Author Topic: Rox's Dog Advice Thread  (Read 396224 times)

Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #40 on: July 21, 2006, 01:48:31 pm »
Rox ...is this you??



Good lord no.  That woman did more harm to dogs with her 'choke chain' methods of training than anyone else.

Positive reinforcement is the order of the day these days...

He's not neutered but it's something we're looking into. I can't remember the name of the food but he doesn't like it. He went on hunger strike for a day until he was too hungry and had to eat it, so I'm going to look at the food you have mentioned above and see if he likes that instead.

Thanks for the advice.

Neutering is a really simple op these days, it's more like a doggy vasectomy.  They often recover from it in a matter of hours (as soon as the anaesthetic wears off they're usually back to normal).  He may have to wear a Buster Collar if he's the type to chew his stitches though!!

Just so you're not surprised when he's done, they don't remove the balls anymore, they just snip some bits out and his plums will shrivel up.  Seeing that he's 2, he's more than old enough, it will mean he'll scent mark less, and if there's a bitch in season in the locale, he won't be interested and disappear.  :)
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Offline nidgemo

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #41 on: July 21, 2006, 01:52:21 pm »
Also Rox, I'm picking up my 8 week old white westie "Robbie" next week.

What do I do then?

Seriously. I've never owned a dog before.
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Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #42 on: July 21, 2006, 02:04:09 pm »
Also Rox, I'm picking up my 8 week old white westie "Robbie" next week.

What do I do then?

Seriously. I've never owned a dog before.

:)

Well, you're going to have a little bundle of mischief on your hands.   ;) 

The first few months are the crucial ones.  Get yourselves enrolled in training classes (you can check some out at this site: http://www.apdt.co.uk ), but make sure they train using positive reinforcement techniques.

Also, check out this link for plenty of information of what to expect: http://www.thewesthighlandwhiteterrierclubofengland.co.uk/breedinfo.html

Remember that it's a terrier, so it's going to be quite a challenge for you - which is why training classes are going to be essential.  Not only will it help you understand your dog, but it will keep the little chap socialised with other dogs.

If you're getting him at 8 weeks, remember that you can't take him out for a walk until he's had his 2nd vaccination at 12 weeks old.  :)

When you get a name tag, don't put the dog's name on it - just your surname and phone number.  Otherwise it's very easy for anyone to pretend it's their dog.

I'd also recommend you take out insurance on your new friend.  Make sure it's a policy that covers illnesses for the lifetime of the dog, some only cover the first year, or a limited monetary amount.  If your dog develops an illness like diabetes, epilepsy, etc, you'll be covered for life.

Good luck fella!  :)
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Offline Branno

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #43 on: July 21, 2006, 02:32:20 pm »
OK advice needed. Moved into a new house last year and have two little ankle bitters.

The garden isnt finished yet so unless its been dry for a while we cant let them out there. So when we are out we leave the dogs in the double garage. They have their beds and stuff in there as well.

Problem is one of the will only piss and shit anywhere but the garage. Usually out of sight in a spare room. How can I get her into going in the garage like the other mut ?  :wave
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Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #44 on: July 21, 2006, 02:57:50 pm »
OK advice needed. Moved into a new house last year and have two little ankle bitters.

The garden isnt finished yet so unless its been dry for a while we cant let them out there. So when we are out we leave the dogs in the double garage. They have their beds and stuff in there as well.

Problem is one of the will only piss and shit anywhere but the garage. Usually out of sight in a spare room. How can I get her into going in the garage like the other mut ?  :wave

There's some advice for housetraining in the first page of this thread, so check it out (ie I can't be bothered to type it out again ;) ). 

If you want her to do it in the garage (?) use the puppy training pads I mention.  And the other solution is to keep the spare bedroom door closed...  ;) ;D

Now when you say the garden isn't finished, isn't there an area you could divide off for them to go in, because otherwise in a few months time you'll be asking for advice because your dogs will only crap in the garage and not in the garden...!  ;)

Oh yes - NEVER tell your dog off for pooing in the worong place - otherwise they go somewhere sneaky and do it while you're not looking.  Plenty of praise when they do the right thing in the right place.  ;)
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Offline medley

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #45 on: July 21, 2006, 03:17:05 pm »
Also Rox, I'm picking up my 8 week old white westie "Robbie" next week.

What do I do then?

Seriously. I've never owned a dog before.

I had a westie called robbie that i picked up from wales around the same time. But he died last year :( He pooed in the car on the way home, but about 1 min before hand he started barking so it was like he was trained already, ha! they're so small and cute at that age. I went to see him and his brothers when they were about 1 or 2 weeks old and they all looked like so cute and tiny (didnt actually look like dogs)
« Last Edit: July 21, 2006, 03:19:17 pm by medley »
My mate is Sarah Harding's cousin from girls aloud, he looks a fair but like her which is a bit weird when i'm cracking one off over MTV like

Offline blurred

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #46 on: July 21, 2006, 04:42:47 pm »
Top tip: try not to leave your dog in the car during the hot weather, and if you do, try to leave a bowl of water for them :wave

Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #47 on: July 21, 2006, 04:47:12 pm »
Top tip: try not to leave your dog in the car during the hot weather, and if you do, try to leave a bowl of water for them :wave

Indeed.  But even a ventilated car gets hot - dogs dehydrate very quickly, and in this weather can die from heat exhaustion and dehydration in little more than 20 minutes.

If someone does leave their dog unattended in a air-con free car, not only will I smash the window to get the dog out, I will wait for them and personally stuff them into an oven at Gas Mark 10.

Same as if I see anyone using a 'shock collar' on their dog I will hunt them down and taser them - see how they like it.
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Offline WorldChampions

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #48 on: July 21, 2006, 05:33:57 pm »
Is spraying your dog with a water pistol when it barks a bad thing to do?

Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #49 on: July 21, 2006, 05:41:03 pm »
Is spraying your dog with a water pistol when it barks a bad thing to do?

Depends on the dog and situation - the water pistol method is one widely used by trainers - but basically to tackle the problem you have to work out why your dog is barking.  It's always best to use positive distractions than negative ones. 

Tell me about your dog (breed, age, etc) and a little bit about when they bark.
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Offline WorldChampions

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #50 on: July 21, 2006, 05:46:04 pm »
He is a dachshund just turned 2years old, basically it barks at any little noise it hears when out in the back garden. It knows it shouldnt because as soon as you come out side and look at him he stops or runs off. The problem is when it is out on its own

Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #51 on: July 21, 2006, 06:01:34 pm »
He is a dachshund just turned 2years old, basically it barks at any little noise it hears when out in the back garden. It knows it shouldnt because as soon as you come out side and look at him he stops or runs off. The problem is when it is out on its own

He realises that you don't want him to do it, but you know what - daschunds are a woofy breed.  It's in their nature.  Unfortunately people don't take into account the natural predisposition of a breed before they take them on.

The Daschund was bred originally as a hunting dog, to hunt above and below ground (birds, badgers, etc) so when your dog is in the garden he's barking because somewhere in his genetic make-up something is telling him - "Come on!  Come on!  We're hunting!".  This is what he's telling you.  A lot of daschunds also dig holes - again this comes from what they were bred to do - but owners see it as bad behaviour.  Technically it isn't bad behaviour because they are just doing what they were bred to do.  In fact you could argue that they are perfectly behaved because in displaying this behaviour they are exactly following their inbuilt hardcoded instincts.

As an example, most of the Spitz type breeds were bred to be alert dogs.  They were bred to bark and howl if they hear anything suspicious.  So, after hundreds of years of breeding them one way, owners want to change the instinct of the dog because barking is frowned upon.

Complaining about a dog barking when you have a dog which is predisposed to barking a lot is like going to a Ferrari dealership and complaining they don't stock people carriers.

So, that said (and hoping I haven't offended you), the way to deal with it is to use his worky hunting brain to your advantage.  You must give him little jobs to do in the garden that don't involve barking.  When he's quiet you give him plenty of praise for being a good boy.  Use a distraction technique, but instead use a toy he likes (maybe a squeaky toy) so when he hears it he is distracted and comes to find it (that will use his hunting skills).

Again, have a good look at the food you're feeding (more info on page one of this thread).  Let me know how it goes.
« Last Edit: July 21, 2006, 06:05:33 pm by Rox »
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Offline WorldChampions

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #52 on: July 21, 2006, 06:25:45 pm »
Nah no offence taken. It is the perfect dog in everyway except for this which can get a little annoying when barking at birds ;D

I'll just put up with it :wave

Thanks

Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #53 on: July 21, 2006, 06:27:35 pm »
Nah no offence taken. It is the perfect dog in everyway except for this which can get a little annoying when barking at birds ;D

I'll just put up with it :wave

Thanks

Fluttery birds or the other kind?  ;)

At least now you know why he's doing it.  He's a living miracle and testament to genetics.  ;D
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Offline Another-kop-hero

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #54 on: July 21, 2006, 06:50:29 pm »
Just a few questions about dogs now i don't personally own a dog but would love to as i find them great fun ;D but a few of my family members do

My uncle has a newfoundland and boy is it a beast but great fun to play with but gets giddy a bit but nothing to serious but if you try to walk away he starts yelping and putting his paw on you and stopping you from going as if it say i still want to play now i suppose this it like a kid thats not finished playing will always try and get a few minuets more? like i say he doesn't get violent just find it odd now i don't know what he is fed or wot like that but just curious as to why

Also i read that there a lifesaving dog which i new but it also said that it would be difficult taking to to the beach and such as it would most likely drag out of the water well why does my uncles insist on pushing me in the pool ;D every time i tried to get out he would come up to me and just stand there and nudge me nowt aggressive but just lean forward in to me and then when i was back in the water it would lick me   :D

And also ever since Ive been around 15, 16 Ive always wanted a Doberman now i find these dogs fascinating have read a bit about them and they all say that there a proud and faithfull dog and can see that with how it stands but Ive heard varying reports on its behavior but i mean if the owners not put in the time with the dog then its going to be a bit arsey, like humans if they get treat badly by other people then they wont be the nicest of people or are they genrally aggressive now i know there bred as a guard dog and are a very lively and fearless dog but just looking for the opinion from some one who knows about them sorry for the novel like ;D just curious
« Last Edit: July 21, 2006, 06:52:18 pm by Another-kop-hero »

Offline Emlyn18

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #55 on: July 21, 2006, 06:55:01 pm »
Murphy just pissed on the carpet. Should i take him down the kebab shop?
Emlyn, you were a very bad influence on my younger brother in Barcelona! I don't know what you gave him but he was a nuisance the entire day, have banned him from Eindhoven!  :missus

Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #56 on: July 21, 2006, 06:55:57 pm »
What you get out of owning a dog is directly proportionate to what you put in.  If you get a Dobie from the right place, with a nice temperament, go to good training classes and put the effort in, you'll have a lovely dog - but you must do your homework in advance and make sure they are the dog for you - after all this is a decision that means you will be responsible for a living animal for 12-15 years.

As for the Newfie, he just sounds like a cheeky fella who loves to play and get attention.  :D
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Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #57 on: July 21, 2006, 06:56:34 pm »
Murphy just pissed on the carpet. Should i take him down the kebab shop?

Yes.  Treat him to a nice Kebab and chips.
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Offline Another-kop-hero

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #58 on: July 21, 2006, 07:05:50 pm »
What you get out of owning a dog is directly proportionate to what you put in.  If you get a Dobie from the right place, with a nice temperament, go to good training classes and put the effort in, you'll have a lovely dog - but you must do your homework in advance and make sure they are the dog for you - after all this is a decision that means you will be responsible for a living animal for 12-15 years.

As for the Newfie, he just sounds like a cheeky fella who loves to play and get attention.  :D

Ah cheers yea thats what Ive read from websites id like one but not sure at this moment in time mainly due to space and the fact that theres not a lot of us in through the day and have read that they can get depressed if left alone for long periods of time

Ha yea he's a sound dog and loves the attention coz when your stroking him and you stop he'll nudge you or follow you about he is a great dog and does love to play couldn't believe the size on him tho when he jumps up the sheer size and power of him is unbelievable  saw photos of him as a puppy laid next to there other dog who was fully grown and even then he was massive.

Offline JP-65

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #59 on: July 21, 2006, 07:33:13 pm »
Quote
Also Rox, I'm picking up my 8 week old white westie "Robbie" next week.

What do I do then?

Seriously. I've never owned a dog before.

Congrats, you're getting to get a super dog.

I've shown and bred Westies all my life, and have always had at least two of them around.

They're "big" dogs in a small package, fiesty and fun, but loyal and cuddly at the same time.  They're great around children, inquisitive and intelligent.

If you're interested in some good books on the breed to understand your dog more, I can give some recommendations.

Offline tedmus

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #60 on: July 21, 2006, 09:30:34 pm »
Our dog has started snapping and growling at people, but it's not just strangers, he has done it to me twice as well. He's a bull mastiff and is 2 years old. We've had him since he was a pup and he's never been badly treated or anything. He is spoilt so I thought maybe that's why. At first we thought it might be his food so we stopped giving him our left overs and made sure he only had the dried food that the vets recommended. But he did it again to me the other day. I don't think he is meaning to be aggressive because his tail wags as soon as he does it but I'm worried about him going too far if anyone different comes round. Just wondering if you've got any thoughts?

Could be just getting narked off with the heat but first thing I would do is take him to the vet to get him checked out, if it's completely out of character for him to be like this then he may be suffering from something.
When you say snapping and barking is it nasty or playful and mouthing? :)

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #61 on: July 21, 2006, 09:36:19 pm »
Top tip: try not to leave your dog in the car during the hot weather, and if you do, try to leave a bowl of water for them :wave

just leave them at home with plenty of water

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=17422437&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=roasted-alive-in-130f-car--name_page.html

Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #62 on: July 24, 2006, 09:32:43 am »
just leave them at home with plenty of water

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=17422437&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=roasted-alive-in-130f-car--name_page.html

There's absolutely no excuse for it.  Who would leave a huge dog like a Newfie on a scorching day like that?  You couldn't possibly leave the dog with enough water or ventilation.   :butt

To be honest, I'm also p*ssed off with the people who rang the police and RSPCA instead of just smashing the windows in.  It would have taken a good hour for anyone to come out (if they were lucky).  Someone should have smashed the windows in and got the dog out.   :no

I expect no one wanted to take the responsibility of damaging the car.  Butthole Surfers lyric: "Well son, a funny thing about regret, It's better to regret something you have done than something you haven't done."

The owner would have had no legal recourse to sue whoever damaged his car anyway - because if he claims he would not have sanctioned smashing his windows in that circumstance, that is causing unecessary suffering - a criminal offence.

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Offline georgiejones

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #63 on: July 29, 2006, 02:14:52 pm »
rox...my staffy is 3 1/2 years old,had ample socialising training with other dogs as a pup.as advised did everything i could as a pup to keep him away from situations which might lead to confrontation with 'attitude dogs'.never had any problems with agression.a couple of months ago an american bulldog bit him in the face when we were out walking,and now even at 50 yards when he sees this dog he changes from the loving family pet that he is to a dog that looks like a horror show.we regularly see this dog as they live behind us,it looks awful and is not nice for my kids to see...is  there any way his attitude can be changed towards this dog?..or is it an unfortunate case of  its happened and except it.

Offline nidgemo

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #64 on: July 30, 2006, 06:18:23 pm »
Hi Rox.

Got the puppy (will post pics tomorrow) and he's doing really well so far.

Now, all the books say that when he does his toilet bit correctly, he should be rewarded with a little treat. Fair enough.

However, on going to my local Jolleys, all the puppy treats are only suitable for dogs over 3 months, and most say for dogs over 5kg (and little robbie is 1.3kg :D

Will these harm him? If so, what should I give him as a treat?
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Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #65 on: July 31, 2006, 03:19:24 pm »
rox...my staffy is 3 1/2 years old,had ample socialising training with other dogs as a pup.as advised did everything i could as a pup to keep him away from situations which might lead to confrontation with 'attitude dogs'.never had any problems with agression.a couple of months ago an american bulldog bit him in the face when we were out walking,and now even at 50 yards when he sees this dog he changes from the loving family pet that he is to a dog that looks like a horror show.we regularly see this dog as they live behind us,it looks awful and is not nice for my kids to see...is  there any way his attitude can be changed towards this dog?..or is it an unfortunate case of  its happened and except it.

In human terms it's a bit like one of your kids being beaten to a pulp at school by a bully.  Your kid is never going to like the bully.

All you can do is make sure that your dogs continues to be socialised with other dogs, and you avoid the American Bulldog like the plague.  A serious injury caused by another dog causes psychological damage because your dog has learned (quite rightly) that the American Bulldog can't be trusted.  Now, your Staffie makes sure the bulldog knows that he's tough - but basically it's an act to try and scare the bulldog away.

You can try to help the situation a little by getting your dog to do stuff for you on your walks (like hold a ball or sit), so that if you see this bulldog before he does, you can ask him to sit, or hold the ball.  Then, you can get your dog to walk in the opposite direction to begin with.

The problem here is that you have no control over the dog that instigated the attack - all you can do is keep your dog safe.  Remember, it isn't his fault it happened to him - he's scared of the American Bulldog but he's trying to show that he's not scared, bless 'im.

Hi Rox.

Got the puppy (will post pics tomorrow) and he's doing really well so far.

Now, all the books say that when he does his toilet bit correctly, he should be rewarded with a little treat. Fair enough.

However, on going to my local Jolleys, all the puppy treats are only suitable for dogs over 3 months, and most say for dogs over 5kg (and little robbie is 1.3kg :D

Will these harm him? If so, what should I give him as a treat?

Go to your supermarket, and depending on your sensibilities, buy either some sausages or some liver.  Cook them up, and cut them up into treat sized chunks.  It's nice fresh meat, they love the smell and it doesn't matter how old your dog is.  :)

It's always better to have fresh treats and tidbits than from-the-packet stuff - and he'll love you for it...

Anyway - shouldn't Robbie be getting the very best anyway?  ;)
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Offline kavah

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #66 on: July 31, 2006, 03:25:20 pm »
Hello Rox,
This is my Dog, a Frenchie.  She is sound but has been a bit hot over the last few weeks.

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #67 on: July 31, 2006, 03:31:22 pm »
Hello Rox,
This is my Dog, a Frenchie.  She is sound but has been a bit hot over the last few weeks.


That's a lovely picture!  :)

If you think she's been getting too hot, you can always put a damp tea towel in the freezer for 10-15 minutes - then drape it over her back.  Cools them down a treat.  :)
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Offline nidgemo

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #68 on: July 31, 2006, 04:04:29 pm »
Go to your supermarket, and depending on your sensibilities, buy either some sausages or some liver.  It's nice fresh meat


You've not been to my local ASDA...

possibly fresh, perhaps even meat, and occasionally nice, but all three at once?

What about a bit of ham / roast beef etc?

Did you see the pictures in my other thread?
« Last Edit: July 31, 2006, 04:33:59 pm by nidgemo »
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Offline Rox

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #69 on: July 31, 2006, 04:31:18 pm »

You've not been to my local ASDA...

possibly fresh, perhaps even meat, and occasionally fresh, but all three at once?

What about a bit of ham / roast beef etc?

Did you see the pictures in my other thread?

You could use ham or roast beef, but honestly Liver is the best - dogs love the smell of it...  (Logical really - Liver Bird, Liverpool, Liver for your dog)

You can actually cook Liver in the microwave...if you're brave enough.  Me personally, I hate liver.  The dogs love it.  :)

Off to go and find your thread now...
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Offline JP-65

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #70 on: July 31, 2006, 04:39:18 pm »
Quote
you could use ham or roast beef, but honestly Liver is the best - dogs love the smell of it...

that they do, always used to use liver in the show ring.
my dogs (several generations, and puppies) have always gone nuts for boiled minced chicken.  Again, microwavable, and much better on my senses as well!

Offline georgiejones

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #71 on: July 31, 2006, 04:56:01 pm »
cheers rox,much appreciated.

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #72 on: July 31, 2006, 05:01:58 pm »
cheers rox,much appreciated.

No probs.  ;)
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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #73 on: July 31, 2006, 06:36:40 pm »
Can dogs eat a tiny portion of cat food and not get ill afterwards?

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #74 on: July 31, 2006, 07:32:41 pm »
Can dogs eat a tiny portion of cat food and not get ill afterwards?

Dogs love stealing cat food.  It won't harm them physically (well, it might if that was all you fed your dog!), but the fact that it is much 'richer' than dog food means it can make them ill (in the same say that some rich food can make us feel icky).  Nothing to worry about.

Dogs also love to eat cat poo - which is just processed cat food when you think about it... ;)
« Last Edit: August 1, 2006, 09:18:46 am by Rox »
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Offline The not so lazy.boy

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #75 on: August 10, 2006, 09:37:45 am »
Hey Rox, For the past 3 nights, Archie has been sick during the night. Nothing solid just yellow liquid (like bile) with grass, mud and other crap in it. Is it just his way of clearing out the shit or is it something I need to be concerned about and probably get checked out. He seems like his normal self and his mental loopy phases are getting longer. Thanks in advance.
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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #76 on: August 10, 2006, 09:42:11 am »
All our dogs here eat much less when it's hot, so that is very much a possibility  forgot to ask what kind of dog he is...

With his food, try putting down a tin of Butcher's Tripe Mix in his bowl, with no dry food.  In the hot weather, dry food makes them drink more, whereas wet food means they get moisture in the food too.  If that doesn't work, try Chappie instead - it's very bland, just in case he's got a tummy upset.

If he loses a lot of weight or stops drinking, get him to the vet immediately.  Dogs can survive for prolonged peroids on little amounts of food as long as they have plenty of water (their metabolism is that of a scavenger, and are able, like Wolves, to go for safely for periods without eating).  Some of that can depend on breed, though.

It could be that the first day he didn't eat his dinner he realised you guys started giving him some nice food from your plates...sometimes it's not really that they won't eat, but more that he's trying to only eat the tidbits you're giving him...  He may have learned that if he doesn't eat his dinner, you'll give him some of yours.

Another trick is to put the dog food on a plate instead, and leave it in his reach, but not where he'd usually eat it.  Dogs love food if it's stolen!
Very sound advice mate....I know the weather is now cooler but your advice certainly seemed to work and the dog is now right as rain....Much appreciated...Thank's.
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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #77 on: August 10, 2006, 10:09:26 am »
Hey Rox, For the past 3 nights, Archie has been sick during the night. Nothing solid just yellow liquid (like bile) with grass, mud and other crap in it. Is it just his way of clearing out the shit or is it something I need to be concerned about and probably get checked out. He seems like his normal self and his mental loopy phases are getting longer. Thanks in advance.

The hint is the fact that there's grass in it.  If your dog eats some grass, it's guaranteed they're going to puke.  ;)  You'll find he's probably eating some grass right before bedtime (probably when he goes out for his last poo) and that's what is doing it.  If he's acting normally, then he's fine.  Most dogs eat grass, so in his case it's nothing to worry about. 

Although I don't want to panic anyone, it's a good idea to know what to look for if your dog is ill.  In general, the things to look out for in a dog who is ill are:

1) Are they acting out of character?  A lot of people assume that a dog acting out of character has developed a behavioural problem..not so.  When we feel ill, we get grumpy and act out of character.  So if your dog isn't feeling well, and getting grumpy, telling them off isn't going to help!  Get them checked out by your vet.  Just because you can't see that something's wrong, it doesn't mean there isn't something wrong.

2)  If you do think they're acting odd, check their gums - they should be a healthy pink.  If they look pale, they are not feeling well (could be dehyration), if they look very red, then they could be constipated, or have a build up of stuff in their system.

3)  Be vigilant, and check their poo.  You can't be squeamish about this I'm afraid - poo tells you a lot about the health and wel being of your dog.  Blood in poo can be present for a few reasons, some more serious than others.  Sometimes it can be because they've got nasty worms, sometimes it can be because they've eaten something that has scratched their stomach lining, and in the worse case scenario it can mean they've picked up a nasty bug.   If it's a nasty, you'll see other symptoms, including lethargy, change of gum colour, loss of appetite and they will often also refuse to drink their water.  So, try not to worry if you see blood in the poo, but just be aware that if they exhibit other signs of being ill, get them to your vet as soon as possible - especially if they are lethargic and refusing to drink.

NEVER feed your dog human chocolate - it has a chemical in it which is toxic to dogs, and can shut down their liver.

BE CAREFUL if you buy woodchippings for your garden - a lot of these carry bark from cocoa plants - which carry the same chemical that is toxic to dogs

MAKE SURE you use dog friendly slug killer, etc.  A lot of products out there are not dog safe - it only takes a moment for a curious little dog to eat the wrong thing

RAISINS AND GRAPES are also toxic to dogs - as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic with dire consequences - it can cause acute renal failure.

I guess the toxicity of chocolate and raisins are the reason why you don't see many dogs in the cinema with a bag of pick and mix.

Just a general tip at the end here: get your dog insured, and make sure you get a policy which covers an illness for the lifetime of the dog.  Dogs can develop long-running illnesses (such as diabetes) which can be very expensive.  If you get the right policy (M&S are supposed to be good), you'll be saved a lot of heartache and expense in the long run.  :)

Very sound advice mate....I know the weather is now cooler but your advice certainly seemed to work and the dog is now right as rain....Much appreciated...Thank's.

Good news...Thanks for letting me know.  :)
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Offline The not so lazy.boy

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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #78 on: August 10, 2006, 11:24:45 am »
Cheers Rox, really appreciate it mate.  :)
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Re: Rox's Dog Advice Thread
« Reply #79 on: August 10, 2006, 05:31:07 pm »
Quote
NEVER feed your dog human chocolate - it has a chemical in it which is toxic to dogs, and can shut down their liver.

Also be very careful of what type of "chew stick" you buy your dog.  A lot of the rawhides, and variations of same, that are made in the Far East, particularly Thailand, are quite toxic to dogs.  Rox could probably elaborate further.