poodlefan

Because you want the hormones that sexual entirity provides to be available to the dog for the full phase of its growth. We already know that early desexed pups growth plates close later than their undesexed littermates. A quote from one of Dr Zink's papers: Then there are the other health considerations.. cancer, behavioural issues, increased risk of hypothyroidism. There are good reasons both for and against early, pre-puberty and late desexing. As a dog breeder or owner, your challenge is to acquaint yourself with the risk involved in each option and make an informed decision about which best suits your particular dog and situation. A good vet should assist this process, not issue edicts about when it should happen.

If you don't plan to share it with her, a nice meatloaf with yoghurt icing will go down a treat.

Oakway: If that "pet" ends up in an athletic performance sport and early desexing is linked to increased risk of HD and CL rupture (as has been suggested) then growing "slightly different" will matter a great deal. Tubal ligation will protect against unscrupulous breeding as effectively as a full ovo-hysterectomy.

Delayed desexing isn't recommended for competitiveness CW, but to give the dog the best possible chance of obtaining full structural maturity - this assists with maintaining soundness. Some dog sports folk have their dogs growth plates x-rayed to ensure they have closed before desexing or serious training over obstacles. Growth plates can remain open for far longer than some folk think. It's less of an issue in the smaller breeds though.

If I wanted a bitch for dog sports, I'd be letting her have one season prior to desexing. Most of my dog sports friends do this. ETA: Dr Christine Zink recommends no performance dog be desexed before 14 months.

We'll be coming in later than Toy folk so may end up setting behind some of you I suppose. The Canberra Sighthound Mafia will occupy two Oztrail Compacts. We'll be easy to find.. two Borzoi, one Whippet and a floor rug (Minor Afghan pup) I recall the space ringside wasn't overly generous but after a while I get my country showgrounds confoozled.

Mortein sell a trap that's closed so paws can't trigger it. You bait them with peanut butter. Failing that a JRT would do the trick.. or my Toy Poodle - she's a excellent mouser.

Hounds are same ring and I can probably help with Specials if you need another handler. Ask BMP about the time I nearly launched a Havanese taking off at Whippet pace though.

Was he desexed or did he have two undescended testicles?

You'll have to buy him one of the Jed's auction coats from Warleywear! :D

What's the realistic alternative? Farmers shoot what they can but wild dogs can devastate a farmers livelihood not to mention inflict dreadful injuries on stock.

Given his breed, I think you're making a very smart decision.

Fidos Oatmeal and Baking Soda seems OK What are you using now?

Thanks! Knowing my luck, the other Friday Whippet is an Intermediate boy

Stormie: How's your blood pressure?

I agree. I've yet to have to say goodbye to a dog but I'm sure that the presence of the other dogs will help ease that grief.

German Shepherd Breed Standard: Dogs: Height at withers 60-65 cm (23½ - 241/2 ins) Weight 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs) Hulk is right!!

With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, the regime I had for Howard (my youngest) as a pup is something I'll do again. When I got him, I wasn't in a position to do lunchtime feeds or to separate him from the older dogs. So he did "puppy day care" with a couple of retired friends at their houses while he grew a bit and got to learn the dog door and toilet training. He spent the day in their homes with their dogs, got taken out on visits and had a pretty fat time. He's pretty much a social butterfly so I'll try to repeat the process when the next pup comes along in a few years time.

Yes, and no. Your group is on before ours BMP. Hope the weather ain't too rottten. Howie's headfall will be ruined if it rains.

I have one that has heat that can be turned off. I prefer to use heat when brushing coat straight - its definitely more effective. For general drying, once warmed up the heat off the motor is sufficient.

I don't separate my dogs but I do make a point of giving each of them some one on one time away from the house and each other. I definitely try to do this frequently with youngsters. Any of my dogs will come with me without a backward glance at the others if I'm going out. I have no doubt they benefit from each other's company when I'm not home though.

A phone call to the Scottish Terrier Club of NSW might be useful. Contact details are on the breed page here.

Yep! SSM, Keshwar, Diva and I will all be there on Friday.

RIP Rex. I'm sorry to read this Monika - I know how much he meant to you.