Sail_Away

Some years ago, I used to frequent a dog park where all sorts and all sizes of dogs ran freely. People with Whippets came regularly too and I don't think I've ever seen anything much more joyous than when those dogs were let off their leads and off they went. I used to be in stiches because half the population of the dog park would end up racing around in a huge circular conga line (sort of ...... :D ). Then the Whippets would change direction . Wonderful fun for all. There are several greyhounds around where I live and I 100% agree with your comment - sighthounds are BEAUTIFUL to watch when in full stretch. I would recommend a greyhound for my mum also but I think they are too large in the sense she wouldn't be able to pick them up if in an emergency ... I'm really loving whippets as a choice for her though. We live in QLD, so it's a warm climate, the dog would be indoors and I imagine she would end up letting it sleep in the bed! haha.

My mum has also started doing some research for her own dog as she looks at moving house and I move out.. we have a Vizsla at home right now who she just adores and she has commented about possibly getting an older rescue Vizsla from the breed clubs however, I think depending on the individual may still be too much for her to handle... She is used to med/large breeds, previously owned a standard poodle however, too much grooming for her now.. doesn't want a dog which sheds a large amount though... I think a Whippet would be a perfect fit for her... she walks along the beach everyday - with training is it reasonable to say Whippets can be let off leash?

Thank you everyone.. seems like mixed thoughts on the cloud collar - Without trying it on her I thought she may be able to reach op site still (intradermal stitches used, so can't pull them out but don't want the dressing to come off..) I guess I could try it and see, otherwise maybe the soft e-collar would be better - I'll go to shops today and see what they have

My Vizsla got desexed today and the vet had difficulty fitting the correct size Elizabethan collar to my girl, she seemed to be in-between sizes... due to her long lean neck, I was wondering whether the Kong Cloud collar would work for her... would love to hear if others have found this collar successful?

Thanks for your suggestions everyone. I live on the NSW border so am familiar with chinderah etc.. I'll just keep an eye out on rentals, I'm sure we'll find something. I don't think it will be possible to arrange a house sit for those dates plus having my dog with me so I think I need to scrap that thought.

That is a little too short term unfortunately If I didn't have my dog to care for, then I definitely would have been happy to do that for you! I hope you find someone who can - there are some companies out there which come to your house and pet sit when on holidays... better than kennels! Good luck

Is sunshine coast to far north? I might know somewhere in Mooloolaba, its a house that is empty somewhat as the person is away nearly 3 weeks out of 4, let me know and I will ask. Its an older style house it's not fenced but im sure dogs would be fine but you might have to put up temporary fencing or a dog yard. I really appreciate your post, so thank you so much for the reply however, Sunshine Coast is too far north unfortunately as I work in Tweed Heads, NSW so need somewhere within reasonable driving distance to the area. Thanks once again

Hi DOLers This is most likely a long shot but I thought I would put it out there.. I am looking for a rental property or house sitting opportunity between April and October (preferably) for myself (29 years), mother and Vizsla... Our house has just sold and while my mother builds her next house we require short term (6 months) accommodation. With a dog it can be difficult and I thought I would just see whether anyone on here requires a house sitter or knows of a rental in the Gold Coast/Norther Rivers, NSW region.... I am an animal lover and welcome the opportunity to care for someone else's pets whilst they are away. Feel free to PM me if you know of anyone or would like more information about myself. I'm not expecting a result from posting on here but thought as we are all dog lovers, people may know of some other options or avenues I could investigate... Thanks for listening

Hahahahaha you two sound like me getting with collars... "time for a new one" - any excuse! Lots of people have the ezydog or rogz ones so I was wondering if there was something different but certainly nothing wrong with these ones

Thanks for the pics Coogie! It was hard to view them properly on the Clean Run website. They look really good, just not sure about the slip lead style but at least no buckles to break!

Huski - What is the buckle made out of, is it brass?

Thank you both! I was mainly thinking something made from neoprene would be best as it is then padded - as you may know Vizsla's only have a single coat and my girl pulls on the lead on our way to the beach (so excited!) and I'm assuming this is causing the hair loss... hopefully not from the buckle of her leather collar. I thought about getting a cheap leather collar for swimming but it's probably not ideal for everyday water use. Huski - the Syn Tek ones would be good if they are really soft... might be worth trying

I saw these on your website K9pro? Are they all rubber though because I am just thinking it will rub too much on her short coat... I have a leather collar and lead I use on her for everything but the beach.

They look good.. seem to be similar to the Ezydog ones as it has the neoprene and webbing but just no buckle...thank you.

What's everyone's favourite waterproof collar and lead used down at the beach and just for swimming in general? I currently have the Surf Dog Australia 100% rubber collar and beach leash (bungee style/flexible) which has been really great but now after using an all rubber collar I think it is causing a bit of hair loss around the throat of my Vizsla due to it not having any padding... This is them here; http://www.surfdogaustralia.com/collections/leads Thinking I might go for the ezydogs collar because of the neoprene padding... I also love these but they are not really meant for the water http://www.barkindogs.com.au/contents/en-us/d1.html Any other great choices people have found?

I live down near Tweed Heads and travel to Robina to see Dr Sue Redding at ExcelVets. I chose her as she was pretty much the only vet that would 'work with me' on certain things that I wanted flexibility on when my girl was a puppy - I had only just moved here from interstate so was basing this on many phone calls and word of mouth. I've been happy with her and I've heard of lovely stories where she has rang owners on a Sunday from her mobile to check on how their pet is going (if something serious had happened). I'm possibly moving further South (toward Kingscliff) this year so I may reconsider continuing with that vet.. it seems all the great vets or those recommended by DOLers are up North.. I'm contemplating going to Andrew Bullen of Alpha Animal Hospital at Coolangatta as a friend of mine with the same breed has been seeing him for 30 years and happy... It's so important to find a vet you are comfortable with and trust will do the best job if something serious occurs.

Thanks very much for the info! Yeah it seems all the Flyball clubs are up in Brisbane but I have just been given contact details of someone I can speak with further so hopefully I'll get a chance to try it out. I spoke with some people from WAAG at the Pet Expo last year, they were really helpful. Is there any advantage going to an ADAA club? I'm not sure what the differences are...

Hi DOLers I live in the Tweed Heads area and last year took my dog to obedience at the 'Gold Coast Dog Obedience Club' in Southport. I like the club as you can trial which I want to do this year however, I am just wanting to know if anyone has any other club recommendations in the area or further South? Also I notice there are no Flyball clubs on the Gold Coast, they are all up in Brisbane??

I don't know if there was specifically a pet range I just was thinking that maybe it might be worth a shot in trying the human stuff. Yep there is, it's called Dr Zoo

The canine champion is pretty difficult to get - it's from the states, there website is http://usak9outfitters.com/CCSS.htm - I don't think they ship internationally. I ordered mine from a third party website which I can't remember the name of now.. The Ruff Rider Roadie is available from http://www.k9pro.com.au/online-store/dog-harnesses/car-harness-seat-belt/ for $79.95...

There are other car harnesses which have been crash tested.. I didn't see the full list of 25 the NRMA are talking about but the only crash tested ones I ever knew about were the "Ruff Rider Roadie" and the "Canine Champion"…

Here is some info on it http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/crash-test-doggies-20131203-2yn7j.html I have another thread here http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/248989-ruff-rider-roadie-car-harness/ that I bumped because I still need to get a better harness for my girl…

too bad they are out of stock of the large ones, only large split ones are in stock at the moment Oh sorry I didn't even check before posting.

I have purchased my deer antlers from http://www.naturalpetstore.com.au

Just bumping this old topic - I have been waiting for my girl to be fully grown before purchasing a car harness and the news tonight reminded me I must purchase a car harness ASAP! NRMA mentioned two harnesses that have been crash tested - Purina Roadie & Sleepypod Clickit (looks complicated)… I was always under the impression the Ruff Rider Roadie & Canine Champion were the only dog car harnesses crash tested… So anyone else with experience of the Ruff Rider Roadie when used on the back seat of the car?