persephone

Well, I had absolutely no idea! Thank you for that very informative read - and the fascinating little bit of film ! Did you notice the brawl(dogs) at the end of the race ?

the remedy will be different, depending on the cause of the skin problem A diagnosis needs to come first . "Skin problems" could be hormonal, allergic reactions, parasitic problems, bacterial or fungal infections.... all with a different way of being treated. Asking a vet would be the best course of action , I think.

We have a working Koolie who regularly gets a phantom pregnancy . We don't "treat it" as such - she has a toy she carries around, sometimes she won't eat for a night when the due date is ..she never usually has a huge milk supply - we just cut her food back, increase exercise and give her lots of bones/chewy things to distract her . She mothers her toy for some time, then one day decides it is "weaned" ...and is back to normal. You may want to discuss things with your vet if it is a problem .

That's a good update

With boots on, swimming will be made difficult as she won't have the flexibility to extend her toes and use the webbing between the toes that is essential in swimming! She may have trouble staying afloat You have the problem that m,any of us WISH we had - short nails! Unless they are bleeding and painful, don't worry. if they are bleeding and painful - restrict her access to the pool area ....

Lucifer was definitely too much dog for sheep work - will do well with Frank

yes!! A walk, and a run in a dog park (shivers) does not constitute "working dog things"

I would recommend these breeds for experienced dedicated owners. they need a lot of brainwork, and a fair bit of physical work , firm boundaries, and consistency. Great start- doing research here is some more reading for you ..and a little video ;) CLICK HERE for link 1 CLICK HERE for link 2 CLICK HERE for video

She is just beautiful I hope you both slept well!

dammit, my eyes are leaking.....

Awww, T , I am sorry, Pickle's passing was such a drama neither of you needed that Vets are only human, and some are not as compassionate as others.

At least she didn't attempt and bungle them....

It would be the same as a car- decent clip-in harness, I would think.

..and when it is unexpected..., just the shock is hard to cope with.

They are such a credit to your love and dedication !

And some of the worst for this were members of a well known bikie gang who were clients ! Big, bald, tattooe'd, leather....the works ..bull terriers and other macho-type dogs - but these guys absolutely adored their dogs and could faint/weep with the best of them Bit scary at first for a new nurse...!

Human Clients are definitely the more difficult ! Thankfully the abusive and ungrateful ones are outweighed by those who are sensible and appreciative .The vets I worked for would protect us like fierce mother hens if anyone was being the slightest bit 'off' - and vice-versa! Luckily the male vet was tall and had a very deep voice. When he had a point to make - you KNEW!! It is not an easy profession..

same here

Ohhh..I am glad you put in a photo . It IS a cute shot!

..and you have already worked wonders! he certainly looks settled in! LOL The "Portrait of small Dog on Coffee Table" is just delightful Well Done yet again !

On- leash walking is a very important skill. For owners and pups. The leash is an important training aid ..along with voice, praise, treats, toys, etc. walking on leash is essential if your dog is to lead a life away from the same parks/home routine A dog on leash can go to lunch with you, can walk around the neighbourhood and get to know the area in case they ever get out - they can walk safely along many beaches , in National parks etc where off-lead dogs are not allowed... In the end the leash is just "there' the communication you have with your dog is what keeps it in position/tells it to go slower/to stop/whatever ..the leash is a safety net for a trained dog

I wasn't going to watch it - but quite enjoyed it .

Awww- I didn't think those two girls were going to move very far ;) How wonderful! they look so happy :D Shala looks extremely pleased about it all, too.

Fences stop roaming. My bush-living dog is never outside without me , and , like others, I scout the area for roos/euros etc before we go out . I wouldn't trust one of those 'invisible fences' to stop a dog with prey drive ...I think the *zing* would be barely noticed with the adrenaline flowing!

there's a theme happening here...