Lowenhart

I would think that a late stage abortion is a bitch problem and nothing to do with the quality of the semen. Did you do prog testing through the pregnancy? Ultrasounds?

You haven't reached the situation, that's fine. I tried a dual sire. Older bitch, last try to get her in whelp before she was too old. She'd been pregnant before to sire 1, but she lost the pups at 7 1/2 weeks (reabsorbed them). So I decided to use a sire 1 and a younger dog sire 2. If the problem was with sire 1, then sire 2 was an excellent alternative choice. Both dogs sperm was collected and checked as excellent, the bitch became pregnant and monitored her entire pregnancy. We got 3 puppies! She was a good mum, fed them well and each puppy is being shown. And the sire? Sire 1. Stud fees weren't an issue as I owned both. I just wanted to cover all my bases. Turns out the bitch had the 3 pups in 1 horn, as her other horn was diseased. That probably contributed to her losing the previous litter. Would I do it again? Absolutely! It was a shame that none were from the younger dog, but I got 3 quality pups from a combination I'd been wanting for 6 years. If I'd had just 1 pup from sire 2, I'd have been chuffed. My litters are normally 2-4 pups, you get used to limited choices.

I would suggest you just do twice daily checks of the dog, which you still have to do even if on chemical tick repellents. Dogs still can, and do, end up with tick paralysis while wearing tick collars or having spot on treatments. Get good at checking the dog, especially feet, ears and lips for ticks. Turn it into a pleasurable ritual for the dog. I live in a paralysis tick area.

rogue6901 if your wanting another dog in 2 years, you do realise that Beagles come through rescue with regularity. In Qld and in NSW you can get another Beagle without the rigmarole of trying to breed a litter.

Although it's not on your list and may not be suitable depending on the roads you are driving on, but I love my Honda Jazz. I can fit a compact gazebo, 2 x trolleys, 2x chairs, gazebo mats & sides, grooming kit, trolley mats etc in the boot. The backseat fits 3 x PP30's side by side. :) Cheap to run, easy to use during the week (parking, u-turns etc)

I think Haredown's idea to restict Juniors (but most specifically under 10's) to neuters is somewhat flawed. Forcing inexperienced handlers to take on unknown dogs (unless parents decide to neuter/spay their own dog for the sole use by the junior) that may not be a compatible size (to large/strong for the size of the junior, a table dog for a junior who can not see over it on the table) or temperament (may not live with or have experience with children, or has aggression/fear issues) because neutered/spayed dogs are perceived to be quieter and easier to handle. I think in all cases ALL handlers (no matter the age) need to be able to control and restrain their dogs. As an adult I am short and quite a small build and would not be a suitable handler for a large very strong breed. Many moons ago, when I was a junior handler, I handled an entire male Afghan Hound that was larger and very strong for the breed. Right behind me in the line up for handlers was a bitch in season and smelling really good! I kept that dog under control the entire time, though it was an effort. In that situation I was at my "limit" of capabilities, able to maintain control but if the dog had been stronger then I would not have been as successful. If I'd reached that point I would have called the dog's owner over to assist regaining control and would have withdrawn from competition. It's important that parents/guardians/owners of handlers dogs do not allow children into the ring with dogs they are unable to control, it's a very simple principle. Spaying/neutering is not a guarantee of a controllable dog.

Queensland Vet Specialists at Stafford do semen collection and arrange storage in Brisbane. If you are wanting to go in for shared cannisters etc, you need to contact the company organising it for who they recommend/work with.

Because the Kiltix and Advantix are owned by the same company. Obviously they aren't going to recommend you use the competitors product nor are they going to test the combination of the two. I found a paralysis tick on a lactating bitch. I got a fright, but she and the pups were fine. I didn't however put on any chemical products. I preferred to do twice daily checks rather than chance a negative side effects. OP, Good luck with your litter.

You can't ask for a position in catalogue order but if really required you can ask on the day. I have on a few occasions asked to go to the end of the line. If the other exhibitors and the steward agreed, then it was OK.

For rainy days and muddy grounds, you'll be glad you got a trolley. On bad weather days I'd throw the Afghan in the trolley and push them to the ring. It would be a huge effort, but so is carrying them. I have a table with wheels but I use that most when I'm flying around with my small dogs. At a regular show you can fill the trolley up with stuff to set up camp, then walk the Afghan over (in good weather).

As a judge I have non-awarded a Champion, I explained the situation highlighting what I did like about the dog but also what I found to be unacceptable to me. I have even gone so far as to withhold points when judging overseas. I had 2 puppy littermates, the only examples of their sex in the "classes" and they both were typical puppies, loose and all over the place. However neither were the picture of a Champion of that breed based on the standard. I explained to the exhibitor discreetly, and I'm sure both are titled by now. I think if withholding a challenges/points, exhibitors might feel less confused. Many judges will hand over 6 point challenges just to avoid the hassles of upset exhibitors and having to explain something negative about the exhibitor's dogs. I have had challenges withheld on my dogs, and feel it's best to say a quick statement at the time of judging rather than later in the day. Then exhibitors aren't standing around questioning what the possible reason is. Challenges and points aren't automatically awarded because you turned up. If it was, there would be no need for a judge.

Depends on the breed and the line. I do like to look at them at birth and take notes but I don't make hard decisions until I can assess teeth and testicles, which can be between 4 and 8 weeks.

I likes!! T. In the states these are called Coyote Rollers. There is a DIY version here (scroll down). When I eventually get a cat, I'll have these on my fences to work as a secondary barrier in case the cat got out of the house/cat run. It also stops dogs too, which is handy as I've had some escapists. Edited to add an even easier DIY version.

I do not know the answer, but I would leave as much time as possible after puppies to hip score. Obviously prior to her coming into season again, but I'd wait as long as you can. Pregnancy hormones are linked to how laxity and some papers point to greater laxity during subsequent pregnancies (something to consider!).

If it's going to be over 35 degrees, I tend to stay home. But that said I did the Spring Fair in 2009 with Lowchen and when I won both Dog and Bitch Challenge I rigged it slightly so that the bitch won because she could handle the heat better than the dog. He got hosed down and was happy, and she showed well with a wet arse and feet. But for normal shows I make sure I have plenty of shade, I have silver shade for the canopy and trolley, lots of water. If they look too hot, I wet them down as much as possible (wet feet can be hidden) and will wet down completely and withdraw them. Their health comes first.