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I went in 2009 and I'm thinking about going again this year - feel free to pm.

I've just ordered the Glen Johnson book from Fishpond It's on sale for $23.95 and free shipping

Thanks for the heads up on this, Bully - I've been thinking about getting that book for years, but haven't got around to it - just ordered it - too good a bargain to miss. Thanks.

Beware! This book may change life as you currently know it.

People don't seem to post a lot in this thread and I think I know why! Trackers are just too busy combing the countryside in search of reasonably-willing tracklayers and places to track that don't have too many off-leash dogs, rabbit warrens, swooping magpies, protective plovers, snakes or joggers. They also spend way too much time testing wind direction and adjusting their planned tracks to suit. I know of one tragic individual who is even trying to design a pocket wind sock.

Thanks for recommending the Leerburg DVD, Staranais; I'm looking into it.

The first two weeks of the Johnson Method consist of 3 (graduating) tracks that are completed and then repeated twice. I have just started and I am finding it a challenge to organise the time/space/wind/daylight etc but it's worth it - I think.

It's taking me a while to sort the "method" from the "anecdotes" in the Glen Johnson book but I'm a fan of the fact that there is a published method that is based on tested theory and experience. I am actually getting serious about starting the regime and would love some comments from people who have tried it - like how you fitted it into your life and did you do the 9 daily tracks all together or did you split them up?

Does anyone have any idea how long this "situation " might last? I have been able to get hold of enough GSD24 to last (normally) about 2 months - or I could s-t-r-e-t-c-h it a little if need be.

It's times like this that I really wish there was a comparable Aussie-made product - or that I was brave enough to go 100% BARF.

Does anyone know anything about difficulties sourcing the R/C (adult) GSD food due to " a problem on the wharf in France"?

I like my dog to be at my left side. As I keep to the left of the path/track this keeps her out of the way of overtaking cyclists and oncoming canine-phobes. It also makes it easier to pass oncoming dogs that are taking their owners for a walk.

thanks for your reply showdog, I have just done some quick googling and found this

What are the symptoms? As with other throat and mouth irritations, many dogs will be reluctant to eat and will drool excessively because swallowing is painful. Other dogs with the same condition may swallow repeatedly. Dogs may also retch, cough, and act depressed.

None of those symptoms exsist

The only problem is he just does not eat, it comes in cycles, some lasting a few days, others lasting months

I am to wits end over this dog

My GSD girl had some "no eating" episodes when she was a few months old - it turned out that she had an infection in her mouth - discovered under general anaethetic when she was speyed. She hadn't shown the symptoms you have listed either.

I do feel for you Furbabies!

Is emigrating an option?

As the owner of a much-loved dog who lost her collar (with rego tag) while I was actually walking her on lead, this Bill really scares me.

I love Cesar Milan's attitude to this. It's something like "This is the best thing that can happen to a dog!"

Letters sent.

Does anyone know why Dogs Victoria have taken a "She'll-be-right" attitude to this? (message from the President on the Dogs Vic website)

I've just read this and it's taking me a while to get my head around it. I'm sure I responded to a government survey a few months ago in which I pointed out that certain proposals were not acceptable - with what I thought were decent reasons. It seems like the proposals have just been turned into a Bill.

Anyhow, I'm working on a letter.

How senior are you talking?

Whatever is considered "old" for your breed eg. SAS describes Great Danes as old at 10. An Irish setter breeder once told me that she considered 8 to be a good innings for her dogs - that was years ago though. The GSD club gives an award for their dogs who are happily alive at 13. I would expect that some smaller dogs wouldn't really be senior until they were 15+.

Thanks for your replies everyone.

It seems that there are lots of (differing) opinions on what we should do to help our dogs live long, active lives. Would people who actually have/had dogs that enjoy(ed) a high quality of life into their senior years, please share your thoughts?

Someone on this forum once suggested using a lead with heavy clip and swinging it in a circular motion in front of the advancing dog. I have used this method twice; in one case the agressor's concentration broke and it backed off. In the other case it stopped a madly-intent CAT in its tracks. Thank you to the original hint-poster, whoever you are!

I've been really impressed with RC Babydog when our puppy was having a lot of difficulty with the breeder-recommended puppy kibble.

For what it's worth, the Babycat was also excellent when we adopted a starving orphan kitten.

Doog belt

Black Dog Infin8 collar

Decor blue broom

This report made it very clear that the human was the cause of the problem, not the dog. I hope lots of people read it.

Such beautiful pictures! It's lovely to see your dog enjoying what her ancestors were bred to do (albeit on a different scale).

I was out this morning and overheard a lady negotiating a payment plan for her multi-thousand dollar vet bill. It made me thankful that we have insurance and it made the annual premium (due next week) seem easier to pay. We haven't claimed and I'd be happy if we never have to.

Thanks Gundoglover, while some of the questions were somewhat loaded, I completed the survey and made some suggestions. It took me a while to do though ('cos I'm a slow thinker) it's just as well that I'm on holidays.

This sounds like the basis for a good documentary.