pipsqueak

Our "mutt" was desexed at 12-18 months, when we adopted him. I guess it concerns me as he will sometimes try to hump our (desexed) female.

Fence is colourbond, though short in height in some parts - I guess if it becomes an issue, we'll just speak to the neighbours about raising the height of that part of the fence. They seem reasonable, I'm just a worry wart ;) It would be a blessing if he didn't notice - I think she spends most of her time inside or in the yard on the opposite side of the house, but occasionally visits our side of the fence.

Random thoughts for tricks... teaching her to "smile', teaching her to blink on cue, sneezing, shaking head for yes and no???

We've recently moved and have found out that our neighbour has an undesexed female (purebred). There business, no problems, but just wondering how our (desexed) male may react when she comes into season, so I can be prepared and have some strategies in place.

Ditto

Try Turon Gates, though it also might be booked out this time of year. About 2 hours out of Sydney on the way to Mudgee, and about an hour from Mudgee. www.turongates.com

Thanks again Tailen. I know that I'm a worry wart, but I figure best to be safe than sorry. And yes, rat was basically whole, but may have had a tooth mark/hole on one side - I found it a bit grizzly.

Thanks - that's what I'm hoping, but just want to make sure. I know that both my dogs are capable of killing a rat, so I need to know if they can be affected just by killing it, but not eating it. Did your dogs kill the rat and mouse that you found?

Thank you. Don't worry, if I have any concerns at all, I will be straight to the vet. The unusually quiet behaviour is a hard one for one dog, as she is the ultimate couch potato. But, checking paws is something that I wouldn't have thought of and definitely something that I can do.

Our two dogs are locked inside whilst we're out, as I'm paranoid about snakes, spiders and possible barking. I came home at 12.30 and let them out. Then I saw that there was a dead rat in the backyard. I have absolutely no idea if it was there when I left this morning about about 10am, which means that one of our dogs may have killed it. Or if it has come into the backyard and died whilst I was out. I am worried that if one of our dogs killed it, and it had been poisoned, that they may be affected by the poisoned. I looked as best I could when I picked it up to get rid of it, but there didn't seem to be any blood or obvious bites on it. There may have been one very small bite, but not sure if that is from a tooth or the ants that were crawling on it. There weren't that may ants on it either, but it has been fairly cool here. So, do I need to worry about my dogs being exposed to poison? Are there any signs I should be watching for in our dogs?

Could you explain more about "guiding corrections", please?

Not sure if it's what you're looking for, but there is a 10 month at Portland RSPCA - listed as "staghound". http://www.adoptapet.com.au/animal/animalDetails.asp?animalid=179195&result=3&statusID=3

Any news???

Can I ask where you bought your chicken frames from? The reason that I ask is that I had a dog react frequently when I bought chicken frames from a particular source (that I will not name here). Didn't react every time, but more than 50% of the time. PM if you prefer - and fully understand that you may well be in a totally different area to me.

Just checked back hoping for good news, after being away for a day. Tragic news

How about making some "normal" toys smelly - dabbing with vanilla or something similar???

http://www.ava.com.au/newsarticle/proban-discontinued Boehringer Ingelheim has discontinued supply of Proban flea and tick medication to Australian wholesalers due to difficulties sourcing a key component of the preparation. “Proban has been a very useful prophylactic medication for the control of fleas and ticks for over 20 years so it is with much regret that this product concludes its life cycle,” said John Heath, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Boehringer Ingelheim. “We are fielding daily emails and phone calls from dog owners with their concerns about this product being the only orally administered tick preventative being discontinued. Our recommendation is for dog owners to consult with their local veterinarian on what means of tick control may be best for their dog in the absence of Proban.”

Apparently Guide Dogs are encouraging people NOT to bring their pet dogs with them to this event since their will be working guide dog teams in attendance. However, they have said that since it is a public park that allows dogs, they cannot stop people, but I get the impression that they would prefer people to attend without their dogs.

You might be interested in these... I haven't had the chance to do the, but would like to... http://wsi.tafensw.edu.au/Handlers/ContentFile.ashx?courseid=3319 http://wsi.tafensw.edu.au/Handlers/ContentFile.ashx?courseid=3320

I can recommend both Kirrawee Vet and Sylvania Vet Clinics - both on the Princes Hwy.

http://www.newtowncentre.org/festival/dog_show.html

Dogs Day Out Date: 5th of November 2011 Cost: Entry Free Contact: Kasey Fyfe 9651 1747 Location: Rural Equestrian Facility – 18 Bayfi eld Rd, Galston A fun day for the whole family with activities ranging from obedience demonstrations, vet checks, grooming tips, prevent-a-bite for kids, best trick, cutest puppy, dog and owner look-alike and best rescue dog competitions. Australia’s leading animal trainer Steven Austin, along with the Pet Resorts Australia Trainers will be providing educational instruction for dog owners.

Have a look at this website. They do a "large scale composter" (not sure if that's what you're after) and also do a worm farm for dog poop. http://www.wormsdownunder.com.au/wormfarmproducts.html

I'm guessing that a lot of people already know about this, but I only found out today, so thought that I would post it for those who hadn't heard, particularly since we're coming into tick season. http://www.ava.com.au/newsarticle/proban-discontinued#comment-576 Proban discontinued Boehringer Ingelheim has discontinued supply of Proban flea and tick medication to Australian wholesalers due to difficulties sourcing a key component of the preparation. “Proban has been a very useful prophylactic medication for the control of fleas and ticks for over 20 years so it is with much regret that this product concludes its life cycle,” said John Heath, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Boehringer Ingelheim. “We are fielding daily emails and phone calls from dog owners with their concerns about this product being the only orally administered tick preventative being discontinued. Our recommendation is for dog owners to consult with their local veterinarian on what means of tick control may be best for their dog in the absence of Proban.”