espinay2

Loud and clear Maybe, but it depends on the breed knowledge of the judge. Winning sometimes become the main focus or goal for people and sometimes it can take over and become the only goal. Winning is fun, certainly, but sometimes I admit I don't put much weight on the opinion even if I do win. They are just one opinion and often a generalist one at that, that doesnt come from an indepth knowledge and understanding of the breed. Often important nuances are not understood or missed. This can particularly be the case with breeds that are less numeric in this country. Often all they have seen is what is here. They are trained as judges based on what is here. Pick the most acclaimed (by breeders and specialists) dog in the breed (alive or dead) internationally and imagine bringing it here. Would the average group or allbreeds judge recognise what was in front of them? I have my doubts.

With my breed (Pyrenen Mountain Dogs) you leave them on - including the double rear dew claws. Removing them is kind of a 'taboo' subject with Pyr owners. Rear dew claws in particular can be very solidly connected and dogs which have had them removed (often by vets/rescues unfamiliar with the breed) have been known to suffer problems with their gait and soreness. In this particular case removing the double rear dewclaws is a bit like removing a big toe and is a major operation. I have had a couple injure a front dew claw (but never the rear). I still wouldnt think of removing them routinely though. On the other hand, having groomed heaps of small fluffy dogs with long dew claws which grow around and back into their leg (out of sight out of mind and some of the owners didnt even realise they had them) I can see the benefit of them being removed in some cases.

The are different issues in different locations. In more rural/regional areas access can definitely be one. I give an example of where I live. While classes are available an hour to an hour and a half away, this is not feasable for many people. They often drive an hour or more to and from work and then to have to turn around and drive back with the dog just doesnt work. Weekends aren't always feasable as there are often other things like childrens sports to deal with. OFten people have said to me that they know the classes are there and would love to attend but it is just not feasible for them. This was the reason we started classes at the local vet clinic. We saw the need for classes locally and wanted to provide the service. As a result we run baby puppy classes and 'beginners' classes. The classes focus on basic manners, socialisation and problem solving to meet the needs of those attending. The first beginners class we ran we had about 30 people turn up for the information night! Attendance has been constant and steady ever since we started (though a little less in winter ). A lot of people attend both the baby puppy and beginners classes now. It works well for the vet clinic as one of the biggest problems they encounter are dogs that are difficult to handle - we make sure we teach how to handle the dog all over. The dogs also enjoy coming to the clinic and are much more well behaved when they are there. This also expands into the local community as more dogs become less of a 'problem'. The clinic also allows use of a fenced area for regular socialisation and play sessions (used by people who have attended the classes), and dog walking groups and other activities have also evolved (we will soon be holding the chrismas party and play all sorts of games with the dogs and their families ). The clinic has now even installed lights for us so we can hold classes outside at night all year round. They see how successful it has been and it is great that they are supporting it. While what we can offer is limited (we are dealing with limited resources even though we charge for the classes and have made a conscious decision not to offer any more than the basic classes at this stage), it provides a starting point. It is about providing access to information, services and assistance where it is not otherwise available. There will always be problems and those dogs (and people) with no manners. At least by providing access though, we are able to ensure that there are a greater number of dogs who at least get an opportunity become well adjusted members of the family.

I have an oztrail compact and a large 3x3 (same as the oztrail deluxe). Frankly I only ever use the compact. It fits in the car and is much lighter. One of the worst things about showing it the setting and packing up so anything that makes that easier for me is a bonus. In the last year or so I have been purposely changing the way I do things to 'lighten the load' and make things easier. It makes shows much more enjoyable. While they are smaller, I can fit three extra extra large crates or two x-pens under a compact and while a tight squeeze I can also fit a large grooming table etc under it at the front with enough room to move around (in good weather the grooming table gets moved out a bit). As poodlefan said, the best way to secure them is with guy ropes crossed directly along the sides rather than out from the corners. I have two guy ropes on each corner so I can secure all sides if need be. If leaving overnight I drop it all the way down and guy rope it down like this. It has never moved an inch even on windy nights.

Take a billy goat smell and times it by about a thousand a billy goat is hardly registerable by comparison. Even if you are 'used' to the fox smell, every day walking up to and into the enclosure is a challenge and makes your head spin and your lungs object (note I have a strong stomach and usually am not put off by smells no matter how strong or foul - this was a challenge for me!) And it is not because the enclosure is not kept clean - the smell is there no matter how clean you keep it.

In the US there are foxes bred for the 'pet market'. I worked with a few when I was over there working with some captive wolves. The ones I worked with were rescues. Reasonably tame, would sit on your shoulder etc. Sweet animals (loved dried cranberries which we used as training treats). I was very fond of a white Red Fox (coat was totally white, but he was a red fox by species - like the ones that are feral in Australia) named Basil. People get them because they are cute and because it is rather cool to say they own a fox. BUT and it is a big but, what most people fail to realise is that fox dens/enclosures/anywhere they live STINK. And I mean REALLY stink. There is no getting away from it and it is extremely overpowering. It is an incredibly strong musky urine smell. Foxes mark their den sites this way. No way to stop it. You own a fox, you own the incredibly overpowering knock you out and half the neighbourhood too stink. And that is the reason most foxes sold for pets end up as rescue cases. Not really good pet prospects at all......

Show committees which assume that everyone knows were "Showgrounds, Such and Such a Town" is and dont even provide a street address (let alone a mud map) And then when you get to the town and follow the dog trailer who happens to be in front of you (who is following the one in front of it) you realise that NO ONE actually knows where they are going and you are convoying your way all over town

The term is very subjective. I personally have never really liked it. It is often given lip service, but how many actually stop and think what it means in terms of their breed? How do you make your breed 'better'? 'betterment of the breed' implies changing a breed. I prefer to think of it in terms of 'preserving' the breed. I don't think my breed itself needs to be better in any way and who am I to say what should be changed to make it better. Personally I think it rather presumtuous for me to say I am 'bettering' the breed. What I DO want to improve is individuals within the breed - so that they continue to preserve the breed as a whole and put it in a good position to continue to go forward into the future. A totally different prospect. JMHO

Coming in late and have just worked my way through the thread. Lots of things to think about..... Yes, some are. But are they really more woeful than they have been? Or is it that the world has changed around it? It is that the way society has viewed dogs and breeding has changed so that expectations of what you will get are different now? Are people expecting purebred dogs to be more 'perfect' rather than a tool bred fit for purpose that sometimes worked and sometimes didnt? Is that half the problem? Purebred dogs have largely been promoted as being 'better', more 'perfect' dogs and when they dont live up to expectations there is a backlash....demanding that they be made perfect. If this is the case and we are going to counteract bad press therefore, I beleive we need to make sure that a healthy dose of realism is included. Otherwise I think we may only assist the likes of the law makers and regulators who insist on perfect specimens by adding to the 'myth'. Bad press will not be counteracted by over selling the dream. At the same time admittting that purebred dogs are not perfect is not a licence to do nothing or to try and get people to expect nothing. Yes, it needs to be 'grass roots' with popular appeal. It needs to be multi media and it has to get to the average person where they live and where they shop. To tell you the truth to be truly effective it may need to be expensive. Free to air TV on a regular basis would IMO be the prime goal. Think of the most popular and effective campaigns that have influenced peoples opinions about animals over the last decade and they have all focussed majorly on TV. It is what people do in the evenings, it is what people discuss at work and what kids discuss at school. How many times have people heard someone saying they want 'just a pet'. And this is why IMO the designer dogs have been so successful - because they were sold as 'just pets' without all the extra hassle and worry. To market purebred dogs effectively I agree more attention needs to be focussed on how they fit into the family home. The image of the purebred dog needs to be not one of an aloof perfectly posed show dog (something akin to a Vogue model that everyone admires but doesnt really consider to be a 'real' person that lives and functions in the real world) but of a dog that functions in the 'real' world. Agree. Puppy buyers want to know how the dog will be with them. They generally dont care about show ring successes. How many people really buy a car based on the awards it has won? Yes, car companies do brag about it, but the campaigns that have the most effect are the ones that sell the experience. They expect the manufacturer to take care of the design details for them. And no car manufacturer will ever claim that the vehicle will be 100% perfect. That is why they provide a warranty. Instead they sell the concept that they are working to make things better but will help fix problems as they occur. Most definitely. Market research is a vital tool as is a good dose of honesty and reality. We have to come from the point of recognising and admitting that not everything is perfect and things could be done better. But I also agree that: And that is the trick. It is about CREATING public opinion. this is generally referred to as 'spin' and is much maligned but is very very effective. So - First, decide the image we want to promote. Second, decide what public opinion is working contrary to that goal. Third, work proactively to change that opinion and address those key issues. And fourth, be ready when contrary opinions are aired to counter straight away (the same day!) in the media with a view that supports that goal (really this means working to increase the chances that media reps come to you for an opinion before publishing any piece so that they have the reply view preferably in the same article. This can often 'damp down' media reports and head them off at the pass.) JMHO

When they put the group with the most large dogs (and the heaviest crates) in the furthest ring from the car park......and there is a big hill between the two ....And then you forget your trolley....

Having a run for your dog to sleep in during the day while you are out can be a good idea. Problems such as fence running and guarding property fencelines are avoided and the dog is much more secure (from all manner of things including snakes if you are on a property, from visitors like the meter reader and maintenance people or when you have guests for a BBQ, from problems with dodgy boundary fences, neighbours or people passing by/out the front of the property. If you are a renter having a run you can take with you means no matter where you live the dog is secure. It is also often means you can maintain a better garden in the rest of the yard which can be enjoyed by both you and your dog when you are home. Positioning can be just as important as size. Having them in a spot whre they can see the back door easily for example, rather than being hidden right away. Shaded by a tree is good too (though you will need to provide some other shelter in it as well). If you have no tree to shade it, a shade sail (often available from discount stores like the Reject shop or from places like Bunnings) or shade cloth over the top can be good. As for size, that will depend on your budget or yard layout. My dogs are in runs which are about 8m long and either 2.5 or 5m wide with access to a shed at one end during the day. Morning and night they run in a much bigger area on our property. In their runs during the day they spend most of it sleeping (even when we are home and they are not in their runs they will spend the day sleeping! - the highest activity period for dogs is first thing in the morning and in the evening. This is how it was in the wild and how it still is for the most part). 2.5 to 3m x 6m is probably the smallest I would go for a large dog (and is plenty for a puppy). Agree 1.8m high fences is best. A note on feeding puppies when you have to work and can't be home during the day. What I have usually done with pups over 8 weeks is feed them first thing in the morning when I get up, then once again when I go to work when they go in their run (at this time they get something like a brisket bone as well to chew on during the day), then when I get home in the evening. They may also get a later supper if they need another meal. I have found this to be more than enough and they quickly transition to two meals a day with a meaty bone to chew on during the day.

I am not fussed on Aloveen either. I do like, use and recommend Plush Puppy, Fido's and Chris Christensen. They are good quality products and do the job well IMO I don't use a conditioner as such either - I use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil which I adore. I love the Fido's herbal rinse as well. I have Pyrenean Mountain Dogs - big white double coats!...and we have lots of red dirt/mud.... (we also have a GSDxKelpie who is easy to maintain in comparison)

Have to agree the cost is reasonable. Grooming is not an easy job. It is dirty backbreaking work and groomers earn every penny. As someone mentioned, compare it to a human hairdresser. They charge more, and they dont have to deal with poo, matted messes, or their customers constantly wiggling or trying to bite them!

From what I have read on overseas groomer forums the difference between the Pet Edge copies and the Le Pooch is overall quality. For example, the bristles on the Le Pooch brushes have polished tips wheras the Pet Edge don't. The advantage of polished tips is that it leads to less coat breakage and damage. Coat breakage and damage can cause 'spurs' on the hair shafts which can actually result in the coat matting up easier over time. Basically it is like the difference between a Chris Christiansen Fusion pin brush (polished tips) and a cheaper style of pin brush (no polished tips). If you are happy with a cheaper pin brush (and many people are), then buy the Pet Edge. If you prefer the feel and such of the CC or similar brushes, or have concerns about coat breakage (show coats etc) then IMO go with the Le Pooch. Of course it if you are not sure if you will like it (they have to be used a certain way, which I understand is a bit different from normal slickers), you may want to buy the Pet Edge one and then 'upgrade' to the Le Pooch later if you find you do. :D

Yep Sorry, should have written his name in full. So used to just referring to him as Dr Hutch as my US friends do LOL! (Most seem to know him as that over there). BTW, his video 'Maximising Conception in the Bitch' is excellent and really de-mystifies the AI process.

Can't comment from experience, though am interested in the subject as I am planning a frozen semen AI on a maiden bitch. As a result I have been researching the subject a bit lately (love Dr Hutch - he is the guru). Basically, it seems from what I have read that it will depend on other factors, with the fact she is a maiden only factoring in in some cases. If there is an infertility problem the method will not necessarily be the issue. If the bitch is young and a maiden then doing an AI as opposed to a natural is apparently not really an issue and many even seem to say go for transcervical AI in these cases rather than surgical as the bitch should be fit and healthy with a healthy uterus. An older maiden bitch perhaps moreso an issue depending on the health of her uterus (read Dr Hutch's views for example on how each season damages the uterus and the older the bitch the more 'worn out' it will be - he considers a bitch under 5, but preferably '2 years of age after all necessary health checks are completed' ideal breeding age for a first litter no matter what the method). In these case surgical is better than transcervical it seems as the uterus can be examined and any cysts which may have formed broken up before implantation. Apart from that it largely comes down to correct timing as you have a much smaller window of opportunity with frozen semen (the semen will live for around 24 hours max as opposed to around 7 days for natural so you have to time it well to ensure fertilisation). I will be interested to hear peoples actual experiences doing I's on maiden bitches though! Firestone you have certainly eased my mind a bit. What age were the bitches when they were done?

Look at the ones made by Great Rugs. Love their beds. The canvas covers for the trampoline beds are very strong. I have some which are a few years old and look almost as good as they day I bought them despite the constant use and abuse.

Yes, slow down! LOL! You don't even know if your pup will grow up to be worthy of breeding. That said, it pays to plan and if you are considering breeding it is good to start learning now. You have a few years at least to get prepared (noting that just because you will have a prefix and a main registered dog doesnt mean you actually have to breed this dog you have now - maybe it will be the next one that is more suitable). Note that even though you have a prefix you like, that may not be the one you end up with. You will have to think up quite a few to submit in the hope that among them there may be one not already taken or similar to one already taken. Not sure how many you have to submit now? (when I did it we only had to submit 4 but I think now you submit something like 10 ???). you might be lucky though - don't know till you try. It pays to have some back ups up your sleeve though. Edited as I am a bit confused by your comments now :/ . Your new pup will have the prefix of its breeder (they one THEY have applied for and registered), not one you choose. You will not be able to change that. The prefix you apply for and get will be what you use when you register any puppies that YOU breed. It can not be used on puppies bred by other people.

Malamutes can be prone to ZRD too so may be worth ruling out. Glad you plan to do a scraping as it really is the best way to see what is going on - it should at least tell you if and what bacteria is present.

I mostly use it to make contact and have more visibility of my breed community internationally. I love being about to keep in better touch with goings on overseas as well as being able to tell/show people what I am doing too. I have been able to access more pictures and video's of dogs than I have from other foums or breed magazines etc. Our breed does have a very active international community and I think FB has only helped to improve international exchange of information and cooperation - or at the very least visibilty of what is out there. It has helped me in regard to making initial contact for dogs to use in my breeding program. I have only seen one real case of 'sour grapes' aired (in relation to my breed) and unforunately in came from this country (and no I wasn't involved in any way and have no interest in the matter apart from being an 'online observer' to the posts. I was simply disappointed to see it.) I try to keep out of the 'politics' wherever I can. On a national level I use it to keep in touch with good friends and family mostly including 'doggy' friends and like hearing their news and seeing their photos.

Put me down. I may be able to help in certain areas on this particular subject from a wider industry perspective, though will need to leave most of the 'leg work' to others.

Agree with the availablility of rangers out of hours - and better presence during 'peak dog walking' times. This could include presence at dog parks and designated offlead areas - rewarding those doing the right thing (even a 'good job - well done' makes people feel good!!) and policing/providing advice and information to those that may need 'a little help' One of the main problems with dog parks I hear time and time again is owners not properly supervising their dogs or reading their dogs body language. What about official 'in park educators' that can attend dog parks reasonably regularly during peak times - provide information, point things out regarding behaviour, educate and even direct owners what to do in the dog park as well as hand out information. Responsible owners do try to do this but without an 'official' standing they often dont have the clout to be listened to. Incentive programs - attend a canine good citizen seminar and get a discount on something or something for free (council rego fees, get a sponsor to provide free dog food, discount on desexing etc etc) Agree too that children need to be targetted in schools. Children are one of the greatests elements for change in areas such as the environment. They have been delivered the message and take that message home. But it needs to be more than a one off seminar to make a difference. I have seen the 'small dog/large dog' style parks in the US. Basically there is an area set aside for small dogs only plus a much larger area for any dogs (large or small). Seems to work reasonably well. I beleive there will always be irresponsible owners. The ones you will never reach no matter how hard you try. For them the only recourse may be greater policing of laws. It is the 'borderline' cases that need targetting first IMO as this is where the initial easier runs on the board will be gained. The ones that often take reasonably good care of their dogs (at least being well fed and reasonably well cared for) but often dont have much of a clue when it comes to 'good canine citizenship' or minding anyone but themselves. This is about education and that education has to go to them as we can't expect them to necessarily come to the education.

Is Charlie a Husky? Has Zinc Responsive Dermitosis been considered? If it is ZRD then a Zinc supplement should help so talk to the vet about that. Perhaps get a skin scraping done if you suspect a staph infection. Maybe try regular rinses of the skin with vinegar which can help with both bacterial and fungal infections. If the scraping comes up positive for staph, antibiotics may do more good than cortisone which wont actually fix the problem, only mask it (or as you say, not really work at all in your case).

What breed of dog? This type of behaviour is often stronger in those breeds which are bred to retrieve (and carry things in their mouth).

I like this idea. Companies do this sort of thing to market their products all the time. Those free standing cardboard displays with information and brochures - get these out there into vet clinics and pets stores etc and you have some great advertising on how to choose a dog and where to go to get one. The important thing is to make sure the information is replenished regularly.