colliehound

In our house the "stealth vomit" is when someone decides to slink away - have a major upheaval - ensuring of course it is frothy and lurid yellow. The objective seems to be to hid it for as long as possible so that it is found a day or two later and as such will never ever be removed from said carpet, furniture, manchester etc...........

Yes!

I would love to have a white based doona cover with a tiny floral pattern on it, but white is a no go. I'm also reluctant to buy expensive bedlinen, because there will inevitably be some dirty foot prints or a stealth vomit that wont wash out and it would make me too sad, lol.

LOL, whats stealth vomit?????

Ooooh - I am on a wait list for Sammy puppies - are you telling me white is a possibility??? What about muddy paws?

I have white linen and doona covers, it's to hide all the white dog hair

Hello DOL'ers.

I know RSPCA are not too popular on here - but - I am going to ask anyway.

I have also done a couple of searches and not found anything - so apologies if this type of thread already exists.

Anyway - to the point - I am looking at a job with RSPCA. It is way way less money than I am hoping for, but I feel strongly about doing something that matters.......

and I am very unhappy where I am.............

Anyone able to talk me into - or out of it?

In particular if anyone knows about the type of training you get (or not), the type of employer they are, flexibility - that sort of thing? Any staff discounts for vet care, adoptions, events??

thanks

Colliehound

I am only up to page 7, but need to add my 2 cents. Apoligies if I repeat something said page 7 onwards.

Perthgirl - as others have said - the response you are seeing from some breeders, is the difference between wanting a "pet" and wanting a "show or working dog".

If you want a pet, you need to understand that you are likely to be at the bottom of the list of a good breeder. Not because you aren't "worthy" but because you are standing in the queue with people like myself. Average breeders will be more keen to sell pets than top breeders who can afford to be as precious as they want - thier product is in serious demand.

Let me explain - if you and I both wanted a dog from Breeder A, B and C - the difference in our plans and approach to the breeder explain why we have differing levels of sucess. I am not criticising you here - not everyone will do it the way I do - but I am telling you just to explain why some very good breeders are tardy or absent in responding to pet requests.

(I also have to defend some breeders in slow slow responses - because we also live on property and frequently don't have access or power for weeks on end - it is not about being rude - it is about living seriously rural so we can have lots of dogs - you have to give up conveniences like power, water etc)

I approach my breeders at least 2 years in advance of wanting a puppy. I visit them at shows around the country. I provide a "resume" of my dog owning experience and will make at least one visit to thier property before we even get to picking mum and dad - never mind puppies.

I go out of my way to tell them what I can offer, I ask when I can meet them at shows to talk about thier dogs.

I wanted 2 pet Collies - I spent four years scmoozing the breeder I wanted dogs from, before finally getting my puppies. It is not for everyone - it is definately for those who want top quality dogs (regardless of purpose). I have been working for two years on my next breeder (different breed) and will probably not take a dog from her for another 2 years - but I am sure breeders on this forum will agree that someone who is willing to visit you at shows consistently for years and send you regular photos and stories of thier existing dogs - is a more assuring prospect that someone who flicks an e-mail and gets annoyed at having to "tell thier life story".

Again - not having a go at you. Not at all - but if your breed is in short supply - remember you may well be "competing" with people like me who will do ANYTHING for a good dog from a good breeder.

If your main interest is a pet and you don't intend to show or work the dog - seriously consider shelter dogs. Many are fine sound pure breds that some city person has bought - stuck in a yard and dumped because it was a handful. You could change his/her world!!

All the best.

We also plan to show Puppy when he/she finally arrives - so we are furthering the breeders name and reputation.

I don't believe it is harsh.

If the only attempts to contact breeders over the past 8 months has been via email then to me that indicates the OP is not being proactive enough.

There are dodgy breeders, there are time wasting buyers I get that, but we are not talking about rare breed. There have been suggestions to contact Connie Redhead in SA, and if you look at her puppy listing on DOL currently she specifically says to call.

If the OP wants to make a thread saying 'no wonder people go to BYB's' but had done nothing more than send email enquiries then its an unfair call on breeders. The breeder said to call her in the email response!!! and the OP still hasn't done that.

I am very sure it is completely different - if the animal (what ever it is) is happily wondering around and not hassling, chasing, eating or attacking your stock, of course you are going to try and catch, deter, corner it first. BUT as OP said, when it is attacking your stock/fowl, all bets are off.

Colliehound

Accidents do happen and though I understand the law of the land (and I live on land too), I'd like to hope that where possible people would give the benefit of the doubt initially. Especially as it is the human's fault for containment rather than the dogs. I am not condoning lack of containment and know how important it is, I have a fully fenced houseyard plus very secure dog runs (I, like my neighbours, have stock).

Interesting reading some of the responses, I wonder if the same goes for chickens/cattle/horses that wander onto another person's property - if it is okay just to shoot them just for being there? Is that different to a dog just walking (not attacking/killing/harrassing) in the law of the land or the law generally?

I do feel sorry for those people that lost their dogs, though can understand the situation and am not flaming but hope that animal loving people would give a second chance rather than just shoot on sight. Of course, if it is a dangerous situation then it is right thing to do.

Good to see all support for you. A horrible situation.

As many have already said "law of the land".

Same applies out here - if it has two legs or four and is hassling stock or fowl - shoot first - get details later. (the local police told me that is why we don't get many buglaries out here).

Anyone living in a rural area will know that. No second chances. I used to have the city view- but you cannot live out rural for more than a few weeks and not turn from "aww pretty fox/dingo/dog pups" to "where is my gun".

Take on board all the support you are getting - hopefully these people will learn.

As an aside- how young was this girl and how far onto your property did she have to come to ask you? I would question letting a young girl wander onto properties of people they don't know - or maybe they had line of sight from the car - just curious?

Colliehound

Hi Dandybrush,

I am sure we can be flexible ha ha - just don't want you feeling like you are having an outing with your "parents" :D

I will let you know once we have a small group together to start and we can host the first get together.

How many doggies do you have?

Colliehound

that sounds pretty cool, cept im under 30 and am in brisbane/logan area

Hello

Does anyone live in the Boonah, Aratula, Peak Crossing, Ipswich area and want to help get a doggy social group up and running?

Ideally seeking people in the 30 - 50 ish age group with medium and large well socialised dogs for walks, bbq's, picnics and other social outings.

Events would be mostly weekends.

PM me if you are interested.

Colliehound

Oh my - the OP has it down pat. I thought I was the only one mumbling and cursing the full moon as I stagger around work, half crazed with lack of sleep and hoarse voice from yelling unkind things into the moonlight.

re the man with shot gun - i fair near choked on that - ha ha ha ha ha haha ha ha ha - hilarious!!!!!!!

thank you for letting us know we are all the same at 1am, 2am, 3am etc when we just want some SSLLEEEEEPPPP

Colliehound

I am going through AIRC too - excellent!

Can highly recommend.

In my opinion you would be better off doing the Cert IV through AIRC

http://www.provetlearning.com.au/CoursesWo...13/Default.aspx

we have one of their mentors/assesors in our clinic here in Victoria.

Personalyy I went through Box Hill Tafe but I am not sure if they take interstate students.

AIRC has a very very good reputation.

And YES....you need a minimum of 15 hours per week of employment.

I think you can do cert II in Animal Studies without employment, but I suggest you check on that too.

That is just fantastic!! Thank you.

Please keep them coming!!

I have only ever had working dogs, so it is great to read about the needs of other breeds as well.

(Except for the greyhounds and well - as we all know - they take thier retirement very seriously)

Colliehound.

Hello

I am studying companion animal certificates at the moment and undertaking a module on animal enrichment. The assessment requires me to talk to breeders and owners with multiple dogs to get thier ideas / input on the subject. Is anyone with more than the usual number of dogs (say 3 or more) willing to share .......

a) what breed you have

b) what special needs your breed has (eg working, terrier, sporting dog)

c) what 'enrichment strategies' you have to prevent boredom, destruction etc?

I would value any and all ideas please.

I will share mine - I have Collies - working dogs. Working dogs need very high levels of exercise and need both structured (walking) as well as unstructured (romping) time. They also need to be able to use thier heads and undertake activities that make them think.

I variously involve them in

a) daily walks of 10km

b) off lead time on acreage

c) formal lessons in herding, obedience, agility

d) games with toys, hide and seek food hunts, etc

Thanks

Colliehound

PS - Hi Longclaw - good to see you are ok. I will write to you PM and we can compare crappy weeks. I suspect more crappy than a mis posted forum notice..................................

Havent heard of Off Topic...? Why this crap in this section..?

Oh, thank goodness we have more forum police to tell us where to put stuff, otherwise we'd all be milling around in confusion

fifi

Goodness Bull terr(ific) - i am sorry my post was so terribly crappy and offensive to you. It was not my intent to bother you.

i just wanted to check on a fellow DOL'er who I had not heard from in some time.

I don't feel that caring for someone and wanting to check in is crap - just being a human.

also - many people don't have access to off topic. you need to maintain a certain amount of posts to have access. Given Longclaw has been absent for a bit - there was a good chance they too didn't currently have access.

If this is the biggest worry in your week - I would say you have a pretty good life. Good for you.

Colliehound

Havent heard of Off Topic...? Why this crap in this section..?

Hope you are ok!

Hello

I am hoping someone on DOL can help me with a buy, borrow or rent of thier vet text?

I am trying to find copies of the following and would appreciate a look before investing in my own new copies (but will buy a second hand copy at second hand prices if available).

Dog Anatomy - A colouring Atlas. R A Kainer

Colour Atlas of Vet Anatomy V3

Animal Physiotherapy: Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Animals by Catherine McGowan, Lesley Goff, and Narelle Stubbs

I will pay postage and take very good care of them.

Many thanks

Colliehound

We've got a couple of Rouch Collies here in WA doing it and they are every bit as good as any of the other dogs doing it. Haven't been to see a comp for awhile but I'm sure that some have got their starter titles.

Thank you - good to hear!!!

http://www.danceswithdogsaustralia.com/index.html should be able to find info here

Thank you - that has given me a great place to start.

Colliehound

Hi

I am going to eat my words (sorry Ralphdog) and have a go at Doggy Dancing with one or more of my dogs.

Can anyone recommend classes or trainers in Brisbane?

Has anyone heard of Collie Roughs doing it? Are they ok at it? I wonder if they will be sufficiently attentive?

My girl is a MAJOR show off and I can see her loving it - if she can keep her mind on the job and not wander off for pats in the slow parts ha ha

Colliehound

Good to see some Collie Stories on here.

My "pet" Collies have protected me throughout my life. As a child mum used to leave me outside the local shop in a pram with our Collie on watch. If anyone peered over to see the "baby" our Collie would leap up and put her whole front end over the pram and growl and growl. Would you do this in 2010? Probably not - but worked many many years ago.

At one point when I was in my early teens a man came to our front door. He worked for Dad and was full of booze and very very aggresive about some issue or another. (The man - not dad ha ha). I was home on my own and the man was insisting on coming inside. I said no. Our Collie was going bezerk. I was holding him back by the collar and telling this man to go or I would let go of the dog. He was full of hot air and saying "let it go, I'll kill it before it kills me etc". So I let go of the dog. She lunged for his "jewels" and took a BIG bite. She then pushed him down when he bent over and sat on him - teeth on his neck until dad got home (about half an hour later). Every time he went to move - she bit really hard into his neck. She got a big bone that night!!!

(Dad had quite a bit to say to this man too - but I won't type that here ha ha ha)

My old boy has bitten my husband. Hubby went to sneak up on me in the kitchen and whack me on the backside. Out of no where comes my boy SNAP!!!!! COllies don't get "play fighting" - to them - any threat is a threat. Poor hubby got the shock of his life!!

Last but not least - my current Collies have caught several burglars. They let the greyhounds catch them - then the pack knock them to the ground and sit on them -Collies put teeth on neck until we come and release the "prey".

As for Greyhounds being hopeless guard dogs? My black girl is a rescue girl. She lived a very bad life before coming to us. She is SUPER protective of me and whilst it goes against every ounce of her breeding - I am 100% sure she would protect to the death regardless of situation. There is absoloutly no pacifying her if we are out walking and someone creepy charges us or goes to reach for me. The others (Collies and Greys) will back off once they realise it is not a real threat. Not her............

Mine might not be trained guard dogs, they may not be formally tested, but I am pretty sure most threats will back off if there are four large sets of teeth just BEGGING to be let loose on thier rump!!

Those who wouldn't back off at that - can face the Smith and Wesson breed.

Colliehound

PS - keep the stories coming - they are some good news in a crappy world.

For middle of the road dog people with 2-3 large dogs, the Honda CRV (model before the current one) is fantastic. Cheap on fuel, seats fold totally up and out of the way (creating barrier between back area and front seats). Roof racks can carry trolleys etc.

I loved my CRV

For completely extreme doggy people. The Nissan Navara STX with canopy is magic.

I can fit 5 dogs in the tray and 2-3 in the rear seat area. (GSD sized) The back seats fold totally out of the way creating a big flat floor. Also great for crates, tables, etc. The roof racks add even more space. It has massive towing power for floats and trailers.

I have a canopy on the back with full insulation, tinted windows and whirly birds. It is always cool in there, even on very hot Brisbane days. There are strong mounting points in the back (all adjustable) which are a dream for connecting leads or even tying horses to when parked (obviously with leads through the window) ha ha ha (had visions of horses crammed in back ha ha ha)

It does suck up the fuel - but that has to be expected.

You can load the tray with a forklift (when getting hay, pallets of dog food etc). (even with canopy on)

For the people side - it is nice inside, just like a car. Drives very easily and surprisingly easy to manouvre for such a big beast.

Colliehound

Yep - definately a CDL...................

Count me in.............

And for those of us who aren't mobile - don't forget internet connection so we don't miss out on DOL!!

An absoloute given!! Even if it means standing on the roof with coat hanger in one hand an one arm in the air to get good reception.......

Don't worry - I am trying my heart out to purchase a serious dog kennel/accomodation etc place in QLD

Wil depend on the banks at this point. If anyone has a few spare million they can lend me............................

We will accept BIG dogs, multiple dogs, titre testing and mad crazy dog people

We will discourage children (sorry Chewy- had to pick one market and stick with it)

We will have different off lead areas for different doggies

Floors will be tiled. Beds, couches etc will have covers.

Fridges in rooms will be BIG

I hope to grow all my own fruit, veges, herbs and eggs - so can offer true gourmet, organic, back to nature experience.

Might even try to grow coffee...............

Now where is that lotto ticket..............

There will be big lists sent to people with the receipt for thier deposit so everyone knows the "rules" before they arrive - this allows anyone who doesn't like the rules (eg dogs on lead in public areas) to make thier own choices.

Don't forget to PM me if you have a few spare mill to share........