Dawn Bailey

Hi to the list, Does anyone know anything about the Giardia Vaccine? I have a dog with chronic Giardia, would the vaccine help him? Has anyone used it on their dogs? My Vet is out with some horrible virus or I would ask her. thanks

Hi Denise, I have a few suggestions for you. I would think about radiographs. I have a dog that has been out a year with foot problems, I would have never guessed he actually tore off a piece of bone from one of his toes. I also am going through severe tendonitis in my rotor cuff. Man it hurts! I am going to physical therapy to get my strength back and learn how to avoid re-injuring it again. By avoiding use my arm was actually losing strength. both of my doctors and the vet suggested 6 weeks rest, and for Nap walk on leash only. Then slowly start up exercises, for the dog, swimming, for me weights, and learning how to use them properly. My vet and doctor also recommended anti-inflammatory for the pain and inflammation. If you can locate the source of pain (radiographs and manipulation), and the movement that causes pain you can work with the dog to strengthen the other muscle groups. Swimming is recommended because there is no weight bearing (like with Naps paw). I am hoping we can start trialing again soon, but he will have to wear a foot wrap from now on to protect his toes. good luck and the sooner you know exactly what is wrong the sooner you can be back at it! Dawn

I also work at a vet hospital, and just before Christmas we had a dog that drank antifreeze, the owners went all out and the dog was on IV fluids in hospital for two weeks. I had to do treatments one Sunday and figured I was walking a dead dog. Maybe being part terrier gave that dog a reason to live. But he did. No one figured he was going to make it. Dawn

Hi Lydia, for temporary marker get some chalk, paint or crayons for sheep. I like the chalk as it marks the sheep for a few days. the spray paint is pretty permanent, the crayons are the hardest as you have to get the right ones for the temperature, and around here it is always cold and rainy or so it seems when we need to do feet, deworm etc. good luck Dawn

Hi Geri, a couple of top handlers have told me: can you give him a few small flanks to get him up and moving? or teach him to get up and get moving no matter what? have you tried teaching him a stand away from sheep? I am sure you have done all of the above. take care Dawn

Jeanne, I am so sorry to hear about Emily. I hope the treatment works for her and you! take care Dawn

Hi Bill, Makes sense, maybe the rain is making my brain soggy! I will start with holding the sheep at the gate opening and then work to the open paddock. thanks a bunch! Dawn

I have a training question for you all! how do you train a dog to keep sheep off the grain feeders? I had a dog that just did it before, so I never had to train it. My poor dogs now haven't a clue. I also think my grain and hay bunks are to spread out to let a dog really keep them off. any suggestions?? thanks Dawn

Hi Margaret, I love the Key Dog books by Sheila Grew, I have some of the old ones and they are wonderful to read and just look at the pictures. It would be great to see some of our dogs in a US Key Dog book. check them out! Dawn Bailey

Hi Eileen, you wrote: "Bottom line: What the drafters of the standard profess to be trying to do just can't be done. Is it even remotely possible for them not to realize this?" Maybe, Hope springs Eternal? or they (the drafters) are trying to please everyone. What will it hurt to broaden the standard, everyone will be happy, but all know that the same type of dogs that win now will still be the preferred type. A few years back the Papillion standard described one type of muzzle, but the dogs that were winning, had a muzzle more like a pom. Show judges will pick the dog they like. It was the English Setter I was referring to in my previous post. My Aunt had them, and I did a portrait of her dogs for her and got a small education on the show setter head type. Weird it would be the same breed of dog you talked about. just my 2 cents.

Hi Eileen, so does this mean some Barbie Collie noses and/or heads are sloped one way or another? Do the show dogs have a problem with roman noses like some horses have? Or the reverse would be the nose tilts up, now that would look strange! I wish I could help you with your question, but I think I have seen the description before in other breeds. And I still do not understand it. I did take a quick look around here at heads and they all seem normal to me, but I did not take the level or measuring tape out to check for parellel heads and noses! Dawn Bailey Eatonville, WA

Hi Pam, no don't know the answer but have an new question, how long for people??? thanks Dawn

Hi Bill, I will play devils advocate for ya. So by Border Collie Factions, are you referring to the Obed, Agility and/or just conformation people? I can tell you from experience that the competitive obed and agility folks spend years on their dogs also training, growing up pups and competing. You cannot have a OTCH in a year, you may get one in a years time, but the training will take you at least 3 - 4 years maybe more. There maybe exceptions to the rule but the majority of OTCH dogs are I would guess at least 4 or 5 years old, if not 6. Showing your dog in the conformation classes takes much less time and training. A couple of good weekends with a professional handler can net you a Champion of record. Training your pup up to work sheep, something he was bred to do, is the most thrilling thing I can think of. I cannot lure him to work using food, jerk him into his sheep, command him to have more eye. I get to watch, guide, and hopefully partner up with him in what for a century his parents parents did to earn their place by the fire. I guess it is the reason I got another pup, hope springs eternal! Dawn Bailey Eatonville, WA

cowsavy, if you have to train your dogs with a hot collar, do not breed them ok? no one will want a pup that has to be trained with a hot collar! Dawn

I also work for a vet and have all my dogs pre screened before surgery. I like the fact I have a base line for liver and kidney enzemes in my young healthy dogs. I think it is a good value for the money. Dawn