RiverStar-Aura

I've had trouble with all my local clubs to the point that I've given up on them. I need help with numerous issues my dogs have (lunging and barking on leash and in the car to name two) and not once has any club I've been to, been able to offer suggestions. Usually in classes my dogs are perfect angels and the instructors often ask why I'm even there. When I explain the issues I'm having, I get ignored, which frustrates me to no end. I've had my two dogs re-enrolled in basic classes to see if I can get the instructors to address the problems I'm having, no such luck. I then tried advanced classes and again, nothing. I wouldn't have minded so much if the instructors had just told me they were unsure how to help -- I could've at least left the classes earlier not feeling like even more of a failure. My last cry for help has been Steve at K9 Pro and now I'm just whiling time away until our session in July. I just hope this can provide me with the answers I've been seeking for the past 2 years.

I've been looking to get Zeus into ET because I think he'd be perfect. He has the stamina to go the distance, however, it's me who needs whipping into shape. Do most people on the forum run/jog or ride? I'm thinking the riding might be easier for me fitness-wise but I don't know. I've noticed the NSW tests are held during winter. That's unfortunate because I think it'll kill my lungs due to my asthma Maybe I can start working towards entering for next year -- I just need to get off my lazy backside and get fit again!

What I did with Zeus (he's very sight driven too) is that when playing fetch, I'd hide the toy instead of throwing it -- he likes to run off in the direction he thinks I'm going to throw it before I've let the toy go. Then he'd come back looking for it so I'd say the phrase 'where's the duck?' (his fetch toy is usually a duck) or 'where is it?' Being sight driven he'd actually start looking for it rather than sniff it out and because he's smart, he'd start checking every place I've ever hidden his toys first. It wasn't until I started hiding the toys under blankets, inside pots, in wall crevices, up on tree branches etc that he actually had to start sniffing the toy out. He loves the game -- although the game is called 'Where's the duck?' even if we're not playing with a duck! I've also used two identical toys at once; Zeus will zone in on one of the two and that will become his favourite of the day and the other is ignored. I love hiding the two of them and watch him sniff out his preferred one and he always manages to find the one he picked out -- the other is sniffed then discarded. My Zeus is a very weird boy!

So sorry to hear about the loss of Coby. I'm of the belief that dogs have the ability to grieve like humans do. She'll be missing Coby being around but I feel that given time, she'll come around. I remember a few months ago when my best friend lost her dog of 10 1/2 years. My dog Zeus had grown up with her dog and after Chase was gone, we'd visit and he'd go looking for Chase and was very confused when she didn't come out to play for the first month of visiting. Now he's accepted her new puppy and has moved on.

Esky that looks really bloody awesome!! I had no idea it was actually done on dry land and always assumed you travelled to places with snow to compete. Is it hard training your dog to run where you tell it? I'd love to see a team of beagles give it a try! :laugh: Totally loved the reporter's second round where the dog was all 'dude, I'm going around that puddle this time!' The enthusiasm shown by the young kids was also lovely to see -- I love seeing kids getting involved in dog sports!

Oh Ness. After everything you've done for Kenz, I keep popping in here to read about a miraculous recovery. You've been working so hard to help her and I can't even begin to imagine how you're feeling. I just want you to know that I'm thinking about you and Kenzie and I have all digits crossed for daily improvement. :hug:

I can't believe the comments attached to the article. They're questioning the kidney failure diagnosis based on the fact that Kaiser was so young -- apparently kidney failure is an 'old dog' disease. RIP gorgeous boy and I hope you find things other than bad guys to chase over the bridge

I often felt like you do MM when I brought Zeus home. He was an impulse pet shop purchase 4 years ago and the first 2 years were a battle. He's a beagle x jrt and I had no idea what I was getting myself into; he was just a sweet little thing and appeared quite quiet. Turns out, he's anything but quiet and is a real firecracker. I was completely overwhelmed at the amount of energy he had and no amount of running ever tired him out. It took me about a year to realise that he needed mental stimuli so I got involved with training and obedience with him. I saw drastic improvement in his focus and attention and he really appeared to enjoying learning. It's been a long and hard four years, but Zeus is definitely worth all my hard work. I guess when I bought Zeus, I couldn't remember how much hard work puppies really are -- he's actually the first dog I've ever had soul responsibility for. My family's pet was around 15 when I got him and I didn't have much to do with her upbringing. Give yourself time to settle into a new routine and you'll find you'll get into the swing of things much sooner than you think. Hope you're feeling better about your puppy today! We need photos! :D

Oh MW I'm so sorry to hear about Tess. I don't know anything about sarcomas but will it keep growing in size if left untreated? If it doesn't appear to be an aggressive type, leaving it alone might well be the best option. As for removing it, would their be less risk if it is in the tissue rather than cartilage? If one has a higher risk than the other, maybe there's a way to determine for sure if it is tissue or cartilage then deciding on removal or not. Give Tess a huge hug for me!

I've always wanted to take my dogs to work but Zeus would be horrible on the registers and Kirah isn't good with money! :D

Huge congrats Shesa!! I always love reading about your gorgeous bi blacks -- they're so cute beyond words!! :D

I bought my two dogs a jumbo (and I mean around 2 metres in length) teddy bear and whilst Kirah loves to try and kill it, Zeus humps it. It's the only toy I've seen him go at, and I'm willing to bet its size has something to do with it. He's never tried humping anything else so I let him go.

I just want you to know I'm thinking of you and Ziggy, Staffyluv. My fingers are crossed and healing vibes are sent your way.

Or if you're worried about the coat getting caught etc how about lots of fluffy blankets to nest in? My guys don't get coats for fear of them over-heating but they love their mound of fluffy blankets!!

If it is inflammatory rhinitis I don't think antibiotics will work because its not an infection as such. I'm only speaking in terms of me personally suffering this (I live with permanently blocked sinuses) not from having a dog with the same condition. I use a nasal spray but I don't know if this is a viable option for dogs. Perhaps you could try giving your boy on antihistamines and see if that helps. The only problem with this is that you'll need to keep trying all available antihistamines until you find one that works.

It seems that whenever Kirah is outside exposed to the wind and cold air it makes her sneeze continuously. She lives outside but has access to her bed and 5 million blankets in the garage and she seems fine when in there but as soon as she steps foot outside it's sneeze, sneeze, sneeze. Has anyone else encountered this and is there a solution? Antihistamines perhaps? Living inside isn't viable as I live with my parents who won't let dogs in the house.

That's a pretty decent reaction to desexing surgery!! My guys have been a breeze and had they acted like your poor Shiba girl, I would've panicked too. My two dogs acted like nothing had happened and it was hard work keeping them quiet. My cat was the same -- running around the house like a moron and didn't sulk at all. Hope your girl's feeling better this afternoon!

After watching your video with Bonnie and learning that you're only 14, you've done so well!! I honestly think that you should keep working with Bonnie and leave the BC for now. I've been told that the most frustrating dogs to train in agility usually turn out to be some of the best. Keep in mind that you haven't been to agility training either, which will help you out with suggestions on how to get Bonnie motivated. I don't know if you've tried, but playing tug games can help excite dogs but one of the best things I learnt? Carry on like an idiot all high-pitched and crazy. That usually stirs up even the most serious dogs!! Don't give up on your gorgeous Bonnie -- I do see potential there!

No probs. Paws for Life generally have quite cheap food online and also flea/tick stuff.

My car gets covered in Zeus fur, however, I don't care too much because 3/4 of it belongs to the dogs anyway -- the boot and whole back half, leaving the front passenger and driver's seat for the humans. As for fur in the house, again, I'm not fussed. A house should be lived in so some sort of dirt is to be expected. I actually find uber spotless houses weird and worrisome to visit out of fear of scumming up the tiles or something. :laugh: That said, I grew up in a house with 5 kids so tidy didn't really happen! :D

Paws for Life (online store) sells the Giant Puppy 15kg bags for $119.95 + $6.95 P/H to Adelaide. They also offer flat rate shipping so if you're buying 5 bags, it'll still cost $6.95 postage!!

I still find it surpring that so few terriers are suggested when it comes to non-shedding dogs. Many of them require hand stripping as they don't lose their coats like normal dogs (or shed I guess). Norwich, Scottish, Norfolk, Aussie, terriers (amongst others) don't shed but are never recommended. I guess the main difference is that these dogs do still have fur as opposed to hair in regards to allergies.

I've actually really come to admire poodles. I'll admit to buying into the whole 'poodles are prissy' mentality, however, after meeting quite a few standards and minis, I've fallen in love with them. They are so fun-loving and goofy but still maintain an air of grace -- they're delightful dogs!! On the coat front, I'd much rather a shedding dog. Zeus sheds like a mofo but boy is his coat easy to look after. Very little brushing and bathing only once every 6 months. There's no doggy smell and he's always hi-gloss :D Kirah's wire coat on the other hand is a nightmare; she's all tangles, dog smell and dirty. I swear her coat absorbs all the dirt and grime and she requires monthly washing and daily brushing to keep her fur from sticking together (causing dreadlocks) I do love Aussies though so she's worth all the hard work -- oh and forgot to mention the hand-stripping! (I've still yet to learn how)

Definitely keep him on leash for a while yet. The hardest thing to teach a boisterous pup is to NOT rush up to other dogs in the assumption that: other dog = oooh friend!! Try a long leash and see how that works, but try working on making your pup calmly approach other dogs.

I only need to trim the dew claws of my guys and I do that maybe every 2-3 months for Zeus and monthly for Kirah as she has black claws and I'd like to keep the quick shorter.