moosmum

Thanks for the warning! So now to find out the other plant mentioned...and hope its safer for critters.

On going issue here,surrounded by bushland and ideal for snakes.Most common are the browns and they are very prolific here. The dogs have killed 2 in the last month and that doesn't include the one that startled me in the hay a week ago. Found a nest of RBB's 100 metres from the house,in a pile of loose rock and dirt.Even if I could get them all,the spot would likely be taken up by a brown. I'd rather the RBBs knowing that we are going to have snakes regardless. We encourage the goannas and lizards so at least theres competition. O.H caught the end of a radio program with a C.S.I.R.O scientist who mentioned research into repellants.2 plants were mentioned.Geraniums were one and O.H didn't catch the second. I might make an exception to "no bushy plants in the garden" if true.Would like to know the 2nd plant mentioned!

Why do simple posts always have to turn into pure vs cross breeds? I find the above statement to be a wild generalisation,and unfair for the reasons Corvus brought up.It may well be mostly true when dogs are bred only to supply "popular markets" and for profit. A lot less true when dogs are bred for a specific role in which case dogs are still selected for specific traits and more often than not,evaluated in just the way you mention above,for success at "work" and in the situation in which they are usually kept. Its pretty much how most breeds came into being and still does happen today. While there are pedigree breeders putting just as little thought into their practices as most of those catering for the DD market,the only thing those particular breeders can guarantee is a "look" and a false sense of security for buyers who haven't done their home work in as much depth as is needed..Its those breeders who cause the damage to pedigree dogs in general. Not poorly bred cross breeds. Back on topic, Monelite, Anyone who argues your prices has not done their research to understand the value of what they are getting .If all pedigree breeders put in as much care to the selection of their dogs and their health,THEN these arguments would have real meaning.

This ^ part of what Corvus has written is something I wholeheartedly agree with. THIS is the part that touches on the 'inside' of the dog rather than thinking on the 'surface' of the dog. I feel this a lot when I work with dogs. It is about "connection" at an 'inner sense' level. Sure, the outward training method used assists as an aid to the training desired to be achieved (as can the training tools and how they are applied) and can be a part of the message/s being sent to the dog, but reading signals from the dog and delivering signals to the dog does not just come from training tools or training methods. This traverse of signals, back and forth, is as Corvus says, "a dance". This is the part of dog training I particularly love. Yeah ! :)

A friend of ours worked for a food processing plant when a work related accident cost him the tip of his finger. They never found it.A bit of dog hair is fine by me :laugh:

BTW,I don't see why you should be embarrassed to go back. Loosing your cool is no big deal.Just tell 'em 'Yep.I did that' and why.No need for speculation. :D

I agree with the posts that those things are unacceptable any where. But things change slower in rural areas where people tend to accomodate each other and their situation as a community. Possibly,these people are trying to reach out to you in the only common ground you have left them. Small town gossip can be vicious and destroying,but the best way to counter that is not making yourself a mystery.Some comunities I've lived in,I fit in easily,others took time,and some were just not for me.I only knew for sure after taking part. The gossip just has to be lived with,but its easier to ignore if you let yourself meet some good,genuine people who prefer to worry about other things.There will be some of them too. Things aren't easy for you now,but I get the feeling the last thing this woman wanted was to add to you troubles.I'd talk to her,she may be able to come with solutions.

Thats great news,this story was awful,just imagining what the poor woman was going through,and the dog.Glad its had a happy ending.

We had a similar thing here about 20 yrs ago,on a nearby property.1 girl escaped to another couple and the police were called. When the fellow realised she'd gone and police on their way he ran here. I was alone with 3 small kids when I saw him creeping through the grass into a rocky knoll in front of the house.The kids were all inside. It sounded like my husbands car coming around the hill.It looked like an ambush I had no defense but grabbed a dog I knew would be useless and challenged the guy. In the end,it was the police coming 'round the hill.The couple who reported it had been watching him through binoculars until he'd disapeared over the hill, On speaker with police. No one was hurt,police were there almost as soon as the guy was close to me.But it could have been very different. After that,I need to know my dog will back me up.I don't ask or want more than that. Its likely the reason why this bloke got to me so much. :) So I'm proud of my boy,'cos hes not so much a yard dog as a family companion and farm helper who loves cuddles foals,kittens and babies of all sorts. :D

No,Sorry,meant out as in no one locked up.They both sleep inside for safety,but have free access in/out while were awake. Its all good now anyway. I took Moss with me down the front where its clear to check my horses and saw the guy being picked up. In hind sight,likely just a scared bloke who had no idea what he was in for and got another fright here. :laugh: Wolf Creek :) The bush isn't so thick he needed the tomahawk,but he might have been scared enough to bring it with out thinking how that would look. I'll still sleep easier tonight.

Yeah, I think I will. I will have both dogs out tonight Moss has been kenneled while in season but finished now up. There will be no way the dogs will let him in the yard,while there out there.Its just too un-nerving. He could be hiding out here, on the run or some thing. And I should have a record of his behaviour. If he did manage to sneak in past the dogs they won't be happy.Unlikely,but he can't be too rational. They already know hes not welcome.

Its rural,we are surrounded by bushland. The police couldn't see anything driving by.The place is set back from the road a fair ways on a rocky incline.

Maybe not a bad idea.

OHHH No! He was sent on way! but knowing he was likely nearby at his shed was not a nice thought.Big dog or not. Phew! You had me going there! :laugh: I would have called the police. Someone wandering about with that type of weapon sounds mentally unstable...goodness knows what they've been up to... :laugh: If we'd let him stay,you would have to wonder who was most mentaly unstable of us all!

The whole thing is so weird and ...disturbing? Surely he had to at least know there was no electricity so he had to take lights? Getting dropped of by a friend with out the friend driving to the huts and seeing what was there? He couldn't have brought much in the way of supplies if he walked up. I'd like to see if hes gone,but don't want to go near the place

OHHH No! He was sent on way! but knowing he was likely nearby at his shed was not a nice thought.Big dog or not.

Very. O.H says hes never met the guy.

Finished my evening critter feeds on the farm and came in for the night,just sat watching the dog polish off his dinner when he looks up and growls.I ignored that,but he barked a "hey,Look!" and growled some more so I went out and followed his gaze to see a scruffy looking bloke in his 30's standing at the corner of the yard with a tomahawk,in the dusk. With both dogs barking the guy started calling out 'Hello?'. When he saw I was going to see this bloke,the dog ran ahead,hackles up and kept between us till I asked him to stay back,but he lunged forward again snarling when the guy tried come closer. He says hes looking for guy he knew. I says 'we've been here 27 yrs,who is it?' Lots of mumbling and false starts to get out that he met the guy a couple months ago when he came over another time. Got the O.H (who was oblivious,)while the Dog stayed to keep him put. I left it to O.H and the dog and came inside. Turns out the guy wanted to stay here the night Says his dad left him and his brothers a nearby property and his brother told him it was fixed up and livable,so he had been dropped at the gate to stay a while.(its basicaly two lined garden sheds and a tank) He had no lights or supplies,so maybe he could sleep on our verandah or some thing? I hardly slept a wink,imagining this guy being drawn to our lights in the night like a moth,and every sound waking me.I even got up once to investigate a sound in the doorway,but it was just the dog sleeping accross the entry :laugh: I hope hes long gone today,O.H says he told the bloke the place has been sitting so long it will be filled with snakes and spiders.

I kinda agree with Cruzzi, the OP asked for experiences and then mentioned how they would like to breed Staffords with no info about whether they show/compete etc etc. There are thousands of 'pet bred' Staffords in Australia, there is no need for more (especially the "rare" blue).....well bred ones however are very hard to find! If someone came on with the same after thought with breeding Tollers and no further information I would be questioning it as well :) While Cruzzi has gone about it the wrong way, I think it would be beneficial for the OP to explain what they have done in dogs, why they want to breed etc etc. I did similar to what Cruzzi has suggested doing, I bought 2 boys, showed and competed. Eventually got my bitch, did the same, done all health tests (about $1500-$2000)and hopefully will have my first litter this year (10 years after getting my first Toller!) I've always wanted to breed but knew learning what I wanted to breed would take time and finding and waiting for the right bitch as well took 7 years. Otherwise this topic has been a nice read, I do like reading about how others started in their chosen breeds :D No,The OP said they are very interested in the idea but are well aware its not something to jump into with out a lot of thought. They have asked how others have progressed to make that step with confidence. Where they are at now is no indication of where they might go as long they are keen to learn.

Maybe not as in depth as you are after,but " Inside Of A Dog" (Alexander Horowitz) is a good read, giving the reader insight to how a dog experiences the world.

I haven't found any big difference there,mostly seems to do with individual lines.The big difference I note is in capabilities at a younger age.A good working dog should to grow into their role easily and continue to improve while they have a suitable environment.

He will be prone to sun burn and possibly skin cancer from repeated burning. You can manage that with screens or U.V fly masks,which would also protect his eyes.The eyes too are prone to damage from the sun from their extreme lack of pigment.

Fartacus does cute. :D

Not sure how it works as I'm not a member,but isn't it a matter of putting in resolutions and amendments for vote before an annual General meeting to bring about change or action you want from your Canine Council ?

Mita, " The only group that has solid research behind them" Thats key, and another reason its in every ones interests to preserve them. But Pedigree breeders hold themselves aloof and isolated from every one who could learn and benefit from their knowledge. We see on DOL,people come here who are potential pedigree breeders,but because they don't come to you fully formed and educated,they are ridiculed and scorned for their mistakes and lack of knowledge. Not by every one,but when it happens all pedigree breeders are judged as elitist snobs etc.because it was publicly allowed on the forum. Driving people off won't teach them any more than that. Pedigree breeders need a more equall meeting ground with the general public.