gsdog2

The Spotted Devil how lucky are you! You would have felt pretty confident with your choice after spending all that time with them (despite the long lunches ;) ). I, on the otherhand, don't live interstate so I don't think the breeder is going to welcome me into her home for 3-4 days *sigh*

No dogdude I haven't seen the parents working, however as I said I spent quite a long time with both parents and I was happy with what I saw. This particular breeder is not unknown to me as I've seen various shepherds they have breed working in the trial ring and was very impressed with what I saw. They came highly recommended by someone far more experienced in the obedience ring than I'll ever be, so I'm happy with the choice I've made. My next step is choosing the right pup and this is where I'm asking for your help. I've already learnt that five weeks is a little young so I'm hoping the breeder might let me wait until they are seven weeks. There are some great suggestions here and I appreciate all of them, so please don't hesitate in adding to this list.

Thanks Ptolomy I have added this site to favourites :rolleyes:

Thanks poodlefan - the breeder has an excellent name and I will certainly be asking her for her opinion as well :rolleyes:

I have chosen the breeder (recommended by someone very active in the obedience world), visited the breeder, seen the mum (lovely gentle nature), and met the dad (a beautiful active, bouncy friendly boy who wanted nothing more than to play the whole time we were there). I will be going back when the pups are 5 weeks old to choose our new pup ;) - replacing the girl I lost to cancer :rolleyes: . At this stage I will be choosing from three female pups and I would appreciate any suggestions on what I should look for in a pup that I hope to take into the obedience ring one day. I am not looking so much at appearance and both mum and dad have good hip/elbow scores, what I'm looking at is character and nature. At such a young age is there any suggestions as to what I should be looking for?

If she's ok this morning I would worm her again in 2 weeks time :rolleyes:

If it's worms (hookworm) you won't actually see the worm in the "poo". It's usually very dark and it can look almost like tar. Is the "poo" runny/slimy - sorry - or normal? There are sooo many different reasons for blood in the poo (obstruction in the bowel - is she straining?). If it was me and this has been going on all day I would have her at the vet first thing in the morning or sooner if she deteriates. Sorry but it's just a guessing game trying to figure it out over the net. PS As awful as it sounds the vet would appreciate a "sample" if you do decide to take her in.

Yesterday and i think that was her first poop since.. Is she up to date with her vaccinations - it can be a sign of Parvo, (also has a smell you never forget).

Ok, so in that fear period exercise more caution and be aware. I have always kept previous pups in my own yard, friends yards (that I knew were safe), and where I work - from 8wks to 12wks. Next time I think I'll take Erny's advice and expose any future pups to a few more "experiences" from 8wks instead of waiting for the 12wk vaccination - keeping in mind that fear period between 12 to 16wks

Ok, so now I'm confused . I like the idea of - "By the time my pup was 16 weeks old I'd built up his experiences to enable him to easily cope with train rides; bus rides; high rise elevators; walk in CBD Melbourne; walk around Tullamarine Airport; visit at street cafe's in busy streets/road; and more. These experiences will set him up to be able to deal with many of the things that he's likely to be subject to throughout his life". But, I've just read where K9 Force says that 12 to 16 wks is a fear period for puppies. So, wouldn't it be better to wait until they're 16 wks for these experiences? This fear period concerns me and I'd hate to accidentally expose a pup to something I didn't realise would cause fear and then suffer the after-affects for the rest of their life. How do you balance the exposure to life experiences, while also being aware this is a crucial fear period?

:p I totally agree! Prong, check or flat collar effectiveness depend on the dog and the handler - although I wouldn't use anything more than a flat collar for a small puppy.

Slightly OT, but I'm finding a lot of places won't stock check chains anymore . Even harder to get is the "snake check chain" - I ended up ordering it on the net!

We live on over an acre so there's plenty of room for them to roam around all day long. When we go for a walk I don't use a check chain (just a flat collar) and I clip the lead to my belt - they walk at my pace without any problems. I won't let them toilet when we walk because I don't want to carry a full poo bag :p . They're trained to go at home before we leave :p . I don't allow sniffing either - I want to go for a half hour "walk".

I always pay by cheque and nine times out of ten they don't cash it until after the trial. Recently I was unable to attend a trial I had nominated for and they didn't cash the cheque .

You've brought a tear to my eye again as I remember the two girls. If it weren't for these two girls we wouldn't have met - I can't believe their both gone It's nice to think of the two of them together - I hope they have the same special friendship their mums have. Precious, you know, holds a special place in my heart and whenever I see a Rottie now I always remember a precious girl who had a certain way about her so much like a certain GSD we both know and love.

I've never heard of it , but I'd love to know ....... please!

Just revisiting this clip on You Tube and discovered this most beautiful and talented Golden has lost his fight with cancer . My heart goes out to Carolyn Scott who has lost a very special friend. (quote) "Rookie lost his battle with cancer July 14, 2008. A very very sad day. Carolyn & Rookie touched all of our hearts and indeed together they changed the world. Rest in peace Rookie." RIP Rookie

Have you tried Nekhbet's advice? I second everything written here, and strongly recommend you keep Trigger as busy/occupied as you possibly can!!!!

I've just come across this thread and I'm soooooooo glad to read everyone's responses to the use of laser pointers. You've absolutely done the right thing Luke GSP by asking the question first. I am the owner of a dog who suffers from one innocent use of a laser light my OH had bought for work. He had it at home and thought it was very funny watching our Goldie turning himself inside out trying to catch it. I have been told one of the reasons it makes some dogs become obsessive about shadows and reflections after an encounter with laser lights (and similar) is because to a dog everything has a scent (scent being their strongest sense) and the light totally confuses them. This is because a laser light has no smell, can never be caught or mouthed (remember dogs use their mouth when investigating new things). I have banned anything that remotely resembles the laser light and now 3 years on we are coping, but he will revert back to that obsessive puppy if by any chance there happens to be a reflection from someone's watch or similar. I suggest you keep doing your homework, and keep asking questions as we're all learning from the replies you receive .

No, we cope with the shadow chasing. It was worse when he was younger, now we make an effort to avoid situations which might set him off. So, not exactly fixed, but then again not intense as was the case when he was younger. I mention the shadow chasing only to point out the fact that he has that type of personality. When being examined in the Stand for Exam he will give a very subtle growl (I don't even hear it as it is so soft). The examiner (male or female) will tell me they heard it. The following week he won't make a sound. There are no other signs (flattened ears, fast tail wagging or stiff tail etc). I have had a number of trainers give me advice, some are not sure whether he is just vocalising or if it is a sign of "aggression" (I don't like to use that word because I'm not a behaviourist who might know what's going on in his head). He does stand still, but to me his eyes say he's nervous. One of the trainers discovered that he is comfortable with an examination if he is lead TO the examiner and not the examiner approaching him. In those circumstances they can give him a thorough examination and he is completely comfortable with it. So I ask examiners to reward him with food, I reward him with food and heaps of praise, but somehow we don't seem to be able to get past that point :D Sparky I intend to tell him when I go in that I am only there for the 30 minute consult, and whether he's figured out what's wrong or not we finish at that point. I would love to know your vets suggestions if I have no joy on Tuesday.

Thanks nastro :D . I've seen Craig work his assistance dogs at Pet Expo and I was impressed. Where is Craig based, and would I have any chance of seeing him or does he pass most of his work on to his trainers? Mita I looked at the site and they say Metropolitan Brisbane, but I didn't see where in Brisbane. Have I overlooked it, and could you let me know where they're situated? WalandLibby I didn't know Gaille was seeing anyone up here. My problem is I need to see someone away from our home as they won't see the behaviour in his home environment. Did I say it was his Stand for Exam that needs to be fixed so it needs to be on unfamiliar territory.

Ok, quick update. I just received a call from his receptionist and I've made an appointment for next Tuesday. Hopefully this is going to work.

Today I joined the Pethealth site (Cam Day) $33.00 for 3 months membership - apparently the discount I receive as a member will cover the membership fee. So, I ring to arrange an appointment and although I try a number of times there's no answer and I'm put through to a message. I get on the internet and there I'm told to get membership discount I need to book an appointment online. You have a number of choices for consults. ranging from phone to home visit. I chose a 30 minute consult in his rooms. $103.00 with discount . Ok, I think, we need to go through with this. I continue online but I'm getting concerned because it keeps saying proceed to shopping cart :rolleyes: . Anyway, when I get to the end I'm asked for my credit card details and it's showing me a tax invoice. This is before I've even SPOKEN to anyone. I don't even pay human specialists before I've seen them!!!! So now I'm $33.00 down and don't know whether to persist with Cam Day or count my losses and try one of the others suggested here. At this stage I think I'll make some more enquiries, although I'm getting frustrated as this is not helping my problem with my Goldie

Thanks Persephone . That's what I've been hoping for - someone who has actually had dealings with him (although I am grateful to Miss B and Staff'n'Toller for their replies). When you saw him you were happy with his help/suggestions? And by the way I did the same thing (googled) and same results, that's why I was hoping for more ideas here.

I've edited "Topic Description" in the hope someone might be able to give me some more ideas. Nothing against Cam Day - just wondering if there's any other dog Behaviourists, if not Vet Behaviourists, out there? Surely he can't be the only one in Brisbane