kima

This is clearly a very contentious topic and obviously a lot of people have had different experiences and have formed different opinions. I don't think there is any 'correct' answer, I think its about doing what is best for you and your individual dog at that time. Its a shame when topic like this start to turn from people offering their experiences and advice to people trying to assert their views over others and take digs at others in the process.

We got our male (Stafford) done at 9 months. We were going to wait until he was 12-18 months but he started getting really humpy and despite our best efforts we did not succeed at discouraging this. He even started trying to mount our friends male Dalmatian. We figured we didn't want him to miss out on playing with other dogs due to his humping so we got him done at 9 months. Now he is back to playing with his Dalmatian buddy instead of trying to hump him!

Ever since Marlo was a puppy I have noticed that occasionally when he is sleeping he seems to stop breathing for 5-10 seconds before taking a really deep breath and back to normal. It seems very similar to sleep apnoea in humans and from what I gather dogs can get it to. He is a Stafford and a really loud snorer so it seems like an entirely likely possibility. I intend to take him to the vet next week to get it checked out but was just wondering in the meantime if others have had similar experiences and what the outcome was?

This topic made me laugh so much, its nice to know I'm not the only one with a precious dog! Marlo very reluctantly heads outside but will stop every few steps to look back at me as if to say "really?". I then tell him again to go and he takes a few more steps then stops. Repeat 3-4 times. Sometimes he tries to veer off course and sneak off (while I am still watching). Eventually he just gives up and goes onto the grass to do his thing and then dashes back inside. This is the same dog that launches himself into the creek or ocean at any opportunity... Go figure!!

Marlos eyes reflect a neon green colour. my old dogs eyes went an Orange/red colour. Scared the life out of me the first time I shone a torch on him in the backyard at night. Thought it was some demon possum at first! Then realised it was just the dog. According to that list miniature schnauzers usually have a nice turquoise, that would have been much nicer than the devil red Charlie had!!

The human body is a wonderful thing and its ability to heal amazing. This man was probably very fit, but from the tv pix of him, there doesn't seem to be much of him. His fitness will probably stand him in good stead, but the fact that his heart was exposed, and his injuries so horrific, I expect he will be subject to recurring medical problems from now on. The smallest dog bite can take a long long time to heal and the chance of infection is very real also for a long time. He also would be in the most awful pain at the moment as well despite the super painkillers available today. And I would hate to be in his head when he goes to sleep. I hope he has a caring circle of friends and family to support him through this dreadful event. With any luck he will physically make a good recovery, however it was more the emotional trauma I was referring to. To be just going about your business and be attacked in such a way would be so hard to reconcile with. In the paper it said he attack lasted for about 5 minutes, to endure that amount of pain and fear for such an extended period of time is bound to have a lasting impact. I can't even begin to imagine what that must have been like. I agree with you though, loving and supportive friends and family can make a world of difference.

I agree 100%. culpable driving carries much higher penalties. The sort of negligence and lack of regard for public safety associated with dog attacks should be treated no differently, 2 years is nothing when you have destroyed lives. Even though this man was fortunate enough to live, I cannot imagine the impact such a traumatic event will have on him for the rest of his life.

Doesn't help anything that you have some idiot on the project saying that if they could kill all American staffies it would be ideal. Because people aren't prejudiced enough. my heart goes out to that poor man though. What a horrific ordeal to endure :-(

I go snowboarding regularly over winter, no puppies allowed. I would love to take Marlo to the snow but that would mean no boarding! Can't go to the snow and not snowboard. We are going snowboarding in NZ this July for 2 weeks so Marlo is staying with friends.

Yoghurt would probably be Marlos favourite. He cries and whimpers while he is waiting for me to finish so he can lick the tub. If I have yoghurt and say "drop" he hits the deck instantly, normally it takes a few tries.

Have never had to cut Marlos nails as we do lots of walks on the footpath. Dew claws get done whenever we are at the vet though, those things are sharp when they get long!

She must be very cute then! does she have silly floppy ears too? On the chewing front I got Marlo some nice big marrow bones from the market. Won't know how good they are at keeping him busy till tomorrow but it has been quite fun watching him drag one round the garden and attempt to hide it under bushes. Hopefully he will actually chew it and not just spend all his time trying to hide it! unfortunately it wasn't until AFTER I got back from the pet shop that I realised he has chewed the top off his black Kong so he will have to settle for his Kong wobbler and rope toy tomorrow.

i dont think that sounds negative blackjaq, it is a real possibility. Always better to be realistic I think :) Fingers crossed a combination of toys and morning walks and mental stimulation does the trick! otherwise it looks like we say goodbye to the outdoor setting and get a small run!

I think the sand pit idea is definitely worth a try, and some new toys. Unfortunately a dog run wouldnt be possible due to the layout of the back yard. Its a lot of raised garden beds and not a lot of flat space. We try and give him alone time in the garden when we are hone but he just lies next to the door and cries and waits to be let in. Think we definitely could do some work around teaching him he doesn't need to be with us ALL the time when we are home! Thanks again for all the suggestions. Its all really helpful constructive stuff. He hasn't been too bad today because my mum is staying with us for a week from interstate so he has company. Will be off to Bunnings for some sand tomorrow though!

I have far more issues with small dogs when out walking than with big ones.I guess some (not all) small dog owners are just not as concerned about controlling their dog because they see it as not being able to do much damage. I know this is the case with my friend with a vicious chi. I honestly think she wont realise how not ok it is until her dog gets hurt. Mind you even then she would probably just blame the other dog! Can't win with some people!