Tralee

Interesting.... I am super fussy about whom I would ever ask or allow to look after my dogs, in fact we are the only ones who do this because we are far more comfortable this way. But even if I was happy to have someone check in on, feed, empty, etc a new puppy I might have, I certainly would never ask a 5 year old to do it. OMG No, no, no, you silly Not a pre-schooler. But her mummy, too. I did say a neighbour with a young pre-schooler. They make some interesting comments, like: "Puppies don't eat peanut butter, Mummy!" Oh yes they do. I have had mixed success with pet sitters. One couple didn't appear till 2:30 in the afternoon when they were supposed to let the dog out at 11:30 am. Turns out, the neighbour and her daughter beat all the others; hands down. Sorry, I misunderstood your post. Still, and of course that is great that you found that arrangement worked well for you and I am also glad it did, but mummy or not, no 5 year old would be going onto my property without me being there... and no this is not because my chosen breed is Rottweilers. I would be afraid the child would step on or pick up my puppy or squeal and flap it's arms around like children do. Alot of mummies do not understand what children should and should not do around baby puppies. Sorry, OT. Agree, not all mothers are diligent on seeing what their children are up to on or with other peoples property! My mum comes to let Shyla out for toilet and feed her at lunchtime, which is total and utter trust Yep As far as mum's go, she was a "gooden". sky, I think her name was. However, the neighbour on the other side. Well that's a different thread.

Whiteners have "flourescents" in them. Wash only. It doesn't stop ppl doing it though.

I could check, but I seem to recall that that is not allowed.

Hi sallyandtex On the North Coast, the local folklore claims that the fleas here are immune to Frontline. Advantix not only worked for us but also turned our ticks to shriveled, withered pips.

Interesting.... I am super fussy about whom I would ever ask or allow to look after my dogs, in fact we are the only ones who do this because we are far more comfortable this way. But even if I was happy to have someone check in on, feed, empty, etc a new puppy I might have, I certainly would never ask a 5 year old to do it. OMG No, no, no, you silly Not a pre-schooler. But her mummy, too. I did say a neighbour with a young pre-schooler. They make some interesting comments, like: "Puppies don't eat peanut butter, Mummy!" Oh yes they do. I have had mixed success with pet sitters. One couple didn't appear till 2:30 in the afternoon when they were supposed to let the dog out at 11:30 am. Turns out, the neighbour and her daughter beat all the others; hands down.

I think the best route is to take some time off, but use that time off to increase the amount of time that you are gone to something equivalent to your first work day absence. Whether you choose the day after pup comes home or two weeks after the pup comes home you're still hitting the pup with big change to routine if you go from constant company to nothing for 8 hours. Yep, copy that. Alternatively, a Pet Sitter, who can visit and feed the pup, exercise and toilet it, as well as begin socialisation, is a wise investment. Even better, if you can find a neighbour with a young pre-school child. Because they cost less.

My dogs are not only used to me going to work but expect it. When I've spent a weekday at home, and my usual departure time comes around, the dogs are asleep for most of the morning. I try to return home at the same time each day, but they are accustomed to an unusual lateness, or a night alone. For exercise, we currently make do with 5 acres.

Thanks ReadySetGo The history of Arawn Maremma Sheepdogs, prior to Dareton was: One Maremma sheepdog bitch: Australian Champion Allarme Arctic Gem, and one puppy dog: Schaferden Celtic Sun. Arctic Gem does not have, and never has had, even a fear aggressive flea. And Celtic Sun was just a puppy, shown successfully at Silver City and also Gunnedah I think. Just a puppy. What a disgrace! I stand by the evidence. The Judges bragged about their cruelty to another breeder, and well you know people, they just had to ring the Breeders and try to condemn their dogs. I began my comments in this thread with the observation that it is contingent on Judges to do more than just judge and it is implacably undeniable that they must not do the other. This pair of creeps were caught. Let it be on there heads. I reiterate my point. Conduct at Dog Shows, from my point of view, still has a long way to go.

Thankyou ReadySetGo I think I live on the same planet as the two dozen people who rallied behind me, against the judges, or if you like, in support of my dog. Including the multi-breed judge from Broken Hill. This planet would be a better place if people could accept other people's point of view, and encourage others not to be judgmental and dictatorial. Confuscius said: In order to recognise an honest person, one must first themself be honest. What this means is: if something doesn't 'ring' fair and honest, from your own experience of fairness and honesty, them more probably than not. It's not. My dogs and I have been vindicated. But it's not forgotten. I paid the bills for the animal behaviourists, legal counsel, and travel to Sydney.

Hey Staranais Many people trust, and expect Judges to set an example for all those who are in effect, putting their faith in them to lead and teach. This is especially true of people new to showing and just starting out. Some Judges not only think that it's OK but return home and brag about their 'cruelty' to other breeders. My visit to Dareton, not too distant far, is evidence that they do "spook" bigger dogs but in this case, especially puppies. And not just one judge, but a pair of judges. Fortunately, my dog has mellowed beautifully, which is no accident, since he suffered for many years after his early ideal with this pair of creeps. Dogs NSW and all dog authorities, should suspended and permanently disqualify deceitful, dishonest and cruel judges. It would be an easy matter to collate the statistics from shows with incidents in the show ring, during presentation particularly, and correlate them to the judges presiding. Maybe, some leadership from the authorities will help eradicate bad sport-person-ship, that is still too common, and more often than not, makes what should be an enjoyable and entertaining day, horrendous. Maremmas are a guardian breed. That's what they do, whatever their age, they guard.

Total In that case, an honours student would have to select your area of interest as a thesis. If the student gets any worthwhile results it could become a PhD. Are you aware of the time factor involved?

OK Steve Does it have to be a PhD student? What about an Honours, or Masters candidate? Basically, as I understand it, the student needs to think up a proposal for a thesis and then needs to find a supervisor who is interested in and working in that area. As you know, Linda van Bommel has recently completed a PhD on livestock guardians. I am thinking she would have some ideas. Linda van Bommel PhD student tel: 04 37573182 email: [email protected]

SkySoaringMagpie Here is another one. Nitro [Arawn Caergwydion Spiritus] is everything we wanted. He is a gorgeous dog with a beautiful nature. So thankyou so so much for him. Mathew and Nicole Marston Hey! This is fun.

Hi SkySoaringMagpie Well, here's one for a start. Ponda Estate Wines. "Lumen [Arawn Caergwydion Lumen] is all that we hoped for and more. He has a great personality - fantastic family dog and working dog. Out in the vineyard, everyone that visits our cellar door falls in love with him!" 15/10/2010 How many do you want?

Other specify I use Home Brand I've got four dogs and don't have client fees to pay for them. But they get the best tucker

Seeing a side of people I never knew. Having to travel 1000km to get my dogs vetted, being told that there's nothing wrong with them, and travelling 1000km back again. Then doing similar things, again and again. I love shows for the knowledge and the experience that I'm not like them. Edit: spelling

Steve According to the Greens, Victoria is now a Green State. Won't be long before the other States are too. Big banks, big governments, big militaries. My gut hurts. ;)

You could tell her that you are aware that the dogs barked all day, Monday, and that you are talking to all the neighbours, not just her. Explain why you think it was reasonable that they were barking all day. You might suggest that she let you know personally if there is another occurrence. Unfortunately, my neighbour was not so understanding and we ended up in court. But then, so did the people before us.

Not to go off topic, but it is generally recommended that puppies are fed 3 times a day. Assuming that meekomegs is home in the morning, twice should be enough after 'brekky'.

I don't want people on my property when I'm out. Arrangements for delivery, or collection, if you have dogs, is not just prudent; in the long run it may well prove extremely economical. If its not worth the effort, then exactly that, its not worth the effort. In this day of Internet Shopping so many parcels have to be signed for and people just are not at home the way they used to be, most families have two working partners....and yet you would be amazed how many people "crack it' when they have to go and collect from the P.O. !! Idolatry takes many forms. Alive but not living.

Hi meekomegs. The puppy will need to be fed once or twice during the day. How long will you be away? A petsitter is a good idea. Economical if you can get a neighbour to do it, at least half the cost. You need to watch abduction too. The size of the enclosure is not an issue as long as it is exercised. Remember they don't like to soil their dens and frequently use the toilet at that age. You need a plan, and a very thorough plan at that. Good Luck

Both as bad as each other . I won't show in NSW, its not that they don't understand the Maremma 'they're' complicit in the poor sportspersonship at shows. Every instance of complaint in Qld is resolved with prudence and compassion. Puppies born, have to be registered in the state they are whelped. That makes cross-border membership problematic.

I don't want people on my property when I'm out. Arrangements for delivery, or collection, if you have dogs, is not just prudent; in the long run it may well prove extremely economical. If its not worth the effort, then exactly that, its not worth the effort.

A small Maremma, definately a small Maremma.

Hi LizT Some big questions raised here. From January 1, 2004, it is an offense for a dog to rush the fence. Secondly, Workcover refuses to pay for injuries sustained in dog attacks. Any houses with a dog; big, small, placid, active, or whatever, are listed as "At Risk" and will not be entered. The technology exists to read meters and deliver post without attending premises. Lastly, dogs are legally allowed to defend their property. As concerns the Postie, he's a hero, irrespective of the judgement others may make on the merits or otherwise of the dog and its owner. :D