Monah

Well, that's sort of good news!! How is his appetite sheridan?? when my boy had a tumour, he ate so much food, I was actually pleased as he had never been an 'eater', very difficult. But he did not put on any weight at all, which made me suspicious. Near the end, he lost his bark and all sorts of other things, poor baby. We had all the tests for everything too, and for a coupole of weeks I was feeling very optimistic, but it was not to be.

I hope your lovely boy just has his nose out of joint!! and it's great that the vets have done so many tests. I'm only saying about my Basil so that you can discount it (tumour) hopefully. It's better to have an idea just what to look for, I wish I had known, not that it would have made a difference in the end, but I needed to know what was wrong with him.

Please keep posting with his prognosis and all the best. Kisses and hugs and cuddles to the boy , go with whatever can help, there are some great meds out there these days.Best wishes for you bothxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxBloody dogs :D can't live with them, can't live without them!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Monah. I did have the horrible thought of a brain tumour as well. He's so healthy otherwise, particularly for a 12 year old. He's really strong, can outwalk me, and just the thought of something like that is hideous. How was the brain tumour diagnosed? ;)

Sheridan, it took a while and mine was soooo bloody healthy, all his organs, heart etc. were checked and he could have just gone on forever (and I always thought he would, I was absolutley devastated for over 12 months :rolleyes: and shocked).

It did not get diagnosed until I was stroking his head (lots of curls ;) ) and felt a 'hole'. The tumour had been 'feeding' off his muscle and he only had skull on one side. Even the vets did not notice whn looking at him as they were looking at other things, eyes, insides, bloods etc, urine. All which were perfect. When I saw a vet (same practice) who was older and had seen it before, he knew straight away what it was. But the symptoms can be so varied and due to other things so it would not be unusual to be missed. That's why I mentioned it, so that you can ask for it to be investigated just in case. Love and kisses to your lovely boyxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I would be telling the whole story to the vet and have them decide what they need to test him for...

It doesn't sound to me like he's just being grumpy!

He's often grumpy, though. He's just been more grumpy, although not with my other dog.

Hi sheridan, When my Lakeland was 12 he started behaving very odd, inc. eating from one side of his mouth, walking diagonally instead of straight etc. and doing other strange things. I had him tested a couple of times but it wasn't until his head 'caved' in from muscle degeneration the we realised he had a brain tumour. Not to frighten you, just maybe keep a watch on ALL his actions in case there is something triggering it. We thought, oh , he's getting senile! old etc. It was nothing to do with that ;) so we wasted a few weeks :rolleyes: stuffing around. Poor baby. Hope you get it all sorted out, bound to be something going on there one way or another with the sudden onset of behaviour. Good luckxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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Hi, what a pain!! I have a food obsessive dog too and have had problems. I am always very aware (now ) of the shopping when I come home, smells, treat bags etc. This may sound extreme but it has worked for us, no bones!!!!!! no raw unless in their bowl, not dragged out anywhere (smells on the floor that we cannot see), supervised and separate rooms. Any high value food is potentially dangerous. It just is not worth it for us. We have been issue free for a very long time, but I never let my guard down. I never ever give them anything outside, even if it's only one dog, as the smell and maybe a hidden treat could cause world war 3!!!! Good luck, they sound like very lovely dogs. I can understand the worry with the kids though. Do what is best for you, don't worry about the raw diet etc. if it may cause fights. I know it's the 'best', but it's not the best if one dog rips into another over food. That's no good for anyone. I also bring my shopping in separately, ie. goodies, meat etc. last so I can put it straight in the fridge and control any bad behav. Mine have to sit and stay too, AWAY from the food I am putting away. Bit hard with a BM pup though :D xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Also agree with the behaviourist. I've had one and it helped greatly and also gave me more confidence which rubbed off on the dog, I had started to feel very powerless, now I am powerFUL.

Nothing else to say that hasn't already been said. It's just all very sad, for all of you, I'm sorry.

I hope things work out one way or another xxx

Fantastic

Oh, you poor thing! Maybe once it is all under control you will be allowed to make very small changes?

I took mine off a raw diet for ages then slowly intro necks occasionally. Our problem was that one is very food driven and would go ape even over the smell of 'blood' on the floor/bowl etc so I was terrified of scent being anywhere. i guess my terror translated to the dogs anxiety.?? Anyway, we have all been MUCH more relaxed/happier since a change of diet around 12 months ago. NO bones, very little raw, low value stuff usually, fed separate (doing that anyway). It did make a difference and now I can treat them together when training with high value things which I could not have done 12 months ago

I have slacked off on boundaries a bit, lazy I guess so must get my act together.

Good luck CBL It's very hard I know, but it has worked nicely for us.

I'm having trouble finding the actual cost of the course? I know, it's me Anyone help, either tell me where it is on the website, or just tell me xxx

If it's cert 111. do you need any other certs before doing it??

Hi Monah, it seems like we are leading double lives. Glad you have been there and done that to tell me what can go wrong!

I have been in touch with someone in here who knows this dog so I will consider what they tell me and will view the dog based on what I find out.

That's great. Someone 'outside' with knowledge of the dog is great. The dog is probably really lovely, as long as he fits in with your 'lot' Good luck with it all

Hi Neatz. I'm with Miranda. Also because Scarlet and oscar are only just coming into teenage years/adulthood. Either of them could also change a bit in the next few months too as they mature. I have a dog who is lovely, but I do have to watch for little danger signals just in case. I would never want to have this problem again, it can be draining and upseting.

It's none of my business, but you already have 2 really lovely dogs who get on well and don't have any issues. Throwing another into the mix, no matter how lovely a dog, esp. one of that age, is a bit of a lucky dip. Once you have a problem ie. you may have to separate when you're not home, or take up all food, toys etc. supervise 'play', it is very difficult to fix.

Meanwhile all the dogs would be changing in subtle ways to keep the 'pack' order and may alter the personalities of the dogs you have. Of course, all could be well and work out wonderfully. It's just a risk. I have taken in dogs many times, adults with adults, and never had a problem, but I wouldn't now as I've experienced what it's like to have a problem. Very consuming, both in time and emotion.

What ever you decide I really wish you the best and you are such a lovely person to even think about having this dog. Please dont feel guilty if you don't take it. You're little happy family is very important. To be really honest, I guess I'm thinking more of how Scarlet will feel they are so happy and 'out there', it would be tragic if her nature were compromised. If your 'gut feeling' is bothering you, I'd go with that. I'm a HUGE believer in instinct/feelings/first impressions.

I think a trial would be good, but it can still be different than 'having' the dog. We look after many dogs for friends on holidays, it wasn't until we got another of our own that the trouble started. How the hell do they know??????

Hugs and kisses to the viz, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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More info TB. How long, expensive etc is the course. How many training blocks are involved, are they only in Sydney? How do you enrol?

Glad you are enjoying so much, sounds great

I train normally with things like chicken,cheese,devon,cabanossi,sausages etc and am just looking for something that i don't use reguarly as normal treat to be used in times of high distraction for my dog(she is fear aggressive so am looking for high value rewards for when she pays no attention to another dog)

I used chicken necks cut in half today(shes a gsd)but they're quite mesy.I now you can get dried chicken necks(i just asked about them in health)

An other ideas?she is not motivated by toys either

Sorry, no treats suggestions. How do you specifically train a fear aggressive dog? Mine ignores other dogs normally, but then just goes off and snaps. She is fear aggressive, not aggressive as such. she is fearful of children too, so we avoid them :rolleyes: She is trained, but I don't know how to trin the fear out of her, if that makes sense :rolleyes: I just wondered what you find works? Sorry OT, but there are so many 'DA' threads out there ATM, inc mine :rolleyes:

I just use chicken, sausage, cut up roast etc. for high value, and cheese. Otherwise I just throw a biscuit in my pocket and break it up for low value. Good luck with your dog

OK forgot to ask, when and where??? or is it too early to say??

Oh dear. Me too. DA. My girl is wonderful 97% of the time, then, just when you think it wont happen (say 6 months after a 'brain snap'!!!) it does. She lunges and punctures someones face (dog). This has happened infront of trainers, who say they have no idea why she did it. It makes me nervous for ages afterwards, :D and I know that is bad for her too. She was a singleton pup with no socialisation for the first 12 weeks, don't know if that is anything to do with it. She's receptive, easy to train, lovely with us and many others. But, fearful of some dogs, the dark, children, adults who come on too strong.I would love some help with this as I'm very out of my depth, never ever having a problem dog in my life. I'm certainly on a learning curve though!!!

She does agility, flyball and obed. (all just for fun and socialisation), which has helped dramatically over the last 2 years, but we still have this 'burst' (dont know how else to describe it) of unwarranted behaviour occurring.

Jey, I too feel like a terrible parent, useless, and have had the cold shoulder treatment because of my dog. ;)

Oh what a shame. Have you had a thorough vet check?? I've made a mistake twice with aging dogs. Once with a Lakeland, I though he was eating on one side of his mouth and walking crookedly because of age (12) but then he lost his bark and I thought, something's not right (obviously), he had a brain tumour!!! Lasted another 2 weeks. I had no idea.

Then, recently, my old acd (14) has had bowel and bladder issues, pooing without feeling the need, even in the car! and weeing or trying to every hour or so. Put it down to 'old age' or infection. had lots of meds etc. then did an xray, low and behold, rocks (not stones, bloody great rocks!!) in her bladder. Had them removed a few days ago, she is perfect!!!! No poo problems (her bowel was slightly obstructed by the 'rocks' (I've kept them) no wee problems, she;s like a new woman!!! All young and happy again.

So I guess I'm just saying, have a complete check before you make any decisions, sometimes it's not what you think. I do believe however that no animal should suffer if the end is inevitable. Good luck. I really thought I'd have to make a decision a week ago, lucky for me we have a bit longer now

PS she sleeps around 21 hours a day!!! Normal

My OH had to ring me to ask where the dog food was, and what each dog eats when I spent a night in hospital!!!We've been together 25 years and money is ours, no problem there.

But, if you want something done ie. kids or pets, easier to just do it yourself

we had a lot of disagreements over animals for the first few years! Different upbringings. One thing I would not back down on though.

I don't think you are overreacting at all. Fairs fair. If he had expensive hobbies he would have them at your expense, ie. no money for other things together. It's just a little puppy, surely he can help out a bit. How do you pay bills and groceries?? I'm a big believer in 'ours' not, yours and mine, esp after 3 years together. He sounds very immature (sorry!) and irresponsible. Surely he can commit to a dog! I'd be questioning other areas of the relationship. He doesn't want to pay anything, but then sets the rules re dog ownership etc. Who does he think he is???? Maybe he knows that's an easy way to 'get' to you. He should be happy you are happy with the pup, not making an issue out of it.

Rarely visit Rainbow as it's too upseting, but had to when I saw Spike 's name. I'm terribly terribly sorry. What a shame. I feel for you so much. Such a special wonderful boy. An amazing dog in every sense. I would LOVE to see his baby photos Can you post them in the photo pages when you are up to it? Lots of hugs and kisses and love to you all,xxxxxx

My Dally has so much potential for destruction it's terrifying :D

The only reason I have a relatively untouched house and yard (apart from adequate physical exercise and LOTS of mental stimulation) is that he is with me at all times when I'm home so I can praise appropriate behaviour and distract/correct inappropriate behaviour and is in the laundry in his open crate when I am out. Fortunately, I am at home a lot and he is learning to exhibit much more appropriate behaviour......at least now, at 18 months of age, I can trust him on his own for 10 whole minutes while I have a shower.....of course that's only after an intense training session and a good gallop on the beach!

;) ;) This is exactly what I have to do too!!!!! :D

I reckon they are worse at this age!!! As other people have said just remove anything that you don't want destroyed.

Here is what I came home to the other day. Courtesy of my 7 month border collie! The 2 older dogs in the pic are looking horrified! Some one called it 'slash & destroy' which I thought was spot on!! Same day she chewed the door frame in the kitchen!

The one looking at the camera is definately saying " See what we have to put up with when you're not here!!!!! DO something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Hi again, have a look at Busted!!! in Photos photos photos, on DOL. Might make you feel better and less alone, and hopefully give you a laugh. Maybe you could also post some pics of your monster??

I have an 18 month old who would still do exactly what you are saying if she could! Out of sight = IN TROUBLE. You just have to supervise or he is shut away somewhere safe. Sorry! Think of it as how you would watch a toddler and how they can get into trouble. Hopefully it will improve. Just remove anything (well, not the garden!) that can be destroyed, we've 'lost' 2 whole new lawns (turf) and are on our third, and this is with supervision all the time! She is very fast at ripping up chunks of lawn. We had to do it bit by bit this time and fence off!!! Good luck, patience and perseverance and lots of ARRRRGGGHHHHHHs!!!! as soon as he touches something he shouldn't!!!

PS. please don't lose your cool or smack etc. He's pretty normal! There is a photo thread on here somewhere with pictures of our dogs doing the most awful and destructive things, very funny You do need a good sense of humour with a pup!

Thats great Ben. You're not over protective, it's sensible to be careful. Dogs are unpredictable, that's just the way it is. Being aware is fantastic and I'm sure if you keep up the way you are now, all will be fine. I wish you and your dogs the best of luck and a long happy time together. :rolleyes:

How can you tell the difference between dog play and fighting? I think my girls are playing but just a bit too roughly at times, their teeth begin to show a lot more, they bite each other a lot around the neck and body and they tend to yelp at times and Lucy will sometimes sit on Missy while she squirms... it just worries me..

Mine do this, and pin each other down etc. You do need to keep it under control as a very over excited dog can end up biting just as some kids can play then all of a sudden you have a fight on your hands ( just making a point, not saying kids and dogs are the same ). If one of mine gets over the top, I just stop the play. I am in charge, I decide. I think if things are getting out of hand when you aren't there, you may need to separate, but it's only been a little while, so may improve. Mine are separated if I'm not home, spin and acd in one room, viz in the rest of the house (with 4 cats). I would never leave them all together. I have had 3 dogs all together for 15 years without a problem, but not ATM.

I think if your dogs were fighting, you'd know! There's screaming and usually some blood somewhere, Mine show their teeth when playing, but I know when things may get out of hand. Check your dogs for small punture wounds etc., I'm sure if no blood appears they have not used any force. Just always supervise, things can escalate very quickly when they get too excited and idiotic. Good luck :rolleyes:

With the food, just feed separately if you are worried, there's nothing wrong with that. If they are particularly protective over certain toys, remove when you are not there. Make sure there are never any old bones etc. laying around the garden too.

I handle the top dog thing by making sure I make the decisions. We do have a top dog who does a great job, the middle one is a bit naughty! so I put her in her place, the lowest is not a problem and avoids trouble. My middle dog knows where the line in the sand is. I have never let her decide this for herself as I don't think she'd draw one!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, nothing to add, love westies!! who doesn't? :rolleyes:

Just wanted to say, I have moved several times, and each time one or two pets, and ME, have come down with allergies we've never had before. I agree with the plants etc. grasses, they can even affect you indoors or if you never go near the plant itself. Hope you find a solution, we have to use several different solutions here I am in QLD and there is a tree here which was planted in schools, native, fast grower, well, they have since cut them ALL down as so many kids were having problems, we have found over 50 of them in our garden!! each one costs hundreds to cut down and take away None of us had ANY problems before, so I'm sure they are the culprit