HugL

I heard a growl from my bedroom one night and assumed my female GSDxdobe wanted to go to sleep and had kicked my male GSD pup out. Before I went to bed I was shutting the bedroom window with my girl and realised the flyscreen wasn't there. It had been removed and propped up against the house. I was alone apart from my dogs and during the phone call to police, sort of lost it. I ended up with 2 patrol cars arriving. Funny thing is, the police asked if they could take the GSD. Both have since passed on but it's a night I will never forget. Still miss her. She was a pain but I new no-one would hurt me with her around.

I'm wary of small, fluffy, x-bred, surrogate children. No way to read body language and usually no or minimal training. However, have made a point to meet many pure bred small fluffies around the show ring. Found that they were all friendly and well socialised. No problems with medium or large dogs. Just check body language and respond appropriately (hopefully!!)

Have you contacted your breeder? Usually this is the first person you should speak to. I suggest you go out to a few shows first. As Delaforce says, there are two ways of handling GSD in the ring. Specialists allow them to fun out in front and pull around the ring. All breeds use a smaller ring and more control is required. I only run in all breeds and know that most people ring-side are happy to talk to you about their breed. Unless your dog is well behaved around other dogs, maybe leave it at home or in the car the first time. Also so you can concentrate on what is happening and the advice you may be getting. Not sure where you are but my GSD will be in the shows at Pt Pirie this weekend. Happy to chat if you can make it.

I can't believe that someone who is supposed to be as educated as the PM position requires is going ahead with this purchase. Firstly the RSPCA advertise that "pets are not presents but for life". Is this pet not a present??? Secondly the dog is a very expensive cross bred. While is has a fancy title, it is a cross bred with no regulated health checks and no real history to show what it should end up like or where the breeder is bettering the breed. How can it be worth that much money?? Thirdly, all the DD's that I know have ended up having major surgery for their first birthday. Is Julia prepared for this expense?? If we look at this situation the other way around it could be the nail in the coffin that we need to show what PF are really like. In 12 months time, Julia could be looking at her dog having major surgery. This will be reported and then "experts" may get a chance to explain why. If the finger gets pointed at the PF, our biggest supporter may be Julia herself. Think before you comment. If we keep this on track without attacking each other, it can be produced later to show Julia that we do have a good idea what is going on. And we are all united on this issue.

My "tough" GSD hates bindis. He just stands still with paw raised looking pathetic. I bought some cheap boots at the end of last prickle season. Will be trying them this year as we have moved into the country and have no chance of lawns anywhere. I thought that as they cost less than $20 for 4, it was worth it. If they work, I will invest in better ones. (They did come in handy when he hurt a pad earlier this year)

At least you didn't enter DOG!!

I avoid dog parks. Have had too many unsocialized, untrained, aggressive smaller dogs try to attack my big dog. If my boy retaliated, he would be labelled the aggressor due to the size difference and it's just not worth it. It's a pity that people think good exercise it to turn up at these places and read, use phone, chat and have coffee instead of supervising and watching. It is the perfect opportunity to learn their dog's mannerisms and behaviour and they waste it. I socialize at dog obedience, shows and while out walking with others who have calm, social dogs. Could you arrange a doggie afternoon with other DOL'ers that live in the same area. I notice Adelaide have a separate meet for smaller dogs.

I don't like the way media pick and choose their stories. Have been told by more than one person of recent attack by Labrador. Guess that didn't make the papers cos it wasn't a "bull-breed".

While I'm another not wanting to own a bull breed, I have never met any I would consider dangerous. If anything I had to stop them trying to "kill" me with their tongue! I currently own my 3rd GSD and regularly come across breed prejudice. My own dad asked me what I was going to do with my dog when I found out I was pregnant. That child is now 12, her sister 10 and the only "family" dog that has bitten them is their dad's girlfiend's small terrier x rehome. (Little one still has scar just under her eye but no medical attention needed so no report). Yet they can play with his large rehome labxgreatdanex??? and my GSD with no issues. Based on my experience all small terrier and fluffy dogs should be banned. Before you attack me - I am just kidding. It is humans that created these breeds and humans that are stuffing them up. Ban the human not the dog.

I only show my boy in All Breeds (he is not specialist style). We have gone through to In Show a few times. But, as with any dog, showing is all about the judge's opinion. If they like your dog, they will put it up. If they don't, someone else will get it. Bottom line is that if you like the judge's opinion, enter under them again. If not, don't. Either way, enjoy spending a day out with your dog and catching up with like-minded people. If you win, it's a bonus. Give it a try and good luck

Great topic and LOOOVE the video I have a dog that is bored with obedience but I would love to title. This info is all very interesting and I hope more experienced people keep adding for us novices. Will be trying anything that could work. Thanks all

Lindsay, we're on same day. Catch you there!

Andisa - have PM'd details of breeders Not sure of the exact reason for shape change but think it has to do with making dog look like it has more drive with lower back end. If that makes sense?? Have tried to add photo to profile so you can see. Still learning how to add photos to comments

Beautiful pic. Looks similar lines to my 3.5yo boy so these lines are still around, you just have to know where to look. My boy has also shown natural instinct for sheep work so keeping my fingers crossed as we are about to move to property. While it isn't the current desired shape, it is still around and my boy just got his Champ title so some judges still look for it. I have been thanked by an International judge for presenting him. We are lucky with our new neighbours. They have already met him and know my first sheep training is the ability to call him off. He has already helped one move 800 head. Unfortuately, when he sits in long grass he does look a bit like a roo so will have to be careful when the shooters are about. ;)

Think Akay's approach is good. Might also want to mention about keeping weight down to minimise impact on back end. I have spoken to young guy at dog training about his 6mo GSD and problems it may have if he doesn't watch weight but don't think it did much good. Good luck.

How soon do you want your dog? Are you willing to wait when you find the right breeder? I live in SA and have an old fashioned straight back with Aust Champ Title. Last weekend, I handled my dog's aunty in the show ring taking out Best of Breed both days. This dog is ready for her endurance trial this month, has her CDX title and is being trained for jumping. The breeder has numerous years of show and obedience lines behind her and I completely recommend her dogs. If you PM me I can forward you the breeder's details.

Friends have calmed their dogs with Nervatona (not sure of spelling). Health shops stock it for human use. Good luck

Forget the hammer or shotgun next to your bed. Advise I received from police/friend, keep water next to your bed in a glass bottle. It would not be considered a weapon and self-defence is easier to prove. However, I have an entire male gsd and good luck if you want to break in!

Sad but true, the number of lab puppies that turned up to class did increase and most of the owners loved Marley. We even had some called Marley! And yes to those "Hooch dogs". At least some owners had researched (Or was it the breeders that picked good homes??)

Agree with you SkySoaringMagpie. When I was pregnant with my first my GSD was 3 yrs old and I still can't believe the number of people that assumed I would re-home him.

I enjoy dog movies but brace myself every time. Dumb parents go out and buy "that dog from the movie" and then wonder why they have problems. Maramaduke and Scooby Doo 101 Dalmations Milo & Otis To name a few. Hope Red Dog doesn't have the same effect. As an obedience instructor the weirdest question I was asked "How do I stop my dog sniffing?" After looking at the dog I stated "It's a Beagle. What did you expect?"

I enjoy dog movies but brace myself every time. Dumb parents go out and buy "that dog from the movie" and then wonder why they have problems. Maramaduke and Scooby Doo 101 Dalmations Milo & Otis To name a few. Hope Red Dog doesn't have the same effect. As an obedience instructor the weirdest question I was asked "How do I stop my dog sniffing?" After looking at the dog I stated "It's a Beagle. What did you expect?"

Not been there but I swear by TTG vet. It's on NE Rd just before the TTG hotel on LHS. Would completely recommend. We have taken our numerous dogs there for over 20 years. Good luck with wherever you go.

I would rather mouth my own dog. I find most judges approach my GSD with apprehension and this causes him to start moving his head around. No signs of aggression just trying it on. While I understand the breed has a not so good reputation ATM, nervous judges should ask the owner rather than approach an entire male with shaking hands. If I get too many do this in a row, it may become a habit I don't want. How do you mouth your own dog without offending the judge? Can you ask or do you just do? Like others, I would love to see some handlers mouth their dog while trying to hold it's back end up in the stack

I live NE of Adelaide so not sure if I can help. What suburb are you? Have you also thought to contact a local obedience club to see if anyone there could help?