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I would like to congratulate the GSDL of NSW for the wonderful Herding Trial held on the 15th and 16th March 2008. The venue was perfect and so was the weather. Congrautulations also go to Pat Smith and her team of dedicated workers (to many to mention by name)- Job well done. The Clinic held prior to the Trial was the most informative four day and a big thanks to Stephanie and Ann (our instructors). I will be back in May hopefully.

I have two dogs and find that the callicoma is just right - no rubbing etc. and best of all they are not expensive. Also they are made by someone who does tacking and knows what is acceptable etc.

I have just read this thread from start to end and I had never heard of an e collar but but I am so impressed with the positive remarks about achievements in training, using this device, that I emailed K9 today wanting more information. I have been having mega trouble with recalls - my girl just sits there and looks up in the sky (looking for birds )or belts towards me ( I smiling thinking wow this is going to be a great recall )and just keeps going past looking for something in the garden. Some days we have a good workout and someday not, it has got to the stage that I won't even thing about a trial until we get 100% recall. I have become totally fustrated not knowing what I have been doing wrong etc . I wil give the e collar a try but I still think it is me that is stuffing her up someway. Maybe a week with K9 will help greatly.

I have found that leaving a huge bone (cut in half Leg Bone) does the trick. My dogs are so busy with their bones they forgot about barking. I tried the shock collar (375 dollars worth) and it was a waste of money (and illegal in NSW). That was how desperate I was to stop my girls from making a noise while I was away. Since giving the Big Bones they have stopped. Might work worth a try.

I attended a Beginners Course in Grafton NSW - to start off with but because there were only a limited number of Courses being run I used the following books (as a guide) Tracking Dog -Theorty and methods by Glen R Johnson (found this to be a wonderful reference) The foundations of competitive Working Dogs -Tracking 1 and 2 with Joanne Fleming-Plumb. My girl has passed her TT and 2 TD2 - one pass of her titile. You can train own your own but you do really need a second person to lay tracks etc. But the above books are a good reference and can be adapted to Australian conditions etc. If you want any info about the two DVDs - email me and I will help out.

Pat Smith is a GSD breeder/exhibitor/herding - she is organising this clinic and Trial so contact her on 46809289. First priority is towards GSD then an other herding breed. I think there were only a few places left. I tried to cancell the above reply - ---obvious it did not work. Having trouble with my computer at the moment but here is the infor about the week as per email sent to me. "Herding Clinic The clinic, commences 8.30am daily, from the 11th to the 14th of March (this is followed by 2 herding trials hold on the 15th and 16th). Clinicians are Stephanie Gibson and Anne Mitchell, both are heading judges, instructors and successful triallers. Cost of one handler and dog $55.00 for a single day, $100 for 2 days , 3 days is $140.00 or if attending aal 4 days $160.00 per dog and handler, limited at this stage to 1 dog per handler. There is a $20.00 per day deposit, which is non refundable (which a person can sell onk if their circumstances change but, that must be done through me), to be paid by the end of the month, balance by the end of February and I need information as to which days people wish to attend. To start, preference will of course be given to those who intend to attend all 4 days. Observers will be charged $10.00 per day. A BBQ and refreshments will be on the ground all week. Camping also, for a small fee to cover costs of electricity and tank water, is available. Use of house shower and toilet for campers. Kindes Regard Pat Bhuachaille German Shephers NSW AUSTRALIA http://au.geocities.com./bhuachaille/bhu.pg1.htm "

Pat Smith is a GSD breeder/exhibitor/herding - she is organising this clinic and Trial so contact her on 46809289. First priority is towards GSD then an other herding breed. I think there were only a few places left.

Are there an DOL going to the Herding Clinic held on the 11,12 13,14 March 2008 at Camden. Also entering the Trial on the Saturday and Sunday.

All Indi and I want is one more pass in Tracking (TD2) then will be have our Tracking Title. Herding PT is coming up in March at the GSD Herding School/Show in Sydney so I have my fingers crossed.

Erny, That dog responded to reward training and became one of the most reliable dogs ever, sadly to say she died at a very young age with bloat. Wonder what the adviser to Gov Policy would say to that (me being an ex-Gov employee and Policy Forum Adviser) I am now the owner of two more GSDs ,that have obtained Obedience Titles and Tracking Titles, (trained by an older and more informed trainer I). Let me explain a slip chain is what we call a choker and a German Training Collar is a prong collar.

Erny, About six years ago I attended Obedience training with my four months old German Shepherd who pulled continually whilst I walked her. I am a small person with not much strength in my arms so I decided to attended private training lessons with a well know trainer in my area. He observed me with my girl (who was on a slip chain) and decided to correct my dog himself as it appeared that I was not hard enough with my corrections and the dog was still did what she wanted regardless of what correction I made. What happened next was unacceptable :- The so called trainer took over and yanked this young puppy with so much force that she yelped and landed 1 foot behind him. Yes she became so submissive that she wet herself. Her neck was quite sore for weeks after and damage could have been done to her airways. To me this was an abuse of a slip chain by an experienced trainer. Abuse and injury can be caused by any collar regardless to what it is or how it works. I agree education on the use of training tools should be given to all dog owners but someone who knows what their are doing etc. After much research, reading article, searching the web etc I now believe that the German Training Collar is a effective tool used correctly would never have made by dog suffer as she did with the slip chain. (See The Obedient Dog, 4th edition, by John Holmes).

Yes my girl has her HIC. But if you want more infor about GSD Herding I suggest you ring Pat Smith - German Shepherd Dog League on 46809289.

I will be touring the USA and England early May 2008 with a good friend we would like to do a Tracking School and Obedience School in both countries. But neither of us have any contracts. So please if any DOLs have contact in either country can you help out with a few names to start with. I will also be touring a few German Shepherd Kennels and GSD Shows ,with a few dollars in my pocket, and I have the desire to purchasing a good dog (if I see the right one). I am picking the brains of a few GSD Breeders here in NSW for the names of Kennels /Breeders that maybe of interest but only have two names. Would greatly appreciate any info.