Chucky Mama Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Great news on your new family member too Christian He looks really sweet. I would have advised that you got a girl but he looks like a really cracking little dog. It is good that is isn't too full of himself. It is much easier to give a dog confidence that damp one down that is over the top. Try not to let him follow you around everywhere in the house. Whilst it is lovely to feel so loved, it will make separation anxiety when you leave him much worse. It is worth checking his worming status if you can as he may need a course if it is unknown. Using a DAP collar or some DAP Spray in strategic places may help with the marking Having said that, nearly every dog that visits us pees or poos on the floor as soon as they come in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I can vouch for DAP collars Henry started to get anxious as he got older (as he started to lose his sight with cataracts) the DAP collar really helped to bring the old Henry back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share Posted January 21, 2012 I have started closing doors when I leave the room and he is ok. I don't make a fuss of him when I come on the room, just say 'hello' and walk off. He seems ok when I leave for a while and has accepted the hens without any fuss. They are getting used to him now too and no bok boking anymore. They are in the new WIR, so have no problems there. He was wormed and had 2 shots (don't ask me what, but I have the paperwork) when he left Ireland, so will take that to the vets on Monday for his check up. He was washed with a flea shampoo on Wednesday 2 weeks ago, but think I might Front line/equivalent him next week. If I do it on my part time week every month, I won't forget. I am now giving him a bit more freedom in the house, he likes sitting by the front door as the tiles are cool and he can feel the draught from under it. Band goes the theory of a draught excluder He pops back every now and again to see if I am still here, sees me, then wanders off again. Mum and Dad are coming here today and then I'm going to the local butchers, will ask if they have decent bones, but won't give him any just yet. Will let his tummy settle for a few weeks first. CM, I was going to get a female dog at first, as we found her easier than a male years ago, but this little chap just seemed right! I have to say, I think I am really lucky with Milo. He is an absolute star and the odd marking incident is just the way it is. So far today, he hasn't, so am hoping that is it. I will get him done sooner rather than later though. Will look into getting harness next week. Pets@home do loads, even though the t'interweb is cheaper, it would be easier to fit him 'in store'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Wow, what a superstar! He sounds like such a good boy. I expect the vet will sort you out with the flea/worm treatments etc, but you'll want to get Frontline Combi rather than 'normal' Frontline for flea prevention as it's far, far more effective. A bit more expensive, but definitely preferable to a flea infestation in the house! There are people on here who know an awful lot more than me about feeding raw meat and bones to dogs than I do (I am a beginner but trying to learn!), but I think I'm right that you don't want to get any weight bearing bones (e.g. knuckle) for dogs as they are hard enough to break/damage teeth. But someone else will be able to give you better advice than I can about that (Dogmother - where are you?! ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I use Frontline combi too - more expensive but worth it. Especially as mine go rabbiting quite often Have a look in the raw feeding thread in this section Christian, he ought to be OK with chicken carcasses (I use a cleaver to divvy them up) and lamb ribs. Red meat bones are better for cleaning their teeth than chicken ones, so I alternate them and keep it all in a freezer that I got from Freecycle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 This is the car seat i got for George http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=570&pf_id=5152 He absolutely loves it. It safe and secure and great for smaller dogs as it raises them up so they can see out the window, should be quite good for Milo. George usually lays down, curls up and goes to sleep within 5 minutes of been in the car I got him a harness from P@H, they were absolutely brilliant and let me try a few on George to make sure i got the perfect fit edited to add, Typical! its on sale now! I paid £30 for Georges! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 What puzzles me about these seats is that while they raise the dog up to see out, and the actual seat attaches via the seat belt, but it appears that the dog is only held in by a leash to its collar. I hate to be a killjoy here, but with my H&S hat on....if there's an accident, then the dog would risk breaking its neck as it is catapulted forward and stopped by the lead attached to its collar- a doggie really needs a harness to be held securely and to be legally complaint. You see similar injuries when folks use long lines or extendible leads attached to collars rather than harnesses. Forgive me, but I'm a bit hot on the law bit after a friend with a JRT was stopped by police (she still had her fog lights on ) and was cautioned as her wee dog wasn't restrained at all but was sitting on her lap while she drove I'd hate it to happen to anyone else. She ended up having one of my small puppy crates in her boot with the doggie in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share Posted January 21, 2012 My lovely butcher gave me some marrow bones as he had heard I now have a dog Small village and word travels fast! I haven't been in there for ages, but he knew I went to Pet@home without Milo as he was scared there last time I bought a full body harness which allows the dog to turn around and looks pretty secure, plus it has a buckle that slots into the seat belt release too. So no fiddling with clips on seat beats etc.. Will try the harness tomorrow. He has had a busy day with Mum & Dad here; me too, I'm shattered!! I feel really mean abut not letting him on the sofa, but he seems to be getting there now. I spend loads of time with him and will stroke him with my foot when he is next to me on the floor. He loves it. Should I let him on his own blanket on the sofa? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Welcome to motherhood Christian - having to take him to the loo with you he sounds lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I understand exactly what you mean DM, and it does just attach to the collar which turned my stomach when you think what could happen. Thats why i got him a full body harness to wear in the car, it is fixed in there and so he is quite safe and secure. Mmm on the sofa or not? that, Christian is your decision to make. I know some people (DM ) would have a blue fit if they saw my George on the sofa, but, im afraid thats where i like him, right next to me, for cuddles and strokes. We do have a throw on the sofa though. Its absolutely up to you hun, Milo will be happy where ever he is allowed just as long as he knows hes loved, which he so obvioulsy is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 He sounds lovely Christian. With regards to the bones, make sure that you can take it off him and that he lets you put your hand near or in his food bowl when he is eating without any growling etc. I always have in mind when training how a dog might behave if a small poorly trained child visited . I would not let him on the sofa personally. Small male dogs can get a bit above themselves if they are allowed added height. I also find it really annoying when a visiting dog jumps up on my sofa covered in all sorts when my dog isn't allowed up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Riley wasn't allowed on the sofa for years but then worked out that when we were all out, what we didn't know didn't harm us. However he hadn't worked out that cushions all over the floor and a warm patch covered with dog hairs was a bit of a clue, even if he'd got off the sofa in time . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Phew, glad to hear it Sandie When I get a new dog which isn't used to feeding raw, I hand feed them at first... mucky but it stops them from bolting their food, and gets them used to eating with you near. I personally don't let the dogs on the furniture, but that's personal choice. I had a few initial problems with Cyrus who didn't understand this, but he's great now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 No dogs on furniture here either - simply because I don't want dog hair all over the sofas and beds. Tango is quite happy with this and has never tried to get up after the first couple of attempts where she was quickly turfed off. She has a very comfy bed which she sleeps in next to the sofa so she is near us. Dogs are equally happy whether they are allowed on the furniture or not, in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 22, 2012 Author Share Posted January 22, 2012 Well I gave in last night He jumped on the sofa and snuggled next to me and it was lovely. However, I am trying not to allow him. We are just back from a walk and he looked straight at the sofa with those puppy dog eyes! I took one look at his giant oversized (for him) muddy paws and thought better of it. Nose on the sofa, the word 'bed' muttered, and off he went! Such a good boy when he wants to be. No accidents in the house yesterday, so that was good. Today he has been on two walks and spent the day in the garden with me cleaning out the hens and chopping wood (me, not him). He barked once (has never barked or made any sound) that I was so shocked, I raced into the kitchen, just in time to see him poo on the front door mat again He had the squits this time. My turtle mat has never been washed so often Off out into the garden again and let him finished off. Loads of praise when he goes outside We are both still learning, but he doesn't seem to let me know when he needs to go. My previous dogs would always whine, scratch the door, or loiter around the door when they needed to go - he doesn't do any of that. I guess he is still settling in, he has been through quite a rough ride I love him dearly already. He is so funny with a knotted tea towel, racing around and playing games with me. He also didn't flinch when I put the harness on him and I now use it when we go for a walk, he walks nicely with it - better that with his collar and lead Best I keep the marrow bones in the freezer until his tummy settles. CM - he is great with food, and toys. I give him low fat treats when he is good, like going outside, sitting and after a walk. He is very gentle when taking treats from me and the same goes with toys. He is a soft lad really! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Try him on some of the fish4dogs treats - he will love them; they are very nutritious and high value for dogs. Re the squits, invest in a tub of Dorwest Herbs' Tree Barks Powder; will last forever and is brilliant at settling tums. Ruby is a talented scabber of rubbish in the park and sometimes gets a dodgy tum as a result. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Really glad he's settling in so well, Christian. It sounds as if he 's finding his voice again - I wonder if he's just been too scared to bark or whine before, perhaps he will let you know now when he wants to go out. I have a friend who has two dogs. They sleep on the sofa, and on the beds ... up to them, but it is making me really dislike going there, the dog will jump on to the sofa, lie down and then stretch out and she and her mum think it highly amusing 'ooh look, he's trying to push you out of the way'. This was the case even when they owned a greyhound. They also think it's funny that I insist on closing my bedroom door when I stay there. Each to their own, but personally I would stick to keeping him off the sofa. Needless to say, the dogs also roam loose in the car and sit on the children's laps ... I have commented on this once, but you'd think I'd suggested putting one of the children in a crate! I am less worried about the dogs than the impact it would have - quite literally - on the occupants of the car if they were in an accident. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 It's wonderful that you're both getting into such a great routine already . When we first got Riley, he was completely silent for a week or two. Then the window cleaners arrived and he started barking like crazy - I phoned OH at work to let him hear it . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 I am really enjoying reading all about Milo. He sounds like a really lovely boy and I'm so pleased he has settled in so quickly. We let our dog up on the sofa but she is not allowed upstairs and we have a gate to stop her when we are out. If you don't want him up, then I would say you need to stick to that rule at all times otherwise he may get confused. I hope he gets the hang of asking to go out soon. When teaching our spaniel, we all used to go out and give her loads of fuss when she went. Now she wees on command! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Your dog sounds lovely pips_pekins. Ruby will wee on command, Cyrus doesn't seem to have enough brain cells to get that far, luckily he's rarely distracted when he wants to go and does it straight away when I let him out. I hope that Milo's tum sorts itself out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Your dog sounds lovely pips_pekins. We really feel lucky to have her as she has such a lovely nature. She is currently snuggled up with OH on the sofa after a hard day playing out with all her friends over the fields. I love reading about everyone's dogs. Ruby and Cyrus sound lovely too and I do like lurchers. We sometimes see one on walks but he is a bit wary of us. Would that be true of most lurchers DM? I don't know anything about them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Depends on his background really - it may just be that he's a rescue with an unknown history of abuse, or just a poorly socialised dog. My two are totally different; Ruby is bouncy and excited to see new dogs Cyrus hangs back and tends to be scared. It may be that the hound you've seen isn't very happy with other dogs, so the owner hangs back and gives it some distance so that it's more comfortable. Hounds tend to be large, fast dogs, and while gentle on the main part, it can frighten a smaller dog (or their owner) when a hound they've spotted over the other side of the field appears as if by magic by their side - they travel at around 30mph flat out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 We went to see Grant the Vet yesterday and he was really good. Grant said he had never met such a chilled out dog on his first visit. He feel asleep on the table Very fit and healthy, perfect weight, good teeth and just under 2 he thinks. He had his final shot and didn't flinch. However, he does have colitis which is probably down to the stress of the move etc. The squits have continued and we have had 2 episodes in the bedroom at 3am both mornings. The vet said he had it and you get about 3 seconds notice Poor lad, he tries to get to the door, but doesn't make it. Enough of that talk! He visited Grandma today as I have to get him used to staying there. I left him with my Mum and picked my Niece and Nephew up from school. He howled, whined and barked a bit, but was ok after a while. More work on separation anxiety is needed I think. He is getting better and doesn't follow me everywhere now. He will happily sleep in his bed and doesn't follow me to the kitchen anymore, as long as he can hear me. Time to read up on separation anxiety now....Thanks for all the well wishing! I wouldn't be without him! p.s I explained to my Niece & Nephew that he is very shy and to ignore him. 'He will come to you when he is ready' kind of thing....well, he was an absolute star and loved the attention! They are 6 and 9 1/2 and used to dogs, but he was lovely with them. Such a cool dog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 The key to SA is to leave quietly and gradually lengthen the time you're away. It is important that he doesn't get too attached to just one person (you) same as with children really. You might try wearing an old t shirt to bed for a couple or three nights and then leaving it with him at your mum's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Don't panic too much about separation anxiety for now - the first few times hubby and I left Tango with my parents she was really worried, kept looking out of the window for us to come back and wouldn't settle. It only took a few 3-4 visits before she understood that we would come back for her. She is now happy to stay with them all day and settles very quickly. It's still very early days for Milo, he has had several changes of home recently and is probably still wondering if you are for keeps. Once he learns that you WILL come back for him when he is left with someone else then he will settle happily. It won't take long, I'm sure, he does seem a very well-adjusted dog on the whole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
