pipsqueak

Owner of two (large) mutts here, but also have a strong interest in training. Would love to be in, if I can be in two working parties.

You will of course ensure that I am second in line to you in signing up for that one, Kelpie-i, won't you Kelpie-i ? I would also be interested in looking at the course Brenda Aloff is putting together. Please give us a nudge when more information comes out. And, if you're starting a mailing list, I'd be very interested in Brenda Aloff's course too.

And I agree with Erny - course is expensive - and I thought Delta & NDTF were expensive!

I'm guessing it is probably something that relates to this... (from website - my bolding) http://www.karenpryoracademy.com/academics "What We Teach We teach our students to be skilled trainers and effective teachers using force-free methods. This is not just because we're nice (though we are), but because we understand the history and use of punishment in training, and we believe that Karen Pryor Academy's approach is more powerful in every meaningful dimension."

Me too, if I'm not too late?

Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm just curious - why purebreds only. I understand that this is a purebred forum, but wouldn't some of the promotion/positive press also apply to mixed breeds?

Quarantine? How will it be handled? By dedicated foster carers, or by the pound before dogs get put with foster carers?

"All Natural Pet Shampoo" - so far it's the only one our dog with the sensitive skin doesn't react to. All the others, even oatmeal ones, leave her with a red and itchy belly!

Cosmo/Erny - sorry I took offence - I over-reacted I'm feeling very sleep deprived at the moment, so not thinking so clearly, and hence reacted. As far as getting councils involved/onside, that is tough. Somehow it has to be proven to them that their involvement benefits not only the community, but also the council itself - the "what's in it for us" mentality. Perhaps if they can be persuaded that by supporting education of the public, and hopefully better behaved dogs, there will be less need for policing... but then again, that affects their revenue, doesn't it?! I know what I'm trying to say, but I cannot find the words to explain it at the moment. Less noise complaints about barking dogs might free up their resources to deal with other things. I think with the council, it will need change from the inside - a change in their mentality from being reactive to being proactive about problems. I'm not sure how you achieve this...

That may be the case, but the question was asked "how do we make a difference", and I provided a suggestion. The question wasn't is it feasible or not. Fact is, for some people paying $25-60 per class to get the class size they need is NOT within their means. I also suggested that a council grant/subsidy might help address the cost issue. As a professional, for people who you see cost might not be an issue. For me, as a member of the public, cost is an issue for me - and also for people I know. If cost is prohibitive for an individual, it means that training will be given a lower priority and perhaps also affect a person's inclination. However, I am also aware of the argument that people only value what they pay (substantially) for. I thought my contributions as a member of the public (who one day hopes to perhaps become a dog trainer) might be considered to be of some value. Obviously not, so I will leave the professional trainers to discuss the matter.

Sorry, I've only skimmed the other replies. In NSW we seem to have limited options for good manners training - and it is expensive. I've looked at classes that are from $150-$300 for 4 weeks. In this economic climate, a lot of people cannot afford that. Somehow we need to work out how we can get small class sizes (4-8 max) at an affordable price, for people who want to teach their dog good manners. Even the dog training class run by a local community college is on the expensive side. Most people I know who want to teach their dog good manners go from puppy pre-school to the local obedience club - many drop out because of the "paddock" bashing, and because they don't see what they're are being taught as being relevant to their needs. And, in a lot of cases, classes are huge, especially in the lower classes. At a local obedience class I went to, it wasn't unusual to have 20-25++ dogs in the beginners class... and often taught by the least experienced instructors! I remember years ago being excited when I read about the Canine Good Citizen programme, then being disappointed in finding out that it was only offered in America at the time. I believe the CGC is offered in Victoria, and I know that some places in NSW offer it, but it seems in a lot of cases to be a watered down version. Also, a lot of people are not aware of it. I think somehow introducing this Australia-wide (or something similar, if people have a problem with Delta being behind CGC), might be a place to start. In short: - small, affordable classes at times that people can access them. I am thinking between $2-$5 a class. - introduce a program Australia-wide aimed at obedient pets - CGC or similar - somehow make it worthwhile for the most experience instructors to run these programs for "beginner dogs" - perhaps a council grant/subsidy??? To me, these classes being run by the least experienced instructors doesn't make sense, and is just asking for problems.

This is NOT safe. Not having a go here, but could you explain why, please? If find I remember things better when I know the reason

I'll settle for having rangers available to police the current laws - this means having them available OUT OF OFFICE HOURS. I have lost count of the number of times that I have tried to call a ranger for a loose dog, or worse a dog that has rushed at us. (which I have to do via the local council office!!!), only to be told that there is "no-one available to take my call" and to leave a message. If I leave a message, the ranger eventually gets back to, and then asks if the dog is still there.... ummm, I saw the dog when I was walking at 6.00am this morning, it is now 2.30pm... so, rangers says they cannot do anything. So, I've given up calling them. Though, I will say that there is an accident waiting to happen close to us - dog is often loss (no owner in sight) and will rush at any dog that dares to walk down "his" street. Sorry, rant over. I guess shooting on sight the morons who don't believe the leash laws apply to them, isn't an option??

http://animal-care.com.au/index.php?option...8&TreeId=22 http://www.kennelsolutions.com.au/about/vssi_overview.html

Yes, a simple "on your right/left" as your friend passed the dog and owner may have avoided the situation entirely. I thought this was actually standard practice amongst joggers and cyclists - obviously not.

http://www.ccrates.com.au/alcrate.html

It will be a bit of a trip for you from Bundeena, but Sylvania Vets (Princes Hwy) are good. I've also heard good things about Darren at Sutherland Vet (near train station at Sutherland)

www.blackdog.net.au have a 5m tracking lead and will also make anything you want to order... http://www.blackdog.net.au/index.php

Not sure if these are considered expensive but it is an online shopping option for those having trouble getting them. Great Rugs.com.au sell them as "ground mats" (scroll down) http://www.greatrugs.com.au/store/index.htm Callicoma.com.au have them as well (paws and bones ground mats) but seem much more expensive http://www.callicoma.com.au/people.htm#Paw...ned_Ground_Mats

Not sure if these are what you're looking for, but they are books that I like... "The Art of Proofing" by Adele Yunck linky "Successful Obedience Handling" by Barbara S Handler linky Both of these books are either American or British, so the actual obedience rules will be different. However, I still found both books useful, despite this.

I cannot stand stuff that scrolls on websites - it is distracting and gives me a headache!

It is councils - local legislation - that limits the number of dogs walked by one person. I think it is 4 in most parts of the country. Actually, it comes under the Companion Animals Act 1998 legislation. Section 13.4 of the Companion Animals Act States (which applies regardless of if the dogs are on or off lead): "A dog is not considered to be under the effective control of a person if the person has more than 4 dogs under his or her control." Basically, if the person works for an employer and is walking/running more than four dogs, both the employer and employee are breaking the law. Sorry, this is something I am a bit passionate about.

where abouts overseas are you?

I wouldn't say her poos are watery - more sloppy and unformed. They're still about their normal colour, if that makes sense. Just did the pinch test with the skin on her neck - seems to be falling back into place quickly. I'll check it again in a little while. She's still drinking and still eating - she is actually very hungry, but we're limiting her food at the moment. Not lethargic - happy to walk around with you, just not her normal zoomie self (who would be with an upset tum?!) I also checked her gums which seem moist (seem to remember someone said it can be a sign of dehydration if they're dry???)

Apologies in advance for the gross subject. Just looking for guidance/reassurance from the DOL gurus. One of our dogs (deerhound x) has had runny poop since lunch time yesterday. Not constant, but when she does go, it is not formed in anyway. She has had chicken and rice this morning (this is not a dog that can afford to lose weight - we've actually been trying to put weight on her). She is alert and hungry for food - just a bit less active than usual. Oh, and also seems to be drinking as well. So, when do you decide that a dog with the runs needs to go to the vet? We seem to be a "frequent vet visitor" with this girl, so don't know if I'm over-reacting by thinking about taking her this afternoon, or if I should wait another 12-24 hours?