megan_

Mine has already ripped (2 weeks of use, I don't fill it up with heavy stuff either).

i) Let go off the fact that (you think) she has been abused. Many dogs who are poorly socialised act like they have been abused - because the world is a scary place to them. Feeling sorry for her won't help her - it will make things wworse. ii) Give her space - ignore her totally and let her get curious about your friend, rather than trying to foist affection on her. She doesn't like pats, so don't pat her. iii) I have an extremely fearful dog who was abused in the past (breeding bitch on a puppy farm - non name, no walks, lived in a cage) . Seeing a behaviourist changed both of our lives for the better. Six months ago she would hide under the decking for hours if someone came over to visit (and ignored her totally). She wouldn't let me put on a leash and would run away in terror. She would hyperventilate and shake in the car. Tomorrow, she will "sit" her elementary "exam" - she passed foundation training last year. She loves her walks and will accept pats from strangers. She is happy to stay in the house when I have friends and family over. She is now a happy little canine citizen. She still has issues (she doesn't like it when strangers pay her attention), but they are all manageable and getting better with time. Even though your friend doesn't have the $ to see a professional, if she's going to keep this dog she'll need to sooner or later (I had Lucy for about 5 months before I saw someone because she was too afraid to even be in the same room as a behaviourist). If she has to live off beans and pumpkin soup for a month it would be well worth it. iv) Teach her some simple tricks (eg targeting your hand with her nose) to help build her confidence v) Set clear boundaries and let her know who is leader. By doing this, she will know that your friend is in charge and will take care of things - there is no need for her to fret any more. This was the hardest thing for me! I wanted to shower my dog with love and kisses - but that is not what she needed. She needed a strong, calm, confident leader. Good luck to your friend. It is a hard road to travel down, but there are many lessons and small wins along the way.

Steve had a fling with Tiger?

I agree with this - I don't see it as having anything to do with how hard it will bite during an attack.

While you might not be training him all the time, he is learning. They are crafty little buggers who will take every inch you give them!

Personally I'd never take my dog to this beach on leash during a popular time - it is waaay too busy and there are a lot of over excited dogs there. If you go before 8am it is pretty quiet.

but breed does play a role in finding the best way to train your dog.

You're not in the wrong - but I'd only be doing it at parks that I know and where I know most of the dogs - because there are many idiots out there who think off leash = anything goes. I walk my girl on leash at in an off leash area (but never a dog park), but I know most of the dogs. There are a few dogs that jump all over her and if they are there I leave and go somewhere else. Her safety isn't worth risking just to be "right".

Because other suppliers then cannot compete and people will stop stocking them. I still find it odd that they were being sold for cost price to begin with - whats the point if you aren't making anything?? Theres got to be some catch... It also damages a premium brand. Think of apple - they never have real sales, and if they do you'll get a max of 10% off. These guys might have used the houndbags to build up a customer base. Growing retailers often do this to build their base and then sell more expensive stuff.

their normal food smooched up with low fat natural youghart. I don't like giving them extra fatty treats - too hard to regulate their weight.

From my perspective: 1. dog door 2. doog walking belt 3. crate - K9RoyaleII from Fergus' perspective: 1. dog door 2. DMA tug 3. ball launcher from Lucy's perspective: 1. dog door 2. long line leash 3. pig's ears

I suggest seeing a trainer 1:1 and getting advice on how to train your dog - all dogs are different. I really struggled when I took my boy to an obedience club. They only taught via luring and he didn't respond to it at all. When he finally did I struggled to get off the luring. We basically stopped learning anything. I then went to see a trainer for one session and she helped me with a range of training techniques and motivations for my dog. It was well worth the cost. Steve from K9Force is often recommended here. I suggest you prioritise what you want fixed first before seeing a trainer - it will help them focus on the things that are most useful to you. Don't despair - many of us have hit brick walls with their dogs, it will make your accomplishments feel 1000 times bigger.

2 smalls. Evil woman.

There are some breeders who advertise full papers, no breeding restrictions. Some used to even advertise on DOL (seems more common with blue staffords). There are soooo many huskies on pounds....

A lot of us got them at the great price - thanks for posting it. I got the colour that I wanted (black) within a few days. I've ordered other stuff from them too (a doog - at $30 with $2 postage it was a bargain). It has also arrived promptly.

Never click on that link. Spammers use it to verify email addresses!

My order of goodies from Australian Pet Treat Company (thatnks for the link PF :rolleyes: ) arrived today. The cow hooves are great because tehy are long lasting (2 hours and they're still going), but I'm worried about their teeth - the hooves are so rigid and thick. My dogs are small (MS and MS X) - will their teeth be damaged by getting a cow hoof regularly (say once a week)?

thanks! Is it wrong to admit that I enjoy picking zits?

I think a lot of people will disagree with me but this is a bit of a chicken and egg scenario. I had a dinner party on Saturday night and someone commented on how well behaved my dogs were. They said that, if their dog was as well behaved, they'd be allowed inside more often. My response that mine have been allowed inside (even unsupervised!) from Day 1. Being left alone in the house wasn't an exicting adventure - it was 100% normal. Of course, I have always made sure that everything is put away - even wires if yours is prone to that. The only thing of value that has been destroyed (my Blackberry) was eaten when I was at home. My fault for leaving it within a puppy's reach.

I noticed a pimple like thing on my boy's neck last night. There was a little bit of dried puss on his fur, so it seems to have burst. I've booked him into the vet tomorrow, but should I be worried? He doesn't seem to be bothered by it.

For a private school (as opposed to one of the VCA clubs staffed by volunteers) I expect some 1:1 time, especially when things go wrong! I expect the instructor to have a look at everyone because sometimes people are doing things incorrectly and don't know it. I expect the instructor to show me a different technique if the "standard" one isn't working. I expect a trainer to be available for a short while after class ends so that I can ask any questions. I don't expect a free behaviour consult, but I would like guidenace on any issues I'm having with the dog, even if they aren't stricly related to the obendience course. Even if the advice is "get a behaviour consult". I have a dog with severe fear issues and school has been great for her. Often the instructors (all 3 of them) would stay back for about 10 - 15 mins so I could practice some controlled socialisation with her. This is the kind of service that has made me continue with this group, and recommend them to all and sundry in the area! Bit OT, I expect an instructor to ask me about any issues my dog has before I hand over my cash, and advice me if group classes are in fact the best course of action for my dog. Maybe a private consult is necessary before going into classes. I know this point is contraversial and that some people believe that all dogs should be allowed to attend a group class, but a dog with severe issues could be more damaged by this (or could damage someone else).

I think this is where the purebred community loses most people. It sounds like you are saying pets are somewhat inferior. Why does breeding pets = breeding for profit. My dogs aren't "just" pets - they are pets. That is the highest purpose of a dog IMO. An experienced breeder can still breed to better their breed without stepping in the showring. They can breed companions for people with teh right conformation and temperement.

Mine arrived a week ago no problems

I use it but try not to. Not only does it devalue it, but if you have to correct your dog then it could get negative connotations too.

yes - and some dogs only turn up to the pounds weeks - months - after they've gone missing. This means that the owner needs to physically visit the pound every few days for months on end, less their dog be PTS.