Dame Aussie

Yeah completely agree there, there should be no stigma in buying a dog from a registered ethical breeder. Its also great to rescue, the two aren't mutually exclusive but sometimes people treat them as such

Good idea.

LisaCC, how would you describe your Aussie Shepherd? I wonder how they compare to a Border collie. Border Collies temperament doesn't appeal to me at all, but I love my Aussie. My boy is high drive and can be a nutter, wants to work, needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, but has a good off switch. They are individuals but I would definitely not recommend my boy for an inexperience owner or someone who doesn't want to work him regularly in some way or another. He can be very manipulative and gets bored quickly. They have different working styles than borders and are more clownish. I know some people that have both borders and Aussies and they seem to prefer one or the other as apparently you need to train them a bit differently. I've been told borders will work for you, aussies will work for something. In my experience borders are generally more focused and serious in their work. Aussies can be a bit more goofy and clownish. Herding styles are completely different. I've not seen any Aussies at sheepdog trials but have heard of lots of American cattle ranchers who favour them. I think they can both have a good off switch but as with many dogs this is something that needs to be taught and enforced. I Yes agree with this. My girl is extremely clever and VERY manipulative. We call her "Pantomime" because she is constantly acting something out :laugh: Aussies are goofier and not as serious as borders IME. My girl is very active and must be involved, she's a bit of a shadow, but as Lisa said with her guy, mine has an off switch so if she knows it's time to settle, she settles. They are also a different shape, I prefer the stockiness of the Aussies to the finer borders :)

I'd also like another Aussie and I love Lappies too. I think I will always have one Aussie Honestly I don't even know lol I want them all! Some breeds I definitely want to own though are: English bull terrier Irish wolfhound Greyhound Rottweiler

Hahahaha

I've worked in a few shelters and purebred dogs do come in IME, especially working breeds, border collies, cattle dogs kelpies and their associated crosses. I don't think the general public will see it as a dig at breeders, though we may :laugh: but yes it would have been more appropriate and realistic to have a cross.

Yep. They've always kept me from moving there!

Yup!

I agree with this.

Great post

I just found an employer who would take me on and train me by applying for jobs with a cover letter explaining I wasn't already trained. Just be aware the pay is terrible.

Sorry to hear huski RIP Cherry.

Skype is a good idea, maybe you could arrange a chat online so they can see you're a "real" person.

Sorry, but if the buyer does not meet the breeder's expectations they can choose to not sell the pup, regardless of whether the buyer wants to go ahead. I think megan just meant the buyer also has the option of deciding that breeder isn't for them.

Maybe you don't realise, it is not up to you in the end :) Yes it is - it is up to both the buyer and the breeder. I expect to be asked a lot of questions by a breeder. I find it odd that someone would request a photo of me. After all, if you're dodgy it is easy to fake these things. All the breeders I have spoken to/emailed have been interested in having a conversation with me about whst I'm looking for in a dog , what kind of life I can offer etc . It has been a natural conversation and not :0 questions . Yeah I agree. No reason to need a photo of you for goodness sake.

What the actual ****??! :laugh: Only Stan! Great pics everyone :)

Nawwwww

If they have to be walked they have to be walked. We do it no matter the weather unless its absolutely torrential/stormy.

That's what I've been told as well. So far our summer bills haven't been too bad at all, at least compared to the winter ones! Yep this is correct :)

Oh don how stressful, you poor bugger. Good luck with the behaviorists, I hope you find someone who can help.

Haven't had to but I would yes.

No advice here mine both lick :laugh: they will stop if told but it's their first instinct lol

Hahahahaha. Numpty

I have a male dog who never cocks his leg on anything. It's not male dogs, it's the owners who are letting or not letting them do this. Also my female is the one who will be inclined to mark, she tries to back up trees sometimes!

It is very weird! I cant believe it actually puts people off!