chezzyr

Its not the reward that gets her going as I never really used food or a specific reward for the action and I still dont - just praise. She just does it on command and goes silly thinking its a great game (which it is). I cant get her to do it "calmer" - she groans/bares teeth/collie grin/tries to "eat" me every time!!! As I dont envisage myself taking up doggy dancing maybe I shouldnt worry, unless it becomes a specific part of more advanced obedience training

Hey Kitty, I reckon if what you did worked and you werent committing any criminal acts (and the dog isnt suffering as a result), then go for it. We are all still learning. Some people just get caught up in the esoterics of the situation

I know what you mean about wanting to iron out the behavior LOL For Basic 1 (first level) we had to demonstrate a couple of tricks. I chose shake hands as one (she does one paw and then the other on command). That was fine. The other "trick" is going around me and then through my legs. She can do this quite fast and goes around and around but she gets SOOOO excited, goes through my legs growling/moaning her teeth bared and she looks like a cross between a seal and a crocodile LOL. I simply want her to do it in a calm manner and not trying to eat me with affection. Any tips anyone?

My dog does the roll over thing at dog club but I have actually been encouraging it. Problem is if shes sitting for too long (gets bored or hot), she drops then rolls over kicking her legs with big grin on face. I think shes just enjoying rubbing her back in the grass and I give her tummy a scratch too. I dont want to correct or 'punish' her for that. Must add that we have only had her for 6 months and the rolling over thing is fairly new. I would like for her to be able to roll on command one day. She did roll over a couple times when asked to do a drop/stay so am not sure how Im gonna tackle this

With my dog I have trained her to "look at me" or "watch". I wont be given the behavior every time (if in a high distraction area) but she does understand and i just make my voice louder (yeah yeah yeah Collies dont like loud noises but raising my voice gets her attention quick smart, she thinks Im gonna kill her LOL) I initially taught her to look at me or watch with the use of food and I still reward her with it sometimes. Providing the water wasnt a high pressure blast from a hose, I dont have a problem with it

So is: "moore than just dog training" "herding_ guy" and "sheepdog" all one and the same?

So is it always held at the same place? I am getting myself a bit confused now that I am reading posts about a boarding kennels or something It is a bit of a hike for us also but if the scenery is like that well thats not so bad. I wouldnt mind just having a look one time. David, can we come out for a sticky beak?

Sky I thought it was really considerate of you to include "local scenery" shots I am sure those that werent there appreciated that. Here I was thinking it was held near the airport LOL

Darn, there is just so much stuff going on I cant cope :D I think I will just put events in a hat and draw one out! Where abouts is Nillumbik?

Thanks for explaining. It looks like a neat well organized set up and even in an email David had said he loves working with the "softer" dogs so we might try it one time. Instinct is a funny thing - we took Rosie to the beach today and she wouldnt have a bar of the water so I carried her in (I was fully clothed LOL) and when I lowered her into the water she just floated and then started dog paddling towards the shore. Ta for posting the one of Ebony - I dont mind whether she takes to it or not, I just wanted to see the girl coz shes lovely :D

We wanna see Ebony pics, I was really hoping for that!! Not sure its something we would try now I see they use rakes (my Rosie HATES rakes or brooms being waved near her). She might take to sheep but hate the rake instead LOL. Did anyone get any really good action Kelpie shots? I just think theres nothing quite like a good Aussie Kelpie doing what its made for!

How do I fatten up a lean "athletic" (cough) dog who insists on burning it all off?? Please dont suggest Satin Balls - she wouldnt have a bar of them I might try giving a morning feed if no other suggestions Edited to add: very healthy happy dog otherwise! I am not too alarmed, I would be if she seemed sick.

This is interesting. I have never fed mine carcasses. She regularly gets chicken necks though (between 2-4) several times a week, occasionally chicken wings. Can a dog have too many chicken bones? Does it make them constipated at all if they are fed bones daily? Does the bones all get digested or sit in the pit of their stomach?

I always try to add "something" to dry as my dog has proved at times that she WILL go without food for two days if just dry is served up (the removing after 15 mins and giving the next day does not necessarily work for her). Really I cant say I blame her and she knows (by my cooking and kitchen smells) that WE eat yummy home cooked meals. Unfortunately I find that soaking dry in water just makes them swell up and stick hard to the bottom of the bowl making it difficult to get to. Sometimes I will just drizzle vegie juice (from our steamed vegies) or gravy over the dry and that certainly helps! And sometimes I will mash up a tin or half a tin of sardines with the dry and that works a treat (particularly useful if we have run out of wet food).

I dont know why I said it :rolleyes:

Fair suck of the sav, Nat. He CANT be fast with that butt of his. He is trying his best. Maybe he is dancing on the inside but getting nowhere fast coz of: butt and lots of HAIR

Ooooiii - hope youre not picking on Rosie, the kangaroo x crocodile, tongue hanging out a foot etc etc. Then again, she doesnt have much decorum and doesnt care what people think as long as shes having a good time! Edited to add: Thanks Colleen - OH and I will try that with her. I must admit she seems to enjoy "working" - I think she is just having a lazy day here and there.

well OH just returned with Rosie - said she did not want to run around AT ALL, just sniffed around and did several wees (both things are very out of character for her). Hmmmm I will keep an eye on her in case she is coming into season! Do bitches get lethargic before they come into season? I must admit she had a big day yesterday, visiting several places/homes, over enthusiastic kids etc etc. I have to laugh about the Reilly death march thing - I can totally relate to that!

You should see my girl today - bright sunny day and she has a serious case of Mondayitis! OH has come home early and taken her to the park. Hopefully they have a good play because she wasnt in any particular hurry to do anything with me today :rolleyes: (this included a very slow motion come when called!!!!) So I am eager to read the suggestions (having said that she might be keener tomorrow LOL)

The RR club runs this "zig zag" course in the enclosed area of KCC Park as well as some pet expos and has these open to the public etc. It is managed very well and there are always newbies there who have never tried it. Is a good atmosphere so you dont have to feel worried if youve never done it. And yes all kinds of breeds try it. Some are naturals whereas others prefer to sniff and view the scenery If nothing else its a good chance to socialize the dog.

Thanks Poodlefan, makes sense. I just dont jump into things unless I feel its necessary. On the same token I dont go running to the doctor when I have a sniffle LOL. Will read other's input.

What do chiro visits cost? I hadnt even considered this - I dont even take myself! Is chiro necessary or is it a "bandwagon" type thing? (do it because everyone else does etc) thanks!

What dates are you planning to hold the "beginner" days? Is there a cost involved? If a dog doesnt have the "prey drive", is that a problem? Is a certain level of obedience training required? Thanks

people, photos are being posted in the photo forum if you want to go check them out ;)

Yes alot less Ridgies this time. I am just guessing that some may be show dogs and possibly away at some of the country shows. The Border Terriers werent there - obviously away at shows.