aussielover

I actually found the cool champion more effective but it'sucj heavier and messier. Where as the chilly buddy can also be used without water to provide some relief (especially for black dogs) I'm interested in the k9pro cool tech one but wonder whether the ice blocks would last all day at a trial. I don't usually take an esky so wouldn't be able to store them

Hi Just wondering if any one has used the Ruffwear Swamp cooler vest? http://waggle.com.au/ruffwear-b1/swamp-cooler-p345 Main use would be to keep the dog cool in between runs at agility trials and training etc. I have heard the clean run chillybuddy is good I'd prefer to have it sooner rather than later. Also i am getting a similar one to the chillybuddy made for my dog but thought it would be good to have 2 types. I've tried the cool champions coat and it was also very effective for trials but this one looks a bit more versatile as it looks fairly light weight. Does anyone actually use these cooling coats whilst the dog is exercising- not thinking of agility but perhaps when going out for a jog or bike ride or long walk?

I think boarding and training is a good idea, provided the trainer is good and uses appropriate methods for the individual dog. i think lots of dogs would enjoy the extra training. I know my dog loves training and will work for anyone. So i think she'd enjoy the extra stimulation if she were in boarding kennels. You could try positive puppies. I know they used to do boarding and training not sure if they still do.

Mine will wag her tail if I ask her if she's happy. But then again she will also do it if I ask her if she's stupid

My dog who is one of the greediest dogs there is- refuses to eat deer antlers! This is a dog that eats her own vomit amongst other disgusting things. I have had several attempts to try to get her interested but none successful. They are quite expensive so it is frustrating. I'd like to use them as a longer lasting chew. Pigs ears and the like only last her about 2 minutes. Bully sticks can last up to 5 minutes depending on size. Chicken carcasses last 10 minutes, maybe 15 if they are frozen- and they can't be inside. Her teeth are in perfect condition so I doubt it is pain holding her back. Is there a way I can get her to eat them or a long lasting alternative?

We took our Aussie Shepherd to the UK and back to Australia a few years ago. I think we used jetpets for the trip over and a UK company which I can't remember (I can look it up for you if you want) on the way back. There were no problems with either trip and we were happy with the service both times. Our dog had minimal crate training- she had been to a few dogs shows with her breeder as a pup but that's all- hadn't been crated for years after. But she was a laid back dog and around 7 when she went over and 9 when she came back. She did not appear to be stressed when she arrived. As others have mentioned she was quite thirsty but that's all. I think they are allowed water in the crate but obviously if they knock it over or something no one checks on them regularly. I don;t think she was let out of the crate for the whole trip (around 24 hours). She had a very large wooden crate with shredded paper. They must have washed her or something before we collected her because there was no faeces or urine in her coat. I think my current dog- a labrador, would also be fine, as she is crate trained and used to a lot of travel. I would have some concerns about a brachy breed though. I would speak to the transport company to see what measures they had in place to keep them cool and stress free.

Why would you let a baby put it's hands into a dogs mouth while it was chewing a bone!!! Not only is it gross but the dog could have accidentally hurt the baby. Not to mention what could have happened if the dog lost it's patience.

Clearly, Aussielover you are not a vet or you would not make blanket statements such as the above. Maybe some unwell dogs can be anesthetised safely, others can not. This needs to be assessed only by a qualified vet. I asked the vet should I book my dog in for a dental and he advised against it. Jules, I did buy deer antlers but my Cavs were not interested. They're too hard for the small mouth of a Cavalier KCS. He would happily chew raw meaty bones and had them for most of his life but he's had no bones since needing a flush out enema due constipation caused by a mass of crunched up bone. They were relatively soft bones too. The vet advised against any more RMB's. The bones kept his teeth clean until he had his first and only dental at 9yo but now he's older his system is unable to cope with RMB's. The tartar on the two tiny teeth behind the carnassials is a recent development. The carnassial teeth are clean as are the rest of his teeth His teeth were checked three months ago and were ok. I don't know where to go from here. I don't want him suffering dental pain on top of his congestive heart failure (for which he is medicated). edited to fix quotes I never said all animals can be safely anaesthetized. I apologize if this was not clear. In many (but not all) cases the risk can be minimized. To be clear, this is NOT to say that every animal can be. I absolutely agree that it is up to the treating vet and owner to decide whether the risk is too high. If it's only slight tartar- you could try daily teeth brushing to prevent it from getting any worse. I

A dog either requires a dental or it doesn't. Superficial tartar is a cosmetic issue and just scraping off what you can see won't necessarily benefit the health of the animal. If it requires a dental, the best results will be seen with the dog anesthetized. Animals with illnesses including heart disease are safely anesthetized on a daily basis. There are always risks associated with anaesthesia and surgery but in many instances they can be greatly minimized.

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

Why should she limit herself to one breed??? When we were looking for our last dog we were looking at Brittany's, Aussies, tollers and border collies at the same time. We chose an Aussie in the end due to being able to meet the breeder and her dogs and a puppy being available. But it could have easily gone another way. Our dog was a great dog and had a happy long life with us.

I think both parties are justified in their opinions/requests. For a first time puppy buyer it can seem pretty full on. The distance between you both also makes it difficult. I can see why you feel uncomfortable but I can see why they are asking for additional info too. Anyone can make themselves sound like ideal dog owners... If you're not comfortable with the breeders requests then I'd pass on this opportunity. The breeds you are looking at are fairly common and it's worth the wait for a good breeder you trust and respect.

Haha I'm pretty sure that applies to most labs.

I don't see a problem with being interested in 3 different breeds. I'd like my next dog to be a lab, border collie or Belgian shepherd. All pretty different but I think I could live with all of them (not all at once of course!) Although they all rate highly for trainability All the dogs the op is interested require a sensitive approach to training so it looks like they are prepared for a challenge. It's difficult to say whether missing insciors are an issue but probably safer not to take the pup if there are any doubts

I think actually diagnosing the problem would be the way to go. Get a second vet opinion or ask to be referred to a neurologist. This happened to my old dog and she had a tumour in her brain and spine. Acupuncture did nothing for her and chiro adjustments could have actually been dangerous. Personally I recommend Georgina child neurologist at sash or sydney uni

Yes there is a big difference between field and show labs. With field or working line being much lighter and leaner looking. Discussion over show vs working can get very heated in dog forums! Personally I enjoy the looks and temperament of working dogs. But each to their own I guess. Also your dog is quite young stressmagnet? Male labs don't mature fully physically until around 2 years old. I;ve known gangly male lab pups who have turned into quite stocky dogs as they matured. I'm not game to make any predictions on final size/shape at less than 1 year of age in labs. Also the condition you keep you lab in, what actvitiy/sports they do all plays a role in their shape- as with a human athlete. I try to keep my dog in as close to working condition as possible. Also customs/assistance/guide dogs generally produce lighter, smaller dogs as it is more convenient for service animals to be of a "medium" size rather than large. This is my 4 year old female lab. She competes in agility and hopefully soon in retrieving. I'd say she is quite athletic for a lab. She is from guide dogs. She enjoys training and activity.

I've not noticed a major difference in personality between sexes, I guess boys can be a bit more goofy. In some breeds there is quite a size difference between males and females- I would not get a male labrador as they tend to be between 30-35kg on average, wheres as the girls can be as light as 23-25kg. 10kg makes a difference to me as a smaller person- I can pick my dog up in an emergency but there is no way i'd be able to lift a 35kg dog by myself. I don't like how people let their male dogs cock their legs on everything- some people don't seem to bothered by this? I know it is a training issue but none of my female dogs have shown any inclination to urinate on pieces of equipment etc

Has this dog been seen by a specialist? That would be the obvious next step... Gut samples are needed to reach a conclusive diagnosis of IBD. There are other diseases that can cause similar problems (lymphangiectasia, Addison's, cancer, other autoimmune conditions). Personally if it were my dog if be getting it seen by a registered medicine specialist to discuss diagnostics and treatment options. Only after this, when the dog is stabilized and there is a diagnosis, would I consider alternative natural therapies and nutrition. Steroids are not necessarily evil. They are integral to treatment for some diseases. The treatment for Addison's disease is steroids, no alternatives. Used judiciously, they improve the quality of life for many pets. I am not against natural therapies or nutrition either and believe they have their place. My dog sees a chiro and is on a raw diet. I would just not rely solely on them for life threatening illnesses. Eta- there is a simple 2 stage blood test (ACTH stimulation test) diagnose Addison's. I would find a vet who is willing to run it to put your friends mind at rest about Addison's. There is an atypical form of Addison's that doesn't show the typical electrolyte changes seen on normal blood tests (which I assume this dog has had done before?) Also some dogs with Addison's can have a deficiency in production of corticosteroids only, rather than the more common deficiency in both mineralocorticoids and corticocosteroids. So would be worthwhile ruling out Addison's disease.

I don't think vegetarianism is as common in australian pets. Most dogs on a vego diet that I know (I can count on one hand) are on it for medical reasons (protein intoleerances). Nutrition can be a very touchy subject. Personally I think dogs are very adaptable and do amazingly well on a variety of diets. I see lots of dogs fed on a variety of diets- prey model raw diets, BARF, kibble (premium and supermarket) and homemade and I can honestly say I haven't noticed a major difference in the health and appearance of these dogs in general. I don't think I can say that one type of diet is better than another- although i'm aware that people have very strong opinions on this but realistically it doesn't matter as long as you are comfortable with what you feed and your dog is healthy.

What is the risk of snake bites during retrieving trials. Was speaking to a lady who is involved in retrieving and she said they lost "quite a few" dogs to snakes doing retrieving.

I don't think labs are particularly challenging as they love to work for and please their people. Personally I'd find a more independent breed a challenge. With regard to training food, toy and pack drive are important and most labs have these in abundance (especially food) My lab is my first real puppy (our other dogs were slightly older puppies) and while she was quite full on, her craziness and eager to train attitude got me into dog sports and she has been a great first agility/sport dog and got me hooked on it!

Depends on the owner and breeder. I wouldn't rule out any breeds for a novice owner. I've seen success stories with new owners and a wide range of breeds including livestock guardians, sighthounds, working bred dogs etc. On the flip side I've also seen failures in lots of breeds where the dog is surrendered, unhappy or rehomed. In the end it comes down to the owner

Umm most sporting dogs are pets too...

I don't think any balanced dog needs to have company 24/7. Your dog sounds very well looked after and lucky. I have a lab and she is by self for up to 8 hours a day some days. This is broken up by a dog walker, or me coming home and she does get 2 hours of exercise every day and agility training, but she seems happy enough to sleep or potter around when she is by herself.

I am in canberra and I try to get up to Sydney every few months for agility and retrieving training. It's worth the drive. Luckily for me it's an easy drive. I think there are agility classes and sheepdog lessons that are pretty close to each other but I'd pm Vickie for details of you're interested :)