Red Fox

I DONT support a ban. I HAVE tried a prong collar on myself and put it on another person and popped it. I regularly use a prong collar on my dog and will use one on my next dog if I feel the need. A ban wouldn't change my opinion of these collars, nor would it stop me from using one if I needed to. I don't see the point in comparing the prong collar to other tools and trying to determine which one will cause the least harm/pain, it's irrelevant really. And I personally don't believe that the argument to ban prong collars in QLD has any real merit at all. Perhaps everyone is getting their knickers in a knot over nothing...?

Check out eBay for cargo barriers, you can usually pick one up for less than $50 if you keep your eyes open ;) As for tethering I use one of these: http://waggle.com.au/petbuckle-b18/kwik-connect-tether-p272

Little dogs can still have big bones ;) I don't see a problem with lamb shanks either. It's unlikely that your small dogs will eat the bone anyway. Otherwise - roo tails/spine bones, lamb necks, or a big beef bone are all good. If you have Kongs freeze some mince inside, yogurt, dry food, etc. Pigs ears will keep them going for a while, most pet supply stores sell larger dried bones too.

It's fine. I use the IHP dairy free powder, around half a teaspoon once per day, sprinkled over a meal.

I couldn't care less if prong collars are or are not banned in other countries. I care about what is going on in my own backyard. The fact of the matter is that prong collars are not easily accessable or overly abused in this country and IMO banning what can be a very effective (not to mention gentle) tool in the right hands is just plain and utter stupidity.

Ooops, I'm sorry BC4ME, no idea how I managed that! ETA, I think I have fixed it now

Extreme pain what a load of codswallop and yes I agree bring back caning there was a lot less disrespect in schools when it could be used. If you miss behaved and got caught you knew what the consecqences of your actions would be. I'd be more than happy to see the return of the cane. (Some) kids are so disrespectful now, teachers can't lay a hand on them and they damn well know it. All the teachers are allowed do is re-enforce the good.... Oh hang on, sound familiar? Much, much less than the hundreds of of other, more easily available tools that are misused every day. There are very few retailers of prong collars here in Australia and I am yet to find ONE who would be willing to sell a prong collar to a client without making sure that client has the knowledge to use it correctly. And yes, this includes those who sell them over the net. Just because you click the purchase button it does not mean that you are necessarily going to get it. Yes! This.

Here you go. So you want to be a breeder?: http://www.woodhaven...g/breeder2.html eta: http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/138099-to-your-friends-workmates-neighbours/page__hl__temperature

Crate in the back of the wagon Before we had the crate I used a harness connected to one of the anchors in the back. But the crate is certainly easier and much more secure. Also means I can leave a window or two down and not worry that some idiot will lose a finger ;) .

Don't let it upset you AG. It was a freak accident, not a mauling by an out of control dog. Use common sense and good management and you will be just fine. In regards to the story I find it sad, but not helpful sorry. ETA, there is some good info in the link. Perhaps that could be posted instead?

Some will. And some will cave thinking their vet knows best. Desexing at 6 months may be best for the majority of pet dogs belonging to the majority of average owners. But it is not best in ALL cases and vets need to recognise this.

And do you? Even when you know that it may not be in the dogs best interests? What if a new client owns a giant and is clueless? What if they wish to trial in dogsports? How do you respond if a client states that their breeder has recommended desexing at xx age (or not at all)? Do you still push them to desex early, or follow the breeders advice instead? I find it very sad that some vets will only recommend what is the clinic "protocol" regardless of whether or not it is in the best interests of that particular animal. I'm not having a go at you by any means Sir WJ, as it is your job, but I am curious as to how you would handle the above?

Does the Croatian Sheepdog exist within Australia? Anyone know much about them? Thanks *edited to fix pic

Thanks Stormie, I've got the Eukanuba puppy book somewhere. Probably just what I'm looking for and it's right under my nose!

It's about what works for YOUR dog GS, not what a website says is best. Advance is not a "cheap" food either .

Thanks, I've found both sites to be very informative but perhaps a little complicated. What I'm after is something very simple and straight to the point on how supermarket and premium foods differ. Basic info on fillers, preservatives, meat meal vs meat by-products etc. The person who was interested would not have the time (or patience) to sift through all the other info. And I am not great at explaining.;) ETA, I vaguely recall a website with a brief explaination on all this, may have been a BARF/raw site or a breeders site?? And now I can't find it for the life of me!

Yeah I lived ....and the dog is still here too

The neighbours %^*&*s of dog's charged mine on Sunday morning as we left our yard. No real damage (as unfortunately they stayed just outside of kicking range), but two dogs charging and snarling with their hackles up none-the-less. It's not the first time and I let rip, seriously, these dogs are out continuously! And the dickhead neighbours response? That he didn't appreciate my language and that he can't help it that his kids forget to close the gate all the time. Seriously? Put a padlock on the gate then moron! Or even better, watch your bloody kids. Well I was too angry to lecture him on that so just told him that he deserved a kick to the head. Ooops... I'm still debating on whether or not it's worth reporting. On the upside, I think the whole street learnt a few choice new words

Just wondering if anyone can provide me with a few links to basic info on how to choose a good dry food, super premium v supermarket foods, how to read labels, etc. It is to pass on to a relative. Thanks

Mine too

Newfie sized crates: eBay, 54": http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/54-Collapsible-Metal-Pet-Dog-Puppy-Cage-Crate-NOT-48-/190560358143?pt=AU_Pet_Supplies&hash=item2c5e484eff CCrates AP8: http://www.ccrates.com.au/store/index.htm More... http://www.dogdealsdirect.com.au/dog-cages/collapsible-dog-cage-crate-two-door-entry-xxlarge-137cm-l http://www.pethomesdirect.com.au/Dog-Products/Dog-Crates-Tents-Covers/Collapsible-Dog-Crates-Two-Door-Entry.html

Psyllium husk is fine for dogs. Just soak it in a bit of warm water until it forms a 'gel' then mix with food.

Ooh I forgot about these!

Top Buy: http://www.topbuy.com.au/tbcart/product/Lightweight-XXXL-Travel-Crate-for-Pets-Soft-Waterproof-Fabric-Easy-Fold-Away-p14748.htm K9+: http://www.k9softdogcrates.com.au/index.php?p=crates Both are great quality, the K9+ ones are fantastic! Though if he's a chewer I'd probably try a cheapie first ;) .

bump..