Clyde

Don't laugh...I still use sump oil occasionally! I lived in outback QLD but went to boarding school in NSW. At the end of the holidays I would soak my horses tails in sump oil so that they wouldnt be so matted next holidays. They were paddock horses and not given any attention in between holidays. It seemed to work. Yes, I can remember my Grandfather using it for mange on dogs. To be honest I thought it was a old wives tale, so it's could to know the dogs werent greased for nothing!

No, he's not. On Hesapanda's recommendation I also use and him and find him brilliant.

Blossom some good info here http://www.freewebs.com/clipperbladesharpening/index.htm Just navigate through. Colin is always happy to answer questions too. I use him for all my clipper needs after another DOL'er recommended him, and he's fab.

I use this. Fab stuff. I also used it on my Saint (red and white) and it makes the red colours beautiful aswell. Intensifies them a little. A concern with Sard is that it would strip out flea/tick products, although I've heard it's an effective whitener too.

Fully understand and sympathise for your loss. Special condolences to your Mum.

Sorry Persephone You must be far out, try the bushies trick then and dunk the pup in sump oil

I doubt the cat would clean/groom themselves then, which would make for one miserable feline.

In the heat I make huge ice cubes and put food treats in the water before I freeze it. The dogs love lying out on the lawn licking their iceblocks to get to the good stuff.

Can order something online and have it posted express?

From memory the OP trains (or raises) police dogs??

I'm not a groomer but Dru has accurately described my efforts at grooming my Cavaliers. I'm improving with experience though ;) Sorry Anne. If it's any consolation, Cavs take me ages to groom aswell!

Thanks Susan ;) I don't know why but the two breeds have always reminded me of each other - I love both breeds, they're both so biddable and sweetly gentle. And I guess as my past Saints have been the same colouring as the more popular Blenheims.

Personally I'd use a #7. It gives a sharper look on a Cav. Good luck! To me, Cavs are like mini Saints - adorable!! I also charge more for a Cav ($65).

Nicole I think you've taken comments the wrong way. Just because one person says it takes them longer at another to do something, it doesn't mean either person is more adept. People work differently. I've seen someone take two and a half hours to do a job and it's crap at the end anyway. Different strokes.......... I don't think it's fair for you to accuse anyone of being 'bloody rude' - it's not a competition, just a discussion.

Same. I charge $55.

A short Bikini Clip is the way to go in summer if you want your dog short, but still looking 'maintained'

Try not to bathe him/her too much. So many people over wash their dogs (myself included ). Use a good quality soap free shampoo such as Aloveen, The Aloveen Leave In Conditioner is also great to rub in to your dog to help prevent knots, acts as a deoderiser and is also a good dirt repellant. A good brush every couple of days should eliminate most of the dirt. The more often you wash your dog the faster the oils are replaced regardless of the shampoo used, thus the dog becomes smellier more quickly. I have Malts which come in for a bath every week and then Malts that come in every six weeks and I swear they smell the same when their bath time comes around. They aren't a smelly breed IMO, but then that could just be preference as I find the Poodle smell quite overpowering I second BC on the metal comb!

I don't know. I guess a lot of people leave the dog momentarily, fooled in to a sense of ease by tethering them. I know in once case the groomer couldn't lift the GSD once he jumped hanging from his noose thus, he choked. In another was an idiot mobile person who went to turn the hose off in the clients garden and the dog(Maltese) jumped and hanged himself from the bath. I've been grooming for about eight years and have not ever had a dog jump from table or bath, naturally they aren't left for a second all my equipment is right next to me. Larger dogs which I do on the floor do have a slip lead attached however the handle is in my hand not attached to something. Just the way I was trained and the way which works for me and my clients.

If you're only talking about AmStaff size, the Northern Beaches is the Staffy(and their cousins) capital of the world I would have thought that any vet would (should) be used to the breed. Where was the initial vet? Local? I've tried quite a few vets around the Beaches with no luck so keep going back to Gladesville.

Yes, that's right. If you want a product which repels as well as kills use Advantix.

I don't ever clip dogs in to anything. I know of two seperate groomers who have accidently hanged dogs to death . I've never had a problem with dogs jumping from the bath or table, they are always done without collars etc.

IMO dogs are often more aggressive with through the fence type meetings/barrier frustration. It isn't very common that an adult will hurt a puppy - is it not possible to introduce the two dogs face to face? I would say that through the fence will only frustrate your parents dog more and more and your wee pup could then become a massive target of frustration down the track for your parents dog. Are they all small dogs? Pop leads on them so that you can grab them if necessary. Don't all stand around holding your breath, let them meet but find a lot of distractions - ignore them, walk around, play with toys etc.

We posted at the same time. The child touched her bone I think the parents have to accept that the dog is not really at fault. Angus charges at Grace aggressively if she walks past him while eating. I really don't think it's fair to not accept that dogs will be protective over their food and just feed them seperately and throw out bones once initially chewed on. Certainly not worth pts anyway.... but I can understand rehoming.

I can understand that your brother doesn't want her around anymore but given the above circumstances I certainly wouldn't pts based on that info. I would rehome with no children and make the reason for rehoming perfectly clear to new owners. If she has endured however many years so far with children teasing her etc only to give a warning bite/nip (which it would have been for a BM or else it would have been a hell of a lot more damage IMO if the dog was serious) near a bone then she can't seriously be 'all that bad'? I don't think George would take to Grace going near one of his bones, I'm quite certain he would tell her off but he is still a great family pet. It's just about management when it comes to kids and large dogs - it's hard work but it's do-able.

I've found playing around with their diet really helps to prevent staining. I've also suggested this to clients who have similar problems and it's worked for them too. I think once it's there it's pretty hard to get rid of until you can prevent it and let the old staining fade. I do know a couple of people who wipe their dogs face and eyes after each drink, feed etc.. to prevent staining but not really practical for most people. ETA: I do find that Champion Tails whitening shampoo helps lessen stains somewhat.