Cairo1

Puddle, I have no idea what 'xb' means. . . . . Is it 'code' for something LOL Cheers Cairo1 ;)

That would be super, Chris!! Thank you. . . .. there hasn't been much response to my query! And I am a FIRM believer in Puppy Classes - but they have to be good ones - none of this 'free-for-all' stuff! I have seen a few dogs ruined because of that. . . I appreciate your efforts. Kind Regards Cairo1 :D

Hi All :D I am about to send a Working Line German Shepherd Dog puppy to a wonderful young couple in Townsville. I am in Tasmania and have arranged Puppy Classes for all my clients here but really want some information in relation to Puppy Classes in Townsville. Could some-one give me some recommendations? Or perhaps PM details of places to stay clear of? I am trying to give these people all the help they can get as they are too far away for me to be much help down here! BTW, in case you are wondering; I have chosen the right puppy for the situation :) I just want to help consolidate a support network. Cheerio Cairo1

I think that would be Carl Pew. We imported semen a couple of years ago from Texas and we went through him and his semen collection agency. Excellent service and knowledge YES!! Thats him!! Thank you so much! :) As I remember it, he arranges collections and all the relevant paperwork and when he has a cylinder full, he sends to Australia, right? I have heard great reports about him. Missymoe, would you mind giving me a bit of an idea of the costs incurred when you had your shipping done? Feel free to pm me if you would prefer. I am interested in bringing in GSD semen but it's very hard to fathom how you go about it without actually visiting the country itself. There is so much money at stake. . . . as I am sure you appreciate! Thanks again!! Cairo1 :)

What does ICSB stand for?? Thanks ;-) Cairo1

Hi All, I need to have my memory refreshed!! Years ago I was looking into importing semen from the US/Canada and there is a fellow who specialises in the collection, assessment of and shipping of semen and I am sure he was from the University of Utah. Can someone tell me who that is?? Thanks for your collective thoughts ;) Cairo1

This is an interesting topic!! I have been told that by giving human grade calcium and magnesium in the last week prior to whelping, that you increase the strength of contractions and reduce the length of labor. I have heard this from several breeders. Some people swear on it and some don't do any supplementation at all. A recent ultrasound showed only a small litter of very big robust pups so I am not too worried but it's the first litter in about 14 years and theories change over time. . . . Anyone else tried the CaMg?? Cairo1 :)

Thank you all for your responses! Ok, I did get some odour free paint that is suitable for bathrooms ie it can withstand some moisture and I have been painting madly! I also have some nice thick vinyl which I will be putting in the base. Just a tip for those that want to paint on a budget! K & D (like Bunnings) has an area for paints that have been mistinted. These can be up to 50% cheaper!!! I wasn't too fussed about the color but ended up with a dove blue which really wasn't too bad anyway. WIll post an image of said project upon completion! Once again - thank you Cairo1

Hello All! I am in the process of building my whelping box and wondered if I should paint it? It's made of form ply and will have a piece of lino on the floor but I was thinking that it would be helpful to wipe down the sides etc too when disinfecting. The puppies are due in about three weeks so if I did paint it would that be a problem?? I am not sure I like the idea of pups (and the dam for that matter) breathing in paint fumes. Can anyone suggest alternatives?? Thanks for you time Cairo1 ;-)

You could add to this list Garsova - working line GSDs - 30th Jan :D

A very enjoyable read! Thanks for sharing! Cairo1

Hi Missymoo! I am having the same issues with my young GSD. He is 5 months and 1 week and three of his four canines are still holding on tight!! My vet suggested to keep feeding bones and pigs ears etc and keep him chewing. They are now discolouring and he is sure they will fall out by themselves. His new teeth are only half erupted so they still have a ways to go. I am keeping finger's crossed that nature does it's work and I am not stressing!! Good Luck Cairo1

My Sheltie had one exactly the same in the same spot too!!! He licked it for a while and it became raised and bare and then gradually subsided. There was no infection and it didn't bother him too much so I left it alone and it healed and went away by itself! It was weird. He had it about a month and now there is no sign of it anymore!! I will be interested to find out what your vet says about it!!! Cheerio Cairo1

Thank you for all your input! It's been really useful! I think I will give it a go . . . . . In the mean time I will read up on the whip worm and find out what conditions they need to thrive in. We are lucky here in Tas in that the cooler climate seems to keep a lid on bugz 'n grubz We do have ticks but they aren't terribly common as they might be in NSW and QLD. Thanks a gain! ;) Cairo1

Ahhh, thank you for that! I obviously missed the whip worm information. . . . I did wonder. . . . I will have a look at your link and go from there. I have four GSDs and two shelties so never mind the cost of food; it's the worming that costs!! Cheerio and thanks again!! Cairo1