Isabel964

I totally agree with Wobbly's experience with the Solvit. also if you think your dog is big and is the solvit strong enough, it seems sturdy enough to be fine for any sized dog (I have the big Solvit). Like wobbly, I too park my 4WD backwards to reduce the gradient of the ramp for the dogs. And yes, being able to reduce its size folded would be great - wobbly, I'll be your first customer :) The cabin in my car is actually quite small so I fold down the back seats so the dogs have room to lay down. So the ramp only 'just' fits behind the front seats and I have to put a cloth between the ramp and my seats so my seats don't get damaged. Right now because of the age and fragility of my kelpie, our dogs and we don't go places where they jump in and out of the car - so I just leave the ramp in the garage, drive away, come back, get out and put it back in the garage. The ramp has a handle on the side so its easy to carry to and from the car. My elderly and fragile-in-the-legs-and-hips kelpie refused to use the ramp at first. So I put it in the house where she had to walk on it, I put it where she had to step on it to get outside. I did this for a month because I was never going to stress her out to use the ramp, or risk injury. eventually we were ready to try it with the car. After a month of twice a week helping her very slowly hesitatingly make her way up and down the ramp (hand under her belly and chest to give support), yesterday she kinda jogged up the ramp! And she went down it the best she has ever done yesterday too. So patience gets you there. I still have to support and care for her and not rush her because of her age, but without the ramp, because I have back issues, and because she can no longer jump in her old age - if it wasn't for the solvit ramp, my kelpie would no longer be enjoying the car rides she so adores. Note: I looked yesterday, and noticed my solvit has these plastic small soft feet at the end of the ramp section that sits on your car - so there is no scratching. Maybe Solvit added these after the customer feedback. I bought mine a couple of months ago, so if you are getting one, maybe check the one you are buying has that soft plastic protection - otherwise you might find it scratches your car as some other people have experienced.

Snook makes a good point. I think that offleash parks do tend to have dogs offleash that owners can control, where-as maybe some fenced parks tend to have dogs that aren't well behaved because the fence stops them running off rather than being able to recall their dog on command.

So sorry your dog got expelled. Sounds like not a nice thing. Hey I am a big fan of off-leash parks and have been for 30 years. When you know one to be good, then that's great. Sometimes you gotta try a few. Dog beaches are also wonderful, especially in summer. Socialisation is very important. Good dogs parks tend to be the ones with responsible dog owners. Before you know the park, use caution. I fully expect some dogs do behave badly some times - they are dogs. I watch carefully. With experience you can sense when another dog may be a potential threat. I've had dogs for all my life and never had a major issue. I did go to a fenced dog park near my house once and I'll never go again - it didn't feel right. I find if a dog does behaves badly the owner tends to be absolutely horrified and really apologetic. I'll talk to them and give them some advice if they ask. Sometimes you might come across a younger person who has their hands full with a dog, they are in over their head because they chose a breed they don't understand or something like that - and really appreciate advice. I also find owners of dogs whose behaviour is a bit unpredictable, will leash their dog when others attend the area. And yes, sometimes you find pigheaded unapologetic dog owners - but its really rare in my experience. If the park near you is a bit dodgy and/or you're not comfortable, then do what others do and go in off-peak times if you can. A bad experience can be very bad and traumatic for your dog and you. So you always need to be on the watch for a problem. Keep your dogs near you, always have your eyes on your dog. Never have a conversation with someone and sight of your dog. Talk the people at the park and get a feel for it through them too. Ask around to find good ones in your area and surrounding areas. Sometimes on some weekends I'll drive 40 minutes to a great park, or a dog beach. If you can't go every day, or every few days, once a week or fortnight for excellent socialisation is still good.

Oh my goodness, I'm sitting here in tears. How wonderful you are to have given a 10+ old dog a home, what a lucky boy he was. such love you and Shez gave him. You are so wonderful, as was he it seems - a very special guy. I believe he will forever look over you and watch over you with all his love from the Rainbow Bridge. I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. I send you the biggest hugs ever for taking him in and giving him your heart and your home, and more hugs for the difficult decision you had to make for him. RIP Beautiful Gus.

Non-dog people say runt but they don't mean runt. They mean the smallest or the one that's quiet, left out, not in the 'in' crowd. They don't understand what runt means. They have no clue the puppy may have a variety of issues, potentially medical, potentially mental, anxiety being one of them. As others have said, non-dog people want the little one and they often are well-meaning by thinking they are taking the 'loser' in the pack to give it a good home and make everything ok. We kinda did that once. My husband once chose our kelpie because she lacked confidence compared to the others in the pack. Right there I was thinking, oh no - this is not going to happen! I asked him - why did you pick that one? He said 'Because if we don't take her, she will be the last one in the little left and I don't think she will cope on her own so well, and then 'someone' will eventually take her, and she can't go to just 'anyone', she needs a bit special attention and TLC - so we need to take her. How could I say no to that? She was a sensitive sort, and we had to work on some anxiety issues early in her life, but she has been just the best dog, such a loyal girl, a most beautiful soul, very happy, very smart.... a perfect dog. People that are non-dog people, just need education. I cringe at what little I knew and understood about dogs in my early 20s, but I did love them so much and was well intentioned.

Gosh he know alot of facts and history doesn't he? Over-all I find his post says alot (and I mean alot) about nothing really. That's alot of typing he did without making much of a point. Dogs are animals that in the wrong hands is a sad outcome. Dogs need to be treated with respect, they need to be selected appropriately, cared for correctly and they need to be understood.

The Solvit one is good, and they come in two different sizes. I got the biggest one because I wanted my kelpie to have the gentlest of slope possible to walk up. Actually she has now using it which is wonderful. I need to help steady her and give her support as she goes up and down, but its working. She just loves her rides in the car so this is great news. My Westie just runs up and down the ramp, she loves it. I have not found sharp edges and find ithat top section sits nicely on the car. Maybe they listened to feedback and made the newer ones better? If you are in Melbourne, you are welcome to come and see mine.

Hi All, I have a couple of questions about the adorable Frenchies. Due to the care required to ensure they do not get heat affected, will they take themselves inside when it gets too hot outside? So in the case where people have a couple of dogs, and they have a dog door so the dogs can go in and out as they please, if the day gets really hot, and the humans are out for half a day - is the Frenchie at risk from the heat or do they have the sense to take themselves inside? In my research I have seen that flatulence is common. Aside from having a raised food bowl to make it easier for them to eat, and feeding them quality food eg high in protein, low in corn - that sort of thing (I usually use Royal Canin or Black Hawk for both my dogs and cats) - what else can be done to manage/reduce the level of potent flatulence I have read about? In mild weather (no heat issues), can they walk for an hour or no more than 30 minutes?

Breakfast and dinner, 7 days a week Mine get a small about of kibble for breakfast. Dinner is kibble and some meat - that's the bigger meal.

Its only every few years that I need to change something but I find I have to go through some rigormorall to get access again to update any details for the microchips. I have my animals dates of births, their microchip numbers, their certificate numbers...everything - and its a bit frustrating. I have filled out some forms and also sent them an email. Just wondering if its me or is it a more common problem? I understand and totally respect they need to be careful but oh my gosh, they make it quite difficult.

My older dog is nearly 15 years old and she goes out in the middle of the night, even though she gets a little walk outside before bed time. She has a door to go through and comes and goes as she pleases. In winter on really cold nights, I find sometimes she is reluctant to go outside and sometimes will pee inside - yikes! So what I have done is bought puppy pads. I put two (size 60cm x 60xm ones) out each night near the door she goes through. 99% of the time they are not used, but once a month I find she has peed on them. But no longer do I get occasional surprises with pee on carpet or rugs, so this solution works for me. Maybe you can try this if you want your dogs shut/locked. PS: I change the puppy pads every two weeks even if not used, because I think the attraction to use them (a scent in them) disappears and they become less effective.

I did get the Solvit Telescopic - the larger is one. Its good, very study, easy to use - people with large dogs like labradors or german shepherds need not worry. * Its not light so if your a small framed female or have some physical limitations, try to see one yourself before buying. It slides back into one piece and has a handle to carry it with. Its not small though so sliding it behind the front seats is do-able though a bit of a squeeze because I have my back seats down to give my dogs room. I leave mine at home. I have a little Westie and a gorgeous Kelpie - reason for the ramp - the Kelpie is going on 15 years of age and has weak legs - and too heavy for my back to be lifting her. So I load the dogs up in the car using the ramp, put the ramp in the garage. Come home, get the ramp out the garage, unload the dogs. I only go for short trips, like take them on a quick run to the shops. Luckily we live opposite a large park :) But I could take the ramp and use it anywhere for long trips too. Also, I am actually not using it much - reason is that the kelpie's legs/spine are so weak she finds it hard to make her way up the ramp. So its when my husband is with me on weekends that he just lifts her into the back of the car - is when she gets most of car trips these days. As far as ramps go, its a good ramp.

Thanks Malakita. I went to go to Dogs in Motion to get one but they were closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Now I find out they do not stock them, they order them in for customers who want them - they take a week. So I may as well use ebay. Thanks Perfect Partners too, good to know its working well for your newfoundlands :)

Pers, Smoke is really something. Wow, have loved the photos. Glad the close call with the rolling car was only a close call. When I saw him in the photo about Don and the sock, I thought maybe he was a red cloud. I love all Australian working dogs - just so good in every way. Don is just stunning too. And a very clever boy!

Far out, that is a lot of dog. Very gorgeous. The other one stunning too, and quite big.

Gorgeous! Love these photos.

I'm going to get mine from Dogs In Motion in Moorabin, Melbourne. Its $260 but if its faulty at least it might be easier to deal with that an eBay purchase. Plus I don't have to wait for delivery. I'll need to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday because they are closed on weekends - which I found out today when I called first to make sure they had one in stock. I did find the same thing at Megapetwarehouse in Cheltenham. Its branded Prestige Pets but its the same things and they charge $430. so I'll wait tile Tuesday/Wednesday.

Haha, so just wait until a dog pees - if it s squatter, its a go :) .... male or female LOL

I have had female dogs for a long time. Is it true that male dogs stink up your yard and deck by lifting their leg and peeing on everything? Or is that a fallacy? I currently have two girls and there are no pee smell issue at all. I did have a friend many years ago that had a male dog and her yard stank, even her pergola - of dog pee.

QUESTIONS 1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Second time owner, residential city dweller 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? See expert answers 3. How common is it in Australia? Kelpies are very common in Australia. They are often found in shelters and rescues across the country. I think this is because as puppies they are very high energy with high enthusiasm and people who wanted a cute sweet docile puppy find it too much. Its very sad because these dogs learn so easily with simple consistent training. 4. What is the average lifespan? I'd say around 14 years. My current kelpie is going on 15 but obviously fragile, site is not great, rear legs are weak from arthritis, but she is eating well, going on walks (we limit them to 20 slow-paced minutes) and she is very happy. Mum had a kelpie that lived to over 14 happily. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? In my experience with my 15 years old female: She is very sweet, highly intelligent, gets along with every person, every other dog (just retreats head head high if another dog is aggressive, and very cat friendly. Highly driven to please the owner. Very loyal and devoted. Seems to equally be fond of myself and my husband. Friendly with visitors. Absolutely lovely with toddlers, even though she wasn't raised with them. I have a kelpie and a west highland white terrier. I absolutely adore both. But to give you an idea of the difference in personality type, if my family left the planet and each of my dogs went to a lovely perfect new home, my Westie would adjust quite quickly to a new friendly family that loved her. But my kelpie would fret and may not eat, she would potentially get quite depressed and withdrawn. I know this because I rescued a kelpie once from his heartbroken owner who couldn't have him anymore and he fretted and missed his owner dreadfully, lost his appetite for weeks - it was very sad. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? While kelpies are working dogs and can herd sheep and cattle all day, they can also be happy in a residential homes. Every residential kelpieneeds to be able to do big figure eights running like the wind on a large footy field or park, twice a day in its prime years and then its very happy as long they aren't left alone. This is needed while the dog is fit and able to run like the wind - which is most of its life. A kelpie should have quality companionship - human or another dog. if not, it will be highly likely to get depressed. Mine always in her life has had access to indoors and outdoors. She is a great indoor dog. Easy to toilet train. For obedience, I got a professional trainer to spend two hours with me one day when she about 10 months old and after 2 weeks of doing the exercises he taught me, my kelpie was perfectly obedient and trained and I could take her anywhere, anytime, off leash without a problem (I had her on-leash but it wasn't necessary). Note that some cities have sheep herding workshops for kelpies which are a great thing to try. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? This can be a breed for a first time owner as long as they are educated and dedicated to training their dog, have done their research, and will seek expert help if/when they need it. The first year can be a lot of work with any dog (n trouble with a kelpie, just effort), but after that the kelpie is just a dream. You need a high fence, the young ones can jump very high and are very agile. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? I do not think a kelpie would make a good 'only dog' if the family is out at work and school all day. But having two dogs works well in these circumstances, as long as the kelpie get to run as fast as it can twice a day. See exercise needs above. 9. How much grooming is required? Kelpies have an easy short coat. A brush once a week is great. I take mine to the hydrobath every 3-4 weeks, and in winter weather I towel dry her then gently blow-dry her and she is dry and huggable in minutes. Its not trouble at all. You do need to keep nails trimmed, as with most dogs. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Kelpies are very friendly and intuitive dogs, but their enthusiasm between 3 months and 3 years may risk them accidentally causing a child to fall. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? See expert answers to this one 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) See expert answers to this one

I hear you. But I do think that unfortunately it is a trial by error experience for first time dog owners. When I think of me as a dog owner in my 20's I cringe. wHile I loved my dog so much, now I look back and I know I did not give that dog the best life. But now I know I am a really good dog owner. I think puppy classes are a great way to plant some important seeds into these puppy owners. Let them know how many resources there are out there, how the amount of effort you put in to the dogs first year will be rewarded a thousand times to you and the dog. etc. What really makes me sigh is when I am driving down a road and I see some well intentioned person who thinks they are taking their dog for a walk, when in fact the dog is pulling as hard as it can, choking itself in the process, taking the human for a walk. How unnecessary that is.

I've been doing some research on breeds because I have two dogs that are for the most part inseparable, and one is very old. so I need to consider what to do when the time comes because the younger dog will really fret without her companion. I have found the Shiba Inu a very interesting breed.However if research well enough you will find that while are indeed delightful dogs, they can be headstrong big time. I am used to a kelpie, very focused on pleasing their humans, like the blue heeler and the boxer. I like those traits, makes then easy to train, loyal, and therefore the dogs as pets have a better quality of life. Of course, with the right training, most dogs will be ok, but that we can research traits of a dog to find if they are suitable to our families and lifestyles is one very high advantage of getting a purebred dog (same goes for cats).

KittyKat, I am wondering if you did find a dog to rescue. I'd love to know. Or did you find a puppy? 9 years ago I went with my husband to a proper organisation, the Australian Animal Protection society - out Keysborough way in Melbourne. We brought our current kelpie with us to meet her potential sibling. We wanted to give a home to a dog in need. There were so many dogs there - and many kelpies. All in concrete large pens. all desperate for a home. The lady that took us around, clearly disapproved my husband's and my business attire, clearly disapproved that we worked, and clearly made her mind up about us that we would not be taking home a dog. We explained we do work form home some days, that we had a a child at undoing different hours, had a house of 2 dogs and two cats, but one dog had gone to the rainbow bridge. We had a huge yard with a huge fence. The dogs had heated beds in our bedrooms, we only went on holidays with our dogs etc. it was not a good experience, and out of 40-60 beautiful dogs in that place, I'm sure one of them would have loved to join our family. While I understand some people who work in rescue take it very seriously, there needs to be a balance because I have heard too any stories where wonderful responsible experience pet lovers are unsuccessful in getting a rescue, I ended up getting a purebred Westie puppy from a DOLer, and she is so special. Our current Kelpie is nearing 15 years of age and when she goes to the rainbow bridge our Westie will be in desperate need of a companion. We would love to rescue a dog. However I don't like our chances. We have cats so it needs to be cat friendly. I am an active aunty so needs to be toddler friendly. Needs to be toilet trained. We have a large home and the dogs have free access to inside and outside, we have very little "yard" - however we live in front a massive park with a lake and a pond and a walking track and oddly of grassed areas which gets a visit morning and night, and we have someone home all day as well. Our furs sleep in our bedroom with us. When the time comes, I'll see if the stars align and someone already big joins our family or whether we choose a suitable breed and bing home a baby from a breeder.

Thanks everyone. This Solvit Deluxe Telescopic one does seem good. Malakita - I would love to know how it goes in Boxhill today. I don't think a ramp would work in parallel parking because they do need room. Perhaps the dogs could get out earlier, tether them to something while you get back in the car and parallel park? Bit of a pain because you'd have to do that same in reverse to get the dogs back in. I did spent $95 on a really light plastic one years ago. I still have it but its so light it feels unstable and flimsy and my kelpie won't go near it. If anyone wants it PM me - Im in the South Eastern suburbs in Melbourne. Would potentially work for a smaller dog.

Hi Everyone. I haven't been here in ages and ages. Its good to be back. I need a dog ramp for my elderly Kelpie. She is 14, has weak hips and rear legs, loves life :) I have a 4WD/SUV type car. I'd like something sturdy enough that she feels safe to walk up and down it, and something light enough that it won't hurt my back using it. I have found the the Solvit Deluxe Telescopic Pet Ramp which seems good. and I can pick one up here in Melbourne in Moorabin which is good. Does anyone have experience with this ramp, or can recommend a ramp?