kiesha09

He could have been hit previously with a remote or a stick or something that looked like a remote. Obviously you haven't ever hit him but perhaps it just brought back the memories and fear. I don't think that they ever forget.

I cried and cried watching this last night. Those poor dogs kept in such disgusting circumstances and the mental and emotional toll it has taken on those dogs is just heartbreaking. I too believe that for some of those dogs the best thing would be pts rather than living in those horrific conditions. I too fell in love with Fergus the happy little boy running around with his toys. What a difference that operation made to his life too. I was also so glad that poodle with no eyes got a home. I actually thought from what we saw he/she did a fantastic job of getting around when she was completely blind. It's horrible but I just found it so distressing to watch that I almost wanted to turn it off, stick my head in the sand and pretend it just isn't going on. But we can't do that, we have to continue to spread the word about puppy farms. The problem I see is that I think most people watching that show would be horrified also and would be happy not to support them. But I'm not sure they are putting the link between the puppy farm and the cute little fluffy puppy in the pet shop window.

I'm so sorry Teebs for the loss of your beautiful Atlas. Take care of yourself.

Sorry to butt in.... but Ness I hope he's not charging you for any further surgery then!

I used one of these toys to keep my swf puppy occupied when I lived in a townhouse. I attached it to the clothesline in the courtyard, put some food in it and it kept him amused for hours. This is a dog who doesn't even like toys. But the motivation of food was enough for him to play tug with it. Funnily enough he now loves tug :) Plus it saved our house from being destroyed by a bored puppy. But as Teebs mentioned before the hole at the top is to put the food it and when the dog tugs it jiggles the ball up and down the rope. As the ball moves up and down the rope the treats are dispensed out the bottom hole. I liked it because he had to really work to get the food out and it wasn't all gone in 5 minutes.

RIP dear little Penny! She obviously knew she was finally home and could let go. Hugs to you Esky... take care of yourself x

I have two swf's and apparently I should be so lucky that they are small, don't need walking and are lazy. Mmmm my two definately didn't get the memo! They're the busiest dogs I know, always up for a game or walk and run rings around my friends lab and my parents Kelpie. I'm sure there are lots of low energy swf's but mine aren't. Oh and also just because they're swf's doesn't mean they don't have manners.

Yep my girl takes herself off to bed at around 9pm. Doesn't matter what we're doing. I swear it's so she gets the best spot on the bed Our other dog would NEVER do that because he might miss out on something.

My dogs eat poo. Any kind, they're not fussy - horse, kangaroo, possum, goat, cow, SHEEP and the list goes on If I am really honest (albeit disgusting!!) I would prefer them to eat it that roll in it... at least I don't have to wash them after

It's these kind of idiot owners who absolutely infuriate me and I think there needs to be much more serious repecussions for these kinds of people. He doesn't even seem to care that his dog is being euthenased so it is obviously not a punishment for him. What about that poor woman losing her dog? he probably doesn't even see it as a big deal for her.... I mean it's not like losing his own dog is a big deal. Being the owner of two smallish dogs it scares me no end that I am often at the mercy of other dog owners in regards to the safety of my dogs. I do everything possible to ensure that safety by walking at low peak times (early in the morning or late at night) at low use parks because they have been attacked in the past and I don't want to risk it again. To be honest it's why I probably won't own a small dog again. Not saying that small dogs are only at risk at all but I think they are perhaps slightly more vulnerable. It just seems to be happening way to often these days. I totally believe it's the deed not the breed but also believe the owners need to be held much more accountable.

To freeze the kong I just plug the end with some peanut butter or cheese, then fill it with a blended vegie, mince & sardine mixture or some tuna, vegies and cream cheese or some vegies and chicken stock etc (the variations are as endless as your imagination really). Then I put it in a container with the tip down and put in the feezer over night. Make sure you vary the mixture or it gets boring quickly. I probably give each dog two or three of these for the day, a treat ball and some puzzles with kibble in them (ie a shoe box with kibble in it tied up with a tea towel) and it does kep them occupied for a fair while. I have noticed that I need to change what they get every day and keep making the puzzles harder so their constantlyt challenging their brains.

Have you tried providing him with other stimulation to keep his mind active and away from fence pacing while he's out in the yard? By this I mean food puzzles etc - frozen kongs stuffed with food which is hard to get out, treat balls, frozen ice cream containers with food in it, meaty bones, bike typres with peanut butter smeared in them, aussie dog home alone toy. I have a friend with a BC that was a notorious fence pacer. She enlisted the help of a veterinary behaviourist who put together a behaviour modification plan. The above environmental enrichment ideas were a big part of stopping or at least reducing the behaviour. He now spends most of his day forraging for food in the back yard although it hasn't stopped 100%. Unfortunately putting obstacles in his way will change his physical direction by it doesn't stop the behaviour (they just go around) so I think you really need to address the cause of the problem.

I have been reading this thread with interest as I have been contemplating clipping my dogs myself for a while now. Currently they go to the groomers every 6 - 8 weeks. But I'm more confused after reading this thread than when I started So let me get this straight... you have the clipper unit (that has the motor etc), then blades of differing lengths which is what clips the coat. Then where do the metal/plastic combs fit in? Probably where I'm getting confused is that my Mum has a set of clippers (she was a hairdresser) and simply snaps on these plastic comb things which changes the length the hair is cut at. Is this not the same for dog clippers? Don't the comb things stop you from cutting the dog? Also I can't seem to get my head around the blad lengths as everyone seems to discuss different kinds (from 30# to 4F). And when you're discussing coat length, how long is short? I get my dogs clipped fairly short (well I think anyway) and from looking at a ruler I approximate their coat to be about 20mm long after clipping. Apologies for the many questions. I feel silly that I can't get my head around it!!

I am sure I would suffocate him with cuddles He looks so fluffy and cuddly just like a giant teddy horse He sure is one cute little pony!! I showed OH the pics and asked if we could get one... he said only if the pony could sleep on the bed with us and the dogs. BAHAHAHA!!!

I think if you get another dog it should be because YOU want another dog not beacuse your other dog wants a friend or you need a warning system for intruders. Because to be honest there is a very real possibility that a new dog won't fit in 100% with your family or other pets (ie what happens if it does try to eat the chooks?) or what happens if the new dog takes Lara's lead and also doesn't bark at intruders? This could certainly happen and you'll end up disappointed in the dog because it didn't live up to your expectations. You have to decide how you will manage things if things don't go exactly to plan because a dog is for life and is a long committment (as you mentioned in your above post). For me - I do not expect my dogs to protect me at all. In fact I am there to protect them from harm. Therefore I would put other things in place to fix the problem, like alarming the gate so I know if anyone comes in or setting up CCTV cameras.

My dogs would go to my parents... they love them and I think would cherish having a part of me with them. But one thing I did think about recently is what would happen to your dogs if something happened to you while out with them... ie. you were hit by a car while out walking the dogs. If the dogs were fine but you were not how would passers by or abulance officers etc. who found the dogs know what to do with them or who to call. My dogs only have MY number listed on their tags and I often walk without my phone or purse. Looks like its time to add another number to their tags or something.

Oh he is adorable and his name is awesome Funny though.... Mr CW EW kind of reminds me of that celebrity Skeet Ulrich :laugh: Edited to add: Just googled Skeet Ulrich and compared him with your OH. They don't actually look much alike but for some reason thats who he reminded me of when I first saw him in that photo :laugh:

There is a truth to me.... doesn't mean to say everyone has to agree with it

Thanks everyone. I have 2 rescues - 1 is a maltese x lhasa apso and the other is a maltese x poodle (we think). One has much thicker coat than the other. I've never not used conditioner and brush them fairly regularly so haven't really had much problems with matting but perhaps the conditioner is the reason why. Ness, if you don't want the conditioner I would be happy to buy it off you. :D

Just wondering if people use conditioner on their long haired dogs? I was buying shampoo and conditioner today for the dogs and it got me thinking if it was actually worth it. There was such little selection and so many 2 in 1 shampoos that it got me thinking I may be in the minority using it.

Quick OT question... those with dogs scared of the flea treatment - are you using a spot on?

My little guy Chip is petrified of white feathers... no other colour just white. He's pretty convienced they are aliens from Mars out to get him so he makes sure he runs away from them as fast as possible :rollseyes: :laugh:

OMG WnH I have a new love.... This little pony is the cutest little thing ever!! He's so fluffy and oh my the cuteness of him cantering along is too much I'm sure you won't get a thing done over the weekend as you'll be too busy playing with mr fluffy pants the most gorgeous pony ever! Does he have a name yet?

Mmm I know what I WANT to suit my image although not sure it does. I'm a blonde fit, adverturous outdoorsy type girl (love waterskiing, snow boarding & running) who also loves to get her hair done and wear fashionable clothes.The breeds that I WANT to suit my 'image' are a Border Collie, Aussie or a Toller. Funnily enough I have two SWFies I have always thought the kind of car you have and the breed of dog you have is an extension of your personality.... I don't think either in my life fit quite right at the moment but I love them all

I had the same problem with my girl re yapping in the crate. I just made her kong a bit trickier to keep her entertained for longer. I got some chicken mince & pureed vegie mixture and 3/4 filled it. I froze that part of it and topped it up with non frozen chicken mince & vegies or peanut butter. This would keep her entertained for about 1/2 hour and by that point she got tired and went to sleep. The peanut butter only takes about 5 minutes before its gone. Also maybe make sure he has had a good play session before he goes in. As for the barking for attention I would just completely ignore him when he does it. Even move to another room until he is quiet. Saying 'shhh' is giving him attention (exactly what he wants) and is reinforcing the behaviour, increasing the liklihood of him trying it again.