Latisha

Yep

The foreign order page left me stunned when I first saw it. People are entitled to their opinions though. I just used my credit card so I cannot comment on payment via cheque. There a many websites that convert the amount to AU dollards but this would still only be an estimate (due to rate exchange changes etc). You may want to contact them via email to ask about other payment methods. I brought a couple of their ball things too. The ones I have brought in pet shops are too hard and my dogs aren't interested in them. They love the cat type ones though and softer balls so I am hoping the inbetween type will be good. If you do order some, let us know what you think. I will do the same when I receive them.

I just ordered the "training in drive" dvd last week along with some others from Leerburg. The website and supporting websites (looking on ninemsn / google) seem reliable. I will let you know what I think. They are not the cheapest dvd's but if they give extra info to what is on here, it will be worth it. Most sites just describe what the drives are and describe working dogs etc need to have a high prey drive. Please post the site address (if you are allowed) if you find some really good ones!!

Make no mistake, I will looking at K9's site and this thread constantly so I don't miss out on this great event seen as though they sell out so quick!!

WAAAAAAHOOOOOOOO Can I just tell you now that I really don't want to miss out so can I put my name down now regardless of when it is or where it is (obviously I prefer NSW though). Please Please Please hehe. THANKS Also, in relation to finding the right pup. I have been browsing breeder sites etc but all I seem to find is Show champions (I may be reading these wrong though and I am only focussing on NSW at present) rather than labs with retreiving / tracking (working) titles etc. I was going to start making calls next week to breeders to find out further details but my next question may be a shortcut. Can someone point me in the right direction of finding a lab with working lines in NSW (I am lazy I know)? Ta

Hi m-j, I am also interested in SAR. I am from NSW. I am currently researching as much as I can about it and hoping to find a perfect puppy candidate this year. There is a great organisation in Victoria for SAR. I have a feeling SARDOG knows a bit about it ;o). SARDA is a great website, there is a fair bit of info and lots of good links too. The reason I am interested in SAR is that I would like to work with dogs to hopefully help people in need. I am not really a show type of person. There is more of a chance that I won't succeed but if I don't try, I will never know. Good luck to you!

Hi jbbb, I have been told Early Feb and I am in NSW. They are apparently working frantically to get it all done.

Just wondering how you are all going with this course? I continually seem to find it helpful (dogless at the moment though). A lot of the information supports what is said on this site though. I am still hanging out for the NDTF correspondence course. Thank goodness they have realised there are interested parties outside of VIC!! To all enrolled: What are your ambitions for the future? Besides a general knowledge of dog behaviour etc, I wish to learn about scent detection. I doubt I will get to the level that it will ever be useful (eg. gaining employment) but if I did, it would be a dream come true. For the moment tho, I am so happy to watch other dogs and learn. How old is too old for a dog trainer anyway (if they were successful) and can you make a living out of it. Kristy

Thats a great story and I know with K9 force advice, good things happen. My ridgeback cross was fear aggressive but I have certainly realised that things can get better. After I attended a workshop at K9 Forces, things got a lot better for me. I got a "special" collar which worked wonders for MY confidence. I actually realised as well that the problem was me. I wasn't relaxed at all when Tish was walking on a leash before. When I loosened up, so did she and nothing seemed to be a problem. She doesn't even need the collar now (well maybe if you read below) I am devasted at the moment though because I gave Tish to my Ex (long story, did it for personal reasons) but she is doing well although everything I have done seems to be going down the toilet. There is no leadership at all, she is most definitely pack leader (which is a scary thought). I visited her yesterday and my Ex said "She never listens to me" and when I gave the cues etc, she did everything. This was how some of her problems originated, she used to be allowed on the lounge and we would move around her blah blah and she is doing this all again. Quick Question off this topic: K9 Force or others, in this situation, do you think I will hold my pack leader status with her in the future when I see her or will the correct actions / responses become extinct even with me? It has taken a while to have some leadership role and would it is sad that she may not have that.

How did it all go guys? I really wish I could have made it!! I trust you all got a lot out of it?? How did the demos go? etc etc Ta Kristy

Hi Myszka / Tarka, Did you want me to PM K9 Force to see if you are able to tape the evening? If it is ok, should I email you Myszka with my details and arrange for a fee to be put into your account or should go into Steves?? Btw, did the video of the workshop ever get completed? Ta Kristy

Hi Myszka, Don't suppose anyone is video taping the night? I am really bummed because I have a previous engagement but I would be willing to pay the $35 if it was taped and copied by someone. Let me know. I got alot out of the workshop at K9 Force and the below subjects are all very familiar to me (although Tish is getting so much better). Thanks Kristy

Thanks so much - I am getting quote now and may have some luck in the future with it. I need to get my confidence up a bit still though. This is what is so weird, I am fine with other peoples dogs but I freak out with my dog a bit because I can't stand the thought of her getting hurt ever hehe (hence I caused her to be fear aggressive). I am way to emotionally attached to her I think (but thats ok). I just want to help all the other dogs out there that have problems which is why I want to learn everything about all training methods / activities etc. Its nice to know though that insurance may be available. I thought it would be almost non existant for that career (I know it is hard for people in the horse world).

I am currently doing the Thompson Education course and I think it is a great course for beginners like me. I have looked into the NDTF but they don't have a distance education package put together yet (I live in Sydney). They are hoping to by the end of the year. It actually supports alot of the information fed through this website and covers all types of training. The assignments / tests are pretty basic which is also good hehe. The NDTF is by far the most recommended course though but I cannot afford to do it until it is distance education. In saying this, the theory is easy...I just don't have the practice. I have asked to volunteer at a few places around my area but due to insurance, this has not been feasible for trainers etc. and obedience clubs seems to train with classical training or training that eliminates the drive. I also think I day visiting K9 Force said all of what has been in my books except for quoting experiments etc. Kristy

I just also wanted to say a big thankyou to Steve for showing me how much potential my dog has (I always knew, now the task is for ME to be able to do it) and to Myszka for the organisation, it is lovely to meet someone who is so helpful and passionate. I haven't been to a workshop like that before and didn't know if I would be suitable to go because I don't go to obedience clubs or train in agility etc but I learnt a lot from it. I think one of the main things out of it is that I need to believe in myself and my dog a little bit more. I do tend to worry about "Oh God, what if she bit some dog" so I feel I am always on edge. Come to think about it, I probably do this in my life too hehe. I am currently doing a course that entails behaviour but to have it put in simple terms by Steve made it a lot easier (I think I missed a bit though). I am really excited now though, Tish is always a joy for me and as I see results (and she has got better over the last few months), its just keeps getting better!! Thanks again and I look forward to (hopefully) show off at the next workshop (just kidding).

Hi All, Kristy here (the one with the Ridgeback cross Tisha who I am sure you all noticed). My hands are recovering and I KNOW I will get results. Already, Tishy has been more responsive to me. I know what the major problem is now....it has been my confidence. I get so worked up around other dogs / people that I have inadvertently taught Tish to be the way she is. I will let you know my progress as I go along. It was lovely to meet you all and I am very sorry to some of you all if Tish got too close (especially to Monika - your dog was amazing when tish nearly backed up on him, he did seem to even raise an eyebrow). I will write more later, I had better do some work now. PS. I think Tish and I had the best sleep of our lives on Saturday night, I was red raw and she was buggered too. Jumping around all day might have led to that conclusion. I just thought I would ask the people with the video cameras, are you able to do copies? I am willing to pay for the tapes etc. Kristy

The closest train station would be Richmond but it is still 10-15 min drive from there which would be a costly taxi ride. Look forward to meeting you all on Saturday. I am looking forward to learning lots (I need to). Myszka - I noticed your email said to bring equipment etc. Should I put tishy's mouth strap on her when I arrive (just to be safe??? - she is dealing with her fear aggression with large dogs (she is very dominant with small ones though) and definitely is DEAF around distractions). Kristy

Hi all, It is great to see such a happening forum. I have had similar problems with my ridgeback cross due to lack of socialisation when she was younger. I recently started taking her to some classes and the dog park which has helped dramatically. I am ALWAYS careful when I attend mainly because you have to be careful of other owners and dogs. I also had an incident where I asked someone to please wait until I could take my girl out but no no "They'll be fine"....they weren't really. Tish seems to get fear aggression with bigger dogs on occasion but with smaller dogs she can be very dominant and plays pretty rough. As this dog was a small dog, the owner soon realised she should have listened. In saying this, there was no real threat of attack on this occasion, other than the fact the dog was severely slobbered on and she gave the owner a heart attack almost!!! I recall when she was a pup, I took her out to where I was agisting a horse and a boxer came straight towards her. She got scared and decided to hide under my horse at the time. As he was eating, he booted her fair and square in the mouth and knocked her puppy teeth out. I think this plays a big part of her fear towards other dogs. The thing I find the hardest is people's automatic perception of big dogs. If they raise their hackles in fear or give a warning sign when another dog is barging toward them, they are seen as agressive. I have lost my chain of thought now. Whoops.