PAX

The reason I dislike retractable leads is I want my dogs to walk on a loose lead. If I use a retractable lead the dog is rewarded for pulling on the lead. When the dog pulls he/she gets more lead and more freedom, which is the opposite of what I am trying to train. If I ever need my dog to have a long lead, I put him on a long lead not a retractable.

I say ban all retractable leads.

This is what I was told by Susan Garrett and this is what I tell people that want to use them. You have to invest a bit of time in getting your dog used to them as most dogs don't like them but just like when we first put our dogs on leads, they will get used to a halti if you put in a bit of effort. I have handouts I give people that want to try them but I'm not going to type all that out. I explain how they must not jerk on the dog with a halti or they can injure the dog and how they must watch for rub marks or anything that could cause discomfort to the dog...bla bla. I am saying Halti as a generic name, the ones we sell at our club are 'black dog brand' I think. If the dog pulls, hold the halti near where the lead connects and gently pull the dog back towards you. If the dog rubs on you or something else do the same thing. Reward the dog for being in position and not worrying about the halti. I like to C/T the use of a halti right from seeing the halti, putting it on through to walking in it. If you do this the dog will be excited to see the halti and have no bad association with it. I would like to say that I am not a fan of Haltis but some people find them good for general walking of their dog. I believe they are a management tool only and do not replace good training, so please no halti or member bashing. I only posted because it's Myszkas thread.

CTD, My pup was the same but by 12 weeks she was a pig.

Puppy ears are often funny until they finish teething.

Funny you should ask M, we are looking at buying a 100 acres to have sheep for the pups, do you think that's excessive..........

She switched on a bit too much. On her second go I couldn't call her off, what a naughty girl. It was as if she turned all her fear into aggression and she wasn't taking any crap from those horrible sheep. I had forgotten how dumb sheep are. Sorry the photos are so small, I went a bit overboard with the resizing. Mooper, we live on the coast so it's a very high rainfall area. It's really sad when the rest of the country is screaming for it.

Well the first go in she was really frightened. I wasn't to suprised becasue she is not very brave but I was a little disappointed. There were some Working Kelpie pups there the same age that were fantastic. Her second go in the afternoon was like a different dog, If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I would not of believed it. We love herding I think I'm hooked.

Thanks everyone. I love the funny Koolie ears.

Sunny, The sort of people that let their dog rome and get taken to the pound or god forbid dump it would not bother to register it. Same as they wouldn't bother to have it desexed. Most people that go to the trouble of Council registration care about their pets. Sorry, thats what you're saying, posted before reading your whole post.....bad me.

Kylieandpossum. and other Coolie lovers. Here are some baby photos because they are just so cute.

lol, I am already worried about that, I can hardly keep up with Chill now just playing with the agility equipment, she thinks it's a hoot.

Thankyou thankyou, I am now converted. Both of the pups come from a Koolie breeder near Inverell. Both of their parents are working dogs so hopefully they will know what to do and I can just watch. I can't spell.

Thanks Jesomil, they are both the same age, four days difference.

I agree with Toohey. Also remember that it is not normal for a puppy to be on it's own so of course she is going to be excited and want to spend time with you. You are her pack. .

This is Chill who is also a Coolie.

Thanks Kavik, OMG her ears are soooo big, I hope she grows into them.

I have to post pics of my pps and hopefully after tomorrow I will have some photos with sheep. Great topic with great photos. This is Axel, he is around 4 and half months old in this photo and he is a Coolie.

I am taking Chill herding tomorrow, we are both really excited. Infact she is so excited that she even finally got her ears to stand up today. I will post about it on Sunday.

RB, That is fantastic, Go the Dobes.

Some puppies just take a while to get it. I have two 5 month old same breed pups, one has been tt from just about the day we got him and the other one is still hopeless. Like your pup as soon as I take her out she goes but if she needs to go inside she will just go. I think they are like kids some get it quickly and some don't. Luckily my house is all tiled.

Ok girls, your cheques are in the mail. Just call me the side line expert. The worst thing about all this praise is I better get off my a@# and start training my puppy. I do have obedience burn out and am just enjoying puppydem. Myszka, that is a nice photo. although what is in your hand???

If you feed dry food I have heard of people sprinkling kibble around the yard so the dog has something to do looking for it. Those treat balls are fun too but my dog's killed them pretty quickly. Can't your Oh just have a nice front yard, your dog's are both young they will get better but they are partners in crime.

I have a head ache. Myzska ...........be nice.

Glad he is Ok.......maybe the dry food if he is not used to it.