Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Well, as of 31st March, I am officially retired and have become a pensioner!!

It's a whole new start to my life and I've decided to live the dream and buy a Holiday home in France. The only problem is the UK quarantine laws and pet passports. I started monday, with a visit to the vets to have Hovis microchipped (Bell has hers already) and their first Rabies injection. I now have to wait 2 weeks for their second and then another 2 weeks for the antibody blood test. After that I have a six month wait until the dogs can travel. The cost, £174.00 per dog, that came as a bit of a shocker!!!.

I'm using the next six months to browse the internet for suitable property. I'm busy searching for something next to a river or with its own lake - the things you do for Newfoundlands.

The sad part of all this is that Suzi, my little red van, will have to go, she's just not big enough. Whilst she happily motors about the U.K., with 108,000 miles on the clock, I am worried that the 1000+ miles each way I'll be commuting will be a little too much. I've now bought a VW transporter van and after looking at all the custom caged vans at the Northern Newfoundland club show I've just about worked out how I'll sort the interior out. I never dreamed a decision to buy a house in another country would cost so much and Ive not even left the UK.

Andy Bell & Hovis

I am so sorry that you may have to come to such a heartbreaking decision, you have my sympathy and support. Annie our first Newf started with Cancer at 18 months. She had her jaw amputated and continued on in seeming good health till about 9 years old, when her thyroid started to fail and she once more started to develop cancer, this time in the chest. She was on her feet to the last but as her breathing got harder we took her to the vets for an x ray. we had spoken to the vet before taking her and had made the descision in conjunction with him that as she was sedated for the x ray, he would leave her sedated until the plates were developed and that if it was as bad as we feared he would increase the sedation until she passed away. On the 20 minute trip to the vets I got through 2 boxes of kleenex and was terrible when saying my goodbyes, I am still upset now recalling what it was like. There is no easy way through it, just tears and heartache and all I can suggest is that when the time comes, think of the good times. its not easy but a new puppy does help.

Andy

This may sound a daft question but are you anticipating that the dog is going to pull so are pulling on the lead from the start?

Leads are for controlling the dog, not restraining them. Having had newfies for more years than I care to remember and currently walking two newfies together I cannot afford to have  both dogs pulling. Personally speaking I would never go out with a lead fastened to me. Imagine that your dog takes off after a cat across the road and a car is coming. could you stop yourself and the dog from going in front of the car?

Walking a dog on a lead is a combination of voice and lead signals. I always go somewhere quiet when first starting, an enclosed field with no distractions is good. A Dog pulls at a lead because it is keen to get where you are going. When you first start, if the dog pulls, call your dog and turn and walk in the opposite direction and repeat this every time the dog pulls you can do this for 20 or 30 minutes then have a break and some time off the lead. Eventually the dog will realise that it doesn't know where you are going and should start to calm down. You should then be able to walk the dog with the lead loose. the best way is to fold the end over your right thumb and to grip the two parts in your hand hold this hand at waist level roughly at your navel. Use your left palm to jerk the lead back AFTER you have said heel to stop your dog from getting too far ahead, be loud and positive with your command. Keep the lead loose and use the jerk to control the dog. Contant pressure on the leash will cause the dog to pull against it.

Well that my method of Newfie lead training anyway, best of luck with the pup,

Andy, Bell and Hovis

Brilliant, well done

Andy

You have my sympathy, The only problem I think, is lack of exercise. He doesnt understand about the cut and stiches, he's starting to feel better and wants to resume his exercise routine. I have a feeling you're going to have problems whatever you do until he is able to get back to a normal routine. Do all you can to stop him getting bored. I agree with melissakins, huge bones will keep him occupied and immobile.

Andy Bell & Hovis

Bells worst trick is the head between the legs. As she is not allowed to jump up, she seems to take great delight in greeting people, usually male, by barging into their crutch! most of the members at the clay pigeon club have experienced it at one time or another and now put their hands on Bells head when she comes to greet them, although I sometimes note a hint of evil anticipation from shoot members when they bring a guest!

Andy, Bell & Hovis

Try Biological washing powder - a strong solution usually does the trick, but test on fabric first! then soak well, the enzymes in the powder should kill the smell.

Andy

I think Goofy Newfy sums it up, Bell, though female, cocks her leg to wee if she's covering where another dog has been. I wonder if Drake is a long lost brother?

Andy Bell and Hovis