Dave-o

My 2 cents... A lot of dogs seem to react on Black Hawk, such as diarrhea or itchy skin. Read the plethora of comments on the review here - http://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/dry-dog-food/black-hawk-holistic/ Many dogs do very well on the food, and have done for years, but it doesn't surprise me your dog showed signs of allergies. Feeding raw you're feeding less carbs, which are what generally fill your dog up on a kibble - grains, potatoes, etc. Dogs are scavengers by nature so will eat when food is available. There are many kibbles that help with allergies, but it's worth finding out what it is. I find most allergies are caused by the cheaper grains of wheat, corn, sorghum, soy, or protein sources like chicken. If a dog is fed the same food for a long period of time he can develop intolerance to ingredients in the food. Some of the puppy kibbles on this list should alleviate signs of allergies - http://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/dry-dog-food/puppy-foods/ I hope that helps.

Apart from an ominous "bad batch" a few months ago I haven't really heard anything negative about Earthborn. The grain-free's are very high in meat content, around 38% protein which is testament to that. My review - http://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/dry-dog-food/earthborn-holistic/ ...and grain free... http://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/dry-dog-food/earthborn-holistic-grain-free/ It's always in stock at My Pet Warehouse with free delivery - http://bit.ly/1M0HktT

Not sure if you've bought anything yet, but I can give you advice that differs from everyone else :laugh: Firstly, as a newbie photographer I really think you're overthinking. You can fork out thousands on a 7D but it's pointless if you don't know how to use the camera and/or you don't want to print out whopping great poster size prints. I had a Canon 450D for many years and it did everything I needed. Even now it pretty much does everything I need to take quality photos. You could buy a 750D cheaply second hand, learn some basics, and go from there. As said, lenses are much more important and worth investing in, especially if you can upgrade to a different camera body a few years down the track. Buying (and learning) a photo-editing application like Lightroom will allow you to make a professional looking photograph irrespective of Canon, Nikon, or anything else. I've taken photos that look awful, then made them look amazing in Lightroom. Loads of videos on Youtube will get you up and running in no time. For price comparisons check http://www.cameracompare.com.au Perhaps a 700D with an 18-55mm lens PLUS a 55-250mm lens for whale watching from Camera House - http://www.cameracompare.com.au/Product/canon-eos-700d-w18-55mm-55-250mm-is-stm-lenses-digital-slr-camera-canon/camerahouse/700DMTK/ That is pretty much on your budget and you'd get plenty out of it in years to come.

Still, sad to hear and condolences to the OP.

It's very hard not to have an emotional attachment as soon as you agree to take a pup. Because a pup is 'sick' doesn't mean many would give up on it straight away, that's hard to do despite being the best option, especially in a more severe case like this. A refund is definitely due, even if one was given before. It may be a costly situation for the breeder but that's a risk they take by choosing to bring living animals into the world - duty of care.

What's her diet?

Something to be proud of!! Looks good!! I normally use mojopro. The quality of the canvas is excellent, much better than what you get at Big W etc.

Ambre in Southern River - http://www.showbordercollies.com/boarding-kennels.html

My puppy does it and throws it up in my car.

Thanks persephone, goes to show you don't need a $$$$ camera to take good pics!

So sorry to hear that swazzie, I hope he's not in any pain. Thoughts are with you.

Poor little Hitler.

Taken on an iPhone 5 pano. No editing other than removing a small sign from the bottom left corner. I took it in Tokyo last March in the most amazing snow they'd had since the 80s. I have it printed on canvas 1.5m and it's crystal clear.

As Sandra777 said, proper nutrition in the puppy stage is extremely important for joint health in large breeds. I agree with sas - excellent dry food recommendations for large breeds. I was looking into pet mince a few weeks ago, and read some worrying reports - http://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/blog/v-i-p-pet-mince-preservative-223/ It can work out cheaper buying human grade mince (I often see it reduced in my local IGA). As for Royal Canin many dogs do well on it (there's certainly a lot worse foods). Their formulas vary greatly in quality, and when it comes to corn (maize) it's very much down to production quality, and given pet food manufacturers use ingredients such as corn to keep costs down it's often found production quality is poor (cheap).

Many dogs are absolutely fine on Black Hawk (it's a pretty good food), but I do get many comments on my review from people who's dogs have reacted - http://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/dry-dog-food/black-hawk-holistic/ (read the comments).

Ha ha, Kirislin - I was accepted to that group immediately...!!? You must be a radical..!

Never heard of that group... just tried to join myself. There's plenty of really good active photography groups, the most active ones are the local groups. i.e. for me it's Perth Photography Group etc. More discussions. The bigger groups are more pros showing off their talent.

I've had similar problems (my pup is almost 5 months). Mine would get too excited about the treats in this instance, and pushing the treat down would cause him to jump back and stand. Resting my hand on his back has helped, and also doing it without the treat and tickling his belly afterwards as a reward. It's much easier when he's tired after a walk. He's getting there, I think...

Love the music :)

Shhhh! Don't give away all the secrets! Some of my favourite photos were taken on a phone not a camera: I've had that printed 1.5m wide and it's crystal clear. No fancy Canon or $2000 lens.

I have a lot of respect for Ricky Gervais for getting behind this. He's made people globally aware - that's a huge achievement. What other celebs could but don't make such an impact.

I was chatting with someone the other day who had a real estate firm ask her to take photos, and she wasn't sure whether to accept. I'd say go for it, you've got nothing to lose. If anything you'll gain valuable experience, and you've made him aware you're a hobbiest. With the real estate work she decided to charge $100 for 10 photos, payment up front, plus travel.

When it comes to Canon vs Nikon I'd say Fuji :) I have an X100S, fixed lens, mirrorless with a circular shutter (can't think of the proper term). No fuss. My Canon has been collecting dust for a year now.

It seems strange for someone to post awareness about poor quality ingredients then recommend a food more grain than meat, with CGM, tallows, digest, and so forth...