Akitaowner

thx guys - it looks like i might wait a bit before adding suppliments, if around 5yo is a good time to start he recently had the 3 yr vaccine (i dont like yearly vaccines) so is covered for kenneling etc so hopefully he wont need too much more in the next few yrs

we might be able to take a rescue dog or 2 for the sat demo work but i would need to know more about them... Steve and I would be handling them...

I dont think any! they are all (i think) non dolers - yes there are some out there!

bump - a few spots still available...

im just in the process of teaching my foster dog to lie on a matt - he is crate trained so it makes things a little easier.... but having only been doing it for a few hours he already has the hand of it, he just wants to move when i get up and move around or my 2 are moving around (as they dont have to stay anywhere) My foster boy is quite submissive and im hoping that when he goes to his new home it will of benefit if he feels secure if he has somewhere of his own - that he knows he is allowed...

Hi Guys just thought i would ask - ive done a few searches and come up with a bit of info about what people are using but do people generally wait until there is a problem before feeding suppliments. My boy had his hips and elbows scored when he was 12 months and they are good but hes now 4 which is kinda middle aged for an akita and ive been thinking about what i might need to do to help him age reasonably well. He currently spends quite alot of time sleeping on ceramic tiles, as does Rogue but im in the process of making them both raised, high denisty foam beds, not soft comfy types as they wouldnt use them if they are too hot to lie on but something that i hope will be a bit easier on their bones. im also hoping Rogue is past eating a foam bed....but we'll see!! they both eat tinned tuna, ACV, raw meaty carcasses and red bones and a small serve of quality kibble daily. Is there anything else i should be doing or thinking about for the future?

i dont think a DVD would ever have the same impact as actually seeing it in front of you - also you cant get specific help with your dog!

Hi Folks I have organized an aggression training workshop in association with Steve from K9 Force. This workshop will contain invaluable information for anyone who has to handle or has contact with aggressive dogs. • Owners who know they have a problem they would like help with. • Trainers who would like further information. • Rescue groups who would like greater knowledge and be able to identify potential problems. • Enthusiasts who would just like to know more about the psychology of aggression and how to prevent it . The workshop consists of 2 full days over the weekend of the 13th and 14th September 2008 There will be lots of demonstrations throughout the 2 days, as well as theory behind the psychology of aggression. On the Saturday there will be 2-4 dogs used to demonstrate the different aggression handling techniques. The Sunday will focus a bit more on some specific problems with participants dogs and handling techniques. The cost of the workshop is $200 per person + $40 per dog brought on Sunday. Some dogs may be invited to participate in day 1 at no additional cost. There will be a limit of 10 dogs to participate on Sunday. It will be held at the K9 Force facility at Kurrajong Heights, NSW For those travelling a bit further accommodation is available locally and we would suggest that a local boarding kennel may be the best location for dogs for the duration of the Saturday session. If you are interested in a place please contact me for payment details and further information. Regards B

be persistent - a young pup i a new house is always going to have accidents. getting up every 3 hrs should be sufficient during the night - and make it regular - this is the routine i used to use... i went to bed at 10pm last toilet stop alarm set for 1am toilet stop, praise for toilet break and straight back in the crate without any playing or talking/fuss alarm set for 4am toilet stop same as above i got up at 6 and played with them for an hr or so before work... dont wait for the puppy to cry to be let out, this is sending the message - 'i cry, i get out' and they will use it against you LOL! keep the times regular, without fail, then pup know how long it must wait... slowly extend the times by say 5 mins a night until they can go right through the night 100% reliable

i knew i read it somewhere - obviously the thyroid issue - is that a spitz thing? its always useful to have a thyroid test as every dog is different and its good to have a 'baseline' in case you think there may be a problem later on. i had Mav tested when he was younger...

like any aid - they can be weaned off so the dog doesnt associate the correction with a particular feel of a particular collar...

i tend to give my guys a large pinch, so prob about 1.2 teaspoon - not everyday tho, i have some recollection that you can give too much?

whynot put this in breeding or general?

Corvus - what you are describing is a type of drive training - however have you ever met a dog with little or no usable prey drive?? or one that has actually succedded in chasing the rabbit/bird etc and caught it for the fun - i think you will find they are a little more difficult to get 100% compliance

i received my e collar last friday so im pleased to say that i have been going thru this too - i have found that Rogues working level is much less than i originally thought - i had her up to around 20-22 in the back yard but when i took her to the park (which was empty where we usualyl train) she was working perfectly on level 14 My 2 have very thick coats so i got the longer prongs which seem to have much better contact than the short ones. steve also suggested that i could trim/thin the hair where i want the unit to sit while i just get used to the fit they need - i havent done this but it might be helpful :p

i agree with the others - people more often than not are trying to resolve a symptom to a much bigger underlying problem also those who have well trained dogs are good for advice or opinions and generally know w abit more about a dogs mentality

if dog is super excited - work out what the critical distance from other people/dogs is and make them stay/work there. Once the dog has gone hyper you wont be able to get anything thru to it - and the exercise/discipline becomes futile. Most people usually find that for the duration of the class they can get nearer to the main class once the dog starts to settle down. it may take a few weeks. Maybe tell them to bring a chair and just sit and watch, see what the dog does ie if it settles or not. anxious people = anxious/hyper dog

Thx for your thoughts but i didnt really do much - Steve did all the hard work :cool: i'll keep everyone informed of what we decide to run later in the year now go a get 'drivin'!!!

Thx to everyone for coming, i hope you all enjoyed it as much as i did - and i think i may have proven to myself, finally that Mav really doesnt have much drive to be useful! i will still try to build it up a little but will work prodominently on Rogue and getting her ready to trial. im hopig to have another workshop a bit later in the yr, either on agression or advanced drive work - depending on how many people would be interested in the advanced drive stuff if i have your email, ill try to keep you informed as things as decided Thx B

generally all dogs have some level of drive, it may be pack, prey food or a different type of drive. Im going to bring my boy who i suspect has very low levels of prey drive - and its going to be difficult to get him into drive in a foreign environment - but i thought if anyone can Steve can.... :p i now have 2 spaces available

ive had a few people drop out for various reasons this week - all fairly unpredictable events! i have contacted those who have expressed an interest in coming but time is getting very short... i currently have one place available.... i hope everyone is looking forward to tomorrow - i know it has krept up on me far faster than i like to think!!

yep that was the response i was given a couple of years ago when i tried to get it done... altho i think some others here have had more recent success...

my dogs behaving perfectly at something difficult! :D you working your dogs

i used to go - great club havent been for a few yrs tho altho im sure they are still the same...

Hey 4paws Im going to order a few for mine - did you want to combine the order to save on postage? Pm if you want Thx B