gspx3

Well, our second retrieving weekend wasn't quite as successful as our first as she went out on the first run both days. However, I know what caused the problems so that's good. Her second and third runs on both days were absolutely mind boggling. I don't know how she does it. Didn't think she was capable of a long swim across a very fast running river but she did it (and did it 3 times as she was pick-up dog for one run). I am in total awe of my little black and white brat and even though we had problems on the two first runs she was so much better this weekend that the previous one.

Whilst my girl will tug (and still has a very soft mouth) she doesn't enjoy it very much so I don't use it much at all. She would much rather chase a ball, receive a piece of food or even just have a bit of a cuddle. We do obedience. rally, RATG, agility and retrieving so she is an all round dog.

Just a suggestion to all those who maintain their dogs are disadvantaged by the beeps from the table. Try and count up how many appliances etc you have in your home that beep. For starters there are: the microwave, the refrigerator which beeps when you don't close the door properly, the washing machine, the keyless entry for your car, traffic lights (especially those louder ones for blind people), there are also many alarms that beep as well. I was present at CFS when the table timer was unpacked and brought up for us to try. My girl was totally unfazed as were all the other dogs there on the day - except for one of CFS's dogs who looked under the table to see where the sound was coming from but showed no other interest in it. My old girl was right beside the table - she is extremely noise phobic and was not in the least put out by the noise. She is not a trained dog - is 10 years old and I have had her for only 6 months. It all seems like a "get at NSW" attack to me. And, no, I am not a native NSW but have lived here a while so I have no great loyalty to either my birth state or my live in state. I have steadfastly stayed out of this debate (debacle??) but enough is enough. Just stop and think before you jump in feet first.

Only novice - it was her first trialling experience (in retrieving that is) she has her ORA for RATG.

Hey, mollipop, I'm trying to work out a design for one for the black and white brat. If it was in a bag she may (just may) heel up to the control point for me. Will let you know if I am successful or will bring a completed one for you to scrutinise at the next trial. For those who don't know me, we trialled for the first time this weekend - 3 trials, 9 runs and she completed them all. Not really well but at least she completed them. She managed a second place on Sunday so I am just so happy with her. She has only had 1 training day this year so it's all natural ability at this stage. So ............... wondering now if I will ruin her if I train her a bit more :laugh: :laugh:

That's what it means in the GSP standard. Dry throat means no loose skin - should be nice and firm and tight not loose and floppy (unlike their ears )

We were there yesterday and did a lovely bush walk. I will be devestated if it shrinks to the proposed size. Will add my comments as well. I love going there on hot days as it's so much cooler doing the bush tracks.

Hey, Mollipop, guess you saw that we were entered in the UR trial but didn't make it as my girl was injured. Was really looking forward to it but - them's the breaks I suppose. Re RATG at the state titles on Monday. Wouldn't you think people would read the rules??? Clearly states that retrieves MAY be on water. Drives me nuts that people enter things then bleat when it doesn't suit them. Shame that the pass rate was so low though. Never mind, we will just have to train and train over the summer and get into retrieving next year.

Mason2009, have you wrapped your dummy in rabbit skin or attached pigeon wings to it??? Even only bringing it out when you are about to feed him can make a difference to his interest. If he doesn't get fed until he retrieves, he will surely become more interested. Sorry, forgot about Mollipop's oldie. She was fabulous. Shame there were so many GRs but them's the breaks.

As well as than instead of then and hes instead of his, your instead of you're (you are). Apostrophes are a totally different matter. Yes, I am a grammar and spelling pedant.

Well done, TSD.

Thanks everyone. The wild child didn't work to her normal standard but I only wanted a pass so that's what she gave me. Went to Canberra as I am unable to compete again until the end of June and I want her in Open as soon as possible. Now, maybe, I might just have to teach her the open retrieves. Mollipop, can you believe I am praying for rain so that some of the competitors stay at home next week. We have 26 entries (18 novice and 8 open) so it is going to be a very, very l o n g day for me. Have never judged more than 18 before and that was when there was only 1 mark in novice.

The renewal certificate will state whether or not an inspection is necessary. If you are unsure just ring your local RTA office.

Please excuse my ignorance, whippet people, but is the black a whippet or a small grey?? I don't see a lot of whippets but have never seen a black one. I think I am in love!!!!! My black and white roan girl is always mistaken for a whippet as she is fast and fine.

I have a black and white roan GSP girl (so she is mainly black with a little white showing through). She is quite fine (of bone) but looks just how a GSP should look (and acts the same way). No-one ever knows what breed she is but the icing on the cake was a few weeks ago when I was asked if she was a dalmatian!!!!!!!!! Some people just have no idea.

Have to say that I have been the recipient of that same service from Oztrail as well. Sent the day I emailed them and I still have some of them - a number of years later.

And what would you do if you were at a trial/show/any event all day (or even all weekend)??????????????

GSPs are 'handed' in aged between 8 months to 18 months (particularly the males). They whinge much more than the girls and it can be so hard to control. My last boy whinged all his life and it was impossible to stop him so I just had to live with it. My first boy was from the RSPCA and was 8 months old. He was very destructive and hyper active but I am sure he had no training before I got him. Training and scent work will wear them out. Hide food for him to find but make it progressively harder for him to find. If you have to, make this your method of feeding him. Unfortunately, too many people buy GSPs without any thought of how much time they can consume in a 1 dog family. They need company - either people or other dog(s). I am now down to just one GSP but as I am home with her most of the time she is coping (just). I simply have to live with the destruction when she is left alone. You have a bit of work ahead of you but it will be most rewarding if you do it. However, if you can't give him your time then you might consider rehoming him.

Would love a fleece to spin from that grey/black/white one. Just too gorgeous.

My boy has lymphoma and was given about a week to live at original diagnosis. THAT WAS 15 MONTHS AGO!!! He is on cortisone which makes his life a never ending search for food, food and more food but is still relatively healthy. He has no muscles and I often wonder how he actually can get around but he does and will continue to do so until he is unhappy. Two vets have said that they often have patients on cortisone who go for at least 18 months. I guess it is all down to how soon it is diagnosed. My boy was diagnosed immediately his lymph nodes came up so I was one of the lucky ones (if having lymphoma can be seen as lucky). Like everything else in life - it's a lottery.

Yes, I have had this problem as well. We walk along a very popular river. The boaties come ashore and do their 'business' and just go back to their boats. My boy has rolled in it (at night), eaten it and also thrown it up all over the car - well not all over the car but all down one door and - well you can get the picture. That was a delightful job and the only time I have gagged somewhat (I have a cast iron stomach but that was really gross).

I think this one is right. No cropping - it's just as it came from the camera. I like it anyway.

I think I've now discovered the world's most ridiculous 'designer' dog. In today's Sydney Telegraph - Pets for sale column some twit is selling "JUGGLE" puppies. Supposedly JRTxPugs. Where will it end? :rolleyes:

Unfortunately, they are not required by any ruling to take back any dog they bred. However, many very reputable breeders will and will then find a good home for their dog. Again, unfortunately, there are not all that many breeders who will do this. Don't flame me, breeders, I know you all can't take back dogs because of room contstraints, etc and that doesn't make you bad breeders just realistic.

Haven't been inspired at all over the last few weeks but my wild child was 'sunbaking' today so I have Upside Down (please excuse her nudeness - she has no shame) BTW that dress is very similar to the one I wore back in 1964 (everything old is new again).