Starkehre

Plenty. But thinking about it, my feelings towards the dog are probably always more about the owner. As in not because I dislike the owner, but more so because I dislike the lack of training they have put in. I have never come across a well trained, well behaved dog that I do not like. So, I guess I blame the owner. If you are referring to your own dogs, then I would have to say no. Some I have clicked with better than others.

Curious, if someone can help me here... for those business/groups etc that accept titre results over vaccination certificates, how recently does the titre need to have been done for acceptance or does it depend on the advice written on the titre result? Sorry if this is a little OT

Please someone correct me if I am wrong, but as far as I know, there are currently no required health tests for AST.

I think many of those who keep their dogs outside are neither aware of those arguments nor of the responsiblity they have to ensure that their dog's needs are met. I've said either can be done well but the onus on spending time with an outside only dog is higher.. and frequently not acknowledged. I think many dog owners don't even consider the issue. Dogs are outside because "that's where dogs belong". Asking them to explain why reveals those cultural perceptions I posted out earlier. Point out that physically isolating a social, pack animal is not natural for the dog and they look at you like you're crazy. I've got two of these kinds of owners as close neighbours. And I get to listen to their dogs.. a lot. Couldn't agree more. My point about being judgemental is more based on the OPs mention that her neighbour " seems good in every other way" This is according to OP measured against her standards. My comment was made more as an observation than a judgement..sorry if it sounded the latter... Don't be sorry, all good. I was not having a go at you at all. Also just making an observation how often we tend to think that others are not up to scratch if they do not do or believe in the same as us. You are not alone with this. We all do it from time to time. :D

I think many of those who keep their dogs outside are neither aware of those arguments nor of the responsiblity they have to ensure that their dog's needs are met. I've said either can be done well but the onus on spending time with an outside only dog is higher.. and frequently not acknowledged. I think many dog owners don't even consider the issue. Dogs are outside because "that's where dogs belong". Asking them to explain why reveals those cultural perceptions I posted out earlier. Point out that physically isolating a social, pack animal is not natural for the dog and they look at you like you're crazy. I've got two of these kinds of owners as close neighbours. And I get to listen to their dogs.. a lot. Couldn't agree more. My point about being judgemental is more based on the OPs mention that her neighbour " seems good in every other way" This is according to OP measured against her standards.

In my opinion it is not good to assume that because someone does something different to you that they are wrong or worse than you are. We are all different. We have different beliefs and practises and this is what makes the world go around. Unless animals are being tortured and treated with cruelty and as long as they have what they require to be happy and healthy, then each to their own. I know some will come back an say that a dog must live inside most of the time and be in close proximity to it's owner/pack to be happy, and I am not necessary disputing this, but I still think judgemental people are the ones that are wrong, not so much our different practises of keeping our dogs. There will always be arguements for and against the indoor versus outdoor keeping of dogs as there is with everything, but my point is... why argue about something that should be a personal choice. People should worry more about what they are doing themselves and less about judging others. And my dogs are inside and outside, as I see fit. They are healthy, happy, well djusted dogs that also go off the property on a regular basis to many different locations doing a variation of activities. added... I am not saying that we are having an arguement, more meaning a discussion of differing opinions. Edited cause I just noticed that PF and I opened with the same few words, and I didn't want to look like I was copying or responding to her post. I wrote my post prior to reading hers :D

Same here. For me, a leash 'talks' to me through my hand and vice versa. Perhaps that's a bit reminiscent of my horse riding days and reins. I couldn't 'talk' with a lead that has stretch in it. + 1 I am a "horsey" too and feel the same way about leads as Erny does. I am constantly having "chats" with my dog via it's lead... half holts, checking in, gentle reminders, most of these are so subliminal they would not even be noticed by anyone looking and all of these are before we even get to nice sharp pops. None of this can be achieved with the stretchy lead. I hate those stretchy leads, no control IMO... but it all depends on what you want from your dog... horses for courses

I am so sorry to hear about your girl and the lost pregnancy Rottsup. How very disappointing for you. A real puzzle. I hope she is OK.

Do you think it's better for me to have her/crate in my bedroom? Or put it out in the loungeroom? Currently it's in my bedroom and whenever I go in there to read or get ready to go out she puts herself in it.. but as soon as I close the door......! Sooky sooky noises... She's a very vocal dog normally, which is a trait I love about Weims... but not when I'm sleeping! Personally if I was you, I would be doing short spurts during the day, inside, semi supervised, but totally and I mean totally ignoring the noise. Ensure she is safe and secure and then let her whinge it out... others may disagree. She is trying to see if her whinging will win you over and it is super important to not let realise she can push your buttons. Reward the quiet and restful behaviour, ignore everything else. When it comes to over night, I would start in your bedroom, ensuites are good as they are cooler for this warm time of year. The comfort of her hearing you talking amongst yourselves and breathing is more than enough comfort for a dog of her age. Be prepared. Set yourself up for a win, do not start until you have prepared everyone in the household for a possible noisy couple of nights and warn and suck up to your neighbours also. This way if she gets noisy you will be less inclined to give in when you know everyone is expecting the worst. Be prepared to lose some sleep, but it will pay off in the long run. Just my opinion. You will find many will have other ideas. I have never been one for use of open crates... until I know the dog is fully house and crate trained. They are locked in from day one and taught how to be comfortable and confident in their own company from day one also. As I only use soft crates, this is an important thing to me, but will not be so important to others.

Yes, very possible. IME & O it is more about the owner/trainer than the dog and how you deal with tany possible resistance. I have successfully and easily crate trained several breeds of dogs during adulthood, even to soft dog crates, with no dramas, all large breeds. go for it and good luck.

My dogs will still work/train for food Dyzney , just has to be a higher value food than the kibble .......Lola the GSD will also do anything I want for a food ,toy reward or general praise .........the wolfy x can be more stubborn .....not interested in toys but will just about turn himself inside out for cheese, liver treats , polony etc . ETA ......for those that think their dogs would be obese .......I have found the opposite if you start off young ..........they will regulate their intake by themselves . Most dietitions will tell you that the only way to lose weight and keep it off is to eat several small meals a day and exercise ...........when you eat just one larger meal a day your body tends to go into starvation mode and hold onto every last calorie . Thanks for your input LL and Danois

I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Jordan Happypaws. It is an overwhelmingly sad time for you. ;) One thing I always do when I decide to finally sad goodbye to one of beloved dogs is try to find strength and peace in the knowing that I did the right thing at the right time. When my beautiful Ruby died a few years ago, I held a service for her. A friend of mine whom is a civil celebrant put together a special service for Ruby. It was held on the foreshore of a beautiful big off leash dog park and all Ruby's 2 and 4 legged friends were there including her breeder. There was music, candles and flowers. It was a really lovely service and I am glad we did this for Ruby and for us. You need to do what feels right for you. I always cry a lot when I lose one of my dogs. I cry until there is just no more cry left in me. Sometimes this is weeks. I also tend to sleep a lot when I am grieving. Whatever you do and however you handle this difficult time with be right for you. Take care.

I do not free feed, but also sympathise and understand those that may need to. Just out of a genuine curiosity, for those that do free feed, do any of you compete with these dogs in any dog sport disciplines or conformation? Or are these free feeders all pets only. Please understand that I do not mean anything judgemental, negative or derogatory by this, genuine curiosity. I ask because I do not think I personally would be able to get the work I like from my dogs if I free fed them. I do use food for training sometimes and play drive other times. I also use competative drive, so not always food, but still think they would lack the spark and interest it takes to get my desired response and keenness. I personally like my dogs to always be hungry and guts their food (within reason). I have never had an issue with bloat or any other digestive problems. They are fed just enough food to keep them at the weight I want, no more. I could not bear to free feed. It is important to me to know exactly what my dogs have eaten at all times. I want my dogs to look at me as their source of everything they need and want.

Whenever I bring a new puppy home, I always expect there will be crying intermittently over the following few weeks. My puppy would be inside during the night but adjusting to spending some time alone during the day is of utmost importance to me over the following weeks. Even a puppy crying inside can be heard by neighbours. One of the things I do prior to bringing the puppy home is going around to all the neighbours that I think may possibly hear the puppy during the day or night and give them a bottle of wine, an explanation about the new puppy and possible chance of crying and offer to purchase them ear plugs if they would like them. I keep it light, friendly and remain very appreciative of their understanding. OK, it is too late now to "get in first", but food for thought for next time. Best of luck. ... I was actually wondering about what your neighbours were thinking prior to you posting about the complaint.

Why? I'm asking because I have no idea at all & assumed it would be harder for the horses ) The poster meant harder for the dogs than other tests - not the horses. Sorry, I'm still not getting it. Common for me Do you mean that the vet tests that they conduct/ed on dogs for shows are more complex/stringent than the vet tests for horses for their comps? I am pretty sure what they mean is that the ET for a dog is a harder test (more taxing on their body) than other events/trials are for dogs ie obedience, tracking, agility, conformation, herding, flyball etc... hence why they are vet checked prior.

I have always been a bit of a "jack of all trades" with the dog sport disciplines. One of my current older bitches has 11 titles in 5 different disciplines, and she is still learning, training and competing. In my breed I used to try to do the more energetic disciplines earlier and the more easy going, less body taxing ones as they got older, as the beautiful rottis do run out of time fairly quickly. but nowadays, I just do what feels good at the time... what me and my dogs are enjoying. Just take it as it comes. It is nothing for me to be training and/or competing in 4 different disciplines with one dog at a time or certainly in any one year. Like others say - if you start with good basic foundations, train quality focus and drive, you can achieve anything. Dogs adjust super well if you keep your body language consistent and clear. You know when you have confused the dog, cause you don't get the results you want IMO dogs can handle multi disciplines very well without any issues. It is more about the handler than the dog.

A bitch of mine that I had desexed at 3 years of age was showing signs of incontinence within a year. Under advice I put her on Stilboestrol, and within 4 months she was dead. To date Stilboetrol and Rimadyl have both been the most highly suspected causes of immune mediated disease in 2 of my bitches. I do however believe that there needs to be an underlying predisposition in the line. I for one will never use Stilboestrol again, but understand many have great success with it and no ill side affects. It is also unlikely that I will ever desex a dog or bitch again unless I absolutely have to.

Awesome idea TN. What about a shade umbrella and a chair. I also take electrolytes in tab form for my dog.

I just thought of another tip for those doing their first ET soon. I think it is suggested to have someone as an assistant for you on the day. Personally I am a huge advocate for having a very switched on and experience "strapper" to help you. I had my strapper pinched from me by another competitor last time (to hold his dog whilst he went to the loo) , which meant I could not go.... not on. A good strapper will relieve the handler of the dog the 2nd they pull in from a leg, and prevent it from becoming lactic, empty the dog, water the dog and try to keep it in shade if possible (yes there is often sun in winter too) whilst still remaining as close to your station as need be. The strapper will calm the exciteable dog and just keep a close eye on everything. He will listen for your call by the vet etc and just remain on top of everything for the handler whilst the handler rests, toilets has a drink etc. I believe the handler should be able to get a couple of minutes rest in between legs. Or even if not rest, just take some time to regroup and clear your thoughts. After more than a month of serious training for this event, I know I am anxious and nervous about getting through. Unlike prepping for other trials/shows it is a massive build up for a possible one shot per season at it, so handlers are super keen to get it right the first time. So taking time with hands off the vibrating handle bars, helmet off if you wish and not having to look after your dog at the same time is definitely required. Some dogs need to be held whilst the handler is remounting the bike. A good strapper will do this for you also and assist you get a smooth take off. I would never go to an ET alone. My OH is my strapper and he knows exactly what I expect of him and he will ensure he is there and ready as soon as I dock at the end of a leg.

You are welcome. Very happy to share what I know about the ET's. Keep your training regular and steady with your boy. It is important not to overexert him. By building up his endurance slowly he will be more likely capable of maintaining his endurance to complete the test. M Absolutely, will do. Once I commence my structured ET training, it will be very monitored, regular and steady. I have a wrist GPS which sits on the front of my bike and I use this to maintain 10-12kmp/h, check distances etc. Very handy tool, love it. He is always moderately fit, he bikes, swims, runs, plays hard etc but of course I would never keep him at ET fitness for prolonged periods. He will trained to be ready on the day. Once again, much appreciate your assistance.

Do it emery maybe wait til after you've had the baby. Both you and Chandra will love it.

Thanks again AS. I will definitely check into it thoroughly and contact trial secs when the time comes. I am familiar with both grounds and yes, you are absolutely right, they are both lovely and mostly quite flat. I appreciate your in put, thank you. It is awesome to have someone on here willing to contribute with your experience. I do look forward to doing ET again this year. I will need all the luck I can get this time around. My boy is a particularly "hot" dog and I am hoping he can manage to recover his temp and heart rate well enough... common problem in Rottis doing ET, particularly some of the bigger lads.

ozjen, I can vouch for that also. Sorry to hear about your nasty experience. My bitch Dyzney (whom empties on command and did so prior to the test and during at least one of the breaks) did decide she also needed to go "NOW" whilst we were in mid leg. Anyway, where she suddenly wanted to relieve herself with absolutely no warning whatsoever, was on a stretch where there is a bit of a dip off to the side of the path (this was at Altona)... and well you can imagine, she literally dragged me off the bike sideways. I crashed and the seat of my bike poked right into the bandage in my leg that was nursing 6 stitches where I had fallen on a star picket a few days prior to the test. (There was no way I was going to cancel the ET cause of a few silly stitches, after all the training involved in getting a Rottweiler ET fit). I nearly passed out, but I soldiered on, a little feeling like vomitting from the pain for a few moments, but came good again. Of course as we rode past the spectators, officials and vetting station, they were all wondering why there was blood leaking out of my bandage ;) Wow, Dyzney, you are much braver than me, my blood ran cold just reading about it, would have been painful enough peddling without the crash and poke. Have to love our dogs timing, my girl also goes on command but still manages to hold something back for the bike ride, I'm sure she thinks that mum loves her poo because she is always collecting it up so she doesn't want to disappoint me. Don't know about brave ozjen :D probably more stupid than anything else ;) Yes, it was a bit painful doing the test, but good fun as well. I often bike 2 Rotties together around here. Now that can be fun.... being pulled off the bike by 2.

In my experience, toughening up the pads naturally offers less risk of splits etc than using product, but there will always be the exception. I find ensuring that during training dogs are always biked on wet grass (morning dew), then gravel, then repeat. altering surfaces constantly will test the pads and toughen them up. During the ET I think the biggest risk on the pads is the dog travelling on gravel after being softened from the wet grass, so train this. Another reason pads become damaged is from the pulling either by the dog or handler to keep the dogs back from chasing the dog in front or just general excitement. Yes, pulling is technically not allowed, but it happens a lot and I have yet to see a handler or dog get pinged for it. The extra friction and lesser traction that pulling creates on the pads can be taxing on them. And this can be a surprise to the rider as they may not do it in training, particularly after 6 weeks of it. Though I have only done one ET, I have strapped at some and also have been biking my dogs around suburban roads for many many years.

ozjen, I can vouch for that also. Sorry to hear about your nasty experience. My bitch Dyzney (whom empties on command and did so prior to the test and during at least one of the breaks) did decide she also needed to go "NOW" whilst we were in mid leg. Anyway, where she suddenly wanted to relieve herself with absolutely no warning whatsoever, was on a stretch where there is a bit of a dip off to the side of the path (this was at Altona)... and well you can imagine, she literally dragged me off the bike sideways. I crashed and the seat of my bike poked right into the bandage in my leg that was nursing 6 stitches where I had fallen on a star picket a few days prior to the test. (There was no way I was going to cancel the ET cause of a few silly stitches, after all the training involved in getting a Rottweiler ET fit). I nearly passed out, but I soldiered on, a little feeling like vomitting from the pain for a few moments, but came good again. Of course as we rode past the spectators, officials and vetting station, they were all wondering why there was blood leaking out of my bandage