Steph M

That's true. I noticed it more because of the wording, calling the dog a puppy. I just had a squizz at her facebook page hoping for more info on the story. Didn't get any, but oh my dear! the language. https://www.facebook.com/tauri.chris Pretty sure posting his address and details like that is probably some sort of perversion of justice. Silly girl. She looks like a bit of a twit to me, still very very sad.

I suspect he's gone to ground or sent it to stay with friends thinking it would blow over. Cocky dickish move.

I would, and perhaps set up an audio recording system or something so you can keep a record for yourself to cover your bum. Maybe worth taking him to meet the neighbours and leaving your number with them if they hear anything? It sucks. With the two dogs playing in the yard they tend to bark when they get going of a day and I worry a little, nothing so far though. Touch wood.

I would seriously advise against this. If they don't move, you're pretty stuffed. I would move myself if at all possible, if not the dogs would be in daycare or with a minder outside the home when I wasn't there and I would be doing meticulous checks of the yard and contacting the police every time this happened. Making them fear you is just the worst idea I've heard.

I guess it might not, but as the idea's just occurred, perhaps it's still formative enough to make an impact. Very sad story about your friend, those people will always find dogs.

Much much much better than debarking. That seems like getting a scratch and lopping off your leg to me. Surely a last resort, try the boarding and video cameras. Perhaps ask your neighbours for statements and lots and lots of witnesses. Is it possible to have a minder come stay of a day? Lots of pet sitting services will drop in a few times a day for a play and a walk. It certainly can't hurt.

What an awful situation. I do have to say though if the time comes where you simply can not keep her, please please please seek advice from a reputable rescue or breed club. I would hate to see this poor love damaged further in a different home. I do hope you can make it work though. She is young and hopefully resilient. :)

unless you have written proof that this dog is up-to-date with vaccinations , it is very unwise to expose other dogs to her . There needs to be a 'quarantine' period, to make sure she is healthy ... Personally I think it is unwise to bring in dogs anyhow ..too early yet . .. I would also wonder about bringing smaller dogs into her space. Given she may not have met smaller dogs that could be problematic.

This is a problem, of course. Others see you with your dogs and think: Wow, aren't you lucky! Such happy and beautifully behaved dogs. They think the dogs were born that way and, as you say, cannot see or understand that you have put in all the groundwork to make the dogs that way. In terms of trying to steer her away from an unsuitable (for her) breed, I guess you just have to go on ad nauseum about how dogs become like Gus only through training training training ..... and an understanding by the owner of their own capabilities and commitment to their dog and an understanding of the breed. Even he can be a total dick at times, and the work to get them to stay that way continues! The how hard can it be attitude gives me the eerits. Bloody hard! Haha.

Yes, we certainly don't miss any opportunities for a run now! (they run, not me ) Lucky when she's been out she settles.

:eek: They're so not! Good thinking, and good suggestion about obedience, we're about to start again from the beginning with Rosie so perhaps that would be a good wakeup. Thanks everyone! If all else fails I might contact some breeders and ask if we could perhaps come see her dogs and have a chat about what they really need. You've all been so helpful, yet again! :)

I do have a clicker but have yet to master the ability to hold lease, treat and clicker all at once :p You wanna come round and have a try steph :) I'm like a chubby ninja! Clicker and leash in the same hand, treats at the ready in the other works for me. It's a fine art though. PS- I'm no master trainer, god don't make that mistake! Hahah!

we usually use devon, maybe not stinky enough. still we're not always going to have treats on hand Good point, I'm that crazy lady with a pocket full of chicken. I forget not everyone treats their handbags as poorly as I do. Haha. I guess starting the behaviors is good and a clicker is FAB!

Do you use a clicker too? Might be a handy tool to utilise.

Stinky treats! Cheese, salami, kabana! Something really high value and stinky. Something he can smell coming and doesn't often get?

My thinking was that while she would still have to make huge adjustments they're one of the more relatively low maintenance breeds and there's lots in need. I'd really rather you not be so rude, I'm seeking advice on how best to manage a problem and after all she is still my friend.

Ah, I just re-read the OP - I thought the boyfriend had a Dane too, not that he USED to have a Dane. So .. yeah, no company at all.. hmm. I can't think of ANY dog that this would work for, if there wasn't any real stimulation or care when the people were home either! That said, sometimes people change and she may become the best dog owner in the world, and become totally obsessed wtih the dog.. who knows.. one can hope! I hope so, but even if that's the case it's a steep learning curve combined with a crummy situation I guess.

It's a shitty situation for any dog, in my most humble opinion. You make a good point. Thank you!

She's just so stubborn and determined that she wants that sort of dog. I've asked what interests her and she says 'looks and size'. I might chat to her on the weekend and try your suggestions, I was thinking a Grey might suit. This has been playing on my mind for days. I certainly don't want to ruin her fun, I just can't imagine she knows how much work and how much her life will change.

Sensitive question here, but have you ever had a friend who just had a totally inappropriate breed in mind? What do you do? I really foresee disaster here. Bit of a backstory, my best friend whom I love dearly has decided she wants a dog. A large puppy, specifically a visla or a weim. The boyfriend is set on an apartment having had (and given up entire to BYBers who wanted pups at 2 years old for no reason other than him getting out to get to the female over the back fence and being hard to manage in a courtyard by himself all day) a Dane wants another big dog. Righto. She’s never had a dog, never grown up around dogs and quite frankly has no idea. She thought real breeders bred Spoodles etc and puppies are born with the innate need to wee on grass. She spends a lot of time with Gus and I and marvels at how easy it seems, without any knowledge of how much work we’ve put into even the most basic behaviours. The boyfriend has his heart set on an apartment in the inner city, she’s trying to talk him round (rolly eye man!) and might be allowed a small house in the inner west, but likely another courtyard. She’s fairly active but also incredibly busy, they’re out most nights and pup would be left home til late. I’ll be the first to admit it does kinda give me the sh*ts. It’s a real cockiness she has on the subject that she could do it, how hard could it be? Everytime I mention the huge amounts of work we’ve put into our relatively low drive dog and how much exercise he needs and gives himself it’s pretty well shrugged off. She met a 4 month old Visla pup and has decided that’s the breed for her. I’ve asked her to chat to some breeders and think really hard before committing and she just seems oblivious. Part vent, but what do you do? I really really have doubts she knows what she’s getting into and I just see this poor dog being miserable or at very least at a real disadvantage. There's just so many red flags, one or two is fair but there strikes me as so so many here, as I said, I love her dearly but I can't believe the ignorance. Should I just bite my tongue and let her make her mistakes? Any sage words?

She's desexed, so they can try...? Haha.

Probably in my stomach! Haha. God those dried hooves do stink though. Erk!

"My dog is trained at 9 weeks old, all you need to teach little dogs is to pee outside, they're so little they can't be too hard to handle" From another woman at work who was recommending her 'maltese shihtzu breeder' to someone for her kids birthday, cause there's always puppies ready! Oooook. Sure.

Thank dog for that :laugh: I think Koolie is in there as well, she sure is purty. I've been welcomed home today with a cow foot and a shredded newspaper all over the yard. Hahaha, not sure who the culprit is but she's sitting on my lap looking adoring while Gus naps it off. Troublemakers indeed!