FranVT Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 (edited) Just took the plunge and booked in with Steve for a weekend in December! Can't wait! :rofl: :eek: Atlas is a good dog but I need to learn how to be a strong / calm / assertive leader and I can't wait to be able to work with Atlas as a team rather than the kind of semi-battle we have going on now hahah. It's nearly 1600km away from where I live so that will be a very long drive - going to stop in Brisbane and pick up my bestie so she can come on the trip with me the rest of the way. Sooooo excited! Big thanks to Steve for replying promptly and being incredibly helpful with all my silly questions and rambling on about Atlas.... as I tend to do! Edited October 29, 2009 by FranCQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ons Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 is that Steve from K9 Force? if so he was a life saver to me when I was having problems with my boy being dominant towards me and his sister and a "I can do what I like" attitude. Now from techniques learnt, Onsy knows I'm the pack leader and we are a very happy generally harmonious family that has greatly expanded to include another dog and 3 cats and the odd occassional foster dog You will learn so much! I thought my drive of 6 hours was long but yours is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 is that Steve from K9 Force?if so he was a life saver to me when I was having problems with my boy being dominant towards me and his sister and a "I can do what I like" attitude. Now from techniques learnt, Onsy knows I'm the pack leader and we are a very happy generally harmonious family that has greatly expanded to include another dog and 3 cats and the odd occassional foster dog You will learn so much! I thought my drive of 6 hours was long but yours is Yep sorry Steve from K9 Force! Should have mentioned that... It's funny, I was thinking "ohh I'll stay in Bris Thurs night and drive to Kurrajong Heights Sat morning" then I googlemapped it and I was like 929km! Eeeek maybe better leave VERY early! Your issues sound very similar to mine - he thinks he can do what he likes (because we let him for ages! ), he is dominant towards other dogs and displays some dog aggression though I believe he is reactive not aggressive. Anyway, it's gonna be awesome, can't wait to learn lots of good techniques to make us a happy family as I would love to get another dog but at this point I wouldn't risk it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mym Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Can I add, if you want to take a break en route to Sydney, Halfway Creek (half way between Coffs and Grafton) has a big service station on the Left as you head south. Out the back is a huge area where you can run your dog while you eat breakfast! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Got Spots Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 oh oh oh I am going to the Camp Tailwaggers course in November - took the plunge and I can take my dogs with me. quite excited Also my trainer who I meet on next Friday knows Steve well and organised him to come to the Gold Coast YEAH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ons Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 I'd go down the New England Highway actually rather than the Pacific Highway. Quicker and better road imo. And you can chuck a left go under the bridge at Singleton and head up to Steve's that way. Lots of places that you can stop and give dogs run. And you can call into my place for a cuppa coz I'm just 5 mins from the New England Highway north of Tamworth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 Yep the NE was the plan for sure! I would have liked to go inland and avoid Brisbane except my mate who has graciously agreed to come along lives there plus I will need a rest! We are planning on leaving at around 3 or 4am on the Friday morning as our lesson is at 3pm. Allowing time for stops, will that be enough time? Also allowing for getting lost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ons Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Yep the NE was the plan for sure! I would have liked to go inland and avoid Brisbane except my mate who has graciously agreed to come along lives there plus I will need a rest!We are planning on leaving at around 3 or 4am on the Friday morning as our lesson is at 3pm. Allowing time for stops, will that be enough time? Also allowing for getting lost? I think it will take you about 12 hours at least. Can't you drive at least some of the way the day before, I'm sure there is some friendly dog accomodation somewhere. Otherwise you will be exhausted for the lesson. When I took Onsy and Tilly we went the afternoon and then the next morning. We stayed in a place that had accommodation in train carriages, it was cool, at Bilpin from memory! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 Yep the NE was the plan for sure! I would have liked to go inland and avoid Brisbane except my mate who has graciously agreed to come along lives there plus I will need a rest!We are planning on leaving at around 3 or 4am on the Friday morning as our lesson is at 3pm. Allowing time for stops, will that be enough time? Also allowing for getting lost? I think it will take you about 12 hours at least. Can't you drive at least some of the way the day before, I'm sure there is some friendly dog accomodation somewhere. Otherwise you will be exhausted for the lesson. When I took Onsy and Tilly we went the afternoon and then the next morning. We stayed in a place that had accommodation in train carriages, it was cool, at Bilpin from memory! THAT IS WHERE WE'RE STAYING! Madison's! Should be great. I will have a think about staying somewhere maybe at Glen Innes or something, but I really don't mind long drives I think I will be too excited to be tired and I will have my friend with me. And Red Bull :D We're going the next morning as well, at 9am, then head back to ?Bris after that or stay somewhere along the way. The plan is to get into Brisbane early afternoon, have a drink with my bro as it will be his birthday and he lives there, then get an early night say 6pm or so that way I will be rested to leave at 2am. I have done a few drives to Townsville, Cairns, Longreach and HEAPS to Brisbane so I am fairly experienced at long drives and know my limits also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayGee Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Yep the NE was the plan for sure! I would have liked to go inland and avoid Brisbane except my mate who has graciously agreed to come along lives there plus I will need a rest!We are planning on leaving at around 3 or 4am on the Friday morning as our lesson is at 3pm. Allowing time for stops, will that be enough time? Also allowing for getting lost? I think it will take you about 12 hours at least. Can't you drive at least some of the way the day before, I'm sure there is some friendly dog accomodation somewhere. Otherwise you will be exhausted for the lesson. When I took Onsy and Tilly we went the afternoon and then the next morning. We stayed in a place that had accommodation in train carriages, it was cool, at Bilpin from memory! THAT IS WHERE WE'RE STAYING! Madison's! Should be great. I will have a think about staying somewhere maybe at Glen Innes or something, but I really don't mind long drives I think I will be too excited to be tired and I will have my friend with me. And Red Bull We're going the next morning as well, at 9am, then head back to ?Bris after that or stay somewhere along the way. The plan is to get into Brisbane early afternoon, have a drink with my bro as it will be his birthday and he lives there, then get an early night say 6pm or so that way I will be rested to leave at 2am. I have done a few drives to Townsville, Cairns, Longreach and HEAPS to Brisbane so I am fairly experienced at long drives and know my limits also. Fran, you'll love the trip and Madisons is a fantastic place to stay. Their breakfast baskets are huge, will do you for a couple of meals! We'd have the cereal and toast for breaky. Then use the bacon, eggs and tomatoes for a big fry up later in the day. The alpaccas are gorgeous, but watch the chooks, they follow you around like dogs. No matter how many trips you do from the barbie back to your accommodation, you'll have four little red chooks right behind you. I'll see if I can find some pics for you. Good idea to get away early, we didn't get to Madisons on our first trip down till quite late at night, and did have a bit of difficulty finding them in the dark. We had such a great time the first time, we actually planned our next visit to Sydney to include a couple of days back at Madisons. Don't forget your camera! We did the trip down to Steve about 3 years ago from Brisbane. It's something I've never regretted, and was the best money I've ever spent on Jeddah. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 Ohhh wow, Atlas would think those chooks look like juicy morsels I think! Where do the dogs stay at Madison's? Do you keep them with you? We will probably go straight to Steve's from Brisbane, then check in at Madison's afterwards I think. Mmmm breaky basket! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 This is what we're dealing with. Rocky - Bris is 616km, Bris - Kurrajong Heights is 950 = 1566km. Thanks google maps! Glad I have you on my iPhone too! Better remember to bring Atlas' "bully" toy, there shall be much sleeping on the trip for him I believe! (Gratuitous cute dog shot) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quickasyoucan Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Now that's what I call commitment. Steve sorted out our problems (well the dog related ones ) will definitely be worth the VERY VERY long drive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 That is what am I told by various and numerous sources, so am happy to make the drive. My OH (who actually owns Atlas "technically") thinks I am absolutely mad. Must not break out the 'well if your dog had reliable recall maybe he wouldn't have been under the wheels of a 4wd recently!' Too soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macka Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 Wow, that is quite a drive! Good luck! We went to see Steve 3 months ago and I wish we had done it sooner! Our problem's weren't major, just annoying, but now they are gone. And Leia seems happier for it too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted October 30, 2009 Author Share Posted October 30, 2009 Yep our problems aren't really major either, it is mostly me that needs training I reckon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted December 3, 2009 Author Share Posted December 3, 2009 2 weeks today! I can't wait! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macka Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 Are you going to do Steve's puppy course with your new pup? I recommend it - I am doing it atm with mine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted December 4, 2009 Author Share Posted December 4, 2009 I TOTALLY would, except that I live a very long way away from Steve and it's not very convenient! If I can do it by distance I will. The puppy preschool at my obedience was really good - this time I'm going to keep going into beginners straight away (or as soon as possible) though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macka Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I TOTALLY would, except that I live a very long way away from Steve and it's not very convenient! If I can do it by distance I will. The puppy preschool at my obedience was really good - this time I'm going to keep going into beginners straight away (or as soon as possible) though It is by distance - I am doing it by distance. I live in Sydney but I still consider Steve reasonably far away! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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