~Anne~

Oh no. How sad. What a shitty outcome.

I believe it's more than just English and articulation. The most important thing is understanding that not everyone shares the same beliefs, understanding or knowledge that you do. Culturally, there is a massive difference in where dogs and cats fit into society and how they are cared for. There is also massive differences in each society itself. Just look at the differences in this thread. Learning to communicate with all types, regardless of culture, social group or English skills would be an asset that would go toward the positive promotion of purebred dogs. This too can be taught and resources provided to assist purebred breeders who need and want it.

To be fair, I think we all get that idea. If a program to support breeders in positive promotional tactics was introduced, with resources made available, then the issue of breeders creating negative impressions could be vastly reduced. At the same time, the benefits of purebred dogs could be promoted. For example, I have seen many things written on breeder websites that send out confusing and or wrong messages and sites that are very unprofessional or just plain ugly. The ANKC could provide template webpage looks, self-help guides on positive writing, and perhaps even a phone line or email advice system for those needing support. It takes the whole community to promote purebreds, not just the ANKC. There is no point saying "if breeders didn't do this or say that...." because that won't change anything.

Blonde-Phoenix, thanks I didn't realise that there was such a statement mentioning promotion in their charter. (sorry too hard to quote when I am on my phone but I refer to your post on page 1) It would be interesting to seek a view from the ANKC about the accusation of them failing to provide truth in that statement.

In my Professional life I spend my days teaching people how to promote and market themselves. They are highly educated and very capable in their chosen profession but they are not trained in promotions or marketing. The training and support works and works well. They welcome the support. The ANKC could learn a lot from this program of support. It could easily be adapted and used to help breeders promote the excellence of the purebred dog. Then perhaps the sentiments expressed in this thread by non breeders would be made redundant.

I hope she is found safe and sound soon.

I think it best to define the role of the ANKC before making comment on what they do effectively or ineffectively. I believe that historically they were record keepers and registry and coordinated peer competition. They are not lobbyists or responsible for the promotion of purebred dogs although I understand they have some presence in these areas. Perhaps another group or sub group of the ANKC should be formed to fill the gap given the need. Promotion and marketing doesn't come cheap though, it would possible require an increase in fees. Would members accept this I wonder.

I was contmplating the same thing judy after seeing the story. I was planning on doing some research.

"Your puppies - your choice" is a very illogical argument. I would not support a reverse of the ban for most breeds. I would not support unqualified people docking dogs at all.

I think Pets on the Park sell the LoveMyFurBabies brand.

I purchased all of mine through Pets on the Park.

Having experienced many pure bred dogs being surrendered to me I can say from experience that many do not want breeder involvement for a variety of often valid reasons. Just because someone breeds, it doesn't make them a perfect person. It doesn't mean that they are deserving of having the dog back either. The better thing to do, if you really have to involve yourself, is to contact the person re-homing the dog and explain that the breeder might be willing to take the dog back and then let them decide if they should contact the breeder or even a breed rescue.

Personally, I think people need to mind their own business. Who are you to interfere with the process of someone rehoming their dog. Good grief.

The groomer does my dog's nails when she baths them. She doesn;t trim nails every bath as they are bathed fornightly, but I'd say probably every other bath. I know because they leave little blood spots everywhere.... I must remember to tell her to use soap to stop it.

Another tip - I purchased some foam from Clark Rubber, cut it to size, and had my MIL make some covers and this saved me quite a sum on soft cushions to suit.

I use these for outdoor beds with the soft cushions that have washable covers.

Mine has changed many times over the years. The first was my moggy's name, the second a 'cutesy' if out of date name for the breed I love, the third the name of my rescue and the fourth and final is simply my name.

Check this out; Dr Becker also has a website and she has quite a few videos and information sheets on this.

I agree that it is far too many questions all at one time. Select only one or two from each category and ask these to commence the discussion. If you like the answers, then you can lead into more questions.

My dogs are outside in good weather and when we are not home, and inside when bad weather and we are home and to sleep. We purchased kiddie playpen fencing and fence them off to sleep and when bad weather so they are inside but with limited access and have the dog door accessible easily to them.

Absolutely it is real. It isn't neccessarily related to age of weaning either, moreso a personality/temp and environment reaction. Like a child sucking their thumb is comfroted by the action, many dogs who lick are comforted by the licking. There are many reasons though. I have floor and clothing licker. He does it due to an OCD brought on by his illness. I have had several leg/paw lickers who did it initially possibly due to stress and who then developed a habit and need for it. There are ways to stop it if it is causing issues.

Yeah, like the average person can trust a drug company. I guess the companies making annual vaccines are also still on the right track according to that theory, even though it has now been shown that we have been over vaccinating dogs?

Definitely possible, although I'd think not common.

Maybe it is coccidia (sp?) and not parvo?

The drug is mixed and it's a furphy put out by the pharmaceutical company saying it isn't mixed evenly I would guess. My Vets advised me to buy the larger size for my dogs and give them half each every 6 weeks. It has worked for me for around 3 or 4 years now and worked for my rescue as well. I do not dose during Winter at all either.