espinay2

We found it not exactly cheap, but I didn't want the dogs on cement (bad for their joints etc) so it was a good alternative. I would change my setup next time. I would probably put cement in the shed area, make the shed area bigger and have more shade over the actual runs. I use shade sails in summer but they are a pain and have to be taken down in high winds (which is frequently here!) When we were in town I used shade sails there no problem, but we didn't get the winds we do here. Another view of the runs...

Some examples of where the dogs are when not in their runs.....

This is when we were putting the runs in. Each run has a shed area of approx 3 m wide and 1.5m deep. We used a product called 'bodpave' for the surface. The runs are gravel (we use crusher dust - cheap and easy to replace and easy on the dogs feet) but can't be dug up by the dogs and have very good drainage.

Part of my setup. Reason for bagpipes - I had a bitch in season and Hamish was singing, so OH decided to go into competition with him :laugh: (and no, I can't tell you which is worse )

Wendell Bellfield's study: http://www.seanet.co...8-v2-n3-p10.htm Writings and links to articles by Sy Guth in NZ: http://www.lorgair.c...es.html#journey http://www.lapdog.co.nz/articles/vitamin_c_revisited_sy_guth.pdf http://www.lapdog.co.nz/vitcdogs.php This is probably some of the most comprehensively compiled information on the subject that is available. Note she does push a particular brand of Vit C, but also discusses Vit C types in general, referring to Bellfield who advocates use of sodium ascorbate

a punt in the dark - polish greyhound

That was a big thumping clue. Tibetan Mastiff?? VERY close!!!! do you have the correct name? :D I just edited, have i got it? YES!!! Tibetan Kyi Apso!! The much rarer bearded brother of the Tibetan Mastiff.

That was a big thumping clue. Tibetan Mastiff?? VERY close!!!! do you have the correct name? :D

No. You may be more familiar with a close relative of this breed which does not have a beard.

No. quite a bit larger. Polish Highland sheepdog :D well it does come from a high land :laugh:

No. quite a bit larger. Think further east.

ok here you go!! Willing to give clues on this one if it is too hard. Hint: is a large breed.

Oh dear. Better get off the phone and back to my computer! Hold on!

Entelbucher Sennehund? One of the Swiss herding breeds at any rate.

Darn too easy!! (for the mega hound nerd anyway :D ) Yep! One of my favourite hound breeds and naturally it is French ...and white :laugh:

Just so people can't call me too predictable, this is NOT an LGD :laugh:

R&B your up!!

A pumi :D I do love those ears, but boy what a bark! LOL! I should add that the standard for the Pumi notes that it is 'rather noisy' :laugh:

Vaccinated 8 weeks: Canvac 3 in 1 Vaccinated 13 weeks: parvo only Titre test at 5 months: Parvo 1:80 Distemper 1:80 Considered 'more than adequate' to say the least!!!! And surprised a few people, including the vet. Glad I did the titre before doing any more vaccinations.

I think we need a clue! Don't leave us hanging so long!

What do you mean specifically by natural rearing diet? There are a range of methods from Juliette de Bairacli Levy, Volhard, BARF or prey model raw for instance. Also how much direct natural sunlight does she get during the day. It has been found that dogs who spend a lot of time inside can sometimes have problems with fertility.

This. A caged indoor area in the sunroom with access to outside run would mean the cat had a comfortable indoor area plus outside access and the dogs could have easy inside access too without fear of them letting the cat out. Can you cage off one end or corner?

Sweet - will save me a trip to Melbourne next time. :) We now have a heart specialist in NSW at the University of Sydney. He has recently moved here from overseas. I posted about it I think in the breeders forum about a month ago as he is who did my heart certs. But let me know if you need details HW. certainly makes it easier! Been thinking too and agree that OFA seems to be the only way to go for 'official' Patella certs at the moment. Up till now I have just been getting the vet to write out their own certification in the absence of any Australian alternative.

Saliva? What DNA tests are done on a dog's saliva? Cheek swabs are a very common way of testing for a lot of things. Very easy to do and non invasive.

One of the reasons I currently use OFA for my genetic testing.. After a MAJOR hassle with a company here where after 2 years I still had no results. While I recognize it doesn't meet the ANKC's guidelines fully as I collect the sample myself, I am at least happy with the quality and correctness of the test, they are much cheaper, fast, and much easier to work with (I have a lot of respect for that organization too and wish we had something like it here). And this is for the one that is 'easy'!!!