alpha bet

You have the border collie X , so an obvious breed to consider it the border collie. However if you are looking for something as an alternative then check out the australian shepherd. Aussies always seem to be just naturally fab with kids and love to have any dog to play with.

I think you might find that an aussie could be harder to get as a show pup than a BC - most of the breeders seem very intent on keeping breeding stock under their own control and generally sell on limited. This just seems to be a problem with may breeders these days - like they are scared of letting others in....... which is such a shame as it is harder for new people to get involved for the future.

Sorry but I cannot agree with SOL at all - You would not be breeding for "the sake of it"..... you are trying to develop and learn more about your breed with every litter you have.... whether or not you keep the pup or if you show them or whether they end up in pet homes. You can still keep track and see their development both physically and mentally - there are many pet homes with dogs of equal and sometimes even better examples of the breed than in many breeders kennels. Breeders have to start somewhere - not everyone is in a position to run on 10-15 dogs - And perhaps we should even question "can breeders necessarily do justice to this number of dogs physically and socially? Most breeders have to work full time to afford to continue breeding - where can they find the time to devote to work, family, friends and 15 dogs.....? There are many pet homes who can provide you with the chance of putting a bitch out on breeders terms. Just make sure any terms you place are fair and reasonable to both parties. I have heard of breeders who have lifetime breeding rights on their bitches..... or that the bitch must be shown by the family etc. I have even had a breeder offer a dog to a family for $1500 but that the breeder retains the sole right to decide when where and who with the bitch is to be mated and the breeder owns the offspring..... with no end date to this arrangement..... What the @#$@ is that....... fancy having the cheek to charge top price and yet give no rights to the full time caregiver of the dog. So for what it's worth..... my opinion.... GO FOR IT .... My first bitch was given to me in 1982 on Breeders Terms and I was able to purchase another later on under Partnership - I have also had 3 bitches I have put out on Breeders Terms in the past and currently have a youngster out on a Partnership which is also working well - Generally with pet homes you can find that some may get more involved than they anticipated by showing and competing by their own choice not because of conditions. So it can and does work. If you want more details of how this has worked I am happy to discuss this further. Best of luck in your journey.

Most breeders would have one perhaps two breeds. To keep up to date with the health requirements and bloodlines it would be difficult for someone to do justice to more than perhaps 3 diff breeds. To run even just a few breeding stock of dogs of 6 different breeds means you would have 15-20 dogs let alone running on any of the pups - unless your house is just crazy sounds like you would need to have your dogs in a full kennel environment to keep life hygenic and safe. Sounds a bit more like the puppy farmers. Cant understand why someone would want to spread themselves so thin between the breeds. Would make more sense to concentrate on one or two breeds.

Perhaps for your gran a more effective stick than just a plain walking stick might be the kind of walking stick that has the four piece stand at the base. She could walk with this stick sideways in her hand as she is moving along normally and might find it useful even to stablise herself on uneven ground or climbing stairs. These are lightweight and have a larger base to use to block a dog coming at her she can use it to hold a dog back or push a dog away. This would be easier than a single prong which would be difficult to use as a defence and really only useful for hitting which is not necessarily effective and could cause the aggressor dog to turn on her. The other thing that would be useful is to find out if there are any trainers in the area who run social classes. We run these classes here and often have people who have been thru this sort of problem. A good trainer can help her and her dog would learn to be confident around other dogs and she could learn some effective methods of blocking oncoming dogs. Best wishes.

If the recognition of a breed is considered - then I believe the Jack Russel was first registered/accepted as a pedigree breed in australia. Later it was accepted in other countries.

I started out in the early 80's with German Shepherds. I was lucky to have a couple of breeders who really where out to help and a couple of my first litters where in partnership/breeders terms. GSD's had a breed survey system and we were already conducting xray for hips and elbows - there was also booklets published each year with the show critiques of each and every dog at the speciality shows - from 1st to last.... also breeders classes, sire progeny classes - so really a wealth of information available to new people interested in breeding as well as a lot of support from some of the old school breeders. They were always happy to recommend what stud dogs might suit even if the dog belonged to someone else. Nowdays I have the aussie shepherds - nowhere near the amount of information or support available - at least we have the DNA to help with the health aspects. Do I miss the old days - I would say that I miss the openness of the system that was in place with the GSD Association - if there was any problems with any of the stud dogs or the breeders ethics - the word was spread damm quick.

Feel a little the same Nekhbet..... 18 years ago I looked around for courses.... not much available then and only a few fledgling associations and no-body had any accreditation with the government..... Didn't seem to make sense to possibly waste money or time (years in fact) on something that might not go anywhere. Instead been busy spending the last 15 years building a business along with learning how to teach .... and still manage to find the time to learn more and more about dogs.... mostly from working direct with them and their owners...... I'm not saying there isn't a place for the academic within this industry - but history has shown very few academics will fit in with the general public as they will generally stay within the academic areas.

As a breeder I dont have a set criteria as to working/kids/house etc. Nor do I require the enquiry to fill out a questionaire - I feel this could alienate people who might feel the questionaire is the breeders way of judging them without even meeting them. However what I do is have a chat on the phone (not just an email contact) and then invite them to come and visit (I'm not too interested in sending dogs interstate). Once we meet I then have the chance to learn lots about them just thru conversation. In my previous life I used to work for a large company in the Personel Department - there were many things it was illegal/discriminatory to put on the job form however it is amazing how much info you can get about people just chatting from the walk from the reception to the interview room. Often my decision was based on this chat more than the form and interview. I have sold pups to people who live alone and work full time - people with large homes and families where mum is home all day - also young people who live with their parents. My point is I try not to pre-judge the buyers - instead I try to see thru the people and find out who is really genuine and might have the long term picture as well as people I think will be easy to work with. Have only had a couple of hiccups over the years that have been worked thru or where dogs have come back for rehoming.

Good commonsense approach Huski - However I wonder whether Joe Public just books into the local club/whatever and doesnt really know what they are getting. It is often trial and error unfortunately. Saying that however, I know the way the current regulations are that anyone can put up a website etc and sell themselves as a professional trainer/behaviourist. Not always a good thing, but then not always a bad thing either. The last thing we need is the government wanting to put further regulations onto the animal industry. If they required courses/academic qualifications then we could lose many experienced people expecially in the club sector - I know there are arguments from both sides but let the public decide who is worthwhile - Over the last 15 years I have seen many trainers and/or francisees start up in my area and often just to drift away. There are many who want to join the industry, they might have years of training their own dogs or working in a club, perhaps even purchased a Franchise or completed a Training Course, even a PHD - They might be good training - however this does not make them a Professional. At least not yet. A Professional will commit the time and money to set themselves up, they will have a proper business plan and lodge tax returns - these are the people who will be there for the long haul - they will adapt and organise their business to cater to the needs of the public in their area. These are the ones who build their experience in the field and hopefully survive long enough to build their reputation. There are many who call themselves professional - both here and overseas - but my contact with many of these has seen just a small group who seem committed to putting their money where there mouth is. Some of the best trainers/teachers I have met over the years have limited reputations as they tend to work solo nor do they often charge for their time. These are the gurus we can aim to learn from but they dont have the time nor inclination to become anything more. Posing a question? Perhaps we should take a quick poll here and ask DOL's - how much money do you think you would need to commit to set up a Training Business for say a period of 5 years (no franchise allowed). Would be a very interesting excercise for anyone considering this.

I suspect you are unlikely to effect any changes under these circumstances. Probably just see what other clubs in the area are like......

Watching the many posts that have been on DOL - I am compelled to comment...... Firstly, It absolutely staggers me that there are people on DOL who know of others who have had bitches whelping at shows or even taking litters of pups only weeks old to shows. Secondly another thread here is that breeders agree with the idea of breeding half brother to half sister or father daughter etc..... In fact numous people on this thread are stating that they have these matings already happening or expecting anyday..... Are these the people who are considered the experienced and respected breeders of our dog community. The breeders from the 70's and 80's were prepared to line breed say 3:3. and it was completely frowned upon to consider things closer. These older breeders produced type and substance as well as good temperaments. There have been many times on DOL when we have seen how the 'showie' community are extremely judgemental about those who breed but do not show....... Draw your own conclusions........

I get to work with many average family people in our school who bring their dogs and pups for training. I survey each about their animal history and their expectations. Many have been purchased from people that would be termed as byb (unregistered, no association, no microchipping etc) or from pet shops and of course a good percentage from registered breeders. I don't really care where they got this pup from - they have come for help and want to learn more - my job is to make them enjoy the dog that they have and to get the most out of the experience. It is important not to alienate these people, if they feel that they are being judged they will never get the chance to learn more. However I do get the chance to influence and educate them about where the dogs come from and about health and breeding benefits of going thru the registered system. After running the school for 15 years many families may have had their older dog pass away and have come back with their next pup. Some also enjoy the experience they decided on a second dog. Im happy to say they ALWAYS seem to go for either a rescue dog or a purebred which really makes me feel that my message is getting thru. Ive even been lucky enough in the last few years to have some of the families decide on even waiting for a pup from one of my litters - so I get to work with my own breeding as well. How can we all educate the public. You might think that what you do individually doesnt really matter. However consider this - if I have say 100-200 new dogs every year and each of these can then go home and influence some of their friends or work collegues (easily 5 each) about the benefits of training and researching where they are going to get their next dog..... and those people go home and start to influence even just 2 friends/relatives then potentially my work might help to influence even 1,000 families (average 3 people in a family) per year....... PROVIDED I DON'T ALIENATE ANYONE. Perhaps if we all consider this PAY IT FORWARD attitude - we can be damm confident we can start to make a change.

Bloody hell - what sort of breed do you have - that way I know to stay away from them...... Ive had a lot of dogs over the years - a xbreed, GSD's, JRT's and Aussies - never had a dog who hasn't learnt to cope with these situations. Sheese.... you make it sound likes its the Dad's fault...... The bloody dog bit him and has bitten the husband before... All dogs living in a family environment should learn how to cope with things like.... Whipper snippers.... mowers..... hair dryers..... motor bikes.... vaccum cleaners.... Kids noisey toys... whatever... They dont have to like it but that is no excuse for rushing out the door past their owner and attacking the person working out the front.....

I was always of the understanding that "in-breeding" is in the first and second generation - i.e. with common parent or grandparent. The old breeders back in the 70's preferred looking at "Line-breeding" was usually talked about being in fourth or fifth generations. If the gene pool was a limited then they would use a 3rd generation.

Perhaps you can turn the situation into a positive learning experience. You have a big dog who is pretty layback - get a small cart and teach him to pull it and he can carry the shopping home for you. Shopkeeper might even accept your ringing thru your order just because of the novelty that way you dont have to leave your dog outside. You just hold the leash and maintain control of your dog. Saw different little carts in the US and they even have carts that can hold a human - two medium dogs can easy run with a human and the dogs loved it, also a really good way to excercise the dogs. You can always unharness him when you get to the off leash park. No one can then claim your dog has attacked them when hes walking with the cart. Besides everyone gets to know him and how cool he is.

If they meant a 'muddle' - isnt that what you are in Harry Potter if you dont have magical powers

I know what you mean, Assistance/Service dogs are the ones that really bring a bit of a tear to my eye. This is an area that I have started working on with dogs after seeing so many at a Dog Conference in Texas early this year. Next April will be going to San Diego for another Conference and have lined up a few different facilities to visit and meet with trainers about the work they do. It is a very exciting field and just amazing to watch a dog you have worked with and see how much joy and confidence they bring to their families. It is not that far out of the reach of ordinary families tho - after all the skills for an Assistant/Service dog is the same as what we should be aiming for as an amazing family pet. Just perhaps adding some individual personal needs. For example : with my next litter we have a young woman who would like her pup to learn how to pull the doona back off her at night when she gets hot and pull it back on when she feels cold - that way she can feel more independent because she won't need to wake up her Carer during the night. We will start the pup off with a specific Tug Pad that can be connected to whatever the girl wants the dog to pull. The family will be able to continue to develop this and have the dog pulling anything she asks. Sometimes it can be as simple as getting a dog to move a pillow out of the way so she can drive her wheelchair thru the doorway. If you are interested here is a link to a lovely short film about a group in Georgia USA http://www.pbs.org/dogs-eyes/film#/jennifers-story

It is often possible to get into a kennel now - during December there are people who have had long standing bookings who have had plans change and no longer require the kennel place - We always seem to have a couple of cancellations for different reasons - dogs die (so sad) not going away - grown up kids are staying home and looking after the dog - just some examples. If you do want a kennel you may find you just have to ring around quite a few to find something and even asking to be put on a waiting list - you might have to travel a bit further but it is still a better option than leaving your dog home alone for such a long time. P.S. you wont have any options if you decide to have kids - its illegal to have them in boarding kennels - although I do get people ask!

I can understand where the VCA is coming from with not running a World Champ on the papers - from the posts here it would appear that a World Champ Show is like any other show - just that owners of some dogs from different countries have bothered to attend. Does this mean that they had to qualify to enter i.e. they had to already have a Champion Title from their own country? Even then, we must consider that sometimes there is some variation to the standard of a breed from one country to another...... perhaps also it would be very easy to get a Champion Title in some countries (including Australia) if you have a less popular breed and just campaign around enough. At a world show we must also question who is the judge of each individual breed? are they specialists judges for that breed? There is already confusion for new people as what a Champion (Australian/Grand) really is, without adding the International or World into the equation. Just consider how it is easy to flaunt a placing at a Royal in any advertising. Remember that a CC awarded at a Royal Show in australia is not any more prestigious than many other shows. There is no qualifying for entry into a Royal Show nor are they usually being judged by specialist in that breed. I went to the last Royal to watch some of the dogs and there were not many dogs of each age grouping to compare - and this was in many of the breeds that were exhibited on that day. Where there is more prestige is when a dog takes a Challenge at say, an annual breed speciality show (assuming that the breed club has obtained a specialist judge). Here you would expect to see exhibitors from all over the state - or even the country - take the trouble to attend and show their dogs - hence picking up a broader range of what is available for that breed. If you have decided to pay more for your dog for these titles that is your choice it doesnt necessarily mean that this dog is going to improve the breed in this country.

Seeing many puppy schools are held at vets - how can you vouch for a place where big dogs have never been? Provided your pup has had the initial vaccination you will find that most vets now recommend that the social development of the pup is outweighed by any risk of infections. Personally I feel vet practices are the worst place to hold a puppy school as they have sick dogs being brought in everyday as well as dogs who are not vaccinated. Even if vets say they sterilise the area - this would require washing the entire space and removing all chairs, books etc. Mopping the floor does not remove airbourne or any saliva that might have sprayed onto walls etc. So don't get yourself too worried about infection.

Voloclydes Keep up the the dog encounters - It is great to get dogs out and about - we hold classes where the objective is to build all the dogs play skills. At times we have a dozen or so dogs of mixed breeds and sizes frolic around. The more experienced dogs with good skills, really help some of the other dogs (Much like Ceasers idea of balance dogs). The objective is to help the dogs who have developed fear to build their confidence again. Also dogs who have profited from using aggression have to learn to back off. It is wonderful to see dogs learn to adjust their play to fit in with the group. The majority of the work tho is helping their owners learn how to cope, when to leave things to sort themselves out and when to step in and of course, how to step in. We get a lot of dogs who have developed so called 'dog aggression'. Most of these adjust well but it does take a lot of patience and the humans giving each other support. Often these are people who have tried the formal obedience track but become embarassed every time their dogs react and unfortunately the obedience field doesnt address the underlying issues or show them how to deal. This is perhaps my favorite part of working with dogs and families Play is a powerful tool for training and rehabilitation.

I would be happy to add my view to this - although not sure how it works online.

Actually I have a look at the surveys which are sometimes used as studies which have been conducted only on line and see the limited numbers and the high lean toward female respondents and feel the same way. That is something we can do something about I think Im about to open offers for people in on the working party for this. Exactly Steve - the trouble with online surveys you are mainly getting results from people who have made a commitment to their dog (hence why they are on sites like this!) whereas I was seeking results from the "average" joe - this is why I was trying to get them from different locations such as work sites or supermarkets. One thing I found in conducting surveys is how most of the people found they actually hadn't really thought much about what they did with their dogs and often starting making comments that "perhaps we should do more with our dog" also there was a general concensus that when I ask at the end of the survey "what does your dog mean to your family" most people were definate in saying even tho it is an added cost and sometimes a burden they still believed that the dog was part of their family. Therefore I felt that even the survey itself is a educational tool for the public. Gives a very positive spin.

Am so jealous - So which shires are you with (what state) - my shire would be the worst on record - we have 5 or 6 rangers (opps sorry they like to be called bi-laws officers) and we have the biggest shire in Vic - but even so they seem to cause so much tension with people over dogs in the shire. Just one example - We recently had a Pet Expo in our shire - what a joke and waste of money, the shire "bi-law officers" didnt do anything about organising until 1 week before and only after the local paper had made mention of it. I had to make about 8 calls and email just to be able to attend and even then they had done virtually no advertising - so hardly anyone knew it was on...... Oh about 5 Bi-laws officers sat on their backsides in a tent and didnt walk around and introduce themselves or anything - instead they paid the lollypop ladies to walk around in a pet expo t-shirt and answer questions? Would love to know how to get my shire into gear!