poodlefan

Pics working now - and what an improvement. Great story Rappie. ;)

Links aren't working for me Rappie. ;)

If it wasn't processed to human standards Yellowgirl, it might have to be irradiated on import. ;)

The two breeds are not alike in temperament Peter. Answering the questions Kavik asked will help people get a better idea of how a dog will fit into your home. One more question from me. Do you want a dog most people will regard as amiable or one that people will react warily to. (I don't think either reaction is necessarily justified but these are how people respond to each breed)

You'd have to admit that taking advice without challenge isn't one of your strong points though Corvus. ;) There is the odd seminar attendee I've wanted to yell at too when all they want to do is argue and they start every sentence with "yeah but ... " ;) I can drive a car without being explaining how an internal combustion engine works. As I said at the beginning, dogs don't care a rats arse if a trainer doesn't know the difference between +R and +P. They care about consistency and consequences. Handlers want to know what works. If you want a trainer that can argue the finer points of canine behavioural research you might be lucky to find one. Or you can try one that gets results. Provided a trainer can explain what the hander should do and when, that's enough for most people. Your average handler isn't interested in the finer detail of operant conditioning. They just want Rover to stop pulling on the damn lead, knocking the kids over and not coming back when he's called. One of the fastest ways of judging a trainer I've seen is to meet their dogs. They may talk the talk but if they can't let their dogs off lead because they won't come back or they jump all over them, then that's all the lesson I need from them. On the other hand, if they can train their dogs to do things I want mine to do, I don't care if they didn't get past Grade 3 at school - there is something to learn from them. Academic learning is not the be all and end all of dog training. Some of the most savvy trainers I've met aren't that well educated.. they just have that special knack. Reading a dog comes from experience and some people just never get it.

There is a specialist veterinary eye vet/hospital in Parramatta ML. I don't know any more about it though.

The first thing I suggest you do is find a better vet. While it may be "normal" to see a lot of white dogs with eye stains, it is not "normal" or healthy for white dogs to have them. Eyestains can sometimes be a symptom of mouth or throat issues - what sort of condition are her teeth in. I'd suggest a second (better) vet opinion and if necessary a specialist visit after that. You'll need a referral anyway. In the meantime, remove all gluten, preservatives and food colourings from her diet. That may help.

I have left my dogs with beef soup bones but I don't make a habit of it. I feed dried beef pizzle and tendon for "stay at home" chewing.

I have a Liberty grooming table - Terrier size. The higher table suits me (I'm tall) and is a good size for poodle grooming.

I think we follow the English system of categorizing them.

I honestly have no idea. I suppose a very small poodle has a lot of charm for many people but personally I think the slightly larger minis are a better all round family pet. Maybe people don't realise there is a middle sized one?

Toys are far and away the most popular size Tracey - by a factor of about 4 times the other sizes. Its minis that have the low numbers. I have a photo somewhere of a corded Toy. Its possible to do it with a correct coat but I've no idea why you'd want to - its a heap of work to maintain.

Darcy has had Tramal for bad back pain. There were no adverse reactions.

How much of the tap connection is missing and how much is accounted for? If you can locate all the missing pieces, it might put that theory to bed.

Snap Sandra. I'm not sure but it would be worth finding out..

Your dog should be under observation at a surgery, not at home. I'd not be mucking around with this. Adding more food to her system will simply put more pressure on the obstruction. she is at the vet under close observation, they are going to do a blood test and xray on her and will keep me posted How do you know she just threw up - did they call you? ETA: Do they have ultrasound there?

Was she vaccinated for KC?

Your dog should be under observation at a surgery, not at home. I'd not be mucking around with this. Adding more food to her system will simply put more pressure on the obstruction.

If you're not prepared to risk your dog ending up with intestinal necrosis due to an obstruction then don't f*ck about with this LeeJane. Once blood supply is cut off, tissue starts dying and delay may be fatal. If a veterinary professional suspects obstruction and you know she ate something indigestable.. well do the math. Unless you can get to a surgery that's prepared to an exploratory with an internal camera, let them cut her open. She is probably in great pain.

Thats why my dogs have access to the front and back yards! I'd like to see a burglar jump the fence and get betwwen them and the front or back door. They bark their heads off and Shadow would eat them alive You must have an external to the yard electricty and gas meter then?

If these dogs are sharing the kennel, get another one. I suspect the Staffy might be booting the Boxer out. I've never understood how a dog is meant to protect you if they aren't with you. Fat lot of good a dog will be if its in the backyard and the burglars or bad guys use the front door.

Let's hope it's sponsor $$$ that do the talking - and give the message that he is not wanted.

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Long time owner (nearly 12 years), one time exhibitor and big fan. I have dog sports titles on my dogs also. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? Poodle origins are not clearly established. The best site on the history of all three poodle breeds is The Poodle History Project which catalogues the history of the breed from its use as a water retriever onwards. Curly coated water dogs appear to have been in use in quite a few European countries although Germany does appear to be commonly regarded as the Poodle's country of origin. From the larger water dog, smaller dogs were bred for companionship and as truffle dogs and circus dogs. It is generally believed that the Standard Poodle is the origin of the two other breeds and the Miniature was the second to be recognised. Various European countries claim credit for the development of colours with the blacks linked to Germany, the browns to Russia (where they remain a popular pet) and the whites to France. Most poodles, regardless of size, retain their love of water. 3. How common is it in Australia? The Miniature Poodle is the least common of the three varieties with about 300 pups registered with the ANKC in 2008. The breed's popularity has been declining steadily since the mid 1980's when about 1,000 pups a year were registered. 4. What is the average lifespan? About 12-15 years but older dogs are not uncommon. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? I regard the Mini Poodle as the most sensitive of the three sizes. They are intelligent, affectionate and lively. A well bred, well trained poodle is not hyperactive nor neurotic although timidity can be an issue in some lines. These dogs do very well at dog sports. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Mini Poodles will take as much exercise as you are willing to give them. They are athletic dogs capable of considerable endurance and most will walk the legs off their owners given half a chance. An underexercised Mini Poodle may well be a barker. They need stimulation - both mental and physical, to be at their best. This is not a lap dog although they will be on your lap whenever you sit down, given half a chance. A good one hour walk a day is recommended. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? Yes. Provided the owner is willing to put effort into grooming and training the dog, Mini Poodles make rewarding first pets for novices. My first dog was a Mini Poodle. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Provided the owner makes an effort to give the dog company and exercise when at home, then yes. This however, is not a dog that will thrive confined to a backyard, watching family life through a window. They are extremely people focussed. 9. How much grooming is required? A dog in pet clip (eg. lamb trim) should be brushed a couple of times a week, bathed and groomed at least 6 weekly. They may not shed but lost hair is trapped in their coats and forms mats if not removed. Ears also require regular attention. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? No, a pup is probably at more risk from children than vice versa. They are a relatively light dog for their size (6-7kg average) so are too small to knock children around. They could however, be tripped over as they tend to stay very close to their people. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Yes. Progressive retinal atrophy is in the breed and a DNA test exists to test for the most common type. Any responsible breeder will test their breeding dogs for this. Epilepsy and slipping patellas are not unknown in the breed. The breed can be prone to spinal disc issues but this is not common. 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) For a pet puppy (indeed any puppy) DNA test results for PRA should be asked about. There are other threads here about that but any mating that has the possiblity of producing affected pups should be avoided unless every pup is tested. A "C' result will be an affected pup that will go blind. Temperament of the parents is important. Avoid dogs that display timidity. A poodle pup should be inquisitive and friendly. A responsible breeder will put effort into ensuring that only quality dogs are bred from. Avoid any breeder that advertises pups as "rare" colours or markings. If possible visit the breeder but if not, a recommendation from a happy pet owner is always a good start.

Meea, 4 Paws in Wollongong carry Artemis and can deliver. I get mine from Pookinuk and they deliver any amount from Melbourne for $5

Is your Dad's dog desexed? If so, was it done rather young? I gather this can be an issue for bitches desexed as very young pups.