jr_inoz

I think doing stuff like agility and flyball would be potentially be more damaging than jumping on and off a bed and plenty of dogs do those sports and remain sound. in agility - dogs jump things that are at the right height for their size (there are height classifications) - and you are generally taught how to train your dog so they aren't injured. Jumping off something taller, like a bed is not the same for a small dog. Flyball might involve fast running, but it doesn't involve jumping off something high. the injuries that some dogs sustain are different. in any event - talk to the chirovets who make a very nice living from dogs that do agility and flyball. The OP was worried about smaller breeds of dogs jumping off things that are too tall - and they should be. Vets will tell you it is bad for them - for both their spine and their shoulders (and elbows).

The dog might be athletic - but jumping down repeatedly from a height like that will ruin their fronts - no matter how well constructed they are.

I have two entire bitches living with me. They are about a year apart in age. One has been here for only 8 months, the other for almost 3 years. They get along well. Neither are what I would call 'dominant' dogs. Neither were the dominant dogs in their litter. I suspect, living in a home situation, that I am the 'alpha bitch' (no funny comments ) and they fit in behind that. They play with each other a lot but don't fight. If you were to ask me who was the dominant dog between them, I would find it hard to say.

my two are definitely tuned into routines. If I put on my sneakers - then it must be time for a walk... In regard to time and memory - they know what time of the day that I get home normally. I don't think it is tuned with my car though. If I am home at my normal time, they are sitting at the gate waiting for me. If I get home early (like on my half day off), they aren't at the gate and are still inside. (Could it be tuned to position of sun in the sky etc?) Have a question though. My girl appears to have a very good memory. She was bailed up by a shar pei and a rottie when she was young. She is scared of both breeds now. (but fine with other big dogs). (Makes life interesting in the group 5 ring if we are in at the same time as the rotties in ring 6.) My other girl has interesting reactions to things. She will bark at passing dogs at a dog show, but not ring 5 or 6 dogs, just gundogs. (Oh - and GSDs) Something has obviously happened in her past that I don't know about (she came here when she was 15months old). For both dogs, it is like they have a memory. Is this association? how does this work? Just on an aside - my dad had a mini fox terrier when he was a young lad. The dog would walk down to the train station every night to greet him when he got off the train. (train was about 1km away from home). Dad was fairly regular about the time he came home, but he didn't always catch exactly the same train - he would catch one of two or three trains. The dog knew exactly which train dad was on. Dad's mum would know what time he was coming home as the dog only left to go down and meet the train that Dad was actually on. Would love to know how people explain this one. It has always had me absolutely flumoxed (sp). Have no idea how the dog did this. Is there anything that explains this type of thing?

I am biased - and think a sheltie would be ideal. My girl is absolutely brilliant around small children. Plays with a toddler next door all the time. She is gentle and friendly and affectionate with people. I think you just have to make sure you research your breeders and the temperament of their dogs. Like a Lappie - only two coat sheds a year if a girl, one if a boy. Getting a show prospect dog wont be that hard either - shelties are a popular breed. The breed I did think of straight after your first post, that noone has mentioned yet is the Lagotto Romagnolo. I have only met one or two but I think it would tick quite a few boxes for you. Others in here would have better information for you about these though and their suitability.

There are a couple of very very good ACD breeders in SA, that I don't think you would have the same issues from. PM me if you want the names

thanks, - mattress looks good. also - I bought 3 large polar fleece rugs from IKEA a few weeks ago for $5 each. Was very pleased. (You cant buy the material for that price.) Handy for dog rugs.

$110 for a small/medium dog, no sedation

81 cm not big enough? Really? Just curious - (for my friend who has a berner, and this might be good) - what size crate do you need for a rottie?

Is there anywhere on the crufts website where you can see results? (group and breed) It is way too hard trying to go back through news pages to see the results you want, and even then, you find that they aren't there. I can obviously find out who won overall, but am trying to find a couple of breed results and the results for the pastoral group

sent you a pm... also - echo Zeppole's post. Would suggest coming out to the next couple of shows at SACA (without your little one of course, until she is vaccinated and past the two-week safety period). Hang around ring 6 and chat to different people and watch what is happening. You'll pick up quite a bit.

assume you are already a member of dogssa - you need to be to be able to enter shows. If you are a member, you would be getting the journals each month with each show's schedule in it. these give you the information you need to enter. There are forms that you need to enter each show and Dogssa will sell you a book of those. (SA doesn't do online entries yet but there is an electronic version of the show entry form around but not on the dogssa website. I can't find a link right now to one). You need to have your dogs's registration number and kennel name, the numbers and kennel names of its sire and dam and your membership number to put on each entry form. The entries for the show on the 3rd April actually close today - so not sure you will get your entry in on time for that one. ooo - found a link... try this. Suggest using the word format one - you can put your dogs details in, save it, then just adjust it for each show you enter. http://www.doverdog.org.au/?page_id=33

Jaquie and diesel - if it is agility you are wanting to do - you are both within easy reach of the Agility Dog Club SA. They train Thursday nights and Sundays I think. They are at West Beach. Very very close to Camden Park. If you are in prospect and want to do obedience - would think that maybe the SAODC would be fairly close - especially to prospect - they meet at the south park lands.

;) I'm from SA - and my DogsSA journal rarely gets to my place until the middle of the month! (As in, I got February's journal on around the 14th of Feb). try the December journal which arrived 2 days after the closing date of one of the shows in it. Imagine my shock and surprise when DogsSA March journal actually turned up on Monday - a day before the month had started Didn't know what to do with myself. In 3 years of being a member, this is unprecedented.

hope you can figure out something - strapped up like you have it in the photos, and seriously, in an accident, a passenger could be killed or sustain severe head injuries. The back of the seat won't stop it.

Southern Districts Kennel & Obedience Dog Club is quite good. They train at Morphett Vale. NewAmsStaff - I know that Victor Harbor is finally getting an obedience dog club. I know people down there who are very excited by that. I think they are just starting up now - but I don't have any details of name or location yet. Could be an option if you are at Strath - not really that far. Southern Districts would only be 30 minutes for you too

I know that the Shetland Sheepdog Sharndah Butterfly Kisses (Olivia) was Intermediate in Show both shows on Saturday... CONGRATULATIONS OBS!!!!!!!!! (But that is all I know)

yep depends on where you are.... I can recommend two clubs south of the city... let us know

yep not sure I'd be taking anyone with me in the passenger seat with the gazebo packed like that... Sudden stop and could me a major injury.

that is a copy of the merrell 'barrado' at a much cheaper price (although it doesn't look like the same quality and the soul not quite as good.) Love my merrells, if the rivers are as close to being as comfortable, they might be a good alternative.

or a shetland sheepdog (the breeders in the US say they are sheltie size) Everything is smaller in the Shetland islands Shetland sheep http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_%28sheep%29 Shetland Pony http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_pony I know!! My girl is going out for a herding trial in a few weeks (just the basic instinct test) with big marino sheep! She loved the 'come and try' we did last year. She is so small in comparison to the sheep! (She is a 14" bitch - correct size for the standard). Shetland sheep would be interesting for her I reckon.

or a shetland sheepdog (the breeders in the US say they are sheltie size)

MIchelleva Am thinking of you and your family. I am glad the vet is keeping her in and making sure she is ok. As everybody has said, dogs are such adaptable things, and she'll adapt to her injury. The good news is that she will be pain free. I think all a sheltie wants is to be with us, and part of our families, and georgia will definitely get that with you all. She is a well looked after girl and will be happy.

This link, of a breeder in Canada confirms the whole aussie to aussie breeding to get a smaller dog. http://members.shaw.ca/hitide/

merrells love em. look great - made to run in