Saffioraire

Try looking at some of Patricia's stuff. Her website is here: http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/ Her books are reasonably inexpensive and some can be borrowed from State ANKC libraries. I have read in a forward of another of her books that Pat suffers from separation anxiety from her dogs, so theres a chance she may touch on this issue somewhere. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Hope there is something here for you.

We had the same issue. You need to get really creative! So maybe you can take Lily Rose's pedigree name (minus the prefix) and look into the origin of Lab's and/ or Newfoundlands. Maybe if there is someone you would like to remember or honor in your name as well? Lilies and Roses are both Summer flowers. The Labrador and Newfoundland originated from the same breed of St John water dog - in the respective regions of canada, although it is said the Labrador came from a place called Avalon. The breeds were essentially created by and for the local fishermen. As a hunting and retriever dog. So for instance: Summersaint Rosavalon Waterlily Etc etc Give it a go it can be really fun!

What food did you change FROM Flaves? Food is doing my head in. We are thinking of trialling BH now. Was on ProPlan but she began to refuse it, so I swapped to EP Holistic, which she ate but since the swap she has lost weight and I am struggling to keep the weight on her even with feeding Raw in conjunction and going as far as to give her any fatty scraps of meat we don't use for our own consumption (ie. what I can wrestle from the jaws of the Mr.!) Anyway - thinking of changing to BH. But of course there are the other options of say RC - although I am worried about the stocking problems? I want a food that is GOOD FOR MY DOG, affordable, she will eat, and provide the best overall body condition. I always feed Raw in conjunction but owning a big dog I believe they need a supplemented feed.

What does a derp thread mean?

Why don't you google scholar searching for behavioural development stages of puppies? Here is a good abstract: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1987.tb01322.x/abstract However you will need to purchase access or get a friend at a University to download the article for you. I think as a breeder you should educate yourself in the areas that your prospective homes question, so you are in complete control of the decisions made for your kennels progeny. You do not want to appear ignorant or be dictated by a 'purchaser' (for lack of a better word). Most small animal vets should have a basic grasp on behavioural developmental stages also, so it would be wise to question your vet on this issue. Another avenue would be to contact the Delta Society for any information they are willing to divulge. Do you really want to turn around with the answer of 'this is not how we operate and if we were to do this we would charge you board money' ?? As this attitude would possibly bring them to question your motivations for breeding your dogs in the first place, and no reputable breeder wants this image against their name. Surely a prospective home should not be penalized for wanting to do what is right for the puppy's welfare by being charged fee's by the breeder. If their thoughts are incorrect then finding a more conclusive answer from an educated avenue (ie. a journal paper or your vet) would surely set their mind at ease that what you practice normally, by allowing the pups to leave the nest at 8 weeks, is most appropriate for your breed, and as the breeder you know best. I hope this helps

I'd go the minimum. While the carers in Spotswood (Melb) are awesome, it is a really stressful environment. You can only visit twice a week and the hours are quite limited and no weekends. If you cant visit and they are busy they say carers will only exercise your dog twice a week which is stuff all and the runs are not that big or pleasant and they have no access to grass whilst in them. The noise is LOUD, and time the dog would spend 'switched off' is minimal. My girl came out at 9 mths and did not have what I would call adequate socialisation or training during this earlier period, which has proved to make this time now for me difficult. However I would opt for an average juvenile period and less time in quarantine over an extended quarantine stay. Assuming you want to bring is WSS's there are a few of us that you know now that know others OS well enough to ask around and find you a good carer home before your pup(s) come out. Use this to your advantage!

I dont know if its already been said, but the highest form of dog training / behaviour training apart from seeking the advice of a fully qualified Veterinary Behaviourist is someone who has completed a DELTA training course. http://www.deltasocietyaustralia.com.au/ The problem is it is like seeking a councillor for a human, it can take several goes before you find one that suits. Vet Behaviourists are expensive because of their training, but they are also the only ones who can prescribe medicine. Bit like going to see a councillor who recommends you see a psychologist. Doesnt always mean your loopy, just means the issue may take a bit more than a kind word to fix. Good Vet's will also often have recommendations for you in terms of behaviour training for a difficult dog who is not responding to regular obedience or a one on one trainer. And I think Mr Milan's methods are far from desirable. I would rather have my dog obey me because it respects me, than because it fears me.

I attended a behavioural seminar recently with some of the top Veterinary Behaviourists who said that there was no issue with allowing a dog onto the bed. In short their point was a healthy respect towards you from your dog is necessary, but an "I am Alpha and Im not afraid to beat you into submission" authoritative approach is not. Hence things like allowing a dog to sleep on your bed is inconsequential - and you have far from ruined him. My dogs sleep on the bed when we want (we have 3 big dogs and a QS bed!) and they aren't ruined! So many things could make your dog behave like that. He might have eaten something he shouldn't, he might have had a temporary cold or temperature, he might have been told off and got depressed, and the list goes ON and ON. It is also my opinion that you should NOT be down on yourself for 'over-reacting'. I notice when my dogs are off colour and I watch them like a hawk, and give it 24 hours before Im at my Vet. You are better to pay attention and seek medical advice if you are not sure, than to say oh no Im a worry wart and find out a few days later he needs major surgery or even worse. If your breeder chose to behave like a turkey that is sad, but probably best for you not to seek their advice again and set yourself up with a different network of support for these times.

Hi. Having trouble finding out if the Working Dog Show and Vic Womens Show are still going ahead. Dont feel like getting up at 5 am if its cancelled