poodlefan

In those circumstances, the aggressors would have been on the end of my boot. I'd not have been standing around waiting for help or for the dogs to cease the attack. I kicked a dog off mine before and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. 2 bullies and a GSD? I wouldn't kick them - I'd be worried about landing up in hospital or worse. I'd "happily" kick away a less powerful dog though. I've kicked a GSD off my poodle. Didn't hesitate. Sure as hell of is a lot safer than getting your hands near the bitey end.

Ted is the alpha dog of my household. He has firm views about rowdy young dogs.

In those circumstances, the aggressors would have been on the end of my boot. I'd not have been standing around waiting for help or for the dogs to cease the attack. I kicked a dog off mine before and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

If they do, I don't expect a refund. The club can use the money towards next year's shows. Problem is they would have spent a fair bit on sashes etc. Prizes can be reused. So can sashes.

The same plans are in train with my show pals.

Rhubarb leaves are toxic to dogs. Silverbeet (chard) is a cruciferous vegetable. Fed beyond moderate levels, cruciferous veggies can suppress thyroid function in dogs. Perhaps that's why it made the list.

If they do, I don't expect a refund. The club can use the money towards next year's shows.

Pewithers: I think you mean "heinous". And I still don't see what guarding behaviour has to do with what you describe.

This was the big dilemma for us when we were getting our second dog I really, really wanted to get a dog from rescue but because we wanted to be reasonably certain that the dog would get along with our existing dog, we went with getting a dog from a breeder who knew the temperaments of her dogs very well. The new puppy is everything the breeder said he would be so we are so happy with our decision but when I do see the rescue dogs every week, I still feel quite guilty. I am thinking about possibly fostering in the future so that we can "do our part". If you decide to become involved in dog sports KTB, bear in mind that any dog that hasn't served a proper period of quarantine outside a pound will not only represent a risk to your dog (in terms of communicable diseases) but every dog your dogs come into contact with. Taking a parvo carrier to a big dog event can be a nightmare - just ask Spring Fair.

I'm also conscious of not adding to the SES's burden if things are dicey Bohunt. We'll know more after the meeting in Grong Grong tonight.

pf - remember at the Suzanne Clothier seminar when we were watching the vid of the off lead dogs interacting, and Suzanne pointed out Kirra - Sister Margazret Mary on playground duty at the convent school. And that's a lovely mental image of Ted telling Polo off I sure do. ;) I remember Armahani's Kulta as the coolest dude in the playground also. :p

Whats the difference? They didnt breed the animal, they didnt raise it so there is still no guarentee. Sorry to sound down in the dumps about it but I have greater plans for my dogs then just pets so hence avoiding rescues. I know how I want my dogs to be raised from day one if you get my idea I think that even if a pup/dog is destined to be a "pet" , that the new owners really should be looking carefully at where and how they were raised. Show dog, performance dog, whatever.. most dogs are "pets" most of their lives. Good health, good temperament and a good start in life matter for all dogs. Those of us who train handlers, be it as professionals or volunteers, know that a dog that lacks these things can bring a lot of unhappiness to a home.

I'd like to see this topic become "Dogs in the Community" or similar. There are quite a few issues that arise for dog owners and dogs in their wider communities - barking, on and offleash areas, pounds, number of dogs etc. I'm quite passionate about this one Steve and would like to be involved in any working group if it expands out to wider community issues.

If you are leaving him with company or people he knows, he'll be fine. Much better for him to have company somewhere than to be home alone.

I don't think he even noticed did he? Teddy has been fun police with all my big boys at times He may have wondered about the fluffly black flea nipping him for a moment. ;)

I think you've probably missed the boat on getting a kennel. But NO WAY would I be happy with my dogs home alone for a week and only visited for feeding. I doubt your neighbours would be thrilled either. Barking might be a real possiblity. If my dog being left home alone for a week was the only option, I'd not be going away.

Did you puppy's parents have the required health testing carried out for the breed? YES So the parents were tested for PRA and your pup was BAER tested. That's not what you implied before.

So they tested the parents for PRA and HD too? If so, for BYB's they are paragons of virtue. If not, you might like to rethink your statement that you wouldn't change a thing. I will cross theat bridge if it happens... but I will still love my dog the same no matter what. Just because the dog may not be perfect or doesn't have some special certificate stating that nothing maybe not be wrong at the moment. Yes it is nice to have reassurance but like I said I would not change anything, if these things did happen yes it would be a bit sad but he is still my dog and still part of the family. Comments like this is what is putting me off coming to this forum...., what happened to the positive. Its meant to be a exciting and rewarding experience getting a new member of the family. I respect that people have their own views, but some go to far. So you're saying that you'll go back to another BYB that doesn't health test for inheritable conditions for your next dog? But me taking issue with that goes "too far"? Health testing is more than about your dog being "perfect". Its about your dog not going blind from a totally preventable genetic condition while its in its prime or not having to live a life in pain with dodgy hips before being PTS far too young. Its an animal welfare issue IMO. You were on this forum before you got your pup. You were advised to seek out breeders who tested for PRA etc. You even asked questions about PRA in the ACD thread before you decided to commit to this pup. You ignored the advice given. If you wanted a positive response to your statement that you wouldn't change a thing about the source of your pup, perhaps you're on the wrong forum. Responsible breeders, registered or not, don't turn a blind eye to preventing health issues in the dogs they breed. That's "positive" breeding. Your pup is 12 weeks old. You could have bought one that you could guarantee would never go blind from PRA. You didn't. I find it hard to put a positive twist on that.

Ah yes, the fun police. Teddy takes on that role in my house. He doesn't like dogs rough housing and growling. Ask FHRP's Polo - he got told off last time he played like that at my place. Considering that Ted is 6kg and Polo weighs 30, I think Polo was quite surprised.

There's bullshit and then there's balance. Toxic, petty people who enjoy denigrating others aren't confined the the world of purebred dog exhibition. They're in your workplace, in other hobbies and in any social situation. Show me any form of competition and I'll show you people who can't be involved without nastiness and back biting. Most of the folk I've met in the show scene love dogs, love hanging out with fellow dog lovers and aim to breed and/or exhibit the best examples of their breed they can produce. Lets not lose sight of that.

I wouldn't "correct" it. I'd ignore it. The pup is whining for attention. ANY attention.

Aussielover: I'd recommend you use a harness with any seat belt attachment - hitting the end of a collar in a rapid braking situation might break her neck.

Separate the pup. What are you feeding?

But in an accident he will become a projectile. He could (would) die and could hit someone else, killing them too. If he is on your lap, if he doesn't go through the windscreen, he will bounce back into your face - going 60km/hr or faster. Put a seatbelt on him regardless of the law. It will take a few seconds and could save his life. And yours. If he is on your lap and you have passenger side airbags, the bags deploying would probably kill him.

So they tested the parents for PRA and HD too? If so, for BYB's they are paragons of virtue. If not, you might like to rethink your statement that you wouldn't change a thing.