Mikijak

Tried to PM but wouldn't go through :-) I live in the Barossa Valley - probably about one hour away from Dublin so if you need someone to collect donations in Adelaide and take them up to Dublin I can certainly help with that - could also help with a bag of food, what type of dogs?

OK, so how did you guys get the catalogue? Was it posted out or is it online somewhere?

"Whiskedaway Tanunda's a lovely place I'm sure you'll love it. And make sure you stop at the Williamstown bakery - that's my hometown, and they do the BEST steak pies and carrot cake." Handy to know - we are moving there in January!!! :D

There is instead of coming down the freeway, turn off at Murray Bridge and go through the Hills: If you use Google Maps it will show you the way. You will come through Murray Bridge, Tepko, Palmer, Mount Pleasant, Williamstown, Lyndoch then Tanunda. Hope this helps

OK, so looks like the most important thing is heavy duty pegs and securing properly. What difference does securing with 'spring' type pegs make? I have a Landcruiser so the size is not too much of an issue although I would prefer something light, I'm not getting any younger Cost-wise - I want something that is worth the money ie. you get what you pay for. I would rather pay a bit more for something that will hold up than go for the cheaper option and have to replace it. On that note, I don't use my cheap one very often as I set up with a friend and we use hers - mine is normally just for emergencies. I now have three malamutes and space is getting tight so thought the 'polite' option would be to start bringing my own My friend is looking at upgrading to an Altegra (she lost 2 Oztrails in 3 weeks in strong winds) so I thought I would ask the question before I splash out on them - you can't beat experience and dogzonline is the best place for that!! The ideas and suggestions have been great.

* My dog actually running nicely around the ring - not spinning, bum-tucking, rolling, back-chatting * Catching up with long distance friends * The peace of driving long distance with someone who doesn't need to fill the silences * The atmosphere when camping - everyone is friendly * When soemone tells me I did a good job in the ring (win or lose)

Ok, so after seeing quite a few gazebos in pieces after a gale blowing through one show a few weeks ago I know that I need to upgrade mine as I bought it at one of the K-Mart / Big W / Target stores. I saw OzTrails in pieces, as well as the cheaper versions. I also saw OzTrails still standing. Someone has suggested Altegra. So, what do you use, how does it hold up during strong winds, how do you secure it? I did go around to check out the one's that were still standing and found some great ways to tie them down but I would like to know other peoples thoughts before I go and spend a bucketload of money on a gazebo if I really just need to buy stronger ropes and tie-downs. I know that none of them are 'gale proof' but would just like to get an idea of what stand up the best

Congratulations, that's great news - mally's are very intelligent (sometimes too intelligent ) If you want some great information on the breed, check out the Alaskan Malamute Club of Victoria website - they have great information on weight pull, sledding & hiking. Tuk will have to be at least 18 months old before he can do weight pull and I'm not sure about the age for sled racing. Weight pull and racing are only done during winter here in SA - we have a heat policy which restricts racing to days under 15 degrees (I think, don't quote me on that). Have you contacted Southern Districts Obedience Club yet? Keep us informed on how Tuk goes.

Hi Kris, I also have a Malamute - she is two years old now - and I spent a lot of time on the phone to my breeder, 'Is this normal?', 'What have I gotten myself into?' etc. and I have known this breed for over 10 years (first time owner tho')!! Be firm, without being abusive, and be consistent. Mally's are very pack oriented and you absolutely have to be pack leader with them. They are also highly intelligent and will consider what you ask them to do first, then decide if they want to actually do it or not. Your job is to make it more appealing for them to do what you ask them. It takes time, but is definitely worth it. My girl is now going through the "You've gone out and left me home, I'll chew your shoes / clothes / camera' stage (we have a pet door) which means we now have to make sure we pick EVERYTHING up Have you tried Southern Districts Kennel & Obedience Club? They are at Morphett Vale and I have heard good reports about them from another mally owner. Also, check out the Dogs SA website - they have listings of all affiliated clubs, including obedience one's. Good luck, and keep us updated with your progress.