Kavik

Vet costs can vary with location and what anaesthetic is used. Diesel, while a bigger dog than Kaos, was cheaper to desex as I used a different vet (lived in different area) which also used a different type of anaesthetic. My current vet has this on their site about desexing (also has detailed description and photos of the procedure - quite impressive really) "Most patients are able to return home the same day however all animals are different and some may be required to stay overnight." Often females required to stay overnight, sometimes males are (depending on vet ). The vets I have used recently let them come home same day. Haven't done a female in a while, think Zoe stayed overnight (she was done on lower north shore).

Ah, lower north shore, yep, expensive area for vets! Not sure why they would quote for extractions without seeing the dog? Ours we get a sheet given to us where we can tick boxes for extra services including nail clipping, etc. $252 not too bad on lower north shore

Agree with the others - that is a lot for a small dog! What part of Sydney are you in? They shouldn't have to stay in overnight.

I have heard of these but have never heard of any being conducted here? Would have loved to have had the opportunity to see whether Zoe would be a good candidate. For all I complain about her dog aggression on here, she has NEVER hurt another dog. I could take her to Diesel's breeders for boarding and they could have her in a yard with their GSDs.

Aggression towards other dogs can be difficult to deal with in a class setting to start with. Maybe best to suggest seeing a behaviourist for private lessons. Socialisation is what you do with puppies to get them used to other dogs, so this dog is past that point, so what you would be doing now is trying to change the dog's unacceptable behaviour.

I think it is unrealistic to think that a breeder could toilet train and socialise a pup as extensively by 8 weeks. They are just BABIES! Even if the breeder did have them toilet trained, moving to a new house without their siblings would likely disrupt that. Would be cool if they had exposure to lots of different stuff (I disagree with Midol about that one!) but would be very difficult, and I certainly wouldn't expect it, expecially if the breeder is in a remote area. I like the quadrant, for explaining methodologies as Erny said. I also like theoretical discussions, though I understand not everyone does. However, I certainly don't go trying to explain it to obedience classes I take! The owners usually have no interest in learning that, and it is certainly true that it can be difficult enough getting everyone to turn left or right when you say, much less anything more theoretical

The quandrant terminology can be confusing but if expressed as adding, taking away, something dog likes, something dog doesn't like, it is clearer.

You can get a cross breed on the asociate register to compete, they just have to be desexed. Pretty sure there is a form on the State's CC website (there is in NSW).

Yes I am sure they train the dogs to disobey commands if the result would be dangerous - eg stepping off the curb into the street when there is traffic.

I like to be able to see my dog on walks, and see what they are doing, their body language etc. This is much easier if the dog is in front or next to you

Very true, and not always first time owners either. When Zoe was younger I met a lady who had owned Kelpies before, and they had been great, easy dogs (lived well into their teens). I met her when she had a new dog - Cattle x Kelpie, and very quickly it became apparent that this dog was very different to her others and was going to be very difficult. It was aggressive and barked at dogs, joggers, kids running past, umbrellas etc Actually made Zoe's problem that was with other dogs look a bit tame (though it wasn't as bad with other dogs as Zoe was). Every time I saw her she had so many contraptions on the dog - halti, harness and multiple leads - it was obvious she was terrified of it getting away.

Thanks for clarification guys

You would use one for dog-dog distractions? That would be an area I'd be worried about in case the dog thinks the stim is coming from the other dog. (just paranoid little me who worries about dog-dog issues)

Those are shocking videos, I'd be embarrassed to put something like that up if you are supposed to be an 'expert'! Edit to explain: I would have set myself up to succeed as well as the dog if I knew I was going to be filmed At least had a look at the dog and make sure it was going to be receptive to the techniques I wanted to show in that environment and not shut down and make me look like I have no idea!

Yep the ADAA Glendenning competition. Would be great to meet you Thanks for the tip about the weaves - I asked on Saturday while watching a trial how many weaves there were likely to be and went when they said 12 at the lowest level offered I still want to work up to 12 first to see if we have any problems. Need to tighten up a few entries too, but getting there. Hopefully since it is not a high level (the lowest jumping course being offered as we are not confident on contact equipment yet) it won't be a difficult entry.

I use cheese. I agree it gets pretty gross when it is hot! I sometimes use cabanossi but I don't like the smell on my hands after a while, find the smell more disgusting than the cheese so that's why I mainly use cheese. Cooked chicken/bbq chicken is also good.

I don't think the definition of behaviourist has been discussed much really - not nearly as much as many other training topics. I think Corvus is just frustrated due to the Cesar Milan thread which has gotten a bit heated.

I try to do some training every day, even if it is only for a few minutes, for each dog. I am finding it easier to stick with one sport per dog rather than do multiple sports with the same dog, but I'm sure the more talented people can handle multiples - I just find there is so much to do for each sport I have a goal for each training session (like laffi it may be drive work, weaves, contact work, focus work, heeling, send aways etc). I love it when I watch a DVD or attend a seminar or training as it gives me more ideas for sessions at home. I do try to vary the sessions, try not to do the same thing all the time (though at the moment have to concentrate on weaves as we have to be able to weave 12 poles by the 14th and we are up to 8)

Well at least since the equipment wouldn't need to be very big you could probably make it yourself See how small that table is? I also have a kids tunnel I got at a toystore for like $30 - works well for small dogs or puppies (Zoe fits but Kaos no longer fits, used it when he was a pup though.)

I don't see it as a waste of time - I like to hear what other people have to say and to try to see it from their point of view

I'll be at Paws 4 Fun on Sunday

Monelite had some issues with Divani not liking to be handled by men when she was younger, and she has improved greatly and has been able to be shown under male judges. Here is a thread she started on the issue http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...p;hl=Divani+man

I would leave food down for 15 mins maximum, pick it up after that. Then feed him the next time he is due for a feed.

I love watching dressage - cool how they can get the horses to do that and amazing how the aids are so subtle! I don't get to see if often but I will watch when I can, one of the things I try to watch when the Olympics are on.

Finally got it to work! Very nice work, great to watch ETA: I don't think either is better (police work or dog dancing) just different. It is always amazing to watch a good team work.