silentchild

I have never corrected either of my dogs for running off or disengaging. What would be the point? If they disengage, there are a zillion reasons for that and I actually can't think of any off the top of my head where I would consider it the dog deliberately acting up. If they run off, by the time I get to them, it's too late to do anything but leash and move on. So no, I have never done it. I rely on management and giving them really good reasons to hang around. They are very good off leash. Not perfect, but I generally have more trouble convincing them to stop petitioning me for more training than anything. Instead, I used releases and a points system. The game is to release the dog before they run off or disengage. If I achieve that, I get 1 point. If the dog runs off before I dismiss them, I lose 10 points. It took a while, but this is how I got my dogs to work in any environment pretty much the moment I ask them if they want to. It started out dismissing them so they wouldn't dismiss themselves, but became dismissing them so they would stop hanging around begging for more training. This is very similiar to how I do it too! :) I must say I like your points system concept. Like you I also find the more I release the more they want to work too! And if they disengage before I release, they might need a break, that's perfectly fine by me! I am not going to begrudge a dog who shows me he needs a break - for whatever reason - training is hard work! I release them then and find they usually want to come back for more work almost straightaway. So now I have a release word for 'Ok you can go but you can also choose to come back and work which is great!!!' and another release word for 'Ok no seriously we are done, you are very cute but work is finished now really!' :laugh:

No worries, 'never' as in 'never during obedience training'... I forget how specific I have to be with wordings on this forum....

I mean during training sessions, of course, ie. in obedience/freestyle/agility, etc. either on or off leash. It is unorthodox but it works remarkably well for her. In those real life situations that you describe (which is unrelated to what we were discussing here which I thought was about training sessions specifically), I have a different training for recall which works very well for us, I can recall her off live prey, again no corrections or punishment. Of course I keep her on lead next to cars, snakes etc..... common sense.

I agree with Denise's method and I think Corvus has explained it well. This article is meant for extremely hyper needy greeters - many normal excited greeters won't fall into the category. One thing I like about all Denise's methods is that they are all choice based learning. Yes, the dog interacts with the stranger on it's own terms. Yes, the dog gets rewarded when it chooses to turn back to the handler. The dog is rewarded for making good choices! I use choice based training a lot - I never correct my dog or stop her from disengaging and running off to sniff for example, but reward when my dog chooses to come back to me, and stay with me. Over time the dog learns that choosing to stay with the handler pays off and is inherently more rewarding and also becomes a default behaviour, and a safe space. Choice is the key word here... just like IYC. I find that the bond that develops from this type of training is the strongest of all. And yes I have also done the distance method (which is perfectly fine and suited to most dogs). But again, different strokes for different folks. If your method works well for you, stick to it. But other methods also work well for other people and I don't think they should be discredited.

Was that from that Postsecret? That hanunts me too. I was going to post it here under a spoiler tag but its heartbreaking. Yes I think that's the one, it was submitted by someone who works in a vet clinic I think?

I make myself stay because I read once that they look around for you when you leave. The mental image of that is haunting and I could never do that to my much loved companions. So I will always force myself to stay no matter how hard, and I really can understand if it is too hard for some people to stay.

You and Breeze have both come such a long way Yin and you deserve your pride :) You two are such a terrific team I think there is little that beats pride in our dogs. It always oozes love, achievements and a broad understanding and appreciation of where they have been, where they are now and where they are headed. It's lovely to hear of owner's pride in their dogs Why thank you....and Helloooooo...... I think you are the one with the most to be proud about.... who just made Rottweiler history in herding huh? Huuhh??? :laugh::p

IA with Mrs Rusty Bucket, it would be hard to do demos on hot days. Melbourne Canine Freestyle has a demo team that does shows at various different pet events but it is fast paced stuff so if it is a hot day, not a great idea. November would be a bit hot I think. You can always get in touch and also individual breed clubs to see if any would be willing.

I'm proud of my dog very often, she is incredible. But most recently I am super super proud of her for performing in a demo team with me at the Royal Show. She has come such a long way from being scared of a million things to being able to handle the stress, crowds, noise and pressure and perform flawlessly amongst other dogs and strangers - a HUGE achievement for her as she is wary of strangers. She had to perform in front of large crowds and work with stranger volunteers from the audience, 3 times that day underneath the sun in the heat. I was a very very very very very proud mum that day. I am also proud of her for being so intuitive. Yesterday we were walking by the beach, when a family with two little girls walked past. The girls were visibly very scared of her (and possibly of dogs in general) and were clinging to their parents in fear. My girl loves children and would normally approach for a sniff and pat, but instead she must have sensed their fear and just quietly walked close to my side past them instead, without even looking at them. I didn't even have to say a word to her, she just fell into step. I was very proud of her then, and in general of what a well-mannered, obedient, easy dog she is. She truly is a joy to have, so dependable and reliable and such a massive massive credit to her breed.

Thats what i was going to say. Really the most important thing. how about this Hahahaha omg damn I want that!!!

This sounds amazing and I wish I had this setup. :D I do have a floor to ceiling 6 level cupboard in the hallway that is designated completely to pet stuff. It's currently overflowing so I also have clothes hooks on the bedroom door completely dedicated to hanging leashes, collars and harnesses. That is also now completely overflowing so a couple of harnesses and coats have decided to make the space underneath the decorative foyer table as their new home. Yep everything needs to be colour coordinated, Breeze's colour is blue so all equipment is in every shade of blue possible! And I only have the one dog!! (and one cat but she doesn't have any leashes or harnesses!) I do think my family and friends sometimes resent or think I place too much importance on my pets but honestly they make me happier than anything else, they enrich my life and I love them so I don't really care what others think. My girl gets me active, introduces me to lots of new friends and places through dog clubs and other doggy activities. She is hugely important to me. I am single, I don't have children, I don't drink or smoke or go out clubbing so I justify spending my money on what makes me happy - my pets. I tend not to talk about my girls around my family and non-doggy friends because they just don't understand and the conversation always turns to some form of them judging or ridiculing me.... I don't like humans much.

Any Y-front harness that doesn't impede movement. If you want something with less material the Hurtta Y harness is very lightweight. There are many good Y harnesses in the market that are not bulky. Chris Zink had a few suggestions here but I think any properly fitted Y fronts would be fine. https://drive.google...RSkU/view?pli=1 Your review of Y front harnesses was very good, You should post it And open myself up to DOL criticism?? :laugh: (Here it is for anyone interested (can't embed) : )

Any Y-front harness that doesn't impede movement. If you want something with less material the Hurtta Y harness is very lightweight. There are many good Y harnesses in the market that are not bulky. Chris Zink had a few suggestions here but I think any properly fitted Y fronts would be fine. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2bvu0r7eYOvTmhmZlNFYWhRSkU/view?pli=1

I don't think Y-front harnesses are a problem and Chris Zink actually recommends them in another article. So I think the Ruffwear is fine unless there is constantly tension on the leash if you use the front ring as the constant pulling on one side of the shoulder would cause harm.

Another Aussie Shepherd owner here happy to answer but not sure if you need more than one response for a breed?

Birds hate me in spring... no matter where I go, no matter who or what I'm with, they come after me. Even if I'm with Breeze they ignore the dog and go for me. If I'm on a horse they ignore the horse and kamikaze my helmet. Magpies are bad but the worst are the mynahs... they'll kill me one day. I must have some sort of Attack Me sign plastered on my head. Damn birds are the reason I'm not thrilled about spring.

TSD you need to get yourself down to Costco... they have amazing beds, orthopedic foam and gel top. I lay in Breeze's and I never want to get up. So padded. So soft. So comfortable. I half want to trade beds with her for real LOL.

Yea, Nova gets the runs on even the smallest bit of chicken, chicken based food. I haven't heard much about other people having problems though! Yes Lili has a sensitive stomach. She's had a bad bout of colitis and will get stinky burps if she has really rich foods, too much lamb for example. She has two main coat drops but generally sheds quite a bit! Breeze is fine with most poultry and the usual beef and lamb but she gets tummy upset with other meats like rabbit, kangaroo, duck, etc, even some offal, even if just in small amounts. She burps quite a lot too! I also know of a few other Aussies that do massive burps frequently!! She also has 2 major coat drops but I always say she sheds twice a year for six months at a time. :laugh:

Aussie Shepherd - Like the others who have commented I too am struggling to find a trait to dislike! They are too addictive? They take over your life and consume your soul and possess your every thought and action? :laugh: There's not a single thing I don't love about them. If I had to pick I think I would have to say the shedding though. So. Much. Fur. Everywhere. All the time. Also I don't know how true this is for others but I have heard the breed is predisposed to a sensitive stomach. This is definitely true for my girl so I have to be careful what I give her as she gets an upset stomach on different types of food/meat.

Urk!! Not the best timing! Planning for another Aussie pup instead to achieve my lofty trialling goals. But someday. Dammit........ so tempted. So so tempted.

No TSD you're supposed to tell me how difficult he is and what a nightmare it is to run 546kms a day and how he is a monster to train and how Dalmatians are the worst! dogs! ever! Now you are making me want one even more. Long walks on the beach and in the bush, lots of training, plus trips to the dog pool weekly are already things I am accustomed to doing. Don't tell me a Dal would fit in! I won't hear of it! :laugh:

This is the reason I can't see myself ever owning a Dally even though they are my all-time favourite breed and I've longed and longed for one ever since I was a little girl. Working breeds are one thing but the exercise requirements of a Dal sound like a whole different level altogether! Maybe one day when I win the lotto and own acres and acres and acres of land. *dreams* Yes and no :) They are no different to any other dog in some respects. I expect juice and I and other lovers of the breed will tell you THE WORST things about them because they were so exploited and romanticised by those bloody movies and we see so many dogs called "Pongo" that end up in rescue. They shed like all get out, they love to RUN and they don't hang on your every word like my Springers seem to naturally do. But my Zig doesn't nick off hunting like the Springers do either :laugh: I live on 3/4 acre but I guarantee I will trip over my Spotty Dog at least once a day...and if I can't find him I just look for the nearest central heating vent! I am his world and he is so devoted it's difficult to feel worthy. He's been my best teacher. And any dog that pulls off an Ag Ch can't be all bad :D Oh and Em felt so easy after Zig....and then along came Ginny I blame the breeder! Mr Ag Ch Zig is amazing - I think he is the only Dal that I've actually seen doing agility! Shedding I am sadly used to it - my Aussie sheds like she's trying to knit me a sweater daily, and I also trip over her at least once a day! She does hang onto my every word though, being a herding breed with all that will! to! pleaseee!! I don't know how I'd handle the challenge of training a stubborn Dal that isn't falling over himself to obey my every word. I think I'd end up in tears after being so spoilt with an easy Aussie that was born knowing how to do UDX, LOL. :D And all that running! I don't know how I'd ever manage to run a Dal for miles without acreage! Long leisurely hikes I enjoy but running... ack! I don't bike either so that's another no go! How often and how much do you need to run Zig? I feel like Dallies are dogs that deserve really special homes with truly devoted owners to fill all their needs. I know I could probably provide an okay life for one, but the exercise requirements and apparent training difficulty makes me think I'm probably not a good candidate, unless I take it to lure coursing every day or something ha ha. Sorry OP, I've gone so off-topic, didn't mean to derail your thread!

This is the reason I can't see myself ever owning a Dally even though they are my all-time favourite breed and I've longed and longed for one ever since I was a little girl. Working breeds are one thing but the exercise requirements of a Dal sound like a whole different level altogether! Maybe one day when I win the lotto and own acres and acres and acres of land. *dreams*

I'd never go into a fenced dog park. However I do go to my local off leash park which has a walking track around it which means people are constantly moving instead of just standing and letting dogs play. It's next to a road too so people have to be able to control their dogs (tho not all do!!). I used to be very worried about it but have relaxed considerably - we only go during quiet times of the day and it's great to walk around, Breeze will run and say hi to any friendly dogs we pass, have a little play if they are up to it, and keep moving on. It also helps if I can read approaching dogs - oh this one is friendly, this one doesn't want to be bothered, this one wants to play. A great recall is a must - if either mine or the other dog looks uncomfortable in the slightest I always recall my girl immediately before anything bad happens.

Aquapaws is a swimming/hydrotherapy/rehabilitation center located on the Mornington Peninsula. People mainly use it for swimming and conditioning type things. I personally go there every week to build muscle, fitness and conditioning. It is terrific for hydrotherapy and targeted strengthening. Kepala, which is what we have been talking about, is a 'doggy country club' with runs and pools you can book out for yourself to use. It is a great place and I go there with friends to let our dogs have a safe and fun run. It is a bit far for me so I rarely go, I do wish it was closer!