sandgrubber

Ditto Sheena. I have fed them. I would much prefer frames. But if the supplier has only drumsticks, I'll take them. This hasn't happened very often. Never had a problem with drumsticks, but they seem riskier than frames. I'd avoid feeding them to a small dog or puppy. I don't much like wings either.

Maybe I didn't read carefully, but I didn't notice anyone suggesting that you shave or clip the hair short around the hot spot. My experience with hot spots is that almost everything works . . . vinegar, peroxide, betadine, rubbing alcohol, Camamile tea, antibiotic goo or powder . . . so long as you work to keep the spot dried out and unfriendly to the infection. If you leave the hair long around the hot spot, the infection spreads to the surrounding coat. The damn things can grow very fast. If you don't clip, your thumbprint sized spot can triple or quadruple in size overnight. Some of them are less aggressive. I think there are multiple microorganisms that can cause the problem . . . both bacteria and fungi . . . so different things work differently in different cases. But moisture is necessary for the infections to get going, and trimming hair gets rid of trapped moisture.

3 is great IF they like each other. I have mother/daughter/granddaughter. They love eachother. Granny dog doesn't play so much any more. She's 10. But mother and daughter play a lot, and they all groom one another.

Small contradiction between the alleged pit bull that got hit by a car and killed and two pit bulls returned to their owner. The math involved is 2 - 1 = 2. Or was one of the dogs returned dead?

A decade back there were a few deaf Labs showing up in WA -- including one pup I bred. This appeared to be late onset, though. No one noticed a problem until the pups were more than a year old. They do need to contact the breeder. Because Labs are so common, just about every disease a dog can get has been reported in a Labrador, but deafness is uncommon. Any decent Lab breeder would be very concerned. And you folks in Darwin need to recruit a decent vet!

Problem with articles like this is that everyone assumes they mean someone else. For example, I buy lots of meds online, and they are a lot cheaper . . . in fact, my vet has stopped carrying some meds and suggests that customers get them online from a reputable company. I'm sure people who practice the other four listed sins have their own excuses.

It's amazing to me that Australia (I mean the government, not all Australians) is SO, SO down on pit bulls and SBT's are either #1 or #2 in number of puppy registrations, not to mention common as mixes and bred off-pedigree register. I'm in pit bull land now . . . they're all over Florida, #1 in shelters, #1 in our equivalent of Gumtree, and when you walk around the neighborhood, #1 for the dog left out in the front yard. Pitties are a lot like staffies. Tthere are some nasty ones. More DA than HA, but you find both occasionally. Most of em are ok, and some are right sweet dogs. Hard to beat them for wiggly bums and snuggly affection. . . . when they are good.

The diggers will dig in the grass even if you offer them sand. Especially if the grass is moist and the sand dry. If you keep the sand moist you'll still get tiger snakes. It's worth burying weld-mesh in the grass so the dogs can't dig up the grass. I had water in the exercise yard when I had a boarding kennel outside Perth. Some of the dogs loved it, and we never had problems with snakes. I think the ruckus from a boarding kennel tends to keep them away. Put the water close to an area that gets a lot of noise and vibrations from the kennel and my guess is you'll be ok. We kept throwing out cheap, non-dangerous toys . . . tennis balls, kongs, knotted ropes, anything else we could find. The dogs destroyed them . . . but who cares if it's cheap. If you go for different surfaces, realize that dogs are going to go for whatever is cool in summer and may look for warmth in winter. Older, arthritic dogs like soft, and may create dog-shaped holes for themselves, but may be just as happy with an old sofa or a dog bed put out in the yard . . . in the shade in summer, sun in winter..

The best solution is one that provides protection and avoids conflict without risking offense to someone who is doing nothing wrong. Usually it's possible to avoid dogs you don't trust at the vets by waiting outside. Great solution when you can do it. But sometimes it's too hot, and sometimes your dog is sick enough that it shouldn't be outside. Or you have some messy situation like a litter of puppies that needs exams and microchips. If I hit that situation with a small dog, I guess I'd do like cat owners do and bring the dog's crate. (Cat owners hit this situation virtually every time they sit in a waiting room and the crate always seems to resolve the problem). If that is not possible, maybe best to go back to the car (with A/C on if needed) and phone the vet to explain the situation. Often they can ease the situation by letting you wait in an empty consultation room . . . or giving you a phone call when it's ok to come in.

When I lived in WA the repro vet I worked with told me he had a few clients who did back to back litters routinely (which he considered fine from the perspective of veterinary/reproductive health) and would sell the occasional litter without registrations to get around the rule in WA that says you can't have more than 2 litters in 18 mo from any one bitch. Could be another such breeder.

My moorings are in WA. Isn't it illegal to sell a pup at 6 weeks in NSW? (If my memory serves, they need to be 8 wks and microchipped . . . maybe vet certificate as well). If you choose to report the breeder in question, you will be doing a favor. Their behavior is near-criminal, and the world will be a slightly better place if they are held accountable.

Please explain what you mean by BYB. Some perfectly good breeders breed in the back yard. Was there a problem with the puppy your friend bought? It is quite common, and perfectly legal, for breeders to claim they are registered when they are registered with the local council. If they are showing people forged papers, etc., then it becomes a matter of fraud. This is a different legal situation. I'm not a lawyer, but I think someone who deliberately fakes ANKC papers is subject to criminal law charges.

+1 I use a 20 litre bucket for three Labradors. They still dribble, though.

Mine do a full body shake only when they've been swimming, and even then they do a half arsed job.

I was not making excuses, nor condoning. I was simply observing that people's reactions tend to be strong, vehement, and irrational when issues are sexual. I can't imagine such strong reaction to a dog who is kept in a small kennel with no stimulation or attention . . . or special condemnation because this was done by a licensed professional. I am sure there are many doctors, lawyers, even judges, who abuse their dogs in such fashion. I can imagine that such dogs are seriously damaged. I have never encountered a dog that was subjected to bestiality (although some people seem to regard digital stimulation in AI as bestiality. I've witnessed that, and concluded it did more good than harm) and my statement that I wish I could hear a dog's perspective can be taken literally. I am not convinced that all bestiality involves rape, and I find it conceivable that some forms of human sexual deviation involving animals are ok from the animal's perspective. I would be happy to be see some facts about the harm that is done. I'm also totally naive about commercial--or the much laughed at, folkloric sheep farmer type--bestiality. It isn't a high priority for me to correct that ignorance. But I could imagine that the shepherd form existed (and probably exists) in a relatively benign form where some horny male penetrated a ewe who was in season and receptive. I find this gross. But I wouldn't find it especially cruel. And if someone got off on training his or her dog to lick his crotch (as dogs regularly do to one another and would probably be happy to do with humans if it weren't so rapidly discouraged) I'd find it disturbing, but pretty harmless. Quoting the source of choice for lazy researchers, Wikipedia points out that "The Kinsey reports rated the percentage of people who had sexual interaction with animals at some point in their lives as 8% for men and 3.6% for women, and claimed it was 40–50% in people living near farms," The image of bestiality shown in Wikipedia, btw., shows that bestiality is not new, and may involves something as mild (from a dog perspective) as licking of genitals. The discussion is anything but calm and rational . . . as a habitual skeptic, I would prefer to see documentation of the harm done rather than the throwing around of lots of reactive derogatory words. Reminds me too much of unenlightened reactions to homosexuality, or, for that matter, reactions a century back to any assertion that women should enjoy sex.

I was not making excuses, nor condoning. I was simply observing that people's reactions tend to be strong, vehement, and irrational when issues are sexual. I can't imagine such strong reaction to a dog who is kept in a small kennel with no stimulation or attention . . . or special condemnation because this was done by a licensed professional. I am sure there are many doctors, lawyers, even judges, who abuse their dogs in such fashion. I can imagine that such dogs are seriously damaged. I have never encountered a dog that was subjected to bestiality (although some people seem to regard digital stimulation in AI as bestiality. I've witnessed that, and concluded it did more good than harm) and my statement that I wish I could hear a dog's perspective can be taken literally. I am not convinced that all bestiality involves rape, and I find it conceivable that some forms of human sexual deviation involving animals are ok from the animal's perspective. I would be happy to be see some facts about the harm that is done. I'm also totally naive about commercial--or the much laughed at, folkloric sheep farmer type--bestiality. It isn't a high priority for me to correct that ignorance. But I could imagine that the shepherd form existed (and probably exists) in a relatively benign form where some horny male penetrated a ewe who was in season and receptive. I find this gross. But I wouldn't find it especially cruel. And if someone got off on training his or her dog to lick his crotch (as dogs regularly do to one another and would probably be happy to do with humans if it weren't so rapidly discouraged) I'd find it disturbing, but pretty harmless. Quoting the source of choice for lazy researchers, Wikipedia points out that "The Kinsey reports rated the percentage of people who had sexual interaction with animals at some point in their lives as 8% for men and 3.6% for women, and claimed it was 40–50% in people living near farms," The image of bestiality shown in Wikipedia, btw., shows that bestiality is not new, and may involves something as mild (from a dog perspective) as licking of genitals. The discussion is anything but calm and rational . . . as a habitual skeptic, I would prefer to see documentation of the harm done rather than the throwing around of lots of reactive derogatory words. Reminds me too much of unenlightened reactions to homosexuality, or, for that matter, reactions a century back to any assertion that women should enjoy sex.

I wish a few dogs could comment on this. I suspect that a lot of dogs would say human sexual curiousity is minor compared to many of the things they commonly suffer -- like a lifetime of solitary confinement in a back yard with little or no stimulation. Comments equivalent to: The Nursing and Midwifery Board is arguing Modystack's conduct was "illegal and repugnant" and "inconsistent with being of good character and being a fit and proper person to hold a registration in the nursing profession". were widely made when people were tried for homosexuality and forced into terrible punishments/treatments. I worked with a vet who used finger stimulation on vaginal AI treatments, attempting to mimic the sensation of the dog's penis. She got great results, and the bitch was enthusiastic. You could call this beastiality, especially if she got a buzz out of doing it (for me this was don't ask, don't tell). But it worked and from the dog's perspective it wasn't the least bit cruel. Human and canine attitudes to sex are SO different. I find it laughable that puritanical judgements are uncritically applied. Mind you, I'm not condoning pimping dogs. Just saying, it would be good to see it from the dog's perspective before throwing the book at the offender. And it would be good to pay more attention to commonplace routine cruelties of confinement without social interaction or stimulation.

For me the take-home messages are: 1) CM started up as a poor kid from Mexico raised around a lot of dogs. He has amazing ability to read dogs and use his own body language to communicate with them. 2) television and Hollywood have built his native abilities up to a bit of a cult 3) CM will screw up from time to time -- this is one instance of bad judgement. (I suspect he likes dogs more than people and really likes a dog pack, thus will take risks). Behaviorism has made much of the science of dog training. There is also an art of dog training that requires the native skills CM possesses in abundance. The ideal trainer (rare, and maybe nonexistent) balances science and art. Unfortunately, the ideal trainer will find it easier to transfer the science than the art. In watching CM, it's probably better to turn off the sound and just watch his moves.

I hate the term backyard breeder. Many small registered breeders keep their dogs in the backyard . . . and some of them advertise their pups on Gumtree. Some of them don't show and may be called BYB's by show folks. Border Collies are not my breed and I don't know what diseases prevail, and what health tests can or should be done. I do know there's a big fuss in the breed between different registries and lots of politics and backbiting relating to working vs. show vs. trial-ing . . .and that some esteemed lines are inbred and not particularly healthy. Back in the days I ran a kennel (in WA), some of the BC's we saw were high strung to the point where they would be difficult pets. I'd encourage your friend to research the breed carefully, define what she's looking for, and ask the hard questions of any breeder he or she approaches. The following might be an interesting read (depending on what she's looking for: http://www.border-wars.com/2014/07/why-border-collies-transcript-and-gallery.html

I used and liked it when I lived near Costco and had friends who would pick it up for me (I'm not a member). I think it is TOTW repackaged.

http://www.tmz.com/2014/07/23/cesar-millan-dog-whisperer-dog-attack-great-dane-studio-city/#ixzz38S3Vzjvg Cesar Millan couldn't stop one of his gigantic clients -- a Great Dane -- from attacking a neighbor during a training session yesterday ... TMZ has learned. Sources tell us the 'Dog Whisperer' star was walking a group of dogs, including the Great Dane, near his home in Studio City, CA -- and none of the dogs were leashed. We're told one of Millan's neighbors was out walking his own dog ... and when the neighbor reached out to let the Great Dane sniff his palm ... the dog suddenly bit the man's hand and forearm. We're told Cesar followed the man to the hospital where he was treated and released. Unclear, at this point, how badly he was injured. A rep for Millan confirmed the attack, and says Cesar was walking a "troubled dog" as part of its training, when it got "spooked by a neighbor." The rep added, Cesar is still caring for the dog. We don't know yet how big this dog was -- but adult Great Danes range from 100 to 120 pounds. A source close to the victim tells us "he's healing," and is following up with a physician today.

Years ago I did tracker dog training in the Perth area. I asked around about training dogs to find a missing dog. For reasons I don't understand, these questions were always brushed off. People seem to believe (but will offer no evidence) that tracking other dogs detracts from a dog's ability to track humans. The trail is already too old for most dogs. Hope the missing dog turns up.

x2 ordinary worming tablets (eg pyrantel) do not treat tapeworm. . . . you need something with praziquantel, which is relatively expensive. This isn't a big problem. Tapeworm isn't common in most areas. (I'm now living in an area where it IS common, and I treat it if and when it shows up).

I was pretty depressed by politicians in the 15 years I spent in Oz. On coming home to the US, I find it's at least as bad here. Here's a dog-related story about our drongo of a state Governor. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/gov-admits-ditched-dog-election-article-1.1240626 Florida Gov. Rick Scott finally admits he ditched rescue dog Reagan after winning election in 2010 After capturing the GOP primary, Gov. Rick Scott made much of his new Labrador retriever, even holding an online contest to select a name. But Reagan (the winning name) vanished from sight after the election. Constituents are barking at Florida Gov. Rick Scott after he FINALLY admitted, after two years, that he discarded his rescue dog just months after adopting it. With much fanfare, Gov. Scott rescued the Labrador retriever after winning the Republican nomination for governor in 2010. He crowed about the move on Facebook, and even held an online contest allowing people to select a name. . . . . und so weider Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/gov-admits-ditched-dog-election-article-1.1240626#ixzz37lvmZJmr

It's also helpful to put things in historical perspective. Treatment of animals (ok, not factory farm animals, particularly swine) has gradually improved over the decades and centuries. Things we consider abuse were standard practice in the past. More and more dogs live in the home, rather than being left in the yard. Dogfighting still exists, but only as an outlaw activity, not as mainstream entertainment. Abuse of working dogs still happens, but not the way it did in the days when dogs were used to turn spits. Spey/neuter programs result in fewer unwanted pups being born . . . and fewer pups being killed. More and more places have banned chaining dogs out.