Henrietta

Sheena, you really have to just smile and let their sneering attitudes float right over your head. I'm all for constructive criticism and am always open to discussing new ideas and of course trainers don't always agree. But the way you have described these particular individuals... I truly don't think they are worth your worry. Easier said than done, I know. If you are getting results, stick at it. That's what matters, not people having a whinge about your methods.

Wasn't there a thread on this just recently? I've searched Training/Obedience and can't find it (doesn't mean it's not here ) or maybe it's in General. That'd be great Brennan's Mum. I'd love to hear SkyeK9's perspective.I have emailed them, and posted a Q on their forum, but there's been no reply. (Forgot they were on hols :D) I did a search as well, and all it came up with was LLW threads. Nothing specific to this programme. If you find it though, can you post the link? http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/225844-any-one-doneknow-about-the-k9pro-loose-leash-course/page__p__5470109__hl__%2Bpro+%2Bdistance__fromsearch__1#entry5470109 Is this the one?

Yay, can't wait to watch it, should be interesting :D How exciting! No such luck over my way Megan, but I'd be happy to lend you my copy after I've had a look if you're still chasing one by then.

What Dxenion said. 'Cos I can't top that. :D

Sorry, I got excited and replied before I read this! That's ok, it's holding up for now. Good to hear.

Sorry, I got excited and replied before I read this!

I have it but its out on loan.... somewhere. I'm getting the impression that it is very popular and out of print!

A little OT, but has anyone managed recently to get their hands on Karen Delise's Fatal Dog Attacks? I think that's the book you are referring to in your comment PF? I would love to get a copy, but Amazon is listed them at around the $400 mark.

Ta Staff 'n' Toller. I have worked out what I need for postage now.

Happy to do this and happy to get the transfer in by tonight. I think that we are up to a 30% discount?! Edit - and thank you Staff 'n' Toller Also, how do we work out cost of postage? I just don't want to short-change you.

Yes! :D And thank you.

Just a little, small brag. My girl has had always run off, got bored or did a lot of sniffing (calming signals) when doing agility and we were getting nowhere. Since building up drive for different obstacles (a lot of driving to and from crates), a lot of motivation building (tugs, toys) and much more focus work and games to build our relationship... she is just doing so well. I don't train at a club right now, because she is reactive and lacking a fair bit of confidence, but we do go out to another club to just hang out and do training on the sideline. I have a wonderful friend who is helping me out and we go to her place twice a week. And of course I train at home. Our latest thing has been setting up some jumping drills (just a double box to practice some front crosses). I thought maybe she wouldn't be ready. But she loved every minute of it. She focussed on me, watched my cues (amazing in itself, because I'm not flash), and her enjoyment was plain to see. She wanted more and I quit whilst we were ahead. We did numerous little sessions. She didn't get distracted, she was happy to work with me. I would never have thought we'd come this far. She is brilliant in my eyes. Although the build up has been so much fun I actually felt we were doing 'agility'. I feel we can really build on what we've got now. And these things have filtered through all our other training and our relationship. I have learnt so many valuable things through this girl and I just think she's amazing.

I'm personally not a fan of dog parks. I would keep socialising with trusted friends' dogs. I would also join a training club so you can socialise in a controlled environment. You may meet more like-minded people with dogs that would suit yours. I have many more friends now with dogs than I did when I got my first dog, so now socialisation will not be a big issue for me with my next dog.

Yay!

I'd be a shaking mess if that were my dog and you came to me with that story. I'd be so mortified that she got out and I'd be truly grateful that you cared enough to let me know. Well, I'd be doing what Weasels said! One of my worst nightmares and touch wood, it hasn't happened in this household with any dog. Good on you for stopping and letting her know, although it wasn't the reaction one would have hoped for. Makes me sad because it puts people off helping dogs out in the future. And sorry you got such a fright. Awful feeling.

You can count me in.

Ok, great. I think I'll stick to researching the Toy Poodle and the Pap.

That's a nice story, Dobesrock. Sounds like a great partnership. I'd actually consider a Cav, but was worried about drive among other things. Nice to know that drivey Cavs are out there. Poodles have also been on the list for some time, size-wise I'm leaning toward the toy over the mini but temperament wise I'm not as sure. I feel that I would enjoy the liveliness of the Pap and the poodles.

Wow. Go Buddy! I think I'd need a slower dog to be honest. Thanks guys.

Mmm... that's kind of what I'm looking to do in the future - obedience, agility and perhaps whatever else comes my way (I wonder how much grooming to get a pap looking awesome for the showring?) I dabble at the moment, but don't compete with my current girl. Abby gets daily walks/outings and training, but whether it'd be enough for a pap? We'd have to go meet some. I always said Group 5 is not an option. Edit - My experiences with Abby have made me smarter. 'Cos I was pretty dumb. Oops, she hasn't made me any better at constructing a sentence though.

Just seeing what your impressions were of this breed. I have heard they can be 'yappy'. How yappy is yappy? I have a Chi x who I would describe as yappy - she has her moments. But her reactivity levels do go down when she is tired (or in other words, well exercised in mind and body). ;) What temperaments have you noticed with Papillons? Do they seem quite well-adjusted little dogs? Do you remember where you met them - dog show, training/trial or just out and about? Are they quite people focussed or more independent? And DA tendencies at all?

Oh lordy, if Donnatella walked passed my yard when I was playing tug or frisbee with my Chix, I may just be in trouble. She is a very vocal and drivey dog and I get caught up in the excitement. Sorry, go and report owners who are actually breaking the law.

From now on I would only buy from breeders who offer support and will take their dogs back if the situation came up. I have no intention of returning any of my future dogs, but for the dog's sake I'd rather have that comfort in knowing that things will be ok. I do think that your friend should contact her breeder first. I think she has made a good choice in ensuring that her pup has a good life where it gets the training and attention it deserves. It may have not necessarily been a 'poor decision', for lots of people this may have worked. In hindsight, it hasn't but sometimes we don't know our limitations until they are tested. Good for her for thinking about the dog first. I think some dogs in this situation just get relegated to life in a backyard 24/7 and do not become part of the family.

Barry the pug. That's cute. Didn't someone on DOL have a cat named Kevin?

A Cav has always appealed. With some of the other breeds I am considering for my next dog, I wouldn't be 'downsizing', not that size matters in terms of energy levels. But I'm thinking more of a breed where we would just potter around doing stuff, and going for nice relaxing walks, but not as full on with the training activities as I once may have been. I've finally figured out that I am a small dog person at heart, as much as I admire other breeds.