The Spotted Devil

I don't think you did Hazy but I was referring to mystify who did list some crazy stats and there's a lot on social media too - I know people are angry but attacking orgs like RSPCA does nothing to convince those who think racing should be banned. It makes supporters of racing feel better and reinforces the view of the public who think it should be banned. I see it through the eyes of the public because that's part of my job as an animal welfare scientist. It's not only about promoting good welfare but to be seen to do so. It is what it is. Someone asked me how to prevent this happening in livestock and my reply was to be proactive and to be SEEN as being proactive. Don't cover up. Expose the bad eggs. Engage with welfare orgs and research groups. You can do this at an individual and at a community level and at an industry level. You can see the livestock industries that haven't. As part of my job I talk with government, industry, community, research groups and animal welfare orgs. The latter are more receptive than people give them credit for WHEN you are open and honest. Thanks for your input Hazy - really appreciate your perspective and respectful discussion.

All valid points of view from where ever those particular people stand within the industry. Not everyone will have the exact same outlook on it all. --Lhok Of course and I agree - but it makes it much more difficult for the general public to understand. There needs to be a louder "voice" talking absolute truths instead of attacking and blaming others. I'm just trying to point out the perceptions of the general public. Unfortunately perceptions are everything.

How did a testimony from some bloke in the US from 2005, which clearly had nothing to do with NSW let alone Australia make its way into the report and yes...incompetence from GRNSW for sure. This article is interesting, why was Newson appointed? His appointment was dodgy and his hasty departure even dodgier and what was with the middle finger he flipped at those in the industry via social media, from behind the safety of the back door he snuck out of? Something about the whole thing smells like the skip bin behind my local fish and chip shop and it all points to one person and that prime 10 acres that Wenty Park sits on. http://www.australianracinggreyhound.com/australian-greyhound-racing/new-south-wales-greyhound-racing/opinion-the-hardest-part-about-greyhound-racing-ban-in-nsw/79809 HW - I haven't followed the link yet but the statement by the US bloke was NEVER purported to be testimony. It was a clear reference to another report. You can't have an organisation as important as GA put forward written reports with numbers and suddenly withdraw them without raising some sort of suspicion. GRNSW had every opportunity to provide data to the commission - again and again the information was incomplete. They don't even list litter sizes - numbers of Greys are based on THEIR estimate of 6.3 per litter. That wasn't the Commission's estimate. ETA: Completely get the perspective in the link. Can understand the industry being pi$$ed off at their representatives. But that's the first time I've heard that side of it and I have been following this with great interest. That's where the energy should be focussed - not attacking the RSPCA and Commissioner and the general public - just looks like sour grapes.

Sounds a bit dull indeed! I will ask around but hopefully someone can give you a rec.

Location? Socialisation can also be about relaxing around other dogs. About interacting with the owner in the face of distractions. All the classes I attend are like that - my dogs get other opportunities to play and interact though.

Emotion is fine. I totally get that. Incorrect information does your cause no justice and distracts from your argument. Your RSPCA stats are plucked off social media (I've seen the same numbers thrown about elsewhere) and are just plain wrong.

Given how things have gone so far, I'm going with the latter. Quite likely! But that figure was carefully calculated by GA themselves and it wasn't until it reached the Inquiry that they tried to withdraw it. The Inquiry thought their reasons for withdrawing it and the timing somewhat suspicious.

mystify, I appreciate you feel strongly about this but every time you peddle bullshit stats (eg RSPCA kill rates which, I assure you are not even close to 93% for dogs) or the state of corruption of the NSW government it's very easy to disregard the rest of your argument. The same goes for the Greyhound industry at large. Some of the complaints about the Commission of Inquiry are plainly wrong - I wonder if anyone has actually READ the report in its entirety - at least Vol 2 - instead of cherry picking apparent lies. When you read it carefully there is explanation AND appropriate referencing. The quote about the breeder who drowned puppies at birth was a classic - appropriately referenced in the report, no claim was EVER made that this person was a witness and yet there was an absolute meal made out of it. As an onlooker I read a newspaper article - one guy says "there's no money in Greyhounds" the next guy says "what am I going to do with this million dollar purpose built property?" another guy says "they're our pets, they live better than us" and the next guy says "the government has blood on their hands when the dogs get sent overseas or are all killed."

I can see the basis for some of her comments but unfortunately GRNSW have themselves to blame - they provided late, incomplete and unreliable stats. By their own admission I might add.

Geez! Gutsy! Thanks for the link - I will have a scan whilst trying to avoid the nutters...

So how did that figure of 13,000-17,000 make its way into a highly confidential written report that, in turn, was released to the Commission? It wasn't a slip of the tongue, off the cuff number released at a press conference. It's either a lie or incompetence.

GA later retracted their findings as it was found to be misleading and not based on actual figures. It was found that they made incorrect calculations when they did not have the full figure of actual live greyhounds that never went to GAP nor were reported deceased. The figure was later changed to a lower percentage of deaths per year, I can't remember what it was but it was approx 10% on average per year that didn't survive including those pups in a litter that died of diseases, illnesses, killed by their dams, etc Based on industry breeding figures, it's impossible to kill 17000 dogs in a single year. On average we need over 10,000 to race, 3000 to maintain those numbers via breeding (including sires), and the remaining 4000 would be made in GAP and private re-homing, with the exception of the now known "wastage" rate of 6.9%. Also keep in mind that breeding numbers are down by 46%, so your numbers are grossly outdated and false. See Greyhounds Australasia for confirmation. http://www.galtd.org.au/industry/australasian-statistics Injury rates are very low when you consider we have around 350,000 starters every year. So based on the public perception of 200 injuries every week, means we have an injury rate of 2.97%. But just so you know, regulators around the nation are working to bring those already impressive numbers down even further. And it's worth noting those figures include minor injuries, including minor cuts or abrasions and minor muscle strains. Visit here for more details: http://www.racingtoarespectedfuture.com.au/ Living conditions are very strict. In Victoria alone, they are bound by a government code of practice, complete with standards of living. These standards are the highest in the world, and the dogs are better cared for than most pets. In fact when you consider who cares for their dogs better, you only have to look at the rate pet dogs are going into RSPCA shelters. And only 70% make it out alive, compared to greyhound racing 93.1% that make it from the whelping box to the couch. Visit here for more details: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pe…/domestic-animal-businesses Don't quote BS RSPCA stats. If you want to talk about euth rates nationally they are freely available. 15% for dogs. I'm not pro-RSPCA nor am I anti-Greyhound Racing. I'm interested in accountability and facts. They're not MY numbers by the way. I'm quoting from Vol 2 of the Commision's report. GA's own highly confidential report submitted to the board. GA have publicly stated 58% euth rate (radio interview ABC) following the release of the report.

Nice! Masterchef eat your heart out :D

From Volume 2: GA estimated that: • 7,000 greyhounds a year did not make it to the track (40% of all greyhounds whelped); • the industry sponsored Greyhounds As Pets (“GAP”) program rehomed around 6% of all pre- raced and retired greyhounds; and • the industry was responsible for the deaths of anywhere between 13,000 and 17,000 healthy greyhounds a year. Subject to the qualifications below, these figures suggest that between approximately 74% and 97% of the industry’s greyhounds are destroyed at some point at or before the age of approximately 4.5 years (at birth, prior to naming, after naming or upon retirement from racing). (Report goes on to list qualifications and a detailed response to each - read it here: http://www.greyhoundracinginquiry.justice.nsw.gov.au/Documents/Report-SCI-Greyhound-Racing-Industry-NSW-Volume-2.pdf )

So who does Greyhounds Australasia represent? They reported a euthanasia rate nationally of 58%.

It's great as it ensures your dog is truly listening (rather than throwing behaviours) and it's very handy to have precise behaviours named. I delivered a lecture at a seminar today and the local newspaper turned up for an interview and a photo - it just so happened I had my Springers in the car (and someone told the photographer) so Em joined me for the photo shoot. She was just amazing - whatever the photographer wanted her to do (can you get her to put her front paws on your knee? No your other knee - and hold that position?) OK so slightly unusual situation but she was so easy to work with the guy was gobsmacked.

NOW you tell me

Spin and Twirl Heel and Close Paws up for 2 front paws Hup it up for 4 paws Definitely train both!

I use the paste - only because I needed it asap and my vet had some.

Sook

Sounds like you're both doing great! Keep it light and fun and remember how breathtakingly NEW everything is to her. Sensory overload!!! Oh and you want to see crazy...that's my gal :laugh:

For a start, when the pup is distracted I just use it as information. And wind it back a notch. So I might go play tug in the boring bathroom and bring out distractions in there that I can control. I use AWESOME treats in high distraction environments. You can't force a pup to pay attention so you just gotta be more fun and/or change the environment. I'm a big Susan Garrett fan and these are some things we do - crate games, games of choice, play with the toy I've got (I switch toys and do stupid stuff until pup chooses the right toy and then we party and tug!), tugging in the presence of distractions (eg food, dogs, cats, outside), impulse control (release tug and sit to play again, increasing time sitting and distractions and arousal), body awareness (videos on my website - in signature) which involves lots of shaping, hide and seek, Recaller games (eg restrained recalls), collar grab game (ie touch collar-treat) - it's endless :laugh: Inside I like to build value for lying on their bed. Chewing wise, it will pass I promise :D Try different things - whole carrots, deer antlers are great too. My youngster is an absolute tear away. I just love her to bits and now all the hard work is really paying off. High drive with great focus - it's such a thrill to watch her get it together although she stil has her moments LOL #bonkerswithengagement

I would pay to go on a holiday to pick them out. Those videos are addictive to watch. Lol me too! But then I have considered getting a Crestie simply so I can squeeze its blackheads... I was about to accuse you of being gross and then I remembered that I sometimes pick dried snot from the corners of my dog's nose (with a tissue though!) so yeah.. people in glass houses and all that Love a good abscess Or a sebaceous cyst!! They are the bomb!! Impacted anal glands :laugh:

Poor lass - what a lot going on! I give a dose of protexin once the course of ABs are finished.

I would pay to go on a holiday to pick them out. Those videos are addictive to watch. Lol me too! But then I have considered getting a Crestie simply so I can squeeze its blackheads... I was about to accuse you of being gross and then I remembered that I sometimes pick dried snot from the corners of my dog's nose (with a tissue though!) so yeah.. people in glass houses and all that Love a good abscess