Cosmolo

They are different designs- personally, i wouldn't use either and prefer harnesses that connect at the front.

The fact is people DON'T know. I see many caring dog owners who thought they were getting a puppy from where you get a pet puppy from- if they knew they would not have supported the industry. If i speak to them about it i don't firstly call their dog that they ALREADY have and love- ugly, dumb, crapoodle etc etc. The names and insinuations result in minds closing before you get to the point- the very important point about puppy farms etc.

Insulting the dogs alienates the very people you want to influence with education.

Attacking or making fun of the dogs themselves is not the answer and will result in any message that comes after that not being heard. For the record i know lots and lots of wonderful 'oodles'- doesn't mean how they are bred and kept is okay though.

I would say yes definitely Kavik- especially if developed and channelled from an early age.

I am not an owner of one but have trained 3 quite recently, all from different litters. Early socialisation is key as is very good leadership- i would not describe them as cruisy laid back dogs- they certainly have some edge and spunk to them and without good leadership and socialisation, this causes problems. 2 out of the 3 i saw did not have the above and had issues- barking in both, timidity in one, hyper activity in the other. The well socialised one was very intelligent and i thought quite good to train- clear training is a must and there has to be something great in it for them. I think they are great little dogs for people who are willing to train and socialise like they would a bigger dog, but need a smaller package!

I agree with you there Huski.

Thats true Sas- but some people can't do it with the dog they have.

Huski do you think a trainer should be able to take any dog with any history and teach loose lead walking on a flat collar? 'with or without a tool'? How long should this take? Some dogs cannot walk on a loose lead without a tool for various reasons. If i said tool doesn't matter and put every dog on a flat collar i would have some owners pulled down the street, others too scared to take their dog for a walk etc. There is a difference between POSSIBLE and PRACTICAL. As a trainer you also have to recognise that some people cannot be consistent- or choose not be consistent- i would rather see these dogs on a sensible harness or front connecting harness than any other piece of equipment. And saying 'but they should be consistent' is all well and good- but if they're not going to be, why not make it easier for them and the dog? Let me give you an example- Mum with children, walks dog to school with children, twice a day. Many methods would involve more time being taken such as stopping, changing direction etc, making the children late for school, meaning dogs stops going for those 2 walks per day. Mums focus is getting the kids to school, not training the dog. Is that better for the dog? Why not put the dog on a harness for those walks and then actively train loose lead walking on a different piece of equipment at other times? Fitting everyone into the one basket doesn't work- this is how people and dogs fall through the cracks This is not my preference- i want everyone to be 100% consistent, 100% of the time. But not everyone is this way and i thinkits important to have options!

Sorry but i disagree with huski and nekhbet- what does it matter if i can take a dog and get it to walk on a loose lead if an owner can't? Some owners cannot do whats required and need the assistance of tools that manage the dog and make it easier. Some owners do not have the timing and co ordination thats required and while many can learn it, some cannot. I don't see the issue with using a tool that creates no issue for the dog (unlike a headcollar) that makes life easier for the owner.

Well i would love to see those who condemn recommend something other than euthanasia or medication for dogs with serious issues. I don't agree with everything Caesar does but then again i don't agree with everything any trainer does- 'the only thing 2 trainers will agree on is what the third trainer is doing wrong'. And i agree with barkon- Caesar Milan is hardly where resources should be concentrated!

Sensible harnesses are one harness we have trialled- with some scepticism to start- and used with much success! Not for all dogs and not a cure all but can work amazingly well for those suited to it.

If interstate breeders have puppy buyers in Melbourne they would like to send a voucher too, this is no problem as well.

I think breeders should take the dog back OR assist with the rehoming if their circumstances mean they cannot physically take the dog back at that time. I don't believe people are entitled to a refund though once the dog is beyond 6 months of age. I have known some breeders who are very helpful, some breed clubs who are very helpful. Unfortunately i have also seen a dog recently at a shelter- reason for surrender? Dog did not like show ring. Lovely dog too.

ABC- if you come to Albury end of March you can meet him! Thats so interesting jata- i am going back to look at those photos now!! Gilbert is sleeping on a pillow pile on the couch and so is OH- now thats cute!

Vouchers will be sent this week to all those who have requested. Further requests welcome. Vouchers can be given to puppy buyers or used by breeders themselves.

Please please tell them not to get a puppy before the age if 8 weeks- any breed!! And they must do some reading on critical periods of development to ensure they choose a breeder that cares about the pups socialisation needs.

Well done Smoothie girl and my special Bronte dog! She has improved SO much and you should be very proud of her. I am very proud of both of you Congratulations to everyone else- although i now don't trial myself, i love reading of the successes and journeys!

Nekhbet would be the best person for you to contact

We would like to thank Viki Knowles at Blazeaway Park for her care, expertise, knowledge and wonderful communication with us throughout this process. We have struck gold with her as our breeder and could recommend her to anyone. It was absolutely worth the wait and i am so glad we didn't get impatient!

Little Gilbert man is home Here are the photos- there are a few of the pup the breeder is keeping too- a little broken coat girl, the rest are of Gilbert and our dogs and their first meeting! http://s382.photobucket.com/albums/oo264/c...tion=postupload

I think it would be preferable to see a trainer soonish, given there are a few problems involved and also to show you some different ways to stimulate Buffy. Perhaps also have a look at the tricks forum on here (top of Training forum) to give you some ideas for tricks and fun things you can do with Buffy in the evenings to truly work her brain. It could be digging a 'bed', it could be OCD- given the difference in severity of these two things i would be hesitant to let it go on for much longer.

What kind of numbers are expected there HR?