cassvanm

Thanks guys She's settled down a lot already, and it has made a difference with me doing the "gentle". Buffy even has a bit of a go to with some tiny little barks and jumps. Very cute!

Hi guys I brought home a new puppy today (Buffy - Golden Retriever) and she's settling in well. Crate training, inside/outside etc We also have a 15mth old Golden (Scout) who is lovely, but very excited with Buffy. How do I intervene (if at all) when Scout jumps around. I'm worried she'll trample Buffy! I have been pushing her away when she gets a bit too boisterous, but giving her lots of pats when she's gentle. Advice would be awesome! Thanks

Thank you all for your suggestions. I think I'll be investing in a bit of dirt for the half clam shell that's not being used as her pool. She gets walked daily afternoon. I can't do mornings, as my hubby starts work at 4.45am, so I can't get the kids up too early (or they wouldn't be up to school) and I obviously can't leave them alone (way too young). I was doing more exercise, but was told by the vet to limit it, as her legs are splaying a bit - vet wants us to minimise exercise due to this for a while. I have tried the kong, but as I said (probably not clearly), if she can't lick it straight out, she gives up I might try the whole chicken wing though - haven't tried that. Someone said to me that you have to train dogs to use their kongs - is that right? Any suggestions re: that would be helpful Thanks again - I'm stoked that it was all positive

Hi guys I have a lovely 6mth old Golden named Scout. She's beautiful, and has lovely manners etc. We go to obedience, she's well socialised, and apart from the occassional excitement, she's great with the kids. BUT... she keeps digging the most enormous holes in the back yard! We've refilled them with her poo, we've filled them with rocks and stones, but it doesn't stop her, she just goes to another place to dig another, more impressive, crater. How do I get her to stop? I can't be with her all the time, I have three kids and work, so it's not realistic to watch/entertain her every moment of the day. She has more toys than the kids, which I cycle through. She's not at all interested in kongs etc, she just licks them then gets bored I don't want to hear how much of a sucky dog-owner I am, I am just after some ideas on how to get her to stop this behaviour. My main concern is when she does zoomies, she runs in them, and I am worried she's going to break a leg ;) Any advice would be helpful Thanks in advance Cassie

Thank you so much guys for the replys - I will definately be putting this stuff to practice! Showdog - thanks heaps for that link - I've had a look, and it all seems like great info!

Hi guys, I have a lovely puppy Scout, who is a 16 week old Golden Retriever. She's lovely, however like any other puppy, is very excitable. I also have three children - 6, 4 and 1 year old girls. They LOVE Scout, however when they get outside they flap their arms around, squealing and carrying on, because Scout is happy to see them. My question is - how can I train my kids to settle down, so that Scout can remain calm when they are together???? Has anyone else had experiences that they can share with me please? I desperately want my kids and my puppy to be able to play outside together (supervised of course), especially now that the weather is becoming much nicer. Thanks in advance Cass

Hi guys, I have a 9.5wk old golden retriever, and she has a lump on her tummy that's just come up today. It is smaller than the size of a 5c piece, and is raised, and looks a bit like a blind pimple. Is this normal? Or should I get the vet to check it out? It's not causing her discomfort, and it is not discoloured.

Thanks guys I got impatient and posted this on the general discussion area, and got heaps of responses. I am definatly going with the crate training, and am definatly NOT going to relegate her to the backyard Thank you for the links tornsocks, they are fantastic, and I'm off now to find out some more

Hi all I have a beautiful 9 week old golden retriever pup named Scout. I got her from a reg. breeder, and she is such a delight. That being said, she's now "woken up" and is not so sleepy, and as a result is VERY rambunctious! I got her to be a family companion dog (I have 3 daughters - 5yrs, 4yrs, 10mths), but mainly to be my companion dog. I am not quite sure how to go about having her inside without bounding around and jumping on the kids! I definately don't want to relegate her to the back yard (so NOT what I want to do), so I am seeking advice from experienced dog owners. How do I teach Scout that it's not ok to jump, bounce, zoom, chase & mouth the kids and cats? How do I teach her that when she's inside she is to be calm, and she can be as mad as a hatter outside? Thanks in advance and anticipation of your wisdom Cass

There's nothing I can say except that I"m sending you this:

I had to laugh when I read this thread, because OP has soooo much experience with dogs! Me, on the other hand, has just recently approached a breeder to see if they'd accept me, and thankfully they did! BUT, I was a total bundle of nerves doing it! It didn't help that I'd been told by one breeder, that the breeder I was interested in was very picky with who they chose to have their babies! So I am very pleased to see it wasn't just my own silliness, and was something that other's had experienced. Thanks for making me feel less like a tool!