Red Fox

I like the canvas beds from Great Rugs http://www.greatrugs.com.au./store/index.htm Hardy, affordable, easy to clean and last for ever.

Yep, Woolies usually have turkey wings and drumsticks in the meat section. I've never seen necks though. They are fairly expensive (as a pet meat), dearer than chicken from memory.

I really think it depends on the dog herself. Build her confidence in short periods, teach her that being on her own is okay, give her something fun to do in that time (kong, toys, treat ball, something to shred if she's into that, etc). Leave her for 5 mins, then 1 min, then 10 mins, keep it random and short. If you're worried about your neighbours I'd either pen/crate her inside when you're not home or build a run for her own safety. Letting her run unsuperised with your older dog might not be such a good idea, at 9 weeks old she's too small and could easily become injured. And tire her out! You can still exercise her with play, just no forced exercise at her age (long leash walks and the like). Take her out and expose her to the world now. Sure, don't go to dog parks but there are plenty of other 'safe' places to take her. You'll get different advice on the growling. Personally I don't like the idea of touching/taking a dogs food to teach them that you are the "boss". There are plenty of thread on here about that already if you do a search..

Good work

In that case no, I would not be interested. But I don't neccessarily think it to be a bad idea. The problem lies with finding someone experienced enough to teach those things and being able to provide examples. very few people could do this. Basic classes with basic info may be good for new owners/trainers, delving any deeper would only to lead to confusion IMO.

Yes, I would be interested in a seminar like this - depending on who was taking it. It's not something that I'd bother with if it was taken by say an instructor at an obedience club though. eta Turid Rugaas has some interesting books on dog behaviour and body language.

Thanks Shell

Thanks PAX I'll try these when she gets little bit bigger. Else it's chomp, chomp, chomp, check out

Anyone know where I can buy a stainless steel no spill bowl online? I've seen them before but cant remember where. Thanks

Ouch, poor dog. Yep, the stinkier and mushier the better :rolleyes: The positive side (or so I keep telling myself) is that it's part of her meals anyway. And it's cheap.

I have one that doesn't care about pain in the slightest. As long as she can bite something it's all good It's a sucky situation with Sch in Vic Your state has some fantastic trainers and competitors too! Did you manage to get any vids yesterday? I downloaded the Leerburg competition tracking DVD last night. It's old, but a good enough guuide for starting basic footstep tracking with food drops. Finally found the food treat that trips her switch too - a fistful of minced chicken carcus. Yum

Yeah but it's split into 2 DVD's for 'easy' viewing . I love Michael Ellis, but I can't get through any of his DVD's in one sitting! I hear that Ivan Balabanov's Training without conflict series is very good too.

I have both, highly recommend them! The only negativeb thing IMO is that they go on for so bloody long! (around 4 hours each) If you buy the hard copy of the DVD you will also get access to the video online so can watch it straight away. Some free stuff here too http://leerburg.com/flix/category.php?categoryid=10

LOL Ness, Kei only has eye's for your Midget ;) Looks like he's doing well LMS. Where is he from? Elka is my little Schutzhund prospect. My aim is for her is Sch III (BIG dreams lol) but might just start with BH and CCD :p Not sure how productive summer will be though. It's 36 degrees here and both dogs are zonked out on the tiles!

He's not quite sure yet. Oh nice What are your plans for him?

Thanks Julie, a vid would be fantastic if you can. I might look at getting a couple of those toys later on, if nothing else Kei would love them. Right now Elka's still not all that interested in extracting food out of a bottle or a treat ball, let alone something more complicated.. She seems to enjoy sniffing it out but that's as far as it goes. She likes her food, but is certianly not obsessed with it..

Ok thanks. Sounds very much in line with what Jens was saying last time I saw him. I will chat to him about the tracking too but if you can send some stuff my way that would be great

Thanks Nekhbet. Yes, so far she has NO out lol, we'll be working on that. I'm worried that I'll put her off by wrenching the rag out of her mouth too hard/pulling her teeth if she slacks off? Not sure if I should let her pounce on it, bite it and 'win' it then entice her with a second rag? Not that she'd give it up. I've got no idea on how to start her with tracking. It was something I was going to leave for club training as I've no experience, but yes she has an awesome nose on her so might pay to start her early. Any ideas for some online references/DVD's to get us up and running? We have the Klaus Malion seminar coming up next month too which should be helpful in getting us on the right track.

Don't put her in the back with the engine running and the boot up or the exhaust fumes will make her sick ;) . No other help sorry, but good luck with her she's very cute .

If you do ring I would be interested in their answer.

lol well yes and no, it's easier (for me ) to teach things with food. I want this! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=257057037680084 She's amazing!

I think she's into copying the cat.;) I have to admit that in between her 'feral' time she really is quite good and settles well in her pen. We seem to have a routine down now of sleep, toilet, train, eat, play together, free play (aka feral time), then settle quietly again for a nap. Which repeats itself about 4 x per day. She's sleeping through the night now too. Her prey drive is so much higher than her food drive though. I just attempted a little clicker session with her and she was so-so about it. Pulled out the tug and did some basic sit - release - tug - out - sit - release etc and she went nuts for it. She's now sound asleep next to my chair.

We are working on this now in short sessions, along with some tug games and a little luring/chasing the treat. To be honest she only just started to cotton on to the clicker today (though I think that may be about finding the 'right' treats too and keeping sessions very short and fun). With my older dog I wanted to teach him everything at once. With Elka my plan is a little different. Firstly I want to have her engaged and wanting to work with me, secondly I need to be able to communicate with her clearly to teach her what I want (so clicker/marker). Then once we have that we will start with formal training. If you have any training ideas to send through though they are always appreciated PM me

More feralness. Training videos will come once we have something decent .

What bank are you with Jacqui? What is the interest rate and is the money locked in as with a term deposit? It sounds good