionally something much more minor. The desensitisation injections have not been proven in studies to be very effective (far as I now) though some get good results. Guess anything's worth a try if you're able to afford testing and treatment. If you decide on the antihistamines, human variety, some are cheaper than others e.g. 'Claratyne' is more expensive than 'Lorastyne'- they're the brand names but the drug is exactly the same. Pays to have a look.

You seem to have done a really good job with her coat. Good point Jed made about the fur giving some cushioning as well as warmth . I would have been tempted to shave it off, but it makes good sense not to where possible.

I'm one of those who's dogs are 100% pet. What about when poor conformation contributes to skeletal problems? Sometimes good structure is important for good function- e.g. joints! An important thing for dogs to try to avoid early arthritis and lameness whether they be pets, working dogs or show dogs. My standard poodle has luxating patellas in both hind legs. Very uncommon in the big poodles. This can be related to poor conformation- cow-hocked hind legs (not so much in his case) and a higher than desired stifle joint (that's him).

Where is the BB's breeder located? How does she manage this problem? When she had the problem with heat, what exactly happened? Did she have enough water? Was walking to the beach too much for her? I'd be really worried with summer coming on, too. I don't know about BB, but it doesn't sound normal that a dog gets heat stroke so easily? HAs she been thoroughly checked by a vet familiar with the breed (ask breeder if s/he knows someone near you)?

I know that where my daughter gets eczema, it feels much hotter. It's part of the disorder . Awful to see her so uncomfortable. If he was that bad, I'd medicate him. I'm not sure what vets normally prescribe, someone else said Polaramine which is an antihistamine. The variety for humans may be cheaper, but get the correct dosage off the vet. Topical steroid cream may help settle the inflammation and itchiness of the worst areas. Then, it's a matter of trial and error with diet etc. to try and avoid the flare ups in the future. Has it come on with the change of season? pollens? Poor boy

Sorry, I don't have original link any more and have edited out other products (long list)

Yep, the fish oil for humans is fine. 1 capsule a day. Alternatively, you can give a tin of cheap sardines 3-4 times/ week. Both is too much. There are other supplements if she has joint problems. Glucosamine and chondritin as ingredients (same as humans use as well as some designed for dogs) but I've not used them. Be sure to keep her lean. Fat labs will have premature arthritis which is painful for them. Keeping her lean is more important than any supplement. It's been shown in humans to be one of the most important factors in improving pain from osteoarthritis and preventing pain in the first place. I don't know if she is overweight, or not, but labs are notorious for loving their food a bit too much .

What did they say? What makes you think you need another opinion?

I mean this in a 100% constructive way: Sounds like you are being too soft on him. You've just taught him that carrying on like a pork chop gets him out of having a bath . If he's to be a successful assistance dog, you'll have to be consistent (not harsh) with him and you'll need to be 100% leader. Don't feel bad about this- dogs without a strong leader get stressed because they feel they have to take on this role themselves. He'll love being able to please you by doing what you ask and it will make your relationship better and more fun/ happy. Reward-based training doesn't involve you being a dragon-like control freak. Neither of my dogs like the bath, but they will stay in there because they listen to me (well, mostly ) and know I'll never let them out until they're done. I do Charlie in the shower recess as he's so big. For bathing, a helpful tip is to do their head last- this is usually what they most dislike. Pick your battles, but once you've asked them to do something always follow through .

I don't think that's typical of a food allergy/ intolerance . One of my dogs has eyes that get a clear discharge and sneezes on and off on occasions. Vet thinks he's allergic to grass, but he's fine. No treatment required other than a wet tissue to each eye in the morning. Switching foods made no difference.

Do you mean heat stroke? You're only on Central Coast area, NSW So, what's her current environment? What does her breeder suggest for managing this problem, if it's breed related? Now I see why you're so concerned..

Haven't bought one, sorry. I'm not sure I would want one unless my dog had a special medical condition or something? There's enough shade for the dogs on a hot day and poodle "wool" is not a bad insulator for them. I just make sure they have plenty of water and aren't exercised during the hottest part of the day. My observation's been that they rest when hot. Any way to get more shade for the dogs? Paddling pool?

It's best not to do ears with clippers . Best left alone or little trim off the ends with scissors. "very different" indeed? Mutant! Come on, do the deed . If I can post hideous clips, you have nothing to fear. At least you have the excuse it's your first. I didn't even get to do the whole dog first go on Charlie (puppy) and that was about clip no. 10. Hope this is the bath b4 clipping ....

I'd bandage it (not too tight) so it sits in as normal a position as possible and get to the vet asap. Hard to say what the vet will do. I was going to get dewclaws removed on Charlie the standard poodle when he was desexed, but vet wasn't keen. Said he had to dislocate the joint first and in my dog's case they were well attached and it was a bit like amputating a thumb.

I had a 'Palane moment' (ref. his #10 all over trim on the poodle thread ) and did #10 ears and tail on poor Charlie last trim. BAD idea! He looks like a mutant! My God his ear leathers are short- they didn't grow with the rest of him! #3 body and legs. Scissor top knot. Palane's pic saved me from doing topknot with a blade (Charlie thanks you ). Learn from my mistakes, grasshopper .... Before ( ) : After ( ):

You have a labrador? With dogs it's not necessary to add different tastes etc. as you would for a human. Many dogs do well with the same, 'boring' (to us) diet day in day out. Labradors are notorious for being good eaters and most dog rolls are poor quality, so give them a miss. Raw chicken necks from the supermarket are great for pups and cheap at about $2.50/ kg. Advance is fine for a dry food. Is it for 'large breed' puppies? (that's most suitable for a labrador) Be careful not to overfeed. A fat puppy might look cute, but it's very bad for their growing bones and overall health .

I had a crate for my standard poodle puppy, but found I didn't really need it. He was 9 weeks when we got him, quick to toilet train and was not a mad chewer. Also, we have mostly tile/laminate in living areas, so clean ups were not such a big deal. He also would whinge when crated at night, so it was easier to put him outside together with our other poodle overnight (he had plenty of coat to stay warm and pup in autumn). Crate I had came with a partition that you could put wherever you like to make the crate smaller, as required. You'd need XXL for a Newf. I don't know about current airline crate requirements, but the old style were plastic with a gate. They don't allow as much airflow/ vision as the wire type, but are much lighter and I used an old smaller one for pup in the car- much easier to clean up! Basically, it's up to you. If I had lots of carpet, precious items around the house or younger children, I'd go for a crate. Not too late to crate train at all.

There's nothing "wrong" with bribing him with treats. I don't like being a food dispensing machine, either, but it's a means to an end and preferable to manhandling him in there. If he loves squeaky toys, you can use that instead. Leave it in there. Trick with treats/toys is to start giving them only intermittently, but only when he's getting in for you properly all the time WITH treats. He should learn over time that car=fun times ahead. Can't say I've ever had a problem with my dogs. The mini poodle has snuck in the car and hidden in the footwell (black dog, black carpet and seats). He's had a few unexpectedly boring trips to BiLo .

Pig in Mud patio doors.http://www.piginmud.com.au/joomla/pet-patio-doors/index.php I don't have one myself but there was a thread a while ago about them and people liked them. Not cheap, but removable. Try a search?

Argh, that's nothing. Actually a lot of people think that (this was after they got their poodleX). I recently said how nice a DOLers greyhound looked and it was a whippet .

I had a problem with one of my children poking fingers through the crate wire, but you can buy canvas covers for crates e.g. on ebay, or tie a blanket on with occy straps if you prefer DIY . You can get some cool wobbly, noisy balls etc. for your son to play games with puppy. My son loves "training" the dogs- making them sit for food etc.

I think everyone else has covered it Every "mistake" you allow is a step backwards. If you can't supervise her really well, pop her outside. 17 weeks= about 4 months. Unless it's very cold or poorly sheltered where you live, I'd think it was OK to leave her outside during the day? She needs shelter (not necessarily a kennel as some dogs won't use them), shade, fresh water and place to toilet. Perhaps a kong chew toy stuffed with food for "lunch"?

What sign of allergies are there? eta: Most substances can cause an allergic reaction, at any time. "But he's never had a problem before" doesn't mean anything. Any other environmental causes? e.g. pollen (change of seasons now), plants in garden, grasses ???