grumpette

Due to the belief of some small dog owners around here I now have a reactive dog, due to 3 separate attacks by roaming/rushing dogs (small and medium sized) when she was 12 - 14 months old. She is now hyper vigilant when out walking (always on lead) around town. I now walk her daily around areas where I am fairly certain that there are no roaming dogs. This has helped to calm her down and allowed her to regain her confidence and changed her expectation that she is going to get attacked every time we go for a walk. However, we now have the added problem of houses being rebuilt and builders bringing their dogs to the workplace. They are not watching their dogs nor containing them, so I have to now be hyper vigilant of other dogs and call to builders to watch their dogs, without alarming my dog. The majority of the builders dogs are medium sized dogs. Another time that I have encountered different behaviour expectations from small dog owners is at one of the obedience clubs that I attend. On many occasions we have encountered smaller dogs going crazy at us as we walk past, well away from them and on lead. The owners of the offending dogs do nothing to correct or control their dogs, allowing them to rush at us, regardless of whether their dogs are on or off lead. Some even encourage this behaviour. But if one of my dogs reacts, the owners then react and we are abused and given “those looks”. My belief is that the size of the dog should not matter. All dogs should have manners AND all owners should have effective control of their dogs AT ALL TIMES.

Should the owners of small, medium and large dogs be expected to teach their dogs the same level of manners regardless of the size of their dogs? Are bigger dogs expcected to behave better than smaller dogs due to their size and the possible damage they can cause? Is it all right for small dogs to react to bigger dogs due to "small dog syndrome"? And if so, why are larger dogs not allowed to react? I would be interested in people's opinions for two reasons: 1. I own large breed dogs that interact with all breeds of dog, small, medium and large 2. Being a volunteer instructor I am interested in all dog owners expectations of their dogs

Oh thank you Rach :thumbsup: I love it. It is just what I had in mind.

Could somebody please help me again? I need to update my signature now that we have another addition to the family. Below are the photos that I would like to include if possible. Baylee Dee Zephyr Possible background - first one taken at Kinglake West next to our fire station or Lorne (during the Bush to Beach retreat) if possible to symbolise a new beginning as Zephyr was concieved a week after the fires. Oops forgot to crop it The older dog is Baylee and teenager is Dee and the newest member is Zephyr. Thank you very much for your help

The 7.30 Report tonight (Tuesday 20th January) is running a story about Dangerous Dogs, how to prevent dogs bites and they are including policy comments from the RSPCA regarding licensing owners of so called dangerous breeds. The footage that I saw showed APBTs and Rottweilers being taken away by rangers after attacks. Worth watching just to be prepared for the hysterical reactions likely to be generated in the general community afterwards.

Over the last few weeks there have been over 30 cases of parvo in the Broadmeadows area and as Daggles said cases in Sunbury, suspected to have been caught at the Cup Day Show. Every 7 or so years (it is a cyclic thing) a very virulent strain of parvo comes around, given the right conditions, and this year it is back. So those with puppies of more susceptible breeds like Rottweilers, Dobermanns, English springer spaniels, Labradors and other large black and tan breeds be particularly vigilant at the moment.

Harminee That looks fantastic. Especially the way you have blended the backgrounds. I love it. And the choice of text colour is brilliant as both girls were purple girls. Thank you so much.

Could somebody please help me. I need to update my signature now that we have an addition to the family. Below are the photos that I would like to include if possible. The older dog is Baylee and the new addition is Dee. Thank you very much for your help

OK this was a very interesting challenge (especially with 4 month old Dee in tow ) Bugger just saw that the rules had changed Well here are the results for the first attempt 1. Signal only - Baylee got up and took a few steps in the direction of the air kong fetch stick, then stopped and looked at me as if to say "am I doing the right thing?" Called her back and then sent her out again with only the signal. This time she went straight out and brought it back, with no sit just standing there holding it in her mouth. 2. Unfamiliar word "challenge" - Baylee again got up and took a few steps towards the toy, only to stop and look at me with the What The expression. I called her back, sat her at heel and said "challenge" again. Off she went to retrieve the toy and straight back in, with no sit just standing there holding it in her mouth. 3. Usual verbal and visual command - Baylee went straight out, retrieved the toy and came straight back in, with no sit just standing there holding it in her mouth. We have been working on sit and hold Now off to do the new version Well a very interesting result 1. Signal only - Baylee went straight out, retrieved the toy and came straight back in 2. Signal and unknown verbal word - Again Baylee went straight out and brought the toy straight back. 3. Familiar verb "fetch" only - Baylee did not move, just sat there looking at me for a signal looking confused So this indicates that Baylee works on visual cues predominantly. I know she is very hand focused. If you don't line your hand up with the tunnel properly she smashes into the tunnel

Oh the result was tragic. 6 1/2 year old Rottweiler, CD title gained 3 years ago, very little training for the last 4 months. Placed in a sit with a wait command, walked off about 10 metres, called with verbal and hand signal, and Baylee stayed put. Did not move. Just sat there. Did not come even with Dee (4 month old puppy) beside me. Called again and she came straight to heel on the left side and sat at 9 0'clock. These are such a great idea. Please keep them coming

I agree with InspectorRex. I would love to attend a get together in November, IF I survive October that is (assignments, assessments, BAS statement, work and 12 week old puppy). My 6 yr old Rotty and I just want to run away for the rest of the month.

Anne I am so very sorry that today is the time for you and Sophie to part :D Today may you remember all the good times and love that you and Sophie shared. May these loving, happy thoughts make your heart a little lighter at this heart breaking time. Please know that you did all you could to help Sophie enjoy her last year here with you. May God bless you, and care for Sophie during this next journey.

Leema Do not give up now. As Midol said what you are experiencing is an extinction burst, which means that the behaviour increases in intensity and frequency before it dissappears. Keep ignoring the scratching and biting of the door and the behaviour will soon stop. If you let the dog in now the dog will learn that to get let in at night time it has to scratching longer and harder, which will mean that it will take longer and the door will be totally destroyed, next time an owner tries to teach the dog not to scratch at the door to come in.

Bella I am so sorry that you had to make the hardest decision of your life. You had the courage to make the most selfless, compassionate and caring choice you could have, and Asher will thank you for that when you meet again at the Rainbow Bridge. When you think of him remember the good times, the visits to the beach, the romps with Daire and have only happiness and love in your heart, not the sorrow and pain of the last two weeks. Cry for now, but don't forget to laugh about his antics as you re-tell the stories of him to all that will listen. For this is Asher's legacy and this way he will live on in your heart and the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Fair well Asher on your journey to the bridge. Remember you were well loved here and will be again. RIP Asher

Pandii I am sorry to hear of the passing of Keeto. :rolleyes: RIP Keeto

Jodie, I am so very glad that Ollie dog is improving now that he is on antibiotics, and that the pain in his joints is subsiding. A bugger about the possible cruciate though Both of you are remarkable and a true inspiration. Take great care and give Ollie a big hug and tummy scratch from us.

cavNrott I hope that Sophie is doing much better today now that the cooler weather has arrived. Baylee has spent the last two nights outside, as it is too hot for her to sleep inside (too much extra strain on her heart). However, she has been chewing her marrow bones during this time, instead of sleeping, and keeping the OH awake with all the banging going on in her kennel I hope that her appetite has improved also. Stay strong and keep trying. Shekhina, I also hope that Jaida has improved with the cooler weather. Jodie, I hope that Ollie dog is improving now that he is on antibiotics, and that the pain in his joints is subsiding. Both of you are remarkable and a true inspiration. Calming and peaceful thoughts to all the sick dogs and their amazing owners. You are most certainly

Jodie I am so sorry to hear that Ollie has taken a turn for the worst. I so hope that he rallies overnight and improves greatly. He is a fighter so don't loose hope. Take great care of yourself and send Ollie huge hugs from Baylee and me

Anne It is good to hear that Sophie is still going strong. Take care of her and yourself. Jodie I am so sorry to hear that Ollie has taken a turn for the worst. I so hope that he rallies overnight and improves greatly. He is a fighter so don't loose hope.

OK I have a really dumb question The OH recently bought me Photoshop Elements 5 so that I can learn to edit my photos, as I now finally have a digital SLR. My question is, is this the same as the Photoshop that people are using? I have read that people have Photoshop 7 so I was wondering how far behind my version is? Thanks heaps

cavnrott I certainly hope that you can get Sophie's gum tumour back under control. I was hoping that the change in appearance was a good sign, a sign that it was regressing. However, the inflamed gum is not a good sign, so I agree an early visit to the oncologist may be in order. I am hoping that other than the inflammation that she is well in herself, and that she is enjoying her activities. Zed_n_Q my thoughts and prayers are with you and Zed. I certainly hope that he stabilises very soon. Wolfgirl I hope that Pearl gets the all clear from her MRI next week. BP I am glad to hear that Kiesha came home today and that the family is complete again. I have my two favourite photos of Sam next to his urn on our dresser in our bedroom. Diesel will be back to his usual self very soon once a new routine is worked out. Our dogs are so incredibly brave and resilient. So much so that it is sometimes very hard to believe that we can continue to be strong for them, until they look at us and give us one of their sloppy kisses, then we know we can continue on as long as they can. Take great care brave ones, and when you stumble, reach out as there are many shoulders on which you can lean.

cavNrott I am glad to hear that Sophie is still doing well and is pain free. Zed_n_Q I hope that Zed is holding his own and still has some of his usual spark BP I hope that you are doing well and getting stronger each day. Ladies please take great care of yourselves, and remember to treat yourselves with love and compassion, the way you have been doing with your beloved dogs. Maintain your strength and hope, and always know that we are thinking of you and your wonderful furkids. Lots of , and support to you all and special :D ;) to Sophie and Zed.

oh no Choppa Chop I am so very sorry to read of the passing of Choppa He was so young, but lived a very good life and did so much to change people's opinions of APBT I will always remember the grace and beauty of his noble face in your pictures. RIP gorgeous Choppa Big hugs to you and your family Renee

Just popped in to see how the sick furkids and their owners are doing today. Zed_n_Q: I hope that Zed is coping with the cooler wet weather, and there is no more flooding at your place. Zed_n_Q very big and lots of to Zed cavNrott: I hope that Sophie's stomach has settled down and that she is enjoying her new, very healthy "human" diet, and also her outings. cavNrott very big and lots of to Sophie Wolfgirl: I wish you and Pearl all the very best with the MRI. May it only be inflamation caused by something that is treatable. Wolfgirl very big and lots of :p to Pearl Dogsforall very big ;) and lots of ;) to Bonnie Staffylov very big and lots of to Olllie May you all have a day filled with happy memories, wonderful moments and lots of love and peace. Stay strong and have faith that you are doing all that you should for your beloved dogs.

Bluepoppy I am so very sorry for you and your family RIP Kiesha May you now run free and easy the way your family wished. BP may your hearts remember all the good times that you had together with Kiesha And I hope that you know in your mind and soul that you did all you could to bring Kiesha comfort and love during the last 2 months. Take great care of yourself, Jeff, Diesel and family.