Staff'n'Toller

As I am always saying at work "if you're feeling well enough now to chew your drip out, you probably don't need it anymore."

I think alcomahol would help me walk in a straight line. Salt n Vinegar chips rulz. Can't wait to see your blinder round RubyStar!

I use ummm....I think it's Avanti Plus Nth Balwyn...for bike servicing. All the dudes ride there and they are very supportive of women riders too. There is a bike shop in Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon. I think they get referrals from Physio's etc. So they seem quite good.

At least if you never get papers, you know that the hips and elbows were scored and hopefully there were eye certificates. ;) Does CCCQ have an associate dog register? If so you can still compete in obedience and sports without the pedigree if that's your plan.

That's the secret! They drink cruisers before they go in the ring!!! ;)

I only know as much as Erny. I understood that it was recognised in Canada but not here...but that could be different now. I know someone in SA who has completed it but she did it after the Cert IV Companion Animal Services.

From what I understand the CASI one is theory based and unfortunately it's not recognised here under the qualifications framework- I hope that changes, it seems like a great course. I think Cosmolo was looking at the CASI Dip. a while back so she can probably shed more light on it.

Call the Canine Association in your State with the name of your breeders prefix and the date they were born and they will be able to tell you if the litter was registered. Have you lost contact with the breeder? Sometimes it can be something as simple as a mail problem.

I've got a Sigma 18-200 and it's been away with me a few times now, also dropped from about half a metre in the lowepro bag and it's still AOK. ;)

If they feed chicken mince in particular- ask them about the quality i.e. is it human grade or pet mince. We had a Cocker Spaniel in the hospital recently whose coat smelled as well, he ONLY eats (very fussy) chicken mince but it's pet mince.

Would be interesting to see some videos of your dogs working with the manners minder. I borrowed one hoping to use it for a few applications but none of them worked out in real life the way I pictured it in my head. Yes, I use it as a re-focus exercise when in training class with other dogs. I have used it in the past with things my dogs may have been a bit wary about (say a flapping flag) getting them to go and target that item.

Generally in dog sports targetting is used to place a dog in a certain position. Maybe you should go watch some agility trials and you would understand why your question is confusing. So yep, all of us build drive for targets (unless of course we train running contacts) and obedience triallers do it too. As you know most of us are training for a particular purpose so whilst targetting might be a secondary reinforcer in my dogs mind, I don't really care, to get what I want I still need to back it up with a higher value reward. Otherwise the dog will be saying "yeah that's nice to target, now where tf is my pay?". It's nice to doodle- it's easy brainwork you don't need to stick firm to any criteria really- because there's no real end goal for your dogs.

In crate games, the drive to go into the crate is from the anticipation of being released from the crate for food or tug. I have one dog who is driven to target, and actually Luke W's Barkly is also very driven to nose target but if you stop rewarding you'll extinguish the behaviour due to lack of a primary reinforcer. As per usual, I have no idea where you're going, it seems like you are trying to introduce what is already known here or reinvent the wheel.

I think Snot deserves a picture portfolio....could be all you need.

My Stafford girl had a resection at 9yrs for a Leiomyosarcoma and a few days later started vomiting back anything we gave her...was touch n go for a couple of days. She needed some meds to encourage the bowel to do it's thing too. If I was to do it again for any of my dogs I'd strongly consider putting in a stomach tube just for peace of mind. You may find boiling a whole chicken and tempting him with the warmed broth the best way to go.

I'm pretty sure Ptolomy has a huuuuuuuuuge backyard so should be no problemo.

I run fixed time courses and clients fill out profiles so I have a list of behaviours (the list is a mix up of positive and negative attributes) for each dog to work with. I try to ensure they all get at least a couple of minutes of one-on-one time during the class but I try to nab people when they are working far enough away from the group so they don't feel like everyone's listening. I also attempt to check everything on their list is improving to the point where I'll email or call them if I can't catch them in class. We have a catch-up chat as a group at the beginning of each class and I am happy to provide advice to issues clients bring up during that time in front of everyone else. Most of the time multiple clients are asking questions at each session, so I assume they are feeling comfortable enough to speak out. In agility I appreciate an instructor coming and saying "did you realise you are having this issue because of <insert something I am doing wrong here>?" It's good though if they can take me aside so I can get a chance to run some repetitions with my dog and try to retrain my brain. I have a printout from a now closed discussion list about handlers perspectives on comments made from instructors (maybe it was written by Bob Bailey?? I would have to dig it out) and how many different ways even a positive comment can be taken by dog handlers in a class so I'm ultra careful about singling people out in front of others. Many handlers feel their dog is the most disruptive or the worst at one thing or another so I try to be very mindful.

2 mediums thanx.

I use the WB Kennel rugs and the Landa Rug, have thrown both types in the machine many times no probs. I think I did shrink the velcro band on one in the tumble dryer though. My tumble dryer runs very hot, however.

I don't understand what all the hype is with the I-squeaks but I will have 2 for Geordie if you're ordering. :rolleyes:

Quite right Erny, in my head I was picturing that they were a bit attracted to Bindi's fur and perhaps this was happening during standing around in class or in stays. But yes Levi did describe that she was standing on them so it's just my warped little brain. :rolleyes: *Backs away slowly....*

The critical socialisation period is very important but there's a very good possibility that you can get some great results with the right professional, with methods to suit your girl. Please try not to feel frustrated with her, she can't help what she views as scary. Try not to dwell too much on what she missed out on and think about the dog you have now and how you can help her.

That's the Veterinary Behaviourist listed for your State. Dr Katrina Ward - Tasmania BVSc, MACVSc (Veterinary Behaviour), CMAVA 170 Channel Highway KINGSTON TAS 7050 Mobile: 0439 963 300 Email: [email protected] Otherwise Dr Kersti Seksel is listed as registered in Tasmania, it's possible she does regular visits to a clinic there www.sabs.com.au.

AFAIK the only thing is barbituate anaesthesia for an extended period.

Best thing to do is email the Vic Gundog Club in January next year and let them know.