megan_

Stonebridge - they aren't at home. I went around and knocked on their door earlier to check.

I couldn't climb over an 8 ft fence it I wanted - and I don't have a garage. I have no idea about the temp of the dog (they moved in a week ago) especially when it is distressed - not risking me or my dogs. That, and I don't steal. I think I'll leave them a note tomorrow morning.

As per the title, it is outside with no shleter (not even a little tree - it is all lawn). It is crying. These storms have been predicted for days so there are no excuses. Might have to give the RSPCA a call tomorrow.

you did the right thing. Imagine, for 7 years he really, really wanted to have sex but couldn't. He doesn't have that frustration any more.

I would never take my dog unless he was invited or I specifically asked (and I always make a point of saying that I won't be offended if they say no). The only exception is my Aunt. After I got him we had a family lunch at her place. I asked if it was okay to bring him, I understood if she didn't want him there (she is not a dog person) and her response was: "He's part of the family now, of course he can come!". It is now expected that he is there and he even got invited to Christmas lunch. I didn't dare not bring him.

If it is a poodle cross then in all likelihood it HAS to be clipped - matted or not. After all, if they had a pure poodle it would need to be clipped - even the most faithful owner couldn't keep it matt free.

I don't know you from a bar of soap and you don't know me. I don't know who your comment re: true experts is aimed at - I have never claimed to be one and sure as hell haven't cultivated many friendships on DOL. Different dogs need different strategies to cope - any good behaviourist will tell you that. Anyone who gives advice on an internet forum wrt an aggressive dog that says "this worked for me so it should work for your dog" isn't an expert and is giving some pretty dangerous advice IMO. I never implied that the dog should be allowed to continue out of control (far from it if you've actually read my posts!) but I did say that your advice which worked for your GSD (a breed known for their strength of character and needing a firm hand) might not work for another breed (eg a kelpie, a breed which is known for being very sensitive to an owner's emotions). Other strategies (eg refocusing or getting them to play the "Look at that" game) might be much more effective.

I believe that Kelpies are very sensitive dogs and don't always respond to negative reinforcement. I could be wrong. That is why seeing an expert is so important.

is it irradiated?

Out of curiosity, how or what methods did your behavourist use? And yes I would agree not to be introducing her to the dobe yet. There is no magic cure and takes a long time. I have found that I have learnt so much about dogs, yes fustrating at times but like you say rewarding and worth it. She (Erny) would do a much better job of explaining. It has a been a combination of leadership (which I thought I was doing, but it needed to be MUCH clearer for my girl), getting her used to a leash (she would freeze for hours with it on and no amount of food would coax her to move) and getting her socialised in the right (controlled) environment. I get everyone to ignore her. She can now walk past playing kids, joggers, cricketers etc and not freak out. She has even passed foundation dog school.

You need to see a behaviourist. I'm sure someone here can suggest a good one in Newcastle (it is an unregulated industry so I wouldn't be using the phone book/google to pick one!). I think Steve from K9force would be close to you (he is on here). I have a fearful dog who displays no aggression. She has made INCREDIBLE progress since I saw a behaviourist a few months ago - it has been worth every cent. I only wish I had gone earlier. Fear is a very horrible state to be in. Please don't pfaff around trying to find a solution - get an expert in and both of you will enjoy a much better quality of life. ETA: In the meantime, keep her on leash outside of your yard and away from other dogs. I wouldn't be introducing her to the dobe just yet until you've seen someone and have the skills/tools to deal with the situation. Every time you put her in a situation that she reacts you are reinforcing her behaviour. Unfortunately, there is no magic cure and it will take months of work to slowly build her up. But it is worth it!

It is important to remember that even with pet insurance you need to pay the money up front and then get refunded about a month later. And $1000 is a little when you're talking about an emergency vets. My boy's bout of (what turned out to be) severe gastro cost me $4000!

One of the ads says "no breeding restrictions apply". Shudder.

Given there is agression and not just fear (based on your post) I'd see a behaviourist to get a one-on-one assessment. The methods described here are good for fearful dogs, but it depends on how reactive your dog is as to how effective they may be (eg he may need to get used to a stranger in his home first, then the street, THEN the vets etc). Fear is a really horrible state of mind. I have a fearful dog (who is not at all aggressive) and seeing a behaviourist changed both of our lives for the good. If I had a "rewind" button I would have seen them much, much sooner, rather than pfaffing about myself trying to solve a problem that I didn't have the skills to address.

My girl wouldn't sit using the lure method either. I used (what I think is called) free shaping. Whenever I saw her bottom about to hit the ground I'd say "sit" and then treat her (lots of jackpots thrown in). She got it after a few goes and now sits like a pro. You could also use the "guide show place" method.

I dropped mine off at the kennels this afternoon (I'm flying out early tomorrow). When they were put in the play area they both just ran off exploring. Broke my heart a little but I was proud that they were well-adjusted and not anxious or clingy - not good for them at all. Little buggers could have come to the gate as I left though! I do miss them though - home is so quiet. On a positive note I ate Japanese without four pleading eyes glaring up at me.

Never heard of this method before - I need to try it on my girl who refuses to lure and tenses up for a "guide show place". She loves targeting though.

The sooner they get used to the groomer, the better. Is this groomer experienced in grooming schnauzers? If not, I'd go to someone who is. Mine got a "puppy groom" at 14 weeks, just to get them used to the process.

op shops sell fluffy toys for about $1 each - just cut off the eyes to prevent chocking. You can also buy squekers and ftuff the toys.

I'm very lucky with my park (which allows off leash dogs, but it is dual use so it isn't a dedicated dog park). I used to feel self-conscious training in public, especially doing the tug. That, combined witht he fact that I'm the only person who seems to do training exercised with their dog there. But I get compliments on his training all the time - from both dog and non dog people. If someone's unruly dog interrupts us they apologise profusely and get their dogs. It does give a bit of a boost when someone says something positive. Huski - if they saw your heeling work they'd all be very impressed and let you know!

Agreed - mine are mostly indoors but they have a dog door to come and go. It is essential that dogs geet daily DIRECT sunlight for vitamin D. If they don't they can have major health problems. Mine spend about 10 mins a day just lazing around in the sun. Please don't contribute to the glut of BYB pets that get put down every year. Desex her, give the yard a good clean and build a little fence if necessary to keep her out of areas you don't want. And then enjoy your little pet. I worked full time with my pup too and it does take a bit longer when you can't be there 24/7, but it does eventually happen if you're consistent. Also, clean up the mess with water and vinegar as a lot of commercial cleaners have chemicals that will make your dog pee on the spot again.

These are stunning - do you do it professionally (I'm sure it's been asked before sorry)? Unfortunately I can't take a photo and my two would be wriggling around endlessly.

Thanks gretel and ness...turns out the credit card isn't safe after all...

Let him inside - mini schnauzers are companion dogs and want to be with their family.

I emailed them and asked about it - it isn't on this year I really wanted one of those silicon folding bowls!