Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I was recommended to use a prong collar on my Petra when she is being particularly bad.  My trainer demonstrated a prong vs. a regular collar - you can try it on your own arm.  The prong doesn't hurt - just gets her attention when she is pulling/jumping.  It is amazing the difference, and she doesn't mind it at all . . . she comes running when I grab it to go outside!

I also agree with the NILF policy, which it sounds like you are doing a bit of already.  Good luck and stay firm!

He's beautiful!!!  Congratulation s!!  I hope you'll get some sleep during the next few nights - crating is the best thing I'v ever done for Petra especially now since she is suffering a bit from a bladder infection.

Post lots and lots of pictures - he's adorable!!

Happy Birthday!!!  That's one beautiful gorgeous girl - Hope Santa is good to you Tink!

I tell Petra to go potty and always make a big deal about it when she does.  Especially the number 2's . . . we had a while where I wasn't able to tell when she really needed to go and missed a few - they are not fun to clean up!  But thankfully, no accidents in a few months.  It has become a habit now - and I am always embrassed when I notice other people around!

Hi,

I've another question for all you experts   Actually, two if you don't mind!

My dog is 7 months,and I was going to wait until after her first heat to get her spayed (advice from another board - something about needing the first heat to fully mature and have growth plates grow over).  But, when I stopped at the vet today, the receptist looked a little bit taken back by that.  She suggested that I talk it over with the vet but was in favour of getting it done before her first heat.  What have you guys done with your dogs?  Do you know if it a lot more expensive, and are the health benefits to either decision?

My second question involves deworming.  I was a bit freaked over the weekend because I thought I saw something in her poop.  So I gave her an OTC medicine from a pet store.  But now it is time for her regularly scheduled heartworm (which, as it turns out, I don't need because we don't get that up here . . . but I still do need something for fleas).  So I have senital, but I am hesitate to give it for fear that the OTC stuff might still be in her system and I don't want to overdose her. I should have just waited over the weekend until I picked up the good stuff from the vet, but I got parinoid and decided to use what I could get at the time. 

But, in generally, I'd rather rely on the vet's medicine as I have read that the petstore stuff doesn't always work great.  Any suggestions?  Should I wait for 10 days and then give the senital?  I'm nervous with waiting that long with no flea protection . . . .   I'm definitely open to hearing what you guys suggest!

As you can tell, this is my first dog and I have silly questions tonight, but I want to make sure that I'm doing everything OK!

Thanks!

I took Petra to the groomers for the first time today.  She was so good (except for the bath . . .she doesn't like them with me and she obviously doesn't like them with anyone else either!).  But she lived through it and now is quite the mature looking puppy!

I've posted a few pictures - the first is last night before her hairdo - the rest are from playing outside today.  She loves chasing leaves around!

She's beautiful!!!

My puppy popped inside the vet's office.  I didn't even see her squat - we were getting ready to leave and she got busy.  I was in shock - there wasn't even enough time to stop her - 5 secs max and out it came.  The vet was very kind about it and said it wasn't the first time but still - we have been working really hard on not going in the house.

Does anyone else have embrassing moments at the vet?  (It would mak me feel better to know that I am not alone  ).

By the way - she is 31.5 pounds at 16 weeks.  Any ideas how big she'll be when she is all done growing???