poochmad

I've had a look at the site and reviewed the content regarding 'what is a puppy farm/factory' and how to recognise one. Nowhere does it imply that normal breeders are mixed into this group, namely what you would expect to see regarding one of these places, i.e. dogs living in filth, dogs with medical problems, dogs exhibiting behavioural problems (twirling, agression, pacing, fear of humans, etc) dogs with atrocious coat and body conditions, dogs living in confined spaces and are either packed in with other dogs preventing the ability to move or are in too small a space for their size. I would not regard a normal dog breeder who may or may not have multiple dogs (i.e. 20 or more) to be in the same category as a puppy farmer. The dogs that I have viewed when visiting these establishments have all been in excellent health, with great temperaments and are obviously well loved and cared for. Also, I have never had a breeder tell me that I can't visit their home or show me the mother and or the father. Even showing other dogs is welcomed. This is not something that puppy farmers do - either selling pups online or via pet shops - exactly as depicted on the website. So in response to the actual topic about the puppy farming plight, I agree with what the RSPCA is doing.

There's nothing more annoying than people like that, the worse ones who say, oh look at that, they're gay! (Good grief.) I wish that I had stepped in when our male dog was being harrassed by a Beagle who just wouldn't leave him alone when we were staying at our friend's place. If that happened again, I would definitely step in.

Hmm, interesting. We tried a 'scarf' that had lavendar and other herbs in it, but it didn't do anything. Might try this for Jindi as she has a fear of people (we just manage it and she's slowly getting better).

Jindi is the first purebred dog that we've had who still has her dew claws on. I like them removed and I forgot to ask the vet to remove them when she was desexed. It's not that big a deal, we ensure all her nails are trimmed weekly, but it would have been better to have them removed.

How scary for you. So sorry that you had to witness it (though lucky you were home). I hope your little Foxie pulls through and is ok. I agree with what others have said regarding getting a behaviourist in. Hugs to you and your family, for a terrible situation.

I would rehome it. I don't think it's fair on the dog to be in an environment where it's not going to be loved and comfortable. I need to really bond with my dogs and there has only been one dog in the past when I was a teenager that I couldn't bond to and she was rehomed to a young girl who thought the dog was fantastic. I guess it just goes to show that different personalities of dogs suit different people. Take for example the little rescue dog that I have on my lap (looking after him for a friend). He is an incredible little dog, quiet, sweet natured, cuddly, easy to train and yet ended up in the pound, unkempt, riddled with fleas, coat matted, etc; it blows me away how such an adorable being found himself without a home.

Fantastic post and a terrific result. I only wish we had someone as great as Cosmolo here in the ACT. The behavourists we've had were jokes.

My, he's a handsome looking boy. What a horrible time the two of you have been through. Thank goodness he sounds like he's on the mend.

I agree with what Jed said. We have dogs surrounding us and although our dogs rarely bark, I won't complain about the neighbour's dog that barks throughout the night (and has one of those piercing barks that beats around in your head) as I worry that if my male dog barks, then they won't hesitate about complaining about our dog.

How terribly upsetting. Poor little puppies.

Wheatens and kerries, you know you want to! My family owned a Kerry and as cute as he was, he was a pain in the butt with other dogs. What are Wheatens like? I love the fact that our dogs are very friendly and can easily mix with any type of dog. Even if a little dog growls or has a go at our dog (either the male or the female), they just give them a wide berth.

Me three.

Get a Whippet! Hmm. Not sure about a whippet (as they still lose hair), but I seriously was looking at breeds that don't shed (for the future), but it seems that every dog that doesn't shed you need to pluck the ear hair, and I hate doing that! (Sister has a poodle.)

I think it depends on the dog. We have an overly shy dog who is easily spooked. Sometimes she will greet us all happy at the door and then other times she will come to the door and then run away when we open it, acting as though she doesn't know who we are. We just say her name and then she knows it's ok. She's so sensitive in that you can change your shirt and she may run away if she didn't follow you in as she is unsure who you are (different smell I think). My sister had an Irish Setter who remembered her after she had lived overseas for 5 years. It was incredible watching his reaction to her.

How terrible. The only thing I can suggest is to have your dog inside away from the noise when he's out there.

We always treats to the park. However, we're very lucky where we live as more often than not, we're the only ones in the dog park, so can do what we wish. What bliss.

Ah yes, I forgot about the bed stealing... I love you Henschke but...move over on the bed, don't sleep between my legs so I get a cramp, don't stick your nose in my face when I'm asleep if you want to come up and stop jumping up and down throughout the night so I get a restless sleep!

I'm over the slobber and the hair. Just on the weekend I was having a whinge to hubby about loving the dogs, but am sick of the hair everywhere, the tumbleweeds that appear by the end of the week, the slobber along the walls and in places that makes you wonder how it got there... Anyone else love their dog with a 'but'?

Our house is incredibly cool (so cool in fact you often have to rug up in summer) and the dogs have access to inside/outside through a doggy door. When we all go to bed, we all enjoy the comfort of A/C in the bedroom.

Well done to the postie for being brave and saving the dog's life. I hope the owner does the right thing and thanks him. I'm not a fan of dogs being in the front yard - yes I can understand people doing that as a deterrent but there are other better ways to deter a 'would be robber'. I think having a dog in the front yard is asking for trouble - what if a kid put their hand through the fence and got bitten? How are people able to make deliveries?

What a beautiful tribute! So sorry for your loss. RIP Mimi.

Oh my, so sorry for your loss.

No need to hide away (if you're referring to the thread I think you are talking about), there have been a lot more steamy arguments, opinions, comments put across that are a lot worse than what you said. It's good of you to apologise, though.

I'd say no too. It's not your responsibility to socialise that dogn or should you put your dogs in a risky situation where they could be bitten or mentally scarred for life.

What a great dog! I'd feel safe with him at my side.