brightonrock

Well said. It is madness to have dogs near children when either the children or dogs may not handle the situation safely. When are the adults going to take the full responsibility for these problems ?

We can't all have people who will drop their plans to look after a bitch in season for us, and how can you know that your bitch is safe in boarding kennels, just ridiculous. There is absolutely nothing wrong with showing a bitch in season. It's allowed in the rules so all the show dogs have to cope, poor things ! For the handler it's just something you have to deal with not "bitch" about

Thanks for the replies, sorry for late reply have been away.

My impression of many dog show people are that they are there to be involved but only very few are there to win. In fact, many who start to win consistently find it as hard as losing. They are shunned by people who used to save them a space, their dogs criticised openly and worse, behind their backs. It takes a very tough hide to win and keep winning.

When he's free stacking beautifully at play in the yard hang around and treat him when you see him doing what you want. That way he thinks he's training you, and so begins the fun ! Also, make sure you treat him very quickly, when you see what you want. You have about 3 seconds only. He will naturally think wow, food and start following you, so treat him when he gets that you are treating him for standing nicely, even if he is not doing a "perfect" stack. It's the idea you are treating for. Keep the sessions short but often, say, every two days. If he loves this he will free stack for you, and then it will be locked in. Good Luck !

Can anyone tell me how long it is Ok to keep Scourban ? I have some that has been kept in the fridge.

Very Well Said

No, no, no

I've seen the kolestrol in jars at shows, what is it used for ? Cleaning or smoothing down ?

... Would you not scream if your dog had just been ripped from your arms and was being savaged by a pair of larger dogs? I've certainly screamed my lungs out to attract attention/help when approached by an aggressive dog trying to get at mine! Please read the posts. It's not like it's a long thread. I clarified that it was understandable just not ideal. Perhaps it may have aggravated the situation. And no, I'm not defending the dogs that attacked. Goodness! Don't read too deep people We're all experts in hindsight. Only someone used to dealing with this situation would not react in an emotional way.

The government should create some guideline advertisements to be shown in prime time TV to teach parents, children and everyone really how to interact with dogs properly. It might save some children from lifetime fears and disfigurement, save the lives of the dogs and help put dogs in their place in society rather than allow the ignorance to grow.

If a health condition is not identifiable with tests or even dignified with a medically recognised term or name then there is no point in making generalisations about the Breed. If you do then SP you have to accept your breeding stock is in theory as affected as the exhibitor next to you. I just love how these topics travel from the original post, and yes, I agree showing a Desexed Bitch is wrong because there is absolutely no chance of breeding from her and getting a pup out of her. If exhibitors enter their neuter bitches they should be fined. Where did I make generalizations about the breed? I believe we have a problem with our dogs but many bury their heads in the sand and deny it. There is costly research being carried out to find a genetic marker for the disorder. Canine Epileptiod Cramping Syndrome is the name or Spike's Disease. But unfortunately many vets (out of curiosity i have questioned 4 GP vets and only one had heard of it and this was one who jad done a lot of work in the UK and knew the breed) especially in Australia don't know of it or put the cramping down to epilepsy or generic fitting conditions. I have never claimed my lines to be free from it - all I can and do say is my dogs have never shown any symptoms which is the truth. There are some CAE affected dogs in the show ring and I often wonder if they have a place out there but I always come back to the same answer - yep they do. To me, my definition, is a dog show is a beauty contest judged day to day against the breed standards and the inner health of the animal has nothing to do with this. I believe the breeding stock argument is long gone. Especially with the number of 'exhibitor only' people who enjoy toddling along for the day out. I see it as an activity, not a marketplace as it once was. As CECS is not identified with a genetic marker then you are looking at a large range of symptoms that maybe similar and putting a layman's name to it - CECS or Spike's disease. As far as I have heard research is at a standstill. Your comment about afflicted dogs in the showring needs to be backed with evidence otherwise it is mere gossip.

error posting

If a health condition is not identifiable with tests or even dignified with a medically recognised term or name then there is no point in making generalisations about the Breed. If you do then SP you have to accept your breeding stock is in theory as affected as the exhibitor next to you. I just love how these topics travel from the original post, and yes, I agree showing a Desexed Bitch is wrong because there is absolutely no chance of breeding from her and getting a pup out of her. If exhibitors enter their neuter bitches they should be fined.

no there isn't. The trust in the UK are fantastic, they rehome dogs from people who have passed away to elderly who have lost their dogs. They also have people who walk and care for dogs in an attempt to keep the elederly in their homes. Last year at crufts there was a parade of these people, owners, dogs and carers. It was fantastic. Imagine knowing that your dog would be cared fro by another person who adores dogs ( or cats too actually ) when you pass away or can no longer cope, what a relief I wish we had a similar programme in Australia but we don't. You can donate to the trust, they also have items for sale, I bought a few when I was there and spoke to one of the organisers for ages. It isn't just old dogs, it is any dog which belongs to the elderly. ( or cat ) If there is anyone out there with the time, money, space and big heart, or can organise to start something similar here Australian Pets need you !

Here's the address for more information /www.cinnamon.org.uk/home.html It would be really great if there was a registry on DOL of any available organizations/groups etc in Australia.

I'm asking out of curiosity because a friend told me about the Cinnamon Trust in the UK where old dogs are homed for life in a country atmosphere. The setup is very nice with the emphasis on a home atmosphere with separate areas for the dogs if they want them, just like most of us do with multiple dogs.

Here's one. Working Terriers are better when they are bigger than the Standard says they should be because foxes are getting bigger.

Does anyone know if there are any Trusts or Homes specifically for old pets. In the UK there is the Cinnamon Trust. Is there anything like that in Australia ?

Isn't it just like cock fighting ? Use the animals to win the money/bets ? The bottom line is the animals are the property that gives status and income to the people who can't make it other ways.

WOW great photos

I don't think anyone is implying that the spoodles etc are a different SPECIES to pure breed dogs. As there are hundreds of pure breeds it's no wonder that there is confusion. You only have to go to a show to see that the Breeders often don't agree on what is correct by the variety of type in the showring. This is clearly a pure breed forum and there is enough to discuss with all the wonderful and interesting different breeds. I'd love to see more discussion about the pure breeds instead of all the silliness of designer dog/mongrel names.

As I thought hmmm.... the mower guy didn't understand my questions about the dogs. Mower and catcher I think will be the go, Thanks

I'm wondering what is the best lawn mower to use with the dogs in mind. Do I use a traditional mower with grass catcher or a mulch mower. I guess with the mulch mower it has to be done more often. Does mowing with a mulch mower cause problems with the dogs, eg in dogs feet or coat or is it not a problem?