Two Best Dogs!

Fox terrier x bull arab? Bull araby cuteness pile?

Woo! Pound puppies becoming plane puppies!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-09/kelpie-the-mysterious-origins-of-the-australian-working-dog/7309992 I'd be interested to read this book!

Thanks Melz, will do!

I've no idea who the original details belong to (obviously the council can't just tell me for privacy reasons) but the rescue reckons it was just the pound manager...but they lost all the paperwork (or more i suspect are poorly organised in regards to paperwork) I'm happy to do a stat dec and all that. I did that last year but when I emailed to get the address to post it too they told me this: It doesn't sound reliable to me. But I didn't end up posting it. Still got all the emails though. I guess I just can't fathom why they can't update it with my details? Can't notes be overlooked? I'd be beyond devastated if I lost her. (and there's the point of pride that she's my dog, i don't want someone else's name on her! What if she gets lost and taken back to the pound in NSW? :( ) But I guess on a re-read years later it is better than nothing...

Victoria has similar guidelines (vaguely recall reading this last year to determine if I am liable if T kills the neighbours cat or any of the ferals in our yard. I have warned them. I cannot be there 24/7.) When I lived in Tassie, one of my chooks hopped the fence into the neighbours yard and their dog got it. Didn't even occur to me that they could get in trouble for it - it was my faulty fencing that let the chook out and they're just dogs. Sad and upsetting, but I couldn't blame them. Now the collared cat that broke into my rabbit pen and killed my lop. I would have been out for blood if I could identify the owners. Big cat destroyed the night time lock up door.

Do you think the new system will let me change the microchip from the original owner/pound to me? Even though I live in Victoria? T and I will be going up to NSW on a short roadtrip if they want us to do it in person. I'd just feel a lot more relaxed if both registries had her real owner and contact details - me. I'm never getting a NSW chipped dog again, too much of a bother

Haha yes that is me! You are welcome to say hi, advance apologies if I look a bit frazzled ???? I'm generally thinking so much about rewarding or distracting thistle and keeping an eye out for bad offlead dogs (they seem to hone in on the one dog who doesn't want to meet them?). I try to be calm but when I open my mouth I babble XD it's not personal, T and I both take a couple of Laps to chill. Thistles jacket really just means "don't let your dog jump on her" these days so happy to chat about places with our dogs sitting. Starkhere is also at classes - she's got the very good rottie pups. You could try speaking to her on this forum or at class. her puppies are so impressive! All the regulars are pretty good and if you hang around and ask them about socialising politely they could hook you up compatable puppies to sniff :) And as you get to know ppl and their dogs you could ask to practice greets and the like before and after class :)

Flipping uncontrolled dogs in multiuse areas and on lead only areas have been the bane of my life. Avoid multiuse areas if it isn't a controlled situation like dog classes (aka other ppl and trainers can get between me and the lazy inconsiderate owners carelessly letting their dogs accost on lead dogs). The Melbourne city gardens are usually pretty good. Parliament gardens, treasury, Fitzroy, botanical... Go during business hours when the Gardeners and Rangers are patrolling about. Especially botanical gardens. Seen someone get a fine there for letting the dog off for a run and good. It was an onlead area only. I had a good experience with dididog in Williamstown botanical garden. Only saw one offlead dog. There were many others, leashed. Keep in mind it does open up to the offlead dog park so pick your exits carefully. I've practiced in parks that are unfenced and close to trains. Keeps owners with uncontrolled dogs away. I have blatantly crosses the road when being followed and harassed by a dog because when it comes down to it I prefer my dogs safety over the offlead dogs safety. Owner shouldn't have let it offlead or following us. Scope out local stores and develop your friendship with the staff. I walk in to the local store and since the staff know me and my dog (reactive) - the few times there's been an offlead they've been asked to leash it. One time a lady kept "accidentally" dropping her puppy's lead and laughing at it run about. She was politely told off. I have some very good back up and defenders at my stores :) far from you tho. Go at quiet hours. Ie I'll be in 2 pet stores tonight between 7 and 9 pm. Just training and socialising. I've recently started training in Bunnings. No other dogs there. Call ahead to find out rules for puppies. I have a big adult so must be muzzled. Go to state forest for exploration and training :) less ppl = less dogs especially if you go off the tourist paths! Don't go to far from car though you don't want to get lost. That wharf area in the dock lands is an interesting training environment. Have seen ppl breaking the rules though. I think there's like a dog therapy rehab place down your way. They have enclosed dog parks you're allowed to use and others wait. Or at least they said it was ok for me to put up a no entry sign while using it as long as I don't hog it for hours. I never ended up going though... No matter where you go there's a chance some inconsiderate selfish ass is breaking the rules and letting their dog run offlead. Ruining the location or place for everyone else. There's not much you can do I find, except report the Rangers and hope they'll get a fine. *edit* More places if anyone is looking for similar! Search for locally: Botanical garden Community garden Reserve Bike paths I've been having lots of luck lately finding places where the only dogs present were few and on lead! Seems the trick is to avoid the word "park"...and you avoid most dog owners! Also look for places with ponds/lakes and therefore a lot of bird life + BBQ hotspots. People are much less likely to let their dogs off lead if they're going to run off after birds and up to BBQs (not a guarantee of course)

I've not noticed any difference in quality and supposedly all still Australian ingredients. At the dog show the representive said they'd be announcing more flavours of dry grain free towards the end of the year. Fingers crossing that is still happening.

I'm going to knock out a window in the next year or two and make a dog window with some steps. Haven't decided yet if to make my own door or get one keyed into my dog's collar.

I can't remember which group it was in (Lost pets groups on facebook, I track 4) but locally there was a (dachshund type dog?) that was strayed from it's owner and went up to the fence of another dog's yard. Hole big enough for dog to grab it through. The dog was injured badly, didn't make it. The neighbours who were posting about it one the groups in an effort to find the owners. Dogs were reported but it was basically "they're in their yard". I'll see if I can't find it. I don't think the owner was ever found for the poor little dog.

What a lovely update! Soon the progress will be leaps and bounds (and sometimes backwards but I keep reminding myself it is okay to have bad days/weeks/hell even a month, just remember can get better) :) :)

We were back at bunnings today! 45 minutes. This time I pushed a trolley around. Thistle was not fussed by the trolley and I think it helped her be less alarmed when other people went past us with trolleys. She hid (stood) behind me a lot* and turned her back to people. Only one non-staff asked about her, nobody else gave a shit :laugh: except for a very small toddler who was DOGGIE but her dad guided her back to her kid's trolley. Thistle kept to her heel and ignored them. I had Thistle on the hands free lead the whole time (attached to my belt). She sniffed a lot of things and was very curious about pots and hoses XD I needed help finding things, most of the staff just ignored her. One guy made kissy noises but backed off when I said she's timid and here to build confidence so just ignore her. Same checkout lady as last time who remembered my vet joke. I think the check out is the trickiest bit, because we get a bit hemmed in but the trolley of stuff makes a great barrier for her. We almost got out scot free (after passing small child) when a staff member saw us and got excited like the kid did. Except, yknow, faster and louder and directly at us from behind. Thistle didn't bolt though! She skittered in alarm and went behind me (fair enough I jumped too!) but recovered and didn't attempt to run. The lead didn't go to it's full length! It helped the lady stopped her fast approach with an "oh a scaredy cat!!" as I was swinging the trolley inbetween and didn't push more but we kept moving away and out the door. I'll have to keep an eye out for the lady next time O_O gave us both a surprise! Thistle though, recovered very well and we continued walking with a loose lead - she didn't try to lead me in a rush out or flinch around. She was quiet, but not tense-shut-down-quiet, more new-place-worried. Didn't bolt, didn't freak out, didn't attempt to slip collar, didn't attempt to bite lead in half - was just alarmed for a moment and recovered :) Recovered so quickly I didn't even have time to get angry or alarmed myself! XD *I have been reinforcing this, which backfires on teaching the stand, but I am still reinforcing it because it gives her something to do when uncertain.

:) I just saw this on FB and was going to post it in SG's thread! Every tiny new discovery is more tools to help the dogs.

Woah! Task 10!! Go Malcolm! Fingers crossed with the local dog activities :)

She's one of a kind in her own way :) is there a little stand-out quirk you're unconvering that could be considered favourable? Even one you could blatantly teach her to manipulate the masses with. i.e teach her to rest her chin on someone's knee when she wants attention? Something cute and likely to be self reinforced like that? Spins? A quick and easy trick future owners could show off (and be inspired to continue her training). i.e. instead of shake teach "high five" Then you could take quick videos of that and share around with the additional AMAZING DOG UP FOR ADOPTION RIGHT HERE. Also keeping any potential challenges and being upfront with those of course. Edit: and teach her focus without a command - reward any and all eye contact. increase duration. let people feel special when she sits and stares up at them XD Pats for pup.

I love their little black ears doing the perk forward thing ❤️❤️❤️

I don't think anyone is cooing, but I don't think trying to force a confession that their dog is dangerous is beneficial to helping their progress? All dogs have the potential bite, phantoms is currently higher. I don't think they're disregarding this and a muzzle is on the way. That will help avoid potential bites while they work on helping the dog to be less likely to bite. Like phantom (sorry to use you as the example and if I'm understanding you wrong) has come here for help. They've given an honest description of the issues and challenges. They've briefly mentioned that euthanasia is off the table unless some specific occurrences happen. They're wary and stressed. I would hazard a guess that they're also a little scared of maybes and what ifs, maybe second guessing and thinking they're a failure of an owner. I don't think they're ignoring or disregarding the risk. But they've come here for resources and ideas on how to manage and prevent the behaviour. They're trying to manage, reduce and prevent the risk. Which is commendable IMO. The dog might be nuts right now but if phantom is going to put in the time to try and manage it and put this dog through aggression rehab - be it by methods suggested here, behaviourists, training, very little tiny step forwards etc... There's no guarantee this dog is rehabable but phantom won't know that without giving it a try. That's why I think a behaviourist in person would be a great objective resource. A session now and a follow up in 6 months. If some time has passed and there's been no progress or the dog has gotten worse...reevaluate, think about things. The muzzle hasn't even arrived and phantom is still practicing calm walking and learning how to control themselves. So I think better to help and aid where we can, than drive away (intentionally or not) from one of the resources that can help them. Ps. I did just remember this. Phantom, when you start using the muzzle don't stop doing your other managing methods or put the dog in situations it will react (where you can). The muzzle Is your "just in case" and not a fix all. You want to avoid giving the dog the chance just like you are right now. You'll find you yourself will also be calmer with the muzzle on which in turns help dog be calmer and gives you more reward opportunities. Sorry to detract from the rest of the thread, wanted to share how I'm seeing things. Wishing phantom the best of luck in tiny progress to a calmer dog. ???? <- friendly face to indicate no hard feelings ;) just thoughts. So many people who need help have left because too blunt. How are they? How can we help when they're gone? How will we help them learn and guide to resources? I do not want a scared and wary phantom walking that dog around. I want a phantom who is learning and trying and getting ideas, advice, help and resources to be training and trying with his dog.

Good luck on all that! Muzzle up project will give good hints and tips on how to get your dog to like the muzzle but a haltie is half way there. Practice practice and practice! Perhaps you could start a new thread for for finding or starting out in scent detection? Then people will hopefully not get sidetracked by the rest of this thread.

I don't think verbally beating phantom down will do anything but frustrate them and potentially drive them away from this forum and points of advice. (Edit: see above, it aggravates and upsets. pgantom is upset but getting frustrated and upset back at them isn't helping) I'm sure they're aware of the thin line they're walking on since the risk has been mentioned several times by multiple users. Just mentioning and letting OP think about it and come to terms with it is more beneficial than using the big stick of blunt discourse and repetition (which is not working and making them more defensive. If they leave... Then what? How can we help out? How can we provide learning resources?). We don't flood dogs so try not to flood phantom? ???? Give them some space instead and don't fall into the temptation of getting into a sniping circle. The risks are this dog would like to bite people or other dogs. If it does it is likely to be euthanised or put on dangerous dog list. It reads to me like phantom is aware of this and would like to focus on preventing it rather than going around in circles on the big giant risk. Phantom is crossing streets to avoid triggers. That is a good step to take putting space between you! On some cases you may need to do a 180 and just go the other way. Praise and talk as you're crossing the street or doing the 180. Let dog know by following you and not freakyng out they're doing a great job! Even a few seconds of attention while crossing is progress. Habits for both of you will be slow to build. I can't recall if this has been mentioned before or the size of your dog - but a head halter can help guide and direct your dog. Not only does it give you more control but since they follow their head it helps bring their gaze away from the trigger and on to you so you can praise like they're the coming of Christ. I wouldn't bother with treats for this. Their biggest reward is moving away from the trigger. The under head halters also force the mouth closed with pressure. Not as secure as a muzzle but better than nothing in controlling the mouth. Can even be coupled with a muzzle - check out the muzzle up project. No reason muzzles can't by stylish right? Using your bins to obscure the view of the mail box is a good idea. Perhaps you can get some cheap fence screening and obscure the whole street from view to calm the dog down. Generally you don't need to have them lunging 24/7 to keep people away. Just their quiet and watchful presence is likely to do that without scaring those who are simply passing by. I don't know anything about scent work, hopefully Google can show you nearby classes or some videos on doing it at home. I still think even 1 session with a behaviourist who can help set you up and give you guidance on daily life routines. They can also point out small details of your dogs warning signs so you can act before an explosion. Since it's different for each dog or can be subtle. Like for my dog it is literally just her mouth going closed and the faintest wrinkle on her head. Easy to miss when we are moving or I am worried. If you go the behaviourist and they assess the dog, ask them about how your new mailman could potentially help out. Throw treats as mailman arrives then stop when mailman goes away type things (with a behaviourists approval, your dog may be too aroused to eat them at first but things like mailman out of view but dog knows he's there and is getting treats etc baby steps to introducing the mailman) Phantom, giving all this advice as a take it, leave it or think about it. Some methods will work better than others for both you and your dog so you might need to mix and match. Try thing out for a few weeks to get initial bumps out of the way and see how they're tracking. Praise and reward the dog like anything if he follows you, if he stops barking at someone even a second. It's like getting your foot in that door to be able to let the dog know what behaviour you do want (not lunging not threatening not pulling) then repeat repeat repeat. Good luck.

Poor dog. There was a similar news article a few weeks ago too. (Different dog, this article has photos ppl may find upsetting) My link Greyhound owners of all types are under extra scrutiny these days, so on one hand more likely to be reported but on the other hand would hope they'd realise this and give the dogs bare minimum of care.

SG I read an article (or two?) a few months back about the benefits of having them out and about in daily life with a sign - think an "adopt me!" bandana, jacket, leash sleeve, branded dog walking programs etc (suggest having the rescue name on it somewhere) that lets people know they're up for adoption and reminds ppl that adoption is an option to think about! Then they can also see that dog in person, much better than a photo online I reckon. For example : every other month I'll be asked if Thistle is up for adoption. I think it's because a) it's only asked when she's in her scared jacket (queue questions on why scared and what we are doing) and b) we usually wear it when in places like pet stores aka adoption hot spots! (And in all fairness to one lady who asked, we were in RSPCA pet place walking about... A logical assumption! ????) Perhaps between a sign and walking or training the dog in visible places like the stores you can get her out there? That person who asked questions might know someone else looking for a dog...

Very nearly named the dog river or pebbles. I think either would have suited equally as well. For awhile I really wanted a dog named Honey. Most dogs I meet... Baileys, bellas and lunas XD Met a small fluffy called marshmallow ????

Wooo SP! Look at him go. I will be sad when no more pictures. Colour coding photos are a good idea. Maybe a write up on their personalities too?