~Anne~

The same is found on Pug forums. They crate their dogs 24/7 if no-one is home to watch them. I find that horrifying. Crates certainly serve a purpose, but not this. To be fair, in some states in the US they have birds and wild animals (coyotes I beleieve) that I am told will come into your yard and drag your dog off. This is moreso if they are young. Ive had many a debate about this concept before. On one hand we are fighting to treat zoo animals better and let them out of cages, fighting to stop the caged abuse of dogs in puppy farms and on the other we tell people they are abusive and negligent owners for letting a dog be a dog and smell fresh air. How bizarre. My own dogs would much prefer to be inside with me. However, they need sun, they need fresh air and they need to be dogs so I put them out every day when I leave home unless it is really hot, really cold or raining.

Its not about support its about over regulation. Breeders arent walking away because the ANKC doesnt support them. Unless you actually suvey breeders you haven't any real evidence about why they are walking away. Chances are, it could be that they feel óver regulated' but by the same token, that doesn't mean that promotion and or support won't turn things around. Further, what is stopping new breeders coming into the fold? I can't see that the same influences would affect both groups. Much like the debate about the originating source of dogs in pounds, unless a fact finding mission is instigated to determine the actual lay of the land, and a considered and appropriate approach is taken based on those findings, the rot wont stop.

If the right support was provided, it would also slow the decline of breeders. It all works together. Breeders need support. Currently, there is inadequate support and promottion it seems.

I'd agree with the niche market point if (and this is the crux of the issue) the numbers of purebred dogs remained steady. They are in decline so the niche market is not actually a niche market, but a dying one.

The worst with Pugs is the fact that it affects their breathing. If she hasn't needed oxygen she's going well! I have known 3 pugs to die from ticks and all as a result of severe breathing issues. Just on the weekend my Vet was relaying the story to me of a recent case with a pug where they had to perform an emergency tracheotomy. The good news was that he survived apparently.

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.