BDJ

I was referencing statements I have heard and seen from breeders as reasons they dont include prices in their ads or respond/view favourably enquiries where the price is asked for early.

I understand both sides of the discussion completely. I think the disconnect is that often people are coming from different (both correct, but different) sides of the coin. Pictures: Prospective buyer - what we see and how we are attracted to the visual is a fact of life (even if just at the planning stage). People want/like/are drawn to whether something appeals to them. It doesn't mean it is the only determining factor and makes someone 'shallow' or uncaring - the fact is that for many people pictures tell a story (after all, how many times do DOLers have someone come in asking for advice on a puppy issue and the response is 'I suggest XYZ - and pls post pics we would love to see your little one). Seller - two issues. (a) scammers can (and do) take photos and use them and (b) some people will get stuck on the visual and it causes friction when they focus on dog X when the dog/home mix isn't right Price: Prospective buyer - they are the ones spending the $$$. If several/all adds included the price they would know a ball park figure without having to contract/chat. Other adds (including animals) usually come with the price advertised. So, why the 'secret squirrel'? Is it a power game? Is it elitist? Does it become all too hard? These are questions which come to peoples minds. Dogs are expensive, and the purchase price is a consideration for many people. And if I end up buying the pup I am going to be paying for it - why not state it up front Seller - This dog/pup is a living breathing critter and it has so much more to offer than a price tag. I want to know the person first. And, I don't want to put up with the 'you said $4000 in your ad, I will give you $3500' Difficulty/number of contacts Prospective buyer - I don't want to jump through hoops, and wait 10 days for a response. I also have a life, and kids, and responsibilities etc, so 'the breeder is busy' does sound condescending. If the 'norm' is to contact 10 people to get 2 responses, one is a 'the dog has gone' and the other is 'please tell me more about yourself', then that just seems weird. These people have possibly just lost their 15 year old dog etc and last time they did this it was a case of looking in Saturdays paper and making a few calls. So the messages I leave/emails I send are probably too brief and come across as 'transactional' so go to the bottom of a pile. But I don't know the 'rules' of making a good first impression Seller - I have a life, and kids, and responsibilities - so I am busy. And I get so many numpty/dodgy sounding/one liner/incompatible contacts that I just can't keep up. I don't think there is a silver bullet. Perhaps as much information as possible in the ad about the dog/pup. What sort of home is best, whether he/she is big, small or right on size to the standard, temperament, whether suited to dog sports, energy levels as possible. And a standard response (either back via text or email) thanks for reaching out. I have received a number of enquiries, and will be coming back to you in a few days. That gives the seller some time to make a decision and either contact for a conversation or go back with 'sorry, Fluffy is not available because (insert reason here)'. I think silence and non responding is a tad rude, from both sides. One final thought. If breeders of pedigreed (and well bred and raised) pups/dogs want Joe Public to buy them (and not from 'Fred down the road' or a puppy farm), then it is important to understand the thought process and perceptions of Joe Public. I don't mean compromise your values or the way you look out for the best interests of your dog/pup. But being sympathetic to different approaches and questions is helpful

Original poster - I feel for you. Crap situation that you are in, whichever way you look at it. Personally, I would be very hesitant to place your pup with anyone other than a reputable/recognised rescue (or other group with a known and verifiable history of similar) or to the AWL etc. The reason being is that unfortunately you stand a chance that it will end up in either (a) a home that also finds the behaviour a challenge/not acceptable and off loads it again or (b) a numpty who wants an 'aggressive bully breed dog' either for fighting or other harsh reality. Sometimes you will find a wonderful individual who has the experience, time, $$$ and circumstances to take your pup on and (a) find out what the issue is, (b) works to resolve it, (c) be able to resolve it and (d) gives your pup a happy and long life. Unfortunately, the chance is slim of that 'wonderful individual' turning up before it goes pear shaped in your household. If you are able to find an answer quickly (vet etc) then that is great. But realistically, a young dog who is 99% great but sometime has a 'brain fart' and for whatever reason switches to attack/bite mode is a huge red flag, and more often than not the outcome is not good.

Agree that the dog was friendly, but that is really irrelevant to the impact to the family. If you are scared of something then being told to 'stay calm' during a random, unexpected and uncontrolled situation is not going to do much. For anyone who thinks that the child should not have reacted that way, imagine if that was a spider or cockroach which suddenly landed on your face (for example). 99% of people would freak out and squeak/scream, jump, wave their arms around, possibly try to hit ot and/or run like heck. That is how some people react to dogs. The real issue is the media. Never let a bit of truth/fact get in the way of a headline

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-26/sunshine-coast-council-investigates-dog-killing-cat/101570120 I saw this today. Surely unless there are mitigating circumstances (previous history of attacks or disturbances etc , dog lunging and barking at passersby, totally unsuitable fences etc) then the dog owners having nothing to answer to (in my opinion). The cat was in the dogs yard - full stop. Some dogs simply aren't ok with small furry critters. If it is secured and in it's own yard (and managed appropriately when it is not in its yard), then I am not sure what the problem is. Slightly more nuanced (again my thought) that it was in the front yard rather than the back yard, but still in its own yard The victim is the cat. Horrible way to go. Interesting to know what others think.

sending virtual hugs

No words except so sorry, it is a horrible situation. It is wonderful that he is surrounded by love (2 and 4 legged) and he still has good days - but from experience I know that it is both bittersweet and heartbreaking at the same time, so at the moment it is just crushing

Yikes - that footage was both interesting and confronting (interesting as in these types of things are rarely captured on film). My takeouts were: Twat of a dog owner - can't even start to list how stupid, irresponsible and *&*^ he is. Damn good horse. So calm at the beginning and even when the dog got to him and was between his legs he was still so well behaved (not pulling back etc) Horse in the video is different to the one the guy was laying on (bay V chestnut, different markings etc) - I am guessing the story was mixed up somehow Wonderful how many people were actively trying to catch the dog, great community spirit as having a snapping dog and flying hooves can be confronting The dog was seriously determined. There was no 'playing' involved, it was serious in its intent. That is one dog who should never be allowed around stock ever. I fear that even if leashed next time it could be repeated - either the lead will break or it will simply pull away/be too strong (anyone dumb enough to take a dog the dog off leash to start with will either put a cheap and nasty lead/collar on or hold it with 2 fingers

This morning was beautiful at the beach. I missed the focus (damn) but love her joy

@WanaHavanese - I think you have summed it up perfectly - sometimes a purebred is difficult, and in a world that is difficult on many levels, sometimes it is 'a bridge too far'. Don't get me wrong - I applaud breeders have their dogs best interest at heart, but sometimes that comes at a cost. A balance is what is needed. You were darn lucky that your girl is perfect for you. Cross breds (oodles or whatever) are a bit of a lottery for health and temperament. I have seen both the wonderful and the heartbreaking. Congrats to you and your girl - sounds like she is in the perfect home and you have the perfect dog

I don't have any advice specific to your situation - but I am wondering if you have taken your older girl to the vet and if so, what the outcome was. I am thinking that ... (a) diminished senses (sight, hearing smell) can cause a loss of confidence and an increased startle response (it may be all the time, or only in some situations - eg: when you were taking her out to the toilet and the youngster barked, perhaps her hearing is dropping and her sight is worse in low light - so she didn't see/hear the pup when it was asleep (she probably could have done both when she was younger), was a bit worried anyway, and then suddenly heard a dog bark and couldn't work out who it was - so became scared. (b) arthritis/bad teeth/whatever can mean she is sore (either all over or somewhere specific [sore teeth = don't want pup near face as when it came up before it banged her mouth and hurt her]. Think about when you have had a sore neck (or whatever) - the last thing you wanted was someone coming near you. In fact, how often are people in a foul mood 'because they have a headache' etc Animals are very adept at hiding symptoms and compensating. Your old lady may seem fine and happy etc, while at the same time be either in pain, or have very limited sight etc.

I can't help re the amount to use (I used it so long ago on dogs I can't really remember - I *think* it was about a couple of teaspoons for a 30(ish)kg dog - but that is really a tiny voice quietly saying 'maybe' in the back of my brain ) But I can confirm that the result is to darken and 'strengthen/deepen' the colour of coats. I have used it on both dogs and horses. Not much change to coat colour for the dogs (but they were dark/solid colours anyway - I used it for pigmentation on eye lids etc). It certainly made the horses coat darker/more depth/more vibrant - they were chestnuts and buckskins. Could not use it on palominos as it made them smutty. No idea what it would do on the coat color of a creme whippet (it does reverse if you stop using it, but not quickly)

A friend of mine had been 'sort of thinking' about a dog for a while, and then saw a young dog that they absolutely fell in love with and had a good chat with the owners. Responsible people so did all the homework and talked it through - and decided yes, it was time and that is what they wanted. It was a purebred and they rang a couple of breeders and ended up speaking to the breeder of the dog they fell in love with. Timing was perfect and the breeder had another litter due in a few months and they they now have a perfect pet. Change it to 'fell in love with oodle/crossbred' and don't know what the outcome would have been. So yes - word of mouth and good quality product are the two golden rules of marketing. Availability V exclusivity is always interesting. Exclusivity is only a positive if the advertising and 'desire' is done right, just having no product does not equate to exclusivity. If the 'competition' (aka oodles, crossbreds etc) is doing the advertising, has availability and meets the 'cute' requirement, baffles with bullshit (hybrid vigour etc), then is it any surprise that their popularity continues to arise. (I have deliberately stayed away from the health and general WTF are some breeds being turned in to when looking at some show stock. Bad breeding occurs across the board (pure and cross) - but it certainly doesn't help that some breeds are riddled with health issues [gives the oodle/crossbred advocates free goals]) Disclaimer - I don't consider a dog the same as a car/fridge/whatever - the reference to 'product' relates to human nature

Agree - Joe Public often doesn't worry or care about specific breeds. Some do, but others don't. And to a degree I understand that. I have only had one crossbred in my life, and he was pretty much a perfect dog. BUT, I know I was bloody luck in the nature side of things, and had the experience to make the nurture side of it work. For a lot of people, (a) waiting 12 months for a dog (b) developing a relationship with a breeder and (c) navigating the questions/unanswered questions/showiness (with its real or perceived 'elitism') is not what they want. They have lost their dog, or decided that now is the time to get a dog - and that is what they want. I know that my next dog will be a sheltie. Decision made re breed and gender (female - I just prefer them) and I have no preference re colour or puppy/adult. The decision will come down to temperament and availability. I am firm with what I want, but completely understand others who are not set on a breed will look at a crossbred as much as purebred - often the criteria comes down to maintenance, family friendliness, looks and availability. I honestly don't understand why the purebred world have moved to a thought process of 'should only breed when they want a pup'. In my opinion, responsibly bred, well raised pups who are representative of the breed (type, temperament etc) - who are bred for the 'pet market' are a credit to their breed and the breeder. They should be accepted not chastised. Disclaimer - at this point I am talking about pet/family friendly breeds and lines. Additional disclaimer - I am not endorsing unethical breeding practices.

Thank you for the update

not sure what 'sound' you are looking for, but a couple of words in Hungarian Huseges (means 'faithful' or 'loyal') Mutato (means 'pointer') Piros (means 'red') Jokepu (means 'handsome')

great article, thanks for sharing

** I just read this on FB - it said 'copied from an unknown source' so I can't quote the author unfortunately ** "COPIED from an unknown source." The other day I was at the local public park (not a dog park, but dogs are allowed there). We were walking along in a high movement area so I had my dog a leash. Another dog, off leash, sees us and starts approaching. My dog needs her space so we start moving away, but the dog got to us before we could leave. My dog was stressing a little so I politely said to the woman, sorry my dog doesn't want to play and ushered her dog away. Her dog gets the message and moves on. Quite good, right? Here comes the juicy part: As I'm leaving the owner comes to me with a speech more or less like this: Hey, if your dog is nervous and doesn't even want to play with other dogs, go somewhere else! Don't come to the park and ruin other dogs fun. I heard this and a wave of fury started taking over, but suddenly I think I had a lightbulb moment and switched gears completely. With the biggest, friendliest smile, I opened my arms as wide as I could and said Ohhhhh! Come here... I want to give you a BIG hug! With panic in her eyes she backs up, speechless and quickly starts walking away. I said "Hey, don't run, I'm so friendly, come on, I only want to give you a hug! I'm friendly I promise... I just want to Hug You!" Still speechless and backing away with terror now, I said "Wait, You don't want my friendly hug?" She yelled No! I said "Well neither does my dog! Have a nice day.!!!" As I walked away, I saw her just standing there, speechless and she was leashing her dog! I think I'll try this approach more often

Thought I would give an update on my boy (mainly because I hate following a thread and wondering how the pooch is later) I took him back to the vet for his check up last night, and she was very happy with how the eye is healing. He is quite perky in himself as well (thank goodness), so just a case of keeping up the ointment and anti-inflams/ABs for another few days, then fingers crossed it will be another drama he has gotten over.

thanks - yep, was definitely straight to vet She did an eye stain and it showed an ulcer. So eye ointment and anti inflams/painkillers for now. Check up next week to monitor (it should be starting to heal by then). If it looks worse in the interim it will be straight to the eye specialist to check eye pressure etc. (Dr Google sucks - spent time last night reading about glaucoma - why do the horror stories always appear first )

Hi all. My older (15yo) dog has a cloudy/inflamed/weepy eye, and I would appreciate some information from those with senior dogs. He has always had the 'little dog' moist eyes, but it has really blown up in the last 48 hours Some extra info: - he can't have an anaesthetic (he had a bad reaction to the premed last year when he was going to have his teeth cleaned - and vets recommendation at the time was no more anaesthetics for him as he would not make it) - he is on heart medication twice daily - his hearing and eye sight have deteriorated over the last couple of years. He still has some of both, but certainly less than when he was a young dog - over the past 12-18 months he has started having seizures. Totally random (can be twice in a week, then nothing for a month or so) - no triggers identified. Vet advice is not enough for medication - full blood tests done 3 months ago with no major call outs - overall he is healthy (even though it doesn't sound like it) - he is definitely slower and an elderly man who sleeps a lot more etc etc - but given everything he is 'well' (hope that makes sense) I am taking him to the vet tonight, but would love peoples thoughts as I have never had an animal with cataracts etc and would peoples opinions on whether he may be in pain/discomfort etc. He is a tough little bugger (the type who will scream the place down if I pick up nail clippers, but would get absolutely smashed in a dog game of chasey and not acknowledge it) - so if he is in pain he wouldn't tell me :-( thanks all

I am certainly no super slueth, so highly recommend ringing the NSW governing body, but I did find this information which backs up that the information is correct (but not that the advert is legitimate. Not saying it isn't - but I have seen some incredibly sophisticated scams, so I independently check information as a rule) https://www.myras.com.au/res/Results/ResultsSearch2.aspx?SY=2021&SN=35&EN=All Exhibitors&TN=All Towns&BR=KARELIAN BEAR DOG&PC1=&PC2=&CL1=&CL2=&EI=1&OR=1&CT=ALL&Type=9 (the website linked to the advert included that they won BOB at Sydney Royal

Agree with what Selkie has said above - unfortunately the question you are asking is not answerable as too broad. A bit like saying 'what is a fair price for a car' or 'what is a fair price for a house'? Without knowing the answer to all the clarifying questions it is not possible to give an answer. For a car - which make, which model, new or used, etc. For a house - where, how big, what condition etc. For a dog - what breed, where from, what health/temperament etc. There are as many variables for all of them. I would start by (a) doing health homework Finding out what health issues the breed is susceptible to Find out the impacts and prevalence of those health issues Find out what can be tested for, how accurate the testing is, when it should be done (aka age), should it be done generationally (or just on the individual) (b) asking several breeders of the breed (or breeds) you are interested in what is the cost of their pups what health checks do they do, and what are the results how do they raise their pups performance/temperament etc relevant to what you want to do what support do they provide (you may or may not want/need it - but it is a consideration both of price, and sometimes of quality) Then - weight that all up and work out what your not negotiables are, and what is the 'norm' for a pup that fits that criteria Some people charge way over the odds, but sometimes top $$ is understandable and definitely the way to go. Without knowing all of the above, then I cant think of a way to answer that.

That photo of the man with the gun, the cat and the fish is the most poignant photo I have seen - heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. I saw a quote yesterday - 'war is worse than hell. Only bad people go to hell, but war kills and hurts the innocent' (both human and animal)

I have never understood being abusive to a vet. The most I have ever done was become 'firm' when my female cats desexing incision opened up the day after the surgery. When I took her back they started with the 'you must not have kept her cone on and she has licked/chewed it' - nope, didn't happen and I have seen enough wounds to know that was not the reason. After they realised that I would not accept that explanation, they started saying 'don't worry, once her hair grows back you won't notice it'. I wasn't worried about that, I wanted to know what happened. Eventually they admitted they left one of their trainie vet nurses to close and she didn't do it correctly But I was not rude, just persistent. (and yes - I found another wonderful place). I was seriously peeved that (a) they didn't supervise/check the work of a trainie and then (b) went straight in to excuse mode I didn't realise how unrealistic/unacceptable people were until last year when I took my other cat in for a dental. Post op issue where infection got in to the eye - no ones fault, one of those extremely rare risks - but it did result in me now having a one eyed cat (he is fine in every way). The vet was fantastic - zero complaints from me. What surprised me was the way that everyone in the practice thanked me for being understanding. Apparently when things go wrong most people crack it. Seriously, stuff happens - as long as people aren't negligent, have the best interests of my pet at heart and are caring and skilled - what reasonable person would lose it ???????