conztruct

Sorry - we're in Rockhampton QLD

Hi All, Was hoping you could offer some people socialisation advice. I have a really nice dog (almost 3 - I got him when he was about 18months) who I love showing but he seems to hate it. All last year we did shows and he was a really good boy but so far this year when the judges have approached him he backs away and sits down - he's frightened. I have been taking him out to parks for walks, shopping centre car parks, busy places, etc and he's ok but when people approach he's very timid. I've been slowly trying to get him used to people by bringing him to meet people when they visit (I only do this in our own home environment so he's in familiar territory). I've also enrolled him in obedience. I guess I'm just a little concerned that he is still so scared of people and seems more afraid than he was last year when he was happy enough to stand there and let the judges go over him. I'd also appreciate some advice about whether you think I'm doing the right thing by going to obedience and thrusting him right into it - I do want what's best for him. He's not at all fear aggressive. He's kinda just curious - will move toward people but then pull away - he'll take treats from them or let them quickly touch him but then immediately retreat (and usually hide behind me.....). Some people think it's funny - I don't at all - because it obviously stresses him out. I just wondered whether I was handling it right or if someone had some suggestions on how I could ease him into it. My other two absolutely love people and I basically have to peel them away.....LOL. Thanks guys.

Oh - that's really sad.....I have a lovely dog who got his title but is becoming increasingly scared in the show-ring and show environment. I love showing but I'd never get rid of him to make room for a "better show prospect". I guess this really highlights the need to make things very clear when selling pups - as a lot of the contributors on here have said, they outline exactly what will happen if the dog is to be returned and I think it's a good move for everyone to be informed from the outset. I guess saying no refund if over 6 months might encourage people not to go back to the breeder and send the dog wherever but I think reinforcing behaviour of using these dogs as commodities like something you can return at target for a full refund is wrong (actually if you had some jeans from target for 12 months, I don't think they would give you a refund - lol).

I agree that the lack of contact here is a little rude. My breeder was great - a very busy person but she explained that to me and said if I was not getting what she promised or I was concerned to just get back to her and say so. We still keep in regular contact which is great and she is really interested in how the dogs are going. I couldn't ask for more. Good luck with your situation.

Suck it up and take a teaspoon of cement.....LOL. Only kidding - I hate camping too. I've only done it a couple of times at shows and avoid it if I can. The best way to camp if you have to is to have a gazebo with the walls and some mats for the floor - but it's a lot of stuff to cart around. Agree with the suggestions to search for dog friendly accommodation. It can be hard though - it usually only takes one bad experience in the past for motel and park owners to revoke this offer and spoil it for all the responsible people....so there's not always a lot available. I'd just recommend that when speaking to these places you explain exactly how you'll be keeping Luuka there so they understand that you're going to maintain control and be responsible. I have a friend who works in motels and they told me they'd rather have dogs than children any day - of course it really comes back to how responsible the parents/owners are......LOL Good luck searching

Totally understand where everyone is coming from. I can't even take my guys for a walk up the street for all the loose dogs running around the neighbourhood. I just love some people's attitudes - there is a whippet up the road that always has a muzzle when the kids take it for a walk on lead but there is no fence to the yard and it runs all over the neighbourhood unmuzzled all the rest of the time - what the? I said to the lady once that if her dog needed to be muzzled on lead then maybe it should be contained properly in the yard as it's rushed us a few times when we've attempted walks - she just said it's ok because he always comes when she calls him....i drew breath to continue the discussion and then thought better of it as I'd be wasting my time.

As long as Atlas is registered to DQ- and has a rego number then you can just enter him using a show entry form but the registered owner- will have to sign it for you. You can show Atlas on the day though- any registered member can. You just need to register the dogs that you want in your name, and same deal- just enter them using an entry form. You can use this site to do your entry forms and just print them out www.showmanager.com.au Plus it keeps track of entries, results and everything else too! You can use it on a trial basis with 1 dog, or register for 15 dollars for 5 dogs. I love it! OMG - I never even knew about that show manager site. You mean I've been handwriting entries for nothing!?!?!?!?!? @!#$@#

Hi - this book is brilliant - very easy to read and commonsense. I've used these methods on some very stubborn bullies and they do work. I think it's a winner because it's all about making training enjoyable for your dog. Have loaned it to friends who have also found it useful - the good part about it is the methods are very adaptable and there can be variations depending on individual circumstances.

Hi, I assume it probably is legally enforceable - they'd surely have some by-laws of guidelines permitting them to remove any more than the allowable number or fine you or something. I'm about to try and address this with my local council. I might be cynical but I fully believe that, as long as you have a fair reason for having more than the limit, the council will quite happily take money for another dog registration without any issue and will probably manage the exception if there is a complaint - everything else they do in this process is simply red tape and their way of trying to kid everyone to think they're in control of animal management. Rest assured, if the council has any hesitation in granting my request, I will more than happily suggest to them that instead of making a responsible person's life difficult perhaps they should do something about all the unregistered dogs roaming around the neighbourhood and then come back to me with their officious attitude. All the best and hope it isn't an issue for you.

What a cute puppie What about Ebony Velvet.....or does it have to have the word black in the name.....

Fran, that's terrible but typical considering here - I think it's the same in a lot of other towns as well unfortunately.... But good on Atlas for super obedience, I know it's not the issue but it's very reassuring for you to know that in these types of situations, your guys are going to be able to cope and be under control. Stupid people with their dog loose - I totally understand though - I can barely walk up the street here without someone's dog rushing us As far as I'm concerned you did the right thing, although I probably would've just called the ranger without asking anyone so that hopefully when they turned up and people wanted to claim it, they just get fine - LOL. I know it seems quite mean but I'm sick of irresponsible people ruining things for everyone else especially when they tell me that their dog just wants to play while it's snarling at mine....whatever...... Is obedience starting soon??? I'll grab the paper cos I want to start my two

Hi, I purchased two of these - they are a bit tricky to put up (two people recommended) and I got a roll of wire from Bunnings to secure rather than the secures provided. I use wire to secure the latch when the dogs are in just in case but mine have housed Bull Terriers who are brilliant escape artists without an issue. To be honest though, if I had the time again, I believe that some second hand weldmesh fence panels wired up to star pickets are a great, sturdy temporary option, may be cheaper and probably just as easy to put up as these runs. Hope it helps. Cheers.

I have Bull Terriers and they have separate runs. I do let them run together but generally they have turns at being allowed the run of the yard. Why? Bullies play quite happily but they play rough and they keep going and going so this way helps to ensure they don't get filthy, overheated or hurt each other - they are still able to socialise as they are located right beside each other - although if you have an entire dog and bitch, you'll probably need further separation when seasons come around. Definately only allowed to run together with full supervision.

Hi, This sounds great. Can I ask though how you actually put the mixture in the ear - what process do you follow. Just so you know, the boy I'm intending to do this on is a 30kg Bullie who's as silly as they come. I was just wondering if there was a process to doing this because I figure I'm going to have the ground around me soaked in mixture before I actually get any in his ear..........