So as a vegetarian you find it more ethical to pump your dog full of steroids (which are tested on animals) than try and combat a problem using a natural alternative?!
I'm not saying it would work, but I would definitely be worth considering surely!?
I'm not saying testing on animals is good in any way shape or form it just seems like hypocrisy. Also, happy to feed the rubbish parts of the animal if they come in little biscuit shapes not looking like a dead animal!?
That's like saying my dog is getting fat but I'm not in a position to take it for a walk.

I'd also consider a second vet opinion; I can't see how bathing a dog 5-6 times a day would be good for their skin or coat, especially if using anything with chemicals in. Also, out of curiosity why steroids over immuno-suppressants if it's an allergy?
Obviously not your vet so can't comment.


On point, if I had a working farm I would have working dogs, I wouldn't bathe them daily but would give them the option to sleep inside. From the ones I have met some like sleeping inside, some don't. Given I'd be spending all day interacting with the dog I don't see how it can feel unloved?
I'd never chain a dog though, I'd put the money in to make a secure area for them.

A pet dog kept in a crate and taken for an hour walk everyday may feel unloved, I could see that.

My dog is indoors, he is people dependant and I like having him in as part of the family.

Ah you mean an affinity? Why didn't you say so!!! :mrgreen:

No. I believe that a working dog has a selected genetic trait called biddability which, when coupled with the selected genetic trait for a form of work results in a dog that loves to work with humans, but for the end result of the work. In fact I do believe that one of the traits bred into WSDs is to always keep the sheep between it and it's handler. This is not something that is trained, it is instinctual IME.

In essence I believe that you are trying to make out that the WSD would rather spend it's days following around it's Human looking lovingly into it's eyes, but the reality is these dogs are bred specifically to stare lovingly in to the eyes of Ovis Aries.

Do you take your dogs to work then because if you both work 12/16 hours a day, sleep for 8 there's only 4 hours left to spend with your dogs! Thats a lot less time than a WSD spends with a Shepherd.

No reread what I wrote ! He is allergic to several cheaper options of meat, I am an office cleaner not a millioniare I can't afford to feed more expensive than I do now and the vet luckily understands and listens to me when I say that.

Well, fir my two penneth worth..

I can see no reason to keep a pet dog on a chain.

Working dogs also need love. Most old time shepherds would spend the days on the hills, then go home WITH THEIR DOG to their house. Maybe because it was the tool of their trade, but they took their dog into their home. They did not leave it outside on a chain. How could you have a decent bond with an animal you chained up outside? And you need to bond with a dog you are going to rely on for your livelihood. Not as a passtime.

Really?!

I'm sorry if I sound very harsh in this but not being able to afford a diet is just not an excuse in my books.

When posts start to get personally nasty and silly, the debate is over.
Shame. Important and informative posts are being lost in a muddle of nastiness and silliness. Very sad.

As I have said and will
Continue to say, chaining a dog is,
In my opinion, cruel.
I have no issue with dogs being kennelled ifthe kennels are well designed with the dog's welfare as priority.

Not all working dogs have a great life. Not all
Pet dogs do either. It is up to the more responsible
ones to try to ensure that changes. Things that could
Help are being lost on here now ( including posts about the life of a WSD that is well looked after). So I am off. Hate it when things get silly and nasty. No
need.