wuffles

KTB I hope you don't mind me hijacking your thread. Does anyone have tips on how to make the dumbbell FUN for a dog that doesn't naturally retrieve? I used the Shirley Chong method and she knows both retrieve on flat and over the jump. Never misses a retrieve over the jump but on the flat sometimes she wanders out, sniffs the ground (displacement behaviour?) and doesn't bring the dumbbell back. I have gone back to shorter distances where she is more reliable, and only do one or two per session so she doesn't get bored. I could probably also improve her hold as she sometimes rolls it backwards when she comes to sit in front but as she hates it to start with I have been a bit slack with my criteria and big on the rewards

Is she a miniature husky? Ava is about 50cm so definitely a 500 dog. I think Elbie is a similar height.

hopefully that didn't happen too often. I know people can be rude, but hopefully they were the vast minority Nothing like that happened in the jumping ring, maybe the agility ring was a lot more stressful!

that reminds me - on Saturday I couldn't help wishing everyone had a dog the same height. If I had to summarise my day it consisted of: - walking back and forth between two pegs; and - having leashes handed to/thrown at me; and - constantly running onto the field and lowering and raising heights :D Would you prefer being a post in an obedience trial? :rofl:

What if your dog goes to ANYONE that calls 'come' while playing, even if they've never met them before in their lives?

I am definitely not aiming to be the fastest out there with my first dog. She's somewhere in the middle so I think she is perfect for me.

Good explanation Vickie, it gives us newbies something to think about

kiesha I think she was referring to a previous poster who said it would take most dogs at least 12 months to attain that level of proficiency

I wonder what the definition of 'fast' is I think I need to get video of us to see how 'fast' my dog actually runs as I'm not sure I get a good picture when I'm beside her!

I was thinking the same thing! My puppy could do that probably 2 weeks after she came home, and I'm not an experienced handler. I find it an interesting concept in general, as I know lots of dogs who have had a lot of training but have unaddressed behavioural issues, or whose owners think because they are 'trained' they can do whatever they like.

Well done to all the DOLers at the BDOC trial today, I learnt a lot and hope to be joining you as a competitor rather than a steward very soon ;)

ACT used to employ a similar system but now it is just lifetime registration for everyone which is great

To be honest, I'm scared and neither of my dogs are bull breeds. Both of mine are obedience trained, one has obedience titles, yet they are still DOGS which means they do doggie things like bark and dig and run and sniff. Being 'dangerous' isn't just about attacking anymore and that scares me. We also have to remember that there are people out there that will bypass council and take their own measures against dogs they do not like. I for one will be extra vigilant with my dogs at the moment.

I don't really have any tips except to remember that it took us months to get Ava actually holding the dumbbell so patience is the key :D I am yet to work out how to make her NOT seem like she's being tortured when holding it I'll bring my plastic dumbbell for you to give a go tomorrow and maybe we can run through it on Sunday

You can get tiny little working line Aussies, I've seen some I'd guess were about 15-16 kg (under all the soft gorgeous fur :p ) There aren't many working line Aussies in Australia, I think you'd have trouble finding one. However, there are some show line females that size! Also, Aussies come in a fair few different builds, my girl is more finely built with longer legs than most. She's just under 18kg, 50cm at the shoulder and she also doesn't have a huge amount of coat

My friend's ridgeback has been called a pitbull as well I was at one of the dog parks in the ACT when someone came in with a large crossbreed, and I heard some of the other people exclaim, "It's a pitbull!" and start gathering up their dogs. The dog looked like a labrador x to me It then proceeded to come and roll over at my feet wanting a belly rub.

Ha I ended up being very very lucky as I was so fast that I copped a (minor) bite to my leg rather than to my dog. I do think it would be a different situation if I hadn't been in close proximity and also if my dog had faught back (she didn't). In cases where two dogs were getting into each other I'm sure the method in the link would be the most effective way of dealing with it

All very well and good, but having been involved in an attack recently, I stepped in between the dogs before I even knew what was happening

I have talked to people at dog parks and in general out and about who have had no idea that their pups could catch nasties before they were vaccinated. I've talked to people who have no idea about appropriate dog behaviour and are allowing their little puppies to bully or get bullied. I've talked to people who don't know about worming and have never given their dogs a worming tablet in their lives. I've talked to people whose dogs were badly limping and hadn't even noticed. I've talked to people whose dogs are obese and express surprise that yes, you actually can feed less than the recommended amount on the dog food bag. Sometimes mentioning things may help the dog and that's what most people really want. I train at the local oval which seems to attract an awful lot of attention. I do get annoyed with some questions I get asked ("What is your Border Collie crossed with?" "She's actually an Australian Shepherd" "Ohhhh... what a fancy name for a Border Collie!") but I at least remain civil

Rescue Bitsa is on the list!

Afghan Hound: Sir Walter, Faxon, Lochie, Bluey, Miffy, Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma Alaskan Malamute: Indiana, Kira American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno, Cash, Loki Anatolian Shepherd: Trojan Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda, Katie Australian Cattle Dog X : Frosty Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie, Millie, Alice, Hannah, Hudson, Flynn, Gossip, Ava Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Safire, Milky, Kinta, Banjo, Rosie, Skye, Emerald, Gem, Meg Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper Basset Hound : Gemma Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Bichon Frise: Jag Bichon Frise X: Harper Bloodhound: Earl Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumor, Diesel, Kobie, Emma, Kenzie, Maggie, Ella, Shelby, Jayde, Ashli, Mia, 'Bubba', Wyc, Echo, Topolino, Sally, Xena, CK, Wikki, Gemima Border Collie x: Anna Border collie x kelpie: Jasmine Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas, Stitch Bull Terrier (Miniature) Lainie Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy, Maggie Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper, Bella, Dobby Chihuahua x Maltese: Midget Chinese Crested: Louis, Daisy, Cyrus Chinese Crested Powder Puff x Tibetan Terrier: Dee, Carrie, Benita, Jenna Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea, Darcy Curly Coated Retriever x Labrador Retriever: Maggie Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo Deerhound: Rhys, Calleigh Deerhound X: D'Arcy Doberman: Opal Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose, Chevy, Bella, Molly, Digby, Dexter, Viva, Vegas, Griffen Dogue De Bordeaux x Boxer: Madeline English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Field Spaniel: Moo Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera, Annika, Ella Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig, George French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee, Alexis, Claire, Lilly German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte, Razzle, Willow German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan, Brennan, Jack, Santha, Molly, Max, Jenna, Acteon, Roxy, Scout, Rumour, Skye German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo German Spitz (Mittel)- Amber Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby, Sasha, Aria, Archer, Lexi Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally, Clyde, Ryan, Amethyst, Stan, Maddie, Skye, Rosie, Ruby, Roxie, Jazz, Gypsy, Ernie, Gus, Rufus, Joey, Woody, Coconut, Cleo, Freckles, Ziggy, Candy Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan, Kobi, Ari, Belle, Monah Irish Setter: Fionneaghan, Maia, Aneira Irish Terrier: Kate, Duke Irish Wolfhound: Zac Italian Greyhound: Bella, Tari, Blaze, Zoey, Italian Spinone: Roisin. Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi, Chief, Louis, Matilda, Tess Jack Russell terrier X: Thomas Japanese Spitz: Emmy, Angelo Keeshond: Jedi Kerry Blue Terrier: Juno, Joxer, Bahsha, Louie, Cinders, Solo Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Zep Leonberger: Singe Maltese: Luna, Mia Maltese X: Chase, Pipi Maremma: Dennys Dog, Grace,Gina, Angel,Honey, Hollie, Snotto, Hairy Beary, Tadea Miniature Fox Terrier: Cleopatra Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Miniature Pinscher: Mischa, Cleo Murray River Curly Coated Retriever: Aggie Neapolitan Mastiff: Miniera, Pacchia, Bruno, Pasquala + 3, 1 week old pups Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey, Xanthe Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka Pekingese: Edwina, Lyle Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli Poodle (Minature): Caroline, Brody, Prada Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pomeranian: Daisy, Comet, Jester, Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack, Bert Pyrenean Mountain Dog: Sasquatch Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss, Sierra, Kei Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint Saluki: Bella, Arella, Moss, Lucy, Jadir, Mab, Floyd Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato Samoyed x: Jenna Schipperke: Taz Schnauzer (Miniature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga, Riva, Amy, Indy, Amber, Grace, Guy, Blue, Connie, Paddington Schnauzer (Giant): Tara, Darcy Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Cassie, Orsana, Cimba Shih Tzu : Gizmo, Daisy Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky, Blacky, Zuess, Zero, Mya Siberian Husky x: Luki Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Shaemus, Nellie, Ciara Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos, Brutus, Monty, Chaos, Bean, Brock SWF: Zoe Tibetan Spaniel: Annie, Nina Zena, Lily Tibetan Terrier: Prue, Mindy, Holly, Tara Tenterfield Terrier: Cinder, Zoom Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly, Judy, Mini, Pixie, Ozzie, Dozer, Alaska, Logan, Buddy, Leela, Rusty, Pip, Brembo, Satchmo Welsh Corgi (Cardigan): Shandy White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz, Lewis, Rommi, Daphne, Elliot, Mindy, Whiz, Arizona aka Zassy , Griff , Penny, Kibah, Feather, Tag, Puck Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy, Mac, Sarah, Andy, Sweep, JJ, Flash, Fergie, Crystal, Glen, Jingles, Jinnie, Loui, Mitch, Maggie, Smiekie, Zac, Roxy, Winnie, Cricket, Nova,

Can't view it here on my computer either!

same here jules I don't mean any offense here, but I think that opinion is easier to have when your current dog/s like, and are good at, dog sports ;) Our first dog is a rescue mutt and he suited our circumstances at the time. He's laidback and easygoing and a joy to be around. But training? Nope, not interested. I couldn't get him to jump over one small jump let alone do an agility course. I took him through some obedience levels, and I got hooked, but he didn't. Where to from here? We would have loved to get a greyhound next, but that probably would have left me in the same position. So our next dog is an Australian Shepherd who is obviously much more suited to dog sports. She loves it, I love it, OH and I love her to bits, our other dog loves her, so I don't see why it's a problem that I chose her for her potential If she ever gets injured or cannot compete, fine, she will just be a much loved pet.

My dog is just learning the weaves too and she also does much better at home (well, at the local oval). When I train at home, I start out with slightly slanted poles so that she is getting confidence and speed, before going to the straight poles which she then does nicely. If I go straight to the straight poles she seems to think too much and misses poles or does two then looks back at me It doesn't bother me because I know that I need to do more foundation work on entries and confidence and accuracy and speed before I expect her to "get it" completely. I am doing a bunch of work with two poles for entries and I am sure she will get better as time goes on.

I love the look of the slip leads from Rush to Tug: http://www.rushtotug.com/fire-n-ice-slip-lead.html My favourite colour combos so far are the Layney, Bubblegum Machine and Sittin on a Cloud :D I like Bubblegum Machine :D Just have to decide if I want the martingale or the slip lead. Pay day tomorrow