mita

Agree. That's why I'm a bit paranoid. Only yesterday, I saw a magpie trotting up the yard carrying a great lump of stuff. But that was sheer luck, to actually see it. Like Mrs RB said, they'll even drop stuff still in packaging.

Jules, my heart goes out to you. Poor Brock. Mrs RB's got a good point. I'm paranoid about what the birds transport into our garden. I'm forever collecting great lumps of all sorts of things that they've dropped.

You have complete sympathy from me. This 'wild' fence-rushing is nerve-racking for people walking past with their own dogs on leads. There's always the chance that at least one dog, will make it over. Which happened to you. I cannot understand how someone could dismiss that behaviour as 'play'.

My breed of interest ( as a pet owner) has an International Working Party on health. Where data is collected & freely shared that will help breeding decisions which have equal concern for health outcomes. 'Worldwide Kennels' leads to the listing of registered breeders in a number of countries that are signed on ( you'll see Australian flags well represented among them). And each country has a designated representative on the Working Party to monitor & report on any health issues. http://www.tibbies.net/itswp/ All this trickles down even to an individual pet owner level. As the health network states, it's aimed for owners & breeders. When my girl had a mysterious series of bowel upsets, I got great advice from breeders from Canada, USA and here in Australia. Turned out to be a food intolerance....which they suggested, given all the information. And were proven right. The dietary advice has also proven to be spot on. No more bowel upsets....& an unexpected big boost to coat health (a fact, pointed out by the groomer). No wonder I have huge respect for the good registered breeders. By the way, this international cooperation allows for widening of gene pool, too. My girl has 'flags' of several countries (& hence various bloodlines) in her pedigree.

It's the criteria for breeding/raising purebred dogs which are likely to reduce risk, that should be promoted. It's already done informally. Like recently, someone I know asked me for help in adopting an adult dog of my breed of interest... specifically to be a family pet. For my enquiries, I went straight to the registered breeders who operate according to that critieria....& who would also sound out colleagues as they attended upcoming shows. First criterion was equal consideration for health in breeding decisions. along with interest in widening the gene pool. Second criterion was equal consideration for socialisation via treating their dogs (& puppies) as companion pets, not largely kenneled 'stock'. Third criterion was deep interest & appreciation of this breed, its unique conformation & its history. And maintaining international links. Fourth, willingness to provide information about an individual dog's temperament & behaviours. And discuss suitability for the lifestyle being offered by the prospective adopter. Then, support & advice for the settling-in period....& later. And, so on. Yes, suitable dog was found. New owner screened & approved as breeders who follow the above criteria don't home their dogs lightly. Has nothing to do with snobbery, but everything to do with setting out criteria for getting a purebred dog....& following them. Has nothing to do with making some kind of unfair comparisons with mixed-breed dogs. Our last little mixed-breed dog was rescued after being thrown from a car as a puppy. She lived until nearly 22 years of age.

There's nothing wrong with the word 'elite'. It simply means a group claiming some kind of superior status. The crunch is in what evidence there is for any individual making such a claim. Like, there's no problem referring to 'elite sports persons', because their performances bear that out. 'Elite' is mis-used when that status is claimed without evidence. So it's the evidence which counts in looking for the best -of- the- best within dog breeding. Promoting purebreds requires setting out the means by which risks can be reduced via the decisions breeders make about their breeding practice, and how their puppies are raised. And indicating there may be a better chance of finding that in the registered system. Simply a better chance, not certainty. Anything that depends on human decision-making & also has numbers of variables outside human power to influence, is fallible.

No worries, lappie.

Absolutely right. Every time these 'horrors of the purebred world' come up in such programs.....it's never a matter of 'compared with what.' Which leaves the impression that all dogs from any other source except the purebred breeders, must be OK. Those hosts of small fluffy- dog crosses are out there in their thousands. And where's the evidence that the puppy-farmers & BYBs which produce them, have in-depth knowledge about the genetics of what they're doing? Who's keeping tabs on their health problems? One vet remarked to me, he couldn't understand why people were continuing to buy them.....when there were well- bred, small purebred dogs. I was at a doggie event recently, attended by lots of caring, pet-owners with their dogs. OK, I can't read too much into what I noticed because it could just be a once-only at that particular event. But... Lots of larger medium to large dogs there....& they were nearly all pretty sure purebreds. Border collies, labradors, german shepherds, dalmatian, rottie, golden retrievers, a ridgeback....& so on. Lots of small fluffies, too. But most looked like the small fluffy mixes. The obvious purebreds you could count on one hand. My pair of tibbies, a pair of dachies, a pair of small poodles, a bichon and a cavalier.

I can't explain it further, lappie, because that quote is not from me.

why do they keep insisting that most of the genetic problems in dogs are due to inbreeding of pedigrees. it p**ses me off i have pedigrees and my dogs aren't inbred. another swipe at pedigrees to fuel the debate of "cross breeds are healthier"??? perhaps. a bunch of people are commenting that hasn't really gone into the logic of the whole thing. dogs and all living things no matter what their breeding (they can be outcrossed for generations like mine are) can still get genetic problems, so what is their point except to create a negative outlook on pedigrees yet again and improve sales in petshops and puppy farms of designer dogs and cross breeds. what are they trying to do kill us all off so the only dog you'll be able to buy in future or adopt will be a "dog" of an unknown description still with health problems, we won't solve anything by commenting on pedigrees having problems. toy dog, the dog-buying public should be hearing what you've posted. Instead, an over-simplistic 'story' is always being trotted out. Leaving the public with the impression, don't get a pedigree dog because they've been bred to have genetic problems, so therefore it's good to get a dog (from who cares where) that is not a pedigree. Every bit of research shows that cross-breeds have problems, too. Also in these Belt the Pedigrees segments, the adjectives which give some idea of the extent of 'problem', get swallowed in the drama. On tonight's program....reference was made to 'some' purebreds having problems, and 'many', not. But you had to be fast to hear it. Nothing is ever shown which provides balance highlighting the 'many' registered breeders who are aware of breeding for health (& temperament) as well as conformation. I have nothing but respect for the registered breeders in my breed of interest. Look around their purebreds, in Australia, & you'll find dogs that have come from a wide variety of bloodlines. Like, from Scandanavian countries, Switzerland, the United Kindgom & New Zealand. All done to expand the gene pool. And with an international health committee which overviews any health problems, with those bloodlines tested free, published.

Your pup would have been born at Amberley base with the sound of planes in the background. Piece of cake being in the workshop. Fantastic socialisation. When I saw the RAAF puppies at the weekend, they were just as much enjoying being draped over women's shoulders & snoozing. Before the RAAF had their own breeding program, friends of ours donated their young p/b shepherd to the RAAF. They were interstate a lot for work & their son went to boarding school. But they were invited to the ceremony where 'their' shepherd finally graduated. They've never forgotten that day. They said the 3 of them were just about bursting with pride that 'their' dog had succeeded in such a career. I've attached a pic from the brochure the RAAF people were handing out to the public at the weekend, seeking new foster-carers. RAAF pup, in 'dress uniform' (looks just like the babies I saw): http://www.dolforums.com.au/uploads/monthly_06_2011/post-3304-0-18783800-1309404003_thumb.jpg

I don't know. Maybe the officer in charge of the Amberley Qld dog unit could tell you.

I use one that's in the top 3 yoghurts recommended for humans by the nutritionist, Catherine Saxelby. Vaalia Natural Probiotic Yoghurt ( it has cultures A, B & LGG written on the container). Has no colours, flavours or preservatives. Nice creamy taste, not the bitterness that yoghurts can have. My tibbies have a good dollop on their meal.

I've got the printed sheet of the program's Frequently Asked Questions. (I was at an event where the RAAF people handed it out.) Covers that: I already own other pets...is this a problem? We do place our pups with families that already have a dog, cats & other animals. This can be a beneficial experience for the pup. Our Foster Care Program Coordinators will help you introduce your pup to its new animal family & avoid any problems. The number of dogs you are allowed to have, however, will depend on your local council regulations. Most councils that we deal with only allow two dogs per residence. Certainly the pup should enjoy outings with your other dog. However, the pup must have plenty of time exploring the world away from its canine companion. By the way, we live in the Brisbane Council area & have a permit to own 3-4 dogs.

Enjoy this pic, too. A military dog's first career step. Just born & looking good, at the Military Dog Supply Flight at RAAF base, Amberley Qld. They breed German Shepherds & Malinois. http://www.flickr.com/photos/angells60640/3964899890/ This pup will spend 12 weeks with mother & littermates having a great time on base. Then out into the foster carer program in the community. The RAAF is constantly looking for suitable foster carers, who can be families with children (not under 4 yrs, tho'), couples or singles. In Brisbane area, west as far as Warwick, north to Sunshine Coast, south to Gold Coast. All food, items, vet care supplied. Foster carers give the pups a regular social 'dog's' life, out in the community & at home. Just the same time commitment as for any pet dog. The pups wear a cute coat, in military colour, labelled 'Air Force'. Around 7 months, they return to the base to start their military training. Enquiries to [email protected]

There's still a pic & story here on the US ABC television website: http://abcnews.go.com/US/reunited-dog-dying-mans/story?id=13869667 More pics & also how she got adopted to new owners. http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Dying-Mans-Final-Wish-to-be-Reunited-With-Dog-124040304.html And full interview with Yurtie's new owners. Good to see her looking so happy: http://www.kcrg.com/news/Full-Interview-with-Yurties-New-Owners-124046209.html

I agree with the general 'no' for the OP's circumstances. But O/T, 2 Sibes gave me a big surprise at the weekend. I was at a doggie event with our 2 Tibbies, where off-lead was permitted. Various bigger dogs came up to the 2 Tibs....who gave the usual, 'OK, but we'll be cautious' response. Then a gorgeous Sibe came trotting up....& I thought, 'Will there be trouble, high prey drives & all that?' To my astonishment, the Tibs just totally accepted this dog....as if it were another of their kind. I thought this must be a one-off. Then later another Sibe came trotting up to them. Same response. 'Yeah, fine!' it's puzzled me ever since. Something about those Sibes struck a chord with the Tibbies.

Annie, who was born in Sweden, would have a Swedish accent. 'Yar must be yoking!' Nina Zena who is true- blue Australian born, would say, 'Huh?' No wonder they usually talk to each other in Tibetan.

Couldn't agree more. My breed of interest benefits by a high level of interchange among other countries. Going along with that is an international health monitoring committee. Sounds trite....but I think it's good to become involved in an organisation, in order to lobby for change. Also the various breed clubs provide a source for generating ideas.

I think you have to judge from the individual dog. And take notice of what seems comfortable for this little dog. I've got short-muzzled tibbies which means they don't get rid of body heat as efficiently. So I tend to take them on more shorter walks.....or staged walks with breaks. And I'm particularly careful of them in summer. They're built for fast bursts of speed, with their harefeet & low slung bodies. So good exercise for them is chase games with another dog that loves to run. They often just spontaneously take off in blurred circles around the house & garden. Then, just as suddenly, stop. It's called 'wilding.'

One of the best tips I've got from DOL, is to give pills to dogs in a dollop of ice-cream. I've found it works. Dogs that'll battle not to swallow a pill, or will find it inside anything else like a bit of sausage....will gulp down some ice-cream, pill & all, in a flash.

I'd never heard of the breed. Looked it up on Wikipedia where it said what you said: A member of the bichon group of dogs, the Bolognese is thought to have descended from bichon-type dogs in southern Italy, around the 11th or 12th century.

Would you consider a young adult dog that has already proven his good temperament with adults, children & other animals? 4 Paws Animal Rescue Qld (Nambour area) is helping rehome an american bulldog whose owners are moving overseas. Woody is mighty handsome, just big enough to be hardy. Described as a softy who walks well on a lead & waits politely when the door is opened for the invitation to come inside. And who loves fun activities, too. Scroll down to Woody....if he hasn't been adopted yet! http://www.4pawsanimalrescue.org.au/dogs.html

I've recently been skiting (only word for it ) about the glorious gold-red colour of my tibbie girl's coat. I'll have to stop that.....because she's not alone. Rennie has the same glorious colouring. Love & care have made her into a beauty! What a pretty girl, she is. Her new owner must be so proud of her. Well done!

I have no idea how the leash-free dog park at The Gap compares with the Sunnybank one. Most of these Council, fenced dog parks seem much the same in size. The K-9 Capers attract more & more people each year. And seems like Sunnybank was the only southside one this year. The northside will have 3, which may spread people out a bit on this side of town. Last one we went to was at Keperra Dog Park....lots of people & their dogs. They held some of the competitions which involved the dogs being on leads with their owners, outside the fence, in the surrounding park. But the people running that one, were very good in managing the event. Map showing the dog park (white area), inside the main Paten Park at The Gap. Looks much the same size as the usual. http://www.eatability.com.au/au/brisbane/paten-road-park/map.htm