Zenith

lol very cute

Wow! Fantastic Will have a quick look and see if I can find my favs!

Wow amazing photos, what a great journey over the year. Ah I'd so love to join this next year! I don't take enough photos of my own animals anymore, plus I have a new multi flash setup that I should really play around with for some portrait stuff instead of just using it for RE.

What a handsome boy

Great photos! Love the tap shot

Gorgeous girl

My GSP's have been brought up with house cats and feral barn cats and have no problem with them. Teddy my current GSP is not keen on the random feral cats that turn up and will chase them up a tree, but if we welcome the cat into our 'family' he's fine with them. Both my first GSP Pepper, and current one Teddy make wonderful scratching posts for the cats. Pixie likes to ride on Teddy's back too

It sounds like both breeds could suit what you want, but it depends on the bloodlines etc as to what traits are more dominant Best thing to do is to meet as many of each of the breeds as possible and then you can determine what you like best, and if particular bloodlines are more suitable. We've found the good breeders very apt at telling you what the characteristics of each individual in a litter are like :p which is very helpful! I've not owned a Vizsla before, but I've had 2 GSP's over the years. Mine had/have always been great around the horses, and have done many many kms running with me as well. I've had a female and a male, and have found the male to be a little more smoochy, but they were/are very sweet and love cuddles. Whilst they are active, they are happy outside with me, or laying down next to me inside if I'm working. Mine have always had lots of interactions with all breeds of dogs, either at shows or offlead parks, or on the property when friends bring their dogs here. I'd never like to be without a GSP, but after my interactions with loads of other breeds I wouldn't hesitate to have a Vizsla, Weimaraner, or E Pointer as well, I like their energy, enthusiasm and their general temperament

ANSWERS 1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Got my first GSP as a child 20 years ago, and my second GSP that I've had from a pup is rising 12 years 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? I think this has been answered well by other posters :p 3. How common is it in Australia? I think this has been answered well by other posters 4. What is the average lifespan? I hope forever! 5. What is the general temperament/personality? In addition to what other posters have said. Both my GSP's have been extremely loyal, loving, affectionate, and joyous dogs! My first was a female, and she was a little stronger in personality than my current GSP, who is a little more sooky and softer. From my GSP's and my friends GSP's they seem to have the ability to be a complete goof, and at other times be completely noble and almost regal. They do seem to be eternal puppies, although after around 6-7years they do slow down a lot. I don't find them overly energetic, as others have described they are more enthusiastic and willing to partake in whatever activity their 'person' or 'people' are doing. Mine have always been happy to be outside running on the farm, or laying at my feet inside, they just prefer to be involved. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Mine have free exercise for a minimum of 3 hours a day on the farm, this includes swimming, running, and sometimes chasing rabbits. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? I think depending on the owners willingness to learn, and to train their puppy. Its not a breed I would automatically recommend to first time owners, it would depend on their circumstances. I have found them very very easy to train, but they can be cheeky and destructive despite best intentions especially in their adolescent years. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Teddy my current GSP has been on his own when his companions have passed away. He is happy as long as he has people around. As a young dog he was best confined to his run during the day when we were at school/work so he did not become destructive, however as he aged he was fine by himself on the property not confined to his run. He was free exercised for at least 3 hours a day, plus show and obedience training. 9. How much grooming is required? Very little - a quick brush every now and again, and we wipe over with a towel if its wet outside or dewy or if swimming. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? We have always been careful with small children and infirm people with any of our larger dogs. I don't think they always realise their size and weight, however caution and a watchful eye is always recommended with any dog. We found by placing the dogs on a lead around young people or infirm (or those scared of big dogs) works a treat. My GSP's have always had super manners on the lead, and are more than happy to sit and have a cuddle. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? I think this one has been well covered 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) I think this has also been well covered. I don't think I could be without a GSP - everyone who meets my Teddy are usually scared at first (he has a big bark when people arrive on the property) but within minutes they are usually having GSP cuddles and kisses They are addictive and they have a special place in my heart! Some piccies of Ted

Best of luck - hope it all goes well with your new addition: My 3 tips would be: * always straight outside to toilet after play or eating or sleeping * consistent training - a cute naughty puppy can = a big naughty adult! * lots and lots of puppy breath Also first day especially I like to keep things rather quiet and give the puppy plenty of time alone or without being bothered too much - I also like them confined to a small area of the house/backyard (eg one room, crate, playpen etc)!

:p Wow everyones photos are fantastic! I'm a latecomer to the challenge, I had my first try tonight ;) Here are the results: First try EXIF data: Canon 350D - Canon 10-22mm @ 15mm 10 sec @ f14, ISO 200 Lightsource: mobile phone screen (torch app on iPhone) Another EXIF data: Canon 350D - Canon 10-22mm @ 15mm 10 sec @ f13, ISO 200 Lightsource: mobile phone screen (torch app on iPhone) Another setup EXIF data: Canon 350D - Canon 10-22mm @ 18mm 25 sec @ f16, ISO 200 Lightsource: mobile phone screen (torch app on iPhone) Same again EXIF data: Canon 350D - Canon 10-22mm @ 18mm 25 sec @ f16, ISO 200 Lightsource: mobile phone screen (torch app on iPhone) One of Teddy EXIF data: Canon 350D - Canon 10-22mm @ 22mm 25 sec @ f16, ISO 200 Lightsource: mobile phone screen (torch app on iPhone) Ted again EXIF data: Canon 350D - Canon 10-22mm @ 21mm 25 sec @ f16, ISO 200 Lightsource: mobile phone screen (torch app on iPhone) I can't wait to try lots more things, and see everyone's photos

We don't use a doggy door, so when the dogs are about to come inside, they all line up, and come in one at a time onto a mat whilst I wipe their paws, bellies, bodies etc depending on how dirty/wet they are - means the mat then just gets shaken/hosed outside. Mine are all taught this from the first time they go through the door, and at first its useful to have them on the lead to have some control of a wiggling puppy! My two big dogs will lift their paws in turn so I can wipe them without having to bend down as far and they all love having a rub down with the towel. I also often give the medium and long coats a quick brush so there is less coat and stuff stuck to them and its less likely to end up on our cream carpet. The short coats just need a quick towel over. From seeing friends battle with their dogs excitable behaviour when their kids go in the backyard (despite them being wonderful dog owners offering plenty of training, exercise, warmth, interaction etc) - they've had the most success with either crating the dog inside at times when the family is home and of a night, and having the dog on lead inside at times say of an evening, so they all spend time together despite the cold/weather etc and the dog doesn't have free reign in the house, is under suitable control and benefiting from the home environment without becoming a full time inside dog. Their animals have become much more settled with the kids, and the kids actually enjoy being out in the backyard with them. Personally I like to have my dogs with me - that means outside running around the farm for a minimum of three hours a day when we feed animals etc, in the yard whilst we are out or at work (or access to inside if its too cold, wet or hot), and inside when we are inside. They are all great crated, and if they are too excitable they are all happy to go out for a while, because I like them to be settled and well behaved inside - the crating definitely helps there - even with my GSP who is super clingy and with me all the time, he's more than happy in his crate without me.

Thanks for your responses He has been pretty good and settled, I was out all day and hubby was home working outside and he was happy to run around and then curl up inside. He's not 100% but he hasn't shown nearly the amount of symptoms as the other night. Fingers crossed he will stay comfortable, I'll do whatever I can for him, to keep him happy, its nice to see him his usual kissy cuddly self again

Thanks for your comments and experience guys! Sounds like a terrifying experience rijbiz! Glad they are ok :rolleyes: I don't think we have any of that plant here, we've never planted it either, but I will have a good look. Trishm - Yes his hearing is definitely failing him thats for sure - he doesn't notice people coming in unless he's awake and he sees them, and he can't hear from a distance like he used to. We have noticed it for a while, I wonder if its affecting him and giving him anxiety. I just got home, and he was very happy, making lots of woo woo noises and jumping around. He's now asleep next to me. Will see how he does tonight, fingers crossed he's more settled than last night.

Thanks persephone :rolleyes: I hate seeing him so distressed, just so unlike him. I'm waiting for the vet to give me a call back after she's finished todays op's, will have a chat to her and see what she thinks. I'd rather not have to take him over if I can avoid it because he hates going to the vets, and they sometimes make a housecall for him if they can. His temp was fine, gums fine, not dehydrated, joints seem normal (he doesn't react on rotation) and his urine and faeces are normal. He ate his dinner and breakfast just fine. He's still asleep next to me now, I have to go out for work soon, but hubby is working from home today so we can keep an eye on him. Its been around 10 years since I've had an older dog, so not sure if I've just forgotten about them showing the sames signs or not. I've just found some info on Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, will have a bit more of a read

Last night my nearly 12 yr old GSP Teddy was outside with us whilst the dogs were toileting in the backyard and he started looking really worried, and concerned and he started a soft bark not aimed anywhere or at anyone. I called him over and he was shaking and was pressed up against my leg. He was then basically glued to my leg for the rest of the evening - he was very stiff, his eyes were darting around and it was difficult to even get him to sit down, let alone lay down. I sat down on the couch and he just basically leapt into my lap and was again very nervy, and he eventually lay down but would not relax and close his eyes. Every now and again he would sit up straight all stiff, and I would just talk to him and massage him and he would relax a bit more and lay down again. I decided to take him to bed, and got him settled in his bed (next to mine) and left the room to get ready for bed, I kept checking in on him, and he would be facing the corner, shaking and barking softly. So I gave up on that idea and lay next to him and waited to he eventually went to sleep. A few times he did sit up again all startled, but eventually he went to sleep, and didn't wake up until this morning as usual. This morning he was a bit reluctant to leave our bedroom and walk through the house, but he did and he stuck like glue next to my leg, but he seemed to become more like his normal self outside whilst I was doing the horses. Not very energetic though like normal, he didn't go for a run, although he was a bit excited when he knew it was time for breaky. He's spent the rest of morning asleep next to me at the computer in his bed. His normal behaviour: Normally of an evening once he's been fed he basically just sleeps on his bed, and sleeps through the other animals running around etc. The only time he gets up is if he thinks we have more food, and he'll sometimes wake up when we take the other dogs outside to toilet or for a run if they are very energetic, and he'll often come and have a cuddle etc then back off to sleep snoring and having puppy dreams. He's usually pretty close with me and likes to be in the same room, but if he's asleep or laying down relaxed I can walk around leave the room with no problem. We have noticed lately that his hearing is not so good anymore, and have thought maybe his eye sight is not so good, he gets a lot of exercise and still acts like a puppy when he's awake. Sometimes (maybe once a month) he will be asleep, and suddenly get up and look concerned, and walk quickly to me and lay down again. He always just goes back to sleep, so I have always assumed something has happened whilst he's been dreaming. Otherwise his health has been pretty good, his bowel motility is not as good as it used to be so he's fed softer food (meats and fish) and heaps of fibre (vegies), he's otherwise been fit and healthy. We aren't aware of him eating anything bad or poisonous yesterday, and his behaviour was normal until around 8pm. Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm wondering if he is going a little senile? Thanks Suz

Just thought I'd give a quick update that things have been going well with the puppy, we have been ignoring him and its working! Thanks

Thanks for the advice everyone - we will do just that tomorrow. Poodle Wrangler - lol I know I'm not being cruel We tend to use cat collars on the smaller ones as puppies until they get used to them, they are nice and light.

Agreed sas! Ok so just ignore him and keep putting it on and off at different times? We can give that a go thanks!

Should also add we'd prefer not to leave a collar on him at all times - he has a small yard for the day and at other times he's in the laundry or loose in the house, and we don't want him to accidently choke.

Hi All, Would appreciate some advice in regards to my Mums new puppy who is scared of the collar. He is a 9 week old Miniature Dachshund male, and for nearly a week now we have been placing a light cat collar on him (minus the bell) for short periods of time, slowly increasing the duration each time. Firstly we have begun some very basic training with him, come, sit, stay, toileting which he has picked up very quickly. The first time he had the collar on he instantly became depressed and just sat there sulking despite us trying to interact with him. He ignored us and commands to begin with then he would walk over slowly when asked to come and given a food reward. When we walked around the house he would follow for a few meters then sit and sulk again or even hide behind or underneath something. He was barely interested in playing with his toys (which is unusual). After some time we took the collar off and he went back to normal instantly. We have continued this for some days, but now he runs away if he sees you with the collar - or if you get the collar whilst you have hold of it he will try and get away. He is a little better once he has it on now though but its only a slight improvement. So far I have been doing a few things to desensitise him to the collar. I have been playing with him then slowly moving the collar closer to him - sometimes he will run off, but he always comes back when called and after a while he will play right next to the collar or with it. I have also been doing the basic training with him with the collar nearby, and slowly moving closer to it so he has to walk near it. Once he will walk right over it I pick it up and continue giving commands and rewarding with treats with the collar in my other hand. He's a bit wary of it but thankfully the chance of a treat wins out. Any ideas or advice as to help us overcome the problem other than what we are doing? Cheers Suz Here's little Oscar

Have deleted and reposted in Puppy Problems!

**double post**

As for digging, I have found that placing some of the dogs own manure in the hole or area will stop them from digging. Also try and avert his attention to something else. I guees you need to break the habit. Does he did at other times of the day?

Thanks Eddy - I will see how he goes this week with getting him used to the clicker, otherwise an alternative might be the way to go.