SmoothieGirl

Yeah, both of mine only wear collars when out and about, but my property is really safe. When I move I may have to rethink that approach, but I also don't want to mess up Ren's coat.

Kirst, how does she tolerate a collar?

My guys just kind of adapt, I put on a light collar from day one unless I'm not home. I try to train following or walking with me a little bit off lead initially, then after a couple of days put on a light lead. Bronte needed a couple of short sessions just dragging it around herself, then just ignored it. Ren (being the cool dude he is) just accepted it straight away pretty much.

Then I encourage them to walk with me using lure (luring only becomes relied upon when you forget to remove it and also forget to up your expectations for them to take responsibiity for their behaviour) and I just hold the lead but don't use it. Then after they get used to this (few days) I start to be a little more insistent that they accept the lead for what it is. If the puppy baulks when I move I will hold the pressure on the lead, don't pull BUT don't release either. As soon as she gives she needs lots of praise, treat, play, and a cuddle. Based on what you've mentioned about her already I reckon she's going to have a throw down fit about it the first couple of times, so stick to your guns. You won't be hurting her, as soon as she releases to the pressure she'll get her own relief. She's a smart cookie, she'll work it out real quick.

Just work on this is short bursts and if you get a great success for the day, stop, quit, don't do anymore until tomorrow, no matter how much you will be tempted.

As Nekhbet says though she's only 9 weeks so give her a bit of a break. You can't show her for a while yet anyway, so just enjoy her. If you get stuck I'm happy to come for puppy cuddles and see how its all going.

Fuzzy, putting a thumb under a pup's tongue and hold their lower jaw doesn't hurt. Its based upon pressure and control, not pain. They don't like it because they aren't getting their own way and so they learn not to repeat the behaviour that invites you to thumb them.

Hmmm, it could be over stimulation, especially as he seems excited before getting in the car. Hard not knowing what kind of car you have, but could you try putting him in the car and blocking out the windows that he can see out of (easier in a wagon)? Alternatively crate him and cover the crate with a cotton sheet or light blanket? Or travel him in the footwell (might be a tight squeeze) so he can't see so much.

I'd think it's unlikely to be separation anxiety given you are less than 2 foot from him.

If this doesn't work I'd get a trainer or behaviouralist in quick smart as it sounds like he's well on the way to training you and I imagine you are fed up with the noise. Its also a driving hazard as I wouldn't think the driver can't honestly be totally focused on the traffic with all that barking.

Ah Sheree, the crazy teething ears. Don't you love that every morning you can get up and find a pup with completely different ears than the night before, its like christmas every day.

Such cute puppies!

I am pondering vet run puppy classes...what do people think?

I have the option of a vet puppy class or going to the Southern Obedience Training Club, a community group (which is a lot cheaper as it is all volunteer run!!!).

Excited for everyone and their lovely pups...German Shepherd Pups are coming in a close second to BC's for me!!

Personally if you can fit it in and afford them, I'd do both.

I did a vet run school and also one run by Underdog Training with Ren. Depending on if you have had dogs before all puppy classes may or may not be a bit of a waste of time for YOU, but none of them are a waste of time for a PUP. There are a couple of things you can get out of them, firstly of course socialisation. But secondly and to some extent more importantly, its a great training opportunity for you to teach your pup to pay attention to you when there are other distractions around. Both Bronte and Ren went to their vet puppy classes and each were pretty much the only pups that would focus on me when I asked and played when I allowed, the other pups were just there for the free for all and this drove some owners to round the twist. If I've heard it once, I've heard it a hundred times, "why does your puppy listen to you?"

Training training training!!! All of it fun, short and happy at this age of course. Right, I'll hop off my soap box now and stop preaching. Whatever you decide - have fun!

I must be the gullible one, I thought russet was a colour.

I believe pineapple is fed to dogs to deter them from eating their waste???

Yes that is true, but it doesn't work because I've tried it.

I'd say it doesn't work for your dog, because I know a few people that have had success with this and it certainly worked for my girl. Not sure what the 'active' ingredient is as such that puts them off, but apparently while pineapple is lovely and sweet the first time its consumed, once its been through their system it is generally (although clearly not to all) unplatable to them.

Completely harmless to them though.

Absolutely - the black males are the hardest to adopt. Not only are they bigger than the females, but "black dogs look vicious". Black females are the next hardest to find homes for.

And of course there are more black greyhounds born than any other colour which make it even more difficult!

I'll keep that in mind when I one day adopt a Grey. I love male greyhounds and love black ones, so that might help one out in the future.

If you really want to keep your repair costs down, think about a Falcon or Commodore. I've own three Falcons previously and they are pretty cheap to fix and if you have a friend good with a spanner and wrench, parts for these vehicles are easy found at wreckers.

Mind you I don't drive either now, but I still loved my Fords.

Waiting waiting waiting...D&R how's it all going?

Rue is beautiful Really nicely marked.

TLC, I remember the picture of all of your collars and leads lined up, it certainly did look like a doggy boutique shop. Lucky pooches yours.

I don't have any good answer because I'm loosing the battle with the dog equipment and my personal space in the house. But basically leads/collars on hooks in the laundry, spare crates/beds in the garage, dog food/treats in the pantry, dog toys in a four draw tall boy in the living room and then there is still a heap of grooming stuff/coats and towels in the spare room. Oh yeah and their training bits and pieces are all over the place depending on what training session or trial we have most recently been to or are on the way to. Its a bit crazy here and its doing my head in.

Deep breathes...

Consequently my new house will have a separate room purpose built at the back of the garage for dog stuff, a fridge/freezer, hydro bath and PLENTY of storage for all their *^&%, ehem, stuff.

Love 'em, but man they have got more things than I have.

My pups spend their days outside when I'm at work until they are old enough to use the dog door and are 100% toilet trained (this is about 4-5 weeks after their last accident inside, or if they haven't had an accident for a continuous period of 4-5 weeks after they come hom.) As long as the pup has suitable shelter, a warm kennel or living space, some toys and has a nice play with you before you go to work I think they are fine. Personally I believe it teachs a certain amount of self sufficiency too.

I warn my neighbours that there may be some yipping, howling or crying for the first few days and also ask them to report back to me if they think it went on too long or is out of the ordinary. No fuss when you leave the pup, perhaps give them a food toy and then just leave them and don't look back. Until they are 12 weeks Bronte and Ren also had a puppy walker come in a lunchtime for a 15 mins play and to give them a lunch feed. Broke up the day for them, just as your mum's visit would do.

My Dobe cried the first day and never again. Bronte cried for two days and never again, Ren cried for about half an hour the first few mornings then never again.

This is sounding better and better- glad I asked the question! Do yours sleep inside? Thanks for your help!

Yep they sure do, I only dish out a certain amount of tough love, they are the light of my life after all. Its only when I'm at work they would be restricted to outside, the rest of the time they are wherever I am. Bronte sleeps on my bed and Ren in his crate next to my bed. He's still too little to get on my bed, so I don't want to put him up there with him jumping down by himself, its a high bed.

Ren started using the dog door at 10 weeks to go to the toilet and has been fully toilet trained since about 14 weeks. Well he hasn't had an accident since 10 weeks, but like I said before, I like to confirm the training with an extra 4-5 weeks. He joined Bronte in having access to the house and back yard when I'm at work when he was about 16 weeks. I use a puppy gate to keep them down the living end of the house and they have free run of this until I come home, then I open the puppy gate and they can meander where they like, although tend to stick close to me anyway.

Great! I don't want her outside all the time- I love her cuddles and I didn't get her to keep her outside- I got her for company, love and friendship! A dog door sounds good, but I am renting my house and think that, while the owner is amazing letting me have Stella, I might be pushing it getting a dog door put in! I keep her restricted in the house at the moment and will give her wider range as she learns what is what!

Thanks a lot- the kennel is on its way!

I think you're right, you're on a winner with that landlord, you don't want to push it. If you have a sliding door however, one other thing you consider when she's old enough, is one of those insert doors with a dog door in it. They can be a bit pricey, but something to think about if you eventually want her to have more house access. I'm planning one for my new house.

http://www.patiolink.com.au/?gclid=CLG7xr3...CFcSBpAodOlDRow

My pups spend their days outside when I'm at work until they are old enough to use the dog door and are 100% toilet trained (this is about 4-5 weeks after their last accident inside, or if they haven't had an accident for a continuous period of 4-5 weeks after they come hom.) As long as the pup has suitable shelter, a warm kennel or living space, some toys and has a nice play with you before you go to work I think they are fine. Personally I believe it teachs a certain amount of self sufficiency too.

I warn my neighbours that there may be some yipping, howling or crying for the first few days and also ask them to report back to me if they think it went on too long or is out of the ordinary. No fuss when you leave the pup, perhaps give them a food toy and then just leave them and don't look back. Until they are 12 weeks Bronte and Ren also had a puppy walker come in a lunchtime for a 15 mins play and to give them a lunch feed. Broke up the day for them, just as your mum's visit would do.

My Dobe cried the first day and never again. Bronte cried for two days and never again, Ren cried for about half an hour the first few mornings then never again.

This is sounding better and better- glad I asked the question! Do yours sleep inside? Thanks for your help!

Yep they sure do, I only dish out a certain amount of tough love, they are the light of my life after all. Its only when I'm at work they would be restricted to outside, the rest of the time they are wherever I am. Bronte sleeps on my bed and Ren in his crate next to my bed. He's still too little to get on my bed, so I don't want to put him up there with him jumping down by himself, its a high bed.

Ren started using the dog door at 10 weeks to go to the toilet and has been fully toilet trained since about 14 weeks. Well he hasn't had an accident since 10 weeks, but like I said before, I like to confirm the training with an extra 4-5 weeks. He joined Bronte in having access to the house and back yard when I'm at work when he was about 16 weeks. I use a puppy gate to keep them down the living end of the house and they have free run of this until I come home, then I open the puppy gate and they can meander where they like, although tend to stick close to me anyway.

My pups spend their days outside when I'm at work until they are old enough to use the dog door and are 100% toilet trained (this is about 4-5 weeks after their last accident inside, or if they haven't had an accident for a continuous period of 4-5 weeks after they come hom.) As long as the pup has suitable shelter, a warm kennel or living space, some toys and has a nice play with you before you go to work I think they are fine. Personally I believe it teachs a certain amount of self sufficiency too.

I warn my neighbours that there may be some yipping, howling or crying for the first few days and also ask them to report back to me if they think it went on too long or is out of the ordinary. No fuss when you leave the pup, perhaps give them a food toy and then just leave them and don't look back. Until they are 12 weeks Bronte and Ren also had a puppy walker come in a lunchtime for a 15 mins play and to give them a lunch feed. Broke up the day for them, just as your mum's visit would do.

My Dobe cried the first day and never again. Bronte cried for two days and never again, Ren cried for about half an hour the first few mornings then never again.

My dogs would love it if I was only away from them for that long.

Good luck choosing your new little pal.

A year or two and i should be able to get a puppy, ive been waiting for 7 odd years lol

You'll get there. I waited 21 years for my first dog. I then owned the best Doberman in the world, well maybe I was a little biased.

Have you done any focus training with him or other obedience training?

Btw, what breed is he?

Barking in their sleep and suckling is one of their more endearing characteristics I think. I also love the growling and tail wagging in their sleep, yep they all do it.

At 9 months the Staffy is well and truly a teenager and is probably flexing his personality. There should be no reason for him to behave like that to a much younger pup if the pup is not hassling him and really the owner should correct the behaviour. Well I would, its not acceptable in my book. Too many owners just let this stuff go on and it can develop into unchecked and uncontrolled behaviour. Personally I would avoid the dog unless the owner starts to take some responsibility for its behaviour. Its probably not stupid enough to try that out on an adult dog as it would get flattened for it. Archie is an easy target and its not fair to put him in that situation and if he enters a fear period could shake his confidence with other dogs.

Sounds like with the Rotti, esp cause they are close in age, its tiredness. Seperate them or distract them with a toy or two for quieter play.

Again its hard to say without seeing them, but Aussies are pretty easy going dogs, they generally don't attract aggressive behaviour from others, esp at his age.

Hmm bit of a question here. We only have a couple of friends with dogs. One has a BYB Rotty pup that is the same age as Archie and our other friend (who is our neighbour) has just adopted a 9 month old Staffy x Labrador.

Both these dogs seem to get growly and aggressive towards Archie. Archie tends to jump up at their faces in play so maybe he just really annoys other dogs? Or do you think the other dogs are just aggressive?

He seems fine with every other dog he's met at puppy school though.

Naomi, without seeing them its hard to say. If they are a bit older than Arch it could be that they are trying to discipline him if he's too full on. But that should just be a snarl and maybe a gentle lay down and then back off. But at their age they probably don't have the self control yet to know what is an acceptable about of discipline and may go over the top. Are they doing this as soon as they see each other or after a reasonable amout of play? If its after a reasonable amount of time, perhaps the pups are tired.

I have no problem with an older dog disciplining my pup if its warranted, but I take exception to another dog growling or snapping at any of my dogs for no reason.

Enzo is lovely. Don't know anything about this breed, tottering off now to do some research.

Don't believe it Kirst, my two are/were angel pups and Bronte never went through the teenage terrors. But I'd recommend obed training as well as show training, it heads the teenagers off at the pass. They can't be naughty when you are changing the subject on them, with other training requests.

I agree with many of the others, go the 36". My Collie Smooth bitch uses a 36" and she's bigger than a BC.

Oh dr, I'm so sorry. Little Odie was a treasure, one special little dog. Its terrible that you have lost them both. Hope you, the OH and kids take time to heal and I'm sending hugs up your way.