Sally

Yes my dog is getting her affection on the floor now, which is harder for me than her I guess. I'll check out this NILIF, it might be worth using it at least to start with. I've always been very loving and affectionate with my dogs and kids, so it is hard for me to pull back, and I feel mean not letting her on the couch etc. but I know it will be worth it. I'll check out that safe kids safe dogs book too. Oh dear, better run, my 2 year old is teasing the dog with apple pie. Thanks for all of your advice everyone!

OMG Poodle W, bit the fingers clean off? I used to do community nursing before I had my kids, and I have to admit there was one lady who had 2 Maltese, and they were scary. I have a feeling that one of her wounds was a dog bite! I've been trying to put that out of my head. O.K I've started a rule of no dog on the furniture, as well as not on my lap. She is currently in one of her dog beds next to me, instead of on my lap, so I've made headway already. I've booked us into a 9 week course of intensive obedience classes, starting tomorrow night. The classes are run privately, by a couple who also do one on one visits in your home for dogs with behavioural problems. They have been doing it since the 80s and are very experienced. I have discussed my dog with them, and they said that it will be a bit harder because my dog is not a puppy, and has had 18 months to learn bad habits. Still, I am optimistic, as she does seem very smart, and will react quickly to a stern voice. Still, she just heard someone throw our local paper onto the drive way, and hasn't stopped growling.....

I have to admit, I have been treating her like one of the kids. If the kids get a snack, the dog gets the same (although I give her snack last), and at times it seems like the dog is getting more time on my lap than my children. This dog really does listen. Today I have been telling her not to get on my lap, and straight away she will go and lay somewhere else. I have thought about keeping her off the furniture too, but wasn't sure if that would be mean. I love to hold her sleeping in my arms like a little baby, but it's not worth it if she's going to snap at my 2 year old. I guess I'm going to have to start treating her like a dog and not my baby. I'll check out that NILIF and link Nekhbet. Thanks.

Hi all. I have had an 18 month old Maltese for about 10 days now, and noticed early on that she was aggressive with soft toys, growling, and trying to break their necks. I was a bit suprised, as I didn't see this kind of behaviour in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels I have had in the past. Since then, I have found that she growls at other dogs and growled and rushed at the cable TV guy the other day like she was going to attack him. Another day, a close friend of ours left her 4 year old with us for a play date with my kids. Our Maltese was growling constantly at this little girl for some time, as soon as she walked in the door, and I didn't know what she was going to do next. Today the dog has started snapping at my 2 year old's fingers, when the dog is on my lap. My two year old absolutely loves the dog, and gently pats her, saying how much he loves her, so I have been shocked when the dog snapped at my son in an agressive way. One of the times, my son wasn't even touching the dog, but had the smell of Ritz crackers on his hands, as he had been sharing his crackers with the dog a minute earlier. My first question is, are Maltese dogs usually a bit aggressive? Also, do you think the dog is trying to establish herself above my kids in the pecking order? I tend to have the dog on my lap a lot, and it seems to be then that she snaps at the kids. Thirdly, will training work, or is this dog just not suitable with young children? She is a lovely dog most of the time, but sometimes she concerns me, and I'm not sure what she's capable of.

I've just spent a packet on the Aloveen, so I hope my dog doesn't mind it. I'll use it sparingly like you said BittyMoo. If we're not too keen on it, I'll give the Fido's shampoo a try. Your dogs are soooo cute by the way. I especially like the pic of Blossom.

O.K I went out and bought the Aloveen shampoo and conditioner this morning, I can't wait for doggy wash day (Wednesday) to come around now :p. I spayed myself with some dog cologne stuff, I think it was called finishing spray, but I didn't like it, and even though I washed my arm, I can't get rid of the smell! Doh! Cassie, I didn't get to petstock today, as the vet next door to my supermarket had the Aloveen, but I'll definitely check out Petstock next time I go to Bunnings. I want to find some nice toys for my pooch .

Thanks Cassie!!! I'll check out petstock. I'm guessing it's where Bunnings is??? I'll look in the phone book to make sure. Sounds like it will be a fun place to check out, as well as get the Aloveen.

O.K I'm going to have a look to see what I can buy locally, because to buy a small amount online, you pay more for the postage, than the product. Wiemlover, I've noticed you're on S. A like me, do you happen to know of a good place to buy supplies like dog shampoos in the North East of Adelaide? I like the idea of the freshen up spray. My dog could definitely do with a fresher smell between washes.

It sounds like Aloveen is definitely worth a try, but where do you guys get it from? Can you buy it in stores, or do you have to buy it online?

Hi all, I washed my new (18 month old) pooch for the first time today, I used a puppy shampoo from the supermarket. Exelpet brand I think. She's come up soft and fluffy, but she doesn't smell very good. I thought of putting some lavendar essential oil into her bath water, but I know you can't use essential oils willy nilly, and didn't know if it would be safe. Is there a doggy shampoo that will make my pooch smell delicious? Also, her hair is clipped very short now, but as her Maltese hair gets a bit longer, will I need to use conditioner? I don't know if there is dog conditioner.

Sorry to butt in with a question of my own, but I thought it may be better than starting a new thread for a quick question. Do you use the same dose per kilo of cough suppressant for dogs, as you would for humans? I've searched, and can't find any info. on the safe dose. Thanks!

I've just adopted a rescue dog who is getting over kennel cough. I came on here to ask what could soothe her throat, so it was great to find the answers already. Thanks everyone. Kendall I hope your Mum's dog gets better soon. 3 weeks sounds like a long time for antibiotics, for what may be a mild dose of kennel cough. Maybe your mum could stop after one week if the dog appears to be totally over it??? Kenell cough is apparently really contagious, so it would be worth keeping a close eye on the other dogs. A dog has kenell cough for around a week before showing symptoms.