Scarlet

I agree with the others in considering an older dog rather than a puppy. I would probably think of another terrier. Staffies are pretty rough when they play so you would want a dog who can put up with rough play times. If you go to DOL home page you can then click onto mature dogs and rescue dogs. Something there may suit you or you can check out this link http://petrescue.com.au/

When you go to the vet ask about all your worming needs, including heartworm and tick prevention. Vets often have lots of written information so take as much as you can and read them at home. I worm my pets every 3 months, on the first day of each new season, eg. ist summer, autumn, winter and spring. That way I always remember when they were wormed. I buy my products from here as their prices are great. http://pricelesspets.com.au/ Until he has finished his vaccinations the puppy shouldn't walk on ground outside your home as he can get parvo. It is OK to carry him places and get him used to lots of different environments and noises. The more he is exposed to now the better. Read the puppy development calender on top of this puppy page - great advice.

You really have to watch them like a hawk. If he even looks like squatting , whip him outside. Take him outside every 1/2 hour. Take him outside immediately he wakes up from a sleep. Take him outside immediately after eating or drinking. After eating, drinking and sleeping you may have to stay outside with him for at least 1/2 hour. It gets boring and takes a lot of effort but it really needs to be done.

Oh Varicool he's a little s#@* to do this to you, probably sulking because you're away. Lets hope he had a good night at the vets and is home this morning. Ring if there's anythink I can do. Have you got a lift from the airport?

I think you have to trust your vet. Also I don't think you have much choice but to go ahead with the op. Jessie is probably already in pain from the teeth and the infection can play havoc with her health. I won't say not to worry because you will but best wishes for everything going well.

Lots of short trips in the car are great. Even put the dog in the car, back it out the driveway and get out. Even do this 5 - 10 times a day so she get to learn that it is a normal thing to do. Sounds like it is the car rather than the vet you are worried about.

I use advantix collars and the bit I cut off, because they are too long, I put in the vacuum cleaner bag. I would vacuum before (to stir up the fleas) and after bombing the house. You may have to vacuum every day, or every second day, for a couple of weeks. I would also take all the dogs and kids away from the house when you use the bombs. Do you have any fish? I would remove them too. Stay away for a couple of hours after the bomb finishes. Turn off any pilot lights. I think whatever method you use to remove fleas would probably have to be repeated on a regular basis for a while (guessing maybe every week for a month or so) because I think any treatments don't kill all the lavae. Did you vet have any ideas? Could you talk to a pest control person about some sort of outdoor spraying. They would have to be aware that you have cats, dogs and children so they don't use anything too strong/toxic. Again it may have to be repeated so it could get expensive.

Maybe Bargo is inland and cold enough not to have ticks but could you ring a local organising the show to ask? But then again it also has lots of bushland too. If not sure I would use Advantix just in case! Yes you can give advantix as you suggested. I've always been told by vets that it is safer to over dose than underdose. If using it I would put it on your dogs the night before you travel. It works for 2 weeks for ticks.

She is probably already having pain from her teeth. She already has infection and calculus in her mouth, if the vet intends to remove 4 teeth and do a clean, which can give her / or aggravate heart problems. Doesn't really sound if you have a choice. I would do the treatment. Have you discussed your concerns with your vet?

I have a male and a female border collie. The girl marks everywhere on walks. The male never. I do find this very strange but I'm not worried. He's healthy. Neither of them poo on walks.

I would prefer to warm meat in the microwave on a low heat

I've just ordered one of these - will let you know how it goes. http://www.k9force.net/index.html?row2col2=flies.html edited to add link!

Cazablanca posted the link for Auzzie toys. Do you have anywhere strong to put up a Home Alone toy? I have seen one of these and they are great. Sounds like your dog would love it. So would mine but I have nowhere to hang one safely. I agree with the others that 1/2 hr of training can tire a dog more than 1 hr exercise. Also if you are going to get a lot of toys don't give them to her all together. Rotate them so she doesn't get bored. Add a few squeaky ones too. Good luck

Just a couple of things to think about. Any puppy will be quite destructive and toilet training can be a little daunting. It takes a lot of consistency - just like training kids A more mature dog from a rescue organisation or breeder may be easier. You would have to be specific and let them know exactly what you are after but the advantage here is that the owner / carer would have a good idea of the dogs temperament and if it would suit your family. Small children should be supervised around dogs and should never be allowed to carry dogs or puppies. Dogs often see children as lower than them in the pack order so it is difficult for children to discipline dogs. Saying that it is great for older children to take a dog to obedience classes and even try dog sports. Dogs like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels are usually great with kids but I think really robust dogs are the retrievers but they are large and in their exuberance can knock young children over. I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions.

I haven't done it often but I've used a cat crate. Secured it with a seat belt and had it facing the person sitting in the back seat. When I've rehomed foster dogs I've always sent them off with a rug, towel or soft toy that they have been using. Just something with familar smells for them. I'd suggest something similar for getting a puppy. Even if you supplied a clean, new towel a week or so before you bring the puppy home.

Varicool's Harvey does lurecoursing.

This is what I do. Generally on a walk I (aim to! ) keep my dogs at my side but we have a stretch near home where I walk through a park. I always let them have full stretch of the lead and they can walk where they want - I follow them. They sniff and wee wherever they want. I only let them do this at this park and they know it. I decide when we leave and then they have to walk beside me again.

My BC's get matts behind their ears nearly daily as that is where they pull each other when playing. Can't explain only one ear though.

I've had a few fosters desexed and I've found that a small quiet walks helps to keep them satisfied so they don't run, jump and play. Watch she doesn't play too rough with any other dogs or your children. Once they are over the anaesthetic I don't think they have much pain - just watch she doesn't bite her stitches.

I think you just have to supervise. My border collie who I have had since a pup is quite protective of her food - not with humans, just other dogs. My new dog who is a foster failure would let Maddy take his food all the time if I didn't supervise. Maddy is the dominant dog so I have no intention of training her out of this and I'm not sure I could. So as the overall leader I decide who eats and when by supervising all meals even bones. They don't take long to eat so I don't find it much of a problem.

When I first fostered Maddy picked up a couple of mild doses of KC from the first 2 or 3 foster dogs. It seems to have built up her immunity and she has not had it since even if the foster dogs do. She was always fully vaccinated.

I had an older BC who had had a stroke so it was easier to shave him 2 / 3 times a year. He also had bowel problems so I would keep his skirt clipped all the time. At this stage I didn't care what the coat looked like but I think it tended to grow back quite curly and it was difficult to comb. So I would shave an old / sick dog if I thought it would make him more comfortable but not a young / healthy. dog.

You should have been given a vaccination certificate (card, letter etc. signed by the vet) with the type of vaccination and the date(s) when they were given. The breeder should have also given written advice on what worming has been done and when. If you have none of this I would assume that nothing has been done. You need to contact the breeder and possibly your vet.

Personally I'd get the phone book out and ring around. I think you're right about them thinking advertising is a wasted exercise.

I took the post a saying that you are happy with Advantix and Drontal for your adult dogs and not sure what to give the pup until she has her yearly heartworm injection. If thats the case I would give all 3 dogs the same but also give your pup the monthly or 6 weekly heartworm chews/tablets until you can synchronise the 3 together.