Starkehre

Siegertal Rottweilers (Paula Cochrane) breeds dogs suitable for dog sport. She also health tests. She is based in Kooweerup, Vic. She has a breeder listing on DOL and also usually in the Vic Dog gazette. Paula is a super knowledgable breeder, has been involved in the breed for a very long time and many of the dogs she breeds are working in IPO.

In our berths, first goes down thick rubber vented matting from Bunnings. One sheet fits into 2 of our berths, they are big berths, no wheel arches. The matting was fairly expensive but lasts forever. This absorbs a lot of the shock. Remember, no matter how well built a dog float is, it will never ride like a car, they are simply not designed to. it is really rough going inside on the dogs. I've travelled inside many floats and they are all much the same with main differences being loudness and drafts, they are all very rough. Next we put down absorbent mats. These will absorb any saliva, water dribbles etc (our float does not leak). These mats also dig into the rubber mat a little so do not slip and the rubber mats do not slip on the floor. Then we put down double slipped futons for the girls and one of our DuraTuff Crate mats for the boy cause he's a warmer dog and finds the futon too hot. On top, provided it is not hot weather, we place a large piece of vet bet. Nothing moves and it is about as well padded as it can be without being excessively deep and restrictive. I find dense and good shock absorbing bedding far superior for comfort to thick bedding for floating. If you have vents in the doors you may find the dogs travelling on the left hand side may get a little dustier than the dogs on the right. Travel the worse travellers in the front berths as their is less movement up front. In my experience enough warmth is never an issue. Keeping the dogs cool can be, but as long as sensibility prevails, no problems. As long as you have adjustable whirlies you can regulate inside temperatures to a degree. I wouldn't go for a carpeted float. Too difficult to keep clean. An easy to wash out float makes a huge difference. I'm self taught trailer reverser, I find it really easy, but I also used to have a horse float. But I am a real driving enthusiast, many people aren't and I get that :D I'm sure someone can teach you how to back the float. We find expecting the dogs to empty more often than every 4 hours is overkill. They usually sleep and rarely drink whilst we are driving, even though we have non-spill bowls in there for them. We prefer to let them sleep and know they'll empty for us approx. once every 4-5 hrs. Of course it can depend on the length of the trip, the weather conditions etc. We do endeavour to split up into fairly even breaks. If I am going to the loo myself in between a planned dog empty, I will check on the dogs, but won't disturb them if they are resting well. When I first floated my dogs I tried emptying them every 2 hrs. It was ridiculous because they just wouldn't go to the toilet and seemed to be annoyed being hassled so often. I've clocked up over 45000kms with our float over the last 4 years LOL, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask :)

Huge congratulations SM. I'm sorry I missed Cash's run today, it must have been amazing. I am so thrilled for you mate, well done :) Yes, all your hard work and persistence has paid off. Go Cashman!!! Will see you tomorrow :)

I've just imported semen collected from 2 dogs currently living in the US. I plan to do an AI on my maiden bitch with one of these in a few months, so yes, I would and will be doing an AI on a maiden bitch. Yes, doing a frozen AI on a maiden bitch carries a few more risks than with a proven bitch, but as long as she has an internal vaginal examination, is vaginal swabbed prior and the owners knows she handles anaesthetic fine, then the only real risk as I see it opposed to a natural mating is the additional expense. I am willing to take that chance to use the male I want. Any breeding is a risk, I have weighed it all up and am comfortable with it. The upside of using imported frozen semen is not having to deal with relying on stud owners at the time of mating and elimination of risk of the stud possibly giving your bitch an infection.

It is likely the majority of the pain is functional or habitual and he is not experiencing much if any pain at all, other than slight or occasional. You sound like an astute owner, you will know when he is experiencing difficulties.

I think this is very generalised.... there are many many dogs and people who go to off leash areas and have a great time... you might have seen shit happen, but I have observed loads of dogs enjoying themselves... Just one example last October: At the opening of the Craigieburn Off Leash Park there would have been easily over 300 dogs there over the three hours of the opening... and no problems.... this was not a huge area and at one point the Craigieburn Dog Club was staging their demo within the park.... they had their dogs onlead and running thru heeling patterns and there were perhaps 60 other dogs in the area and none bothered the training group... I have seen the same at various beaches and other parks... lots of people and their dogs enjoying the open space and the dogs meeting some new friends. We run our own private off leash training park here and specialise in teaching the families how to get the best out of off leash social... also how to deal with the occassions when things are not so good. With backyards becoming so small people need places where they can give their dogs a chance to stretch their legs and to interact.... If you don't like the parks... don't go.... I for one can highly recommend Alpha Bet's off leash training park. She provides a wonderful, enriching, safe environment where owners are given the skills to learn how to read their dog and deal with a variety of situations. Her classes also provide the dog with a set of social skills that hold it in good stead for future social interactions, planned or otherwise. Let's face it, whether we wish our dogs to interact with others or not, the situation will inevitably present itself sometimes when we last expect it. Whether or not owners want to allow their dogs to frequent off leash areas or not, it is still a great idea to know how your dog will respond when put in situations that are not always in our control and to assist them coping in such scenarios. I plan on taking my puppies there later this year :)

Team K9+ says Thank you VM Sounds like you and the dogs had a wonderful time. Farting and snoring is a definitely sig of comfort

Seven at 9 weeks, just been digging in her sand pit :D

That's great Espinay

I have my foundation litter planned later this year... very exciting time for us :D I'm already receiving a lot of inquiries and have been for some time now. At this stage I am still responding to all of them individually with a lot of care, consideration and individuality. I would love to do a standard response (and I'm sure I'll eventually put one together) but many emailers ask different questions. I am the first to admit that I am sure as time goes on and the I become more experienced and more tainted by the whole thing it is likely I will put less work into my responses and become more jaded and suspicious... but I am still trying to be appreciative and helpful. Of course the weird and freaky people get the usual "I'm sorry but we have nothing available at this time" but I still respond to them all.

Oh dear! LOL. It's at Springers. Yours truly has been invited to judge! :) I saw you were judging, that's awesome AB and thank goodness it's at Springers, much better ground for an ET for sure :) I'll pop in an entry when the schedule comes out :)

AS is the Rotti test at KCC or Springers please? ... you think I'd know right?! LOL

That's awesome new AS, congrats on the appointment I'm running off the find the fb group now, thanks :)

Abbiestar, it must be getting close to starting the ET 2015 thread :D I've already put an entry in and I am chomping at the bit. Haven't done an ET in quite a few years and am super excited

Company car

jessg, you need to keep yourself and your dog happy, not anyone else. That said, you need to go into this with your eyes wide open. I am thrilled to hear you have a knowledgeable vet who obviously knows about the issues related to desexing, particularly early desexing. If a dog and bitch have an unplanned mating, puppies being produced is not the only negative outcome. Other things can go wrong. Either or both dogs can get injured. Infections and sexually transmitted diseases can be passed on. This should not be something that is OK with you just because your male won't be producing puppies. Build a secure separate backyard for your dog. He will not stay contained by horse fencing. It is would be naïve and irresponsible to believe he will do so. Living on property with dogs does not mean that they should not be properly contained as they would in a suburban house block. This is essential. I used to live on acreage and will again one day soon. My dogs were always properly contained so at no time was their risk of them being where they shouldn't, behaving as they shouldn't or causing a negative impact on anyone else in the area. You owe this to your dog, yourself, your community and above all else our wonderful breed. Rottweilers are one of the oldest herding/droving breed in the world. Their instinct to work stock is very strong. Working stock is a form of controlled prey drive. Training is the biggest component of Rottweiler ownership. Providing quality and consistent training, boundaries and structure throughout your dog's life is an absolute must, not an after thought.

Leaving a dog entire does not cause him to have puppies or have access to entire bitches... irresponsible owners with inadequate containment do that :) Keep in mind, vasectomizing him will not take away his sexual drive and desire for chasing bitches in season or even prevent him from mating them. He would likely still drive you nuts (no pun intended) if there was an entire bitch nearby. He will be exactly the same dog, but unable to make the bitch pregnant. I suggest you have all relevant health testing done in accordance with our national breed council prior to having him collected or it will be a waste of your money and time if you have to discard the semen later down the track if your dog doesn't cut the grade.

Sorry to hear about your boy passing of cancer jessg recently. No, I have not had a vasectomy performed as yet. I think vasectomizing puppies is a wonderful for breeders to protect their lines. I may even be going down that path with my male pet puppies later this year. If you don't mind me asking, I'm just wondering what cancers you feel might be prevented from vasectomizing your new puppy. What advantages do you believe this will give you and your dog as opposed to leaving him entire? Or is it that you are considering vasectomy as opposed to castration? Some studies now show that many cancers appear to be more prevalent in desexed dogs, particularly larger breeds such as Rottweilers. Castrating a male is the only way we can guarantee he will not get testicular cancer. He can still get prostate cancer. Some studies show that prostate cancer is more prevalent in desexed males than entire males. Pros and cons of desexing versus leaving entire is a topic that is often argued, understandably. Vasectomizing is certainly far better than castration regarding allowing the puppy to maintain it's growth hormones and mature how he should. But if health and the best thing for your puppy is your main priority in your decision making (and I gather it is because you are taking this time to look into vasectomizing which is terrific) I encourage you to do some further research. You may find that not desexing at all is an even better fit for you, your dog and your family.

I love the idea that you can store it on the fridge when not in use, like a fridge magnet Gee, the entire males will just love the magnet snapping action down there won't they... NOT!! Can imagine a few pinched and bruised nads.

Thanks so much for your support guys We have some absolutely wonderful customers and we very much appreciate your lovely words.

We stock replacement skins for our K9+ models. If it is the same style of crate, we may be able to find a skin that fits your existing frame if that is of any assistance.

The K9+ Large Royale2 has been back in stock since September 1st and still is, in all 3 color options - Forest Green, Electric Blue and Burgundy :)

Wow, I'm impressed. That takes huge dedication, going back to the same spot every week for a year. Great job, well done and lovely keep sake and reflection for you to have :) I'd love to do that for my next pup... but I can't make videos LOL Starkehre if you are dedicated enough to take the photos every week I'll be happy to compile the video for you after however many years you do it for LOL Nala is gorgeous, I'd definitely want to try doing something similiar when I have my next pup too. :) Nawww, thanks buddy. I may just have to take you up on that :)

Yeh, I was thinking a home backdrop might make it a tad easier :) wen we are at the beach currently 3-4 times per week but it might not be possible every week, especially in winter :) Definitely something to consider next time :) Again, lovely!!

Wow, I'm impressed. That takes huge dedication, going back to the same spot every week for a year. Great job, well done and lovely keep sake and reflection for you to have :) I'd love to do that for my next pup... but I can't make videos LOL