Lab_Rat

Thanks for your replies! I have since been on the WA GAP site, and was amazed at just how many greys are adopted . Its great that so many find homes, although I have no idea how many are on the list to be adopted of course! Rat

Hi Guys - just a couple of questions about greys (I hope to adopt in the future ).... In WA (and Im in the country) are greyhounds still required to be muzzled?? I noticed the greys at the Royal Show - at the Greyhounds for Pets Tent - didnt have muzzles. Is there a particular age that greyhounds are retired from racing?? I gather they are raced and if unsuccessful, retired? How easy are they to house train when being acclimatised for their pet life? And do they have any problems getting used to going from track life to house life? Thanks, and its great to read so much about these beautiful dogs! I met my first greyhound at a friends place and was quite taken by him. Rat

Hey Warren - hows your boy going?? Is he eating again yet? I would have to agree with the others here in recommending two meals a day (for bloat reasons) and to not leave food down for them to graze all day. Hope your boy is fine! Rat

Wow - he is a beautiful boy, those ears!!! So different to the little wombat-piglet he once was!! Such a rich, delicious colour too............. Rat

Oh ridgebacklover - I am so, so sorry you have lost your beautiful girl Bella....big hugs to you, OH and Boss boy. Rat

Pikes pooches - I think that yes there is definitely two "types" of Kelpie - the working dog and the bench dog. I own a "working" kelpie - not a ANKC pedigree, but a Kelpie all the same. She cant be shown at dog shows. The working lines seem to have kept the two tone colouring alot more, black & tan, red & tan etc., whereas the show lines seem to be solid colours like the blacks and reds. Their build is slightly different also, but so are lines within the two types. The working dogs seem to be narrower, and just a bit taller than the show dogs. But they are all so beautiful. When I was a kid there seemed to be just two types of kelpies - what we called Red Clouds here in WA, and Black & Tans. This website is all about the Working Kelpie - Here There are a few others here on DOL that know an awful lot more about kelpies than myself, and I hope they hop in here and give us all a bit of their stories!! Rat

Wylie - is your dogs diet just made up of meat, offal and bones?? And how much do you feed each dog weight wise? I guess there is always going to be arguments about which is better for dogs, veges or not, dry or not. The more opinions we get and the reasons behind those opinions will help out people like me, and others, hesitant to convert to a natural diet, be it totally meat based or not. While wolves may not eat vegetables I dont think adding veges to our dogs meals will harm them, its just us humans that it will affect - in time and money! Also the diet of every other domesticated animal and us has changed over time, so maybe a strict "wolf" diet isnt totally necessary. Not condemning others here, just making an observation! Yellowgirl, my vet calls the whole dry food thing "propaganda", which cracks me up, although really its true. Tell someone something often enough and they will end up believing it to be true! Has anyone seen a difference between using a food processor and a juicer? Does one do a better job than the other with the breakdown of vegetable matter? Rat

Whew - 17 pages of very interesting and helpful info!!! I am in the midst (which has lasted about two years now ) of trying to convert to feeding a raw/natural diet to my dogs. I am still clinging to the safeness of dry food and its "completeness"( stoopid I know, but Im sure you all know how the human brain works :cry: ) whilst trying to convince said brain that we humans dont dine on a processed kibble, so why should the dogs??? I think Im winning . Wandy the kelpie Im sure will thrive on the new diet. But I do worry about Zola the ridgy. She has "animal protein" issues, and although she does well on lamb, occasional chicken carcasses & wings, I worry that she wont do so well on a natural raw diet and will have to remain on a commercial food. At the moment they have both dry food and raw meat/bones with cooked veges. So really all I need to do is stop with the dry food, add some offal & fish, and maybe a couple of other things and we'll be on our way, yes?? So why is it so hard for me to do?????? I guess I am part nerd also, and do worry that if I dont get all the amounts correct I will be doing the wrong thing by my dogs - which is stupid when I look at what I feed us humans. Most of the time its a fairly balanced diet, with a few hiccups due to shiftwork and lack of interest. But the both of us are quite healthy and dont seem to be afflicted with any diseases. In fact neither of us has even had a cold/flu this season, so I must be doing something right So my dogs only need a meal around 2.5% of their bodyweight?? Is this the amounts others feed?? Sorry, after reading 17 pages I dont remember if anyone mentioned this. And veges dont need cooking then processing?? What about veges like sweet potato?? At the moment I cook then process veges. I use sweet potato, broccoli, cauliflower, zuchinni, carrot and they also get a bit of fruit when I feel like sharing, although if I have over ripe bananas they get them also. How long did it take for people to feel confident in how they were feeding their dogs?? Sorry for so many questions, but reassurance is helpful Rat

Poor Ruby and poor you!! Good luck with the turkey! Zola has started on her RC diet - after this I am gonna try my hardest to have them both on a raw diet with no dry or processed food!! I have to do some serious study in the meantime as Im still not 100% confident with what they need!! There are so many conflicting ideas around, vegetables - no vegetables, supplements or not etc.,etc......My vet is excellent though and a huge advocate for raw, non commercial feeding, so I know I can pester her for any of my worries. Rat

Hi ! I just discovered this website - here- and found it quite useful. I read up about Omega 3 & 6 oils and learnt lots more than I already knew. Hopefully it might be of soem use to others with "allergic" dogs... Hows Ruby doing anyway?? And Willow?? And others poor itchy dogs Rat

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) After lots of research we got our first ridgeback in 1995. We currently have our second one, who is 3 years old. I have done a bit of showing, lots of "drooling" over others beautiful RR's. Have not done any breeding - will leave that to the experts! 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? Rhodesian Ridgebacks were first developed in Southern Africa by early white settlers as a guard and hunting dog. European hunting dogs were crossed with the local Hottentot Hunting Dog to produce a dog that suited the local conditions. Ridgebacks were never used to kill adult lions, but for keeping them at bay until the hunters arrived. However the ridgeback was used to hunt down smaller game. They also proved to be an excellent family guard dog. 3. How common is it in Australia? Not very common, although I think they are becoming more popular. 4. What is the average lifespan? Usually 10-12 years. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? Generally they are a family oriented dog, being extremely faithful and affectionate to that family. They can however be quite aloof, to the point of ignoring, with strangers. They can be quite independent and stubborn dogs. Certainly an interesting dog to train, as they see no point in repeating things too often. They will probably play fetch for a short amount of time, before looking at you as if to say, 'you threw it, you get it!' They are really fun dogs though, love doing what you are doing, be it lounging around doing nothing or going on a bush hike. They definitely have their own personalties within the the breed too. Our first girl was a gentle regal, lady, our current one is a rough as guts tomboy who is very suspicious of anything strange. But she also has a great sense of humour and will play hidey and chasey with me. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Ours get between half to an hour each day, depending on weather or how busy we are. They probably wouldnt care if they didnt get exercise - especially in winter when they would much rather be on a nice wooly blanky in front of the fire! 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? If the "first time dog owner" had the right personality I would say yes. They need to know whos boss, without being harsh. Firm, fair handling with lots of praise. I had only had experience with working dogs when I got my first ridgeback, so I think if someone has done all their homework and knows what kind of dog they are, go for it! We also had lots of support from our breeders, both times. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? I dont think so. I think they could become quite destructive and vocal if left alone alot. They love the company of their family! 9. How much grooming is required? A weekly brush, more when they moult which is a couple of time a year. Weekly ear cleaning and nail trimming. They are quite clean dogs, and both mine tend to groom themselves after being out and about. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? They can definately be boofy if not used to children or infirm people. But they can also adapt quite well to being exposed to kids and the infirm. Some seem to "know" when they need to restrain themselves! 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Dermoid Sinus Hip/Elbow Displaysia Other Health problems can include bloat and osteosarcoma. 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) You should be looking for a registered breeder who hip & elbow scores their dogs. The lower the score the better. The Australian Grade is from 0 - 6 for hips and 0 - 3 for elbows with 0 being the best. Average for hips seems to be about three (just going by results I have for ten dogs). Your breeder should be able to match you to a suitable pup - not all temperaments are the same! No point having a quiet, introvert if you have four rowdy kids! Or a super active dog if you lead a more quiet life.

Thanks guys your suggestions are very much appreciated! I understand the belly band is a management tool only, and some training is needed. Not having to worry about boy dogs inside Ive never really thought about the "before" behaviour - but thats a good point! I was also thinking crate, but I think just keeping him a lead would be alot easier for them. I will pass these suggestions on, and hopefully they will be implemented and maybe even work :D Thanks again Rat

Because it is harder to find - especially the wings. Also initially Zola wasnt too bad if she only had a few wings or necks a week, she seemed to handle them fine. But lately, in the last few weeks, she has become very itchy. Her poor ears are itchy and lumpy as well. Ive removed everything except lamb now until I can get to "the big smoke" and get some RC. Im not sure whether its the chicken, as they dont get it every day, or whether its treats and its just a build up of stuff (not quite sure how allergies/intolerances manifest in the dogs system?). Rat

I totally agree Paganman, definately not the dogs fault - just thought a belly band might be useful! Unfortunately I dont think my brother would be inclined to have to spend "all that time" on toilet training!!!!! bobchic a bellyband is a band of material with a velcro fastening at each end (the ones Ive seen) that goes around a dogs middle to prevent them from weeing on things..... Rat

Hi All, I have a question about dogs weeing on things inside, on behalf of my brother. Ive never had boy dogs so I couldnt really give him any sound advice, but Im sure someone out there can help. My brother and his family have two small male dogs (entire - lets NOT go there ) that they have decided to let inside with them at night times. One of them is fine inside, was inside as a pup and has been toilet trained. The other has been an outside dog for most of his life I think and obviously doesnt know the rules! So when this dog is inside, he is fine when sitting with family and asleep on their laps etc. but they cant let him wander around or he wees on things, which obviously isnt the nicest thing! It seems to be a male marking thing rather than a need to wee. I advised that maybe a belly-band might work (but really have no idea!!) and was hoping I could get some advice on this idea. Does the belly band just stop things getting weed on, or can the dog work out eventually that his weeing isnt getting anywhere and stops?? Dumb question I know but as I said Ive never had a boy dog We did however have two male castrated cats that enjoyed immensely marking things inside the house! Are there any other training ideas that could be useful. He would like the dog to have free range of the house as the other one has, but I think he may have left it a little too late for this miracle to happen?! Thanks Rat

Hi Lillysmum - glad to hear youre making some progress with poor Ruby! I have an "allergic" dog also - poor girl is going through what I call an allergy overload atm!! Just reading through the pages of this thread has made me cry actually - It shits me these poor dogs have these allergies and go through hell with the symptoms, us humans battle along with elimination diets and supplements and there seems no one simple answer for us !!! Im thinking of putting my girl back on the RC vegeprotein dry food for a couple of months just so she can have a break from being an itchy, wooly dog - she a ridgeback. She has started paw licking to the max, scratching her chin and the insides of her mouth and being an easily irritated dog Shes also been on antihistamines for the last week or so too. Up until now, after a vet assisted elimination diet, she has been on a lamb based diet. She react badly to beef and roo, moderately to chicken (she gets wings & necks weekly), and I dont go near any processed meats like dog rolls etc.. Perhaps I should give turkey a go - Im sure my vet said that its quite a low allergy food, as its not ever been high up on the list of things dogs are fed commercially. Anyway - thats my sook. I know what youre going through lillysmum, and its a bugger of a journey! So I empathise with you, and all the other allergy owners out there in DOL land. Perhaps we should start a Sub-forum for allergic dogs, where we can discuss, suggest, and have shoulders to cry on!!!!!! Im off to do some "immune system" research, hoping to find something to help struggling immune systems get back on track and not be allergic.........needle in a haystack type stuff I think! Rat

I have been having trouble with teaching a solid stand to my kelpie, so Im glad I found this thread! I think I might give the stand from a sit a go - as the way we have been going, is just from a heel and she immediately goes into a sit! Sometimes she "gets" it, but most not, so I think she is still quite confused about what I want from her....... As for the hand signal, I use the palm across the front of the dog (right hand, palm facing toward dog). Im sure Ive seen someone, somewhere use a flat hand at the top of the dogs head, cant remember where tho. Ooh, just saw ness' reply - thats who it was I think, Ptolomy. With my ridgie, who was also trained for the show ring - never had trouble getting a stand! Which is helpful, as I get her to "stand" for lots of things - ear cleaning, nail trimming, teeth cleaning. More horse like than a dog really. ;) ;) Rat

Of course!!! Thanks Seita - seems I did learn that somewhere along the way, just didnt know what it was called! I NEED to start using it I think, specially with the Kelpie and her stands - sometimes she gets it, others not. Usually at training she forgets what it means . Rat

I have read this thread with great interest as Im at the very beginning of what Im sure is going to be one hell of a journey Trying to trial my kelpie & ridgy in the obedience ring. Anyway I have a couple of ultra dumb questions - please be kind, I dont get out much :D What is an NRM? Is it a NO REWARD MARKER? If so, what is this?? And how is it done? Is there a list of all these acronyms you obedience buffs use? I feel quite in the dark when Im reading threads but have no idea what different words and letters mean I dont get to my dog club on a regular basis, so are there any good books or DVDs or DOLers that may be of help?? Thanks, and good luck Seita! Rat

Heh...heh...Persephone! I was thinking about something along the same lines after reading & participating in a few threads yesterday! Seems theres a few allergic dogs out there! Does anyone know of a allergy test that is purely for foodstuffs? My girl has had the Greer Canine Allergen Test but this only includes plant materials. My vet has concluded through other blood tests that Zola is either allergic to or intolerant to certain animal proteins. We have narrowed it down to her being able to deal with Lamb and occasionally chicken, but I would dearly love to have something in black & white regarding foods. I thinks shes had too much chicken in the last week to ten days or something foreign at the kennels she was at for an overnighter. Shes been licking her paws incessantly, and her ears are inflamed as well poor girl! She got a polaramine with brekky this morning, which has helped. On the positive side - NOTHING seems to irritate the kelpie! Rat

I think I agree with you Stormie......that is if we're on the same page I have this theory that because alot more people are buying properly bred, pedigreed dogs and have alot more interest in their wellbeing as well as more technology being available, that alot more diseases and allergies are being noticed. But I also think/wonder if perhaps these dogs are getting comprimised immune systems because of the generations of well looked after, vaccinated and wormed animals (****THIS IS IN NO WAY A CRITICISM OF ETHICAL PURE BRED BREEDERS BY THE WAY- just an observation of mine!!!). Farm bred or accidental litters have in the past in my opinion not been the most well looked after animals in the way of worming and vaccinating, and in my experience (ie previous & current dogs) havent seemed to have had the problems pure breds have had. But I may be wrong, and am sure I will be told if I am ;) . Processed food may well be a contributer also. Are there breeds that in general dont have incidences of allergies or cancers?? I find this topic very interesting as I have an allergic dog, had an allergic dog but also have a sibling with an auto immune disease. Rat

Wow - this interested me!!!!! I have only in the last 2 years (since my ridgie was old enough to have the vaccs) started to use the yearly Heartworm vaccination. I have noticed in the last few weeks that both dogs have started to be itchy Their diet has not changed, they dont have fleas, and I havent been able to come up with a solution! Maybe this could be my answer. I used the Heartguard chewables previously. My girls dont get wormed regularly ( I dont use the all in one preparations anyway) - mostly because I forget, but also I cant see the point in dosing them with toxins that arent necessary. They dont get flea treatments either - I havent seen a flea on either of them, ever. They are not vaccinated for disease anymore either, they both had titre tests this year, at their vacc due date, and hopefully wont be vaccinated again in their life. Both our previous kelpies died at a old age, from old age type diseases, but my first ridgy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at 9 and had a leg amputated. I will be very interested to see how my current girl goes over the years, given that I wont vaccinate anymore, worming is an occasional event and now I have read a bit about the heartworm vacc., I will not be continuing with them either. I think the more we learn about the chemicals we are sold to help our dogs health, the better off we all are - our dogs & us! It will be interesting to see over the next twenty years or so, with the decrease of yearly vaccinations, if our dogs are living longer with less incidence of disease. ( Sorry a bit OT there ;) ) Rat

Hi Pitchick - sorry to hear about your Rubi's problem!! I can tell you about my last kelpie (this is going back about 15 years tho' ). She had both back legs operated on for damaged cruciate ligaments, but obviously not at the same time. After her ops she was as good as new and was running around normally after her recovery. She didnt have any problems again and died from heart failure at about 16 years. She was an extremely active dog - if she wasnt asleep, she was moving Im not sure how far technology has come re cruciate replacements since then, but I would think they are a pretty common op. You dont say how long for or what dosage you were giving the fish oil and glucosamine/chondroiton, but did you know they need to be on it for a couple of months, sometimes longer for it to have any effect?? My girls are on 4g fish oil & 1.5g glucosamine each day. Our kelpie had a foot injury and I feel the supplements have improved her (she also has 6monthly Cartrophen jabs), whereas the other one (RR) is on supps for preventative measures. I hope you get some other & more current feedback! Good luck with your girl. Rat

Like MayaPapaya (a fellow ridgy owner) I would love to add a pugster to our family in the not too distant future!! I think they are great little dogs - to look at and their personality!! Mind you Ive only met three I must have read the same thread FionaC - and I made a little note as I prefer the long legged type! The Willoughby lines are the leggier, thinner bodied, while the Morrison are the stockier, shorter legged type! So one question about the two lines?? From a newbies point of view - how the hell do you know which are which, do you ask the breeder??? And are they really kept as "separate" lines?? Im loving having these breed threads! Thanks to those-in-the-know for those-that-are-interested's benefit!!! Rat

Ive just seen your thread moosepup - you poor things!!! What a dreadful thing to happen! Im glad youve found a useful vet and your gorgeous little dog is on the mend. Nice that you can take your baby to work with you! I had a baby, orphan wild duckling last season which I took to work with me - everyone went stoopid over a duckling, boss included! Cant imagine how they are with a beautiful little dog like Moose!!! Wishing a speedy recovery for the little one Rat