Red Fox

I picked up a couple same as this http://www.theuncomm...gs-Gel-Mat.aspx from Homeart on the weekend. $40 for the large size along with a bonus medium. They are the gel type (non toxic) that absorb the dogs body heat, quite cool to touch - but not cold. We're currently in the middle of a 40+ degree heat wave, I've been using them in the dogs crates overnight and have found them to be extremely effective. As they are not wet the dogs are more than happy to lay on them too. *eta, sorry the bonus is the small size - not medium

Depends on the dog, the owner, how it is raised, etc I have two dogs, one is a Rhodesian Ridgeback and the other a WL Malinois. Both very different dogs and both can easily deal with <30 mins per day exercise when required. And with a whole week of 40+ degree temps coming up that (along with a few short training sessions for the Mal) is pretty much what they will be getting! Admittedly my dogs are in the house with me for the majority of the day though. Given that the way that the average (non dogsport/show/DOL/etc orientated) family in Australia treats their dogs - thrown in the backyard and expected to entertain itself with little to no training or exercise - I think the family in the OP will be fine. Where does it say the dog will be thrown outside with no contact? I believe the OP mentioned this family are willing to offer the dog restricted inside access and around 30 mins exercise every day. They obviously have some idea.. For what it's worth I'd suggest a Golden or perhaps a lower energy Lab.

It was 22 degrees in Ballarat yesterday, 15.2C at 12pm. Hardly what I would call hot. Certainly not hot enough to smash a car window to 'save' a dog.. If the owners accidentally locked the keys in the car could they not just call RAA? or a locksmith? I accidentally locked my dog (and keys) in the car early Friday morning. Walked home and got the spare set, it took 10 minutes, the dog was fine. I would have been extremely pissed off if someone had smashed my window to get her out. Though to be honest anyone who tried would likely have lost a limb for their 'good deed'. Locking dogs in cars on hot days might be stupid but I'm really not sure how this particular story is newsworthy?

I'd still be inclined to try it and see. You can get a free sample from the website or just order a 1kg bag. Mine get half VAN / half RMB's as their meal and do well on this.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/outrage-as-qantas-says-no-to-staffies/story-e6freuy9-1226544594592 QANTAS is under fire for not allowing American Staffordshire Terriers on their flights - but allowing crocodiles. A petition on Change.org calls on the national airline to drop the "discriminatory" ban on freight transport of the breed. Dog lovers across Australia have taken to the online site to express their disgust at the restriction, with more than 1400 people signing the petition. "These dogs are not a restricted breed nor are they dangerous. Please do your research Qantas," wrote one dog owner. Another supporter begged: "Please don't discriminate against such a loyal, gentle breed." Pauline Steele, who has a two-year-old American Staffy, started the online petition to push Qantas to change their policy, as the breed aren't classified anywhere in Australia. "Qantas has procedures in place to allow it to transport lions and crocodiles, but it won't transport an American Staffy," she said. "The travel ban is ridiculous, it's having a big impact on American Staffy owners, breeders and rescue shelters and it's time for Qantas to change its decision." Pauline told Change.org that in addition to hundreds of signatures and comments, Qantas was coming under fire on Facebook. Dozens of dog owners have stormed the Qantas Facebook page and are threatening to boycott the airline. Qantas released a statement on the social network as the anger grew. "Safety is our first priority, including that of our employees, and certain breeds are not permitted to travel on Qantas flights as they are traditionally known to be aggressive or highly agitated animals. Also, certain breeds of animals are not permitted to fly on flights over a certain time period due to respiratory issues." Dogs currently banned on Qantas flights include American Staffordshire Terriers, Brazilian Fila, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, American Pit Bull and Pit Bull Terriers. Dogs that have problems with excessive chewing or cage destruction are also not allowed. Ms Steele said she was hopeful that Qantas would agree to work with all relevant parties to find an acceptable solution.

G'Day I would be most grateful if you could please give me a link or contact for buying flirt poles Thanks so much !!!! Make your own. It's only a stick, a string and a rag ;-) http://www.ehow.com/how_4895957_build-flirt-pole.html

Would something like this be useful for you? http://www.friendlydogcollars.com.au/#!shop/cjg9 (blind dog) Otherwise the Ruffwear webmaster harnesses are pretty supportive.

Do German Shepherd Dogs in the UK need a SchH title to be bred from?

Get a big bag of whatever the breeder is feeding then change over in a month or so if you're not happy with it. I agree with Nekhbets comment above - if you want to feed raw and are worried about getting it right just use VAN. You can get a free sample from their website. http://www.vetsallnatural.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71&Itemid=85

The Ruffwear webmaster would be suitable. The handle lays semi flat when not in use so shouldn't get in the way and the extra belly strap would make the harness more supportive than those with the single strap. I never found it to be restrictive around the shoulder area either. http://www.caninespirit.com.au/master_products/148 or you could try something like this http://www.seniorpetproducts.com/dogs/mobility/lifting-harnesses/walkabelly-dog-harness-walkabout-small/

I have this one which I quite like. It is fairly light weight but it does get a bit hot in summer, although I have a black dog who gets hot anyway. I use this one now mainly for the car. One good thing is that its really easy to put on, unlike some of the harnesses around where you practically need a degree in engineering to figure out and god help you if the dog actually starts moving when you put it on! I have one too, really nice fit, light weight, adjustable to fit most breeds, and good for hiking or if you want to lift the dog in and out of the car etc. But for any sport or situation where the dog is pulling forward it's awkward as the handle is at the wrong angle and the d-ring for the leash is in front of the handle rather than behind (like the Julius K9) so your hand gets squashed. Depends what you want it for as to which style would suit the best.

I used the Julius K9 IDC harness on my Malinois last week no probs. very well made and has the velcro for attaching patches. Definitely not thin straps. http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=3301&ParentCat=449 (free shipping on cleanrun atm) I actually prefer it to the Dean and Tyler harness which is similar. Ezy Dog has a new harness out in a similar style that looks quite good http://waggle.com.au/ezydog-b2/convert-harness-p1542 also has space for patches and accessories. If neither of those styles suit try here: http://www.fordogtrainers.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=67&zenid=9260a56617ba66d1dd1dbc06909a7e3f

Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs Laura J. Sanborn, M.S. http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf Hope that helps you.

SA (Fleurieu Peninsula) - Port Willunga Tourist Park http://port-willunga-tourist-park.sa.big4.com.au/ Dog friendly cabin (dogs allowed inside) and dog friendly camping facilities.

SA - Wave Dancer Cottage: http://www.stayz.com.au/21146?&numNights=1&minPrice=&maxPrice=&numGuests=1&searchRef-specialOffers=false&searchRef-lastMinDeals=false&acceptsOnlinePayment=false&locationLevel=3&rating=0 and Ocean Mist Cottage: http://www.stayz.com.au/34463?&numNights=1&minPrice=&maxPrice=&numGuests=1&searchRef-specialOffers=false&searchRef-lastMinDeals=false&acceptsOnlinePayment=false&locationLevel=3&rating=0 Reasonably priced self contained accommodation, fits 4 comfortably (QS bed + 2 x single beds). Dogs are allowed inside (though not on the furniture). Yards are small but securely fenced. Linen and basics are included, along with Playstation and DVD's for the kids. Both are located in Glenelg, 2 mins walk from the beach front and 15 mins drive from the city. We've stayed in both cottages several times and always been happy.

eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=dog%20run&LH_PrefLoc=1&rt=nc&_fspt=1&_sadis=200&_fpos=3000&LH_Distance=3000..200

Crate train your dog. There is plenty of info here on that already, do a search.

Labradork I found the Sporn halter really helpful for my dog. I used it for a period of time (when nothing else was working for us with loose leash walking, including obedience classes) and then changed to a martingale collar. I still walk him on a martingale now and he walks nicely, not in a perfect heel, but without pulling. I'm happy with that. Thanks for telling me this. I was starting to feel like a freak for not having a perfectly trained dog! Very few people have a perfectly trained dog, it's all a learning experience and nothing to be ashamed of. How old is your dog Labradork? Is she a pet only or are you training in any particular discipline - dog sports etc? If she's overly energetic giving her a 'job' may help to satisfy and settle her. Have you thought about tracking? http://www.trackingclubvic.org.au/v2/index.php

Really? Who cares? Their point was correct - the harness does work by applying aversive pressure. Seriously, hit the ignore button if it bothers you that much. No point 'discussing' anything if we all have the same opinion..

But how does it reduce the pulling tendency without applying aversive pressure with the potential of pain for the dog to back out from pulling, or is that what it does.........ultimately no diffent than a prong collar except that the aversive action of the device is applied elsewhere on the dog's body to create a 'no pull" result? You should be all for them, then. Why? I'm not a huge fan of them and personally I wouldn't use one. There are other, much more effective ways to train LLW in my opinion if that is your goal. Doesn't mean I should care if other people choose to use a no pull harness though. If it's working for them, the dog is not being put at risk and the owner is happy 'managing' the problem then it's none of anyone else's business really... Either way this discussion has become way off topic and not really conductive to the OP.. Allywil, you are correct. It works by applying aversive pressure under the armpits of the dog, which reduces pulling on leash.

When she was a baby yes, but only for the first month or so which was more about getting her out and about rather than 'walking' as such. Probably not something I'd bother with again though. No control and didn't teach her a thing. I honestly can't see the benefit of using any standard harness for control in an adult dog, particularly if your aim is competition obedience. Even less for a Sch/IPO dog when you want the dog to associate the harness with pulling. Though I can see the value of 'no pull' harnesses as a management tool for some pet owners. Just not something I'd bother with personally.

For training character work yes, but not for walking. I don't know any Sch/IPO handlers that use a harness or a head collar for walking their dog. Dogs wear a fur saver to trial (including the traffic test) and associate the harness with c-work, so walking them on a harness would be counter productive. Kind of irrelevant to this particular topic though..

Yes, it's a black Mali