u/silveraltaccount

Ive got an 8 month old heeler x who i just picked up yesterday from another foster who was unable to handle her, and felt she was unsafe for her child.

She mentioned the dog being food aggressive, but also called a lot of mundane, arousal behaviour aggressive as well, so I didnt put much stock in that.

No, she was right. The dog is food aggressive.

Shes been fine with meals, I give kibble, but when my partner was saying hello to her for the first time, he put his hands in the crate and pet her through the bars, which was fine until it was like she suddenly remembered she had a high value chew, and with almost zero warning, went for his hand. (Leading up she was accepting pets just fine, some nervousness cause shes unsocialised, and about a second before she bit she grew still - that was all the warning she gave)

Grabbed his hand and began pulling back on it (no head shaking thank god) my partner was very good about it, stayed calm, didnt yank his hand back. Once she let go he took his hand back, and she began charging the crate, continuing to growl and yell at him.

He moved back a little to see if that would help and it did, so i got him to throw a couple high value treats in (not to reward the behaviour but to hopefully show that he wont take anything, but he will add) it surprised her enough he was able to stand up and move away properly without further complaint from her.

About 15 minutes later I let her out and put her on the tether outside, and he got to meet her properly then, and it was like nothing had ever happened, in fact i think she likes him more than me 😂

She did break the skin on his finger, and i wont be surprised if bruising develops.

Obviously we wont be sticking fingers in the crate anymore, but what are the best steps to help her work through this?

Itll be very hard to adopt her out if she cant be considered safe.

We've nicknamed her Newbie cause she acts like shes new to being a dog and existing in the world. (Which she probably is - came from a farm that she roamed as more of a stray than an owned dog)

Im using the term "should" very loosely here.

Im a gundog owner, I own an english setter, shes my second setter, and I love her so much, the breed is perfect for me. No notes. 10/10.

My current foster is a german shepherd.

Yall.

Different breeds behave differently. This isnt new knowledge, I knew this. I knew before she came to my house that shepherds are busy, they're full on, they're a barrel in teeth first kind of dog, hard headed, strong willed and eager to please somehow all at once.

I knew this.

But having them side by side, this german shepherd and my english setter, the differences are incredible.

Theyve had to learn each others languages, their play styles are so different theyve had to invent a whole new one to be able to play together.

Training the shepherd is nothing like training my setter.

Sure Im still getting yelled at, but im also getting my fingers mistaken for treats, and Im not having to keep training entertaining to have her attention. She just offers it freely and enthusiastically as if Ive done a single thing to earn that.

I walk them together and the way they process leash corrections is completely different. My setter needs convincing that that tug is actually worth listening to over that smell over there, while my foster, who ive had only a week, is so tuned in shes instantly righting herself at the slightest pressure.

Theyre the same age I might add. My setter ive owned her whole life. The shepherd has been here a week.

When going about the routine the shepherd instantly clocks whats happening next. Oh we're going outside! Races to the back door. Oh its crate time! Puts herself in the crate. Oh, relaxing time? Finds the bed in the study and plonks down on it.

My setter? Walks as slowly as she can in front of me cause even tho she knows whats happening she has to make sure every step of the way that Im coming.

I cant wait for my foster to be adopted. Shes absolutely gorgeous and I love her to bits, but I actually cant wait to see what breed i get next and how THEY differ to my setter.

How different will the next breed feel, what new insight will i gain.

Ive already worked out why most people dont choose gundogs for trick training. I didnt get it until i had a working breed in my house. I get it now.

Maybe next Ill have a terrier or pastoral breed. Maybe a bully mix, or hound.

I cant wait to see.

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I am currently at my heaviest (last weighed in at 75kg) after spending the last 5 years actively trying to gain weight. (And the last 10 passively aware of the neccesity)

However its mostly fat, and Im beginning to have a hard time with the fact anywhere i put my hands on my body i can get a handful of skin.

My weight is healthy, this is the best ive ever felt aside from being unfit.

But i feel gross about the way the weight sits on me.

How do i resolve this?

Im going to the gym to up my fitness and trying not to get my hopes up that itll make my body feel less.... Loose. Its mostly my back, waist and hips that i have a problem with. Made peace with my belly and arms 10kg ago.

But I think i had less negative things rattling around my head for those parts. Subconsciously that is.

I got over it by drawing myself. Taking selfies that had those parts of me showing and tracing the photo. I might try that again.

But if anyone here has experienced this, what are your tips?

Im honestly terrified ill stop eating again without realising thats what im doing.

I dont plan on gaining more weight, my goal was 70kg so ive got a 5kg margin of error. I just want to not feel wrong.

Im wanting to try grooming from home. I have a cert 3 in grooming and have done limited professional work in a salon (they promised to train me. They didn't)

My grooms are passable pet quality, nothing special yet, I need more practice to build up to quality.

My set up currently is, I have a bath tub that I can attach a hose to for warm baths. I have a velocity dryer. I own clippers but currently only have a 30 blade (will be buying all the blades i need prior to finding my first client) I think if i price small grooms at 80, just 3 grooms will pay for bare minimum low quality blades, which will get me through until i need them replaced and can afford better quality. (To clarify, im using AUD)

I dont have a proper grooming table, but do have a folding table and may be able to find a way to clamp a grooming arm onto it.

I will likely be limited to small dogs at least until i have enough to purchase better equipment that can withstand an unruly larger dog.

I will also be working alone so cant have poorly behaved dogs that would require a helper to finish.

What I have:

Heininger Opal clippers - with a 30 blade only

Cheap Kmart clippers - adjustable head, good for silky coats and close trims, poor for comb clips

Velocity dryer

Folding table - will find a way to attach an arm to it until i can get a grooming table

Bathtub with hose attachment - shower is also an option if needed

Crates for holding dogs when taking a break, as well as yard space so they can relieve themselves/run around

Grooming will be done in the bathroom and dining room - and outside when weather permits as we dont have a garage or suitable shed (we have two sheds, i can double check if theres a powerpoint but theyd be murderous in summer)

And grooming scissors plus various brushes etc

Once I get my hands on the blades I need and combs and things, how do I go about getting clients, explaining my process (drop off in morning and pick up in afternoon rather than call when finished system. Allows me to take my time and get it right without stressing about time) and everything else

And also, general running a business type advice, what do I need to have, how much will it cost me etc. Can i just start with neighbours dogs and get insurance later??

Theres no grooming jobs in the area that have been willing to have a second look at my resume and Im desperate for work. If this is an avenue i can take i want to do it.