poodlefan

You assume that sexual /territorial dominance is the primary reason for aggresson. That completely discounts prey drive. I'm afraid the owners of smaller dogs will probably have a different view to you. All aggression towards my dogs from roaming dogs has been directed at the desexed (smaller) dogs. Suggesting that desexing a dog will make it safer from attack isn't always the case I'm afraid. I don't have any issue with desexing dogs to prevent unwanted litters. I do take issue with the myriad of claims that desexing miraculously improves behaviour. In my experience, problem behaviours generally don't simply disappear with a dog's testicles and suggesting that they do may be doing dogs and owners no favours. Whilst desexing may be suggested as part of a behavioural modification program, anyone who suggests that desexing alone is a "cure" for behaviour is stretching things IMO.

(Listing of ANKC Recognised Working Dog Associations/Kindred Bodies) The Working Kelpie Council of Australia Inc. Breed Society for The Australian Working Kelpie Australian Working Border Collie SEQ Paddock Workers Association Queensland Working Sheep Dog Association Qld Cattle Dog Trial Association Australian Sheepdog Workers' Association New South Wales Yard Dog Association Inc. The West Australian Working Sheep Dog Association South Australian Working Sheepdog Association Incorporated Koolie Club of Australia The North American Sheep Dog Society (NASDS) Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebield in Nederland The Kennel Club The International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) The United Kennel Club (UKC) World Wide Kennel Club United States Border Collie Handler’s Association Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc American Herding Breeds Association American Kennel Club New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association (Inc) Canadian Kennel Club NSW Sheepdog Workers Inc Tasmanian Working Sheepdog Association Inc Working Koolie Association Australia

I'd be waiting until the stitches come out. But a hot wet towel works wonders!

Personally I think much of the "calmness" attributed to desexing probably more to do with maturity.

An early desexed dog is likely to grow taller than an undesexed one. But this dog is an adult so any of those issues aren't relevant here. I'm not advocating the dog be left entire. No one appears to be pushing not to desex. But arguments for desexing need to be factual. The main reason you desex male dogs is to stop them producing unwanted pups. Arguments about behavioural change or making them "easier" to manage aren't necessarily going to produce the goods. Contrary to belief, entire male dogs don't have to become slavering uncontrollable animals in the presence of a bitch in heat. A bit of training works wonders and most unmated males, while interested, don't really know what they're missing.

I'm a bit puzzled as to why you suggested desexing a male dog would help?? It wouldn't make the dog less likely to pull or less capable of pulling, that's for sure. The only reason I can think of to desex a male dog is to stop him siring puppies. The risks of testicular cancer or prostate issues are not high.

:D I think I should start a campaign in my electorate where all even number households for Liberal, and the odd numbers vote Labor. Nothing like a very close poll and a marginal electorate to attract lots of political attention/govt funding. :p

You won't need to vote for me.. :D

I used to think I was a Socialist. Then I studied politics and concluded that I wasn't. ;) Left and right are pretty much obsolete terms with regard to mainstream politics IMO. In a world of constant voter opinion polling and the race for the most mass appeal, all we're left (no pun intended) with now is different flavours of vanilla and mass voter apathy. Its like the two men and the donkey story - in trying to please everyone, you end up thrilling no one. Come the revolution, I shall solve all of this. :D Once the cyclists have been sent off for re-education, I'll sort out dog welfare!!!

Deary me Shortstep - to call anywhere in the US "left wing" is simply ridiculous. And your very adamant view about Santa Cruz seems to be based solely on PETA's presence there. There is far more to being politically 'of the left' than merely having a high profile animal rights group in the neighbourhood. Voting Democrat and living in California is a good start though. :p

Couldn't agree more. I think training promotes the bond between dog and owner better than anything else. :p I suggest you attend some classes. Nothing like being with other folk and their dogs to make you appreciate your own sometimes

Dawwww. I think Carl deserves a kitty of his very own. :p

For stains on white coat, I'd always recommend a prescrub with laundry soap.. Sunlight, Sard etc. Get a good lather up, rinse and then wash with the white enhancing shampoo I've used the Plush Puppy and now have the Chris Christensen White on White. I'd recommend either. Oh, by the way for Chris Chistensen products, source them from Peperone (they have a banner here). Nice folk, Whippet people and the cheapest CC around. :p (and no, I don't get commission from them )

Very profound I see your point. Computers are his main thing so I always ask and listen to him on that kind of topic. He had a lot to say about a lot of things, I can deal with that. Just wish he would at least consider my views on at least one topic Who knows, in time he might. Transitioning from a child/adult to adult/adult relationship with parents can take a while. I'm not sure we all manage it in the end.

My Dad likes to push my buttons. Not only is he (like me) not afraid of a vigorous debate but I think its important to him that I still value and respect his opinion. It can be hard to see a child growing up and seeing that you have feet of clay. All jokes aside, asking him for advice about things you DO value his opinion on might defuse the situation. Dads need to be needed I think. Sometimes arguing ain't what the argument's about. Gee that was profound. :p

No need. I should have done the eye rolly emoticon.

This complete unreliabiity around people is the reason the GSD is the dog of choice for police and security work and for guide dogs. I mean its just luck if the police point the dogs in the right direction and get out of the way when they set them loose. Are you saying that GSD will always turn around and attack their owner? :p I'm being sarcastic. How on earth would any dog that unreliable get the pick for attack work. How on earth would you call it off????

Its also the quickest way to ensure that pet dogs will be extinct in the not too distant future. I wonder which dogs are to be targetted by the requested campaign and how old they will be.

This complete unreliabiity around people is the reason the GSD is the dog of choice for police and security work and for guide dogs. I mean its just luck if the police point the dogs in the right direction and get out of the way when they set them loose. :p

I bet my face was a study in contortion the day my mother attempted to link the quality of Adelaide's water to Australia's immigration policy. Parents - can't live with them, can't shoot them. Sometimes I'm convinced my parents stole me from a sensible dog loving family somewhere. They are cat people.

Why am I suddenly hearing the theme from Rocky? :p Its because you always have a very informed side to these posts - people respect and more importantly LISTEN to you. Oh stop it, my ribs are hurting..

Why am I suddenly hearing the theme from Rocky? :p Baahaaahaa - I was hearing So What by Pink... ~~na na na na na naarr naar, im gunna start a fight~~ Pink is better. Pink

Why am I suddenly hearing the theme from Rocky? :p

So how does one dog produce two different breeds in the same litter? :p Anyone who says "but what about Chihuahuas, Collies or Chinese Crested Dogs. Belgian Shepherds etc " is going to get a visit from the Smack Fairy.

I will try but you know how hard it can be to ignore stupid...Funnily enough, although I have never met you but from reading your posts, I often imagine what it would be like to put you and him in a room together, bring up the subject and observe Practice makes perfect. Are you suggesting I don't mind an argument???? :p