SparkyTansy

if she doesn't come back in, I'd consider prog testing her from day one next time, particularly if you have to fly her.

This, this and this

This is my first litter, but most of my enquiries have been for boys with a few who don't mind either way. I haven't had one who wants a bitch yet!!

emery I agree with CC - the reading is fine, but then when I go back to a white background it takes me ages to focus!! Also a little suggestion but up to you of course - but put the call names of your dogs on the tabs and then put their show name at the top of the page. it allows people to relate to the dogs a little more

guys it's one or two pages back - showdogs post.

I agree with others, that we should leave it as is. I have had two different experiences - my first showdog took a while to mature, and couldn't beat much during that time. I was also learning to groom and handle and pretty much ruined his chances during that time, plus he didn't really enjoy being in the ring!! When he finally matured, he still hated the ring, and we were up against a big winner (who later went on to his Grand). We beat him maybe twice during this entire time... at the time, it sucked, as I would spend countless hours maintaining and getting him ready for shows... I ended up pulling him from the ring as he was getting older and getting worse in the ring, and he never titled. Looking back, yes he didn't really beat that dog much, but he did beat others for RCC and RUBOB, and this was the majority of the time... I still believe that he was good enough to title, but just not good enough to beat that dog! My other experience is different. I handled my sisters dog to his title, but this is a breed who has multiple "uglies" and coat changes. He was shown rarely in the early years and didn't get a point until he hit Intermediate. Then, all of a sudden, he was beating Grand champions and being shortlisted for groups, being placed over big winners under specialty and international judges. He titled his just over 6 months after his first set of points and finished his title with a BISS. This is a breed that is hard work and many people would be discouraged if not winning straight away. Perseverence, sometimes, is the key. It didn't apply to my first dog, but certainly applied in this case.

wow - the spreading out of Group 3 at the royal really sux... means I probably won't enter this year and I'll just go down to watch one of the days... I think i have to go working dog day and what a surprise, no gundogs that day. CC I'd definitely consider the grooming although just keep in mind it kills your back!! I washed and groomed two ES and an Old English on Sunday and my back was rooted after that. All you smarty pants with your sciency stuff... I did all that at TAFE level about 10 years ago for Laboratory Techniques. Forgotten it all now swapped it for life in an office

How are you travelling after taking your mum to the airport last night?? Did Charlie also leave last night? Mirawee - I will never complain about having to groom a dog again after looking at your horsey photos on facebook. I take my hat off to you - your hairdressing skills are way better than mine Good news about Miss Raven Ptolomy I'm doing ok I held it together last night when she was going through the gate on her big adventure which was good although i think it's because i had a major breakdown yesterday arvo!! Charlie goes in May (Dead on the day when Ari is due to whelp - perfect timing as always) so I'll get to spend some time with him til then!!

How exciting Emery I recently launched my own website last week and am trying to put everything I want on there... very happy with it so far

Keep in mind if your dog's allergies are food related, antihistamines won't help.

Definitely agree with this

11th May or around there anyway

and the simple fact is that for whatever reason, dogs affected by allergies is on the rise... and it's just so hard to treat and never 100% cureable...

Congrats on your confirmation IL!! still counting down to our ultrasound here... 15 sleeps! trying not to get too excited, but it's just so hard not to! I'll be coming RIGHT down if she's no preggers!

English setter puppies, hands down WEimaraner puppies are pretty cute too

That's sucky news on both fronts Mason not sure if it will help at all, but with spartan, i used to put a t-shirt (sometimes two - one on front one on back) on him. It didn't stop the scratching but it certainly prevented sores from becoming infected and spreading. it's not as easy to do when they are outside but when they are inside it's good. you just have to lift their t-shirt up and fold it over if you let them out to pee.

great pic murmarstaffs I'm taking weekly belly shots... today is start of week 2 so another tonight ;) not much change in her yet of course, but you never know I'm totally clucky so I shall subject you all to my cluckiness!

congrats murmarstaffs some nice early may litters due for me to squiz at

IL from what I have read and looked at past posts, sometimes it can be too early some people will get a negative and then get a nice surprise later on... but for the most part I think it is common to get checked around day 28. I've booked my ultrasound for day 30...

Ptolomy fantastic news about Beans As Mason said it's great to see when you have success/breakthroughs as it is particularly difficult to manage an allergy dog. I remember the constant scratching, sores and infections spartan used to get and when he was weaned from cortisone (yep he was on the hard stuff) it was such a breakthrough. He has been clean () of the stuff for i think nearly 4 years now. It's been a tough year, though... RV those photos of Toby's legs are amazing!!! that is so fantastic.

Fingers Crossed Tris!!! As I was sending Ari to the other side of the country, we did Prog tests to be sure... as she's had some short seasons before but this one turned out to be very textbook. piper how frustrating for you!!! I would at least go back to the original vet that said there was no stricture to inform them that there was in fact one there. You can also use that conversation to tell them that they have lost a very valuable customer!! Oooh Irish Lassy how exciting!! make sure you pop in here and tell us the results

Yes Ari surprised me this time too she came in a month earlier than she was meant to :p

Oh no that really sux Tris... better luck for next time... perhaps start prog testing early next time and hopefully you will have better luck. *hug*

if i am thinking of what you are thinking of, it's called a "backseat buddy" Backseat Buddy Just re-read your post and it might not quite be the same... but it could possibly still work. The one i had attached to the anchor points (not the headrests) and the front seat headrests. you can get them with the cutouts for the seatbelts so they might still be able to sit on top of the bacseat buddy.

The issue I have with this is that all dogs are different and react differently in different situations. All tests conducted by a person despite their knowledge or qualifications are never going to be as solid and easy to test for as any health issues that are currently screened for. What might be ok for one tester might not be ok by another. There is no one answer for every dog.