Leah82

ours will insist on sharing a bed no matter how small it is :) Will be interesting to see if things change in summer

We've had ours for a few months now and ok they're not puppies but all we've ever had is this.... and this.. and this.. and then this..

I might be wrong but I can't help but think this could be a hindrance if you're trying to teach your dogs to walk on a loose lead. But then again if you're not bothered about that then why not give it a try.

What's the story behind these guys and are they listed anywhere?

Such a cute little guy, hopefully he can overcome these grooming issues. Considering he's reasonably small then scissors sound like a good idea, especially around the areas that are prone to knots and matting, neck, bum, armpits and feet

I'm definitely not an expert but it sounds like a slow introduction to clipping might be a good idea. If his owners get a set of clippers and spend a few minutes on him each time with lots if treats and affection he'll start to get more used to it. There's plenty of YouTube clips on clipping out there. There's no need to have the whole dog done in one go and leaving it 3 to 7 months between clipping is not going to help things improve. Also make sure he's being brushed regularly as well, this will make the clipping easier and get him used to that kind if attention. I'm guessing due to the matts that he might not be a fan of the brush either.

Any chance you can try and get the contact details for the people that own the stud dog? It doesn't appear that withholding the main reg form is helping them get their stud fees as they are not inconveniencing the breeders they are inconveniencing you. The best thing for everyone would be for the stud dog owners to sign the main reg and start a civil dispute case with the breeder to get the money owed

I got these when I took our two to the snow. didn't end up using them but imagine they would work well at the beach http://www.petzympatico.com.au/Pawz-Dog-Boots-Waterproof-Reusable-Disposable-p/b-06w-paw.htm

I think in a lot of cases it's ignorance, chances are people that are making this statement haven't had a puppy or at least not for a long time so they don't remember or know all the hard work involved and the potential issues with raising litter mates. Like Odin-Genie said there is nothing wrong with wanting two dogs and a lot of people would wrongly assume it's better to have them grow up together from a young age. I don't have any children as yet and can't help but think it'll be easier just to have twins to get the child bearing over and done with in one go :laugh:

Thanks :) my OH likes to take credit for Collie's achievements even though he knows it's all the hard work I put it during the week that means Collie performs well when he is on the other end of the lead in class :p

I understand it must be a very stressful situation for you but try not to worry too much. As long as the council are on your side there is really nothing this woman can do, she mentioned going to the ombudsman but as someone else has mentioned she can only put in a complaint regarding the actions of the council. As you've mentioned that the complainer has not been in direct contact with you then I'm guessing it was the council that passed this onto you even though that's nothing to do with you. If audio recordings are not enough for this woman then try webcams, she would be hard pressed to argue that the time-stamp is incorrect when the shadows in the backyard back you up with regards to the times of day :p At the end of the day you need to push this issue back onto the council, they have determined that your dog is not being a nuisance so there is no need for them to continually contact you when she complains and stress you out even more.

Both Sarah and Collie passed Class 1 in Obedience yesterday, first go despite the trainer saying at week 1 that a lot of people won't get through the first time :) Sarah will need to improve her heelwork to get through class 2, she doesn't like being too close to my feet And Collie needs a bit more work on his stand for examination. When I found out that Sarah got through I said 'yay!' as if surprised and the tester responded with 'Oh you knew' :p

Collie the cocker spaniel is 5 and Sarah the oodle is 7

We are already doing all of the above. My post was about getting collie's attention and focus when we ask for it rather than dealing with a blind dog in general

I have though about looking into noseworks, I think it'll be an excellent way to keep his brain active once his sight goes. It's a shame it's only a new discipline in Australia. On another note both dogs passed class 1 in obedience today, maybe I was a bit too concerned. Collie turned it on during the heel work although his stand for examinations still requires a bit of finessing :-D Looks like the cabana was better than anything he could sniff at on the ground

I took some happy iphone snaps of the dogs playing at the park yesterday after they had both had a go with the new clippers :) And today both of them passed class 1 in obedience, starting class 2 next week!

Thanks, I've read some of those suggestions before. At some point we will be getting a bell for Sarah, poor thing :-) at the moment we're just struggling with refining his reliability with commands as he can be pretty stubborn, but I guess it just consistency with the training that's needed more than anything else. He's just such a boof head compared to Sarah

Oh well, guess I won't be stopping at the pet store on the way home to pick up the one tool that will solve all our problems :-p

Oh yeah, my OH has this special whistle he does to get his attention. Generally means he'll listen to my OH but not me coz I can't do the whistle plus he spends the whole time whistling during obedience *sigh*

I do have a clicker but have yet to master the ability to hold lease, treat and clicker all at once :p You wanna come round and have a try steph :)

we usually use devon, maybe not stinky enough. still we're not always going to have treats on hand

that makes sense although then how do you get his attention, because when his nose is on the ground it seems his ability to hear goes out the window as well.

Hi All, Was wondering if someone could help me out quickly. We have a 5 year old Cocker who's going blind. He's reasonably well trained although can sometimes be a bit stubborn. He's been joining me and my new dog Sarah at obedience with my OH being the handler as I think it's important that we refine his training before he looses his sight completely. Anyway Collie gets distracted very easily and likes to spend the entire time with his nose to the ground sniffing new smells. My OH finds it very difficult to get and keep his attention after he gets bored of the treats, I even find going on walks that he has very selective hearing and is too focused on what's going on around him rather than focusing on what his handler is doing. Was wondering if a halti would be a good idea, essentially to try and lift his nose from the ground and get his attention. I know at lot of people have said they are best used for larger and stronger dogs. Thanks in advance.

OT: Really!? The Kew I know and lived in for nearly 6 years is filled with Mum's driving their kids to school in 4WD beemers or walking the streets with expensive prams and going on watermelon diets.