The Spotted Devil

Certainly work vs show split is very common in Gundog breeds - ESS, Cockers, Goldens, Labs, GSPs, Brittany. There is occasionally some cross-over but it's easier where the two physical types aren't so extreme. I've seen the offspring of show x working labs and the results were so inconsistent in terms of field work and temperament that I doubt the breeder will ever do a similar mating. Within working Labs, the differences between Australian vs English vs US types are also very evident. The English vs US type also pops up in Dalmatians. But I think they are much more similar than they are different - and that probably determines whether a breed will split. With regard to Shelties I have seen quite a range of temperaments - from timid to reserved to attitude plus!

Yes I agree SG :)

I must say that if I had $ to pour into education I would be focusing on training methods, mental stimulation, physical exercise, correct weight and pain relief. Desexing is not ideal, especially under 18 months but I understand and accept the motivation.

:laugh: Never get pics like that even when Em and Ginny meet up with their sons/brothers. They all go flat out hunting in opposite directions lol

Yes - turnaround time was great.

More working ESS. Lots. Working Irish Setter is on my wish list - I know the breeder and the lines. LUA Dally. I love Bernese Mountain Dog but have realised they are not quite crazy enough for me.

...seems someone has to do it as the RSPCA is too busy because they have to euthanize all the dogs with behaviour issues... ETA: ...now that is really interesting stuff: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45251733_Behavioral_Reasons_for_Relinquishment_of_Dogs_and_Cats_to_12_Shelters ...some quotes: ...The NCPPSP RegionalShelter Study found that behavioral problems, including aggression toward people or nonhuman animals, were the most frequently given reasons for canine relinquishment... and ...Neutered female dogs and cats and neutered male dogs were more frequent in the behavioral category of relinquishment. Oh good, 16 year old 'science'. Good googling..... Not to me mention correlation vs causation. ...now that is an interesting stand ....don't trust science because it is 16 years old ...I guess the next thing is that you guys come up with that there was a time when people believe the earth was a disk?.... Skinner's doctrine are how old?... No. That's not what I said. I said correlation vs causation. There's actually a number of studies that identify entire dogs being a risk factor for turning up in shelters. And I don't go rattling them off as a reason for desexing either. Your use of scientific literature could be called selective at best.

...seems someone has to do it as the RSPCA is too busy because they have to euthanize all the dogs with behaviour issues... ETA: ...now that is really interesting stuff: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45251733_Behavioral_Reasons_for_Relinquishment_of_Dogs_and_Cats_to_12_Shelters ...some quotes: ...The NCPPSP RegionalShelter Study found that behavioral problems, including aggression toward people or nonhuman animals, were the most frequently given reasons for canine relinquishment... and ...Neutered female dogs and cats and neutered male dogs were more frequent in the behavioral category of relinquishment. Oh good, 16 year old 'science'. Good googling..... Not to me mention correlation vs causation.

I separate them from wherever the tradie is working - so I might put them inside, outside, in crates, behind a baby gate etc. Tradies can be really bad with doors and gates. Most of the guys really want to meet them and I've found the easiest way to do it (and calm the barking) is introduce the dogs one by one. They feed off each other and Zig is the quickest to settle - so once he's had a meet and greet, Em comes out and then Ginny.

Clever ducks! My Springers are a little more subtle. Em goes straight into the reeds - no matter how freezing the water - to hunt out any that are hiding or nesting. We do an AWFUL lot of recalls in the name of conservation

eliz - I think speaking politely to his boss is the best approach. I was knocked down by a 500kg cow at work late last year and I am still suffering pain and immobility. All because of the complete absence of OH&S practices. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Cool , she loves pumpkin ( me too so there's always some in the house) Yes! Mashed pumpkin is great. If she likes them raw carrots are also good for chomping on. I don't worry about weight so much as feel and look. I want to feel the last two ribs without pressing (important!!!!) and see a waist tuck from above and side on. To give you an idea though my supremely fit Dalmatian is 26kg.

Not trying to disagree with you TSD - but the thing is - you're not "supposed" to have a formal start routine - beyond a quick acknowledgement that you're about to start - harness on, rev up or start word and off you go. Anything remotely resembling obedience gets "left left home" ... I actually wonder if Mal is getting too excited / anxious / ready to go while PK sets up for home practice and if a faster or even "surprise session" would help him - eg get Mr PK to hold him or play with him while you do the set up - get him in the frame of mind that it could happen anywhere any time. Or maybe a more formal finish word which is only used for NW - we trained with someone who used czech words for start and finish and said she only used them for NW. Yes I see your point - I imagine it's because you want them to work for themselves - but I don't think the two are incompatible. Warm up games might happen 15 min before a run and then the dog is put back in his or her crate until we're ready to go. This is a warm up for the body and the mind. Heart rate is down, dog is at the perfect state of arousal and they've had a chance to do some familiar joyful games in an unfamiliar environment. Leash off and bang. Work time. If you're forced to wait, then a couple of nose touches is enough to connect the dots.

Not Noseworks but I absolutely have a start routine and an end signal. Start routine involves circle work (left and right), tug, body awareness (back up, paws up & sit routine, spin, twirl, drop, sit, stand, sit pretty, say your prayers etc), recall games and then turning tight around cones. Once we are done they are heeled back to the car or up to the dog yard (LOTS of rewards as they hate taking a break) and released to "go play!"

Sorry to hear this. Think about keeping a little diary - it might help you identify how things are progressing. Wishing you all the best.

My Springers can get a little obsessive - and I do teach spin and twirl but it's a clearly CUED behaviour from the beginning. And they must listen and think about which way to turn....and I insert other behaviours such as back up, drop, sit, stand, sit pretty, hand touch etc. They never know what's coming up next. So it's thoughtful crazy rather than just crazy.

I am not a fan of light or shadow chasing in dogs or cats. Have seen it go wrong too many times. Something that needs to be redirected ASAP. In the early stages challenging a dog mentally in their training can make a huge difference.

Only in the tent? Last time I camped it was in the very low single digits and I had 2 Spaniels under the doona :laugh: Funniest thing was my friend who has one of Em's puppies was camping with us - we bunked in together - it was Murphy's first time camping and he was BESIDE himself with excitement..."oh my GOODNESS! It's my SISTER! Oh my GOODNESS! There's 2 of my favourite PEOPLE lying down to be licked! Oh my GOODNESS it's my mum - yes, complete respect...,oh my GOODNESS! It's my sister!!!"

Yeah I do understand and certainly pleased that this irresponsible owner has been caught. Hopefully the lady is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. It's horrible when owners/breeders of your beloved breed (and various crosses) f*** it up. I see it, in a different way, with Dalmatians. Fortunately field-bred ESS aren't anywhere near as popular here as they are in the UK.

Ha ha! Love it Canetoad! My Dallly has a super scary bark too...always makes me feel safe.

Definitely see your point BBB but they were looking for this owner and the dogs so anything that can POSSIBLY identify them is probably fair game. Different scenario for general reporting would be preferable, I agree.

I also plan for PLENTY of dog training and exercise when we are camping - helps them settle when we want to relax around the camp site or at a winery for lunch. One thing I do notice is that sleep ins are non-existent. Mine are normally brilliant at home but the Springers, in particular, get very restless as soon as the birds start chirping. So I usually suck it up and plan for a long walk on the beach - grab a travel mug of leaf tea and a muesli bar then come back and have a leisurely breakfast later.

Poor little mite Thinking of you x

Yes!!!

I travel and camp with my 3 all the time - for agility and retrieving trials as well as for holidays. The best thing I've done is have the back of the X-trail built in: Silver shade mesh is brilliant and versatile in Summer and I don't know what I would do without my car's vent lock. I take cool coats and warm coats, lots of towels and more water than I think we will need. This is my short-stay set up: And I can add walls: