Sticky Post: Useful Links
Aug. 28th, 2021 11:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
koalathebearTraining Checklist - a list of things I'd ideally like all foster dogs to "leave with" when they go to their forever homes.
Socialisation Checklist
Dog Tricks/Brain exercises
Dogs, training and enrichment - especially for working dogs
Training Tag
Dog Crates
Making a puppy pen
Basic Segregation Suggestions for Pound Dogs
Littermate Syndrome. Why it's bad to adopt littermates.
Dealing with a mouthy puppy
Why it's dangerous to reprimand your dog for growling
Bringing a new foster dog into the home
Thoughts on adoption applications/my philosophy for rehoming
Rant: Foster Carers - Why are some of us so picky?
Dogs we have fostered:
Some information here.
In the ACT you need to register your dog. Details on this page.
Canberra is extremely dog-friendly with lots of different places to take your dogs. See here for a list of all places you can go with your dog. Also this link at visit canberra.
In terms of dog parks, please be careful. Good dog parks are Forde, Casey and Yarralumla where the dogs and owners seem to be friendly. We have heard of horrific attacks at Belconnen and Tuggeranong. For some tips about dog parks, read here.
Off Leash Exercise areas
Lots of people love taking their dogs to Mount Rogers Reserve which is near Melba/Flynn and is designated as an offleash dog area. Here are our dogs at Mount Rogers :) They look like they are posing for the cover of a boy-band CD
If you lose your dog, go to the Lost, Found and Impounded Dogs site at the ACT Government website. You can list your dog missing and also see what dogs people may have found or have been handed in to the pound - it's very useful and we have been able to reunite several dogs with their owners via the ACT Government website!
Most vets in Canberra will close at around 5.30 weekdays and middays on Saturday. A small number may be open after midday on Saturday and also on Sundays. For emergencies, most vets will refer you to the Animal Emergency Centre (http://aeccanberra.com.au/) in Fyshwick or the Gungahlin Emergency Vet.
We've been there and while expensive - they are lovely. See a list of vets and their opening hours here.
Our preferred vet is Brudine Veterinary Hospital in Charnwood. They look after our resident dogs and our foster dogs. Details are:
Brudine Veterinary Hospital
Unit 4/5 6 Charnwood Place, Charnwood
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
(02) 6258 1668
Hours are:
Monday to Friday: 8am - 6.30pm
Saturday: 8.30 am - midday
Sunday: closed
Most rescue dogs should already be desexed and vaccinated. You should get your dog checked out by your local vet after adoption so that they can send you reminders for when follow-up vaccinations are needed.
If your dog develops a cough, you can try Manuka Honey. If the cough persists, take your dog to the vet.
Always take a dog to the vet if there is unexplained bleeding, any eye problems etc. If your dog has diarrhoea, give boil chicken in plain rice and see how he goes. Call the vet if it persists.
Dental health is important. You shouldn't need to brush your dog's teeth if your regularly give him aw turkey wings or raw chicken wings. If you see problems with the dog's teeth, see a vet as they can get serious.
Dog Training Clubs
Belconnen Dog Obedience Club
http://www.bdoc.asn.au/index.html
Morisset Road, Mitchell ACT (corner of Flemington Road and Sandford Street).
Office Hours: 6:30pm-8:00pm on Thursday evenings and 8:30-10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Phone: (02) 6241 7999
Email: bdoc@bdoc.asn.au
ACT Companion Dog Club Inc
http://www.actcdc.org.au/
Jerrabomberra Avenue, Symonston ACT
Office Hours:Weekdays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Phone: (02) 6295 7764
Email: Contact@actcdc.org.au
Tuggeranong Dog Training Club Inc
http://www.tdtc.asn.au/index.html
Rowland Rees Crs, Greenway,
Phone: (02) 62934122
Email: tdtc@bigpond.com
Queanbeyan and District Dog Training Club
http://www.queanbeyandogs.org.au/
Phone: 0422 729 162
Email: secretary@queanbeyandogs.org.au
Club environments are great for socialisation and meeting other dog-minded people. Sometimes, however, you may want slightly more tailored, one-on-one training that is very specific to you and your dog. Here are some trainers/behaviourists located in Canberra/the Canberra area who I can recommend personally for general training and behavioural issues of concern.
All Round Good Hounds
https://www.facebook.com/All-Round-Good-Hounds-1579769235593631
Eleni Butler:
0409 575 492
info@argh.com.au
Raelene Koerber
Phone: 0406 858 788
Email: raekoe@gmail.com
For very severe behavioural issues, including aggression, I recommend Steve Courtney at K9Pro.
Dogs ACT: A.C.T Canine Association inc.. The A.C.T Canine Association inc. is the controlling body for Pure Bred Dogs and Dog Sports within the Australian Capital Territory. If you want to compete formally in dog sports, you need to become a member and then register your dog(s) with Dogs ACT. Rescue dogs will generally be on the associate register. Click this page for forms.
Check out stayz.com.au - you can limit searches to pet-friendly accommodation which is so handy. If your dog is crate trained, you may also be able to negotiate.
Also Holidaying with dogs
Australia's Best Dog Friendly Beaches
Our doggies LOVED South Durras. See here:
Zoomies on the beach
First time at the beach - fun for all
South Durras in 2013 with THREE dogs
Make sure you apply a tick treatment to your dog a few days before going to the coast.
If you really can't bring your dogs along and have to put them in kennels, I have not heard good reports about any of the kennels in Canberra. We will be using Rovers Retreat which is at Oallen Ford, about 2 hours drive outside of Canberra. Two sets of dog-friendly friends have had their dogs stay there and were very happy with it. We like it because it is not set up 'pound' style with the dogs side by side but each dog/pair of dogs gets its own kennel/cabin.
K9Pro
I love the funky dog harnesses best.
You can customise them with these funky patches, also available from K9Pro
Black Dog Collars and Dog Leads . In particular, the 'smart leads' are awesome. What I like about them is that you can tether your dog without unclipping the lead from your dog, or tying knots in it. For recall work, you can also buy 5 metre leashes. It's important to buy a good quality leash and collar because if not, if the dog lunges when in an unexpectedly exciting situation - the collar/leash can snap and you could end up with no dog, or worse - a dead dog.
Rush to Tug Martingale Collars and Leashes. These are a collar and leash combos. When a dog pulls on lead the martingale can only tighten so far. They are quick and easy to put on and take off. The Martingale collar is made with high strength nylon webbing then covered with a double layer of fleece that will rest on the dogs neck along with colorful ribbon on top. The limited slip part of the collar is braided half the thickness of the leash to provide a smooth release and increase in tension. They are 5 feet long from tip of collar to tip of handle. They are custom-made for your dog so you need to measure the dog's neck etc.
Embroidered collars which are good for dog sports or for dogs that like chewing tags. Just Google for "embroidered dog collar"
Dog Crates
Also deals direct.
mypetwarehouse
vebopet.com.au
Elbie and Hoover love the soft crates.
You can also get crates from ebay. Pet Stores have them, too but they can be very expensive.
As to whether dogs should be outside or inside? It depends! Our dogs love the outdoors but they love being inside with their humans. They tend to be in the yard when we're at work and then come inside when we get home.
For toys, pet supplies generally
Don't buy tennis balls from pet stores - they'll charge you an arm and a leg. You can buy a bunch for cheap at Kmart. Similarly, Hot Dollar, Reject Shop and other bargain stores sell cheap crates, mattreses, blankets, poo bags etc.
Vet 'n Pet Direct. This is great for pet supplies and toys generally - dog bowls (travel and ones for the home, all range of meds, treats, toys etc).
Also check out Rogz RogLite Dog Tag. It's a safety light for your dogs collar. Useful if you like walking your doggy at night.
Dog Treats Australia. Many dogs love deer antlers. You can buy them from Belco Pets and other pet stores.
Drizabone Coats for your dog.
The Wolf's Den. Some nice polar fleece vests available here.
The shame :)
Stay away from pet shops that sell live cats and dogs - chances are the poor puppies come from a puppy farm.
We like the following pet stores that do NOT sell live animals. What's great is that all of them are dog-friendly and as long as your dog is on leash and well-behaved, you can bring your dog in store!
Pet Barn
Pet Stock: Elbie and Hoover's funky Purina Pet Life Memory Foam mattresses came from here. Pet Stock also supports rescue. I loved this old quote from them:
Belco Pets at 65 Oatley Court, Belconnen is our favourite. The staff are always very friendly and helpful, they have a range of toys and treats that some of the other pet stores don't have. Best of all, they are not only supportive of rescue - they also rescue themselves. Ollie certainly enjoyed his visit to Belco Pets.
Miller went to Belco Pets to get a new collar and toy for his puppy pack. He also hung out with doggy celebrity, Benji :)
Hoover got his first collar from Belco Pets.
A lot of things are toxic to dogs. Here is an infographic setting out what dogs can and can't eat.
Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
4Lyfe Rescue Inc
herd2homes dog rescue
Riverina & District Animal Rescue RADAR
Koolie Rescue
Ailsa Turrell (Perry's Mum)
Tel 02-6296-4321 (leave a message if the phone is not answered, I check it frequently during the day)
ailsat@netspeed.com.au
Kerrie Challenger
koolierescue@australian-koolies.info 0416342843/03=5486-5370
Australian Cattle Dog Rescue
Farmdogz Rescue. Rescues farm dogs from pounds and shelters across Australia.
Gretchen's Choices: Lists Kelpies in Australian pounds
Australian Kelpie Rescue
On facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Australian-Kelpie-Rescue-Inc/175376152663939?fref=ts
Visit the Urgent Rescue forum at dogzonline.com.au and donate money towards a dog. Donations towards vet costs, kennel costs and transport can help towards securing a dog a place with rescue.
If you're not sure about whether you want to foster? Perhaps watch the documentary One Nation Under Dog.
Socialisation Checklist
Dog Tricks/Brain exercises
Dogs, training and enrichment - especially for working dogs
Training Tag
Dog Crates
Making a puppy pen
Basic Segregation Suggestions for Pound Dogs
Littermate Syndrome. Why it's bad to adopt littermates.
Dealing with a mouthy puppy
Why it's dangerous to reprimand your dog for growling
Bringing a new foster dog into the home
Thoughts on adoption applications/my philosophy for rehoming
Rant: Foster Carers - Why are some of us so picky?
Dogs we have fostered:
- Ollie: Kelpie cross (adopted 26 Aug 2012, lived in Bungendore, NSW)
- Nova: Kelpie (adopted 8 Sept 2012, lives in Canberra)
- Diesel: Kelpie (temp care only in September 2012 en route to his carer)
- Frida: Border Collie (adopted 6 Oct 2012, lived in Inverlock, Victoria)
- Dodge: Kelpie/Border Collie (foster fail, lives with us)
- Nutmeg: Kelpie/Border Collie/Cattle Dog (adopted 5 Aug 2013, lives in Melbourne, Victoria)
- Smudge Kelpie/Border Collie/Cattle Dog (adopted 14 August 2013, lives in Orange, NSW)
- Miller: Border Collie/Cattle Dog (adopted 4 Sept 2013, lives in Melbourne, Victoria)
- Juniper: Kelpie (adopted 18 Dec 2013 lived in Murrumbateman, NSW)
- Twiggy: Kelpie (adopted 27 April 2014, lives in Sydney, NSW)
- Cupcake: Kelpie (adopted 28 June 2014, lived in Canberra)
- Chimes: Border Collie cross (adopted 17 Aug 2014, lives in Sydney NSW)
- Cricket: Kelpie (adopted 25 April 2015, lives in Washington DC, United States of America)
- Rookie: Kelpie cross (adopted 30 May 2015, lives in Canberra)
- True: Kelpie (adopted 9 Aug 2015, lives in Canberra)
- Jerry: the
hellhoundKelpie cross (adopted 13 Aug 2016, lived in Canberra) - Dyson: Kelpie (adopted on 9 December 2016 in Canberra)
- Evie: Kelpie cross (adopted on 4 August 2017, lives in Canberra).
- Willow: ACD/Kelpie/BC/Koolie cross (adopted 10 November 2017)
- Monkey: Kelpie (adopted 23 June 2018)
- Takeshi: Kelpie cross (adopted 10 January 2019
- Esme: Maltese/Shih Tzu cross (adopted 31 January 2020)
- Strudel: Kelpie cross (adopted 20 December 2020, lives in Queanbeyan)
Keeping Dogs in the ACT
Some information here.
In the ACT you need to register your dog. Details on this page.
Canberra is extremely dog-friendly with lots of different places to take your dogs. See here for a list of all places you can go with your dog. Also this link at visit canberra.
In terms of dog parks, please be careful. Good dog parks are Forde, Casey and Yarralumla where the dogs and owners seem to be friendly. We have heard of horrific attacks at Belconnen and Tuggeranong. For some tips about dog parks, read here.
Off Leash Exercise areas
Lots of people love taking their dogs to Mount Rogers Reserve which is near Melba/Flynn and is designated as an offleash dog area. Here are our dogs at Mount Rogers :) They look like they are posing for the cover of a boy-band CD
If you lose your dog, go to the Lost, Found and Impounded Dogs site at the ACT Government website. You can list your dog missing and also see what dogs people may have found or have been handed in to the pound - it's very useful and we have been able to reunite several dogs with their owners via the ACT Government website!
Vet Care
Most vets in Canberra will close at around 5.30 weekdays and middays on Saturday. A small number may be open after midday on Saturday and also on Sundays. For emergencies, most vets will refer you to the Animal Emergency Centre (http://aeccanberra.com.au/) in Fyshwick or the Gungahlin Emergency Vet.
We've been there and while expensive - they are lovely. See a list of vets and their opening hours here.
Our preferred vet is Brudine Veterinary Hospital in Charnwood. They look after our resident dogs and our foster dogs. Details are:
Brudine Veterinary Hospital
Unit 4/5 6 Charnwood Place, Charnwood
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
(02) 6258 1668
Hours are:
Monday to Friday: 8am - 6.30pm
Saturday: 8.30 am - midday
Sunday: closed
Health
Most rescue dogs should already be desexed and vaccinated. You should get your dog checked out by your local vet after adoption so that they can send you reminders for when follow-up vaccinations are needed.
If your dog develops a cough, you can try Manuka Honey. If the cough persists, take your dog to the vet.
Always take a dog to the vet if there is unexplained bleeding, any eye problems etc. If your dog has diarrhoea, give boil chicken in plain rice and see how he goes. Call the vet if it persists.
Dental health is important. You shouldn't need to brush your dog's teeth if your regularly give him aw turkey wings or raw chicken wings. If you see problems with the dog's teeth, see a vet as they can get serious.
Useful Training Links
Dog Training Clubs
Belconnen Dog Obedience Club
http://www.bdoc.asn.au/index.html
Morisset Road, Mitchell ACT (corner of Flemington Road and Sandford Street).
Office Hours: 6:30pm-8:00pm on Thursday evenings and 8:30-10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Phone: (02) 6241 7999
Email: bdoc@bdoc.asn.au
ACT Companion Dog Club Inc
http://www.actcdc.org.au/
Jerrabomberra Avenue, Symonston ACT
Office Hours:Weekdays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Phone: (02) 6295 7764
Email: Contact@actcdc.org.au
Tuggeranong Dog Training Club Inc
http://www.tdtc.asn.au/index.html
Rowland Rees Crs, Greenway,
Phone: (02) 62934122
Email: tdtc@bigpond.com
Queanbeyan and District Dog Training Club
http://www.queanbeyandogs.org.au/
Phone: 0422 729 162
Email: secretary@queanbeyandogs.org.au
Club environments are great for socialisation and meeting other dog-minded people. Sometimes, however, you may want slightly more tailored, one-on-one training that is very specific to you and your dog. Here are some trainers/behaviourists located in Canberra/the Canberra area who I can recommend personally for general training and behavioural issues of concern.
All Round Good Hounds
https://www.facebook.com/All-Round-Good-Hounds-1579769235593631
Eleni Butler:
0409 575 492
info@argh.com.au
Raelene Koerber
Phone: 0406 858 788
Email: raekoe@gmail.com
For very severe behavioural issues, including aggression, I recommend Steve Courtney at K9Pro.
Dogs ACT: A.C.T Canine Association inc.. The A.C.T Canine Association inc. is the controlling body for Pure Bred Dogs and Dog Sports within the Australian Capital Territory. If you want to compete formally in dog sports, you need to become a member and then register your dog(s) with Dogs ACT. Rescue dogs will generally be on the associate register. Click this page for forms.
Travelling and Holidaying with Dogs
Check out stayz.com.au - you can limit searches to pet-friendly accommodation which is so handy. If your dog is crate trained, you may also be able to negotiate.
Also Holidaying with dogs
Australia's Best Dog Friendly Beaches
Our doggies LOVED South Durras. See here:
Zoomies on the beach
First time at the beach - fun for all
South Durras in 2013 with THREE dogs
Make sure you apply a tick treatment to your dog a few days before going to the coast.
If you really can't bring your dogs along and have to put them in kennels, I have not heard good reports about any of the kennels in Canberra. We will be using Rovers Retreat which is at Oallen Ford, about 2 hours drive outside of Canberra. Two sets of dog-friendly friends have had their dogs stay there and were very happy with it. We like it because it is not set up 'pound' style with the dogs side by side but each dog/pair of dogs gets its own kennel/cabin.
Shopping!
K9Pro
I love the funky dog harnesses best.
You can customise them with these funky patches, also available from K9Pro
Black Dog Collars and Dog Leads . In particular, the 'smart leads' are awesome. What I like about them is that you can tether your dog without unclipping the lead from your dog, or tying knots in it. For recall work, you can also buy 5 metre leashes. It's important to buy a good quality leash and collar because if not, if the dog lunges when in an unexpectedly exciting situation - the collar/leash can snap and you could end up with no dog, or worse - a dead dog.
Rush to Tug Martingale Collars and Leashes. These are a collar and leash combos. When a dog pulls on lead the martingale can only tighten so far. They are quick and easy to put on and take off. The Martingale collar is made with high strength nylon webbing then covered with a double layer of fleece that will rest on the dogs neck along with colorful ribbon on top. The limited slip part of the collar is braided half the thickness of the leash to provide a smooth release and increase in tension. They are 5 feet long from tip of collar to tip of handle. They are custom-made for your dog so you need to measure the dog's neck etc.
Embroidered collars which are good for dog sports or for dogs that like chewing tags. Just Google for "embroidered dog collar"
Dog Crates
Also deals direct.
mypetwarehouse
vebopet.com.au
Elbie and Hoover love the soft crates.
You can also get crates from ebay. Pet Stores have them, too but they can be very expensive.
As to whether dogs should be outside or inside? It depends! Our dogs love the outdoors but they love being inside with their humans. They tend to be in the yard when we're at work and then come inside when we get home.
For toys, pet supplies generally
Don't buy tennis balls from pet stores - they'll charge you an arm and a leg. You can buy a bunch for cheap at Kmart. Similarly, Hot Dollar, Reject Shop and other bargain stores sell cheap crates, mattreses, blankets, poo bags etc.
Vet 'n Pet Direct. This is great for pet supplies and toys generally - dog bowls (travel and ones for the home, all range of meds, treats, toys etc).
Also check out Rogz RogLite Dog Tag. It's a safety light for your dogs collar. Useful if you like walking your doggy at night.
Dog Treats Australia. Many dogs love deer antlers. You can buy them from Belco Pets and other pet stores.
Drizabone Coats for your dog.
The Wolf's Den. Some nice polar fleece vests available here.
The shame :)
Pet Stores
Stay away from pet shops that sell live cats and dogs - chances are the poor puppies come from a puppy farm.
We like the following pet stores that do NOT sell live animals. What's great is that all of them are dog-friendly and as long as your dog is on leash and well-behaved, you can bring your dog in store!
Pet Barn
Pet Stock: Elbie and Hoover's funky Purina Pet Life Memory Foam mattresses came from here. Pet Stock also supports rescue. I loved this old quote from them:
It teaches your kids good values.
Face it - we live in an extremely materialistic society, in which TV teaches kids that everything can be bought, that they should get their parents to buy them everything, and that anything worth having costs a lot of money. Adopting a rescue pet for your family presents a wonderful opportunity to teach your children basic values of compassion and caring, and also about the value of second chances.
Belco Pets at 65 Oatley Court, Belconnen is our favourite. The staff are always very friendly and helpful, they have a range of toys and treats that some of the other pet stores don't have. Best of all, they are not only supportive of rescue - they also rescue themselves. Ollie certainly enjoyed his visit to Belco Pets.
Miller went to Belco Pets to get a new collar and toy for his puppy pack. He also hung out with doggy celebrity, Benji :)
Hoover got his first collar from Belco Pets.
Dog Foods
A lot of things are toxic to dogs. Here is an infographic setting out what dogs can and can't eat.
Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
Rescue Groups
4Lyfe Rescue Inc
herd2homes dog rescue
Riverina & District Animal Rescue RADAR
Koolie Rescue
Ailsa Turrell (Perry's Mum)
Tel 02-6296-4321 (leave a message if the phone is not answered, I check it frequently during the day)
ailsat@netspeed.com.au
Kerrie Challenger
koolierescue@australian-koolies.info 0416342843/03=5486-5370
Australian Cattle Dog Rescue
Farmdogz Rescue. Rescues farm dogs from pounds and shelters across Australia.
Gretchen's Choices: Lists Kelpies in Australian pounds
Australian Kelpie Rescue
On facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Australian-Kelpie-Rescue-Inc/175376152663939?fref=ts
Visit the Urgent Rescue forum at dogzonline.com.au and donate money towards a dog. Donations towards vet costs, kennel costs and transport can help towards securing a dog a place with rescue.
If you're not sure about whether you want to foster? Perhaps watch the documentary One Nation Under Dog.