gsdog2

You mean this is a "forever" thing. Am I going to be living in a snow storm for ever and ever :p !

Bonniebank this is my first time trialing with a GR and he is very friendly (too friendly ). I have a GSD who is absolutely devoted to me and no one else, and he wasn't very happy doing SFE but for the opposite reason to the GR. My GSD hated it, but put up with it only because I asked him too. You could tell by the expression in his eyes that he didn't like it. His first trial was with a judge who was quite a large man with a severe limp and my GSD just looked at him and walked away (the judge knew why and was very sypathetic). After that he did stand but he was definately NOT HAPPY JAN!!! My GR on the otherhand, thinks everyone loves him (which they do) and therefore they're either going to give him a pat or play with him. I have been taking note of everyones advice and he is slowly improving :p . I know it's early days yet, but it's great to see him standing still when approached instead of moving around. I don't know if it's my imagination but I feel the non-eye contact is also helping. Thanks Pax that's almost what I'm doing so it sounds like we're on the right track.

So is Akira losing heaps too?

Hi Helen, My Goldie is 13mths and I don't know if it's puppy coat or not but it constantly looks like we've had a snow storm in our house - just in the last month or so. Maybe it's the change of season . I'd like to know at what age they do get their adult coat, so I hope someone can give us some indication when this happens (or if it already has).

...there are some places cold noses should NOT go! They're good aren't they!!!!

Snoopy jocks mine does the same when we're on our own. I can do anything and he won't move, but as soon as I'm on the end of the lead and someone else approaches that's when he moves. But ..... Tassie I just had my boy outside and stood beside him while my son walked towards him from different angles with no eye contact. I rewarded him with treats while he stood still. So far so good. We are now at the stage where he is letting my son trail his fingers down his back. I hadn't thought of the eye contact and I'm wondering if that was part of the problem. Thanks for the suggestions

I'm sure this topic has come up before, but I can't find it . I'm having trouble getting my 13mth old male Goldie to stand still in the stand for exam excersise. He has his first CCD trial coming up soon, which he is ready for apart from this excersise. As soon as he is approached he moves away . I am going to start at the beginning with him ie. stand by my side and just have people walk around us and then gradually move on from there. But I would love some suggestions as to how to stablalise him in this excersise.

We have never had a problem with ticks or flea's until I sent my Goldie to the breeder over Christmas while we went on holidays. When we picked him up the breeder informed me he had ticks at his place (I wish he told me before I dropped my boy off). My poor boy had about 20 ticks on him, which we removed, and used Advantix on him the same day we brought him home. Despite using Advantix we have had a constant problem with ticks ever since. Our Goldie is an inside dog, sleeping in a crate in my sons room at night, and our 2 GSD's are outside dogs. Our GSD's have never had a tick on them (I am using Advantix on them as a precaution). Now the weather has cooled down the ticks don't seem to be around, although I will continue to treat him every 2 weeks just to be on the safe side. I have been in touch with Bayer (very helpful people) and they tell me it's not 100% protective and sent me a tablet to dilute in water and spray in my sons room as that seems to be where the problem is. The directions say to wear protective clothing, and you may feel numbness in the face if it comes in contact with skin. I decided the ticks were the safer option and have not sprayed the room. I was impressed with how helpful the guy from Bayer was though and I would definately recommend anyone who has a problem with a Bayer product not to hesitate giving them a ring as they will do their best to help wherever possible. By the way, has anyone got any advice re the tick problem. I have used the tick collar which is useless .

Hi Nicole, I'm glad you enjoyed Bonneys - at least you've found a trainer to go to when you get your knew pup. Good luck with your rescue dog.

Hi there Tilly, Sorry to read about your nightmare training at Oxley, but please don't give up on training your GSD. Maybe you could try another club or private trainer, it's just a matter of finding the right one for your needs. Ring first and ask what they do in their training and maybe go along and have a look first before taking your GSD. I have had a number of shepherds and took them all training which I have thoroughly enjoyed and so have my dogs. You also get to make some lifelong friends.

Hi Seita, How did Saturdays class go?

Can you let us know how you go at Bonney's? I've heard a lot about her classes, and I have trialed under her a number of times. As a judge she is very helpful and always finishes your ring workout with some tips she feels might help with your dogs trialing. :p