chezzyr

couples of qs (trying to id some dogs) Was there a Vizsla there yesterday and if so is he a DOL dog? There was a cute little black dog with a little bit of tan (floppy ears etc) - I know I have posted a pic once before but cant find it.

I need the name of the Toller and Staffy that ran together....anyone??

People please note we are putting pictures in a thread of its own over in the photo section

Nat: I got a couple of excellent shots of Reilly but havent even downloaded images yet Reilly did so well, so did Keiffie!! I dont think its Rosie's cup of tea so not sure we would go next time. I feel like a bad Mummy taking her today :D

I know I photographed a shepherd or two - just dont know which ones. Was fantastic weather and a great turnout of DOL people. Sorry I didnt get to chat to everybody -I was kinda pulled in several directions! Rosie is v. happy to be home, has been a long day for her. She is burning around kicking her fav soccer ball at the moment and is now v. hungry

wow, some of you have a fair hike - good on ya I dont know what time people are getting there but we have dog club in the morning. Dont know what food we will bring seeing we decided to go out tonight instead of grocery shopping :D

Nat ALWAYS worries about the weather but then turns up anyway - mostly LOL

Ashley, did you or do you run? I do not remember seeing you run last time!

Thanks Jeff for the info. It might also be worth mentioning that people shouldnt perhaps get all gung ho and buy heaps of turns because it can take a while to get through everyone and dogs really go at their own pace LOL. Last time we only purchased one turn for Rosie and that was enough and probably all there would have been time for! I guess it really depends on how many people turn up and play it by ear....

Might be nice weather on Sunday Well we still hope to be there though I suppose we better go to dog club first Rosie got a bit of a scare from the cable last time so might not be keen, though if we did let her have a go she would definitely need a running partner to egg her on. What is happening about food? :D

Well, we are hoping to be there again. Not sure if we will actually run Rosie this time, she is obviously not a sight hound :p Do we need to wear "hello, I'm a dol-aholic" stickers?

Yes, that is a lovely place so will have to do it again soon!

hmmmm, fenced sounds good but heck not sure how long it would take to drive from Melb eastern suburbs. Any idea Nat? How would it compare to that other place we all met at? If its within an hour thats reasonable for us (I like the ideas of trees or varied terrain!)

I think it is $1 a go or something. Some of the regulars would know for sure.

maybe those of us who are at the Park this Sat can check out the situation...

Do they have barbies at the Park and if so where? Sorry but Ive never been looking out for them when Ive been there! Jeff do you mean to meet near where the "trench" is?

not sure about the puppy runs versus adult runs...but its not too formal and its just a matter of having a chat to the people running it. They might even do a small/short one especially for your dog rather than the whole zig zag course. The pic of the Border Terrier I posted - she is just a little mite and it was her first run so she just did a "puppy run" of sorts. You get all kinds of dogs there from Rhodesians down to little terriers etc. Some get it some dont. Some scream until they get in there for a run and others just watch quietly. Some actually chase the lure and some dawdle off in the opposite direction. Its all fun to watch.

Rataholic1966 you should come along! Am sure people from here would love to say hello to them. Its great to get dogs out meeting other dogs and people. Gosh my dog is an "only child" stuck with me most of the week so weekends we always try to take her on atleast one adventure to see/meet other dogs. Even if youve never tried lure coursing before youre welcome to "try" - some dogs love it and have alot of experience and others just dont get the concept at all and are off with the fairies

I think there may be a few photographers there. As it is Im not 100% certain I will be there - have some busy weekends coming up Gonna be at the Park this Saturday and then Sunday maybe the snow (the huskies go do a pet walk). My head is spinning!! OH might spit dummy if every waking hour on weekends is dogs dogs dogs

I had to post this...one of my fav images from the last lure coursing day. A wee Border Terrier This is young "Molly"

still windy here off and on but tried her again - this time she seemed more keen and I think she is starting to "dig" obedience (because atleast she is spending time with me rather than her toys). I give her short sessions . Today we played a game where she jumps over the jump (offlead) and then comes back to me, goes around my back and sits on my left side. Probably fairly "advanced" but she was good. Getting the hang of it. We also have little games of soccer in between the exercises Edited to add: owning a dog is such a distraction but working from home does have its benefits. Lunchbreak here then back to WORK!

well, this is going to be weird. I tried the stay thing right in front of her but as soon as I went to step back alongside her she broke! Tried it again - broke again. I got frustrated and came back inside. Its also very windy outside so I think that was bothering her. Yet yesterday when I tried the stay from a distance and walked back to her she didnt break. But it wasnt windy yesterday....

It sounds like alot of text book stuff is being presented here. I really dont know if I am interested in going onto advanced obedience etc. We are ONLY half way through the first level and she didnt even do puppy school etc. I am fortunate that I have a smart breed and I think she is a smart individual. As for whether fewer steps are involved or many steps - I find my dog learns quickly. Was sitting within a couple of days, jumping obstacles offlead after just a few demos (yes WE had to demo), shaking hands within a couple of days etc. I dont use a clicker either. I just use lots of praise. The reason for this post is that "stay" isnt something we have really got around to teaching her and I really want to know some common sense tips - its for her own safety. When it comes down to it a stay is going to be more important than flying over obstacles and shaking hands..... Edited to add: we acquired her this year at 12 months of age, so considering she hadnt done any obedience etc I am pretty proud of her

Good point. I wonder what it (smile) does mean to dogs. I do think a laugh or giggle is a different thing - it must be the vibes given out. Our dog seems to respond to giggles and normally it makes her happy or silly, wagging tail, licking us to bits or running around doing zoomies.

Thankyou people for all your input. Information overload here :p - remember beginner handler and beginner dog I feel I must mention that I am NOT a rocket scientist and some of the terms used are over my head. I dont even know what "proofing out" means. Sorry people but I really am a beginner. I am still trying to understand the concept of a target stick that theyve started introducing at class. This whole obedience thing sounds like it might be VERY rigid, regimented and military like. At this point in time I simply want to learn some "life saving" basics whilst keeping things interesting and light. I guess what I am also trying to say is that I would like some basic practical advice. But yes there are a few things I have learnt that I can go out and practice with