gsdog2

Can't offer you any advice (way out of my league ), but just thought I'd "bump" you up in the hope someone else will help. Good luck with him.

Puggles you weren't to know how long she had - you did it because you loved her. RIP Miss Mollie

Wouldn't sweepstakes come under this category. In sweepstakes you follow the same procedures as you would in a trial, although points don't go towards a title. In Qld anyway, you have to qualify in sweepstakes before you can enter Novice. However this isn't the case for CCD (and maybe it should be the same for CCD i.e. qualifying score).

I agree. If my dog looks like he's under threat, then his safety must come first and I will leave the ring. In my case I didn't ask the other dog/handler to leave - I chose to leave. I can always enter another trial I know it doesn't only happen in CCD, but I was told it is more likely to happen in CCD. This seems to be because there are a number of handlers who wouldn't usually consider trialing but feel CCD is within in their reach (which it is, and I think should be). Hence, a higher number of "incidents" in groups.

I'm looking at putting my Goldie in CCD this year too, although I've had a few people suggest maybe it's not such a good idea. Apparently in groups the dogs may not be as stable as you might be used to in say ..... novice or open. I had a go in CCD last year and pulled out after sits in groups as I had another dog stand over mine in a not-so-friendly manner. I pulled out as I didn't want to put my dog at risk in the drop. The owner of the other dog was nice enough to pull out and the judge asked me to re-enter the ring and we completed the excercise. It does make me wonder about whether we should just work on Novice or risk the same thing happening again in CCD.

$3500 :D !!!!! Cost shouldn't be the deciding factor when you are looking for education IMHO, although I realise it can be prohibitive for some. However, if it's the right course for you and it's a nationally recognised qualification the knowledge you gain is priceless. I'm sure you're right. I am shocked because I never realised what these courses actually cost.

$3500 !!!!!

I have a veste too. It's a veste we wear in Germany for the Schutzhund training but also for hunting and fishing. I has heaps of pockets for treats, poo bags and even clips to put the leash thru (in Germany it can be too cold to hold the leash). It also has a pocket on the back where I put my dog's fav tug of war toy. I looked at that one - actually it's OH's fishing vest :D . I wonder if you're allowed to wear it in the ring? If anyone know's if it is allowed in the obedience ring I'd love to know.

I have used various treat bags when training my GSD's and Goldie, but found in a trial situation my Goldie soon figured out "no treat bag = no treats" and therefore not much incentive to work . I have now purchased a denim vest with huge pockets (big enough to carry treats or squeaky toy) and can wear it in the ring as well (minus the treats of course ). This way he has no idea whether I have treats on me or not . The advantage to wearing this vest is that he knows it's time to work, in fact all three of them do . They get very excited when they see me pulling THE VEST out of the cupboard.

I found it's great on my Shepherds but not so good on my Goldie.

I heard you just pour some pineapple juice over their food each night. I only heard this on the radio the other day so let us know if it works.

Well said MarkS - I couldn't have said it better myself. It's always interesting to hear the different methods people use. I don't know a lot about the e-collar but it's certainly very interesting in reading the success BP is having. It's also great that the clicker works so well for Helen and I felt that maybe she didn't intend to imply that the e-collar was a bad thing, but just that she was using a clicker and it works for her.

As the owner of a Goldie I love this idea. In fact, to get him/her interested mayby a smelly "used" sock with a ball in it might be a good way to start.

Perhaps she can

K9: & it must have given you so much joy that you think it neccessary to go around trying to rain other peoples happiness... Give yourself a click... I note that you didnt mention anything about the recall which is what the topic is about... I have been using marker training for years, just using my voice, glad I didnt need a clicker... "If anyone else is doing something similar feel free to post here as well. Until my next update" BP Maybe Helen was responding to this comment

It could be a combination of things or just one thing they all share in common that you as a human being don't/can't see. Body language is a big one so if you really start watching what people do as they approach him you might start to see a pattern of body language that gets him all riled up. As Cavnrott said though, you really need to find out why he's behaving in this way. Prevention is the best way to go too, so work on preventing the behaviour rather than worry about what to do once it's happened. Totally agree, especially body language - eye contact is another one. A suggestion that worked for me is when at training I found confident handlers, and gave them some of his favourite treats. They made sure he was aware of the treats, and with me holding his lead, called him to them, made him sit and with the "gentle" command gave him his treat, and then walked away from him. (I have always used the "gentle" command when he has extra special treats to make sure he takes them slowly instead of grabbing) Making the whole experience positive, with no stress. I personally have found that reprimmanding under these circumstances will only make the situation worse, as to him it shows you also feel there's a problem. And last, but most importantly, follow your dogs body language, if you think he's going to lunge, or shows any sign that he's not comfortable with a situation WALK AWAY. I'm no trainer but I know from past experience this is the most important piece of advice you can receive. I am speaking from experience here when I say this as my dog gave me lots of signals and I ignored all of them - my fault and I will never forgive myself for that - not his. Good luck and as has already been said "You need to consult with a behaviourist/trainer who has a full understanding of the breed".

After having GSD's, I got a shock the first time I gave my Goldie a chicken neck as a puppy. There was no chewing (no enjoyment). He just "sucked" it down. It was a long time before I gave him another one .

I know I'm luckier than most but we took our dogs to work with us when they were puppies and still do take our Goldie at 3yrs of age. It's great bonding for you and pup and as they get older you can gradually wean them off so they stay home for longer. Twenty years ago when it was not possible to do this I would leave my dogs with my sister who was home and had a fenced yard. Maybe you might know someone who could do this for you. With a beautiful pup like that I would think there'd be plenty of volunteers (but I'm a bit biased towards Goldies ). I definately recommend the crate training (I used it for the first time with my Goldie). It's usually used at night only as he can be trusted to have the run of the house during the day if I need to duck out for a minute.

I had the same problem with my Goldie at the same age and I found it was the heat that was causing the problem. Even though he has a light coloured coat I find he doesn't work well in the heat, so have you tried walking him at night? It's worth a try

Fluids are not a choice. If fluids are required they should be used. And I would be telling the vet I will pay for fluids IF THEY ARE REQUIRED!!!! I can't believe this is an option

:D It was practical, commonsense stuff wasn't it? I love anything that promotes positive training!!!!

I need a guide dog when we go for our walk around the street - there's waaayyy to many obstacles to trip over :D . We have a flat collar and the lead has a waist attachment (hands free in case of falls ). I also use the command "working" when we're in training mode, on this command he will focus on me and the casual walk is over, it's time to concentrate.

I agree Erny. This reminds me a bit of "Dancing with the Stars" when the female dancer is always looking backwards . This poor dog has no idea where it's going. I was always taught the dog's shoulder was to be in line with your left leg, and the dog should be focusing on you with no distration. I'm not sure about totally eye-balling you though :D . It doesn't look very relaxed does it. I would love my Goldie to be just a little more focused than he is at the moment *sigh*.

With a 10yr old girl myself and having been through the heartache twice before you have my deepest sympathies . Jessy will always have a place in your heart you can visit any time you need to remember those special moments the two of you had. She'll always be with you. RIP Jessy

Why don't you try providing her with her own sandpit where she's allowed to dig. Make the sandpit interesting by hiding toys in the sand and playing digging games with her so she knows it's ok to dig there. It's also a good idea to place the sandpit where there's some shade throughout the day. I find it's more effective to leave the "poo" on top of the hole she's dug :D . I have three dogs and they all dig (one for a cool spot and 2 for play), but they only dig in the sandpit provided.