badboyz

I agree with the breeder on this one. They are a dominant and large breed and need to learn thier place early. Also it is not good for puppy's growing bones to be jumping on and off furniture. So you will be doing both you and the puppy a favour by teaching him to stay on the ground.

Sounds intersting. I have requested samples on thier website. May be interested in giving it a go.

Where are you in Brisbane Gingerpuff. I have recently changed my dogs over to mostly raw food from Big Dog Pet Foods - Lawnton. http://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/index.htm I have had them on Eukanuba for a long time, then tried Nutro and Nutrience - all combined with some home prepared and a little raw. It has only been two weeks, but they really seem to be thriving on the more natural diet. I was sick of paying out huge dollars so thought I would try this. I still add a very small amount of dry food (maybe half a cup a day) just because I have some left and it is sometimes good to just be able to give dry in an emergancy or travelling. Nice firm poos because the dogs are digesting almost all their food. Certainly would not hurt your guys to have a break from the dry. But as the others have said, a vet trip to rule out other problems would be a good idea. Also are they up to date with worming.

I once had a puppy that devoloped a cherry eye after a reaction to tacking stitches in her eyelids. The vet used a technique where he actually cut half the gland and stitched back the rest. This meant that there was much less potential of dry eye developing. She has had no recurring problems at all. It may be worth discussing this procedure with other vets as an option.

I would have a whole problem with having a puppy on the bed at all. Have heard of nasty injuries from too young puppies jumping off beds. Plus the whole dominance issues. Why can't puppy sleep on it's own bed beside the owner. Makes him important, but not equal to the master. I also feel sorry for the older dog - talk about being dumped in the rankings! When I had beagles (mostly outdoor dogs) they would sometimes pee on our bed when allowed in for only a short time. Definitately dominance issues at work - as the cat always sleeps on the bed and the dogs wanted to make their point. (Shar Pei's have never done such things I might add - so they are allowed in more often).

Have not tried EP - too hard to come by in Brisbane. Have tried Nutro & Nutrience. My dogs will eat anything with gusto so lthey loved all. However I have recently changed to raw mince & vege mix - pre mixed (Big Dog Pet Foods) with just a touch of kibble (1/3 cup) and I can tell the difference in how much they enjoy it. They also get regular bones (chicken frames/roo tail/whatever). As it is pre-mixed it is no less convenient than dry food - as long as you have freezer space. I was getting sick of paying out huge dollars for dry food. It has only been a week, but I can already see an overall improvement. Can't say I ever noticed any difference between one dry food and the other. Not sure where you live but I am sure you could source something similar in your area.

Nutrience is good too and a little easier to get.

Great article Gomez - thanks for posting.

You could try Nutrience - seems to have a stronger smell than most. My dogs liked it - but they like everything. Or you could get another dog - nothing like competition to cure a fusspot!

I was also going to suggest whole marrowbones for her teeth.

I have heard that about basenji's as well. I do think though that it is often more an individual thing. I had a beagle bitch that came in yearly.

Found this posted on another forum - thought it worth sharing. Puts the facts very bluntly I thnk.

I think it depends on the product used, but yes mine have only ever had 2 puppy shots. I have not had any problems with any dogs I have owned contracting the diseases. I do however know of one pup I sold that did get a mild case of parvo at about 6mths of age.

My dogs love Nutrience and it is much easier to get. I tried Nutro for a while but did not think it worth all the hype and trouble buying it. I have also read it is a good idea to change brands regularly so I tend switch around a bit these days. Much better if you run out to know that they can happily accept alternative. Also I only feed dry in the morning and home prepared at night so my guys get plenty of variety.

Agree with Miranda. Classes at an obedience school. He will get used to being around lots and lots of dogs in a safe environment. He will learn to ignore them and look to you for guidance. And it will be fun for both of you.

I emailed yesterday asking why it is not available and how can I get hold of it. Reply this morning: "Thank you for your email. We are working to distribute our food in Australia. We will keep you updated." Wouldn't hurt if others also gave them a nudge so they no they have a ready and waiting market.

I would have to agree with Vicki here. If you watch a dam with her pups, if one keeps bothering her she will first give a warning growl. If the pup is persistant she will grab the scruff with her mouth and give a much harsher growl. Puppies usually will be very submissive and walk away and find something else to play with. When puppy backs off it is a good time to give him/her a toy and then walk away for a while.

Winterpaws that Addiction product you posted a link to looks great. It says on their website they are looking for distributors in Australia - how about it Hesapandabear? Could be a good addition to your Natural Pet foods range.

Where and what breed did you end up getting FGM? I see there was some discussion in you introductory thread. Photos are a must!

Beagle owners really need a sense of humour. They are so cute but so mischievious and have such a zest for life. You will get much joy and quite a bit of frustration with your gorgeous girls. But who could not forgive faces like that!

Oh this brings back memories. Yes it is possesive behaviour. When I had beagles they would regularly widdle on their beds - that is if they hadn't already destroyed them. I used to use hessian bags as they were the cheapest to replace. Make sure they stay away from your own bed! I would feel sorry for my dogs in winter and give them a warm blanket, only to have it totally destroyed in a few days - unappreciative little monsters. Changing breeds has saved me fortunes in bedding and cleaning. Good luck with your beautiful girls. Hopefully things will settle down when they are desexed and more mature.

Rachelle have you read this site: http://homepages.udayton.edu/~merensjp/doberdawn/index.html She recommends between 5000 - 7500 rpm. I am not used to using these tools so was not comfortable using the faster one. I felt I had less control of the nail. No idea if it was due to the speed or the qualtiy. If you are used to your dremel I suggest you give it a try and see how it feels. Good thing about the golf kit is it is very small, lightweight, comes in a little carry bag - easy to throw in the tack box.

Hi Rachelle, I bought a cheaper brand initially that also had a minimum speed of 10 000. I was not happy using it so bought the dremel golf cleaning kit off ebay (only about $40 inc postage). I found this much better to control and safer to use. Lowest speed about 6000 I think.

Welcome to the forum. Many breeders will advise puppy buyers not to buy littermates for this reason. It is very difficult to train 2 dogs at the same time and siblings can become very self sufficient. They really should have private training time. Perhaps your hubby could take each dog out separately when he walks them, and do some one on one obedience. Although as you are the primary carer, you may need to take a more assertive role in their training. As said above, I am sure some of the great trainers on this forum will advise you more. GSD's are fabulous, intelligent dogs and I am sure with the right advice and help you will get them to behave, hopefully before bub comes along.

BEEF LIVER REMEDY FOR FADING PUPPIES It's so simple.....Large piece of Beef Liver, little bit of water, boil slowly, about 5 minutes until the blood comes out. Let cool, drain the liquid and put just 4 drops (no matter the breed) into a dropper and give to puppy. At first you give it every 2 hours for 12 hours, then every 4 hours. The article says you can do this for however long you have to, until you feel the puppy is thriving. I did this for 2 days and the turn around was miraculous. This was the smallest puppy, just 4 ounces, out of a litter of 7. He was doing fine for 3 days, then he began to fade. After only the second dose, he came around, but I continued for 2 days. Don't use any of the liver itself, it's way too rich, just the liquid. I wouldn't have another litter without a piece of beef liver in the freezer. I just spoke to a friend who has a much larger breed and she said she gave the 4 drops every hour for 12 hours and then went to every 2 hours, then to 4 hours. So I guess you can vary it for different breeds. She agreed it was amazing. She had 2 fading puppies and they are fine now."