Lablover

No, dogs cannot read. I am so used to park goers having no control over their dogs. One reason why I rarely go, even in non peak periods.

Not at all. No necroscopy was performed. We simply put it down to old age. She was fine, abet arthritic before her passing. Cracker also has fatty lumps of apparent no significance. She does have a lump which intermittently bleeds which concerns me and also a tear in her lower leg, which has caused a paw to slightly claw. Unfortunately rehab after surgery for the tear requires a plaster cast for 12 weeks, and her age the vets do not think it worthwhile or fair at her age. She also like Bud is kept slim.

Holy toledo LL. When I read the above it frightened the c4#p out of me. Until I read the next bit .... That's still sad, but I was thinking you meant your goldie oldie and was relieved when I realised you didn't. Glad things are ok Thanks Erny. Cracker remains well. Kelpie-i, about 4 months ago Cracker had a health crisis. Our vet was organised to come to the house, to let her go. The next day she woke up seemingly looking better, so I delayed another 48 hours. My husband had taken 2 days off work. Dear man. Cracker on the reschuled day, looked 75% better. My husband thought I was being selfish, delaying the unevitable. Hopefully Bud will bounce back like Cracker. We were at the Murray River a couple of weeks ago, Cracker would jump in and float away. She had enough common sense to stay near the banks. Cracker growed at my husband, when he tried to retrieve her, after she had been swimming for nearly an hour. How I laughed!!!!

Rather rather start a new thread, whose dog's love training? From one to ten rating? Ten being crazy to train, easily focused and not distracted? Could you also add retrieving drive rating? Thankyou.

Oceanaussi, What bred for gundog do you have? Having a new computer whose graphics are not 100% yet, I cannot see your avatar. My husband is the hunter in the family, and I train and compete in retrieving trials. Field trials do not interest me as the two I attended the handlers walked for hours and at one competition no game was found, even though I have a gun license. I am a very poor shot. You may like to visit the Australian Working Retriever site, which also includes a field section.

Glad to read Bud is going well. Phew, Kelpie-i, your initial post was of great concern. Keeping barking Bud. One of our labradors passed away quietly one night 2 years ago. We currently have yet another 15 year old going strong, abet with drug therapy. Keeping my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for you and Bud.

Vickie, there begs another question perhaps. The original poster focused on greyhounds - having a lot of drive. If drive training was so easy, why do retired racing greyhounds not go onto star at basic obedience trials. Aren't dogs wonderful, so diverse.

Golly, I see dogs every time I am out in the public. Most pet owners prefer them, or complain when their dogs cause "problems", such as garden damage, dirt tracks caused by the dogs running around the fenced yards, chewing, digging etc. Working dogs need a job/outlet.

How is Ben? Posts such as this worry me, just in case a health issue may have caused the dog not wanting a walk?

Do you concentrate on such at training, or while pondering about training? Do you think some owners reward too often/too little? Please feel add to add to the above questions.

OK, I am interested. Which (Ruger)thread are you referring? HARDER TO TRAIN ???? or the inability to get reliable commands?

Ben having two same age dogs (are they litter mates?), can cause problems. Individual control and training are important. Camping on the Murray is lovely, something my crew enjoyed 2 weeks ago. I certainly enjoyed swimming also, on those hot windy days. Your dogs have learnt to ignore, back to basics quickly.

I believe dogs are born with genetic drive. You can take IT out of them, but you cannot put IT in. Training/control with good timing is of course important. How often do we hear of seriously injured high drive dogs, ignoring pain, whatever the health condition and/or injury, weather conditions, grounds, water etc. Repeated drills which bores the handlers quicker than a high drive dog. Working - gaining rewards (feeling good) is a great dog's goal. We have a 15 year old labrador, she still wants to work and since her retirement, has been rewarded very very little, for her effort. She comes training, but in reality only when I place hidden retrieves, as she "steals" retrieving articles. She still swims with the older dogs, winter and summer.

The main problem, IMHO, is depending on the bred and the pedigree, is having predominatly show lines. How many times have we heard, my dogs spin, or run a course around the yard.

The biggest was the National Retriever Championship which was held in SA. The winner is a very gifted trainer and handler. One of my labs was the sire (of the winner), so naturally I thought it was an awesome result. The South Australian State Championship was held a week prior: Two time passt National winner won. I bred her. Me, I stuffed up. Bring on 2009!!!!!!!!!

Destructive puppy thread? Mind you having not it, my first thought is, puppies are destructive, teething etc. I could waffle but may I add the conclusion of my favourite little theory book. Excelerated learning by Pamela Reid. "By now you have a reasonable understanding of how dogs learn and you should be in the position to think about and analyze your training procedures and practices. Dogs learn about stimuli, they learn about associations, and they learn about contingencies. They can learn with positive consequences, they can learn with negative consequences, and they can learn with a combination of positive and negative consequences. How a dog learns BEST depends upon you and your personality, the dog and his personality and what response you are attempting to teach" The best trainers I have seen in my travels are those who never loose their tempers. They have a plan, experience and results.

My computer's virtual memory and mine have hit a snag. From the computer side, no discs will play. I will be back. Mind you, you naughty girl, I am become a little focused and side tracked on the topic. OCD perhaps, another of my down falls? Happy 2009.

I should have listened to a friend who stayed last weekend. He had the job of culling 16 in Gippsland. Kelpie-I, I will try transcibing.

Why are you getting bored with this one??? Perhaps someone else can start it and add their views first up.....I'd have to go and buy a new flame suit!!! Your thread has me listening on one of his CDs as I browse. One particular session includes Ray Coppinger and James Serpell. For example, listening how pet dogs kill versus wild. Sorry to divert thread again. Makes me think of human (wild) hunters and us the spoilt ones.

2009, cannot wait for a fresh year. I felt more than a little flat after the big trials of 2008. Judging this year also.

Yes they count.

I bet. Did he distinguish between wild and caged wolf studies? Mind you, from memory on one of his CDs wild are semi "caged" ie in solo/sometimes isolated groups. Can you start another thread on his thoughts regarding dominance? (most often simple resource guarding) Or any other topic!!!!!!!!

What a wonderful experience. I have only read his book and have a few seminar presentations on discs. One line which includes, see one wolf you have seen them all, dogs are much more interesting. I certainly enjoy watching (and learning from) my five dogs. Was the whole three day seminar presented only by Prof Ray Coppinger?