Clyde

I think it's sad that you see yourself as a breed ambassador but really, you don't seem to get the breed at all.

Well, I see a lot more than that. Bigger yes, but also almond shaped eyes, excellent feathering on the legs and tail, smaller ears, absence of a snippy head, elimination of an undulating lip, and more. My point is very well reinforced by what the Italians are producing and have been producing for over a decade. "We have not kept pace with the Italians who are producing dogs that are, far and beyond, superior to our dogs. They win BIS at internationals for crissakes. On their day athey are the best dogs in the world." Best in the world at what? Turning up at a dog show? Superior, how exactly - do they work better than our dogs do? I (excuse the expression) don't give a fast one what you think the "Internationals" are doing & where they might be doing it (whatever "it" may be??) - I care that we have breeders, here in Australia, that are doing the very best they can to produce a sound, hardy working dog that truly represents the standard & is capable of doing what the breed originally, ought to do. Well I courteously reply to your question although I don't give a fast one for your tone. Dogs in Italy have been restored to their ancient roles of protecting livestock against bears, wolves, foxes and thieves. The conservation efforts around the areas where Maremma are employed have resulted in the return of bears, wolves and foxes in greater numbers. The Maremma is more in demand to work livestock not less. The fact that here in Australia the breed has been coopted to work out of situ does not place the dog into its correct context and as you put it: "truly represent the standard & is capable of doing what the breed originally, ought to do." If the breeders here want to produce a sub-breed, fine. I like the Italian dogs over what has and is being produced here, and I know for a fact I am not alone. I side with the dogs, its not personal. That is my prerogative. To each his own. Your whole argument is incredibly hypocritical as your dogs are pets, not working dogs. Taking them out for a visit to a farm every so often does not make them a working dog.

I agree too. Step away from the thinning scissors. As a groomer I very rarely use them but notice on here that owners use them a lot. I suppose it doesnt really matter either way as IMO, it is whatever works best for the owner, but I have found that hairs swirl and knot when thinned on certain coats.

The pics dont work for me

I agree, I think it's disgusting too. I wasn't criticizing you, simply stating that they have copped loads of abuse via Facebook.

This did the rounds on Facebook last week. I am surprised the ad is still up as the amount of abuse people said they sent.... Hopefully the dog has found a new home out of it all.

I think turkey is quite a lean meat. Brisket and chook wings might be better for weight gain? But the turkey carcass is great for her either way. You have a lot of jealous dogs here.

I think a lot too, has to do with how the intruder approaches the property. Sneaking over a side fence at night would warrant a different reaction from dogs who might normally welcome a confident intruder coming through the front door during the day. Last year someone asked if I might pop around and feed her GSD's. I had only met the dogs once and so was quietly peeing myself. I went in there with as much confidence and false bravado as I could muster and they just barked at me. I reckon had I gone in at night acting shifty I would have needed new pants. Two of my dogs will bite. Not out of fear, they have balls and will stand their ground - I have to lock them up when I am expecting people as there is no way in hell they will let any men through my door - women are okay if invited in. Two others I am not so sure about what they'd do, maybe one would bite - hard to tell. I feel very secure living here as I trust my dogs reactions. I remember being baled up in a park late at night by a group of stoned boys. I had three Rotties with me. The two adults who I had always thought would be my protectors didn't even pick up on my stress!! And my fun loving, airhead teenaged male was the one who stepped up to the plate - stepped out in front, growling like he meant it. It was enough to send the boys flying but very unnerving for me as I had always walked my dogs late just assuming that two of them would have kept me safe.

I thought it might be. The issue is to fabricate something to the bottom of the gate permanently it means that the gate will then not open for vehicles to pass due to the house block being on a hill etc etc........such a complicated business for a mere 3 meters of opening....we had a quote for the earth works and new gate to be considered and we are looking at around $15 000...oh well might need to go and butter up Mr Bank Manager. Wonder if he is a dog lover :) Thanks for your reply Could the gate be opened the other way? Also could you put in a sliding gate instead? Could you just hotwire that section off for a while?

Sorry, but I think you are stuck with them :laugh: You are obviously very fond of them, I hope you find a way around it - it seems like you would prefer to keep them than rehome them. The dog door does sound like a good option. I hope you manage to outsmart them. I know how frustrating they can be in their neediness and social habits. Ive given up on the poo everywhere but have managed to keep it to a minimum near the house by not having any social points (water buckets) near the house.

Im sure reactions happen but I have used Advantix on my small dogs, plenty of my grooming clients use it and when vet nursing I didnt ever see, or hear about, a reaction. I think it's a bit OTT to suggest she shouldn't be using it when it is the only truly effective product (IMO) against ticks

Yes, I'm aware of that. Having grown up with sheep dogs and ducks, I still feel it would be stressful - particularly if the ducks aren't used to it. Ducks are very much aware that they are a prey animal.

Yes, I think that sounds awful. My ducks would be terrified by this and they live with dogs Good luck finding them a home, they sound gorgeous. Unfortunately I have reached my quota of garden trashing, poo and muddy holes or I would take them - ducks are so much fun!

I nursed for him about 15yrs ago and wouldn't have said he was 'old' then. He's a veterinary magician IMO :)

She's the kind of bitch we love to hate :laugh: 8 yrs on and I am still not back in my bikini

It was me that said something about this. Although I did say "IMO" (in my opinion) and I didn't say I had 'hard evidence'. It's an interesting discussion and I will be back to join in. I have been away though and just got in last night so I'm not really functioning with a clear head yet. I think the stress of leaving the Maremmas leaves me drained before my holiday even starts :laugh: Pleased to report they were all very well behaved for the house sitters (a DOL member)!

Max Zuber at Gladesville Vet. If you google him his info should come up. He is awesome plus has great 'bedside manner'.

IMO no, it's not in the best interest of the breed. It is killing off their natural instinct.

Not true. I can tell a clipped off dogs regrowth from a mile away.

How did they pronounce it? They tended to ask for "the poodle pup with the funny name - how do you say that?" T. When I was little we had a Bichon called Moet :D (pronounced Moey) The correct pronunciation is Mo-wett. It's one of those words that half the country gets wrong but never fails to give me a giggle when people get rude about those who apparently can't pronounce it correctly. I groom two Moeys and one Moet, all Bichons!

I think Smelly is a cute name. Ive named pets far worse and would fight for them! I think it's really unfair of the original owner to claim the cat back after the current owners have had her 5 yrs. Surely if she could have seen they were good owners she would have acted in the best interest of the cat and let her stay where she was.

Completely agree. Not one of my dogs would have passed that test last night. Even the Pug would have growled and ran from that doll and he is bomb proof with children, real ones. The chained dog allowed a stranger to walk up to him and pat him on his territory - I was pretty impressed with the temp. They really made a big deal about the fleas - and their weights weren't anything truly shocking either. Living conditions weren't great but I felt they (RSPCA) really bunged it on.

LOL, Sounds like my childhood. We had two cats, Blackie and Ginger and then 2 working dogs Brownie and Socks (who was black with white socks). As a groomer I dont see too many original names. I groom a lot of Bella's, usually Oodles or Labs.

We have a cat called Fluffy. I think most kids have had a Fluffy. Our Fluffy is short haired and lives with our 3 Persians so I think it's funny, but the irony is lost on my daughter :laugh:

How did they pronounce it?