Tumbleweed

I use these too - except after I buy them I bag them up into individual bags that last a training session, and pop them in the freezer. I normally get about 10 bags - so less than 50 cents per training session! If I have training that night, I pull out a bag in the morning and let it defrost during the day. I'm not keen on the preservatives either, so I don't use them too regularly and make sure I mix and match with other treats. I love that you can break them apart and they don't crumble! I found the coconut sort of stuff on the 4 paws ones crumbled too easily and then my dogs spent the whole time sniffing the ground. Will have to try frying them - great idea. Any other great treat ideas out there on DOL? I'm always looking for the 'ideal' treat for training....haven't found it yet. They are all too crunchy, or too big, or too crumbly, or my dog doesn't rate them (e.g. cheese).

What an absolute pain. I'm sure the thought 'couldn't you have got it right the first time!' crossed your mind. But on the upside, maybe this further surgery will be best for Kenz in the long run...and I guess it isn't necessarily a bad thing the specialist didn't go in 'too agressively' the first time. Best of luck with it all. Please let us know how you (and Kenz of course) are travelling

Oh ness - so sorry to hear about Kenz. Thinking of you guys. It seems to have been the month for bad dog news. I hope you guys get to the bottom of her soreness and can treat it effectively.

Thanks again! If a club does start up in SA, please let me know :-)

Currently I am aware only of the breed clubs in Vic and NSW, though SA has mentioned starting their own also. You can certainly join from interstate though Tumbleweed. Thanks Parkeyre! Does your Aussie have to be on limited/main register to join? I have a purebred Aussie but from 2 limited register parents (long story...she is a 'semi-rescue', as was being sold by a BYB as a 'potential breeding dog' at 4 1/2 months ). She is now a desexed beloved pet, and we have started trialling in obedience and hopefully will be starting agility in the not too distance future. I was interested in joining a breed club for a bit more info on Aussies and training/trialling them etc.

Just wondering if there is an Aussie Shepherd club in Western Australia? Would love to join one, but could only find websites for clubs in Vic and NSW

Hi Tiggy, People can find the group by doing a search on Facebook for 'Dog Obedience Online Training Group'. You will need to ask to join, and as 'admin' for the group, I just have to accept your invite. Everyone who is interested and actively training dogs is welcome - the group has a focus for country people and obedience/rally but it isn't exclusively for any of those! I'm hoping it will be a fairly active group so if you join then expect a lot of posts and traffic. Also, please be prepared to post some videos etc of yourself training as that is what it is all about :D Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions or want further info.

Another vote for Advocate here (although I also hear Revolution is very good). It isn't the cheapest product but as it does worms and heart worm so you do save on multiple products (doesn't do hydatids though). My Australian Shepherd is quite reactive to fleas and Advocate once a month seems to stay on top of them. Also safe for Aussies/ Collies that aren't good with some drugs. We tried Frontline and it didn't work for us at all. Advantage is cheaper but I believe it only kills eggs or adults, can't remember which (although not 100% certain on that, so please don't take my word for it). Good luck on your search!

Ptolomy - great idea. I've set up a Facebook group, and I think we are going to do a similar thing to that. E.G. "This is the topic of the month, here are some exercises for beginners, some for experienced folk, go practice a few and please video a couple and post" then everyone can comment and make suggestions. Helps keep the motivation levels up for those without a club. One of the best thing so far in our group is that over half are 'non-traditional' obedience breeds . Plus some beautiful working dogs too. :D Good luck over east with Bedazzled and the OC ones.

Interesting.... I thought they were illegal to import without a permit, but not illegal to buy in Aus. I tried to buy a radio fence collar from overseas several years ago and customs siezed the collar, but not the remainder of the package (wire, instructions etc). HOWEVER - looking here (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_reg_es/ciar20085n226o2008622.html) it appears that ban has been lifted. Collars designed to bruise or puncture the skin are still illegal to import. The list of restricted imports can be found here http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4369.asp This older thred may have some answers too http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/166765-importing-training-gear-from-the-usa/ Hope that helps.

I am in Shire of Manjimup in the country and it is the same. Max of 2 dogs within townsites, unless you have a kennel licence or exemption under the local Dog Act. Up to 4 dogs allowed outside of town and then same applies if you want more. It is amazing how much shires vary in their approach to licencing more than 2 dogs. I have sleddog friends in Collie and Dunsborough who both have permission for about 6 dogs in surburban size backyards (obviously they do get out and about and exercised daily). Yet I hear of other shires that won't even allow 3 dogs, despite letters from neighbours etc saying it is OK. I guess it all depends on the personalities within the shire, and the experiences they have had in the past with multiple dogs.

Hi Weasels - sounds like your friend and I have been doing a similar course! :D I've just finished a Agility Foundations 9 week course with Daisy Peel, in which she gives you an assignment, then you video yourself and your dog training and send it in for comments. It wasn't as expensive as Susan Garrett and it was really good. We will definately be signing up for more next term. It was actually that course that gave me the idea for an 'online club' to do the same! I found having an assignment every week gave me structure and new things to train that I hadn't actually thought of before. And because I was videoing myself and my dog I trained a bit harder so we wouldn't look 'silly', which ends up producing some really nice results.

Hi all. Have posted this is the Rally-O facebook page and Dogzonline training forum but really keen on hearing from any West Aussies (particularly the country people out there) I'm seeking expressions of interest for an 'online training club' (Rally-O & Obedience, but Agility as well if enough interest) I have just moved to the country and am finding that the clubs nearby (i.e. the whole 2 clubs in a 200 km radius!) aren't quite what I am looking for . So...I am thinking of starting a small facebook group for people without a club nearby, or people unable to get to a training club. My idea is that members can post comments and videos of themselves training and help critique the videos of others. Also, to encourage each other to keep going and provide advice when problems are encountered. Obviously for this to work there has to be enough interest, and some far more experienced trainers than me in the mix. I would love to hear from anyone who is interested in joining this, and/or anyone who has had experience of doing this sort of thing (good/bad). Alternative suggestions on how to train effectively by yourself are also more than welcome! Please PM me if you are keen or have any suggestions. Cheers :D

Hi all. Hope this isn't too off topic... I'm seeking expressions of interest for an 'online training club' (Rally-O & Obedience, but Agility as well if enough interest) I have just moved to the country and am finding that the clubs nearby (i.e. the whole 2 clubs in a 200 km radius!) aren't quite what I am looking for (great people - but no food allowed, paddock bashing, long classes etc ). So...I am thinking of starting a small facebook group for people without a club nearby, or people unable to get to a training club. My idea is that members can post comments and videos of themselves training and help critique the videos of others. Also, to encourage each other to keep going and provide advice when problems are encountered. Obviously for this to work there has to be enough interest, and some much more experienced trainers than me in the mix. I would love to hear from anyone who is interested in joining this, and/or anyone who has had experience of doing this sort of thing (good/bad). Alternative suggestions on how to train effectively by yourself are also more than welcome! Please PM me if you are keen or have any suggestions. Cheers :D

I'm on board re: the travel thread! I'm about to move to Walpole and still plan to come to trials in Perth (haven't really got a choice as there aren't many down south) but the time and petrol costs are going to hurt.... If anyone has any suggestions on training alone (the closest club to Walpole is 1 1/2 hours away) please let me know I'm particularly worried about proofing stays etc as won't have any other dogs to practise with.

Feebeez - if you want to see some GSPs doing something different, come and have a look at the WA Sleddog Sports Assoc race in Gnangara on the 26th/27th May. If you google WASSA you will see details closer to the date.

Thanks RS! :)

Hi RS - Can you please let me know the name for the Patty Ruzzo DVD you are referring too? I've bored Zazu with paddock bashing too, and don't want to make the same mistake with Kyte.

Hi Feebeez - is that one of Koda and Axle's puppies? I know them from dog sledding and they are beautiful dogs! Enjoy your new pup

I recently got an Australian Shepherd to join my 5 year old female husky and they get along really well. The Aussie is more energetic and isn't quite as 'bombproof' as the Sibe, but is strong enough and quick enough to stand up to rough play but slightly smaller...also with the added advantage of not running off when off lead and is trustworthy around stock. I echo the sentiments of earlier posts - please get any new dog from a reputable and registered breeder or even a breed rescue group. A great breeder is someone that not only does the appropriate health tests but also takes the time to ask YOU plenty of questions! Unfortunately not all registered breeders are reputable - but most are. If you talk to a few then one or two will standout for you and what you want for your dog.

my dogs all get 6 cups of biscuits a day less if i am giving them mincestew or chicken carcasses, the pups sometimes get more as they are so energetic. i give mumma dog who has stabilised weight 3-4 cups daily and add or subtract depending on her waste line rofl Wow - that is alot of food. My 23 kg Sibe only gets 1 cup food, and a dash of home made wet...and even then I have to watch her weight. In comparison my 17 kg Aussie gets 2 cups food + wet and seems to be holding her weight constant. Funny how they are all so different!

Awesome shot. I love the fact it is being pulled along by such a little forklift (in comparison to the chopper anyway)!

Ha ha Amypie - welcome to my world. My husband and I both work in fire related jobs so over spring/summer/autumn it seems our laundry permanently smells like smoke! Bush smoke isn't too bad, but grass smoke is the pits.

Hiya - I work with the waterbombers, and this one's name is 'Marty' (same type of aircraft as Elvis, but that is the one in the eastern states). Pretty spectacular isn't he! The rotar wash has to be seen to be belived too .

Does anyone know of any Western Australian stockist of Taste of the Wild food? Unfortunately the postage for dog food from the eastern states is always hideously expensive, as the bags are so heavy.