aussielover

Aww Lottie is gorgeous. Just wanted to say that although Aussie people say their dogs coats are easy- its true to a point but in comparison to a lab or even a gsd, aussie coats are not as wash and wear, take longer to dry off, the "pants" on aussies can be an issue esp if the dog is not feeling well, the aussie requires weekly brushing at least behind the ears and the pants, aussies are much harder to tick search (may be an issue if you're in a tick area). Having had both breeds I think the labs is for sure a lot easier.

She is a gorgeous dog! I see Rottie x pointer

Very true woofen My dog's biggest limitation is me :D I know she can be fast and agile- she is amazing when she is running to retrieve her ball and when she's is playing with other dogs. The main issue is getting that enthusiam in the agility ring, which is a training issue. OT sorry- but where do you do flyball? I am interested in starting with my girl.

Agree to a point. I think in general though, most people, even if general members of the public (not dog obsessed like us lol) wanted a dog to do agility a BC or kelpie would be their first pick (whether that be a good or bad thing...)

Oh sorry Greymate, I thought the OP had started in obedience and maybe beginner agility.

I don't see a problem with what the OP is aksing? Lots of people start in dogs sports only to find while training and learning with their current dog is fun, there are dogs out there that may be more suited to the purpose (in both temperament and build). I am one of those. While I love training my lab and I think we can be quite good together (once I get my handling skills in order lol), I can see she is just not the ideal build and temperament to be truly competitive in agility. I love working with her and improving together and she has been a fantastic introduction to the world of dog sports I do hope to add another dog to our family in the nearish future and I would like for that dog to be able to compete well in agility. Obviously I'm still going to keep training with Mindy as well. If you are wanting another dog anyway, does it hurt to get one that will potentially excel in dogs sport? I don't see the point of battling on with training a dog (for dogs sports) that is struggling due to body type or even temperament. Some dogs are lazy and while you can motivate them to a point, wouldn't it be much better to get a dog with a more suited temperament and let the other dog laze around.

I think out of the dog breeds you have said you're interested in an Aussie would be most suitable I also think a Toller could be suitable. We almost got a toller but there weren't any available for like 3 years lol (this was 13 years ago). We got an aussie instead. I think a Dobe could suit you as well. Very people focussed but can also handle rough play, good build for dog sports.

I'd be interested in opinions in the main differences (in temperament, training/exercise needs and working style mainly) between the following herding dogs that are all successful at the highest levels of dog sports: Border Collie Kelpie Koolie Aussie shep When choosing a potential sport dog out of these 4, how would you go about it? Is it a matter of looks and then chossing a suitable puppy within the breed you like the look of? what would suit your ability and trianing style? etc

I don't think there is a huge difference in aussie and lab temperament. They can both be clowns, are happy, friendly, energetic and playful. Aussies are probably more athletic and lighter on their feet. Borders are more focussed and serious. They use their "eye" for herding and I think this gives them a very intense look to whatever they are doing. I think Borders are more people focussed compared to aussies and labs who love to play with anything- people, dogs, cats There is no doubt that it would be hard to go past a WL border collie for a top sport dog. I think Borders are generally smaller than aussies. The aussies we do agility with are as big, if not bigger (some of the males) than my lab!

Labs and gsds shed WAY more than Aussies lol If the op just wanted to have fun then they could get any breed. I was under the impression that they were after a more serious sport dog prospect

:( yeah people are ignorant and suck

I am quite sure many dogs enjoy killing. Why wouldn't they? Killing means food in a dogs eyes. My own otherwise gentle labrador greatly enoys hunting, chasing and yes, killing rabbits (though she only ever catches sick or dying ones anyway). Just because police don't find anything doesn't mean its not there, or the person hasn't been in contact with it recently. I was picked up by a gorgeous customs beagle and had my bag searched. There was nothing there but I had an apple in there for 3 days (yuck i know) and had recently got rid of it, which is what the dog picked up.

Personally I'd never teach a dog a formal heel with a correction collar and holding them in position.

Koolie- this is my ideal choice for my next sports dog!!! They come in 3 different coat types, beautiful colours, really agile so perfectly ssuited to agility, flyball etc, really smart dogs but not as obsessive as borders can be, very versatile dogs. Hardy enough to play with larger dogs, there are a few at agility that play with my labrador and don't mind a bit of rough and tumble. Weim/GSP/Viszla may also be suitable, they are also very athletic and should be able to handle a lab. GSPs in particular are quite common in the agility ring. Kelpie or BC- obviously the typical sports dogs for a good reason. Abundant in rescue as well sadly I love borders, i think they are really pretty but I've decided now i'm only gonna do short hair :D I like the two-tone kelpies and they seem to be the most common in dog sports (probably form working lines- you didn't want that did u?). Aussie- gorgeous dogs just make sure you get a more active one as you can get some really laid back and calm ones-great for pets, but probably not so good for dog sports. Aussies do excel at dogs sports though, I find the temperament to be quite lab-like actually. They love their rough play as well. My lab has played with all of the above breeds (but she is a light girl at 25kg). How serious are you about dog sports? If you're really serious then I wouldn't dicount a working line dog. Drive doesn't always = high energy. I'm also thinking about getting a more serious sport dog in the future, will wait until my handling at agility improves though I'm deciding between a Koolie and a rescue kelpie/BC/koolie. Also want a working line labrador for SAR and/or retrieving :D

How big are they?

I also think 2 female staffords with the background you describe, is a risky situation. Staffords are not known for getting along well with other dogs and will absolutely not back down in a fight. I think its pretty well established that two bitches is the most risky combo. DO you think re-homing one of the puppies would be an option?

We waited 4 months after our dog died before getting another- and even that was supposed to be temporary. I definitely missed having a dog and I although I have happy memories of Clover, I think I have a better bond with Mindy. Clover was my mum's heart dog and my mum still misses her I think. Personally I enjoy the fun and enthusiasm of a young labrador, she has been a lot of fun (and work) and easy to train. I think my mum prefers the easygoing, laid back and loyal temperament of our aussie. We considered getting another aussie shepherd soon after her death. I feel this would have been a bad move, and now I realise (after seeing some at agility classes) that not all are calm and laid back, some are full on- as much as and even more so than our lab!

Toilet trained and paper trained are definitely not the same thing! They are really, really different, going outside on grass/dirt is natural for dogs, going on newspaper is not. You neeed to take him to the paper on lead and reward heavily for going on there. Addditionally, at 6 months, pups are still learning and moving to a new environment may cause them to make mistakes. They need to be shown where to go and sometimes also be taken out regularly to remind them.

Could someone from assist or guide dogs help- esp if there is a wage involved? Maybe ASDOG might be willing to help? They seem very nice and also train their puppies young (guide dogs don't start their dogs until 18 months).

Ask your normal vet to take blood and send it to vetpath (in WA) It should only cost them around $40 to do it, of course they will probably charge more for their time taking the blood, giving a health check etc. I was charged $65 for titre testing my pup which I thought very reasonable.

Stormie, if you saw how my dog deteriorated at the specialist centre in five days, you would never, ever use the product. I'm sorry for the loss of your dog, that must have been a horrible experience However, bear in mind, any drug has the potential to cause adverse or allergic reactions. I've seen and heard of dogs having adverse and allergic reactions to all spot on flea treatments as well as to commonly used drugs. The worst thing about frontline imo, is that it is ineffective. Ideally I would only treat my dog if I saw fleas on her, but unfortunately I currently live in a paralysis tick infested area, so its not really an option not to treat her with Frontline or advantix.

I'd say a Cocker Spaniel or Cav would be most similar in temperament to a Goldie. But both are shedders... I love the Mini Poodle personality- my labrador regularly plays with one, who often gets the better of her lol I'm not up for all the grooming involved though and they can be one-person dogs and quite vocal. Don't know much about Lagottos but they might suit? The ones I've met have been quite sweet. They also have demanding grooming requirements though.

Totally agree with Huski. I would not get a pup from a breeder that said I could only have the one they picked for me... I think advice and info about individual puppies is great and even a selection what they think the most suitable puppies (which I could then assess) would be good but I personally think its quite important to at least be given the impression of a choice. I was not able to pick my current dog, she was given to me. Although I love my Mindy very much and she is a great dog, she is possibly not the dog (or breed lol) one would choose for competitive agility (which is what I want to do). She is still the best dog in the world though :D Will be getting advice from our trainer and other agility people when the time comes to get my next dog

Use a high pitched voice and call "pup pup pup" and start running away from her . That gets most puppies interested and running to you. Once she is reliably doing this you can start calling her name in the same happy voice. Treat her when she comes, but if she is not interested in treats then maybe a favourite toy and a game? Border Collies generally love playing chase... If you're leaving her food bowl down and she hasn't eaten all the food- she's probably not hungry. Its better just to take the bowl away after 15-10 minutes as leaving it out all day can lead to a fussy eater. This will ensure she's hungry for the next meal. Funnily enough my labrador puppy was also unsure of liver treats at first- I found it better to do her training with just her puppy dry food she was used to and would basically stand on her head for. As they settle in a bit you can start introducing new foods and treats.

Which is why it would be ideal find a breeder who has titled their dogs in your chosen sport. While no guarantee I think you'd have a better chance of the Being being able to pick a suitable pup Eta- ugh iPhone auto correct!! Lol