wuffles

It's a big misconception that all dogs that bark are mistreated. Some dogs just like the sound of their own voices.

Food bowls are metal because they last forever and are easy to clean. Outside water bowl is ceramic because they like to dig in their water and the heavier, the better to avoid it being tipped over.

Mine eat watermelon (will even eat the skin if I let them) but their absolute favourite fruit is apple.

I'm not saying we should all go out and debark our dogs for the sake of it, but as a last resort I certainly think it is an acceptable option, with no need to "feel sorry" for the dog (just like I don't "feel sorry" for them when they get the chop!)

Are your dogs desexed? That's quite a big operation to put our dogs through for our own convenience. Not trying to be controversial, just putting forward some alternate thoughts :)

We use Rover's Retreat. I know one person on here has had a bad experience with them but we found them excellent for our two dogs. They came back happy, healthy and it appears that all our instructions (management and health wise) were followed. Essentially my recommendation would just be to go and look at the places and you will get a feel for whether you feel comfortable leaving your dog there or not.

You could be. How is your training coming along? M Not very well at all :p Difficult to find time and places to practice (dark once I get home from work). Excuses, I know.

I was going to enter the Canberra ET but don't think we'll be ready by 1 July

Can I ask why?

I wouldn't try this because I know, at least with my dogs, that they would be just as likely to associate the loud/frightening noise with whatever it was they were barking at (eg. neighbours). Which would make it worse...

You could always try contacting CDC, as they're not too far from Queanbeyan.

Aussies do like a good woof Sorry, I don't have much advice as mine is relatively quiet. But I do know that many Aussies are naturally more barky than others. Regarding the crate, have you tried penning him instead with a bit more room to move? Mine was a very very very active and inquisitive baby and did NOT like to be out of the action. She improved when she had more space and to be honest, I ended up leaving her outside with our other dog because that was where she was happiest. I realise most people won't do this but in our situation it was the best solution we had.

We are all very, very cruel owners.

I was going to suggest this, I ended up with no sleep but at least we had an in tact wound in the morning!

I have heaps of these. Here is my working lap dog. And my boy who doesn't like the couch but loves dog beds.

I agree! I have a rescue and a purebreed and am proud of both of them.

No finishes in CCD but plenty in the other classes :)

I'm really confused :laugh: A "finish" is generally getting the dog to go from the front of you, into heel position.

I could take my dog for a 10km jog, do an hour of training with her and she'd still pull the washing off the line when I left. Just sayin' :laugh:

Well done jrm88, Leo is sooo cute

I found that the chomping lessened once my dog gained more confidence in the exercise :) She still does mouth it a little but in my experience judges have been quite kind and haven't taken points off for minor mouthing. She still doesn't like plastic dumbells much, though! In summary, try one and if it doesn't work, try a different one! :laugh: Edit: Mine chomped the plastic just as much as the wood.

Medium size should suit a kelpie, my Aussie has a wooden one from obedienceproducts.com. I had a plastic one but gave it away as my girl hated it; she prefers wood. I painted the ends white as it seems to help with visibility in the grass.

Wow biker girl, what awesome results! I have great respect for dogs and handlers competing in UD.

Well done TSD and kathq! We got our first quallie in novice agility yesterday (we already have our novice jumping title but there are sooo many things to stuff up in agility). So very happy with my little girl :)

I don't let mine mix with others. They have each other, that is all they have at home during the day anyway, so I don't think the extra risk is worth it. They also "gang up" when run together with other dogs and I only trust myself to deal with that appropriately. If it was JUST my boy, I would let him socialise with others. But my girl is a target for bullies so it is not ideal for her.