Cosmolo

I would get a 2 handled rabbit fur tug from Clean Run, i buy these for me and sell to clients and find them exceptional!

Could someone post a video of the technique being done correctly?

I agree with you Corvus, provided the accreditation covered the right areas and wasn't exclusionary with regard to reasonable equipment and techniques.

Greytmate I respect that people have had bad experiences with behaviourists. But it is unfair to tar them all with the same brush. I suppose i should let all my clients know they didn't need us..

Unless you have pre existing dominance or aggression issues- personal choice IMO. Our dogs take it in turns but there is almost always at least one on the bed.

Thats just not correct. Does that mean that prior to a breeder chipping a litter of pups, they are not 'owned'- i don't think so.

Poor darling He was scared of going back near the table too- don't blame him. I would never stand there and let anyone do that to my dog- no matter what the circumstances.

What Staranais and Aidan said. I wanted to add though that i think its very important the owner is given a realistics expectation of what is likely to be able to be achieved. I am sure the behaviourist will do this but i think its unfortunate when people are told 'see a behaviourist, cure the dog' and are then disappointed or frustrated. (not suggesting thats what is happening- i have just seen it a few too many times recently!)

What rallyvalley said. I don't understand when someone feels so passionately about something, they don't start a thread on it- everyone would be alot happier to discuss with you then, although they still may not agree- than hijacking other topics.

Wishing tree donations do not need to be wrapped so you can certainly purchase from PETstock and donate. Thanks for getting involved! There are trees at the following locations- PETstock South Melbourne, PETstock Mornington, PETstock Moonee Ponds, PETstock Ormond. National Dog Trainers Federation Boronia, Unisuper 385 Burke Street Melbourne CBD, DiggiddyDoggyDaycare- Cnr Ferrars and York Street South Melbourne. Alternately, you can drop off to our place but you would need to pm or email for the address.

I have a dog (maybe even 2) that sounds like that description in your last post Corvus. And i too often wonder what they'd be like without the self control stuff we have done- i doubt it would be pretty Its interesting too because one of my other dogs is similarly advanced to one of the junkies with various training skills but they have such different styles and levels of reliability. The junkie can be more 'fun' to work but the 'normal' dog is certainly more consistent when looking at a large number of repetitions.

I disagree. I like to learn as much as i can about every element of training- i feel as though if i can learn to use 5 or 10 different things exceptionally well, that suits me better than learning one or two. JMO. I don't disagree that there are people who stick to one method that do amazing and exceptional things- that is absolutely true and i really respect them. There are certain skills i do better than others but i like to have them all and aim to be better at each of them.

Actually Huski, might need your help to make it a reality!

Oh, i am so pleased to hear that!! I was thinking about him and wondering how you were all coping. I am really looking forward to seieng you all again in the New Year.

Corvus- while i certainly acknowledge that we don't have lots of options here, do you not consider Delta and NDTF to be accredited? Is the Karen Pryor Academy National Recognised Training? Its a shame as i would love to do something like that- but i couldn't sign off to only use XYZ techniques. I do understand what Corvus says though with regards to protecting the reputation etc, just think its a shame that it is a graduation requirement. I suppose you could do it, not graduate and then do what you like but i am guessing you couldn't say you had even done the training..?

Thats a good point Nekhbet- is this a franchise? If no, what makes it different? Afraid i don't think i could afford it much as i would love to.

I love nothing more than watching my OH play with, cuddle and interact with the dogs in and out of the house. But when i first met him he didn't allow his 2 dogs inside very often- that changed pretty quickly and it was never a battleground- he wanted them in too but they had previously not been allowed in because of rental situation and before that they working cattle dogs in the country who just didn't come in. One of the dogs (the other passed away a few years ago) still prefers to be outside alot of the time during the day- although i just rescued her from outside as it is pissing down rain and our normally well covered deck is soaked. There is no way i could leave her out because of any 'rule'!! She is now gratefully sitting in the corner, i have 3 on the couch and one on the bed too.

Lol- annie k- great photo!!

http://www.facebook.com/underdogtraining Here are the photos from the event- too many to post here! Thank you to everyone who attended, participated and donated generously! We are still receving donations so don't have a total amount raised as yet. There were some beautiful dogs there and everyone had a terrific time. If you weren't able to make it but would still like to donate some pet supplies, let me know and we can arrange for you. I think the photos tell the story of the day best so make sure you have a peek!

Thats an excellent point too Vickie- i think it pays to always be careful about sources of information and recognise other factors. A great behaviourist or trainer can't 'fix' everything, regardless of other factors.

We may travel to QLD next year to run seminars and do some private consults- i am doing the planner for 2011 in the next week or so and will try to fit it in!

How a service or product provider resolves a query/ complaint is a massive indication to me of the professionalism etc about that business. No matter how good someone is, at some point there will be an issue that needs resolution. Thats when you see qualities that you don't get to see when everything runs smoothly. I ordered sashes for an event recently and received one with incorrect spelling- their error rather than mine. When i let them know, they promptly and without question did another one and sent it express post- now thats impressive and despite the 'mistake'- i will absolutely use them again.

Thats a good point Nekhbet- most people don't give negative feedback even if that is how they feel. I have had a friend of mine recently go to a large number of puppy school classes with her great dane pup and some of the things she has been told (and thankfully ignored) make my hair stand on end. When one trainer was questioned about the advice with client asking how that will work when the dog is 70kg- she was told that the trainer doesn't deal with large breed adult dogs..

I understand why time would be an important consideration- just that i wouldn't like that to see that as the be all and end all because although someone has done something for a long time, they may not be as good as they need to be at it.

Depends who it comes from i think.