Erny

Oh, definitely agree. The one thing I don't like to give them is an excuse of "no-one responded" for reason of their apathy or non-action. So even if we might not think they'll do something about it, it is absolutely worthwhile responding to.

I remember having pain myself, when my ribs were out. Although it wasn't affected by eating - it was breathing that hurt. Seeing as your Bowen Therapist is closer, maybe go back to him/her now that you've seen the Vet. The BT should be able to tell if something's out, I presume? I would also like to think he/she would be able to give you a 2nd opinion as to whether it is indeed a "floating rib". Must be hard to not have these people as 'on tap' as we do. Not only can we see either or both, but if we're not sure of one there are other good ones around that are fairly easily accessible.

I'd also be reporting this to your groomer - could be the shampoo they are using. Great that you keep your little one nicely groomed, and regularly, but I'm assuming a bath comes with that and IMO every 6 weeks is too often. I would avoid shampoos and instead would merely give your dog's skin a bath using Calendula Tea. You buy the Calendula from a health food store and make a tea from it. You might want to try a test patch first, just to make sure no allergy to it ..... myself and many people who I've spoken with who have dogs with skin issues have had good results from this. BUT - the tea wash only eases the symptoms and does not address the cause. The first place to start is to study the diet your dog is on and see if that can be improved on. And yes - also get the ears seen to and soon, if you haven't already. Wiping around the outer part of the ear canal with Colloidal Silver ("Suttons" is a good brand .... also from Health Food Store) might help as well, but I would recommend a Vet check to determine and clear any infection.

Further to your post - if it is a "Floating Rib" from what I can gather (not a great deal about it via internet) most if not all mammals have this. I think it is a case of whether it sticks out more for one than it does the other. Reading "Ask the Vet" answers, it doesn't seem to be a big deal, although I read one dog-owner's post who said she had her dog's floating rib trimmed when she was in for spaying, so that it wouldn't get knocked on anything. I think I'd be inclined to at least ring the chiropractor and ask what his/her thoughts are about it, and whether there is any manipulation necessary/advisable. I'm only thinking that we me, sometimes my ribs are out (and I think that stems from my back) and my chiro has fixed that - perhaps this is why it is suddenly more noticeable now than it was before?

If it were me, I'd go the Bowen Therapist - see what he/she has to say. Then I'd go the Chiro, if the Bowen Therapist can't put your mind at ease. I'm wondering if there's been a growth spurt and that's why it has drawn your attention. Hard to know without seeing/feeling it. I know with Mandela, I looked at his under-chest and thought wow! it seems out of shape. It seemed to happen suddenly, and it still is a bit squarish, but he seems to be growing into it now. Not the same as your situation I know, but just an example of how things can suddenly change. (Given all the other health issues I've had with him since 3 days into my ownership of him, I initially started to wonder if he was going to become all deformed .... but no, it is looking more normal now than it did at first, because his chest has deepened.) I'm with you - I work my darndest to avoid GA if I possibly can and I think you will be happier if you know that you have crossed out the first two suggested alternatives available to you, even if you need to follow through with the second one and cop that 8 hour trip (which I admit, is no mean feat). ETA: Sorry - I wrote this post ages ago, but got interrupted by the telephone, so I've submitted it somewhat late.

No - Lab_Rat did. I'm not even sure how how what I've said has been taken as if it were marked for you . Um - because you quoted my comments? Oh well - never mind. And sorry, but you posted directly after me, starting with the words "Alls I'm saying ..." so I thought that post was directed at me. But agree ..... never mind.

No - Lab_Rat did. I'm not even sure how how what I've said has been taken as if it were marked for you .

All we (or at least I) are saying is that not all dogs might see your dog the way you do. I'm not saying your dog's intent is to provoke or stir up other dogs, nor am I "judging your dog" - if you think that, please point out where I've said it. But some dogs can respond differently to what you might expect to these signals, even if you don't think they mean anything of much. Some dogs respond to the uncertainty they recognise in other dogs, and not necessarily in an appropriate way, or the way we'd rather them. I would not deny that you know your dog - how could I? But can you deny that you don't know all other dogs? I don't want to make a bigger deal than I might have already, regards to your dog's hackles. But I was concerned about the complacency expressed in some posts about the presence of hackles, and them being "cute". Hackles are a sign of tension. They should not be disregarded, just because the dog is small. That in itself has not been expressed (smallness of dog) but it is the impression I'm getting. As I mentioned/asked in my previous post, would there be as much complacency about this signal of the dog's emotions if the dog were are larger breed? Discrimination of whether behaviour is ok or not often occurs in size differences. That's how and often why we have many 'snappy' little dogs ..... the early signals for fear/uncertainty were ignored and as time and experiences marched on, the behaviour escalated. I'm just saying "watch it" and take some heed in what your little pug might be saying. Doesn't mean you need to do more than what you already do (I couldn't know because as you say, I'm not there to see your dog), but don't dismiss it too easily. ETA: Sorry - I didn't realised that this thread switched to being your dog and perhaps your dog is not little. Point being, "hackles" are telling you something. Don't ignore them, nor think hackles on any dog (big OR small) are "cute".

Yes - but if you see the piano teetering overhead, you'd be wise to act by taking precaution.

This is a good website and opportunity to put forth ideas and show support (for or against). I guess I'm a bit dubious about whether they'll take much note and whether this is just another "fuzzy wuzzy warm" feeling they want us to have about them. Elections coming up, folks. Are we going to allow ourselves to be duped, yet again? And no - I don't think that's because I'm negative, or yes, maybe I am, but with good reason - it's because of their track record in doing just that (ie asking for voices but not taking notice) and I will now believe them when I see them taking on board the voices of common sense, reason and observing the laws of Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness. IMO, the Government have much to do to restore the faith in the people - many of whom put them where they are in the first place. So yes .... I had my vote on a number of things on that website. I'll be interested to see if they start taking things seriously and stop simply banning this and banning that (hurting the good people and dogs, amongst other things along the way) and actually intelligently and with forethought, reveal an ambition to be more constructive in their laws. I'd like them to work away from the "Nanny State" they've made us and begin looking at ways existing laws can be changed for the better and enforced in a way that the public/people will take notice.

Generally speaking, pilo erection is not for "cute" reasons. If a Mastiff, or Rotty or other large dog had its hackles up, would that be cute too? A small dog is nevertheless a dog. Sorry if I'm not able to see the funny side of dogs (regardless of size) having their hackles up.

Agree - Vet now. In fact, I hope you're not reading this because you've already left. It could be bloat, or it could be that the lamb bone thing you gave is stuck in his oesophagus. Either way, veterinary attention is required and the earlier the better. If bloat, early vet attention can make the difference between survival and not. It would be lovely, though, if you came back and told us it was all fixed once your dog blew wind. I hope for the best for you and your dog.

This form gives you prices : Registration Form But yes, I understand. I can imagine it would be difficult with a toddler to take care of and money doesn't come easily. You'll enjoy your books .

It can stand up, but appears more 'fluffy'. Mostly, it is the hair on rump, base of tail and over shoulders that stands up more as what we're used to. OP - watch for the reasons WHY your pug is showing pilo erection. Not sure how old your Pug is but possibly entering 2nd fear impact period ??? The hackles generally indicate uncertainty or fear.

Through the game of 'tug', taught with all the control signals (eg. the word that says "you can tug"; the word that says "give it up" and the word that says "game is finished") there are so many other side benefits as well. Through this game your dog learns to "give" (relinquish) other objects. It teaches when a game is over, so settle down. It does teach self-control to the dog and that is a huge benefit in other areas as well. It also teaches them that someone (eg. child) waving an object around doesn't mean it is for them to have. It is very beneficial, not to mention a stack of fun. IMO, it is no different than children/adults learning the rules of a game (eg. basketball) and partaking in it. If someone doesn't comply with the rules, they might get sent off the court etc. etc. It teaches them self-control, even though the adrenaline rush is happening.

When it comes to Active Manuka Honey, my approach is "if in doubt, do it". If my boy has been around an area where I then find out cough/stomach bug etc. etc has been, I dose him. Doesn't hurt, and he loves it, so he certainly doesn't mind it either. And if it were to do nothing else, it makes me feel better that I feel I've done something, and knowing it won't do any harm either way.

My knowledge base has me saying "no" to this vaccination. I think only 1-2 weeks of having her recover from Parvo is too soon to expect her system to be well and truly as strong as it could be and if it were me, there'd be no way I'd be subjecting her body to the stress of yet another 'dose' of parvo, even if in vaccination form. Also, I would expect that your dog, from the exposure she has had to the disease, would have the anti-bodies in her system already and I don't see why she would need vaccinating for something she already carries immunity to. If I were you I would be approaching the idea of vaccination very cautiously. I'm glad your youngster survived, CheekyMonkey. That is no mean feat in itself.

Yes - it's fine with pups. I gave my boy some when he contracted Canine Cough as a pup. Sometimes I put it in some water to ensure he remained hydrated. One mistake I made (once) was that I used too much water and he guzzled it. .... we had lots of pee that time : I'd no sooner clean one pee and another one had already occurred. So my tip is to give it in small quantities of water if/when you do it this way. Other in between times I fed it to him straight from a spoon.

Refer the thread below, Jeanne. NDTF National Conference You live in NSW and not going? ;) I'm still struggling with accommodation and the rates they charge, given I'll not have transport to and from the convention centre.

Steve .... why don't you put this thread up in "Training" as well. There are some people from there who don't often venture over to this "General" forum, yet due to their constant/frequent contact with doggy type people, might be able and willing to assist. Confirming 4 ticket books to come this way - looking out for them in the post and hoping to get them before Sunday, so I can commence selling .

Perhaps Vets need to be asked if they are aware of what their Australian Veterinary Association is recommending, when they insist that yearly vaccinations are still required. And why aren't Vets offering Titre tests for those who query the necessity of vaccinations, or even to those who don't? Even every 3 years, IMO, is more than what is necessary. If the dog has sufficient levels of antibodies, why inject more drugs to the dog's body? As has already been mentioned, a Titre Test could help to reveal. If it shows up sufficient levels, there's your answer. If it doesn't, well, that still doesn't mean that "cell-memory" would not apply in the event of exposure to one of the vaccinated diseases. In the latter event - that's a decision you need to make. I don't plan to vaccinate again unless some event/reason comes along to have me reconsidering. Even then, I will consider and deliberate it - not necessarily go ahead with it.

They are scientifically based and excellent reference books. Not the sort for light reading in bed at night time, LOL. Depends on what background you have in understanding/knowledge of dogs and dog behaviour as to whether these are for you just yet. But if you're into heavier reading, well worthwhile having in your library.

NOOOOooooooooo!!! Erny don't leave us..... What!! And leave you lot to fend against our draconian Victorian laws by yourselves??? ..... I couldn't do that to you. Yet . Nup .... I don't quit too easily

You are so getting your jollies from all this "curiosity drive" aren't you? I see exactly what you are doing ...... building frustration to increase the drive. The drive satisfaction better be worth it, or you'll have a bunch of people crazy hyped, to deal with .

I agree with what PF has said. Work out the reason for his barking and that will give you a clearer direction. I'm curious regarding the above though and wonder if your use of the clicker (and treat) for this problem has been or is being a contributor to the issue. Have you been clicking and treating the instance that he stops barking? If so, it is possible that he's still pairing this reward with the fact that he was barking. It does sound like attention seeking barking and/or anxiety (being alone) barking but that can't be definitive on the small amount of information that you've given - but hinted at due to the fact that he starts when you put him out and stops when you go back out to him. I am wondering when this began - ie how old was he? Is it independence training that he needs? What introductory steps did you take to get him used to being on his own when he first came to you as a pup. ETA: Had trouble with computer in posting this and by the time I succeeded, now see some information added by your post that potentially cancels out some of my queries. Does it look like excitement (at a new day ) type barking? Is it before or after he is fed?