silentchild

I go to Aquapaws weekly. They do have an off leash fenced in section but it's not very big. People there have common sense and know not to go in with their dog if it is in use so I don't think you need a sign. Again it's small so if someone does look like they want to come in really all you have to do is say No... it literally is the size of a small suburban backyard. Maybe if you ask the owner she will let you run your dog in one of the bigger horse paddocks but the fencing is not the same as the off leash yard. Edit : Have you tried Kepala?? Their facilities would suit your needs for a secure off leash romp.

Good girl Pudding, keep getting better!

oh my gosh just saw this post, how terrible and ẃhat a nightmare for you. Sending all positive thoughts and healing vibes to Pudding - hope she pulls through and makes a full recovery.

If you ship to Melbourne I'd be happy to purchase a few bags too. Love them and use them heaps for training treats.

This makes me sick to my stomach, nowadays it gets dark so early when I walk my dog at night I can hardly see if she picks up and eats things off the ground when sniffing around. There have been cases of fish hooks in sausages at an inner city park near me too. Why are people so awful?!

I've learnt that there is such thing as unconditional love, and that it is actually possible to love something more than you love yourself.

Everyone tells me that Aussies are smart but I didn't realize just how smart they are until I owned one! I swear if my girl had thumbs she could write a PHD and figure out the origin of the universe and do my taxes while she's at it. Sometimes it scares me how intelligent she is, like is it normal for an animal to have beyond human-level intelligence?!

Hopefully I will see you!! I am doing Sat arvo and maybe Sunday as I have to take Breeze to her UWT session Sat morning - probably won't bring her to Dog Lovers tho!! Bit too full-on for her. Just the human this time. ;) Who are you bringing, Kinta?

Welcome to the addictive world of Aussies Miru. :D They are amazing dogs!!! My Aussie took off with my heart and never brought it back. :)

http://dogloversshow.com.au/melbourne/

Miru, I see you're in Vic. Why don't you come to the Dog Lovers show in May, the Aussie club will be having a stand there. I will be working the stand along with other fellow Aussie owners and enthusiasts, who will be very happy to talk to you more about the breed plus you get to meet some gorgeous Aussies.

I agree with LisaCC, pick your lines carefully. Talk to as many breeders as you can and go watch Aussies at trials, shows, etc. Maybe think about a mature Aussie with an established temperament rather than a puppy. The situation you described would suit my Aussie just fine, as she is more on the laid-back, whatever goes side, happy to veg out on the couch for a day or be on the go at a moments notice, BUT she is a dime in a dozen, diamond in the rough, and I know plenty of Aussies that are very high strung and needs lots of stimulation. Even with her we train every day and work in multiple disciplines - they need to use their brains. We also do hydro every week and go hiking on weekends. Even my girl has slight anxiety / confidence issues - nothing bad or unmanageable thank god but I can't see her wanting to go play with strange dogs often. Aussies are very people focused. They are super smart and they do need a lot of time and effort. If you wanted to do advanced obedience an Aussie will suit but if you are inexperienced make sure you get lots of help - Aussies don't tend to enjoy repetitive work and may get bored quickly. One more thing, I'm not sure how much Chinese Cresteds shed, but the Aussie is a whole different world of shedding entirely!!!! If you are not prepared to have fur caught between your teeth when you eat... don't get an Aussie LOL!

Watching it now. Some of the footage is really distressing.

Awesome update!! I am so glad you got your happy ending!

Yup, going very still, showing the whites of my eyes, curling a lip to show teeth, whilst emanating a very low growl works for me. (wow I really felt like a dog writing that) Tho my girl is an angel so I have really only busted it out about three times in my life when she is insistently trying to lick the insides of my nose at 5am in the morning. At other times a simple annoyed "Tsk' with the tongue is enough.

I'm too emotional lately, that made me cry.

Oh if only they would hold one in Vic...!!

I don't know about love as such, but I do believe there is a 'bond'. Things like completely mutual understanding, trust and respect of one another. When you can read each other to the accuracy of a pinpoint with just the slightest movement or look. I make sure to build our relationship with a lot of fun and positivity - building a team. I know my dog is very bonded to me. She will be affectionate to other members of the family but it truly is on a different level with me. I always feel very connected to her and she in turn is extremely intuitive to my feelings. Sometimes I just need to think of something and she will do it - other times I swear she understands full english sentences. She is my shadow and will come to me for assurance, security and safety when she is feeling scared or unsure. I am hesitant to call it love although I am sure she feels some type of emotional connection to me. Definitely a very strong bond. And since I can't think of any other word in the English dictionary for it, I'm happy to call it love just to make myself feel better LOL.

Tennis star Venus Williams has gone to the dogs. For help on court. In honour of the America's star turn at Auckland's ASB Classic this week, the event's sponsor ASB went on the hunt to find her the best ball boys in the world and didn't take long to discover they were of the canine variety. Williams took on two-time Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova in an exhibition match like no other and was ably assisted by three of the world's biggest tennis (ball) fans: Oscar, Ted and Super Teddy. Clearly Williams, one of the most famous sporting stars on the planet, is enjoying her week in Auckland and she's already promised that she'll encourage her sister, Serena, to play at the tournament next year. Perhaps the lure of playing alongside the world's cutest ball boys might twist her arm. Source : http://www.stuff.co....-venus-williams

I know the husks are fine for Rotties to chew on LOL..... but I'm not sure about a young Japanese Spitz. It shouldn't be toxic - I would just be careful of the usual dangers when giving hard things to chew, ie splinters, cracked teeth, blockages etc. I personally would not give it without supervision if its the first time having it, but that's just me being paranoid. I know a few DOLers who have given their dogs coconut and should have more experience... hopefully they will offer you some insight.

Wow, I'm impressed. That takes huge dedication, going back to the same spot every week for a year. Great job, well done and lovely keep sake and reflection for you to have :) I'd love to do that for my next pup... but I can't make videos LOL Starkehre if you are dedicated enough to take the photos every week I'll be happy to compile the video for you after however many years you do it for LOL Nala is gorgeous, I'd definitely want to try doing something similiar when I have my next pup too. :)

What a great thread idea! Here is puppy Breeze: Breeze now:

Mine is a sunbaker too, crazy thing. Though she always seems a bit relieved when I put my foot down and call her in after a while. Slightly worried about how hot it is getting here, forecast to be in the 40s tomorrow. Was going to take Breeze for a swim but now I am worried about the drive to the pool in the car in the heat............ not sure how my little car's AC will cope. Can't believe how people can be stupid enough to leave children or dogs in a car even for a minute in these sort of temperatures...

I also feed twice a day - similiar to Sheena, a RMB in the morning and a proper meal / meal as training rewards in the evening. I have tried just feeding once a day before but my dogs would then vomit up bile more often, so I switched to twice a day and much prefer it. Have had no problems since.

Oh too bad I am not in Adelaide - I have a huge amount of stuff I wanted from them.