EddyAnne

G'day, Eddy here. I have an idea of what they are doing, using technology that is SNP based and uses over 130 SNPs to detect the breeds and mixtures of these breeds, and if they are on schedule then currently now they can detect 95 breeds and mixtures of these breeds. That appears to be happening here in Australia with Genetic Technologies, and then this company started working with the US DNA company MetaMorphix in relation to such testings where I thought they maybe also looking for SNP variances within the same breeds, sort of like testing APBTs here and APBTs over there where variances could provide information. There were previous studies such as by Koskinen MT - 2003 and PARKER et al.- 2004, but DNA wise things have rapidly progressed this even within the past few years where I'm interested in what is happening now as it appears they are beta testing and in the pre-commercialisation stage.

G'day, Eddy here. A month ago there was a forum topic regarding DNA testing which you might like to read through and maybe add a post or two. As the topic progresses it's revealed that Genetic Technologies and MetaMorphix seem to be in a pre-commercial phase in regards to genetic testing to allow verification of breeds but also to a non-pedigree dog, also know as a bitsa, verifying the mixture of that breed to better assess the suitability of the dog, plus they also mentioned through this research it may soon be possible to offer a genetic test which identifies a dog’s temperament, and also was mentioned "Identifying the "mixture" allows people to assess the temperament of the dog and understand the potential behavioural characteristics," said George Sofronidis, Manager of Animal Diagnostics at GTG. Anyway the start of that topic is via this link address:- http://forums.dogzonline.com.au/index.php?showtopic=81748

I think so too... As I posted on the other page, "maybe some who have curly coated pure breeds might like to respond if the curly coat look makes their dogs appear unkept." And as I also posted, "Every dog that has a coat requires appropriate coat care, oodles are no exception neither are pure breeds, and it's up to the owners to provide it either themselves or by referring their dogs to a suitable groomer."

Many thanks Tassie

G'day, Eddy here. Thanks Ness and I've been away from the scene for quite some years, maybe I just might pop onto OzObedienceTrialling later to see those files. By the way, years ago I talked Ron Lawrence into starting OzObedienceTrialling, but then he and I retired from the scene years ago where others carried on, seems to be the way things go. Anyway I'm interested in what's occuring lately and who knows just maybe one day my wife and I just might decide to return to the trialling scene particularly in VIC where I reside, but then we are older with our disabilities but then the urge is still there where just maybe one day we just might return for we enjoyed the "family affair" where all of our family loved doing something enjoyable together.

G'day, Eddy here. Why don't you try using another clicker. Dogs that are scared, nervous or shy to the clicking noise then consider alternatives that could be used as event markers and used exactly the same as a clicker, say like using other sound that "nice" to your dog like a particular sound your voice could make, and some alternatively use electronic clickers where the tone and volume can be adjusted to suite the dog, and alternatively for deaf dogs they use remote controled vibrating pads which are used exactly the same as a clicker and which could also be suitable for dogs that are not deaf and which just might also address the situation where some dogs are scared of sounds. Sorry but I don't have time to help, but try doing a search on the internet where I'm sure there is some information on what I've just mentioned including where you can obtain them from.

G'day, Eddy here. Sounds like the Encouragement Class in Victoria that's been going for years, basically novice minus the "Heel Free" and "Recall". Can anyone post the details of the CCD exercises that's coming in (1 July 2006). A while back I heard there was some delay in regards to the "new rules and new classes", maybe someone can give us some updated details and I'm particularly interested in the addition of the UDX class and the exercises. About time I bought a new rule book, is the new one available yet with all the latest changes and new classes.

G'day, Eddy here. Peri I have a suggestion, all of our Cavaliers did heaps better off-lead than on-lead, being small dogs they really didn't like loose leads flaping around near their face particularly on windy days. My advice is to do minimal practice as you can on-lead with just enough to pass the novice on-lead part but focus on doing more off-lead as this will help in addressing the lagging during on-lead whilst still increasing their off-lead ability, and keep in mind that once past novice everything is done off-lead where I think your aim might be for the long term. Edited in as I hit post too soon and forgot to type the lead part. My wife and I when in novice used thin show leads with very small clips with light buckle leather collars, and the light lead with small clips can be obtained at dog shows via the van that sells dog things at shows, as some who do show use these leads with very thin and light "snake chains" for showing purposes.

G'day, Eddy here. Ange, I think that maybe your Cavalier Lulu has trained you quite well.

G'day, Eddy here. Training clubs in my area allow pups to start after they have completed their vaccinations, this can differ from the pups age of 12 weeks or 16 weeks old and this depending on what vaccinations the veterinarian uses. By the way, at 6 months of age a dog can enter official Obedience trials, and if passes the requirements can obtain a Companion Dog title this even at 6 months of age.

G'day, Eddy here. Yep I know, Jessica Smith won Best Junior Handler, and who is the daughter of Sue Smith with Paije (Marcavan Miss Federation) who got that 195 in UD winning the ring plus winning the Highest Score In Trial. By the way they live up the road from Anne and me and pop in for a cuppa now and then.

G'day, Eddy here. Great to see a Cavalier "lap doggie" do exceptionally well, S Smith & Marcavan Miss Federation UD - CKCS, see Utility 3 ring with 195pts and also HSIT, and here are all the other Obedience doggies who did really great at the VCA State Obedience Trial at this address:- http://www.geocities.com/vicobedience/trialresults.htm

G'day, Eddy here. Yes a sigh of relief in that it's just back pain that just needs some rest, strange the first vet couldn't manipulate down the back and detect back pain and if this is the case then maybe you'll be off giving that first vet a miss in the future. But then who knows if the problem doesn't clear up with rest, time and maybe even with medication, then if this is the case the maybe you might have to investigate further maybe even with an x-ray, as hip problems are known to cause back problems. I've also heard that hip problems even like osteochondrosis dissecans can even cause muscular straining back problems as the doggie tends to guard themselves during certain hip movements, but then maybe poodlefan might like to let us know if there is any probability of that with mini and toy poodles in australia.

G'day, Eddy here. Over the years I have been to many training clubs across Victoria and some in NSW, where I talked to some pet owners with minis and toys who had HD. As I mentioned, as to what the figures are in Australia well I feel your guess might be just as good as my guess but then maybe not if you know what the Breed Score Average is in Australia and how many Poodles here have been tested and scored.

G'day, Eddy here. The Orthopaedic Foundation of America (OFA) and American Kennel Club (AKC) lists Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles as the same breed but in different size groups. As to Poodles, the OFA lists 15,245 Hip Test Results on their website, it seems that some breeders in America are routinely testing and maybe this also in the Miniature and Toy size groups. Of the 15,245 tested 12.7% had Hip Dysplasia to varying degrees and as to what the figures are in Australia well I feel your guess might be just as good as my guess but then maybe not if you know what the Breed Score Average is in Australia and how many Poodles here have been tested and scored, anyway see the OFA figures at this address:- http://www.offa.org/hipstatbreed.html