laurie etc

Nursing bitches have a great need for calories, even if they've been well fed their whole lives. They can eat 3-4 times their normal amount. In Genie's situation, she probably has had to fight and scrounge for food. For now, I'd be feeding her seperately from the other dogs, and giving her just about all she wants. She will settle in time, but two weeks isn't a very long time to expect her to adjust to "the good life". Also, if she's not getting enough to maintain her own and sustain milk production (especially calcium) you could be setting her up for a case of eclampsia, which is life threatening. Check with your vet about whether she needs a calcium supplement, or even yoghurt/cottage cheese added to her diet while nursing. I once fostered an abandoned/abused Golden bitch that whelped a litter of 10 in a shelter the day after she was picked up (found tied out in a back yard in the winter with no food or water). She lost three of the puppies by the time I got her, and we almost lost her due to starvation, dehydration, and the strain of having to nurse the remaining pups. My vet put her on Pet Tabs with calcium, and we gave her and the pups sub-Q fluids. They all made it, but she was fairly critical for days. Laurie

I have never renewed my dogs' TDI certifications, because of the vaccination protocol. I would love to have them Delta certified, but it doesn't seem as popular in the East - anybody have connections in the Washington DC area for an evaluator? Laurie

check out this link about kids reading to dogs. I don't have the time in my life right now, but that looks like a really worthy project. Laurie http://www.tdi-dog.org/childrenreadingtodogs.htm

I agree with this - take it from someone whose "cross over from agility" dogs think herding sheep is a Nascar event...zoom.zoom.zoom. My younger dogs that I want to seriously work on stock have not been introduced to the "need for speed" in agility. I think speed happens naturally in Border Collies once you let it happen. There's not a whole lot of need to "build drive and speed for agility" like in some other breeds. My young dogs are learning to take time and be thoughtful on stock first, and once that is embedded in their brains then they may get to do some speed work in agility. Meanwhile, they have been on agility equipment, just enought to get the feel for it and not be worried, they have learned handling, come to heel, 2 0n/2 Off "board work", start line stays and jumping grid work. They also learn "household" obedience - enough to become acceptable members of society at home and in public. When I feel they are where I want them with the sheep, they MAY then get to do more agility. Until then, I'm in no hurry to "rev" them. As far as formal obedience goes, I do think insisting on too much eye contact with the handler, and not being allowed to "free think" and "problem solve" can be a detriment to competion stock work AND to agility. I do know folks who seem to do lots of dogs sports with the same dog, but they are very dedicated; and few and far between. I can't think of anyone who is at the top of their game in USBCHA stockwork (or even close) and does any other competition sports with their dog. If other "herding venues" are all you are interested in, I do think you can train AHBA style stockwork and other sports concurrently. My olders dogs compete and WIN in AHBA herding at the "championship" level (equal to about pro-novice level or a small ranch course) and also do agility. Although different and "fun", AHBA scoring is much more forgiving than in Border Collie trialing - after all it's geared toward all herding breeds. IMO, AHBA is a piece of cake in comparison to USBCHA trialing. Laurie

thanks Robin, I checked with them - must be a very busy clinic - they are booked for CERF exams til May - WOW! Laurie

I have an 8 week old pup I need to get an eye exam on - I'll be in NC for the weekend (Raleigh/Durham area), and wondering where ya'll take your pups - thinking maybe I can go down early on Friday and get an appt at NC state, but I've never been there before... is that the best place to go (price and service), or are there better options in the area? Thx in advance, Laurie

Hey - In my younger, stupider days I used to try to show field bred Golden Retrievers in conformation (not very successfully, I might add ). I can "build a dog" with the best of 'em. Scissors, dye, mousse, chalk, nose ink, glue, whatever it takes.... And after all, if you read the nebulous "standard", Pip fits it perfectly - for what it's worth - but then, apparently they pass out a different standard to the judges who actually pin the class. Laurie

AWWWW- c'mon Julie, you're really missing out - I think "the Pipster" could take the breed ring by storm!! (At least with those legs, he could lap all those stubby-legged dogs trotting 'round the circle!) Laurie

Eileen, Denise, other Health Committee Members... Has there been any progress in the Epilepsy DNA study? Are we getting closer to an answer? Seems like every time I turn around someone is telling me of another Epi Border Collie - from working lines. And not heaviliy linebred, "sportbred" or obscure lines, but dogs going back to some of the most sought after (and used) working/trialing sheepdogs. I'm beginning to wonder whether it's not so much a "genetic epilepsy" thing as it is a "vaccinosis", or an aquired or genetic immune system or threshold thing that just didn't crop up in the "olden days" because dogs in the "olden days" were more chemical and drug free... Laurie

I'm proud to say that Carrie Jones on the American team is one of our instructors at A Click Above in VA. Check out the courses, too. I love that they are posted on the website. That opening threadle with a tunnel and jump trap is TOUGH! No wonder so many DQ'd.

In case anyone's interested - here's a link to the FCI World Agility Championship results page - It's going on in Switzerland today through Sunday- The large dog Individual Jumpers class has been posted. http://www.agility-wc2006.com/e/wettkampfe/ranglisten.htm

I've been following this because I teach all breeds of dogs - and have been involved in rescue for years. Just as "background" here's some of AKC's spin from their website... "Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for their breed. Your AKC breeder referral contact will direct you to a breeder who is concerned with the future of the puppy. Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy. See how the dogs in your breeder's home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for each puppy." "Responsible Breeders The American Kennel Club believes that breeding programs should be undertaken responsibly for the purpose of preserving breed characteristics and producing healthy, well-socialized puppies. Responsible breeders are expected to give careful consideration to health issues, temperament, and genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in responsible homes. AKC supports and promotes these and other responsible breeding practices through breeders' education programs, and commends those who offer similar guidance. The AKC strongly opposes the breeding of dogs by those who do so without regard for the dogs' welfare?" Now - here's a letter (email) I sent them and below that is their prepackaged spin response to my email... To the Board of Directors, I've been involved in the sport of purebred dogs; registering dogs with AKC, breeding responsibly on a limited basis, and rescuing unwanted dogs for over 20 years. I have instructed people to train their dogs for over 20 years, both on a volunteer basis and as a professional. I have exhibited and titled dogs in numerous events and venues; and I'm a current CGC evaluator, promoting educated dog acquisition and ownership. Recently, I've become seriously concerned about the ethics of the current AKC Board and its Officers with regard to the acceptance and promotion of puppy mill (high volume) breeders and pet shop puppies. On one hand, AKC advises prospective pet buyers to research breeds and choose breeders carefully. I applaud this, as well as the AKC message about responsible dog ownership. On the other hand, AKC's recent "outreach efforts" to enable puppy millers to easily register breeding dogs; and AKC's latest initiative to streamline pet shop puppy registration is appalling. To my mind, AKC is sleeping with the devil in order to make money; and many of my friends feel the same way. I am seriously considering terminating all affiliation with your organization and all promotion of AKC venues if AKC continues down this path of puppy mill affiliation and sponsorship. I, and many others, take your recent actions as a direct assault toward all we do to promote educated dog acquisitions, worthy breeders, and responsible dog ownership. Whoever decided that "enabling" puppy millers and large corporate breeders was the right thing to do should tuck his or her tail in shame! Sincerely, Laura W. Anderson -------------- and AKC's email response... Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate and understand the concerns of our breeders and dog owners. We hope the information provided below is helpful. At the September meeting of the AKC Delegates, the AKC announced a program in which Petland may facilitate the individual AKC registration process for eligible dogs sold in their stores. Today, many of these AKC-registrable dogs are registered with other registries or not at all. Several questions emerged following that announcement. We provide the following details to reduce misunderstandings about the program. What kind of agreement does the AKC have with Petland? Following are some of the basic facts about this plan: Only AKC-registrable dogs are eligible for this program. The program does not provide registration to dogs not otherwise eligible for registration. We are doing this in large part to assure that AKC-registrable puppies already in these stores are registered with AKC. AKC will educate Petland staff about the value and importance of AKC registration. AKC will highlight the opportunity for participation in appropriate AKC events and the importance of programs like AKC Canine Good Citizen to promote responsible dog ownership. Petland will encourage new puppy owners to register with the AKC. Petland will help the customer complete the AKC registration form online, similar to the current online registration process. The customer will pay the entire AKC registration fee in the store. Petland may charge the customer a small processing fee to cover their cost. Registering in the store increases the likelihood that the puppy owner will register their new puppy with the AKC. Research has shown that if dog owners don?t register their dog soon after acquiring it, they are less likely to do so in the future. This program allows the AKC inspections team to continue its active presence in the commercial sector. If puppies sold in retail pet stores are not AKC registrable, AKC loses the ability to inspect and influence the care and conditions in pet stores and the breeding kennels that supply the pet stores. AKC and Petland are not engaged in an endorsement, partnership, affiliation or joint venture. A written agreement between AKC and Petland exists, in large part, to protect the AKC and ensure that all applicable AKC Registration Rules and Procedures are followed. AKC does not endorse any breeder or seller of dogs. Our central message about how to buy a puppy -- to thoroughly research the breed and the breeder and to consult AKC resources, starting with the parent club -- has not and will not change. This program has not changed AKC?s registration policies. The AKC has always registered dogs sold through pet retailers as long as the pet store and breeder are in compliance with our standards for accurate record keeping and meet the AKC?s care and conditions requirements. Read our Compliance fact sheet at: http://www.akc.org/press_center/facts_stats.cfm?page=6. The program with Petland offers AKC an opportunity to communicate the benefits of registration and involve new puppy owners in the world of AKC but does not imply an endorsement any more than AKC papers have in the past. It will ensure that AKC inspectors and investigators continue to have access to all kennels breeding AKC puppies. This will continue enforcement of our care and conditions policies and compliance with record-keeping. Why is AKC encouraging the registration of all registrable dogs? Today, many AKC-registrable dogs sold by pet retailers are not registered with the AKC by their owner. Less than 50 percent of AKC-registrable dogs are registered with the AKC. The AKC strategic plan targets this problem in all customer groups, including pet stores. When these new owners do not register, AKC and our clubs lose the ability to encourage them to become part of the fancy or to educate them about responsible dog ownership. We feel we can best promote our values and bring people into the world of AKC events by reaching out to new dog owners no matter where they choose to purchase their dog. AKC?s ability to influence legislation and public opinion is directly linked to the number of dog owners we represent. Ultimately, AKC?s ability to take a leadership stand on any issue is closely tied to the size of our constituency (the number of people with AKC registered dogs). AKC can best serve the interests of dogs and their owners by maintaining stringent standards and promoting the benefits of AKC registration. With more than 20 different for-profit businesses acting as canine ?registries? in the U.S., it is important that the AKC distinguish itself as the genuine purebred registry. Many of these for-profit businesses will "register" dogs with little or no proof of lineage and none have any inspections or compliance standards. These businesses actively and aggressively work to convert AKC registrations into applications for their listing services. The fact that AKC can inspect kennels and pet shops and take action against them whenever necessary protects the welfare of all AKC puppies. AKC?s ability to offer important programs is directly linked to our annual registrations. In addition to subsidizing AKC events, registration fees provide support for a range of programs and services including the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the AKC Museum of the Dog. Registration income also provides an important source of funding for our scholarship programs, veterinary outreach, our compliance department, combating unfair canine legislation, providing disaster relief and much more. What else is being done to promote AKC Registration? We are less than a year into a five year strategic plan that has already introduced a suite of benefits and resources for the fancy including a breeder newsletter, full litter registration option, litter coupons, online accounts and enhancements to online dog registration. In addition, AKC has introduced new registration benefits like dog.com e-certificates for both breeders and individual registrants and complimentary first office visits at participating veterinarians. As we continue implementing the plan, additional programs for breeders and new dog owners will be introduced. We have made a significant investment in a diversified advertising campaign that communicates our mission and promotes the value of AKC registration and the integrity of our Registry. Our message embodied in our advertising tagline ?We?re more than champion dogs. We?re the dog?s champion? has reached almost 200 million people in print and broadcast media during the past year. How will this impact rescue? Dogs will be sold in pet stores whether or not AKC registers them. However the AKC feels that by bringing more registrants into the AKC fold we have the opportunity to educate them and involve them in programs that promote responsible dog ownership. What prompted this agreement? The AKC has undertaken a strategic plan to reverse the significant decline in registrations that has occurred during the last decade. The plan includes a number of separate initiatives. Together these initiatives are designed to regain market share, while maintaining a registry of unequaled integrity and size. The approach outlined in the plan is to increase registrations by addressing the needs of all customer groups ? fanciers, breeders, pet owners and the commercial channel. This focus stems from a belief that purebred dogs are best served by the AKC, and that breeding programs are improved with our involvement. This inclusive approach helps position AKC as the voice for all dogs and all dog owners. What are the next steps? As a result of the questions raised both during and after the September Delegates Meeting the Staff will continue reviewing and communicating with our core constituency. A meeting will be held prior to the October Board Meeting which will include a number of Delegates and fanciers to discuss this initiative. The AKC Board of Directors will discuss this topic during the October Board Meeting. The program is under review by staff and management. Further details will be provided when they are available. You may direct comments to: ? Email: puppyreg@akc.org ? Mail: AKC Operations, 5580 Centerview Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606-3390 Thank you, David Roberts Assistant Vice President Registration and Customer Service

Looks to me like Kasper's a full brother to a known carrier, Gotrah Lancelot Lad, and was indeed AKC registered (not just ILP'd)at some point. He's the sire/gandsire of very famous agility dogs - who may indeed also be ABCA or AIBC or NABCS registered. http://www.bordercolliesociety.com/programs/rom/kasper.htm

**Disclaimer- I'm only a Novice handler, but I have raised a number of puppies. It has never been my "choice" to raise two littermates, but sometimes it happens. I agree that the one-on-one time is very important - as well as limiting the free time with the other puppy and even with the other adult dogs. When crate training, I do usually take them out to potty together, because it seems to help to do that as a group. If they play too much and forget to go, then I would take them separately. I do lots of "structured play activity" to build a bond with each pup individually. I crate and feed them separately. I work on basic sit, down, leash walking and recalls individually. When loose with the "pack", I work on recalls calling away from the other dogs and then releasing back to play, even at 6-8 weeks old. I want the pup to respond/defer to me way above what the rest of his "pack" and his litermate are doing. But at least until the baby teeth are out, the pups get lots of unstructured but supervised play and exploration time; and socialization with new people, dogs, cats, any other animals that they will see regularly. I also make sure that each pup feels secure and happy crated without being able to see other dogs- around home, in the car, or out and about. Barring any special issues after about 7 months, they are treated pretty much like my adult dogs are and are integrated fully into "the pack".

It's truly all-purpose - here's one of the first trips my Sprinter took - to a herding Demo

There's very little difference between AKC and USDAA equipment - other than a higher A-frame for "Championship" division in USDAA and slightly higher jump heights for larger dogs. (22" vs 20", and 26" vs 24"). Personally, I think USDAA courses are more fun and flowing for the most part, with nicer distances between obstacles and less tricks and traps. I love seeing the "All-Americans" (mixed breeds) compete, there are some really awesome ones out there. I like the variety of games classes in USDAA, and if your dog isn't up to doing the higher A-frame and/or jump heights, then you can show in "Performance" classes-using a lower jump height and A-frame.

Hey Bill- I have that exact command on one of mine, too. (who'd have thought such a compliant little b--ch could have been so opinionated on stock?!?) My younger dogs are not as "good" at that - they tend to lie down after 1 or 2 "lie downs" not nearly as exciting - but much more efficient! (I did learn from some of my mistakes!) I also have one that does loose too much momentum on a lie down, (he's a bit sticky and tends to "lock on" too much when down), so he has a "stand" or "there" instead, which keeps me from having to "jumpstart" him to move off...

thanks! they have water and minerals in both fields -they roam between them - unless I'm working them - then the horse and donkey are locked out of the field I'm working in.

Weird Question - I know that horse minerals contain too much copper for sheep - but is it OK if the horse and donkey who are now sharing the pasture with my sheep eat some of the loose sheep mineral? They are both older, mature animals. Would you put a plain salt block out as well - or is that not a good idea with the sheep around?

Awwww Donna - Danger wants to know why you think Brighid doesn't look all BC!?! He resembles that remark!

I don't know about their methods, but up in my area they are fairly high priced - a student in my Basic Obedience class told me she was quote $800 for in-home basic training.

My experince with goat is limited - but "pet goats" are a P.I.T.A. to work - they do not respect dogs and will challenge them - not great for beginner dogs. However, I worked a couple of dogs on a small flock of Boer (meat) goats in a lesson once - and they worked fine - a lot less skittish than sheep- but still flocked and did not challenge the dogs. The instructor told me he often uses them to start young dogs because they are calmer than sheep.

Actually - IMO, this isn't really about puppy mills - this is about breeder responsibility and sends a message about why breeders should screen their puppy buyers carefully - and follow up on puppy sales.

Actually - I think "Sock-ectomies" and "Panty-ectomies" are quite common surgeries for veterinarians these days. Unless the owner waits too long, or the intestines are already ruptured and leaking, there certainly is risk (and major expense!), but I know quite a few dogs who have come through that kind of surgery successfully. That said, I think it's a very bad idea to use any kind of clothing as a toy. I was the proud owner of a $1000 pair of recycled panties (actually my 6 year old daughter's teddy-bear Hanes) a few years back - The dog was 1 year old at the time, and went on to live to the ripe old age of 12 when Lymes disease shut her kidneys down.

Shane - "you ain't seen nuthin yet"! I had a Golden Retriever - one that I raised from birth- who chewed/ate probably $1000 worth of shoes and leather riding boots over her lifetime. She had a true leather shoe fettish. (And the more expensive or irreplaceable the better -I swear she'd sort through a pile of shoes/boots at the back door, ignore the Walmart leather sneakers and chew the Nike's!) Wilma lived a nice long life otherwise, was a model citizen and was very competitive in obedience and agility. Her shoe chewing was not from boredom, she truly had OCD about leather shoes. Our whole family just had to learn to keep their shoes locked up, and/or crate Wilma when we couldn't be there supervising her as a pup. My advise to you is to do the same - I'd also teach your pup the "exchange game"- if you see him going for a shoe when you are there, call him to you happily, take the shoe away and give him something else to chew in exchange. Do not beat him with a newspaper or yell, as that will just make him a "Closet Chewer" (he'll sneak off with the shoe and hide to chew on it). I like to use the thick "Bully Sticks" (not the wimpy ones that can be quickly gulped down), or Kongs stuffed with something tasty, or raw knuckle bones (messy, but most dogs really like to chew on them).