persephone

I don't get this either ..she will probably be more relaxed if she knows he's around :)

..and I would be cautious about trusting a vet whose xray stuff is out of order- and who doesn't suggest trying another clinic ..or doing an ultrasound ..... Are there other vets around ? keep emailing/phoning the breeder - they may be able to help get an xray or something.... I would also suggest that those folks who are keen to get a puppy pay you a deposit - a couple hundred dollars to help cover desexing/vacc's . They may then have a slight change of mind ;) in which case you need to look further ! Do NOT give pups away . if people have to pay early - then they have an idea of what will be a part of their life ....

tesslc - another suggestion to contact the breeder .. and yes, to cop any flak ;) Word gets around , and they may be very P'd off if they hear this news in Chinese whispers down the track.

in the boot??? I am hoping you mean rear area of a van/wagon , and not a boot of a sedan - with lid ;) My Mitchell used to often sleep in my station wagon when we were travelling :)

you will know, trust me ! it may take more than 48 hrs .. but you will soon know .. upset tummy /vomiting/'diarrhoea' but which really is just liquid escaping around a solid lump which can't move ...and that sort of thing....

That's how I understood it as well :)

I feel incredibly humbled by receiving this camera in the mail yesterday ... my very first new DSLR ! Taking photos with this is a very different experience here are a few of the first , taken with supplied 18-55 lens . The one of my hand ,and Dougal cat were taken late last night .. lit only by a bedside lamp , and all are unedited , except for some cropping . I am impressed :)

perhaps contact the breeder - and ask for any advice re: whelping? It will be scary /wonderful.. remember - she needs quiet and security ... keep an eye on her subtly - and make sure A vet knows ..and you have a number you can call if needed! also make sure the bitch isn't too hot when whelping. She will puff & pant anyhow , with the exertion/anxiety ...

You will know in a day or two if he is having problems .....

beautiful!~!

another query , sorry - are those boards treated pine? I would worry about pups chewing them .... many years ago I saw a lab puppy who was VERY ill from chewing treated pine lattice

How is dog today?

..are they toys he really likes? or are they toys which appealed to you ;) there is a difference. Chew things can be large bones ... deer antlers ... frozen chunks of meat /frozen turkey wings .... is he on lead/in a pen when indoors at all ? he may well need to be taught to stay off things - and if he is a bed chewer- well he gets old opshop towels/blankets /newspaper ! :p What do you do when you catch him chewing?

he is a normal puppy . What things does he have which he IS allowed to chew? How much time does he spend exploring outside?

There are a few ways of doing things ... discuss with your chosen breeder ..they will have a plan :) ... There is also teh "waiting for a Puppy" thread . What an adventure - getting all organised :)

:) sounds fun!

What a gorgeous baby!!! he has such a wise face :) My 2c worth :) Lots of brain work at this stage , so he is very comfortable with communication between you ..settled when he has a lead/collar on , and is happy doing what is asked :) Lots of car rides , both so he gets used to his harness etc , and so you can ..stop at interesting places with teh window open so he can see/hear/smell.... get into a strict routine when you have friends over , as what is cute now - like leaning/bouncing /begging/ sniffing bits of anatomy - may NOT be when he is around 25 kg ! LOL Lots of practicing good manners - like being calm on his bed ...waiting until invited to climb on the couch /car/ whatever . Short sessions of this several times a day should give him stuff to think about - which will both tire him, and strengthen his character - and help get him ready for the WALKS :D

Ah.... that does sound a bit dangerous , yes. have you tried ADAPTIL ? Thundershirt?

what do you call 'over arousal' ? what does she do ? If I bath one of teh dogs - the others will usually show the "Yes! let's go run & dry off"/crazy after bath behaviour ... In wet/windy weather they will become alert, sometimes go on tippy toes -and do lots of air sniffing - enjoying teh new smells :) When weather is cold/damp - scent hangs around more ..and the dogs here enjoy that immensely :) Prey items - yes, well........ we are HUNTING ! Our dogs are allowed this behaviour ..and I consider it normal for them - it may be both unwanted and abnormal for many ....

Shadrack - I will suggest you leave ANY more planning on training methods until you have spoken with the professional of your choice. You may not need crates - X method may be not the most effective ... An assessment of the whole situation , and suggestions from the professional will give you a MUCH clearer idea of what plans to make :)

is acupuncture a possible option? A product which worked wonderfully well with our old Sally horse (and the odd human) is available from McDowell Herbal ... anti inflam/painkiller . It can also be tweaked to suit if you discuss it per phone/email. magnet therapy can be useful - yes .. and if she is placid -- she may appreciate warm wheatbags :) Old gertie LOOVES her HW bottles (I use2/ 3 ltr drink bottles with hot tap water ..and slid inside a very thick explorer sock ) She will lie with them..and rest her hips , or shoulder . on them .... :)

Holy cr*p............ that is not the correct protocol. A puppy the size of Murphy does not need exercising per se. He needs to learn how to behave. At the very least ask your Vet. Not advice I would ever consider and never have. Good Luck I am glad you are asking about this - it does not seem wise advice .. hold off ...

ZAC DIGGER BLUEY COBBER BUGLE

R I P lulu ....

remember - crates are for shortish times ..and you need to learn how to TRAIN the dogs to use them!! They are NOT to just lock dogs in . I would leave this sort of stuff until you have a professional working with you. meanwhile .... buy some bitterbite & spray your bed etc ... keep doors SHUT where dogs are unwelcome. buy a good quality fine chainLEASH , and use this when you have a dog with you, practicing "on your mat" etc . A nice chain leash cannot be chewed thru! perhaps consider getting secondhand fencing and building a secure "fence-within-a fence" ? or a dog pen ? have a look on gumtree - there are often things available - here is one sample LINK