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He hasn't changed much! He is a tenterfield terrier? Is he a toy and is he competing in agility? And I notice you got your second cute little dog pretty soon after him. So puppyhood didn't put you off. So many dogs to choose from - so many puppies to love. Oops sorry just saw he is a TT from your pic.

Love all the puppies Amypie - I think I would steal your first pup, thought so since you first posted his pic but that pic with the shoe makes me want to cuddle him. Got my dogs at 9 months or more of age. Somebody asked me to mind their new poodle pup recently at a trail and I wasn't quite sure what I was doing. Unlike everybody else I have never had a pup. Another dog coming in a while I hope and I can't decide pup or rescue. My agility trainer suggested pups are better as you can shape them more but I also like to save a life plus you get to see the adult. You can pick a dog that you have a fair idea of its personality. But now when I see all the pups I go all clucky big time!

Thanks everyone for your responses. I love this site as I don't know that much about health etc as these are my first dogs. From the responses I think I will go with monthly tabs. Seems to meet DOLers approval as well as the fact it is one less needle. When I get time I might go online as woofenpup does and get some that way. Masons Mum - interesting about effecting skin because he is getting more problems with his skin. This is becoming worst and his feet need constant monitoring. Grass allergy, I think? SecretKei - Luckily the vet visit normally seems to have no effect on their health or behaviour. But since I moved recently I have had to give medication for fleas so if I can kill 2 birds with 1 stone.... Best thing about living in Orange previuosly must be it was too cold for fleas! I am aware of vacs being done less and getting titre tests done etc but I cannot imagine ever getting blood from this dog. God, the drama it would be. And woofenpup my dog with this issue is from a rescue group. Got him at 6 - 18 months and he was said to be a kelpie x chihuahua. He is about? 7 now and weighs 10 kgs. He looks like a small black kelpie but has bigger eyes and you would not beleive how many ask me what he is and they all think he is a puppy kelpie. Typical thou, the chi x foxy girl I have is tougher and will let the vet do anything. Thaks all.

Thanks sandgrubber I did wonder about how often the tabs were given. I know the injection is said to be for one year but I have been told it is safe for about another 6 months. If you give 12 smaller lots in a year against one big lot at once - which is healthier for the dog in terms of trying to limit how many chemicals we give our dogs?

I need to decide if I should not to do the annual heartworm injection and change to the monthly tabs? And if I go with monthly what type are easiest to give? I was happy with the annual needle but I have just been to the vets today for annual visit and he did not give the heartworm injection to the dogs. The problem is that the boy dog is not easy to inject. Its a long story and I have done heaps with him but a vet cannot touch him. My vet uses a blanket to immobilise the dog and get it done quickly. Today it was missed. The surgery was very busy and we debated if the dog was better off getting a break and another visit or go thru the drama again. DEcided to leave it for now and I made an appointment for next week. In veiw of the dogs behaviour maybe less needles is a better option thou it does mean I need to be sure to give the tablet. Don't know the cost difference but it is more about what is best for the dog. PLus I have 2 dogs and the girl is fine with anything. So should I do her differently if needed? So any advice on the use of tabs vrs the annual needle for heartworm. And if I use the tabs which ones are best and simple to give. The dog will not do chewables so a tablet down the throat or a food diguised tab might be easier . The girl will eat anything. Thanks for any help.

Dyson !

Locally we have a few Belgians running in agility. Currently there are 3 young ones just started with our club. Our cheif instructor has 2 that are lovely dogs and there is a good breeder nearby. Our chief instructor is just heading off to compet in the agility world games overseas. I did not see them before as I am new to the whole world of agility and dogs. Maybe not as fast as the best BC's etc but good dogs. I started running my dogs at ADAA in NSW where you compet in your height class. I was a bit spun out at my first ANKC trail when I found that all sizes ran against each other. I thought this must be really hard for toys and mini's to be competitive. My dog ran in his first jumping test at 40cm, pretty slow as it was hot, but overall came about 6th. On a good day he might be fastest but not at higher levels. But regardless of type (and the trainer plays a part ) don't you love to see a dog that loves to run agility, that barks to go and can hardly bear to wait for that command to "go"! I love watching a local greyhound that runs OK except every now and then He gets so excited he gets the zoomies and just burns around.

Locally we have a few Belgians running in agility. Currently there are 3 young ones just started with our club. Our cheif instructor has 2 that are lovely dogs and there is a good breeder nearby. Our trainer is just heading off to compet in the agility world games overseas. I did not see them before as I am new to the whole world of agility and dogs. Maybe not as fast as the best BC's etc but good dogs. I started running my dogs at ADAA in NSW where you compet in your height class. I was a bit spun out at my first ANKC trail when I found that all sizes ran against each other. I thought this must be really hard for toys and mini's to be competitive. My dog ran in his first jumping test at 40cm, pretty slow as it was hot, but overall came about 6th. On a good day he might be fastest but not at higher levels. But regardless of type (and the trainer plays a part ) don't you love to see a dog that loves to run agility, that barks to go and can hardly bear to wait for that command to "go"! I love watching a local greyhound that runs OK except every now and then He gets so excited he gets the zoomies and just burns around.

Yes, I am sure the dogs wouldn't mind the smell - rather like it maybe. I just thought it would be uncomfortable - the weight on the nose and the flapping around. I thought it was careless but I didn't say anything cause ( I normally don't ) I am not that wise when it comes to halti's etc. Just curious if others would have said anything to the couple.

As the topic suggests - I was at the beach (off lead) today and moved away from 2 malamutes and the young couple walking them on lead. I couldn't help noticing something black and larger near one dogs nose. Drawing closer they were his thongs. Saves carrying them and his girlfriend was doing the same. Is it just me or is that really disrespectful to your dog? As with horses, the nose is really sensitive and sure these dogs were uncomfortable. Sorry I don't like hati's anyway but I supose they have their place. Althou NOT as thong carriers. People do not think!

Years ago my dog pee-ed on the grass where another dog had just gone but unfortunately he got a few drops on the very well dressed poodle owner I was talking to. The lady was at the dog park but she was also a neighbour. I was sure that was a mistake. But just recently I was at the beach and my fairly timid dog had gone up to a lady sitting on the beach. She had a female dog who was shy. My dog used to be scared of strangers but is getting more confident. Sometimes he sees people he thinks are good and goes over to suck up to them. He was doing just that to this lady. She was patting him, mainly on his back half as that is what he presents to be patted . And he pee-ed right near her and it looked to be an obviuos marking her against her own dog? I was mortified although I was grateful that the tank by that stage was empty and she got like a drop or 2 on her. But I didn't know what to do or say besides apoligise. And he does NOT get to do that twice. He never seems to try again but I watch him like a hawk. When I caught up with my friend and she asked what happened I didn't tell her what my dog had done. Small omission on my part.

THank you for your replies. I found it surprising she wanted to leave her dog with me. I did point out some issues and she was going to think on it some more. I will be surprised if she wants to go ahead with it. ( And a bit busier) I am glad some people think the dog would cope regardless. I was a little concerned about the dog not being able to cope and that it was unfair to the dog. I was worried about excessive barking (like when I get up to go to work at 5am and the dog will think she is going to the beach). But I would talk to the neighbours before the dog is having the test stay. My aunt has been very supportive of me and if she decides to leave the dog then I will mind her. I think she would be better off taking the dog and adjusting how the dog acts, might suggest this. THanks for the thoughts. Now I better take my 2 to the beach

My aunt has 2 poodles (small toys) that she has had for a few years and she is retired. Previously she had CKC. She has a caravan and has only recently started going away on trips. The dogs go as well and I thought that was going well. However she has just called me and wamted to know if I would mind the girl for her while she takes the other. The reason is that she thinks that the girl who is very active (unlike the quiet boy) would be happier staying with me. I have 2 dogs and the poodle loves my female. I don't know why as the chi I have does play with her but sometimes the chi also lays down the law. The poodle is about the only dog that my chi plays with thou. I was thinking of getting a third more active dog for agility and maybe fostering in the future so this dog minding is could be interesting to me. I know it is a big respondsibilty but I would do anything for my Aunt who I love dearly. I have pointed out what a big change it is I work fulltime and go to training / agility comps etc. The opinion I am really asking for is this- The reason my aunt wants to leave the dog is that she feels the dog doesn't enjoy caravan life as it must be on lead a lot. The dog is used to being off lead on the beach daily and chasing a ball. Van travel is very different. She will miss the dog heaps but she says she is worried more about the dog. I think the dog will be happier with her rergardless as leaving her with me is nearly like re-homing? They have gone before but not for so long. My aunt has been told dogs have no concept of time - to which I asked how do dogs know when you are due home from work etc? Any advice or opinions? If we did do this she would drive down to give methe dog a week early and if it is OK leave without picking the dog back up. If it goes to hell then she will pick up dog as she goes past on hols. Thanks

When we were kids we had a golden lab called Tammy. We had a young man called David with Down Syndrome who lived up the road. He was the child of a friend and he loved our dog. He used to come down and play with her for hours. Not so much running around but just sitting and patting her. He was older and used to come and go as he pleased. As a child I didn't think much about it at the time. But she was a lovely dog and I don't think they were even supervised together. Besides Tammy, Davids other pleasure was to pluck branches off trees and play hand puppets with them. I can still remember how you would see a large tree walking down the street with Davids legs showing underneath.

Just wanted to add that I made jumps by using the recycled plastic garden posts from Bunnings and then electrical taping a C-shaped piece of PVC at the 3 heights I jump at . But it means that the jump posts must face different ways and the PVC jump bar is diagonal to be more stable. I thought that was the best I could do and then I was competing recently and my friend had found something easier. He was using the electrical fence posts and for jump cups was just using very large folder clips. By folder clips I mean the black plastic and metal clips used for holding paperwork together. They are available in all sizes and I am sure we have all used them at work. Really easy to move if you need to. I would be interested in tunnels available as well. Any suggestions on what tunnel to get

When I was about 12 years old I used to walk my lab. I can remember running down the hill on cement with her beside me. I don't know why I was sprinting but at that age we do anything. Anyway the lab suddenly decided to swap from her side across me to the other. What a mess and I still remember the spill as thou it was in slow motion. She tripped my up and that it about all I remember. Other than that I am safe althou I have seen some good spills with people doing agility.

When I got my rescue dog they said it was conditional on me having 2 dogs. Not a problem as I was having 2 anyway. But in saying that this rescue dog with seperation anxiety could not care less at that time if he had none,one or 10 dogs. But I like having 2 dogs. Much like I never kept my horse by himself. I know we are the part of our dogs pack too but I think we cannot replace canine pack members. I have 2 small easy to feed and care for dogs and when they are a bit older I will be getting another. Maybe budget for twice the vet bills but I find if you have one you may as well have 2 (or 3!). Much as my dogs hate me to leave them at least I know that they have each other and they should get over the fact that I am going out! I find when I have 2 that I go to work etc and don't worry about them at all ( too much anyway). Of course they get my attention when I am home thou. And the one time I put them in a kennel I am reassured as at least they are together. I found a kennel where they had ajoining kennel pens , seperated only to feed and to sleep. And more importantly I feel I picked dogs that were well suited to each other and get on so well. Finding the 3rd dog will be harder as trying to get one more suited to agility but not having too high an energy level? I have read that the energy levels of dogs should be even in order for the dogs to get on? I can imagine my dogs being annoyed if I brought a full on young large dog home next. Good luck with your choice.

I thought of a whippet too but when you mention your partners wishes? guard dog etc? 2 whippets would be easy, calm, loving and still playful. But it depends on your personal opinion. Any chance you could get to a show and see what dogs appeal to you? I would look at more energy levels rather than size in choosing the dog. Some small dogs can be a handful and require more work/exercise than a much larger dog. I was looking at a manchester terrier and a brittany for my next agility dog and I find my kelpie x fairly laid back. Lots of research and hope you find a good breeder if you choose not to go down the rescue path. Thou both mine are rescue and I liked that as I could see what I was getting and if I liked it. Remember with rescue you can go to the pound and pick a dog OR you can go to a rescue group where the dog has been in a foster home. In the later case the foster family will tell you what the dog is like and what type of enviroment would suit the dog. For eg: if the dog is good with kids or cats, is he really energetic? And if you get the dog and find straight away that he doesn't suit you can return him to the foster home. I never knew of foster carers and rescue before so thought I would point this out in case like me you didn't know about it. I would be happy myself to go to the pound or a rescue group but picking a dog at the pound could be harder if it is your first dog. I hope you get lots of advice and find the dog that suits perfectly. Good luck.

I have just spent over $8000 on colourbond fencing at my first home. The fence came before unpacking. toilets and sinks that don't drain properly and a flyscreen on a window or two wouldn't have gone astray. But my dogs are my priority and I spent ages after the fences were up plugging the tiny (or not so tiny) gap under the fences. I have a chi x who can get out in 8 cm. So I made sure she couldn't. But if she had I would not expect anyone else to be respondsible but me. I am stunned at the bill. But like others I think a gift would be nice. The idea of a gift card from Bunnings is good too as I know that I was in and out of Bunnings nearly every day at first. Let us know how it goes.

My kelpie x is sensitive to shampoo so I use the oatmeal soap free alternative ( Fido brand I think). Also use Natural Shampoo that is based on coconut oil not soap. I have used an emu oil and a olive oil shampoo. He developed an allergy to grass more recently and had a red rash on his belly and inflamed feet. I saw the vet for a topical cream which is great but I need a wash too. I make sure he is flea free as well but I think it is more grass. I was going to try the Malaseb but only start with a more dilute wash to start to make sure he doesn't react to it. Maybe for his paws anyway. Any flea wash shampoo makes both dogs itch more. I used Quit Itch on the horses but I think that was Betadine/iodine based hence the orange colour.

I can get over idiot dog owners that I meet while dog walking - like a local bloke who takes 3 DA dogs off lead in a park near me. Actually he had a fourth younger dog but one of his other dogs killed it. But he says they are "dog-friendly" most of the time? But I don't seem to get workmates on the same wavelenght as me. Had a workmate who had cattle dog chained up 24 hr in the middle of a 20 metre patch of dirt. Comes from a farming background - her grandfather's dog chewed up his shoe once so he fixed it by using pliers to pull out some of the dogs teeth. Workmate lives with her sister whose bitch wasn't desex-ed so it had 3 pups. She didn't want them to be sad so they kept all four. They are older now but she asks me at work what to do as the dogs are fighting. They are never walked/taken out and one male is not desexed. Now the mum is barking as the other dogs won't let her inside to sleep. Workmate who lives at home with parents. They have 3 BC and BC crosses she says are happy enough playing in the back yard. Sadly her dog died recently so they got another pup from the guy breeding BC's next door. Now they are talking about breeding the new pup to get a black and white BC for herself. She is looking at buying a unit or townhouse in the city with her partner who has a maltese x . She dislikes swf dogs so if it is coming so is hers. Workmate who was a bit of a animal lover too but she thought it was fine when BF came to their rented unit with a pig hunting dog for breeding purposes. The dog lived on the back of the open tray ute at her place for a little while. And I mean it lived there 24 hr. She complained cause he didn't let it off to toilet enough so she had too. She boasted the dog could go all day all night and still didn't toilet in the tray. Lucky I wasn't her neighbour. And on a lighter note a workmate who is convinced her GSD is nearly human and so clever he can understand 2 languages. When she was going to punish him he hid behind the shed cause he "knew" he did the wrong thing leaving a poo under the table. She also told me her husband mistakenly locked him in so I suggested that was a bit hard. But he is walked and fairly spoilt normally- maybe cause he is human . I hate it as I am always made to look like my dogs are spoilt and I am over the top. ( They are spoilt :rolleyes: ) I try and steer talk away from dogs now but it is a pain. Sometimes I just tell them not to tell me about breeding pups or what ever as I feel differently and that is my opinion. Anyway, I just wanted to winge. I don't seem to relate at work with human behaviour sometimes.

One of mine is sensitive to grass and he seems to be getting more allergic to things as he gets older. I use Natural shampoo from Dermcare (vet purchase) as it works and is fairly inexpensive. It has coconut oil and no soap. My dogs coats are very soft and people often comment but don't know if that is really the shampoo or not. Just type of coats they have. I have a shampoo based on emu oil and one I brought at Orange based on Olive oils. Both seemed OK but don't think they were that special. I also use at times a shampoo with an oatmeal base from Fido which was reccommended to me. It seems good too and the oatmeal base is good, suposed to help with odours?. Definitely a long way from the first shampoo I brought when I got my dogs which was $2 green stuff from Reject shop.

I had a 4WD Nissan which fitted everything but ate a lot of fuel. With the horses gone it was too $$. Like you I considered the stationwagon or duel cab. I decided against a the cab as my dogs like being closer to me and they would like A/C. Besides the cab was slightly more expensive. Their crate is the about same size as yours. I didn't want a gas guzzler so wanted the smallest station wagon I could get. I was buying a house so the car needed to downscale. Toyota Corolla wagons are smaller now but I brought a 1.8 L wagon. It is very cheap to run and cheaper to buy compared to some other cars I looked at. The crate is set in the back. I took the back seats out and I doubt they will be put in again. No good if you have kids? I was going to get a fake floor but with roof racks I haven't needed to. I went to Macksville for 4 days camping at last years GP agility and I took everything but the sink. It did all fit with the cage and 3 puppy fences on the roof. My only rule is that there is a clear path from A/C to the crate. For a smaller car it can do a lot. I love it. Althou I still treat my car like a large handbag and it is always filled with "stuff". Happy shopping.

I seem to be collecting stuff as I go along. I use a crate like yours pictured in the car. So if it is cool I open the back hatch and use this at training. Or if it is hot or the car is not close I might use a collapsable canvas crate for training. At a trial particularly if I am there all day I have a larger pen. THis pen is maybe too big really for my 2 but I also use it on hols when I need to lock them up and will be gone for a couple of hours. It is a large cage that folds up and has a lid but no bottom on opening. Very common type seen at lots of comps. But it very big and only fits on the roof racks so I don't use it too much. From your pic I think your dogs like mine must get on OK. I sense another crate coming?

I am surprised nobody gave you advice on this question. So I gave it a little " bump! " as they say. Lucky you having a dog that is happy and OK to be outside when your others are in. I would like to foster as well but haven't been able to as yet. I think it is great your pup is happy outside. I am inexperienced but I think that I would simply give a little focus training to your foster. Outside at first and then inside on lead. Building up until he can cope with being closer to cats and not chase. I use food myself but he might be more geared towards a tug toy etc. Wish mine were. Good luck. And I supose it is important in regards to his re-homing. Althou a cat free home might be easier.