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Tapua

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Everything posted by Tapua

  1. Huge congratulations Pauline - a wonderful result. Last year Klaus thought I should wear nothing but the Tiara and sash. Still having fun with mine - every visitor to our home gets to see me in the sash & Tiara - and clothes of course. Thanks Nancy - it was a fun of a night - as for the Tiara n sash ....yes well Pete made the same suggestion but I didnt want to scare the neighbours ... or the dogs
  2. My Lara lies on her back all the time and especially when pregnant - I rub her belly and she will totally relax and sleep on the xray table and xrays can be taken without anaesthetic - I just have to hold her shoulders so she doesnt roll in her sleep on the table
  3. I like Xrays about a week before she is due, the spine and scull is well formed. Also I have a good idea how many pups are there - like Experienced fun I split her feeds into two a day for the last 2 weeks. No bones wet feed - stew plus biccies, brewers years and calcium in her feed. Softer feed rather than more feed. Lara is well sacked up and still 10 days to go - 8 plus puppies anticipated - getting excited now :)
  4. Wow just home from Brisbane via Canberra - feeling slightly bleary eyed ... wonder why wonderful night. Drove all the way from Canberra to Woodstock in my Tiara - waving Royaly at the passing traffic. Rather amuzing at the traffic lights. Met hubby in the Tiara and sash when he came home from work - he was rather amused Thankyou for whomever nominated us and the judges that selected us - great night fun was had by all :) All Credit to Julie & Leslie and the team for holding such a smooth presentation.
  5. Very good idea Persephone if they have tried a couple of times now you can be sure they will try again. I would find it terribly disturbing - to know someone was targetting my dogs - may I ask what breed you have?
  6. I agree the photo representations IMO are extreeme representations of various breed types. But I feel there is a valid point regarding health and the prioitising of health issues in any breeding program. I am not, as a breeder responisible for everyone who breeds pure-bred dogs. I am however responsible for what I bring into my kennel as a potential brood bitch or stud dog and definately responsible for what goes out of my kennel. I would rather have a foundation of healthy bitches that tick the boxes for hips/elbows and any DNA issues (if tests exist) that are not perfect IMO in type but are good mothers who whelp with no or minimal assistance,that mother well or come from a line of good mothers and produce healthy sound pups. Than really typey bitches that have poor maternal skills and questionable temperament. I can't personally imagine owning dogs that cannot mate naturally - but there are definately breeds that can't, I cant imagine breeding pups that can't breathe easily or are uncomfortable when they breathe but they certainly exist. Showing is a totally valid hobby - but surely the dogs should not have to live a distressed existance or a shortened life expectancey just to look pretty in someones eyes. As for funcionality, dogs being used for what they are bred for - well modern life does not offer that opportunity much any more. Atleast 50 - 60% or my pups go are bought as service dogs and they MUST have health, intelligence and mental stability as a priority. People who buy companion dogs are entited to healthy puppies and mentally stable dogs - as a breeder I do see that as my responisbility. My point - the well being of the dog for the dog's sake is important - yes I will select attractive dogs if physical well-being of the pups are not going to be compromised but equally important IMO are the temperament and intelligence of the pups - something that cannot be assessed by a photo or a breed judge. Being a dog breeder is becoming a complicated skill where the holistic approach to breeding means having a broader perspectice than breeding a good show dog.
  7. Ok as a Lab breeder I leave when to neuter their male of female up to ther owner. I do however suggest that there are inherent issues neutering under 12 months or prior to a bitches cycle. IMO given the Lab is a large boned breed I feel a male dog would benefit more being left entire untill 12 months atleast to allow the sealing of the epiphases (growth plates) on the ends of the bone. In a bitches case the first season tends to seal the growth plates soon after and she is safer to neuter after the first season. Some cycle around 7-10 months - my 12 month old hasnt come in season yet. I think the arguement regarding cancers are moot - unfortunately canines are prone to cancers of various types - my friend who works in Vet research claims dogs are far more susseptable to Ca than many species but no-one knows why. Their hormonal status may be relevant - my friend suggest its a canine issue. She says like humans, dogs arent really meant to live as long as they do now - 40 years ago 10yrs was an old dog - now 15+ is not uncommon. In the 1930's 70 was very old for humans - now 90+ is very achievable. Now it is ok for me to say as a breeder/trainer who has pens and yards and really good training facilities not to desex but I dont obligate my buyers to do what I would do and leave the dogs & bithces entire - I let them take into consideration not only the dog but what suits their family situation. Seriously unless you are breeding or are particulary well set up - I wouldnt have an entire dog around the everyday family situation. Again this is only my opinion.
  8. Anecdotes don't make science. What about the large number of people and/or families who have been wiped out because a crying baby alerted a predator or enemy human to their existence? Infants of most species are pretty much silent. Not all human cultures tolerate loud, demanding children, including, for many of us, the cultures of our parents, or great or great great grandparents (depending on our age). I'm older. My mother was raised in a well-off family under the mantra "children should be seen and not heard" . . . she was given stale bread when fresh bread was available to avoid excess eating. The rules of her childhood included strict enforcement of correct posture and deportment, and thorough mastication of food. I remember talking to an old Irishwoman who raised 12 kids in poverty. She said people used to ask her how she fed all those kids. She said "I find out what they don't like and feed them lots of it." Not to mention "Spare the rod and spoil the child". Can you imagine raising a modern kid in such fashion? Looking at responses above, it sort of looks like people don't hate children. They simply can't tolerate what children have become, and find it easier to devote their nurturing energies to animals of various sorts. After years of working with young adults with drug & alcohol issues I find the self absorbed attitudes frustrating on the other hand having a husband with a military backgound we are around fine young men and women serving our country selflessly. What makes one group absolute idiots and the others honorable is a flip of the coin. Everyone is an individual and when it comes to little kids <12 well I guess I have met both styles of kids - the idiots I avoid the good ones I enjoy. Currently I now work with kids and dogs in schools all over western NSW - the kids range from 5-7 - they are great. There are some fantastic teachers out there. But I know from experience it is what happens at home that makes the difference to the young persons future attitude to life.
  9. Labby pups expected 4 April I hope :)
  10. Labs are natural retrievers so not wanting to discourage any retrieval and to hopefully keep a track of what they steal we have a 'bring to mum' or 'bring to dad' policy which means whatching TV involves collecting a pile of unwanted items, shoes. tops, paper, envelopes, knickers, anything on the bench, butter containers the odd knife (thats always relaxing) soft drink cans - full or empty - whatever until our Labs have finally decided to settle - it s slow process. ugh kids :laugh:
  11. thats a thought folded up it would probably be pretty good thanks for that idea :)
  12. Hi everyone I have a new dog trailer (we are sooo excited) anyway one of the issues I have with trailers is the padding needed for the dogs in the trailer - what do people recommend - my guys eye react to the petrolium fumes from covered foam, I wonder if I stuffed dacron in a bag would that be OK and place a canvas cover over the lot. Any ideas would be appreciated. :D The new toy with the kids checking it out!
  13. Hi Rally O people we do metal fabrication and we think we can make Rally O signs stands cost effectively which are light,stable and stack easily. We think we have a good design as an eisel which pokes into the ground is and you can bull clip a sign to it. The satnd wont fall over easily nor th sign blow away. We were wondering however how high you want the easel to be we were thinking 600mm off the ground to make the sign visable. Some feedback would be great we think we can supply any club if we get the prototype right for the people who need them :) We think it will cost about $15 each - less for bulk orders. We are hoping to make other dog stuff like puppy pens for large breeds that stack flat and demountable kennels that will fit in a trailer and transport - I was so over when I was renting trying to make something safe each time for my dogs while I was at work! - it a project in working :)
  14. If anyone is interested we think we have a sign stand designed that would be usefull to clubs it is an eisel design made from steel rog it folds flat and failry light and stack. Still working on a prototype as soon as its ready I will post it. I know some people are using witches hats but they are heavey and if you have a 3 ring trial expensive. We think we can fabricate them for about $15.00 each. They will stake into the ground and you can bull clip the sign to it. Which will prevent it falling over and the sign being blown off on a windy day. One question what hieght would people prefer a sign to be at off the ground? I was thinking we could make the eisel about 600mm allowing good visability. Any feedback would be great :)
  15. The OP is a registered breeder with the WKC (Working Kelpie Council) If that is the case EXCELLENT you see I come from a rurual back ground and I know the worth of a good working breed. So why ask in the first place instead of looking at the OP's earlier posts where she states in another thread that she is a WKC breeder? Possibly because I didn't have the faintest idea what a WKC :laugh: was. Sorry, but I live in a world of Pure Bred Registered ANKC Dogs. But that never stops me from admiring a good working dog and the people that breed them. Oakway with respect the WKC dogs are for the most part pure-bred going back nearly 100 years in accurate records. . Yes F1 mating exists based on proof of working ability a say 3 part kelpie x collie can be mated to a full WKC kelpie and its progeny registered and recorded for future breeding - it only takes 4 generations to ceate a so-called pure bred. In part it is the reason the WKC Kelpie are healthier and have retained their strong working ability compared to the ANKC Kelpie. Having bred both ANKC Kelpies and WKC Kelpies and I love them both - I know where I would prefer to go for a sound working Kelpie WKC Kelpies rock and are the backbone of our rural life. SLF - Prog test if you must - I never have in kepies and only once with a Lab becasue the stud dog owner demanded it - then I forgot to get the results until after the mating - my vet just laughs at me :) Do the feel test that Steve suggested, she is bang on about the feel of the vuvla - re the bulb of the nose and the softness of the lip are geat indicators of readiness for mating, I have been doing the same for years. My WKC & Bench Kelpies had noooo trouble working out what to do when the time was right ;) - because they are a touch sensitive breed dont nag them verbally or touch them while they are mating. Have the bithc on a long lead if you must but personally I would put them in a small yard and leave them alone. I have used an experienced bitch to tease and mate the inexperienced dog to help him learn. Have you bred your bitch before and is the male an experienced stud? It makes a difference :)Oh & litter size for kelpies - 8 - 12 is normal. My Labs - 8 - 12 is normal. :)
  16. When we get away I have a friend stay ON they get a free feed and access to our 300 stong DVD collection. If we are away for more than 2 night we pay them $50 to stay there. plus access tot he goodies. It works for us - though we are rarely both away at the same time.
  17. Dreadfull for the kids and their families
  18. When the there is someone in the yard that the dog is a risk to - the kid or visiting kids or when there is no-one home then pen and padlock. Personally I strongly reccommend any dog has a pen in the yard in the event of partys or visiting kids and generally space away from people. Aslo a good practice if a dog is outside at night to be confined - it will be a safe place for the dog. The agro JRT can be managed fairly if it must be kept. If the dog is by nature a cranky animal and actively uses agression without provocation IMHO he is an unreliable dog to have anywhere around kids and others and should be PTS sorry if that sounds harsh.
  19. Yes we established Gibbs is a yellow carrying choc I think! Black is dominant in that it is always there? but is masked by the others with the right combination to do so.... The perfect yellow is my Ruby :nahnah: but I think that is biased mummy talking ;) I'm after more perfect Lab babies.... that is in my future :) lol well Princess Ruby can stay on the 'A' list then Yeah Ruby lol
  20. Yah but I want a chocy baby for me But yellows are best :p Hey I want a good Yellow - which is princess perfect Daphne , a good Black - Princess beautiful Heeni te Anna and god help me a scrumptious Chocy girl - ah one can only hope - and probably too much to ask :nahnah:
  21. I cannot say you are "wrong", I don't know enough myself. All I can say is black is not a gene that is CARRIED, sort of like it is there by default and the other genes play a matchmaking game of masking that gene, or not. That other site HERE explains how what each parent passes on can produce the black. If you ask me to put it in plain English, well, I can't Edit to highlight a sentence I wrote, I think the lightbulb finally went off for myself as to how the blacks come about of course I could be wrong, but it made sense in my head! :p Im just wondering if Gibbs could technically only carry choc and yellow , so therefore with what you are saying he wouldnt carry black at all but he could produce black coz they all carry black?? Very frikken confusing!! Just a question was Gibb's litter mates black & yellow? That would make Gibby a yellow carrying chocolate me thinks ?
  22. Yah but I want a chocy baby for me
  23. Yeah I looove genetics love even more Blueknight I mated my yellow who carrys chocolate to a dominant chocolate and produced black & chocolate pups.1 of the chocolate had a really pale coat but the others were quite liver. Hark The Children :) I deliberately kept a black girl now 16 months - based mainly on conformation - she carrys Yellow & Chocolate If I put her to a yellow carrying chocolate I will get the dreaded yucky poo Dudley - so thats not happening If I use a dominant chocolate I get 50/50 black & chocy but they will produces 25% Bc ~ 25% Cc ~ 25% Byc ~ 25% Cy - 1 chocy will be dominant and 1 will carry yellow. The blacks - 1 will carry chocolate and 1 will carry yellow & chocolate. If I use a black carrying chocolate - most of the litter will be black - 1 chocy will carry yellow 1 will be dominant chocy - that is if I get 8 in the litter - they can all be black :) If I use a black carrying yellow & chocolate I will get the dreaded Dudley So my best option is a Black carrying chocolate or a dominant chocolate dog. Ugh the hunt is on for a studley for my princess Heeni te Anna who has great hips & elbows (1:3 0:0) EIC & PRA clear) - ho hum And as for prices mmm $1300 limit - $1500 mains - regardless of colour. Regarding temperament - the poor chocolates are labeled nut jobs I believe because of poor temperament selection and poor puppy raising skills on the part of the breeder. I am a BIG BIG BIG believer in ENS & enriched environment and socialising pups young regardless of colour. The Americans suggest that about 30% of temperament is inherited the rest is how they are raised in that 0 - 16 week time span and IMO the temperament of the mother. Neurotic anxious mums produce neurotic anxious pups. Thats just my opinion and experience as a current breeder of Labs and once upon a time Kelpies & ACD's under a different prefix.
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