Starkehre

Just an update, I spoke with Judy at Dogs Vic and she is going to put something up on their website and also try to include something in next month's Vic Dog mag.

Hi Lablover, after speaking to quite a few people about this over the past few days, seems that it is not all that uncommon. As written in my OP, this was not a case of human error, although I understand that this could quite easily happen and we are all only human afterall, but the plug lead was removed, and placed back over the draw bar, so could not have possibly fallen out and done this. If it had fallen out, it would be on the ground. And we checked the lights before leaving home that morning and everything was connected. Also, I don't think you are being paranoid. That day my girl travelled to and from the trial in the car. We mostly use the float to cart all our bits and pieces around. and the dogs usually travel in the car, unless we are really stuck for room. Our float is a 4 berth with a huge centre divider, and if we have to put the dogs in it, they travel in the front berths when and where possible. We also have massive LED tail lights in efforts to ensure drivers behind do not miss us braking. It can be worrying, but to date we havenever had any dramas. I certainly understand your concerns though. Also, an update, I spoke with Judy at Dogs Vic, and she has said that they will pop something up on the website and also try to put something in next months Vic Dog mag

Thanks showdog, good to know. Am doing just that tomorrow morning.

Hey, congratulations !!! And don't sell yourself short - well done . Thanks erny. Our gorgeous Dyzney has achieved 5 passes in obedience in the past 5 months including one title, so she is the clever girl. Fingers crossed we might get another ob title and a herding one this month also. She turns 7 in a couple of weeks, so our time is limited, but whilst she is having a ball, I figure "why not"?! I guess what I was trying to say was that we are not competative in the way that could be seen as a threat to others, if by chance that was seen to be the reason for the float tampering, and that is why I don't think it was. Dyz and I love to compete, but we are not trophy hunters. I enjoy gaining titles, and she loves being in the ring and learning. My competition is with myself, and no one else. Hopefully we will have Jag out at it soon :D A bit OT, but the whole ironic thing (funny really) about the whole float thing is that I never travel Dyzney in it anyway. She travels in the car, and we take the float for storage.

That's exactly what OH and I think Newfsie. There were several other floats parked near us, and I did have a quick look at a few to see if there's was all still intact, as if it was not, I definitely would have said or done something then and there. All the others I looked at were still connected up.

Thanks Kirst. You will be at Kate's on the 25th?? We will meet up again then, and Dyzney will be there. Sadly i wont be there im working!! next time though i usually get to go to every 2 or 3 herding events the others im working. But im sure i will see u and ur family again soon I second ur thoughts erny, definatly need to get word out about this, i still cant comprehend someone doing somethings this brainless!! Catch up next time then Kirst. A few of us Rotti people are getting together for a workshop with Kate hopefully in May (have not firmed on a date yet). If you are free and feel like a Rotti fix, you could come along that day.

Crazy Daisy, I am with you, I tend to think it was just kids being kids... at least that is what I would like to think. I find it difficult to see any bad in people, and as I mentioned in the general thread, I was only competing at a low level, and only just passed, so I am no threat to anyone. I am not competative by nature or in result, so I would be hard pressed to think it was someone trying to knock me out. I keep a low profile as much as possible and as far as I am aware, I get on well with everyone, so who knows??? I do not think it was personal or malicious, but it still had the potential to be dangerous.

Hi mmoo, I tend to see the good in everyone, so I doubt it is a fellow competitor. I am thinking naughty kids maybe??? I was competing at a low level and only just passed, so I am certainly no threat to any other competitors. Anyway, erny has suggested I mention it to Park management at VCA, so I will be doing that tomorrow. Perhaps at future events for a while the trial and show secretaries might make an announcement prior to presentations just to remind competitors to check their floats before leaving. I don't want to make a big deal about it, but would just hate anyone to have an accident because of something like this. Or perhaps they may even make a mention of it in the next Vic Dog?

Absolutely Erny, will do. To be honest, after a big and tiring weekend, I had pretty much forgotten about it, until just before I decided to post something here. But, yes, agreed, I will follow it up. Best that I do, just in case.

Thanks Kirst. You will be at Kate's on the 25th?? We will meet up again then, and Dyzney will be there.

Good point Erny. I actually wanted to say something to trial sec directly before presentations, so they might say something then to everyone (as we noticed when we were packing up, not directly before we left), but I just felt weird about it. I did mention it to a few people I know there that had floats, just so they were aware and should check theirs, but I felt like I was sounding like a trouble maker..... I know, just me being silly. But, yes, I think I may make a couple of calls tomorrow or send an email.

Oops, gremlins

OK, I have also included topic into the Training and show sections. Just want to ensure nobody gets caught out with this happening to them. My gut feeling is that it was not personal???

Also in General -I thought it appropriate to add here also.... Hi all, hope you are enjoying your Easter long weekend. Just thought it a good idea to advise those of you that tow a float to any dog events, that before you leave to go home, please check your coupling and lighting connection. Yesterday, after having a wonderful day doing obedience trialling at KCC Park, we discovered that someone had disconnected our float lights from the car. Luckily we noticed, and then of course checked everything else. All else was fine. ... it's not like I won or anything either I was quite disturbed by this. I am really upset that another dog person would even consider doing this to someone and risk another car running into the back of their float and possibly injuring their dogs. The plug had definitely been removed and then placed back over the draw bar, so not a situatrion where it could have just falling out. Anyway guys, I would hate for anyone to be involved in an accident, so please please get into the habit of checking all connections (if you don't already) before going home. I know I will be much more vigilant from now on.

Also in General -I have been advised to add here also.... Hi all, hope you are enjoying your Easter long weekend. Just thought it a good idea to advise those of you that tow a float to any dog events, that before you leave to go home, please check your coupling and lighting connection. Yesterday, after having a wonderful day doing obedience trialling at KCC Park, we discovered that someone had disconnected our float lights from the car. Luckily we noticed, and then of course checked everything else. All else was fine. ... it's not like I won or anything either I was quite disturbed by this. I am really upset that another dog person would even consider doing this to someone and risk another car running into the back of their float and possibly injuring their dogs. The plug had definitely been removed and then placed back over the draw bar, so not a situatrion where it could have just falling out. Anyway guys, I would hate for anyone to be involved in an accident, so please please get into the habit of checking all connections (if you don't already) before going home. I know I will be much more vigilent from now on.

Thanks guys. I was going to put this thread into the training section, but then it would get coverage here. Perhaps I will pop it into training and showing sections also. Thanks for the heads up Mother Moocher. We actually think it was possibly naughty kids, only being that I keep a pretty low profile and am not competative enough in nature or result for anyone to hold any grudges against me. Anyway, I truly hope that it was just kids. ... but who knows? It certainly is not on though. I am not even fond of the thought of others touching my property, let alone the thought of what could have happened.

Yeh, got me buggered too Stolz. It has been a good wake up call for me to check from now on. I have not been in the habit of doing that, even after towing horses for years, so definitely shake me up for me. Yeh, and just when my faith in human kind had been restored, something like this happens. Pretty sad really. Good on you for always checking. How close was that for those people you knew of. Really disgusting. I am guilty of being ignorant that people would do something like that.... and I am not even aware of any enemies I may have???

Hi all, hope you are enjoying your Easter long weekend. Just thought it a good idea to advise those of you that tow a float to any dog events, that before you leave to go home, please check your coupling and lighting connection. Yesterday, after having a wonderful day doing obedience trialling at KCC Park, we discovered that someone had disconnected our float lights from the car. Luckily we noticed, and then of course checked everything else. All else was fine. ... it's not like I won or anything either I was quite disturbed by this. I am really upset that another dog person would even consider doing this to someone and risk another car running into the back of their float and possibly injuring their dogs. The plug had definitely been removed and then placed back over the draw bar, so not a situatrion where it could have just falling out. Anyway guys, I would hate for anyone to be involved in an accident, so please please get into the habit of checking all connections (if you don't already) before going home. I know I will be much more vigilent from now on.

Jim's Cleaning :D His vacuum cleaner is a heavy duty industrial one that he carries around on his back. Doesn't leave a single hair in the place. In between him visiting I use our upright Dyson (with power head). It is a fairly old model (about 6 or 7 years??), but it still does a great job. I have had them service it a couple of times and replace a few things. Dyson offer a brilliant after sales service and repairs etc.

Hi all, I can only speak for my soft styled crates, as I am unsure about others, but the waterproofing is on the inside of the fabric, so cleaning is very easy. A simple hosing out and a gentle wipe or brush. You can remove the entire skin for a gentle hand wash, but after 4 plus years of use, I have never actually needed to do this. Regarding height, no your dog is not supposed to be able to sit up in the crate and have his head clear the roof. Of course you can have a crate that big if you wish, but it unnecessary. Crating is quiet time, so the dog should always be encouraged to lay down and rest. By ensuring the crate is not so tall that it allows for a comfortable sit, this will help to create a more calm dog. My advise is that provided the dog is not long for it's height (and Labs are not a long breed), the crate needs to be approx 2-3cm taller than the dog's HAS (Height At Shoulder) this is absolutely enough space. Particularly if the main application is for trialling, showing etc Some people like their dogs to have a little more room if being crated over night, and that is their choice. Labrador Retriever most common crate size is either of my 2 Large models. As long as the dog is not hugely larger than Breed Standard or over weight the large swill be fine. Hope this helps. K9+ Soft Dog Crates ps. for anyone checking my website, I apologise but it has been recently hacked, and we are working to rectify this issue.

Well, thank goodness your pup did not try to run away from this attacking dog. Because if he did try to, there is a very good chance he would not be with you now. His lead should have been on. The fact that he stays near you does not indicate that it is OK to remove the lead. There is nothing proofed about your pup's 11 week old behaviours. Never ever let your pup off leash, please. It is your job to teach him to eliminate on lead. When he is more mature and has a good solid recall and you know 100% how he communicates with, tolerates and deals with other dogs after he has gone through puberty, then and only then should he be let off lead and in an enclosed and safe area with dogs that you know the capabilities and behaviours. I would be rushing out to purchase a tattslotto ticket and then belting myself over the head with a rolled up newspaper.

I am so so sorry to hear of your awful experience at the park. Just terrible. It is a very upsetting thing to be concerned that there may be long term emotional issues to your little baby. I know what you are going through. When my young boy was 4 months old we were rushed by an off leash GSD baring it's teeth, growling and barking at full pelt, in an on leash area, I had my dog on leash. All the hard work you put in, and then this happens. I do hope your baby gets over this ordeal with no adverse affects. ...and this is why I never go to off leash parks anymore. The only people you can trust there is yourself and if you are a switched on owner, your own dog. Unfortunately you cannot trust that every dog there is not dog aggressive and that owners are responsible. I cannot believe the idiocy of that woman owner of the attacking dog. But unfortunately, it will not be the last time you come across someone like this. Not the dog's fault. Entirely the owner's fault. Personally, I would never have an 11 week old pup at on off leash park, off leash. But I am sure if OP had any inclination of something like this happening, she would not have either.

To Jeanne, (OP), I would stick with your gut feeling. You are already having concerns, so why risk it? There is every chance that nothing will go wrong, but what if it does? How will you feel then? May I suggest some training with Berri at home if you do not wish to take him for an on leash walk. He should be taught not to expect an off leash run every day, and should be taught to be calm when expected to be calm. It is simply a training issue. Berri is smart. He is training you to take him to the off leash park every day. Exercise is an integral part of a dog's life. But far too often owner's put too much emphasis on a good off leash run when quality training and on leash walking is of excellent value and it all should be well balanced out. Perhaps do some training involving both Berri and Meika on the floor. Can be very rewarding and the mental stimulation will give him the same satisfaction. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Firstly, I will say, that I no longer go to off leash dog parks, for many reasons, and kids not really even being one of them. IMO parents that take kids to off leash parks are tempting fate. Sorry, don't mean to ruffle feathers, but just my opinion. Of course it is absolutely their choice. Yes, dogs should be well behaved. Yes owners should control their dogs. But let's face it, many of us here get on DOL and have a story to tell about a bad experience at a off leash dog park. It happens. Whenever you are in any situation where as one owner you have no control over what other owner's and other dogs do, there is always an element of risk. Dogs will be dogs, and irresponsible owners will be irresponsible owners. Parents prefer not to allow young kids to play outside in the streets with their friends anymore, like we did when we were young. The child will probably not get hit by a car or kidnapped, but parents are not willing to take that risk. Sensible, and seems to be a sign of the times. Perhaps parents that own bomb proof dogs believe that all dogs at off leash parks are also bomb proof?? There is no guarantee of that. I have seen some awful things occur at off leash parks. I think sensibility should prevail. I don't think kids should be banned from off leash parks. And if kids are not screaming and running around throwing balls etc, I do not have a problem with them being at an off leash dog park. I would never measure other people on my yard stick of decisions I would make for myself. Each to their own. But the problem arises when the child gets injured, and this might vary from a mild bump or knock and a grazed knee to a severe bite. The law is going to be on the side of the child and parent, and I do not have a problem with that, but the law will not be the one fixing the child's injuries be they physical, mental or emotional or all of the forementioned. Dogs do not require to be run off leash. Yes it is nice, but not necessary. Parents are required to keep their children safe. Personally, if I was in a situation where I had young children in my care at all times (btw, I do not have children) and wanted to run the dog at the off leash park, I would choose to not run the dog at the off leash park. I would take the dog for a nice walk on leash. There are other options also - plan a play date in your home or someone elses home, take your dog swimming at a dog pool or to a dog treadmill. But that is just me.

Yeh Jake, they are the snakes that you can leave coiled around your umbrella stork to protect your umbrella from being stolen when you leave it up at events