persephone

our dogs have always worn collars ..and in my many years of training/living with, and working with dogs at a vet clinic - have (luckily) yet to encounter an injury such as damage to larynx etc from a collar. It's interesting learning about harnesses ..and how things work when using them . :)

I am so sorry - if the vets are unhappy once again - perhaps your dog may need to be treated at a specialist orthopedic vet? Some one will be along to offer an idea or two, I'm sure .. tho things can be quiet here Sun nights....

melsmells - I hope you and the breeder can reach an agreement and that you share with us your search for "that puppy" :)

melsmells - FWIW , I think your decision is a wise one at this stage .

I doubt it - most experienced breeders would either know , or get specialist advice - and take it from there. if you can breed something with all its bits made how they should be - why would you keep something that has a perceived problem?

what would probably happen by reducing/cancelling meds is that that old body would suffer even more from the problems which he has ....and make your decision making more urgent . You are both loaded with extra burdens nowdays - and it's hard .

life can be good .

The contract you sign when you buy a pedigreed dog , registered with the appropriate controlling body , I believe. It endeavours to keep breeds to a standard of health and appearance .

oh dear I may be way off here - but perhaps check if oil is Ok to give with dogs like Mac? ...oil clings, and dribbles ...and although a tiny amount - lung tissue is not meant to have oil anywhere near it .... just a thought , WM ... dear old Mac - it's a lot for an old boy .... rest up today -

What did the breeder say about the bite - and your concerns?

this might help - CLICK

Looks nice .. a good idea :) (& a K9 pro leash ? )

thanks :) Love the portrait - mud & all :)

I have no doubt they can enjoy themselves - however, if there is a scuffle , I am wondering if other dogs grab onto harnesses ....

babeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :D very cute

Ok .. so I have never used a modern harness on a dog - guide dogs, of course were all taught to walk in harness - but that is very different ! They were also all leather - and only worn when working .. With harnesses the new best thing - also parks where dogs and owners mix it up - do folks remove harnesses when free running dogs? I was wondering if a dog wearing a harness is more likely to be grabbed/dragged by another dog , being that there are now convenient "handles" /Tooth holds. Conversely - has anyone heard of /seen dogs playing, or attacking and get jaws caught in parts of a harness ? I can imagine much panic and mayhem Or - is this even possible? Mind you , the small dog harnesses with handle, I have seen put to good use when dashing across roads & things like that .. grab and run LOL.

That's lovely - the three musketeers :) (and not a snowsuit in sight ;) )

The problem is, it doesn't seem to work fine. :p Obesity in pets is often multi-faceted. If you create a dog that is hungry all the time because it's meal has been cut dramatically, it's not sustainable for the owners who gave them way too much in the first place. The diet becomes 'cruel' and they feel awful about it and it fails. I don't know what the answer is b/c we never had much luck with compliance. On a science base RC Obesity seems the best in quality and the fact that it has L-Carnitine and ingredients that promote satiety...however I think they stuffed the marketing by naming it Obesity. :laugh: I've had the same issue with RC obesity, people don't like paying for a product that is reminding them their pet is obese! Or they think its only for really obese dogs. I gave my dog some of the metabolic food yesterday and she spewed and had diarrhoea. She doesn't normally have a sensitive stomach and eats a variety of raw foods, but its been a while since she has had kibble. ;) one way to lose weight , I guess ....

bush dog travel ;)

I have some more reading for you - yes, you will probably take him - but it will help you to be very aware of what may happen - before it does! CLICK HERE excerpt : and CLICK HERE excerpt: Now you've done puppy class - what about other classes , where you both can meet & greet & learn :) ?

..LOL My bet is , that if you let him explore a dog park - those manly peeing and noticing female behaviours will magically appear! It doesn't take much to kick things off . What has been said I will re iterate - it is not 'other dogs' who will teach him manners .... he also doesn't really need to race around with strange dogs at the park - if you are taking him to classes , he will get to see and interact with, other dogs there - and you can also practice your control :) have you read this about "socialisation" ? CLICK HERE

Ta, Jumabaar ... that makes sense folks would feel they were still feeding enough. :)

It may be a mishap when she was vacc'd - perhaps it hit a muscle ..and is felling rotten and sore ?

LOL ... very nice way to spend an evening :) ..and what willing assistants !

i don't understand - why don't owners just feed the dog 1/3, or 1/2 less of normal food ? It'd work fine ..AND cost an awful lost less ;)