grumpette

Oh he is perfect SM. And large as he should be. He is full of love and fun, just as he should be.

That is a stunning picture of Don. And yes it is all about the eyes.

Working hard there Don

You can join me in Rally and Obedience, whoever I am seriously questioning whether water rescue is a sport for a lady of late 50 something vintage. There are some bodies that should not be seen in public in wet suits, and mine is heading that way.

Thank you.

I have only just seen this Anna. I am so very sorry for the loss of Kajtek. My gosh he was a handsome man. I know the horrible feeling of the quiet house, even when there are other dogs present. The moments when you can see reminders of them, sense them, see their antics in related dogs, and you just want to scratch those ears again and run your fingers through their fur as the snore with you on the couch. May your journey become less painful and become more filled with happy memories.

Oh Helen, I am so very sorry that Denny's Dog has passed away. He was absolutely stunning, and it sounds like he had a personality to match. Sadly gone, but never ever forgotten. RIP Denny's Dog.

OMG, I love Jake more and more. He is the master of mind games. Who the Hell said Bulldogs are dumb was not paying attention

Maybe they should consider a veteran owners class for some of the competition dog sports?

Happy Birthday Gorgeous Girl, and a Happy Birthday to your awesome sister Miss Bliss, as well. You are both remembered with so much affection, love and laughter. The journey you started us on continues, and it is amazing. Thank you both for being the foundation of something so brilliant. Lots of love, tears, and most importantly laughter.

Oh Anne I am so sorry to read that Boof's journey with you is over. May he RIP, and may you always feel his presence, his love and remember him with only love in your heart.

Here is an example for you, but Ernie does not need to sit in front of you. That way when he comes in he wont use you as a stopping post. If he does, bend you knees. I am certain that huski will have some better clips for you to watch.

Brilliant idea MRB. You can teach Ernie a finish for when he comes in. Always treat him when he is sitting calmly at your left side, if this is not your dodgy shoulder side, or alternatively your right side. As he comes towards you, have a treat in your right hand and move it behind your back with Ernie following. Have your left hand behind your back with a treat in it as well. When he is behind you, move your left hand towards your left side. As he follows it to your left side, get him to sit and reward. To get him to move around to your right you can step back with your right foot as you move your right hand with the treat in it. I hope that this helps.

It breaks my heart, and frustrates the crap out of me, when you see other dogs reactions to your praise and/or toys, and then the owner tells their dog off for not paying attention or working properly. Change your reward system and you dog will work for you. For God sake give them something for their efforts, something that they like. Rant over.

It is very similar to teaching a "drop on recall". Start by teaching remote drops, with hand signal and voice. Then you can progress to getting them to drop when they are under speed. It has saved my knees many a time, because Zeph just does not look (insert rolley eye man).

Brilliant. I have the same problem that you do, my praise and encouragement of my dogs distracts others in the class, and is frowned upon. It is funny what they choose as prey items, isn't it.

Rear end awareness training. I love it. They are both stunning. We tried the tube, but Zeph keeps trying to find treats under the tub. Too many find games. We are hunting a phone book instead. Oh, and I love your new signature. All three dogs are divine.

And here I was wondering if I should get another Rotty pup considering I am approaching 50 and they are an active working dog. I don't think I have an excuse at all now. :D

You are an amazing Dog Owner, Mother and Person. Your determination and willpower is astounding. All kudos to you SM. All the very best to you with your Boofa. Don't give up and never change.

Absolutely stunning Pers. I am so very jealous

Oh no, Koda's ears fell off with the approaching winter.

No not the lines I'm interested in. I will probably donate her to the Young Diggers program as a PTSD assistance dog as she's very confident and well socialised already. Nothing phases her she goes with me in the car, plays with all my dogs already and used to noisy places. It is a brilliant program and a very worthy cause. I really hope that she makes it and enriches the life of an ex ADF member.

So need a "like" button.

Kami, try to get some slippery elm powder. You give it as a paste or with food. It is great for stopping diarrhoea. Also if you are using a metal crate, and Annie is getting out via the sides, you can put cable ties on the crate edges and the door to stop them squeezing through. Zeph used to use his head to lift the roof, and his paw to unhook the edge and lower it down. He also used to ram the door until he could squeeze out. He also worked out how to undo the latch. But cable ties fixed the problem, as well as a good bone. Zeph is just like Stella, a toy carrier, so unless it is nailed down, it is in his mouth when he greets you at the door. ETA: It is great that she had a very positive vet experience. For Dee we walk to the vet each week to get weighed and get treats. It makes it so much better when we have to go there for real. We also sus out any new vets to the practice to see how they react to Rottweilers, and consequently how she reacts to them. We have had a couple that we will not see, as they were not confident and attuned to Dee.

It is certainly a bit of fun. As well as variation within a breed, you get variation within litters. It is remarkable that Zeph and Flint come from the same litter. One is an evil genius, the other is the biggest lovable doofus you have ever met. And then there is Tank. One brother has plenty of drive, the other brother resides on the family couch.