tdierikx

Like any trait one is born with, temperament is modifiable with the correct training. Yes - underlying temperament is genetic in nature, but environmental conditioning will shape how it is manifested externally. The book (and movie) "The Boys From Brazil" is an interesting spin on the shaping of genetic traits via environmental stimulus - in the book, the scientists are trying to recreate Hitler by exposing cloned children to the same experiences he had had growing up... seriously chilling book, and an even more chilling movie adaptation of same. T.

Thanks for the link Steve - interesting. Reading the pages before and after page 86 gives further context to the test results, and does include human interaction as a factor that plays a part in the development of behaviours. T.

Those tests that have a broader range of breed markers already established will give better results than those with fewer - that's for sure... T.

Yep - legislate to the lowest common denominator... *sigh* T.

I'd still recommend pups be homed separately to eliminate the risk. It's all about pack hierarchy and when you have dogs identical in age, size (and even worse, gender) you don't have a clear hierarchy until one dog ends up on top. That may often make the other dog's life pretty damn ordinary if the "top" dog isn't secure in that position. Pack issues aside, I see way too many dogs totally co-dependent on a pack mate from whom they are never separated. It takes a lot of time and dedication to raise TWO pups. Quite a few people struggle to manage it well with one. And if homed as singles? Would crossbred dogs be more "acceptable" if bred and homed more carefully? Steve - in response to the littermate thing, the 2 of the same sex, or 2 of the same age... is there statistical proof that any of those combinations are any more likely to become an issue than any other combination of pets in a household? Or do you think it may more likely come down to the base temperament of each individual dog? (I tend to lean toward the latter, based on my own experience over the years) T.

DNA testing will say different... http://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/library/research-studies/current-studies/dog-breeds/dna-results/ Check out how many were way off the mark when the only identifier was a visual scan... T.

I've never seen one, so I just googled... they are certainly nice looking dogs - and even prettier with their ears intact IMHO. Don't think I'd ever feel the need to own one though. T.

How gorgeous is that? Well done to all involved! Please give Elly an extra hug and kiss from me, OK? T.

So - for the sake of discussion... what if 2 dogs of different or mixed breeding with great temperaments and sound health were bred, and selection of new homes for the pups was done properly - would that still be a big no-no? T.

The RSPCA don't assess and refuse to take a surrender... but they do charge a surrender fee... I've seen 10 week old pups scrapping nastily, and seen the result of someone putting their hand in to try and stop them... numerous stitches required. It really doesn't matter what the breed of dog is - if they are a larger type of dog, they need at least basic obedience training and socialisation from an early age. In a perfect world I'd like to see basic obedience and socialisation for ALL dogs - regardless of breed type or size. T.

In all honesty, I've found Facebook to be THE place to hang out if one is completely deranged and nasty... I try to avoid it like the plague myself. I actually like staying sane - and fending off crazies just doesn't float my boat. Really - I don't care two hoots what someone might be saying about me behind my back... I know who and what I am, and what I stand for, and that's really all that counts. If someone I've never met enjoys salacious gossip about me, then quite frankly, it's THEIR problem, not mine. T.

Seriously? Does this man read and digest what he's typed before hitting "send/post"? Expose... hahaha! Could come back to bite him in the bum methinks... Pot - meet kettle... T.

Make sure that the AB's are broad spectrum, and the dosage is right for his size/weight. I have no doubt that your care will have this little man catching up with his sibs soon enough... T.

Crossing fingers that you have much success with Russel Lea vets... T.

Another vote for change of antibiotic here... sounds like he may be a little vociferously snuffling up his tucker, and maybe a little bit is getting snorted up his nose and causing some reaction/infection? The good sign is that the issue doesn't appear to be with his lungs, and that he's got a good appetite and energy levels - regardless of the fact he's a bit runtier than his siblings. Does he hold his own when playing with his siblings? T.

So - the council is still advocating people take strays or ferals to Lola... even while embroiled in the noting of issues with her facility? Beggars belief! Looks like buck passing to me... council needs to stand up and take the responsibility they are tasked with by LAW... T.

The suggestion of a penned area to contain her accident zone might be worth trying... you can buy them at most pet supply stores, or even better, try going to Vebopet (website www.vebopet.com.au) for the best prices. Have you tried maybe playing a recording of your voices to her while you are out? A simple mp3 player set to repeat a playlist through a speaker might work for that. Also maybe a largish teddy bear that you can put an item of yours on/around to make it smell like you? How does she do at daycare? Does she display any anxiety there at all? If not, then maybe you need to look into it as a permanent option for when you have to go out for long periods like work. Also maybe looking into friends or relatives who might be able to babysit her for you... I'd love to know which rescue adopted her to you... by PM if you want to share that detail. Did they know of her separation issues at the time of adoption and/or give you any pointers on how they dealt with it? T.

Oh gwp4me... you have my deepest sympathies... Run free Strolchie. T.

... and the point I'm making is that all of those "traditional" breeds HAVE been the subject of public distrust in times past for exactly the same reasons bull breeds are now. None of those breeds were banned or subject to BSL conditions - instead, the breeding community stepped up and became somewhat more selective about where their dogs were/are going, yes? THAT is the answer - not BSL or banning of entire breed types. The other fact I'm making is that the number of responsible bull breed dog owners is higher than the number that aren't - but the media do love a juicy story with an evil protagonist... funnily enough, there have been many cases of dog attacks that go unreported in the media because the dog was not a bull breed or able to be called a "pitbull"... My friend who had her face mauled by a Maltese wasn't asked for a story by the media - neither was another friend whose pet toy poodle savagely mauled his child's face... and both bear the daily scars of what happened to them by those 2 small dogs. Both dogs were euthed by the way... T.

What exactly are Bazza's symptoms Cheryl? Does he still have a good appetite and decent energy levels? What are you feeding him and how (bottle, or semi-solids from a bowl/plate)? Vets can be wrong... T.

I met a Neo that was supposedly not happy about strangers coming up to her... so I just sat on the ground and asked her if she wanted a pat. I got a huge Neo face washing kiss... or maybe she was just testing to see if I were edible? lol! She was actually a very nice dog when approached in a non-threatening manner, and her owner was impressed that she acquiesced to my invitation for a kiss and a pat. Sometimes it pays to be a crazy dog lady - she was incredibly soft to pat, and gave great kisses. Neo's are stunning dogs, and I just HAD to see if she'd come to the party for a pat... T.

Love it! T.

There are a couple of new strains of Parvo out there at the moment too... that don't have the "normal" presentation until the pup is too far gone. I just had a whole litter of rescue pups with one of the new strains... sadly we had to euthanaise the whole litter. T.

I think you are mistaking tenacity and trainability with "aggression"... Because bull breeds are the "penis extension" dog to own nowadays. It used to be Rotties, Dobes, GSDs, and the like - now it's "tough looking" bull breeds... The fact that this problem dog's owners are managing his issues says a lot more about responsible ownership than irresponsible, wouldn't you think? T.

I have lost count of how many times I've felt like slapping a clueless dog owner upside the head when out in public with my dogs - but one normally stops short of doing it, yes? T.