Henrietta

Thank you PF. So you would say that there are little differences between the colours. It is more the case of finding a good breeder. I have no deep-seated preference for colour, there is just something extra eye-catching about the blacks, and the whites. I can understand why a black dog would less work than a white! I had a look at the DOL breed pages, and I see what you mean regarding numbers. Toys are the most popular by far, but the miniatures are certainly there. That is heartening about the grooming. I am all thumbs but when I put my mind to learning something new, I will do it. I will check out that author you mentioned. I think my main concern is finding a good breeder, like you said.

Hi, Thanks for the great information in this thread. I have a couple of other question for any owners/breeders/enthusiasts. The grooming - is it relatively easy to learn how to do this properly as long as you have the desire and commitment to do so? I would use a groomer regularly, even if it was just to get the dog used to the groomers and attend every now and again, but I would love to be able to do it myself. Other than the six weekly big groom, maintenance seems relatively minimal, which surprised me to be honest. Is there any special puppy coat care? I know it has been mentioned to avoid breeders who advertise 'rare' colours. Are there any colours (and I am sure it is due to lines, rather than colour itself) that a prospective buyer should be extra careful about in terms of health and temperament. Personally I am a fan of the blacks and the whites. PF, you were saying that there aren't as many miniatures as there are other poodle sizes. Would you consider them in high demand and hard to find? If I were to get a miniature poodle I would be looking at a puppy or a young mature dog as I want to participate in dog sports. Do you often come across young mature dogs in this breed?

Thanks guys! This has been very interesting. I was going to respond more elaborately and post about our training, but I realised that I'm running late for work. I'll have to do it later!

I don't think walking in front necessarily equates to leadership issues. There has got to be other factors at play? Some dogs are just not trained to do certain things, as opposed to inadequate leadership. I don't mind where my dog is on lead, as long as she doesn't pull, and listens to me.

Hi everyone, Just wanted to ask how you set up your training to suit you and your dog/s. Do you make plans? How often? How long? How do you structure your sessions? If you do multiple dog sports - how do you incorporate different aspects of you training? How often do you both take a day off from the more formal lessons? Do you spell your dogs for long periods? I'm very interested because I know that I don't have a large amount of knowledge or experience nor do I have a great amount of people around me to share those experiences. Thanks EFS

Aww, what a sweetie. Congrats Erny!! ;)

My dogs like pretty much anything that comes out of the crisper or fruit bowl (except the obvious no-nos such as grape and onion). They will be downstairs or out the back and if someone goes into the crisper they will come running.

I agree it's not for everyone, but certainly possible. My parents used to give the daily tablets to our dog when I was a child. They gave it to her before each evening meal and it was such a routine that she used to wait for the tablet first. Reminiscent of NILF really.

Guilty as charged here too. I love my black dog bag, especially with the liners. the best thing ever! I started out with a black bum bag, which soon got chewed to death and for ages I was still using it without a zip and all my food would fall out if I bent over. It was utterly ridiculous. I was going to buy another bum bag but then my club ordered some of these black dog bags and I bought one. They open up really wide to get your whole hand in to get the 'dregs' and it also closes up so you can pretty much do handstands and the food will not fall out. I am not one to plug a product usually, but it's seriously like my prized possession. I am not sure about any other brands, but if it is similar to the black dog I would say it would be great!

Excuse my ignorance, but is a dental check considered to be the general check-up you get done (for us every 6-8 months if there is no need to go to the vet otherwise). While we are there they always check our dogs' mouths/teeth etc. Is that what they mean by dental check-up or is this a special dental check-up? If that is the case, I can't even recall whether 'dental checkup' is listed on the records/receipt. I'll have to dig them out. I guess if you had insurance you would have to be super careful to have this listed on the records, or would the insurance talking to your vets suffice? Edited, sentence structure.

I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Asher.

I read this and now I want to try it! It would be interesting to see.

Mine works for food and toys, any food that is up for grabs, but her favourite toys are tug toys and dumbells. She goes a bit nuts over them.

I'm so sorry to hear about Choppa. :D RIP Choppa, run free.

Commonly I use cheese, lunch meat rolls, any leftover cooked meet, apple, beans or any other fruit or vege that I have lying around (but these have to be cut into small bits for my girl, else we won't get anywhere very fast). Anything really, I have even used the cheese singles in the past as well. My dog loves them and they are a convenient size for a short training session or training session in the kitchen at a drop of the hat.

LOL I could be wrong, but I think Checa likes rattleball... To be honest I have no idea, but isn't digging holes and burying stuff kind of like hiding it. Like they might hide food for later?

Poor Erny, withdrawal symptoms aren't fun. Hope it gets sorted for you asap.

I can just imagine my little mite chompin on a chicken neck at the end of an exercise.... mmm 1/2 hour later, we may be ready for more training LOL. I am rather strict with taking out what I train with as I don't want to be overfeeding, but mine still gets meals. If I could find a way to supply raw meaty bones as treats, I probably would. I reckon my homemade barf patties chopped up would work though. Maybe. ETA - sorry, I'm would say it is fine. Mine loves her food, but she loves it more when she works for it anyway!

LOL, Grass Buffet. It is also seems to be a social get together for my two. They both sit at the fence line (where the grass is the longest, yes we need to whippersnip!) and one starts eating, the other follows. Love your sig btw Sas.

So sorry Horus, what a tough and sad decision to have to make. You did everything you could for Cleo, she was well loved. Hope Ellie is ok, hugs to you and her. RIP Cleo.

Ok, I'll confess that when I first started my dogs on a mixture of raw and dry (pre-barf) I thought I was supposed to use sardines in tomato sauce. Until I found out otherwise. Yes, my dogs are fine!

;) So sorry Vari, that is just terrible. RIP Ally

Oh Springy, I am so sorry. Max was one of my fave DOL dogs, I didn't even know him but I could tell he was special. I am just so sorry, I will be thinking of you through this time. RIP Max. Take care of yourself Springy and Mr Springy.

Oh crap, crap, crap! You tempt me. Ridgies are on my to own list. Stunning dogs! I think they are just beautiful. Bakari is just so handsome, you must be so proud! Please keep the pics coming! Let me know when you want to give him away... ;)

I am so trying out our game Persephone, sounds like a hoot! We play 'which toy is it?' I have a squeaker, rope and ball and mine have learnt the 'command' for each. When I give them the command they pick it up and we play a little game (tug or fetch) and I give them another command. Mine get especially excited over squeakers, their favourite. I also like hiding stuff.