Clyde

I find this really strange. I'd prefer to think that the staff are out tending to the dogs rather than sitting indoors by the phone. Staff cant drop what they're doing to answer a phone, the animals in their charge are their first priority. I come across this mentality every so often in my grooming business. I had one woman ring, not leave a message then ring back an hour later when I answered. She had a go at me for not answering the first time and I explained that I had a dog in the bath, I'm not going to let the poor dog stand there wet while I chat on the phone! Had she left a message I could have returned her call when the dog in my care was dry and comfortable. Anyway, told her I was booked 'til next year. :laugh:

Nawww, her tail didnt stop the entire time!

With checking your dogs RiverStar have you ever found ticks on your dogs using Advantix? I don't live in a tick area & have never seen a tick on a dog & always worry about taking them to a tick area. Just as an aside, as far as I know the Scalibor collar takes 2 or 3 weeks to become effective. So if you do visit a tick area and wish to use the Scalibor you need to plan those weeks in advance, not just whack the collar on at the last minute and think the dog is covered. Proban tablets were terrific for traveling dogs but taken off the market some time ago.

It's just not something I would want to risk. Plus as another poster said, all the pesticides from the collar are toxic to aquatic life, so it would be pretty selfish to knowingly risk other animals. I'm not dissing the collar, I think it's the best collar on the market, but it's not approved for swimming dogs and not safe for water critters so I wouldnt understand why someone would choose to use it over say Advantix, which is safe for swimmers.

I lived in a high tick area for many years, and also had a grooming business. I didn't ever see ticks on dogs with Advantix (although I am sure it has happened), but did see ticks on dogs with collars but more so Frontline. eta: Not the scalibor collar though, they weren't available at that time.

https://www.facebook...oluteanimalcare http://www.absoluteanimalcare.com/

The Scalibor is a good preventative collar but not for use with dogs who swim.

Happy to babysit her here if need be - if it works like that transport wise and she needs a stop over.

Are you home during the day? I think it's mean to expect a dog to hold on all day, he really should be given the opportunity to toilet outside more often. Of course he's going to get poo everywhere inside, he is a big dog! There is a woman in Victoria ago runs an advisory type thing to help people with their dogs diet. She s a trained vet nurse and very experienced. I am sure she could help you with everything else too, behaviour, your expectations etc. as far as I know she can do email support type help. Anyway, business is called Absolute Animal Care. I don't know how to link to it from my iPad sorry, will try to find it from pc tomorrow.

Advantix is safe from 7 weeks and also for swimming. Do not apply either Side of getting wet for 24 hrs. Collars useless for swimming dogs.

But the KC component is still annual so their reasoning makes no sense.

It's easy enough for them to order it in if you give them enough notice.

This morning a Melissa from Cartwright, Liverpool NSW won a little over $100,000 on 96.9. She said she's involved in rescue and has 6 children (). When asked what she was going to do with the money she said "rescue more animals". She made no mention of the kids :laugh: Anyway, it was nice to see someone who gives, win the prize money.

I live near by so if anyone needs hot showers etc just shout. Also have grooming facilities if anyone gets stuck. I could offer four beds on the 17th but the rest of the weekend is squealing kids for a 9th birthday (kill me now) . Having dogs here would be tricky tho.

What date is it on this year? It snowed here last October :laugh: Strange weather!

I agree. I can't stand going to 'people things' and dogs are there. I work with dogs, I have dogs, so chances are other peoples dogs hone in on this and don't leave me alone. I resent taking my daughter to kiddies parks and people having their dogs there. I should be able to relax and not watch out for other peoples dogs in a dog free zone. Other people assume that everyone loves their dogs because ohmydogtheyresocute. Even yesterday, I went to an Open House for a friend and they had a huge GSD there in the yard. He stunk and would not leave me alone, I got GSD hair all over my pants and then they stunk too. The owners should have locked him up or taken him out with them - lovely old boy but I was not in dog mode and so not in the mood. I also had my daughter with me and nobody knew if the dog was friendly or not so had to make her sit out on front step on her own. Don't inflict your pets on others if it's not a suitable environment for them. Half the time I think they become peoples' security blankets.

I agree! I think he's gorgeous, you really shouldn't have too much trouble finding the right home. The fact that he's got you as his carer (cute pics and training) puts him a cut above the rest. Try and find a kid or two to throw in to a pic as well and to socialise him with.

At the moment I have to say I am most drawn to the Leonbergers and Newfoundlands (even if I can't get a more streamlined one there is something very special about Newfs). From the sound of things Leonbergers are really lovely companion dogs. As a rough ball park what would I be looking at if I was to decide on a Leo? Importing one would cost a lot wouldn't it? I know for a Newf I am likely looking from about $2000-2500+, I imagine being a rarer breed the Leonbergers are quite a bit dearer? Pyreneans and Maremmas are gorgeous dogs and absolutely beautiful with the people they bond to, in different circumstances I would certainly consider one as an acreage family companion, but being predominately bred as guardian dogs it is really going against most of their natures to ask them to happily accept strangers coming into their territory all the time. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure with lots of socialisation and training some are absolutely fine with it but sadly for my circumstances I think a breed not bred primarily as a working guardian would be more suitable. I'm pretty sure Leonbergers are guardian dogs too. I know quite a few Newfies who'd have your arm if you breached their boundary - there is no way of knowing if your dog is going to accept strangers unless you take on an adult. Not many dogs will happily accept strangers - or do you mean welcome visitors? One of my Saints was very protective too. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a giant breed who would gladly let 'strangers' come and go - welcome visitors, sure, with the right socialiastion, but most of the giants have some sort of protective instinct.

A Pyrenean mountain dog might suit you. Big, fluffy and more accepting than maremma's - although this varies from dog to dog. One of my maremma's loves visitors, it's up to you to socialise the dog if this is what you want from it.

Absolutely agree!!

I see rotti. I've had oodles of rotti x pups through which look like your boy. He looks lovely.

Why has the heading been changed to a Bulldog It was a Bull Terrier.

$100 or so.

I bought this little cheapie when I took on staff and needed a second HVD. I didnt expect it to last long at $200 but it's still going strong 8 yrs later, used and abused commercially. http://www.petnetwork.com.au/cgi-bin/shopping.pl?page=dryer1.htm PROFESSIONAL VARIABLE SPEED DRYER New state of the art Professional Dryers with heat! Solid, barrel shaped metal casing. Powerful 2400w motor. Temperature from 25-60 degrees C. Wind speed 43m/s. Dual insulation to prevent overheating. 3 meter puncture-resistant, triple reinforced, flexible hose with 3 nozzles. Filter is washable and easily replaceable. Stand can be purchased separately to easily convert the dryer into a stand dryer. Available in pink or blue casing. Groomers please contact us for pricing. KUS-15 Price : $250.00 $195.00 Variable speed heated dryer, hose & 3 attachments

It's great that you've found what works for your dog, but also bear in mind all the commercial foods you trialled are fairly mediocre to very mediocre kibbles.