Levi

I use Animal Options for Titre testing (they are local for me) and have done for several years. They do indeed test for all three :)

Afghan Hound: Sir Walter, Faxon, Lochie, Bluey, Miffy, Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma Alaskan Malamute: Indiana, Kira American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno, Cash, Loki, Jessie Anatolian Shepherd: Trojan Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda, Katie Australian Cattle Dog X : Frosty Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie, Millie, Alice, Hannah, Hudson, Flynn, Gossip, Ava Australian Silky Terrier: Holly, Rolle Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Safire, Milky, Kinta, Banjo, Rosie, Skye, Emerald, Gem, Meg Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper Basset Hound : Gemma Beagle : Teagan,Ollie, Ellie, Dusky, Brodie, Billy, Piper, Briar, Scarlett, Buffy, Emmie Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Bichon Frise: Jag Bichon Frise X: Harper Bloodhound: Earl Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumour, Diesel, Kobie, Emma, Kenzie, Maggie, Ella, Shelby, Jayde, Ashli, Mia, 'Bubba', Wyc, Echo, Topolino, Sally, Xena, CK, Wikki, Gemima, Carter, Maddy, Charlie, Border Collie x: Anna, Cally Border collie x kelpie: Jasmine Border Terrier: Tammy Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander Boston Terrier: Archer Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas, Stitch Bull Terrier (Miniature) Lainie Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Ben, Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy, Maggie, Millie, Chloe,Toby,Zonda Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper, Bella, Dobby, Bud Chihuahua x Maltese: Midget Chinese Crested: Louis, Daisy, Cyrus, Madeline, Sarge, Pepper, Fletcher, Darla, Oz, Xander, Faith Chinese Crested Powder Puff x Tibetan Terrier: Dee, Carrie, Benita, Jenna Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea, Darcy Curly Coated Retriever: Angus & Freddie Curly Coated Retriever x Labrador Retriever: Maggie Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo Deerhound: Rhys, Calleigh Deerhound X: D'Arcy Doberman: Opal, Brutus Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose, Chevy, Bella, Molly, Digby, Dexter, Viva, Vegas, Griffen Dogue De Bordeaux x Boxer: Madeline English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Field Spaniel: Moo Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera, Annika, Ella Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig, George French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee, Alexis, Claire, Lilly German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte, Razzle, Willow, Dusty German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan, Brennan, Jack, Santha, Molly, Max, Jenna, Acteon, Roxy, Scout, Rumour, Skye,Banzai,Imba, Kira, Chloe, Duke German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo, Riley German Spitz (Mittel)- Amber Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby, Sasha, Aria, Archer, Lexi Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally, Clyde, Ryan, Amethyst, Stan, Maddie, Skye, Rosie, Ruby, Roxie, Jazz, Gypsy, Ernie, Gus, Rufus, Joey, Woody, Coconut, Cleo, Freckles, Ziggy, Candy Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan, Kobi, Ari, Belle, Monah Irish Setter: Fionneaghan, Maia, Aneira Irish Terrier: Kate, Duke Irish Wolfhound: Zac Italian Greyhound: Bella, Tari, Blaze, Zoey, Italian Spinone: Roisin. Enzo Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi, Chief, Louis, Matilda, Tess Jack Russell terrier X: Thomas Japanese Spitz: Emmy, Angelo Keeshond: Jedi Kerry Blue Terrier: Juno, Joxer, Bahsha, Louie, Cinders, Solo Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Zep Lagotto Romagnolo: Rizzi, Lucca Leonberger: Singe Maltese: Luna, Mia, Basil Maltese X: Chase, Pipi, bella, byron Maremma: Dennys Dog, Grace,Gina, Angel,Honey, Hollie, Snotto, Hairy Beary, Tadea Miniature Fox Terrier: Cleopatra Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Miniature Pinscher: Mischa, Cleo Murray River Curly Coated Retriever: Aggie, Soona Neapolitan Mastiff: Miniera, Pacchia, Bruno, Pasquala + 3, 1 week old pups Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey, Xanthe, Maddy Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka, Mailka, Sarge, Dodger Pekingese: Edwina, Lyle Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli, Maggie Poodle (Minature): Caroline, Brody, Prada Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pomeranian: Daisy, Comet, Jester, Polly Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack, Bert, Cheddar, Maggie, Swank, Monte, Boof, Olivia Pyrenean Mountain Dog: Sasquatch Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss, Sierra, Kei Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint Saluki: Bella, Arella, Moss, Lucy, Jadir, Mab, Floyd Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato Samoyed x: Jenna Schipperke: Taz Schnauzer (Miniature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga, Riva, Amy, Indy, Amber, Grace, Guy, Blue, Connie, Paddington Schnauzer (Standard) Baillie, Remy Schnauzer (Giant): Tara, Darcy Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Cassie, Orsana, Cimba, Sebastian Shetland Sheepdog:Shady, Ruby, Bindi, Casey Shih Tzu : Gizmo, Daisy, Zeus Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky, Blacky, Zuess, Zero, Mya, Suggen, Freyja Siberian Husky x: Luki Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Shaemus, Nellie, Ciara Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos, Brutus, Monty, Chaos, Bean, Brock, Benson SWF: Zoe Tibetan Spaniel: Annie, Nina Zena, Lily Tibetan Terrier: Prue, Mindy, Holly, Tara Tenterfield Terrier: Cinder, Zoom,Spirit,Heidi,Kimi, Heidi, Dotty Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly, Judy, Mini, Pixie, Ozzie, Dozer, Alaska, Logan, Buddy, Leela, Rusty, Pip, Brembo, Satchmo, Henry Welsh Corgi (Cardigan): Shandy White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz, Lewis, Rommi, Daphne, Elliot, Mindy, Whiz, Arizona aka Zassy , Griff , Penny, Kibah, Feather, Tag, Puck, Orlando Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy, Mac, Sarah, Andy, Sweep, JJ, Flash, Fergie, Crystal, Glen, Jingles, Jinnie, Loui, Mitch, Maggie, Smiekie, Zac, Roxy, Winnie, Cricket, Nova, Jo Wire Haired Fox Terrier: Zedley aka Tawnyoak Dream Weaver

Clueless parents and children are the bane of my existence at the dog park :D . We have a lovely dog park for little dogs and generally it is a really great place for the dogs to play. Periodically, people bring young (and not so young) children into the park who then proceed to run around, yell, and at times chase the dogs . The parents don't appear to see anything wrong with this and don't intervene at all . One parent actually told her (approximately 3 year old) to "go run with the dogs" :D . If a child run or squals near either of my girls, or they try to grab them I have no hesitation to tell them off. If there are too many children at the park, I put my girls on lead or we leave the park. It is a dog park, take your kids to one of the many playgrounds in the area . I am planning to compile a flyer on safety around dogs and hand this to all irresponsible parents I see at the dog park as they obviously have no idea on how to keep their children safe .

Hi all, With the huge number of ticks around at the moment, I am really worried about ticks on my Shelties. They are on fortnightly Advantix, and I check them regularly. However, I am far from confident I will find a tiny tick on them. Is it safe to spray them with Permoxin while they are on Advantix? Would it be better (and safe) to use a tick collar with Advantix? I don't want to overload them and jeopardise their immune system, but I also want to protect them as best I can. Several dogs I know have been affected by paralysis ticks even though they have been on Advantix, Frontline Plus, or Proban. Cheers

I am curious about this as well .

I take my Shelties to the dog park every day but only because it has a separate small dog area. We have been going for about three months and the number of dogs has increased dramatically in that time. The reason for this is that people's small dogs were getting hurt and a few were killed in dog parks that run all sizes together . When I look over at the large dog area I just cringe. The lack of control and poor social skills displayed by most dogs in there is downright frightening . There are a number of regulars in our small dog area and if a dog enters that we think is too large, too rough, or aggressive, they are asked to leave or put the dog on lead (or everyone else will put their dog on lead and move away so the owner of the problem dog becomes uncomfortable and leaves ). This might sound dictatorial or harsh but there are rules at dog parks and if the users don't enforce them then nobody will. I understand that this is not always possible for people to do, but as we have the support of a group, luckily we can do it. The council is never there to make sure dogs are under control or not menacing other dogs and the safety and wellfare of our dogs is our priority.

Bindi and I spent our first year together training at VIP and loved it . We did puppy class, puppy gym, puppy agility, obedience, commando, dancing, tricks, and demo team. We are now focusing on agility so train with an agility instructor, but the socialisation both Bindi and I got from VIP was the best thing we could have done . I hope you and Grace enjoy your class.

A few people have asked this and I would also like to know, does anyone know if the chews can be divided? I used to cut the tablets in half and share between two dogs as it is much cheaper that way. Someone mentioned the dose may not be evenly distributed in the chews, is anyone able to clarify this at all?

You are awesome k9angel. The passion and love you have for the dogs you rescue (and for those you can't) just beams off the pages. You truly are an angel , thank you for all that you do , I admire you and the amazing effort you put in. Of course there are many other rescuers who also do a phenomenal job and I applaud you all .

We have been focusing on poor Bindi getting bitten, but I must admit, if a huge monster stood on me, I would bite too!

Thanks MrsD, I can always rely on you . BC4me has contacted me.

Thanks guys, I will keep her hair trimmed as short as possible as this may help stop the little buggers getting trapped. It is definitely not a contact allergy but a clear bite response. We can run on the same grounds numerous times with no effect. When she gets bitten it is a definite ouch (like stepping on a piece of glass) reaction followed by limping and biting at the paw. More often than not there is a biting ant trapped between her pads, too many times for it to be coincidental. I shall endeavour to keep her away from ants and do the best I can to provide relief when they strike .

Good thinking Erny, the odds are good that I will need it . I might take some to trials and training too, just in case.

I have considered Metro but am concerned about the marching up and down. I have contacted Val Bonney and will see her Saturday of next week. The week after that I will be checking out Teamwork Dog Obedience. Does anyone have feedback on either of these? Val Bonney doesn't have classes but is happy to provide any help I may need. Teamwork has trialling classes and also do trial runouts.

I will have the Calendula for home and will carry a stingose spray with me and see how it goes , She definitely does get bitten by green ants Wuffles, but there are black ones as well that bite her. The poor little bugger just seems to be a magnet for them, everyone comments on it. Almost guaranteed for her to be bitten at a trial or training session at least 50% of the time . The skin on her little paw gets all red and nasty looking and they really bother her (I know how much they hurt when I get bitten and she is only tiny). Maybe she is more sensitive to them than other dogs, I really don't know. Thanks for the replies and we shall see how we go. Erny do you think I need to make the tea fresh or could I have a supply in the fridge that I prepare once a week? That way I can apply it as soon as we get home.

Erny, where can I buy Calendula? Is there are certain amount I need to use?

Thanks for your replies everyone, I will print them out and try some of the suggestions. The ants are not located at any particular club, they are everywhere, they are just in the grass. She has been bitten at the Logan, Jimboomba, Mt Gravatt, and Oxley agility grounds. She has been bitten at my trainer's at Canungra, and this morning she was bitten on our walk on the Brisbane Northside :D . Usually she is the only one that gets bitten, other dogs don't seem to have this problem very often The ants get between her pads and are usually still there when I pick her up to check her foot. I have never had this problem with any of my other dogs before (I have also never had such a small dog before) . She can't really do agility wearing boots so I think that one is out . I will see how things go with some of your suggestions.

Well, I guess Dr Susan Dawson it is :D . Huski, Animal Options has actually been Bindi's vet up until now

Thanks persephone, I take it they are not called bull ants (everyone around me seems to call them that). To avoid confusion, the ants are large and their bite is nasty. She does not have alergic reactions like swelling etc. but their bite really hurts (both her and me). So ignoring the 'bull ant' label, I am looking for something that will relieve the pain and itch of ant bites. Unfortunately repellant doesn't seem to help as the grass is usually wet and the ants just seem to get stuck between her pads.

Thank you, that's what I like to hear, I will definitely check her out . Anyone else have recommendations?

Bindi and I have moved to the Northside of Brisbane (Keperra) and I am considering doing obedience trialling and/or dancing with her. We compete in agility but I would like to add a bit more to our repertoire. She is very obedient but our heelwork and turns need polishing. I have not trialled in obedience for over 12 years and need to refresh my footwork and trailling requirements. I do not want to go to a club that just marches up and down for an hour, and therein lies my problem. I do not know of any training clubs on the Northside that use a more targeted approach. Can anyone recommend one? I would also like to focus a little more on dancing and am interested to know if there is any training for this on the Northside. It is a whole new world up here .

Bindi and I have moved to Keperra (North Brisbane) and as I have never lived on the Northside before I am after vet recommendations. My usual vet is an hour's drive away which is fine for scheduled and general treatments, but for something urgent or minor I would like to have a local vet. Any suggestions?

Bindi is constantly getting bitten by ants, she gets bitten on walks, at training, and at competitions. Bull ants and the like get between her pads and just bite away. She then spends sometimes hours limping, biting and licking at her foot (I don't blame her, they hurt ). Is there anything I can put on the bite that actually works to help ease the pain? She will keep licking and biting no matter how foul it tastes so it needs to be safe. Any suggestions? I have tried vinegar, aerogard (I know, not good for licking), ban itch, stop itch, and nothing works.

Bindi does this and my last Sheltie did it too. He used to run up and down the fence when the horses were running around and would snap at the air, we used to call it his "pacman" routine (for those of you old enough to remember "pacman"). Bindi will just look at you and snap at the air and walk in little circles. She doesn't do it all the time, mostly when she is really happy to see someone and/or is trying to get their attention.

Bindi and I had a great night, she is running so well . We got a quallie in open agility I was amazed as we have been struggling with the distance work. She aced the distance in both open agility and jumping. Unfortunately I could not get my handling together well enough to get her through the jumping courses fast enough but we went clear in both excellent and open jumping. We missed out by 1.5 seconds in excellent jumping and 3 seconds in open jumping (no room for sloppy handling when the dog is only 325mm high). In the excellent agility I turned too early coming out of the weaves and pulled her out before she finished . My dog is catching on so much faster than I am, she is such an awesome little girl