Leeanne

what other bones are good for pups?

Very interesting discussion indeed. I am wondering if any of the trainers could recommend a really good training DVD or video. I am in an isolated community and do not have a dog club or class to go to with my new pups. I have decided to teach LEAVE IT instead of my initial plan, as I am not interested in creating any anxiety problems whatsoever. I learn best by watching, so would really appreciate any suggestions on a good video that we can get in oz. Many thanks.

the 1080 that my dog ate was laid on a beach in my community. there were no signs, no advertisements in the local paper, absolutely none of the protocols that the department of natural resources and mines expects of approved operators were followed. we were walking along a public walking track that allows dogs and leads to this beach. i understand what you are suggesting in terms of the possible negative side affects of training food refusal. this is why i am online asking for opinions.

I am planning on teaching my two new pups food refusal, have never done it before, and am wondering if anyone might let me know what they think of my plans.... First stage: I plan to plant treats in the yard, let the pup (one at a time) outside and wait until they find it. As they go for it, I plan to fire a cap gun out of their sight. I have read about the remote e collar and its use in this exercise, but don't think I could use one. Once they shy away from the treat as a result of the fright of the sound, I plan to call them over to me, and feed them some treats from my hand and their bowl, praise etc. Stage two: Will repeat stage one in different spots on the property so they don't associate loud sounds with just one area. Stage three: Take them to areas that they will be spending time outside of our property, and repeat excercise with real life items that they attempt to get their mouths around. Let friends call pups over to feed reward treats as well, so they don't only take food from me and my husband. What do you think??? I lost a 7 month old pup a while ago to fox bait, and am determined to teach this in the hopes of preventing something so horrible happening again. Would REALLY appreciate help on this as I've never taught it before. Many thanks.

Isn't it increadible the mark our dogs make on us. I have just recently lost my 7 month old pup to 1080 bait, and cannot describe the void it's left. He was my little mate, we did everything together. Looking forward to our new pups (getting two in a months time!), but right now am content with the memories of Irie. I feel we are all so blessed to have known the wonderful connection that can take place between the two species.

What age can you use one of the E collars? I think I would try spraying a cane toad with an offensive spray first, and see how the pups react. This combined with trying to kill every cane toad we see. I hate the idea of those E collars, but am more worried about cane toad toxin. Someone told me that it is possible to train dogs to only take food from thier owners - i just can't see that working with a lab cross!

anyone tried a soft muzzle on thier dog? are their better brands than others?

Is there any truth in the belief that ticks are more attracted to light colored dogs? Friends have a yellow lab and a dark brown kelpie - the lab is covered in them daily, the kelpie not one.

Has anyone had success traning their dog to stay away from cane toads by spraying a cane toad with something the dog doesn't like, and therefore putting them off them?