TNT

Hi all... I'm only new to this whole dog training thing- so bear with me. I have owned dogs before but have never been to formal training with them. But with two ACD's- it wasnt an option to not train! There are two very good clubs in the area- one trains with check chains- one with food. Im neither opposed or in favour of one particular method- hence my confusion. We currently train with a check chain. The check chain isnt used as a punishment- no jerking etc on the chain. We are encouraged to give verbal praise constantly to the dogs. However, if I talk too much my pup just wants to jump up and play- she goes nuts with the slightest bit of attention so I usually wait for the exercise over command then give her big pats. One of the instructors at the other club was the instructor at the puppy pre-school- we tarined with food and no doubt its very effective. I'm led to believe that most agiity/flyball is taught with food and its obviously effective. My youngest pup is proving to be a bit more of a challenge and wont do anything- not even with food. So I just wanted to know what training methods from experience have been most effective? Is their any harm training using both methods, say one day check, one day food? sorry for the long winded question- all advice guidance would be greatly appreciated.!

so sorry for your loss. ACD s are truly special dogs- I think the bredd chooses us- not the other way around. All pets are special- but nothing beats a loyal and devoted ACD.

keep an eye on her- I saw a dog on the weekend who had fur go missing becasue of the shampoo used! also keep an eye out for any rashes etc. But I'd ring the salon and ask them.

I got into trouble at my obedience club on the weekend- for not walking in a straight line. I wasnt interferring with anyone else, it was the last session- my hands were red raw from the leash, my 9 month old had scabbing on her neck and I didnt want to pull too hard on the check and cause her pain- not to mention that I was suffering from a wisdom tooth which was causing me that much pain I had no idea which way even I was walking!!! we had 3 different instructors and this was the only one who commented! Sure I'd love my dog to be obediet- but am starting to wonder wether a club wholly and solely focussed on competition obedience is the way to go some time.....

Hi Christina77, Thanks so much for that info!- just found out that my new male pups father weighs in at 29kg- so the 15kg thing might be a bit off....makes it so much easier when you're talking about the same breed!

Thanks for all the replies- I havent been overfeeding her or giving too many treats- she gets nowhere near the reccomended now- she will actually stop eating and leave it if she is full- so being hungry really isnt an issue for her. Im only new to medium sized-large dog breeds- so didnt really know what to look for. She does go in slightly, and her ribs can be felt- but not visible as she has a thick coat. Thanks anyway... Monique

Hi all- Hoping someone out there knows how much an australian cattle dog should weigh? When I first got my 9 month old pup I was told she should be about 20kg fully grown.- pedigree website indicates about 23kg.- Some more dog orientated websites indicate that 14-18 kg would be more appropriate... Thats not my main problem- I know my pup is overweight- but was told by the vet today not to worry about it too much- to just increase the exercise until she's 12 months old- then deal with it as her bones are still growing.... Is this right? should I reduce her feed to suit a 15kg goal weigh instead? so annoyed because I was originally told the wrong weight to aim for- or so it seems?

ok- first of all- my club uses nothing but check chains- very different to the norm apparently!. 2ndly- I'm not claiming to be an expert- but when he leans against you in a sit- dont say anything and just step away from the dog enough that he can no longer lean on you. Basically put him in the position you want him by moving. Thats what I was told anyway!

at my club the dogs arent actively encouraged to socialize during a session- work time is work time- when we are on the field its work time and only socialization as such is weaving and such and learning not to lear at other dogs. If owners want to socialize their dogs- ie play etc- then its up to the owners during the breaks to do this. Our club only has a beginners intake at the start of every month- then only one group per class- and trainers change every session- but if I were in your situation- id ask to swap! even in a class I was told you have the right to move your dog if you feel a nearby owner/dog is having a bad affect on you or your dog- if they dont let you swap- id look at changing clubs!

just wondering if anyone knows of anyone doing agility training in hunter valley/Newcastle area??? pup is only 10 months old so probably not old enough to start yet- but still interested in finding a club to go have a look!