JRG

Depends on how badly you want the litter. TCI much more dependable than just using a catheter and even chilled, the semen has to have lost a bit of its virility over time and by being handled.

Totally agree AB A recipe for problems!

Leisa Appleby (Hamalyhunter) - Field bred

What a difficult question, and, even after 40 years, the a answer is I don't know! Gut feeling? careful observation? testing? all of those and I can still be wrong! But maybe, just maybe, I'm better at it than most people!

The first thing I want is for prospective new owners to come and have a look - up close and personal - with dogs of my breed both young and old. Then we can start the discussion about whether an xbreed would suit their family/way of life or not. So many inquiries come from people who have "done their homework" but have never actually met an xbreed it just sounds nice in theory. I tell people to get out and have a good look at as many types of xbreeds as possibe so that they can make an informed decision about what will suit their family best.

I am so sorry to read this SG but am sure you are making the right decision. Do hope that Riley is non the worse for the experience.

OT A splash of ACV in the water bowl/bucket stops algae growing.

OK you got a lot of advice in your other post. Here are my tips: 1. start in a small space eg your passageway. 2. make sure there is no escape. 3. sit on the floor and play with your pup using a rolled up sock. 4. gently toss the sock a couple of feet away and encourage the pup to go after it. Make it so that you can reach the sock without standing up if she does not go after it. 5. when she gets to the sock encourage her to pick it up and return to you for another play. 6. do NOT play "fetch" anywhere else and do not let her have a ball at this stage. Once you have established the fetching routine in a small space, you can move to doing the same thing in a more open area and with different objects but do not give your pup any chance to escape, you must be around encouraging her to play with you the moment she gets to it. Does that make sense? Good luck - and be aware that some dogs just do not like playing fetch!

What breed is she?

When you order and the food is "delivered to your door" just make sure that it will actually be delivered to your house and not to the nearest Post Office or depot. We have this problem because Australia Post and some other courier services will not deliver to country areas even though we are not that far from town. I find that it is easier to go to the pet shop about once a month and get all I need and bring it home myself - the only problem is that you need a good vermin proof place to store it.

I found that the ones with plastic on the soles annoyed my girl because they flapped when she moved. The same was true for the leather ones. Close fitting, stretchy above the hock socks with garters were by far the best.

You need to fasten the socks above the hock (or above the elbow for the front leg) ie get the sock just big enough to fit from the toe to the hock or elbow and use the hock or elbow as the heel of the sock. Fasten with a garter or tape above the hock. This will stop the sock flapping as the dog walks. The dog in this picture was paralysed but you can see her socks quite well.

Sorry I don't, it was quite while ago, and I have destroyed those documents. Other groups got the same eg the greyhound people, and I seem to recall that it included the right to inspect property -- but I could be wrong.

I think it means "policing" in general terms not "Policing" as in the Police force. I read the documents at the time and do not recall the term being used, just generalisations about codes of practice etc.

I once had a spaniel pup like this. It was fascinating because if you laid him in the foetal position it automatically hooked round his back leg and the markings on his tail and on his hock were continuous showing exactly how he developed in utero. I am sure it did not hurt him, but, yes, I got it docked.

OT Westiemum -- I have found the 4Cyte excellent. Mop was just starting to be reluctant to get out of bed, but no more!

I have had a number of dogs well into old age - my current one is 16yrs 4 months and bounces about like a two year old. The only concession I make to her age (apart from a coat at night and some 4cyte) is she takes her exercise with the older pups rather than with the mature bitches - she can indulge them and they do not push the boundaries in fact as my godson put it, it is lovely to watch them "paying their dues to the older statesman" (ie waiting for her to finish her apple, following her round, licking her lips and lying with her)

I have a similar thing called a Road Refresher. www.roadrefresher.com It is great - stable, robust, non spill and the dogs love drinking from it. Great for travelling etc

Usually I can't bear to think about it, but since we are only 4+ months into 2016, I did a calculation for 2016 to date - it came to just short of $1000.00 and that's just the vet!! Anyone want a spaniel???

I am sure there would be people in the retrieving/field trial world who would remember your grandfather. The Vic GSP Club would be a good place to start <gspclubvic.net>

I just dug out a coat for my old girl(15+) that is sheepskin on the inside and Drizabone on the outside. She was out sleeping in the rain this morning but as warm and snug as a bug in a rug - amazing! Unfortunately, I can't remember where I got it

I've temporarily rescued it until she either grows out of the chewing stage Ha ha! You wish!

sporti - be aware that it is possible that the two older dogs will fight over the puppy ie treat it as a "possession", as well as push and (unintentionally) injure the baby even if they are quite relaxed when together.

The million dollar baby!

My advice? if you really want pups from this bitch and no other, and don't mind spending a bit of money to get a result, find a good, experienced fertility/reproduction specialist and take her now so that a work up can be done before she cycles again. I have done this and on the first cycle (after treatment), she had one Mated again the next cycle and she had four :)