SpringerLass

Im not sure the reason for the breaking. It may be a confidence thing. I can do a reliable sit stay (with other dogs around) for a distance of 3-4 meters. But when I push further out, ie trialling CCD distance she drops. She usually drops in the first 5 seconds I move away from her, but she stays in the lineup and the other dogs dont seem to phase her. At home I have practised as many places as possible. Every park and oval around town, so its not just in the backyard where she can do it. It seems like she is kinda saying "so what are you going to do about it" and of course I cant do or say anything. Have tried lots of postive re-inforcement when she does it right but so far that has not been in a trial. P, I honestly havent tried some of the things you suggested. Will make that my next project. I like the idea of getting her to sit stay when I am gardening and generally moving around. Dogdude, focus is always going to be the issue with a gun dog. Just to many birds out there! Saying that I have been doing alot of work on focus of late and seem to be getting somewhere. Thanks for the suggestions and please keep them coming.

My 4 yo springer has a major issue with sit stays in obedience trialling. We can do the 1 minute sit stay at home and have had limited sucess at dog obedience classes from a range of distances but when it comes to trialling she breaks every time. It is getting very frustrating, given that she has achieved very good marks up untill the stays. I might add that she does the down stay no problems. Anyone have any ideas? The biggest problem is that it is starting to become a habit at competitions.

I was just wondering if anyone knows of any agility groups in central vic that train during the week. I currently train with the local obedience club so my Sundays are already full. Are there any private agilty trainers in central Vic. Any help would be greatly apreciated.

Thanks for the advise. It is interesting that part of her coat is like goose down (really soft) and it is very prone to matting. Usually happens between her front legs and is easy to comb out. But not this time as the matts seemed to develop as she went in and out of the water. I will start working on it, a bit at a time and will look into those products. I have thought about getting a grooming table, top of the washing machine isnt really the best.

Hi everyone, I have a 2.5yo ESS girl and I am having a current issue with her coat. She has a very fine silky coat which is usually great to manage with regular brushing. But on the weekend she was swimming in the dam for 4 hours on Sat and another 4 hours on Sunday. Gotta love the gundogs urge to swim and chase birds. Anyway, when we got home I noticed that saras coat has matted up something chronic. The feathers on her belly and back legs are one big knot. No grass seeds thankfully. When I tried to brush them out with a comb and pin brush the poor girl was hurting. So my questions are: How do I get the knots out without having to clip her all over?? Would a Mars coat king be any good and what size?? Any other suggestions for keeping the coat matt free??