Search results

It's not uncommon for dogs to cope better when they are off lead. The use of a lead can limit their ability to express their body language fully, and can also mean a dog feels trapped by the restriction of the lead and unable to remove herself from a situation quickly if she needs to. The...

Oh, I really would give it time before bringing in another dog - it could be a total disaster for everyone! You have enough on your hands with an 18-month old Ridgeback, I would say. In spite of what I say above, I have never brought in a dog to solve behavioural problems, just that sometimes...

Oh dear, I was very sorry to hear your dog died; that's really sad. I agree that for a dog to have a wise and kind canine friend often achieves more than all the training in the world! It's an absolute joy when you see dogs that are really good pals to each other.

Indeed, as with dogs!

You certainly didn't give the impression that you were unwilling to listen - quite the opposite, in fact. My impression is that we had a respectful discussion, and agreed to disagree. We still disagree, because I would not go down the road of correction and punishment with a dog, but I...

I like it a lot (and don't think it's at all pass agg), but maybe there's not enough difference between the four? I like Judy's sggestion for Look, that differentiates it from Aware, I think. Absolutely great idea, we could do with more of that!

It is a horrible position to be in, for sure. I do feel for you, as you are trying so hard to do the right thing by this dog. I was wondering today if there's a third option of him going to a reputable rescue? I say this, because some of her determination to keep him may be based on the...

Joining a little late in the day, but one thing you can almost guarantee is that most vets are sceptical about raw food. I personally have had mixed results with raw food, and at present I have one dog doing really well on raw and the other having just changed from raw to z/d because of...

I'm afraid I avoid all such programmes JudyN: I find them very painful to watch. I guess the bottom line is that they are there as entertainment, not as serious advice. Maybe they need a health warning at the beginning and end, recommending what people need to look for in a behaviourist...

First off, congratulations for taking responsibility for the dogs you breed and stepping up when things don't work out. If only more breeders were like this, instead of just looking at the bottom line. That said, I am a bit surprised that neutering him was not part of the contract. It's almost...

I agree that we differ for sure! However, I would just add that my experience is my professional involvement with dogs (as a veterinary nurse and later as a canine behaviourist and therapist), and my views are not based on my own companion animals, so with respect, I have a great deal more...

Nope, not over-analysing. With all due respect, I have had 55 years of observing dogs in all sorts of environments, and your view of 'what play looks like' is often misunderstood, even by experienced owners. Quite apart from anything else, I have met only a handful of dogs who have any sense of...

Sorry, but we see things differently. What I see is Vinny hoping to interact with you, and biting the hose in frustration because he is getting nothing back. You're ignoring him, apart from when you shout at him and spray water at him. In my experience, 'zoomies' demonstrate over-excitement...

You bring up a very interesting and relevant point. In the course of their life, dogs (and babies) will encounter negative consequences as a result of their exploring something, that's true. For me, the difference is that if the caregiver is responsible for delivering the negative experience...

I appreciate that you have a problem there with the pond. And I know I'm being hard you. Let me explain why. What I am saying is that everything you bring up could be resolved without using punishment. For example, if he is supervised in the garden, he won't fall in and drown. If you want to...

I appreciate your reply, and can see that your 'solution' has worked for you. Believe me, I can understand why you are concerned about your koi carp too. But you did have options about how to handle it, and for a lot of people who admire and respect dogs as the extraordinary species they are...

My question is where you are when all this is going on? The behaviour of this dog is normal, and that is the place to start (comparisons with other dogs you have had don't stand up, because just like us, all dogs are individuals and need to be treated as such). What your dog needs to find out...

I agree with all the above, and also suggest that you might want to consider reporting the vet to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, in part because the advice is poor, and outdated (not to say just plain wrong), but also because there may be a financial incentive to the vet (i.e., they...

It's most likely an interdigital cyst - yes, definitely a vet job. Good luck. She's a beauty!

I take your good point, but I think it does depend a bit on the dog. I've had several lurchers, and most of them have been very nifty and fast, so I have used a trailing lead with some of them when they first arrive, without any mishaps. If they are so exciteable, they are likely to lose their...