Brennan's Mum

Funny, I think many other people feel the same

Alwyn is gorgeous-- make sure to post lots of photo's when you get him so we can ooh and ahh

Just thought I'd start a separate thread on confidence in training. We all know it's important to have, but sometimes it doesn't present itself. I had a really good Skype call with a trainer friend in the USA who told me that ''It's not enough to just follow what your behaviourist tells you, you need to COPY your behaviourists attitude''. Since then, when working with Brennan on our behaviour modification I have been telling myself 'I am as good a trainer as my behaviourist'-- of course it's not true, but I have noticed a difference in myself-- my body language changes, I put on the attitude that I have 'dealt with this' many times before'. I have found my reaction to any reaction from Brennan has been better-- It doesn't 'faze me' as much, and I just carry on moving, cool, calm, and collected. So what are some more tips for improving your confidence? I'd love to know what other people do/have done, what works for you.So far all I can think of are; Make sure you are comfortable in what you are doing--don't be afraid to ask for assistance until you KNOW what you are doing is right. Remember to set small goals and build on from there. I tell myself that I would not just jump into running a marathon, I'd build it up slowly, so why should I ask my dog to do xxx behaviour when there are millions of small behaviours in between to achieve. Keep a record of small successes. I find this is really helpful for me. They may be small, but if they are changes for the better then I am happy with them.

I love all the times I have with my girl, although some notable times are; Mornings- when I wake up she is allowed onto my bed for a cuddle. This sees her burying her head under my pillow/ arm and flopping herself down for a pat, with her tail thumping the wall. Walk break- We sometimes find a quiet spot on our walk to sit and watch the world go by. Don't do anything apart from sit together, although sometimes Brennan will roll around on the grass and have a great time. Play time- I love when we play a game, and the happy looks she gives me. Toy Selection time- Brennan doesn't have 'free' access to her toys, so when I open her toy box and let her choose a toy is really 'special' to her. I love watching as she looks through her toy box and chooses a specific toy. It's interesting to watch her choose what she wants to play with.

Aww, but on the plus side-- sounds like he did a really good 'Stay'

Been really slack in posting here, mainly because compared to a lot of you who compete in various sports, me and Brennan are 'boring'...we are just plodding along doing our behaviour modification. We are still working well. I do find my biggest issue is trying to 'rush' things...I have to remember that I have behaviours which have been learnt in 2 years. So far we have decreased her threshold from 25 feet to 19 feet. The element of surprise is our biggest issue at the moment...we can work out the homes with dogs in them and walk to a 'plan'. I am getting much better in my confidence though- so when faced with a surprise dog/ cat I just think to myself 'I am as good a trainer as Jane' ( behaviourist I hired)-- of course it's not true, but I do notice the change in my body language..I 'feel' more confident if that makes sense?.

Atlas, hope he has a good day

I'm sorry I don't see how you can make this comparison I agree that small breeds will also bite and because of size the media disregard this. But an elderley lady losing her footing has nothing to do with a child being attacked by a dog It's not a comparison. I just thought that it was worth putting it out there considering the OP who I quoted mentioned that a Maltese is not going to 'go crazy and kill her/ sever an arm''- I was simply pointing out that there are those in our community who can be at risk from injury from injury from a smaller dog that a younger person may not be. The issue is irresponsible owners and when other people are hurt Not comparing a hospitalisation of an elderly person over the death of a child. Both are just examples of the risk that can be associated with dogs whose owners don't have them under adequate control.

Now I am even more confused . There are people who have expressed interest in donating here on this thread. If the donation from the forum community is not going to go ahead then could some one post a link to an alternative method to donate? that way those who decided to donate can still do so.

With all due respect, whilst the injury risk can be greater with a bigger dog, the little Maltese dogs or 'SWF' are still capable of causing injury. What happens if a 'small breed' bites an elderly person with fragile skin? or rushes at an elderly person causing them to trip? a friends grandmother ended up in hospital from a fall caused by a neighbours loose Maltese...the dog took this lady by surprise and she lost her footing.

I'm confused, is there something I've missed . I think it's a lovely idea to make a financial donation. I wish I could donate, but sadly things are very tight financially at the moment.

My Mum used to get glares because she'd walk me as a baby in the pram with our GSD x Kelpie-- she had people tell her how 'vicious' they are, and how they would likely attack me. Well, the only issue we had is that Sheba ( GSD x) was the one responsible for my life long love of German Shepherds

The response to the issue of large dogs and aggression has been dealt with in some places by banning all dogs over 30kg. Same principle..big dogs kill the most so lets ban all big dogs. How do folk feel about that one? Well there goes my beloved dog . She weighs over 30 kilos

I think the Australian Public deserves to know that these kinds of incidents are largely predictable and largely preventable. Their best interests are not served by suggesting that certain kinds of dogs are inherently dangerous because the corollory to that is the suggestion that certain breeds of dogs are inherently "safe". And if we cannot rely on journo's to report factually and to talk to experts in this area (and we can't) then its up to "dog people" to at least try to inject some facts into this hysteria. Like it or not statistically the greatest risk to any child comes from the dog they live with. This is a terrible and tragic incident but statistically it is uncommon and when you write it off to "that dreadful breed" you put thousands of kids in harms way. Educate, educate, educate. And throw the book at any dog owner that fails to raise or manage a dog to prevent it becoming a danger to society. Anyone who doubts that is can work should Google "Calgary" and "pitbull"... the results speak for themselves. Once again Poodlefan--you have said it well. My friends kid brother was attacked by a dog ( not mentioning the breed) at his friends 8th birthday party. The dog was the family dog, and the parents had let it wander at will around a dozen or so 8 year old boys ( plus their 3 other children) whilst the party was going around. Chad had gone to pat it and ended up with a bite to his face which required a few bouts of surgery. A situation which could have been avoided had the dog been kept seperate from the party. However, the parents assumed it was fine because 'it's a family dog' and had been raised in their home with their 3 children.

A tragedy for the family

I'm sorry to hear you received a PM which you found rude. That's part of the 'fun' of a forum- you put stuff out there and sometimes you aren't going to like what you get back. However, most of the replies to this thread have been polite and constructive imo. I am sure that between all of us on DOL, we could fill a book with comments/ questions we get from members of the public about our dogs-- like the 'horse' comments for Great Dane owners, or the 'Is that a Siberian Husky?' asked to Alaskan Malamute owners ( and vice versa). A lot of people like dogs-- whether they are knowledgeable about dogs is a different story, but still, they like dogs, and on the whole dogs can be great ice-breakers. BTW- if the dog in question is the one in your profile pic--he's adorable

If you have issues with people being rude, why do you think a very rude response is OK? Sorry but I think you're over reacting. They are concerned about your puppy, even if you think they should mind their own business. This Well said Poodlefan

I can see how it'd get annoying for you to be asked a few times. I'd just say ''Yes, he is thank you'' . I don't think people mean any harm, the lady you saw today had no idea of knowing how often you get asked that question. There are always going to be people who want to stop you on your walk with a dog- breed fanciers, people asking what breed it is, people who want to tell you that they once had a dog of the same breed, people who want to know where you got your dog, people who want to give you advice on training etc.Most of them I just reply politely and walk on.

Sounds to me like the other lady was in the wrong.

I think if your friend is not happy attending the puppy play group then she needs to consider going elsewhere.

Some people don't 'think', or they see the fact that the child can play so close to the dog's food bowl, or that they can play with the dogs food whilst the dog is eating as testament to how placid the dog is. I had a friends brother who received a dog bite to his face ( which required a few years of surgery) at an 8th birthday party. The parents had let the dog wander loose in their yard with the kids whilst the party was on. They figured the dog had been raised with their 3 kids so would be fine with fourteen extra kids, and the fun of an 8 year olds party.

The amount of 'experts' on You Tube never fails to amaze me.

The person who posted after me posted within seconds of my first post back on page fourteen and did not include Brennan ;)

There are a variety of channels on You Tube who like to teach tricks. Kikopup's is great. Also check out zSianz1. She does a lot of tutorial video's on different tricks. I bought Kyra Sundance's book from ebay- ''100 Dog Tricks'' it's a cute book with step by step instructions and helpful tips from 'Jayde the dog'.

Afghan Hound: Sir Walter, Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda, Katie Australian Cattle Dog X : Frosty Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Safire, Milky, Kinta, Banjo, Rosie, Skye, Emerald, Gem Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper Basset Hound : Gemma Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Bichon Frise: Jag Bichon Frise X: Harper Bloodhound: Earl Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumor, Diesel, Kobie, Emma, Kenzie, Maggie, Ella, Shelby, Jayde, Ashli, Mia, 'Bubba' Border Collie x: Anna Border collie x kelpie: Jasmine Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas Bull Terrier (Miniature) Lainie Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy, Maggie Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper, Bella, Dobby Chinese Crested: Louis, Daisy Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose, Chevy, Bella, Molly, Digby English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera, Annika Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee, Alexis, Claire, Lilly German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan, Brennan German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo German Spitz (Mittel)- Amber Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby, Sasha Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally, Clyde, Ryan, Amethyst Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan Irish Terrier: Kate, Duke Italian Greyhound: Bella, Tari, Blaze Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi, Chief, Louis, Matilda Japanese Spitz: Emmy, Angelo Keeshond: Jedi Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Leonberger: Singe Miniature Fox Terrier: Cleopatra Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Miniature Pinscher: Mischa, Cleo Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli Poodle (Minature): Caroline Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack Pyrenean Mountain Dog: Sasquatch Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint Saluki: Bella Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato Schnauzer (Miniature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga, Riva, Amy, Indy, Amber, Grace, Guy, Blue, Connie Schnauzer (Giant): Tara, Darcy Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Shih Tzu : Gizmo Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky, Blacky, Zuess Siberian Husky x: Luki Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos, Brutus, Monty, Chaos SWF: Zoe Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly, Judy, Mini, Pixie, Ozzie, Dozer, Alaska, Logan, Buddy, Leela, Rusty Welsh Corgi (Cardigan): Shandy White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz, Lewis, Rommi, Daphne, Elliot, Mindy, Whiz, Arizona aka Zassy Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy, Mac, Sarah, Andy