After I began working with him, I noticed that his physical movements were noticeably “border collie”. I have been involved in dog agility for 10 yrs, and have observed many border collies. Repeatedly, Jack Russel owners commented on my cute Jack Russel mix. I faced the fact that he was not a Scottie mix, he really does not have any Scottish terrier personality traits, but he is long, black, wirey, and possesses a wonderful rolling bark.

After accepting the likelihood that I was the owner of a Border Jack, I had to wonder- why anyone would allow those two breeds to make puppies! The first months with Bosgo were extremely difficult, he exhibited extreme prey drive, he was excitable and aggressive with other dogs; he possessed few dog social skills, and often challenged my leadership.

I am an experienced dog owner, I have owned 3 terriers, all obedient off leash, 2 are experienced agility dogs, and one is a certified pet therapy dog. I soon realized that I was in over my head with Bossgo, and enlisted the help of a professional dog trainer. She helped me to re-establish myself as leader, and to regain pack order at home. The Scotties really appreciated it when Bossgo understood his place at home. This story has a happy ending, but it has been a long road. Earlier this year I was able to take Bossgo to an organized obedience class, and with consistent work he is well socialized and constantly accompanies me to our local Saturday Market, and our off leash dog park. People often stop me and comment on his unusual cuteness, and his fine social skills.

Helping Bossgo become a great dog required over one year of consistent daily walks, and boundary education. Ultimately we were able to develop a “tool box” of effective strategies and techniques to mold Bossgo into the wonderful companion dog that he is today. I no longer have to “manage” Bossgo when we go for a walk, he just walks next to me, sometimes he whines a bit at other dogs, but does not pull, jump, bark, or otherwise act like a fool. He is a great dog now, and I would not part with him!

But that’s a little something positive about that mobile unit ASPCA Cares. It helps families that cannot afford spay/neuter and does it free of charge while also educating on why it’s important. Or at least it’s how they depict it on TV, but it is a good idea.

My neighbour has not s/n her 2 dogs (male AND female) because she cannot afford it. The other downside is that her family believes it inhumane to the dogs because now if they want to have babies they can’t. That whole idea drives me up a wall, but the main reason they haven’t been fixed is due to the high price. I also think it’s important to make it low cost and to make it so that the people are educated.

Glad we understand each other ;).

By providing the low cost spay lower income people are more able to afford to s/n their pets. The same money used to enforce draconian laws can be used to provide these humane services as a choice. With m/s/n some low income families are forced to relinquish their animals to certain death. If we joined hands to provide such services there would be fewer deaths and less conflict - a win win.

Yes, you’re right. I agree with you. Along with what I’ve just said above in respect to those who are for the “rights” of animals.

I do agree with what you say with some reservations for trying to understand both sides of the spectrum and my own personal afflictions.

Your point of view is very much understood, forgive my initial mis-reading of your statement.

I rescue dogs, but I rescue ANY dog. Why should I exclude mutts from purebreds, besides, all purebreds were mixed or bred with something else to create what they are today. In my opinion breed specific is a little descriminate. I admit that there are plenty dogs from the shelter who have behavioural issues, but I’ve also changed those problems before as well.

Yes perhaps spaying or neutering should be YOUR choice, but if you’re irresponsible it only creates other problems. That’s why I said it’s a double edged sword. You have people who want to keep their rights, but if you cannot act accordingly given that right then the law steps in and takes them away. I am not calling it right or fair, but it’s the world.

I am not a fan of BYB or puppy mills or people who think it’s ethical to kill billions of livestock a year that we don’t even use. It’s just NOT ethical or humane, it’s wasteful and I just don’t appreciate it.

I can’t really call anyone wrong or right in this case because I understand the point of view of YOUR argument and I understand that of the people who are battling for “animal rights. ” Unfortunately, though, fighting each other doesn’t resolve any issues. The more we butt heads it seems the more the opposing sides detest each other and then we pretty much get nowhere.

I don’t want to lose my dogs, but I also don’t want purebreds to take over the world. I don’t want people who want the choice of eating meat to go away, but I don’t want billions of animals slaughtered and then wasted. I am in no man’s land. No one can seem to come to terms and find a plausible solution to whatever problem it is.

I am a semi-vegetarian and it’s actually a healthier lifestyle…FOR ME.

I’ve also spoken with USDA in a meeting and they are the hardest people to compromise with PERIOD. Like it or not there are more factory farms than small family farms, just like there are more puppy mills and BYB than responsible and reputable breeders. Animal Rights plays off of the majority…and yes other people get persecuted in the process.

http://www.meatrix.com promotes small family farming NOT vegetarianism or veganism. Attempts to educate the population on healthier meat and dairy products…doesn’t encourage the extinction of meat and dairy farming.

One has to understand that animal rights individuals wish to eliminate all animals in the lives of humans. No more pets -dogs or cats - no more beef, sheep, pig, chickens etc. They want us to all be vegans. Go surf some animal rights sites. They are not burdened with the need to be truthful and regularly use emotional appeals and sad photos to get money and support. I am monitoring events that are happening all over the USA. It is very sobering that such things can occur in America. Dog breeders & owners are having their 4th & 5th amendment rights abridged. Their animals are being confiscated and sold for a profit by rescue groups. 20/20 did an expose about it. http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=817494&page=1

Just in the last couple of days people in Fort Worth, TX woke up to animal control coming to arrest them and take their animals. Were they breeders? No. But these animal rights generated bills can jump up and bite everyone. Think you are safe? Laws are tricky things read this. (Please note that all the animals were stated to be healthy and in good condition. Better dead than fed = animal rights position)
http://www.star-telegram.com/metro_news/story/1504251.html
While I know that sadly some dog are euthanized that could live happy lives, the statistics of ones capable of being adopted are flawed as presented by people like HSUS & PETA. They fail to separate elderly, sick or dogs with bad tempers from the statistics. They fail to take out owner surrenders for euthanasia of elderly and sick animals. It has been shown over and over that education coupled with low cost spay/neuter can reduce pet over population.

I have done rescue and continue to do rescue that is breed specific. Rescue communities are not all created equal. There are some that vilify and attack breeders. Even the “puppy mill” push is aimed at all dog breeding under the guise of attacking sub standard commercial breeders. All commercial breeders are vilified because of a few that already fall under existing cruelty and USDA rules. Think that’s not possible? Read this: “What happened to Due Process?” http://bit.ly/OgiKK & Largest Commercial Dog Breeder in Canada Wins Lawsuit http://bit.ly/fA2ru

In this battle between animal rights and animal owners/breeders, the ones that are losing are the dogs. In LA,CA where m/s/n went into effect death rates have increased 177% Be careful what you wish for, you might get it. In the end no one should mandate a surgical procedure for our animals. It should be a choice in the land of the free.

I’m spending about 3 to 4 hours per day for free going through articles and newspaper reports about animal rights agendas and the effects it has had on breeders and animal owners. I’m monitoring legislative efforts all over the USA that affect animal husbandry of all types. Trust me it is frightening. “Don’t ask for whom the bell tolls….”

However, I am not against purebred breeders at all. Down here, the law is being enforced that dogs of their breed are allowed to remain in-tact, but others must be spayed or neutered. THIS I cannot argue with. I think part of that law includes that breeders are allowed to leave their dogs in tact. BUT no one goes around to see what constitutes a breeder. There could be puppy mills thinking that they fall under the category of this law. I think that if the dog isn’t being bred for temperament, health, soundness…then that dog should be spayed/neutered at the approriate age. There are just too many stupid people and suffering dogs out there ( I now own a couple).

Again, though, Maggie B is right. If you spay ALL the dogs…then there are no more dogs to breed. This means no more mixed breeds either, which some of us have come to know and love. Not to mention most shelters spay/neuter a dog WAAY too early which can cause health problems too (this I’ve seen first hand).

In my opinion it’s a double edged sword because although there are responsible pet owners out there, like ourselves, there are still the people out there who aren’t. And I suppose the old saying “one bad apple spoils the bunch” can be applied to this because we are being punished for other people’s stupidity…but how do we target all the ignorant individuals? You can’t, you have to target a population and hope it works on all the bad people too.

I’m also part of an Organization called Dog Scouts…for purebreds and mixed breeds alike…it was formed for people to join and promote responsible pet ownership. It has helped to educate A LOT of people on dog care and incorporates fun activites for your dog. We do free-shaping, obedience, clicker training, go camping, go hiking, go backpacking, go swimming, do agility, flyball, AND dock dogs. There’s an activity there for EVERY type of dog. I totally support this group because it isn’t saying “you must spay and neuter” it isn’t saying “bad shelters and SPCA” it’s saying “if you have a dog, be a responsible parent. Come and we’ll show you how.” It’s even fun for those of us who already know…and sometimes we even learn something NEW!

I also own three small aussies. (North American Shephersd/ Miniature Australian Shepherds).
I agree, it could be the box. It could be that she has such a GREAT swimmer’s turn that evenly distributes her total body weight among all four of her feet while in contact with the triggering mechanism that there is not enough “pressure” to trigger it.

What to do?

You may have to make the trigger more “sensitive”. I don’t know what kind of box you have but, nearly all of them can be adjusted. It may involve changing a few parts such as the spring strength or a smaller cocking mechanism. Flyball boxes are notorious for each of their “unique” designs and it’s hard to find any uniformity among them. BUT, the parts can usually be found at a hardware store.

Are you a “tinkerer” or know somebody who does? Do you know who designed and built your flyball box? Box makers are usually very helpful when it comes to changing designs to accomodate a specific triggering problem.

How far does the pedal have to travel before it triggers the releasing mechanism? We have a “loaded” pedal and so it only needs to travel about 1/4 of an inch before the firing mechanism fires.
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Look at the holes as well. Some teams like deep holes. My team likes a smaller hole with at least two thirds of the ball sticking out. That “design” may give your boxloader some headaches but, the dogs love it because the hammer only needs a very light “tap” to catapault the ball out of the hole. Easy on the dog who may have a light touch.

These are just a few ideas. Start asking questions at tournaments and you’ll learn a lot and maybe get someone to start tinkering with your box if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.