silentchild

The RSPCA has accused the State Government of weakening the new dog breeding code which has been under negotiation for the past two years. Breeding dogs would only be allowed to have a maximum of five litters before being retired under the new code. The aim is to shut down puppy farms, where dogs are forced to continue to breed with little regard for the animal's welfare. The code also stipulated that the dogs must be checked by a vet before and after each litter. The code has now been changed so dogs may continue to be used for breeding if they have a certificate from a vet. The RSPCA's chief executive Maria Mercurio says they had no warning of the change. To take away that limit on the number of litters a breeding bitch can have just undermines the whole intent of the code Maria Mercurio, RSPCA chief executive "I guess to say we're shocked and disappointed is an understatement," she said. "We got notification of this change on Friday afternoon, the day the code comes into effect. "We have been working with the Government on this code for some two years so when we saw what was to be the final draft, that was not what was included." Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh denies the code has been weakened. "The code is one of the most comprehensive and prescriptive codes of its kind in the world and there are hefty and significant fines for people who don't comply," he said. "We've banned wire floor cages. "We've put in place a minimum of 30 minutes exercise twice a day, mandatory veterinary checks at least once a year, socialisation requirements and we've got nutritional requirements and we've got additional record keeping as well." Ms Mercurio says they had hoped that a good strong code would wipe out puppy farms. "That door was shut and now the Government has opened it again," she said. "To take away that limit on the number of litters a breeding bitch can have just undermines the whole intent of the code. "To say that the safeguard is to have a vet check is just ridiculous, it's laughable." Premier Denis Napthine, who is also a vet, has also defended the change saying the new code is still an improvement. "Many stakeholders were engaged and modifications were made," he said. "Let me make it very clear, the new rules are significantly tougher than anything we've seen in Victoria before." Source : http://www.abc.net.a...ng-code/5390386

Yes, apparently about 30 - 40 minutes before I arrive home every day my dog will park herself at the window next to the front door and wait for me, without moving and nothing will distract her. I work different hours every day so it's not like I come home at the same time every day, but without fail exactly around 30 - 40 minutes before I get home my dog will do that, which is the length of time it normally takes me to drive home from the office - so if I finish late say 6pm she will sit there at 5.30pm and if I finish early say 4pm she will sit there at 3.30pm. It's not like I call home to say what time I'm coming back either, so I don't know how she knows, although I did see a documentary once that some dogs can intuitively tell when their owners thoughts turn to home, regardless of how far away they are. No idea how true it is but I'm inclined to believe it! Edit to say she was the only dog I've had to do this... possibly because she's the first dog I've had such a strong bond with and is my first 'really mine' dog and not just a family dog. My previous Rottie girl didn't do it and neither did my childhood dogs.

Why do you say this year is your only shot at doing agility? Surely when you're a bit older and have a driving license, car, money etc you can afford to train anywhere you want, any style you want, and not be restricted to just one club or method? You can also then perhaps get a dog that is really driven for agility and loves it completely - you don't sound like Bonnie is very enthusiastic about it? There are private agility trainers but the ones I know are probably too far for you, in the southeast. I feel for you. Personally I would change clubs even if I had to redo everything from scratch - you may find that if you find a place where Bonnie can thrive and you will end up enjoying obedience more - I'd rather redo three courses of super fun classes that me and my dog enjoys and can benefit from, rather than slogging through one more round of classes you both hate just to get into agility that you may find they do not even train in the way you want anyway. All the best regardless, it is tough when you are young and ambitious and have to rely so much on your parents! Good luck to you and Bonnie!

Breeze picks up cat poop in her mouth and spits it at random strangers. She also rolls in poop, all kinds, especially other dog's diarrhea. She's lovely.

Is this the Wahl one that people in this thread have been using?? http://clipperworld.com.au/scissors/wahl-it-scissors/wahl-italian-series-6-5-single-sided-thinner-p132.html

I've had a Rottie with my cat and a Aussie Shepherd with my cat - both were introduced to my cat as adult dogs. The Rottie I would say was better with my cat as she was naturally a very gentle old soul with hardly any prey drive. The Aussie is a bit more afraid of the cat, but mostly because since she was a pup she had been trained by her breeder to be very respectful and wary of cats! Both of them could sleep side by side with the cat with no issues. My cat is also very good with dogs, no hissing, spitting, and rarely any crazy play, just the occasional head butt and snuggle (and the occasional evil paw swipe if passing too close!). She seems to read the dog's body language very well too. I'm not sure it's so much the breed more than it is the temperament, training and socialization.

Watching this thread with interest... I've been using some no brand cheapo one for a while now and I hate it! Really need a new pair too.

So glad to hear Maddie is recovering well. Lots of gentle pats to her. I hope both she and Stan won't suffer any psychological problems from it. It sounds like Stan has his spirits back so that's good. Big hugs.

Oh my gosh how horrifying and terrible. Sending lots of healing vibes to Stan and Maddie and a huge hug to you. It's horrible when we can't even take our dogs for a safe walk down the streets. I really feel for you.

Thank you ish. :)

I remember seeing posted on these forums a long time ago, a bloat fact sheet that was perfect for printing out and sticking on the fridge... anyone have any recollection about it? For a while there I also thought my girl might have bloat as her barrel has been looking rounder, even noticed by other people.... but no, she's just getting fat LOL. Time for diet! She burps a lot tho, so might look into getting those slow bowls too.

The last time I reported a loose dog that rushed me to Council, they said "Well it didn't bite you or anything, I don't know why it's a problem. We don't patrol on weekends or outside of work hours." Yes it didn't bite me but it was trying to get to my dog! In my experience council are basically useless when it comes to menace dogs. I hope you feel better soon Jules, it was not your fault and I hope the person who was attacked is ok too.

I feed it for dinner several nights a week, just on nights I do training as I find it a great training food being small and easy to handle. That way it's more economical for me too as it lasts longer than if I had to feed it every night. My girl looooves it. I do find it a bit dry tho as she will occasionally cough one back up, but it is more moist than kibble for sure. I can't say if I notice it makes her coat shinier or anything since she is on a raw diet already besides the ziwipeak. Her poop can be a bit dark and sticky but again I don't know if it's cause of the ziwipeak or other stuff she eats. No complaints here for sure and will continue feeding it, it certainly is handy to have!

Hahahaha :laugh: My dog does the exact same thing every morning whilst I am still in bed, usually with the cat... my cat gives her the exact same look of disgust. :laugh:

They are live streaming it from YouTube too. The crazy dog lady in me is so excited!

Has anyone watched this show? I found it really interesting - the beginning drags on a bit but once they get into showing all the different types of dogs doing what they were bred to do, it gets really enthralling. I especially loved the Salukis and the gutsy little corgi. The water rescue team are also amazing! I reckon my girl would love the job of chasing geese away from airport runways. Also a really great segment on health testing carried out by responsible breeders. Link for anyone who's interested :

Great link! Once upon a time back when I was a stupid person I almost seriously considered shaving my Rottie for summer. So glad my groomer talked me out of it.

When I got my Aussie she wasn't a puppy, she was a foody but when I started her on the clicker she was quite meh about it as well, sort of like how you describe, she would take the food and perform the behaviours I wanted but wasn't terribly enthusiastic. I put aside training for a while and started just playing with her, having fun and building up our relationship, and once she gained some confidence, started to trust me and we started to bond, I went back to the clicker training and she caught on like a house on fire! There's been no stopping her since, she is a fantastic dog to train with now and it really feels like a partnership when I work her. It didn't take long at all. Maybe focus on bonding with your pup before worrying about tricks or anything else first, the others have also given lots of good advice. Seconding the photos. :)

oh my gosh that looks painful. I am so sorry this happened to you and I can't believe how irresponsible the owner was to just leave you and your injured dog. I hope your little one recovers quickly. Even in an off leash area the law is that he must have effective voice control over his dogs... Dog attacks can happen with all breeds, just today I was rushed by a large oodle cross thing at the on-leash park, the dog was off leash of course and came blasting over all the way from the other end of the park as soon as it saw my dog.. the owner had absolutely no control or recall and wouldn't even call his dog until me and several passersby yelled repeatedly at him to call it, and of course it didn't recall... Luckily me and my dog were not hurt, but you obviously were not so lucky... I hope the council can find the man and his dogs that did this to yours, I am so sick of irresponsible dog owners who don't follow the law.

Sounds interesting, Michele Pouliot was here doing some seminars for the DWD clubs last year and they were supposedly very good. My dog already knows most of the moves taught in the course as we go to class every week, but there are a few moves in there I'd like to learn... not sure it would justify taking the course just for those... If it's anything like the Fenzi online courses, video lectures are usually hosted on Youtube so I don't think it would eat too much of your internet allowance..?

Great article, thanks. I posted it on my fb, so many of my fb friends are always squealing about oodles and how I should get one too instead of purebreds, very frustrating.

Random roadside cat poop and dead bird, preferably a dead baby bird that's fallen out of its nest and dried in the sun, and ONLY in front of random strangers walking past. Even better if presented as a sharing platter to said strangers. Preferably with generous sides of 'No!!!', 'Drop it!!!' and mortified embarassment from human holding the leash.

I don't mind the term but I prefer 'furkids' over 'furbabies'. I use furkids sometimes myself but I mean it as a term of endearment, not because I really think the dog is a kid or baby replacement! I don't mind people using the term with my pets either - since to me my animals are more appealing than human babies! :laugh:

Oh Sammyelle, I am so so sorry for your loss. Run free beautiful girl, she was very loved by you.

Ha! Super cute and what a great idea!