Kharn

Thats a fair question. Jack is not an overly "anxious, stressy" dog (I don't think). I think most people would see him and think he is just a soft little guy. But, he is a dog who probably missed a lot of socialistion during his critical period, so needs some help to become confident. Many people would be happy with him the way he is, but I think that he can be so much more and this home is very willing to put in the work needed. Its not actually a busy household. Its a single Dad who has his kids every other weekend. So for 12 days out of 14 he will have his Dads full attention and dedication. I have had him in care for a few months now and I have done a fair bit of work with him. He is at a point where I believe I have laid some solid ground work and he is ready to go to a forever home. I hope that helps you understand that I'm not just re-homing a "problem" dog to an inexperienced family for them to deal with. But a dog who needs on going work, but is extremely trainable. I'd just like to provide as much good information as I can, specific to his needs. ETA I do offer continued support and ABC, I did look for that info, but have had problems finding it? Will keep looking. Thanks for everyones input!

Great, thanks guys!

Thanks everyone! I should say that I have sat down and discussed all these things with them and even given some demonstrations of how to teach different things and manage the kids/dogs situation. But its always different when they are on their own, and Jacks issues are the kind that will "backslide" (my term ) if not managed from day 1 (i've seen it happen). So I'm really just trying to set them and Jack up for success.

Thanks Cosmolo, that would be great. Will check out that article thanks westielover.

Hi, I'm re-homing a foster, an 8/9 month old Staffyx, this week. He is a lovely soft boy, but does have some issues that need continuing work. His new home is commited to dog training at the local RSPCA, but I would also like to provide them some specific information for some of Jacks issues in their adoption pack. So I am looking for some basic, plain english, step by step type articles on: *Managing kids and dogs. *Desensitisation to things like the lawn mower, bikes and vacuums. *Basic toilet training do's and don't's (he is toilet trained, but has replases when stressed). *Teaching games like tug and fetch. *Being a strong confident leader and having consistant boundaries (mainly focusing on relieving anxiety). I know they will learn valuble leasons at dog training, but I doubt they will cover some of these things for older dogs. And he does already have basic manners and obedience. Any online articles or websites people can recommend would be fantastic. Thanks!

Thats not entirely true (bolded bit). It would depend on what the ingrediants are. Companies have to do shelf life studies in relation to preservative efficacy (multidose) and in relation to chemical/physical stability when determining the shelf life of a product. If ingrediants breakdown over time or if its multidose and the preservative is no longer effective, using these products could result in more then just not working.

I'm glad things are getting better for you, you and your family have been in my thoughts.

I don't feed mine fruit, but we have various fruit trees to which they help themselves. I have no idea how much they eat, but between them and the possums we rarely get anything!

I completely appreciate how embarrassed and stressed you are, one of mine was (from about 8 months) and still is (though much better now she is 2) so much like you described. I too was humiliated more then once at dog training and walked away never to return (when she was less then 1 year old). The last straw at training for me was being yelled at and told to "Tell that dogs who's boss and get in line!" Now, I have to say I'm no softie when it comes to my dogs, but I was trying to close my dogs critical distance slowly not get in a position where I spent the entire time with a lunging, whining, barking dog who couldn't have cared less what I was saying. And then people saying "Oh no Fluffy, don't go near that nasty dog." I walked away very disheartened and it has taken some very good help and support to get my confidence back. I still stress when walking my dog that I will be completely inept and embarrassed if I come across another dog. Which in a way is ridiculous, as I work with dogs almost every week who are worse then mine at the pound and handle it ok! Talk to a trainer and get some one on one time, you will benefit in so many ways, but especially your confidence.

The only harness I have used for an extended period was the sporn harness. I'm glad I borrowed it, because it was wasted on Sarabi. I believe its supposed to make it uncomfortable to pull as it puts pressure on the front of shoulders. The dog club I used did put another harness on her, but again it didn't work (it was one that the lead clips at the front of the chest). I believe they are supposed to work by controlling where the dog goes/faces. I know that some people have had success, but they are not for me and I did team them with other training eg focus and heel type work.

I'm so glad its good news for you!

K9, can this work start to be implemented for an older dog? Or is it something you have to achieve with a young pup?

I'm so sorry, I don't know what else can be said.