Gayle.

Cocker Spaniel (English) and Field Spaniel.

The Easy Walk harness is great. My dogs don't like head halters, but the harness is comfortable for them and really works to stop the pulling. I am using ours on Dusty at the moment to curb her "get there first" mentality and I walk Benson at the same time on a martingale. The Easy Walk harness has the lead connection at the front on their chest and it works by turning them towards you when they surge ahead. When Dusty is by my side, she gets praised for being in the right place, when she pulls ahead it's just a quick, light tug on the leash and she's back where she should be.

Oh dear. Big hugs, Kristy. And RIP little Gherkin. This is so, so tragic.

Benson is 3. He is my "beautiful baby boy", my "puppy man". Dusty is 2, she is my most gorgeous baby girl. They will always be my puppies, and it's even written in the Australian Shepherd standard (not the show one). See below. Australian Shepherd Pet & Companion Standard by Arthur Scott and Blue (with contributions from other Aussie pet lovers) (May be reproduced or copied in any form including use of quill pen.) General Appearance The Aussie Pet and Companion should be of medium size (any size that fits your bed, lap, or best soft chair). He*(see footnote) has a fuzzy and petable coat that is brightly colored (coloured-British translation) and is prone to leave hairs in undesirable places. He can run, jump, and play forever. "In each sex, masculinity or femininity is well defined". ( Boys will be boys and girls will be girls.) Spay/Neuter All Aussie Pets and Companions must be spayed or neutered. Intact pets and companions may not be shown in public and it is considered a disqualifying fault to have an intact pet. Exceptions will be made for those fluffy show types and grungy working types that will produce more future excellent pet and companion types. Character The Aussie Pet and Companion should be a never ending source of fun and joy. Aussies are noted herding dogs and "give eye" that is stare intently. This often manifests itself in staring a hotdog from human fingers to their puppy mouth. The intensity of the stare, when a potato chip is halfway to the mouth, can be measured on the Richter Scale. Paws & Eyes Note that it is rather unusual that these parts of the anatomy are treated together. This is being done so that inexperienced judges can tell which end is up.. Always remember the eyes should be on the top and paws on the bottom. If the opposite is true there are three reasons, none of which should be considered disqualifying faults; 1) The dog is in the belly-scratch position (See Tummy standard), 2) the dog is standing on it's head, or 3) the judge is standing on it's head. Each of these minor faults may be corrected by turning the dog over or turning the judge over. Paws - Aussie pets and companions should have four paws. It is not considered a fault to only have three. Paws should be moderately furry with the two inner toes longer than the two outer toes. Large amounts of fur between the toes is not desire able and is referred to as "Hobbit Foot" The toes should make the foot form a sharp "U" shape. Pink toes with white nails are preferred because nail-grooming is much easier, but any color is acceptable. As discussed on Aussie-L, paws should have the distinct odor of popcorn, Fritos, grass, or feet (human?). Extra points are awarded for crossed front paws in the down position and extended rear legs (frog style). Eyes - Eyes should be some color. They should reflect intelligence, caring, brightness, sensitivity, inquisitiveness, and love. It is impossible for any Aussie to fail this rigorous standard. Muzzle The muzzle should generally point in the direction the Aussie is moving when he is moving forward. Side to side movement is acceptable. When in a happy Aussie mood, the pretzel or horseshoe position (sometimes called the "C-,J-,or U- position") is permissible. This position requires that the Aussie be bent with the nose and butt pointing in the same direction. Note that forward or rearward movement is acceptable. The nose, however, should precede most of the body when in a tennis-ball-, squirrel-, rabbit- other small critter-, and stock-like critter-chasing mode. The tongue, preferably pink, should be warm and damp to the touch and feel somewhat like very soft moleskin. (Not the animal type.) The tongue should also be capable of thoroughly cleaning faces, ears, hands, and feet of any household member or friend (human or animal). The muzzle should posses moderate nuzzlement or nudgeability. It should be capable of nudging the hand on to the head for a pat, to call for additional cleaning by encouraging presentation of body parts that have not been licked, or placing a toy in the hand for a game. Nuisance nudging is considered a serious fault. Nose - The nose should have a definite color and may be spotted with pink. It should be generally wet and cold, particularly prior to 6 AM. Teeth All pet and companion Aussies should have teeth; number is not important, particularly in older pups. However, they should preferably be located in the mouth. Judging should be based on the pups ability to eat kibble, treats, things off of the kitchen counter, and assorted outdoor items best left unmentioned. Exposing teeth in a grin or smile is considered a desirable trait. Ears Aussie ears should be warm and fuzzy and of sufficient size to hold while one is kissing the muzzle. They should be soft enough to provide a pleasant place for scratching. They should be warm and fuzzy enough to provide for nice cuddling and nuzzling. Size, quarter-fold, or half-fold are immaterial. Tummy Aussies should have warm soft skin on their tummies. The heavy coat should end approximately at the navel and from that point rearward should be sparse or non-existent. Bare skin or soft fuzz is preferred. Skin color is immaterial, but pink is preferred. Disqualifications - Dog should not pee when laying in the tummy scratch position. Dog should exhibit extreme contentment when scratched even to the extent of closing it's eyes. Growling and biting are disqualifying faults. Involuntary scratching motions with hind legs is permitted. Other disqualifying faults are assuming the tummy scratch position when approached by persons, 1) carrying .357 magnums, knifes, or clubs; 2) walking out of the house with TVs, VCRs, Silver, Computers, or any other owners belongings after midnight, or 3) in Obedience or Conformation rings. Note in first two examples, dogs teeth should be planted firmly in some portion of persons anatomy. No time for scratches. Butt The correct Aussie butt, sometimes referred to as a wiggle-butt, must be covered with dense fur extending down the rear legs and forming pantaloons. It should be well rounded with a rather short or non-existent (nub) tail. It is not a disqualification if the dog has a long flowing tail as long as it can be proved that the dog is an Aussie and not a border collie (ugh). Overall the butt should look like the south end of a sheep headed north (Canadian translation: north end of sheep headed south.). In judging, one must consider that the main purpose of the Aussie butt is camouflage (in addition to giving the dog a place to rest when in a sit-stay position). From time immemorial, Aussies have been expected to guard their flock. The best way to do this job is to blend in with the herd (go incognito) until the predator approaches within striking distance, then surprise him and get him from the rear. Thus the Aussie Butt Standard. One more judging consideration, the butt must remain on the ground when strangers approach (reserved?) but (no pun intended) may wiggle vigorously. Color (Colour) Aussie pet's and companion's fur should have a color or colors. This standard is similar to existing standards except the acceptable colors are a little more basic than blue merle, black tri, etc. Acceptable colors (all of the following are acceptable in any mixtures or shades) black, white, brown, copper, tan, red, bronze, beige, silver, silver grey. red grey, chestnut, yellow, red tan, tan red, and sable (also a bunch more that I can not describe). Note that fur of sky blue, royal blue, and most shades of blue (even on blue merles), purple, or green (in any shade) is considered a serious fault. Lots of white is not desirable. However, in a pet, if it is assured that any handicaps will not severely detract from the pet's quality of life, and the human companion will provide for all it's needs, it is acceptable. It should be noted that predominately white Aussies may be deaf and/or blind and be subject to other genetic health problems. Gait The Aussie should be able to run like the wind to catch or chase a tennis ball or Frisbee and he should be able to walk quietly with his human friend. There are no disqualifying faults under this standard so older and disabled pups are given full points. * Note: All existing standards seem to use a masculine form--guess they do not know what girls are supposed to look like. Australian Shepherd Pet Terms Pups Generic term for any canine without regard to sex or age. Puppy Up to six months but can vary with individual maturity (Some dogs have been known to be puppies their entire lives.) Puppers From six months to ten years. May also be used interchangeably with Pups as a greeting such as "Hi, Puppers!" Pupas Ten years and older for males only. Little Puppy Ten years and up for females only. My/The/Sweet Old Puppy General reference to any dog or bitch that is ten years and older. Puppalini (adj) puh-puh-lee-nee For rhyming use e.g. "What a good puppalini beanie or puppalini sweetie!" Used as a term of praise, expressed in an excited tone of voice, usually during an outside potty trip. Only appropriate for puppies. Pupster usually used as a form of greeting or affectionate reference. For example, "Hey, little pupster. How's it goin'?" or alternately, in doggie conversation, "Are you a good pupster?" Puppilicious used similarly to Pupster. For example, "Puppilicious, come get a treat..." Dogface always used affectionately, though sometimes in gentle reproach. For example, "Dogface, were you chasing that cat?" Vertically Challenged Any Aussie that is too short to reach a kitchen counter. Calorifically Challenged Any Aussie over about seventy(?) pounds.(31.82 kilograms) The Aussie Pet & Companion Standard is courtesy of Art Scott and his Aussies Blue, Koda, and Sierra.

Benson sees me as the pack leader (I think, or at least I hope he does) and he obeys me pretty much all the time. Words or signals, he knows exactly what I want and he does it. I can get him to leave his dinner until I'm ready for him to eat it, I can get him to move off my bed, I can get him to do a u-turn when he's running towards something more exciting than me, and come right back to me. He doesn't do anything my husband says. Rick tells him to sit, Benson stands there and wags his tail. Rick tells him to move over and Benson climbs all over him and licks his face. Benson doesn't see Rick as someone who needs to be obeyed. But he adores him. He clearly would prefer to be with him more than with me. He sits with him inside, he sleeps by Ricks side of the bed when he sleeps inside, he takes things and gives them to Rick and he just clearly prefers him to me. And that's OK cos I know he still loves me, he just likes Ricks company more.

I don't mind it at all, I get some exercise that way, and she comes with me to get the frisbee so I can practise some off-leash heeling with her on the way there. Dusty could easily becomne a "hysterical idiot" over a frisbee, but we're very careful to keep it in our control, not hers. It lives in the car, so she can't access it when she wants it, and it only comes out when we want it to.

Ours used to have compulsory desexing until they brought in compulsory microchipping and now, as long as the dog is microchipped, it doesn't have to be desexed. And even with compulsory desexing, if it was registered with a canine organisation, it could be registered entire. So the way around that is to register with your state body, and if the dog isn't pedigree, register as an associate.

That's cats for ya! Our Burmese buggers will flirt shamelessly with anyone who comes in the house, but moreso with people who declare they don't like cats. I think they are trying to make a point....."We're adorable, how can you not love us?"

Benson fetches, although he's not obsessive about it. If I throw a ball or a frisbee, he'll go after it and bring it back a few times, til he gets sick of it then he'll take it as far away from me as possible and lay on it. Dusty is obsessive about chasing and catching the frisbee, she would do it til she dropped from exhaustion, but she doesn't bring it back. And if I throw a ball, she looks at me like I'm stupid and just waits for me to get on with it and throw the frisbee for her. When she catches the frisbee, she keeps it in her mouth for a few paces then she spits it out deliberately and comes running back for me to do it again. Fetching the damn thing is apparently below her, and that's my job anyway. The chasing of the frisbee, is herding instinct, I think because when we go to get it, she circles it as if she's herding sheep.

Just gotta say, I thought Hachi was a much better dog movie than Marley and Me, much more depth to the story and a lot more emotional. It didn't have that "sitcom" feel that Marley and Me had. The bond between Hachi and his master came across as strong, true and natural.

Depends on the dog. I do everything for our dogs.....feed, walk, groom, bath, train, show etc. My husband throws a frisbee for them every now and then, watches TV with them and wrestles on the floor with them. He also tells them bedtime stories and makes up songs about them. Benson adores him. Benson doesn't do anything my husband tells him, but he completely and utterly adores him. He lays near his feet or on the couch next to him, won't come to bed unless he does, always takes the frisbee to him and wants to be outside if my husband is out there no matter what he's doing. Dusty on the other hand, would walk over hot coals to be near me. She is pretty much glued to my side when I'm home, and is in her element when I'm working in the kitchen and she is lying at my feet (catching the stuff I drop!) My daughter wanted Dusty to be her dog, but it wasn't to be. Dusty just decided I was the most important person in her world and that was that.

I bought the DVD a few weeks ago and watched it on the long weekend (the one with Richard Gere). I had not heard of it before and I absolutely loved it, but the middle bit shocked the crap out of me because I simply wasn't expecting it.

Just order an Easy Walker online. There's not a huge range of sizes and it's not that hard to measure your dog and work out which size is the correct one. The Vet Shed sell them, they ship quickly and are easy to do business with.

There is a middle aged guy at my work who has an obsession with that website. He collects the toys from there, and every day he brings one to work and sits it on his desk. They all have names and he's made tags for all of them, and he has a little plastic kennel that sits on his deks that he ties the toy dogs to. This guy is in his 50's. He doesn't own a real dog. It's all a bit weird. Harmless though. He was looking at the pics I have of my Aussies and brought his toy Border Collie over to show me he had the same dog. I set him straight on that though.

I am so happy that at long last, you're experiencing what dog ownership should be about. Right now, my two big ones are flat out on the loungeroom floor, snoozing their heads off after a long and pleasant walk with me. My oldie had dinner and as usual, put herself to bed as soon as she'd eaten. It's so nice just to have them here....it's like everything is right with our little world. And I'm happy that Honey makes your world right too.

I honestly don't know her height or weight. She's not tiny and she's not oversize so about average I'd say. I would estimate she's about 23-25kgs. She could stand to lose a kg or two though. She got to her adult height around 18 months but she's still changing in head and bodyshape...........Coming together is what I call it. She was 2 in December.

Benson is a neuter and one thing that kind of turns me off is the way his coat has gone, and I've heard it's fairly common with Aussie neuters. It's thick, shaggy, fuzzy and harsh.......it's gotten really horrible over the past couple of years and I spent probably 3 times longer grooming him than I do Dusty. She has her twice annual coat drop, that's a pain but once it's done it's done. He doesn't drop any coat aside from a constant turnover of outer hairs all year round, and to remove his undercoat I have to literally drag it off his body. I know that's no excuse but I love Dusty's soft silky coat and I dread the day she's neutered and I have to start dealing with two horrid coats.

Awwww, the poor little chicken (my kids tell me the dogs are NOT chickens, but mine all get called "Chicken" or "Possum" cos they are just so cute). My baby girl isn't speyed yet as the jury is still out on whether I'll keep showing her but I am dreading the day. On the other hand, my Lhasa is 15 and has never been speyed, never had pups and she is just as fine as can be (and has outlived her speyed Maltese buddy by 3 years so far).

Benson would be a rock star. Dusty would be a bed-tester in a sleep lab.

It's not rude to politely request that people don't leave a mobile number as you can't return their call, but the wording on some websites leaves a lot to be desired.

Ellz, no one expects it to come out of your pocket but one of your questions was what do people hate on breeders websites. That's one of my hates. I do not expect a breeder to call my mobile and chat for hours, but if I can make contact by email then follow up with a phone call from MY mobile at a mutually agreed time, when they are free to answer my call and expecting it.......then that would suit me just absolutely fine. But plastering rude demands about not calling mobiles all over a website isn't really a good look. It just comes across as rude and arrogant, especially when coupled with NO EMAILS! And unfortunately I quit smoking so I can't do smoke signals and my psychic abilities never really took off, in spite of my desperate attempts.

Yes, I was surprised by how many I came across too. Which is why I mention it here. I can understand someone not wanting to call mobiles (they aren't more expensive from the country, they are the same everywhere) but if a breeder has a webpage, then I would expect they have email and that should be acceptable for contact, at least initially. Then arrangements can be made for further contact. It was the outright rudeness that shocked me. One breeder had something like "I DON"T REPLY TO EMAILS AND I"M NOT RINGING MOBILES SO DON"T EVEN BOTHER!" Another went to great lengths to explain that buyers were not welcome at their home and arrangements would be made to meet them elsewhere and no one would ever know where they lived etc. etc. Now that's fair enough, but that's something you explain politely to a potential buyer after they've made enquiries and you've ascertained their interest. It's not something you plaster all over your website. Websites are your public face. It's nice if your face is friendly and welcoming as well as informative and easy to read.

One other thing I have come across on breeders websites is the demand in how contact is made. NO EMAILS or NO CALLS Retuned to mobiles is bound to turn me off. I prefer email as initial contact and only have a mobile phone.

I would like ease of navigation, no empty pages and good, clear individual photos of a decent size ofthe dogs you own, show or are breeding from. Full body shots and head shots and at least 800 pixels wide. Also if you have puppies for sale, clear pics of each pup.

Our local animal by-laws, fines and fees are on our councils website and also freely available from their offices. I would expect most councils operate the same way.