persephone

Poor puppy - lucky for him he will be coming to a nurturing home I have not much advice- only to start him on a GOOD puppy food - with some bones,and perhaps leave the raw until later? Starting him on a good puppy food ensures he is getting all his nutrition in the right balance - guess his mum was lacking in decent food as well- so he will benefit from all the right stuff. There are others on here much better qualified than I to give sound advice. :D Enjoy your boy - make sure the vet is your first stop - just to check him out .... and remember puppies do not read labels- so quantities may need to be very flexible ! Oh- and we need photos ;)

labs are lovely, but shed 25 hrs a day What about a Whippet? I have only ever had dealings with one ..and he was just delightful in every regard !! he was very much a couch/bed potato ..and so soft .I presume your dog will be indoors ?

Most dogs will accept new food better if it is introduced gradually may I also suggest you read THIS thread and maybe post there as well- so you can join in the discussion

This is sad Your housemate has not given things much thought, and has left you to deal with things You come across as being willing to work at things- but also a bit misguided in dog body language/leadership. If there is any uncertainty/fear on your part- please contact a trainer/behaviourist and get things sorted properly, before there is a confrontation. Behaviourists are not cheap- BUT it is worth it, to remove your fear, load you up with useful knowledge, and increase your confidence ;) and , as said- please do NOT stare at this dog, or attempt to 'boss' it.

Sheepdogs also have to a) obey commands-instantly. b) act on their own if, for example, left with a mob of sheep to 'shepherd ' along a fence or trail for some kilometres until the human returns, or if a sheep breaks away etc .

He is a baby- and now everything is different. Changing food is not what he needs right now - What he is on will do fine for another week or so ..then follow what Sandra777 has said What will be best for him right now is to be happy and relaxed and eating well .. so he associated your house with his yummy food- changing food abrubptly after just a day or 3 could be very stressful, and also lead to diarrhoea, which is NOT good for babies Looking forward to pics!

Flower spiders are attractive little things ..and yes, he/she did indeed capture that fly ! Flower spiders hide in flowers,and pounce! Some info

Kirislin: Canon 7D, 50m 1.4, 100mm macro, 70-200. Bellatrix: Canon 5D Mark II, 50mm 1.4 (and the 1.8), 24-70mm 2.8L, 100mm 2.8 Macro, Speedlite 580EX II JS: Canon 1000D, kit 18mm-55mm & 55mm-250mm, 50mm 1.8, Speedlite 580EX II SchnuzaeryBoy: Nikon D80, Nikon D700, 50 1.8, 18-50 2.8, 28-80 3.5-4, 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, SB-400, SB-900, 1.4x TC, 2x TC Becandcharch: Canon 40D, 50mm 1.4, Speedlite 580EX II and a kit lens I dont even know what it is as I never use it! persephone :point&shootonly here Fuji finepixS8000sfd and a sony cybershot DSCN1

Said the Spider to the Fly..

yes, perhaps no food items, in case of fights things to tug- a couple of soccer balls to thump around... maybe a cardboard carton or three to jump on/rip up/hide in? perhaps a clam shell or other wide and shallow container filled with water ..and a few floating toys?

R I P Cloud.

someone suggested these at some stage ..might be worth a look! http://www.ratzapper.com.au/

It may not be the food at all- he could have a tummy bug, or something irritating his stomach?

OK- are those dogs out there with high prey drive triggered by the sight or scent of the prey, d'you think?

It's a weird thing- there is a 'switch' somewhere, as Hamlet sleeps on teh couch with our cats- but will kill a feral one, no problem. rabbit chasing he adores, but as he bays the whole time he's running, usually, he's not an effective hunter .

Anything you put on a nose will be licked off in about 30 seconds, from my experiences , but you can try paw paw- it's good

My Hamlet rabbits/roos/foxes/crows/mice/sheep .... he cannot be walked away from the house unless he is on a long rope...and he will kill if he catches whatever he is chasing. He is a Koolie X English Cocker.

Oh This is something which would probably best be handled by having a professional visit you and see exactly what's happening. Where do you live? perhaps someone on here could recommend someone good for you?

Pea straw, lucerne, wood chips, hay, most things like that are fine It does depend a bit on what plants you are mulching, the area involved, and how you water. You can use gravel/river pebbles too ,don't forget

yes. it is entirely normal for pups to yip/bark when excited or cheeky or whatever . Whether it is acceptable/appropriate in a certain situation is another question. I am not there to see her body language ,or hear exactly what the noise was, so I have no real idea what she was expressing . By all means ask her trainer , and work with her as they advise .

No. Human toothpaste is not meant for dogs . if you really want to brush your dog;s teeth- there are special dog toothbrushes/toothpaste available , AFAIK... or why not just use lots of nice meaty bones ? They do a terrific job at keeping teeth clean

In my experience, many pups teethe without obvious discomfort /extra chewing , etc. Just make sure she has lots of bones to chew The breath? Must admit to never noticing, as dogs' faces are not allowed near mine I could imagine a blood smell.. but there shouldn't be a rotten/yuk smell? If you say she has an upset tummy- maybe the breath is a part of that? Or maybe she has teeth which are not falling out quickly/hollows in her gum which are retaining food scraps? Lots of chicken frames etc to clean her mouth :D..and contact the vet if it gets worse .Tonsilitis can also do it- but she would probably show other symptoms ...

Oakway- Iam not a trainer's bootlace .....despite having trained/worked with dogs for many years I respect that you have studied and have your certification I respect that you have experience. HOWEVER advice on manhandling dogs and the use of ecollars is best given in person, and after assessment of the dog and the situation , don't you think?

sounds like it!