Dxenion

Had a bit of a giggle this morning. Spotted OH out the front sweeping up. He had a towel over his head and neck to protect from sunburn and was holding it in place with an old check chain we no longer use. Now that's inventive.

How do you recycle equipment that you no longer need or use (ie old leashes, collars, crates, bedding etc)?

If it's still in good useable condition, we donate it to K9 Rescue (through our local Better Pets and Gardens) but as check chains are frowned upon in today's positive training world and are no longer wanted, these have just been gathering dust in the corner (until today!).

Wow...that looks like a great unit! and not overly expensive considering the ones i've looked at over the years! Don't feel like you have to answer with exact figured...but can you give a ball park figure of the total cost including getting it to Aus, and the transformer pack etc?

Hi, we paid $2132.95 through Price USA for the treadmill and that includes Price USA fees and freight to Perth. We independently sourced quotes for freight from other companies and found we couldn't get anywhere close to that price (it's a rather big and heavy box to send internationally), that figure was the best by a long shot. I can't remember exactly what the transformer cost but is is currently being advertised for $214.50.

That's still alot cheaper than the few comparable products available in Australia and because of it's design, I am happy to have it permanently in the lounge where it gets used daily.

Edited to include that the treadmil price was for when we were getting 86 cents in the dollar and now that we are at/ near parity, the price should be lower to reflect this.

Might think about building another fence. My yard isn't very wide though so it'd cut the size down immensely, though I suppose it's only temporary and for one weekend a fortnight.

We had the same problem with a neighbouring dog that would have a go at our lot when the owner was putting washing on the line. We got hold of some sheets of concrete reo wire (the stuff they lay down before pouring a concrete pad) and cut it into rectangle panels approx 80 cm high and 1.4 metres long. We cut the bottom horizontal wire off the panel to leave prongs which act to secure the panel in the ground. We hammer each panel into the ground which makes it free standing (no star pickets required) and then secure each panel to the next with a cable tie. This makes the whole unit quite strong.

We've found that because the dogs can see through it, they don't try to dig under or climb over. It would take just minutes to install each fortnight and they stack away easily afterwards. Not affected by rain or UV, very cheap to make, versatile because you can add more if needed. We also use them to fence off garden beds and to restrict access from a part of the lawn when it needs time to recover without traffic. The maximum impact it has on the ground are tiny holes from the prongs and that serves to aerate the grass anyway. Each time you dismantle it, just cut the cable tie or unzip it if you can, otherwise all it will cost you is a few cable ties each time you put it up. We use the 380mm x 7.6 mm cable ties because although you do cut off alot of the tail, the zip is far strong than the ones on shorter and thinner ties. Cost us $6 for a pack of 100.

It's a lot less hassle than chicken wire and pickets and looks better too. For those with puppies or smaller breeds (we have GSDs), the wire sheets are available in smaller square sizes too. If you go to a building site just after they've laid the pad, you may even get whole sheets or offcuts for free. We paid $40 for a sheet and have been able to cut 8 panels from it. If you don't cut off the bottom strand to expose the prongs, you can turn one panel into a gate. Just secure it to the fence panel with 3 cable ties which act as a hinge. Then use a bit of rope, a clip from a keyring or whatever works to act as a lock on the other side - voila, instant gate.

Since we've installed the reo panels, the dogs can no longer get right up close to the fence and their reaction to the yapping on the other side is now almost nil.

Love this one. For me this is what dog parks are all about.

They do make strange bedfellows, don't they!

Here's our two doing the same thing. I busted them snoozing together on the lounge which neither of them were actually allowed on at the time.

As well as a kitchen waste worm farm and two garden waste tumbleweed composters, we have a dedicated worm farm for the dog waste and a dedicated tumbleweed composter for the overflow. We've never withheld the waste after worming and haven't had a problem with a decline in worms. The only thing effecting the worms at the moment is the heat.

We are also looking at getting a dog waste septic system with a foot operated lid to see if it composts faster than our current methods. We've been advised that instead of the expensive digester powers you can buy, just add yeast in a bit of warm water (to wake the yeast up) or even better, worm tea. Apparently both work just as well to activate the good bacteria that breaks down the poo.

The composted waste goes on the ornamental garden beds as I can't bring myself to use it in the vege patch yet even though I've heard that if correctly composted either at very high temperatures or processed through a worm farm, it is fine.

I know this is a bit out there but how about a doll's umbrella?

It's big enough to cover the camera, small enough to hold in your hand at the same time as the camera, simple to shield against horizontal rain, quick to put up and down and easy to carry with you. As a bonus, it can also function to block sun glare.

Edited to add that it's a very cheap alternative to camera covers and if you change the camera or lens, you don't have to buy a new specialised cover - one umbrella fits all.

Welcome to the WSSD

Who is his breeder?

Hi, he's from Snoherden and we found him via a referral from Angie through Vallgardens. A two year search and wait is nearly over - I just hope he passes all of the AQIS acceptance paperwork so that he can start quarantine. Debbie from Manlotens in Sweden was involved in Angie's beautiful imports and has helped coordinate all of the blood tests, vet forms and everything else for us so we should be ok. Still, I can't relax until he's here, safe and with all the ticks in the right boxes.

All of our furkids first trips home were in long car rides (Adelaide to Canberra, Adelaide to Melbourne) and we use the trips as a pseudo holiday and bonding time. We've found that the motion of the car settles them quickly and we can maintain a constant temperature. Our new baby's first trip will be the longest though - Sweden to Sydney and then after 30 days, a car ride home (rather than fly) to Perth with his new family. It will be interesting to see how he coped with the flights. I think Leema has a point in that if their first flight experience as a youngster is a positive one, all things being equal, other flights will be less stressful down the track.

We've never had a problem and we've only ever experienced car sickness with one dog at teething time. They all adore the car and I guess old habits die hard as they still fall into a deep jellied body sleep within minutes of the car moving.

Oh wow, such a big journey! I thought my Belgian Shepherd coming from Tasmania to WA was a long trip hehe.

From snow to sun! Lucky boy. Will you be showing him?

We haven't shown before except for a very brief month about 20 years ago (our GSD pup ended up being too short but he lived a happy 13 1/2 years as our furchild). If he has potential, we'll get some show training and give it a go. If it doesn't work out, that's ok as it was always the primary intention for him to be trained as an Assistance Dog.

From snow at -20 degrees to sun at +35 degrees. It's a dramatic difference in temperature - he seems so comfortable running around in the snow that I am worried how he will cope with the 55 degree change.

Dxenion - exciting times! How old is he?

Hi, he is 10 weeks old in the photo. He was 12 weeks old on Tuesday 11 January but the quarantine law states that they have to be older than 12 weeks prior to departure. As they can only fly out of Sweden on a Monday or Tuesday, we decided to wait until the flight on the 18th just to be safe. Hate for him to be sent back to Sweden on a quarantine technicality.

I'm so excited I'm starting to feel sick.

We tried there first and they told us that they were booked til mid February. The flights are booked, confirmed and have been paid for and it would've cost $200 to change the import permit destination to Perth. As he will be on his way in 4 days, it's too late to change anything now.

Thanks for thinking outside the box though.

We were hoping to start training with him as he matures from 12-16 weeks. We are just hoping he doesn't start the fear phase whilst he's there. The breeder has done a wonderful job exposing him to so many new environments and experiences and from the videos and blogs we've received, he's doing really well - a bold and inquistive little trooper. We didn't want it to grind to a halt for four weeks.

and waiting..........

Only 4 days until our WSSD pup leaves Sweden.

Only 33 days until he gets out of Quarantine and comes home.

If you chose to have the dog in the car, can you stay in the car with the dog?

If you catch a train though to Rooty Hill you will have to walk (1/2 hr) as there is no taxi's from Rooty Hill.

Not a nice walk at this time of year as it is extremely hot.

It may be cheaper to maybe just organise a pet walker to come and do the visiting and exercise on your behalf. Then have the dog flown to you when his quarantine is done. There is about 3 different companies that regularly come to do visiting on behalf of owners and do a good job. They know how it all works and book the appointments. That would probably be less stressful too for the family and the dogs you will be bringing.

How long is his expected Quarantine period. Where is he from?

Hi, he's coming from Sweden and will be in Quarantine for 30 days. Our dogs have travelled back and forth up, down and across the country so many times I've lost count now. Because we move so often, they travel very well so we aren't worried about the stress - I'm the only one stressing! They regard home as anywhere we lay out their bed for them. To them, the car is just another bed and they are usually snoring before we done 5 kms.

Thanks Dasha - I rang EC and they gave me the names/ numbers of the 3 main companies that go in regularly. Will post the info here if I'm not breaking any forum rules.

I took Anne's advice and emailed 'A Townhouse on Stafford' as they also had an apartment. The owner contacted me and said they would allow the dogs but as I can't use the stairs, it rules them out. I would recommend that if someone needed townhouse accommodation in the area, give these people a call as they were really friendly and willing to help. If only we could relocate their shower downstairs!

Cabrera also would accept the dogs but they couldn't accommodate us for the entire time.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

I used voice clicker training.

Prereq: Shake hands on cue as it taught him to put his paw in my hand. By doing this, I was creating a behaviour that I could trigger and then reward.

I then transferred the focus to the pedal of the bin by triggering him to use his paw to try and touch my hand which I had under the pedal. As soon as his paw touched the pedal which was in the way, he got the reward.

Once he was reliably opening the bin by putting his paw on the pedal, I then taught him to retrieve the target item to me. I opened the bin and placed my hand over the opening so that he would put the item in my hand. I then started removing my hand as he was releasing the item and eventually didn't put my hand out at all.

When he could reliably open the bin and retrieve the target item to the 'bin' I cued back in the pedal and linked the tasks together.

I now point to an item and say 'rubbish' and the dog will pick it up, open the lid and put the item in the bin - if only I could get my OH to do that!

Can I ask where you got your treadmill from? Googled them but the company is in the USA?

We bought the large model (http://www.dogtread.com/dogtread-treadmills/large-treadmill/) through an online company called Price USA (http://www.priceusa.com.au/).

They are great to use when you can't find a company who will ship the item to Australia. Their USA based agent will purchase the item on your behalf, get it sent to their USA address and then onforward it to you. We've used them a number of times for when we just can't find anyone who'll ship what we're looking for to Australia.

The process is pretty straightforward. The end price (after exchange rates, their commission etc) may be a little more than what you could pay IF you could get it direct from the supplier but when there's no other way, this is a great solution. They also get a 60% discount with Fedex which makes a huge difference to the shipping cost.

You also need to factor in the cost of an step down transformer to convert from US power to Australian. After speaking with the people at Tortech in Sydney and providing them with the amperage, they recommended: http://www.tortech.com.au/product/1000-watt-stepdown/

If anyone here does end up getting one, it will arrive with the display set in miles. If you want it changed to kms, I have the info on how to do it. PM me and I'll send it to you as it took a while to get it from PetZen (the main USA supplier).

It is easy to clean and because it has wheels at one end, it is also easy to move about. It also has a magnetic shutoff switch like you would find on a human treadmill. Pull the magnetic key off the treadmill and it comes to an instant halt. It has a gentle stop feature as well. I have cued our furkids that when I say 'finish', the treadmill is about to stop and it prepares them for it. Likewise, after pressing start, it has an audible beep before the mat starts moving. I say 'ready' (a cue they already know) when it beeps so they are not startled by the ground suddenly taking off under them. I liked that it didn't suddenly launch into the desired speed but built up to it, giving the dogs a chance to adjust. You can also set the start speed and program the time.

We couldn't find anything like it in Australia at the time but I have heard that DogTread may be looking to expand into the Australian market.

Not a silly question.

I just can't physically lift her back end up. Nothing to do with her weight though. She's very comfortable with anyone lifting her back end up, it's just not something I can do.

We use a DogTread treadmill which has the length required for a GSD. It is whisper quiet, has sides that fold down out of the way if you don't need them and a removable guard to stop them running over the front of it. It has a remote from which you can control the speed and you can manually adjust the angle. It's low profile and great looks means that it doesn't look too out of place in the lounge under the aircon. Our youngest will sit on the mat and stare at the remote until I pick it up and start it for him. Here's a link to a short video of him running on it:

We use it daily for general fitness as I can't take them for long walks. We looked at a human treadmill but the bulk and lack of length put us off.

Does anyone know of a second hand Anivac Ecowash for sale. The price of a new one is a bit frightening.

A&D Pet Foods in Midvale WA has changed owners and is now called Victory Pet Meats.

The new owners also sell raw goat meat (prepared on the premises) and they are the only supplier of pet quality (ie not human grade but also not human grade priced) goat meat and bones that I can find in South West WA. You can get the meat in 1kg packs and bones in 3kg bags. You may be able to get it fresh if you go in on the day it's prepared but the new owner intends to sell it frozen.

Edited to include that we too found that the fat content of the goat mince skyrocketed after the new owners took over and when we queried this, we were told that it was because the new workers weren't aware of the standard the new owner wanted. He did offer to swap to 80kgs of goat mince over with a lean cut mince and would call me when it was ready as we too have to drive an hour to get it. That was quite a few weeks ago now and am still waiting despite two followup calls to find out what's going on.

The price for goat bones has doubled since new ownership but the mince has so far remained the same although our first order from the new supplier was of poor quality. We haven't yet had to go back to see if has improved. We are basically held to ransom here as we cannot find another supplier and due to food allergies, goat mince is the only meat our dogs can have. We may have to ship it in from the east coast at this rate.

Edited to add now that the new owners are settled, the supply and presentation of the goat meat has dramatically improved. They offer a standard mince but you can order extra lean if you need it. All mince is supplied frozen in vac pack bags that stack flat in the freezer.

We were looking for a goat meat supplier in Sydney pending an upcoming move but haven't been able to find one at a reasonable price. Victory Pet Meats offered to help by shipping the goat over on a freezer truck backload whenever one was available and could arrange that for us for a very reasonable fee. Even with freight costs, it will still be a lot cheaper than getting it from Sydney. Now that's service.

We were a little dubious when they first took over but we now highly recommend them.

Has anyone used a lifting harness to support the back end of a large dog (GSD)?

Which brand/ model did you use and what were the pros and cons of it?

I have looked at the following products:

Australian Pet Slings: http://www.australianpetslings.com.au/index.html

Lift-n-Aid Dog Mobility Harness: http://www.ozpetshop.com.au/product_info.p...roducts_id/2000

Outward Hound Travel Up and Out Lift Harness: http://www.pettastic-petsupplies.co.uk/out...dogs-1078-p.asp

I'm after a sling that will be simple to fit quickly and easy to use to lift the back end of the dog into the car (a ramp or step isn't an option due to space limitations). I'm happy to pay more for a quality product.

Do any of these suit you?

I really appreciate you taking the time to find these places for me. Cabrera Cottage states that they only allow 2 dogs but I've sent them an email asking about 3.

The holiday unit is 2 storey and I can't use stairs so unfortunately it rules that one out.

Thank you for helping. Fingers crossed Cabrera says yes. Will let you know.

dasha beat me to it, the only two visiting days are Tues and Thurs.

Like Aziah I think you'll be hard pressed finding somewhere, especially with 3 large dogs.

You can go in on Monday and Wednesday mornings as a grooming visit and if you don't need grooming facilities, you can spend the grooming time in the kennel. The EC staff advised me that I can do this so I get 4 visits a week.

Poocow and Aziah have confirmed what 3 weeks of research has already told me - I know I will have difficulty finding accommodation nearby. I figured if I post my dilema here, someone in the vast DOL community may know of somewhere that can help.

Leaving our furkids home (either in a boarding kennel or with a pet sitter) is not an option.

Fingers and toes crossed.

Will you not have a car to get around? Public transport there is pretty bad.

Hi, I wont have access to a car during the designated visiting times. Unfortunately I will have to rely on a taxi. We're from Perth (couldn't get him into quarantine here as it was fully booked) so I am basically coming over just to visit the pup and then bring him home.

I tried Holidaying with Dogs, Stayz.com.au and other online searches but have found nowhere that will allow 3 dogs inside for a 17 day stay.