RubyBlue

Labradors All black so far...

the look on the boxers face after is priceless....

You don't need to do that with the labs - it doesn't matter how full they are they are still just as keen for the next morsel Though come to think of it....I recon my hands come out of the training sessions more intact when shes not so hungry :p Wilbur was born broken; he wasn't at all food motivated. We had to teach him to be food motivated and still doesn't 'perform' well unless partially hungry. He doesn't refuse food if it's on offer for free when he's full but won't 'perform' for it. I've heard about these broken labs - I thought they were an urban myth :p I have found that despite my dog being willing to work for anything there are definitely foods which are higher value for her (cheese, devon, roast chicken and frankfurters mostly) which produce a much more motivated response. She also likes a tennis ball but it is too much for her (her brain goes into overload and the system freezes) but only feigns a mild interest in a tug. You'll just have to play around until you can work out what he really wants. or....just keep starving him :D

You don't need to do that with the labs - it doesn't matter how full they are they are still just as keen for the next morsel Though come to think of it....I recon my hands come out of the training sessions more intact when shes not so hungry :p

Yep - no crumbs in my house :D

I'm always concerned of a housefire whilst I'm away. A year or so ago someone deliberately burnt down a council house not too far from me. Seeing the burnt washing hanging on the line even months later gave me the creeps. The thought that my pets could die in a fire trapped in the house is a bit of a hang up of mine. Unless some one is around to let them out I'd much rather they be outside.

...What a good little man I can only hope when I get mine he will have such good manners

Ooooh! Ive only ever seen pictures of them. They look like hansom dogs. Will she be a pet or do you have a flock for guarding? My flock consists of my husband and me, my older boy Zeke, and my other assorted pets - no livestock to guard but plenty of birds! My girl will be my pet and companion primarily. In the flesh they are utterly magnificent dogs, and those that I've met have the most stunning temperaments So hyped up I've actually got a list I'm keeping of all the places to take her :D Tara would love to see photos too! Ah - another birdo :)Ive an ekky (1 - I don't think I could cope with more) I never thought about a list of places, I was just going to go everywhere. If things go to plan the puppy I am getting is a singleton so I should start a list of safe places until vaccinated...then everywhere . Do you have a name yet? Am thinking 'Dyson' should suit a large male lab.

That is GOLD:-) I thought it was a red head.... :p

Ah - I recon that is just a lack of information or mis-information from the petshop staff. I think I remember somewhere about there needing to be 5 or 6 generations of breeding dogs that look the same to start a breed so two parents of the same mix definitely doesn't count for purebred puppies.

Do you mean as in definitions of terms? wiki recons: - 'purebred' is one that closely resembles others of the same breed - 'pedigree' is where the lineage is recorded Im assuming that 'crossbred' is the result of two 'purebred' or 'pedigree' dogs of different breeds.

You could also try some foraging toys - or just toys. I have a tendency to scavenge when I'm bored.

Hope you have a great time - if you can cope with holding a camera aswell as an excited puppy we'd love to see some pictures.

Ooooh! Ive only ever seen pictures of them. They look like hansom dogs. Will she be a pet or do you have a flock for guarding?

Haha - all the time. Im sure Ive seen "pure-bred" on the window of a petshop 'oodle' cage...more than once.

Agreed. Both my male and female have been the complete opposite of what they are said to be. I'd prefer a male next time purely because with a female dog, cat, parrot and two housemates we desperately need some testosterone.

Go Dezzy

Thanks guys I can't make this. Im supposed to be going up to Wagga on the 23rd Can someone please direct me to some information about the trial this weekend? I have Saturday free so would like to go. TSD - Ill PM you about training. Cheers

Good news

oh I nearly fell of my chair

:rofl: :rofl: "That could be very demotivating and cause me to pee on some bushes" :rofl: :rofl: "Do not forget to bring the food" :rofl: :rofl: Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant!!!!!

Hi all, I am hopefully getting a new pup at the end of the year and would really like to give retrieving a go. Is there a club I can join or information sessions I can go to or does anyone train in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Apart from this thread - I haven't the foggiest idea where to even start. Cheers, RB

Sorry to hear this - at least she is not in any pain.

You could try 'crate games' with her - might help her to feel more comfortable in her crate.

Very cute