haylz27

I'm interested in working specifically with dogs. I've already looked into doing Animal Studies (Vet Nursing) course at TAFE before but in the end I chickened out because I don't think it's what I want to do. I didn't know that the pay in most animal-related jobs is low. Perhaps I should be more focused on actually getting a proper part-time/full-time job for now and focus on working with dogs later on? I just wanted to see how people start out in these careers. Cheers

It's been almost 2 years since I've finished school and I've been struggling to find what kind of work I want to do. This past year I've realised that I really want to work with dogs; whether it be through volunteering at a shelter, obedience club, doggy day care... But I honestly don't know how to get my foot in the door. We only have one shelter that I know of near me (Geelong Animal Welfare Shelter) and they do not take volunteers. I'm not sure where to start. I've looked up some local dog boarding facilities but none are hiring. Is it unrealistic of me to want to get a job working with dogs? I would say that I'm intermediate when it comes to training but I'm no expert. I probably won't get many replies, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

Surely your dog's health is more important then a 2 day herding clinic? Take her to the vet just to be safe, you cannot tell how much damage has been done just by looking at it. You could cause more damage if you make her run, so maybe common sense should be telling you not to.

Wow judging by that link and everyone's comments I'm glad I only bought them once!!

I didn't know they were made in China, my dogs have had them a couple of times. I give them roo leg bones now and then to keep their teeth nice again clean.

Awww!! Everyone's pics are so cuteee. Mine snuggle together all the time. Indi has 2 things she likes to snuggle with. (sorry, i'm not sure how to shrink the pics)

Looks like a blue merle Border Collie, most likely a cross though. Definitely a cutie!! Ohh and just to add I think Calista is too haha. Haha, now that I think about he does look a bit chunkier then a BC. ;)

This is absolutely appalling. What I don't get is how can someone do this?! It's disgusting. Thank goodness that the poor dog survived though, I hope she recovers completely.

Ohh thanks guys! I've heard of some of these and am definitely going to try and get my hands on some of them. dancinbcs I'll have to look into that one too. I like reading anything if it has to do with dogs. Cheers.

Hi Nina, I'll try to make you one tomorrow.

I have no idea, but I'd be interested to know this as well.

I wanted to see if you guys can give me some good recommendations. Books about training; I use positive reinforcement. So books about teaching commands, tricks, ect. Books about dogs in general. Books about Australian Shepherds and/or herding breeds. Or even a book about the different types of breeds. Dog myths. ANYTHING! Btw, I don't mean story books. I mean books with actual information. I want to learn more and I figured I'd buy a few books while I have some spare cash.

Here you go! I was feeling rather random tonight and tried something different haha. Hope you like it!

I'll give it a crack whitka.

This breeder is definitely setting off some alarm bells, personally I would look elsewhere.

Cool vid! That's an interesting and easy way to teach it. I taught Indi to bow a completely different way though. All I did was get her really excited with one of her favourite things (SOCKS lol!) and sometimes she'd naturally go into the bow position because she was in play mode. (this obviously wouldn't work for dogs who don't already naturally offer this behaviour) If she didn't, I would lure her, but I didn't have to put my arm under her. Here's a video of her bowing (right towards the end...) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vwbS-rFJ1o

It really is Bonnie.

Aww, this made my night! Our beagle x is a snuggler too. She even tries to sleep on the pillow. ETA: I've looked at koolies before, but they don't really interest me that much to be honest. Bed time for me, if you are going to continue to discuss the breed try not to go too off-track guys.

My dogs usually bark at night before they come inside and my town is like a ghost town. There's probably just something going that you can't hear and they can? Or maybe some people walked past your house... the possibilities are endless.

Awww bummer! LOL. I should be able to get down to KCC Park eventually, it's about an hour and a half away from here. Haha, LP I bet you get "Oh nice border collie you have there" ALL the time.

Uhh... guys, I wasn't asking you to start arguing over the breeds and about which one is "better". All I was simply asking was the differences. It's gotten a little bit out of hand I think... But thank you to those who actually answered in regards to my opening post.

Guess I will have to start looking! Might start with the Geelong Obedience Club... They might have some running but I'm not sure. I want a larger dog too, that's another reason why I like Aussies. They are big and goofy. But I've met many BCs who can be goofy too lol. I love Lottie, she's so cute!! :D I bet you can't wait to start training for agility!

I have to agree with you. I'd like to hear more about the differences of the breeds as well. --- "Haylz I'd go to as many trials as I could and chat to people there and watch the dogs working in the ring. Good luck with your search. The right dog for you is out there somewhere" That's a great idea, now I have to find some trials near me. and thank you!

Definitely, there's a lot of informative posts here. As for colour, it doesn't really bother me. I could have a rainbow BC or Aussie and I'd be happy. But I do have a soft spot for the blue merles though. I didn't even know Aussies could be "yellow".

Wow, wasn't expecting this many answers! I'll read them and reply when I get home. Edit: Ok guys I don't even know where to start, there's so much to reply to. Let me just clarify that I do not live on a large property. We have a large backyard though with two other family dogs (beagle x nearly 2 years, jrt x 7 years). I also wanted to add that I have never competed in agility or anything like that. This would be my first time learning about it. I wouldn't say that I want to be overly competitive it's just something that I want to do for fun. I doubt that if I get either then he/she will be competing in herding trials, because I have no access to anything like that and would rather just compete in agility (hell, even if it's backyard agility!) I don't know much about obedience at the moment but I think I'd enjoy it. I love teaching my beagle tricks and obedience. Many breeders that I have spoken to over email a while ago recommended males to me, like a few of you said. Great comment LP! I've actually seen your dogs competing in agility on Youtube a while ago. I still think I am leaning towards an Aussie. They don't sound as "obsessive" and full on as BCs, and by the sounds of it I wouldn't be able to handle a working BC but of course I will keep researching. Sorry my post is all over the place, I'm kind of in a hurry! I'll be back to reply later tonight... Thanks everyone.