Cosmolo

I have a client with one- he is a pretty full on boy!

You do definitely need to see a behaviourist- we also consult in that area. In the meantime, try to avoid him coming into close contact with other dogs and if you encounter any on walks- increase the distance between them and you significantly before he starts to react.

I would consider having a chat to a veterinary behaviourist- Robert Holmes may be the best person for you to at least have a chat to and see what he thinks.

I am excited to announce that PETstock Moonee Ponds is now also on board as a Wishing Tree location.

That would be great black magic, i will let you know the postal address.

We got ours from plasticoat too- i didn't think they were too expensive.

Kirst, the shampoo would be for the dogs while in care with the rescues/ shelter. Thank you for putting up some posters- thats really great!! I think the breeders choice litter is preferred but i'm sure any would be gratefully received. It seems most of the rescues and the shelter are quite short on reasonable quality puppy food and senior food as well. Thanks puggy!

Yes, definitely have a postal address for donations- pm or email and i can provide it for you. Thanks Pip and DA. Thanks for being an elf smoothiegirl

We'll be putting in a number of training vouchers as well.

Great ideas Anniek

Trisven- that would be awesome. John and Andrea were promising to make a trip down last time we were there too! Here are a few ideas for items to place under the wishing tree Dry dog food Dry cat food dog and cat bowls dog crates and cat carriers Shampoos and conditioners Dog/ cat brushes and combs dog coats dry dog training treats treat pouches for training training tug toys for dogs fabric martingale collars cat and dog collars Really reliable recall training dvd Good quality dog leads Wet cat food Tough dog toys Cat and kitten toys Litter trays Cat bedding Dog bedding Drontal all womers for cats and dogs Advantage flea treatments Sentinel spectrum We definitely need more elves to take the wishing tree ideas into their workplaces, schools etc so let me know if you can help in that way too.

Project_Underdog_Christmas_Wishing_Tree.doc

(permission granted to post by Troy) As part of our 5th birthday celebration, we are having a major fundraiser for a number of Victorian rescue groups and shelters. The fundraiser will be held at Clayton South on the 28th November from 10am-1:30pm and will be a great event for everyone to attend with their dog. The event will have a range of stalls, a BBQ, Santa photos for the dogs as well as a fun dog show, the Underdog Awards for responsible dog ownership and a whole lot more!! We will also be launching Project Underdog- Christmas Wishing Tree. The Christmas Wishing Tree project will work in a similar way to the wishing trees in Kmart and Target stores that help under privileged children. The difference is that Project Underdog's trees will help dogs and cats in care with the following groups- Victorian Dog Rescue Beagle Rescue Victoria Australian Animal Protection Society Pug Rescue and Adoption Greyhound Safety Net Wishing trees will be available at PETstock South Melbourne and PETstock Ormond stores from the 25th November- 23rd December- more locations are currently being confirmed. Can't get to a location? Become a Project Underdog Elf and gifts will be collected from you or drop off points can be arranged. Please read the attached information and forward to as many people as you can. Help us to give these deserving organisations a much needed boost in what is likely to be a busy and stressful time. For any queries, please contact Tamara at [email protected] Christmas_Party_invitation.doc

My point with that video is not about Caesars methods, cures or anything else. I am actually not having a go at him at all with that video. It is simply a really good example of how behaviour can change when owners or other factors are reintroduced into the picture. I am trying to dispell the notion that if you are a good enough trainer you can train the dog, hand it back and have it behave reliably for its owner at that point.

Do not watch this if you are easily upset- Spec training- look at the video " a dog fight starts". This is Trinity after 3 months with Caesar during which time she was going on consults with him, socialising with lots of different dogs without issue. The video shows the first time they try to reintroduce the owners. http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/chan.../Full-Episodes/

Has Caesar proven his methods work though? Are these dogs actually safe after his rehab? Spec training in all seriousness you should watch a Caesar episode where there are 2 pitbulls living together that fight- one of them goes for rehab with Caesar and does brilliantly until the owners are reintroduced. It is the perfect example of what i am referring to.

Guide dogs are completely different- first of all they are trained for long periods of time (much longer than what i would see even my best clients) by the trainer AND they use stimulus control (harness on= work) and a variety of handlers to ensure what i mentioned doesn't happen. They also have a high fail rate. None of these things are okay with aggression- i don't want to have a high fail rate, i can't have a variety of handlers (because people who can train and handle aggressive dogs are thin on the ground) and i don't particularly want stimulus control- i want to change the way the dog feels about situations generally. You can't compare the two. And to imply that regression with owners only occurs because of trainer incompetence is one of the most ridiculous things i have ever heard. Funnily enough though, its not the first time i have heard it- but it remains untrue.

That is seriously scary- what must they have done to be able to inflict those injuries?? My mare would have booted them.. Scary to think it happened at a well frequented place- not like its the middle of nowhere. Lets hope they catch the person before they do it again..

Melzawelza can tell you about him too- i think she has met him. I might bring a couple of my others too

Who knows.. you might get to meet the best Jack Russell in the world too... And his owner

Rubbish. I know dogs that have been very well trained by professionals and behave brilliantly in that persons direct presence. Remove the trainer and the inconsistencies, ability and skill of the owner ALL come into play PLUS the dogs prior learning. Don't ever underestimate the effects of prior learning and situation specific responses- situations involving the owner. I did once and one of my dogs nearly paid the price for my (and another trainers) mistake with her life.

This talk about "if you had worked with aggressive dogs you would understand and agree" is rubbish. We have worked with a number of extreme dogs and don't agree with intentional use of air blocking as a training exercise. Everyone is entitled to their own opionion and it doesn't make them part of any particular crowd OR lacking in experience. I'd be interested to know the answer to the follow up question too Staranais.

What PF said. I have had very reactive pups in many pre schools and never have i had an owner bitten or a fight..

I guess thats part of the problem though- In any TV show, you don't get to see the ongoing, dedicated training required to actually solve a dogs issues, hence it appears that whatever IS being shown is it. Agree with what Aidan said too. I have no problem with preventing a bite using any means necesary- not only is it in the best interest of the handler but it is in the best interest of the dog- i don't want any dog i am handling to realise they can lay a bite on me. But removing the dogs front feet from the ground and holding them out is exactly that- bite prevention, rather than a deliberate, intentional training exercise. My OH has to do it more than most people i would think- we temperament test many, many dogs and as a result see a few that would be quite happy to take a chunk out of you- and they mean business. I have no hesitation in using whatever we have on the dog to hold them out until they settle because the alternative is to get bitten. Do we like it? No. But i like the alternative a whole lot less. Sometimes bite prevention is step one. And its all very well and good to say well don't overface the dog in the first place. But in many cases, a persons presence overfaces them and we need to deal with that and then start training. JMO.

Some puppies cope better than others with average- poor socialisation. For those pups who don't cope- the issues are significant. I have seen many 13-16 week old pups that are already showing extreme fear, reactivity to dogs and people etc. Be careful.