Sagittarian

Okay For anyone interested, here is the website for Nicki's new school. www.australiandogcentre.com.au I know that we'll send any trainees there in the future. Sags

There is a new school open in Moonee Ponds that does courses at every level. I have the details at work if you'd like me to post them later - or you are free to pm me. Sags

My favourite funny threads have been anything to do with , cones of silence, blenders etc. Some of these go back a long way.... I want Grumpette to win, so get back on here and post, lady!! Sags

Barly - sorry to hear that, we know how traumatic bloat is. A high profile Saint breeder had a bitch that bloated then went on to have litters and be shown again. As my experience with bloat was one of close relatives (mind you, going back many years), I would need to research rather thoroughly prior to making any decisions about whether to breed with an individual or not. But mine were girls so your considerations might need to be different. Hope the recovery is quick with no long term effects. Sags

He's not really, we just made you all think that. He is someone FAR more important than Chuck Norris, better looking too, and stronger. Chuck Norris breaks out in hives when he hears "Troy" mentioned. Oops, forgot the cone of silence. Congratulations, charleswentworth Hope you have enough $$ for your tin foil dress? If not, Warley has one you can borrow, will it fit? now Jed... I was attempting to misdirect those who haven't had the pleasure.... Humf!

Yes, but you should have kept the cone of silence!! Now everyone will want autographs.

Only people who attend an MDBA awards night find out. And we're not allowed to tell! All joking aside, Troy is ace. :D Sags

On behalf of Ian and whole team at 4 Paws & More Pet Supplies, I'd like to offer our thanks for the nominations in two categories. It is very humbling to know that we make a difference in the lives of an animal and their owners. Thank you Julie for the lovely phone call. Phillipa

From the perspective of a retailer, we have so many dog owners who have found that harness (or the Sporn) to be the difference between not walking at all, or enjoying the time with their dog. Not everyone will use a trainer, no matter how much we'd like them to and no matter who we recommend. And unfortunately, a lot of people that have come in have had negative experiences with training (not at all breeds clubs, I have to say) that have lead them to believe that either they are useless, or that the dog is untrainable. Fortunately, fitting an EW harness or similar will almost always show these people that their dog is not a lost cause and nor are they. Happy dog, happy owner, makes sense. In an ideal world, it would be about people spending the time and money to effectively train and bond. In the real world, not always as simple. Sags

Yeah, Mini would be ideal, but we'll take a toy if that's all available!! He's been grooming a while and did a Standard last week but this will be a big help with lines, feet, faces in particular so hope we can find someone ready and willing. Sags

We are sending someone on a Poodle workshop with a Master Groomer next Tuesday, but have just been informed that we need to provide a poodle. If you have a Toy or Mini that needs a spruce up, including a lamb clip, and would enjoy the day out, please pm me. You'll need to drop off and pick up from Moonee Ponds (9am to 4pm). Sags

Had a gorgeous Lagatto bitch in yesterday for grooming. Fantastic temperament and very affectionate even after only knowing us a short while. Coming from a giant breed background, it was interesting for me to see how compact and sturdy this breed is although not being large. As grooming is not an issue for me (helps when you have a salon lol), this is a breed I would consider having in the future. Sags

I would suggest not throwing it out, but returning it. If you've purchased it over the net, then contact the seller and advise them of the use by date and ask what they will do for you. If you simply throw the product out, you have no chance of getting a replacement or refund. As I said, feel free to pm me and I'll find you some contact details of those who can help out tomorrow. Sags

Take it back to the retailer. If you have any issues, pm me and I'll get you the number of the rep (or contact her for you). Don't accept anything less than a refund or replacement - assuming you have a bag within code? Sags

Just to slightly correct the 4 Paws details: Unit 2, 60 Keilor Park Drive (not 62) and phone number is 9331 7869. Please bring dogs on leads and cats in carriers. Sags

Going off the pricing on those links (the quoted RRP, not specials) it is less expensive per kilo to feed the Nutrience. Grace - once you have your girl, pop back with the feeding guide from the breeder and I'm sure there will be a lot of support and suggestions for you. Sags

Are you certain, Nek? Across the board, rawhide is nearly all imported and irradiated. As are pigs ears. We love the Qld wholesaler (yes, the one who keeps maxing cards from dolers with their great products lol) because of the high Australian content and high quality control. We'll double check with them on their next visit in. Sags

It can be frustrating, can't it at times? Sometimes a change of food can get the interest back. I've found adding a little omega oil or flaxseed oil makes a big difference. Some people have great success with a little sprinkling of Ziwipeak - and as it is so well made, a little goes a long way. Sags

Do you mean Brewer's Yeast? I'd still suggest you do a lot of research to see if you really are benefitting your dogs by adding it. Many dry foods already contain enough of it and over supplementing won't necessarily give you positive results. Sags

This is a great thread and it is wonderful to have advice from someone who does know what they're talking about - nicestman!! However... We are an onseller, and while we don't specialise in clippers and accessories, we certainly do look after any issues that arise. Personally, I love the SS Wahl. Have mine that I purchased about 13 years ago and it still goes beautifully. Seeing as I groomed full time for 2 years, plus had show dogs, I am happy I purchased that. Interesting to hear about the internals of the Oster, explains a lot. Sags

So sad to hear this, Sandy. He was a most dignified and beautiful gentleman and was a joy to watch in the ring. Moreso though, he was your boy and that will never change. Grieve until you are ready to stop. He'll never be replaced, but he would not want you unhappy. He was, after all, a true merry Cocker. Hugs from Ian and I. Phillipa

I would suggest getting further advice about yeast. Perhaps it was something else? I'm struggling to understand how yeast would assist with encouraging a dog to eat - in excess it would be harmful, not helpful. To the OP, there are a number of highly palatable, nutritious dry foods that would be worth exploring. Many companies provide samples to taste test - Royal Canin, Artemis, Pro Pac and Nutrience spring to mind. Might be worth checking out some of the threads in this forum as there is a lot of good information about feeding, not only dry, but raw, supplements etc. Sags

That was a very interesting study - thanks, Miranda. Having lost two to gvd a long time ago, I've taken a great interest in the risk factors. Too often I have customers who feed in raised bowls, soak dry food containing citric acid, and feed one big meal. Because of the abundance of differing opinions and ideas on risk factors, it is sometimes frustrating to see people become inflexible about the common sense approach. Feed smaller meals. Add some "wet" food - quality canned, a little meat or meat mixed with vege slop. Use foods that are well designed for proper digestion (or a raw diet). Know your dog - if they are a stress head and they are in that at risk group body wise, then learn the difference between normal panting and the heavier, difficult panting that makes alarm bells ring if you've ever seen bloat. If the stomach begins to swell - get to the vet. If the dog is standing, swaying, drooling too much - get to the vet. And puncturing the stomach most certainly can work if it is done in time. Unfortunately, if a dog is prone to gvd, one can do everything properly and still experience this frightening event. As has been said, there are still no complete answers, so common sense and knowing your dog are your best weapons against it. Personally, we don't soak kibble. Dogs are designed to chew and if the kibble of one brand is too small, then find one that encourages better chomping. Sags (St Bernards)

Checked out the sites that Gretel kindly sent me. That is the old formula of Earthborn Holistic that has been vastly overhauled and improved upon. So far we've tried three different dogs on the Primitive and the Ocean Fusion and it is all thumbs up for taste! Sags

Gretel - can you pm me who? We've been told by the importer that nothing bigger than the 2.7kg is available in Australia until they see how it goes. We've asked for the larger bags so would like to find out if they are available. Thanks!