Stressmagnet

Hi, Ok, I'm biased but I think Ernie just may have the makings of a fantastic pet therapy dog. Why? He's pretty bomb proof even at 7 months. Not much seems to phase or spook him. He has an insane desire to learn. In the month I've had him, he's learned sit, drop, stay, shake, wait, settle, heel, come, rollover, play dead, spin, go to your place, leave it, sit for a pat, give us a hug, go to bed, in your crate, get in the car and ssssh. While I do spend time with him, this guy is happy to do an hour of obedience at class and still wants more when I get home. I'd do agility but he's a lab and I'm a cripple. I'm going to keep up obedience but I think he needs a job. Every day he just gets better at ignoring distractions, be it people or other dogs. Today he calmly stood and watched two pointers play ball and understood my 'uh-uh' and came back to me, off lead. And he loves people and has a lovely soft sweet nature. So how do I go about getting him in this career path? We have heaps of old folks homes and special needs areas around where I live but I know he'd have to pass some courses. I can't seem to find much out on the web, but maybe I'm not putting in the right search terms? Or is this something that a dog has to be specially bred to do?

This was a sobering read. I have stuffed up - I HAVE been letting my 12 yr old daughter walk Ernie (7 months) our labrador as he adores her and does anything she asks. But I hadn't thought about other dogs she might run into. Ernie is very submissive but that won't put off a big aggressive dog. Shame on me.

Since I have a web design and IT background I feel qualified to weigh in. I don't care what your website looks like - not everyone is a graphic designer. But. If you direct folks to your website, for pity's saje, keep it up to date. I don't care if you use flashing text, fluoro colours and include a blog written by your dog -- just have your contact information, your litter information and relevant dog information current and easy to find. If you can't do that /- just skip the website altogether and stick to emsil or tel number. It's not that hard.

^ THIS. Very very annoying. Makes me just ignore the listing in the future.

I've just ordered one off ebay. I'd like to try it rather than revving up Ernies topical treatment. Mind you, he's a big boy but it should arrive within the week and I'll post back how he goes.

Just revisiting this. I use a check chain on Ernie. He gets a quick pop to the side - not a yank, or a choke but a pop. Mostly though, he gets cheese twisties for looking at me and not reacting. Best Training Treat EVER. :D He still lunges if I don't catch him quick enough but he's beginning to figure out that behaving like a pork chop means he DOESNT get to meet and being calm and looking me means yummies and a bum to sniff.

Or the lack thereof. :D

I've got a defective labrador. We've got a rabbit infestation. He sits and watches them. We throw sticks/balls etc. he cannot be arsed to retrieve them.

I'm sorry but that dog shaming pic was pure comedy gold. GOLD.

So very sorry.

So very sorry.

Wow. Aren't all those celebs with pocket dogs going to feel stupid when this gets out. Assuming it DOES get out. Hah.

What I don't get - there is someone HOME NEXT DOOR ALL DAY. Do they not hear him? (Note: loathe to complain as they are really really great neighbours and have helped me out heaps since I kicked out my ex. So... Mustn't grumble). I'd love to do something sneaky like this though if it would work!!! :D

Yes, I was being a touch sarcastic about their name. Whilst I was familiar with some of their more public stances (don't wear fur) I never realised just what a bunch of whack jobs they were. Thanks everyone who posted.

Wow. Would be great if it works. Too bad you can't tune it to a specific dog. I'm looking at YOU Mr. beagle-next-door-who-howls-non-stop-all-day.

All food by hand while he's wearing his lead? It's been a while since I had a pup this young but I do remember my amstaff started off like this - she was stubborn. I ended up praising her for centimetres of movement! (Edited due to fat fingers)

Anyone know if this would handle labrador hair??

Ouch. I'd be keeping them outside for a couple of days until the olive oil has 'run through' their system.

So exactly how is this the Ethical Treatment of Animals?!?

Thank you. I've got some time and plan to check the recommended ones out. I had also heard less than great stuff about the Terrigal mob, don't know why - website is very slick.

Done!

Why is this not more publicised? I read the embedded links as well. Yikes.

He's going for 5 days - Friday then I'll pick him up Tuesday. I'm going to check out the ones mentioned, thanks.

Hi I'll be popping down to Melbourne to see a concert with friends in Feb 2015. I've got my kids sorted but I need an equally good place for my fur boy. It needs to be within the Central coast area - no more than a 2 hr drive from Gosford. Requirements? Daily exercise of at least ½ hour Cuddle time and human interaction as he adores people. Mental games a plus. Playtime with other dogs as he will still be a pup A luxury room not required but everything else is. Ernie is happy sacked out on concrete as long as his other needs are met (Edited because I cannot see words on my iPhone and typos bug me) I've seen ths ads and the websites, I'm really hoping someone has personal stories to share.

Yup. I got told that this morning by the same Yorkie owner after I asked her NICELY to reel her dog in. Twice. And I didn't use ONE swear word! She yanked it off its feet, which made it even more frenzied and as she dragged it lunging away -- told me to train my dog. It's too early for alcohol.