Cosmolo

Unbelievable. Tell me oakway- why weren't registered breeders represented then?? They had the perfect opportunity to come and make it known that registered breeders ARE different- and they blew it off and didn't come. Debra Tranter has been behind ethical registered breeders for years and against puppy farms- if you were there yesterday and spoke to some of the people involved, you would see that the point of difference was made. Shame other people have to defend registered breeders though when the registering bodies can't get off their backsides and do what you are paying them to do- represent you. Which 117 page document are you referring to? No i am not a registered breeder- i don't have the knowledge or expertise to be one AND i respect those who do. But my last dog was from an amazing breeder who we love and will get future dogs from so i have no desire to see registered breeders eliminated! This is not about the RSPCA, this is not about eliminating breeding animals, this is not about going after registered breeders. This is about stopping factory farms, the selling of animals in pet shops etc. This is about raising awareness so that the public ASK questions about where their new puppy has come from- people don't know and again, where are the registering bodies of pedigree dogs?? On the one hand you say legislation not enforced etc etc- on the other you say if new legislation comes in, it will be enforced targetting the wrong people- you can't have it both ways. Registered breeders should not be exempt from housing dogs in satisfactory conditions and if they do that, what Oscars law proposes will not effect them.

Oakway- that IS part of Oscars Law. For goodness sake, go and read what was being protested!!

There have been plenty- he did a whole show on pint size red zone cases.

I hate that video.. And that the owners say at the end that they are so relieved the dog is dominant not aggressive One thing that you learn when working with people- is how limited most are with dog handling skills. Fair enough too- they aren't professionals or even enthusiasts and we shouldn't expect them to be. Techniques are NOT just determined by dog behvaiour- they are determined by dog behaviour and owner capability.

Those 2 things were what was being pushed at the rally today in addition to banning factory farming of dogs. Enforcement was talked about multiple times as well. I haven't seen anything about X amount of land required, kennelling facilities etc??

I don't think some of you understand what the campaigners are fighting for. I don't see how ethical registered breeders will be unable to comply with any legislation. I'm glad you have voiced your concerns to the canine bodies. I am heavily involved in the dog world and cannot tell you the last time i have seen any promotion (outside DOL) of pedigree dogs from registered breeders through the canine registering bodies. If i can't see it, the gernal public certainly can't.

In WA i would highly recommend Kathy Koppellis McLeod- she is the best behaviourist in Perth i know of and although she won't use corrections of a physical nature there is no one else i know of that has the experience she does.

If everyone is so concerned about registered breeders being targetted, please tell me WHERE were your representatives?? Why did DOGS VIC not attend to promote and present registered breeders point of difference. Perhaps you should direct complaints to them for not being a part of what was a superb event. I did 2 interviews for channel 7 and the ABC as well as my speech and the point was made about the difference between registered ethical breeders and puppy factories. Its not all cloak and dagger conspiracies and maybe if people actually got involved instead of complaining, responsible and effective change could be made more promptly.

People wouldn't have been confused about the difference between registered breeders and 'the rest' if Dogs Vic had actually attended and had a stand today as they could and should have done. What a great turnout and a great rally- well done to all of the organisers and everyone who particpated.

What Aidan said- thats why i prefer that method to teaching traditional focus.

I just wanted to add that training without aversives should rely heavily on classical conditioning IMO. There are times when a trainer chooses to train without particular aversives, doesn't have a good understanding of or simply doesn't use CC and therefore doesn't have a reward of high enough value that counters the distraction and then 'positive training' gets itself into trouble. The alternative isn't just to give a correction- you can do that or you can look at more conditioning. The value of the reward doesn't matter nearly as much when you have done lots of classical conditioning. I use aversives too- i just know my training has changed alot since using more and more classical conditioning.

Hi Aphra- i think the closest dog obedience clubs would be frankston-ish way. We service the area for private consults too. I'm sure others will be along with their recommendations too.

What Staff n Toller said. I disagree with the notion that because we love dogs (and of course we do) that we should provide professional services (that cost money to provide, plus ongoing education etc) at a loss or break even amount. ETA We are not an 'upmarket' class/ club run purely for profit either. If money was all we cared about let me assure you- we'd not be dog trainers!

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Obviously i don't think we're a 'rip off'. And many places don't list prices on their website so not sure how you can compare or consider us extreme in terms of cost. Regardless, i believe our services are worth what we charge- and so do all of our clients, the testimonials on our website are all real! We provide a different service to a dog obedience club- its not the same- and we have many clients who choose to do both and they agree. No one forces anyone to pay XYZ amount for training. We are not misleading anyone, guaranteeing anything or being unethical in any way. We are NOT like ADT either. The decision that one makes when choosing a trainer is really, really important and i agree with all of the suggestions to go to organisations, meet the trainers etc. Bad trainers can do alot of damage and good trainers can save alot of heartache. We don't teach people that dogs are 'complicated beings' either so i am not sure where that comes from. To the OP- we're happy to answer any questions you might have about us or our training.

We do both Bundy's Mum.

I wouldn't like that co ownership contract. The death by misadventure part surprised me too. Yes the dog may have been cheaper initially, but the breeder also gets some stud fees and other rights etc which IMO compensate for this.

So then Steve what you're really saying is that it is virtually impossible for average Joe to work out whether a breeder is ethical or not. Personally this is precisely why i think raising awareness is so very important- if you don't raise awareness people won't ask any questions. Raise awareness, and at least people will start to think about what they need from a breeder.

I don't think Oscars law says you won't be able to whelp a dog in the house? In fact, i think thats the opposite of what they're trying to achieve.

What about the JRTx's 'quest for dominance' as his reason for escaping- no he's not anxious at all..

There is need for further definition. Puppy farmers currently get away with not providing for an animals physical, psychological and socialisation requirements because its not written into the code of practice. Thats my focus. I don't think registered breeders, private rescue or anyone else should be 'let off the hook'. Steve can you clarify what information isn't in line with the science and provide links to any studies- i'd be interested in reading them

What poodlefan said. In every puppy school i run, i get to hear how people came across their puppies. There are many issues that contribute to where people purchase their puppies and there are some that the purebred dog community could resolve, such as the ones PF mentioned. Some people think my dogs are ugly- i don't care, they're not the ones that have to like them. There are breeds that i love to train but i would personally never own- i don't think there is anything wrong with that either.

We'll be there!

Burke Rd Vet is very good.

I have a dog who loves to dig- she is not anxious, nor is she bored- she just enjoys it. I have used chicken wire pegged flat on all of my garden beds but the lawn is a bit tougher to do- so i just restrict access. She has allergies too so shouldn't really be left out on the grass for long periods anyway and she keeps my boy with joint issues company inside (he can't spend long periods out or he will get quite sore playing) Its a win win for us- i get to keep my nice lawn (which does mean alot to me- i love my garden and understand how others feel the same) she never gets in trouble for it and gets stimulated in other ways that she also really enjoys. The plan is for a big sand pit to be created down the side of the house as well for all the dogs to use if they want to. Its not about leadership and certainly not about the dog learning to blame herself..

Keep moving. The only way to increase the distance (which i would also recommend) is to move and get him to move with you. ETA Do you go to training at all?