aussielover

Sure I have seen or rather HEARD low drive barkers. Or when handlers walk the course and their dogs vocalise then amble around. EECK! Does she have a quiet command? Perhaps teaching her what you want and asking for a moments silence before being released would help? Or even a "look at me" type command where she had to focus on you (silently) before being released? I have a speak and quiet command (although it sometimes changes to shut up lol) but my dog is not a problem barker

I know another lab who whines and barks at retrieving, she isn't what I'd describe as high drive. Doesn't bark at agility at all. No offence to kelpie people but I've generally found them to be quite vocal.

Maybe your lab is part kelpie? Lol Most agility people appear not to notice or care if their dog barks around course. I've run a barky dog and when you're running you are so busy concentrating on the course you don't really hear much... There is not much incentive to stop barking as you don't get penalized in agility. Many dogs bark in frustration which improves or ceases when the handler gives clear directions. Do you lose points in retrieving for barking?

I love my tug lead. It's braided strips of polar fleece. It's lasted over a year and I use it as a dual purpose lead and tug toy. It's really soft to hold and obviously quite strong. I'm not sure whether it would be suitable for a chewer but I've swung my 25kg lab on it while she is tugging numerous times and it's fine. I also like my k9 pro leather leash and collar but we only use it for special occasions.

I don't find it a shame... Other breeds are very successful. I like the ankc system as all breeds of dog have the chance to succeed and attain titles. We are lucky in Australia that we have this as many other big countries have a win out system where you have to win or place to move up a level which means the majority of dogs at the top levels are border collies. As your club proves there are a wide range of dogs competing in agility in Australia. At most nsw trials there are lots of different breeds. In nsw alone there are several agility champions of "other" breeds including a corgi, GSP, various mixed breeds, schnauzers and there is even a labrador who is fairly close to getting it. ANKC really rewards consistency over speed generally compared to a lot of other organizations. The OP has asked for breed suggestions for a suitable agility dog, however I think that to participate and do fairly well most breeds are suited. Very few breeds are totally unsuitable (perhaps some of the giants and more extreme chondrodysplastic breeds). Most gundogs will do well and some will excel. My dog has moderate drive and can last through a 3 day trial or seminar easily. If you're after a top agility prospect and potential winner then you can't go past a border collie in my opinion. What breed do you have at the moment Megan? What level does he compete at now? Are you after a dog that has a good chance of winning or just a more consistent type of dog?

Are you referring to Ag ch kellie Kavik? She's 3/4 koolie 1/4 BC She's 10 now I think and still competing at a high level. Which goes to show a dog with good structure can last a long time. Unfortunately I expect Mindy's agility adventures will not be quite as long and I'd be happy if she's still lightly competing at 7. But if it's your passion it makes sense to get a dog with the right structure.

If you're only looking to do agility you don't really need a super high drive dog. A dog with moderate drive but light and fast can be very successful. Border collies have a better build for agility than malinois. I love mals but they're not ideally suited to agility being a heavier dog. Ideally I'd want a 14-20kg dog for agility as it is a pretty high impact sport. My lab is around 25/26kg and while she is fine now, it's unlikely she will last as long (in agility) as a lighter dog. 400/500 dogs generally have the fastest times and best manouverability. Border collies seem to vary greatly in temperament so getting to know breeders you like is important.

I also prefer working types compared to show lines in most breeds. I love the shorter coated, longer legged border collies that you see in working lines but the typical show type doesn't really appeal to me. I also like long legged athletic labs but don't like the typical short legged and stocky show type

Does he play with other dogs? Perhaps a few doggy play dates? Sounds a bit strange for a young lab. My lab is a couch potato at home but always up for a walk or game. Is everything else ok with him? Has his thyroid been tested?

In agility you can't go past a border collie, sheltie or kelpie if you want to be competitive. There are individuals of other breeds that do well or are good if you want a steady dog. Mini poodles are pretty competitive as well. It's really about what you like. Most well bred dogs can be taught to have an off switch. I find most gundogs mature slowly and can take years to develop the focus, but many are great once they get going, it just takes patience. Where as a border collie can be competing reliably and winning at2-3 years old with the right handler.

I pay $35 for a full day of daycare. So would Expect day boarding to be around $20-25 as there is less work involved. Happy to pay a bit more if there was a walk (30 min) and some interaction involved.

I think many dogs would cope fine in your situation. If you can commit to 2 daily walks and perhaps get a dog walker or look into doggy daycare on the days you work, then most dogs would be happy with that. Most dogs just want to be with their owners.

Keeping them out of the sun is important for control. Vitamin e and fish oils can be helpful as well, ask your vet for dose rates. Some cases may require medication initially to get it under control. Probably best to approach your vet about possible treatments. It's also worth trying 4 weeks of antibiotics as it can be hard to differentiate DLE from some types of infection even with a biopsy.

I guess it depends on the size of the park? Most fenced dog parks are not large enough IMO to allow dogs to have their own space and just do their own things. In fact the very size and set up of most dog parks in my area encourage free for alls and don't allow for much else, which is why I generally avoid them. My dog is disinterested in unfamiliar dogs and would rather play with me so I see small fenced dog parks as completely useless for us. The few times I have been to fenced dog parks in my area I have been quite disturbed by some dogs and owners behaviour. In your case I'm not sure what the owner of the other dog expected his dog to get out of it? I think he needs to be more realistic about the fact that most people that use these sort of dog parks, do so to let their dog play with other dogs. Personally I prefer off leash open areas as there is usually enough space for dogs to do their own thing and you generally dogs with a better level of control.

I'm interested in trying foster caring as I'd like to help dogs in need without the commitment of getting another dog for life as I'm not quite sure where I'll be in a few years. I'd like some suggestions on how one chooses a reputable rescue to foster with, and if I'd even be a suitable foster carer? I would prefer a dog that would find a home relatively quickly (within a few months) The dog needs to be friendly and social with other dogs as he/she would be joining my dog and I in activities like agility and doggy daycare. Ideally the dog would play well with my current dog, although I'm not doing it for companionship for her as she prefers people (and food). I'd prefer a dog that is around the same size or smaller than my labrador as I only have a smallish yard and house I am renting (I have permission from my landlord, and I have discussed fostering with him) so the dog would have to be relatively quiet (definitely not a problem barker!)and not overly destructive/hyperactive. Obviously I am aware that destruction occurs a lot of the time due to inadequate stimulation and exercise but I can't have a super super high energy dog that needs several hours of training and exercise to keep it satisfied. Ideally have the same activity levels as my labrador. we currently do about 2 hours of exercise per day-more on weekends: mainly walking ball throwing + agility training and trials 2-3 times a week. In addition she goes to a very good daycare centre twice a week and gets a dog walker once a week and I am off one weekday as well so there would only be one day where they would be home alone all day (and I come home for lunch that day anyway)and I guess they would have each other, but in my experience my dog just ignores other dogs if I'm not around. Or possibly an older dog that doesn't require any exercise and is happy to laze around all day? I'm happy to do some training and take the dog to obedience classes, but I don't want to take on any serious behavioural problems I am happy to get all the vet work done myself or take care of a dog with medical issues I can travel to do meet and greets and I'm often in various locations around the state for agility trials I am currently leaning towards Labrador Rescue... But I also like the idea of small older dogs.... And I know there are always lots of working breeds in need of foster homes...and ideally I'd like to get a working border collie for agility some day, so good practice? I actually had a working BC and although she was a beautiful dog unfortunately she and my current dog were incompatible, but happily she is now with an awesome home with other working dogs and doing herding and dog sports! BTW I am located in Canberra now (can't work out how to change it in my profile?) I have heard ACT foster and rescue are good as well? Is it ok to be part of more than 1 rescue group? Can you foster for say lab rescue one time and then another group another time? Also- will most rescue groups take back a foster if there are serious issues (like fighting between dogs etc)? Thanks for any advice.

That looks awesome. I'm sure my lab would like this. She always tries to "rescue" me in the pool!

I can't really understand your post very well. Are you saying agility is not a sport? And it shouldn't be respected or taken seriously because a cross bred dog can be successful? There are lots of breeds not yet available in Australia. Although. many of the top agility breeds are already established in Australia. It's pretty hard to look past a well bred working or performance kelpie or border collie for an agility prospect. Pyrenean shepherds would be interesting but I'm not really into long hair! Although I think they come in different varieties of coat. I also like the polish lowland sheepdog but again a bit hairy! I like the look of beauceron's, hovawart and Dutch shepherds. But not really dogs that would suit my needs unfortunately.

Many vets offer free dental checks these days where they can give you a quote without the cost of a consult. Appointments usually take only 5 minutes and are strictly limited to examining and discussing the teeth. Any other issues addressed will most likely involve a fee being charged. Buts it's worth checking to see if they offer free dental checks.

Agree with Christina. This sounds like a dog that will always need careful management. It will take hard work to improve her behaviour. There is no easy fix with behavioural issues. The question really is have you bonded enough with her to put in the work? I would get her assessed by a different trainer (perhaps one recommend here) and go from there.

How much does cherry weigh? I've had good results with rest alone in older, less active dogs under 15kg. Once you get over 15kg or a very active dog I'd say surgery is the way to go.

which area? my old local park had lights as it was a walk through from the ferry. it was great to be able to go at 9 or 10pm at night!

The problem is, it doesn't seem to work fine. :p Obesity in pets is often multi-faceted. If you create a dog that is hungry all the time because it's meal has been cut dramatically, it's not sustainable for the owners who gave them way too much in the first place. The diet becomes 'cruel' and they feel awful about it and it fails. I don't know what the answer is b/c we never had much luck with compliance. On a science base RC Obesity seems the best in quality and the fact that it has L-Carnitine and ingredients that promote satiety...however I think they stuffed the marketing by naming it Obesity. :laugh: I've had the same issue with RC obesity, people don't like paying for a product that is reminding them their pet is obese! Or they think its only for really obese dogs. I gave my dog some of the metabolic food yesterday and she spewed and had diarrhoea. She doesn't normally have a sensitive stomach and eats a variety of raw foods, but its been a while since she has had kibble.

I think a cavalier could suit. There are a few competing successfully in agility. Most have a decent food drive. And they are very sweet, gentle little dogs, but not so little that you have to worry too much about squashing or injuring them. They are prone to a range of health problems though so finding a good breeder is important.

Sorry off topic but which one do you go to? I've just moved to canberra and all the ones ive been to are small with no grass. personally i prefer unfenced off leash areas- you usually dont get totally out of control dogs

Petplan always take ages to pay up but they usually seem to approve most claims!