Scottsmum

Never did find out about this but I suspect (now I know more) they probably don't travel. They did just hold a train the trainer class so maybe there are a few budding Scent instructors out there.

Urgh. I wonder if Symbio or somewhere like that might be able to care for him.

So, we passed. I'm very very happy as it's been a busy time at work and we haven't had a lot of time for homework. He was really off his game today but, after 3 failed practice runs he managed to pull something from the depths of his waggly little tail and pass his first assessed run, quickly. In terms of the course and the facility: Facility: It was all pretty good. I'm in Sydney's Inner West and it's basically in Richmond so it was a fair drive but I grew up out that way which meant I didn't feel like I was travelling to the end of the earth. I visited my parents or friends most weekends on the way home too. The centre is good, well set up and always something going on. I would recommend that you take a large bottle of drinking water (or 2 + a bowl for your dog) and snacks .. . There isn't anything other then tea, coffee & some drinking water on site. Places to stop and eat are limited - especially with a dog in tow (I ate more maccas in the last 6 weeks then I have in the last 6 (or more) months). IMO the facility needs a little spring clean, some of the buildings were having an upgrade while I was out there - so maybe it's on the agenda. It's certainly only a personal thing - the place runs well and there is consistency regarding the look and feel of the place, it just needs a tiny bit more polish. I did get confused as to where to go the fist week (it's bloody obvious once you see it). On a totally different note, the IT is a bit the same, lots of different domain names and email addresses pointing to slightly different places. Again, has no impact on the business, you can tell its been a very organic growth but things work. Course: I really enjoyed it. We had 2 instructors - as the one who usually takes it was sick the first week. The guy who stepped in for her takes level 2 and he was fantastic. I really liked him. I had, as documented here, a tiny personality clash with the usual instructor re: the size of my treats and my views on my dogs (non-existent) food drive. Nothing major. She was good, had a good working knowledge of the material she was teaching and was able to guide and assist all of us in the ways we needed help. The two big things she suggested for me (aside from the treat thing) really made an impact on Scottie. It's possible that having a substitute the first week threw things out a little but I felt like we could have done with one more week of class - the homework progressed very quickly and there wasn't any flexibility. If you didn't do the assigned homework 2-3 times you really felt the impact in class. I struggled because I have been very busy at work and Scottie wont settle without 2 walks a day. I do the evening walk and just didnt have the time for an evening walk and more homework after that. All that said, I would absolutely recommend the class to anyone, all three owners commented on positive changes in their dogs, mental exhaustion after class. I really enjoyed it and if time permits (I started studying again this week) I will pursue level 2. PS - Scottie got a lovely bandanna and certificate :)

Great photos Perse. That first one is AMAZING! :)

We went a few times with Scottie when he was "fresh" from the shelter and we weren't 100% sure of his recall. It was a secure area we could let himrun in to his hearts content. Now he's totally spoiled and we avoid the joint like the plague. We stopped going after he constantly got bullied and rolled/skidded in poo too many times (he plays a mean game of fetch). We also found that he was prone to roll in the mud around the bubbler/dog tap and there is no lighting there so its hard to use the park well in winter (much easier for us to play in the dregs of light near our local tennis court). Most other owners there were either complete snobs or idiots (IMO) - as I said, he was being bullied / physically pushed around too much for my liking. Really REALLY avoid mid morning on Sat/Sun.... urgh. Yuck. Regarding the other comments about socialisation and so on... He's a pretty solitary guy who really doesn't want for the company of other dogs. Don't assume all dogs crave company - just like people some are very social some are complete loners. We find that one obedience class a week (more for mental stimulation) and some added training + his two daily walks are more then enough for him to be a happy soul. we set the rules in obedience regarding how he interacts with other dogs - You don't have to socializse or play with them, but you can't be 'rude' either. In short - I'm not a huge fan of the dog park because of the other users but it did serve a purpose when he was new (to us).

Our breed Club had an old fella found down Mildura way. From what I know he just turned up and got impounded. NB, I may not have all the facts. Our Rescue co-ordinator arranged his release, foster care, Vet treatment AND successful re-housing in less time than he was impounded. Sad for some though. I think it's sad for all pets but especially the oldies, I have a friend who when she moved out of home took her dog with her (totally normal) then 2 or 3 years later sent the dog back to her parents place because she didnt like the thought of "waking up one morning and finding a dead dog in the back yard"... Seriously, I can't bear the thought of any of my pets (Scottie, or extended family pets like my parents 'pride' of mental cases) being anywhere else but in a warm bed being spoiled rotten in their old age. But very very good news the the one above :)

I often wonder how Scottie ended up at the pound. He's obviously an old dog and I know he was a stray but I often wonder if he just strayed, was let out or if his owner passed away.... Poor old puppies (and kittens). I follow "golden oldies" on facebook and it is heartbreaking.

Slightly off topic I'm thinking of joining. Enable me :)

I think that would suit my friends Lab :) Shes always complaining about not being able to find anything big and cheap enough :)

the non-waterproof WB?

We had a big goofy Rotty cross a few years ago - He'd rather have slept but I'm pretty sure no one ever tested the theory ... I sure as hell would think twice before jumping the fence with anything much bigger then an ACD on the other side...

Nothing... Some of the most ferocious dogs I've met have been little.... ;)

Er meh gawd... So so so in love...

Where's Huski? Wiz and/or Venom would be ideal...

Well- 'the boss' actually mentioned booking him in for desexing in the not too distant future ..... ;) He could still work 'part time' and be a yard dog.... ;)

What a lovely tribute. Sounds like you were both lucky to find each other.

He's so lovely.

:)

Yep. 1 out of 1 Don's agree - new collars and leads are a good thing. Especially when they're such purdy colours.

Very cute. Now we need photos of them on... you know... for research purposes.

I think we will eventually move onto a ball or his monkey, they are the 2 things in life he loves the most.

He LOVES them Huski :) I did ask about that (if it always had to be food) early in the course - but have been told he'll probably be OK when he's on scent. He's not falling behind it's just frustrating as this is the dog who'll happily go days without eating. And yes Jumabaar - I saw you. Wondered what you were up to. :) There is always so much going on out there.

She's lovely and I agree - that looks like the Guinea Piggle Hilton

Yeh - he's a clever boy :) Week 4 Update: Started pairing the scent (Anise) with food. He did really well again, especially considering it was a nother week of no homework. Working from home Monday which means I'll be abe to fit some in there. He's doing really well, and always sleeps the whole way home (about an hour) and all afternoon / evening. It's really great - I'm really happy with his progress. He really seems to love it. My only whinge is my instructor continues to request I make my treats smaller. Which I have been - she says they're still too big...she called me out on it again today and her insistence that I "just have to find the thing he loves loves loves" - It seems a totally alien concept to her that my dog is not food driven. She says I just haven't found the right food yet.... other than that small whinge it's really fantastic.

Really well. Thanks for asking. I was going to update but have spent the day playing with my new laptop *squee* It was super windy and there was SOOOO much going on, urban mushing on one side and hearding on the other side and we'd been moved to a different area for class, but he still managed to cope. We have to try/start working on rewarding at source this week, but I'm really happy with his progression - especially because I struggle to fit homework in during the week.