Danois

(snipped quote) What is the purpose of showing desexed dogs? Desexed dogs (especially those done early) tend to have different physical characteristics than their entire counterparts - it would be like judging apples and oranges in the show ring if they were in the same class. If they are not in the same class then you simply have a divide between show dogs and pet dogs. Also - not forgetting that the traditional purpose of conformation shows is the showcasing of the best dogs which can be used for breeding. Mandatory desexing is not the way to go. Perhaps councils should make it more attractive to desex - ie high costs for registration if not desexed with a majority rebate if desexed. Exemptions for anyone who can provide proof of ANKC membership or vet certificate. Then actually crack down on registrations - fine them if not registered and then waive the fine if the dog is registered (and desexed) within x time. Also - legislate the operation of pounds/ rescue so that no dog is rehomed/ adopted that is not desexed. Crack down on puppy farms. The mechanisms to control the dog population already exist - the bodies responsible for enforcing them just need to actually enforce them!

Woohooo I have something to do tomorrow now! (Can you tell I am bored?)

Hey - I'm bored - I can write you one!

It's about respecting other peoples right to use the same space as you - not everyone wants big dogs bounding up to their small ones and this is where you have to bomb proof the recall. It also means paying complete attention to your dog at all times - and this is where most people in dog parks fall down. Too busy chatting away without regard to their dog's behaviour. I have a giant breed and took him to the park yesterday. He had a lot of pent up energy as he'd not had much of a walk in the last couple of days and we were over to the side where no other dogs were (only 3 small dogs in the big park). I kept Boo to the side and let him run around. One of the small dogs came over towards us so I recalled Boo and clipped on the lead (knowing he'd be too boisterous). Dog lost interest and went away. Let Boo off. Little dog came back so I clipped Boo on lead again and walked further away. Happened one more time too before I decided to leave the park. Owner paid no attention to the fact that I clearly did not want her dog interacting with Boo and made no attempt to recall it to leave us alone. Was quite frustrating. ETA re the side question - I am very confident that my dog would never start a fight. Even when other dogs have had a go at him, if offlead, he runs rather than defending himself - and this is a 2 year old entire male.

I know someone who uses the Ruffwear ones because of an allergy type issue. She uses little baby socks in them. She has spoken highly of them especially for what they have allowed the dog to be able to do without discomfort.

I use www.aroundthehounds.com.au for collars for my giant breed - very happy with them.

Give the council all the details of the dog and owner - descriptions etc and time they're usually in the park. Council ranger can then organise to visit and see if they can find the dog and owner. It's worth reporting and having it on record in case something happens further. I recently went through this - reported a dog who had an issue with mine and constantly attacked and harassed and the owner did nothing. Council gave them a formal warning over it - at least I know if something happens again, further action will be taken.

PM PAX - the kennels at Londonderry. I travel from the Inner West to go there! Dogs get plenty of one on one time and time out of runs. Get fed really well. My dog drops weight easily and after 11 days over Xmas was the same weight when I picked him up - I think he thinks the diet there is better than home! He got super excited when he saw where we were on the 2nd visit. I have let her know the thread is here.

A very stong recommendation for PAX from me too. No ideaa about name or website though

I dare not handle anything small after handling a dane as I suspect the result would be the same! I managed to stay on my feet during the only incident I had - finished the run off for class and as I came to a stop my knee dislocated and then popped back in. I limped away - I think the thought of the fact that if I hit the deck I'd end up with a puppy dane on me thinking it was a great game kept me on my feet.

My usual vet clinic charged me $29.95 (from memory) for 50 cortisone tablets. The convenient vet clinic charged me $21 for 10 cortisone tablets. This same clinic previously did not charge me for 2 tablets as there "are only a couple of cents each"...

PM Stormie - I think her clinic does puppy pre-school

Not really an experience I imagine most people are keen to remember and recount

As SBT123 said - stop worrying! Having a giant breed puppy you are far better off having a dog who does not hoover their food as excess weight on joints is not good. My dog frequently fasted himself as a puppy and still does it now - if he's hungry he will eat, if he's not then he won't. Dyzney - I have fed the RC per the feeding guide plus some and still had a lean dog

I have an NFS one and its been fine. Boo has chosen to create a few new air holes in the mesh now though... My advice is not to use the handle on the side of the base to lift it - it kinda rips the base! I was told that they had changed the design but saw a new one recently with the handle still there.

Pennant Hills Vet Hospital - 9484 1137. The vet Ian, took over the practice recently from the old vet. Ian has a fantastic way with animals - my dog lets him do nails without any issues and lets him take blood, do injections etc without flinching. Boo almost turns himself inside out when he sees Ian. I am not a fan of Sydney Animal Hospital myself.

Sure it But this way the freight cost will be lowered for Stormie!!! Ah - perhaps I should clarify! I do actually know stormie away from the computer screen!

Can you add in a bottle for Boo?

Hey Rysup - highly recommend going to see stormie's clinic. The care from these guys is outstanding.

And every single person who works for the RSPCA was a part of this court case? And the courts sided with the RSPCA but they were wrong too. Doesn't say much for our legal system that they are getting so many judgements wrong. The Court had no role in making the judgment in this case however they did recognise that the RSPCA were in the wrong to an extent and sentenced accordingly.

Large bags of RC are not over $130 - should be around $115-$120. Eagle Pack is $130.

Petbarn stocks it.

Petbarn stocks it.

I have a thief here too - my problem is that he can reach most things unless it is in a cupboard or on top of the fridge!

Oh Horus - I don't have the words to express how sorry I am to hear this. Ellie was a lovely girl and I always remember her when Angs came to visit. Angs will look out for her at the Rainbow Bridge. Big hugs to you and gentle ear rubs to Ellie's spotty friends.