ellz

I would say it is because of the obvious abuse of the Dogzonline benefits by puppy farmers and backyard breeders I would say. Because of the "popularity" and sadly price tag of some of the puppies in these breeds, many people are seeing them as a quick way to make a buck or two without regard to temperament, health or type. Having to demonstrate proven track record by way of showing, obedience or other recognised activities shows that the breeder isn't just doing it for the puppies.

Having bred winter litters here in Tassie, I will say that I found it a lot easier to heat a small area. Easier and safer to regulate a smaller area than to have to monitor an entire room. That said, the rooms were always heated so that there was no chill in the air, but then the smaller area the puppies were in was heated separately so that if there was a problem and the room heating went off, it didn't have any impact on the babies. Easiest for me was a pen arrangement with a separate "sleeping area". This had a heated underblanket on the bottom, then polar fleece (both for warmth and water wicking properties) and then a suspended heat lamp over the top. As the puppies got older, the underblanket was removed, the heat lamp was raised and the time it was switched on was reduced and then when they were able to regulate their own temps with their environment, it was switched off completely.

A Stafford, they aren't known as the "Nanny Dog" for nothing.....

This! :) On show days, whatever happens to be going if I can't be bothered doing liver. Cabanossi, cooked sausages, leftover roast chicken, cheese sticks, just to name the ones that jumped into my head immediately.

wayrod on here!

Not sure I understand this comment. Staffords are well-known (and admired) for their athletic prowess....

Not sure I'd recommend a Stafford in this case. Most have somewhat higher than medium activity level. In fact, most can be absolute pains in the behind because they are so demanding and full-on.

To be honest, the BEST dog showing car I have ever had is a 1997 Toyota Camry Wagon. Plenty of room with seats up or down. The aircon is the BOMB! And super-duper economical on fuel!!!!! Next best was my EL Falcon Wagon. Heaps of room, super comfortable for man and beast BUT would go past everything except a petrol pump.

Just another suggestion....I had a puppy a few years ago which I suspected may have had hydrocephalus. It turned out in the end that she had a porta-hepatic shunt. She was quite behind her sister in development but didn't really show any neurological disturbances until she got to about 6 weeks and then the difference in the two puppies was very apparent and she had started to have mini-seizures when she ate. She was euthanased then, she just wasn't absorbing enough good stuff to keep her growing properly. Editing to add photos...both girls at 3 weeks of age...spot the "normal" puppy

The Hickie family (Belmont) are true dog people. I have never used their facilities but would not hesitate to do so if the need arose.

It is always a pitfall that new owners encounter when they brush what they can see and don't get right down to the skin. Definitely teach the dog to lay down to be brushed. On its side is fine, then you can line brush (you might like to google this but basically you brush the dog from the belly up or back down - whichever is easiest for you - in layers/lines and making sure that every piece of hair is brushed). Get yourself into a rhythm of "brush comb", brush first and then comb. The comb will uncover any bits of hair that you've inadvertently missed.

UKC is classed as an "alternate" registry. It's not bad, but certainly it does recognise and register some breeds which are not recognised elsewhere.

Depends upon the breed. And as others have said, be considerate. Waving a bitch in season under the noses of the boys, whether intentionally or otherwise will do nothing to make friends! :laugh: Personally, I prefer not to show bitches which are in full standing heat but that is just me. Smooth coated breeds can look just plain UGLY when they're swollen and dripping (sorry to be so graphic), coated breeds aren't quite as nasty. Whatever the breed though, it is courtesy to mention to the judge that the bitch is in season BEFORE they start to go over the back end, lest they get a nasty and messy shock.

My long-coated puppies get bathed weekly from the time they're old enough to stand in the bath. Bathing won't hurt, just make sure you rinse properly.

Have a look at Augustine Approved.....

The only successes that I have had in treating car sickness were when the dog/puppy was prevented from seeing out of the window. A covered crate or as I used to do with one of my adults, a snood over his eyes. If you forgot the snood, you got a dribbling drool-puppy out of the car at your destination and there is only SO much you can achieve with potato flour! :laugh:

Wayrod told me just the other day that Brisbane are the strictest when it comes to enforcing crate rules. The other airlines tend to vary according to who is on the desk at the time apparently.

This. Bladder infections can also produce blood and a lovely aroma that drives the boys wild. Let's hope the vet knows the difference. Surprisingly, some don't.

This. Bladder infections can also produce blood and a lovely aroma that drives the boys wild.

What amazes me is that many people who own horses and dogs would never DREAM of leaving a halter on an unattended horse in a paddock, yet they're happy to leave a check chain on an unattended dog.

I have actually in the past swapped a kitten for a puppy! :) I had bred a litter of purebred, registered Burmese kittens and a breeder in my breed had a litter of American Cocker puppies which I admired. We were joking around one day at a show...."swap you a kitten for a puppy" type of thing and I nearly fell over when she actually asked what kind of kittens they were. Deal was quickly done and both of us were very happy with our transaction. But....that said.....I wouldn't just do this ALL the time. It was just a mutually beneficial agreement at that particular time.

Another vote for wayrod

Check chains are potential killers when used in the wrong manner by inexperienced people. Even a check chain being used for training can kill if it is put on the wrong way (one way allows self-release, the other simply makes the chain get tighter with pressure). A check chain should NEVER be left on a dog which is unattended. Far better to get a leather collar or even a strong webbing collar with quick release hardware.

Overheard today whilst watching the Golden Retriever judging....member of Joe Q public said to her friend "I had one of those when I was a kid, only he was black..........." I went shortly followed by