Henrietta

For sure, there is lots to think about. And perhaps a lot can be said for choosing a breeder that either trains and competes with their own dogs or has had a lot of success with their dogs in other homes and knowledge of what is required within that particular breed to have a sound dog for active pursuits.

Overshot or undershot jaws mean life long veterinary tooth cleaning too. Pet or not, I'd not want a dog with one (whether the breed standard calls for it or not) I'd really like to see rescuers educated in structural issues too. No point in advertising young working breeds and mixes as "great agility prospects" if structually they have big issues. It happens. And this is the thing PF. I am having to really reconsider some breeds that I may have been interested in for a future agility/obedience prospect. One of which I was really, really interested in. I'm really just Joe Bloe Public when it comes to this sort of thing. Lots to think about and lots to research. I would love to rescue one day as well, but I'd need to have the knowledge to analyse a potential dog's structure. The bottom line is that, above all else, I want an active and sound companion, even if we never set foot into a sporting ring. Edit - At least one thing is for sure, I may be able to start to interpret breed standards a bit better now.

Huski - I remembered seeing something on the ADAA website in the Events Calendar so I had a look and I found a linky - http://www.pads.org.au/sites/default/files/Seminar.pdf I thoroughly enjoyed reading my new book last night. I am amazed at some of the implications of structure. For example - an undershot jaw can increase stress on the lower back in dogs that do Obedience, Agility, Retrieving etc. Oh, and the Norwegian Lundehund that is mentioned a couple of times so far in the book is just... amazing.

Ahhh!! It arrived today. I've just got in from work. I've flicked through it very briefly and it looks awesome! I know what I'll be doing tonight curled up with a hot chocolate. Edit - I also bought Dr Christine Zink's Peak Performance, but I'm still waiting on that.

I just ordered this and am waiting for it to arrive! The other week I posted a thread about some resources to do with structure and physical fitness/soundness and Erny had said she had seen this book on Amazon that looked very interesting but she couldn't vouch for it herself because she had seen it. It did indeed look interesting, but I'm glad to hear that the author has had such a glowing review. If Pat Hastings was to have another seminar, would it be of value to a complete noob? I can't wait to receive the book, I just hope I can understand the concepts. This is where I need to start hanging out at shows, I think.

The same thing happened to my mum. Yes, I'm sure there are many like us. It would be just wonderful if we could prevent this kind of thing happening and give dogs and their owners the best chance for a harmonious life, where the world is neither dangerous nor daunting. It was certainly a lesson learnt the hard way for me. Sorry - gone slightly OT.

I massively failed in socialising my girl. Yes, we went to puppy school and yes we went to training, but at the time I didn't have the number of dog savvy friends with dogs like PF is describing, that I do now. The puppy school and training school we went to did not help in this area. I had a dog that was fearful, but I was constantly being told that she would grow out of it. And it felt like this happened 'suddenly' when in reality it didn't, I just missed/misread the signs. Ultimately, it was my fault for not going with my own gut instinct. My personal bit of advice is that if you have any concern about your new dog/pup and you are worried - seek good quality help. There are many great dog clubs that can help, but even if it means a behaviourist that comes with good recommendations. It may seem like overkill, but if you are not comfortable and confident in what you are doing, please just ask for help. Even if your fears end up being unfounded. It not worth it to overlook a potential problem, try and pretend it's not there or take advice that you feel is not quite right. It may lead to much heartache for owners, not to mention the effect on the dog. Socialisation before and after my dogs come home to me is not something I will ever take for granted again. Edit to add something

My grandmother's whippet is a world champion at cuddling. Whole body cuddles on the couch. If invited he will stand up on his back legs whilst you are on the couch and stretch his arms over your shoulder and nestle his face under your neck. Very, very affectionate dog. I'm actually not used to affection on this scale, so it was a bit of a shock at first. Our staffy cross is quite good at cuddling up on the floor or couch and she is a great smoocher. She's been like this all her life. She just doesn't have the same gusto and enthusiasm as the whippet. She is graceful about it all whereas he is a tool. But she really wants to be around her people. My chi x is not a cuddly dog really. She'll curl up with me to get warm and she loves her being massaged and scratched, but she's not a fan of cuddling up with you. Occasionally she will get a little sooky. Those moments are nice and pretty special. Edit - She does those lovely 'I love you' stretches quite often. That's just what I call them.

For those who are doing the course, how is it all going? Would it be nearly over by now? I'm thinking about doing this next time 'round and would love some feedback.

Gotta say, I love the name!! Congrats on the new pup.

My car is a disgrace. Full of dog stuff - toys, leads, collars, poo bags, clickers (I have these coming out of my ears), paper, pens which are mostly for dog stuff, books. Crates. I have many crates and some don't leave the car unless I have passengers. I do have a box full of toys at home and a basket at the front door for leads, collars and poo bags. Grooming stuff is in my room. Towels are stacked in the laundry - not very attractively. Shampoo in the laundry cupboard. I know I need help - especially with the car. It is a serious mess. This thread is great for ideas!

PM Troy - I think he can turn off-topic off for you.

Hi rhy, I think a good place to start for the kind of info you are after is this thread here. http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...=179286&hl= I'd be popping into the Poodle thread as well. http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=86415 Good luck!

I don't really use mine inside at home, in fact I rarely have them set up inside. When I do, it's usually winter and I make them nice and warm and they do choose to hang out there. I ocassionally get my girl to sleep in a crate, I've never had a problem with her stressing out, she very much likes it. I don't think she would choose it over the bed, but it's certainly the second best option! I do use them a lot at home and at training for motivation and games (Susan Garrett's Crate Games etc) and it's great fun. My girl was not crate trained from a young pup, I think she was between 9 and 12ish months before I decided it was a good idea (I'm a little slow :p) and I believe that Crate Games is the reason why she loves her crate so much. My other dog was even older, but she took to the crate like a duck to water. I believe I just shoved her bedding in and left her to decide it was an awesome thing. It took all of 2 seconds before she went in and I just made it a very special place for her over a long period of time. It's a great training exercise too, when your brain is a big blob that won't work, but you need to get something done because they are easy and fun. Sometimes I struggle with making training fun for my dogs, I have to put in a lot of extra effort which takes a lot of extra thought... Crate Games I can almost do in my sleep and we manage to have fun. Sometimes, on an exhausting day, I just cop out and do some Crate Games and play and call it a day! I think they are a great in emergencies... truly I am relieved that they are crate trained. Makes for easy confinement in the event of injury and post-surgery rest or other necessity. I know I can drive away in an emergency and have them safely and comfortably confined, no matter where we have to go. I voted 'another bed' and 'other'.

That's awesome! I wonder if we will ever 'know' or if it'll be a mystery forever?

Oh, I love her posts about her dogs too!

My older dog has never been difficult, whereas my younger tends to push boundaries and become anxious if I'm too lax. Different set of rules. I'd like to say that my older dog has the 'granny' rule, but truth be told she has always had pretty relaxed rules because that's just the type of dog she is. Cruisy. My little one will probably still have the same rules when she is 20 years old. It's certainly NILIF for her, but I cannot say she misses out on anything - she is allowed on the bed/couch invite only. But she thrives on having clear boundaries, whereas the older girl is just a really content dog.

Thanks guys, I have noted these down for further investigation.

I miss being able to wear black with confidence. I have a shedder that happens to be fawn/cream so now most of my clothes are tan/cream. Even if I never wear my black items around the house and only put them on when I am just about to go somewhere I still end up with some hair. It has well and truly infiltrated the place. And white sheets? Not a hope.

Thanks SSM, that video was very interesting. I was surprised about the heart - 1/3 bigger than an average heart. I'm really just at the stage of wanting to know the absolute basics before branching out into any specific breed knowledge and truth be told, I don't have a 'breed' yet. I know absolutely nothing about structure, function and movement. I will definitely look into 'Dog Steps'. Thanks Erny, I will check out the Book Depository

Thanks again, Erny. It looks really good. I searched Dogwise as well, because sometimes they have the 'Dig in' function and you can see the contents page and sample pages. http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DAN125 Linky to Pat Hastings - Structure in Action

Thank you, Erny. When I buy books from Amazon/Dogwise I am in danger of coming away with more than intended, but it is fun to make wish lists too.

Hello. Could anyone please recommend me some books or other resources about the importance of structure and what it means for physical activity in dogs and also just about general fitness. I popped this thread in here because I thought it may be a subject of interest for the performance/show folk... Thanks. Edit for dreadful spelling

I have one dog that simply is not allowed near children and the other who just adores children (and puppies for that matter). I've actually never run into problems of this kind, but then I am usually shunning all other human and canine life forms when I'm out with the little dog. I've had kids pat the older girl, but it's not that common and I'm always aware that it may happen. Most kids have seemed to ask as far as I can remember. I am grateful to my parents. I managed to grow up without ever being bitten (perhaps dumb luck?), but at the same time having a healthy respect for, and knowing how to act around dogs. I remember walking to the shops with my friend in high school when she approached a dog that was tied up. It was barking and carrying on and when my friend went closer, the dog was much more uncomfortable. I told her that the dog was not happy and she should not approach it. By the time she heeded my warning, the dog was displaying pretty obvious signals. Now, don't get me started on folks that tie their dogs up - I detest the practice and I believe it is a real risk factor for attacks and a safety risk for everyone. But, the point of my story was that my 17 year old friend could not tell that the dog was very uncomfortable. No idea. And the signals were not subtle. I think it's so important for parents to teach their kids the basics, even if they are not 'dog' people.

My girl sleeps with me. I go to bed fairly late, although I find it's getting earlier and earlier. We go out for a last bedtime pee (the only one that I actually go outside for) but this is because we lock the house up and I don't tend to get up during the night, so I'd like her to not feel the need to go. If she is tired, you will find her quite content napping away on the floor/big teddy bear or bed depending on the weather/time of year. Edit - my girl just bounces out of bed when I do, but is also happy to sleep in on the odd occasion. Sometimes she stares at me with eyes that I'm sure are saying, 'let's go back to bed', but dangle the car keys or show her a lead and she quickly decides that she is quite happy to be up.