Lablover

I have returned to the house once again after spinning. I am little surprised no one has mentioned how their balance is affected? Maybe, as I mentioned, our techniques are different? For example why are the dogs injuring the handler/trainer/owner when the dogs should be focusing on the prey item? I found my dogs and the 30 or so dogs I experimented on, learn very quickly - may I take Steve's wording?? LOL - "the dogs learn power and strength do not win the article". May I ask what position your arms are in? Possibly holding the item, too close to your bodies?

We had a friend over last night who is a highly respected musician. Self taught. I suppose, like dog training, it is an art/gift not a science. The proof is in the pudding.

It will hurt less, LOL. Mostly as our technique improves. Practice in front of a mirror (without a dog). Have someone watch you or video yourself to see if your movements allow the dogs easy access to your person. Wait till you try for control. Watch your facial bones, eyes and teeth!! My cheek bone is a little sore today as I was slow to move my head today.

I have found them very reliable. Regarding postage costs..............um.............sorry, cannot remember. But if you put in a test order, the postage costs are easily obtained.

Huh? I have the view that a good dog wants to inherently retrieve just as much as the trainer. Luckily labradors not suitable for high level competition are usually well trained and are accepted in pet homes/schools with open arms. All the same interesting subject. The bottom line is to watch our dogs carefully at every opportunity, they can teach us a lot and improve our training and ideas. I try to think like a dog.

Liked the new ball, you mean LOL. Yes, but more importantly the dogs did too. An interesting test was with Peppa. Though she was very keen on the "old" ball, I noticed a definite preference for the lost ball. I was so distracted loosing the ball, I left bumpers on the front of my vehicle. I pulled over when they fell off at the first turn, LOL. Forgot to take the damm peg off my jacket though while I shopped. My whistle looks bad enough!!!! Yank is heeling like a star and improving in leaps and bounds in every other way. Off to the pub for lunch!!!!

Thankyou Denis. I appreciate your time.

I detest dogs who pull on the leash. And my newest youngster, who arrived at 10 and half months, used to do so terribly. I am no lightweight and he managed to have me on the bum on more than one occasion. I was not happy!!!! Sadly I lost my temper once, which shames me still.

TRAGEDY HAS STRUCK!!! I have lost the NEW favourite ball (on the string). Cracker must have hidden it somewhere this afternoon while I was training in a paddock. May I order half a dozen please?

Oh brother. Or sister in this case. The fruit does not fall far from the tree. Physical problems withstanding. I will take the compliment. Thanks. After all training a good prospect in all in the "dog" ie solid nerves and great desire.

K9: lol, Stamp is the man!! I like him too. BTW, before being sent on a retrieve........with the good, good, gooooooddddd, is progressing well. From time to time he is a little vocal, but that is fine. Settling down. In hindsight, even though I have significantly slowed down my sends over the years, you have reminded to slow them down even more. Damm, handler bad habits are hard to break.

I use short tabs with my youngsters. The short tabs are exactly as you describe, chewed up leads, LOL. I worry with pups that a long lead may become twisted around their legs as they retrieve. One point, be aware they some dogs can cause blisters to our hands, and the lead material is important (or gloves). Ouch, think razorblades.

Denis, I am going to use the excuse , of just returning to the house, after spinning. I do not understand your reasoning. Could you please expand on the above quote?

Steve, Due to my week I have not returned to dog training but have continued spinning with Yank. For the worst two days of Peppa's season, when he was distracted (his damm nose!!!) he has progressed well. Stamp of course, ignored Peppa's scent. Yank's recalls continue to improve. I trust him more. Nearly 100%, but I am careful with distraction levels. He is sitting well and focus is great.

Sincere thanks for the PMs, Emails and messages regarding the loss of my dearly loved mother. Although her health had been deteriorating, especially in the last two years, since leukemia and lymphoma were diagnosed over 14 years ago, she continued with life smiling and fighting. It was a terrible shock finding her on Sunday night. I find comfort in the knowledge she died peacefully. So much like her to leave with no fuss. She was my mother, and I, of course loved her. I used to rather proud when even new people, commented she was special.

Dishes washed, clothes packed and all "fired" up for more, more, more!!!!! Oonga I could easily pick you up. Send me an Email for contact numbers.

Life's funny isn't it? Ten years ago, heck 5 years ago, crates were thought as a form of abuse. Crates rock for safety sake and dogs love them. But.................dogs learn nothing in a crate or pen, train and spend quality time outside with your dog.

BTW all attendees - no picking on Stamp's weight, he has been having a spell and has been in a good paddock, so to speak. Fat as a pig. Look forward to catching up with you again Erny. Fido see you tomorrow!!!!!

I thought it worthwhile to start a thread, formally thanking Steve to all his help so far. I am greatly looking forward to tomorrow and the weekend. Awesome simply awesome. Everything is perfect, even the sometimes suspect Melbourne weather, LOL.

Thanks Rexy, I think he is hot too, even when I take my rose coloured glasses off, LOL. I shake my head in wonder, every time we train. He makes me very happy and more importantly it makes him happy.

BTW, all, I am not for one moment implying this method is physicallyl dangerous, I am simply not terribly co ordinated and my dogs move sometimes a little too fast. My feet were in hindsight a little wider than normal.

Steve, I have a bone to pick with you. I used to be quite happy with my training techniques and methods. Since meeting you I fractured my ankle months ago, at present have a sprained ankle, sore knee- by dogs tripping me over, heaches and upset stomach all due to spinning/training in drive. One week to go with spinning......................sure three or four weeks would not EVEN be better? Please say 2 weeks multiple times per day is enough. I not getting any younger. Poor body too. I change my body technique but am starting to run out of other ideas. Pole, string and ball sure would be easier. Or jig jig jig?????

I have competed in NSW, twice. I will do so again, but in reality, the long drive does not appeal to me. The Victorian trials are, in my humble opinion, the most difficult nowadays and the number of competitors and dogs a healthy number. SARDOG, Had to laugh and thought about you guys today, after your opinion last week. Two more experts in working labradors visited and tested Yank today. Rock solid nerves and very impressed. I was so proud.

Erny, Kal, and everyone else with an ill dog, It is such a difficult time for you all. How I wish we could look into the future, to see what would be best. Erny, May I suggest another idea? Maybe it would be a good idea to consult a human doctor or specialist who might see something the vets have not thought of. Let me know if I can help.

I have been spinning every day x 4-5. My head is still spinning!!. (Too much information I am sure, but my stomach is heaving). The ball and string have ended up on the roof today as it slipped out of hands. Husband will retrieve, LOL, it soon. Coming along nicely. Maybe I will climb up on the roof, so I can have one more opportunity today.