DOGPERSON

Talk about draging up a 2 year old post..why? If Shyfig had this guy in West Melboure coming to his/her place on the following Monday and Tuesday then that would be quite a trip for the 'whisperer' considering he is in West Melbourne and shyig is in NSW. In addition DOGPERSON, from your post it's impossible to work out if you're quoting someone else or offering your own opinion unless you indicate which is which. Perhaps you should just read the facts then. NO cert, no website, no abn, negative reinforcement. your choice. I am sure that there are many dog trainers that go through the proper channels and run an accredited business. Again your choice.

About "dog whisperer kev " based in the innner west of melbourne In reply to this comment by a user on here: "shyfig, on 16 April 2012 - 01:40 AM, said: I'm wondering if anyone has heard of this guy at all http://www.goodwithdogs.com/page1.php "It makes me Lough a little to see how people justify their behaviour, my comment was made because not to many of you answered the question, you rather criticised the guy. (right or wrong) There are many vets out there that would not know the first thing about behaviour and using drugs to calm dogs down etc which is not always the right option but maybe and easy option. Also I don't know this guy but like before I find it funny how many people are so critical and bitchy. This are only my thought and also I am all good for useful advice. Maybe we should change the question and say "can you look at this website and criticise" " Reading through the previous comments I take your point. There is a lot of random hostility going on here. Can I respectfully add to the discussion? I have worked with several dogs (not as an alleged trainer or behaviourist) which were near red zone and being put down BECAUSE vets had recommended chaining up the barking dogs (rather than walk them daily) and then had pumped them full of drugs to quieten them down (rather than walk them) which made the dogs go even crazier. NOT ALL VETS would do that, but I have seen this option be offered and taken up too many times not to be coincidence. Vets must be qualified, and you are right they are not taught a long time about dog behaviour issues unless they specialise in that area. The issue with the dog services industry is that it is low pay and unregulated. THOUGH if you are a dog trainer, I would highly suggest you should have some form of qualification. What some people are doing is sneakily getting around the concept that people might expect a trainer to be trained, so they call themselves a dog behaviourist or 'dog whisperer'. I have met several people who have met Kev the dog whisperer, and your fears are correct. Here is a summation of Kevin White facts. He has no formal qualifications in dog training (or at least he doesnt advertise them) He has stolen the name 'dog whisperer' knowing that the popularity of Cesar Milan will get Kev ranked on Google for no real reason. You will see that Kev heavily leverage's off the RSPCA name (in any of his marketing material) because he once volunteered there. Kev the dog whisperer prefers negative training techniques such as 'alpha rolls' and 'foot taps' that many trainers believe should be banned in the industry. Kev often works with powerful/ dangerous dogs, and usually goes into off-lead areas (before the dogs are ready) putting other owners and their dogs at risk. Kev doesnt seem to have an ABN (ie trackable for tax) or having a website of his own. So you will have little recourse to authorities if you use him. He might get "results" with your dog, you may not like how he gets them though. Very old school (plus youtube clips no doubt). As to whether you trust him, that is your option. But you are right, it is a shame that 'dog whisperers' don't seem to have to have any official certification.

I can answer you on the hayfever front first hand. A few years ago my dog was 3 and started this huge sneezing act, it would go on for a few minutes where he would almost hit his head on the ground. I took him to the vet because i thought it was a grass seed, but they told me if it was he wouldnt stop sneezing. I found out that I can use generic anti histomines but you have to use a certain type that has been tested with dogs, not a random brand. I used it for my dog while I had hayfever and it seemed to reduce his symptoms and red eyes. The trick is finding a vet who knows about this and is willing to tell you. Good luck.

the thing that most people know is that pancreatitis can be caused by dogs being fat, or excess fat in a dogs diet. All that hills and the manufactured food companies seem to do is use lots of grains and have low fat. Lots of grains can cause allergies themselves. Unless your vet gives a real reason why a carnivore dog cant have meat, then I imagine low fat meat would be fine. You can probably even use chicken breast (skin off) or lean beef (all fat carved off). Hope that helps.

Hi, I am a dog walker, and often get to walk rescue dogs, whether it is long after they were rescued or soon after. If there is one piece of advice that is invaluable to all dog owners but especially rescue dog owners is SOCIALISE YOUR DOG DAILY. What I have found is that many rescue dogs have socialization issues, either because of their hard core breed (fighting or guard dog types) or abuse, or from their experience in the shelters with lots of fearful dogs. The excuse I regularly get for dogs not being exposed to other dogs, is that they want to reduce the suffering, their dog is scared or their dog is aggressive. Unless it is a red zone dog (very high aggression) on-lead in an off lead area, with a good restraint and muzzle if necessary, is infinitely better than restricting such a dog to the back yard every day. You may have to work harder to bring these kinds of 'damaged' dogs around, but hey, didn't you rescue them for a reason? Human pity or compassion, misunderstands what most dogs need - to be social again. If you cant do it yourself, get a dog trainer or a dog walker. The longer you delay walking them daily, the more you reinforce their antisocial behavior. This is not judgement, its just practical advice for people to start giving dogs what they need, not what humans think is easiest or best (from a human viewpoint). Most rescue dogs I have walked do come around to being good off lead, but again its a process for many. Good exercise, and good food resolves 90% of the problems of 99% of the dogs out there. I hope that helps!

Hi ,,, my dog has suffered hot spots Hot spots cause a great deal of concern for dog and owner, but this is what I have found out from vets and web based resources. Hot spots are often a skin allergy condition. They can be initiated by a flea, but they dont have to be. When a dogs auto immune system doesnt cope with an allergen its response is to inflame several prime areas over the dogs body. Namely the feet, the ears, and the rump. My dog most likely gets activated by seasonal grasses, and as I run him on grass twice a day, its hard to avoid. Once you get it you can use alcohol to dry the area up, but it is most likely going to strip the natural oils and aggravate the area more. I have found that Omega 3 in the right doses, enough times per week, ongoing, has fixed the majority of my dogs problems. I use Maleseb medicated dog shampoo diluted on his paws when necessary as it is an anti fungal and anti bacterial specifically made for dogs. You can use other chemicals but you may not get the dosage right. Omege 3 is a preventer for itchy feet etc. Once the allergy has compromised their immunity and their feet and ears have been infected by fungal or bacteria, the hotspot is also likely to flair up. That's what I have found anyway. Good luck.

I use a raw diet, which means usually feeding my dog small raw chicken and lamb rib bones. I think if you feed your dog bones every day, and avoid doggy pellets that can get wheat stuck in their teeth, or tinned dog food that is full of soft gunk that wont clean teeth, then your wont need to brush your dogs teeth. Dogs in the wild dont need special tooth brush treatments or whitening, because they eat natural meat products. Something to think about?

its a long shot, and doesnt exactly fit your requirements but this is my solution. I am a dog walker and originally kept ripping off the straps on this seat cover, but they can easily be sewn back on. I bought a vinyl. black material looking cover from the local $2 shop for $10 a pack. Its cheap enough to replace and water proof. Cheers Bruce

"he can't do chicken/beef/lamb " I cant get past this line. Its amazing that dog breeders can breed dogs that cant eat even the most basic of meat - considering that they are carnivores. I imagine that you have done thorough testing, but its a shame that now your dog is restricted to veggies grains and fish.

Hi Collie .. I am a dog walker and pet sitter. You might think that this would bias me, but I do what is best for dogs. It is a complex and emotional task for many owners. If you can keep your dog in its home environment that is great, but you want to make sure that it wont bark at night or try and escape or get stolen. I would never leave my dog at a kennel as he is intelligent enough to get over wrought from visits and caging at dog groomers. Thats why I always recommend people to walk their dog daily and make dog friend contacts so they can swap sit dogs when people go on holiday. Anyway there are lots of options eh?

I would pay a visit to their house and talk to the parents and the kid. its the only way to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Good luck.

Its funny, but as a dog walker I have witnessed almost the opposite effect. I have a very social dog, and he is learning when to stay away from dogs on leads (ie they are there because they are aggressive not because they have bad recall). However I find many dog ignorant people picking their dog up, over protecting them and causing dogs to jump up to see, and then them yelling at other owners when in fact they have caused the issue.

a lot of people go until the get tired of waking up early on the weekend. Socialization is fine, but you can get that at an off lead park. I think the real bonus level is going until you get total recall .. well that was my dream.

I find that same breeds tend to stick together in playing even if they just meet for the first time, they also play as rough as they want, because they know they have the same hardware.