gsdog2

Nekhbet, GSD's have that effect on a lot of us. A number of years ago I lost two at 10 and 11 yrs one month apart I swore I'd never have another one, and I must admit it took me 7 years before I finally decided I "needed" a shep in my life (a female). I've since lost that beautiful girl (12yrs) and have two more - the heartache when they're gone is terrible, but while they're here there's nothing like the love of a GSD

OH took a video of me in the ring with my Goldie and I was concentrating sooooo hard on walking in a straight line (focusing on an object ahead of me at a distance) that my poor boy was all but forgotten about There's just too many things to remember in a trial ring

I have a gazebo too, which is fine when I go to a trial with a friend but if I'm by myself an umbrella is quicker and easy

You two work so well!!!!! There's still more to do

I got the idea after going to a Steve Austin seminar (airport customs dogs) and he said he put vests on the dogs in the airport so people knew they were working - but the vest also allowed the dog to realise it's working. My vest signals my dog she's training. I'm sure there's plenty of DOLers who's dogs go nuts when they put their joggers on - isn't that the same effect as my vest Edited to make more sense

It has but I can't remember when/where either. I wear a vest when training (it's convenient - somewhere for keys and toys or food), and I have asked a judge if I can wear it in the obedience ring and he said it would be allowed. I have since worn my vest in the ring without any problems. I like the idea of the vest letting my dog know that it's now time for training/fun and her showing recognition for what's about to happen

I have filled out my questionnaire and sent it back, so now I'll wait for the next step . The enthusiasm is already rubbing off on me - thank you to everyone for your great replies As Huski said "I think more DOLers who have done/are doing the course with Steve need to post their videos!". For all the other people like me who never knew a course in "Prey, Food & Pack Drive" existed!

I agree dyzney. Huski and Daisy certainly are a good recommendation to start the TID course ASAP If I can achieve half of what they've achieved I'll be very happy.

I also don't agree with playing/interaction with other dogs at training, but I have owned dogs that I've had to watch all the time because they would be "watching" the other dogs. After being on constant alert with them (they were males) my female is totally relaxed with other dogs and after my two males I really don't want her to lose that confidence. When I say "mixing" I mean in a class situation with different breeds, sexes and temperament of dogs where she doesn't show any stress or concern at all - not "playing"

We all know someone who died too young Thank you - that was beautiful.

I have just sent an email to Steve, so I've taken the first step It's true, there aren't many classes around that work on food/prey drive. Maybe I should leave her at home and go on my own I like the fact that she's a very social dog, and having had not so social dogs, I would hate for her to lose that friendliness by not mixing with many dogs, as she does when training in a class.

That's the thing Huski she is ball obsessed, her life revolves around balls, any ball! But that's where the difficulty is for me, trying to get some sort of handle (can't think of a better word ) on this obsession she has. We have three dogs and I have to lock the other two up to throw the ball for her because she's so worried they're going to get to it first! When I train her I have a vest on with huge pockets to "hide" the ball and she watches my "pocket" waiting for the ball to appear. To me that's a great sign and I'm glad she loves the ball so much, but I need someone to guide me as to what to do with all this drive. Also, can I still go to our other classes? I really enjoy them, it's a really nice group of trainers (and dogs) and I'd hate to give it up

Have PM'd you re. price

Best idea. He is really easy to talk to on the phone and will take the time to answer all your questions. After the great replies I've had (not one negative ) I will contact him tomorrow - only I didn't realise I'd be able to speak to Steve (he sounds like a very busy person ;) )

dyzney she has heaps of drive at the moment, and that's my concern, how am I going to handle it?

Thanks everyone for the quick replies - Seita it was huski who suggested the course. I didn't realise there was a course on prey drive . (love the clip by the way ) shoemonster I'm the same - I've picked up bits and pieces, but I seem to end up with more questions than I do answers laeral one of the reasons I'm interested in the course is because I'm going to "need" support. I like to idea of someone there to answer my questions when I lose my way How long is a module (for a slow learner )

I bought a bag of Eukanuba the other day and received a freebie large umbrella with a carry bag included. I'm grateful for anything I can throw over my shoulder and keep my hands free to hang on to my dogs lead.

I'm interested in this course and I'd like to hear from any DOLers who've already completed it. I have a 12mth GSD female who literally goes nuts over "any" ball and I'd like to learn how to harness this obsession correctly as I'm only picking up bits and pieces from here and other sites on the net. I would like to trial her this year and have taken her to classes since she was 8 wks, but she's not half as keen to work there as she is when I take her to the park and use the ball when training. Thanks in advance

I have bought so many items from overseas lately (training dvd's, leads and training books) as the choice is so much better and even when including postage there's not a lot of difference in price. For me it's not just the US, some items have come from Israel (beautiful leather leads) Sweden and the UK.

Just joined!!!

I belive that - my GSD boy has a single bed (not a king size though)!!

I've already forwarded this thread and I will also get them to have a look at the Dane thread . I have mentioned they need to find a good breeder, but having said that you need a starting point to find the right breeder. As a GSD owner (and a Goldie ) I totally agree with you that a dane is completely different, and to me it's a little scary as far as the responsibility goes to look after these beautifull giants. Before taking that step of owning a Dane a lot of research has to be done to 1. Find the right breeder (who will be there AFTER you have taken you pup home) 2. How to feed them correctly 3. How to exercise them safely - and the list goes on

Thanks Danois I've only ever really known GSD's and it seems to me that to own a Great Dane is a whole other world . I know someone considering a Great Dane for their next dog and I thought I would come here to find out more about them. I'm learning heaps through DOL about these beautiful giants and certainly appreciate your's and riesenhaft's input

I also use Euk Large breed puppy for my younger GSD, although at 12mth she has one meal of 4 cups which I will maintain at that amount while her ribs and hips are so clearly defined (she's a very active girl ), I am thinking of changing her from the puppy food. More questions - how long would you be feeding them on 3-5 cups twice a day?

Thanks for that riesenhaft. Your 8yr old girl has the same as my 8yr old GSD boy - he has a lot of elbow and knee problems and therefore exercise is limited. Your younger ones need a lot more that my younger GSD, so now I'm wondering how much exercise do they have a day to require so much more? And sorry, one more question, I see you still feed your 20mth female three times a day - for how long would she need three meals a day?