sandgrubber

Whenever possible I feed whole, raw food to dogs. When they won't eat raw, they generally get a good quality dog polony roll. However, I get the occasional dog in kennels that was raised on canned food and will eat nothing else. The little guys generally go for My Dog. Ok, they don't eat much, so I can live with the price tag. In feeding the bigger dogs, MyDog is too expensive, and it comes down to Pal vs Chum, vs Bush or store brand or something else. I HATE canned food and tend to class it all as rubbish . . . which makes me tend to go for Chum over Pal because it's 20% cheaper. The dogs don't seem to care and I don't mind using a can opener instead of getting peel off lids. Is there any basis for deciding which is the least bad of the canned foods.

Thoughtless -- in either direction -- is bad. I think a lot of BSL is thoughtless, based on sensationalism, and damaging to dog welfare. Better to have no BSL than something as overblown as the Bermuda laws seem to have been. On the other hand, ruling out BSL altogether may be throwing out the baby with the bath. In a society where violent crime is realatively rare, guns are controlled, and vigalante-ism not accepted, I think it appropriate to direct BSL against any breed in which recognised and respected breeders actively and publicly breed for dog aggression or human aggression. Dogs should not be used as weapons, and dog fighting is not an acceptable sport. I hope, where BSL is repealed, there will actually be an effort to move against people who are breeding for dog fights (formal or informal), or selecting, managing, and training for human aggression.

If any breed -- rare or not -- as part of their show routine included tests and criteria that have the effect of causing breeders to systematically breed for human or dog aggression, I think it is appropriate to direct Breed Specific Legislation against that breed. In my opinion, breeding for Human Aggression should not be acceptable in Australia. A shephard-type protecting herds against wolves, and getting tough with people who come up to the house is one thing. Grading pups according to how nasty they are to unfamiliar people, or allowing a dog to bite the judge at a show is quite a different thing. Sure, there are less aggressive pups . . . but they are graded as inferior by leading breeders. Claiming a heritage of chasing down escaped slaves, and then after slavery ended, cornering jaguars (onca) and cattle thieves, is not a good look. I'm sure the Fila would make a great pig dog. I'm glad no one has been able to import them. The Rotti's heritage is as an all purpose farm dog in country that has suffered a lot of warfare and where peasant dwellings have high walls and have historically liked a dog that acts as a guard. That is a long shot away from the Fila's heritage.

BREED STANDARD FOR ROTTWEILER Temperament Behaviour and character. Being good natured, placid in basic disposition and fond of children, he is very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rustic, his behaviour self assured, steady and fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness. As I understand it there is no test of biting tendency or expectation of distrust / hostility toward strangers at a Rottweiler specialty show . . . and a lot of running. If Rotti specialty shows began including the tests described for a Fila, I have no doubt there would be a good deal of discussion of directing BSL against Rottis, and probably they would end out banned. The Rotti breeders I know do not find aversion to strangers a positive trait. See also, the following description, written by Fila breeder, Hon. Secretary of CAFIB, and MM-Correspondent for Brazil, AmericoCardoso dos Santos, Jr. (clipped from http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-pictures...asileiro.shtml) "Ojeriza" to strangers The feature that perhaps is at first sight the most apparent in a Fila's temperament is the "ojeriza" to strangers (ojeriza - sharp aversion). On the contrary to other puppies, a Fila Puppy is not inclined to relaxed playing with anyone. He attaches himself quickly to those with whom he lives but is, however, from his earliest youth suspicious of persons he does not know. Suspicion may make him irritated and annoyed and to some extent even make him growl with a certain amount of aggression, but yet without sufficient self-confidence to attack. In the course of his development the aversion against strangers will become more and more apparent. Already as a puppy the Fila will clearly show his displeasure if a stranger would try to touch him. At about the age of one year the Fila would attack any person unknown to him who would try to touch him. An agitated or restless disposition in a Fila is highly undesirable as it may be a symptom of nervousness and insecurity. One must remember that the Fila needs provocation in order to attack, for example, when an unknown person stares at him fixedly (as a challenge). Here it becomes evident another typical feature of the Fila: his courage will not allow him to move one step back when facing a provocation of any kind. No matter which instrument is used for the temperament test (rod, broom, towel, chair, etc.) the Fila's reaction is always prompt. spontaneous, and without any sign of insecurity. He throws himself forward and upwards (making the characteristic diagonal ascent, mentioned in the CAFIB-standard) attempting to reach the face or the throat of the aggressor. Exactly at this point the Fila differs from other dogs (like German Shepherds) who attack only when ordered, doing what they have been taught to do, showing rather the extent of their conditioning than true courage and instinctive reaction against aggression. I don't know the Fila well . . . but came to appreciate them when I lived in Brazil.

If you had the dog on rilexene for a reason, you should be talking with the administering vet. You may want to use a different antibiotic, or some other alternative therapy.

But, again, there are some things I'd rather not experience first hand. Can you imagine being a judge at a specialty show for the fila. How exciting to do the routine testicle and tooth check on a 50+ kg dog who was given credit toward the Ch. title for showing aggression to the judge. No way. I know the breed isn't represented in Australia . . . and I have no problem that the breed is banned. That may be the only place where I'm glad of BSL. But there are limits. The point is that BSL isn't simple, all or nothing. I think decisions regarding dog legislation need to be made on a case by case basis. For me, it is enough to know the dog is massive and being selectively bred -- by the breed standard -- to be aggressive to strangers, to say I'm in favor of banning the breed from Australia. The more I learn about the APBT, the more I'm against legislating against the breed.

Side note on the Fila . . . if kidnapping of children for ransom were as prevalent in Australia as it is in Brasil, I would say was a role for such a breed. I would bet they are lovely to look at. They might out do some of the breeds used for security work. But I'm just as glad there won't be one next door. Taken from the breed standard for the Fila Brasiliero (as posted by American Rare Breeds Association) http://www.arba.org/FilaBS.htm Minimum weight for males 50 kg, females 40 kg. Test of Temperament It is compulsory to all individuals (after 12 months) in order to obtain a registered championship title. All champions must have a certificate of approval at the temperament test. This sort of test is made at all specialty shows. It Is optional at general shows, up the Judge's will, provided it is public and takes place outside the show ring. The trail includes: 1. Attack with a stick. The dog is supposed to attack in front of the handler, without being coached, and the exhibitor or handler will remain in his position. It is forbidden to touch or to beat the animal. 2. Shooting test. There will be fired blanks at a distance of 5 meters from the dog, the dog should express attention, show self­confidence and self assurance. During a performance in the ring the judge will analyze the behavior and temperament of the specimen, paying attention to his expression. During the temperament test the following should be observed 1. the dislike of the animal to strangers 2. the self­ assurance, courage, determination and braveness of each individual.

THIS POLL IS INVALID. If you vote NO, you find your vote isn't counted unless you check a box in the next section saying what your dog has choked on.

maybe because the greyhound is not a restricted breed. Isn't the requirement that they wear muzzles in public a restriction? It is unquestionably BSL.

I find BSL perplexing. I am glad Australia has prohibitions against importing Filho Brasiliero . . . given that they are huge and the breed standard specifies that they should be hostile to strangers. I have no doubt it's possible to breed man-killers and if anyone is doing this, as an individual, or as a breed, I think they deserve a kick where it hurts, as well as castration of their breeding stock. It gets much more confusing where some lines in the breed have been bred for HA or powerful and extreme protective behaviour. I don't feel it's justified to ban an entire breed because some breeders are bad eggs. Unfortunately, governments aren't good at finding the bad eggs. On the other hand, I find it very very sad that some breed standards prohibit the registration of some colours (white in boxers and GSD's) and many breeders systematically cull pups that don't conform to breed standards. And I find it weird that the BSL community isn't rallying behind such simple things as removing the obviously absurd muzzle restrictions on pet greyhounds.

I run a boarding kennel and am committed to allowing free exercise and mixing non DA dogs (provided they seem happier in a pack, which most do). For reasons of safety I avoid mixing large and small dogs, and DA dogs; most entire males, and very timid dogs are generally exercised solo. My biggest headaches are hole digging and fence running barkers. Short of burying grid mesh throughout the garden, I don't think there's a solution to hole digging. I wonder if anyone has any suggestions about how to deter fence runners. My typical fence runner is a young border collie who seems to feel it is his job to chase the fence line back and forth, barking all the while. Could also be a Lab, a kelpie, a GSP, a staffie, or some cross breed. The instigating dog may be chasing smaller dogs, or larger dogs. Often if I open the gate between the chaser and the chasee, game's over, everyone is fine, and the noise stops. edited to correct punctuation error

I find that Pyrethrum concentrate, sold as an "organic" garden insecticide, works as well as Fidos and is a LOT cheaper. Same active ingredients . . . Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide. I just make up a weak solution and spray it on with an old windex bottle. As others state, good as a supplemental control for fleas/ticks, but better to stick with one of the 'monthly' regimes as a main line of control.

I have always allowed my girls (Labs) to play a major role in raising puppies (from birth onwards). They are good at it. An older, well mannered bitch can be a great influence for a young pup. They do sometimes discipline puppies, and occasionally I even hear a yelp from the pup, but I find that a pup who has grown up with an older girl in charge tends to avoid many of the cute/obnoxious out of control behaviour for which Lab pups are known. The mouth-mouth game is absolutely fine, as are the various other games played with one of the two lying down. I agree with others about zoomies. At two, a Lab may have calmed down considerably and be a "responsible" family member . . . or may still be something of an idiot puppy. If your girl has turned the corner, I would say, be careful, but do let her have a role in the pup's upbringing.

I'm a breeder of ~10 years who shows only occasionally, but works hard when it comes to finding appropriate dogs and trying to improve the breed. . . according to what I feel is an improvement. Many of the points on the initiating list have been covered well. A few bits and bobs. How common? In 2008, 4264 pedigree Labrador pups were registered in Australia, putting the Labrador a little higher than the GSD and the SBT. Similar numbers have been registered in previous years, making the Labrador a contender for most common pedigree dog in Australia (to know what is most common, you'd have to know average longevity of different breeds and do a little modeling. Sadly, there is no reliable data on breed longevity). I think it is important to realise that the Labrador Retriever is, relatively speaking, a modern breed, and the establishment of the breed involved a good deal of cross breeding in the early 20th century, often with selection oriented to creating a dog who was a good hunting companion, but some selection oriented toward speed in retrieving competitions. Thus a lot of diversity remains in the bloodstock, and build, temperament, and health issues are quite variable. Even careful breeders with select lines sometimes get heads that look like setters rather than Labradors, coats that are far too soft or too thin for the breed standard, or wavy and oily like a Chesapeake, or even semi-brindled. I think we should regard this diversity as a positive. In Australia, hunting birds with a gun is a vanishing pastime, and the breed is loosing its calling. This tends to put more focus on showing for the 21st century interpretation of the breed standard. I suspect this is leading to a heavier set (which looks powerful, but may not be so good in the field) breed with broader heads.

I find a lot of pups make funny noises when they sleep. If the pup wakes up acting normal and there are no other signs of ill health, I'd say keep an eye/ear open, but don't worry.

A side note. Some dogs seem to love to dig. Don't let anyone talk you into getting a second dog to keep the first dog from digging. I run a boarding kennel in which we allow dogs to socialise. The dirt REALLY flies when you get a whole pack of dogs digging. You give them kongs/balls/rope toys etc. They drop the toy in the hole and dig all around it. I don't have a good solution for the problem. With my own dogs, I can train them to dig in one or two permitted places and not to dig elsewhere. But with the kennel dogs, I'm just resigned to them making messes.

I'm clueless about SA. But in general, I'd think it would be worth having a yarn with the Rangers in your Council. BSL generally works however the local Rangers interpret the law. It should become pretty clear pretty fast whether they are nice or nasty in their interpretation of the laws. And if they aren't nasty, your friend should be in a good position to establish themself as a responsible member of the community who has rescued a dog and is trying to do the right thing.

Ditto this advice. I clobber chicken frames with a meat clever for lots of small dogs in the boarding kennel . . . removing globs of fat and skin first. This generally results in very firm poohs, rarely soft/runny ones.

You might try switching to horse toys . . . eg, the Jolly Ball. No doubt he'll still chew up the handle, but the main ball withstands very hard use.

In general, swimming or working out on soft sand are used to build up leg muscle mass. Once strength is good and health is not an issue, exercises may go on to carrying, or pulling weight and/or going up steep inclines. I don't know about luxating patellas.

Applecross is good, especially for C-sections, prog tests, AI . . . gives breeder disciounts. Vets2U Mobile vets is good for simple things like vaccinations ... but no fancy equipment (Xray/ultrasound) or major surgery. Practical. Experienced. Out of South Lake Andrew Buchannan across from the Zoo is fantastic at communication . . . very caring guy. Knows his stuff. People speak well of Ranford Vets. I haven't used them.

0. Find a vet you can trust and ask lots of questions. KC . .. if you put your dog in kennels, many require or recommend KC vaccination. I have had puppies GET kennel cough from the internasal spray, so I prefer the combined injection route. heartworm . . . my vet says the monthlies, given every two months, are adequate. Easier than worrying about it. But ask your vet if he/she sees many heartworm cases. It will help you make the right decision.

There are lots of good vets in Perth. Pls be specific. Where in Perth? Ordinary vet? or a vet to deal with specific needs?

Please clarify. What does this have to do with the Pit Bull Ambassador's program? All I can see is that some judge upheld a publically funded shelter's right to do BSL, including euthanasia. As I read it, the legal ruling says they can PTS based on breed without behavioural screening. I think most of us disagree with that ruling. The kill rate is higher for APBT's at the shelter under discussion . . . but this could be because APBTS weren't being adopted, or because local BSL made it very difficult for people to adopt them.

I'd suggest doing a little reading on cholangiohepatitis and checking with your vet. From what I can see, it is not uncommon in cats, but very rare in dogs and hard to diagnose. It is not primarily a liver problem. Petplace states: "Cholangiohepatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the bile ducts and adjacent liver tissue. It is one of the more common liver diseases seen in cats and is recognized only infrequently in dogs. " It also indicates that it is a very serious disease, and full diagnosis is likely to require, among other things, a liver biopsy.