LizT

I use a 'rake" brush on the under coat of my GSD. It gets alot of hair out and reduces what is left lying around. Then slicker or pin brush to finish the top hairs. I used to take my GSD to those coin dog washes (often seen in a corner of a coin car wash) before I got my own high velocity dryer and they have a high velocity dryer set up which will help. But really you need to brush out as much as you can of the undercoat before you wash him. Washing will loosen up heaps more, then the dryer will help blow alot of it out and then you brush/rake him again. :D

Found It! I got it from petsplus.com.au :)

Thanks for your story WendyH, so glad your girl is on the mend now. Thanks to a very quick acting and observant friend (you). :) E.T.A. Also would be interested to know if Progesterone (or estrogen) treatment was used during your unsucessful mating attempts as I have read that it can increase the risk of Pyometra by up to 25%.

On the same token wasn't it inbreeding in Switzerland that saw an increase in the incidence of hydrocephalus in the populace last centuary?

That's good to hear jess. Just keep in mind that many bull terrier people feel that are not dogs that really like to be in a two+ dog household.

Oh ok, I didn't know you where expecting a baby in April....When are you thinking of getting the puppy? Might be a bit hard to take on caring for a newborn baby & a young puppy at the same time...I know I wouldn't be able to cope with that, but that's just me. +1 I have a teeny tiny puppy - no where near the energy levels of a gorgeous and crazy bull terrier puppy... and it can be tedious! I couldn't cope with a brand new baby AND a crazy puppy at the same time. Do you plan on sleeping at all? :) One of the girls I work with went to one of those puppy palace type pet stores (where you walk in and can pat the puppies in pens not behind glass. Came home with a huski and border collie. She went back the next week and came home with a lab, 3 very high energy pups at the same time. I just met up with my other friend who said she's now got dog number 4 and has just fallen pregnant. Crazy crazy girl. Shes only 24 as well. Crazy is one way of putting it I suppose. And she owns her own place of course and isn't renting at all. (sarcasm)

I doubt you would ever see a registered breeder put up a sign for pups for sale. It's not passing traffic that you want to attract but prospective buyers who have put thought into their proposed new family member. Also couldn't bear people "dropping In" just to see the puppies.

Some companies don't, but lots do. Sometimes it gets here even quicker than interstate! :laugh: E.T.A. Actually in hindsight I think I got this one from an Australian supplier as I now recall having to chase it up after they said it had been delivered and signed for but I hadn't seen it. Turned out the courier had shoved it between a water tank and steps and forged my signature on his scanner. It had been sitting there for four days before I hunted it down. Fortunately the rain hadn't hurt the gate, just desolved the box. I bought it a year ago, just befor Xmas 2010. In any case it is a Carlson Maxi gate.

Congratulations! :)

It's interesting, I've noticed that most cat breeders don't let kittens go until at least 12 weeks. None seem keen to let them go sooner. Is that because they want to desex them first?

I think that would be the 'key', and also the major sticking point for many who may not be confident that the pup is receiving the same kind of socialisation they would be giving it. Also pups are so darn cute at 8 weeks and that time passes so quickly, who wants to miss out on that! :D

:laugh: You're lucky you had the appropriate breeds to baby sit during his various transitions. :)

I often buy from the US when the Aussie dollar is strong. But I'm sure you could find similar here.

Depends what sterile objects you leave in that room with the unsupervised pup. I actually don't believe in "accidents" so much as incidents.

Well said Erny, and also the fact that your other dog is only 5 and a half months old now. He will possibly get a bit demanding soon too.

Well a least it's not one of the "nasties" that dogs can get. I wonder if my daughters is gone? Can't say I've gazed into her eyes since she was an infant. :laugh:

Those two must be some pretty damaged goods to have done something as hearless and cruel as that! They should be tested by a mental health professional and put away for the safety of others.

Usually these things make me very angry but I just feel this huge weight of saddness...about 2 stones worth. Poor dog.

Ah that's good to hear Donatella, hope he continues to improve and enjoys good health for his remaining years. :)

I think one has to bear in mind that possible accidents can happen and if leaving a young pup outside alone has to bear responsiblility for these occurances. I have a friend who left a young pup in what appeared to be a safe yard, but the pup knocked over a terracotta pot and the pot fell on the pup, somehow hitting it's tail and breaking the tail to the point where the tail had to be amputated. Quite destressing for all concerned.

It depends on if the breeder is looking to keep a pup and wants to wait to decide on which. It doesn't make much difference so long as the breeder is giving the pups the socialisation and stimulation they need at that age. Some also prefer to wait until that age. I have held on to a pup till 12 weeks because the owner wanted to wait until they had leave from Uni and exams were passed. I was happy to do it. :)

Given his appearance I'd say he's lucky he doesn't live in Victoria...far too much breed hysteria here for a dog that looks like this fellow. He does look a sweetie. :) Have you read some of the comments on that SMH article today? shockers some ppl! Sorry, which article? http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/nurture-or-nature-a-question-of-breeding-20120113-1pzhn.html It was posted to my fb. They have closed the comments now, i guess it was getting too nasty... I see what you mean. Did you notice that bloke with the Amstaff, his young daughter is actually scared of the family dog? Her body language was very hesitant and withdrawn. I doubt she has much to do with dads dog.

That looks great Liz. Where did you get it? :) The doorway is 150 cm. Not entirely sure but I think this is the place I got it from. Here is the link; http://www.petfrenzy.com/carlson-121-hpw-extra-tall-maxi-walk-thru-pet-gate.html

That would be best. It's unusual to have a wound that size and not have antibiotics as a precaution against infection, which to my untrained but experienced eye the skin appears to be getting rather 'angry' and an infection could be starting.