aussielover

Thanks for the suggestions guys! In terms of going overseas, it's only 10 days in quarantine now, the main consideration would be cost as it is a few thousand each way. But most likely would stay with me. My already gets 2hrs of exercise on average plus agility training so that wouldn't be an issue. Whippet- I am not sure if they would be robust enough? Do they generally chase balls and enjoy swimming and lots of exercise? They also want a quiet dog that isn't going to bark a lot as they are in a town house type situation so that's why kelpie isn't on the list! Otherwise I agree would be a good fit. They are after a fairly easily trained dog so unfortunately I think a beagle and most of the terriers would be beyond them as they've only had experience with gundogs and working breeds who live to please you (or get a treat!).

My Parents are looking at getting a dog next year. They are pretty active and would be committed to providing a dog with 2 walks/runs a day of about and hour each, so at least 2 hrs in total. They are retired, so the dog would have a lot of company. They will be living near the beach so a dog that enjoys swimming and/or beachy type activities would be great. They are looking for a medium sized dog (no larger than 18kg) with an easy care coat that dries off fairly quickly and doesn't require professional grooming (so woolly or wire coats are not suitable). They are after a friendly and sociable dog as the dog will accompany them to cafe's etc and will also be spending time with my dog when I visit. They have a small outdoor area- only really suitable for toileting, not play. They aren't interested in dog sports apart from basic obedience, although I may train the dog in agility a bit. It also needs to be fairly adaptable as they may be overseas for a few months each year- the dog will stay with me during that time, or even go over with them. They have had experience with dogs before- have had a poodle x, aussie shepherd and lab. At the moment the short list is: Working/field type cocker spaniel Welsh Springer Brittany Border Collie Also possibly a working english springer but I think they may be too full on Does anyone have any other suggestions? I should add they are open to an adult dog from a breeder or reputable rescue.

There's no benefit in taking a leashed dog into a fenced dog park. I don't see this situation as good socialization. You can't control other people's dogs and your dog would be more likely to panic or feel threatened as they are unable to escape and run. I don't like fenced dog parks full stop but taking a leashed dog into one is just asking for trouble. I wouldn't let my dog go up to a leashed dog at the park but you can't guarantee what others would do. Walking through a off leash area is a different story.

I've had a pod bed for mindy for about 3 years now. It's still very comfy. I slept on it at cessnock only a few months ago. I bought a beautiful soft Velvety one and it has lost some of its sleekness but to be fair I haven't really washed it very much.

Sorry I must have misunderstood your first post :) Just out of interest, how much bone does he get in his diet? I definitely think minimally processed diets for both dog and humans are the way to go (unless they have a specific medical condition- in which case prescription diets work well). I try to minimize bone in my dogs diet as she doesn't chew properly and has gotten one stuck in her intestine before! She does well with chicken frames and lamb flaps. It seems to be enough variety for her.

Your vet hardly ever sees normal blood panels? That seems unlucky. I would absolutely expect a normal blood panel in a young dog whether on a good quality raw diet or kibble diet. Sometimes BUN can be slightly elevated due to a higher protein intake, but otherwise it would be surprising to see an abnormality in an otherwise healthy dog of Ronin's age. But I agree that it is good to get regular bloods done- of anything they can act as a baseline and you can pick up changes early on. Good on you for being so pro active about your dogs health!

I'm sorry but this is exactly the reason I don't go to dog parks. I couldn't think of anything worse than having my dog humped, herded or harassed or chased. perhaps you should try making games with YOU more fun than letting him run self reward on other dogs. It'll make your life easier in the long run.

Fenced dog parks are usually awful. I find them too small, smelly &full of dog crap and people stand around talking not supervising their dogs. Large off leash areas are better as you can generally have your own space and the dogs tend to be under better control.

Omg people actually do that?! x 2 Poor bloody dog Given how sensitive their sense of smell is compared to ours I was surprised too but the dog didn't seem particularly bothered by it. I've tried putting it around a wound to prevent licking but my dog just licked it off anyway.

That's great! I remember seeing a beagle cross (cavalier I think?) at an adaa trial a few months ago. She was quite naughty for most of her runs- typical beagle nose! For the last run, they put Vicks under her nose and she ran beautifully and went clear!!! Without the distractions of other smells she was able to focus really well.

it is not the dogs fault. Many dogs would probably kill small prey animals given the chance.

Totally agree with this statement! I find it annoying when people say stuff like "it's so much easier for you because you have a slow/fast/small/large dog". It's better to focus on your own performance than to worry about how supposedly easy it is for other people. It's hard for everyone just in different ways.

That's a really good question. I would pick the fat dog. Fat can be corrected with diet and exercise, but there is no correcting incorrect structure, soundness, type and temperament. Major health faults should not be rewarded. If all the other dogs are of poor or mediocre conformation then the judge can non award and have a quiet word to the exhibitor of the overweight dog about reducing their weight. The fat dog can be awarded at the next show when they have lost the weight and are shown in a healthy body condition.

Nice golden retriever! There will be some fast working line labs coming into the australian agility scene in the next few years. Will be interesting to see how they go. There's no doubt border collies and kelpies are ideally athletically and mentally suited to agility, and that's the reason why they often win and dominate the sport. This is not said to offend other breeds, it's just fact.

What dates are you looking at?

Overseas, most 500 border collies would jump 650 or higher. I'm kind of glad that they don't in australia as there is no way any of the non typical large breeds like my lab would ever place!

Given it's meant to be freezing this weekend- does anyone have any suggestions on where I coukd take my dog to visit snow? Ideally within 2-3hrs of canberra. Most of the places I've looked up are national parks Does cooma or jindabyne get snow in the town? Thanks

Can you have puppy outside and maple inside? I personally wouldn't be keeping a 14 week old pup unsupervised with an adult dog anyway.

I feel a lot has to do with genes and inherent temperament. Rescues often say it's all about how you raise them but I've not found that to be true in many cases. I've met dogs with beautiful temperaments that have been abused or not well socialised and I've also seen dogs given every opportunity and the owners are very dedicated yet the dog has a poor temperament despite this.

Why do all dogs need secure fencing? Even though my yard is fenced I never leave my dog outside when I go out, she is always in the house. Additionally generally only toilets on her walks not in the yard so that wouldn't be an issue. I understand it's necessary if you plan on leaving your dog outside unattended. But I don't think having an unfenced yard should exclude you from owning a dog depending on the situation.

Ultrasound with an imaging specialist? Try giving ARH canberra a call and see what they recommend. Most in NSW don't do desexing tattoos which is a shame.

I fit in agility trialling around work. I work a 4 day week plus every second saturday. We usually end up trialling 3/4 weekends in peak season which is pretty good. I usually plan my agility trialling year in advance, that way I can swap days in advance that I would like off. You should be fine with showing- there are lots more shows than agility trials!

A GSP or pointer or poodle or boxer would probably work best with didi by the sounds of things. I personally would try to keep my dogs within around 10kg of each other as I think it can lead to better, safer play. That's assuming you want them to be playmates though. Keep in mind GSPs are usually more exuberant and goofy than labs and tend to mature quite late. In my experience they tend to really mature and work consistently at around 6-8 years which can be a long time for some. Luckily they are an athletic breed and have quite a long performance life- often competing successfully at older ages. If you're keen to do lots of dog sports then this would be my pick out of your selection. A pointer may also suit as they tend to be calmer than GSPs but have a similar look. Boxers are very cute and I think meet a lot of your requirements. They are very playful and outgoing. They're usually pretty laid back in the home as well. I think Brittany's and cockers would frustrate me as they seem to be a bit scatter brained and very birdy. But when they are on and focussed they're certainly great dogs! If unpredictable performance doesn't worry you then they may also suit. They seem pretty happy and friendly dogs. I have heard standard poodles can be barkers. I don't know anything about standard schnauzers except to say the seem less athletic than your other choices but if you're not into agility or flyball then it may not matter?

Given the revised list I would still suggest a whippet. German pinshers are cute and may suit but they aren't as cruisy as a whippet and may need more training and exercise. The 2 I know are very accident prone and have had 1000s of dollars worth of vet bills, so insurance may be a good idea!

Labs drool. Mine only drools when there's food around which can be prevented by training them to sit on their bed while you eat. They also shed a lot. Mine doesn't shed as much as others I've met but there are certainly labs out there that you tend to wear and would absolutely require a daily vacuum. I don't think an hour a day is enough exercise unless they are getting training through the day as well (at least while they are younger). The right lab could work; but with so many out there I think they'd really be taking their chances. I would also recommend a whippet. They are cute, low maintenance and no smell. All the ones I have met have seemed to be very clean. They're probably more outgoing than greyhounds and a bit more dog park friendly than greys if that's what the owners are intending on.