G. Festerling

I have to clear up what I meant...rice and chicken yes. I see where that came out wrong.

I also would not do the Jello. It may come down to a choice. If she is super touchy on her tummy, the cooked chicken and rice does not help (I also would not do pumpkin as that is another new food introduced at the very moment and by what I know is more often used for loose stool). I would not give her the pain meds. Especially if she is sleeping and not super painful. Yes, sounds cruel. But for some dogs that does work. For others pain meds are crucial.

When will it ever stop.

I think they will love it. For all the heartbreak that comes with these cases for them, knowing their efforts are recognized would mean the world to me.

I so wished I was closer! It sounds like you are going to have a wonderful trial set up. Can't offer much in help or advice but wishing you a super time and am looking forward to seeing the results and pictures (there will be pictures right??? ) coming in! Best of luck to you and the competitors.

LMAO!!!! Good one! This could be fun! But on a serious note, it really, really, really all depends. I have owned/fostered a few dogs. Of many breeds, although all herding breeds (not counting the chi or the Jack x herding blends). Some home bred and raised, some bought knowing who and what I was dealing with as pups. Some sight unseen and even one adult gsd bitch who was as unsure of me when I picked her up as I was of her. I started my journey into dog owner ship as a 20 year old that knew next to nothing and have since then stuck my nose in many different venues with every known training method. I have done the whole "let them be pups till they are older and the start the work" to "structured shaping can start from day one". With anything in between and mileage varying strictly and exclusively on....wait for it....my available set of skills and the character of the dog. So there you go. My dogs today are by no means better. You have no idea what my first poor dog put up with due to my somewhat benign cluelessnes! And she was a wonderful member of society. But, in the context of actual real and accepted structured training (this is referring to all the trademarked methods and names and....yeah, read all the repeated recommendations on any board or group), my dogs now are more, shall we say, integrated? But then again, I have also found things I don't like as much with my current sidekick who has no problem letting the world know that she is in charge. And that I put her there, with lots of hard work! So to sum it up....the "club" is not exclusive to Border Collies. I myself crack up when reading posts that almost make one feel you have to be godlike, super smart and somewhat insane to be able to handle one. I am none of the above. And I do just fine. I do however feel strongly that appropriate dedication to any animal is a must to do its soul justice.

Very nice!!!

I am so sorry. She maybe gone in body, but her spirit will always be with you.

Mara, his little face says it all. Undying devotion and loyalty. I am so sorry that his body gave out. I am ever so sorry.

Very nice. I really love that full body wiggle too.

Fun times!!!!! But yup...patience and earplugs.

I try to pin point it. Limit exercise. Possibly put them on some anti inflammatory meds if bad enough and watch for a day or two. If something's seems way off, I may call my vet for a hint. Anything three legged or near three legged....to the vet. And if it has not dissolved itself in a few days....vet. Of course a lot depends on which one of mine with what given history.

Another cutie! To a long and happy friendship!

The beauty about contracts, when read and agreed to by both sides will have something in it for both. And if you don't like it, don't sign it. A breeder may very well be smart in placing a well bred dog with a co owner as to speak. Often they get to show and be the recipient of much more attention than at a breeders that may have multiple dogs. I think a breeder that chooses his alliances well, is a much better bet than a house full of dogs being bred. Simple math. Provided the buyer/co owner holds up their end. But of course, that is not up for any discussion, if things are not agreed on by both sides.

I have a mix of dogs. Some engage in play easy. Others never do. And the third set is outcast from the rest as they play dirty! If I was dependent on a dog park for friends I would prefer a dog that acts like yours. Less chances to get into squabbles. Plus I assume that he gets to run at his delight with is toys at the park? So that should be fun. As far as the house. Some of mine are always under foot. Others don't find it that important. Now, make no mistake....even the one that is hanging out in the living room while I am in the kitchen...will be right there when I leave, open a bag of treats or otherwise engage in more interesting things than just cleaning or stuff. LOL

Well....I have a dog that contracted Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever which is not supposed to be all that common down here. It was miserable for her. So it is all a matter of what works. And we have had horrible ticks. And I am on acreage. There is virtually no to very little control over the total environment.

Lizabeth....it is a very limited team if everyone does the same job. Recognizing and appreciating every ones best "use" and applying it, is not a bad thing.

Heartworm is ivermectin. Ticks were well controlled in a super bad year with preventic collars. Fleas are out of control. Even the comfortis is ineffective for the dogs. So at the moment, I am managing with dips, shampoos, sprays (all of those natural except for the dip) and am trying the seresto collars who seem to do a decent job so far.

To me, I see the family dog as a member of the family. Silly right!? Every member has its job or place, status if you like. So maybe that family has a farm...so some members work it. So maybe the family has a tiny flat...and the members provide comfort, company, education. And everything in between. But always a member of the family.

I agree also 100% with ^^

I think it is not the age that will settle them....directly. I think it is that around that age, they have had enough teaching, repeating, proofing, practicing, exposing and simply experience for them to have gotten it. But, I do believe that they need the guidance that is provided by an attentive and caring owner to learn in that time. I find that I can only address the things I acknowledge or come to understand at needing attention.

Awww.....very cute!

There is no guarantee. Even with great ratings on the parents. But the odds are better. And because humans don't have xray vision and a dog can be very functional despite bad hips radiographically, rads are helpful. Which by the way, I just read that they have found a genetic mutation responsible for hd. But I have not read the whole info.

Depending on bite location (on the dog), size of the dog and individual issues a dog may have, it is my understanding that, unless in super highly populated (by snakes) area, it maybe one of those that rarely truly will make that much of a difference.

Wow. Did anyone else read that this breeder (by the way, not a clue who it is), is a judge (the way I read this not only AKC), has run at Soldier Hollow and the world trial? And, the breeding got the attention of mja, so I assume it was a good breeding? So is it now into bashing the breeding? I would never sign a contract like that. And mja should get her deposit back. One question though, does this breeder have a website, fb page, anywhere where she states the nature of her deposit policy that would have been accessible? Again, even if it was in writing somewhere, she still was negligent if she did not mention it verbally to the buyer. But, the deposit thing aside, it is the breeders right to put any stipulations on any dog she sells. That in itself, plus her need (job?) or desire to teach AKC students, does not mean she does not know what she is doing. Just sayin!