Two Best Dogs!

Not sure where in vic you are but perhaps try contacting your local poultry and game/exotic meats. Things like rabbits, hare, emu, duck and other game birds? Am not sure if you'd want to consider roo or wallaby tails?

Two unrelated studies here. New study aka the largest dog genetic disease study: Complex disease and phenotype mapping in the domestic dog (2016) Development of a breeding program for drug detector dogs: based on studies of a breeding population of guide dogs (1996) (scroll to bottom of page to open a pdf of the entire study. A long but very interesting read! It covers many aspects including temperaments, drive, the different methods of raising, sex variation, coat colours, length of life, health, base dogs, on and on.) An audit of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service — Detector Dog Program progress: http://www.anao.gov.au/bpg-innovation/case-1.html

Silly girl asked for tummy rubs so I went to give her them. Alas! My hands are cold! She rolled her tummy away from me and moved to the end of the couch. :laugh: She is sighing now. Later she will sneak over and rest her head under my chin like a big grey slug.

I'd like dog owners to pass a test too. When is it ok for your dog to be off lead? When is it ok for your dog to approach a dog you don't know? What must you provide for your dog at home? Must your dog be registered - who with? If your dog is not desexed... precautions and breeding questions How often should your dog be vaccinated and wormed... (more than one answer but I don't want to see "never") stuff like that. that other dog owners don't seem to know I would like that - reminds me of all the hoops to adopt a dog! XD It'd be easy for people to fudge their answers but at least they have had these things cross their mind - as many I think they probably do not even cross their mind (i.e. when is it ok for your dog to approach is never a question I had to answer)

I also love the puppy olympics photos! How is Mr Obvious going? I think he's my favourite <3 He looks so sweet.

Nothing wrong with a ramble! I am pretty happy with my place. They rotate the trainers around but they all have the NDTF minimum then all these other little random certifications depending on interests. Sounds like trainee trainers get rotated around between dog training schools (I don't know which ones) I got them by word of mouth from word of mouth XD the other places I considered was a local place that meets the councils rules for a discount - but when I visited I was really put off by everyone milling about and dogs all over when when I went and watched my current one most ppl kept to their own spaces and they seemed better able to accomodate reactive dogs. The other place I considered was all booked out so I can't comment on what they'd have been like (I mentioned checking out the place I am at now and nothing bad was said) Back then I wasn't thinking about certifications though, more what I had heard from others and what I saw in person. It's been a bonus that they're all so helpful in their own way. I've only felt like how Mrs. RB link said - about apprehensive and not understanding the trainer - a couple of times. Most times feel supported and questions answered no matter how dumb XD But I think I would like to see some kind of regulation. A pipe dream maybe. I read online that Germany has dog trainer exams on the basics. I'm sure bad ones would still get through but some kind of quality control.

I see I am a little sad to see there isn't some kind of regulation. I confess it wasn't on my mind when I picked my trainers (who I agree are training me to train the dog!) but I have been wondering if there was some kind of minimum expectation or if any old person could start a dog training business because their past 3 dogs worked out alright. There are I think lots of different types and situations a trainer might have to work in and while experience speaks for itself I like that extra bit of proof that they are constantly improving their training techniques and keeping their knowledge current with recent discoveries. But mostly I was just wondering.

Oh I'm sorry

How did your day go snook? I'm sorry to hear you're surrounded by so many loud and inconsiderate people

The wondering has been kicked off in my head this week. I know businesses have to abide by the Domestic Animals Act and there's a Code of Practice for the Operation of Dog Training Establishments, but I wouldn't know where to find the guidelines on this. My trainers (who I am very happy with, no complaints here) all have National Dog Trainers Federation certifications and various other specialist qualifications under their belt. But I wonder if any of this is enforced or mandatory? How does someone know if they're getting a good trainer? Is there a trainer standard? What about dog walkers? Tangentially related and not why I am wondering: there is a person around here who does dog training type sessions for free (and claims they are not a business because it is free) and they make my skin crawl with the risks they take. I am wondering where they would fit under any standards? Even back when I was first looking for help, there was alarm bells ringing all over and I left. It's only now that I can recognise why I was so uneasy.

Could you possibly have someone actually stay Instead the stress of coming and going daily? With an overlap between them arriving and you leaving ie they stay the night before you go in the morning? It might upset her a little less and she hopefully won't forget that there is a stranger visiting. I do that with mine and while as soon as I was gone she was a suspicious hover, there was no barking etc like if the person had let them self in without me Otherwise some kind of confinement with tossed food might be in order as you want to have everyone including the Carer as safe as possible :/ could you hire temporary fencing to make a safe corridor for Carer to feed other animals?

I will cry at any death no matter how small if it has sad music I will cry

It could be she enjoys his company more as a casual friend than as a housemate. I am also thinking he might have been nervous and anxious over her anxiousness, making him bullish. Then it spirals. Sounds like it could potentially work out at your folks, crossing my fingers.

I use Fotor

Cheering for you and Scottie! Did you see my thread about doggie doors? Currently I have my laundry door locked so the dog can go chill in the laundry if needbe. I like your idea of doing something similar and having it hooked up to a dog run. He's kind of small, maybe you could even check out those cat runs that let cats go indoor and outdoor so he's able to pop out for a poo/wee but not freeroaming your yard?

I'm sorry it didn't work out But you're making the decision with everyone's best interests in mind. For local rescues: SaveADog is in Glen Iris, I've heard good things about them keeping up with a dogs obedience habits but are also honest about any challenges a dog might present. Sounds like Rusty wouldn't be there for long though, off to a new home quickly no doubt :)

Don't worry I found a post of it and shared around, the new update included. Have had some comments suggesting to put out things that smell of home but not food as it attracts foxes.

Of interest, here is yesterday's report on blue green algae (for anyone thinking of holidaying or living in the area): Here's a map of the current spread: http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond-local/?id=0466764c-21af-4855-a6b1-c676706e905d Here's the details:

Hi Chloe! Welcome to the thread! I think sometimes, even with all the preperation to help prevent, you can still have some challenges. But you've set up a lot of basics to get success! I think some guidance from your trainers is helpful if you're able to get it, just because getting that second pair of eyes who can see in person and let you know what's up can be incredibly reassuring. Even just one session to warm you up and get you started. Good luck!

Do you have the Facebook page? There's so many lost and found groups. I don't think I've seen them on the ones I keep an eye on

That does sound like the perfect walk. Nothing makes a day more optimistic than a quiet relaxing walk with a bit of successful training ending with a drink

A barrage of questions is never polite and will leave us all a bit disorientated and baffled. I don't think that is confined to anyone type of dog owner. Sounds like they were just the usual over enthusiastic air headed types who don't listen ;p did they keep trying to pat him too? I find that very annoying. My meaning behind number 2 and in context of the prior comments on why people are seeing as snobby: that seeing it as an accusation for someone to ask if your "well loved dog" is a rescue and being offenced by this question - can come across as snobby. Because of the wording used. It may be that is how you instinctively felt, but then I think it's important to consider how you (the general, wider you) express yourself. Because if everyone goes around wording things like this - well, the side effect is that we are all going to come across as snobby and further push people away. If my concerns is making sense? I'm using your post more as an example than pointing fingers.

Thankyou Stellnme...glad I am not the only one who is maybe concerned with this combination of toddler & bully breed. This comment comes across like implying no-one else is concerned? Many suggestions have been made for a less intimidating or less big dog without bringing in the insults on looks.

No ultrasound. I've bumped her vet check up to this evening because I can't handle the smell and I wonder if maybe she has gotten a UTI this week that had just coincided with heat. It's a different vet with later hours but my usual vet has emailed over our records. We haven't jumped into medication etc yet just because it seems to come and go so possible external factors. This new vet has a bigger facility. Bonus! But I'll see what this person thinks. Not looking forward to stalking a pee sample tonight XD Edit: Update! Well, she doesn't have a UTI! Or an inflamations or bacteria or blood or something about cell count. Her urine is normal except for a high ph and the beginnings of baby crystals! (Last time was high ph and no crystals). Aside from that she's a nice healthy pup with clean teeth/eyes/ears etc. We are discussing xrays (+sedation) and something to look up in her bladder (ultrasound? + muzzle). The vet had a good long feel of her stomach and she was the whole time. For now we are trying some medication though, to decrease the acidity of her urine and hopefully get rid of the crystals. We're not sure if the high ph and the leaking is linked or not. I was meant to get some ph strips at the counter but I forgot, it was to track the ph and when she leaks. I'll check out the chemist tomorrow. I also have pills to reduce her ph levels and see how that goes and see if the leaky days line up with the ph levels. How it goes is we'll be fine for a month, then a week or two leaking, then fine for another month or two, then a week or two leaking etc and it's only been since...october I think? I have sent a reminder to myself to go to the chemist and get those pee strips!

I think we need a photograph of this little champion I give this dog a 10/10 for being awesome and having amazing ears. Lucky you!