megan_

Maybe use a different marker instead? Could be a word said very calmly. For my dog, the clicker ONLY means "try many different things until you get it right! Go! Go! Go!" (becasue we do free shaping with it). I use "yes' as a general marker.

Bestr Friend's Retreat in the Tarra Valley is meant to be good. ETA: oops, just seen that you've already mentioned that

How do you live with such ugly dogs?

When my boy had KC he sounded like he was chocking. My girl had it at the same time and sounded completely differently - very snotty. I'd take them to the vet just to check for an obstruction. They need to be kept draught free and need to remain "quarantined" for 10 days AFTER they stop coughing. I also stopped feeding mine bones during the peak of their KC as it seemed to trigger something? I fed them a good quality kibble and they threw up less.

From Day 1 :-). It never was a problem - the only issue was if I left the toilet paper on the roll holder - his favourite game! I close one bedroom door so that he had some "rules". Toilet training took a bit longer than some others I suppose, but that was the only down side for me. Because he has been in the house and alone from day 1, there is no real excitement/mischieve at him being left inside alone. Tables, curtains etc hold no value to him. I am lucky because he just wasn't a destructive dog. ETA: I have a dog door, which has made leaving the dog inside possible.

She is and has booked them into the vet? The original post says as much

I have never met a stafford that says "I've eaten enough, and to eat more would be greedy" :-)

Great work. Have you noticed a change in his energy levels and breathing?

I have sent you a PM with my recommendation and more info.

A mini poodle or mini schnauzer would be great if you gave them a brush every few days and took them to the groomers for clipping. Both are very loyal to thei owners. My mini schnauzers like other people but they have only eyes (and hearts) for me!

I have never heard of this being done. That said, I have normally gone for the annual jabs. I have now switched to monthly tablets. I live in metro Melbourne, is heartworm an issue here?

I send an email...from Martha Jones

Not the paralysis variety

Given I don't live in a paralysis tick area, I don't treat for fleas and ticks at all and have never had a problem. I'll give them the chemicals if they need them, but not otherwise.

The great thing about gmail is you can have many accounts with different names....

BL a lot of rescues don't take private surrenders - they only take dogs from the pound. To the OP - I'd contact the rescue groups and see if they'd take on a private surrender. You could post in the Rescue section as many have their hands full and don't come to General often.

Have a wonderful day - you deserve it!

Exactly. How ridiculous. It would never have entered my mind that my dog was any more unhygenic because of the RMBs she eats on a regular basis. the possum ppo mine feast on during our nightly walks might be a tad worse than the human grade lamb neck....

I was always told not too feed weight bearing bones (eg shanks) as they were too hard and could break teeth.

I feed mine (mini schnauzers) necjks cut up into 4 pieces. I have also feed them the noisettes, but I guess I'll have to stop those. They have always been fine.

so your dog is never allowed to have a bone? I understand taht they wouldn't allow pet-grade raw food (due to teh risk of worms etc), but sure;y human grade is okay?

Very small amounts of food give dogs enough energy. In fact many vets recommend occasionally skipping meals. As PF said, no treats, and she definintely doesn't need extra sugar for energy. Be strong and she will improve in no time. Once she is at the right weight, you can see a specialist to determine whether there is still a problem.

they guy is asking for $30. I'd pay him $30 and be done with it??

I'm pretty srue it is against the "rules" to supply dogs without papers if you're a registered breeder. Any way, they sound dodgy!

I thought it was illegal to sell an unchipped pup in Victoria? Not having a go, just asking a question.