Shaar

People need to know a little bit about health issues in the breed for their own protection as well. Breeders who test for things like PRA for example freely discuss this with potential buyers. But those who don't test are obviously not going to mention it at all. So if you know PRA is a problem in the breed you are more likely to get a dog that is clear of the disease because you can ASK the breeder whether or not they test. If you don't know about PRA then you run the risk the of getting a dog that may go blind.

I think everyone might be missing my point, I'm sorry I am not very good at conveying it. You can talk to 3 or 4 different breeders and get 3 or 4 different answers. But by looking at hundreds of websites you can get more of a general idea of what is expected from the breed. And going in with a little knowledge you know the right questions to ask the breeder, rather than just let them tell you the virtues of the breed. Bilbo, you are obviously responsible with your puppies, but sadly there are many out there who aren't.

Bottom line is, what I am trying to say is I think people should have some knowledge in a breed they intend to buy. Not knowing what the temperament, energy levels etc, of a breed are is why so many dog end up at the RSPCA. I think it is VERY necessary for people to learn temperament, health etc of breeds before they look into buying one. Learning what health checks are needed, are also important for people to ask about as not all breeders do heath check on their dogs and lets face it, not all breeders can be honest. Not all breeders are open to discussing the problems in their breed and some just flat out refuse to believe there are problems. A friend of a friend recently purchased a certain breed but had very little knowledge of the them, they just thought they were cute and bought one. They had a landscaped garden and didn't bother to research what the breed was bred for (digging up truffles) and their whole garden was ruined, and the dog is now being rehomed.

If I did I don't know how else to take it To me it sounded like because I expected people to know about the breed they would just go to a pet store instead.

There is a difference between specific advice and general information General information is easily obtained as long as you have the ability to read.

I voted for Australia wide because the Tassie option wasn't given to us. If we have to miss out then WA and NT should too.

That kind of attitude is why pet shops do such a roaring trade. Aww shucks, thankyou for making me feel lower than dirt for wanting my puppies to go to good homes where the people know exactly what to expect from their chosen breed. I really appreciate that.

Everyone does things differently. I am not a breeder but when I do breed my first litter I would expect people calling me for a puppy to be knowledgeable in ALL aspects of the breed. They don't have to know everything, but a basic understanding is required. The more they have done their research, the more I know they want that particular breed, and not just base their choice on looks alone.

That will depend greatly on the individual breeder. The breeder I just purchased a puppy from specifically asked for no e-mails. She gets hundreds of e-mails a week and just doesn't have the time or patience to sift through them all. Phone calls were the best for her. Some breeders don't mind either phone or e-mail and others just like e-mails. Pay attention to their contact details on DOL or their website as the which option they list first.. usually that is the one they would prefer

How horrible I have joined the FB group and will spread the word. EDIT - Do you mind if I post the info on my FB Wall?

I would expect someone to do some research into the breed they have chosen before ringing up and ordering a puppy It's not that hard really, there are hundreds of sites on the internet, all you have to do is google "poodle health problems" and get plenty of hits.

I think you need to get Deshonko Kennels onto that one, PF will make a packet just in time for Sexpo doing the rounds around Australia. *takes notes* Mind you, I don't need to get my hands on Wazzats dogs - I can do hairless pups in 30 minutes with Nair. But then it wouldn't be one of those purebred pedigree mutts I have been hearing a lot about lately.

I have a group 1 dog and we are nearly always on first. So if you win something in group then you have to sit around for hours waiting for show specials. Not fun when you have a young pup who is absolutely buggered by the end of the day. Would be nice if it could be rotated a bit more so other groups have the "privileged" of being on first. Other groups also have a lot of dogs that require a lot less grooming, it's great fun getting up before 5am to groom dogs to be at the show at 8:30

Doodleitzcuintle... sorry but that just sounds funny when you pronounce it how it looks, not how it sounds

Well said ncarter, that is my feeling as well. The first things someone should want to know about your kennel is what health tests your perform etc. If an e-mail said: "Hi, I was wondering how much you charge for your puppies. My wife and I have been looking at getting one for a while now - Cheers, Mike" Then that would go in the junk folder If an e-mail said: "Hi, I have been looking around at some breeders and really like the look of your dogs. I was wondering what health tests you perform on your dogs? Would you also be able to give us a rough price range for puppies - Thankyou in advance - Mike" That one would go into the 'consider' folder and get a sensible reply.

Wow, well that was.... weird. But, you can't argue with someone on television, they know everything there is to know Same thing happened to someone I know and Harry Cooper.

Like this for example: Spot the difference

Had a funny conversation with my mum and a friend earlier today... turns out some of the people who are saying how "easy" it is to get in and out of Tasmania and they have done it for Royals etc haven't been here in at least 10 years! You know who you are.

Because if the first question they ask is "How much?" they aren't getting a puppy.

I know how to take it oakway

I use plain 'ol Schwarzkopf leave in conditioning spray before brushing and combing. Works just as well as the high-end dog products and at only $3 a bottle. edit - oh and I have a Chinese Crested incase you couldn't guess I use it on the Poodles too though.

HAHA, the gross things i have pulled out of my bra after a show would make the boys shudder I keep buying darn suits without checking too see if they have pockets first Maybe I should just sew plastic pouches into all of my bras

In no particular order Chinese Crested Miniature Poodle Great Dane Irish Wolfhound Borzoi Xoloitzcuintle (I know I spelt that wrong!) Pekingese Pomeranian Affenpinscher American Cocker

Yep, just teething. I have come home on several occasions to blankets with red spots on them from my pup chewing them. The only thing you have to be careful with when teething is pulling, so no tug or war games... chewing and gnawing are fine though (great even) A good way to soothe pups sore gums is to make some chicken ice blocks. I just get a big ice cream container, mix up some chicken stock (not salted) and water and freeze it. Pups love licking it and the ice helps with the pain.

Miss B, unfortunately I don't have much advice for you other than what has been said but I wanted to let you know you are not alone! Your story sounded like it was written by me! My 6 month old Chinese Crested boy refuses to get his head up. I have tried every lead you can think of, every method you can think of and still no luck. Food works fantastic at home, but as soon as you step out that front door he couldn't give a hoot. The only thing that has worked a bit for me is practicing on paved/road areas. There's nothing to sniff there so it works better while training. Another method my breeder told me (that I have yet to try myself) was to put a big wooden bead at the base of the lead and do it up tight under his neck, walk him along on a semi-loose lead and jerk his head up periodically... when you jerk his head up the bead will hit him in the jaw, giving him a correction. Hopefully it is something that will come with age, confidence and repetition