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Malakita, I foster adult dogs. Even the ones who have never seen anything but kibble in their life, catch on pretty quick. :) Not just for jaw strength, feeding bones gives the dog a nice front end, too, and I believe that the bowing and stretching involved in eating a bone also aids in digestion (just a layman's theory, though).

Another at what some people will let their kids do!

I think there are many small and inexpensive changes that salons could use to improve safety for the clients. Set a timer. Do constant rounds of the salon. Don't leave dogs tethered to the table unsupervised. As owners, we can do our bit to make sure that salons do this.

He's certainly got GSD ears! Would he have some border collie or kelpie in him, you reckon? He looks like a sweetie. Best wishes to you both for a happy ever after!

Christina, that is a possibility! lol.

The Entrance, on the NSW Central Coast, seems to be a good place to take your pooch for a late breakfast on a Saturday. :)

I think a taxidermist might be responsible for this dog's expression. Its eyes look too glassy.

Thanks, everyone. Kinda suspected this, too! lol :)

Hi everyone, could you riddle me this? We recently camped at Toowoon Bay Holiday Park (fabulous place to go with your family, both 2 and four-legged!) and there were plenty of dogs around, but what stood out for me, was that not once, did I hear a dog barking at night. Was this because they were in unfamiliar territory, and didn't feel the need to defend it? Or was it because they were all just so exhausted from a wonderful day spent frolicking on the beach and meeting lots of new people?

I would add that, most people who cared enough about their dogs to dress them up (ridiculous or not) would also be the kind of people who would like to parade their dogs around in public, meaning that owner gets some gratification and attention from humans about "what a cute/adorable/ridiculous-looking dog", and dog gets lots of pats and socialisation. So a win for all in my book. Of couse, including the caveats about comfort and overheating that has already been discussed.

I think I would be upset, too, if someone came along and took the sausage I was eating off my plate to give to the dog. But then, I've had to sit down to baked beans on toast while my visiting aunt's spoiled corgi had red sockeye salmon for dinner... As long as dogs are well-behaved and their owners pick up after them, I have no problem with them in most public places. I kiss my dogs (and certain other special canines) talk to them and formulate answers from them.

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) - I have humbly served Bull Terriers for almost 15 years. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? - The origins are a little murky, as with most breeds. Originally, the BT was bred to be a gentleman's companion, but has been used for ratting and fighting. How he got his unique head is a bit of a mystery: some say borzoi, some say greyhound. 3. How common is it in Australia? - I think its popularity is declining as it gets confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier often. 4. What is the average lifespan? - About 12-15 years. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? - Outgoing and clever. They are intelligent but are a challenge to train. They tend to respond to praise much more than food when training. When other posters have said they need a "firm hand", this does not mean physical punishment, and this sort of training will guarantee a very dangerous dog. They will love and care for the whole family, but will bond very deeply with one member. They have a "mad half-hour" every day, where they tear around the yard and dance and jump! They are not a yard dog and want to spend every minute with humans. They are very well-known for not getting on with other dogs. They have gained a bad reputation of late for being dangerous. Be prepared for long hours of consoling your Bully when people cross the road to avoid him when he is out on his walk. He will notice, and he will know, and it will devastate him. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? - Like all dogs, they love a walk. They also love to lay on the lounge in front of the fire. As long as he is with you, he won't worry what he's doing. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? - Not normally. A first-time owner could cope if they had a lot of support from their breeder, vet and obedience club. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? - No. They are very much people dogs, and do not get along well with other dogs, so getting them a "friend" to keep them occupied is not an option in most cases. 9. How much grooming is required? - Very little. A bit of a brush once a week, and wipe the mud off the white ones. Bullys love to sunbake, though, so please ensure your dog is sunsafe during the summer. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? - They are a very strong and solid animal, so in most cases, no. Although, your dog should be well trained anyway! 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? - White dogs are always susceptible to deafness. ALWAYS buy from a registered breeder to avoid this. NEVER buy a puppy from the classifieds, anywhere. All the good breeders have waiting lists and don't need to sell puppies in the classifieds. Luxating patellas and kidney problems (the latter have been largely eradicated in good-quality breeders) 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) - When you are looking at your puppy, expect to be given a careful scrutinizing from the breeder. They should ask a lot of questions about your lifestyle and the environment. Expect to be grilled as thoroughly as though the breeder was giving away a human child! I have found most Bull Terrier breeders to be like their dogs; friendly and approachable, so feel free to ask them absolutely anything at all!

I once had a friendly little girl wander into my front yard looking for a drink. After I gave her one, I checked her collar and tag. Aside from her name and the owner's phone number, it mentioned a well-known bikie group. I thought that upsetting an owner such as that would be a great deterrent to even entertaining a thought to keeping the dog. :)

I've jumped in here late so you've probably made your decision already, OP. But the beauty of the internet is that I get to have a say anyway! From the little research I've done so far into my own choice of dog, I'm thinking your sister may like a Boston Terrier. They are hard to get hold of, though. Certainly the miniature Poodle would come into the equation, too. There are a lot of people on this forum who rave about Affenpinchers, as well. They seem like a companionable, low-maintenance dog, too. Just a few more ideas to consider...

I use flexi leads all the time, but only idiots would let it wind out while walking on a street with traffic. Back to the original topic, I'm not sure how many more "lead hints" the staffy owner needed from the OP to see that she didn't want contact with her or her dog. She scurried off the street up a flight of stairs!

Hi everyone, I picked up the "Cessnock Advertiser" yesterday (11th July, 2012) and found an article saying the Society of Companion Animal Rescuers Inc has called on the NSW Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione and Police Minister, Michael Gallacher, to establish a Police Taskforce to investigate the recent spate of dog thefts in the Hunter Valley. If you wish to support this call, you can email the Minister of Police, at [email protected] or leave a message at www.police.nsw.gov.au/contact_us. And don't forget, if you see any suspicious activity, call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Hope the offender was blessed by some karma and stepped in a big pile of dog poo on their way home. Wishing your baby a speedy recovery.

Not to mention "Dug" from "Up". Best dog line ever: "Hello, my name is Dug. I have just met you, and I LOVE you!"

It's horrifying to think what happens to these poor dogs. I can't even bear to think about it. Please note, they seem to be just not targeting larger or "aggressive" breeds any more, any dog is at risk. The smaller dogs are used as 'teasers' for the larger dogs. Once again, something that makes me sick to think about. Take care.

I just wanted to add, that I heard on the news these scum may not just be targeting larger breeds of dog, but also smaller breeds to act as "teasers" for the fighting dogs. Anyone who lives in this area should keep their dog close, regardless of the breed. I hope they catch these lowlifes and their customers who sponsor this carnage very soon.