anne3149

Why not use a preventative product. I use Sentinel and my dogs have never had fleas or worms. Sentinel prevents heartworm intestinal worms and fleas. However if you see a flea on your dog then you have fleas in your home. Sentinel prevents the fleas from breeding and it takes about 3 months before all the flea breeding process comes to and end. In the meantime you would need to use a spray on product to give your dog relief from the fleas. If your dog is scratching and biting because of fleas you also need to have a look at tapeworm protection and use a worming product as fleas carry tapeworm and dogs swallow the fleas and "viola' we have tapeworm. Sentinel is expensive but I bet it is cheaper than having to buy all the products needed to eliminate the problem. BTW I would not use a flea collar as a lot of dogs are allergic to them and they can cause nasty symptoms.

Aroura, you really need to keep your dog safe from your brother. Is he on medication for his schizophrenia?? if so then your mother needs to speak with his doctor again. I have a friend who is schizophrenic and she would not hurt an animal - certainly she has some different behaviours but she is not aggressive in any way at all. If what you say is correct about your brother kicking and generally abusing your dog then she is not safe there and you need to make other arangements for her. We are responsible for protecting the animals in our care and if I were you I would not let that dog out of my sight for one minute. Does he abuse the other dog too??? What does your father have to say about this.??

You don't see much of them on Australian TV either. But believe me you see them at obedience classes where a lot of the smaller breeds which are on TV shows dont put in a appearance at training. Funny about that. The police here use Rotts a fair bit and they have proven to be very reliable and courageous police dog members. They are regarded by the police here to be actual members of the force. Needless to say I have a Rott.

Most people have a preferred breed. I would let the friend choose his/her breed of dog him/herself. Better this person goes to a few dog shows (all breed) and ask LOTS of questions. I love dogs mostly more than people but there are breeds I would not like to have in my home.

It depends on the breed of dog. Some larger dogs come into season at 6 months. BTW don't agree with the vet that a dog should have 1 heat before spaying, it increases the risk of mammary cancer. I thought those old ideas had phased out. Six months is a good age for spaying.

The post said the dog had been vaccinated against rabies and then had another vaccination. We are lucky in Australia, no rabies here at all. I feel so sorry for the Great Dane and they are not happy away from their home. Ahh the frustration of dealing with authorities who don't know or don't care what they are talking about. I would be asking to speak to the superior of the department and asking for a written copy of the rules and regulations then you will be able to work out the quarantine time for yourself and have a valid argument.

I think first of all desexing. Secondly intensive obedience training so you will have some control over the situation. Surely if you do nothing then nothing good will happen and you will have enormous problems.

I know how you feel Goblin. I have a young female Rott and have the same problem. I am sick to death of people not controlling their dogs in a leash free park. They seem to think it's funny if their dog menaces what they consider to be an aggressive breed. Unfortunately I am small, just under 5 ft and just under 100 pounds, no one is too scared of me if I say a few words. My Rott is a submissive girl, and I also have a GSD who is dominant so he makes sure the Rott stays submissive. I am getting to the stage of carrying a personal alarm to ward off other dogs. Mace etc., is illegal in Australia or I would be carrying that too.

The woman runs the dog on the road.

The worst thing about this is that she is trying to get the dog fit for the chance of winning the title in a specialty breed show. I don't see any problem in biking with dog, the worst that can happen is that you will fall off the bike if the dog does something unexpected. How far will people go and how much danger will they expose their dog to just to win in a show. I see it as a dangerous activity for the dog and very uncaring when the top priority is winning a show title. I would never put my dogs in this dangerous position. I love my dogs.

I was horrified to read on another forum that a person was driving the car and holding the dogs' lead while it was running alongside the car. This person wants her dog to be fit to enter a specialty breed show. I can't believe that someone would take this risk. Her dog may well end up dead or badly injured rather than fit. I would like to know the opinion of others on this situation. Would you exercise your dog this way??? (The dog is a GSD)

How about the people who advertise Boarder Collies for sale (they must pay rent). On another board there is a person who works for a vet and she always insists the male dogs are 'casterated'.

Cheetah, how do you keep other animals out of your property with this invisible fence?????? Obviously they don't wear the collar so would be free to wander onto the property and harass or attack your dog.

NO No, I would never chain my dogs. I would make all necessary adjustments to fences etc., but chaining would not be an option for me. I would not take my dogs to live in a home that did not have adequate fencing. Luckily I don't have to, I own my home. See the above post about the boxer who hung himself on a chain. A dog on a chain is a pathetic sight.

Aroura, have you taken your dog to the vet to make sure there is nothing physically wrong.

I have just spent over $5000.00 for a TPLO operation on my dog. She is of two show champions and has all health certificates. Would I breed her just to 'recoup' some of the money I have spent on both her purchase and her vet fees NO I would not. Would I breed her to 'recoup' some of the money I have spent on training her, again NO. If your dog was ripping up leather jackets then they should not have been where the dog could get at them. Puppies wreck things, so do young children so the answer to that problem is watch your dog. The reason breeders do what they do is to better the breed, they rarely make a profit from it as the veterinary and health expenses eat up any money they get at sale of pups. Backyard breeders just don't care and if there are complications to the bitch and pups then 'bad luck'. The only reason to breed is to better the breed not to recoup the price of the dog. Shame on you.

Have you thought about having him desexed. Most entire males will mark especially if there is another animal in the house.

Definitely a beautiful little girl. Absolutely normal.

I would move the cat litter box to somewhere the dog can't get near it. Most dogs will feast on 'cat crunchies" they just love them. Has this been happening?? I think your dog is marking as he can smell the cat pee. Is your dog desexed?? if not then that is definitely what is happening I would say. Maybe he thinks you have set up a brand new toilet facility in the room, sort of like an ensuite bathroom for him.

Why not get some more information on the Pitty from your friend. Mostly they are friendly and not necessarily dog aggressive though this one MAY be. Most Pittys I see in the park are friendly and loveable. As you have a dominant dog yourself you need to find out if the Pit is also dominant - if so you may have a problem. It is in fact likely that if your friend brings the Pitty to your home it will be your dog who cuts up rough rather than the visiting Pitty. Get some more info.

She is just too beautiful---get ready for some serious exercise. Good on you Hobbit.

Oh, one of those picky eaters that take forever. Frustrating isn't it. The obedience training suggestion sounds like a good idea. Perhaps that will make her more independant - sure can't do any harm and you will both enjoy it. Much better for the dog too as it will understand what you want it to do and you will understand how to communicate your commands. Good luck and keep us posted.

What is the problem of staying with her while she eats, it won't take long. it sounds a bit like the little dog is insecure and as her sense of insecurity lessens the problem will solve itself. You need to provide her with other interests, toys, balls, a big bone etc., to get her focus off you.

Thanks rowie for setting me straight. I saw DOG FIGHTING and saw red. Didn't bother to check the date - just lost my cool immediately. It is the most disgusting thing and I don't know how anyone could even watch the show about it.

What on earth would you want to watch dog fighting for. Isn't it illegal?? it is in Australia. If I knew where dog fighting was taking place I would be informing the police.