Clyde

Is there a medical way to temporarily prevent a bitch being able to fall pregnant? Such as a female version of Suprelorin? I have a responsible client who has an entire dog and bitch but is going away for a month and concerned the bitch will come in to season (first time) while they are away. More interested in a way to prevent a bitch falling pregnant without it affecting her growth = permanently desexing. Valid reasons, no desexing lectures please. Thanks in advance

Yes but as Matt said they will be weaning the pup off them. I think it's cruel to take a pup from 24/7 company and then leave it alone for 9 or so hours each day. Much kinder to do it the way Matt is.

Does she have time outside of the playpen with you in the house? Can she access her pen on her own? I find once you start them off in some sort of enclosure they take themselves back there for a sleep. I'm like you, I think puppies are supposed to be 'spoiled' and loved to within an inch of their little lives - it sounds as though you have a tough one though. Can you have someone visit her during the day for a half hour so play while you're at work? Can she go spend some time with a neighbour during the day? Obviously not all the time, but to break up her week and make her need sleep more. I wouldn't torture yourself too much. You obviously realise she needs to be weaned from 24/7 attention, but she also needs to be loved after only ever knowing life with her breeder and siblings. I don't think there's anything wrong with getting a pup and working full time but I do think she needs some sort of stimulation during the day. Having a pup should be a joyous time so I would go with your gut but also with a bit of forum advice. Absolutely leave the house! If only to keep your nerves calm.

Dasha is divine I am sure you will work it out, you sound very committed

I love Holistic Select Fish for my SBT, the fish Taste of the Wild is fab too. Her coat is so glossy

Probably a wise choice Seriously though, keep a Pug in mind for future, they really are just so great with kids.

I'd be interested in hearing a little more about pugs! First you need to decide on colour I have a black one. He's mad as a cut snake and as frustrating as anything but also an awesome little dog. Keeps up with my Stafford, keeps the Maremmas in the line and is absolutely reliable with my daughter. He is a really tough little guy but also at the end of the day (when he's exhausted) so snuggly and sweet. I won't lie, we had a year of HELL but I feel we are coming out the other end in one piece. I love that he is happy to occupy himself outside and is not whiney or needy. They do also need to be loved a lot and spend time with their people. Food is Alvin's life! House training was reaaaally hard but eventually he got the hang of it - he's only slipped up twice with wees since easter. He's a touchy feely dog and has to be on my lap at night or lying on top of Esme the SBT. Thick skinned and quite able to keep up with the rough and tumble of a child playing with him.

Sorry for your loss

I agree. Hopefully you will find some good recommendations.

I wouldn't advise it either - it is a LOT of dog. How about a Maremma or Pyrenean ? I think just the stock fencing would be an issue for most dogs though. They might need to consider electric fencing or a containment system. There is no way I would have any type of protective natured dog with basic, farm fencing.

I would go with this, provided your friend is really okay with having him.

Advantix.

:laugh: Yes, a Pyr breeder recommended I do this. I've tried it too and it does work but then I wonder how much I'm messing with their mind :laugh:

From memory DCH have an ex shop cat needing a home - on their web site. If you come across a good mouser, reliable with chooks let me know!

My Maremmas bark for ages when I get home. Ignoring them doesn't work and either does yelling at them :laugh: The dog in the paddock will go on for a while but the house yard Maremmas settle more quickly. Old Snowy has been barking for about 3 hours today. I have someone here installing a containment system, she wont stop until he leaves but that's just the way she works - she doesn't like visitors! She is in the study with me but knows 'the enemy' is out there somewhere

Delete is great, but it's not cheap. I now use ValuePlus from my local co-op. From memory Delete is about $120 for 5lt and the one Im now using is around $20. Granted, it's not effective against flies etc but I just wanted an all round disinfectant which smells good. For cleaning my runs I use bleach and a high pressure hose. If you rinse well no bleach stays behind. My SBT has sensitive paws and has no problems with bleach residues. For the grooming business I use the ValuePlus stuff.

Are you in town or rural? If rural consider a Maremma. Great guard dogs, no real health issues and minimal exercise needs.

I've had clients swear by them. I have used them before but still didn't trust them on their own - too paranoid. More info here: https://miteyfresh.w...protection.html

Oh Bob, I'm so sorry Condolences to you and Erica.

Yes, this is what I have found both personally and through feedback from my clients.

:laugh: that is awesome!!

Max Zuber at Gladesville Vet is brilliant. He is also experienced with the breed, dysplasia etc etc http://www.gladesvillevet.com.au/pages/about-us/our-staff/staff-member.php?idArticle=9589 For boarding you could try DOL member Pax, just send her a PM. There are several good kennels in that area, but I know Pax's place is very popular. Good luck!

Unfortunately with all this rain I am not surprised. Very good of you to take the cat to the vet, I hope the neighbours are more careful in future.

:laugh: Now that you say that.... I get a lot of BC's in to wash as they've all been out rolling in something stinky. One poor woman has two and she is here a lot!!

I have Carrington runs which I use for my house dogs in summer (they're inside in winter) when I go out. I have one of these for the Maremmas as they like to be able to see outside and not feel confined. It is pretty big, people always think it's a cubby. http://www.melwoodcedarsheds.com/homes-for-pets/mega-kennel. My Maremma out in the paddock has a smaller, cosier kennel but he doesn't use it. He will lie out in the pouring rain snuggled with the sheep.