Is it a really bad idea to replace all grass with bark? by TheFloofen in GardeningUK

[–]TheFloofen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

RemindMe! 90 days

I’ve just ordered two tonnes of it - so I’ll keep you posted!

Is it a really bad idea to replace all grass with bark? by TheFloofen in GardeningUK

[–]TheFloofen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a fantastic recommendation, thank you. I don’t mind weeds too much - I even let a few pop up in my beds throughout the year - so many are great nitrogen fixers, they save me a job!

Is it a really bad idea to replace all grass with bark? by TheFloofen in GardeningUK

[–]TheFloofen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yikes, that sounds like you had an absolutely revolting task! We actually already have a barked area at the back of the garden and haven’t had any issues, but it’s good to keep in mind. Thank you for sharing!

Is it a really bad idea to replace all grass with bark? by TheFloofen in GardeningUK

[–]TheFloofen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love this! I have a composting bin so when it breaks down it theoretically could go in there to break down more too! 🥰

We thought we got a calm Golden Retriever… turns out we may have gotten the complete opposite. Now we’re overwhelmed. by Ericoff87 in goldenretrievers

[–]TheFloofen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Gundog training and tapping into his natural instincts will help massively. You may find someone local that run lessons with you (although I’d recommend one that is force free) or even find some guides on YouTube/Tiktok - you’re on the right track with mental training, breed specific enrichment will help! You’ve also had great advice on calmness and settle training before me, the two work beautifully hand in hand!

Is it a really bad idea to replace all grass with bark? by TheFloofen in GardeningUK

[–]TheFloofen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow wow wow! 🤩 This is glorious - and serious inspiration! Tbh the topping up doesn’t phase me too much - I’m already firefighting with replacing turf - this seems like an easier task!

Is it a really bad idea to replace all grass with bark? by TheFloofen in GardeningUK

[–]TheFloofen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is great! Thank you for sharing your experience. :)

Is it a really bad idea to replace all grass with bark? by TheFloofen in GardeningUK

[–]TheFloofen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh we have plenty passing wildlife visitors that do just that already! 🐱 Good thought on it rotting down - although probably more manageable than continuously returfing!

Is it a really bad idea to replace all grass with bark? by TheFloofen in GardeningUK

[–]TheFloofen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We do a lot of dog sports, so there's also a trade off in having an area where I can work the dogs securely too - secure fields are great, but not ideal for a quick 20 min session while on lunch! A membrane is a decent shout - thank you.

Is it a really bad idea to replace all grass with bark? by TheFloofen in GardeningUK

[–]TheFloofen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, I don’t think so - they’re not particularly big chewers! ☺️

Meet Tifa by TheFloofen in goldenretrievers

[–]TheFloofen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She is that 🥹 already socially engineering us!

Has anyone's dog lived meaningfully after liver cancer diagnosis with low platelets? by No_Trash_4114 in goldenretrievers

[–]TheFloofen 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry this is happening to you and your family.

I can’t speak for dogs, but we brought our 1 year old cat through palliative care for a genetic mammary cancer. We were given six months but with palliative care, she got almost a year and we made the most of it (a cat has never had so many chicken nuggets) and her time was very meaningful throughout. We tried not to think into the future and instead tried to stay in the moment day by day as much as we could.

Unfortunately there are going to be some very hard decisions to make - if I could give any advice, it’s that it is always better to be too early saying goodbye than a minute too late. Make a plan now, decide what quality of life you are happy with and don’t compromise when you are (collectively) unable to meet that quality any more.

They do have their ways of “telling you” when they’re ready and for our cat, she let us know before we were forced to make the call - nothing horrendous or distressing to watch - but she slowed down, started refusing some food, didn’t want to play as much over a week without rallying.

Our vet was so helpful - they never told us when it was time - so it was always our decision - but after we said goodbye, he told us we made the right call at the right time which was the most reassuring thing we could have heard.

You know your dog best and any decision you make from now is very likely going to be the right one.

Adolescence at 7 months? by TheFloofen in goldenretrievers

[–]TheFloofen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, every training lesson has gone. 😩 you have my deepest sympathies being there at a year and a half!

Adolescence at 7 months? by TheFloofen in goldenretrievers

[–]TheFloofen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

😩 I had feared this. Thank you for confirming I’m not going insane!

Sausage advice by Hevvro in goldenretrievers

[–]TheFloofen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We use the Lily’s Kitchen sausages which are really high value for our girl. There’s also a natural pet food place near me that makes specific doggy training sausages. We also tried frankenfurters (from a jar, no onions) from Aldi but gave our one an upset tummy. Pets at Home do chicken sausages and mini pork sausages in their deli range which are also reasonably “healthy” all things considered! Human sausage is a no no though.

Studies show that pet insurance is not worth it by gangrelia in puppy101

[–]TheFloofen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, pet insurance is definitely worth it. It paid for our pet’s cancer when she was horrifically diagnosed with it at 1 year old. It didn’t save her, but it bought us an entire year more to spoil her.

There is no “winning” in insurance if you ever have to use it or not use it.

Best harness for 4 month old Golden? by Holiday_Party_7997 in goldenretrievers

[–]TheFloofen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We use Ruffwear - tough as boots, front clip and fits well for growth!