LittleRock

Im looking for a new pool to swim my dogs at. My dogs use the pool for fitness (not rehab).

I used to go to Kepala, but sadly lve moved and its way too far. Please dont suggest Woofpurnah, lm after other places where you can make a booking and ensure no other male entire dogs will be in the pool at the same time. Ideally no other dogs so your able to get the maximum workout for your dog. And somewhere were they wont charge $40 for 30mins if you want it to yourself. Kepala was GREAT this way and understood the best practise when swimming dogs.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Some dogs just do it. In them, it's like a fingernail biting habit in humans. There are many schools of thought. You could try sprinkling Paprika or Black Pepper on a few nice fresh ones to see what will happen if she tries to eat them. You could try the pineapple (canned chopped pineapple is better apparently) in the food. Or you could just get to the droppings first and pick them up before she has a chance to.

Above all else......AVOID KISSES!!!!!!

I agree with the final comment..... no kisses until l know its under control.

Im going to try the pineapple juice tonight, fingers crossed. As l know shit happens, but thats just nasty ;)

Some Behaviourists believe that picking it up straight away (giving it so much attention) can help cement the 'problem'.

Really? Gee its a bit hard not to pick up when its in the traffif path. Although when l pick it up l'm normally playing with them throwing balls etc.

I'm hoping someone might be able to help me on this yucky subject. Well my new pup (6mth old SBT) has a habit of eating poo.... I had a had idea she did this but never saw it first hand. Now l got her when she was 4mths from a breeder where she had been kept in runs with other dogs. So l think she got this habit from there

But l've noticed she nevers eats her own, she eats my other SBTs poop. My other SBT doesn't do this. When l'm at home l pick up there poop everyday and sometimes more than twice a day. Pretty much as soon as l see it l pick it up. Also l just got back from a weekend away with the 4 legged kids and she also had a munch on wombat, deer and duck poo....

Food wise, she gets fed very well and only top quality food. So l'm doubtful its cause she is lacking anything in her diet. I'm hoping someone might have some ideas or suggestions?

For the car travel, l agree with a crate. It helps them settle and mine even sleep whilst in the car. I must admit as mine are well behaved l have become quite relaxed with restraint in the car But you have a good point, l love them and wouldnt want anything to happen in a car accident.... So l think l need to be more vigliant and consistent.

I recently added a bitch to our family and even thought they play constantly, my current boy loves the company. Prior he never had a problem being an only child, espeically whislt l was at work. But l think if he had a choice he would prefer his 4 leffed company.... SBT's are addictive Most weekend revolve around them and l love taking them to shows. Its an outing we have together

Although since getting my new girl... our neighbours dog has taken more interest in my lot Starting to chew holes in our joining fence!!!! ;) Looks like l'm going to have to undertake some work to my joining fence to stop it

It's a sad but regular thing here at our house, there's always a baby hanging off an adult or a couple of pups that do that to each other. If the older dog tolerates the pup doing it, there's not much that can really be done, other than giving the pup an alternative to play with if you catch it in the act.

I just use plain old salt water and if it's a bit nasty, Neocort

Its getting better now as l think it was her way of telling my older boy to give her space. But l was thinking of putting some cream on at night to help with the healing process. Moisturising cream in effect?

Hi guys, Any suggestions for helping heal some scabs on my boys cheeks? My new puppy (with her milk teeth) has been nipping my other boy on the cheeks. Now l've been applying cream to ensure they don't get infected. But now l'm not sure what to apply so that the scabs can heal properly and prompt skin and hair growth..... Any ideas????

My 2 SBT's would be happy to be inside most of the time. And thats because that's where their family is most of the time. Having said that, they are also happy to have their play time outside. Currently l have 2 stafford blankets across my lap keeping me warm

Im actually finding that my 16 mth old boy is the one that is starting it. :D its doing my head in When they stop playing the pupp starts wanting to start a game with me, by nipping me. which of course l yelp to tell her that she has over done it.

Im justing wondering how everyone has introduced a new pup to their current junior? My current boy is 16mths and l now have a new girl (16 weeks) everything is going ok. But l just wanted to make sure that l'm doing eveything possible to ensure a smooth introduction. This is my new girl...

and my current excitable young man

Also how much play, is enough play? Like when does it become over the top and stressful. Cause sometimes l call play time quits for them, but my little pup just looks like she goes back for more or starts playing with me.

Gee l didnt think my initial message would evoke so much talk. But it is very interesting to hear what other people do or dont do... I might have a chat to my other show/breeder friends. Ive just always been the type of person to have any animal from cats, dogs, horses vacinated etc. I only got the heart work injection so l didnt have to remember to give him regular heart worm tablets. But l will admit l didnt look into it to much prior to the vet giving my boy the injection. I just thought l was doing the right thing for him.....

Now its been a year and my memory might have blocked out things when it comes to money. But l dont recall 2 injections (heart worm and vacination) to cost $160

Now my boy is worth every cent to ensure his health. But is this a standard cost or am l funding my vets retirement????

I agree and I am trying to do that. However it can be kinda hard. This visitor will be living with us for about 6 months!!! Also this morning l let him out first thing (whilst l was showering) and our visitor let him in. He obviously thought he was being nice. This time my boy didn't annoy our visitor but instead he gutted a throw pillow

Sometimes the person is more of a problem than the dog.

Maybe you should put a collar and lead around the visitor unti he/she learns to keep your overgrown pup in line

Thats what l thought.... But then l have a feeling that it will be on for quite some time. How do you tell a quietly spoken, polite, shy person to be more disciplined and firm with MY dog. I just might have to grin and bear it. And let my dog loose when our visitor isnt home??? Gee l thought it would be good (extra income) to rent a room out. I just didn't think about my cheeky four legged friend

Kittycatt .... great that you've taken a step towards control by using a lead and glad things are improving, if only by small amounts at this early stage. But why not keep him on lead when you have a visitor, seeing as you know that visitors are one of his weaknesses? Take him with you when you need to step out of the room if your visitor/s are not the doggy types to understand what to do and how.

I agree and I am trying to do that. However it can be kinda hard. This visitor will be living with us for about 6 months!!! Also this morning l let him out first thing (whilst l was showering) and our visitor let him in. He obviously thought he was being nice. This time my boy didn't annoy our visitor but instead he gutted a throw pillow

Just an update....

Ive had my boy on a lead a little just so he settles and remains calm and on the ground.... This has worked a treat... I have also been asking him to stay off the couch so much.. He still jumps up and onto our visitor, but immediately jumps down after l tell him. He is staying for a bit also. The problem we have is that our visitor kinda stares at my boy (in a nice way, he thinks he is lovely and just looks at him and has a little laugh) well my boy takes this the wrong way and jumps up to give our visitor kisses.... I know this isn't totally relevant and l dont want anyone to think l'm being racist. But our visitor is Japanse and very quietly spoken and doesn't want to tell my boy off in any way (kinda good, but hard when lm out of the room and come back to my boy literally walking over him) so l think it will be a long process as its just me trying to correct him as our visitor is quite passive. But so far so good

Kittycatt .... I'm sorry. We're steering away from your problem and the reason for your thread.

Actually, reading your OP, I think you already part way know the answer to your problem. IE : Establishing boundaries. Of course, you need to set the boundaries and you need to be consistent in your expectations that those boundaries be observed.

Following the NILIF program ("Nothing In Life Is Free") is one very good way of firming up some respect from your dog and also in getting you in the habit of expecting things from your dog - something many don't do. If you're not sure of what this is about, a google search will give you a tonne of hits and info, but basically it is about getting your dog to do something for you first, before you give him ANYTHING. Also, follow the "TOT" program/exercise which is explained in a sticky at the top of the training forum here.

When there's a behaviour problem in existence (such as pushiness) I tend to put a stop to sharing couch and/or bed with the dog. Some will scoff at that, but with the boy I have now, I actually notice a considerable difference when I have allowed him up with me compared to when I don't - and that's even though he's only permitted up with a command. I believe it is relative to his age, which is at the 'smarty pants teenage' phase and I've pulled the reins in a bit until we get through that time.

I'll struggle with the 'bed with the dog'. My partner is away and wont be back for awhile so l hate to say it, but my boy is a bit of a comfort to me. Its horrible having a room to myself, when l'm used to someone else being there. Also come to think of it, my dog hogs the bed just like my partner... But l do get what you mean. Short term sacrific long term gain.

My boy when l ignore him will talk his head off. And then gets annoyed that l'm not paying him any attention and walks off. Sometimes though he takes his frustration out on the poor pillow

At least this 'new visitor' is a good training aid for us.

them bloody cheeky staffies, wanting to kiss n sniff and sit on folk! cheek

I know. But my boy tries to give the visitors a wet willie with his tongue...!! :p

Hi, My partner and l have a 1yr old Staffie. He is lovely and l have to admit has selective obedience. Now we have someone staying with us for a couple of months and my boy isn't behaving as l would have hoped. As l've let my boy on the couch (and my bed) for that matter. He is now jumping on the couch and hovering over our guest. even sniffing his face and ears.

I'm thinking that l obviously need to have a refresher on his training. Now l'm wondering if the best way is to keep him on the lead. As when he is off, sometimes he thinks l'm playing a game and will run around getting more excited.

Can anyone provide me with some simple tips for improving (or giving him ) some necessary manner.

Next week l have someone moving in for at least 6 months to rent a room off me. He has briefly met my boy and l have explained to him what he is like (highly energetic, cheeky, attention seeker, friendly just a few obedience matters) and he wasn't detered. I told him that whenever l am inside my dog is also. I have said that l don't want him to (or expect him to) feed, walk etc my dog. Again he had no problem. Now l'll be the first to admit my dog is no angel. But l have learnt to live with it and have been slowly fixing any behavioural issues. Again they aren't bad, just excitable staffie puppy behaviour.

Would anyone suggest that for a few days that l keep my boy on a leash when inside so our new house mate doesn't get overwhelmed. Or should l just do as l normally do? As my dog normally does settle down with my people guests. I dont know why l'm worry so much. But l guess it will be new for me and my dog so l just want it to go as easy and smooth as possible.

I'd put down my staffies smelly wind breaks down to the dried liver that he gets as treats.... Normally when he has a bit of this he could evacuate a room in 3 seconds.... Only dogs can get away wih this beaviour. My boy is on half/half. Nights he gets BARF and mornings he gets kibble (purina) and half a tin of tuna in brine. When we back off the dried liver he doesnt seem to break much wind.

He he he.

At least your dog is only stealing the cushions.

I've just remembered one of my first posts on DOL- Something along the lines of "Help, my dog just ate the COUCH!!" ;) Bloody little pain in the butt she was (IS!).

Ah yes- we do need a "how to train the OH" discussion board on here...

Exactly.... A how to train the OH so he doesnt notice he is being trained.... either that or a free to a good home....

My staffyx went through a phase of stealing and chewing when she was a pup. With our 2 kids she had plenty of good chewy toys to choose from! Even when we were home she would sneak into the kids room (if accidentally left open) and look for a toy to kill.

We did lots of NO's , "ah ah"ing and making sure she was outside with a bone/kong if we couldnt keep an eye on her for even 5 minutes. She eventually got over it and now never steals things when we are at home- even if she gets excited.

However she is NEVER allowed inside when we aren't home- I thought she had grown out of chewing completely, trusted her and came home to a chewed aerial cable.

Nice secure kennel and yard outside for when she is alone. Not so pretty out there now though.

Just stay on him, he will improve if you stick to the advice on here. :D

I agree. And its great to others experience and feedback. Luckily he is very cute when he does it otherwise it would be really frustrating. Over the last few days l have now been able to get him to stand whilst l approach to retrieve what ever he has. Woo hoo..... :D But my OH isn't so disciplined. God love him (my OH) he does try but i think he thinks he is more our boys friend than his owner. Im the one that schools him, feeds him, shows him etc. Gee is this something that he will exhib if/when we have 2 legged kids.... Me the disciplining one and him the fun and games one...

Is he crate trained?

I would be mad if i didnt have my bully crate trained, he is worse then what you have said about your staffy, and he is 6 this year!! I love my crate!

Thankfully, my staffy is very well behaved, she is 4 next month, and only chewed a phone and a remote control

He is crate trained and we have it set up in the lounge room. But l cant have him in it all the time as l feel bad. But very handy when he's being extremly cheeky.

Some options are to control him when in the lounge room, do not allow acess to the lounge.

Your right its a big game to him and your going to have to stop playing.Its learnt behaviour and even though you cease the play, he will not immeditately do so.

If he do's manage to grab a pillow, I would use something that he has more of an attraction to as a distraction to the pillow.

With dogs its always best not to start unwanted behaviours in the first place.

I would use two balls to teach him the meaning of out,so if he do's grab something getting release is easy.

Thanks Tonymc. When he is really naughty, we put him on the lead, but it gets a bit hard to do this the entire time..... Puppies, god love them. They do keep you on your toes. I might teach him to drop things when he has them in his mouth. I have taught him to release his chew toys when we are playing. But l think dropping when l'm not touching them will help heaps.

Consistency is the key!

But yep, it can be damn hard.

I guess when you absolutely have to get something from him, you have to make it as unlike a game as you can. Walk purposely, but not to quickly, and not stalking. Reach without snatching.

Oh, I nearly forgot, when he does have something, you can try to get him to swap it for one of his chew toys (that should be lying on the floor).

My dog went through a phase of chewing stuff. It started at about 8 weeks and went until, um, still going.

He destroyed my Mastercard last week.

He likes eating sponges out of the kitchen sink

He's a pup right?

To finish on a good note...

It should get better ;)

ETA: Agree with both the posts above!

Sometimes it's just easier to manage the environment (put the cushions away for year or so ). I have a baby gate across my bedroom door

Ive tried swapping for his toys, but he seems to sense that what he has is more exciting/important than his chew toys (kongs).

I wouldnt mind my boy to chew a credit card, it would help me to not use it...

We do manage the environment, but he is really good at finding that one thing we haven't removed or put at a height he cant reach. I might put the pillows away for awhile. Perhaps some more work on release and leave it might improve this. His level at the moment is a bit patchy. So if l can get it more tuned maybe this will have an impact on his snatch and grab routine... Perhaps l can hire him out to messy people. They would quickly learn to tidy up after themselves..... :D :p