Mooper

I'll throw my inexperienced hat in the ring, vickie Jack has almost exclusively been working in small yards, often round yards. As a result, I believe, when we were out at Bungendore with Jim Luce a little while ago, in a far larger yard, Jack was all over the shop running a marathon. Now, it is almost certainly because he and I are inexperienced that he was hooning around. But I can't help thinking that he's become used to only working in a tight space. He has no clue about casting (but we are still very much beginners). Working with Charlie Cover at Yass another time, I could see a benefit to the round yard when you have a stubborn dog like Jack. Charlie will "take a dog's ground" where necessary, to remind it who is boss. It's not a physically forceful thing, but is as simple as following the dog with a rake, bag, polypipe or whatever until it looks up at the handler and concedes that you are boss. So when Jack would switch off after being told off for getting too close to the sheep, Charlie told me to take Jack's ground. I would walk over to Jack, almost blocking him from wherever he thought was a good spot to sniff ... for him, that seemed to work really well. For a more nervous dog, I wouldn't like to use that sort of pressure. Those are my random Sunday arvo thoughts. I look forward to hearing from others ... ;)

I'm stuck with one dog for now, partly because he's a bossy boots who has bonded strongly to me and won't let other dogs on our property without a kerfuffle. And partly because he was so much work to train even to this level. First I had to get him to trust me, to tolerate other dogs, then to tolerate being in close proximity to them. On the rare occasions when we foster, his behaviour and my time to train him one-on-one both slip. But he's a *big* dog. At least the size of MrsD's Jarrah and Jonty together ETA: I think I will only ever own rescue dogs, but I do hope my next dog(s) are a little younger than Jack was when we adopted him (at 4) so I have more opportunity to shape behaviours early.

John was always a favourite of mine I'm sorry to hear that he's gone to sleep for the last time, Rozzie and Mr R. It sounds like he picked a good spot. Rest in peace, funny fella.

I reckon she might be, ollie1 :D That's a lovely way for kids to think of their dogs. They haven't gone forever -- you'll be reunited one day. I'm sorry Dotti left you so soon.

;) I remember when sweet Abby came to join you. My goodness, what a shock to lose her so young! I'm so very sorry. Thinking of you and yours. Rest in peace, Abby :D

Oh, no, Pandii. She's too young to go! It can't be true ... she was supposed to pull through I'm so sorry. Hugs to you, Mr Pandii and the kids. Run free, Ishka

All sounding good, Jodie. He was very sprightly yesterday

IF he gets excited? IF??? Oh, he'll get excited. This is him at sheepherding, letting me know he wasn't happy at having to sit while the sheep were at the other end of the pen ...

It's just so unfair ... Sweet dreams, Sarah Stafford. Remember the love Warley and Xcel showed you.

Hmm ... ok! So my trusty Black Dog lead is no good? Can you recommend a good tie-out stake? I've seen those self-hammering ones and think they sound good, but don't know how strong they are. Or will a length of chain or coated wire around a tree do the trick? I don't know the area, so I'm not sure what the options are. At sheepherding, Jack is usually tethered to a fence or to the towhooks under the car. The forest is a tad different! I'll see how I go with my PhD come April (it's due this year, the sooner the better) and if it looks like we'll have time, I'll definitely get in contact, Brett. Thanks again.

Thanks, Maryanne and Brett. I'm a tad worried about my dog's vocal response to mals and huskies being a complete deterrent for everyone else! He has no known pre-existing health conditions, but will be 7yo next month and has only trimmed down to 29kg in the past few months. When we got him from the pound three years ago, he was 32kg and looked pretty porky. It sounds like I should go along and watch in the first instance, then decide whether my dog will be his usual pain-in-the-derriere self or whether his barking will just join in the cacophony and not be noticed :) I've been meaning to watch the sled dogs every year and haven't made it out there ...

What a long life he had, and it sounds like the years with you were the happiest

I'd love to get involved, and have an exciting and willing woofer. He just happens to think every sibe and mal on earth is his nemesis. They're the only breeds he consistently gets narky with But, for general info, are crossbreeds of similar size and build to siberian huskies and malamutes welcomed? What are the general health requirements? Thanks

Hoping for good test results! You're a miracle boy, Ollie dog. Keep the miracles coming

I would say rest in peace, Shadow, but I know you'll be leaping for joy, pain-free, at the Rainbow Bridge. Jack will join you up there one day, and he asked me to get you to nick a few steaks for him, too

Sweet dreams, Pyro See you at the bridge

:rolleyes: Run free, Keisha, and play with all the lovely DOL dogs waiting for us at the bridge.

... and another. You knew Jemma's time was coming, and you've had a great time together. :rolleyes: Take care. She was a stunning girl.

I finally managed to read all the way through without blubbering on my keyboard ... Rest in peace, Loki Dog. Your Mum and Bosco love you very much. Even the cats think you were a good dog. :rolleyes:

Gee, what a happy new year. Rotten sods. I hope you get your gear back. It sure does sound like a calculated theft. :shakehead:

Wow! How did you stumble across that site, PC?

Go on, Clover, you know you want to ... I'd love to go and watch! But I don't think I can afford time away from uni I hope the trial goes well!

That sounds like the right attitude to have, CTD. Despite early encouragement from local sheepdog enthusiasts, farmers and trainers, my dog's instincts don't seem to extend beyond chasing. But I wouldn't have known that unless we'd given it a go. It is fun, but in our case, the sheep are running a marathon while Jack plays chasies and that's not what it's about. Likewise, you won't know of Tia's potential until you try! Btw, how old is Tia? If she's still only young, it may be worth auditing at a sheepdog school and letting her see the sheep through the fence to build a bit of interest. The next time, the trainer may suggest walking through a round yard with her on lead, so she can see a few sheep close up. Atleast, those have been my observations at sheepdog schools when someone brings a pup with them. Hope that helps.

There is also a copy here which has been reduced to USD19.95 because it was apparently damaged in shipping.

That is so good to hear!