Starkehre

Awful news K9angel. I do hope Whitey recovers from this dreadful disease. Like Boke says, hang on tight, you may be in for a long and hard time of it, though I certainly wish him a speedy recovery. I have had 2 dogs with IMT, one survived and the other didn't. The mother of the one of mine that didn't survive, also passed away a few weeks ago with Thrombocytopaenia. Scary stuff.

Huge congrats Trina. Can't wait to see your babies.

Gorgeous photos. I LOVE Devons.

She sounds just lovely!! What a good little puppy. I think you should do some videos for us ;) Are you using food or prey with her? Ok, thanks. We had our first trials in early July, but blew two quallies on our down stay Seems like we have fixed it though so hopefully she will do alright at our next trial this Saturday! My nerves have been an issue in the ring - my hands shake terribly when the judge tries to shake it Oh Husk, I am so glad you got out the in July. Never mind about the stays, sounds positive that you think you have rectified that, well done. I am really happy to hear you hit the ring. The nerves will pass in time, but I do sympathise, I am a bit like that with conformation :D Bloody nerves. Massive good luck for Saturday. Please let me know how you and Daisy go. I am using prey drive with her, and will only ever revert to food if it is not working. Mind you, I use both with Jag and they both work equally well. Dyz is definitely food only.

Thanks Huski. She is gorgeous. Yes I plan to do several disciplines (including obedience) with her as I like to do with my guys. I reckon she is going to be a brilliant obedience dog as she has amazing pack drive. Her focus on me and keenness to be with me is amazing. She has been here less than 24 hrs and is showing awesome virtues. She fetches incredibly well, comes every time she is called, at the run. Pees on command and has not fouled the house or her crate as yet. I did some drive training with her before I put her to bed last night . I love her to bits.... particular right now, as she is sleeping Howz your obedience going Husk. Have you made it to the ring yet?

Well, I got clucky and look what I brought home yesterday This is our latest edition, Fame. Fame is 8 weeks old and bred by Stolzsein Rottweilers whom is another DOLer

Becks, I don't think the vets usually prescribe panacur for giardia anymore. AB do sort out the bug the little buggers set up in the small intestine. Also, OP may find that PIA refuse claim as giardia is parasite. Paracitic treatments are not normally insurable against. I am not saying I agree with this. I do agree that any flea treatment should not be claimable but as giardia can be contracted from the dog eating bird faeces or faecal remains in the water, it is hardly a negligence on the owner's behalf. A bit unfair I think, but not surprising with insurance companies. I would recommend checking with them though. Regarding the cut off time for claims, I think you need to have put in the initial claim with 3 months or something like that.

Hey Jules and Wirey, how are you both? I also had a wonderful time at Trudy's clinic. I got so much out of it, absolutely fantastic. I still am unsure how I will ever manage one of those slow, controled wide casts, but you never know, we may just get there one day I certainly have much better control doing a close outrun Will see you on friday Wirey.

Added to this, a pace at the walk is know as an "amble" Yes, I have also always viewed it as the animal trying to get away with the easiest form of movement. I do not allow it.

I feel your pain too Danois and Trisven. I no longer go to off leash parks, because my large breed dogs get blamed when a small dog comes up and attacks unprovoked. People tend to always blame the biggest dog, no matter how well it has behaved.

My personal opinion on the subject is more about the temperament of the prospective owner than the breed or temperament of the dog or experience of the owner. To further explain, in my opinion some people, no matter how many dogs they have owned do not have the right type of temperament to own any dog. And no matter how much advice this owner gets, they still do not "get it". some people will always be "owned by their dogs". And on the flip side, a totally inexperienced person that has never owned a dog could have exactly the right temperament to become dog savvy very quickly with some advice, guidance and training. They "get it" and realise what it takes straight away. I feel it more about committment and general "make up" of the person rather than experience. Just my opinion.

If it was me I would leave him with the breeder. He may or may not come back and try out a few cheeky things, but even if he does, you can easuly deal with this. He will not forget you. I would not board at a vet. Vets are places where sick animals go. Yes, the boarding is usually in a separate area or building, but the staff often move from one area to another... just too risky IMO. In your own home, he will be throw totally out of whack not knowing where you guys have gone. He is better off being in a totally different environment that he will not expect necessarily you to be in. Just my opinion.

I'm with you Trina. IMO once titles are gained, provided they were previously recognised by ANKC, they should remain. They did this to HIT also. I can be hard enough accepting new rules and outlawing of certain disciplines to compete in, let alone actually having previously gained titles that were recognised, stripped away from your dog. very disappointing.

True, but whether this is realistically achievable is another thing. The problem with being passionate for a cause (and voicing that passion) is that you will, inevitably, be judged (as I have found out recently on here ). If you are prepared for this, then it makes your argumentative power that much stronger. If you are not, then you will be trampled by the people with whom you are arguing. I want to add, as I think I may have not voiced this part strongly enough and got carried away with other things... I completely applaud you (toy dog) on what you're doing. No change happens without someone bringing the flaws into the spotlight and if everyone fought for animal welfare like you are, then the world would be a much better place. Do take what I have said into consideration though, as these arguments are what you're likely to face while battling with both the council and the people running these puppy farms. They will compare the treatment of their dogs to the treatment of all other animals which are farmed for their offspring. And generally speaking, although the average person doesn't necessary like it, they are content with the fact because they don't like the alternative (which is either dont eat meat, or pay a higher price for the end product to ensure better welfare for the animals before and during slaughter). I don't think you're going to get anywhere the way you're going (through bombarding council members with letters and abuse) while you're arguing that they should treat dogs differently. The likelihood is, they wont. I look at it like this: If I was running one of those puppy farms and coming up against criticism from you, then I would dig deep enough to find out whether you bought free range meat, eggs etc etc. If you didn't, then your argument becomes weightless, because you are supporting the same sort of farming with a different animal and suggesting that I (the puppy farmer) be descriminated against because of the animal which I am farming. You have to PROVE why puppy farming is worse than regular farming, and relying on that because dogs are seen as companion animals will not cut it IMO. I was actually politely referring to you judging people as being hypocrites. You say above now that you agree with what I said by replying with "true". But yet how can you agree with what I said above when you said that personally you believe that people that were passionate in one area of animal welfare and not all areas were being hypocritical. Make up your mind. Edited for clarity.

So, this means that any domesticated animal raised on a 'farm' to produce a commodity (which would be the puppies) for subsistence (i would assume not) OR profit (which is the case) is considered livestock. Which then means that these dogs can be considered livestock. These are the arguments you're going to face while trying to fight this battle. I don't think you're quite prepared to argue the point far enough. I don't think puppy farms are going to be banned any time soon (unfortunately). The only thing that might happen (and is in the pipeline if i understand correctly) is that stricter guidelines will be put in place. You're not going to get anywhere by having the local council hate you. You want them on your side. At the moment, the people running the puppy farms are on far better terms with the council members than you are. You're not going to get anywhere by abusing them. But my concern is this (and is the reason I initially posted here): For someone that is so passionate about animal welfare, you are only concerned about one animal (this is a HUGE assumption, but until proven otherwise, ill stick with it). The reason I say this is because there is cruelty going on every day that the average person buys in to (again, I am assuming that you are an 'average person') when they go to the supermarket. Most people dont think about it this way and dont relate their beloved pets to the animals that wind up on their plate. I figured that if I could at least plant a seed of thought in peoples minds through this topic, then maybe I could initiate some change in regards to animal welfare which is not limited to just dogs. I just think its a bit hypocritical for the public to be so up in arms about wrong doing on one part, but to be essentially demanding the same wrongdoings to be done on another. Although you do address some good points and I admire your passion for your beliefs, I believe that we as the public are entitled to be passionate about whichever causes and areas we choose to be passionate about without being critically judged by anyone.

In my experience breeders and/or showies that do not participate in any other disciplines other than conformation showing often train their dogs just enough to be managable in and around the home and well behaved to perform as expected in the showring, but still with charisma, spunk and presence. This is an observation, not a criticism. I do not see anything wrong with this at all. Hence there is every chance that your SP does not know how to sit, heel or fetch. Many dogs do not fetch without being taught. Be firm, but fair. Right now she needs boundaries and consistency. Do not expect her to do be able to do any of these things until you train her to. Treat her like a clean slate. Having owned a SP bitch, they can be quite soft, so the last thing you want to do is make her lose her confidence. I doubt she is naughty, so give her time, guidance and love and you will have an awesome dog before you know it. The work is going to have to come from you. SPs are super smart. They will often only do what they really have to do, so she may be trying you out a bit, but I don't think you need to be hard on her. They also have an amazing sense of humour, so you may find if you show her yours, you will get more out of her too, as she will enjoy seeing you have a laugh with her. And keep in mind that she has just been uprooted from her home. She will no doubt be feeling somewhat lost. Make it your job to find out what she likes, and it may not be squeaky toys, food or fetch? Best of luck with her.

Hi Jed, I have not been into this thread for about a week, but just wanted to let you know, I still always think of you and send you warm thoughts of healing and well wishes.

Hi Jules, your clinic with Trudi sounded fantastic. Glad you got a lot from it and had a good time. I am doing the clinic on 14th & 15th and also having a lesson with her next week, so I am really looking forward to it. I met her last week, she is really lovely. Will no doubt see you around soon.

I tried one once, on a Rotti coat, and all it did was tear the hair. I do not need to thin or strip the coat, so I will not use one on a Rotti again. A medium comb, moulting comb or porcupine bristle brush removes all the loose and dead coat. Occasionally a slicker if I am more of a hurry.

dobesrock, may I make a suggestion... It sounds as though you have decided to leave off the desexing, at least for the moment or until your lad's growth plates have fully closed. Personally I think that is a good thing, like some others here, I am not a fan of desexing males unless there is a need to. Then, once he is 12 - 18 months of age, if you are having any behavioural difficulties with him and you were not sure whether they were attributed to hormones or not, you could have him implanted with the Suprelorin Implant (chemical castration -either 6 or 12 month chip), and see what response you got from that. It is temporary and would give you the answer you need to make a more permanent decision on leaving him entire or having him desexed. Of course chemical castration is not a substitue for training, and I am not suggesting that, but I get the impression you are quite aware of the training involved in owning well balanced dogs.

Hi Erny, yes Westernport Pet Supplies in Hastings stocks them. They may or may not have a huge range, but I know they have them. It is the chrome plates steel cage with the neoprene comforters.

The triple Champ Show in Mount Gambier/ Crater City SA (22nd, 23rd, and 24th October) is running Neuter Classes on all 3 days

K9+ Soft Dog Crates Tiggy.

Hi Poochiemama, this place is awesome http://countrywidecottages.com.au/ We took our 2 dogs there a few months ago and stayed for 3 nights. We did not want to come home. Di, the host is amazing and dogs are welcome to stay inside the cottages. Super dog friendly. The cottages are very clean and have everything you could need. Classes, yet still down to earth. We have already booked for next year, and we will stay longer this time. It is only a 10 minute drive from Winchelsea.

Jed, those photos are shocking. Hang in there Jed. You are doing such an amazing jobkeeping it all together. I hope your new home brings you peace and love and happiness. Oh dear, tears again