Papillon Kisses

I think I may have shared it with you previously, but there's also the Sound Proof Puppy Training App. It's not just for puppies but for adults too. http://www.my-puppy-training.com NB It's essential to read the instructions to avoid accidentally sensitising your dog. It doesn't mean we don't do the important socialisation work, but I personally don't think noise phobias can always be prevented.

She really is. To be honest I don't notice much of a difference between the two head shots. :laugh: I think you've done a great job especially with making her comfortable with grooming. Well done! ????????????

Just be aware that while things like Adaptil and Rescue Remedy may work by themselves in mild cases, they usually aren't enough on their own for moderate to severe anxiety. In such cases they are like the icing on the cake; you still need to bake the cake as a foundation. Your Cavvie may benefit from Adaptil too incidentally. Please don't let our experience with Trazodone deter you from giving it a shot. It may be just what Molly needs. Living with anxiety like that is awful.

Trazodone is a short-acting medication so I think you should know pretty soon whether it's helping, but do ask more questions of the vet if you feel unsure including how long to give it before leaving home. Malcolm was on it for a bit to see if it helped his Generalised Anxiety Disorder. In his case it made him more anxious, but that is a rare thing to happen. It just meant we slowly decreased then stopped the medication per our vet's instructions. It may be worthwhile trialing it while your mum is home at first so she can make sure it is working as intended, and see how long it takes to kick in and be at its full effect and when it starts to wear off. I was speaking to a vet behaviourist recently who said that anxiety disorders can first appear or worsen as the brain ages. So that in itself may be why your mum's dog is becoming more anxious at 14. It is fantastic that you and your mum are seeking help and that the vet is taking it seriously. Wishing you all the best. :)

May I ask how much Aldi ones cost? Those other ones look like a good deal but we don't have that shop near us. I can't recall, but just a heads up that they were a special buy item back in October so if sold out you may need to wait a while before they are restocked.

Size is roomy but looks fine to me as a regular crate, she's quite a tall dog and when you deck it out with soft furnishings the crate will become smaller. I agree with what Rural Pug says above including keeping the door open. This is the crate training handout we got from our VB but we were instructed to keep the door open or take it off completely: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56fc3a5f07eaa0d5a30b3e0f/t/5717ee507da24f347b1e5969/1461186131386/Crate-Training-How-To.pdf I doubt the Nosework people will care to be honest.

It's not wonderful... Or beneful either. :D

The Purina one is terrible!

I am, thank you. Found their website and Facebook page and have passed on their details. Thanks so much Gruf. I want the little one to not just look good but feel good too. :)

Iams is a lot more accurate. Papillon 85% Toy Poodle 85% (Not sure I'd get one due to the grooming but it makes sense) Toy Fox Terrier 79% (Looks like a Mini Foxie? Description reminds me a bit of Malcolm.) If I increase the size of our yard in pops the Australian Shepherd at 78%

Thanks so much, Gruf.

No one?

Mr PK came home with a wrapped up gift for Malcolm. I have no idea what it is and he's keeping it a secret! It's in a rectangular box that feels like plastic and whatever it is moves around a little inside. ????

At this rate you may need to get him a ball pit! :D

I had to turn it off. :) It was very cute while it lasted!

I got the Papillon. :D ... and a whole bunch of terrier breeds in which I have no interest. It's a pretty simplistic survey. I've seen one that was a lot more comprehensive but it came back with a litanay of weird cross breeds like the shihzockeroodleuahua.* *Ok I made that one up. But there were similar head scratching mixes.

It's hard to know without seeing the rest of your dog's body language and knowing more about her. Some anxious dogs when shut down or avoidant can look relaxed or super obedient to some people. Or she could be hot, sore or tired. Or simply less motivated (aka lazy) without her Cavalier friend. Does it often happen in the same spot/s? It could be that she had a fright in that spot in the past or is hearing/seeing/smelling something you're missing. Dogs experience the world quite a bit differently to us. Since you seem concerned about her being anxious generally, perhaps you could run it by a behavioural trainer. They can join you for a walk and see it in person. Of course choose your trainer wisely! Also take a video of her on walks and when she's stopped. You may pick up on things that you previously missed. For example I have watched recordings of my anxious dog and he was a lot more anxious than I realised at the time. Some links that may be of interest: http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-does-my-dog-freeze-during-our-walk#0_mm2m3rfj http://www.petful.com/behaviors/dog-keeps-sitting-down-during-walks/ http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/what-do-outdated-dog-training-and-a-pit-of-spiders-have-in-common (scroll down to the relaxed and calm or shut down infographic) https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/dog-bite-prevention-week-poster-on-the-body-language-of-fear-and-aggression/

Molly Mutt don't make covers large enough (they stop at 42") so it looks like you're stuck with Etsy. Sigh. :laugh: :D

You raise a very good point SM. It does come down to the particular sitter or kennel. In our case though I'd done two house visits and was comfortable with the sitter, she actually seemed even more cautious than I was/needed to be with Malcolm at the time! You'd also expect that the company in question would have properly vetted and schooled their sitters to follow their supposedly strict protocols. Same with your kennel experience. Sigh. I suppose all you can do is get good references from people you know and trust for the particular sitter or kennel. Not the company in the case of the former, but the actual sitter.

I have an emergency boarding place I'd send Malcolm to which is recommended by a number of VBs, but I prefer for him to stay at home as it is less stressful for him. The boarding option at the level of care I'd want him to receive is also quite expensive. I wouldn't get just anyone to mind him though. I think the proliferation of home style boarding is concerning. I had Malcolm stay with someone once who was registered as part of a major pet minding company that had their own care protocols, insurance, etc. I gave the minder four easy to follow instructions: (1) feed the food provided which was a prescription diet, (2) do not have him socialise with other dogs, (3) put his calming cap on in the car, and (4) put him in another room while vacuuming. 1 & 2 are standard protocols for the company anyway. She fed him her own food, had puppy play dates, and had him in the car without his cap on while she vacuumed around him!!! She had the gall to send me a photo of a terrified, shut down Malcolm as she felt proud of herself because he wasn't barking. Never again!!!!

I am a Snack Leader. :D

Love the Clam Shell for Lacey, Marg. It's all about what they love, right? Even if it does eventually get destroyed. :laugh: Kmart used to sell these plush bone toys which would last about 6mths before getting destroyed, but they were my dog's favourite. Especially when the stuffing started coming out. :laugh: How's Crumpet going, luvmybulldog? I love that name too. :D Food treats always go down well over here too. I have some green lipped mussels on the way that I found for a great price. Scottsmum that giant tennis ball is amazing but you already know that. Please post a photo of Sir Scotland with it. :laugh:

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It's a way to spread scent.

I think that's too small.