smisch Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Basically to cut a long story short we're heading out to a few shelters next weekend in hunt for our next dog.. it will be a young dog (under 2 years old) and it is a requirement that the dog is suitable for agility, people ask why not go to a breeder but we would rather save a life.. personal choice I have plans on taking out a tug toy and seeing how the dog plays with toy but what else should I be looking at for assessing a dog for agility and just general training.. I have only ever had older dogs and I got lucky with jock that he enjoyed training.. I would ultimatly like a dog with drive and a love for toys! Any advice appreciated!! I have a fair level of training expierence but as far as the assesing of suitability I am stuck.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmoo Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 all dogs have drive......different breeds have different levels of drive... look for a dog that is suited physically for agility eg: agile, fast, sound temperament and skeletal structure (ie: no hip or elbow displaysia etc), go for dogs that have kelpie, border collie, aussie shepherd or something similar...not to say other breeds cant do agility but some are "built" for agility better than others you can certainly take a tug toy but remember where the dog has been lately and that it may not be in a conducive environment to "play" with a tug....you can increase this drive with time and training....my labrador is more food motivated but we do agility and his drive for tugging has increased immensely with training....ppl tend to give up too easily with tug play thinking "oh the dog isnt interested"...the dog is interested we as handlers just need to work harder in most cases... also look for a dog that is not too "clingy", it will be hard for you to train the dog to go/look ahead, a dog that is semi confident at least on surfaces, this will improve with training but it would help you a lot if this confidence is somewhat there already have fun :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Agree with Missmoo. You'd probably have more luck testing a strange dog with a ball or toy rather than a tug. You also need to test nerve and conformation. The best drive in the world won't help you if the dog is unsound or not built for the task. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smisch Posted August 14, 2009 Author Share Posted August 14, 2009 (edited) thanks miss moo.. My stepdad has his heart set on a BC at this moment.. Im not fussed.. it will be a working line dog..ATM Im just watching the few pound sites we have intentions of visiting and generating in my head what sort of personality im looking for! ETA: Too true poodlefan.. I have worked with some of the most intelligent dogs who freaked at a door closing.. not going down that road again! Edited August 14, 2009 by smisch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tay. Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Good luck Smisch! Hope you find what your looking for <3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvsdogs Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Ask the advice of the shelter staff. They should know the personality of the dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2tollers Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 I don't know if this will work but this link is from the dog sports thread. http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=174024 Sounds like a wonderful dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sayreovi Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Wouldn't it be best to get a dog from a rescue organisation rather than straight from the pound, seeing as you have plans on what you want to do? You would still be saving a life (foster carer can then get another pound pup) but you will have the added advantage of having a good idea what the dog will be like out of the pound environment through the foster carers intimate knowledge of the dog. Just some food for though :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Wouldn't it be best to get a dog from a rescue organisation rather than straight from the pound, seeing as you have plans on what you want to do?You would still be saving a life (foster carer can then get another pound pup) but you will have the added advantage of having a good idea what the dog will be like out of the pound environment through the foster carers intimate knowledge of the dog. Just some food for though :p That is a really good point. Or one of the pounds that do good temperament testing. Some of the ones that are posted on DOL with extensive notes on their temperament testing. Some have been tested for toy and food drive. If I were to get another rescue for agility, I would either go to somewhere that does good temperament testing or take someone with me who I trust to know how to temperament test for what I want (since I would want the same as you). Ideally both. After my experience with Zoe, I would steer clear of young pups and would want as much advice from people experienced in assessing dogs as I could get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdude Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 A natural desire to retreive is often a good indication of drive level. As others have said, it would be hard to assess in a pound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smisch Posted August 15, 2009 Author Share Posted August 15, 2009 Wouldn't it be best to get a dog from a rescue organisation rather than straight from the pound, seeing as you have plans on what you want to do?You would still be saving a life (foster carer can then get another pound pup) but you will have the added advantage of having a good idea what the dog will be like out of the pound environment through the foster carers intimate knowledge of the dog. Just some food for though :D I can see your point, my stepdad isn't as dog savvy but he really has final say.. mum isn't as fussed about which system the dog comes from and I don't mind as long as the dog is a happy healthy nice dog.. he would rather save from the pound simply due to the fact that foster dogs will all eventually get a home, they're safe but pound dogs don't have endless time.. I have worked in rescue before so I understand that what you see is not what you always get... But I have worked in that enviroment and around dogs long enough to be able to steer clear of the completely unsuitable but as for deciding from the suitable I was stuck.. I have a few ideas now! Thanks DOLers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karelea Aussies Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 (edited) http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/33380 I would have this little guy in a heartbeat, but its not the right time for another one for me yet. Ps Jock is a real little stunner ;) Edited August 17, 2009 by thelinks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smisch Posted August 21, 2009 Author Share Posted August 21, 2009 http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/33380I would have this little guy in a heartbeat, but its not the right time for another one for me yet. Ps Jock is a real little stunner Hahahaha thanks Jock knows he's cute and he tries to use it.. and does to eberyone but me lol! Maxie is too cute.. pity bout the states distance.. We're off to the animal Welfare league tomorrow.. its where we got Snoopy and all 3 of the cats from so we're more than happy with their service and their assistance after adoption! Wish me luck.. I have a few dogs in mind! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sayreovi Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Good luck with the search. Hope you find what you are looking for and don't forget to add pictures of the new dog! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pipsqueak Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Just wondering how you went??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smisch Posted August 27, 2009 Author Share Posted August 27, 2009 Just wondering how you went??? Well we headed out to meet a puppy BC X Kelpie who was 13 weeks old and then came home with an 18month old BC hahaha... We adopted a young male BC who was a stray, he is medium coat and has the strongest herding drive literally anything he will try and herd.. Jock was mousing the other nite and he was there tryign to herd jock and the cat.. His name funnily enough at the Shelter was Jock but we now call him Denver or Denny... Loevly dog, he's been a little unwell with kennel cough so basically no leaving the property for trials or training for the next 3 months really not happy there cos he was cleared of KC before we got him and then for him to get it :D As far as drive goes that is yet to be worked with.. atm Im trying to find what he truly drives for.. We like playing with a squeaky ball but then get sick of it after 10 min... I haven't had much working time with him yet due to TAFE and work and just letting him settle but over the weekend We'll do some training.. Someone has taught this dog manners.. He doesn't beg for food at all,Takes it so gentally when you offer it to him and he loves to work for it atm.. He will sit, drop and shake on command and he waits to be invited up onto the couch bed ect.. although he's learning his boundaries and realises my bed is a big free for all.. His personality is starting to shine through now he's on the mend.. he's a real clown who wants to please me.. So its a great start and everyone is happy wiht him... He may not be a top agility dog but there is poteinal for that, Herding and Obed.. I can't wait to see what the future holds.. Photos coming soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mym Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 COOL! Congratulations, as an aside, every dog in my beginners class was a rescue...best dogs ever! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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