Erny

Thanks Sas. I'm not confident about it all yet. And probably won't be until I can get him back to hoovering his food like he used to. Or at the very least, to eat it eagerly without me needing to be around to encourage him, or where a buzzing fly won't be such a distraction as to have him walk away and forget about his meal. I still had to encourage him to eat his breakfast and only just managed to get him to eat 2 x portions of BARF Rabbit and a small amount of roo mince. Takes me about half an hour or so to feed him (by the time I employ my various tactics) .

Agree with you here, Longcoat. It was pretty much defence drive; pack drive; and/or prey drive. Prey drive has been disected into a few divisions that I never used by way of terminology either. Once I understood what prey drive was about, conceptually speaking, I think to me it was fairly clear for my purposes what aspect of "prey drive" was desired for what purpose. I seem to recall that it was the USA folks who began the trend of breaking "prey drive" down to multi-facited drives. All part of the one, but each a different phase of it. And I guess the purpose for that might have been to be able to use the written word to a faceless audience by way of explanation of training aspects. I'm only surmising that from the small descriptive break-down of terms came others who then branched off with their own terminologies. Break-downs of break-downs, so to speak. I too look at it sometimes and wonder at how many 'drives' came from one. This is just my own thoughts and theories on how the terminologies evolved to what they've become today and I do become a bit concerned that they'll get so watered down to lose their true meaning and essence if we're not careful.

I hope and actually expect that more will catch on. I believe they will. News, I think, is filtering through. And as a training school, I accept Titre tests as well. With minimum C3 requirement.

As a somewhat unhelpful update (and hoping I don't jinx myself by speaking too soon), I am beginning to think I am noticing improvement after administration of the meds prescribed by Mr. Barry Templeton (hair analysis person). It is difficult to determine because Mandela still receives the naturopath medications as well - and they have helped, but very much on a gradual basis, which was to be expected. It is also difficult to know whether the more dramatic improvements would have occurred as a natural process of Mandela's condition, even without meds. However, in a very short time after administering the first of the first lot of meds, I noticed better signs. Poor coat condition and hives remained. Eating still irratic, although quantity, when he did eat, increased. Meds were administered for 2 weeks. Then a further hair sample submitted for analysis. Second hair analysis report claims that liver function is now normal and focus is on coat condition/hives as well as stomach discomfort. We have a second lot of meds to treat these things. Started these meds Sunday night. Vastly more energetic yesterday and even more so today. (Not that he was what I'd call lethargic beforehand - it's just that he seems more vibrant, almost bursting with vigour.) Coat feels good to the touch (not greasy) and sight (scurf reduced markedly). Hives have visibly and fairly suddenly reduced, especially (but not only) in the past 24 hours. Eating is still not a 'given' but for the first time in over 3 months he has eaten roo mince. Needed some encouragement at first but between that which I included in his bowl along with BARF Rabbit and that which I used as treats for tricks this evening (my way of getting my food to him), he happily ate about 0.5kg. That was his limit - he didn't want more after that. But that was after eating 2 portions of BARF Rabbit and a bit earlier on, 2 x chicken wings. And for breakfast, 2 portions of BARF rabbit. Not to mention his Roo Jerky treats which he receives here and there for various things (including as a reward for "take your tablet" LOL). We're not 'there' yet. But I'll keep you informed.

Awww see, I wanted to know what that said. Me too It said "......" Sorry guys. I just had a change of heart. Was going to post something I thought would be helpful, but might've not been appreciated as such.

That wouldn't be so bad, IMO. I'd love it if kennels would see their way to accepting Titre tests as an alternative to mandatory annual vaccination.

......

You're not "raving" and I know what it is like. It's scary. It's heart-breaking. It's awful feeling helpless. Relax. Breath. And just spend some quiet time with her. No need to speak. She'll be knowing that you are doing your all. Let us know what the Vet suggests when you speak to him tomorrow.

I agree. And that formed part of my answer to the State Government. I hope your daughter healed both physically and mentally after the incident. Would have been frightening for all.

Dunnwarren - it's ok. It was only a suggestion and certainly I agree that in some cases, especially when our dogs are older, we should wonder if some things are just 'academic' exercises - costing money and of no end benefit to the dog. Been there and done that. No criticism from me. I guess from my own experience, sometimes it can work out cheaper in the long run if specialist advice is sought earlier, rather than paying out for numerous visits to your GP Vet only to potentially find out there are no answers forthcoming. Having said that, there are some GP Vets around who are worth their weight in gold and do just as well as specialists as far as diagnosis is concerned. My avatar girl (bless her cotton socks) experienced Grand Mal seizures. She was on medication to control them. She had other complications and as a result I did give her her wings a few years ago. I cannot recall the name of the meds, but they did dope her down a fair bit. That's why I'm thinking your girl's "wonkiness" in her hind legs might be a matter of dosage adjustment. Only your Vet is going to be able to advise you properly. My heart is with you.

For starters : Are dogs 'buddied up' when they are taken out for their exercise run? If so, are they supervised the whole yard-exercise duration? What is their check-out time policy? What food do they feed? How long is their out-door exercise for?

Sorry Dunnwarren - seizure activity can be the result of many different things, consequently, and without further testing, I think it would be difficult to guess at the reason for your girl's troubles. Seizures are horrible to watch - you are rendered helpless and the seizure can appear quite violent. I would be inclined to seek specialist opinion. Is it possible that the meds are making her 'wonky' on her back legs? Perhaps dosage needs to be altered? I hope you find a 'medium' to your girl's health dilemma that will see things equalise soon. Others here might have something more helpful to add than I.

Yes - I know it's different from one dog to another. And can imagine how a cat reactive dog can make it awkward. What I think I hate worse, are the shiny floors. Pair a shiny floor with a dog flailing to get to something and it's an invite to injury. Hate seeing dogs ending up doing the splits because of this. I know the Vet clinics need the slippery floors so they can clean properly.

If it is good kennel establishment, with good people who care for and understand dogs running it, your dog should be fine. Dogs are tremendously adaptable.

I recently took a stray dog to the Vet so we could scan for a microchip and locate his owner. This dog was strong built. And just strong in general. And pulled on the lead as though there were no tomorrow. As I was out at the time at an event, I'd emptied my car of training collars as they were not expected to be needed, so the only thing I could do was loop a lead into a noose type arrangement and restrain the dog on that. He was so strong (yet an adorable, docile dog) that before the end of the day, my whole thumb had bruised from the effort to hold him. I knew this dog was ok with other dogs (he was caught roaming in amongst other on-lead dogs at the event) and people, so wasn't worried about walking into the Vet's. The dog still pulled me around inside the Vet clinic, whilst the clinic tried to contact the owner (from the microchip details). As they weren't able to reach them, I left the dog at the Vet's. The Vet nurse asked me to bring him around the back where their holding pens were. As I went to walk behind the reception and through the door, out came the resident cat. Turned out ok, but my heart leapt as I really had no clue as to what this dog would do at the sight of a cat and I was flat out holding him without him being aroused, let alone if he was. Still not entirely sure, as I diverted the dog before it had much chance to glimpse it and said something like "cat!!". Vet nurse quickly sent the cat out and all was calm. But yes, it can be a bit chancy sometimes. Other times, I don't mind too much. I don't have a cat myself and it gives me the albeit rare opportunity to let my dog get used to the idea of cats being around and him not having anything to do with it.

Yes. I fear this too. Often, the invitation for public submission is only a token offer by the Government - makes the public think they take into account our opinions and what we say. The other thing also is that the survey would be open to non-dog owning and potentially anti-dog people, many of whom perhaps don't have a clue other than what's been fed to them by the media, and who do not have any understanding of dogs and how the laws that are being and have been created are not working. But still, the Govt will be able to say "we asked the people, and we delivered". Neither of which would be a lie. Might be fruitless. But wouldn't be a lie. At least we can say "we have been trying to tell you". For what that might be worth.

Erny I said yes to this. The reason being that it will help give a more accurate picture of bite statistics. Yes, you will still get breed bias to some degree when it comes to identifying the breed responsible, but it will capture the incidents of owners' dogs biting family members a lot better than currently recorded when people go to the emergency dept of hospitals. With a lot of dog bites people tend to go to their GP and that data is lost. It is possible that it will help balance some of the media hype surrounding dog bites. I understand, Grumpette. That's why I deliberated about it. But, as the survey was going to kick me out if I didn't complete it in 15 minutes (because it had sat static), I answered "No". My reasoning behind this is that EVERY dog bite stat recorded is a nail in dogs' coffins and there are many a times when the bite does not equate to an aggressive dog. For example, a dog who suffers a pencil being thrust down its ear cannal by a child; a dog who I might have worked with for the very reason that it was a bit snappy (leadership) and before behaviour modification had the opportunity to be effective, snapped me and caught my hand or whatever - I'd class that as "my fault" and whilst I might need a stitch or two, would not class that as something the dog or dogs in general should be tainted with. Another example would be one from when my own boy was a titchy pup with needle point sharp teeth. He and I made the mistake of heading for a crash course (accidentally). It was only an accident that his mouth was open as he went for a toy. It was only an accident that I bent down in his 'line' and his tooth caught my lip. It opened it up but fortunately didn't need stitches. If it did, then this potentially would have had to have been reported as a "dog bite" if this law was in. I possibly wouldn't mind as much if we could have the equivalent of stats which indicated when dogs have been good - maybe that would weigh the balance a bit better.

When the survey is done, this pops up with a "thank you" note : At the moment, BSL is "regulation". Regulations don't have to go through parliament to be passed in, so it is easier for the Government to make these rules without the hurdles imposed by parliamentary rule. Conversley, it is easier (note that I did not say "easy") to get regulations changed. Moreso than it is to have legislation changed. Would someone please correct me if my understanding is wrong (or confirm if my understanding is correct)? IOW - Government have seen fit to implement BSL as a part of the Feral and Nuisance Animals Act (I think this Act has a new name now), and not JUST as a regulation. Wonder why they would do that, seeing as it is already proven to have failed ??? No. I don't "wonder" nothing any more .

Ok ..... I just prattled some of my thoughts off. I don't know why, but I never seem to be able to word things well when I'm typing in those little boxes. Maybe because the whole of what I'm saying is not always visible. These are the answers I gave : DEFINITELY NOT. I am not prepared to endorse approval of power to a council officer to have a dog destroyed because some Council Officer 'thinks' it might be a danger because the dog is big; or because the Council Officer favours (or dislikes) certain Breeds (reference Breed Specific Legislation). And what of the words "by virtue of its disposition" ??? What "disposition" are they talking about? To answer yes to this question leaves it open to inexperienced and unknowledgeable people making rash and fatal (for the dog) decisions that may well be unnecessary, but are irreversible. "Sorry" won't cut it. NO. My reason behind this answer is that the declaration of "dangerous dog" under the law doesn't really mean the dog IS dangerous. To give licence for some council employee to arrange for its death is folly and will impact greatly on the owners (family) of that dog - a dog that by all common sense may well actually not really be a dangerous dog. I used to think registration of a dog with Council was something that should be for every dog. To me, this provided identity and the ability to retrace an owner in the instance of the dog straying. Nowadays we have mandatory microchipping, which I believe is more beneficial. So, each provides a form of ID and ownership. IF I thought that the majority of moneys from dog registrations went back into matters pertaining to dogs and facilities for dog-owners to enjoy their dogs, then my answer to registrations and penalities if not registered would be yes. But as that is not my understanding my answer must be "NO" as I can recognise where Council registration and mandatory Microchipping is an overlap of the same purpose (ie ID) and causes an owner 2 expenses. This one I haven't answered yet and wouldn't mind the input of thoughts of others. I don't like the idea of things such as this having to be reported and my inclination is to simply answer "NO". If I do, it will be the only one worded answer I've managed to give through the whole survey. LOL They should definitely NOT all be destroyed. Breed Specific Legislation does not work and it will NEVER work. This was made painfully and abundantly clear even before BSL was adopted by our State. Pit Bull owners should be bound by the same rules, regulations, legislations, prohibitions and restrictions that prescribe to "Responsible Ownership" as it does for all of us. I fervently oppose the discriminations of BSL and suggest it has caused more problems, misunderstandings and misgivings by its very existence. It is a failed legislation. It should never have been adopted and this unfair and deleterious law should have by now been scrapped. IF however (as it seems) we do not have a choice in this and it is insisted that this be a "either this or either that" option, then I would venture to say that "de-sexed and muzzled when off property" is a better option (note : NOT a fair option) than forcing the killing of these dogs - family, loved, and companion animals. There are many rules, regulations, legislations that have been introduced into the State of Victoria and which pertain to dogs pursuant to both the Feral and Nuisance Animals Act as well as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act - rules which are greatly flawed and hurt the innocent and responsible dog owners rather than those they were designed to target. I think the Government would do well to seek conference with the actual people who are closely and every day involved in the training and behaviour of dogs as well as their welfare - begin to work with them and stop allowing mere politics to influence the content of regulations that continue to be imposed upon us. LOL - for this last question I felt like starting off with "well, seeing as you asked ...." and then filling out sheets of A4 text to cover all my concerns about the powers they grant, the laws they create, the politics involved in those laws -vs- the common sense of them.

My understanding is that you don't need to commence heartworm preventative until pup is 6mo. I live in Victoria. With our irratic and cooler climate, I err on the side of the prevention treatment being worse than the risk of contracting heartworm. My boy doesn't receive heartworm preventative nor do I vaccinate (beyond the puppy vaccination regime). And because we don't have flea or tick issues, I don't use spot-ons of any description. I avoid over-bathing my dog with shampoos (in fact, his last bath was almost one year ago) and I don't routinely worm him (if I'm concerned, I get a worm burden count done at the Vets - it is simply a matter of providing a stool sample and the Vet will usually examine it for the presence of worms, on the spot).

Do you need to begin heartworm preventative on a puppy so young? I talk my dog to take a tablet by treating it as though it was a trick. Always followed up (as tricks are) with a tasty treat. Would be difficult and lengthy for me to describe and the steps I took changed a bit over time, but basically he will sit, take the tablet, I have my flat of hand under his chin and (embarressingly) the cue for him to swallow is me poking my tongue out as dogs often do after eating a nice morsel. I've noticed that with the tablets that he doesn't like the taste of, he'll almost voluntarily open his mouth for me to drop it to the back of his tongue. But otherwise I just hold the tablet, ask him to "take a tablet" and he will take it of his own accord. I treat the whole thing as fun (just as you would training at trick) and even if he does spit a tablet, I use a NRM and once he's swallowed the tablet, a reward marker, followed by something nice to eat.

Don't think it is "modern" training "systems" as such - been around for a long long time. I think perhaps it is in more recent times that explanation on how to do it has come to the forefront. And when people are learning, some structure is usually needed until they become a bit more familiar with it. And with structure comes 'step by step' style instruction, or people become a bit lost. It's not a "devise" as such, although I don't think you intended the word to be used in its real sense. And if the "natural desire" wasn't there, you wouldn't get anything from it. It is about taking that "natural desire" and encouraging it to 'bloom', shall we say. And then using what you have encouraged to 'bloom' to attain the best in obedience/performance that you can. Of course if the dog is genetically blessed with high drive, it is easier and you can use that drive in many more situations. But even with dogs where that drive is not strong, but is there, if it has been nurtured, you can use it in some situations. But whatever the strength of drive, it has to be there genetically anyway. You can nurture a seed to sprout and become a tree or a bush or plant or whatever its genetic makeup dictates what it will be. You can't nurture a small plant seed to become a tree though.

I agree. Make use of the lemon tree! I have a huge one (grows and fruits really well) and I keep the neighbours, my family and friends supplied in lemons . For plants that quite like a bit of shade/not much sun, and don't require much in the way of water, perhaps think about putting in some Clivia's. They enjoy shade (can be planted under trees) and once they are established are fairly drought tolerant and hardy plants. They don't like frosts and are prone to their leaves burning if open to harsh sun. Clivia can be seen here in this picture (which unfortunately is NOT of my own garden) - they are the ones that kind of look like agapanthus but have the orange flowers. They come in other colours too, but read up on these.

Oops! Previous post wouldn't allow the two attachments. This one is the miniature Crepe Myrtle :

Oh .... what a shame these trees carry the disadvantages you mention. Good to know though. I'm looking for a tree to plant in my back yard that will 'fit the bill' and wandering through our neighbouring Botanic Park, caught the beautiful perfume of what I'm sure are also White Cedars. I really liked those trees when they are in bloom and toyed with the idea of planting one at home. Quickly dismissed the idea when I googled and found out how large they grow. Just as well, it seems? Crepe Myrtles are in my "Top 5" favourites as far as trees goes. I planted one in my naturestrip. It was only smallish at the time and has taken a while to get a wriggle on (not helped by previous nasty neighbours who broke off one of the main centre pieces that would have formed the main of the trunk) but with time and helped I think by the break in Melbourne's drought, seems to be on the move now. Each year its flower display is improving and becoming more prolific. I realise my post is OT and I hope the OP doesn't mind too much, but whilst I'm on the subject of Crepe Myrtles, I planted a miniature Crepe Myrtle a good number of years ago. Its size now is around the 1 - 1.5 metre height and spread and it puts on the most magnificant flower display (purple) that lasts throughout the hot summer months and beyond. I've included a picture here for anyone interested - I love it. This piccy was taken 3 years ago and it does not do it justice. It is bigger and more full now, and covered more by flowers than what is shown here. I know I have a more current photo of it, but I can't find it. One of my other faves is the Jacaranda Tree. This one is still young and was planted as a fairly small tree. The flowers were a bit thicker than this, but some hard rains and wind took some of them away. Doesn't help the OP one iota as far as the fencing ideas are concerned, but someone reading might enjoy the snippet .