Roova

It seems to me there should be more focus on stopping shelter dogs at the source and encouraging education of puppy (or dog) owners so they can raise their pet as a successful family member. Also working on how to really discourage indiscriminate backyard breeding. I don't think it could ever be stopped entirely and Im sure there will always be a place for crossbred dogs as a purebred isn't for everyone. Not sure how the education of the public would happen though because you can't make people do things. Maybe ads in newspapers, getting on shows with a big viewer range like Better Homes and Gardens, facebook, flyers through the council that go out with bills maybe. Could the council offer discounts on registration if owners show they've gone to puppy school or dog obedience? Maybe they could work with local obedience clubs in somehow offering discounts to new joiners? I think we would all agree a dog where the owner has put effort into training wanted behaviour is likely to stay in the family forever. It doesn't make sense to me the council/governement don't do more to stop dogs ending up in shelters because the cost involved with the constant stream of dogs through them must be crazy. If its the lower socioeconomic end of the public breeding all these staffy crosses for money (or because money is a factor in desexing) maybe we need to focus more on educating the general public about not buying from backyarders because of potential health or temperament problems? That leads back to one of the original arguments which is if they're pointed to registered breeders to buy from instead, they may very well buy from someone who doesn't health test or breed for temperament either (where they should be). It would be great to have a list of breeders within each breed who health test (where its recommended). It may even encourage other breeders to do the same if they find they're being left behind!

My comments are from the outside looking in, so could be way off the mark... I’m working on the presumption the gist of this message is regarding what type of dog the general public is buying – namely not purebreds. I definitely think good registered breeders need to stick together and work out a way to combat the changes which are happening. Anyone who has read the book ‘who moved my cheese’ would recognise if you don’t adapt to change, you’ll be left behind. I don’t think complaining on websites (to others who think the same) is going to get the message out to the general public that purebreds are a good choice to make. From what I’ve read on DOL the biggest negativity about backyard breeders is they mix breeds and don’t health test, yet a large percentage of registered breeders don’t health test when they probably should. It also seems not all breed for temperament or functionality, rather conformation is a high priority for the show ring. The catch phrase is always ‘buy through a registered breeder’, or ‘buy predictability’ yet what’s the difference buying from a registered breeder who doesn’t health tested or breed for temperament , than buying from a BYBer? Yes, some breeds may not require certain health tests but some should be doing more than they are considering the ethics they’re bound to as a registered breeder. How are the 'good' registered breeders selling themselves? I’ve heard of registered breeders having ‘test’ litters or litters where all pups are sold for monetary reasons. How can the term registered breeder be the be all and end all when not all are alike? Who monitors if registered breeders keep a puppy from every litter or if all are sold? Continuing with the theme of why are less purebred dogs being sold, to me it seems a nice temperament is a huge factor in what the general public want in a pet. Most are not going to put a huge effort into their pet and as some purebreds are quite high maintenance they're not for everyone. An easy to care for dog will probably become more popular. In this world of larger houses and smaller yards, smaller breeds are probably also going to become more popular. Frenchies (to me) are the perfect small dog but how many people can afford $3,500 for a puppy? Is saying buy a purebred over a mixed breed enough of a selling point for someone who just wants a nice pet? It seems a large percentage of the population don’t think so or oddles wouldn't have become so popular over the years. Considering the number of them sold it’s probably a fairly small portion which make their way to the pound. Word of mouth and examples definitely plays a huge part in popular dog breeds or crossbreeds. My sister sought out ‘oodles’ as she had a lot of friends with them who spoke of their wonderful nature with kids and other dogs. Could be total coincidence but if people hear enough positive talk about a ‘breed’ they’re bound to become popular. When I asked her why she didn’t choose a purebred she said she didn’t know much about different breeds but had heard about oodles. I have to admit the two she has have fabulous natures and are easy to care for dogs. How are breeders getting the good points of their breed out there? I sometimes imagine if everyone on DOL put one dollar toward advertising you could really get some good information out there! Somehow the positive things about buying a purebred have to become more known to over-ride the crossbred is better theory. Even if general advetising raised the issue that saving a pound dog is potentially encouraging more backyard breeders to pump out puppies because they don’t care if the pups new home is appropriate. (Sorry to the rescuers out there). Sorry for the essay, just things I’ve thought of after talking to family and friends.

That is a cute picture! Maggie loves her soft toys although they don't last long....she loves going straight for the guts and with the amount of stuffing I pick up over the yard and inside I could have made a doona! Sorry but I have another question. Maggie sleeps in the laundry in a large covered but open crate at night and has a few dog beds scattered in the house for other times. She also has a largish soft crate and an open bed outside as she's not inside when we're not at home. Is it be recommended to keep pup totally separated from exising dog at night considering they're both unsupervised? If they choose to sleep together do you just let it be? Pup would be kept separated outside until its safe to be with Maggie unsupervised. I imagine that means crates each and extra dog beds so there's no squabbles? How do people cope when they have more than two dogs with all the dog beds, blankets, washing etc involved? My hat goes off to you!

They probably have more than one female?

Thanks for your answers and suggestions. It's good to read what others have done. :) Re She has quite a bit of interaction with my sisters two dogs which come to our house and we go to theirs. They’re two medium sizes dogs, one older one younger. They’re like yoyos on strings while she is very calm and placid. She often initiates play with the younger dog but I find if I try to play or pat them for too long she’ll get in between us and head them off. She normally wouldn’t crawl into my lap but if I’m on the ground to play with them she will. I guess it’s her way of saying ‘she’s mine!’. She often spends quite a bit of time staring inside at me while we’re at my sister’s though! Sadly no other friends have dogs (crazy right!) so I don’t have a real lot to compare to. If we’re out the front of our yard collecting mail etc and she sees another dog at the end of the street her whole focus is on them and she often kicks grass out with both back feet putting on quite the show. I’m sure if the other dog approached she’d be back inside like a shot. We sometimes go to local parks (not contained dog parks) where there are always a few people with dogs off lead (she’s not). She’ll mostly ignore other dogs but if larger ones come near she’s quite wary. If I’m sitting on the ground with my knees bent she’ll sometimes get under my legs and rush other dogs who come close and retreat under my legs again. All done like a silent ninja! Im never quite sure how to treat this behaviour and I would have liked to have socialised her more but I didn’t want to frighten her with dogs I didn’t know the nature of. I’ve read some horror stories on DOL! From time to time she’s stayed with her (awesome) breeder while I’ve been on holidays. She has a small pack and Maggie does fabulously with them. She’s definitely a lot more confident with smaller dogs. I presume jealousy between existing dog and new dog is eased after a friendship forms? I imagine there’s the possibility the dogs just won’t get along but I’m really hoping that’s unusual more than usual. Reading that back she sounds like a terror, but she really is a lovely little dog. This is her (first photo of her on her second birthday, slobber from treats and all..)

Im sure this question has been asked before but I can't search on three letters or less so found 'adding second dog to family' didn't get me far! I have been contemplating for a while adding a second dog to our family. I currently have an awesome Frenchie, Maggie who's two and has been on her own with us since she was eight months old. She has quite a soft nature and is the easiest dog I've ever had to live with. She's definitely my dog, and mostly ignores my partner if Im around although she will play with him if he has the right toys :). Whatever Im doing she's always there and we have a great routine with lots of play, love and interaction time and I worry another dog would really put her nose out of joint. I would like a second dog because Maggie can only walk so far and I worry about having her too far from home if she becomes too hot or is panting too much. I've been thinking of doing very basic agility or obedience and Maggie (God love her) is agile but is totally not interested in anything which requires too much brain work. :D What is the best way to have a decent relationship with two dogs, especially if you're spending time doing one on one training with one of them? How much does the relationship change when your first dog has another dog to spend all day with? I would hate to lose what I have with Maggie but understand some attention will be lost to a new playmate who can keep up when she's doing zoomies and wanting to play as dogs do. The new member would be a puppy and Im thinking Border Terrier. Because Magie has such a soft nature I don't know if I have to stick with the male/female recommendation to avoid trouble (she's desexed if that makes any difference). Im very much looking forward to getting some ideas on the best way to start everything out right if we do go ahead.

Great photos. :) Its amazing to see the different ideas from one theme!

What a terrible thing to happen and so easily avoided! I'm so sorry for your loss

I was thinking more of breeds like Frenchies which I believe have had a $1000+ increase over that time and don't seem to be sold on main much. Are there many breeds which cost less now than 2009?

Could it also be that the price for some purebred dogs became more expensive and more breeders started selling puppies on limited register or desexed? Edited to add should have read last few pages of posts instead of first few. I'm way out of my league here!

The Vet I've been going to I think lets his cats stay in the surgery overnight. Every time I'm there first thing in the morning (in uniform) I have to stand in the waiting room as the material chairs are full of cat hairs. If I bend over to talk with Maggie (Frenchie) I can often see cat hairs banked up against the front window. Last visit when I was first cab off the rank and taking her in to be neutered there was even cat poo on the waiting room floor! Not impressed at all but the vet is good at what he does so I try and weight up their pros and cons. I do worry about them starting the day with unclean practice as it's potentially not great for infection control

But if dogs weren't winning with 'extreme' features, wouldn't breeders stop breeding them that way?

Im sure the family will be disappointed to be told there don't seem to be any purebred dog breeds which suit their lifestyle! Don't most dogs stay outside during the day while parents work and kids are at school? The kids should be home from 3.30pm onward so you'd have to think there'd be plenty of interaction then. My Frenchie is inside when I'm home, outside when Im not, and doesn't have access to bedrooms but she doesn't appear traumatised :D I think as long as there's lots of love, the time spent with the dog is quality time and exercise is regular isn't that what most dogs would be happy with? Good luck to the family in finding a new pet, hopefully there's a purebred dog out there which would be perfect for them. Kudos to them asking what dog would suit their needs!

I really like Aimfor Cairn Terrier's website. She's got great photos of her dogs with the family and at shows, health and grooming information and comes across as a really friendly, approachable but responsible breeder. I looked at a few websites a little while back and sent messages to a few breeders and out of all of them Amy was the friendliest and took the time to write back a really informative email to me. I think you can have a great website but it should hopefully be followed up with decent contact with the people you're website is likely to attract :D

That's hilarious of Sid with the hat on his face! The last photo he seems a bit 'here Mum goes again with the camera' lol.

Has anyone tried using something like this in a normal handbag you want to use as a camera bag? I'd love to know if they still provide decent protection because the possibilities are endless if you could just move them between bags. Potentially much cheaper too! Padded inserts I found them after stumbling across a blog this morning: How to make your own camera bag. This really interests me but it means I'd have to get my sewing machine out and learn how to use it :D

I've been reading this thread with interest and it seems to be a common worry for breeders to have dogs return. It shocks me to think it happens so often its a concern for so many, is there a common reason they are returned? Also are the breeders taking dogs back because they want to or have to? Clearly a breeder going through tough times as Steve mentioned would have no choice but to say no but couldn't they recommend a reputable breed rescue if absolutely necessary? Surely where a pup is healthy and well bred and the new owners are vetted and educated to make sure they understand the breed it would be pretty uncommon for them to bounce back? If breeders were keeping in contact every now and then to assess how things are going wouldn't they be able to pick up potential issues before they got to the point of the owner not wanting the dog any more? Do most breeders supply information to new owners on training and raising a healthy well adjusted dog to avoid this situation or hope the average person will do all the right things? If they do, maybe it would be helpful to add information on potential unwanted dog behaviour and the basics on rectifying it. Maybe even recommended behaviourists in the area (assuming puppy buyers live closeish)so they realise they have other avenues if teenage pup starts showing unwanted behaviour. This is a bit random, but maybe even a $100 rebate on puppy if new owners show documentation they've attended dog training so at least you know basics have been taught which should make for a happier long term situation. In some cases pups are worth many thousands of dollars, it seems a simple thing to do to head off potential issues especially when a lot of info can be simply photocopied for each new owner.

If the couple aren't the type to listen to 'you shouldn't' stories maybe you could provide them with a list of items they'll need over the course of the dog being pregnant and once puppies arrive? At least then Mum and pups might have a chance if it all goes ahead. I'm not a breeder so have no idea of a proper list, but stuff like a whelping box with rails to help mum not squash the pups, multiple lots of bedding material so clean ones are always to hand, bottles/nipples/milk products in case mum doesn't take to the pups as a first time mum, a good alarm clock for when they're waking to feed pups every two hours (or whatever time it is..for however long that happens for), a couple of thousand spare in the bank for possible vet visits if things go wrong, where the closest emergency vet is if she whelps in the night etc. You could give them a list of what signs might show something is going wrong when Mum's whelping so they know when to take her to the vet. Maybe a list of when to start introducing pups to food (and what type of food is best), how often they should be fed and how to appropriately socialise them as they grow. Maybe also the rules on when to microship and vaccinate and how much it will cost. It will look like you're helping but Im sure they'll get the picture! Most people think 'it won't happen to me' about all sorts of things so there's a good chance a list of horror stories might be too unbelievable for them to comprehend. I think the average Joe Blow doesn't research much at all, to me it seems to happen when you're passionate about something, you've been directly affected or you're just a well organised person!

That sounds really stressful for you Maybe you could keep an eye out for a cheap automatic gate so it will close quickly after bringing the car through (hopefully with Maya on the right side!) If hubby doesn't want to stop and give Maya a treat when he enters or leaves, can he throw it into the yard out the window so she runs to look for it and is occupied?

I was reading this thread with interest and after the last couple of comments on what not to look for in a puppy I had a look at the puppy listing on DOL. There's 54 advertisements (wow!) and it seems every second one has either blue puppies or the breeder has blue/blu somewhere in their name. I noticed one ad. saying they had blue English staffordshire bullterrier puppies. Does that mean those coming on DOL to look for reputable breeders are going to find less than ideal litters to choose from? Is it the blue colour genetics which causes health problems or is it because breeders aiming for blue may not be factoring health into the equation? Some with blue litters state they test for various heridary problems - are there other health worries with blue puppies? Sorry for all the questions but one more..why is blue part of the standard if the colour can cause health issues? From what I can see its stated "Black and tan or liver colour highly undesirable", why isn't blue mentioned? The puppies are the cutest...little chunky monkeys!

You have the most amazing imagination!

Lovely and clear! Were you on automatic or playing with the settings? Cute models :)

I ended up buying a Canon S100 after reading this thread The S90 was a little difficult to come by it's been superceded by the S95 and then the S100 though. What an awesome little camera! It takes amazing images, fits in a pocket, has full manual controls, saves in RAW,has GPS tracking, full 1080 HD movies, up to 6400 ISO, a control ring, the ability to set custom settings, and really cool scene controls. There's so many more features I don't think I'll ever use half of them! Here's a link to images if anyone's interested - S100 images[ Thanks Westiemum!

How cute, they remind me of goats for some reason! Aresome of them self shedding? Do you ring their tails at some point or leave them intact? You look like you have awesome grass available, they must be in heaven! :)

Wow, eyes really pop don't they! I can't stop staring at the eyes in each photo. Your kids are super cute!