The Spotted Devil

I would suggest that if the 'fresh lamb' is meat only, that you switch this to raw meaty bones. Meat is high in phosphorus and bones are high in calcium. It is the ratio of these two minerals that is so essential in a growing dog. I agree, though - I'm not a fan of adding calcium supplements - too much hit and miss!

Haven't tried today....Zig is still sleeping Glad you're having some success laffi

Looks gorgeous - nice work at getting into your signature too

SB reminded me.....I used 'watch' to stop Zig moving his head like a clown at the fair

I think he's got it! Just offered it a couple of times and looked mightily surprised when I gave him a jackpot Will give him another break ETA: When he nearly got it I verbally praised him, which made him try even harder!

LOL JulesP that's gorgeous LP - gave myself a day off today after doing my Honours project proposal presentation yesterday as well as handing in another essay. Of course I decided to duck out and do a few things early and got stuck in peak hour traffic for 3 hours waiting for a tow truck for my car didn't I

laffi - in the middle of trying it now with 2 very short clicker sessions - I *think* he's starting to get the idea but is not volunteering it yet. I have switched to using the back of my hand as a different cue - whether he picks that up or not I started by placing my hand gently on his nose and clicking when he held his head still. I tried to do it when he was lying down/standing/sitting/watching me or not so he didn't think he was getting rewarded for something he knows. And yes, he's whined, licked, pawed and even play bowed to try and get a response I'll give him a break and try again later - he works better that way PMSL - he's just targeted the sleeping cats and can't work out why he didn't get a reward ;)

You've made me want to try this with Zig - will let you know how we go

Ooooh I hear you there TSD and it makes successes just that little bit sweeter dontcha think? Well, we're not quite there yet but hopefully not too far off.....I'll let you know how it feels Funnily enough, my Dally's obedience work is much more promising already than my dearly departed ACD - Dolly had so much potential and, although we got her CDX, I was a really crappy trainer so she could have been sooooo much better

Sensational work Congratulations! I have to say I love seeing the "apparently untrainable" breeds do well in the obedience/agility ring......must have something to do with having one myself

Yay for Shamus Well done you too, KR Onwards and upwards.....when you're both ready!

Just keep an eye on the thread, and let us know if you can make it......then everyone knows who to look out for ETA: LP! S'n'T! Back on topic you two

Oh, that's a shame dogdude! However, I'm usually free Tuesday mornings so that could be a goer too in between regular meets I just took Zig to the park (gave us both a sleep in this morning) and he did the most enthusiastic work! What did you guys slip him?

I carried my Dalmatian pup around for several weeks - the only result was that I had arms of steel by the end of it. We went everywhere - cafes, driving, supermarket etc. Zig is definitely too big to be a lap dog and I had no problem encouraging him to use his own 4 legs

I like the sound of that LP There is also an oval about 10 minutes further out from the Showgrounds that I sometimes go to for show training...I suppose the trick is to find somewhere where we don't get over run by mad sports people obsessed with their weekend hobby....oh that's right....that's us too

Not sure luckydog....open to suggestions - feel free to throw some around......if LP is showing I imagine she would prefer KCC park As I posted earlier, my hope is to train at a different training ground each time....makes it easier and fairer on everyone and it's terrific practice for the dogs.

Hmmmm......I am thinking that Saturday 24th May in the afternoon could be a strong contender

Healing hugs from me and loving licks from The Spotted One

Geez LP Actually, the only reason I've got so many weekends free is that I'm still not allowed to run on orders from my physios - all 3 of them - so no showing ATM Nah - I can't do Sunday 27th April as I have Lady Lilly entered in a cat show

OK, I'll bite with dates first I can't do Saturday May 10th as I'm giving a cat behaviour seminar and will have Miss Bronte with me.....she walks on a harness, does a lovely recall, will fetch and responds well to clicker training......but..... At this stage, I can do any other weekend in May.... Saturday 3rd Sunday 4th Saturday 10th - Nope! Sunday 11th Saturday 17th Sunday 18th Saturday 24th Sunday 25th I propose that we mix up the venues - good for traveling and good for the dogs too! ETA: :dummy: OMG DD!!!! Glad everyone is ok! Ziggy slept the whole way home and hasn't been out of the house today....he really does need to learn to pace himself!

He has his moments We've only been doing "formal" training for 5-6 weeks - previously it was all pretty informal in the house. SFE will definitely be a focus, as will focus, focus, focus (hopefully some of that will come with age.........or breed change ) I really need to read the rule book too......... ETA: Very funny during the stays (first time with other dogs for Zig).....he was looking at the other dogs and you could see the thought process..."oh, at least I'm not the only one who has do this boring stuff"

Oh poor haven Great to meet everyone today (even if LP only appeared for 30 seconds and I didn't get to meet her dogs ) I definitely got heaps out of it - thanks so much to everyone for their input & patience with Mad Zig and me.......I really appreciated it and it was particularly nice not to be training on my own for a change A few others are interested in having another session as well.....so please make note on this thread of any dates/times/locations that would/wouldn't suit you and watch this space

Yay for Chester No more excuses, CM! We need the Dallies out there flying the flag showing what they are really capable of

See you all tomorrow

Sorry, but trump card here every single time.....I have a Dalmatian...we'll make you look good