Jumabaar

Just as another argument- instead of pigging dogs.... What about people not looking to better a "breed" so much as produce healthy dogs for a specific purpose? I know many farmers who like first cross kelpie/BC dogs. They keep purebred lines but sell the crosses for working dogs. If they had appropriate health testing what is thought of this.....

Francheska mostly gets Franky (or Manky if she has been rolling in something smelly) and answers to both

WOW that article is so poorly written. It is going to make people believe they will be up for fine/jail time if they don't surrender their dogs . How DARE they!!! Poor poor dogs

Hi Linda is says: New regulations to be released tomorrow by the Baillieu government will also mean dogs that meet the description of a pit bull but who are described as American Staffordshire terriers by their owners, will need certificate of pedigree evidence to prove the dog is an American Staffordshire terrier I can't find the bit that says a vet certificate will suffice? In fact, it doesn't even mention DNA evidence as being sufficient - all Amstaff's are pitbulls unless pedigrees. Just another quote from this article- So will there be any accountability for people who don't own restricted breeds? Or will the legislation for crappy owners also be tied to the dogs breed?

Junior handlers Good luck with the future plans!!

I did!! It was wonderful- the juniors looked really proud to have them as well I actually got a picture of one of them in junior handlers on the sunday. Off to see if it turned out (Still learning on the fancy camera so it is somewhat of a hit and miss still lol)!

My girl does not try to escape but she does yodel to all the local dogs that she is ready and waiting for them . My male has no clue what so ever about females, he is far too interested in playing with males for any of that silly business lmao. If you can't keep everyone on board with rules when your girl is on heat then you may need to tell your partner that your baby doesn't want babies so a week in a comfy boarding kennel, or friends place that will keep her indoors might not be optional.

OH WOW!!! The hydrotherapy pool and treadmill sounds GREAT- I had access to a vet that good! Well done in locating a great vet

I do believe some councils in VIC do not accept dogs to be registered without papers proving they have been desexed- they do not have a clause to pay more for entire animals at all!! I know a breeder that was nearly caught out on this when she sold a pup on terms. I hope you are not in one of these councils!!

Ooops- then good luck and make sure you keep us updated. I love hearing about success stories

Yep agreed. A lappie would suit, and probably a keeshond, samoyed, Jap spitz as well. 15 minute brush per day is ample (my show lappie doesn't get that much grooming a day!) I think a Keeshond might be a little more grooming than what they are after. Yes to Lappie (depending on lines and probably a female over a male) or JS but I haven't had enough contact with other spitz breeds to comment :D But do have a look at them. I assume though that desexed males of all spitz breeds would have a bigger coat than the female.

I think you can replace BC with most working dogs. I know it is defiantly in Kelpies- although I do think Kelpies are also prone to resource guarding their human on top of it, so while they don't interact with other dogs, I do make sure they see me interacting with other dogs as a positive. Just to try to eliminate any guarding tendency when other dogs approach.

Oh I might try the take a breath thing- I can see it working (since we use it all the time in humans!!) I would probably recommend a behaviourist as well though. Going and seeing one and getting a plan, and also having someone to talk to who understands your dog is AMAZING- as is the feeling when you have a 'breakthrough' moment!! I seen LAT done on a reactive dog, and in a round about method have done the relaxation protocol with another. Both were different dogs after a few months. For one boy though I just wasn't getting anywhere- saw k9pro and it was like I had a new dog!! I was calmer, he was amazingly calmer and now I enjoy going out with him instead of being in training mode every second.

Yes you can come visit- there are LOTS of DOLers that will be on the grounds. There are two food vendors, although I think there are usually some extra set up on the day as well. They generally have 10 or so stalls with doggie stuff for sale. I don't have a problem with well behaved dogs with responsible owners attending- i.e. dogs that are healthy, are kept on a lead and don't visit the show dogs (particularly the fluffies as they are about to enter the ring!) lol. There will be over 1000 dogs there each day so if you are interested in different breeds, want to see some really nice dogs or come and giggle at some of the antics then yup it is worth a visit

Some of the Spitz breeds might also suit- The do shed twice a year in bucket loads, but in between that they would be fine. Most are easy for first time owners who are interested and coat upkeep is generally quite easy.

Beautiful movement!! Congrats

Once you have Emmylou's ear infection under control you may wish to talk to your vet about swapping onto a more gentle option for regular use. These two products may be required, but at the same time they may also contribute to some dogs having ear infections. The ear naturally has a balance of bacteria that reside there, all in a careful balance in small numbers so one type does not overpower and increase in numbers to create an infection. Using these types of cleaners can actually disrupt this balance and allow either new bacteria not native to that environment move in, or one of the natural bacteria to overpower its competitors. I would perhaps consider seeing a veterinary dermatologist about this- it may cost more initially but it will probably mean that the situation will be resolved instead of having to see your regular vet a number of times, and perhaps having to try a number of different products so end up being cheaper in the long run!! These infections may actually be due to an allergy so by changing diet or working out what the allergy is you might get to avoid regular ear cleaning all together!!!

Mathew B I am sorry you got attacked by that dog. I do agree that it is the owner's fault however. If I owned that EXACT same animal, I can assure you that you would not have had the same issue. That is because I make sure my dogs are always under control. Be that when I am not at home- they are left behind secure 8ft fences, and any who I think may be thinking about an escape attempt are locked in the house- when I am entering or exiting my home, as it is double gated, or when I am out and about because they are either on lead or engaged in an activity such as flyball or agility when I have my full attention on them and know they have a reliable recall (dogs without a reliable recall are put on a long line). Thus the breed and temperament of my dogs will never impact on someone negatively because I believe it is my responsibility to keep my dog safe from people who do not know how to behave around dogs, and also because every time I go out I am trying to be a positive representative of dog owners. The person who owned the dog that attacked you did not deserve to own any dog because they were not taking responsibility for the sentient being they decided to own. The thing about being an OWNER means that you are responsible for whatever you OWN. The dog didn't chose its OWNER, it got chosen so please don't blame an animal that had no choice about its living conditions, its training or its parents, blame the owner who did not understand or take seriously the rights and responsibilities of dog OWNERSHIP.

Good luck finding someone!! Enjoy the show

Congrats

What a great Idea (one that I think I will be borrowing ) I was trying to work out how to use a ladder I have to build something for the kelpies to climb on to try and strengthen their back legs- but this looks like a MUCH easier option than actually trying to create something myself.

LOL show day grooming- Demi gets brushed the night before (will have to make an effort to wash her for the first time in three months of so for the spring fair), and maybe a 5min brush before we go in, more to make her tail fluffy again. Kelpies usually get a lead thrown on them as we rush down to make the ring on time!! And yes- Abby demands a brush after I have finished Demi, even if she isn't being shown or needs to go back in. I got a nice comment about my 5mth old kelpie pups a few weeks ago- how glossy and shiny their coats were. I was asked what I washed them with only to admit they had NEVER had a bath. A few spot cleans when they rolled in something nasty. I felt a little guilty so they got washed the next week- Izzy was done first and spent the entire time that I was washing Franky (who refused to look at me) trying to get back into the shower for another turn!! Even now you have to watch it that Izzy doesn't try and get into the bathroom/shower whenever possible!! ETA- grooming table makes my life easier with Demi she spins around and generally acts silly on the ground but settles very quickly on the table.

LIKE!!

I love all the different personalities!! I still have not got round to brushing Demi!! Meanwhile Abby keeps going back to the grooming table and looking at me expectantly. Dee lee Abby used to hate the pin brush, until I got Demi her fancy one lol. The Kelpies like being dried but mention RAIN or BATH and you can empty a room in microseconds

According to Abby, my Australian Kelpie, she requires at LEAST half an hour grooming, with a high quality Chris Christensen Fusion Pin Brush, as well as a thorough comb through with the appropriate fine tooth greyhound comb, completed with a buff from a lambswool (not sheep wool according to Abby) mit- Daily, hourly if she could find an appropriate employee to do so :D She has also asked for a boar bristle brush after I accidentally let her see and try one at a show recently She nearly packed up her bags and left with the store holder!! Franky the 5mth old Kelpie. Agrees and will gladly role on her back, eyes rolling in her head while she gets brushed! The Finnish Lapphund, Demi, who I bought the grooming equipment for and was who I intended to brush today has disappeared-probably under the bed. She would like to announce that Finnish Lapphunds look best al la natural and require a quick brush monthly and thats it (with a big fuzzy exclamation mark) :p So how much grooming do your dogs ask for? ETA- I also regularly have Kelpies jumping up on the grooming table when I am drying the Lappie just so they can enjoy the feeling of the dryer. Funny little monsta's that they are