Shakti

Yes I understand that many dogs will obey a great trainer (for a variety of reasons ) but is that obedience or have they actually switched their loyalty?

Nope. The trainers I am thinking of did not use food or any extreme coercive techniques. Anyway if a dog who loves you will leave you for a tidbit - maybe it isn't love?

I have been thinking about this a lot lately especially watching how many dogs behave when with exceptional trainers. I know several people whose dog gives every indication of *loving* them, is affectionate, attentive, obedient etc but when they are handed over to a trainer who has that innate authority and calm that a truly great dog trainer has the dog appears completely willing to follow that person to the ends of the earth even if that means leaving their owner. So...if dogs do love us and are attached to us then why are they so willing to obey and often follow a dog trainer who is a stranger to them?

He is beautiful - and obviously fated to be with you! I wish you many, many happy years together! BTW I LOVE the kid-enclosure featured in the first pic - if only I could corral all my lot into one of these for a few hours!! LOL

Am sitting at the airport waiting for our much-anticipated new puppy and not feeling any excitement or joy but rather an overwhelming sense of responsibility and like I am at the start of a daunting journey. I am so prepared for this little one yet the pressure to "get it right" re training and socialization etc is just sucking most of the joy out of me. Eeeeeeeeeeek!!!"

I second that Kelpiecuddles - I would be very keen - especially with the waterproof backing!

Thank you for your help - the links worked so I will order through there. They look great and I love the logos! I couldn't find a working link to the Newf Club in Victoria though

Thank you all for your replies - that is really good news as I am keen to train my new dog (whatever she may be) in Drive but will go to a professional trainer. Just wanted to be assured it was possible - so thank you!

Hi - does anyone know where I can get large, good quality bibs or bandannas for my Newf please? I would prefer a towelling kind of material if possible.

I am learning a great deal about various methods of dog training and lately I have been seeing a lot of awesome videos featuring dogs trained in drive. I am curious though - I realize most working breeds of dogs would have drive but what about CKCS or Maltese etc? Would they maybe have drive for food or attention as opposed to prey or work drive? Do all dogs respond to training in drive? Can a dog be trained in drive simply for affection? Surely that would be less effective than a dog who works in prey drive, for example?

Yes the photos are absolutely beautiful - I am very happy to show them off on here once I get them. Helen not only captures the individual dog's personality but she also caught the bond between my daughter and her dog - just very special!!

OMG yes I think it was = thank you so very much!!!

Hi everyone, Approximately three years ago a DOLer in Melbourne was taking black and white photos of dogs around Melbourne with a view to producing a calendar. She advertised in teh DOL forum for people willing to take part with their dogs. My daughter and her then 7 year old Japanese Chin were part of this and I am desperate to get a copy of the photos as my daughter's little dog died last month very suddenly. Does anyone remember this or having any way of contacting the woman who took the photos please?

How are things going now?

Lhok for those of us who don't know - what breed are you getting please and just generally to those of you on this thread - have people generally bought 7-8 week old puppies or 3-6 months? Just curious

Have been following this thread with great interest and really commend you on being so open to suggestions and so committed to Goliath! Not easy juggling kids, a baby AND a Pug - well done! Do let us know how the session with Steve went please!!

Still no word?

LOL yes totally normal. I think it is the realisation that your life has totally changed. New mothers get it too (seriously I think it is kinda similar) Hang in there - so long as you are enjoying the taking care of him you will be fine but don't rush yourself - you are entitled to feel like this - just shows you truly understand what a huge commitment it is!!

Hi this is esky He is a collie x I originally got him from animal aid, he is white and tan, microchipped, desexed, and vacc, I have all his paperwork, he was born on 1/2/12 He is very friendly loves company, I will be very sad when he is rehomed, Esky is house trained can sit, fetch, drop, Within my busy life style I can't give him the attention he needs and deserves... And our yard is just too small...His beautiful This ad is on Gumtree

Thank you all so much - will be following up your suggestions and making sure to ask the right questions!

Hi all, I need to get two Maltese puppies from Dubbo to Melbourne in the next couple of weeks. Can anyone please advise what company (if any) they would use or if they know of a better alternative? Cost is obviously a factor but I am more concerned that the pups have a pleasant and safe journey.

Being around families who mainly foster children I have found nothing beats a well-brought up Newfoundland with small children. As everyone has pretty much said there are always individual dogs of any breed who are excellent or not-so-good with kids but I do think as a generalisation that Newfs are wonderful with kids...the biggest worries would be a toddler being accidentally stepped on which is unlikely or a small child being drowned in slobber...much more likely! LOL

So glad this thread hasn't been deleted! i am learning so much from it and am absolutely blown away bu the positive, educational and constructive advice given here. Admittedly I wish we could see some videos of Nehk working her magic too but I am just greedy! I have no idea why certain Grey (or beige LOL) type individuals are demanding timeframes etc etc. None of their business and their cynicism does not do them any credit in an otherwise wonderful forum!

I have passed your details on so am hopeful that something can happen this week! Keep up the good work with Roo !!

Please PM me as I know someone who may be very happy to help keep your girl entertained at least a couple of days a week!