Leema

I don't know what you mean. So do all states have the ability to have complaints lodged? Do all states have a similar process? (What is the process?) I don't know what you mean by "in at least two states some [who?] will join in order to get exemptions [to what?] and have no intention of playing by the rules [the code of conduct?]". I agree this is a subjective area. Perhaps the subjectivity means that it should not be included in the code of conduct, as it is unenforceable. Surely the controlling bodies would be the judge of any violations to the code of conduct, or should have a process in place for judging these violations.

oh my goodnesses! Anne how could you but yes Anne, exactly :) As I said to Anne, I have inserted this exert to the first post: ***FOR THE SAKE OF THIS THREAD: Lets use the term 'ethical' to mean 'conforms to code of conduct'.*** I don't want to get caught up on terminology. I want to know what can be done about registered breeders breaking the code of conduct.

I edited the first post with this: ***FOR THE SAKE OF THIS THREAD: Lets use the term 'ethical' to mean 'conforms to code of conduct'.***

(Numbers added to quote for ease.) 1) For a breeder to 'make a mistake' would be difficult, considering the code of conduct is pretty clear. Sure, you may have an accidental mating, or have an accidental flea on a puppy you sell. But you can't be like, "Oops, I didn't realise I was supposed to be breeding to eliminate hereditary diseases." The punishment must fit the crime, and the length of punishment must also be fitting. I would say about 5-8 years would be okay for heinous misconduct, but it depends what kind of punishment we're talking. That's a long time to ban a person from breeding, but it's not a long time to 'red flag' a breeder. 2) For the purposes of this topic, I am only interested in the ANKC registered breeders. "Unethical" practices is failure to comply with the code of conduct. I don't know who should come up with the code of conduct, but perhaps a bodies of members can be established to decide if the code of conduct is appropriate (i.e. if changes should be made)... And perhaps a body of members can also be used in determining violations of said code. 3/4) The code of conduct ask for breeders to improve the quality of the breed. Yes, this is subjective and probably immeasurable. Should it even be in the code of conduct? Should titles (conformation or otherwise) count for quality? Should vet certificates count for quality? 5) By report card, I think you are referring to a feedback like system that was suggested. To me, I am not sure if public vilification or otherwise of breeders is necessary. I think that private management within ANKC bodies is probably sufficient. 6) I think that external examination of private areas may be necessary to ensure the code of conduct is being adhered to by breeders. If breeders are unwilling to do as such, perhaps they will need to reconsider which registration bodies they ascribe to.

If this goes to plan - if breeders are going to be inspected yearly, and if their shelter plan is implemented and effective... Then the ANKC has a long way to go to keep up.

In this case, I am using the term 'unethical' to refer to breeders who have agreed to abide by the code of ethics - but aren't. Of course, unethical has different contexts in different situations, and so perhaps it is more useful to just say breeders who are violating the code of conduct. I guess we have to ask, can we report violations of the code of conduct? And what will be done about these reports? I agree, Janba, that some of the ANKC's (and their bodies) code of conducts are vague at best. However, I'd argue that either they have to a) make it more specific or b) take them out, in order to have an enforceable code of conduct. If we allow ANKC breeders to breed violate the code of conduct, then being ANKC registered means nothing. If ANKC are not willing to uphold some aspects of their code of conduct, then who is? And why have a code of conduct? Is ANKC only a fun club and registry or should it stand for something more?

I didn't say this - mita did.

Though I do think individual owners should decide the best thing for their pets... I disagree with this statement. Making your dogs sick means return visits and more money. It certainly is in a vet's interest to keep you coming back.

There is a good thread in the breeders section about swimmers: http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/157516-swimmer-pups/

Undeniably, there are registered breeders engaging in unethical practices. Of course, puppy buyers should proceed with caution, inspect a breeder's premises and the puppies (and parents) in question, and support (or otherwise) breeders with their dollar. But, unfortunately, there are plenty of people who will buy questionable puppies, from unsanitary premises, from unethical people, and think they are doing the right thing because they're 'registered' with the ANKC. What should the ANKC bodies be doing to ensure that their code of ethics is being upheld? Particular clauses from the code of ethics that are regularly violated are: *Breeding "only" to improve the quality of the breed *Striving to eliminate hereditary diseases *Providing a vaccination certificate to new puppy owners (i.e. some breeders do not vaccinate prior to rehoming puppies) *Selling dogs or puppies that are not in good health (e.g. selling dogs with parasites) *Not providing documentation regarding dietary and other requirements for the breed ***FOR THE SAKE OF THIS THREAD: Lets use the term 'ethical' to mean 'conforms to code of conduct'.***

There was a problem with the 6 month injection, with many reactions, but the 12 month one seems to have been more vigourously tested and not have the significant side effects of the 6 month injection. I don't use it as I don't believe heartworm is a significant risk in South Australia. I may consider it if I was in a more tropical area, with a higher prevalence of heartworm.

Slightly off topic: I am personally still sceptical about final vaccines being administrated prior to 16 weeks. I just don't comprehend how they work considering the maternal antibodies influence. If anyone can direct me to reading on this phenomena, that would be great.

This is so so so awesome. Such an easy way to neuter males. In theory, should be cheaper than GA, and make it more accessible for those from lower socio-economic areas. Makes it a quicker procedure for shelters, who no longer have to set aside a lot of time to neuter boys (at least) - it can be wham-bam.

Klunk's new family came and met him today, and Potter's new mum came and met him a week ago. Both boys have beautiful homes that both really suit their personalities. They're going to be very much loved. :laugh: The boys got weighed at the vet for the 6 week shots. Potter was 3.8kgs and Klunk was 3.3kgs. My 18 weeks old border terrier puppy is only 4.1kgs! Anyone want to guess how big they'll be as grown ups?

I will show a bitch in season if it's an 'important show'. For example, when I drive 16 hours to the speciality Canberra, I am going to show her, regardless. :laugh: For a local show, with a judge I don't care much about, then I'll just scratch her... Especially if it's my only entry. :)

The rules say, "The dog must positively indicate the articles by either sitting, standing, downing, picking up or at least pausing to the satisfaction of the judge to obtain a pass. "

On a similar but different note; If a dog comes into care of a shelter or pound, and is chipped, is the shelter/pound legally obligated to contact the chipped owner? (If so, which states?) If the dog comes into a shelter/pound as a stray, is chipped, the owner is not able to be contacted, then how does transfer of ownership take place without the original owner's signature? Do they have a registered letter sent to them?

1) If the beagle wasn't chained outside, then perhaps this would've been prevented. 2) If the pitties weren't roaming at large, then perhaps this would've been prevented. 3) If the beagle had better dog skills, perhaps it would've engaged with the play behaviour of the pitties instead of screaming, and then perhaps this would've been prevented. 4) If the pitties had better dog skills, perhaps they wouldn't of terrorised the beagle with play invitations, and then perhaps this would've been prevented. 5) If the pitties had better people skills, perhaps the situation would've been prevented. 6) If animal control with catch poles had been called, perhaps the situation would've been prevented. 7) If the police had some training with dog behaviour, perhaps the situation would've been prevented. 8) If someone had thrown some food at the pitties, perhaps the situation would've been prevented. 9) If the police had shot the dog once and killed it, then perhaps the whole situation would've been less cruel.

The kennel I used to work at weighed dogs weekly to ensure they won't gaining or losing weight excessively. A very worthwhile process to ensure we 'nip in the bud' any weight issues and a step to ensuring the dogs look the same when they go out.

Yes, I guess a 'pause' and a 'stop' are pretty much the same. :laugh:

I was thinking there was something wrong with his cerebellum - either genetically or through oxygen deprivation. They'll have a vet check and vaccinations this week, so we'll wait and see what he thinks.

Vasectomies are only about $50 more, so I'd look at doing that instead. Keeps you happy, keeps dog healthy, should keep breeder happy. Most breeders have a desexing contract because they are concerned that their breed may be 'misbred' - they don't want their animals to be involved in backyard breeding or puppy mill breeding. Maybe you should get involved in showing so you have a legitimate reason to keep his balls on.

Yeah, they're about 5 weeks or so now. They'll be getting vet checked, vacc, etc at 6 weeks and we'll see if the vet is concerned at all. He seems to have to concentrate on whatever he's doing - walking, climbing up stuff, etc, doesn't come naturally to him. Perhaps I gave him a pre-emptive name by calling him "Klunk" when he was still wet. Luckily he has a lovely personality that doesn't seem to care about his frequent stumbles. He doesn't know that the world any other way.

Tell me more about this!! This litter is just full of misfits, and one of the surviving puppies is not walking normally. Very cute, comes up to you, says hi, plays with toys, plays with brother, eats, etc, but something is not right. His balance seems to be off. I did revive this puppy when he was born.

Really great to hear. I'd love these stats to get more exposure too. How about asking Shel at SavingPets.com.au to do a blog post about it?