Cosmolo

Are you sure thats real??? ;)

Do you have lots of friends that can help you to socialise your puppy? And friends with fully vaccinated, friendly adult dogs to help you socialise your pup with other dogs? If you do, puppy school may not be essential. But IMO a well run puppy pre school with a qualified trainer as Miranda suggests can be extremely beneficial. Your trainer may have had experiences with puppy schools that are not well run and if that was the only option (to go to a 'puppy free for all') then i would agree completely. But you must make sure you safely socialise your puppy at this age- puppy school or no puppy school :D

Did you speak to the trainer you saw with regards to the excitability with people and pulling on walks? I am training a wonderful Brittany at the moment who sounds similar- highly social but a little over the top. Did the trainer say why they advise against puppy pre school? I certainly think that you need to find a well organised puppy school with a knowledgeable trainer and learning to work with the distractions in a controlled environment would be a good start for you.

Are you attending a puppy pre school?

Look forward to breeder responses on this one, i have a beautiful irish terrier in a class at the moment and would love to know if she is typical of the breed.

Yes becks

Thanks rajacadoo- thats what i've found with the boys too.

Thats very true Aidan. I would love to see more funded research done with all types of 'up to date' equipment.

Lindsay does say though that the vailidity of the study is questionable. And there were only 9 dogs? I have spoken to a manufacturer of both types of collars who said the opposite with regards to effectiveness- i'll see if i can find some links.

Intermittent use is NOT something i would recommend with any kind of no bark collar. In my experience static collars- when used correctly on dogs who have been assessed and where a bark collar is necesary- are more effective than any other collar. Have a look at www.innotek.com.au Why do you feel him being in the house would be a poor option?

While loose lead walking can be challenging- you should be seeing progress from walk to walk or week to week if the techniques you are using are suitable for the dog you have and being implemented correctly. Sometimes a session with a professional trainer can really get you on the right track and clear up the confusion- for you and the pup!

I like to go from- Headcollar- lead connected to 2 leads connected 1 to headcollar, one to flat collar to 1 lead on flat collar, headcollar on but not connected to 1 lead on flat collar

Agree with what the others said- sounds like he will relax with a little time. Great name too- one of mine is a Dexter too

I actually prefer haltis when i use a headcollar- although they have recently changed their design and i prefer the older ones. My least favourite would be the gentle leader as i find the shape and fit seems a little tighter and more uncomfortable for the dogs. But of course depends on the dog and their head shape too.

I think here are lots of good points being made here. And I think the use of emotive language has a big part to play in getting people's backs up- especially when its a generalisation or something not being properly understood. And i have alot more arguing going on in my head than ever with other people

Does anyone know someone who does doggy dancing workshops for beginners- dogs with little or very basic obedience? In Melbourne please. Thanks in advance

Good post nekhbet.

What is her reaction if you remain seated and pick up a hand bag or jingle keys?

Did you see a qualified behaviourist? Interested in the answers to Erny's questions as well- how long does the dog take to settle once the person leaves?

How long ago did you see the behaviourist? Have you contacted them since to ask if there are other things you can add to assist you?

We do service that area too

Not sure whereabouts north you mean- we do service some areas north but there is also Four Paws K9 Training who go a bit further than we usually do.

I thought some of the points in the article/ link were absolutely true. There were a few things over simplified in terms of the alternatives though IMO. But not everything is about dominance. I do wonder though how caesar would define dominance- its possible that he just has a very broad idea of dominance and the 'dominant state of mind' so doesn't necesarily think the cat for instance is being dominant in the true sense with the dog.

Is it that you think me saying 2 of my dogs are trial ready is suggesting i think i know everything? I was just trying to point out that i do have experience with the things you think i don't.

Sorry dogdude- i am really confused. I'm not sure what part of my post suggests that i know everything about dogs? I also didn't realise you weren't referring to this thread a few times so i will go back and read again. I didn't get touchy, i just disagreed- this is the problem with forums, i can't convey a nice neutral tone! :D ETA, have read where you did take the OP out of the equasion. I'm not really sure what you're referring to when you talk about pro trainers arguing wth experienced triallers though? You suggested i was touchy after i posted one thing that said i had combined 2 methods- i am still confused about how this is touchy? You then made comments about junior pro trainers, (referring to me?) pro trainers commenting on things they never experience in their profession (which is untrue) and pro trainers portraying themselves as knowing everything about dogs. All of that because i said i had combined training in drive and using an e collar!