fainty_girl

Thanks Kavik . Tilly would love anything fast paced! I don't really know that much about agility (saw something about it on Cesar Millan's show a while ago), but I agree that Tilly would probably love it, especially if it involved jumping of some sort. She loves to jump (if she jumps on the lounge she effortlessly springs off from far away and it looks like she is just about levitating ). She also loves balancing along the top of the lounge. Now how fit and healthy does the owner need to be? What sort of people normally do agility? Is it a real mixture of young and old?

Thanks Kavik . It's hard to know what would be best for Tilly. I suppose I could always email them and mention what obedience issues i'm having, and see if they think they can help. It says on their site that they enjoy helping change "untrained, madcap dogs", so Tilly would definitely fit that criteria . She is very good at home...very content, sweet, and relaxed (unless it's playtime), but when she's out it's like she is a different dog. Normally I am the one who takes her out 95% of the time, and when my dad took her for a walk for over 2 hours the other night (plus off-leash time at an empty dog park at night), I think he finally believed what I have been saying about Tilly for a while. He said it's like she's on another plane and agreed that she was a handful to take out and it wasn't just me finding her difficult.

Someone I know taught their old dog this, because I think there had been some poisoning of dogs in their area, or something like that. The dog would not eat what was there until the owner said "paid for". If the owner was holding a treat, he'd tell the dog "no, that's not paid for" and the dog wouldn't eat it.

Has anybody done obedience training here?

I'll lend Tilly to you, problem solved .

A couple of days ago I put a stop to Tilly sleeping on my bed, and she has coped fine. During the day if I was in my room then she would rest on my bed, and in the night she would sleep on her own bed on the floor. She started doing the odd soft growl/grumble if Jessie came in my room to say hello, so I definitely wanted to put a stop to that behaviour. Yes she still tries to jump on my bed, but I tell her "aaah" and "get down" and she does as she's told. Just a moment ago she walked into my room, stayed on the ground and rested her head on my bed (as if she was thinking about getting up there), but she decided not to and then just walked out of my room. I think you just need to choose a rule and be consistent...you either want the dog on your bed, or you don't. Your dog will understand, and won't hold a grudge.

I got my dog Tilly when she was about 8 months old, and in the beginning she was food aggressive towards my other dog Jessie. We took things pretty gradually at first, but now Tilly happily eats her dinner beside Jessie, about a meter apart. They each have to let each other finish, and then at the same time they swap bowls just to check there isn't anything left (they made up this ritual themselves ) I still feed bones (like lamb shanks) separately though - not because i've seen aggression, but just because want them to give each other space when they are eating something that is pretty valuable in the dog world. Initially I fed them completely separately, then I fed them separately but divided by the pool fence. Gradually I then started feeding them at opposite ends of the kitchen. I didn't do this by myself though - I had my dad help me out, so one of us would keep Tilly at one side of the room with her bowl (Jessie is not the type of dog that has ever fought back in a fight though, so we just had to keep Tilly away from her). Part of it for our situation was getting Tilly to realise that she wasn't top dog and that there is plenty of food for all (Tilly was a stray, and was extremely food crazed when she came to us...I remember the first day or so that I had her, I just got a glass of water to drink and she got super excited about that).

My dogs love going to the dog park and they go daily. I did stop going to a particular park, because I thought it was too exciting and too busy, particularly for Tilly... At this park that I used to go with, Tilly hated this one particular dog and on two occasions she picked a fight with it ...it was not a major fight and no damage was done to the other dog, just a small mark on Tilly's face which is now a scar. For some reason, she just hated that dog. When I first got Tilly she was not all that tolerant of other dogs at the park that were 'in your face' annoying, and would occasionally snap to give them a warning, but she doesn't do that anymore. I think going to the dog park and playing with so many different dogs has really helped her with that. She is pretty good with other dogs now, and wants to run with any dog that she can find, big or small. The main thing I have to watch her with now is if she sees a dog fight, scuffle or very rough play, then she wants to join in sometimes , so I try to keep her away from those situations in the park! I think dog parks are great, as long as everybody is aware of the situations/things that their dogs may react negatively towards. The only thing I don't get is why some people walk dogs (usually small white fluffy dogs) that react aggressively to every dog that approaches them. Surely dogs like them are not getting much enjoyment from their visit to the dog park!

What has worked with Tilly was only showing/offering her a tiny part of the treat, and keeping the rest of it in a clenched hand. If she looks too overexcited then I say "aaah", wait for her to relax a little, then use the command "gentle". She was a bit skinny when I adopted her and I really doubt that she was fed regular meals, because she used to get extremely excited about seeing anything food related (even a glass of water), and in the early days she used to get into our kitchen garbage bin. Tilly is gentle with food now, although we still use the "gentle" command if needed, especially if feeding anything tasty like a piece of meat, etc. Good luck

Tilly likes to destroy toys too, so I have to be more selective with what I buy now. I bought the toy pictured below from Kmart for about $10 and she loves it and hasn't been able to eat her way through it. I've also seen them at Woolworths. Would your lab be able to destroy a toy like that?

Tilly does not respond well to a harsher tone of voice or anything loud and forceful when she has done something naughty...it scares her, so I don't use harsh methods with her. That's interesting, because sometimes Tilly will do the same thing outside of the home...she prefers it if I crouch down to her level when calling her name or if I have called her over to me if she's done something naughty (again, not using a harsh voice).

Firstly, go to your local council's website and look up where dog parks are located in your area. Or post a question on this board about dog parks and the suburb you are in, and someone will surely be able to tell you where to find a dog park. He probably just behaves poorly in the house because he is not getting enough daily exercise. My dog Tilly was a rescue dog and when we brought her home she was totally clueless about being inside a home (so she had probably just been left outside all of the time, given no boundaries, etc). She has been an inside dog ever since, and the only time she chooses to go outside into the yard is to lay on the deck in the sun or do her business. On the rare occasion that she has missed out on her daily exercise at the park due to rainy weather, then she does not behave nearly as well as normal. Tilly is generally very relaxed at home, because I really make an effort to tire her out everyday outside of the home. When you brought your kelpie X coolie home, you pretty much just committed yourself to spending at least about an hour a day exercising your dog. She always has some human company around the house too and she has access to a lot of toys (I tend to put them away in the evening though, because she'd happily play with squeaky toys 24/7 . Tilly loves playing fetch, but when she sees another dog enthusiastically playing fetch, then she will join in with them, running along the entire time with her own ball in her mouth, while she "herds" the other dog that is fetching the ball. So even if Will just chases your other dog Cougar, that is still great because he is getting some decent exercise!

I bet he needs exercise and attention outside of the backyard too...something to challenge him (they are very intelligent)... Playing fetch at the dog park is a great way to burn off that Kelpie X Coolie energy too, and gives them something to focus on. Tilly also loves playing with a soccer ball at the park too.

Hi, Here are some links and info below for you Is your dog getting plenty of daily exercise? I have a 14 month old Kelpie X Coolie and she needs a really good amount of exercise everyday so she can relax when she's home (eg. playing fetch non-stop for about an hour at the dog park daily). If he's not getting enough exercise, then maybe he is bored and is not feeling challenged enough. Does he spend anytime in the house with you too? Or is he always out in the yard? Hope you find a solution soon. Oh and you should post some photos of your dog, would love to see what another Kelpie X Coolie looks like http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/issues_...ng_nuisance.php http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/issues_barking.php "Dogs bark as a form of communication. If your dog barks, there is a reason why. It may be simply a response to a stimulus, like a jogger running by the house—or it may be your dog's way of asking for help. Ongoing, Excessive Barking – This is your dog’s way of sending you a distress signal. Somewhere his needs as an animal are not being met. Is his world anchored by a pack leader who projects calm-assertive energy? Are you walking with him every day, which exercises his body and his mind? Is he living a balanced life? If nuisance barking is a problem, consider these issues to find a solution. It’s the best way to show real love for your dog".

I dont think its cut and dry. I have 2 entire dogs and yet in 5 years no accident. If there is a reason for entirity then keep it, and that extends further then just breeding. saying that I think with the way the dog behaves towards other dogs losing his testes wouldnt be a bad thing ;) Stupid question, but why do some people keep their dogs entire if they do not intend on breeding them?

Ok I just took the dogs out a short time ago...I put Tilly in the backyard while I put a lead on Jess and then walked her out to the car and she got in with no problem. Then I brought Tilly out and put her in the car too. Jessie did a few protesting type barks for the very short car ride and then played happily at the park with Tilly. I guess getting in the car the same time with an excited Kelpie X wasn't Jessie's idea of fun.

She has never been reluctant to go in the car before. She has always loved going in the car. I suppose for about the past 2 weeks or so at most. Yes she can sit, jump, etc happily. About 6 months ago she was showing some signs of arthritis in her leg, but after going on glucosamine and losing some weight, she hasn't limped since. When Tilly knows we are going out she gets excited and happily runs around the yard a few times. She calms down when she gets in the car though. Jessie is a much quieter dog than Tilly though, so this could be bothering her. They have been happily going out to the park every day for the past 5 months though. Perhaps I should try putting Jessie in the car first, then bring Tilly out afterwards. I will have to try walking her around the block on the lead instead. I just try to avoid taking Jessie out separately, leaving Tilly at home unless Tilly is tired and has someone there to distract her, otherwise she wants to come along too. She hasn't shown any signs of being sore anywhere. On the weekend she went to the dog park with both of my parents and apparently she ran really well. Yes we have been renovating, but nothing major - just some decking being installed by a family member who Jessie is very familiar with.

How do you tire him out normally? Does he play fetch with your or swim? Or anything like that? My Kelpie X Tilly is very energetic, so everyday I put a lot of effort into tiring her out. She plays fetch at off-leash dog parks everyday...playing fetch keeps her focused and it tires her out. If Tilly did not get enough exercise, then she would become a real problem. But with the problems you are having with your dog, i'm guessing that letting him off the leash is not even an option for you. I think you can get an 11 month old dog to concentrate on you. Maybe just start in quieter surroundings, and build up the amount of distractions gradually. Although my dog Tilly loves busy dog parks, I have found that she does not listen very well if taken to a busy park. Now she is being taken to quieter parks, where I have found her to be more responsive and better behaved. If you don't want to breed him, then get him desexed. There are enough unwanted dogs around in the pound.

Jessie, my stumpy tail cattle dog X (who is nearly 5 years old) has recently started refusing to go out with me to the dog park. Jessie has always been reluctant to leave the house when my mum is around, because she is extremely close to my mum and is protective of her (follows her around 24/7). But now she is refusing to come along to the dog park, regardless of whether my mum is home or not. At first she acts like she wants to go, then when I tell her to get in the car, she goes back to the front door of the house and wants to go inside again. I normally take the dogs out 1-2 times a day...perhaps Jessie is just a bit overwhelmed with Tilly, because Tilly is always excited about going anywhere, but i'm not sure. My parents have both been taking her out for me without Tilly (for walks on the lead, or a play at the park) and she is happy to go with them, so she is still getting out of the house, but not as much as she usually does with me. She normally enjoys going to the dog park too. Should I put Jessie on the lead and walk her to the car, so she does not have the option of wanting to go back to our house again? Or should I just leave her at home and let her get her exercised by my parents. It seems rather strange for a dog to not want to go out, especially Jessie's breed!

What a gorgeous dog you have there! Maybe it is the heat that is causing the panting? In some of your photos, he is in full sun and in one pic he is leashed and tied to his kennel. My dog Tilly does not seem to cope in the heat/full sun. She will run and swim for half the time if it is sunny and warm.

Maybe another vet could give their opinion to you...hopefully there is nothing to worry about. My kelpie X coolie Tilly never pants for long. After running and swimming for an 1 hour & 15 minutes she will stop panting within a couple of minutes. When she has only swum for a short time and ran for a while, then she will pant for a little while longer. The very first day we brought her home from the pound, she panted for hours though because she was obviously very stressed. Not sure if this helps or not, but this was Tilly the first day we had her...so panting from stress: And panting at the dog park, after running and swimming:

I use a ball thrower and Tilly's favourite squeaky rubber ball to play fetch with her everyday. She can run and swim (retrieving the ball) for about 1hr 15 mins before getting tired. If she's not at a park where she can swim, then she will run for 1 hr up and down a big hill before getting tired, because she isn't able to cool herself down by swimming. The first couple of times I took Tilly to the dog park, when I first got her and she was not yet playing fetch, she was all over the place...running around the park at full speed and then she would go up to people and jump up if they showed interest in her. When I started playing fetch with her, she became much more focused, and when a ball is around she really doesn't want pats from anyone. She still does get distracted when she sees other dogs running, and so she goes off to join in, but she does come back to me. For Tilly, playing fetch is an outlet for her energy and she absolutely loves it.

Not puppy stories, but here goes: When Jessie was about 3 years old my parents and brother went overseas for a few weeks. Since day 1 when we rescued Jess, she has been a complete velcro dog for my mum. When my folks came back, Jessie did not seem to instantly recognise my parents. Instead, she went straight up to my brother (who she also adores), and then about 1 minute after she realised who my mum was, then she went nuts, jumping on her and crying. Before owning Jessie & Tilly, I grew up with my kelpie X Tammy (she lived until she was 15 years old). When Tammy was 14 years old I spent 6 months overseas. She had cataracts, so her vision was not great, so when Tammy saw me for the first time in 6 months she barked at me like I was a stranger. Then when she recognised me, she just sat near me, with an excited and happy doggy smile!

What a sad situation to be in ...I'm sorry to hear about your friend rainy. Hope you can figure out what to do. He looks like a beautiful puppy.

I have fed my dogs the Vip lamb chunkers a couple of times and they seemed to like them (but they are not fussy with food anyway). The first time she ate them, Tilly stunk out the house so bad afterwards with wind!