Rusky

you can start by exchanging less valuable items and build up

borrow some people tomorrow night. I will find some randoms for you. And Katie, you can come home with us..can you cook?

did you have a staffy with you ? I was cuddling a big solid staffy, just looking at your avatar.

wasn't that amazing ? I think everyone wanted to take Katie home.

RubyStar learned how to get out of playing aeroplanes by keeping her hand firmly on her hip yep Sue had the entire workshop playing aeroplanes...except Ruby Star and myself. I was holding someones dog for them yes she did and it made perfect sense. She said you are warming up your dog, giving treats, rewarding then it is time for you to go in the ring and you show your dog there is nothing left.( I have seen so many people do that but never given it a second thought) dog thinks oh so we are finished. She spoke of the element of hidden treats or rather pretending you have hidden treats or whatever the motivator is.

dunno why but so many things are a drama and MUST be dealt with, management goes a long way in training a puppy. I do feel for this poster though, the info from her training establishment is causing no end of problems. examples from Erny...

no they definitely won't help, unfortunately Garth is out on his own where dog training is concerned.

doesn't really sound like it does it unless maybe someone else has been running the classes.

do you live near either of the GSD clubs ? do you live near canine at all ? Both the GSD clubs will help you, if the times don't suit then give me a pm and I will help you to get a place to go. Have you been going to Garth or Kathy ? I sent you a pm and my phone number.

of course that is the main aim, it is to teach loose leash walking whilst not having a shoulder ripped out. I don't believe a harness, halti or anything else should be on for more than a few weeks at the most...

they just don't know real class when they see it

something for you to read while you take on Nekhbets advice. Good luck with finding someone to show you what to do, you need to do it soon. http://www.crickethollowfarm.com/biteinhib.htm

the only one I like is the sporn. I like the sporn better than a head halter particularly for the old choker users. The problem is that like everything they need to be fitted correctly and combined with loose leash walking. The first I got was sent to me a few years ago by a doler who didn't use it. I trialed it on a very strong dog with an elderly handler and was very impressed. I teach in the usual way...when it is tight call back use treats and reward fading the food once a link in the dogs psyche has been made by a reward word and food, obviously this comes first and is taught as a reward for all behaviour. Easily takes 20 kilos off, saves arms and shoulders from injury. I have tried a couple of others but prefer the sporn. Sizing is tricky, you will need a few in your magic box

is this a staffy pup ? I mean is this the one from the breeder or a photo you found on line ? ooops edited to add others are wondering too I was looking for a staffy 5 week to post. I see someone has already, sorry

excellent stuff Goldie girl We have lived with Goldens for 35years answering number 12 must see both parents and ensure that socialisation is taking place. I would run a mile if all hereditry tests were not available to see. However hip dysplasia is tricky. I loved Cindy (avatar) for 13 years, she had shocking hip dysplasia... the parents had very low scores.

you urgently need these free downloads http://www.dogstardaily.com/free-downloads before and after you get a puppy Your puppy isn't being naughty, he is terrified of you which is probably hard for you to understand, you can turn things around and can start by not growling at him and using good manners and confidence building excercises for him. It may not be you who started all this, but it happened and you need to rectify his fear asap.

if you can get hold of the older haltis I feel they are the best. When I fitted one I would attach a rope collar and also clip to the ring for safety. Get them off ASAP and I decided yonks ago that they are totally unsuitable for people who use the old jerk and snatch, old habits die hard so for those people wanting a comfortable walk whilst training to walk on a loose leash I fit a sporn harness. I haven't found a better alternative yet. The sporn is a manufactured old style 8 figure bandage if anyone remembers that, sporn have perfected the old bandage. I prefer the old sporns too

replying to number 7 I am owned by a 12 year old malamute and I rescue the breed. I do not think a malamute is a dog for a first time dog owner. A first time dog owner can't EASILY cope with the breed no matter how much research they have done. I do not even rehome to people without northern breed experience. replying to number 8 better to put a bitch with a dog for company, bitchy female malamutes generally don't get on with other females. I don't rehome to a same sex home.

I am going to poke my nose in

Can they? How disappointing . The last thing dogs need are more correctional tools available in supermarkets where there is guaranteed absolutely no possibility of any hints/tips/advice on their use. Not that they necessarily would or could get that from the Vet clinics and Pet Stores where they were previously commonly purchased, but at least there was an underlying chance. I agree. I am a trainer, I use them sometimes but I see so many dogs being tugged and pulled along with them, it is distressing. I saw BHAG on TV yesterday on Fox. Dr Harry was advocating their use but didn't give enough info. I was yelling at the telly. The halti was very tight also no extra info was given to the viewer. He then went on to the sporn which I also like and use but again it was too tight with no explanation of use. The dog was lifted from the ground...really annoyed me. The idea of a halti or a sporn is to use to train your dog to stop pulling so they can be removed ASAP.

use a thin metal lead he can't play tug with.Don't pull him but reward for walking with his lead on, wait and let him walk on, call him back, reward...not too much at once. I like the older dog by the side and it works very well with a young pup.

I am pleased you did and like nekhbet think that probably they just haven't been around dogs as much as some of us. this is from Ian Dunbar which sums up no growling better than I could

many dogs that bite do not growl first.

thanks everyone for your input and suggestions, thanks for the pm.s and cheers to nechbet who has been my sounding board and helped me get things in perspective with some great advice.

I treat all dogs who pass through my hands the same as if they were my own, to do anything less would not be in my nature. The very best thing in the world is when a dog is rehomed with a fantastic family and a fantastic bright future. I try to learn as much about the personality of any dog I am involved with. I need to know their capabilities for learning, what they already know and what type of home they would best be suited to. You can learn a lot by playing with a dog and I love to play with them and to challenge their brains. I get attached to them all