Re: Ear Mites! Sorry Dexter is still having ear trouble I hope the new vet can get to the bottom of it for you.
Re: Ear Mites! Training treats tip on restricted kibble diet: get a bowlful of kibble and soak it in hot water until it goes soft. Re-shape into bones/christmas trees/whatever shape you want then bake in the oven until dried out and in a new and exciting shape. Looks a bit different for him, smells a bit different too but still on the hypoallergenic diet so everyone is happy. I know it's not as good as sardines but definitely better than nothing!
Re: Ear Mites! Sorry Dexter's still having ear problems. Hope the samples you get tested give some useful results. I would also add my voice to using tug as a reward / distraction. I've got a proper long rope toy for planned games but I've also taken to keeping a small soft toy tied to a cord in my pocket for emergencies!
Re: Ear Mites! Sorry Dex is still having ear trouble. :-\ Lochans idea about altering the kibble sounds a good one. Try not to worry though Angela. What did Dex used to do when you met a dog like the one you described ? Ok his head bunched up but he didn't react. It would take a very laid back/disciplined dog not to react in some way to a dog behaving like that. I know it's not easy but try and believe in yourself. You've worked on his focus on you so much and he's got so good the extra special treats probably aren't as necessary as you think. Now when we meet certain reactive dogs that S&S used to react to they don't bother looking at me anymore. At first I worried about this but then realised its because they don't feel the need to look at me. We just walk passed. Sometimes they will start sniffing the verge having lost all interest in the approaching dog. The other day Scott stopped to cock his leg. Not in a dog coming must scent quick kind of way but in a that smell needs weeing on way :. Also because I'm waring gloves now I don't have time to get the treats out. It's becoming second nature and I bet it is for Dex.
Re: Ear Mites! ThAnks everyone for the comments and support. Ternaya I'm only on day 3 and I'm 25/75 of new/ old so all is well in the tummy department....and his ears look better for not being greasy all the time they are nowhere near as mucky as they were but here are still a few little flecks of black....since we've stopped the medication I've only seem him shake his head twice .....he's not 100% but it's not unbearable for him. Thanks for the recipe Lochan....I've baked human cakes today for my niece and nephews bake sale so I'll try some for Dex tomorrow ....in the meantime I have just been wetting it before we go out and it seems to make it a bit more exciting....well,it makes it smellier for a start so it's bound to interest him! X
