The Spotted Devil

No words seem sufficient Run free in the sunshine little girl. Hugs for you and your crew DD.

Sorry Maddy but that is absolutely priceless :laugh:

Poor little poppet. Hugs to you both

Definitely look at what works for you. When I was having real trouble tugging with Zig I would pull out an awesome tug toy as I walked in the door - he'd be super excited and revved up so it was a perfect way to get over the don't wanna don't hafta moments. And of course tugging meant FUN. Gradually I started tugging him out the front door and could introduce more boring tugs - saving his favourite tugs for other challenging environments. You could easily do a session when you get home (maybe review the day before?) and then a session later on in the evening. Then maybe feed dinner and call it a day. If you decide to do a morning session (they will get up!) maybe review the night before so you don't feel rushed.

Poor lass - what a blessed retirement she has had DD!

I don't know enough to comment on specifics but I don't think the RSPCA has much choice but to seize the dog in order to prosecute. The problem is they don't own the dog so it has to be held in their temporary custody and can't be fostered out. I have had this discussion a few times with the view of doing some research into the behaviour and welfare of seized dogs. And no - domestic pets unfortunately have very few rights.

And English Springer Spaniels are just plain bonkers.

I am thinking 2-3 5 min sessions per day with each dog which is easy to work in with what I already do. Currently I'm writing up my thesis at home so it's a perfect way to get me off the computer at regular intervals. Previously these courses have been bad timing for me, financially and practically, but this is perfect. superminty

I'm there! Mr TSD made me, bless him. Told me it was a great tax deduction Have just replied to you :D

Thank goodness! Or not - now I've got no excuse lol

Ha Tassie! Kavik - do you need FB to sign up? SG's site needs FB to comment but I SO don't want to go there.

I have used the SG concept to teach steadiness in retrieving trials - so Em absolutely holds a sit whilst birds are flying in front of her. Ok, so she might be literally shaking with anticipation... :D

So…..I had budgeted $2K for a recond gear box for my car. It's come in under half that so I may have just found the justification for doing Recallers :D

As a good friend to me said when my dearest Burmese girl died last year: it is what it is That really sums up the inexplicable waves of grief that wash over you. It's simultaneously sad and special when they come home. Take care CM.

There is the added complication of insurance. It is my understanding that breed clubs in Victoria are not covered for any claims arising out of dogs rescued and re-homed.

We are all getting cabin fever here…my car is having the engine replaced (yep! fortunately mechanic's insurance is paying) but I have been without a "dog" car since last Monday and will be without one for another week most likely. Training at home is getting creative but it's been good to really push her understanding of taking the line. Unfortunately it also means I'm going to miss out on the retrieving trial this weekend. Completely bummed about it - such a great trial site and there's been no local trials for a few months so we are getting restless!

Aiden, yes the uncertainty around titre testing from my own reading is why I do a 3 yearly vax with annual check ups.

We occasionally have friends over with/without kids that are either not good with dogs or are very inconsistent. My dogs do get excited but are pretty well mannered. I will pop them in a crate at times so as not to overwhelm non dog savvy folk. The dogs also seem quite relieved!

Even my cats are fed separately. And away from the dogs!

Have a wonderful time! I get through the nerves by thinking how much my dog needs me out there. Stuff everything else including onlookers and passes :D I loved being immersed in agility at the last Nationals and my handling definitely improved under those conditions.

This is how I approach it... When the visitors arrive ensure the dog is away. Take this time to explain to your guests what you want them to do. Tell them they will get a glass of lemonade or wine (as appropriate!) for helping. Bring the dog out on leash. This is about giving the dog a choice so you do nothing but hold the end of the leash and anchor your hand at your waist. Use your core strength. Your visitor will approach the dog. The second the dog's front paws leave the ground your visitor is to turn their back and walk away. Rinse and repeat until the dog has 4 paws on the ground. Then the dog receives a pat but any jumping up sends the visitor away again. It is easier to demonstrate so I hope that makes sense :)

Learning is often very important - for example a dog is fearful or anxious (around food or dogs or people) - the dog growls and the human/dog leaves him alone. Thus the dog has LEARNT that growling creates distance and the behaviour is reinforced. Or, the classic case of a dog that has been punished for growling so the aggressive behaviour escalates - you don't get the warning growl anymore just the bite. Sounds like you need a darn good behaviourist. Medication can help but only combined with a behavioural modification program.

jesse, my field bred ESS has got the most monstrous prey drive for birds, rabbits and cats and one of her close relatives is used to locate feral cats in the top end. At home, however, it's a different story... She's hopeless with the chooks but I have made zero effort to socialise my dogs with them. I'm not sure how she'd go with a bird in the house but I suspect it depends on how you introduce them and socialise the pup.

Thanks to this thread I had a sudden burst of inspiration for registered names!

Fabulous! Thanks so much!