Nik

Just to clarify, I have never said that our pup will be walked in a head collar by my children. I have simply asked for recommendations, and it would be for ME to use when walking with all my boys on bikes or scooter, something that doesn't happen on a regular occurrance. I do have a trainer for my pup - we've been going to puppy school since she was 12 weeks, and moved on to what they term "super puppy", which includes the beginning of bridge training, something I'm finding very useful with such an intelligent pup! My puppy school was not just socialisation, but "real" training. I have also joined an obedience club last sunday, and beginning in the introduction group I can see that the training I/we have done so far is a LOT more than any of the other owners. This is not my first dog, but she is the first I've had as a pup since I've been an adult. Most of the time Annie's walks are done with either just myself or myself and a pram, and we work consistently on loose leash and also heel work. This was just a general enquiry as to whether either would be appropriate, and I'm getting from the very opinionated responses that neither is. Thanks all for your time and input.

That is where my focus is, and when we walk together she's almost perfect.... it's just for when my older boys are with me, and for the school pick up, as she think all the kids at school are her best friends and wants to be with them. I also don't like the halti for the twisting nature of it, but thought that I'd get some proper feedback here.... and I have! We may perservere for a few more weeks with training before I look at purchasing something anyway. Ultimately I want her to behave as well for the boys on lead as she does for me. Problem is that the boys aren't as consistent with her as I am.

Thanks I'm aware it's a training issue, not a tool issue, but I was hoping there would be something I could put on her occasionally when the kids are with me. She did walk nicely on the lead for my eldest today, after we had been at the obedience club I had joined earlier this morning. In regards to one on one training, I'm in Newport, west of Melbourne, so any recommendations are welcome.

Hi all, I'm looking at purchasing either a halti type or harness type contraption for our almost 5 month old Australian Shepherd. I can successfully loose lead walk her when by myself or pushing the pram without my other kids with us, but if my older 3 boys are on their bikes/scooters she pulls and pulls and wont listen as she wants to be ahead with them. My boys also can't walk her as she pulls when they're on the other end of the lead. I've tried all the methods I've seen here, as well as the one I've used to get her walking on a loose leash with me, but the lure of her big brothers is too strong. I'm thinking that using one of these tools will help in these situations, with the aim to eventually move off them once she gets the idea. Her puppy school recommended the "Sporn" harness rather than the halti, but I've also seen a harness that clips to the front of the chest, not sure of the brand. Looking forward to some advice Nik

Tasman Meats in Brooklyn (Melbourne West) sell heaps of raw. I buy mince chicken carcasses for $1 kilo. It's pre-bagged and frozen. They also sell 2 or 3 frames for $1. Last time I was there they had heaps of heart, kidney liver and tongue of all sorts of Animals, and also whole pigs heads. It's just off Geelong Rd on McDonald Road. Huge meat supermarket, you can't miss it.

Tell me about it. I'm astounded at the number in my son's hair. We've had them before with my eldest, but never to this extent. Muct be more vigilant in future - dont EVER want to go through this again. Everytime I look through his hair there's another pocket of nits I didn't see before. I'm wondering, would frontline kill them????

Hi all I've just had a look at my 6 yr old's hair and he's teeming with them . He wasn't itching or giving any of the usual signs, and being school holidays I've let my guard down with my usual check. He's managed to pick up some rather promiscuous buggers, and I've spent about 6 hours going through his hair to take out thousands of eggs My question is should I be checking our puppy? I've checked my other boys, and only one had some, and there were no eggs, so at least only one human has them at the moment. Needless to say I'm spraying the couch with insecticide tonight, and sterilising everything! Thanks

My friend has just started there with her boy. Maybe I'll join with her and do it together.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been looking on the internet, and Altona has an Obedience Club. Anyone have any experience with this place? My only reservations about it is that they require your dog to wear a correction chain.

Hi all, Just wondering if anyone could recommend an obedience club in Melbourne's west. I live in Newport, but am willing to drive a little way if it's worth it! I have an Aussie Shepherd pup who's 16 weeks now, and have done puppy school, and about to start a new course called "super puppy" at a local dog school . This way will end up rather expensive, and I've heard/read that a club is a cheaper option, as well as being a wealth of knowledge - and the added bonus of competitions (provided we're good enough ) Thanks in advance Nik

We went to my friends birthday party a couple of weekends ago, and as she lives near where the bushfires were, and we were running a little early (that usually never happens for us!), we detoured slightly and took the St Andrews-Kinglake Rd. The landscape is simply stunning, and I am amazed at both the devestation and the ability for the trees to sprout new growth. Here's a few of my favourites