PossumCorner

Just shows you can't have enough cameras at Flyball. And I thought there was a nice one of his face too, but I must be thinking of the Day 2 shots at the Presentations. If you tell me the DSC No. of the bum-shots, I'll see if there are any clearer ones nearby on the system. Lots got loaded up, but lots didn't. Good that Shinji saved the day, and if I see Chezzy next week I'll ask her if she shot any of his races.

Here are the results and times from the Rockets site: (Two firsts to Berwick, great work). "For the people that were not at Nationals 2006, here are the results: DIVISION 1 1st - Norwest Thunderdogs 1 (NSW) - BT 18.744 2nd - Parramatta Pandemonium (NSW) - BT 18.686 3rd - Croydon Rocket Scientists (VIC) - BT 18.625 4th - Ballarat Eureka (VIC) - 19.788 DIVISION 2 1st - Berwick Bladerunners (VIC) - BT 21.032 2nd - Bellarine Bandits (VIC) - BT 20.548 3rd - Eastside Flyer Spitfires (VIC) - BT 20.976 4th - Awesome Pawsome One (QLD) - BT 21.192 DIVISION 3 1st - X Factor (ACT) - BT 22.068 2nd - Para Shooters (SA) - BT 22.701 3rd - T'Keilor Slammers (VIC) - BT 23.625 4th - Ballarat Eureka Gold Diggers (VIC) - BT 22.697 5th - Hastings Howlers Hit & Run (VIC) - BT 23.443 6th - Bellarine Buccaneers (VIC) - BT 23.386 7th - Full Throttle (NSW) - BT 24.050 DIVISION 4 1st - Berwick Blitz (VIC) - BT 23.697 2nd - Para Troopers (SA) - BT 25.033 3rd - Eastside Flyer Tiger Moths (VIC) - BT 24.724 Break Out - Norwest Thunderdogs 2 (NSW) - BT 22.500 DIVISION 5 1st - Ballarat Eureka Sovereigns (VIC) - BT 25.275 2nd - Ballarat Eureka Miners (VIC) - BT 25.491 3rd - Norwest Thunderdogs 3 (NSW) - BT 26.400 4th - T'Keilor Slammers (VIC) - BT 27.200 5th - Croydon Rocket Secret Weapons (VIC) - BT 27.598 Ends"

Tried to get one of every dog running, and have most of the presentations groups. They won't be on the website til Thursday probably, that is after I recover from heat exhaustion. Shinji and Chezzy were chatting in the shade when I last saw them, sensible people. Pam (Bunjee) was shooting away for a while too.

Yeah there had to be a communication breakdown somewhere. I don't think the AFA notice mentioned the fee either, (and it has been taken off already!!) The gatekeepers were packing death a bit even early about people crashing in, because the grounds are so tiny there compared to the usual place there was always going to be a problem for spectators. The cricket yobbos hanging round on the outside field there breaking bottles where the Highland Bands had to do their preliminary tuning and so on were a pain. I wouldn't have wanted that lot to wander in and around flyball with their broken bottle tricks. Next year we will be back at Jubilee Park, not sure if it will be the Nationals though - some other States besides Victoria will be applying to host them. But the flyball will definitely be linked in with the Highland Games event.

That's a teeny bit unfair. I know it's a high entry fee. But it was all part of the "event" and none of us would go to an Agricultural Show to see one thing and expect to not have to pay, or pay as much. Like Wonthaggi or Euroa or the Royals. You can't just front up and say I'm only here to see the showjumping, or the handcrafts, and walk in free or part-price. The organisers went through absolute hell to make yesterday work well for everyone, because of the change of grounds that wasn't their fault. Flyball had a really terrific audience for a change because of the Highland people and their supporters coming over to watch the dogs. Would be good if the flyballers returned the favour and went to see one of the bands compete (between racing and stewarding) or the little kids putting their heart into their Highland Dancing competitions. We can't always run flyball in isolation, nobody would look at it. Our next Flyball Demonstration is at the Collingwood Childrens Farm on 19 March. Next full-on Flyball Competition is at Ballarat on 25 March. I think there is also a demo coming up at the next RSPCA open-day at Burwood, not sure of the date.

Can't believe anyone promoting themselves as professional would even think that, let alone say it. Even the much-maligned mobile franchise owners are well-trained in the basic hygiene of a fresh bath for every dog, plus disinfect between dogs. Anyone doing different is mean and lazy imo. One of our vets has a groomer business "attached" under the same roof, I think most of them are similar in that they lease the premises to a groomer, anyone who will pay a high rent to be seen as "allied" to a vet and get referral work, even though it is a separate business. It does not say much for this vet, they must still be aware of what is going on. If they don't care, do they wipe off the examination table with disinfectant between clients? Staffy-Lover, the cost of getting someone in to wash your dog should be about the same as getting someone in to mow the lawn and take some weeds out. That is, you are not paying someone as credentialled as an electrician or a plumber: but they still must offer the value of a good knowledge and experience in what they are doing plus have invested quite lot in their equipment whether mowers or hydrobaths and the transport system to get it to you (van/trailer) and should have business insurance. In general nothing under $25 is possible, that would be very cheap labour. It can go to around $50 in "wealthier suburbs" rightly or wrongly. It is usually more for a long-haired dog than a smoothey, the same as in fixed premises salons.

No races, just individual secret time-trials. Frodo was enjoying his ice-cream under my chair while Lyn and I had coffee and he totally embarrassed me, suddenly got all defensive of it and tried to attack poor Chili (the young black and white Staffie girl). Chili was on the other side of the table minding her biz. So then he had to share it with her, serves his right. Now he has to wait til RSPCA demonstration day at Burwood for his next one. Nat your photos are great, I thik the red border collie is Cathy's Ricky (Croydon Rockets). Notice where he's bit his tongue slightly?

No I wouldn't run Fro if I thought it was risky either. I think we just pitch up and see how it is at the time. Thanks, Pam took that photo of him, (you know Bunjee, now runs with Eastside) - Pam also uses a Nikon D70.

It's over behind the Shrine, sort of. An easy walk depending on where you can find a park, shouldn't be a problem, I think the public will stay away in droves compared to the usual turn-up. Carry some water maybe for Pedro and a collapsi-bowl. It is public park so he can be on-lead up to ringside. If he is sound-shy, be aware there is a 21-gun salute at mid-day which freaks some dogs out: (and possibly a fly-over by the Roulettes or other low aircraft noise) racing is suspended and there is a half hour recover time added to be fair to dogs stressed by the noise - which gives socialising time for people. The cars are great to see and the owners watch like hawks in case a dog might piddle on a super-shined hub-cap. It appeases them if you take a photo of their vintage car. Update: the organisers have just advised that the schedule is cut down a bit again, it should all be over by lunchtime except for working out points and presentations. Flyball people should all have "got the memo" by email in the last few minutes. There will be a vet in attendance, and independent vet advice has been taken with a green light to go ahead but be sensible. Wet towels over crates, that sort of thing. The ice-cream sellers should do good: Frodo gets one of his two ice-creams of the year at the RACV flyball day, so he's not missing it for anything. Vanilla. Mmmmmmmm. Photo by Pam Atkinson

Good thanks, he enjoyed. Rheneas couldn't have cared less, there was a good smell on the ground near the start that caught a few dogs' attention, he was focussed on staying there. Showed excellent focus, little wozzit!! Frodo and Piper had some good runs though. Bodie was keen, he was really motoring.

The area is safely enclosed by a cyclone-wire fence and gates. But there are usually between one and three of the organisers standing at the control box (shown in the photos). They are definitely people and would not wish to be at risk of being attacked. But send the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club an email about your dog and your concerns, that would be best, as we cannot speak for their event. Maybe you could offer to run Keish in a muzzle just til her reaction to it all can be assessed to minimise any risk. It would be so much fun for her if you could give her a run - and just pop her scarf on so we know to give her space. Secretary's email is: lurecoursing@rrcv dot org dot au (without spaces, and just dots for "dot" ).

Hi Graham, yes the dogs have lotsa fun, some dogs don't "get it" til they have a couple of runs and finally cotton on. Some sookie dogs don't like to leave their owners side - if they are not dog-aggressive, usually someone else with a cheerful dog will let them run with that dog to give them the idea. Others are full-on from the start and know exactly what it is all about. Everyone enjoys, it is fun to watch. There is no "application form" for entry: just pitch up on the day, pay a nominal amount to get a numbered ticket for your dog's run, (or a couple, spaced apart, if you think she would like two goes) and wait in line when you number is coming up. Unlike your Sirius, my three are obedience trained, but definitely not that well behaved - so not having done "formal" training is not an issue. See you there.

Just received a confirming e-mail from Stuart at Rhodesian Ridgeback Club - starts at 4.00, goes til 7.00 if enough dogs there to keep running. Melways ref confirmed is 128 - J.12. We'll be there taking photos hopefully of all dogs running. Although Frodo is in disgrace, doesn't deserve the trip. Departed the off-lead area today after a rabbit, thought he was at lure-coursing or had died and gone to heaven. Thankfully Piper and Rheneas were on-lead so couldn't add to the obsessive confusion. How embarrassing.

Trish here is a little more detail of where the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club are running the open lurecoursing that we can all have a go at. Hope you can make it on the 15th. Might cost $6.50 for insurance if you don't have Obed Club membership card. The entrance to KCC park is on melways 128 J12. Follow the entrance road to the gravel area on the south side of the main building. The lure coursing is held in the fenced off area to the south. It is very safe and secure, the area where the dogs run is well fenced, no chance of them getting onto a road. Here's the living proof - a shot of a greyhound at the last lurecoursing they put on at the Rosebud Pet Expo.

Although I try to keep an open mind I just don't like it or its reason for being. I did have a look at some training: it was a real turn-off, I didn't like the training vibes, it seemed like a power-thing - anyway, I admit to my prejudice and I could be wrong, just not going there to find out, more fun things to do in dogsports than looking all dominant and defensive/aggressive. There are some lovely captioned schutzhund pics on an American girl's website, she has lovely cattle dogs and does everything with them, looks good there, just didn't like the attitudes here. Worth a look: http://www.pbase.com/cattledog ACD people check out her other galleries, really nice. EtA - also doing herding so some ACD herding shots there too.

Fair enough Koolies - I'd over-reacted, glad you came back.

Gee "proving ziltcho" that's a bit harsh. Like nobody should have an image of their dog up unless it shows it to great advantage and purpose? I've seen beginner Agility people ecstatic over a nice photo of their dog trotting between obstacles. Maybe not a great agility action shot, but it's not out to prove anything: just a nice shot of a loved dog to share. Certainly not showcasing impressive work nor described that way. It'd be different if people captioned their less terrific herding shots "my brilliant dog showing amazing form" but they don't, well not that I've seen.

Oops posted twice, sorry, slips - no go.

Vickie, I respect your opinion and agree with you in many areas. .... you dont see me jumping on the breeders community forums declaring how cruel it is. cheers, David. Quotes not intended out of context at all. David, thanks for the opportunity to try herding when the opportunity was not available anywhere else that I knew of. And it took me a long time and a new dog before I thought I would have a go. I first questioned the sheep-welfare aspect on another forum, and this was David's reply much over twelve months ago: so the consistency here is without question. He wrote: "For those of you who are concerned about the welfare of the sheep (and rightly so) - The sheep used are professionals - they have been conditioned to dogs. They are Merino crosses and can be stubborn but docile. If a dog is going to hard we push him out using a plastic rake (usually the sound of the rake on the ground is enough to push the dog away). If the dog is showing bite a muzzle is used. Sheep are changed over often. So far we have had no injuries from participating dogs. David." So - I was just about to email David enquiring about the next training day, and to ask if I could take my Border-Collie-Cross along for him to assess if he would be acceptable. Then this thread started, and I thought oh gee, we won't be welcome by the purists, and my motivation will be in judgement. So I thought, I'll email David and ask if I can just go along to observe and take lots of photographs and get the feel of it by just watching to see if I thought my dog would be okay. Now I feel wary of doing even that in case I un-knowingly take a photo of someone's dog doing something "not quite right" and could be accused of bringing the dog or the handler or the sport into disrepute. David I think what you are offering is fantastic and I would love to give my little fellow the chance to see what he makes of it, and to take some photos of the day - so I will ignore the reservations this thread had started to give me and see if I can book in.

Frodo has packed his harness and treats, and we've packed a cut lunch and the cameras, but it is still bucketing down rain the east side of Melbourne, what is it like up there? - hope it doesn't come to another postponement, not looking good.

Mel the risk isn't over-taxing a dog through lack of fitness: this would more likely risk an old dog with a bit of overweight and a dodgy ticker than a youngster like yours. But the stresses of cornering at speed in lure coursing does up the ante on what a dog normally does running around chasing a ball. Ten months is a bit young to intentionally put so much stress on bone/joints/tendons. I think dogs are not generally accepted to start Agility training til 18 months. Flyball is 12 months: but then they are doing much slower steady work for the first 3-6 months training, not launching into full runs over jumps from day-one. One of my vets is dead set against lure-coursing because of what he/she calls un-natural turning stress. (The same vets are anti-flyball for the same reasons). Just a thought, not saying don't do it, but ten months really is not fully mature.

Yes it is - I didn't nominate for Wonthaggi as I wanted to give Frodo a good spell - then we'll still have the big RACV Australia Day competition and a few practice/training sessions before our Nationals at Ringwood. So a lure run or two will be great for him as a pipe opener during the break from Flyball, and if Paul can get the day off we will bring Rheneas as well as Piper, he's only had one go at lurecoursing and loved it. Might try to get to Wonthaggi also as a dog-free day so I can concentrate on photos. Does anyone know whether it is an Aggie or a dog-show or is it just Flyball???

That's great, what team are you in, which dog is it and we'll look out for you.

Jeff I'll take Piper there whatever, I thought they said today it was the 14th, that a Sat, so 15th more likely. I guess we'll all get the email, and it'll be on the RRCV's website, I think it's http://members.optusnet.com.au/ashtar1

We made jumps and weavers from PVC including the supports, wings, the lot. It is not "that" cheap if you get all the correct T-piece and 90deg angle fittings etc but will last for ever and is so light to move around or store. The full directions/specs we found on a South African agility website when doing an "agility equipment dogs" sort of yahoo/google search. It has all the specs, materials plans etc for Dogwalk, A-Frame and see-saw as well. We got all the materials then sidelined into Flyball so they are not built (except for the jumps/weavers). I've thrown out the URL but it is sure to be there still. Clints Warehouse sometimes get good length dog tunnels in their pet section that my little Rotti has no problem running through. But they sell out fast. A dearer indoor solution is the cheap round laundry "baskets" nylon on plastic spring-wire frame (Clints or $2+ shops). Cut the bottom fabrics out and shoe-lace the top and bottom wires to make a tunnel: sometimes they are on "special". They collapse down for easy storage, and again a lab-size dog can do it easy.