Erny

BC - that looks like a nice river that you're at. Where was the photo taken, if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks Steve. I've sent the link to that kennel to my client. Appreciate the response .

Agree, Grumpette. I went to that and decided it was a bit of a loaded question. 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 it is big; or because the Council Officer has been coached (brain washed) in Breed Specific Legislation. And what of the words "by virtue of its disposition" ??? What "disposition" are they talking about? I may even answer the question in a similar vein to what I've just said. But I decided it is too late for me to put proper thought into it so I'll re-address this (and the other questions) again tomorrow.

Hi I have a client who I've helped with their dog. Bit of a nervous nelly, the dog is - biggest fear was noise, the scraping sound, and 'narrow ways' (small spaces). They've come a long way with their dog. Part of what spurred them into seeking me out was because they needed to board their dog whilst they took holidays a little time back, but their dog was just too nervous to be able to entertain a stay at kennels. Long story short, we worked with the dog and she improved. We then organised a couple of doggy-daycare visits to the kennels to see if she could handle it. She was still shy and on the nervy side, but had improved sufficiently to cope with it, so my clients were able to go away and their dog stayed with the kennels where I train. These kennels are really great as the owner has a good understanding of dog behaviour and also empathy for the dogs and his kennel routine/system is helpful in making it as easy as possible for dogs to feel as at ease as they can. Anyway, my client has just emailed me and informed me they have moved to Wagga Wagga (well, half the family is still in transit) and wanted to know if I could recommend some kennels up there that would be as helpful and as understanding and caring as those where their dog stayed when they still lived down my way. Fact is though, I don't know of any at all in that area nor what they are like and so I'm asking here as to whether anyone would know. I apologise for the long post, but I thought you should know a bit of the background to this dog so you might get some understanding of the sort of kennels that would most suit. I would be suggesting a kennel establishment that is not overly big/crowded/busy, with light, airy runs, and with frequent access to outside during the day. And with kennel staff who have an understanding and empathy for nervy dogs (I don't mean molly coddling).

I think I must be tired. Where is the survey link found?

If they are chemical based, I don't think you're being too concerned. I know nothing about them, but I am cautious of anything that sends chemical vapours around the house. If they are merely the electric zappers with no chemical vapour, then I'd imagine they'd be fine, so long as they are out of harm's way.

Hi Staranais - as usual, you continue to articulate well. You make sense, to be sure . As do a number of other posters in this thread . OT : Hope all is well with you and your dog, and that you continue to enjoy your training adventures and your Vet study.

And you're the type we need more of, Rappie. Planning on moving to Melbourne any time soon?

If you cut a hole in the main door, isn't that going to end up being quite drafty/cold in the chilly months? I can't really help you regarding dog doors in security screens, although I have seen them. Don't know if they were specially made for the purpose, or whether they were adjusted to include a dog door after the event. It might also depend on the style of security screen you have as to whether one can be fitted. I'm sure there are others who will pop by your thread and let you know what they do. Do you have a sliding door the dogs can use? If you do, there is the full panel that you can purchase (that includes a dog door) and you can latch your security screen to it. Google "Pigs in Mud" - they make/supply them. They might also be able to advise you on getting a dog door in your security screen.

If it were me, I'd pop my dog in a 'sit' (giving as much distance as possible) and stand in front of (and facing) my dog .... just holding the collar firmly but gently (in your case, bending down to Daisy because of her size). My body between the lady and my dog. I would try to empathise with the fear this lady has of dogs - even if to us it is 'over the top' and try to act in such a way as to teach the lady to trust me, even if she can't trust dogs. If she comes to know that you will do this, the trust she builds in you might just have a carry over effect to your dog. If the opportunity was right, I might say something (as she nears) that it's ok, the dog is harmless, but that you want her (the lady) to feel as comfortable passing as possible. ETA: Sorry - I just now see that Jed wrote similar. Huski - you said the "sit" made the lady more scared. Were you facing Daisy (and I mean, being right up and close to Daisy - not holding just the lead, but taking her by the collar), and were you really close up to Daisy?

Oh dear. Poor Snot :D. Poor you, Disorder. I know exactly what you mean when they scream with pain and you can't do anything to fix it there and then. It is awful and I felt your pain at the description. I am glad it is something that li'l snot will likely recover from and I hope he does so quickly, and never looks back . Funny little sticky note taped onto his side .

I know what you are saying - I had the same thoughts as I read this. But whilst we might ponder on the reasons, I think we need to give benefit of the doubt. We don't know the relationship between the neighbours and it might have been a case of the owner knowing if he got reported, that it was likely to be the neighbour. I've read other posts here (for lesser things) where people have hesitated/refrained from reporting (not cruelty, but barking issues) for fear of the knowledge that the offending neighbours would know it was them. Could be the same in this instance and maybe there is family safety to think of. We just don't know so I like to think only kindly of the neighbour for at least not being able to stomache any more of it and helping the dog out. I don't think that would stop me reporting either, but perhaps it instilled enough fear that the neighbour needed the time to build up the courage. He did at least jump in and saved the dog from this and I hope the neighbour remains safe from retribution by Boof's owner. He'd have to be a very nasty piece of work and probably sees himself in the image of some big hulking hero. Agree.

Maybe the neighbour took the photo as evidence, before he freed and retrieved him.

What have you been using to treat his paw pads?

I thought that too. Fear? But at least he did get the dog out of there. Poor Boof. Hope he is ok and comes through the ordeal. Hope they find the owner and don't just give the usual slap on the wrist type punishment.

And you don't see the very real future potential for, instead of "Breed Specific Legislation" (which is a failed legislation anyway - no surprises there), "Behaviour Specific Legislation"? That's almost even more scarey, if not just as.

....

The natural development of substrate preference plays a good part with this, Monah.

Well, Jed, I don't think there's any law (yet) about where you can or cannot put your budgie.

JED !!!!

Tammie, I too will be at the seminar and I'll be curious to know how Vanessa's research has managed to pidgeon hole people into a category labelled "responsible" when there are so many variations and scenarios to take into account. I do worry though that so much focus (energy, time and money) is being given to do that. IE Pidgeon hole people. Pidgeon hole dogs. For all scenarios. For all environments. For all circumstances.

My boy is the same. Was from the outset. Still is. I did the usual collar conditioning. I tend to find it is worse the closer the collar is to sitting up behind his ears. I really don't know, but I wondered on it being a nerve area sensitivity (as opposed to any general skin sensitivity). As with your boy, mine doesn't worry about it once we get going (walking/training). But once we stop he'll pay it a bit of attention. It makes no difference what style/material of collar he is wearing. It is not constant though. Just as though that every now and again he finds it annoying. A friend's lab was the same and from time to time I come across other dogs who are similar.

Thanks Megan. That's an excellent tool to use . Would've saved me a heap of time leaping from one to another to another. I'll keep a note of that for the next time I am searching for book/s. The Book Depository turned out the cheapest of the sellers they have registered with them. MDBA have arrangements that can provide a pretty good deal too, so it would pay checking in with them as well.

I know Steve and I'll certainly remember that for the next time. But I guess in this instance I'll have it sooner - my fault, as I've had it in my mind to get but time snuck away on me.

Rozzy - Thank you so much for that link. The price is excellent given no shipping costs. I've placed my order with them. Appreciate that. I feel a bit guilty for cancelling the arrangement for MDBA to get the book in for me (refer my telephone message on your answer machine, Steve), but I hope you understand. Cheers Erny ETA: I could easily while away a bit of time watching people buying from around the world and seeing where all the dog mad people live LOL