Sheridan

It is because the word puppy farm gets thrown around to much and it is hard for people to distinguish what a puppy farm is, they think of the crammed illegal mills that you see all over google, when in fact a puppy farm is a commercial breeding facility, but because some of these places seem so reputable they see them as breeders not farmers...... more effort needs to go into teaching people about what a farm really is Agreed - but what a farm is according to who? You say its a commercial breeding facility but that's not the definition used by governments and many canine groups who have agreed that the definition of a puppy farmer is someone who keeps their dogs in substandard conditions. Once you begin to judge someone based on what appears to be their motivation eg breeding for profit you hit a whole new set of problems. Here we go again. According to whom?

Given these kids tried to break in the week before, you'd think the RSPCA would have tried some prevention. What does the 'P' stand for?

For the 'they're only little kids' advocates, what punishment would you give?

When I was a kid, we got our registered, rare Irish terrier breeds via newspaper ads. My dad wouldn't know what the VCA was. He just looked in the paper.

Why do you ask? Cos I'm not sure what the difference is between a rescue with Cushings on Trilostane and any other dog with Cushings on Trilostane. Are you asking about cost? Issues with the medication?

I sincerely hope that there was a differentiation made between puppyfarmers (aka commercial breeders) and registered breeders at some point.

Generally, check out people don't try to sell you something.

Glad to hear Mac is doing well. In terms of Grumpy's place in the household, he's still Number One as Mini will defer to him over food, water and toys. I do have to keep telling her not to leave her toys on his bed, though, as she likes to borrow it to have a play. Grumpy's main issue is his back legs still.

I would have reported her had she tried to sell me anything.

I use clapping for certain things for Mini. Fell into it accidentally when I clapped to get her attention. Must have done it once too often because now, for example, she won't head out into the yard to do a wee unless I clap twice.

He's not doing too badly, westiemum. He did throw up tonight and is not getting dinner as a result but he's pretty perky otherwise. How's Mac?

Well, ta ta then.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a BYB who doesn't vaccinate. Of course, the reason they won't vaccinate will be because they're ignorant or won't give a toss about the health of the puppies. Either way, if you go for this option, best of luck in getting your border collie past puppyhood. If they don't care to vaccinate, they're also unlikely to care about genetics or careful breeding.

I wouldn't change vets on the grounds they're anti-raw, I would change on the grounds that they're trying to sell me something. If the vet is otherwise a good vet and your friend can put the vet firmly back in his place about trying to sell her food, then I wouldn't bother changing vets at all. Grumpy and Mini's vet is excellent regarding food.

Yes, unfortunately Grumpy has digestive issues because of his Cushing's. Understand what you mean though, Oakway.

I'm not fond of Wellness. The poos stink to high heaven and there's a lot of them. Still very pissed at Royal Canin for deleting the blue whiting. Will be switching Grumpy to Holistic Select.

Yes, PJs are to blame for the rise in dog attacks.

Higher fences?

Leave him be. He'll come out when he's feeling safer.

Have you looked at the Customs and/or DAFF website or tried emailing them? Better to go to the source, surely.

Having had the experience of a dog who didn't need it manipulated by a "chiro"' I'd see the vet first.

I'd rule out everything else before seeing a chiro. You may also wish to consider a physio rather than a chiro.

Why do you think it was something a chiro could fix?

That's not guilt, that's appeasement behaviour. So a dog can't feel guilt but can do appeasement behaviour? That's completely illogical. My dogs can act like that when they've done something wrong even if I haven't reacted in any way.

Curious.. How do dogs do guilt? I know when I go out, Ziggy looks at me like he wants to come. Same when I am eating and he is in the same room (the eyes would have you think he was never fed) - is this guilt? Isn't guilt more of a human emotion? I am always getting into trouble for humanizing Zig (giving him human emotions when they are not really there because it makes me feel better/guilty/sad) - maybe he is trying to make me feel guilty for not taking him. Don't get me wrong, I believe they do have 'emotions' but I think as dog lovers we read more into them then is actually there.. Just my opinion but I am curious now as to others view on this. Maybe I should start another thread, sorry for the hijack SM. Try guilt in the other direction. How do your dogs act if they've done something wrong?