poodlefan

After three poodles, I was keen to show another dog but didn’t want to contend with poodle show coat. I wanted an elegant, athletic breed without the between shows and show day work of a poodle. FHRP had a lovely Whippet named Herbie (whom I adore) and I had happy memories of Whippets that belonged to childhood friends. So a Whippet became the breed of choice. With the assistance of a Herbie’s breeder, I found Howie. Howie’s different to the poodles – but not in a bad way. Poodles live and breathe to be with you – Howie is happy in his own company. The poodles follow me from room to room. Howie checks in but is happy to take himself out for a sunbake or to bed if he’s tired. The Poodles aren’t that interested in dogs other than poodles. Howie loves all dogs and loves to play. He’s a different dog to train. You’ve got to make it super fun and he switches off if he’s not enjoying himself. The WIFM principle is the basis of the training I do with him. I’m in awe of his speed and athleticism – I love to watch him run. I’m keen to continue showing so next dog (some years off yet) will be another Whippet. That said, I can’t imagine life without a poodle so my guess is these will be the two breeds I will stick with from now on. I think more than one breed is a lot of fun - the contrasts make for interesting times. I reckon dog breeds are like icecream - its fun to sample lots of flavours but there's probably always going to be one or two absolute favourites.

My reference point for all things canine and athletic is Dr Christine Zink DVM The books she's written are listed here Do you recall if the books include references or citations? I don't mean to sound doubtful, I just like stuff that gives me something concrete rather than just a personal perspective. Sorry but I don't. I'd be surprised if they didnt' though - other articles by her do.

My reference point for all things canine and athletic is Dr Christine Zink DVM The books she's written are listed here

The best advice would be not to start until growth plates have closed - that's later in larger breeds than in smaller ones. For an Akita? I'd probably wait until 18 months old unless you want to x-ray the growth plates earlier. I'd not do that before about 14 months.

I see Penny is a Cocker Spaniel. I'd wait until she is 12 months old. Don't forget she'll need a conditioning program to work up to longer runs.

No white flag required KTB. People can be tactless arseholes at times. Its insensitive to suggest that anyone's much loved pet is "flawed" regardless of where they got it and who bred it. Most of the time it will be inaccurate too. That kind of behaviour plays into the stereotype of the ANKC breeder/dog owner as a "dog snob". But tact isn't a prerequistie for membership here and some folk don't sugar coat their advice. No excuse for rudeness IMO though. If folk cross that line, hit the report button and Troy will deliver a few roundhouse kicks to settle them down.

Once my pups come off 4 meals a day I feed breakfast, a meal as soon as I'm home from work and "supper". That seems to work OK. If you're going to leave anything out, I suggest you make it kibble. It won't be as affected by the heat and I doubt the flies will be particularly interested in it. They are attracted to protein sources for egg laying so kibble really shouldn't be that attractive.

Hi PF – I don’t have a problem with people educating – that’s the purpose of this forum. My main wish was that people could try to be a bit more polite about it sometimes – I’m not saying that they have to be touchy feely, but people don’t have to be nasty. For instance – even when you’re at your most disapproving you’re still very factual and don’t make personal attacks and digs. I don’t always agree with what you say and sometimes I go “ouch” and cry into my pillow ( ) but I would never dismiss what you say out of hand because you formulate your words in a reasoned and rational manner. My experience here has been mostly positive but as someone who has very occasionally been at the receiving end of less than polite comments, I wanted to express my “wish” that people try to be polite. I find it a bit ironic that politeness is considered by many to be whitewashing yet being rude is extolled as being a right of Internet speech. That’s all :D As I said in my previous post KTB, this shouldn't about pure v crossbred dogs and I agree that not everyone knows how and where to buy a pup. I'm not aiming to crucify anyone for buying pups from the wrong sources if they don't know better and anyone who pretends for an instant that all purebred dogs are healthy and well adjusted and that all crossbreds are lesser creatures has rocks in their head. There are irresponsible breeders selling ALL kinds of dogs - puppyfarmed, petshops, BYBs and ANKC registered. To maximise your chances of getting a healthy pup that's had the optimum start in life I recommend responsible ANKC registered breeders. I created a thread on how to buy a dog from the right breeder too.

Yep. And its pointed out to them that they shouldn't be sourcing their pups from puppyfarms or petshops and we move on again. We've had plenty of folk join under those circumstances and they will continue to do so. But the source of those pups is the elephant in the room and I'm in favour of politely making the point and then getting down to the advice part. Being "nice" about it (ie not mentioining it) doesn't educate anyone. And if they go back to the pet shop for the next one (which has happened by the way) then I"m sorry but that's not on on this forum. In the case, the buyer liked the "convenience" of buying a pup out of the case and didn't see the problem as she was "rescuing" it. :D The only stupid mistakes you make are the ones you repeat. When it comes to buying a pup then repeat buys from pet shops and puppy farms (purebred or crossbred) are unacceptable for members of this forum IMO. This shouldn't be about purebred v crossbred. Its about where you get your dog that matters. I'm no more in favour of puppyfarmed purebreds than I am of puppyfarmed DDs.

TenilleW: And that's the attitude I take UNTIL someone who's been here a while goes and gets another puppy from a BYB or petshop. Responsible registered breeder or rescue are the only acceptable sources of dogs for more educated dog owners IMO. If you know better and still line the pockets of the puppy farmers or BYBs then don't expect me to be nice about it. The OP is getting a bucketload of help on this forum but it doesn't hurt to point out that its on a purebred dog forum and from many folk who are strongly opposed to the sale of pups in pet shops. The point has been made and I think we've all moved on. Until the next puppy buyer like the OP rolls in - and they continue to to do so.

Agree. It's hard to fathom why klink thinks other exhibitors should feel sympathy OR unity with a person who's actions may have endangered other people's dogs.

Definitely more affordable for those of us with smaller dogs. One packet feeds my tribe with some left over.

I feed it from time to time. I find it particularly useful for travelling. You can put it in with the gear frozen and feed it at the end of the day. My dogs love it too. My old boy can get a bit bound up after a few days in a car or crated and its great for keeping him regular. I tend to buy a fair bit when its on special and load up the dog freezer. As I feed a lot of chicken, I only buy the beef or lamb one.

In the case of my dogs that would be NEVER! Dogs don't differentiate between kids toys and their own. Might not be a bad idea to put a toy box outside and start encouraging the practice of putting toys in it after play.

This could get you into trouble for defamation. Ask you solicitor about it. It would be particularly unwise if you are proceeding with a court case. Thats the biggest problem with people too affraid to speak up! You can limit what you say just so people hear there's a bad vet out there. On the other hand, people have a right to protect their reputation and livelihoods from deliberate damage by others. I've said it before. Keep your powder dry and your mouth sealed in public. You do yourself no favours doing this. Your solicitor won't be impressed either. The matter has yet to make it to hearing and what you consider to be negligence may be found not to be. Don't compound a bad situation by putting yourself in the firing line of a claim for damages against YOU.

totally agree we have thought of the idea of dog door, only problem is its a glass sliding door, and i dont know if you can cut into glass to fit in a doggy door, anyone know if u can? You can actually get a full length insert with a door that fits into the door track so you don't have to cut the glass. I think they are called Pigs in Mud doors or similar????

jath: This could get you into trouble for defamation. Ask you solicitor about it. It would be particularly unwise if you are proceeding with a court case.

Definitely buy him a kennel. A wood or insulated plastic one would be best. I'd be looking at a shade sail too. Tiny breeds have limited ability to regulate their body temperatures so he'll suffer in the heat. Any chance you could put a dog(or cat) door into the laundry - that would be nice and cool.

Our houses give fleas the same shelter from the elements that they give us. Its possible she's having a flea allergy but you really do need a vet to confirm it.

Can you see the patches of hair missing? Yes I can... looks almost like a wear pattern. She doesn't wag her tail under any kind of grille does she? Any flea issues with her?

Gee its very symmetrical Sorry can't offer any advice.

Wot? No bike helmets?? :

Ah yes, here's the appeal for us to all circle our wagons because "we" must all stand together. Sorry but one dog got suspended here and very appropriately IMO. I'll stand up and be counted as one who supports the right of judges to detemine when a dog has behaved aggressively toward them and to excuse them from the ring. I dont' stand shoulder to shoulder with exhibitors who, in my opinion, have done the wrong thing. That dog should never have been in the ring. It may well have put other exhibitors dogs at risk. If it had been pulled it would never have been suspended. Perhaps you missed my post where I recommended that CC reps read the judgement so that they wouldn't make the mistakes the Club made on the day. The point of the court case is crystal clear. The appeal on procedural matters FAILED. The facts are that a dog that had been unwell for some days, that resisted handling and THEN mouthed the judge was suspended. I don't see how procedural errors by the club influence the facts or the outcome in any way. Clearly the magistrate also held that view. Breed has NOTHING to do with this so you can put that card away. I fail to see how this is in any way amounts to a travesty of justice. I'll ask again. Exactly what part of this dog mouthing the judge do you find acceptable? Do you think dogs with severe diahorrea should be in the show ring? FYI I know of one incident of quite severe unprovoked aggression that was tossed out by DogsNSW because the club had not followed procedure. So it can happen.

Its still two weeks away BMP - you could always ring up and try for a late entry. The worst they can say is "no".

Our area has an exhibitor who shows Kelpies (used to be ACDs) from a scooter. The dog I've seen shows very well for her.