Tambaqui

Sorry! Maybe the word I could've used is some! I apologize if anyone is offended or upset at my choice of words! Edit: I would say enthusiastic is the best word too, my GSP is the same, but she can and does tend to be a bit cheeky at times and often do things that she isn't supposed to do! Hope that make sense!

*nods*, yup most definitely! I definitely had that in mind, and out of all of them, only about 3 or 4 of those from experience I had great sessions from, but at the end of the day, there is always room for improvement and I do recoginise that some are still learning and picking up new skills. I am just nitpicky ! Some I am like "I love your training session, but I didn't like the tiny quirk you did!" But it bound to happen in different classes, but the one I had last week for my class was absolutely great! Apparantly according to mum, he was one of those that still stuck around since the days I trained my whippet! But at the end of the day despise the quirks, I absolutely love training with my dog and alway go back week after week!

They are definitely over the top and very hyperactive breed! The best word is enthusiastic! (Sorry to anyone if I offended with what I have said, but it was based on experiences I have seen, and I recognize that not all of them are the same in personality) My little Bella is out in the main yard with another dog, and everytime I tried to open the gate to access it, they'd both try and get through, but I use a very firm "AH-AH!" and she is very responsive and learns that she has to stay in that yard. Bella doesn't jump on people or dogs, but she has been warned before, so she knows she is not allowed to do it as well, and again it training the moment they come home. I find usually at night, or they do get placid and not bother coming out of their bed as they do get tired and also after a good run or training at the club (or even showing!). But if you're after a GSP and expecting them to be laid back and such, then you're looking at the wrong breed lol! (My breeder told be they are so laid back and placid, but frankly every GSP I've seen, including mine are quite the opposite!) But they are an absolute sweetheart when they want to be, and also a nightmare! Mark my words, I have seen both :p

I am currently doing obedience now, but I used to do obedience in the old days when I was a young kid and I took it seriously as well (Compared to some I've seen, but some kids training dogs are great! But I think often that Instructors should try and assist them as well like they did for me when I trained my whippet 10 to 15 years ago). Quite frankly, I am disappointed in the training methods today at the same club I attend and at times I get a bit annoyed at the lack of thoughts for the handler/trainers and the dogs. The biggest issue I have is that some instructors do not give you a chance to be able complete the command, and some that takes a while such as the drop command or the recall, and sometimes it just goes way too quick! At my obedience club, some instructors play the game "Simon said", Great game definitely, but it irks me and my dog when it becomes a big joke or a game to the point that your dog is sick to death of repetitive task (Like right about turn like 20 times!)" At times, they'd be like "down your dog... forward... halt.... forward... down your dog" all within a minute too! I'm sorry if I sound venting or annoyed, but if anyone becomes Instructor or Qualified Dog Trainer, they should be considerate and take the class in a way that will benefit everyone in the class or private session. They also have to remember that some dogs can only do so much, and constant repetitive action will only just drive them nuts and not want to work anymore, especially if they cram a whole lot of ridiculous command within a span of a few minutes. If anyone wishing to be a trainer, they must be able to demonstrate that they can instruct a handler or a class and be able to ensure it is ran efficiently that every owners and their dog are given a chance to complete a command and a quick break to reward their dogs after a successful task.

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Geesh! You waste no time eh! XD I have decided to only enter when we have interstate (Or even Interenational) judges for the KCC shows. Only cause it's a great advice someone told me, and I did some research on Black and White GSP, and they do well in QLD and NSW, so my baby girl gets to relax more often than your everyday show dogs! lol You've seem to caught the bug now like I have! haha

Here is my stacked photo of Bella in the lounge room a while ago lol! I am still learning and my main problem is I fidget with her and everytime I lean down to her to move her legs, she keeps changing her legs position and often think I am about to give her a kiss lol. I've just recently had a lesson with a Professional Handler and looked at where I am making mistakes, so I am working with her at home perfecting her obedience and we don't have a show until middle of August, so it's a good chance for Bella to mature some more and to work together as a team! But I absolutely adore her so much

Wow! That was amazing to watch, but for a moment I thought you were attempting a marathon :D Fletcher is so well behaved and obedient compared to my Bella! But since you want critiques, I thought I just make a note when you did the final free stand, he was absolutely perfect.... until he took two steps forward to the front so he looked like he was leaning a bit breaking that beautiful square stack (free stand). Maybe don't mollycoddle too much XD! Thats what some keep telling me lol, I've gotta learn to be the boss, and not the other way! But I thought it was great and you didn't seem like you were a newbie from watching the videos!

Wow! I think that is fantastic knowing there are greyhounds that has retired and participate in Agility and Obedience! I'd hope to see one would do either activities one day as I'd love to watch them do it! What if one would purchase or got a greyhound from a breeder/trainer and with the law that greyhound must wear the wire muzzles, and they choose to do these activities whether it's obedience or agility (Especially if the greyhound is older and finished racing), would there be any perceived issues would prevent them from doing those fun sport. So in other words, say bye bye to wearing muzzles and take them straight to obedience class and train them? Especially if they only retired from racing whether it was a week or a year. What do you advise new owners to do in this situation if went through this method rather than get one from the GAP? Do they have to meet any requirements or go through procedures before they can be off their muzzles and be a companion dog or some form of talented dog. I thought I bring it up because of a contrasting differences in purchasing a dog from a pure bred breeder and purchasing one off a greyhound (racing) breeder/trainer.

Hey all, my parents and I own a 12 Year Old White and Black Greyhound, and she's an absolute sweetheart! I have a question, or more so a curiosity. Had you brought a greyhound pup, regardless whether it was from a racing breed or show breed, and say you decide to keep it as a pet and want to do obedience with them, could you train them in obedience club or is there any restrictions with it? Because so far I've seen a few turned up at a obedience club, but not even participated With ours, she does some minor at home obedience doing some like drop (But you have to say sit), and would heel and do recall, but I don't understand why ours wouldn't sit like the type you teach with pups. I have tried using food but she would keep barking at me and drops and be like "it's my way or forget it"! lol I think it's great with the GAP and all, but I'd love it to be able see them turn up to training and be able to perform some obedience work! If I could take mine and prove to the others that she is smart as well, I would, but unfortunately with the age and being fragile, it's not possible

QUESTIONS: Will only answer some 1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Former owner of one and my parent bred a litter of Whippets for two pups for the show ring. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? I am sure those who know the breed very well will be able to answer this question, I was only a young boy when I owned my first dog being this breed. 3. How common is it in Australia? Possibly not that common, but you may see one here and there, and just recently at my obedience club, I just saw a whippet training. It's more so a case by case basis of where they are common, but I don't know of any living around where I live. 4. What is the average lifespan? They are known to be past 10 years. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? I think it is again case by case basis, but the whippet I owned was probably the quietest dear little girl and she would happily follow you around and go out with you anywhere and as they grow older, they tend to relax a lot more and spend more time sleeping and enjoying the sun if it comes out. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Back when I owned this little whippet, she was rarely walked and would just happily go out the backyard and wander or have a run around or if there was toys out, they'd easily occupy themselves with it, but my first dog was a more so of a companion dog and back in the old days, I would put her on a lead and bring her with me and my parent for a drive anywhere we went and it was no fuss for her. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? Most definitely, they are not demanding or the type breed that expect you to devote your attention every hour, every day, they are such a content breed and would enjoy being your companion when you are around. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? I was at school (Primary) during the time of owning my whippet, and at time, my parent would go out and leave her home, and during the time she was here, she would never damage anything or even dream of causing trouble! But again it is how you raise your pup, if they grow up to be a troublemaker, then you will have one on your hand. 9. How much grooming is required? Little to none! Their coats are so short, so it doesn't need so much grooming, but maybe a simple brush once a week will suffice, but it depends on their coat. However, I must add though, Whippets are a very sensitive breed, most particularly in the winter, so make sure you have a coat available should you decide to own one, and they are happy to wear their coat, especially when the days/nights are cold! 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Definitely not. We've had a litter of pup with our whippet, and during the time we've owned them, they've never jumped on me or tried to play rough (I was young, possibly 9 or 10 years old at the time) and they generally just wander around and just come up to you and just let you pat them. Again they are a quiet natured breed and they are content the majority of the time. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? It is not my place to answer this question as I was very young when we owned this breed, so I am sure an experienced breeder or current owners of Whippets will be able to answer this question. 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Although times have changed since I have owned one, but again some common sense should apply here. Ask about their breeding, any hereditary problems that they may have. I'd probably find out if you could see their parents, so that you can get a rough idea of their personality and also how developed they are. I will attach a photo of the whippet I have owned later on!

Thanks! Oh forgot to mention, my pup was in Minor Puppy too! But most definitely! It's all a learning experience and even Bella and I am still learning together, she seems to pick it up better than I do! XD Let us know how you went at your first show!

Hi Angelsophie! I am too a newbie to the show ring, and my best advice is to persistence and have fun! I've only started showing 3 months ago and I can tell for the first time with Bella at the Junior Kennel Club show, Bella was awarded Reserve Challenge Bitch and also had to go in for Runner Up Best of Breed! I appreciated everyone who came up to me and congratulated me and even the handler who I continuously go up against every time and I have a lot of respect for him! It's funny when the judge pointed to me twice, my jaws dropped to the ground and I was like "Thank you so much!" and had a bit of tears in my eyes, I just couldn't contain my excitement! I love showing and I prefer to do that than be at home doing nothing or just sit on this computer all day watching dvd!

When I first saw the topic title, I kept thinking it must be about the GSD and the Min Pin that met at the obedience last Saturday lol! But my advice though is unless you can supervise them and also be able to tell your GSD or be able to stop them when it gets to rough, I wouldn't have them together to be honest. I own a GSP girl and my parents own a Min Pin (Just 3.5 Months now) and they get on alright, but when Bella used to play rough, we had to separate her and crate her or often tell her no, but we do the same for Clancy (The Min Pin) as he does play very rough as well and has a tendency to bite her or pushes her around. Clancy did his first obedience on Saturday and he had a GSD in the class (Roughly 3 months I think) and they were off lead together, but it was supervised and Clancy was able to hold his own and stand up to the GSD like he was when he is with Bella, so honestly it's all depends, if your mum's Min Pin does not want play any longer, then separate them . We also been advise to supervise them because I was told by someone smaller dog died during the night due to internal bleeding by being stepped on by the bigger dog. Hope that helps!

Just out of curiosity, why is there not many Open Shows as there used to be a couple years ago (My mum used to show a lot in Open Shows well over 10 years ago). I also note in the very old 1982 Gazette that there was so many open shows available to enter, but this yeah there was barely anything to enter in? Just wanna know why? Does anyone know?

Thanks for the great response everyone! I'm glad to know I am doing ok and will keep a watch on her to make sure she is doing ok! Part of her is definitely a ratbag! lol But she is an absolute gorge and so outgoing and playful! But I can see that I am not the only one with a GSP that does that! (I was mainly worried because I've seen some GSP pups and they were nothing like my Bella! Being submissive and all!) Thanks for the advice, and I won't let her off the leads with other dogs. I used to at my obedience club after training and let her off the leads to play with the other dogs, but I can see how it is best not to do it until she is more confident. Well I wasn't too sure as to how to explain it because when she was a pup at 12 weeks and socialize one night at a puppy socializing class, but everytime a pup went up to her, she ended up growling at them for some odd reason! Although she doesn't growl when she meets other dogs now, but I wasn't too sure as to how to describe what she was doing (One thing I'v learnt here is that it's a submissive behavior, not fear aggression). Hope this makes sense and thanks to everyone for giving some tips in helping my new pup!

Hey everyone, I just hint or ideas on how to deal with this situation because I love my baby girl (Bit over 6 months German Shorthaired Pointer), but when she socialize with other people, she is a fantastic dog and really appreciate everyone, gives them cuddles, kisses and wags her tail. However I need help to overcome her shyness/fear over the other dogs. Here is the weird thing, she won't growl, bite or whatso which is really good however she would sort-of cringe around the dogs, wags her tail high and oftenly just flop to the ground in submission still wagging her tail and playing with the dogs. (I've been told that since she is wagging her tail is a good sign, but still why show signs of unsure-ness) She would also sometimes often have a bit of wee too while socializing with the dogs as well (Which is kind-of embarrassing too especially when she plays!). Also to add, normally when she wants to socialize, she would happily go up to the dogs and say hello and play with them, but I just find it odd she would then just flop to the ground. (With the dogs and cat at home, she is not like this at all, infact she is the complete opposite! But then again she is seeing them all the time and plays/be with them). This happened possibly due to one day before puppy socialization at an obedience club and a German Shepherd Cross got on her and pinned her to the ground and the owner of the dog didn't attempt to get the dog off her, especially when my dog struggled to get up so I had to remove the owners dog to get her up and she wasn't the same after that, and also it didn't help when you had dogs being so rough in that same class . So any ideas or tips will be appreciated as I want her to be a happy and be able to socialize without worrying or falling into submission for them! Thanks

I have a black leather lead that I've brought from Southern Obedience Dog Club and it's great as it's very light and meets all my expectation to train my dog! Oh did I mention black! As my GSP is black and white so it's a must! (It would look so odd to use a brown one on a black and white dog lol!)

What about skinless frankfurts? You can buy them from any supermarket, cook them in boiling water for a couple of minutes and then cut them up in pieces to eat! I used Frankfurts when my GSP was a pup, but eventually I moved onto smackos as she was getting way too grabby and will get the food at any cost (Even if it means knocking you down or jumping on you to get into the pockets!). I have suggested this to someone else in my class a few months ago at obedience as she was the same with her dog and apparently it worked so well that he dog was working better! Hope you will get your pup working well!

I hope this question won't sound dumb or something, but over the years when I was a young kid and even still up to today, I have seen people that struggled to train SBT or similiar breed. (A couple months ago I saw one where the owner couldn't restrain their dogs as it was pulling with such force, and one in puppy socialization where it was so dominant that it oftenly pin the other pups to the ground and unfortunately my GSP is very wary around these breed ) So my question is, should any new owner who decides to buy a SBT, should they consider training this breed at an early age, or what is the best way to train this breed that they do not become such domineering dogs in public? (Hope my question is valid and ok!)

We use the stay and wait in our Obedience at Southern Obedience. The stay command is used when the dog must be in one position for a period of time without moving and you will eventually return to your dog. The wait command is used in situation where they have to stay in a spot until called or been asked to do something like in recall and possibly to fetch things. I use the wait command to tell my dog to wait before they can eat their dinner, and its handy so they don't end up knocking the bowl all over the place. I honestly find it handy to use both of these command as the dog will know what to expect in a situation/exercise. Hope it helps!

I agree with Jigsaw on that, I think it's great you've started training your pup now as it's worth it in the long run (Compared to some I've seen brought a pup, then brings it to obedience or attempt to train it but the dog was simply uncontrollable and I've note some takes the easy way out by giving up or quitting unfortunately!) But my advice though is definitly train your dog with distractions and outside of home, because that was a major lesson I've learned with my pup, because I realized that she may be perfect at home, but like most dogs at obedience, a totally different dog that had a personality transplant! lol. My advice perhap maybe, not to push it or over do it too much, just do a little bit at a time, just to keep it interesting and let them learn new things as they grow older, otherwise they may get sick of training very early on. Good luck with your pup!

The southern obedience website is out-dated and it wouldn't be on the VCA website as well since it's a club's member competition (Testing day). So basically you'll have to go there and get your entry form to enter your dog into the competition and just pay $3 for entry. That's all I know! They're also promoting the Members testing day during the classes (Before and After).

Just posting out of curious who is entering their dog/s into this? I am definitely entering and absolutely looking forward to it! But I said to my dog just last night "Please do not come into Season until *after* this competition" and she looked at me with her head sideways unsure of what I meant! XD I used to enter this a while ago with a Whippet and it was so much fun with BBQ and chatting to everyone and catching up with what went on! So I'm excited about this! Anyone else is?

Thanks for the tip Pebbles! We'll have a think about it and maybe possibly get one for the show for our GSP and Min Pin to be together, and recently we've moved the crate to the front area of the lounge and realized that when he see us, he stops barking and whinging, so obviously being a companion dogs it seems he prefers to be where he can see us or another dog (He is a great pup at night because he sleeps in his crate next to our GSP in the other crate, so they keep each other company). But definitely a great tip, and we're still working and slowly training him, and we're hoping he starts his puppy classes in 2 weeks time!