helen

Too bad about the weather, I was hanging out to see Bear again LOL

LOL amazing what you can do with your eyes

Part of Bella's 'speak' cue is to stare at her muzzle, not intended to be taught

He is a Swedish Vallhund isn't he? This is from the Sweedish Vallhund standard Tail - Docked: Length not exceeding 10cms (4 ins) when adult. Set on as a continuation of croup line. May be raised at attention. Undocked: May be born tailless. Any length. Natural carriage. http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=153 It is feasible he is holding his tail up because he is attentive, which is a good thing if you are training Finnish Lapphund standardard - Tail Set rather high, medium in length, covered with profuse and long hair. The tip of the tail may have a J-formed hook. In movement the tail in curved over the back or side; at rest it may hang down. http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=142 - in my limited experience with Lapphunds they are pretty relaxed when you pat them which may explain why the tail is down. ETA just read your post again. Trainer says Erik is dominant as he has his tail up and your other dog is dominant because he has his tail down, does trainer thinks all dogs are dominant?

Great clips!!!

Purchase 2 books by Gwen Bailey, The Perfect Puppy and Puppy School. Follow these books as they will help you build you pup into a dog that is a joy to live with. Also look at the Ian Dubar book After You Get Your Puppy which is free on the net.

We walk with a couple of friends and the other night one of my friends who does not show had Chazer while I was doing something - this friend happens to be Chazer's favorite person. She had him stacked and stood in front of him and I have never seen him stand so well before. I told her she has to start showing Chazer for me LOL

VCA (ie Dogs Victoria) members are not permitted to use them or prong collars under their rules or can be de-registered I believe If you are a member of your state controlling body and want to remain a member I would also check with them to see if you can use them or not under your state's rules

I might send my dogs around to watch too LOL

There is a yahoo group which has authors discussing their books, November is Karen Pryor with her new book http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DogRead/?yguid=328961082 ETA if you join read post number 67436 - this is where she introduces herself and talks about the book and online resources and videos Just after I started learning clicker training she was online promoting another book and was fantastic

It has been added to the files in Agility Victoria list if you are on it - there is a problem with the format but I assume they will fix it soon

Last puppy class I attended was brilliant. The vets have a wonderful set up so there was 2 areas, about 5 or 6 pups and 2 instructors. The pups were allowed to play and socialise in the middle of the class. The main instructor who is good at reading body language etc split the pups according to their personalities for off lead play. A few weeks later the more boisterous pups were put on lead while the quiter ones met them off lead, the quieter ones usually said a very quick hello and then wondered off if they did not want the boisterous one jumping on them. Play was done in the middle so the pups then learn to settle down after play, they were given something to chew on if they couldn't settle quickly

http://www.k9events.com/ has links to help with just about anything

Any results from yesterday?

how funny. A local dog supply/grooming shop here has a Rottie statue holding the front door open. I have taken Chazer there twice recently and both times he has greeted the Rottie at the door, even got a tail wag the 2nd time

Best thing to do would be to go and watch an agility trial, which state are you in? To get novice jumping title you need to get 3 qualifying runs. To qualify you need to do the obstacles in the required order, without knocking any bars and within time. ETA you and your dog also need to be registered with whichever organisation you are competing with

I agree with Gortex, light and comfortable. I have waterproof pants from the golf shop, they are not sweaty like the vinal ones

Tess, did you get the PM OK?

I really like them, there is one that does agility trials called Banjo who is lovely. A friend came along to the trial on the weekend who has been looking at different breeds and I showed her Banjo who she really loved, so I was asking for her - if I ever decided to get something different to a Brittany I reckon my arm could be twisted though LOL. If she does get one then I will have a defacto Lappie though as we walk our dogs together every week. ETA, thanks for the info Lappiemum

Can anyone tell me the breed average for hip scores please?

I was thinking of getting the DVD if I liked the book but now you have me worried LOL

Thanks Tess, sold. I will send you a pm

Thanks Mym, I should have said though that I am after a 2nd hand copy of the book, will have to get a new one if I cant get it 2nd hand though

I am after Control unleashed and wondered if anyone has one they no longer want?

It is better to make your own judgment by seeing the 2 breeds in the flesh - you will know then which breed you prefer