Alkhe

Absolutely - that's not a very good way to assess the breed! I personally wouldn't foster for personal satisfaction as much as to provide assistance to a dog and a rescue organisation, so we probably have different motivations. If you're worried about a dog peeing on your carpet, perhaps fostering a dog that may not have been toilet trained isn't for you. There are many rescue organisations that require foster carers too, so if you're not keen on greys, perhaps check out some organisations in your area and see how they operate. That way you'll be exposed to lots of breeds and variations thereof.

I'm wary of slobbery dogs when I'm walking mine before work. So many times I've had to go home and change my work clothes, having worn them for a whole 15 mins. Either that, or have someone at work point out the huge silvery patch of dried drool on the back of my arm or something (one day I'll learn, or change my morning routine!)

Oh, just saw where you're from - 'the good side of the yarra'. Good woman hahaha

my dog Maggie will jump up and bark any time there's a dog or animal on TV, and if there are puppies or small dogs crying etc she will try and find them behind/under the tv. So CUTE :D The best thing though, I was watching something with my housemates last night and Maggie was sleeping, then this sex scene came on and Maggie JUMPED up and started barking and jumping up on the TV.

Meh, really?? I dunno, it may have been the dog in question. Some greys have great trouble sitting because they're never made to do that actual movement and their shape sometimes makes it painful. Though it's definitely possible to teach them (though not all), and that's hardly a prohibitive factor in my eyes. Just means you teach them to wait patiently when crossing streets, etc- few situations require sitting except obedience trialling etc! The most annoying thing about them is not being able to let them off leash, but that's by no means a problem with the dogs, just with the law. Well, and the sight hound thing - but still. I don't think they're any less able to be walked than other dogs that aren't particularly into walking or exercise. I suppose if you're after a really active dog, don't go for a grey. Horses for courses. But still, some can be quite active, particularly the younger ones (obviously). There are a great many 2-3 year olds that needs fostering/adoption, that have failed or finished their racing careers - these guys are young dogs and some are boisterous and very active.

Oh no, the one I fostered was one of the most gorgeous dogs I've ever met. I fell in love at first sight and if I wasn't allergic to him, would've kept him. In my experience they're the most loving dogs. The guy I fostered had never had a proper owner before, but we bonded really quickly and he learnt all about being a pet very quickly. He lay down lots, yeah, but so would I if I were that huge . Obviously it depends on the dog and some are more outgoing and/or people focused than others. Though as with most dogs, you'll get to know them the more time you spend with them. As the poster above mentioned, some greys will have spent most of their lives in kennels and not had "owners" in the same way as most pet dogs you meet. The way many dogs you meet act will also be different to the way they act with their owners, at their home, too. So I don't think that's the best way to judge. I recommend fostering anyway, because you'll get to experience the above, help a greyhound, and if you fall in love with the dog.. no love lost at all! There's really no negatives to fostering, in my opinion .

So glad she is back! :thumbsup: Is there an actual reason your friend won't get her desexed? Has she mentioned wanting to breed, or just.. doesn't want to do it?

Oooh, this boy looks familiar Such a gorgeous little guy, and so is Oberon!!

Don't lose hope - my mum's dogs got out abuot 2 years ago, and one was lost for 6 days and 5 long nights. I'd all but given up hope, and he turned up in the Lost Dogs Home. He is a very anxious dog, and escaped being caught by people and rangers for that whole time. At one point he'd been contained in someone's yard and the ranger was on his way to pick the dog up, and he got out again. All I can suggest is keep calling your council, and surrounding councils too. Rudy (our boy) was found 3 council areas away. I also helped reunite a dog this year that was picked up in my suburb and then transported to someone's home and placed in a pound about 40km away. They thought they were doing the right thing, picking the dog up and taking him home. Keep calling everyone you can think of, and don't lose hope. Good luck, I really hope you find her

I fostered for Greyhound Rescue also (though their Victorian chapter) and would also highly recommend them. They have many dogs in foster care and allow you to trial the dog. They'd also make sure to find a dog suitable for your situation, though I would second the suggestion to maybe foster with a view to adoption

This arrived in my inbox, courtesy of my boyfriend and an online forum he posts on. The Canine 1.1 Patch -Fixed a bug that caused small dogs to start barking and never stop. -St. Bernard size increased 100%. -St. Bernard's cask will no longer contain brandy. Now contains one of four dipping sauces (ranch dressing, sweet and sour, honey mustard and barbecue). -Improved saliva production in certain breeds by as much as 300%. -Removed a rare glitch that would cause a dog's head to rotate 360 degrees when looking inquisitively at operator. -Dogs now regard vacuum cleaners as friends and will attempt to operate them. -Fixed a bug that caused dogs to incorrectly regard fecal matter as food. -Fixed an error that caused social interaction between dogs to occur on the wrong end. -Fixed an issue where some breeds would grow curly hair, making them appear effeminate and prissy. -Improved dog pathfinding, allowing them to better navigate to operators located at higher altitudes or behind complicated obstacles. -Dramatically reduced instances of autoerotic behavior in public. -Addressed a logic error that caused some dogs to hysterically chomp at bees. -Fixed a rare glitch where a dog would regard its own tail as an enemy. -Removed an exploit that would allow operators to duplicate their dogs endlessly. -Placing a small ball or toy in a dog's open mouth while it is yawning will no longer cause it to shut down. -Reduced bloodhound "droopiness" by 25%. -Fixed issues of dogs turning hostile when spoken to in a funny or scary voice. -Introduced fixes for three common benign situations that would cause a dog to become sexually aroused. -Fixed error of dog incompatibility with chocolate cake. Should greatly improve experience of being dog. -Fixed a bug that would cause floppy ears to flip over the wrong way, requiring an operator to reset them to their default position. -Dogs should no longer drag butts across carpeting in presence of operators. -Fixed rendering bug that caused deformed geometry on pug faces. -Investigated issue of pit bulls entering rings of screaming men, biting each other to death; confirmed cause as operator error. -Fixed vocalization issue in huskies which would cause them to utter "I love you" when trying to say "stop tormenting me." -Added a routine to flush loyalty cache of dogs upon death of operators, preventing documented issues of dogs waiting at train stations for 15 years. -Fixed a glitch that would cause a dog to think it is dying when exposed to soapy water. -Improved sleep programming to prevent recurring dream where dog endlessly chases giant rabbit made of ham. -Fixed an extremely rare bug that would allow some dogs to speak fluent English. -Dogs left alone in cars now automatically enter power-saving mode. -Dogs should no longer go insane and attack operators when riding in a car that is going through an automatic carwash. -Greatly increased the speed at which the beak of the dog processes peanut butter. -Fixed an error in flight or fight response processing that would sometimes cause a dog's snout to detach and fire like a projectile. -Prevented an exploit that would allow non-recognized operators to assume administrator rights by offering treats. -Fixed an error that would allow some breeds of dog to eat continuously until bursting.

I disagree. Every owner of a DD I have asked has given me a reasonably considered answer as to why they chose one. They did not impulse buy. Most did not come from pet shops. Temperament considerations are invariably high on the agenda. I know someone with a pair of Labrador/Cocker Spaniel crosses, both from the same breeder. They liked the first one so much they decided to get another. Both have the most beautiful temperaments, never cause any trouble at the dog park. Just really nice dogs. Another dog park regular has a gorgeous young Lab/Poodle cross that is all wriggly cuteness and plays very well with my two and is lovely with people and very responsive. Owner flew the dog in from a breeder in QLD. I understood that this breeder was selected over local breeders for some particular reason. I have had the same experience with owners of non-rescue cross breeds. Not the flying in from Qld, but being very impressed with a breeder, meeting parents, getting another dog after their first, etc. In addition, many people's forays into the purebred dog world have left a very bitter taste in their mouth, for better or worse. To be honest, having "overheard" (read: been unable to get away from earshot of some conversations) at the Melbourne Show yesterday, I'd steer well clear myself if that were my first/only experience with it. That's based on one particular breed which shall remain nameless, but yeorch.

I am sitting here with a supposedly purebred dog from a registered breeder that looks vaguely like the breed he is meant to be, acts like it sometimes, and is riddled with health problems that can not be tested for. You can get burnt no matter where you get a dog from and even if it is purebred and even if you do some research. There are some DD breeders who are driving towards predictable results and health testing. There are some purebred breeders who are not. I don't think it's fair to pick on one as if the other doesn't have the same problems. Most purebreds have been around a lot longer than whatever DD of choice we are talking about. I am sure that some breeders of DDs believe they are developing a new breed for whatever reason. That's their prerogative. Good luck to them. Agree. Not all breeders do health test, either. Just as it's naive to say that all registered breeders are reputable, it's naive to assume that they are all as benevolent, informed and concerned as some on this board. As far as I'm aware, there's nothing to stop a non-registered breeder health testing their dogs, and no reason that healthy dogs couldn't be produced by a non-registered breeder.

I've 'caught' a few wandering dogs just this year - thought 'caught' probably isn't the best word. There were a couple of staffy x types bolting down a main road toward a park that I frequent, who ran straight through a very busy intersection and caused quite a bit of havoc. One was initially very fearful and I didn't want to get too close, but the other was lovely and eventually came over, and his mate then followed. I have run into them a few times since, with their owner at that same park, and let him know what happened (they ended up going to the LDH when I got them that day, after coming back to my house). He didn't seem too fussed and started telling me about how he trained them to be road savvy. (um, ... yeah.. right.. if that'd 'road savvy', I'd love to see a dog without road sense.. ) I've also found a couple of small wandering dogs who've got out of their houses - usually just by beckoning and talking to them. It has helped if I've had my dog with me, but obviously I don't always have her. There's only one that I wasn't able to catch, and often wonder what happened to him. He was running around my neighbourhood seemingly distressed, but was too fearful and anxious to let me get close. He bolted every time it looked like I was making progress, and I eventually gave up. It may be that this dog knew the neighbourhood, I suppose, but I've never seen him/her around and he seemed scared and anxious, like he was lost and trying to find someone/something. Though perhaps I'm just anthropomorphising and he was perfectly happy and knew exactly where he was.. I don't know if I'm just a crazy dog lady that notices supposedly lost dogs everywhere or if I live in an area where there are lots of dogs that get out. But I've found/'caught' about.. 5 this year, I think. And not caught one. I know I'm particularly paranoid because my mum's dogs got out a few years ago and I am now very very sensitive to things ilke that!

It seems as though option 1 isn't really an option, as that much post-op rest would surely be bloody hard work for you AND the dog. If Option 2 is such a concern because of difficulties rehoming a dog with huge activity requirements, surely that means that option 1.. isn't an option? That's completely aside from the cost. I'd go with option 2 - if it ends up in PTS, well, .. you tried. I personally wouldn't have any problem adopting a 3 legged dog at all, it wouldn't even factor into my decision to be honest. And if it did, it would be the sympathy part

What are the most 'fashionable' poodle colours at the moment? Just out of curiosity - I'd assume perhaps apricot or red (is that even a colour? I'm thinking of the very dark apricot..)? I personally don't understand why silver Poodles aren't more popular and in demand. I have a silver toy and so many people have commented on her colour. If it's not 'oh, I hardly ever see silver poodles! how beautiful', it's 'wow, I didn't even know you could get silver *insert "oodle" breed*'

So glad she's getting better

I'd agree that it's not necessarily a factor - as long as the grey can recognise that the small fluffies are dogs, not .. "other fluffies".. you shouldn't have a problem. Are you considering adopting through a greyhound rescue? They should be able to give you more advice around the particular dog, and small dog testing. If you have any reservations though, I'd make contact with a greyhound rescue that is well versed in greys and their behaviour. They will be able to find you a small dog safe one, no problem.

Oh my god, thinking of you both - Rest up, you poor thing

I've heard about people taking their dogs out in baskets/carrier things attached to the front of their bike, and was always a bit terrified and put off at the idea.. until I met a girl at the park today who took her 2 small dogs everywhere on her bike. One was a chi x, the other a pug x, and both fit happily in her bike's basket. They were secured with a short leash type thing that clipped onto their harnesses (on their backs), and looked really happy and relaxed in there. I've now been inspired and had most of my fears allayed and have just bought one of these online: I'm just wondering whether anybody else has any experiences with this and suggestions, etc. I have a 4kg toy poodle who goes to sleep as soon as we get into the car, so I'm hoping that she'll take to the carrier easily. If it doesn't seem like it's going to work for us, no biggie - just an idea to try. My boyfriend bought me a basket for my bike for me to carry Maggie in, but I don't trust it to hold her weight and it isn't secure enough for me to even chance it. Just a caveat - this little dog is my entire world, and am not planning on taking her on main roads or anything. I live in an area that's great for cycling, with lots of trails and parks which are within perfect cycling distance but a bit too far to walk to and back, comfortably. Particularly for little Maggie :D I also love cycling and am looking forward to (hopefully) being able to bring Maggie with me everywhere, rather than just 99% of the places I go. Well, not including work.

I take my toy poodle to a few off leash parks (which I call dog parks, but are just off lead ovals etc) and if there are dogs there that I don't know or look like they're playing too boisterously for mine, we just walk around. She's quite happy to just run and play and walk with me, anyway. However my dog is now far, far more confident than when I got her, and that is a lot to do with a few owners and dogs in particular, who were great with my dog. Gentle, patient, etc. I would also suggest investigating obedience school - the main reason we started going there is for socialisation also, and there all dogs are under control. That also worked wonders for my dog.

We got caught in the rain and then hail this evening - I think the highlight of Maggie's day was me screaming and bolting back home with her. She thought it was all great fun I don't know if it's a sign of me having a very poor social life (especially for someone who's 25), but taking Maggie for walks is probably my favourite thing in the world to do. I love going to our little oval and hanging out with the pooches and their owners, and rush home every night to grab Maggie so we can get there asap. We've missed probably.. 3 days since I got her 6 months ago :D

I was about to start a thread asking about dog resumes, but might just add it here. Does anyone have any further advice about what else to include in a dog resume? I've never had to do this before. I've got a toy poodle, so am planning to emphasise that she's only 4kg, and is (obviously) non-shedding. So couldn't really do too much damage even if she tried. Beyond that she's house trained, has some obedience training and perhaps including a pic, does anyone have any suggestions? Is it worth outlining that I walk her twice a day and that she basically sleeps while I'm at work, and only barks if someone knocks at the door? Or is that too much info? Thanks!

Afghan Hound: Sir Walter, Faxon, Lochie, Bluey, Miffy, Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma Alaskan Malamute: Indiana, Kira American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno, Cash, Loki, Jessie Anatolian Shepherd: Trojan Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda, Katie Australian Cattle Dog X : Frosty Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie, Millie, Alice, Hannah, Hudson, Flynn, Gossip, Ava Australian Silky Terrier: Holly, Rolle Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Safire, Milky, Kinta, Banjo, Rosie, Skye, Emerald, Gem, Meg Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper Basset Hound : Gemma Beagle : Teagan,Ollie, Ellie, Dusky, Brodie, Billy, Piper, Briar, Scarlett, Buffy, Emmie Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Bichon Frise: Jag Bichon Frise X: Harper Bloodhound: Earl Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumour, Diesel, Kobie, Emma, Kenzie, Maggie, Ella, Shelby, Jayde, Ashli, Mia, 'Bubba', Wyc, Echo, Topolino, Sally, Xena, CK, Wikki, Gemima, Carter, Maddy, Charlie, Border Collie x: Anna, Cally Border collie x kelpie: Jasmine Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander Boston Terrier: Archer Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas, Stitch Bull Terrier (Miniature) Lainie Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy, Maggie,Chloe,Toby,Zonda Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper, Bella, Dobby, Bud Chihuahua x Maltese: Midget Chinese Crested: Louis, Daisy, Cyrus, Madeline, Sarge, Pepper, Fletcher, Darla, Oz, Xander, Faith Chinese Crested Powder Puff x Tibetan Terrier: Dee, Carrie, Benita, Jenna Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea, Darcy Curly Coated Retriever: Angus & Freddie Curly Coated Retriever x Labrador Retriever: Maggie Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo Deerhound: Rhys, Calleigh Deerhound X: D'Arcy Doberman: Opal Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose, Chevy, Bella, Molly, Digby, Dexter, Viva, Vegas, Griffen Dogue De Bordeaux x Boxer: Madeline English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Field Spaniel: Moo Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera, Annika, Ella Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig, George French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee, Alexis, Claire, Lilly German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte, Razzle, Willow German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan, Brennan, Jack, Santha, Molly, Max, Jenna, Acteon, Roxy, Scout, Rumour, Skye,Banzai,Imba, Kira, Chloe, Duke German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo German Spitz (Mittel)- Amber Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby, Sasha, Aria, Archer, Lexi Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally, Clyde, Ryan, Amethyst, Stan, Maddie, Skye, Rosie, Ruby, Roxie, Jazz, Gypsy, Ernie, Gus, Rufus, Joey, Woody, Coconut, Cleo, Freckles, Ziggy, Candy Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan, Kobi, Ari, Belle, Monah Irish Setter: Fionneaghan, Maia, Aneira Irish Terrier: Kate, Duke Irish Wolfhound: Zac Italian Greyhound: Bella, Tari, Blaze, Zoey, Italian Spinone: Roisin. Enzo Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi, Chief, Louis, Matilda, Tess Jack Russell terrier X: Thomas Japanese Spitz: Emmy, Angelo Keeshond: Jedi Kerry Blue Terrier: Juno, Joxer, Bahsha, Louie, Cinders, Solo Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Zep Lagotto Romagnolo: Rizzi, Lucca Leonberger: Singe Maltese: Luna, Mia Maltese X: Chase, Pipi, bella, byron Maremma: Dennys Dog, Grace,Gina, Angel,Honey, Hollie, Snotto, Hairy Beary, Tadea Miniature Fox Terrier: Cleopatra Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Miniature Pinscher: Mischa, Cleo Murray River Curly Coated Retriever: Aggie, Soona Neapolitan Mastiff: Miniera, Pacchia, Bruno, Pasquala + 3, 1 week old pups Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey, Xanthe, Maddy Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka, Mailka, Sarge, Dodger Pekingese: Edwina, Lyle Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli, Maggie Poodle (Minature): Caroline, Brody, Prada Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pomeranian: Daisy, Comet, Jester, Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack, Bert, Cheddar, Maggie, Swank, Monte, Boof, Olivia Pyrenean Mountain Dog: Sasquatch Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss, Sierra, Kei Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint Saluki: Bella, Arella, Moss, Lucy, Jadir, Mab, Floyd Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato Samoyed x: Jenna Schipperke: Taz Schnauzer (Miniature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga, Riva, Amy, Indy, Amber, Grace, Guy, Blue, Connie, Paddington Schnauzer (Standard) Baillie, Remy Schnauzer (Giant): Tara, Darcy Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Cassie, Orsana, Cimba Shetland Sheepdog:Shady, Ruby Shih Tzu : Gizmo, Daisy Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky, Blacky, Zuess, Zero, Mya, Suggen, Freyja Siberian Husky x: Luki Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Shaemus, Nellie, Ciara Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos, Brutus, Monty, Chaos, Bean, Brock, Benson SWF: Zoe Tibetan Spaniel: Annie, Nina Zena, Lily Tibetan Terrier: Prue, Mindy, Holly, Tara Tenterfield Terrier: Cinder, Zoom,Spirit,Heidi,Kimi, Heidi, Dotty Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly, Judy, Mini, Pixie, Ozzie, Dozer, Alaska, Logan, Buddy, Leela, Rusty, Pip, Brembo, Satchmo, Henry Welsh Corgi (Cardigan): Shandy White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz, Lewis, Rommi, Daphne, Elliot, Mindy, Whiz, Arizona aka Zassy , Griff , Penny, Kibah, Feather, Tag, Puck, Orlando Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy, Mac, Sarah, Andy, Sweep, JJ, Flash, Fergie, Crystal, Glen, Jingles, Jinnie, Loui, Mitch, Maggie, Smiekie, Zac, Roxy, Winnie, Cricket, Nova, Jo Wire Haired Fox Terrier: Zedley aka Tawnyoak Dream Weaver

No probs, come and say hi if you do end up coming to Northern Obedience! I'm short, dark hair and glasses, and have a silver toy poodle. The only silver one I've seen there so far