Clyde

That's a different type of dryer. You were using a HV (high velocity) dryer, these dogs were burned using a stand dryer, which is what you use to fluff the coats dry with (or cage dry for those that do it) and yes, if you use the heat on high for the HV dryers it does get too hot. The better ones heat with the motor, rather than use a 'hot' switch.

Marg the flea shampoos are pretty useless. They only knock down the fleas on the dog at that time I have found. Comfortis is terrific for fleas. Knocks down existing adults and breaks the cycle. I think we're in for a bad flea summer. Fleas aren't a problem where I live now but I found a few fleas on one of my cats the other day so I guess this summer will be different due to it being anticipated to be our hottest summer ever.

When you meet a Maremma: This is based on my own dogs... they are all quite varied, one raised as a companion only and adores people, lousy guard dog but good 'working' dog in terms of foxes - he would do well in any home, town or country. They seem to switch off indoors and not bark, hence some do well in suburbia provided they're indoor dogs. The others are more working Maremma but here, they are companion and working. I have done a medium below if I were to 'average' out the dogs temps. Be confident, keep your arms down, don't eye ball them and don't reach out to pat them. They will come and seek out a pat once they are comfortable (maybe). Will paw at your leg and nuzzle your hand provided arms are by your side, this means they are okay with you. Mostly prefer strangers not to pat them at all. Enter property through the front gate, don't ever climb the fence for a shortcut even if the dogs know you well. You could visit every day for a month and have the dogs love you, but if I am not home the dogs won't let you in. New stock must be introduced well in order for the dogs to realise they are part of our pack, not intruders. Prone to food aggression but live in packs well. Bark loads, most shed loads, I have 3 who really only shed seasonally and then it looks like disemboweled cushions all over the paddock. One sheds copiously 365 days a year. Like a routine, set in their ways and have their own rules about the way things should be. They shut down away from their territory. What might seem as a well behaved dog lying at their owners feet at the vet, could well be a Maremma very stressed. Mine breathe up slightly and get very faint red rimmed eyes. To other people they look like angels, totally relaxed. Awesome dogs to have once you 'get' them, low maintenance in terms of neediness and they provide their own stimulation via working. Incredibly affectionate and loving with their people. Do well on the smell of an old rag, food wise. Can be black with mud one day and white as snow the next. Don't smell and are bathed minimally, if at all. Overall, very healthy dogs. Not all Maremmas are automatically good with stock, some require a lot of training and commitment and need to be taught this. I read online somewhere that having a Maremma is 'a partnership, not an ownership' and I think this hit the nail on the head. They are dogs which deserve to be treated with truckloads of respect and give you their heart and souls in return. Very loyal dogs (unless the gate is open :laugh:).

I've only had the one Pug. He's three now but it took me probably two years to get him. All my usual rules have gone out the window with Alvin. He's been very frustrating to own, still is, but I get him now and can manage his quirks. He needs to feel as though he is a part of me, under my skin and touching me all the time. He is also the most active, hyper dog I've ever had and I've had a lot of high drive dogs before.

eh? I suggest you do your research. If I'm out with my dogs, bull breeds are one of the main breeds I am wary of and I have a Stafford myself. If you keep reading you'll see I discovered the truth. Hallelujah!

I think you're wrong. And so do most knowledgeable SBT people I know. No one has suggested every single SBT is dog aggressive though. Mine isn't DA, but I know if a fight started she'd get in there and give it her best shot to finish it. I just don't risk it. She only plays with dogs we know well.

eh? I suggest you do your research. If I'm out with my dogs, bull breeds are one of the main breeds I am wary of and I have a Stafford myself.

A friend of mine got a solid black Dane juvenile bitch. She is now chocolate brown.

I think the coat kings are worse than the Furms. They really cut the under coat and you can feel it growing back spiky, it wrecked my Rotties coat - took a while to bounce back. You can thin the coat too much with the Furms. Id probably only use it no more than once a fortnight tops.

I have a child and three large rescue dogs. One is the size of a Dane, with the bulk of a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. It can be done but you do need to go by trust being earned over a longish period of time, not automatically granted. It also helps that all three dogs were adopted from Maremma Rescue and I have trust in her temp assessments. There is no way I would bring a large rescue dog in from someone/somewhere I didn't know with a young child in the house. That poor poor mother, it is just beyond comprehension. I commend her bravery for killing the dog.

Desexing can play a part too IMO. I wouldn't use the furminator too much either.

That's what doesn't make sense. She was a clean dog who finished the food in her bowl, plus the crumbs around the bowl. She had apparently left crumbs which was not usual for her and they think she had died at the tail end of her meal. So someone must have fed her right before the incident. If she was that way inclined, plus being a Lab, she can't have been free feeding. Those two comments in the story just don't tie together for me. Not saying the story is sus, it just isn't very clear about whether the dog was left for days unattended or not.

Or maybe she wasn't being fed Why's that? Because it takes a few days for a dead animal to smell. If the dog was being visited and fed daily I doubt the smell would have been strong enough for the owner to have been hit with it on arrival home. I'm just guessing.

Or maybe she wasn't being fed

Someone was obviously feeding her so it's not like she was completely abandoned all that time. VEry sad and horrific story

IMO, I would do it as an absolute last resort. I was told my Pug needed this done. I ummed and ahhed, researched etc, shaved some weight off, give him supplements and he has improved a lot. He might still need it down the track but at this point he has improved so much that it's not necessary. Good luck

Can't tell from the photo but Frontline is pretty useless. Advantix much better.

Dog mad, you need to calm down. The comment was not aimed at you, yet you've gone in guns blazing and then made a nasty accusation for no reason. Polo is gorgeous! Looking forward to more updates

Yes spot on assumption. I have worked in a lot of places who did this (and did it responsibly) but I've not ever liked it or done it in my own business. I find it's a better dry (and then cut) when controlling how the coat is dried. I am assuming that these poor dogs were put in steel cages and then the dryer shoved right up next to the cage door. It would have been akin to putting the dogs in an oven. I prefer clients not to stay, as the dogs are often more difficult to groom when their owners are present. It's very difficult especially to have sharp scissors around their eyes and the owner moving around behind you and the dogs quickly move so their eyes can follow them etc. The worst is when the owners think they're helping and talk to their dog which only works some dogs up more. They also do kissy noises and tell the dog 'good dog' in a high pitched tone which unsettles the dog. I like my grooms to be calm and relaxed. If clients are really adamant about staying then I let them, they usually get bored quickly though, lol and either leave or are happy to leave the dog next time. Sometimes it's good when they stay as they then realise exactly how much work is involved! But just because a groomer prefers you not to stay, it doesn't mean they are up to no good. Of course though, if you feel uneasy about it just don't leave your dog there. You wouldnt leave your kid somewhere where it didnt feel right so a dog should be no different. I got a lot of clients when I moved here, from a salon who wouldnt allow clients past the front door. It was all very secret squirrel to what it was like inside. They're good groomers and Im sure there was nothing untoward going on but people like to see where the dogs will be for the day ( which is understandable!) I have a few regulars who stay. If the owners are real 'doggy people' and very calm and switched on plus if the dog is a bit nervy then I actually find it helps. It just depends on the owner/dog.

AND, while the RSPCA might only be able to pay the owner a visit with a verbal warning, it might be enough to make him think twice about doing it again.

Absolutely I would report it!!!! Wouldn't even think twice. Daisy has no one to stand up for her, poor dog - there is not EVER an excuse for kicking a dog in the head, I don't care what the dog might have done.

Whenever I buy people chocolates I end up eating them, but yeah that's a good idea. Thanks. He's crashed out next to me on the couch. :laugh: Same! I reckon a nice bottle of wine. :) eta: Woops, just finished the thread and saw you've gone for wine - good choice! My clients give me wine and chocolates. My thighs are more grateful for the wine!

You need a puppy pen and a baby pen so that both can have time out from the other and give you a break from constant monitoring. Having a pup AND a baby is SUCH hard work. It is exhausting, but doable. You need to constantly be watching like a hawk now for years IMO. Bull breeds play rough and your baby looks like a very inviting toy. I wouldn't rely on being able to teach the pup to be reliable, instead you will just have to put in heaps of training but remember your dog will be a puppy for another 2yrs and cant be trusted not to 'play' with your baby. You've gotten a pup at a bad time, IMO, but it can be done if you're vigilant. Good luck!

Just 2.5, but I use every square inch of it for the chooks :laugh:

Same here, I agree. With the exception of one DOL groomer, I found the best groomers were my friends who had had no experience at all - that way they were started fresh and only did things 'my way'. Other groomers Ive employed were frightening, bad habits etc. Much prefer working on my own now.