tdierikx

Pups are docked somewhere between birth and 3 days, so how were they playing happily afterwards ? You know what I mean SBT123 - they didn't show any signs of trauma during or after the procedure, OK? T.

It's an amazingly varied list as to why people "discard" their pets in the numbers they do... it's hard to pinpoint any particular type of dog (or cat) that ends up in a pound - different pounds may see different "breeds" predominately, depending on the areas they service and the types of dog generally preferred in those areas... T.

I'm sure that's the same vet that docked my (then current, now ex) boyfriend's litter of Rottie pups... but it was legal to do so here in NSW at that time. He did a very nice neat job, and the pups didn't appear to even feel it (we were present during the ops)... and afterwards, they were playing happily with no sign of any pain or trauma either... T.

As I said before, I like to use a check chain when training my dogs. I also prefer to use praise rather than food for said training. My local all breeds training club has food reward as their preferred training method. I explained when I first started taking my Labrador pup there that I would prefer her not to expect food rewards when she did the right thing - however quite a few of the trainers would still give her treats from their bum bags - even after my repeated requests for them not to. The one 100% thing that my girl learned from that was that bum bags have food in them... grrr! This got so bad at one stage that we were asked to not come back until her fascination for bum bags and their contents was under control. My older Rottie X girl was not so fussed on the group training idea, and refused all attempts at food treating by the same trainers - however, she was happy to do anything and everything I asked of her - and she really loved learning to use some of the agility equipment... all for praise only... Both of my dogs have also had some training sessions with professional trainers - more for my benefit than theirs, may I add... *grin*... and having 2 dogs with totally different motivations can be interesting when you try to teach them the basics of obedience. Each dog had totally different methods used to gain the exact same results... confusing ain't it? T.

I prefer to use a check chain for my dogs when doing class oriented training... however, each dog is fitted with a chain that is the right link size and length for them. I prefer a heavier link as it tends to be less likely to pinch the dog or catch their fur. 99% of the training session will be with the chain loose - correction is only a very light tug, enough for the chain to make a noise, rather than digging into the dog's neck with "vigour" (for want of a better way of saying it). If I have a dog that is a "puller", I don't use the chain - it's pretty ineffective in training if they are already pulling at it - so other methods are employed then - under the supervision of a dog training professional. I do not use prong collars - luckily I have never had a dog that one was recommended for... T.

I'd love to know the OP's thoughts on the "value" of rescue dogs... they can be all ages... T.

I'd be more worried about him digging a nice hole and making himself into a mud pie... that's what my Lab would do if left outside in the rain... T.

The hackles thing can be misleading also... I've actually noticed that when my foster pups play with each other (all thoroughly enjoying themselves with no aggression), that their hackles can be raised down the entire length of their bodies... however, when the hackles are only raised at the shoulder area, that is when we can see the play turn into a less friendly situation. My adult Lab also raises her hackles down the entire length of her body when playing... T.

Training and good socialisation is always key to raising any good canine citizen. I have also heard the rumour about dogs with red noses - in relation to a Labrador no less! I will say that if my 2 dogs have a spat, my yellow Lab girl is much nastier than my Rottie/Pittie girl. I wouldn't put much stock in nose colour being a presiding factor in any aggression issue in any single dog though... T.

If it's a Sydney based rescue you were discussing Deelee, it could well be the one I'm referring to with the DA "Boxer cross" they want someone else to look after while they find it an unsuspecting and naive person to adopt it... T.

Maybe an email to the Metro group might be in order - to alert them to this other branch... T.

There is a WA rescue that has a few branches - it may be one of the more regional branches that is supplying the dogs undesexed because they can't get a vet in the area to do pups under a certain age. This has come up before, and that was the upshot... and I'm sure one of the city branches were going to try to help get pups desexed before rehoming, but it comes down to the person running the regional rescue taking up any offer of that nature I suppose... T.

Ummm... my dogs sleep on MY bed... I got one that fits us all - and room to fit a couple more... *grin* My older girl can get a little stiff in winter if she's been playing with the foster pups, so I put an old hard suitcase next to the bed to use as a step for her... T.

This wouldn't be the same mob who are ringing around to anyone with kennels and asking if they'd take in a DA "Boxer cross", is it? T.

My 2 girls love it when I drop a few cubes into their water bowl... they even dunk for them! T.

I had a Rottie girl that used to flip over onto her back and spread all legs when we said "show us yer tits"... T.

Could be anything really... mum and dad are both crosses too, yes? I think he's simply adorable though. T.

My brother's Labrador did the Sydney Mardi Gras parade in his red Ruff Wear boots - make sure you get the socks to eliminate most of the rubbing, OK? T.

I work in rescue kennels every weekend - so don't have to deal with neurotic owners... a big plus! Adoption appointments can be "interesting" - some people rock up with the opinion that they are doing us a favour by wanting to look at or adopt one of our charges. We do not allow the general public to wander through our kennels to "select" a dog... Getting covered in anything that may be expelled from a dog is par for the course. If you get queasy easily, this is definitely not the job for you... *grin* Getting to interact with dogs of all sizes, shapes, ages, and temperaments is an amazing experience - they are all individuals, so learning their little quirks and seeing them become ready for great new forever homes is awesome. I am a volunteer, so I don't get paid to muck out kennels - my "reward" is that I get to interact with and nurture many dogs whose lives have taken a turn for the worse, and find them great new homes - and that is worth more than any financial remuneration IMHO. You know that you love your "job" when you know the names and personalities of every dog in your care - that can be fun when you are working with up to 100 dogs at any given time - and a constantly changing population to boot! I don't work with cats - I'm allergic... T.

Ummm... poor baby looks really impressed... hahaha! I've got a photo somewhere of a Rottie that we dressed up in a pair of stubbies (shorts) and a singlet... she had the same look on her face... T.

I'd call the ranger to take him to the pound... maybe when the owner gets extra fines for the dog being a persistent roamer, they might get the bloody point... T.

I have a Labrador... and I can sympathise... *grin* I have snowdrifts in my house at the moment - clean them up, they are back the next day. I've tried stripping brushes, etc... not much really seems to put a dent in the Summer coat drop... *sigh* T.

Tummy upset? T.

I love the "Staffy snuffle"... we have one in rescue that is a real grunter... she is adorable! T.

My preferred local vet doesn't have any cats wandering around - plenty of silly people coming in without them in a crate though... My girls are OK with other animals at the vets - but I'm allergic to cats, and it narks me when they are roaming around and dropping hair all over the place. I've been known to break out in hives from some cat hair... grr! T.