poodlefan

People don't even have to cross over to participate. Holding events in the same location would suffice. Quite a few National breed shows have both conformation and performance events.

Goodness, how very dramatic....asking people for the same information they provide to set up an account at the local video store is to much to ask Dog Showers? Its breeders I'd be interested in ID checking.. but it will be everyone.

They are. Smart move IMO. No more post office box specials.

One more point: * I think its traditional that breeders and judges of long standing occupy most council roles. Sadly, neither of those pursuits on their own equips people for the challenges of adminsistering our organisations. I'd like to see a little more "professionalisation" of our office holders and elections conducted based not on who people are but what they aim to achieve. I'd also like to see reelections based on what people have achieved. I don't see those roles as a reward for a long contibution to the dog fancy. The contribution has to be ongoing. We have too many issues to have dead wood at the top. I'm not saying its there now (because I don't know) but we can't afford it at any rate.

I think it's wise to bear in mind that Mr Burke thrives on conflict. Treat his rave with the dignity it deserves - ignore it. He's got few friends in the media, no TV presence and, I suspect, a magazine that's going south slowly. His days as a person of influence are numbered. Trying to stir up a fight boosts his profile (and he loves attention). Ignore the gnome. I suspect once the baby boomer generation stops listening to him, he'll be just another media dinosaur, clinging desperately to the last vestiges of celebrity he holds. I doubt he'd even get a gig on Dancing with the Stars anymore. One things for sure, he's no better a journalist than he was a gardener

Questions: 1. Is identity fraud creating issues for Dogs Vic? 2. If the answer to the first question is yes, what simple measures can be put in place to prevent it. If you can't get a DVD Rental card without proof of ID these days, where's the harm in asking people to prove they are who they say they are when applying (or as a once off renewing)CC memberships? It's the reputation of all Dogs Vic members that suffers when dodgy members register litters and rip off puppy buyers. And the costs of dealing with that are both financial and reputation. One photo ID isn't going to stop a decent ID fraudster from operating.. but it may assist with preventing rank amateurs from doing so. Personally I'd have gone for proof of address also. ;) For those who worry that Dogs Vic will know too much about them.. they don't even need to KEEP the ID details.. they could just check a box to say that ID is confirmed and destroy them. They hold names and addresses anyway.

All of the above AND: * rigorous investigation and enforcement of rules where complaints are made by puppy buyers. * Enforced health testing before registration of litters from breeds with conditions that can be tested for * the appointment of an effective advocate for purebred dogs and their breeders.

No, he'd have no idea what you're worried and stressed about. I would not stop exercising him. Muscles help hold the knees together. I have no idea how fat he is but a very strict diet and GENTLE exercise should continue IMO. But see a specialist ASAP.

It isn't. That's how some folk are interpreting the existence of the range. Surely it's pure logic to suggest that the dietary requirements of a Shih Tzu and a GSD aren't identical in terms of fats, protein levels and vitamins and minerals?

Colour me over it. You can't win with someone who has total control over what parts of your arguments he publishes. And there is no "pedigree dog industry". One wonders where the hell the parents of the next generation of his beloved DDs will come from without purebred dogs.

Got any links to scientific studies in this? I can't see why a Labrador would have a unique digestive system. Most dogs, given the chance, will gorge themselves. Fact is that most dog owners won't let them.

No its an owner problem. That's what a lot of folk think is 'normal' for a Lab.

Lovely story and all the better because its true. Lucky dog and lucky new owner.

They do well out of me - I buy the poodle formula. ;) It recognises that they are a very long lived breed with a particular coat type and provides nutrients that reflect it - eye and brain support are two factors addressed. RC do a very high fat "performance" food for mushing dogs and sighthounds (4400) but they only do 20kg bags. If they did smaller bags or provided samples, I'd try in on the Whippet.

Royal Canin has made a range of breed specific foods for some years now.

I hate to imagine the toll that's taken on him health wise.

I'm not sure it's a combination I'd try. I found adding a whippet was enough for me and I have to actively manage my smaller dogs around my friends big gundogs. None of the issues I've highlighted is a show stopper but I think it's easier to add a small pup to a house with a big dog than vice versa. I'd hate to see you end up with a friend of mine frustrated like crazy with her big young dog squishing her littlies when he gets excited. It's not the dogs fault

The issue with a standard poodle pup is that it's going to dwarf your existing dog very quickly. The risk of your older dog being tormented or injured by a playful pup is real. This can be managed but separation while you're at work will be essential form at least a while. A larger, younger dog will also require separate exercise. This is all doable but will mean extra work.

My biggest concern would be how a smaller dog would cope with a standard poodle pup. If u wouldn't want to own a big gundog puppy, don't get a standard poodle. I don't find them much like the smaller poodles and it's a big step up to meet the exercise needs of one imo

"Savage" is such a wonderful emotive word loved by the media. Hey it could have been "multiple maulings by mutts" - hey presto alliteration... the media loves a good mauling story even when it isn't really a mauling. Sorry just being facetious How about Frenzied Fido Fangs Family.. I'd get a job at the NT News with that one. ;)

Feed her less - it really IS that simple. Once she's down to a better weight, gentle exercise will help. It will do wonders for her arthritis too.

I'm still getting my head around "savage dog attacks". Are there any other kind? Tautology anyone?

1. I'd be instituting a system of a gate inside the front door. Two barriers to exit is way safer than one. 2. Recalling a dog giving chase is challenging. I'd be heading to a trainer for an intensive recall workshop AND some desensitisation to the excitement of moving cars.

I'd not support it without a lot more information. Even then, I'd rather see improvements made to the organisation we have than one set up in 'opposition'. It has every chance of becoming like that scene from Life of Brian with the Judean People's Front, the People's Front of Judea etc. "Divide and conquer" is an adage that needs to be kept in mind. Splitting the dog fancy into factions wouldn't profit those who support pedigreed dogs.

What did you buy? I like the "delight's" range for training. They are soft and I cut them into even smaller pieces.