Leema

After my saga with my bald puppy, I would just demand oral antibiotics from the vet, especially if they didn't know what is wrong. From the sound of it, if they're not caused by bacteria at the moment, there is a very real possibility of bacteria getting in and making it worse. Very much hope the vet can tell you exactly what it is. As persephone said, sounds like an 'old name' / 'old wives tale' type of diagnosis with 'milk rash'.

It's not the number of vaccinations that matter, it's more the timeline. Most puppies will have maternal antibodies that render a 6 week vaccination useless, and a 12 week vaccine can also be useless due to maternal antibodies. At 16 weeks, all maternal antibodies should be worn off, and so a vaccine would be effective. Yes, it would then take two weeks for the pup to develop full immunity. C3 vaccines cover for parvovirus, hepatitis, and distemper. The C5 does all of the above, plus kennel cough. Either vaccine would be suitable to protect against parvovirus.

If I was you, I would do one of these things (in order of preference): a) Purchase a dog that is vaccinated and over 16 weeks of age. (Still a puppy!) b) Purchase a puppy that has had titre test results come back showing immunity. c) Purchase a puppy and keep them inside in a bleached area until final vaccinations at 16 weeks.

What cost is it to DNA test puppies that are from a dual sire litter? Through what company? Are most vets able/willing to do it? (Particularly, any vets in SA?) Thanks in advance for your help.

I wouldn't want my dogs mixing with other dogs when at kennels. BUT, there are plenty of owners that do, and who dogs used to genuinely enjoy the experience. I think it depends on the facility (degree of supervision, maximum number of dogs in a yard, etc) and the dog itself. At the facility I used to work at, we used to have 5-6 dogs maximum in a yard, and we knew the dogs pretty well to be able to gauge who may get along with who. For the large retrieving breeds, they used to have a lot of fun playing and wrestling together. However, many dogs didn't enjoy the experience, and were exercised alone because of this.

If you'd like to send me an email/PM with your email, I can send you a contract regarding a bitch I currently have out on terms. It may give you a starting point and ideas at least.

I just wanted to say that I think this dog should be kept active to ensure he has the muscle mass to try to prevent damage or pain. If it was my dog, I would rehome with a minimal cost (only because I don't do 'free to good home') and full disclosure. I have rehomed, in rescue, many dogs with issues (mostly psychological!), and there are a lot of people out there willing to take on 'problem dogs'.

I have never had any success ignoring puppies or dogs for barking. I find their barking escalates, they often start destructive behaviours (especially adults) when unheeded, my neighbours come over and complain about the noise, and it seems to become a habit (especially in puppies). I would like to have this thread concentrate on puppies and getting puppies to be quiet, especially when left alone and at night. What strategies have you found successful? I have had some puppies who have quietened when crated next to the bed, fingers in their crate, for night time. However, not all. :laugh:

I only use flea treatments when I see fleas. I only use worm treatments when I get a new rescue dog or if I'm planning to have a litter soon.

I don't really care. I like both. But, as I'm a breeder, girls are more useful, and so I get girls. Personality wise, I don't find either more or less appealing.

Thank-you, ellz. I was trying to find the Vic Code and didn't think to look at ANKC. Cheers.

Favourite breed: Border Terrier. Least favourite breed: Cocker Spaniel.

In Victoria, is it legal under the code of ethics for a registered breeder to allow their dog to service the bitch of a BYB?

Hey HH, There are a list of events on the Dogs Vic website's calendar: http://www.dogsvictoria.org.au/GetInvolved/EventsCalendar.aspx I would suggest that most shows would have a smooth / some smooths there, but I'm not a local. You may go and find many smooths, you may go and find none!

That's a shame. I hope you choose to do a reprint, Troy. I get lots of comments on the bumper sticker - gets read and often gets a laugh. :)

My bumper sticker from DOL is about to die - starting to peel off. Where can I get a replacement? It's the one that says, "Don't Google for an Oodle: Use your Head and Buy Purebred".

How about you try 'teaching your dog to eat', with these instructions from Sue Ailsby: http://sue-eh.ca/page24/page39/

Sorry if this has already been mentioned in this thread (I haven't read the whole thing), but here's an article: How to Exercise Your Dog Without Leaving the House http://notesfromadogwalker.com/2012/01/16/indoor-exercise/

I think showing dogs and breeding dogs are different. If the dog can be exhibited humanely (the dog is not in pain) then I would exhibit them. If the issue was genetic, I would not breed them.

Is there a way that you could possible fence off (puppy pen or big crate) the area immediately next to the dog door? That way they'd still have in/out access, just less house to destroy. This may work well as a soft transition, at least.

Hi gemsam. Congratulations on choosing a registered breeder, and showing understanding that the process may take some time. You're welcome to post the questions you need answered here, and I'm sure you'll get plenty of replies. I made this blog post a few months ago with tips for contacting a dog breeder. You might find it useful.

For people who are asking me what I own, and don't know what a border terrier is: "Like a cairn terrier, but with drop ears, and less coat." and if they don't know what a cairn terrier is, "Little wirey dogs." For adults who ask me about the dogs, I say, "They're border terriers - they were bred with legs long enough to follow the foxhounds, but they're still small enough to get down a fox hole."

Shezz, I'm very sorry to hear about your son. I hope he recovers well, both physically and emotionally.

I have 3 mostly-permanent residents at the moment. My stud dog is going to Canada in June, so it feels weird that he won't be mine anymore. :laugh: The most we have had at one time is 8, I think. We often take on fosters... Sometimes a lot of fosters... I've set my personal limit on permanent residents to 7 (not including puppies). In reality, I probably will never get there, I just can't fathom being able to keep track of anymore than that in the way that I like to live with my dogs.

Thanks for the ideas everyone.