Arlizng

Miele cat and dog- works wonderfully both on tile/floating floorboards and rugs. Especially now it's coming to warmer weather with a fluffy lappie. :D 

 

I use it to quickly vaccum her bed mat too.  It's not too noisy and the bags are quick and easy to use. 

 

Hope that helps. 

Thank you.  She smelt beautiful too...after rolling in cow poo on our weekend away. 

 

Thanks for your replies, everyone. 
 

Papillion Kisses- I have a medium sized dog and she is a finnish lapphund.  Thanks i've looked into the Sleepypod website and for car harnesses, they have tested it for up to 48kms frontal crash and was tested for the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for safety restraints.  For those of you that want to read further:-

https://www.sleepypod.com.au/category_s/100.htm  

 

The carriers looks very well made too.  

 

Thistle the dog- I love your picture and the animated vid of your dog ! *heart eyes* 

Ezydog looks good and very similar to what we are currently using. 

 

I tried to find a picture of her the car....i know i have dozens stashed probably on my phone. But here she is.  

Hello, everyone, it's been a while.  

 

Just wanted to hear your thoughts on car harnesses. 

 

My fluffy butt uses the https://www.kurgo.com/dog-harnesses/enhanced-strength-tru-fit-dog-car-harness/ for long car trips. My issue is she usually stands the entire time! Even if it's a four hour drive. When the car stops at lights,etc, she will sometimes sit and lie down for a few moments, before she stands up again and also needs to stick her nose out the window when possible. She must so tired.  Is this a quirk of hers ( she has very interesting quirks in her personality:)) OR the wrong fitting harness? 

 

Does anyone have recommendations for better harnesses? Before purchasing this one, i looked up car harness on Nrma and the ones they tested were for the speed limit of 35km...so, yea. I'm not convinced. 

 

Have a wonderful week ahead, everyone. 

 

Love this story. Thanks for sharing persephone!  

Just wanted to let u guys know I've been doing both of your recommendations and she is improving. :)

She is certainly barking less and getting the hang of look at me equals treats. Will persist and hopefully her behaviour will become a more happy relaxed one regardless of who might be in the /walks/lift with us.

THANK you so much for your help and feedback. You guys rock

Morning All,

So I was hoping to be able to pick your minds. Here is the backstory- We have recently moved to a new apartment (3 weeks in) and we notice that our dog barks at people of a certain racial background (whom are the same as I am! ).She did not use to bark at that race in our previous place. When we use the lift, she barks if there are already people in the lift before she is. If she is already in the lift, she is less likely to bark if people come in. Most of the time, if i see people in there, I try to distract her with treats and we use the stairs instead...for all 6 flights. On our walks, she also barks at 'that race'. I wonder if its their body language that is causing her to bark and it's so incredibly frustrating for me (and her, i'm sure).

I'm going to make an appointment with the people we did our puppy pre-school training with as they are familiar with her, but i'm open to suggestions in the meantime. Thanks in advance for your help and observations.

I took her on car rides (or bike, if you have a dog trailer), so she could be stimulated by smells and sights too.

Puzzle toys like the kong wobbler helped too. :)

What a great idea of the scrunched up paper, thanks for sharing.

I tried that today and Pagan took an extra minute longer to get the treats out. :) Just needs more paper.

Just wanted to jump on to say I met a Pyrenees shepherd on my street in Inner west sydney today. I've never met one before and I was like all like gushing how Beautiful and the owner said he is imported from the u.s.?

Before Pagan scared him by play bowing all over the place and barking in his face to play, so we promptly left. Hope to see him again though.

Great topic!

The other night, my friends who are dog minding brought the maltese/pomeranian (?) puppy over to my place. Pagan was chewing her new rawhide bone, puppy wandered right up and started chewing it alongside her and it didn't phase her at all!

She has never shown any aggression towards other dogs, but she was so gentle with this tiny puppy. I'm so impressed with her. Proud parent moment, other half was overheard lavishing praise on her after they left. :D

Uh oh...this is intriguing. I've just watched the trailer.

Is it likely to get the waterworks running? :)

Replies to this thread make you wonder how any of us first time Labrador puppy owners pre internet and puppy preschool days ever managed to survive and successfuly raise Lab pups :laugh: and go on to own multiple Labs over many many years. We were all first time Labrador owners, who fell madly in love with the breed and love their exuberance and joy for life and could never imagine owning any other breed. Yes they are exuberant (which is what I love about them) and some can be boisterous and some youngsters can get out of control without boundaries and guidelines and appropriate physical and mental stimulation and effort put in by their families to include them and not relegate them to the backyard neglected and starved of family companionship.

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the U.S., Canada, UK and up until recently Australia. Why is that so I wonder? and given their popularity one would think that by "DOL" standards, there would be many more abandoned/surrendered Labs because of idiotic first time/noivce Lab puppy owners cannot cope with raising a Lab. Many Labs are raised by first time novice dog owners with young families who survive :laugh: with many falling in love with the breed for life throughout generations in their families. With Labs being so popular, the number of them being abandoned/surrendered is actually extremely low.

Also not all pups/youngster are maniacs (Marley like) and it does a disservice to this wonderful breed to paint that picture. My current youngster who is now 5 years old was the most chilled out pup at home with brilliant bite inhibition who has never nipped me or my family which includes my grandchildren, even when he was teething and he has hardly destroyed anything and majority of his puppy toys lasted years. Out of the 4 pups I have raised, I have only had one challenging lovable scoundrel who destroyed his toys within minutes and beds in record time and got up to all sorts of mischief, but he had the most beautiful bomb proof temperament, was a very funny and extremely entertaining boy :laugh: who was loved by all, even at his naughtiest best :laugh: and he developed into the best behaved adult and was the most awesome Lab who I still miss dearly to this day

DOLers negative opinions on Labradors are at stark contrast to their ongoing worldwide popularity with many Labs being owned by first time/novice owners, the majority of whom do a pretty good job of raising their pups.

Contrary to advice, reputable Lab breeders will sell pups to families with young kids and novice/first time dog or Lab owners and rightly so. Labs are wonderful family members, great with kids and yes some kids get knocked over by excited boisterous Labs, so what, most kids get right back up and carry on, it is the helicopter parents that don't cope. Labs have a well deserved reputation for being great with kids and there are far more things to worry about raising kids than worrying about the odd knock over by an exhuberant dog, whether it be a Lab or some other breed. Hopefully your friend will find a reputable Lab breeder who breeds to the Lab standard which includes the legendary Lab temperament.

Thank you for your reply. And that is our aim too (reputable Lab breeder)

Speaking only for myself, if I were looking for a lab as a pet, I'd search out a young one who's already showed some behaviour formation.

With that in mind, I checked the breeders' pages... & I'd be looking into a 7 month old little bloke who's said to be 'biddable' and had 'obedience training'. As well as a girl, born in 2013, called Caddie:

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/mature/labrador-retriever.asp

Thanks! I've forwarded that onto her while I'm waiting to hear back from someone i've pmed.

Those are lovely dogs. That 7 month old pup has me seriously tempted. What's one more lab pup?

They are so very cute. :laugh:

I think if they have done their research and can be put in contact with a very good supportive breeder then why not????

One question I often ask is do you love your garden??? As we know Labs love to landscape and I wouldn't recommend one for someone with a show garden. And also mention that Labs are a WORKING dog, they are bred to run and work all day. Yes they are lovely and yes they make great guide and assistance dogs, however they are working dogs and can be very energetic and require training to be well behaved. - Yes I have had people just think Labs are just well behaved - I kid you not! - and are shocked at the mini tornado's that rip through their lives.

That is what i want to avoid for them...as long as they are aware of whats to come, they can enjoy the rest of puppyhood and not fret about the state of their new landscaped garden...or they could luck out and get one that doesn't like gardening. :)

I think if they have done their research and can be put in contact with a very good supportive breeder then why not????

One question I often ask is do you love your garden??? As we know Labs love to landscape and I wouldn't recommend one for someone with a show garden. And also mention that Labs are a WORKING dog, they are bred to run and work all day. Yes they are lovely and yes they make great guide and assistance dogs, however they are working dogs and can be very energetic and require training to be well behaved. - Yes I have had people just think Labs are just well behaved - I kid you not! - and are shocked at the mini tornado's that rip through their lives.

Yes.

Ernie is one of the nicest, happiest, friendliest and loving dogs I've ever owned. He adores all living things.

But I am fully committed to his daily walks - rain, shine or even chemotherapy days. He needs physical exercise.

More importantly, like all dogs, he needs boundaries and rules. Even more so, he WANTS a job - any job. So he is learning obedience skills. I have had friends ask me why, once he's mastered 'sit/stay' why I keep reinforcing those every day and adding to his skills. Because mentally, he needs that wiorkout, even more than his walk. I may skimp on his walk and he adjusts, but if I haven't given him his mental routine - he becomes bored and destructive. It's not me showing off what I can teach him -- he wants to show me how much he can learn.

In addition, every day, he tests to see if yesterday's rule still applies today. He is the eternal optimist but patience is a virtue when it comes to my boy. My Kelpie? Got told once and that was it. My amstaff, got told every day for a week and then tested occasionally. Ernie tests every day and is cheeky about it. But that's part of that labrador charm.

I adore him and have always loved the breed - but the drive to be useful as well as loved and exercised is a very strong one and needs to be considered.

Thank you. I think that applies to many dogs...specifically working dogs. :) Thank you for your reply. I've passed that on too.

My Lab girl's "job" for 7 years was to help me raise rescue foster pups... she was definitely designed for it... endless energy and a love for playing... lol!

T.

Oh my,those photos are so beautiful! Is it alright if i show those photos to her?

Thanks everyone for your replies, i'll look through the breeder's pages later today. :D

I understand people's alarm about being judgemental,etc, but i don't think that is people's intentions in the end.

We want the new puppy owners to be armed with knowledge and ready to work with the puppy to get that 'perfect family dog' , which to mean means happy owners, happy loved dog, am i right?

I write mini essays to her, because she writes mini essays to me peppering with numerous questions which i endeavour to answer her to the best that i can.

Hence i said i would like to post to the forum to get a supportive breeder and other dog lover's feedback.

She is aware that I've posted this thread and knows i'm a dog lover posting on a dog lover forum.

Ultimately. we all want a good happy outcome for dog and owner alike. :)

Done!

Looking forward to reading the results next year. :)

Just because she's a novice owner doesn't mean she can't be a great owner. Everyone was a newbie at one stage.

She sounds like she's doing her research ( nothing wrong with wanting a pedigree pup from tested parents over a rescue puppy).

I'd PM lab lover and ask for some recommendations for breeders who do health testing and produce lower drive great pets.

Thank you. Just did.

I know it happens a lot but a labrador puppy for someone who has never owned a dog before is one heck of a starter puppy (as I'm sure stressmagnet can attest to)! If they will listen, point them in the direction of Labradog Rescue in NSW. They are fantastic and will definitely give them a reality check. They don't have puppies very often I don't think (and by the sounds of things wouldn't give one to this family anyway) but might be able to convince them to start with an older lab? I do have experience with a breeder from NSW so if you want to PM me about them then feel free.

If all else fails, make sure they have the name of a really good, really experienced trainer... they're going to need it!!!

I've recommended puppy pre-school and dog classes, but they don't seem interested. (Maybe when puppy gets there , they might be abitmore open to it)

:) I'll msg her with information for labradog rescue in nsw as well. Thank you!

Since they seem to be happy to do their research, it might be a good reality check for them to meet some young labs if possible. As they are a breed that is often surrendered, I'm sure that if she can't hook up with a breeder or owner, she'd be able to meet some at a shelter.

They are lovely dogs, and I agree that everyone is a novice the first time around but it's always good to know what you are committing to in terms of energy levels and how the dog will fit in to your household. I love the breed, however I'm not cut out to own one. I had my finger broken when I was volunteering at a shelter by a lovely, friendly but powerful, boisterous and untrained lab. They are not for the faint hearted!

I know...All of your replies are so helpful. I'm just trying to raise awareness on their part on the breed,etc. It's up to them in the end.

Has your friend read "Marley and Me"? Most Lab owners can fully understand some of the antics that dog got up to and what his owners went through... it does take a heck of a lot of patience and understanding though...

T.

Lols, ive forgotten about that. I will mention it too! :D Thanks!

Hence i thought a breeder might be able to give her and her partner a dose of realism so they can make the best decision. :)

Happy to send her photos of my cratered back yard; the mounds of dog hair and the sheer amount of paraphernalia. Included FREE - an audio of my kids whining about poo pickup. :D

That might be a good idea so at least WHEN their puppy goes through that stage, hopefully they wouldn't get too cross with it. :)

I have suggested shelters and lab rescues...she didn't respond and plower on to the next question...apparently that is normal for her

Hence i thought a breeder might be able to give her and her partner a dose of realism so they can make the best decision. :)

Hellor Dolers,

A friend of a friend recently contacted me regarding wanting to purchase a puppy...specifically labrador . This couple is still in the midst of renovations and i think they are both dog novices (aka no experience with dogs) and i'm a little concerned over what they are getting themselves into.

I typed mini essays explaining a dog is a huge responsibility and they need to be prepared for x, y and z and that i was more than happy to meet in person to discuss any doggie related

queries they have. She is quite content with sit with the internet and do research that way and ignored my and our friends' suggestions regarding puppy classes (to each their own, but i personally found it so helpful).

Now, she is asking for breeders and I'm hoping that someone will be able to point me in the right direction of a breeder who might be able to support this couple (maybe a puppy application and ongoing support if they would take it). Maybe they would listen to them instead and think it through before making a decision. I did mention that there is a dog lover's show this weekend, if she would like to pop down and chat to other breeders.

I think it would be good if the breeder is located in Sydney, if possible. I hope this is an appropriate channel and if not, please remove this thread.

Thanks in advance to everyone

Hi Dolers,

I hope this is the right place to post this. I found this dog toilet and wish i had seen it when i was toilet training Pagan in her puppyhood!

She's fully toilet trained now, but i especially like that aesthetically it's nice and there are no messy training pads to content with and it folds up!

So, for those who are using dog toilets, it might be worthwhile to check out the link below.

http://www.modko.com/pages/shake-dog-potty

Have a wonderful long weekend ! :D

Pagan has the most pitiful expression when she is being bathed....that was her first bath with us, so my boyfriend thought he should get in the tub (boardies on) to comfort her.

Lols...she is heaps bigger now and still has the saddest expression when you rinse her off after a play at the dog park. :laugh:

poor abused dog.

Also, the one time i took her to pet barn to be washed, she screamed bloody murder and we both emerged soaked, bedraggled and traumatized with soap suds still in. Not going to be doing that again anytime soon!

Hi there Everyone,

Can anyone recommend a pet friendly accommodation in Bowral, NSW?

i've poured through every page and am going through stayz website but thought to ask and we can add that to the NSW list.

Thanks everyone for your replies. She is a total piggy now when it comes to food. I've taken someone's advice to feed her on the balcony, out of our sight and she has been pretty happy wolfing everything down.

Only thing is, she has been pretty itchy since we got her, so i'm going to take her off her kibble and feed her just raw and see if the itchiness stops. :)

Thanks again everyone for your helpful feedback. Dol community is the best!

What an beautiful gift!

This is why i would hope my pup will one day be trained as a therapy dog.

Thanks for your reply. I will put into practice what you've advised. Just makes me a bit worried when she isn't wolfing down food (my first not to!) but she is happy and loves doing zoomies in our living room. So she's full of beans.

I do feed her in her puppy pen. So i'll put her into a sit, give the release and walk away for 20 mins? Then come back and pick up her food bowl?