Tralee

Right. Dogs play games, including power games and survival games. But keep an eye on it. We can learn a lot from our animals, as sometimes they have things to teach us.

My big girl, who has the sweetest Temperament, will do this from time to time. I put it down to the dog asserting herself over the other dogs. She only does it with food or bones etc. Quite frankly, the younger puppies need it because they can be a right PITA. Resource guarding is an acceptable form of aggression, however that said, being able to remove food from a dog is a criteria used in some temperament assessments. I allow my big girl to guard her bones, as she seems to know what she's doing. One other thing, she has, from time to time, buried whole chicken wings and then refused to allow the puppies into the yard where they are buried. Its dogs politics. Something to watch, learn and behold. However, if it escalates, and I doubt it will, then you may have a problem. Cheers

Breed not shown or listed.

Were there no Maremmas shown this year? The breed is not shown in the results list.

This thread should be pinned.

What are you serious??? Didn't the breeders specify that you need to complete Puppy School, and at least one full session of Obedience? As well as this continual socialisation, Vets, kennels, grooming, dog baths etc As much handling and exposure as you can manage.

I think the lady has a social justice issue. Why is she letting the SPCA push her around? The environmental enrichment of the dog is at stake, so it should be challenged and contested in court.

I always report incidents at check-out. Whether its me being short-changed, them being too abrupt, or even if they are highly critical. I don't go into shops to be abused, I don't abuse others when I'm there and I have a social obligation to others to see that they don't get abused either. You know: What's the difference? "Do you wnat to buy a watch?" or, "Do you want to buy a puppy?"

You don't have a lot of choice if they are going overseas because they can't go before 12 weeks. Otherwise I have only sent puppies on planes at 10 weeks. It costs more because they are bigger and heavier but I won't send any puppies out to homes before then.

Also try Maremma Rescue Victoria

This is a nice photo!

What it means to say that Maremmas are an affiliative breed is that they do not cope with being isolated. This is partly because they do not cope with having their role as guardian usurped. Take away the guardian role from a Maremma and then the rehoming problems start. Some Maremmas take to protecting livestock like a duck to water because that is what they have been bred for over the last 2000 years. I have known Maremma who fret and pine for their charges if removed from their paddocks. In my sense of canine husbandry, daily checks on dogs is mandatory but I understand that less frequent vigilance is often employed. The underlying criteria is always the welfare of the dogs. Regards

Hi BlackJaq This idea of unattended Maremmas left to be fed by hoppers is a serious misconception. The Maremma is, more correctly, a shepherdess's dog and they were never intended to be left abandoned for long periods of time. The sheep were always corralled at night and the dogs would come in with the shepherds. Shepherds needed protection from wolves and bears too. They always had human companionship. They are a shepherds dog. To put it another way, probably more than many other breeds, the Maremma is an affialiative dog, they have an instinctual need for company. Dogs also need to be checked for tick, and other possible ailments daily. Regards

"The dogs had their own room fitted out with a king-size bed and filled with toys." Actually I find this quite bizarre. As always the issue with dogs is more about people management than dog control. Unfortunately, there are several stages of maturity required in canine husbandry, that owners need to progress through in order to fully and completely appreciate dogs for what they are. Canine husbandry is a challenging and demanding venture. The lessons are hard and the learning is sometimes costly, as this tragic event shows. But let it never be forgotten that the primary objective is strong and healthy dogs that can be accomodated (temperament-wise) within an artificial environment. Regards

Hi BlackJaq Sounds to me like you need a 'pig dog.' These are quite categorically "Dangerous Dogs" from day dot and will need to be registered as a Dangerous dog. That's a whole can of worms I don't envy you for. I have no information about Maremmas and pigs but would expect that they would not be suitable, however, I may be wrong. Nevertheless, Maremmas will protect against thieves, foxes, wild dogs and other feral animals. So. you may need a two pronged approach. A dog for the farm and some other method for managing your pig problem. Personally I would not touch a pig dog with a barge pole and would consider every other possible option.

Excellent work espinay2

Currently there is no upper limit. Although the UK has introduced a maximum age of 8, so watch out as it may be adopted here as well. Following the regulations it is possible to schedule a breeding program of six litters under the age of 8. Nevertheless, you should take note of the requirement for vigilance and diligence in veterinary checks and approval after the second litter. Regards.

Hi Elise+Hudson I had similar problems with my male Maremma. They're not known for their recall. He would never come when called, that is, until I changed his call to 'bikky' He comes every time now, with or without a biscuit. Good Luck

Cafepress

Oh! Excellent job!

What a great thread! I thought I was part of a rare group with four dogs, sometimes five. It looks like all the dogs only go to a particular group of people. I have known someone to have 12 dogs at times. There is something about dog people.

Once I get on my own property there is no limit. Of course, quality comes first. However, add rescue to that and I am sure the numbers will wax and wane.

We lived in the tick Capital at Koonorigan NSW for several months during tick season. The ticks are not uniform in colour, it depends on how much they have engorged themselves. A lot of blood makes them very dark. Anyway, finding a tick is not a major concern. Noting any symptoms is the game changer.

I've seen several types of ticks and that one is a paralysis tick. Finding a tick does not mean you need to panic. I've taken multiple P. ticks off my dogs all on the same day with no ill effects. The trick is to watch for the signs. The first sign is a disinterest in food. And second mild vomiting. Within twelve hours the dog (large breed) will not be able to stand on its back legs. This is a medical emergency, so it is better to act on the first signs. You have a fair window of time after you discover a tick or see signs of poisoning. Normally pulling ticks of daily is sufficient prevention. Disclaimer: I handle my dogs every day and when in tick areas groom them for ticks several times daily

Hi Beagle Rescue I am sure that Robert Holmes gave me an article on dog family hierarchy. Dogs do not see children as 'people' In the dogs view, on the ladder of priority, there are adults-masters, dog, and then children. Dogs then chastise children as they would a puppy. I don't think it always is a temperamant problem but more of a dog management issue. From your description the problem is more a lack of supervision, or naivete, on the part of the dog owners. Unfortunate I know, and mistakes will happen, but these things have to be factored in when getting a dog. We cannot afford to have a nonchalant attitude towards dog husbandry. Regards.