aliwake

Thanks guys, I finally figured out how to add pics inline like that (after much trial and error!) We all had a lovely time - and it was definitely warm enough for swimming. I did have to get wet in the end to get him swimming properly. I love the passed out pic too Yvonne :)

We finally got around to having an adventure on the weekend, and Nixon finally got a chance to properly learn how to swim! He loves being wet, but is still a bit cautious about swimming. He did very well though! crazy run! drying off on my clothes.... very very very tired in the car on the way home... In fact he's been so tired he's been taking himself off to bed at about 7pm the last two nights :) happy puppy!

Nova's bob looks very cute Lisa, you did a great job! We definitely get the silent deadly farts here, so gross! I can imagine audible farts must be a crack up Lollipup :)

Thanks Hankodie! They didn't have any on their website, but I might call a store to check. I have a toyworld pretty close to home, so will have a look there tomorrow. Have a great weekend everyone :)

I might try toyworld actually - you never know!

yeah, the flimsy ones at bunnings are only $12.50, and they look about on par with the kmart ones. I think shipping on the big w ones came to $48?!!!! There is one big w store on the other side of town that the website says has them in stock (not necessarily true), so if I get really really really desperate I might go there. I asked in my local store if they could order me one, and they said no Quite odd. Most department stores these days are a lot more accommodating! I might just have to wait a few weeks and hope they can get them in. The lady I called earlier said something about a problem with the supplier, so I hope that's not true!

well, I went to bunnings at lunch to look for a clam shell, but they only had the crappy ones. They seemed very flimsy so I didn't bother. Our local big w doesn't know when they'll have them in stock again either. very annoying! Will have to find somewhere else to take Nixon swimming this weekend - it's looking like it will be a nice warm one!

You have such a talent with photography - love those shots! Having a gorgeous model helps I'm sure :) Nixon absolutely hated his playpen too - it was better with his crate inside too, but he was never happy, and made the most awful sounding crying noises for hours on end He is a lot happier outside during the day now he's bigger, but I guess if you want Hank to continue to stay inside, he'll just have to get used to it. I know it's so hard to stick to your guns though!! I was just lucky I wasn't home when Nixon was crying, and I could check on him (via webcam) with the sound off, otherwise I would have been a wreck!

Yay - that's great!!! Nixon still only drops under extreme duress

This is the boarding kennel I mentioned: http://thelinks.net.au/services_details.php?subcategory=5 It's on the other side of the river to brookfield, but might be do-able.

Just checked their website though and they're super expensive for a casual visit! $55?! Crazy! I think I saw a boarding kennel at goodna recently that does daycare, but can't remember the name...

But think of how much you saved!! :)

Oh yeah, the kongs are the cheapest I've found in aus, though the shipping is a problem if that's all you buy. I plan on buying food from them regularly though, so it's easy to add some cheeky extras to the order :) The panoramis was really cheap too.

There's one at sumner park in Brisbane, called wags day out I think? It's on the right side of town for you anyway. I haven't used them, but I think they have a good reputation.

I don't want to start a new thread, but wanted to share that I got my first order from jumbopets today - they have some of the best online prices I've seen for pretty much everything, as well as flat rate shipping. I ordered on monday night and it arrived this morning. I bought a 12kg bag of dog food, 6 months worth of panoramis tablets and a new XL extreme kong. They also threw in a free tennis ball and small bag of liver treats, as well as a handwritten note thanking me for my order. All in all I will be only too happy to order from them again, and thought it might be handy if any of you live in more remote areas. Have bought quite a few things for Nixon online now, but this was an especially good experience. And for an example of how good their prices are - they have furminators for $25! I don't know how it's possible, but they do.

That's hilarious Lollipup - I keep waiting for Nixon to do the same! Envy looks pretty relaxed about it! Last time I had a bath, I had to shut him out of the bathroom and he decided to shred my bedroom rubbish bin full of dirty tissues... that'll teach me!!

You'd be best to just give them a call and have a chat. I think we ended up going for the standard cover - when I weighed up the different premiums it was only a very small saving to go for budget, so I decided it was much better value to pay a little more and have the extra cover. The same with the different excess amounts - they didn't seem to make a huge difference to the premium cost, so we went for the smallest excess. We have already received back about $1100 through our policy since we got our pup in April - it has been very worthwhile!! For pups, you can get 4 weeks free insurance if you sign up at certain vets, so we had that first, which was great. The pup cover also covers illness much more quickly - the usual policy has a 21 day wait for illness cover. I think the pup cover it was only 72 hours or something?

I suppose this is possible, but I also think you become gradually desensitised to your own dogs over time. It sounds like the OP comes into contact with a lot of different dogs though, which makes it hard.

yeah, my forearms are always the worst. I was just thinking overnight, that a good quality barrier cream might help too?

I definitely have this too. I get allergy desensitisation injections monthly to help reduce my reaction to several allergies, including this one. It does make a difference, but I still need to take antihistamines fairly often. Sometimes the best option is management... Trying to avoid being licked, or shower after a big slobbery play session. Washing the saliva off straight away is a big help!

Our off-leash parks have poo bags provided which is great in case anyone 'forgets' (or on the occasion of a multi-poo, which I'll admit has caught me out before). I walked past a house the other day and the lady had installed a poo bag dispenser on her nature strip with a polite but pointed sign (can't remember exactly what it said). I'll have to get a picture - I thought it was brilliant!

Love the hydrobath pic Cassie - he's so cute!

LOL - Nixon definitely went through a 'hippy' stage too - I'd look at him and think 'OMG your ass is enormous!'. puppies :)

ok, good to know, thanks!

Ok, that's good to know - the only ones bunnings had on their website were the old school style, so I might go see if they have other styles on offer. I can handle paying a bit more if it means Nixon will have a stable swimming pool :) The steps sound handy too! They're $20 on the big w website.