TrinaJ

That is great advice. I would like to add another option to the mouthing since I definately own a mouthing breed *LOL* (I have also done the tuumb under the tongue, works for me) but you can also redirect the mouthing to a toy, but you must be CONSISTENT that is the key to training a dog to do anything, without consistency the training is pointless. There is no 2nd 'chance' after a dog disobeys you. You give a command once... FIDO COME, he doesn't come, go get him - dont give him the option of disobeying you. FIDO SIT, he doesn't sit, place him in the sit position 'gently' like a sea-saw rocking motion (right hand at chest level, left hand at tail area) but GENTLE. He will soon understand that when you issue a command he will obey, but you have to TEACH him, they are not born knowing how to sit, how to drop, etc, we have to educate them and make it fun. You start hitting the puppy for not sitting and sitting will not be fun it will be associated with hitting. That's just my opinion and how I've trained my rotty's over the past 15 years. I am not a dog trainer, nor do I claim to be one, I actually have a dog trainer and think that its the best investment $$$$$ can buy when owning a dog.

Personally I feel there are better quality kibbles on the market. I would go for one with less grain in it like Orijen, Calif Natrual, Eagle Pack Holistic (not the standard EP), Artemis, Advance.

Jett is a rottweiler pup and her puppy booklett said 3 tablespoons each night. As your dog is probably 1/16th of the size of Jett I'd say 1-2 teaspoons. Jett HATED the european natural yoghurt (was the only one they had this particular day), but she does love the Yoplait YoPlus. Another option for you if you are feeding dry would to be to add chicken stock to it, that too will add flavour and also make the kibble swell and absorb the flavour - that way she wont overeat and then feel sick when it expands later in her belly. Sardines are also good a couple of times a week, so is cottage cheese (salt free) mixed in with the kibble. A wing or a chicken neck wont go astray either for something different every now and again. Enjoy your new puppy, he is definately a little cutie :rolleyes:

Dont like it but dont think its cruel either. Personally I wouldn't dye my own hair purple/pink/orange/blue so why would I dye my dogs coat?

You can also get them from Chicken Shops like Leonards or Chicken wholesalers (they generally have turkey's as well). I too had a rotty who would also inhail them. I also found that hand feeding them to her taught her to chew.

Thinking of you today Anne ... ~*hug*~ Trina

Yup, just be really dillegent with cleaning up his poop. Also get a high quality dry food (Advance, Eagle Pack Holistic, Artemis etc), you will have less poop because there is not as much waste product. Have a look under the nutrition thread you will find some good advise on what to feed him there. Trina

I can understand the frustration, Jett has decided to become a Clothesline Thief!! But you need to remember one thing, hands are used for praising and petting not smacking, you dont want your puppy to shy away from you. Puppies are just that puppies, they need to be taught what is acceptable and what is not. You need to get a crate and crate train your puppy. I have a crate for Jett inside, she is safe and my things are safe. As the others have said, you will get an indication of the size of crate you will need from the suppliers of the crate. Buy one large enough for her for when she is fully grown. Jett's crate came with a divider so I could close it off - she's never gone to the toilet in her crate either, she knows its her place. Get a kong, stuff it with peanut butter, or a bone, toys etc and put them in with her, she will soon learn that a crate is a fun place to be and wont see it as a punishment. You will also have somewhere to put her when visitors come over or if she is being silly (like a time out, with a bone - you dont want her to see the crate as punishment either). Puppies also chew on things when they are bored. THey need physical and mental stimulation just like we do. Have you enrolled her into ob classes as yet? You will both benefit a great deal and its a lot of fun. Good luck with your new puppy!!! Trina

We have put in our order for our next dog - by the time we get him, Jett will be 13 months old and would have already bonded with us. I am also a stay at home mum so I can spend 100% of my time with them. Generally the reason 'most' people are against 2 puppies (and lots of breeders wont sell 2 of their puppies to one family) is because the puppies tend to bond together rather that with the us, that and the potential problem of training. There is an article called Double Trouble, raising two puppies at once that you may find interesting. DOUBLE TROUBLE.......Raising Two Puppies At Once! by Nancy Vollmer You couldn't resist. They were totally adorable six-week-old balls of fluff romping and scuffling on the breeder's carpeting. So you agreed to take Molly and Jasper home at eight weeks, and now they're romping, scuffling, eliminating, chewing, and digging on your carpeting! You had the best of intentions. Not only would they keep each other company during your long hours at work, but you and your spouse would each have your own dog. And it didn't seem like two little puppies would be much more trouble to take care of than one. Unfortunately, the operative word is "trouble." You soon discover that two pups seem to make not twice, but eight times the mess as one! It's as if they "feed" off each other's energy. Bonding But the real problem is not the constant chaos involved with trying to keep up with two perpetual motion machines, but the realization that since the dogs have each other, they really don't need you! They're much more interested in roughhousing and running together than the ball games and long walks that you planned on enjoying with them. Training is a nightmare. When you and your spouse try to separate the twosome for their daily lessons, they cry and bark and carry on trying to get back together. Even standing on your head, you can't get their attention for a moment. What can you do to get things back on track and have these pups grow into the wonderful companions you wanted? The underlying problem is bonding. Since the pups were left alone together while you were away and never separated when you were around, their primary bond is with each other and not with you and the other family members! Never having been separated, they haven't had the opportunity to develop a closer bond with humans. Here are some tips for managing two pups that will maximize their chances at becoming great companions. First, the pups should sleep separately. Approximately two weeks after they come home with you, they should be trained to sleep in separate crates. You can use the den-training procedure in SuperPuppy. Separation But don't combine the stress of a new home with the stress of being separated right off. Start out by placing their crates side-by-side. Gradually move the crates apart so that eventually they are comfortable sleeping in different rooms. (This also prevents the development of separation anxiety problems in the future should they suddenly have to be separated due to an accident or illness.) Once they are able to sleep in separate rooms, start separating them for short periods during the day. Start while you're at home, perhaps with naps in their crates. Build up the time so that they're calm and comfortable when apart for several hours. (Ideally, they should be confined in separate areas in exercise pens during your long absences. Although this may not be possible, it's a good way to prevent the dogs from becoming overly dependent on each other's presence.) They can share water bowls but try feeding them separately. From the very start take them outside separately as well as together for short excursions around the neighborhood, car rides, and socialization visits. Training Tips Enroll them in puppy class, but keep them apart as much as possible during the class. At first do the puppy class homework while separated. Then, once they know the lessons, bring them together and practice. Teach them to pay attention to you, even though they're around each other. As a reward for working with you willingly, allow them to romp briefly together between lessons. The pups will learn their names faster if you use their names each time you interact with them. In the beginning, names should always be said in a happy tone of voice in a rewarding context such as when praising, giving meals or teaching a command that will be rewarded with praise, petting, and a treat. Once they're a bit older, and respond to their names, you can use a name before reprimanding of one of the pups without involving the other. Be the Leader Exercise good leadership. Don't let one pup become excessively dominant. Allow them to establish their relationship, but intervene if one puppy becomes overly domineering. (See SuperPuppy pg. 18) Give each puppy equal time and attention, and try not to favor one over the other. To make sure each puppy responds equally to all family members, everyone who's able should participate in the training and care taking of both pups. As you can see, raising two puppies together to their maximum potential is considerably more work than just bringing up one. But it's still a small price to pay for two super puppies!

Hope little Brody is okay, how awful for you both.

Hi Honeysmum and Welcome to DOL 3 important rules for toilet training.... 1. When she wakes up from a sleep, take her outside to do her business. 2. After she's eaten her meal, take her outside to do her business. 3. After a play, take her outside to do her business. You may be outside for 15 minutes or more until she's done it and when she does PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE. She will soon learn that doing her business is done outdoors and when she does she gets lots of praise. Dont stress, we've all gone through different things with new puppies, toilet traiing, mouthing, destroying things, howling etc. There is always a reason for why they do these things.... We've not shown them what's acceptable and what isn't. They, like us, aren't born with the knowledge, we have to teach them and that takes time. She's 16 weeks old now so she's old enough to start training. Enrol her into obedience classes, you will both have a ball. Have you got a crate for her? If so freeze some peanut butter in a kong for her and place her inside, yes she will howl for a little while, but then she will notice the kong and that will keep her busy for a while. You want to make a safe place for her. Crate training is good for many reasons, she will be safe in a crate for travelling, if she ever needs to go to a vet she wont fret about being put in a crate and they also make wonderful safe beds. Lots of luck with your new puppy! Trina

Shell, I got my crate cover 48" from ebay. Its brown and white tartan design). here is the link for one that's for sale now I got it from the same people, deliver was superfast and via express post. Its a great cover http://cgi.ebay.com.au/COLLAPSIBLE-DOG-CRA...1QQcmdZViewItem Have also seen them at Dog Shows in other colours (green and white checkers). I paid just over $50 incl postage. I also saw some in the shop at the grounds where the shows are held in Adelaide (dunno what its called).

Fly high sweet Sophie , may you find peace and four legged friends waiting for you at the bridge. Anne, words cannot express how my heart is breaking for you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep hold of those wonderful memories you and Sophie shared together close to your heart. You did such a wonderful thing for Sophie, you set her free from this cancer before it got too much for her. You gave her such love and a wonderful life. You will have a black and tan angel watching out for you for the rest of your days ~*hugs*~ Trina

Anne, I am so sorry..... tears stream down my face as I write this, knowing how hard you tried, knowing the love you gave her, but today my friend you are giving her the best gift, the final gift, its the gift to eternal life. She will feel no pain, only the love that you both shared. RIP beautiful Sophie, til you meet your Mistress again.. ~*hug*~ Trina If I Could Talk You're giving me a special gift, So sorrowfully endowed, And through these last few cherished days, Your courage makes me proud. But really, love is knowing When your best friend is in pain, And understanding earthly acts Will only be in vain. So looking deep into your eyes, Beyond, into your soul, I see in you the magic, that will Once more make me whole. The strength that you possess, Is why I look to you today, To do this thing that must be done, For it's the only way. That strength is why I've followed you, And chose you as my friend, And why I've loved you all these years... My partner 'til the end. Please, understand just what this gift, You're giving, means to me, It gives me back the strength I've lost, And all my dignity. You take a stand on my behalf, For that is what friends do. And know that what you do is right, For I believe it too. So one last time, I breathe your scent, And through your hand I feel, The courage that's within you, To now grant me this appeal. Cut the leash that holds me here, Dear friend, and let me run, Once more a strong and steady dog, My pain and struggle done. And don't despair my passing, For I won't be far away, Forever here, within your heart, And memory I'll always stay. I'll be there watching over you, Your ever faithful friend, And in your memories I'll run, ...a young dog once again. --author unknown

Anne, you know my thoughts are prayers are with you and Sophie... I am praying with all my heart that its an inflamitory response. I am here if you need me for anything. ~*tight hugs*~ Trina

I too suggest you contact a trainer first before making that purchase, also it is illegal to use a prong (but people do make covers for them so that you cant tell its a prong). I have a rotty bitch (10 months old) who pulls like a bull on a correction collar, whereas all of my male rottys (3) walked perfectly with a correction collar and flat collar. I contacted a trainer (for other reasons as well - she is so totally different to my males) and we began traning her on a halti - what a difference that made, its like chalk and cheese. Jett has been using a halti now for about 6 weeks and he said we should be able to go onto a flat or martingale within a month. No matter what too you use to train your dog it must be used correctly, hence the suggestion of a professional trainer, they will teach you the correct way to use the collar, be it prong, halti, correction or martingale. If you need a trainer I would hightly recommend Eastern Companion Dog Trainers in Croydon, he is brilliant and my dog just adores him. Cheers! Trina

I am so very sorry for your loss. Winston, fly high th the angels precious ~*hug*~ Trina

I am so very sorry for the loss of your Penny. May she fly high with the angels that await her at the bridge She is in the best of company ~*hug*~ Trina

same sex aggression can be very serious in some breeds, esp bitch on bitch. I have always had males rotts (I honestly prefer boys), Jett is the first bitch I've evern had. We are getting a male in Nov as we've always had 2 or more dogs (always males) and have never had a problem with them, but I've heard of females who will fight to the death, no matter wher the breed of dog. I personally would never have 2 bitches and let them run together. With males there are warning signs (barking, snarling etc) so you can try and get their before shit hit the fan, with bitches I've heard its all quiet and then attack, no warning and no chance of getting in before anything serious happens. I often wonder what breeders do, if they keep each bitch in their own run.... I would definately recomment going opposite to what you have now. Trina Here is an article of two bitches who lived together that hated each other, unfortunately the outcome is not a good one, but for anyone thinking about 2 dogs of the same sex, its a very worthwhile read... Bitch Fight: Life with two dogs who hate each other By Christie Keith One day, as if out of the clear blue sky, my 6-year-old cattle dog mix, Scarlett, decided that Colleen, my 12-year-old chow mix, had to die. Of course this didn't really come out of nowhere, and looking back with that 20/20 hindsight we all have, I can see many hints of the battle to come. Sadly, I misunderstood most of the warning signs and let denial make me blind to the rest. The result? A badly wounded Colleen, and my lifestyle in turmoil. When female dogs fight, they aren't doing it ritualistically, but to determine which of the two is going to continue to draw breath when the fight is over. Advice to "let the two of them work it out" isn't going to cut it in this type of dominance battle. Usually, "working it out" involves the death or serious injury of the loser- and the winner doesn't generally fare too well either. In addition to the dangers to the dogs, the human family members can get hurt trying to break up the fights. So, what can you do when a situation like this arises? I wanted my old peaceable kingdom back. First of all, I took both dogs in for complete veterinary exams. Colleen is definitely getting old, and while she was the "alpha of the universe" for many years, illness or just general old age could make her a more attractive target for a challenger. A friend of mine who has Rottweilers, chows, and chow mixes herself, said, "I always worry, when a younger dog makes a move, if they KNOW something medical about the older that we haven't picked up yet. I have a few friends who have had alpha old bitches who had to be protected in their last years of life because the younger alpha-wanna-be would kill them, because even in their infirm state they would NEVER back down to the youngster." This described Colleen perfectly. Also, several common health problems, such as thyroid disease, can cause increased aggression in dogs, so it was important to get Scarlett examined as well. However, both came back with a clean bill of health. I then consulted a number of trainers and a behaviorist, only to get some discouraging news. There's not a whole heck of a lot you can do about dominance aggression between bitches other than keep them separated. That was not what I wanted to hear, as keeping them apart was putting a lot of stress on my household. One trainer advised me to reinforce Scarlett as the new "alpha," while another said that would simply make her MORE aggressive about protecting her rank. The most useful advice I got was to remember that the only alpha in my house is me, not either of the dogs, and that if I say "no fights," then they all have to live with that. My friend agreed, saying she would "avoid backing the younger dog. It will make her bolder and might push Colleen to fight harder to regain it." Many people suggested I find a new home for Scarlett, but with her history of on-leash dog aggression (one of the signs I missed), this problem with Colleen, her inability to be around cats, and an extremely high energy level, it's very hard to imagine finding a home that would work for her. And of course, despite everything, I love her. I've worked on increasing her obedience training, so she is more tuned in to me, and this helped me break up the last couple of fights. I actually moved to a new house where I was able to keep them separate more effectively. I take Scarlett out with me a lot, and have Colleen in my office with me a lot. Calming Signals I also explored one option that I feel extremely optimistic about, and hope to write more about in a future article. I went to a seminar on "calming signals," a dog training and communication theory based on the work of Norwegian trainer Turid Rugaas, author of On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals. Given by Bonny Doon, CA's Jodi Frediani, it was a daylong, hands-on seminar, and Jodi did more with Scarlett in a fifteen minute demonstration than I've accomplished in years. I'm hoping that this will enable me to change the way Scarlett relates to other dogs, although only time will tell. In the meantime, Scarlett sleeps in a crate next to my bed, and the two dogs are kept apart at all times, whether supervised or not. My new house has an excellent open plan that enables us all to be "together" even though a gate separates the space into two large areas. Colleen, as befits her status as my oldest and best-loved dog, gets more of my time and attention, but I make sure that Scarlett gets her share too. It's made my life a bit more complicated, but keeping Colleen safe is my responsibility, so I will find a way to make it work. Wish us well. Colleen passed away at the age of 15. The combination of separation and training, along with treatment by my homeopathic veterinarian, kept the rest of our years peaceful. There was never another fight, but Colleen and Scarlett never had any time together indoors without being separated. They were able to go on walks together easily. I miss Colleen more than words can ever tell, but there's no doubt things are easier now, for Scarlett and for me.

Hi TrinaJ, do you get plain yoghurt or flavoured? Just get the natural (plain) she loves it if its Paul's but refuses to eat anything if its the European one.

$143!!! the RRP for that food is only $124.40 so I'd be looking around a bit more. There are other outlets selling it that dont sell puppies. Where? I've only found it at Pet Stock (pakenham) The medium breed is $118 there, I know cuz hubby got that one by mistake last time. There is a pet store at Fountain Gate that sell it but I refuse to buy from them, I just cant bring myself to buy from places that promote puppy farms and sell cross bred dogs for insane prices.

Oh I HATED that book, but I love the name Atticus! I had to read it in highschool and write an essay on it, probably why I hated it so much. Bet if i read it now i'd appreciate it. Trina

Jett HATES European Yoghurt with a passion! One day the supermarket didn't have Paul's Natural Yoghurt so I had to buy the European Yoghurt, she took one mouthfull and spat it back and didn't eat her dinner.

Love #9 I have a bitch called Jett!! Male names I Love...okay so a LOT of them would suit a rotty.... :D Magnum (My first ever rotty and my heart dog - Dec 17/10/2002 of osteosarcoma) Bosko Czar Inca Cerberus Sirius Taboo Titan Spitz Blizzard

I just use natural yoghurt. Salt free cottage cheese is also okay a couple of times a week mixed in with the kibble and a tablespoon of olive oil. Remember to water the kibble down (hence the chicken stock will not only taste better but its a cup or two of water).