FalconRange

DOLers, from the time you find yourself ready for and open to the idea of another family member, to the time you bring them home, how long have you waited for your ideal new pup/dog to come home? I've been on a waiting list for quite some time to bring home my ideal family member. Some opportunities were turned up in the meantime, and others haven't come to pass as hoped. Life gets in the way of perfect plans, I guess. I've got some friends who say I'm mad for having waited this long, but I've felt really strongly that I'm willing to wait for the right puppy. Has anyone else waited for what occasionally seems like ages, holding out for what they wanted? Did it turn out like you hoped? Or would you not wait, and just take whatever opportunities come again, knowing that future plans usually never happen as you hope anyway?

Dogmad, would you mind sharing your housetraining program? I've a colleague who has a Cav that they've had significant issues housetraining, and haven't managed to train reliably. I'm sure they would appreciate the help! :)

Are you meaning the Adelaide Sportdog Club who do schutzhund etc.? Yep, they're still running. :)

Does anyone happen to have a copy of the Brisbane 2014 Nationals course maps saved? The website has now been taken down. I used to use those maps as resources to teach myself how to read and walk courses, and also to get an idea of the skills required in each level. The games ones were particularly good, especially as we don't have a lot of games trials in SA. I'd also love to show a friend what is required of her in an upcoming Snooker trial, and although I've given them an explanation, pictures always help so much more. Sadly I've googled for novice snooker ANKC course maps, but nothing of relevance has popped up. If you have a copy saved and wouldn't mind passing it along, that would be awesome!

My OzTrail 3x3m fits in the footwell of my Rav, or will fit from boot to back of front seats if I fold the back seats down. Dog can be in boot or clipped to back or front seat with the footwell setup, or remaining back or front seat if seat is folded. In my Yaris, I had to jam it in on a diagonal from back seat to roof, and then slam the door shut and hope I got it closed in time! Dog was in front seat. Just be careful in buying your gazebo, and consider what you need it for. My one apparently is not to be used in any wind conditions...and subsequently bent during the agility states the other weekend! Others are okay in wind, so check out stats first.

I've got a 5m gripper line. I'd imagine it would hold a large dog securely quite well.

Go and sign yourself up to Susan Garrett's free Recallers training. I'm not sure exactly what it will entail yet, as it's released on the 29th, but there'll be games to play, and a brilliant recall may just be one of the benefits. :)

Same here signed papers last Monday. *high fives!* So, what cars did we all nutjobs get? I've now got a Rav4.

Glad I'm not the only one who's completely mad! I bought my dog a car today too. Signed the papers this afternoon. At least I don't have to pack quite so strategically for trials from now on - not only does this one fit my crate inside without some tetris squishing, it will actually fit it unfolded too!

MRB - I asked how long the Recallers freebie course would be available on the FB page, and the response was "once they get that guest pass, we will allow them to stay for at least 6 months". :)

Yes that's a good point it could've been imported. The breeder said it wasn't an OD and she gave them a huge spray for saying it was and told them to not advertise it as such, I don't blame her really. They deleted her comments instead. It may have been the spray that made them a little hostile to the idea that the dog isn't what they're calling it. However, Google wisdom does seem to go around a bit, and people are very quick to assign breeds to mixes without any real evidence. Dodgy DNA tests don't help, either. I hope the dog manages to find a new home, whatever its parentage.

I didn't start crate training until my boy was nearly 2. He loves his crate, and I wish I had had one from the beginning. It's in the lounge room, and he hangs out in there by choice whenever I'm at home, often preferring to be in there than with me in my room. At 5, he still sleeps in it. As soon as the lights are off, he goes straight there, and won't sleep at night anywhere else.

I've travelled from SA to NSW to see Steve twice. Can't recommend him more highly. :)

If Murray Bridge is a bit far to travel, Cando at Mount Compass is good too. They offer private lessons most weekends.

Perhaps ask them to get in contact with Steve from K9Pro? I know he used to advertise that he could offer advice in these kinds of situations. Best of luck to them. I'm sure it's a horrible situation to be in.