leopuppy04

Too true bedazzled!! Well today he overshot the box and that was the only mistake HE made

LOL kathq it's the only way to keep entering!!!!

Even though it is bittersweet it still belOngs n the brag thread I think :6. Am down at warrnambool this weekend and Leo gave me an absolute blinder of a run in UD! Couldn't wipe the grin off my face. Alas while he found the RIGHT metal article poor boy doubted himself and checked again (correct article was the first one he sniffed). He then went to pick up the RIGHT article again but another metal rolled on top and alas that was the one he brought back! SOOOO close this time and I'm just so proud of him but also totally gutted! Kinta did awesome too sitting on 195 but then broke her sit stay Now onto agility!

What time does it start please?? I am nit at home and don't have the gazette handy. Anyone know what time the show starts on Sunday also? TIA!

Love it LL!!! How funny! Poor lottie - hope she doesn't mind us laughing at her expense

Being a dog trainer certainly isn't one that will allow you to afford all of those designer clothes and have expensive taste Variety of ways to become a trainer. I've done university education and also a dog trainers course. I have (as have most other trainers) furthered my knowledge through seminars etc throughout the years and I *would* like to do a further study course more into behaviour etc, but finding one that suits what I'm after is difficult. I work for a larger organisation. I like this because like Cosmolo said - if you run your own business you can have busy times and then quiet times. So by working for an organisation, I get a salary, which means I can predict how much money I'm getting each month. It also means that I get to do a variety of things within my role, which I just love. I love that I can work in so many different areas and fields doing just what I love! HOW DO YOU GET INTO THIS KIND OF JOB! would love to do a job i enjoy and get to handle train dogs, i have searched the net, sent emails and they have just sent me useless material about the job role ! With a bit of good luck and a whole lot of experience. about 4 weeks after I landed my 'dream' job, I saw one advertised in customs as the chief trainer/ person running their breeding/training program etc. I had all the credentials and was so excited that it also included breeding also. The pay was quite a sizeable income and probably about 20k above what I was offered in my 'new' job. But alas, I felt that te job I had just started suited me better, so I'm staying put right where I am You just gotta keep your eyes open - they do come up - but you also have to remember, in these sorts of industrys, to have your foot in the door and working in another department or in another role is probably easier to get into a position once you are part of the organisation.

I love the snooza futons for the crates - they fit in there perfectly no matter what size, easy to clean and really comfy for the dogs . I use the dry beds in my crates - so easy to use and clean - especially coz I'm too lazy 1/2 the time to remove the bedding if they eat bones in there which stains the snooza futon. The other one I like is the bono fido mats. I prefer the futon mats, but they don't fit 100% into the crates as they are not designed for that. But 100% waterproof which is handy

You would think so, wouldn't you? But... I should have added 'in an ideal world'

Yep there is a big difference Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer just like anyone can call themselves a groomer - there is no regulation to the industry. A dog "trainer" could be one that has just owned dogs for 20 yrs and think they know enough to start up their own business. They could be someone who has volunteered at their local club and then gone through their 'instructor' training which could range from 'in depth' to just 'this is how you make your dog sit'. People also call themselves a 'dog trainer' after completing a certified dog training course. A dog "behaviourist" is usually saved for those who have done extensive work with behavioural issues, someone who perhaps has completed tertiary education in psycology, science or similar. They may have completed a post doctrate in animal behaviour. Or they may have done a combination of both. A "Veterinary behaviourist" is one who has completed their veterinary degree AND also a behavioural (certified) course also. It's a long, drawn out process and often these are who we all refer to for the 'serious' behavioural issues.

Just make sure it's show name is Mainstreet Amanda HugNKiss

That's great FHRP! Well done!

:( Well at least my 'favourite' human names are ones which I don't think suit dogs But my latest pup has the most 'human' name I'd give a dog!! Tahlia!! LOL! I say name them what you like! I like all names, so long as they are different, or at least a little different! I've had/ have a Taz, Rusty, Leo, Kinta, Zara and Tahlia (Tahli).

awesome photo TSD - question though - what's the breed at the back - behind the GWP?!!?!?

Well done TSD on your pass with Ziggy -what a great run . He really covers ground doesn't he! I' so glad the day finished early as it was getting SO warm when we were packing up! As for the video - I think I notice a certain Aussie shepherd bark part way through cheering his buddy on

Yayyy - go RS and ruby the wonder dog!!!

Hmmm I don't think i fall intonanymonemcategory on it's own. I was looking for a pup and I really wanted an Aussie because I loved to breed etc etc. Agility or obedience wasn't 'high' on my list but I wanted a breed that incould 'try' it with. I chose my breeder coz I liked the look of her dogs, i liked their temperaments and my breeder and I just clicked . Leo is an awesome dog to start a sport with. Not too fast, but fast enough to be comPetitive especially in the lower classes. He's biddable and willing to learn anything. Yet he's not a dog who will make up his own course or that you loOSS control over :D Kinta came next and was chosen for a higher drive but also for show. Zara was chosen for show and also for my dad. Tahli was chosen for show and for her higher drive etc. So what I was lpoking for changed slightly each time i went lpoking! I haven't been disappointed yet!

I don't think it will have any effect on Pyo, although I think that swimming in dams/ rivers that are public and have a lot of stagnant water will pose a risk. I say this because I didn't think about it at all when my bitch was 2wks pregnant. A few days later we had a myriad of bacterial infections and health risks that lasted throughout the pregnancy (we ended up with a few aborted pups too). May be releated... maybe not... but next time I have a pregnant/ in season bitch, they are not swimming . I think since your girl is swimming in a treated pool that may be different

This was an email I sent to a good friend thinking of trialling, so you might also enjoy it :D. Keep in mind I'm a perfectionist ;) My plan for trialling is this: *train to the maximum level – so for obedience I want them to be at Open level before I even enter CCD. You want perfection that blows you away at training *Have no expectations at a trial, BUT don’t *expect* them to fail an exercise, just don’t be disappointed if they do. So basically you want to enter a trial 100% confident your dog is proofed to perform these exercises, but you don’t walk in with the expectation that you are going to wipe everyone out with your brilliance ;) *Don’t compare yourself to everyone else, but watch the routines so you know roughly what’s going to come. Don’t look at your scores till it’s all over – puts too much pressure on yourself *Go in, have fun and take out all the small pleasures. I have Kinta to thank for this and I think it’s made a wonderful difference to our trialling career (with both dogs). I take away the little pleasures. *Have the ability to laugh at their mistakes ;). There will be many. *Always go in and go out with a big smile on your face. You have an Aussie Wuffles - which means they will pull no end of crazy and entertaining tricks - I have way too many stories to elaborate Then – just when you think you are doing good, watch a video of Ptolomy’s dogs (or someone just as talented) and realize just how much further you have to go!!! ROFL!

I LOVE beardies!!!!!! if you can't handle a WL mal I would rule out a Pyr Shep - these dogs are INSANE! And also are quite neurotic from what i've heard! TN - on the website of the lady who has imported - do we have any pics of them at all?? No pictures on their website, but these are some from the breeder's website - Hobnobs Vitamine Click on the links - http://www.hobnobs.se/Vita.jpg The one on the left http://www.hobnobs.se/V-Kull.jpg http://www.hobnobs.se/hej.jpg http://www.hobnobs.se/Big%20kisses.jpg *melts* how cuuuuuuuttteeee!!

huski - if a Beardie tickles your fancy but may be too much grooming- how about a PON (Polish Lowland Sheepdog)? smaller, so less grooming, but similar to the beardies

if you can't handle a WL mal I would rule out a Pyr Shep - these dogs are INSANE! And also are quite neurotic from what i've heard! TN - on the website of the lady who has imported - do we have any pics of them at all??

yup - you just see all those titles and think 'yup - agility dog'

I grew up with an 'outside only' rule for our dogs and that suited us fine. She still got loads of attention as we are an outdoor family. When I got my first Aussie Leo I was still living at home, so knew he wouldn't be allowed inside. Gradually the rules depreciated to 'only inside on his mat'. I don't think he suffered any ill effects from this nor did any of the dogs following him. They have a vibrant life and were very well behaved. In fact, I made it a point to ensure that the dogs got loads of attention and I was motivated to walk, train and take them out placed to provide them stimulation. It's a great motivator to get out and be active with your dogs rather than sitting around and just having them laze at your feet. So yes, it still makes me a little 'irate' that people *assume* that the only GOOD life for a dog is one where they are allowed inside. Since then in the past 6mths their life has turned upside down. No longer are they outdoor dogs but rather indoor dogs as I have moved into my own place and have set my own rules. It started as they were inside some nights with me, and I found that in reality they were still only in 1-2 nights per week, coz lets face it the other weeks we had been out training till the wee hours of the night. They mix between sleeping in my room with me and sleeping outside. The only CLEAR advantage was toilet training Tahlia as she was able to be crated in my room which made settling her in SO much easier and less stressful to having a crying, crated puppy out of doors keeping your neighbours up! Due to neighbour complaints of the noise my dogs were making (amusing seeing as they never made a noise at the old place and they weren't allowed inside there ;) ) the dogs now alternate between spending time inside or outside when I'm at work. The advantage is that I feel guilty locking them up during the day so it REALLY motivates me to make sure they get their 1.5 walks per day (2 dogs get 2 walks a day, one gets one walk a day). We are on a break from training, but they would also have their training ontop of that. so yes, they are now indoor dogs, but that hasn't increased the amount of 'company' they give me... just the amount of housework . But I'm happy with this arrangement and so are they! The worst part of the indoor dog system is that I can be a bit lazy with training and I find now I just say 'ah you can laze at my feet while I watch TV'. So in some ways, their enrichment has dropped as previously I would have NEVER missed a training session because that would mean they missed out on attention. So I don't think it's about WHERE the dog spends their time but the QUALITY of time you give them. Do I relish in the dogs being inside - I love it and would not have it any other way.... do I thinkt he dogs are better off for it? Well no, I don't think they are. My pup that is still at my parents place doesn't complain about her lifestyle with them (outside only) and mine certainly don't begrudge going to their grandparents place which is a strictly 'outside only residence'. The ONLY rule I have for them is that NO DOG can barge through doorways. I HATE IT!! :D

Nope - the ASCV held the neuter class with points offered in November. I know other breed clubs are also holding it at specialty level,. I just don't understand why Vic doesn't jump on board. Very very frustrating. Given I also compete in other disciplines, I don't always have the time or ability to travel 1/2 way across australia just to get these points :D Poor little boy. I know his a champion without getting a title 75 pts to go.... LOL! You should come to SA more then. Naracoorte has 3 shows over the 26th and 27th of Feb offering Neuter. I will!! Can you keep me informed of what shows are offering Neuter in SA and I might make a few more trips :D

Yeah I've heard obedience titles are always first, but I see a lot of agility people loosing their obedience titles amongst all of those agility ones!! I think the VCA or the ANKC just print it however you may write it on your application form. Leo is - CDX ADX JDX SPD HT Kitna is CDX AD JDX HT But I have seen other variations - whether that's from teh way people write them on their entry forms or whether it's because the ANKC print it that way I'm not sure!