RallyValley

With the Pry Sheps though.. they aren't an ANKC approved breed yet? Would that mean Huski can't compete with it as QLD limits associates?

I have no idea about schnauzer sizes! My brothers GF has one that is about beagle sized (I think it is a little oversized) that would fit the bill. Some random ideas; -show line Kelpie or Cattle Dog -Field Spaniel or Welsh Springer Spaniel -Basser Fauve de Bretange

Brittanys - may be too clingy, same for GWP. Also I from memory a GWP would be a bit bigger then 30kgs... If you don't want something 'clingy' I would move away from the gundogs. Maybe a schnazuer?

The premium for my dog that is turning 3 this year went up a dollar a month... he is not covered for allergies or any issues relating to his leg he broke.... And I did call and ask them to raise his excess which they haven't done... anyone recommend a new insurer.

What a little cutie Bedazzled It will be good to see a black and tan Kelpie out there! I would love to see a blog about training him and what you teach and when.

Those pictures are too cute!

I think I'm almost at the point where choice of breeder would probably be as influential on selecting a breed as the dogs themselves. The right breeder makes such a difference. If I was tossing up between a few breeds, my guess is that the right breeder would be a deciding factor. Thats why it will probably be about a decade before I get an ES... unless I steal ST's boy James :p Just because I feel sorry for the way ES are being descibed I just want to add they are intelligent dogs... they are just "independant thinkers" They are very easygoing and fit into family life well, they are known for having stable unflappable tempraments and I like brushing and grooming hairy dogs and can look past a bit of drool :D Plus I am the kind of fool who likes a challange and would love to see how much I could do with an ES and if I fail... I have an awesome companion that is the easiest dog to live with. Go the Triple Threats :thumbsup: Should that be treats or threats?? sometimes both are applicable. Good call! When I get the next puppy in a few years I am eyeing off a HPR breed as well.. but a hairy one ;)

I WILL own one of these one day, when I don't require a full on Gundog like my beautiful Labs Received my free Eukanuba puppy book tody with voucher and the first page I flick to has an English Setter puppy They are just beautiful dogs and I must own one in my lifetime I have to say I'm a huge ES fan.. maybe one day.. Mind you I picture one after a romp in long grass or mud and thank Heaven for the Whippet! I know that one day thanks to ST I will always have an ES in the house! And I am also pretty sure that they will be the spoiled footwarmer-sleep on the bed dog I love gundogs! However only dual purpose ones (excluding setter footwarmers) are ones I could own I have owned two dogs that are likely staffy/kelpie mixes (Lilly and Toby) and one border collie... the staffy mixes are pigheaded and cheeky and ball obssesed and the border collie was brilliantly clever, the friendliest dog ever but... was a bit ball neurotic... i swear he never slept... and none of these dogs really liked being patted... give me a cuddly gundog with an off switch anyday!

Yep, there are a few... The first were in NT. Yep, one is a Norwich terrier, he was the first. The other I know of is a Dachie. They actually got them the same day, it's just that the terrier group was on first! Thanks for the info It's good to see that the class is so well supported where it is offered!

I found a new way for dogs to heel:

Thanks for all the ideas everyone! No defiantely not a vet surgery, just a regular house... not that it will be happening anytime soon but it will be nice to have some ideas ready for when it does.

I am just curious as I have not been able to find too much information on the internet about this. if you were building from scratch what would you do diffrently or add to make things more pet friendly? Does anyone have any floorplans that they have used/thought of/intend to use that they would like to share?

Aww Jenna! She is so cute ;) The first time she came out I was sort of expecting it to be like one of those tiny clown cars... like Cider would follow her out then Strauss ect.

I was at BP&G in Midland today and I think I spied a familiar Aussie on a X-Mas card... trying to get them to change the dog on the outside to an Aussie instead of a BC hey Bedazzled

That made me so upset- it's in todays paper

Well we have my dad's bike and when I brought my bike last week I brought my mum one too so I would have someone to ride with Only she has so re-learn how to ride one

Woohoo!!!!!! I am scared to teach this... mine just don't get the concept of taking direction! This is one thing I think Toby could do well at! At the moment I play a game where I get out 2 or 3 bikes and lay them on the driveway and send him from heel position with my hand pointing to a bike and say "touch" he will go up and touch/paw that bike and recall back to front for a treat... he sometimes will take a long route back and jump over the bike or another bike on the way :cool:

Well I had an awful night at training... my dog got so overstimulted by the whole 4 other dogs that he refused food and could not concentrate. However this morning on our walk we stopped at a little bush reserve he has never been to before and he played tug!!! (With his nice leather leash )

Would a coat king or a furminator work?

In Queensland isn't there a limit on the number of associate dogs?

Plus Toby has a white spot on his chest so I can find him

Me and Toby will be there A warning for anybody going to K9 - the scrub next to the sheds has been cleared and council guys were gobsmacked at the number of BIG snakes :D so be very aware We have been so lucky with snakes (knock on wood) we live out in the middle of the bush and have seen one in the last 4 years. When we lived on a 1/4 acre in the suburban estate down the road we saw at least one snake every summer.

Me and Toby will be there

Is there any neuter champions yet?

Woohoooo RV - that's been quick. And I like that you're adjusting your goals to suit Toby - my bet is you'll find that as he gets more confidence, you'll be able to come back to other things. Tracking is great to give dogs confidence - especially dogs who don't like to work in too close . He dosent mind bikes going forward and my bike but dog forbid you turn the tyre of the bike or there is another bike nearby - especially one with a child on it! He jumps a mile... so its just straight lines for the time being. ;) ;) Onya TOby - keep your mum guessing . Still think even straight lines is a BIG achievement. :D Thanks guys! :D Me and Toby will just keep taking little steps towards our ultimate goal, '(physically) sound and sane' ;) Getting closer with the sane part... and when Deb gets back hopefully getting closer with the sound part... Just did a very brief session earlier after being out all day and he gave me the most enthusiastic heelwork I have seen from him yet... it must have been the treats... Tiny Teddies! Although it was one for him, one for me