Gogee

I'm hoping one of the very knowledgable Saluki folk may see this thread and post a response, especially those that know about desert bred/COO dogs

Those mats from Cheap as Chips will fit well then It will probably cost you between $15 and $50 to have a piece of foam cut depending on the foam quality/type you choose and the thickness you want. You can get it done at Clarkes Rubber or an re-upholstery place. ETA, keep in mind that if you buy a mat which is too thick you'll have to remove it before folding the crate up. Your crate sounds smaller than the ones I have, so getting foam cut will probably be cheaper than ours. SecretKei is right, you can choose the thickness/quality and size and that will determine the cost....I think one of ours cost just under $50 for a maybe 20cm thick piece, for an XL sized crate. It is pretty high density foam too, but still comfy and cushiony enough

Yep, we have thick and dense pieces of foam cut to size (from Clarke Rubber) and then I made covers for the foam out of polar fleece and cotton....just to protect the foam from being ripped/dug to shreds from the "getting comfy" routine that happens at night in their crates. The covers are easy to slip off and wash too, leaving the foam relatively clean (and clean smelling!) The price will vary on the density of the foam, so just go have a look and see what suits

Wonderful shots! I love the concentration on the face of the gorgeous Pharaoh

Jewelled hound is great, I've got a few of their martingales....however it looks like they are currently not operating (when you go into the "Our Shop" area). Spudd if you're referring to the beautiful fabric martingales from overseas, I've bought a few from the 2houndsdesign website ;) I know they look pricey, but they're definitely worth every cent ;) The Saluki Club of Victoria (and I think NSW as well) also sell some martingales.

Stephen's Terrace Vet clinic at St Peters Structured classes with basic manners/obedience, plus a small segment of supervised off-lead interaction. The trainers are positive reinforcement based and very knowledgeable.

Hi Daisy, not sure how far out north you are but here are some recommendations for places that I've taken my two dogs to that promote positive reinforcement based training... Stephen's Terrace Vet Clinic, at St. Peters - a fantastic puppy preschool program, based on positive reinforcement and socialisation. Puppy Preschool at Stephen's Terrace Vets Canine Behavioural School in Trinity Gardens - a positive reinforcement based obedience school. We took our two dogs there a while ago, and were really happy with their methods and philosophy. Great knowledgeable trainers as well! Canine Behavioural School I'm sure other South Aussies who live North can recommend some other places up that way as well. Cheers and best of luck with your new pup in Feb

Another one you might want to try is the Adelaide Hills Pet Resort, in Nairne - our two just spent a night there came back happy hounds :D The facilities seem very clean and professional, and the staff seemed to love our dogs (which helps!). Not sure you would have any luck with Christmas bookings, as they're always very busy....however you may want to try anyway. Adelaide Hills Pet Resort

Although I don't have a huge amount of experience in the breed, I agree about the flashy "show dog" type movement....Salukis were not bred to fly around the ring like speeding bullets with legs going everywhere. Also, moderation, moderation, moderation!....and balance :D ....two of my huge bug bears with the breed. Too often I've seen extremes in fronts or more often rears that leave me wondering....could these dogs possibly do what they were bred to do? eta: in summary I'd like to see more moderate, balanced dogs who move well. SSM - seal on stilts.. love the phrase

charley 101, I agree that it would be brilliant if there were some other representations of professional behaviourists/trainers on telly here to show the public some alternative methods as well. Witnessing applied animal behaviourists and trainers with qualifications and experience do their stuff would be fantastic.....a Patricia McConnell show would be awesome! :D

Love it love it love it! :D I predict a rush in orders from all us sighthound people I don't mind educating the public, but I'm sure we all know those certain individuals who no matter what we say to them, insist that our hounds are poor starving things On topic, Jazawayaya your girl looks in great condition!

I've not boarded my dogs there, but if it's the same place I'm thinking of I know that the owners/operators are very well respected breeders/exhibitors and take great care with their own dogs. I imagine this would be reflected in the establishment they run too

Sending healing wishes to Yogi, and to you Robbi, hope it all goes ok!

Happy 10th Birthday Cowboy! Looks like a fab day was had by all!

Fascinating video What a great insight into the role of the Saluki in one of the countries of origin....and all those puppies make me all gooey inside of course too

Quite true... My young (22 month old) Kelpie CAN NOT keep up with Moss (Saluki, aged 7) but she tries. They box, run, Moss mouths & rolls her by her head/neck, but they are pretty quiet. On the other hand, when Moss & Arella (female saluki, aged 8) run together they are loud to the point of "those dogs are killing each other" - but they're not, they're just loud! Sonia Howdy Sonia Saluki play style is something to be seen to be believed I guess! Indi is both roaringly loud AND rough, with his body slamming, mouthing and growling. Not for the faint hearted

The Greyhound Owners, Trainers and Breeders Coursing club of SA has a straight track at Virginia that they do greyhound coursing at and apparently other breeds are welcome to try out, on non race days..I was going to investigate this a while ago but never got around to it. I'd love to check this out! What breeds of dogs do you guys have out of curiosity? Mine is an Italian Greyhound.. we've been training him agility but he's just too bloody fast and wont let me keep up.. I think he'd be much better at lure coursing seeing as he loves to chase things! lol Skitch, if you do end up checking out the Greyhound track above let me know what you find out I would love to have a big open field somewhere to do field lure coursing (not sure of the right term, but it's not straight track). I think the only place in Aus that does competitive coursing is in Qld? We have a Saluki and Pharaoh Hound, who of course would love to chase ;) Given it's what they were bred for, it would be great to let them have a chance to enjoy their natural instincts in a safe setting.

I don't think there are any organisations doing proper lure coursing in SA unfortunately. The Greyhound Owners, Trainers and Breeders Coursing club of SA has a straight track at Virginia that they do greyhound coursing at and apparently other breeds are welcome to try out, on non race days..I was going to investigate this a while ago but never got around to it. If you end up finding anywhere else, I'd love to know too

Woah!! Thanks so much Harminee, much appreciated :D

Thanks anniek I think he was staring at cars (or probably cows) in the far distance, which is why he looks so serious

Sorry for another one of these posts Is anyone able to please help with photoshopping the following two pics? I don't have photoshop at all, and wouldn't be able to work it out even if I did I'm sure! Can the collar and lead be removed from this one? And in this one, can the collar and lead be removed, and the whisp of white ruff which has blown up the side of his neck also be removed? Do you need the original pics at all? Thanks so much for any help

I second that motion! now let's go buy lottery tickets :D

Woo Hoo!!! Congrats Miss Mab!! :rolleyes: SSM I love the fact that you are one of a few who are flying the flag for COO Salukis here in Aus, well done! And may Miss Mab continue on with her fantastic career!

Just pulled it out of the cupboard and it's a Large. It would fit Indi. I probably wouldn't go a Medium if you decide to go that route. It doesn't have elastic or velcro on the bottom, just the top where it fits around the head. I always tucked the end in under the coat but it depends a bit what kind of coat they wear I guess. Cool! thanks for the info SSM. I'm sure it would fit Asha too, as her chunky coconut head is not as svelte as Indi's anyway

Ooh, if you do would you be willing to post a pic at all? I'd definitely prefer to buy locally than have to order from OS. a PM is fine