fetchindawgs

Listen, I have an aunty to this particular puppy that Mason is looking at, and she and her brother are fantastic at obedience and retrieving, plus, have the most wonderful temperaments you could wish for. Go with your instinct Mason and if the pup is the one for you, you will know it. All these suggestions could go on for days and just confuse you. As I said before the bloodline is there for a great dog, and I think Paddy has turned out ok, hasn't he ? If Mason (dog) gets on ok with him, which I think he will, then it will be just up to how you feel about the pup. Ignore the cap gun stuff, and noise testing, you can cover that later (I will even help you if you want). It just isn't necessary at this stage. As long as the pup is not sickly, and has not been abused then it is worth seriously considering. Hope you have fun tomorrow.

As you probably already know, Mason, the sire of that puppy is a highly competitive dog in retrieving, agility, jumping and obedience. Don't know about the dam, and as she is now in Tasmania, can't get to see her, but her lines were good too. Going on breeding, the pup should do it all, but of course you have to develop the desire and drive. If you really are definite about doing retrieving with him, then please DON'T do tug with him. At least not until you have him confident and reliable in the "hold" and release command. All you will be instilling in your pup is a game to hold on tight and pull against you. Definitely not what you want in the retrieving game. I can't imagine the pup not getting on with Mason, but I would try and establish some connection between yourself and the pup first, before introducing Mason. Maybe just do some happy throws of a dummy or piece of dowel with the pup, and see how he copes. If he has been socialized well enough with people and other dogs, then hopefully you won't see a problem. I have had two dogs come to me as older dogs. A male Lab. aged 4 yrs came into our family and we already had three dogs including an entire male. Absolutely no problems with any of them and all were great mates. I currently have a 3 yr old Lab. female who I got at 10 months of age. She was flown over from the east and was mine from the moment I opened the crate door. She fitted in to the dog and human family very quickly and easily. You will be fine with this pup, and he will be a great pup for you to continue on with all the disciplines you are interested in. Goodluck.

You are quite welcome Rubystar. She did some very nice retrieves, and the water problem will come good eventually. She seems to be a very sensitive dog and picks up on your vibes very quickly. Calm, calm, calm......... We will do some more work in a couple of weeks if that suits. Get to the RC training days if you can, but if you don't want to test Ruby on a particular mark then speak up and say so. No point in pushing her into something she is not sure of at this stage of her training.

Will give you a call and we can have another nice long chat and you can tell me all about him.

Goodness I remember all the travelling and time you put into running Yo. You are dedicated. (and mad, no wonder we get along!). I would have to be stark raving, back on the computer all afternoon organising frozen semen from the US. Lordie!!!! And who did you decide on Julie ? What about the new pup, is that happening ?

For a new puppy, can't go past a Golden Retriever I say. All of mine have been the best with training, other dogs and children. And, grooming isn't the issue so many people think it is.

If your brother doesn't want to do the "puppy thing", I know of a Kelpie bitch that is available from Qld animal rescue. She is about 2 yrs old, just been sterilised, microchipped, all vaccinations. Has some obedience training and very well behaved, gets on with other dogs and children. She was with a young couple who worked full time and didn't have time to spend with her. She will need a well fenced yard because she can jump. Agility dog anyone ?? She is not for free, as costs must be covered, but she is very pretty and sweet, and, available.

Would love love love this Thanks heaps! Yes I do work during the week so a Saturday would be fantastic I'm really keen to get to novice trialling level, I've been dragging it out long enough, so just hope we still aren't years off being ready to trial I'm thinking about entering the practice retrieving trial coming up (if I haven't already missed the entry deadline) in pre-novice (as I haven't done any birds with Ruby yet and I think I read pre-novice just use bumpers). Maybe with your guidance sometime you can let me know when we might be ready to try birds? You just let me know when you want to come down and we can correspond via email with directions etc. I will be pretty busy once the retrieving trials start, so will be better to do this through March. The entries for the GSP practice day won't close till April 4th I think. Closing dates are usually two weeks prior to the trial. I'm sure we could do some work and have you and Ruby ready for it, and, official Novice trials after that as well. If you want to start this Saturday that would be ok as at the moment I have nothing on the calendar.

Rubystar, you are welcome to come down to my training grounds on a Saturday morning (presuming you work during the week). I'd be happy to do a bit with you and Ruby in real trialing grounds. Would have to be early because of the heat we are having. It is about an hour from Armadale. Let me know if you want to do this occasionally, especially while no trials are on. Regarding teaching a pup to sit to the whistle; I got onto a little trick that you can start from the day you get your puppy. I think most people crate their pups these days, and you use the crate for this method. In teaching you pup to go into his crate, use food reward. Then introduce a sit when the pup enters the crate. The pup should be turning as he enters the crate to get his food reward, so just ask for the sit as he does that. Then, introduce the whistle with the sit command. You will get a quick and neat sit from this method, eventually eliminating the voice command. Also, regarding whistles, have a couple of spares and I always have two on my lanyard, just in case one gets clogged up and refuses to work. Some years ago I decided to make my own dummies/bumpers. It worked well at the time and was easy enough to do, but these days I have the knobbly rubber bumpers (3 inch and black and white, and white), and I got a good deal on hexa bumpers (2inch and black & white), getting fifteen of them at the time. The shipping from the US is expensive I must admit, but now is the time to get your supplies while the $ is good. In answer to an earlier question; the highest achievement from my dogs has been R.T. Champion. This was before the "Grand" was brought in to retrieving trials. Whilst it is great to get the titles, I am more relaxed these days and derive a great deal of pleasure out of competing with my dogs and seeing them enjoy themselves and do, what is a natural born thing for retrievers. If they do well, then it is just icing on the cake.

I don't know why 2010 has been such an awful year for me. Must have done something terrible in a past life I think. On top of everthing that has happened in the last six months, last week I had my horse PTS after he was bitten by a snake. Juana was a very healthy 32 year old Appy, and I don't know how, when or whereabouts on his body he was bitten but it paralysed his hind quarters. The poor lad wanted to stand up but his legs just wouldn't work. My neighbour and I worked on him for over two hours in trying to stimulate his muscles but eventually I could see he wasn't any better and called the Vet in to put him down. I had Juana for over 31 years, getting him as a ten month old colt and showed him in hand and under saddle. His progeny were beautiful appys too. He was a character, and, about the most comfortable ride I have ever had. True rocking horse! Juana's best friend, Jimmy (a TB/QH cross) is 33 yrs old and would have been lost without his mate, so he was moved to my neighbours paddocks to be near her horses. He has settled in well and is in a paddock with ewes and lambs. I am debating on buying a pony for company for Jim, and moving both of them back to their 50 acre paddock. Will think about that in the new year. I sure hope 2011 is good to me, I sure as hell need it.

Chill out people. That song must be at least 40 to 50 years old. You are reading far too much in a simple old song on a CD.

All my Goldies have not had any bother jumping into the back of our vehicles. I have had 4WD dual cabs and they have very high tailgates. You do need to teach your dog to get in. All of mine are taught firstly "paws up" which basicly means put your front paws on the tailgate or edge of rear compartment. I would then just bend my knees and help them up by lifting the rear end. Eventually they all got so they jump in the back on command. I always rewarded the dogs for their actions. Nowadays it is a treat just to be put into the car. Getting out is what I would be more concerned about. I lift mine out rather than having them jump, to save stress on joints. Unless your dog is very old, (in which case I wouldn't ask any dog to jump in or out of a car), I would say they are being lazy and temperamental. It is a Goldies right remember to be obstinate.

For anyone interested, Foxtel are showing 2010 Crufts Dog Show on the Bio channel next Thursday the 23rd.

Just waded through pages and pages of talk here as I haven't been on for ages. Boy, you guys can talk !! News from me from last few months is: Young Golden has his NRD title in retrieving. My Golden girl got her Dancing With Dogs Freestyle starters title a week ago to add to her other three titles. Was a bit flat on the night, but maybe that is because she is pregnant !! Hope that is the case, will find out in ten days. Black lab bitch is showing true champion makings in her retrieving, and the yellow lab is still slogging on at over ten years of age and doing well in competition. Lost our old black Lab. male in July. Was very sad. At the vets for over 3 days, after an emergency run. Eventually found that a tumour had burst on his appendix and he had peritonitis, poor lad. I let him go whilst he was under. To top it off, two weeks later my OH had a stroke and was in hospital for three months. Won't forget this year in a hurry that's for sure. Ptolomy, I remember Lara years and years ago, when I was doing obedience with Tos. Great to hear she is still going strong. Mirrawee, I went riding with my daughters last Friday for two hours. (and yes I am a tiny bit sore). Haven't ridden seriously for at least 12 years, and even though I have two horses out in the paddock here, they are 32 and 33 yrs old now and been retired for a very long time. Only thing with riding school horses is their education, or lack of it. When you are used to your own horses responding to aids immediately, it is a pain (literally), to have one that to canter, takes more than the subtle aid I am used to. You will know what I mean !!!

Hey Rubystar, how did you enjoy your retrieving weekend away ? Wasn't all that bad was it ? I think your Ruby is gorgeous. So bright and boucy; just my type of Lab. I hope you get to do some retrieving with her.

I have had both breeds, and have Goldens at the moment. As far as temperament goes, you can have bad in any breed, but careful selection by the breeder should ensure a puppy buyer that they have made the right selection. Personally, I would stick with Goldens. My dogs get minimal contact with children, but absolutely adore them and have never shown the slightest aggression toward anyone, child or adult. I have not been impressed with the GSD's I have seen at competitions and shows I'm afraid, both for their temperament and their conformation. (Nothing like the boy we had). I would suggest you talk to as many owners of the breeds as you can. Find out who people recommend. Visit reputable breeders and mingle with their dogs and get a feel for what is right for you and your family. How you bring up that puppy will be the main factor in its behaviour, as you know, so go for the best you can get, be happy with your decision, then enjoy your puppy.

Hope the recovery goes well for Lincoln, Han. Must have been a real scare. Thanks for your advice on pet insurance, I have been looking at it for my three youngsters, and your experience has jolted me into action.

Your boy is cute Whiz is lovely too and a brilliant worker but your "little" boy is so very handsome. I tell you what though, if I could get a dog like the "pick up" goldy you could nearly convert me to gundogs, what brilliant drive she has and so devoted to her owner :rolleyes: And yes, we saw the sign when we left this morning. When do you need it for next? We could probably organise to get it to Lynne or Zoe if that would help, since they aren't that far away We will take it down and bring it to the front of the house this evening though just to make sure it doesn't go walk-about. Hi Mirrawee, Either leave the sign till next time, or if you see Zoe or Lynne, either of them would take it for me. Thanks for getting it. That pick up dog is a RT Champion, and in All Age. Much more advanced than all the dogs that were competing on Sunday. She is a half sister to my boy (same Dad), and the drive is inherent in them. And, Goldies are like that, totally devoted to their owners, and, will do just about anything for them. All of mine have been like that. Re an AA trial; Apart from the long weekend at Arthur River, where there will be two All Age stakes, the next AA event is June 13th. If you contact Lynne a little closer to the date, she will be able to tell you where it will be. Thanks Ozjen for the congratulations. I certainly had a a great weekend, wins wise. Now up to play with the big dogs for my little black bitch.

Don't feel bad, it was just one of those things that happen. I think we are just all glad that the dog is ok and that the two girls who jumped in were so quick off the mark to identify that she was in trouble. Thanks about the wins, it was a bit of a shock I must say. My little boy is rather cute isn't he ? Also, I think I left a sign at your front gate, (unless someone else picked it up). Will get it another day if it's still there.

Thanks Ptolomy, I was a bit surprised at the win. He did very well but I thought others may have been up there too. Whiz also won restricted so is now out of that stake, not that she is really up to AA yet. Did Zoe tell you about the drama yesterday and how brave she and H.E. were ? Pretty scary !

LabRat, retrieving is a spectator sport, but, there are times that the runs are held in dense terrain making the job of having a spectator gallery with a full view of the run, almost impossible. On most runs the judge will try to have the run visible to spectators for the majority of the run. Often the spectators can see much more than the handler on the block. Also, as a spectator, it depends on whether you enjoy seeing a dog work with the instinct of its gundog breed. To me, seeing a dog with spectacular drive to retrieve, and one that will stop to the whistle at 150metres and take direction from the handler, is nothing short of amazing. The dogs absolutely love doing it and it is very obvious. If you do want to come along it will be at Carbadine Pool, down Noble Road off Albany Hwy. and on private property. Bring a chair and refreshments. You may bring a dog, but it must be restrained, and be very quiet while the dogs are competing.

Hi Rubystar, Great to hear you are going to the June retrieving trials. It is always a fun weekend away with retrieving people. There will be a toilet put up on the campsite (not fancy, but an enclosed drop toilet), so you won't have to go in the bushes at camp, at least. But, out on the runs there won't be any other choice I'm afraid. Bring plenty of warm clothes, and wet weather gear, and, warm bedding. Lots of food for yourself and Ruby (it's amazing how hungry the country air makes you) ! Plenty of water too. Several people have portable showers and you might be able to get one if you have some water to use for it. There is usually a get together every night at one of the caravans, where people can eat and drink whatever, and there is lively conversation. We also usually have clay shooting after each days trials, so you might get to have a go at that. It is great fun. Also heaps of room to train your dog. If you could borrow a campertrailer for the weekend, or a tent, it would make it more comfortable for you. A lot of people travel down on the Friday and set up camp, but some go down on the Saturday morning. There is a motel in Williams that several people stay at, then travel down to the site (about 26 km), each morning. Hope this helps,

Well done to the people who brought their dogs along to the retrieving training day. I hope you were inspired, and were helped by the experienced retrieving people there who gave up their time to assist in the day. I spoke with RubyStar and Masons mum, who were both very pleased with their dogs performances and abilities, which is great to hear, and both, tell me they are keen to attend the next training day in June. Great to meet you, and keep up the work with your retrievers, and it won't be long before you are out there competing.

Rubystar, if you are interested in the Retrieving Club's training days, give their secretary a call for the times. It should be in the Canine News, or else phone DogsWest for the contact number. The first training day I have heard, is going to be May 8th, so as not to clash with Mothers Day on the 9th. These training days are really to answer any questions new people might have about the sport, and, to let them have a go at a retrieve as close as possible to how it may be in a trial, but without the distance. Newbies can opt for their own favourite dummy for their dog to retrieve, and also, there is the opportunity for the dog to hear gunshot, whether it be from afar or up close (your choice). The main problem we seem to encounter with novice dogs/handlers to the sport is lack of obedience, which is really a necessity, as the excitement of the whole retrieving thing, takes hold of youngsters and if you haven't got that obedience instilled into your dog, then it can be a trying time. At the training day, you can keep your dog on a lead if required, and there will be more experienced people to help and advise. I have given ValleyCBR a DVD which goes over basics in training, maybe she will loan it to you too. It might help a bit.

Martyn and Dana (GSP) won restricted. Only one finisher. Very hot at the trial, and the runs were tough. To the person looking for a Golden puppy (Goldenrules ???), I know someone in Vic. having a litter, half show lines, half field. If you're interested PM me and I'll give you details and a contact.