Erny

Thanks Isiss. Have made an appointment to see Charles, but soonest I could get in was Wednesday morning. I've asked them to slot me in tomorrow in the event there are any cancellations.

Gosh, I'm slipping. Must look up the event and book in (presuming and hoping there are spaces left??). I assume it is in the Rotty Club newsletter. ETA: Nope .... couldn't see anything about it in my glance through the April Newsletter. Any details on it you can provide HR?

Good morning . He slept ok, although got sick of laying only on his left side. He did manage to curl up on his right side at one point (without yelping, but with difficulty) but that was short lived and he awoke after an hour or two. Don't tell anyone but he ended up being invited onto my bed (which he promptly took over because I was careful not to wrestle him into position due to his leg ) and slept on his left side through the rest of the night. He seems to be crabbing a bit when he tracks, and is still stiff and favouring his right hind, so a visit to a professional is a definite. And he did a couple of little 'jumps' in excitement over his breakfast (of course I was 'onto' the jumping straight away). That he still wants to leap is making me wonder whether that's how he did the injury. I hope it is that and not from the bit of tug that we did over the weekend. Anyway, there still seems to be no swelling and he's getting around. Not sure how I'm going to work it today as I have to be out for a good part of it. Might close him into the laundry and try to skip back at some stage for toileting. I think he'd be fine to leave outside, save for the fact that I'll not be there and I think he tracks around a fair amount in those instances. Not to mention him cavorting when I get home. I'd take him to see his chiro except he only practices on Wednesday afternoons and I don't want to leave it that long. So will see if I can make an appointment for him to see Dr. Charles Kuntz tomorrow morning. Charles has seen him before so will be familiar with him.

Thanks ArtyFarty - I did enjoy my eggs, although I normally insist that Mandela lays on his mat instead of hovering over me hoping for a morsel (which he's never ever had whilst I'm eating dinner ..... but he dreams on ) but I won't tell him to lay down or drop or sit at the moment. Can imagine him milking this 'relaxation of rule' later on . Appreciate the link to the holistic measures. Ari.g - Because he's had stomach issues (believed to be ulcers) of late, I'm loathe to give him asprin. It's also another reason I'm loathe for any Vet to prescribe him tablet pain relief if it turns out he needs it. But appreciate your post and the encouragement that all might come good given 24 hours. Fingers crossed. However, he did manage to get up on the couch (something I don't always allow him to do, but he knows it's a 'command' thing) which surprised me. And he layed down without yelping - although by habit he layed to his left side, which is better than laying to his right. I've just come away from the couch and the TV to check in here and normally he'd follow me. He's still there though and he's so tired from today's events. Hopefully I'll be able to get him off without him finding it too hard to do. Anyway I think we'll make a move towards bed and I'll see what he's like in the morning. Appreciate the support to my decision to hold off and see what comes tomorrow. ETA: When we got home I practiced his 'stand' before releasing him to eat his dinner. 'Stand' has been his weaker command position (although not too bad), but because it is presently proving to be his most comfortable, I'm making the most of it . ETA: Mandela has just wandered into the office where I am - there was no yelping, so I presume he managed to get off the couch easy enough . Talk to you tomorrow. Night all. Pleasant dreams. And thanks again.

Thanks Clyde. And Kavik. I think I'm ok with thinking Emergency Vet not necessary tonight. You've made me feel better - it's hard to be objective with your own dog. Clyde - I thought about crating, but the crate makes it more awkward for him to lay as he needs to (and to get down into a 'lay down' position). <sigh> .... think I'll just go eat my eggs on toast and then get ready for and go to bed. That way he'll settle on his cushion for the night. I better go - I think he's barking at the noise of my eggs cooking in the fry pan . Thanks guys. Love the fact that you are out there for me to talk to . ETA: Oops! Sorry - didn't see you two slipping in your posts before this one, so thanks also Isiss and Shoemonster.

He's eating and drinking. He's been to the toilet (number 1) and did a poop this afternoon - the latter was when I had become suspicious of his leg not being 'right' but it wasn't as bad at that time as it is now (presume the worsening is due to stiffening). He's just pulled a ball out from under a table and is attempting to get me to play with him ..... so he's not exactly depressed. I've felt his leg and can't find any particularly 'hot' areas. Hard to tell 'heat' in the groin area, as it's often warm there anyway. There's no swelling anywhere, that I can see.

Oh dear . Mandela has done an injury to one of his back legs. I think it is more likely muscular than skeletal and seems to stem from high up in the groin area. Could be hip though ..... I haven't ruled that out. He did it today and I believe he did it from taking great leaps in the air. Nothing obvious until I brought him back out of his crate (we were at a seminar) and noticed him considerably stiff. I kept him out of the crate for the remainder of the afternoon, as it was quite uncomfortable for him to sit and to lay down. We're at home now and he yelps if he goes to lay down on his right side (the side he's damaged). Laying down to his left side is a bit awkward, but is do-able. Laying down to his right side is not do-able at all. Of course, he won't stay in one spot whilst I'm wandering around doing stuff in preparation for tomorrow and also whilst I'm cooking dinner, but then it takes him so long to lay down. I know he wants to because he's tired, but he wanders around (he's stiff and definitely favouring the right hind) whining. Whining is more a "woe is me, I don't know what to do to make myself comfortable" more than a whining in pain (I am pretty sure that's the case, anyway). I have thought about whizzing him down to the emergency Vets for pain relief, but feel that he might be better to feel uncomfortable for the time being, so he'll continue to protect his leg. I avoid the emergency Vets if I can, too ..... as I tend to find that's where the really sick dogs go. Last time I was there a parvo case came in and I was careful to skedaddle out of there as quickly as I could. So - what's the opinion of others? I guess I'm feeling guilty for the fact that he is obviously in a reasonable degree of discomfort (and pain, when it comes to laying down and/or sitting) and that without drugs I don't know that I can do much about it. I do reflect on times when I've put myself out and suffered overnight until I could get to my chiropracter ..... and managed. But that's easier than seeing your dog feeling that way. I'm thinking it is not an emergency and doesn't need Veterinary attention tonight but I think I need some support in my decision (or contrary opinion). Must admit, tomorrow is going to be awkward to organise attention for him (I'm hoping that it might not be as bad tomorrow - maybe a strain???) as I have a funeral to go to (close and long-term friend).

Many excellent 'tips' for the various problems associated with accuracy in training. What a lovely person Uta is. I was very glad of the opportunity to attend her seminar and wish to thank Eagle Heights Sport Dog Club for arranging it. Was good to meet many people there whom I knew and also those who I didn't. Enjoyed the company and the education . And yes ..... the weather was perfect and how lucky were we to have been able to enjoy it for this weekend . Couldn't have asked for better.

You get/got cross? I agree - that was one mistake you made. Glad you recognise it though. Training should be about making it clear why you are (to use your words even though I don't prescribe to them) "making another withdrawal". This would be one very good reason (amongst the others mentioned above) why you didn't achieve the success you wanted with your methodology. You saying you punished her for being frightened? If your application and timing was good, it should not have affected her trust in you. Reflecting on your posts in the other thread though .... you do seem to consider your dog to the exclusion of others. IOW, if it's ok by you and by Penny, then it's ok. I think someone has already said (I certainly have in the past, as has K9 Force more recently) that you'd do well to concentrate more on your dog training than rabbit, bunny or hare training.

Oh .... and an update on his ears. He absolutely hated the Malacetic Otic ear wash which I did last night. But this morning admittedly his ears appeared cool and a nice pale colour. I followed through with another wash (as per Vet instruction) and he hated this too (shook/trembling). It actually caused his ears to inflame. I've spoken to the Vet and I'm stopping this treatment. Will pick up some antibiotic/anti inflammatory drops which I'll at least use on the lesions (one on the inside of the tip of his ear flap is the worst - started from when he scratched it, but with the shaking from the ear wash, it has opened it back up and made it larger). Hopefully this other stuff will soothe it. I'm going to hold off putting any down his ears - I'm hoping they might now settle down on their own. But at least the drops will be there for me to use if I need them.

Wow!! This is a bit off topic, but I am so stoked! Eagle Pack (Aust) are aware of the problems I've had with my boy (first the carpal laxity syndrome, which with EP diet grew through and out ) and more recently his tummy issues. Anyway, apparently a few of them were discussing the more recent events (ie change of formula to Duck) and one of their staff actually rang ME today to enquire as to how he was going and to see if they could help out further (they've made one or two suggestions and will be following through with me). IMO, that is so going above and beyond the call of duty and I am so thrilled at the fact they really care. .

Sorry - next questions : Where is the crate? Is it close by where you would hear if he was restless? And do you know if the wee was still warm when you woke at 5.30am to take him out? (This latter question will give a small hint as to whether your pup toileted not long before you got up.) How did your pup go last night? Any accidents in the crate?

Receipts will be available on the day, I'm informed. I didn't receive a confirmation, but I have communicated a couple of times for other reasons so I know that my place at the seminar has been acknowledged.

What time did puppy 'go to bed' and what time the next morning was he taken out to the toilet (even though there was nothing to be done)?

APBT - so she is nearly 6 months old, growling and nipping at you. If I were you, I'd get someone out to assess your relationship with your young dog and perhaps adjust what you do and how you do it so that this behaviour has far less likelihood of escalating. A 3.5 month old pup is vastly different to a 6 month old pup, when hormones are influencing attitude and behaviour. ETA: I'm a bit non-plussed at how you could confuse a period of 5 weeks with 15 weeks and given your earlier posts am a bit concerned that perhaps your relationship with your pup is the reason for her recent behaviour, which is why I am suggesting it might be good to have a professional outsider observe it and make the necessary suggestions.

Generally, I have stuck with the one style of tug - this helped as a visual cue when my boy was a young pup and I was solely focusing on building his drive. Of course I changed from what I used with him as a pup and went to the tugs that I use now. (Only because I didn't have a proper tug toy for him at the time.) However there have been occasions where I've forgotten to bring one of those tugs with me when we have gone out and where I've wanted to use it to generalise his training and as an alternative I have used his (eg) Orbee ball or Wubba. I am finding that my cue words for drive training and my body language/use of the object in my hand triggers his understanding of what we're about to do so I notice that it is now not so much about what tug object I am using but merely that I am using 'it'. I don't leave his tugs with him for random play/access. The Orbee ball which I purchased from Steve (I lost my small one ) and the tug that I have pictured here NEVER get left out for him. The Wubba and his other couple of soft toys are his to have whenever he wants and apart from when I am forgetful I don't use them for his drive/tug work. I do use them for 'give' exercises though (as opposed to "oust" which I use as his drive command to 'give') and sometimes chuck them around when we are having a play.

APBT - as at 31st March, you wrote a post saying your pup was then 18 weeks old. Have you got a different pup now?

APBT - referring to your post #6. Yes - it is about leadership. But I think that what's written there (although I have read it all word for word), whilst quite appropriate and often effective for some dog/owner relationships, would be a bit harsh to apply to your puppy. Definitely think about things occurring on your terms. Or more particularly, ask yourself with whatever she does as far as interaction with her, is it likely she'll see that as occurring on HER terms? If the answer is yes, simply refuse to interact for that moment, wait a little bit for her to forget about it (puppy brains are easily distracted by other things) and then interact with her. But don't go ignoring her for really long periods. IMO she's too young for that and it is too harsh for such a young pup. Follow the NILIF program (Nothing In Life Is Free) - don't ask or expect the impossible given she's only been on this earth for 12.5 weeks, but ask for something she is capable of doing.

Good that you insisted on it being checked out. Could have proved to have made matters worse if it was left, by the sounds.

Just saw your post (added in while I was preparing mine). Ok - 3.5 months. I would suggest she is playing, by the sounds of it. You say she only does this to you? I'm assuming you're suggesting there are others who live in the household with you and who interact with the pup? Are they older than you are (eg. parents)?

vjb's question about your pup's age is very pertinent. Assuming your pup is very young though, chances are she is playing. However, the problem is that if you don't train her appropriately now to understand that behaviour is not acceptable, it has the likelihood to escalate and to become more serious in intent once maturation hormones begin to kick in. On the assumption (at this stage) that it is only innocent play, then what you could first start doing is stopping all play and walking away from her. She wants to play and when/if you do it is only reinforcing this behaviour. So stopping the play by walking off and ignoring her instead shows her that her behaviour won't get what she wants. If she's an older pup (ie young dog) though, I'd be inclined to suggest you get some professional help to have a look at her and then show you some techniques that will work to stop this.

Could be a tummy bug. When you have to go you have to go. Give him lots of chances to go outside. Clean up in his absence. And go back a step or two in toilet training (to undo any undesirable learnt behaviour that might have arisen out of his inability to hold on). Keep your eye on him - he might be feeling as unwell as you are. There seems to be a bit of tummy bug going around. With dogs and with people. Hope you are both feeling better soon.

Update on Mandela's ear problem : The cooled boiled water/white vinegar has been keeping the inflamation at bay, but having been watching carefully for signs of discomfort further down the ear canal and noting as at last night that there were concerning signs in one ear, I took him off to the Vet this morning. A swab shows that there is the presence of "budding" yeast. Not "full-blown" at this stage. And not many of them (3 or 4 from the studied swab sample). Have been prescribed "Malacetic Otic" drops. Holding off on antibiotic drops hoping the Malacetic will do the job, as we're trying to avoid this yeast problem becoming resistant. Spoke to the EP referred person - we're cutting out the Vitamin C tab and the Spirulena as Mandela's stools aren't consistently good, and because he's begun to let (bad) wind lately. I'm working backwards in a way - if he doesn't improve with those things removed from his diet then I'll cut out one of the other two additives one at a time, to see if that makes a difference. Touch wood ..... he is still enjoying the EP Duck formula.

Yes - good luck, Kavik. I hope they can come up with some positive directive. And don't worry about the Vet getting sick of questions. If you don't ask, you won't know and the Vet should respect the fact that you want to know. Vets and dog owners need to work as a team, IMO.

I think it is a food intolerance. We're still working on that in an attempt to narrow it down. At least I know that thyroid and autoimmune deficiencies are not playing a part in his problems.