Tumbleweed

*****UPDATE**** 1500 Sage was spotted at around 3 pm today "Just had a sighting in the estate where Canning Vale Primary is. M had Sage's mum with her and the lady said yes definitely looked like that. She talked to her and she trotted off. Had totally disappeared by the time I got there, we drove and walked around but no sign. I think the estate is Livingston, she was just sitting on the grass of a small corner park 750mtrs in from Ranford Rd. Lady said she looked very sad, stressed and hungry, but OK" If you are around this area PLEASE keep a look out. I think it was the park on cnr. of Blackbutt & Templetonia, Canning Vale (nr. Livingston Markets)

Another update regarding "Sage" the lost German Shorthaired Pointer Latest Update: We gained access to Hakea Prison this afternoon Thanks to an amazing neighbour. Bella tracked Sage through the back of the prison and unfortunately it looks like she has crossed Warton Rd into Harrisdale Swamp area. One good thing is it was probably since Monday night as Bella went along Warton rd on Monday and she didn't scent her then. Next step is a Flyer drop in Harrisdale and Piara Waters. If you live around this area, or have friends that do - please ask them to be on the lookout. I know there is a fabulous young lady (and her Mum) missing their dog very much at the moment and working very hard to find her. :-(

I love beef soup bones for cleaning my dogs teeth - I find they are large enough that I'm not worried about them swallowing them, but small enough that they don't upset their tummies. On top of that, the nooks and crannies really give the dogs and their teeth a work out. They are easy to source in the meat section of your supermarket (particularly easy to find in winter i.e. soup weather!) I have also used Dentastix and Greenies, but they don't last long so I don't think they do a lot. Plus I worry about the quality and type of ingredients. Dentastix are now a very occasional treat and reserved for when my dogs come out of the obedience ring as a 'jackpot'. They do love them.

Another vote for Kathy here. She is fantastic, and one of those people that is great with dogs, but is also great at communicating with their owners.

I've recently tried the ones from QLD Guide Dogs and they are great. No smell and they are lasting well. The dogs love them :-)

Great question. I totally agree with everything that the others have said. Plus a few more for thought - insect repellant - alcohol hand sanitiser - safety pins - pens - I also carry a copy of the rules for the dog sports I compete in. I have a file at home to store all certificates, registration papers etc. They 'non titling' ones are great to keep and look back on, and you will need to keep the official competitions ones to apply for titles. ENJOY!

I highly recommend this Facebook group if you haven't seen it already - https://www.facebook.com/groups/275274439220356/ If you look under Files there are a range of tips, and Debbie adds another every few weeks. Lots of good discussions too :-)

Tassie - Yep it is, but I tend to pick and choose my trials and go up for the bigger ones, or the double headers. Luckily I have awesome relatives that don't mind that I regularly crash at their place, and bring the dogs. They often even come and watch :-) Tas is so beautiful. I spent a few years living there when I was in my teens (we lived in Kingston, and my sister currently lives in Hobart)and it is such a lovely place. I laugh at the distances though - in WA you can easily do 110 km /hour and even more on some roads. In Tas, the roads are a bit different, aren't they :-)

My vote? Anything with real chocolate :-)

Right there with you Tassie - ours is a 800 km /9 hour return trip this weekend. It is tough (not to mention expensive!) isn't it. At least you get a double header, and we get 3 runs in agility. Makes it worth it :-)

We are coming up! Very excited about our first state trial. Kyte's weave poles aren't there yet but we will be having a crack at Novice Agility for the first time as well as Novice Jumping.

I also suggest looking trying a variety of protein sources as well as grain free. I love both the Holistic Select Sardine and Anchovy variety and the grain-free Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch. My old groomer said that he has noticed significant improvements in many of his client's dogs switching to a fish based food (with or without grains) over a beef/lamb/chicken formula.My little Aussie certainly seems to scratch less on a fish based formulation, but grains don't appear to make a big difference. Might not work for all, but if you are looking for things to try it may be worth a go. :-)

How is he going now M2?

Hi. I know where you are coming from. My Siberian Husky is an escape artist and completely untrustworthy around stock/chickens etc so it is really important that she is fully contained. Although I was hesitant at first I have been using a radio containment fence for years now and they are fantastic. My dog has not received a shock from the fence for years as knows to avoid it. But here are a few things I've learnt and may be worth considering. - Don't import the fence from overseas as quarantine will confiscate the collar. They are illegal to import (although legal to buy in Australia) - They work best when combined with an existing fence. If they are used alone then it is possible the dog will bolt through the fence and then will get shocked coming back INTO their yard. I have a wire fence with the invisible/radio fence attached to the base with cable ties. Obviously you can bury them too if you prefer, but I found if you just cable tie them on, it is easy to take with you when you move. A wire by itself will also not stop other dogs entering your yard. - Make sure you get a collar that is suitable for your dog. I had to get the probes designed for long haired dogs and fit the collar quite tightly for my furry girl. There are also different size and strength collars available. - Test the collar regularly (at least fortnightly). The only time mine has failed is when a probe came loose and when the collar went flat. A stock of spare batteries is a must. Good luck! I hope this has helped :-)

Also check out Vet n Pet Direct and Pookinuk. Both have great prices, although shipping is much cheaper interstate with Vet n Pet.

It is worth reading all the PDS documents very carefully and asking questions of the different insurers. I am currently looking at changing to PetPlan, but be aware after 10 years of age, they only pay 65% of the bill, not 100% (minus your excess). I'm still waiting for replies from a few others to see if they increase premiums with the dogs age, or if they also decrease the amount paid as the dog ages.

YAY RV! She worked beautifully for you too. I had never seen a Brittany before I met Zora, and am now fast becoming a big fan for the breed! Now on to CCD and RA work :-)

Cider's jumping round was awesome to watch Ptolomy :laugh: She was having so much fun out there. Certainly remembered those tunnels! My 2 brags for the Classic - Kyte blew me away as she managed to win Novice B with a perfect score. And then Zazu managed 98/100 and 3rd place, also in Novice B. So happy to see her work like that after she completely blew me off two nights earlier in CCD. Oh the joys of trialling a Siberian - when she is hot, she's hot. And when she's not - she's NOT! Novice Jumping was a case of 'almost'. I slowed down at the end of the run and Kyte knocked the very last bar. Well done to everyone at the Classic - is was a lovely, friendly and supportive environment to be trialing.

Recallers latest post recommend getting a copy of the Crate Games DVD (which I found available in Aus at both Game On Dogs and Agility Click for $32 if anyone else is looking for it) I was just wondering if anyone has used this before and what sort of crate they used (does it matter?). I've only got collapsable crates and I was wondering if a hard crate would be better?

I just signed up at the basic level...that was a fair bit as is!

I can lend you one rent free - but I'm not sure you'll be keen on the commute! I'm very lucky as I have two quiet ovals about 3 minutes drive away, which we use for training alot.

We've just signed up! Very excited - have been looking at doing Recallers for ages, but always so expensive. This time round it appears to be a little cheaper. Or maybe I'm willing to spend the $$$ to try and create a recall in my Siberian. Come join us if you are able RubyStar!

Check out Daisy Peel's online classroom too - she follows the Awesome Paws system which is a bit different to Greg Derrett - But I can highly recommend the Foundation agility course. I found it very useful in teaching me some basics without a teacher. Also check out Agility University too. Their working spots are pretty expensive but the auditing spots are reasonable and they have lots to choose from.

We are doing the same E+H. Im about to add the second set of poles with my little Aussie. :) I have also had it suggested that a tennis ball cut open and stuffed with treats is a nice one to throw. I haven't tried it yet but just bought some tennis balls so that is the plan for this weekend.

I love "Dog Training the Gentle Modern Method". The more you train and learn, the more you get out of this book but it is also suitable for beginners. And it is so clear and simple. A true classic.