Jed

Don't hang the washing on the line unless you are home to observe and stop them. Buy a bottle of tabasco, mix with water, and soak an old article and leave it on the line when you are out - or home if they do it when you are home. The tabasco will cause them some grief, and they will stop. Not nice, but neither is eating your clothes, and it is difficult to stop

Great dogs, fantastic temperaments, medium grooming, great with kids ... .but not "medium " size - they are a big heavy dog. Not hugely tall, but heavy. They are the largest of the spaniels, and were developed to shoulder their way through heavy brush. They are active - and they do drool. I love them. If you are keen don't be swayed, phone up a couple of local breeders and go and meet some of theirr dogs. Two of my friends breed them, and they are lovely dogs. I remember sitting at a show with the Clumber (wearing his bib, so he wouldn't drool on his clean coat) being incredibly winning with little kids who wanted to pat the doggy. They have beautiful, endearing personalites. I'm sorry I didnt' discover them years ago! Despite being big, they are very gentle and kind. Nekhbet, wondering why you recommended a Dogue? Totally different outlook and personality from Clumbers. Or am I missing something?

I presume you are talking about mandatory testing of the parents? Most breeders have the pups checked at vaccination. Unfortunately, dogs with no patella problems can throw problems. I don't have a problem with testing - I do it anyhow. Medial luxation is usually from hereditary causes - lateral from acquired.

Yep Used the all time favourite name as the stable name for the hack .... coz I wasn't having any kids! You know what happened then. Most of my dogs have human type names, maybe not ones I'd call the kids - Gladys and Edith etc - and some that maybe I would.

Someone with a life out of control. Have to wonder why she wasn't banned from owning dogs ever again.

Is he having his sleeping pills ??

Accreditation can be given....& taken away. The grounds on which it can be revoked need to be written into any accreditation program. Then, whomsoever monitors the system can, quite legally, strip an individual of that privilege. 'Struck off' the accredited members register. i would like to report this breeder, how do i do this? Processes around questioning/losing accreditation, need to be written into any such system, equally with the processes for gaining accreditation. so does this mean there is nothing i can do at this time? If they are breaching state canine control's regulations, you write a letter of complaint to their state CC together with any advertisements, web links or anything which supports your complaint.

Mita You know, most of the things " accredited breeders" undertake are already asked for in Dogsqld COE and have been undertaken by 90% of registered breeders in Q for years. And some of the people who would be prepared to mentor would probably know less than those they are mentoring ..... I've been lucky enough to have had top breeders as mentors, and I've been told absolute codswallop by some who have been breeding for years. And I don't think I know enough to mentor someone, so why would I agree to that? If you see your hobby as an industry, or a money making exercise, maybe you are inclined to want to be accredited, so you can charge more, or so your hordes of buyers will think you are flash. I don't see much point. And I wont stand beside someone whose ethics (or lack thereof ) make me want to spit. I must be in the CCCQ to register pups, and if people there make me spit, I can't help it, and at least I can stand away from them. However, there is more benefit at present from breeding non registered pups than registered. The majority of pups are bred by people who are not registered with anyone anyhow

Points of interest are already bought the dog registered dog blue is not a disallowed colour blue can be shown and titled If it was in my family, I'd say "great pup, congratulations" and let it go. You are not going to change anything by flogging the breeder or the fiance. You will put yourself off side with him (and probably your sister too) for something you cannot change. If you bash him and he agrees, what will he do with the pup? Get rid of it? Euthanase it? Or - the worst - not be as proud of it as he was, and not like it as much. You'll spoil his pleasure. And dogs are about pleasure - not criticism. Be happy for him, he bought what he wanted, he is happy, the breeder was registered. He might have problems, and then you can help. Family relationships are more important than the colour of a dog, and the education needed to happen pre purchase. And it probably was an accredited breeder

I wouldn't discount the resident spirit either!! Sleeping pills. Wasn't Zedley an adult dog when you got him? Am wondering if there is something in his past .......... And also thinking of night blindness - but he would be like that pre-bedtime. Other things are illness, a tumour of some sort ....................... Dunno. There is something wrong with him. Neurological? Digestive? Something, no dog does that because he wants to. Why would you do that? Something hurting? Something in your brain telling you to do it. I would give him something soothing prebedtime - if he was mine, it would be warm milk and manooka honey. I would also do a kind of Alexander technique thing to his head - two fingers, make circles on the top of his skull working down to his eyebrows and his cheeks. I am sure you could find out how to do it properly .... I used to do it to the horses, it really calmed them, and I used to do it to the rescue dogs who had anxiety issues. Costs nothing, probably wont work!! Give it a go. Animal communicator? Isn't that Amanda DeWarren (???)one - there is one which answers (or did answer) enquiries in a womens magazine? That's Life?? I am not sure that I altogether believe - but the people she does readings for seem to, unless they are all plants?? Here is a link http://www.amandadewarren.com.au/

I don't mean to be insensitive to you but she is not your dog and her owner may be looking for her. Bullterr(ific) posted earlier in this thread that he has advised the RSPCA and the Ranger, and both have advised him to hold the dog. As they are aware of what and where the dog is, they can pass on Bullterr(ific)s details to anyone who enquires, so the dog is out of the pound, but the correct authorities are aware there is a lost dog.

Wags Perhaps the "problem" of those breeders is that they have had a very good look at the ABS, and decided it was not for them. As I did. And whilst you are braying about those who oppose your views re the scheme as being dodgy and not wanting random inspections, I would remind you that I am the poor sod who had the random unexpected RSPCA inspection at 5am, and got a couple of gold stars from them. I told you earlier why I would not join. Attacking everyone who doesn't agree with you and calling them "dodgy" is the usual method of repudiation of those who have no valid arguments. If you are a typical example of an accredited breeder, and you believe what you have written here, you are simply reinforcing my opinion, and thanks for that. And breeding dogs has NEVER been an industry. I have no idea why you would think it is, maybe you have mistaken it for tin can manufacturing, which is indeed an industry? I have never heard anyone in any country - except you - either member or committee - refer to the fancy as an industry. That in my opinion, is nearly as bad as "companion animal" although the connotations are much worse. OI, SANDRA - hope your dogs are ok - thinking of them. Good luck

Val Bonney. She is at the Gap. Best in Brisbane, can really read dogs, and knows how to train.

I wouldnt take that much notice of what breeders who havent joined have to say. Ask the ones who have and also understand that they will be promoting this to puppy buyers and regardless of what the breeders who dont or cant join have to say that may just make the difference. If you are concerned about what other breeders might think of you if you do - forget that they will find numerous other things whether you're in or out. Its nice to know the difference between me being ethical and unethical is simply $22. :rolleyes: What a crock!!!!!! Yes Jed - I agree that you can't make people change their ethics unless they choose to, however, there is nothing wrong in creating a system which highlights those with ethics in order to give the general public a measure. The focus on the (incorrect) fee as a means to accreditation means that the person doing so hasn't fully taken on board the requirements of accreditation, but hey, if they choose not to do so, it is their bag. The application is not the entire scheme - it is merely entry into it. If the breeders of long standing who believe they're the ants pants are too high and mighty for screening, then perhaps they're a little afraid they might be nudged off their pedestals, instead of seeing it as confirmation of what they're claiming. I can only repeat my previous quote. Wags. please don't put words into my mouth. I did not say, nor do I think that "breeders of long standing" (including me) believe they are the ants pants, and are afraid of being nudged off their pedestals etc ...... you said that, not me. I didn't even think it. I do not see any point in being part of a scheme with someone who, according to the CCCQ is better than others, despite telling lies when purchasing dogs, selling a pup with a broken leg, selling pups full of hookworm, and refusing to refund the full purchase amount and auctioning pups on popular sites --- oh I could go on. Registered pups are so difficult to acces (except in some popular breeds) that most of the public would happily buy from Bluebeard, if the pup looked ok, and will never ask, or care whether the breeder is a member of an Accredited Scheme or not. The system almost works in UK, although a lot of very good breeders wont join, but it is less likely to work here because of differences in UKKC and Dogsqld. And whilst the CCCQ may think it is a great idea to snuggle up with RSPCA instead of standing up for what their members want, they will find themselves standing alone as breeders walk away from their prefixes. And I agree with Mysticview and Oakway. DO you work for Dogsqld?

:rolleyes: I dont think the idea of it is to make people ethical - I think its designed to enable them to make a statement that they are ethical according to what is required in that program. Anyone can make a statement, it is doing it which seems to be a problem for some. If the CCCQ is only looking for people to make a statement, it is, imho a very hollow program, and probably not worthy of the better breeders. Vets give references to pet shops too.

Mrs RB Good, I am pleased you didn't think I was having a shot at you - I wanted to discuss all this, but there is so much in all this I have never ridden a horse in a proper horse race, but I have ridden a lot of track work, and heard a lot of jockeys talking, plus known a lot of racehorses. I haven't done any scientific studies, but some horses do go faster with a bit of whip, some don't. And I know this from riding on the track. You are asked to increase the pace over the last 100 and have a horse beside you - some horses wouldn't quicken without a crack, even if the other horse was ahead, some simply needed enouragement. And if the ones at the races which don't quicken after a whack, it means the other horses are going more slowly? Bit strange. You can feel a galloping horse extend or go faster, when you are riding it and if you are "going with the horse". Remember too that the stewards are watching, and jockeys can be punished for not trying by not encouraging the horse. Some have a lot of trouble convincing stewards that their particular horse will not go faster with the whip - particularly when he is beaten by a short half head. It depends on the length of the race whether the jockey asks for an increase in speed at 400m or not. Sometimes it is right, sometimes no Other studies show Paul is not right. Choker chains - again, the dog needs training - and then he will be obedience. Training any animal involves ask, allow and reward. I don't llike the look of prong collars much, but people I trust say they are ok - same with electric collars. Success is in the hands of the trainer with any of those things. I use a choker on young dogs, once they will walk along on a collar. I say a negative or a positive word to them with the choker - and they soon learn that "nuh" and a little ripple through the choker means they are too far in front, and the same if they are too far ahead. Works with all dogs .... ask, allow, reward

Yasi doesn't sound very good. Stay safe, bigdogg, supercharged, crisovar, and anyone else in that general area. Hope it turns into a depression, but even that isn't good. Thinking of you all, and if any of you need a hand, post on the general forum, and we will help if possible.

Erny Hi Erny, I am responding to your comments re CCCQ and the accredited breeders' scheme. I wont join because I see there are some puppy farmers in there - there is nothing to stop them joining....they have to say they WILL do some things, not that they DO them now. And it seems to give them instant credibility. There is very little "tighter" about it, and if you are indeed an ethical breeder, as I like to think I am, and as the RSPCA indeed says I am (*laughs*) you don't want to be a member of something with Dodgy Bros and Shonkypaws as fellow members. There is no "tightening up"; breeders are promising to do something. No accreditation scheme or anything else will make people ethical. Nothing. They are ethical because of who they are.

Mrs Rusty Bucket To have a horse respond to an aid, he must first understand what the aid means. If you taught him that pulling his mane to the left was the signal for him to walk on, he would do it. There is no point in kicking. He will understand a closing of the legs, and sitting down in the saddle, but he first must understand what it means. And that is the rider's job when training. And a good horse will know it from when he is first ridden - his first trainer will ensure he is obedient to the aids. The whip is used as a reinforcement aid. The horse should not be flogged with the whip. The aim with riding and race horses is different. A race horse may not give of his best without the judicious application of the whip. I used to ride one in trackwork - he constantly lugged to the right - but if you held the whip in the right hand where he could see it, he didn't do it. Training would have helped, but it wasn't going to happen if he had no speed. And a couple of good whacks with the flat and noisy flap of a racing whip does seem to get some horses minds on their job - some horses will not willingly give of their best. I haven't noticed any racehorses suffering from a couple of whacks. The spur should also be an aid of finesse - the touch of the spur is lighter than the heel kicking, and if the rider is in the correct position, the aid will go directly to a nerve, and the message will reach the brain more quickly and the horse will respond more quickly. I think Paul has simplified this too much. Loss of line, loss of impulsion, rider in the wrong position, rider hanging onto the reins, not being the correct distance from the jump will all hinder the horse so he refuses a jump. Some horses like jumping, some don't. Trying to compete with a horse with no abillity or no will is a waste of time. It's also wise to remember - before everything else - that horses can kill you. Racehorses, being young and full of feed, can kill you more quickly than others. And you can lead a horse into a trailer with a carrot - as long as he wants to. When he doesn't want to, he digs his toes in. What you need to do is train him - and you may use a carrot as a reward, or you may not. Once he knows he is to go into the trailer, and that there is probably a reward, he will go in, 100% every single time. Monty Roberts and join up - the horse is happy to follow, and if you handle a horse and ensure he is happy to follow, he will walk into a trailer, or a stable, or a kitchen, without any dramas, Training and trust. Unfortunately, strappers of racehorses do not always know this, or the horse has become difficult before they acquired it. I happen to think that a beginners' horse should be well trained. I have no respect for someone who thinks a beginners' horse is some sort of disobedient oaf to be pulled and kicked.

I've been a Dogsqld for longer than I care to think about. I refused to join because the people who have joined include dodgy breeders and puppy farms. I don't want to be associated with people like that, thanks. Once Dogsqld find out how to differentiate the ethical breeders from the others, I might join. But there is no way to do that, and a scheme where you pay your money, make promises for the future and don't have to do much, but are somehow supposed to be perceived as better than others doesn't do much for me JMHO. Maybe others in your breed feel the same way. And please don't think I am suggesting you are dodgy. I am not, but the dodgy ones fell over each other to become "accredited". Edited to add - the regulations for this are the regulations which ALL breeders should have been following since they began breeding.

I didn't say this before, because I guessed the dog was titled, and this was not his first stud duty - but, it is always a good idea to either title or show a dog a fair bit, before he is used on bitches. Most owners know how their own dogs will be, but for novice owners, be aware it sends some dogs quite ratty, and they are so busy thinking of sex in the ring, they don't get their act together.

Certainly will be an heirloom --- that is amazing, it's incredible how much work went into making it. I am speechless!! (just this once )

My recommendation is to throw your skirt over your head, and run around in circles, screaming. Seriously - if he is a fit healthy boy, he wont mind a girl every afternoon for a while - and if the worst comes to the worst, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. He will cope. Dunno whether you will ......

I'll make sure I have a house and a bed by the end of March so I can have it. Truly lovely, thank you all so much.

Wow, the quilt is gorgeous, thanks to each and everyone of you - and to Rainy. I really appreciate that, so good of you all, and particularly those who assembled and quilted. Hope it does well in the comp Hmmm, have to get a house and a bed so it can come to me.