SmoothieGirl

I'm in the process of designing, about to start building myself. I've had a room built into the garage that is purpose designed for dog clobber. Its integrated into house, so heating and cooling will be the same as the house, even though it will be under the garage roofline. Three sets of taps for plumbing to accomodate a hydrobath, sink and washing machine (the dogs own). It will also have room for a fridge/freezer and loads of storage, hooks and hangers. Room too for crates if need be. There will be a dividing door in the house to keep the dogs in the kitchen, meals, family area when I'm out, separating them from my bedroom the lounge and study. Guest rooms are accessed via a separate door from the meals area and will be completely out of bounds to the animals. Oh, also, the only carpet in the house is going into the spare bedrooms. The rest of the house, including my room will be floorboards and easy to clean wool rugs. Tiles in the wet areas and dog room. While its on a an acre and a half I'm still getting a house yard fenced with three sections to it. These will be able to be left open to allow access all the way around by three gates or sectioned off using the gates. One dog door from the meals area to section 1, one dog door from the dog room to section 2, section 3 is accessed via a gate between section 2 and 3, or closed off completely when I finally end up building a four kennel run. I think the draftsman thinks I'm nuts, but its my house and I'm paying, so he's learning to just design what I tell him to. Hope that helps. ps. Not doing under floor heating, I think my boy would pack his little doggy bag and move house if I did. He likes dog beds, but still likes to lounge on the cool of the floor, even in winter.

SSMagpie, not Harden, in Vic. Showdog I love the idea, but I'm not that much of a gambler. The little lady of the house looks a bit rough around the edges, don't know what her reaction would be.

I have visions of me failing runs because I said "No, stop" too many times coz he wouldn't get his eyes out when casting! Going to have a go casting in the B course paddock shortly before deciding whether to enter B course sheep at the VHA trial in September. I figure I don't need solid sides for that coz it's all fetching so I won't be stuffing up my training. Only issue is whether he can find the sheep in the big paddock! Might decide the cows next door look like more fun Classic I know, what am I going to do if she doesn't offer a clear yield, I can hardly turn to the judge and say, 'no sorry we have to start again she can do better than that and I won't let her get away with anything less'. It'll be killing me inside.

Heheheh, that's my excuse too s.minty and I'm sticking to it. I'm toying with attempting Bronte's first HSA at the end of August, but I after the clinic with Lynn I now have a much much better handle on what I'm after and how to get it. Now I better recognise when she's really trying and when she's stuffing around, so now if I don't think I can trust her to give it a really good crack I might not even enter that. Oh the frustration of seeking unattainable perfection.

I don't know if its the season for laziness, but I was at one of my usual parks this morning with my two and it looked filthy. This is a very large recreation area, close to ten acres where lots of sports are held, but the dogs are allowed there when games aren't on. Its usually almost spotless, but this morning it was like dodging mines. It infuriates me. Mind you the lazy cow down two houses down from me who 'walks' her dog by letting it run free every morning makes me even madder. I'm sick to death of picking up after her dog as it empties out on my nature strip.

Congratulations Sue and welcome wee little Waldo. He's a cutie, looking forward to seeing both of you out and about in the trial ring in the future ;)

I know you said you don't really like terriers, but you did just describe a Border Terrier. The length of leg is what helps them keep up, light bodied and a good stride.

3rd one down for me too.

Well I'm very jealous of your photos even if you are still on Auto. They look fabulous, my fav is that first shot. Nice mix of sand and water with your lovely pooch and that shadow. That would be framed and put in the pool room if it was one of my dogs.

I'd lay big money there is Rotti there for sure. I'm leaning also towards a dash of either GSP or Eng Pointer, but that bit I'm not going to bet on.

Good on you for taking her out in that weather, it looks crazy, many people wouldn't. Some people have no idea and really should learn to keep their damn thoughts to themselves. I betcha Mindy loved her walk.

Awesome, love the name Fly too. Long or short coat?

I've got a 48 and a 36 in my bedroom. Consequently one of my bed side tables lives in my hallway.

OH NO. Sue I'm so sorry to read this. I'm just catching up on the DOL events and was shocked to read this. Cindy was the light of your life and you clearly her's. I'll miss not seeing her progress with Bronte to CD. Hugs to you and look after yourself, while our past little ones look after her over the rainbow bridge.

I'm with you PA. Love the one of Scooter running for his life, so cute. The big group shot is great too, a real advertisement for how many dogs of different types and sizes can get along together.

Well thanks for sharing Rocco, that was a great laugh. Oh man they are cute. Calendar/greeting card quality!!!! Hint hint, perhaps you should send them somewhere for commercial recognition.

List of people and doggies Snout Girl: Bert and Sally (and an OH ) Spitzbaby: Kairu jrm88: Leo Lucycharzie: Charlotte keroppiyo: Buffy Pointees: Miss April and Shaun Panzer Attack!: Scooter the Papillon and Bluey the Chow Chow Vicky&Vigor: Vicky, Voytek + Vigor SDDU and Sax with Coco SmoothieGirl: Bronte & Ren (Won't be sticking around for lunch) List of food Snout Girl: Vegie burgers/Beef burgers and bread? Spitzbaby: drinks - soft drinks and others jrm88: TBA Lucycharzie: TBA keroppiyo: marinated chicken wings Pointees: Fairy bread Panzer Attack!: Potato salad and some sort of snacky thing? Vicky&Vigor: salad/bread, cookies SDDU: Kransky and dip

Personally I prefer having a yard as it makes toilet breaks easy, especially at night. Also nice and safe if you just want a game of ball or tug with them. But if there was an enclosed verandah and they can get free access to inside, for a short holiday this wouldn't be an issue at all. Just clip on the leads and away we go for walkies. I go away with my dogs for mini breaks a couple of times a year and those holidays basically consist of lots and lots of walks in the fresh air, two to four a day irrespective of the weather, and lots and lots of snoozing, reading books and watching dvds. We all love it.

Of course newbies are welcome PA. We kind of rely on the poster (person not paper picture) to update and repost the list themselvs. I can't wait to meet your little Pap. Would be very cool if Luke and Barkly make it too, we've seen so many pics of Barkly it would be a treat to meet him.

BUMP...this is real news! This is fascinating and quite a test case/precedent for other breed clubs concerned with high rates of genetic issues. I had no idea what you were talking about, went off to investigate and found this site, which educated me without too much scientifica. http://www.luadalmatians.com/ Absolutely fascinating and heart warming too, something like this is a brilliant example of pedigree breed groups taking responsibility for correcting issues with their breeds. Now if only those sensationalist media hounds would pick up on something informative, fact based and educational such as this, rather than the constant pure breed bashing they insist upon.

Oh Jules I saw your FB post early this morning, but just discovered this thread and how poor Brock died. Its just so s**t and unfair and horrible that this has happened. I'm so so sorry for you. I'd be keeping those girls inside for a while, if only so you can sleep well knowing where they are. Look after yourself and not too much alcohol or you'll feel even worse tomorrow. Run free and easy Brock, my sexy Sasha the Doberman will show you the best places to hang out over the rainbow bridge until we, one day, join you.

Bronte was on it on and off to control her skin barrier dysfunction until the dermatologist found a better way to manage them. With out it she was very uncomfortable and really wasn't enjoying just being a young dog. She's now on a relatively safe drug, but still has 6 monthly bloods to monitor the side effects. Her appetite was significantly increased on it. My best advice is change the diet to a leanish diet. Maybe move to roo or venison (bit pricey) if you feed meat and bone and find a low cal dry food if you feed that. That way you may be able to feed a little tiny bit more food to help with the hungers, but still maintain a healthy weight for the dog. Good luck, I hope things improve for your lovely pooch.

Hi all I'll be a bit pressed for time on the 10th, but as its on the way to my block of land I'll probably swing by. Won't make it until just before lunch anyway as I've got obed and agility in the morning. I'll have at least one tired dog with me and one bouncy puppy. Won't bring anything for lunch as I may only drop by for half an hour to an hour, but I'll of course pitch in for the dogs.

I quite like Newport Lakes dog park, its very large, close to Nik and I. There's a car park, toilets nearby and plenty of different settings if we want to find somewhere a bit quiet.

Yep, I'd be interested too. I'm so far off the artistic spectrum though that pencils run from me, so I'll just offer a model.