Shmurps

That was my first suggestion, a greyhound.

I never thought I would have one. Although she is a pound dog I think they're great. Loyal, smart, active, eager to please, easy to train, and yes always up for a cuddle, but only on my terms. Also very willfull.

Outer. I have never been a fan of petstores and have always gone to grainstores. But when this one came up and I was looking for a career change I liked it. I like the fact we have quarantine and isolation rooms and the use of the vet clinic. Since being in the industry, I must have been living in another world, you would not believe the stories I have heard. I don't know how some stores work without the back up of a vet if the stores are selling animals.

I'm sorry but no training can hardly make for your own confidence, let alone the customers! We train our staff and it is ongoing. We expect them to do their own research and reading as well, and keep learning. The result is that our staff have a good comfort level when dealing with a cross section of consumers - and, the consumer gets good information. And, if one of us isn't as knowledgeable about one area (for me that is around birds), then there is always someone who has more experience to call on. At the minimum, maybe your employer should consider letting some of the suppliers do some staff training. Most of the petfood companies will, along with the pharmacutical companies. Sags Yes, we did 6 hours with dog food companies and some with a reptile company, even though we don't sell reptiles we sell some products. Honestly, I thought they were more concerned that we sold their products over others. And yes some of the staff are more knowledgeable in different areas. Oh no, my confidence is fine. I find sometimes there are products that are not really necessary, so I talk them out of it.

Already on to that. At least we have the back up of the vet clinic. Never will recommend anything unsure about and our managers are pretty switched on. We are all pretty much on the same page and eager to learn. We are always comparing notes on any research that we have done on product lines. AS far as dog food goes, I have my favourites. I don't up sale just give them the facts, wether it be prem or not, dry or raw, the choice is theirs. Like I said before there should be some form of training and there is sooo much to learn. From dogs and cats, to smallies, birds and fish.

I have just started in the pet trade, and there is no training. It's up to you to do the research. There are always new products and the only way to learn is read the packaging. Having said that after reading here over the last year I am too afraid to sell anything most of the time. There should be training as there are so many products and for so many other companion pets. I usually spend my time ecouraging people to research or rescue if they are after a pup or dog. Desexing their cats or talking them out of buying rabbits. I am probably not a very good sales person, but I wont tell anyone . P.S we don't sell cats and dogs.

I agree. Birds fly, fish swim, dogs walk.

Sadly, I think the Doodles are here to stay. Today in the paper Staffy X Pug .

I have noticed that a lot of greyhounds are now being diagnosed with pannus. When I looked it up they say it's found in german shepherds. I have friends that have german sheperds and have never heard of it. If it's hereditary has it been breed out? Just curious.

Interesting. The German Shep looks better back then and same for the BT. Mind you a German Shepherd came in yest and looked like the one in the book, didn't have such a sloping back with wonky legs.

I have seen 2 dogs in Vic with heartworm. Not nice, and the treatment is harsh. One dog died and the other survived but didn't live a long life. Seen plenty of parvo and I know of 2 families that don't use any flea treatment and we come home with flea bites, yuck. Do we over treat, probably. I worm myself so my dogs get wormed. I change products every 3-6 months and treat every 5-6 weeks instead of 4 weeks.

Exactly.

There are many different types of methods. These have varied results. I tried a couple and found one that worked for us. I visited many obedience clubs , had 2 behavourists come to the house and one trainer. The best result was having the trainer come with her dogs to work with my dog. And every day I work with her on our walks using Turids methods.

Yes I agree.

I was at Chermside today and yesterday but parked in a different spot and didnt go past PP. I do have to drive past tomorrow but will have the dogs so not sure if we will be able to stop or not as parking is a nightmare there at the moment. Will see if OH can sit in the car with the air con running while I run in. I hate walking past that shop at the best of times because I feel so sorry for all the puppies and kittens. I want to know what happens in this dreadful heat at night when they turn the air con off?? Sorry, should have mentioned, I was at Melb store. They are all the same though

I have called RSPCA several times over the years regarding what I have seen. The only time they responded was when I saw a pup that was so sick and left in the shop display. After I bought it to their attention they did nothing. I found out several people complained and the pup had died. RSPCA did return my call and told me the outcome. Mind you that was several years ago. The best response I have got is from local council. On the last 3 occaisions they have sent an animal welfare officer. It was only today in a PP shop there were 22 kittens and 15 pups. 5 kelpie cross chihuahua I usually stand out the front pretending to look at the pups and give people the run down of where they come from. Like you say if a few people can make a call and voice their concerns, maybe the store will get a visit. Pitty it's NYE .

Out of curiosity, how or what methods did your behavourist use? And yes I would agree not to be introducing her to the dobe yet. There is no magic cure and takes a long time. I have found that I have learnt so much about dogs, yes fustrating at times but like you say rewarding and worth it.

Yes it's true when they are focused on something it's fine, but it's getting through everyday life. When we were at training and she was working, she was great, but when it came time to mix, she stressed and reacted.

I have a dog like this that I have been working with for months. I am probably not going to be very helpful and I look forward to reading other replies. We attended obedience classes to see if this would help..wrong. Although she was very good at her training, she was very stressed and therefore always reacting. After researching, reading and talking to behavourists I found Turid Rugaas. I got her books and dvd and found her way very helpful. Taking her away from stressful situations is the best you can do. You have to reintroduce her to things very slowly. I found her book Barking, the sound of language, very helpful and Calming Signals dvd really good.

I agree

Lilly is gorgeous.

Maybe I will wait 'till I have spare cash. Seen it advertised for $99. Not overly confident. I only know that they don't have a very big genetic data base. If they don't identify the breeds that make up your dog you stay on file and they let you know when they have a match..Something along those lines anyway.

Good idea. She is very much a Jack russell, has long legs and looking through books of the breed she looks pretty close. She was a pound dog so who knows.

Out of curiosity, I have been thinking about having the Bitsa test done. Has anyone had the Bitsa Test done on their dog?

The Stafford breeder within is cringing. Staffords aren't meant to have a soft coat Yes I know, probably the wrong description. Out our way it is staffie's ville. So on one day for example we had 15 come in of all ages and conditions. This one stood out because of the shine and his coat was not as coarse as some. He was 5, with no signs of allergies and in my eyes looked in great condition, very friendly and well behaved.