JRG

I would have said "before 1995"!!

Been away for the last few weeks - any movement on this front?

I have flown a number of dogs overseas (not brachy breeds) and all have traveled well and arrived in good condition. As others have said, the best thing you can do is crate training and make sure you put the crate where there is lots of noise (eg by the washing machine) and activity because at airports there are lots of strange noises, fork lift trucks and so on. Make lots of noise, move the crate around etc and get your dog used to being in the crate when it is being moved. I have found that it is not the time in the air that is the stressor, it is the time spent in the freight depot and you can simulate that at home.

I have some of these and they are excellent for travelling and for dogs that are just messy. However, those that like to stand in the water can make an even bigger mess by plonking their feet in on the "disc" and making a fountain!!!!!!!!! They are also light enough to pick up and throw about the yard (or chew). No, you really do need heavy,stable bowls and a clam shell - if you do not mind the odd snake sharing it

I agree with Wuffles re having another dog in the car - that is the only thing that stops one of my girls from throwing up. She still looks miserable and drools but doesn't vomit. She has been like it all her life and she is now 6 years old!

If you go to a Garden Centre you can sometimes pick up a plant pot without holes in it. They make excellent water containers and can be really stable and heavy. They also come in many shapes and sizes (and colours!)

What's the weather going to be like? I suppose we will have to wait until tomorrow to get a 7 day forecast - could be HOT! Do you know what temperature is the "cut off" point for Obedience, agility, retrieving trial etc?

I was brought up with Border Terriers who were great ratters and very hardy - not sure the modern day show stock would fit the bill. EM me privately and I'll give the number of a friend who will know.

Dogs not so silly If there are any drafts in your house they will be coming under the doors ie along the floor so that will be the coolest place and the tiles will be cooler than the carpet. "Frog" position - think about it, very few dogs have masses of of hair for insultaion on their tummies so again, it will be cooler to get that part closest to the floor if you can.

Ten dogs here at the moment. The young ones get Eukanuba Puppy, the older ones Canidae and the seniors Iams lite. All get the occasional egg, raw green veg, bones, chicken necks etc as available. They also they have apples and/or oranges (which they LOVE)almost every day.

Sales Reps think I'm mad anyway! :D

Agree with you Steve. "Never be mean with your bloodstock, you never know when you might need it!"

Recommended reading : The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat by Juliette de Bairacli Levy. I wouldn't be without it!

I agree with Huski 100% ALL dogs need to be educated to stay on their own and enjoy their own company and the sooner the better. Some breeds of dog and some individuals take longer than others but I believe that we often do not give enough thought to this aspect of their eduation.

Agree with Jules. Informal, fun groups are sadly very thin on the ground. A lot of people just want an activity they can do with their dog in their free time, Maybe they are taking a break from working full time, retired, made redundant - anything, they just want to get out of the house for a few hours.

Nutripet (Troy) or Nutrigel (ilium) are good for giving an energy boost to weak babies. Squeeze a small bit (about 0.5cm -- 1/4 inch in the old terms!)on your little finger put on to the baby's tongue (it is like sticky toothpaste). It smells and tastes delicious! Before you know it the pup will be sucking your finger hoping to get more and the battle is half won. Good Luck

Agree with Pers - I don't use glucose either and I try to keep my bitches trim and active. Very little extra food until after they whelp.

Thanks Diva and CC could you PM me details of any private classes that you know of in the Woden area please

Hi all Just wondering if anyone can recommend a social type obedience group for a friend in Canberra who was recently left with an older, large semi trained dog which she needs to get under control so she can enjoy taking it out for walks etc Thanks in advance

Huski said "I have never met a working cocker but I would really like to!" Just give me a call next time you are in Victoria and you can meet Alice

"What's the difference between a field spaniel and field bred cocker spaniel?" Leah82 - chalk and cheese. Same colours and there the likeness ends.

Canex syrup is good or there is Drontal Worming Suspension given at the rate of 1 ml per kg so you could give her 0.5 ml or slightly less - it comes with a dropper

10 and pups in residence at the moment - no storm phobics. The pups actually think it is fun!

Grated raw carrot is good for increasing milk (can cook and mash the carrots if your bitch won't eat it raw). I mix it in raw with her food. Plenty of meat - I feed raw minced ox cheek if I can get it - and ofcourse, give her plenty of water.

A lot depends on the size of your available gene pool. What you have to loose by rejecting her against what you have to gain by using her. Are there any others of like or similar breeding etc etc Not as straight forward as one might think.