Henrietta

^ Greytmate, I got the 'Look at that' game from Control Unleashed. I'd be happy to post you the book for you to borrow. Unfortunately, I am not aware of another info sources on the net, but someone else may have some info. Edit to finish my sentence

Thank you CaseyKay, I will definitely take into consideration your recommendation. It sounds like you have a lot of fun.

Hi everyone, Can anyone recommend me some good resources/books regarding Rally-O? It looks like a lot of fun. I have no view to compete (fear aggressive and nervous dog, slowly growing in confidence). But I think my girl and I would benefit from doing something a bit different, that requires a high level of focus. It seems like something we could do to hone in our focus and obedience skills which are very important in our daily management and behaviour modification efforts. If it is something that we could do onlead both at home and in safe areas, it would make me happy knowing that the skills I have worked on could potentially translate to 'doing a course' even if it is just for fun. I understand that there is nothing like getting the help of a good trainer in the supportive environment of a club, but there are no clubs around me doing Rally - O. Any resources that people would recommend, there are a few books on Dogwise... http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTO206 http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTO226 http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTO231 It can be very basic, because I am not from a competition obedience background. Thanks!

Very predictable. Although when the issue first reared its ugly head, I really thought she was very unpredictable.

I use one of those Blackdog 'training' collars. Non-slip martingale design, just in case. I haven't ever had my girl slipping a flat collar, but I would rather have that little extra security.

My parents' dog is a great foot licker, but she mostly does it to mum (who is her favourite). My girl licks faces. Especially first thing in the morning or when she is pretty excited. Unfortunately, when she is doing it first thing in the morning I am not really cognizant about what is going on and she manages to slip her tongue into my mouth. Not a great feeling, but I've learned to live with it.

Wow, Mita. Tibet sure make some special dogs! So the temperament is very similar to a Tibetan Spaniel? Gorgeous.

Very interesting and the process seems pretty involved. You would have to work very closely with breed enthusiasts overseas in order to gather all the required materials. Which could only be a good thing. Thanks Janba and PF.

^ I was thinking existing breeds recognised overseas myself.

I have no idea myself, but would be interested to know. I would love for someone to import a Small Munsterlander into the country. I'd love to meet one.

Well, there you go. I would not have known that the Leonberger was not already AKC recognized. I must have a squiz at the full list and compare it to the ANKC, just as a matter of interest.

Oh, I love this video. It even amazed my family members who would typically roll their eyes at the idea of 'doggy dancing'. They all had to concede that it was pretty cool.

Yes, I have worked very hard on this myself. Self-consciousness really doesn't get us anywhere.

Oooh, this is something I'd like to try one day! Looks like so much fun.

I need a Tibetan Terrier or a Miniature Poodle.

Thanks Kavik. So much to contemplate. I can see how a pup would be easier in some respects... I do worry about leaving a lasting impression on the pup even with precautions put into place. This is something that I would have to get a lot of advice with.

Yes and that's the flip side! I know introducing a pup to Abby would have it's own set of challenges and I have no idea how to go about this. May I ask how you did this with Zoe? Keeping in mind it most likely would be different with my girl? It is something to ponder for sure...

See I was thinking an adult because of the already established temperament. That was kind of my line of thinking that I have been mulling over in my head... I think I'd be a nervous wreck if I had the responsibility of raising a human being! But then again, like you say, you get on with it and get through it (with the occasional curve ball thrown your way of course!) Vickie you are right, I think most of us have things we'd do differently next time.

Thank you Fran, I'll have a look. I must say that a lot of my researching on doggy-related matters at least starts with DOL. Every dog is different, Emm. There may be or may be not some things you "do wrong" with the next dog, but the biggest mistake would be to not give another dog that love and care you have given your current one So true, I must remember that every dog is different and every dog I own will teach me something new. Yes, something to be mindful of in the future. I can see this mindset I have right now could easily spill over into becoming detrimental baggage. I have to find that balance. I'm really glad to hear that Zoe has improved! I do get very excited with Abby's progress... It's funny really to reflect on what you feel is success. But I have learnt that you have to work with the dog you have. Everyone's success is different and I try to not get disheartened when I start comparing us to others. Yes, I'll guess I'll never know for sure. sometimes it doesn't matter what you do things don't turn out right. You seem to be a caring doggy person, don't let the hurdles with this little dog hold you back Thanks Rebanne. It won't, I'm sure. If anything, Abby has probably strengthened my love and interest in all things dog and canine behaviour and training. Of course there have been tears, but the positive outweigh the negative lol. Yes, I'll think I will be engaging the help of a very good trainer when I do embark on my next dog. That is a must. I will admit to not being sure how exactly to go about finding the right dog/pup to fit in with Abby (if or when I do). I have a few ideas in the back of my mind, but it does seem very daunting (to me). You are right Noisy. We have acheived much and we have had our fair share of successes, as well as failures. And yes, I adore her. LOL, we dabble in agility at home. Agility champs we are not, but we have so much fun. That is true too, if we think we have learnt everything we need to know we would be sadly mistaken!

I've just been pondering my future with dogs. I have a three and a half year old desexed female cross (sold to me as a Chihuahua from a BYB). It goes without saying that I love this dog. I made some mistakes with her though. I bought her from a BYB for starters, I was stupid and ignorant at the time and have since learnt a lot about that aspect of animal welfare. (Thanks DOL!) I wasn't experienced enough to realise that I had a behaviourial problem (fear aggression) sooner than I should have. We went to puppy preschool (big mistake... it wasn't particularly well run, I should've realised I had a dog with whom I needed to tread carefully). I finally realised I had a problem when I went to a pet manners class. We consulted a behavourist and we got a plan going and we have made improvement (albeit slowly). I regret leaving it as long as I did. I do think I am a good dog owner in that I give my dog good food, exercise, stimulation, training and safe and warm living conditions. I have had to learn (very quickly!) about the importance of management. My dog has never been involved in an incident that has caused harm to any other dog or person because I manage her well and I make sure I keep it that way. We have a lot of fun, the training is challenging and we dabble in backyard agility just for fun. We attend training classes, but we do different things to the other handlers. Of course though, I don't want to make the same mistakes with my next dog and, to be honest, the more I think about it... the more deathly scared I am of getting a pup... at least for the next time around. I know much more now than I knew then, of course. But I am seriously considering an adult rescue dog or adult dog from a ethical, registered breeder. I am still tossing around ideas for a breed, I have it down to a few though now. I have no idea when I will get another dog. It depends mostly on my dog. I currently live with my parents and my parents' dog and mine get on famously. I have no idea what to do when I move out (I'd happily take them all, but I think my parents would have something to say about that ). I don't like the idea of having an only dog, but if that is the only way, than that's the way it will have to be. This also scares me and is probably the worst part of having a dog with issues that has also never been the only dog. I guess this is all just a big ramble, but have you ever been in a position where you doubt your ability to raise a dog? I am pretty confidant with my ability to live with, provide for, train, manage and love a dog, but I am very scared of buggering up the socialisation period again.

Oh dear, what a cutie! His expression has me captivated... he seems as smart as a tack already lol.

Hi dooliekoolie, I found this one on Fishpond... http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Home_Gard...and+rescue+dogs I can't seem to find 'What is your dog saying' on here. I do think that Fishpond gets their books directly from overseas anyway... I'm not sure if they have the books you are after, but I have used both Airdogs and Wags School Books and I recommend them both.

If they were to not allow this as per the rulebook, than surely the onus would be on the exhibitor. I agree, what a awful position to be in as a judge. Has this ever happened to anyone personally?

That's a great offer Labsrule.

Yeah, that is why I need to get all the info and think of a way to start this conversation with her... they aren't cat people at all. Apparently they are not really dog people either. I'd second the suggestion to meet some young adolescent labs and some pups. Honestly, unless they really changed their tune - understood what they were getting in for and demonstrated their commitment to training and management, I would be very unwilling to sell them a dog. I would love to give them the benefit of the doubt, as someone just sitting here on a forum... They may just be unrealistic in their ideas and they may decide not to get a pup after they are given a dose of reality. They may also decide that it isn't the right time NOW, but maybe down the track, given some time to research and research some more... than yes, they may make great owners. You never know I guess. But on face value, this situation as it stands seems a recipe for disaster. I would try and be as polite and informative as possible and if they are a little resistant, perhaps point out the numbers of dogs that are surrendered in pounds for behaviourial issues that would be preventable or easily fixed with a bit of forethought and dedication. Good luck!!