What kind of Pet/animal do you own?

[bloomy88]

Ps. not a massive fan of cats but they are some pretty cute photos

 

[Prospector]

Ps. not a massive fan of cats but they are some pretty cute photos

Hey bloomy, neither was I! A dog girl all the way until a few years ago when a stray kitten landed on our doorstep. Cats have a quite, um, different personality to dogs.

 

[dalek]

The truth about cats and dog's.

Subject: Excerpts from a Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!

12:00 PM - Lunch! My favourite thing!

1:00 PM - Played in the backyard! My favourite thing!

.3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!

5:00 PM - Dinner! My favourite thing!

7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!

8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!

11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary. ..

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event.

However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs.

.I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.

For now...............

 

[prawn_86]

ROFL Dalek. Thats great!

 

[Tink]

ROFL Dalek. Thats great!

I agree

I love cats and dogs. They are both so funny to watch.

 

[gav]

Hey Gav, you have a Ragdoll! Julia alerted me today (I havent posted much lately as too busy) but we have just taken delivery of a 12 week old Ragdoll. Now, I think yours is a Blue pointed Raggie? Just so we can compare, this is our now 15 week old Raggie.

Hi Prospector, your Ragdoll is very cute! What's his/her name? He/she looks strikingly similar to the kitten we almost chose (we had first choice of the litter). But I ended up choosing Pixi as her markings are almost identical to her father, and that is the 'look' I liked. I'm not sure if Pixi is "Blue Pointed", I'll find out and get back to you.

I think the colour around your Ragdoll's face, ears and tail will get darker over time (Pixi's has, and so has her parents). If you want some earlier photos of Pixi to see the difference, PM me your email and I'll send them to you.

When Pixi was younger, she LOVED chewing everything in sight. She was more mischievous than others in her litter, so you might not have this problem as much as us. She would chew everything, especially TV/computer cables. Squirting her with water did nothing (except she'd give us a dirty look), but we found that leaving tissues lightly covered with lemon juice or essential oils around those areas helped stop this. The chewing stopped at the 6 month mark, and a friend at work who also has a Ragdoll said that hers stopped chewing at 6 months old too.

She loves playing with cardboard boxes, so we leave a few in our spare room for her to play with (plus she has a heap of toys that my partner bought). As I was telling Julia, Pixi can be quite rebellious. When we'd tell her off she would give us a dirty look as if to say "f*** you, I'll do what I want". It's hard not to laugh! She loves playing chasey around the house, she'll jump at your leg then run away wanting you to chase her. Then at other times she lives up to her breed name "Ragdoll" and simply flops on your lap and wants cuddles.

I was always a "dog" person and never liked cats either. That changed when my parents got their Ragdoll.

 

[Prospector]

Hi Prospector, your Ragdoll is very cute! What's his/her name? He/she looks strikingly similar to the kitten we almost chose (we had first choice of the litter). But I ended up choosing Pixi as her markings are almost identical to her father, and that is the 'look' I liked. I'm not sure if Pixi is "Blue Pointed", I'll find out and get back to you.

I think the colour around your Ragdoll's face, ears and tail will get darker over time (Pixi's has, and so has her parents). If you want some earlier photos of Pixi to see the difference, PM me your email and I'll send them to you..

Yup, Mikko is already darkening up. When we got the first photo (blue background) I said to my son (who had picked Mikko out and named him) trust him to pick the only Ragdoll that had dreads!

When Pixi was younger, she LOVED chewing everything in sight. She was more mischievous than others in her litter, so you might not have this problem as much as us. She would chew everything, especially TV/computer cables. .

Especially TV and computer cables.

She loves playing with cardboard boxes, so we leave a few in our spare room for her to play with (plus she has a heap of toys that my partner bought).

Yep - we have a great shot of him in a six pack carton with his legs poking through the hole where the bottle necks go. And tunnels, anything that makes a tunnel, he goes through it.

As I was telling Julia, Pixi can be quite rebellious. When we'd tell her off she would give us a dirty look as if to say "f*** you, I'll do what I want". It's hard not to laugh! She loves playing chasey around the house, she'll jump at your leg then run away wanting you to chase her. Then at other times she lives up to her breed name "Ragdoll" and simply flops on your lap and wants cuddles.

I was always a "dog" person and never liked cats either. That changed when my parents got their Ragdoll.

Yup, we are started him to play 'go fetch' with a ball. (Gawd, almost said 'his balls' - they are long gone! He is still tiny and his favourite ball is a small wood cedar ball which he carries around in his mouth and then just drops it on the wooden floor. They do have attitude, dont they!

 

[milothedog]

Absolutely hilarious Dalek

Umm and yes...I have a dog....and no....no prizes for guessing the name.

 

[Julia]

Dalek, that's one of the funniest commentaries about dogs and cats I've ever read. Hilarious. Thanks for posting.

 

[bloomy88]

.I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

Lol hilarious, couldn't stop laughing at this bit. Did you write the cat bit with Stewie from family guy in mind???

 

[Prospector]

Great Post Dalek. And sorry my pictures are so big - they are bigger than Mikko!

Anyway, here he is enjoying the remains of some coldies - the cardboard, anyway. He is quite a fan of Boags

 

[bloomy88]

Great Post Dalek. And sorry my pictures are so big - they are bigger than Mikko!

Anyway, here he is enjoying the remains of some coldies - the cardboard, anyway. He is quite a fan of Boags

Lol, one of the few fans of Boags St George going around

 

[jono1887]

I've got 3 dead fish... not to sure how they died though... :

 

[springhill]

Our new american staffy x blue heeler pup

 

[Julia]

Interesting combination, springhill. Hope you'll be making an early start on the training!
How is he/she doing so far? Looks about 7 or 8 weeks? How is the toilet training going?

 

[springhill]

Interesting combination, springhill. Hope you'll be making an early start on the training!
How is he/she doing so far? Looks about 7 or 8 weeks? How is the toilet training going?

She's 3/4 staff, 1/4 heeler. Are you thinking this is not a good combo Julia? The owners wanted the pure bred mum to mate with another pure bred male, but looks like some other cheeky doggy got there first.

You're good, she is 7 and 1/2 weeks but don't pick her up until thursday night as they recommend 8 weeks with the mother before separation.

Puppy classes are on the agenda for sure i think it's important to have a social and structured start, haven't toilet trained a dog before so any advice on that would be helpful!

 

[NewOrder]

Here is my baby, he is not as cuddly as some of the others but he is much cheaper to feed.

 

[samanne1]

1 cat and 2 kids. Oh, and 5 chickens.

 

[Julia]

She's 3/4 staff, 1/4 heeler. Are you thinking this is not a good combo Julia? The owners wanted the pure bred mum to mate with another pure bred male, but looks like some other cheeky doggy got there first.

No, not at all commenting about the combination, springhill. Rather, that both breeds are - in different ways - inclined to be strong natured: therefore they need to be well trained in order to be a polite member of your household and when out in public.
The Border Collie is a working dog so needs to have the challenge of 'a job to do'.
If not trained, they can become escape artists in order to chase cars, people, other dogs, anything. The Staffy is less that way inclined but can sometimes really dislike other dogs so you need to watch for any aggression and curtail it.

Puppy classes are on the agenda for sure i think it's important to have a social and structured start,

There are different views about puppy classes. Personally, I'd never put my puppy in them because they are usually pretty unstructured and the puppies are encouraged to roll around and play with one another. Now, you might think, hey that's a really good thing for their social development, but you have to balance that up against the puppy getting the idea that it's always good to rush up and engage with every other canine creature it sees when you begin to take it out in public. This can be very difficult to counteract and will depend on your puppy's basic disposition.

Example: I've had German Shepherds for 35 years. They are usually a pretty reserved breed and as a rule have much more interest in their owner than in other dogs. Consequently they are pretty easy to train. However, my current girl has been quite the opposite and is immensely social. So I've had a really hard time discouraging her from a determination to make friends with every person and every dog she encounters.

You might think that it's really nice that your dog is so friendly, but many other dog owners simply do not want your dog pestering their dog. You will find plenty of opportunities for your puppy/dog to play with dogs belonging to your friends etc in controlled circumstances.

You want to train your dog to walk calmly at heel beside you, knowing he/she will not suddenly rush off to meet another dog/chase a bird etc. Apart from the obedience factor, an impulsive dog can cause harm to itself or others.

With apologies if you already know about pack structure, this is fundamental to your relationship with and training of your dog. The dog is a pack animal and absolutely requires a pack leader. So far this is its mother. When it comes into your home you have to become the pack leader and set boundaries for it.

You need to decide where the puppy will sleep. In a cosy basket, or padded dog bed in your bedroom will help the puppy settle. If you're not comfortable with this, make a warm and comfortable place in the laundry or other suitable small room. Hopefully you won't want to put the puppy outside by himself. Be firm about where he sleeps. He shouldn't be allowed to decide for himself e.g. that he will sleep on the sofa!
Do not allow the puppy on your bed. This is in his mind elevating him to human status and will be a powerful message to him as to his status if you let it happen.
And yes, it's really difficult to resist this with that cute, cuddly little thing.

haven't toilet trained a dog before so any advice on that would be helpful!

I'm assuming the puppy is going to be in the house with you.
If you have carpeted areas, the easiest thing is to get large pieces of plastic and lay over the carpet, anchoring firmly with furniture. Until you get the pup trained, he will simply go when and where he feels like it.
If you don't do this and he does go on carpet, do not get angry with him, especially if it's after the event. If you see him about to go or starting, say a very loud NO! and just pick him up - midstream if necessary - and take him outside and put him down where you want him to go.

I have an area covered with smallish stones, about 3 metres or so square and this is the dog's toilet area. It's easily hosed down and avoids those hideous yellow patches on your lawn if you have one.

The puppy's bladder is very small and he will need to go about every two hours.
He will also usually go when he wakes up and after eating and drinking.
So, decide where you want him to go and just pick him up and put him on this area with whatever word you decide to use, e.g. "toilet, Rover". Let him sniff around and wait for a while, but if he clearly is not going to go, go and do something else with him and then put him back there in half an hour or so. Keep doing this until he does go. Then, in a hugely delighted, high voice give him heaps of praise and maybe a small food reward.

Don't ever have a conversation with your dog. They don't understand English and you don't understand Dog. What they respond to is your tone of voice and body language.
A good example of this is when a dog is afraid of thunder. Many owners cuddle the shaking, terrified animal, making what they think are soothing, comforting reassurances. e.g. "it's all right, Rover, it will all go away soon, you're quite safe here with me". Do not do this. The dog just perceives your 'reassuring' tone of voice as your approval of what it is doing and you will further cement his reaction to storms.

Instead, act as if nothing unusual is happening, adopt a bright, cheerful tone and divert the dog to something else. e.g. get a toy out and play with him, roll a ball along the floor etc.

There's a bloke I walk past often who stands outside his house with a miniature Dachsund on a lead. When we approach, my dog is calmly walking beside me, not going anywhere near the small dog. The small dog, however, barks furiously.
The owner says "it's all right, ratface, the nasty big dog isn't going to hurt you, daddy is here looking after you" and other such garbage.
What that owner should be doing is saying to his dog a very loud NO! and then giving the dog a command to SIT and then enforce it.
His nonsensical murmurings to the dog are totally reinforcing its current behaviour.

If you are consistent and patient with your puppy in the above toilet training, he will catch on quickly and will be trained for life to go when and where you want him to.
This, particularly if it's a male, is way better than having the dog stop at every lamp post when you're out walking.

There will be accidents inside the house. Do not get cross and do not punish the puppy for this. Just clean it up without comment. If he does go on carpet, just blot immediately with plenty of paper towels. Do not rub. Then saturate the carpet with soda water, blot with fresh paper towels to absorb but leave area wet. It will dry with no stain and no odour. Do not use bleach, detergent or carpet shampoo.
I have even got liquid diarrhoea type poo off cream carpet with this method.

Sorry to probably give you more than you ever wanted to know, springhill. Hope it's useful. I'm pretty passionate about dogs being properly trained.

And you can start training him right from the start to get the idea of walking at heel.
Put a little soft collar or small slip chain on him and for just a few minutes at a time encourage him to walk at your left side, staying level with you, not pulling ahead, and then when you stop walking gently push his bottom down while saying "Sit". They learn this easily and it's setting the foundation for having an adult dog which walks calmly beside you, off a lead, automatically stopping and sitting each time you stop walking, ignoring all distractions.

Keep us posted on how you're going. Puppies are gorgeous, such fun. Just remember that you are the boss and that is what they need. This co-exists perfectly with giving your puppy all the love and affection it needs.
There's a great little book called "Who's the Boss" by dog trainer Val Bonney.
You can order it from Val at http://www.bonnies.com.au/

PS Do not take your puppy out to public areas until he/she has had the 12 week vaccination. Not safe from parvo etc until that time.

All the best
Julia

 

[sptrawler]

Julia it was great to hear you telling people that not all owners want other peoples dogs comming over to socialise.
I always try to walk my Jack Russel when nobody is around. This is because he suffered from Adisons desease which killed his adrenal glands, this requires him to have steroids every day.
If another dog invades his space he panics and doesn't know whether to run or fight, he tends to attack then run away. The problem then his body chemistry gets out of kilter and he is a bed ridden wreck for the next couple of days. Costs me a fortune.LOL