Leema

I do not recommend daily, monthly or yearly treatment for heartworm when climatic conditions are not appropriate for heartworm development. Heartworm needs temperatures above 18C (day and night) for one month to develop. If the temperature is higher, 27C (day and night), then it only takes 10 days for heartworm to develop. If either of these situations occurs, you should treat for heartworm. If the temperature has been under 14C at any point for longer than a few hours, then there is no need to treat for heartworm, as this drop in temperature prevents heartworm development.

Even supporters of positive punishment can observe that the methods used in this video were not adversive to the dog. For the first half of the video, the dog seems pretty confident despite the actions of the cop. I don't think this dog learnt anything from this experience that would be benefical to a working dog. As such, this video is objectionable to me. (That being said, I do not believe there would be a case where I would not object to a dog being lifted by a collar or device around its neck.)

+1 I would not vaccinate the dog in question again, unless you wanted to be involved in clubs etc in some way that requires a vaccination certificate. If I did vaccinate the dog again, it would be with a on-label 3 year vaccine - e.g. Duramine.

Delta Dog Safe Program SA http://www.deltadogsafesa.org.au/ Sorry, KPM. I don't remember which school you go to, so I don't remember if they've been to your school or not after talking with you last I saw you.

Yeah, the story lost a lot of credibility there. The small piece of credibility Today Tonight has.

Wow. It's pretty disturbing that this poll is winning in terms of "yes". I admit I haven't read this thread, but any type of legislation like this poses some pretty serious questions. What determines a breeder? What determines a non-breeder? What about the people who might like to be a breeder but are in the process of deciding? If you decide to define a breeder as someone working towards a breed standard, then who decides which breed standards are okay and which are not? Who decides if it's okay to create a new breed or not? If you decide to define a breeder on welfare standards, then these are already in place and already, arguable, unenforced. Who makes someone desex a pet? (i.e. which body?) What are the penalties for not desexing? Are non surgical means (e.g. implants etc) permissible? What about animals that are deemed unfit for anaesthetic? How would any body keep track of all dogs that are desexed/undesexed? (Considering that registration is currently compulsory but many dogs exist unregistered...) How do we prevent people bypassing the system, especially with undesexed bitches? And this doesn't even go into rights... What right does anyone have to tell me what is right for my animal? I should have the right to do with my property as ever I please, as long as it does not harm anyone or thing (including harm the animal). Any restrictions on breeding, I think, are quite misdirected. I think sale of puppies is a more conceivable framework to work under, and I think most trading legislation could be tweaked a lot easier than creating legislation that impedes upon individuals' rights to own an animal in a manner they see fit.

Exactly my thoughts.

Same. My friend couldn't remember what it was, and I saw him taking my dog for a walk saying, "Unload... Unload..."

I just feed a good quality dry when I'm away. Dog doesn't care. Easiest for me. It's balance over time not every meal. If I was nuts about not feeding dry, though, I'd just get chicken wings or drumsticks when I got there - either get one a day (small dog!), or buy some and fridge it. If I was away for two nights or less, I'd possibly fast the whole time.

Yes, we're planning to use Monash's Echo system which will record both audio and visual of the presentations and they will then be made available online for free. Check the Animal Welfare Science Centre's website after the seminar for links. http://www.animalwelfare.net.au When is this anticipated to be on the website? Or is it there and I just can't find it?

I've started using Aberfoyle Hub Vet... So far so good. They've been very willing to do as I ask and have a conversation, rather than being told what to do. I move through vets like nothing, though, 'cause I always finds something I am unimpressed with.

Elsa - I'll email you the beginnings of my puppy pack and some articles I've written. You're welcome to use them.

Thanks for everyone's replies. This is a great start for me ("Are there any conditions?"). I'm trying hard not to sound too obsessive. :D This will be my first litter and so I appreciate the input I've received. Thanks. :D

What kinds of questions do you ask someone before using their dog at stud? What conditions do you think are wise to establish before using a dog?

I think this just highlights why a charity should not be responsible for prosecutions.

I would be interested. I suggest taking deposits first to combat the issue Cosmolo encountered.

Mac has medication for his ears. I need to get a hard tube in and squirt. Mac does not approve. Any suggestions on making this easier? I live alone. I've done this before with one person grabbing, one person squirting. Today I shaped him to at least tolerate me waving the thing near his ear. I got a bit in but know it needs to be more to get better! It doesn't help that the one that needs it more hurts!

Clover has achieved her "NE" title and "Champion" title this year, making her: "Ch Burrowa Blue Flame NE" She has also received two passes (out of a required 3) for her SE title. But we have to wait until earthdog season next year to achieve that. For 2010 year... I'm pretty sure we'll get her SE title, and perhaps her ME title too (from earthdog). I hope to actually do tracking (I had awful timetabling issues last year), and perhaps CCD and CD, and perhaps JD. Personally I'd like to be fit enough to get Clover her ET title too. Clover can do it no sweat!

My two are not separated. They get along well and seem to be quick to resolve issues when they do have tiffs. They are good with toys, good with food. However, I separate puppies from adult dogs (puppies are annoying), and separate foster dogs from my two (until I feel confident in their relationship). I also separate my two when she is in heat, 'cause he gets humpy (though he's desexed, he's still a nuisance). If I felt like they would become possessive of items, if they tended to 'hold grudges' or have fights beyond a growl and a snap, then I would rather have them together under supervision only.

For those that are interested, the American Heartworm Society seems like a pretty good source! http://www.heartwormsociety.org/veterinary...guidelines.html Their website is not academic, but I'm going to go with their advice. Thanks for the recommendations.

I'm just giving this a bump... Hope someone has a definite source somewhere.

Yes, this is what I've heard. I hope it is true! But I want to know who discovered this in the first place! I can't find any academic sources regarding this, only 'general', 'pet' websites.

I've heard frequently sprouted that for heartworm microfilae to develop there needs to be so many days above a certain temperature, day and night. It's all around the place. Is there an academic source for this? A research paper? I asked my vet about this, and she was under the impression that temperature didn't mater (besides that the hotter the weather, the more mozzies around). So I'm trying to find where this bit of information originated from. Thanks in advance.

I would like to be able to nominate which side the dog heels on! As long as you can't change halfway through As long as the same rules were upheld, regarding proximity and position, it's the same exercise. Also, as 'training aids' cannot be taken in the ring, likes toys, clickers, food (or praise, as stated), then I do not think check chains should be permitted.

Bunnings may have something like it. Cheap-As-Chips normally have random things like bells. I found this dumb bell collar at Christmas time that worked quite well. Perhaps craft stores have similar bells (like bells on a string), or perhaps you could get a cat-collar bell?