Cosmolo

Is Sth Melbourne too far for puppy school?

I would absolutely NOT recommend a Jack Russell given the possiblity that exercise could be limited at times. I adore this breed but they are not for everyone and are very active.

I'd really like to know what the trainer advises.

I know one of the breeders of these dogs and have spent time with a number of the dogs at various ages. I think they are exceptional dogs who may suit your situation. I definitely would not recommend any of the terrier breeds given exercise may be erratic, whereas the fauves would cope well with this provided they were still given attention and interaction IMO. They are sweet, friendly dogs who are good to train provided owners are willing to put in some effort- if teaching a reliable off lead recall is a priority you will need to be dedicated to training. It's not impossible but more difficult than some other breeds and you'd need to start from day one and not allow bad habits in this regard to develop. Trisven on this forum breeds them and knows ALOT about them- i'm sure she'd be happy to answer questions.

What corvus said! :)

Having done assessments utilising a doll many times i can give the following anecdotal evidence to support the use of the test- - The test should be used in combination with MANY other tests. Responses to all tests should be considered before passing or failing a dog. I have only ever had dogs that have had worrying reactions to that particular test ALSO display worrying reactions to other tests and it is the culimnation of those responses that lead to a final decision. - The test can be used as an intensity indicator. When i have dogs that run at the doll, knock it to the ground and proceed to play with it they generally show similiar responses to some of the other sociability tests that indicate they will not be suitable for placement with children. The dog doesn't fail or get put to sleep- they just get placed in a home understanding of the above. - The test can be used to ascertain the dogs response to novelty. If dogs are going to be homed with young children i like them to have a confident reaction to new and novel things. So for all of the dogs who actively avoid the doll AND show other behaviours not conducive to being in a home with young childrem- this test is of benefit. It helps to place them appropriately. - For those worried about how their own dogs would fare. Don't make assumptions about what your dog would or would not do- the vast majority of dogs do far better than any owner would expect when subject to a properly conducted test. - Some dogs at distance believe the doll is a child IMO and are friendly/ excited- you can clearly see the recognition which then fades as they get closer and realise yes it's a doll. This is a positive thing. The issue here is not the use of a doll. The issues is those people assessing who use a single, non aggressive response to one test as a reason to kill a dog. Lets not confuse the two.

This test should be used as an indicator of intensity and response to novelty- nothing more nothing less. I have never failed a dog based on this test alone (and i have assessed many hundreds, maybe thousands of dogs) but have used it as a guide in combination with other tests to place dogs appropriately. Not everyone using tests like this does it as an excuse to fail dogs and euthanase them. Of course the dog should be able to show avoidance. The only response that concerns me is serious predatory behaviour and this shows up in other areas of our testing as well if it's an issue. Yet another example of how behavioural assessment can be abused.

I don't say this to be rude so please don't get offended but your expectations are not reasonable. I run a 5 dog household. My dogs are all fed in the same room or yard. All 5 dogs are taught it is never okay to approach to steal or share with the other dogs. If they do they are stopped and redirected so that the dog who is going to be stolen from knows that i will take care of the situation and there is no need to guard or become anxious. Resource guarding is anxiety based so it is unwise to punish the dog at all or remove their food. You can attempt to teach the cat not to approach the dogs bowl if you wish though i'd doubt the reliability when you're not directly supervising. You could reward the dog in the cats presence while he is eating whilst maintaining a 'critical distance'- ie, the cat needs to be at a distance where the dog is aware of his presence but not reactive and you reward at this point to maintain or increase a level of tolerance to the cats presence (not approach) whilst eating but again i'd not rely on this unsupervised. But the dog is not going to share with the cat and it is normal behaviour to let another animal know this. This is why others are also suggesting management- it's a simpler solution and is part of having a multi animal household. There is nothing wrong with management.

Put the puppy somewhere where the cat cannot approach to steal his food. It is a rare dog that will allow another animal to come and steal food from them- he's not being a jerk, he is being a dog. Punishing the dog for resource guarding and taking his food away is likely to increase the associated anxiety and actually worsen the resource guarding behaviour over time.

I have had dogs in classes named Greg, Alan and Steve- loved it!

I don't know anyone in that area that i would recommend. You may have to travel to Melbourne.

Whereabouts in Northern Vic?

Please try to take on board the advise given. Coming home to a dead dog is the most awful, gut wrenching experience- people aren't exagerating or being dramatic- just urging caution. If you posted a little more about what training and management you intend to do with them i am sure you would get further helpful suggestions.

I pm'd you- just wanting to make sure you received it?

Ningaloo is just an amazing pace- beautiful photos and thank you for reminding me of my trip there.

I want names that i can say easily and quickly. I am still a little undecided with regards to my new horses name. I love the name Rolex- but hate the way i say it because i speak with a lisp So i called him Dempster instead which i do love- then someone pointed out it sounds like Dexter which is one of my dogs.. My other horse i named Fletcher which i love and the other came with the name Buddy. I desperately wanted to change it but had already known the horse as Buddy for months so it was too weird to change it. Gilbert was named after a footy player and our next female dog will be called Morgan just because i love the name!

Yes the bitch being on heat may have an impact. What training are both dogs enrolled in at the moment? Keeping bitches together of any breed is considered riskier than male/ female combinations. Keeping terrier bitches of a similar age together increases the risk once more as does keeping same sex dogs of a breed more prone to dog aggression. People are urging caution based on their experiences and because they DON'T want to hear of anything terrible happening. I have clients who have similar situations and have done just fine- with ALOT of training AND management strategies in place. This is why i ask you what training you intend to do with both dogs. :)

I know a Puck too :) Never even thought about what it rhymed with actually!

Yes there have been 2 i have regretted rehoming and the last one is the reason why i will never foster again.

What the others said. But in addition- don't assume that the dog needs someone with a stronger personality. You can learn techniques that are within your capabilities and i have many clients who are nervous or anxious who can still get great results. Good luck!

You need to consult with a reputable behaviour specialist who can come to your home and properly assess what is happening. Having issues like this is nothing for you to feel bad about or for anyone to be critical of- the important thing is how it is addressed now. What area are you in?

STOP. Get some professional help before things get worse. Ask for recommendations for a professional in your area. The more techniques you try unsuccessfully the harder these sorts of issues become to resolve.

Yes we do.

I am coming 'home' for a great weekend of training. :) See attached flyer for all the information. Underdog Training in Perth 2013.docx

I understand that too Kirty. Since getting Gilbert (JRT) there is an extra awareness.