Rebanne

no dry food is natural. Is your new girl in good health with a good coat? If so no real reason to change her food. You could add chicken necks for instance to her meals if you don't want to feed just dry food.

Lots of breeds that are used in making the so called designer dogs are desexed before sale. Can't say I blame those breeders.

cortisone tablets will relieve a lot of inflammation. Yes can have some side effects but if it gives an old dog comfort why not?

have you spoken to the breeder of your concerns? Sometimes sh!t happens for no reason and some vets are very quick to blame any problem on the breeder. The problems you have mentioned can occur in any dog of any breed whatever the price paid. Sometimes skin irritations can run in family lines but more often they just happen. Bone and ligament problems? Well sometimes that can happen because of poor/incorrect upbringing. But bone and ligament problems is also a very broad statement and could cover many, many things so bit hard to judge on the likely hood of it being a inherited problem. I gather from the photo you've had your dog since a young pup? (He's very cute by the way) Has he always had these problems or are they new?

You know you just can't find a puppy inside a specified time unless you are extremely lucky and happy to settle for anything that shows up in your 2 week window.

did you get your natural mating?

Really I wouldn't be worried. A local vet is not the best to tell if your pup has a problem. Sure anyone can see the bad ones but a slight problem? Even if there is a problem your dog may never require surgery of any sort. Best to ring your breeder and chat to them and do as Persephone said and ring your insurance company and ask a general question. You can redo the xrays after your dog fully grown, around the 18 month old mark, do hips and elbows, and send them away to be scored. Your breeder should be able to help with where to send them etc. Keep your pup lean as he grows, that will help him grow well.

Seems we are all due around the same time.

Your pup could have thrown to the poodle and if it was the smallest of the 3 sizes then your pup will be small. You can forget comparing her to a purebred cocker as she isn't. Get her vet checked to make sure she is healthy and be happy to have an individual

Oh my goodness, you are getting an early start Well if all goes to plan I'll be having a litter of greyhound puppies, due mid September, thanks to Ms Phoebe, Monash Vets and some frozen semen.

A lot of breeders don't vaccinate until the pups are 8 weeks old, especially the toy breeds.

As far as I am aware it is not hereditary. But taking care of diet wouldn't hurt anyway. Ask your vet about it.

If this is the puppy you must have then you could reconsider the co ownership. But the contract needs more details re the semen collection. The price you pay should be discounted as you would be keeping the puppy entire for the breeder's convenience, the breeder would pay for all health tests and semen collection and the pup should be signed over to you once he has been collected. No more then 2 collections and within a month. Sometimes the first one is not good quality. Microchip to be in your name. Otherwise pick another pup.

yes, very much so

Many thanks Tassie!

Does anyone remember the case of the BC puppy who died from a disease that they could have been tested for? It was heart breaking. I'm after the link if anyone can help supply it

I've helped 2 people avoid scammers in the last week. If they offer to send you a pup and you only have to pay for the transport up front and pay for the pup once you have it, it's a scam. I think they think people will be less likely to do something if they "only" lose the transport cost. Luckily both lots of potential puppy buyers asked questions. Oh and if the sale price is too good to be true, then it's usually a scam.

There can be a lot of politics involved in breed clubs. That wouldn't concern me. Really, in the end, there is no fool proof way to pay for something and guarantee you get it unless the transaction happens in person. I've sent 3 pups overseas both buyer and seller had to trust each other and we did and everything worked out fine.

It is simply unfair and too risky to expect a dog to put up with what you say your son may do. If you are convinced a dog is the way to go then you need to get a service dog, one specially trained. And you need to start teaching your child to be gentle and respect other's space, which may be difficult. I would be asking your child's Dr or school if they could recommend a service dog organisation to you, that is if they agree it could be a good idea.

No to a greyhound with a naughty kid! Wait until the child is older and knows better. No dog should have to put up with a naughty child

Felt mean putting the dogs outside tonight while I went off to work. Not their first time in below freezing temps but the first for this year.

I don't rug up the Greyhounds at night until it's under about 12 when they are staying outside due to my shift work. As it gets colder I'll put 2 coats on them and have several types and weights so I can mix and max. Inside at night it is usually when it's forecast to be under 10. They are mostly inside during the day so rarely coated but days like today yep I put coats on them this afternoon.

depends if I've worked a night shift or not When I come home in the morning, the dogs are let in, fed and they go to bed. Usually don't move until 3pm or so. Sometimes earlier but not often. Don't get put out again after breakfast. When I am not working they get tea around 4 - 5 pm inside. They often go out again then and also last thing before I go to bed they are chucked outside for 5 mins, I rarely watch them to make sure they go. If they do need to go at anytime they wake me up.

any dog that has to sleep outside MUST have a good quality kennel with plenty of bedding. Too cruel otherwise. And shaded in the warmer months

Talk to your breeder, they should be able to help. Hopefully they gave you a diet sheet or similar. But some of the things I add in for my puppies is eggs, pasta, chicken wings/necks. Wait until his upset stomach has settled before changing too much.