Steph M

Would investing in some vetwrap be worth your time? I know that was a beast to get off when Gus had his lumps removed.

Hahaha. You're a thinker! Might be tonightsw after tea chat...

I haven't thought about it, to be honest. I'm only 26, but the shite happens point has been made and I guess we should think about it. I wouldn't leave them with mum, nor many of my friends. Particularly the crazy dog. Best friend would be happy to take cats. Got some thinking to do!

Dog would.more likely end up at the pound.

Well be there! I've asked to commandeer the day and make a dol x Gus and Rosie bday as a booking that week was damn near impossible! I'll do cake (human and canine) and keep this thread updated as to who else we are dragging along!

I had a few quotes recently. I'll have a dig through my email and pop back.

Yup. Our day goes thus: Stick wet nose in owners sleeping face - brekkie - zoomies - sleep on couch (all day) - dinner - zoomies - sleep on owners (all night) :laugh: Wow. Ours have the same schedule! Haha. You forgot the half hearted, bleary eyed stumble outside for a wee JUST off the decking and back to bed. He chose for himself, he had full run of the house and yard when we bought him home, cardinal sin as it may be, he sorted himself out pretty well I'd say! I'd swap lives with him, for sure!

Mine too, Aussie. They go outside for zoomies, shell pool and to chew bones. The rest of the day is strictly couch time.

What about a flat coated retriever? Ours isn't so calm, he can get excited at the drop of a hat but he is only 10mrhs. His parents are beautiful soft creatures. He's very in tune with his people and happy to laze around with us all day if need be. Does love being where we are so has a bed in every room. Gets excited about his walks and swimming, lots of happy wiggling and he's not a dog you can pin down and passively cuddle without being drowned in kisses. He's very good at giving a nice big warning bark, but we know he wouldn't follow through with more than an excitable tour of the house should anyone break in. He has the black dog factor, which is the funniest thing if you meet him.... Does shed a bit, but nothing monumental. Are prone to being 'puppies' for a very long time though, not what I'd call hyper but enthusiastic might be a better term, so guidance to start with is pretty important, but ours has an incredible drive to please and is great at obedience classes. Also loves everyone, animals, people, kids. Also likes to say hi to people and being less common he's a good conversation starter!

I can't wrap my head around owning a dog who is never let inside. Rain, hail or shine? Not for me. I just can't see it for us, that's for sure.

Perhaps if the harness and toys don't fit you can find a nice wooden box somewhere or paint one if you're feeling arty and keep them separate? In time you might want to take them out and have a hug of the toy. Never know!

I give Gus eggs. If he picks the whole one up to take it off to a quiet corner and it breaks in his mouth his face is hilarious!

For those interested. Should be fun!

I don't know. I have two and they're with us whenever we are home. It doesnt mean we spend less time with them. We have sacrificed normal young couple things (im 26 too Eddie) so they don't miss out too much. We don't spend many nights out for dinner, unless there's outside seating. We don't spend much time at friends places where they're not welcome and we don't go off for nice weekend drives without them. We are up at the crack of dawn on Saturdays for obedience. No more Friday drinkies after work, plus someone has to be home to feed and let them in. We have to plan holidays well in advance and theres no spontaneous adventures here now! When we are home, the dogs are inside and with us. They sleep in beds at the foot of ours and heaven knows when the last time I was allowed to go from one room to another alone. I wouldn't have it any other way but you can't fit a puppy into your life as easy as that. Its work, no matter how ready you think you are its a massive adjustment. We had rules and ideas on how puppy raising would work, but Gus had other plans. Haha. Are you guys prepared for massive upheaval? The being raised in a garage thing just leaves me cold, but even saying they'll be allowed in etc, are you really prepared for for how big a change it is? They don't just slot in.

I doubt feeding g him would help, honestly. Might just make your yard more appealing.

You can put any dog in a garage and a yard but a happy well adjusted dog who's good with guests isn't raised in that manner.

Perhaps then it you could get some quotes for them and expedite the process. I'd be moving if they didn't fix it in a very timely manner.

No idea who's fault but I'd be talking to your landlord as well. Or just fixing it and footing the bill. That's not on at all.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/evatt/dogs-puppies/male-beauceron-2yo/1040333930 Is this the right one? (I am the google master!) Poor guy. Hope someone can help him out!

I'm not saying you should HAVE to, but the rise in desexing rates is something I feel is a positive for the community as a whole. I wasn't at all saying its irresponsible not to, or that desexing makes you responsible but my reasons as my own and I feel like its the right decision for us

While you ought be applauded for your management, not everyone has that ability or skillset. I don't feel its a bad thing for society as a whole.

Maeby, so sorry. He was quite a DOL mascot! I loved hearing about his quirks!

Gus is desexed. Was a no brainer in the end. He was acting like a twerp and it was time. He was just shy of a year and I have absolutely noticed a calmer, more focussed, less nutty dog. Could be just him, but I'd always have desexed pets. Just easier for me to handle and less panic about oops matings. Also as an aside he's never shown much interest in peeing on things, not even on walks and things but our desexed girl cocks her leg all the time when we are out.

This is an interesting read for me as well, given my dog is nowhere near an athlete but is quite active and we would like to keep our sporting options open, it makes sense to want him as strong as he can be. He did lose quite a bit of muscle following his desex, which meant no running and swimming for a fortnight. I did notice a drop in his fitness when we got back to it. Interesting read even for us non-athletes!

But the thing is, if it were a lab or a Maltese or a shepherd, boxer, poodle or any other dog the outcome would have been a fine, slap on the wrist and sent home. That's what irks me.