SLF

This is true Janbar, but I do know there are some kelpie breeders registered with both associations, even if I am not. There are not many of them, and one day I hope to add myself to that list.

oakway- then perhaps of passing judgement and not being helpful you should improve your knowledge of pure-bred breeders in this country. WKC animals can also be registered with the ANKC. quote "Possibly because I didn't have the faintest idea what a WKC was. Sorry, but I live in a world of Pure Bred Registered ANKC Dogs." \

Thankyou to those with kind advise. :)

Sorry, but I came on here to get advice from experienced people who have been doing this longer than I. I thought that the idea of the forum was to support and communicate with others. I live in a rural area and have only one other registered breeder within 100kms of me. I am registered with the WKC, I am actively involved in my local dog ob. club. I have years working as a vet nurse.I have also worked with the RSPCA. I chose this bitch bc of her workability traits, her temperament and her breeding. I chose the male for the same reasons. I hope to breed a dog that 'betters' the breed of kelpies. So I understand the responsiblity of being a 'responsible breeder'. Hence the reason I am asking for advice, if I didnt care and was a BYB why would I ask. I stated I was new to this, do you remember what it was like when you started? It makes me cross when you post "Oh heavens I can't help myself. I am more interested in why you are breeding this bitch, is it for all the right reasons, that is, for the betterment of the breed or do just want to breed a litter. "

ok, Tralee- I live 400kms from Monash, and my vet who has many years experience in AI etc consults closely with the Vets at Monash. I have been getting their advice from our pre-breeding health check and will continue to do so . You are right, years working in a vet clinic has not prepared me very well for this, I have alot to learn. Oakway- I mean that we would try to mate naturally, then later take a fresh sample and do AI on the spot. But I am gathering that this is probably not much better than a 'mating' and if I were to bother perhaps an intra-uterine AI would be better. But if I get a good mating or two then why bother interferring at all and just let nature take its course...right? in effect dont try too hard, just let dogs do what dogs do

Thanks for the advice so far. Both the dog and bitch are experienced. If I have the PG testing done and they mate successfully then perhaps we do not need to go to AI, save everyone time and money. However if they dont mate well, no tie, perhaps do an AI ?

Rebanne, would you not do this? would this not give a greater chance of conception? I would rather a natural mating and the male is only an hours drive away, but I want to maximise the rate of conception and thought that putting it very simply 'the more sperm in there the better'. Im happy to be corrected if you all think differently....TIA

Hi, Im fairly new to the 'breeding world' and would like to hear your advice. I have a background in vet nursing so understand most of whats involved but would love to hear some real life advice... I am hoping to do a natural mating with my female and follow it up with an AI from the same male. My female is just showing signs of comming into proestrus and I will having her swabbed and progesterone tested. This will be her last chance of a litter as she is getting on a bit in years and want to make sure I do everything right to maximise our chances of getting a litter. What tips and/or advice would you give, what do you wish someone told you?

ok, sorry for being unaware, but what is a temp tester? I am in West Vic.

you could contact the wkc (Working Kelpie Council) there are many training days and schools for 'working' dogs, they dont have to be kelpie. They might be able to point you in the right direction.....?....

yes I realise I can do that, thanks :) But I was wondering if 'other breeders' had something they could use as I had not heard of other reputable methods.

Hi, Im just wondering if there is a way to check female PG levels at home? Ive seen kits that Vets can buy, and being a vet nurse I am wondering if there is a way to do it at home. If so, have you tried it and how accurate is it? TIA

Just wondering what your experiences are in using Cabergoline tablets in bitches? we have been given advice from Fert. Spec. to try this, and wondered what real life testimonials you had. TIA FYI- Im using it on a perfectly healthy kelpie who has had previous litters no problems. However after her last litter she starts to come onto heat but her hormone level drops off just before begining estrus. She cycles 6mths to the day and has done all her life. (I posted in general, but have since been given acess to here and thought I'd get more traffic)

thanks Kerry, that sounds promising. She is healthy and had litters before. Though for some reason after this last litter she is a bit out of whack.

thanks I will pm him again

Just wondering what your experiences are in using Cabergoline tablets in bitches? we have been given advice from Fert. Spec. to try this, and wondered what real life testimonials you had. TIA *n.b* we are registered working kelpie breeders, with a proven bitch who has had pups, but since last litter wont come in estrus properly which led us to the fert spec.

TBH I dont know the answer, but as a vet nurse my advice would be a) talk to your Vet b) talk to the Norbivac company, there should be a phone number you can ring on the packaging and c) if your buyer wants 3 vacc, negotiate a price for extra vet treatment &/or boarding of the pup untill 16wks. In my current area, parvo is everywhere. So as a buyer I would try to negotiate with my seller and have the full series of vacc, but that is personal choice only.

This is an interesting topic. I have WKC kelpies, that work stock. One of which I use to do obedience and basic agility (not at competition level yet). I can understand the opinion that WKC kelpies are more 'instinct' focused, and ANKC are less so. However I dont think you can entirely breed out instinct. My own dog, who is still only young at just 12mths, has more instinct than she knows what to do with. I find that working her off farm helps keep her sound in mind. Hence the move towards agility aswell.