colliehound

Thank you for all the input. I am looking at potentially being an owner/manager. Just need to raise the funds with the bank................. I am currently a GM of HR for a global company - so very up on how to treat staff like human beings, set clear ground rules, provide thorough training etc. I am pretty assertive - so quick to help difficult owners understand the rules and as for children running riot........................There will be a holding pen at the entrance...... (a joke, a joke, take off flame suit..........) The gross side of things doesn't bother me greatly as my alternate "retirement" career is ambo and I would prefer dog goo to human goo. If you could work in a kennel that was run very efficiently with clear job lists, extensive training, NO non staff behind the scenes, good equipment, no requirement to deal with difficult customers (owner does all check in, check out, complaints), strong WH&S focus etc would that be appealing? I have been talking to a number of existing kennels, particularly those that allow people to stay as well (guest house style) and I am really amazed at how few have "pre visit checklists" to help people know what to bring, don't have a "rules" list - eg don't feed fluffy a full roast dinner the day before admitting to the kennels etc. Like you get if you are checking poochy into the vets. Is there a reason for this?? Thanks

Arrrgffhh - wish I had known about NFS before - HOW CHEAP are thier items????? Just bought a grooming table for MUCH mroe than that.............................. Just put that website in my favourites.............. Thanks for sharing!!

I am seeing a theme here. So far sounds like nursing - be prepared to be shat on, peed on, vomited on and abused for the privlidge. :p Am I right so far?? Please tell me more about the "impossible owners". I have patience with animals - I have to admit my patience with people is not so good - what sorts of things do you come up against?? Colliehound

Hi there Do you or have you worked in, or owned a kennel? Cats or dogs? I am thinking about getting into that area and would like to hear the good, the bad and the ugly of what you experience and face? Happy for you to stay annonymous or PM me if you prefer. I expect that the animals are the easy part.................?? Am I right?? Colliehound

Hmmm - I must be the odd one out - I have four square ones and two large rectangular ones. I put them all up myself - I only weigh 48kgs. The first one is the hardest until you get the hang of it - then it should only take you about an hour for the frame and maybe 1-2 hours for the mesh - assuming you want to wire up the whole thing top and bottom. We have the chooks in one of the large rectangular ones to keep foxes and such out. 100% sucess so far. I figure if it is meant to keep dogs in - it should keep foxes out. You do end up with black hands (from the metal dust on the metal bits) and you get a good work out, but seriously, if I can do it - anyone can. You just need to follow the instructions and have a system going. The less helpers the better ha ha ha. I absoloutly love mine!! They also have mesh roofs you can put on. I bought one and loved it so much I have roofs on all 6 now. Colliehound

Hi Chuckie We have two - both Bunnings specials. One out front and one out back. We have birds sit and wait for the charred bugs - so no apparent danger............we have lots and lots and lots of wildlife around - no less for the mozzie zappers so can only assume it is so you don't drop it in the fish tank and electrocute them.....?? We also have heaps of green tree frogs line up waiting for the nightly BBQ. I am personally not very happy about electrocuting all these souls each night- but it is an area hubby and I have decided to compromise on. My contribution is to put native bass in the dam to eat the mozzie larvae before they hatch..... Colliehound

from me too. I can empathise with your stress and frustration. I have posted in the past about those I have "lost to the dark side" despite trying everything I possibly could. Some people just love thier ignorance (even after watching the videos) - "Oh this farm is different" GRRRRRRRRRRRR I find people at work now fall into two camps. Those who come to me for advice all the time at all hours on all things canine. And those who won't even talk to me about thier dogs because "they know I won't approve of them mating it, the new litter, the food it gets (people food) the fact that it is shorn, not walked, not wormed etc etc etc ". Sigh.......... Do your very best - we are all behind you. Just don't be too heartbroken if she goes the wrong way. It can cost a friendship at times. Colliehound

Thank you - KJA and Ashanali - off to google now............ Can you post any pics with each lens so I can compare?? Many thanks Suzanne

Just a note on Cetrigen, don't use it on a wound if you think there is a chance it will need stitching at some point. It's a nightmare to pick out the edges of the wound once that stuff is on. That is really interesting - didn't know that. Why can't you stitch it with it on? Or just wash it off? A genuine question - studying vet nursing - so love all these hints, tips and ideas.

Couldnt agree more! My house isnt child proof, but i know when i ask my best friend to visit, that the kids will be there with her, i wouldnt dream of telling her to come, but the kids have to go elsewhere! I do believe it is different if it was a party, or a wedding or something like that, but just for a visit, my friend would tell me to F off if i told her her children were not welcome in my house. I don't disagree with you either - close friends do come as a package and you know that when you invite them their "nearest and dearest" will come too - be it kids, dogs or other. That is a choice you make when you extend the invitation (or not). Definately parties, weddings etc are a "clarify" situation. I also think we tend to surround ourselves with friends who are largely similar in outlooks and beliefs - so tends not to be a problem in most situations. It doesn't suit us to have kids here - that is ok - no offense meant to anyone - just not our thing - our solution is to meet friends with kids at cafes, parks or thier home. No biggie. My main point was each person can have thier own rules in thier own home. That shouldn't offend anyone - it IS thier home. Be it about kids, dogs, shoes on/off at the door, swearing, food choices (I have a friend who will not allow ANY animal product in her house), must call ahead, drop in unannounced, etc etc. It is our differences that make us interesting. Live and let live. Colliehound.

Did somebody say see through greyhound??

Hi Folks I need some help from the experts. I am a happy snapper, with a Canon EOS 40D. I take lots of dog photos and usually action shots which is why I got this camera with it's fast shutter options. I have an EF 70-200 USM F2.8 lens which takes the most amazing crisp photos. It blurs the background so that the subject is clear as can be. What would you recommend that will do the exact same thing - but won't require me to stand three streets away to take the shots? I am after an everyday lens for general photos. But same quality as the first lens in terms of results. I currently have an EF 17-85 as a day to day lens, which is good, but not as amazing as the 70-200. (Neither was the price mind you). Any ideas? Thanks

Yep - can vouch for Superglue. Has to be the brand name stuff. I am highly highly allergic to stitches - so have regularly glued myself back together. As mentioned, always leave a drain hole at the bottom. Good for tears and holes on pets that you have irrigated and are sure no foreign bodies left in there. If in doubt - see your vet - you don't want to be sealing grass seeds, splinters or dirt in there. Re Greyhounds - yes - paper thin. Will scream like a possessed banshee at nothing, but not even whimper at the most severe injuries. Also beware the bleeding. My first experience with this was a cut to our first girls ear. Dear DOG - they bleed like ruptured water bed bladders. Blood everywhere. The smallest cut - will have you thinking there has been a massacre in the room. Stypic powder (not sure if spelt correctly) is a god send. Another super first aid product is Cetrigen. Normally used for horses, but is a BRIGHT Purple spray which is both antiseptic and antibacterial and pest repellant. Fantastic stuff. Dries the wound quickly and keeps it from getting infected. Also keeps the flies off. Great stuff. Does sting like a b$tch though - so be quick. I have a high pain threshold and whilst it stings, I didn't give it much thought. Used it on hubby the other day, poor mans knees buckled and he went deathly white..............oooooppppppps Colliehound

Quite amazing. I think it must be this time of year - as there is a thread going on a child free forum about uninvited children. I think kids or dogs, both need to be expressly invited or you can assume they are NOT invited. It is just a common courtesy. Not everyone likes either. I think it is your house / your rules. We regularly have LOTS of dogs here with thier owners, (chauffers I think someone said?? ha ha) - but even though it is a regular thing, my friends still double check before bringing. We have tiled floors throughout and pooch friendly furniture, but friends still offer to mop before they leave and tell the pooches to get off the furniture unless I say - its ok. We have a NO feeding unless in kennels rule. Everyone respects that. New comers are warned that it is a MAJOR no no to feed tid bits. We always warn human visitors that there will be an average of 8-10 dogs here when they visit. It allows them to make thier own decisions on whether to attend. I never lock up my dogs. It is thier house and the dogs don't understand and it just creates stress for me and stress for them. We never ever have children here. It is a FIRM rule for all. Our house, land, dam, pool, dogs, furniture, patience and tolerance are not set up for children and our friends respect that too. It is all about respecting your FRIENDS and "while in Rome"............ I would never presume my dogs are invited, and even where they expressly are invited, I will make a call at each house as to whether they come off lead or not. Where are good old fashioned manners?? Colliehound

I am very sorry to hear of your loss and the poor service you received. We will light a candle for your Princess here too. I can highly highly highly recommend Bev and Martin Hopp from Pets in Peace here in Brisbane. (worth contacting even if you don't live here). The have a proper "hearse" for the pets. They were both human funeral directors before starting Pets in Peace in 1999. They treat the whole process with dignity and compassion. They have always attended at our house when we let our babies go. They wait patiently and unobtrusively while you say goodbye. Thier human experience means they know what to say and when to say it. They give you back a paw print and hair lock afterwards (so you really really know they have it right), you get a certificate and a single rose. I wouldn't trust anyone else. Colliehound

They are just stunning!!! What are the negatives of owning a Sammie?? They are just soooooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful (hair shed and frequent grooming aren't a problem here - just part and parcel of the package) What is their temperament like? Very beautiful! Colliehound

Awesome picks. No such feathered love around house of Colliehound. Just had to spend $$$$$ to give our new chookies a seriously big (and strong) kennel to live in. The Collies and Hounds Luuuuuurrrrve feathered friends..........unfortunately for dinner.

I would like to look into giving our guys a go at tracking in Brisbane - can anyone point me in a direction to start? How do I start? are there beginner days? Books? Web Sites? Can you give me a quick over view of what is involved? I am not sure I like the long grass part..........what about ticks.........snakes............. Thanks Colliehound

By the way - if you are near Brisbane - you are most welcome to have a visit and see a large family in action. Will convince you or put you off ha ha ha

We had two - perfect house - one each etc.........but I needed a bigger family. COuldn't explain it - had no logic etc. Like some human mums have told me - it is a "need" you cannot explain to rational people. Did however have council permit, financial capacity etc. So like the gods planned it - my plans for a Grey/Blue, Male Greyhound aged 1-2yr old became a 4 year old Brindle Girl emergency foster. She was a neglect girl and needed a fair bit of extra work. That said - two to three is easy as. You barely notice the extra one. If they walk nicely on lead - you barely even notice the extra one. However........I warn you - number four moves you into SERIOUS dog people territory. For some reason that ONE MORE is LOTS more. I am still working on five and six with both Hubby and Council. I pay for 90% of the "costs" associated with the dogs and do 95% of the work - so that does help influence a reluctant hubby. Like others have said - does depend on breed, personalities etc. That can't be avoided and is very important. I am never happer than when surrounded by my babies and thier friends. We had 14 dogs (yes fourteen) here yesterday for a BBQ and afternoon of running, playing etc (yes on acreage). All different breeds and sizes - not a moments problem. Total heaven for me. If you can afford it, have the time and can take them on "for life" Why not give it a go. Particularly if you can take on a rescue or foster. Colliehound

Hi Lizzie I use Petz Life - Oral Care Gel. Is basically grapefruit based. I only need it on 2 of 4, have been exceptionally happy with it in terms of shifting quite heavy plaque on back teeth. At $150 each I was not keen to get up to 6 dogs done at the vets. Greyhounds (ex racers anyway) are renowned for poor teeth. My boy has lots of allergies and this was ok on him too. The gel is expensive (about $50 a bottle) but literally lasts FOREVER. Colliehound

We use Dettol in the house yard. Smells ok and is almost instantaneous (sic?) in killing them. We diligently sprayed for about two weeks and it has pretty much culled the population. Colliehound

Can anyone recommend where to get more Kelco De Matt Spray? Is it cheapest to buy from US and pay postage or is there somewhere inexpensive in OZ? There seems to be a HUGE difference in US and AU prices (even allowing for postage and exchange rates). Thanks Colliehound

Hi Ridgeback Luver PM me with details of which side of town you are on. If our teams get along at the next walk, we might be able to wash them down here for you for a reasonable price. I have h/bath, dryer etc etc Colliehound

Hi Gpet Feel free to PM me, I might be able to assist depending on what you require. Colliehound