Salukifan

Do you really need grain free or just a gluten free food?

Interesting comment that i have wondered about also.... The food is not gluten free, nor is it advertised as such. Not sure why BH would need to look into it. I'd not feed it to an allergy prone dog though. It also contains flaxseed and that's another common allergen. It's a dog food that's cheaper than any of the imported super premiums and with at least one ingredient (emu oil) that as far as I can establish has no proven nutritional value. My personal belief is that you get what you pay for to a fair degree. If people expected it to be a miracle product then there were bound to be disappointments. For those whose dogs it suits, its affordable. My dogs didn't like it so the decision was made for me. Personally I think a lot of the attitude towards Black Hawk stemmed from its promoters slamming other foods in the early days. There's room in the dog food market for more than one good dog food. :)

Take the Pointer out of the crate and put the Shih Tzu in it. They can alternate between being contained or outside.

This may have been submissive wetting. It's not uncommon in pups and most grow out of it. It may also break your heart. Not every import experience is a positive one and at least a couple of imports have turned out to be sterile. Also not uncommon for a pup to be promised and the promise retracted when it shows real potential. Proceed with caution and don't make the mistake of thinking that the standard of ethics of overseas breeders varies any less than it does here.

Please cross post widely: 12 January Show Cancellation Dogs ACT wishes to advise that as of 10.00 am this morning Friday 11 January, the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a very hot day for Saturday 12 January and a top temperature of 37 degrees. The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA)has declared a TOTAL FIRE BAN in the ACT from midnight tonight 11 January until midnight tomorrow night 12 January with a forecast SEVERE fire danger rating. Therefore, in accordance with the Dogs ACT heat policy (which can be read at http://www.dogsact.org.au/RulesNRegs/Part_15_InclementWeatherPolicies.pdf ) the two ACT shows scheduled for tomorrow 12 January have been CANCELLED. Evacuation Arrangements at EPIC Dogs ACT notes the advice from the ACT ESA that there number of fires still burning at locations in the surrounding region of NSW including near Yass, Bungendore and Cooma. EPIC has advised that they are expecting an update from ESA this afternoon with regard to possible reactivation of EPIC as an evacuation site during the SEVERE fire danger period this weekend. Any updates received will be cross posted widely. Should any residents of those regions wish to evacuate to EPIC, they should monitor the ESA and EPIC websites for points of contact for use of the grounds. Regardless of EPIC's evacuation site status, EPIC is happy for Dogs ACT and Dogs NSW members to use the Dogs ACT area but you will need to register with them (usually at the stables) for insurance purposes. Should an emergency situation be declared with significant numbers of evacuees at EPIC, EPIC has advised that they would appreciate the loan of crates and pens for dog containment. Their experience is that majority of evacuees will not have crates. Dogs ACT may ask members who could make any crates or pens available for short term loan to transport them to EPIC for use. Any calls for assistance will be made via social media. Wendy Downing President, Dogs ACT

I agree with those who suggest some immersion in the breed via specialties, both here and O/S and also I'd suggest breed lists, discussion forums, Facebook etc. It will take you a while to get your eye in, determine what type you prefer and figure out who's breeding it and where. You may find some of the top O/S bloodlines are already here. You might actually decide that you like what's bred here best! In some breeds, Australian dogs can hold their own anywhere. Australian breeder sometimes do some very interesting combining of O/S bloodlines too. I think importing is a worthy goal though and good on you for having a dream. You will need to get runs on the board to get a top pup from O/S though and there's many a slip between finding and having the dog here with you.

Oops double post

Can you post a pic? A lot of dogs find a Boxer's normal facial expression confrontational. Option B us that she's not very good at canine social etiquette. What do Boxers make of her?

Ring Plan will be posted on Dogs ACT website shortly.

Friday's catalogue has been uploaded to the website here

We will update immediately after 10.00 am tomorrow. :)

Cross posted: Dogs ACT wishes to advise that, as the BOM forecast for Friday 11 January 2013 is 36 degrees, tomorrow afternoon's show will proceed as scheduled. Exhibitors should be aware that following conditions are mandatory for all shows in the ACT where the temperature exceeds 30 degrees: 1. Dogs must not be left in cars; 2. Conditions for dogs in trailers must be monitored regularly; 3. Water and shade must be provided for all exhibits at all times when not in the show ring. That means water in every crate at all times folks. At this stage conditions are not favourable for the conduct of shows scheduled for Saturday 12 January 2013. An announcement about the future of those shows will be made, in accordance with the Dogs ACT heat policy (which can be read at http://www.dogsact.org.au/RulesNRegs/Part_15_InclementWeatherPolicies.pdf )after 10.00 am on Friday 11 January 2013.

Stop looking back at her? If you are rolling your shoulders to look at her, it's the best recipe for lagging that I know. The fact that she increases speed outside the ring suggests your handling changes. You may need to relax and let it happen!

That's a pretty good reason then.

You have to build immunity before titre testing. That means puppy vaccs are required.

Why can't you drive the dog off the property? You wouldn't have to go far.

Talk to the pup's breeder and ask what their regime is. Then talk to vet. How many puppy vaccs depends on what was used. There are a couple of different regimes.

What's the point in recording a decision as "challenged" if the decision won't change? Nice way to take the shine off someone else's win because the judge weighs the pros and cons of dogs differently to you though. Sounds like a panacea for the loser to me. It's a lot of rigmarole and a pain in the arse for nearly everyone to allow someone to say "I object"!

If it doesn't affect function, how can it be a "major fault"???

Because it holds up every other exhibitor while you give the judge the "benefit" of your wisdom on the breed standard. It's not a debate, its a decision that, regardless of what YOU think of it should be accepted. There is a time and a place for asking judges why they did what they did and that time is after the judge has finished judging for the day. It's called consideration for your fellow exhibitors. So is not cheapening their win because you can't lose gracefuly. Most of the "questioning" of opinions I've seen seems to come from people who are disagreeing with what the judge did. Build a bridge I say. The show ring is neither the time nor the place for judge education. If you're that cheesed off about it, put it in writing. Otherwise have the good grace to congratulate the person who won or shut the hell up. If you dont' like what a judge puts up, don't enter under them again. It's not that hard really. Kennel blindness is alive and well with some folk. If a whole heap of judges put a dog over yours and you can't figure out why, the best place to start on the "why" of the issue rests with your dog. None of them are perfect. Seems to me those so keen to find fault in others' dogs should conduct the same rigorous evaluation of their own once in a while. If a judge is prepared to put a dog with "an obvious major fault" over yours, it might still be the better dog ya know. :) It might also be your handling. For some exhibitors the "real challenge" is demonstrating grace in defeat. If you don't comprehend the topic you shouldn't really reply. I comprehend your beef. You dont' like it that a dog you think is not as good as yours keeps winning and the judges wont' see it your way. It's not rocket science. You want reasons for why judges do what they do? Show at specialities. Cheap shots at the literacy and intellect of those who don't agree with you - is that the best you can do? Seems to me you won't be here for long if that's how you deal with disagreement.

Did you read my post fixer - you've ignored it so far. The simple answer to your question is because it's simply not feasible to have every decision by the judge "questioned" at the time by someone who doesn't agree with it! It's poor sportsmanship and shows would go for DAYS. That's the reality. End of story. The fact that you can't find merit in a particular dog doesn't preclude a judge from doing it. If you're such a gun on breed standards, become a judge yourself!

Because it holds up every other exhibitor while you give the judge the "benefit" of your wisdom on the breed standard. It's not a debate, its a decision that, regardless of what YOU think of it should be accepted. There is a time and a place for asking judges why they did what they did and that time is after the judge has finished judging for the day. It's called consideration for your fellow exhibitors. So is not cheapening their win because you can't lose gracefuly. Most of the "questioning" of opinions I've seen seems to come from people who are disagreeing with what the judge did. Build a bridge I say. The show ring is neither the time nor the place for judge education. If you're that cheesed off about it, put it in writing. Otherwise have the good grace to congratulate the person who won or shut the hell up. If you dont' like what a judge puts up, don't enter under them again. It's not that hard really. Kennel blindness is alive and well with some folk. If a whole heap of judges put a dog over yours and you can't figure out why, the best place to start on the "why" of the issue rests with your dog. None of them are perfect. Seems to me those so keen to find fault in others' dogs should conduct the same rigorous evaluation of their own once in a while. If a judge is prepared to put a dog with "an obvious major fault" over yours, it might still be the better dog ya know. :) It might also be your handling. For some exhibitors the "real challenge" is demonstrating grace in defeat.

No, see a solicitor and keep your powder dry. Someone should have been sacked already!!

f***ing unbelievable and a complete breach of any kind of standard of care by a groomer. Report her to RSPCA, PIAA if a member and see a solicitor. Heads should roll.

Ask to see the width of the benches they use.... definately not wide enough for a golden retriever to be left up there while they went to lunch.... complete negligence