whiskedaway

A DOLer I'm friends with has a pedigree Siberian Husky who is three months older than Akira. Now the pedigree dog was desexed at 8 weeks, whereas Akira was desexed at 5.5 months, and she was close to sexual maturity at that age (vet believes she would have come into season in a month if she hadn't been desexed). The differences between Akira and the pedigree dog are HUGE - Akira is a lot smaller (she's within the Siberian Husky standard, whereas the pedigree dog is not) and her coat is not as large. It has been joked MANY times that if you asked a stranger to pick which dog was pedigree and from a registered breeder, everyone would pick Akira. We both believe this is because the pedigree dog was desexed very young. There has been research that has shown that dogs that are desexed earlier can be bigger and have larger coats - there was a discussion about this in the breeders forum not long ago which was very interesting. Dogs need their hormones for growth and unfortunately if you remove them early, it can upset their growth patterns. ETA: Second post in, Ellz talks about the research: http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...208386&st=0

Silvawilow, what size is 10P in Australian sizes?

Yes, we had Vizslas as a kid and our Vizslas were as high energy, if not higher energy, than our Sibe.

Aren't they quite small though? I don't think I've ever seen one in the flesh, only pictures They are roughly boarder collie size - some a bit smaller, some a bit larger but in the ball park Plus you said Kelpie size, and I'd say most lappies are about that size - though I haven't seen the two next to each other to compare.

Finnish Lapphund. Coat is longer, but they are definitely wash and wear, they're working dogs so their coats aren't meant to be high maintenance. They only need about a 20 min brush a week. They don't need too much exercise, but will take what you give. They're definitely family dogs.

Yes, it was a very good turnout! We had eleven Lappies and two very rare Sibelaps - Huskies who think they are Lappies.

I only have a point and shoot. My better one is a Kodak Z series, but I can't remember the exact model number right now, and the "chuck in my bag" camera is an Olympus. This is my current favourite from the Kodak:

Me and everything else in my house are currently covered in hair because Akira is blowing coat. I went to work this morning and was patting the guide dog puppy and realised that I'd somehow managed to transfer Akira's white hair to his head and he was wandering around with a long white part on top of his black head.

I love my dog, but Akira, you will get there just as quickly if you walk next to me, rather than PULLING!

Great photos!

I'm not sure if it's something similar, but some dogs get what's called a "snow nose" in the winter months where they get a loss of pigment in their nose. Akira had it during the winter, but her nose is now black again. However, I've only ever heard of that happening in winter.

Just be aware that cat food is actually quite bad for dogs - a breeder I was speaking to today informed me that cats can eat dog food, but dogs should not eat cat food.

Had a great time. Big thanks to Tobster for her wonderful organising.

I'm pretty sure parking is free on any on-street parking in Adelaide on Sundays. Some uParks have discounted rates too.

Oh no, that's always been my worst nightmare (OH and I bought a brand new leather couch RIGHT before we got our puppy). Can you block his access to that room? I personally feel that most sprays you can buy do nothing and your best bet is to keep them away from the object in question.

Haha that's crazy! I thought Riley looked familiar, but I couldn't work out where I might have seen him. I must have seen a photo you'd posted.

Akira and I had our first agility class today. We had a blast! Akira had no problems with the jumps or the A-frame (until the instructor came near her anyway because she's still a little nervous with men) though she didn't like the tunnel at first and because the DW that the puppies use is just a plank on the ground, she didn't understand she was meant to walk along it. Had a great time though and I can't wait to really get into it next year.

Akira is outside when we're not home, however there is a doggy door that goes into the laundry (which is always cold) and she has access to that during the day. Outside she has shelter and LOTS of water - she has a water bowl and a clam shell pool - and when it gets very hot we'll be making her iceblocks.

Love the pic of Cle jumping, LittlePoppet.

I like pretty notebooks and stationery. Also Christmas decorations in blue or silver. I'm a non-drinker and I'm allergic to nickel, so no cheap jewellery (can only wear sterling silver and 9ct or higher gold). Akira is probably easier to buy for than me, and she loves squeaky toys (especially stuffed ones) and food. Treats that can be used for training are probably best. Her colour is purple (all leads/collars/etc are purple or green). ETA Have just remembered, I do need a treat pouch and a SHORT soft show-lead in green because I hate wrapping them around my hands.

Too bad you can't come Bully. Have fun at the fun day, though! Am looking forward to seeing everyone.

I'm looking forward to it.

The same place where we were last time you were here. Main St, Eastwood.

My concern with that would be the risk of damage to her neck by the collar if there was a sudden amount of strain placed upon it. Your hand would be fine with a stronger, probably wider lead, but just think of what might happen if she quickly jerked on the collar and it tightened around her throat????? Oh good point. Grr, back to square one with the collars situation.

We actually use a paracord show collar when walking Akira (though a normal lead). It actually gives us more control than her normal collar, and while she's a puller, it hasn't even been stretched. I probably wouldn't use the show lead while walking, but it's only thin paracord and while I know it probably wouldn't snap because the collar is the same, I'm still worried about it.