yarrr

Had a setter as a kid but cant really comment

However heres my thoughts on pointers
No doubt I'll upset someone :D

Show line EP
Good option for a pet but majority not suitable for working
Pretty good conformation
Lower drive
Nervous/soft
Some grass allergies crept into lines

Working line
100% bird dogs but would excel at most dog sports
High tail set / short back = bad for certain sports i.e sledding however
Smaller
Mixed hard/soft nature but more drivey

Ofcourse these are generalisations and you might find a dog thats atypical
Always comes down to what you want

Ruffwear has rediculous prices imo

I really like these https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mini-Metal-Dog-Cat-Pet-Glowing-Flashing-LED-Safety-Light-Collar-Tag-Pendant-AU/182355655895?hash=item2a753e7cd7:m:mvczmB_o1BRVxNFrPmkIAyQ

They clip onto collars and seem to last a few months (turns out they are even waterproof). I've tried other things but $1.30-$1.50 is hard to beat
 

Most dry food is 50% rice, potato and peas... dunno how anyone can honestly call this high quality food.
Best way to compare brands is to take a quick look at the ingredients.
The ingredients in royal canin are pretty scary to me!

MFM is usually the cheapest of the 'better brands' per kilo if you buy the  20kg bag.
Ivory coat has lower carbs, uses tapioca as main filler instead of potato but is more expensive.
I actually like the ingredients in the new blackhawk working dog formula.

Not sure I would want a GSP if i was about to retire.
Great working potential but way too much energy and drive.
Most of the EPs I have met tend to be similar but less intense so you might as well throw their english cousins in the mix.

Isn't the problem simply people ignoring the standards and breeding for exaggerated features? 

I only have a basic understanding of structure so if i can see obvious problems in a large percentage of breeds then something must have gone seriously wrong

When looking for another pup I had a few of the gun dog breeds in mind
I went and looked at a couple weims but decided to eliminate the whole breed because all breeding stock had massively overbuilt chests.  This might look good in a trot but its not good for running long distances which is what I wanted. If you go back and read the standards it says 'well developed chest' not 'monster like dinosaur sized chest'.

I could go on about a few other breeds but this post will probably end up sounding like a personal whinge :P





 

they are completely useless unless you are talking about proper hunting trackers

elastoplast spray plaster is really good for paw cuts (as long as its not super bad)

Can anyone hazard a guess as to the number of people currently competing in Australia?

I have noticed huge growth in other dog sports so this is purely for curiosity

Heres my 2c from someone that owns 8 harnesses (and 2 gsps ;) )

Harness:
Non stop free motion
It fits the GSP body shape perfectly and does not move sideways (big problem when doing singletrack on a bike)
Costs about $90 but is well worth it
Neck size does run a little bit small so if you are close to the upper limit go the next size up

If you want to do canicross events in the future (warning fun and addictive!)
The sled dog association has some overprotective rules that eliminates certain belts and lines
Short version of the rules is that you cant have metal on the drivers end of the line
Line is also meant to be a minimum 2m but I've never heard of anyone checking or questioning lengths

Belts:
Honestly theres really not much difference in designs (except for pockets etc)
I've had my windchill belt for a year and theres zero signs of wear
All of the sledding brands have been designed to satisfy racing rules so if you stick to one you will be fine
Non Stop, Zero DC, Howling Dog, Manmat are all sold in aus

Lines:
Typical canicross line is 2m long
You might find this to be a bit too long for a dog thats not trained yet (some belts can add an additional 20-40cm)
Similar to belts theres even less differences between running lines
The more technical trails you do the shorter you want the line to be (more control)
I'd just order it with your harness or belt to save on postage.

With our young pointer we are using an ezy dog leash with bungee for training (just walking atm but teaching commands and getting used to harness)

Aussie Stores:
Non Stop Australia
WA Mushing Supplies
AUS Sled Dog Supplies
Windchill
Manmat/Kostka

Can find em with a google or facebook seach




 

Good thing about buying older is that breeders are usually happy to offer a trial to see if everyone gets along.

I prefer to buy 6-18 month old dogs and have not had any real trouble.

Males seem to blend in easier whereas bitches want to climb the pack hierarchy.

Might get minor issues but this is no different to puppies.

Can't comment on German Shepherds but I paid about half to two thirds of normal puppy price.

Is there a reason you are not going with an animal transport company who will do all this for you?

Everyone that I spoke to would handle everything except for arrival in Aus

Everythings organised now.

My 'partners' christmas present will be arriving first week of the new year ????

Some of the emails I got were really confusing.

Under $1000

SAC Declaration required

No GST or duty

$115 per submission from a customs broker or $209 to register for a 2 year digital certificate so you can diy

Over $1000

Import form required (can diy)

GST + duty on purchase cost plus transport costs

Spoke to a broker and its based on value of goods

I've ended up going with a broker as it will be easier and cheaper than getting my own digital certificate

I am also importing a pup from NZ next month (all going well!) and the breeder has recommended a broker for us to use. Yes you will need to pay GST on puppy price and transport costs.

Is that because the animal is for breeding purposes or the value of the dog is over $1000?

I haven't had a chance to call customs yet but I did manage to sneak in some more reading today

My interpretation is now that GST is not due when the value of the dog is under $1000

However in order to lodge a SAC declaration I will have to pay a customs broker or get my own digital certificate

https://www.border.gov.au/Factsheets/Documents/importinganimals.pdf

https://www.border.gov.au/Importingorbuyingfromoverseas/Documents/self-assessedclearancesacdeclarations.pdf

But will I be expected to pay gst?

Hi everyone!

I am importing a puppy from New Zealand and would like some advice on whether or not its worthwhile to use a customs broker.

Purchase price for the pup is $1000NZD or $950AUD

I am not a breeder and have no commercial intent but she is young and obviously not going to be desexed yet.

Do any of you hunt with your EP? Cant decide on EP, GSP or the wire haired variants. I'm leaning towards the EP as they seem to be less "hypo"

I hunt and compete in a few different dog sports with eps and gsps.

I think most differences come down to breeding and the dog as an individual.

All three dogs are 'hypo' until they have had a good run.

When not working they spend most of their time sleeping on my couch.

GSP breeder numbers seem to be really high but its probably easier to find an ep from working lines.