Lablover

Cute ears!!!!!!

I am interesting to hear, if you would ask the dog's owner to pay vet fees of a tooth wound (not severe ie eye)? I have been pondering since seeing this thread. I think of a puncture wound is an accepted risk we all take when out and about with our dogs, never more so when in a large group situation.

Depending on the dog and his drive and nerves, some form of SENSIBLE correction MAYBE warranted. Start with short distances. Reward for good responses.

I still believe one needs to take a fast dog, slow and a slow dog fast - disclaimer - depends of the dog too. Your dog sounds, and forgive me if I am wrong, worried at obedience school and in reality it is the worst place for your dog to be at the present time. How much do you practice, slowly introducing distractions off site IN SAFE AREAS. Eyes in the back of your head type places. Do you baby him along? Do you expect him to pay attention during the whole class, especially during endless question times? Do you have a start word and release word when you expect your dogs attention?

Have you started really basic, and conditioned your dog while the kayak has been on land? I have no idea about kayak, but will you have a particular spot for your dog?

No problem. Thankyou. My 14 month old is turning grey. When he injures himself, ie in cover etc as he has no fear, he hair regrows grey. The rate he is going, I will have a fancy new fangled coloured labrador. He jumped through an electric fence twice the other day and did not even notice. Unfortunately he tried the same trick when wet the following day. He noticed then. Surprisingly he is very biddible training wise. Lovely dog!!!

STOP FIGHTING HUMANS. Goodness, sometimes we are worse than aggressive dogs.

And thank heavens I also read this youngster did not come from a registered breeder. There would be no way on earth, I would sell a pup to such a family.

7 children under the age of 12 with inexperienced owners and a large dog. Just read through quickly, this is not a suitable home. BTW, chain, this dog is chained?? As Gillie ? mentioned, the dog at the very least needs a quiet area and may I ask two questions. Where was the youngster obtained from? Is any history known? How long have they had the dog? How is the mother of 7 young children, going to cope, is she Superwoman? This dog will accidently bowl the kids over, kids yell and scream in play, no mother can supervise 24 hours per day etc etc etc etc. Sorry if this offends.

Limited activity and change of routine could cause toilet problems. Have you purchased another crate or fixed the door on your current crate? Hint: There is nothing like getting a dog to poo, like having a wet bottom. Try sitting her in her pool and see how you go (or rather Kaos goes, LOL).

Other breeds combined? How many labradors? I too have been told of the high failure rate, and by crickey that does not include health. Not many dogs left after all the tests!!!

HG, sorry to pick one section of your post. Hard??? (as in recovery time/sound nerves), do you mean insensitive. The best workers from my experience are bold/hard, but sensitive dogs? Otherwise I suppose, they would have killed themselves in puppyhood. I do think verbal translation, not only between different breeds,different countries and requirements confuse the WHOLE meaning.

You did not look gumpy. I saw you about a month ago too, while you were flyballing. Hopefully we can catch up next Saturday. BTW, do you have your drivers license yet?

Good on you asking for help. In my experience the more "trouble" dogs become while out and about, the worse the problems become as the dogs mature etc. Often this results in the dogs being walked less and other unwanted behaviours and often rehoming results. Good luck. You sound as though you are trying your best and with a little work you will be fine, with happy dogs. Until you receive help it might be best to walk the dogs at separate times. More walking for you, but at the very least you can concentrate better and your stress levels might be lower. Again good luck!!!

By far, my favourite pieces of equipment are my mutiple remote bumper/dummy throwers. Simply to die for!!!! I like my dog car too, a Troup carrier, with permanent crates. The crate doors have a rope pulley system, which I access at the back. Very safe and comfortable for the dogs. A good husband. Is he considered equipment? LOL.

My word, I thank you, after my terrible day it means a lot. Mind you, I do think about dog training toooooooo damm much!!!!

Herding guy, I do agree to a degree. I cannot help wondering though, if your training program does not change as such, especially with your own dogs who, I should imagine do not have many bad habits? Sure every dog has strengths and weaknesses, and we do learn from each but all the same, we can change behaviour, but cannot change genetics, drive and nerves etc. I agree every dog is different but the exercises, drills and eventual concepts do not change. At least I find this, with training my labradors for retrieving trials. Hunting in comparison is easy.

Hey girl, I saw you walking past!!!

Most working kelpies ROCK!!!!!!!!

Hey they are fighting words :D A few days ago, I took my two youngsters for a walk to the semi rural park, for want of something to do. I caught up with 4 labrador owners who I had met in years gone by. My two were streaking around, jumping up and down to the creek, which had very high banks. All asked, "are they pure bred labradors, they move so fast and jump so well". I for one, prefer working lines than show. Different standards.

Ask me any questions, no problem. Currently I am helping in beginners. No attendee practiced through the week. Naughty humans. I really do think some people expect miracles from their dogs. To tell you the truth, I am feeling disappointed and sad.

I suppose generally this paragraph has some merit. Can I train my labradors to herd? Sure with training. Are they going to win and/or be good or naturals at herding NO. Would they be suitable as guide dogs for the visually impaired with the correct training. No.

Interesting question!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not think there is much else I can add to my current training program. But then again, if a trainer says they have nothing else to learn, I frown!!!! BIG TIME!!!!!!!. I try to think like a dog. And my personality is such, I love love love discussing WHY WHY WHY dogs do, what they do!!!!!!!!! Also I am never insulted, if anyone suggests I am training an exercise/drill incorrectly. Their comments may make me take a back step, but............I will ponder them afterwards LOL.

Bella, I am going to Berwick as an instructor (with a raincoat on, so it seems). I can pull a favour if you wish to join up tomorrow? Let me know.

Thanks for the link MaxSpots. I will save it, to my favourites. I quickly had a look under dog training and there certainly seems to be a good selection.