Cleo's Corgwyn

Consiering how wrong people get these common breeds, I guess its hardly surprising that I get so many variations! My lovely red brindle Cardigan Welsh Corgi gets; * Corgi cross (perfectly understandable if all you've ever see is a red and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi) and all the variations - royal dog, the queens dog, etc * Staffy cross - again, I guess if the only brindle dog you've known are 'Staffy' variants, I can kinda understand * Fox (well they are described as having a fox like tail in the breed standard) * and my favourite, from a woman who's ill -favoured cross breed terrier was a 'Pure Bred Jack Russell' - to which I politely smiled, was that my girl was *obviously* a bassett hound cross. SHort, heavy set legs I can understand (where she thought the amazing upright ears came from I don't know!) but she insisted that she was right, and had been duped in some fashion about getting pure bred papers. I smiled politely and left her to it! I've gotten quite good at reciting my little spiel, "She's a Cardigan Welsh corgi, There's 2 different breeds of Corgi, the Pembroke, like the Queen has, and the Cardigan, which is....."

LOL, I think you're all underestimating your dogs! Wuffles, Ava was looking awesome for her first week back. Remember she's still barely out of puppyhood, andd you two have a lovely working relationship. That instructor can be a little abrupt, but doesn't really mean it that way. Ava's stays in the face of all those distractions were great. I was in stitches just watching the expression on Shandy's little face - she's already had some problems with that instructor, and obviously thought all the crawling was nuts! Wait til you see how badly things can go at a trial on Friday night! :p We work with animals - if we can't accept the challenges that a thinking creature throws at us, we'd stick to computers! KumaAkita - you might need to stick to *very* short training sessions with Kuma - ie if hes does it right once, lots of praise and leave it. Its something I've struggled to learn with Shandy. Cardi's were bred to think independantly while herding cattle around the hills of Wales, and if I ask her to do something too many times, its almost like I've insulted her! So we do it 2-3 times at most, and if she's right, we leave it. KTB, I have some really cool finger clickers, with a little band that slips over your finger that might make it easier for you to juggle. Remind me next week, and I'll lend you one to try. A group of us who instruct (and yes, that includes OH & Elbie's instructor ) have been playing around with clicker techniques over the break, and when you see how much you can achieve when you get it right, it does tend to make you a little evangelical. I know its hard to juggle all the accessories though. Ange (Pepper and Rosie's owner) is talking about doing a proper clicker seminar soon, so you might get to see some of what we've been working on. We all have our crosses to bear with our dogs - mine is the aforementioned independant thought. Shandy is a very smart dog, and in general is so much fun to train (but then I was used to working with Ridgebacks!) but every now and then, she thinks things through a little too much and comes up with a *better* way of doing things! You have to laugh - and love 'em anyway! The butcher I've been buying from at Belconnen Fresh Food Markets has had some really nice dog bone bags. Its the one next to PetBarn, and the bags have great little non fatty rib section in it, which Shandy loves. I also find the whole BARF/Raw concept worthy, but too hard and complex, so I feed a high quality kibble, and add eggs, yoghurt, sardines and vegies as well as bones on an ad hoc basis.

Oops, sorry KTB, I didn't mean to confuse Hoover! He and Mars both did very well today. All the dogs were a bit overstimulated today, being first class back. Wuffles, Ava, was looking good today. Her heeling is lovely, and I'm sure you'll do well when you give trialling a go. Max #1, I wouldn't worry too much about it - I think the dogs do miss all the sights and smells of class, and find it exciting to go back. The triallers at my club kept training over Christmas, but tried out some different locations to do some proofing for the dogs. The first night we moved back to our club, you could almost see all the dogs sigh in relief to be back on familiar ground! And to keep this in a photo frame, here's one that was taken yesterday at a fun training session/ coffee get together. And yes, those at BDOC should recognise all the dogs!

You're so *lucky* to have such a well behaved Dog! - nevermind the 3 or 4 days a week I'm at a training class, an the extra sessions we do at home, and the hours I put into researching the right breed and the right dog for me! I'm also the crazy dog lady at work, but thankfully I've been pretty lucky so far and most questions have been sensible, and good advice generally taken.

KA, nice to see you at training tonight - there was certainly a big dog club there early tonight! KTB, you are eveeeeel! BUt we'll see you on Sunday. As for phobias AND furbies, did I ever tell you how we psychologically scarred a Furby? We bought one on sale, purely to have a look at the AI. My old siamese cat took against it, and used to lurk behind it , peering at its face, and smack it on the head everytime it opened its eyes. It got to the point that it woul start screaming 'MONSTERS' every time it opened its eyes again, and refused to say anything else - one psychologically scarred Furby!

yep, always the way! I always tell my obedience classes that I'll know their dogs name, but probably not theirs! I'm trying both the fringe skirt and a jingly coin scarf, to see which one she seems to accept best.

That's great, Raelene, I'm looking forward to seeing you both! Ihope you'll enjoy it as much as we have!

Thanks Luvsdogs! Shandy is a great do to work with, especially since I only got her, and started training her as an adult. I'm still not sure how well my oriental themed routine will go down, but we're having lots of fun. SO many dogs were just amazing to watch, in their own ways that day!

Were you at the workshop 2-3 weeks ago in Sydney CleoJ? Your corgi looks familiar. If so i was there with my very naughty border collie. Yes, Shandy & I did the workshop in Sydney with Vickie and Loretta. I learnt so much that day! Now I'm just trying to screw up my courage to compete!

KTB, if you're in my Bronze class this session, at least Hoover will know the instructor dog! Plus remember all the beginners classes get smooshed into a couple of bronze classes, together with repeats. Hoover will be fine, he's such a well socialised pup. I'm looking forward to going back to class too - unfortunately, Thursday triallers class is starting at 6pm, which I think I will struggle to make it to from work, especially on days when I'm teaching a class. We've had a great time over the break, focusing on our own dogs training, so I think a few of us are suffering from mixed emotions, as we're really going to miss the classes we had time for over the break! The infighting in rescue organisations can be very sad - but you get it in almost any organisation, where people are convinced that their way is right, and I think its only complicated by the emotive aspect of rescue. Everyone - great pics, its lovely to see so many glossy, healthy, happy pups! Oh, and anyone in Canberra who's interested, or knows someone who's interested, in Dances with Dogs, I've put the information up about our next beginners intake in the training forum. I'm seriously thinking about entering a competition in March

You might want to have a chat to Caroline, who's often in the office at our club about her Shelties - she does agility and flyball with hers. There were a couple of Tibbies at the club as well, but I can't remember whether I've seen them recently. They quite appeal to me, even as a person who's not generally into small dogs. If you're interested in Papillons too, the woman who runs the grooming place at Kippax has a couple who are generally in the shop with her. Its lots of fun considering breeds, isn't it? BUt go with your gut instinct as well. I narrowe down my shortlist, but something about the Cardi's just gelled with me when I did the breed meet and greet, and if the Shelties are appealing to you - well, you're the one who has to live with them!

Yep, I can personally say I've had sooo much fun with this! As someone who likes to do a lot of trick training with my dog, this is such a fun thing to do with your dog. Its been lovely to watch the dogs enjoy it too - tails wagging, and so much eagerness to go. I'm looking at even competing sometime soon. BC4Me, I'll pass on the message!

DANCES with DOGS – is active in Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounds. Come along and see what it’s all about. Dances with Dogs (DWD), isn’t really about dancing (no tutus, ballet slippers or waltz partnering) – rather it’s about stepping out with your dog, moving and performing tricks (like spins, leg weaves and rollovers) to the beat of a piece of music you select. In class you will learn lots of tricks (that suit you and your dog), how to selecting and editing suitable music you really like and building a routine. All training has a positive, motivational base and uses rewards NOT punishment. DWD is a lot of fun and definitely enhances the bonds and control you have with your dog. You may join simply to learn, play and socialise. However, for those interested, there are also ANKC sanctioned competitions and titles. Competition levels commence with Beginners performing routines between 1 and 1&1/2 minutes only; and progress through Novice and Intermediate to Advanced (which has a maximum of 4 minute routines). We even have international video clip comps for the very keen. So ... when & where? Training: is held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings – choose the day that suits you best. Blocks of classes run for 7 to 8 weeks, and we often have some half-day seminars on a weekend for those interested. · The more advanced group train from 7:00 to 8:00 pm; and · New-starters from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. Tuesday the 8th and Wednesday the 9th of February at 8:00 pm are introductory nights for new starters – there are no charges this night. Please bring your dog. You are welcome to come early and watch the more advanced group train. However, as dogs in class are generally working off-lead, I ask that new-starters keep their dogs outside until the more advanced class is finished and their dogs either crated or put in cars etc. Venue: The large pavilion at the Queanbeyan Show Grounds; entry via the gates on Glebe Ave, Queanbeyan. If you have any questions, or would like a location map emailed to you, please email our head instructor, Tony Turner ([email protected]) or call him on 0403 640 576. ******************************

Looks like great fun! I'm sorry I couldn't get organised enough for Shandy and I to join you now, it looks like you all had a great time. Its great when a group of dogs all get on so well, its one thing we've enjoyed about the small trialling classes we've been running over the break - that the dogs all have such fun together.

I'd grown up with Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and always enjoyed the training aspect (frustrating though that may be with a RR ) So after having gone for aquite a few years unable to have a dog, when I was finally in a position to have my own agan, a breed that I could get into training with was one of my criteria, as well as wanting a small - medium sized breed. I researched and narrowed down my list, met dogs at shows and obedience clubs, and absolutely fell for the Cardigan Corgi! I wanted to do dog sports, but purely for fun. So my girl is a pet first, but doing quite nicely in obedience and now DWD. We dabble in agility and have just been certified as a therapy team. I'm an obedience instructor (ably assisted by Shandy!) and we have lots of fun with whatever we do. My next dog will also be a Cardi, as the breed suits us so well as a pet, but will be chosen even more with sports in mind.

Thanks Terranik for clarifying my late night reply - I simply meant each exercise without rewarding/ praising in the middle! Another thing I find works for me, on the topic of not focusing on your dog during stays, is to look around, and sing (internally!). I use Row, row, row your boat, as a round of that is about 10 seconds, so I can also keep track of time! You'll be better prepared than I was at my first trial - my old club didn't even do ring run throughs like we do!

A couple of considerations; What sort of energy level does Ava work best at? (ie does she need to be tired out a bit, or kept fresh in a crate until show time) *Have you one enough practice of entire sequences without praise reward? (I'm pretty sure you're right, but it can be confusing for some dogs) *Double trials can be very tiring, (for people and dogs!) but take a crate, and keep her quiet between trials, and they generally go OK. You can always withdraw from the PM trial if you don't feel up to it. *Don't forget a chair for you, and a crate for the dog, and shade if required. Another biggie to remember is a pin/armband for your competitor number (a safety pin is fine to start with) If you'd like to watch from a competitors viewpoint, a few of us will be competing in the CCD evening trial in Feb, and you're welcome to come and sit with us and watch as a potential trialler, and ask questions as we go....

I know, I was a nervous wreck at my first trial, and still worry Shandy with my nervous vibe at trials, but the more I can convince myself its fun, the better we do! But there's sooo many more things that can go wrong at CD, when its all off leash! I think I'm a little mad for thinking about trialling in Dances with Dogs as well!

I'd always grown up with big dogs, and am really not keen on small dogs (having spent too much time at dogs shows as a toddler) and my husband had daschunds. We also wanted something small- medium, as we don't have a big house or yard. I wanted to get into dog sports properly, so I wanted something trainable and eager to work, but with an off switch. My list included a lot of the smaller gun breeds, the lappie and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. From the moment we seriously looked at the Cardi's, pretty much everything else was left behind. I love that they have the lovely, laid back 'big dog' temperament in a medium sized body with short legs. I love the fact that they're smart, with a twist of independant thinking (sometimes too much, when she comes up with her own way of doing things in comps!). I like that they are a capable watch dog, with a good deep bark, but not yappy, that they are aloof with strangers, but quick to be friendly after a proper 'introduction'. And we both love their sense of humour - its a weird quality in a dog, but definitely present in the Cardis!

3 and 6 Feb is the correct return date, and I just got notification that the grounds are officially reopened as of today. The grass didn't get resurfaced because of the rain. Wuffles, I'm sure you'll be fine - just don't put too much pressure on yourselves!

Yes, it was a lovely Yum Cha lunch today. Even my anti-social OH enjoyed all the geek chat! Wuffles, its definitely been nice to continue doing some training over the xmas break. We were lucky that a couple of the senior instructors are trialling young dogs and wanted to keep up training themselves. I'm getting together with some of te other girls tomorrow for training/ coffee, which should be fun too! Glad to hear everyone had a nice New years, and Xmas. Shandy as nearly finished destroying the cheap xmas toy that was bought for that purpose - she can be quite surgical and intent about it once she gets started!

Great pics everyone - Ruby swimming and with her rellies, the adorable little vampire dobe, and Ava, Satch and Raz having such a great time. For anyone who doesn't frequent loldogs, I wanted to share a couple of recent one that reminded me of dogs on here; this one reminded me of Ava's markings and this one reminded me of Elbies' worried look Shandy is a tired little corgi, as we had a trialling class tonight, so she finally had a decent training session, and got to have a big run around with a bunch of her doggy friends! EF Typos!

We're always up for Yum Cha - but I still say Master So's at Kippax is some of the nicest we've tried in Canberra. They make it to order, though, but its always lovely and fresh.

My girl doesn't get walked every day, but then again, she's generally at training at least 3 sessions a week, plus trials, etc, and will soon start fortnightly hospital visits with Delta. She's generally more more tired and satisfied after an hour of obedience training and a hoon around with the other instructors dogs than she is from any kind of walk!

Hey All, re dances with dogs; yes Shandy is a corgi (she's a Cardigan, so a little bigger than the pembrokes most people are used to seeing) And yes, the short legs do make some things a challenge! There's lot's of freedom putting routines together; essentially, there are two types of competition, Heelwork to Music (HTM) and Canine Freestyle (CF). HTM requires the dog to be in an accepted DWD heel position for at least (I think the right stat) 70% of the routine. IN DWD heeling isn't just on the left side going forward, they can also heel on the right, going backwards, and across your body (front or back) as you move sideways. You need a certain number of heeling positions per routine, depending on your level, and you need lots of transition moves to get your dog into the different heeling positions. ie a half spin can be used to get the dog following you as you move backwards, a leg weave can be used to get your dog from your left to your right side, etc. A lot of the basics are pretty common, but you're welcome to invent your own, if you can! Freestyle is a lot more open to interpretation - pretty much anything goes to music, as long as it doesn't look dangerous or uncomfortable for the dog, and you can't dress the dog in anything but decorated collars. You can do moving or stationary leg weaves, jumps, moving on the dogs hind legs, props, etc etc. Novice level routines only have to be about 1 minute 15, and we have a routine well started, so I hope to compete next year. More info than I'm sure you all wanted, but its actually great fun, especially for those of us who like to put the tricks we teach to good use! And Niques, great pics of James KTB - I love the cheeky faced pic of Hoover, and Elbie always looks so focused, and vaguely tramatised - I know its just because he's waiting for that treat, but he cracks me up! You're unlikely to see videos of me - I dislike having pics of me public, professionally and personally!