Two Best Dogs!

Oh I forgotten to add! For dog socialising and play dates we also go to best friends and pet barn so maybe you can do that ? Since sounds like you want to keep socialising. I've had minimal problems with those places so maybe there is similar near you Also kicked out for barking is weird...

Oh what a stylish fella! Well done to him for chilling calmly! Is he as soft as he looks? I wish I could say hello to everyone's dogs! Can we make it a rule that whenever someone's posts about their dog they share a picture? ;) We got commended in class today for great focus, even when someone's off lead dog crashed the class (I yelled for the trainer when it away from its owner which was like half a second after she let the lead unclip, so it didn't get to interact with thistle so no set backs :) ). Thistle only whimpered a bit anxiously. I put adaptil on her scared vest so I wonder if that helped? So excited for kepala on Wednesday.

I'll walk past a fenced off lead park cause it's great practice at ignoring dogs/getting her accustomed to dogs again. I'll never go in an off lead park. Too many dogs of too many sizes of unknown obedience. Most of the dogs have no manners (friendly yes but also jumping on dogs, taking toys, shouldering other dogs over) and I've seen fights happen when walking past. Add in people throwing food about ... Woah no. Even our on lead parks are basically off lead dogs monopolising the park and I can't tell from looking if a dog is actually under control ("friendly" and running up in everyone's faces is not under control), a polite greeter, aggressive or a bully. It's just too risky in my books :/ our local on lead creek is okay but I have to go at really weird hours and I turn around and go if someone's dog is off lead. For actual dog socialisation I have obedience classes and various preapproved dogs. Controlled meets without the risk of a strange dog running over and jumping on everyone and upsetting everything. Now this Kapala park where we can book it for ourselves...different story! Guaranteed no other dogs =awesome play time!

What lovely pictures and dogs!

I have to keep reminding myself that I DONT want a puppy anytime soon but ahh look at those cute little sausages.

Poor Jake and you why couldn't the people just move off to the side or stop heading in your direction when they saw that their dogs upset yours? I'm so pathetically greatful when people are understanding or listen. They seem far and few between. And I'll always stop walking towards or change direction if someone else or their dog seems uncomfortable

Black Hawk has gone up in price? :s I only need to buy it about every 2-3 months but eek. I like what it does for her skin, fur and weight gain but not sure I can keep with it if it goes too high

Oh no that picture is awesome. Now I can't wait until next week! Normally I half dread our outings but I think I am cautiously optimistic this time around! Shame the outdoor pool is currently closed. *jiggles impatiently for the next week* I'm already thinking going every Saturday or maybe every other Saturday? and there's DOL meets? I don't think she'd be ready for that but so cool. *cautious hopeful optimism* We are now booked btw :) The receptionist seems really nice and told us to enter through the first gate cause it's our first time. She picked a quiet time with minimal bookings for us. I hope the dog enjoys this.

n_n I just booked an hour for next week! Just the runs, don't want to overload her with too many new things. If it goes well, we'll be back for swimming. Aquapaws I was going to use their runs because they're free and lockable but they're a 2 hour drive so I think kepala will be cheaper cause they're so much closer so less fuel...They both sound like such great facilities, I wish more like this existed around Australia for people. I'm not sure what generic search terms you could use for finding similar ones in nsw? I found one called "k9 swim" at 388 The Driftway, Londonderry NSW 2753 <- dunno how close that is to you Roka

You've got the next best thing - blinkblink! ;) (I might be counting my eggs before they hatch but everything I read is good. Every city should have one!) ((I'm so happy! We can make outings more 'fun'!))

Woah thank you Leah and Terri and silentchild! I'm overjoyed, it's only 30 min up the road from me and I had no idea it was there! At all! It didn't show up when I googled dog parks so I had no idea! I was just on the phone with a lovely lady interrogating them and getting a rundown on the situation between runs, prices (wow so affordable! I mean I'll have to cut back on something else if it's going to be regular but pretty cheap!), how they accommodate the scared ones (i.e. for indoor pool assessment we may need extra time for Thistle to check out the lady assessing her before feeling comfortable to swim...but sometimes she does just LIKE a person so that might happen!) But they got really busy just as I was about to book us in for one of the runs so they're going to call me back (the grass ones are currently closed for re-seeding and the outdoor pool are closed until mid September for winter) But I'm hoping to go next week and if it goes well I might make this a fortnightly or weekly thing! I'm really really overjoyed about this place, thank you guys so much! It means a lot to me to have a place where we can just go to relax. Thank you!

I go to Aquapaws weekly. They do have an off leash fenced in section but it's not very big. People there have common sense and know not to go in with their dog if it is in use so I don't think you need a sign. Again it's small so if someone does look like they want to come in really all you have to do is say No... it literally is the size of a small suburban backyard. Maybe if you ask the owner she will let you run your dog in one of the bigger horse paddocks but the fencing is not the same as the off leash yard. Edit : Have you tried Kepala?? Their facilities would suit your needs for a secure off leash romp. Hmm. Still, even if it's small it'd be nice to introduce her to new locations and people. Our first visit will be 2nd week September :D I've not heard of kepala! But it looks like they only do pet boarding? Which would probably set her way back - strangers are scarier than dogs and if I'm not there she'll shut down Or do you reckon if I called up and asked they'd let us have a quick romp on our own? I don't mind paying, I'd just like to let her go off lead sometime and ...yknow run around without worry. Do they have a strong 'give dogs space' Policy? Sorry I'm on mobile so the site is hard to navigate XD *cautiously excited thank you!*

I am beginning to hate off lead dogs too I can't even walk down the street next to a highway (!!!!!) without off lead dogs running around and don't get me started on ON LEAD parks. I just want to take my dog for a walk! It doesn't matter if their dog is friendly, MY dog doesn't know that because all she sees is a fast moving object heading straight at her! shes not getting any time to realise it's a friendly dog before they're in her face and she's terrified. And it's quite rude of the owners to let their dog zip around like that. So far I take my dog to an abandoned lot for long lead games, the park we do our obedience at (had our issues with off lead dogs there too but in that case I've got like 6 dog trainers who can hop in and help as we walk very fast towards them so they grab the trouble maker). I also walk her way late at night when hopefully the irresponsible ones are done hogging the streets. And so many mental games. I'm flat out avoiding "on lead" parks now because no one obeys it :/ lovely creek near us - except for all the off lead terriers! I'm hoping to start going to aquapaws once a month. It's quite a drive but they said I can lock one of their dog parks up for just us. I'm going to print a sign for the gate so we can hopefully have a good romp without an uncontrolled dog coming up and a sign will let ppl know why. And lock it. But ppl are stupid so i think a sign is necessary. And I'll keep driving further and further out looking for quiet places for the dog to be a dog. But it is seriously disheartening how many people are so careless about their dogs and disobey the leash rules. /end frustrated rant

Yeah there's so much to remember and sometimes it all just leaves my head and it's back to instinct x_x' I'm lucky she seems so forgiving of mistakes and eager to learn. Just scared senseless sometimes (i don't think she was scared this particular time, I think she was more being typical excited-dog-sees-another-excited-dog-and-gets-naughty. Other dog was told off too, for running around barking like a headless chook!) Aww yay Justice! I hope he will be able to progress into no-meltdowns, he's such a champ :) I keep hoping you'll post more pictures. I want to see pictures of Jake too n_n

Aside from holding desperately onto the lead my correction was an verbal "OI-Aaaargh!" Which was uh not my intention it just kind of came out *embarassed face* Normally it's just "oi!" Or "hey!" But her reaction was just to turn around and sit (no cowering like with someone else) so I'm hoping she took it as a "whoops i shouldn't have over reacted!" instead of a "holy shit mum is upset". And lots of love for turning back towards me and ignoring the dog! Definitely try not to correct too much for reacting to dogs although sometimes I slip like going "oi" I instead of recalling after a growl just only the extremes like when she lunges towards (half excitement half?????). She gets rewards and praise for calmly looking (or ignoring or anything calm or positive) if that makes sense? So I hope I'm not mixing up our communication and confusing her or making too many mistakes. Darn inexperience :s So glad I've got DOL and my trainers to talk things about and help make sure minimal mistakes Ps I too was very surprised by the sit! I must have sounded very stern. And I try to keep everything positive. I read if you're saying no more than 5 times a day you're doing something wrong? I'd say my oi's are more like 5 times a week tops. And praise and love is 24/7!

Thanks everyone ;-; it all gets a bit over whelming at times! They were cute dogs whatever they were. Did justice enjoy his cemetery walk? It's nice seeing him recovering from those side effects! He's inspiring :) Poor Hank and I hope your shoulder is okay with all his back and forthing. I think you described what we do - if she plays up she'll get an OI and made to sit then rewarded with words or a pat. But if she doesn't lunge she gets treats? I did have to give her a harsh correction in class for wanting to chase a barking SWF today. It was harsher than usual and I felt bad but her response was immediate and she slammed her but into a sit. Then I gave her love. But I felt bad. But she listened so it was good so I think learning to have "the voice" and serious business face is prob good?

Being attentive for her is so hard and hiding it from her is twice as hard! But she probably feels like this 24/7 so I think I'll just keep sucking it up and learning. Might dial the socialising a bit back though, she's been doing really well. Don't want to flood her :S I'm thinking next dog desensitisation last week september maybe. Excluding dog classes of course. This is so hard though idk how you guys do it! *dies*

The day went well! She even sniffed the dog I'm hoping to get her used to (for future walks/hiking/camping type things in the FAR future. Like, 3-4 years down the track cause they got a newborn). Positive things included: - canoodling with the microchip backup person - disinterested in the baby - face sniffing with 0.5 m between them on a loose lead - doing a trick for the dude! - accidentally bumped into other dog and didn't freak out (other dog is pretty chill, was excited to have a friend for the walk and a bit?? at the distance we had going on) - butt sniffing while walking - almost walking side by side at one point, with casual disinterested glance at each other Negative: - some person's...are mini staffies things? Looked like staffies but half the size. Two running around offlead with balls in their mouth. They mobbed other-dog and just about gave both of us a heart attack - however I had yelled out "call your dogs!" and the little girl who had started running towards us had amazing recall and turned and went back to owner. Made sure to thank her as we walked past but didn't get any kind of response but w/e *shrug* this was strictly on lead hours so she was the one disobeying the rules... don't get to be frowny at me "ruining" your dog playing fetch in the on-lead park... Thistle's reaction to the dog rushing us was a bit of worry then as dog zoomed towards she got into her... I'm not sure what you'd call the pose, she goes into a semi-cicle submissive crouch but the hackles go up. I'm pretty sure she was getting to leap forward and nip air though. Everything else after that was nice. She had no problems with the prams, nearby children, bikes, scooters and a jogging group (although did give a quiet "woof" at them). Won't go back. Developing a deep abiding hatred of off lead dogs. And jealousy. Honestly I don't care if Thistle can never go offlead, I just want to get her to the point where she'll let a dog run up to her, sniff, then run off without freaking out and escalating it Looking forward to September and getting a whole dog park to ourselves X_X So tired though. I'm ordering us take out, she deserves a slice of pizza for such a big day. Not sure I noticed if the adaptil spray did anything or if she was still tired from obedience class. I'm turning this into a hug box I'm sorry ;-; Oh, our trainer went on a speech about how we need to do everything we can right by these dogs because they're our best mates and I agree. I am learning so much with Thistle and I love her so much every time she looks to me to solve her problems. Lab on a lead over there worrying you out? no problem i got this, we'll walk around. off lead pointer? i got this let me yell-ask the person to recall and we'll go the other way. That tree in the yard freaking you out? Do not worry I am hiring a chainsaw and it will be gone. Best friend <3

I believe the one being recalled is the kong-beast (fits in mouth) and this thread is about kong wobblers (big heavy things your dog knocks about)? The shameful culprit that's thankfully being recalled and ?never made it to australia? The one we're trying to make harder (trying, newspaper success is now about 7 minutes to empty kong) Personlly I try to stay away from any toys that can fit in her mouth or have breakable looking bits. no matter the brand :c poor pup

Unfortunately they close early Saturday's and aren't open Sunday's.. So I'm taking September 9th off under the guise of celebrating my birthday but really we are just going to drive all the way there. Lady on the phone said weekdays are quiet :) I'll call again the week of to make sure they're still okay with it. I'm on my way home to go to petbarn and pick up a pheromone collar or some kind of relaxing chewables. I really want this Sunday to be a success but so many things could go wrong @-@ Keep reminding myself it's just a walk with no interaction ... I need the confidence boost too :D and ps. Gonna run this all past the behaviourist in case she offers suggestions. Must remember to walk confidently and be calm for thistle! EDIT GOT MY CONFIDENCE BOOST! TODAY AT MY LOCAL BEST FRIENDS ONE OF THE LADIES HAD BROUGHT HER DOG IN (a very calm and submissive but calm spaniel of sorts) AND AFTER SOME CHILLING CALMLY NEAR EACH OTHER THISTLE GAVE POLITE NOSE SNIFFS! TWICE! (I of course rewarded and praised MAJORLY for such polite and not-reactive behaviour!) But I'm so happy that we've finally had her have a real and proper polite dog sniff without any growling or nipping or the usual major tenseness she gets when another dog looks at her! The tenseness came back when the puppy class so we left soon after but so proud of her! Also I bought some adaptil! It's the one you plug in the wall but we reckon dabbing it on her thundershirt and leaving it for an hour will be fine.

I'm hoping I will relax by thinking about her relaxing! Aqua paws is a hydrotherapy centre for dogs in Melbourne. They're very "yellow dog" friendly and I heard you can have their dog park to yourself - called up and the lady confirmed we can lock the gate and have free run of the park! Without worrying about someone else showing up! So thistle can run off lead safely! And it doesn't cost anything! 2 hour drive tho but worth it to be able to let her off lead without worrying about a panic or another dog running over :D we can practice recall.

Maybe that's what it called? There seems to be so many types x-x I'm going to be a bit worried myself so anything that makes me be more chill for the dog is also a plus? I'm just as worried over new things as she is now! Maybe even more!! Have been reassured this park is basically empty during on lead hours which I'm a fan of :p I've also booked a day off to take thistle to aqua paws - were gonna book out one of their fenced parks just for us :D

So glad!

Double post

I love the tiniest bit of tongue sticking out! Quick question, sentry spray or thunderspray. Has anyone used it? Would you say it worked? We've got a tricky day coming up. Thistle and I are going for a walk with a dog she had previously got along with (well, mutually ignored each other) prior to the dog attack. Their biggest interactions are likely to be: 1. possibly guided butt sniffing if they show interest in it 2. Lounging in the same room depending on other dog's activity level 3. walking together in this pattern: Thistle - Me - Cookie - Cookie's owner - Cookie's owner's partner and baby carriag e Tempting as it is, going to avoid nose sniffs for this walk. TINY baby steps I'm feeling confident that she can do all the above without the spray but I really want to set her up for success y'know? So we were going to have her space vest, the thundershirt and then I was thinking trying out this sentry or thunderspray if I i can a) find it in a store somewhere and b) you guys reckon it's calming? The location will be my mate's house (Thistle on lead with me at alltimes) and their nearby dog park which is apparently onlead ONLY between hours of 3-5pm and apparently everyone obeys this (sceptical noises here). I'll be ready to throw food behind and walk away at any point. Edit: Idk why that posted twice my internet has been so bad and idk how to delete it! But I think this is the park my mate's are taking us to: Looks like the ON LEAD RULES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED :D :D :D :D :D If that is true, we may be coming back by ourselves!!! http://www.cruickshankpark.com.au/Page/Dogs