Akayla

I did buy a variety of those chew stopping sprays over the years. Funnily enough they would chew WHERE I sprayed!

Oh and another story from when I had the two girl GSDs. I had a nectarine tree and each year all the fruit seemed to disappear. We figured it must be birds because the fruit was missing from the very top. Looked out my kitchen Window one day to the sight of Lakota standing on a branch up in the tree so that it was bending down and the other dog Lupa on hey hind legs plucking all the fruit off. Lupa also ate more than her body weight in food from the pantry (rice, pasta and so on). She was only a tiny pup and scared us to death we thought she would die! Vet said to keep an eye on her and we had to limit her water. So the poor little round pup could barely move, she would give a little moan and roll over.

Well over the years I've lost a dryer, TV, dishwasher and the most impressive removing everything off a trailer (lights, wiring and the fully bolted down spare tyre!). I've had a dog leap through a very high Window (while closed) like something out of a movie because I had brought home one of their favourite dog companions. I've had walls eaten. I've had a dog that was afraid of dog poo! My young pup had had an accident while I was out so when I came back my big tough adult GSD was sitting on the washing machine to avoid it. When I tried coaching her down she moved to the tiny windowsill. I finally managed to get her down and had to carry the boof head out. Then she didn't believe me when it was safe to come in so I had to carry her back! Blaez likes to steal things and take them back to his crate for chewing but I can always spot him. You see he retraces his steps to the extent he walks backward to the crate and all in slow motion :) He also can't stand anyone having a better bed then him so he has a mound of bedding (including sheep skin) all year round even in summer. He's a Lappie so I'm sure he gets hot. If I remove it he steals it and everyone else back. Can't complain about the current pup. His biggest problem is he screams when I come out to let them in (excitement). Although it kind of sounds like a really loud Turkey :laugh: When he has been up to no good I often find him sitting behind the curtain. It's not floor length so his bottom half is quite obvious but he still thinks he is a ninja :laugh:

I have had people ask if my GSD was a wolf :laugh: The Lappie gets husky x ALL the time but I did once have a man run after us at the park very excited as he recognised the breed from his time spent in Finland. I must admit I got very excited once at a market after spotting someone with curly coated retrievers. She was quite happy to have some one recognise them so of course we spent almost an hour talking about the breed :D Another funny. My 7 year old has decided when she grows up she wants a pug so when ever we see a pug out I point it out to her. So of course the 2 year old has been taking this all in. While riding bikes on the weekend Miss 2 spotted an Australian bull dog(at a guess) and started excitedly calling out pug, pug. The owner had a great laugh with us :laugh:

PS - I think the canberra/surrounds group is well over due for a doggy/hot chocolate get together

We get snakes quite often in Canberra too but people don't tend to notice them as much. We used to see red bellies and Browns frequently were I worked.

My previous girl Lakota always had my back. Whether someone was acting threatening or when she stopped my ex from committing suicide. So when she died both myself and my lapphund were shattered. Blaez cried and fretted so much but I just didn't think I could stand another dog just yet. Then Jerry Lee happened. He wasn't planned but from the moment he got here he has supported all of us in a different way. He isn't tough like Lakota but he is so affectionate. He "hugs" with his head and neck and loves nothing more than if you put your hands out so he can rest his big body head in them. I've never had a dog that did this but it's such a trusting gesture. He prefers to be next to me and while he tucks himself in bed every night with his ducky and blanket, I wake to him being as close as possible. Sometimes he stops and looks at Lakotas portrait and sometimes when he sees me looking at it he just walks over and rests that big boofy head on me. The previously dog phobic kids at my daughter's school come running when they see him now too. He just knows to be extra gentle with them.

I met someone the other day (I actually knew them as they work in my favourite restaurant)who had a brand new pomsky pup (Id guess husky x border collie myself). I laughed so hard once I was out of ear shot. She was carrying her little pomsky but needed both arms to do it. It was bigger than most husky pups that age! Its so sad in most ways but that just made me laugh and laugh.

The everlast was always a good one for us. If you get the blue one that you can buy special biscuits that fit and screw in. So even if he rolls it nothing will come out.

I'm a single mum so I know what you mean about wanting to feel safe. I live between 4 schools so there are heaps of kids and teens that will get up to no good if they can. When I had my old GSD no problems. When she died within weeks I had teens knocking on my large windows at night. Apparently funny. So I got another GSD and taught him to sleep next to the window. He wasn't even 6 months old and the pranks stopped. He didn't need to do anything just be there. The Lappie would bark but then hide behind me. So not so secure feeling :laugh: What breeds do you love?

In my family there has always been dogs. With myself and siblings, with my children, with my siblings children. No issues at all BUT we are dog savvy people. Would I recommend just any breed to a new family who had no experience, no probably not. Also depends on what is meant by young family. No dog experience I would probably suggest waiting till the youngest is toilet trained before you get a puppy and start all over :laugh: Both the GSDs and Lapphund have been fantastic for me with my girls.

Good to see some balanced views in here! I totally agree that people often need to just dig a bit deeper than jumping on the "I saw this dog once" band wagon which had no real understanding or knowledge. I wouldn't be able to comment on the dog in the original post without seeing it move and putting my hands over it. PS - the GSD National was awesome this year but I was stuck in my stall so missed the last run off in open. There were some gorgeous dogs walking around though and not nearly enough puppies within cuddling distance!

I found teaching them to go to their place quite easy too so it shouldn't be overly stressful for you. Its great for when they first get in and are all silly. I tell my two to go to their beds and that's where they stay till they have calmed down and are relaxed.

Have you taught them to go to their place? I say go to bed and all dogs take off for their beds. Also another one which might be helpful for you is "back it up" where they back away from me. Good for going down stairs or keeping them out from under your feet.

I swore I would not get another one for at least a year or more after I lost Lakota. Problem with having dog people on your fb though is you are all those cute faces constantly. A friend had a litter and one spunky boy caught my attention. I found myself looking forward to seeing his little updates. Next thing I know he was offered to me and I had agreed :laugh: I have never regretted it. I still miss Lakota terribly but Jerry Lee makes me smile and gives me comfort.

You have to report her found to the appropriate authorities first then wait the time. I'm not sure if it went to court she would have much luck given she knows the dog and neighbours. Best to get them to sign her over officially. Although contacting DAS or the RSPCA just to get some reliable info on doing so wouldn't be a bad idea.

Her breeder might also have a list of people wanting pups (pet obviously), that she could go through or just be able to help you screen people. Not to mention if they are good how much wonderful advice and experience they would have. It would be hard to make that call but it could really be worth it.

I have had GSDs that would just remove the slats. So yes depends on the breed.

Ooo Thanks For the links. Loved listening to them.

It's true. They can seize the dogs and keep them until they are satisfied the yard is secure. By the sounds of it they have finished their dealings with them if the fines have been issued etc. It is ridiculous how inconsistent councils are.

I think Canberra has a lot of mixes and staffies. Although there is definitely a lot of pedigrees too. Actually what I am seeing is less of the popular breeds and more of a diversity. There is 5 or so GSDs on this street alone and I see some beautiful pugs, Danes, Irish setters, etc being walked. There is still at least two dozen staffy/pitty type crosses and kelpie X, SWF X coming in behind that.

I never new that, I thought Stan was just mighty proud of his effort :laugh: :laugh: I'm sure they are proud too! Lakota used to be a bad one for it. Always the top dog and she hated dogs going over her bit. My male dog once tried to remark over hers so she came up being him (she was twice his size) and promptly peed on his head. I'm pretty sure he coped the grass in the face act too :laugh:

Cat-dog cross ;)

:laugh: you're his property too!

Apparently they have a gland in their feet which releases pheromones. So by kicking and scraping they are spreading the scent the way a big cat scratches a tree. He is saying I am here :laugh: