SparkyTansy

Nariko just so you know, when you get there (before gates open at 9am) there is no GP there, and i'm sure that whoever you are benched next to would be happy to watch your things, if needed :) I also always take a crate but generally just leave them tethered to the benches. I do like having the option of giving them space in a crate though, especially the youngsters. I do take a chair but end up barely sitting on it (although might be slightly different this year!) and I usually do sit on the benches with the dogs. it's goign to be odd this year having just one.

My two English Setters are like chalk and cheese... Spartan is smart, willful and noisy. James is sweet and gentle but a bit dumb :laugh: I'm actually aslo surprised how different my two weims are. Ari is again, smart, willful and nothing phases her at all. Lulu is gentle, a little sensitive and while smart, requires confidence to complete a task. they are mother and daugther.

disgusting... Thanks, I've cross posted the link to FB so hopefully it'll be noticed and the word is spread.

great post Saffioaire!

Weimaraners are my mums breed, so we always had them... I have found for right now, they suit me and what I want from a dog so I got one... and then another :) english setters i fell in love with from a photo in a book when i was quite young and i waited over 10 years to get one. They are perfect for me in every way except i enjoy trying different dog sports and they arent always suited, where Weimaraners are more versatile and doing them with them is a pleasure.

Really? you think the dog would know the difference? do you think the dog is standing there thinking, "I could be playing with a ball right now". Of course it depends on how you approach grooming with a dog. no dog that has a bad experience is going to enjoy standing there being groomed, but then those dogs wouldn't be used in grooming comps, would they?

they are all mine... although I'd say that Ari and OH have formed a bond that he doesnt have with the others...

I currently have 4, but I think that I'd prefer 2-3 more. I am also a breeder that struggles to rehome so most of my breeding plans are on hold until my numbers drop. We are aiming for a bigger property in 4-5 years time so hopefully so sort of planning around that goal in terms of breeding plans and numbers. I think on a bigger property with room to run and less pressure to walk at parks etc it'll be more realistic to have higher numbers.

I agree with others that it's really not cruel. I am pretty sure, like most dogs that are lovelingly groomed for the show ring, they get more time spent on them than the average pet dog. They don't leave them like that, afterwards, and the dogs are so used to being groomed, the probably enjoy it. none of those dogs look unhappy. I don't like many of the designs though... a lot of them are really messy looking. Clever, but messy - too much going on.

you are right - it's a cheap and nasty!! i thought it'd work in conjunction with my current one which is a cloth type barrier... but it didn't :laugh: The link you posted definitely does look more sturdy than the one I have, but I've come to the conclusion that only the strongest possible solution will keep my bitch in the back ;)

dandybrush i don't have that one, but i recently bought the one that has the bars that you twist into position into the roof and floor. They are quite flimsy and my dog pretty much bent one of the poles trying to get through. She then worked out that they just sort of move in and out like a trombone handle and she gets through now. hopefully someone will come along soon who has had their car set up done in adelaide. I'm getting a quote done for mine tonight, from the person who does it in Perth... thanks to RubyStar who recommended him :)

whitka the royal this year is 29th September to 6th october. 1st october this year is the public holiday... so generally, it's one of the busiest days. I've been on grand final day a couple of times, and it can be either pretty busy or not at all busy... depends who is playing I guess!! the weekends can be pretty busy. I usually choose a day (if I'm going for pleasure, and not dog stuff!) that has the most of what i want to see... I am pretty sure the schedule is up on their website now: www.perthroyalshow.com.au

Welcome to the West Whitka! if youhave experience with obedience, Rally-O will be great for you, and something you can train on your own (or maybe if you join the club in Kal you can encourage them to run Rally-O!). I also know of someone that used to live in Kal, and she trained her dog for tracking completely on her own, and would come to perth for some of the trials.

Owning the breed, and learning about breeds and breed standards and how to select a prospective puppy and understanding genetics and what and how YOUR lines produce are completely different things. I could argue with you that I've been in my breed for 20 years, however in truth I've only been showing that breed for 6 years, and learning all there is to learn about the lines of my current breed for as long as that.. I've been showing for around 10 years now (started in a different breed). There is no way in heck and hell I think I'd be worthy to judge other peoples dogs whether I know the breed standard, my perceptions of what I think the breed should look like etc. I've bred a litter, and I have got at least 2 or more generations planned for my breeding program, which I know are open to changing as well as knowing that I will be getting plenty of advice from my breed mentors in the meantime. I'd like to see not only teh current pre-requisites for judges, but also a clear understanding, if not a course, on anatomy, movement, genetics etc. with aspiring judges showing a clear understanding and desire to learn about those things and more. Too many people I speak to know plenty about their own breed, but can't apply basics to other breeds, except for their interpretation of the breed standard if they've studied it.

He looks great Ellz :)

What a shame DB will be there to taint an otherwise wonderful initiative.

To be honest I don't think there are enough pre-requisites to become a judge, but the bare minimum required now is better than nothing at all, or you know, the opinions of someone in the breed for five minutes, not interested at all in what a breeding program is or the difficulty in actually getting there, but yet is ready and willing to criticise those who do.

actually, with really clueless owners who do all the wrong things, I can see many breeds of dog becoming a bit "Marley"...

over the years I've been a member of quite a few dog clubs, and on a couple of committees. Their demands, goals and ideas were all very different. I'm curious as to what others expect from clubs in the way of things like merchandise, activities, membership offers, newsletters etc. What types of clubs do you belong to? If you are a member of a club, what do you think they could do better (specify club type)? what do you think they do well? Do your expectations vary between club types? (ie do you expect certain things from a specific breed club that you wouldn't want or need in a group or all breeds or obedience/agility club?) Does the club/s you belong to offer enough to benefit ALL members of that club (pet owners/show and dog sport competitors/breeders)

hey apparently Perth is one of the cities in the world that has the most "sunny" days throughout the year. i only know this as it was a benefit to sell to people wanting to learn to fly aeroplanes!!

Welcome Mashlee :) how are you liking WA so far? I can't be sure but I think that herding is held south of Perth. If you PM Weasels she can point you in the right direction. I believe there is also a club website. We occasionally have DOLer meet ups but they usually take place in Summer at the beach :) we usually talk about it in here then put it in the DOL Social Events section. nothing planned as yet but now the weather is getting better (well,except the last couple of days!) I'm sure there will be something.

I'm bummed you didn't give in and steal a fluffy one Mirawee. I want fluffy puppy cuddles!

I was actually going to say Weimaraner, at one point, and now you've said it was post WW2 Austria, that's quite possible. German Weis are a lot heavier built.

You do realise that peaches is also a dog, right? pretty sure she could handle a bit of rain.

I'm going to say the most inconvenient time for you. My girl came in bang on for the Weimaraner National, and nearly every Royal show she's been entered in. Now more recently, she's come in the same week that her first tracking trial was due to take place! they are never kind ;)