Erny

Yep. I'm comforted that you were too, Lilli. Makes me feel less dumb. Can someone here explain ..... or perhaps guide us to the issue of DogsVic that Denis is actually referring to?

I read Denis' letter to the Editor, but wasn't sure what he was getting at. I've only recently joined VicDogs and have only the December and January issues of its magazine (although I've been aware of Michael Tucker's articles and read of the general distaste they've been producing). Denis says So, my first question is "when was Denis' letter written? What issue is he referring to?" Denis says Now, I tried to work out exactly which of MT's article's Denis is referring to (ie WHAT has MT said that is a "snipe at the profit motive of a group of professionals"; and which part of what MT's aritcle has had a "crack at a particular type of training device"?), but seeing as I've only just recently become a member of DogsVic, I've only got December 2007 and January 2008 to refer to. It wouldn't be the January issue, because that's the issue that has Denis' letter published. And it didn't seem to be the December issue. I'm a bit puzzled, because these quotes seem to go against what the other part of his letter is saying. :p

Kelpie-i ..... great posts and very well stated responses :p I could add to what you've said, but it would only be reinforcing it. And you've said it so succinctly that I know I couldn't do better. Except for one thing (can't help myself :p) ..... if a quick message can be delivered to a dog (speaking humanely of course - no harm) with such clarity that its learning will be faster, then surely the stress levels of learning a new skill must be less than otherwise. Many people don't seem to consider this when they like to go the 'long way around'. They can't always see the stress, so they presume it is not there.

Whoops!! Double post.

Don't forget ..... you get to hear what they design for you to hear (or, in the case of TV .... see). Not suggesting that what is portrayed is false, but perhaps not always the whole story.

In Victoria, e-collars are permitted under "restricted use". This involves having the Vet examine your dog for health and fitness sufficient enough to have an e-collar stimulation used, as well as working under the supervision and/or instruction of a qualified dog trainer. Words to that effect anyway. I thought I read/heard that use of e-collars in NSW were not allowed???? Don't quote me on this though ..... I'm ensconced in Vic Dog Laws at the moment, and haven't had the time to focus on the precise laws for other States.

I wasn't aware that they provide DVD's, so I guess that would give you the answer to your question raised in your OP. I expect Poodlefan would know about this more than I.

I guess it depends on your perspective. I enjoyed meeting with people that I've "known" over the net as well as people I hadn't already met. There were some things that were relevant to the "business" perspective that I found helpful. Being there also meant that it was possible to ask a question pertinent to the discussion. It was also good to meet and talk with the guest speakers. I do intend to go again and will be looking forward to knowing what guest speakers will be there this year. Do APDT Australia provide DVD's of their annual conferences?

See above, LL. I edited as you posted. :rolleyes:

It will be around September. Oops! You said "where" not "when". I'm not yet sure. Last year they did do a survey on who would attend where. Yet to be determined, as far as I'm aware.

Sure, aslong as you dont mind dog hair on the grapes. :rolleyes: Oh. Ok. So training isn't quite complete, then?

:rolleyes: Erny puts feet up and lounges back, in full confidence that her chores will be taken care of ....... They serve wine and peel grapes, don't they?

Pffft ! That's nothing. Now, if you could bring your dogs over to do my housework, THEN I'd class them as "world beaters" and you as "righteously egotistical" :D

:D And I suppose you have your dog's permission to say so?

Hi KatrinaM. If someone is sprouting egotistically about what their dog can do, what presents as the real problem? Many people sprout off about their abilities, achievements etc. Even people in public standing ..... And it is not exclusive to the dog world. I'm presuming there is a real point behind your questioning and that it is for some benefit to someone or somedogs?

Can you tell me where? I'd like to go there and bump into some too Good luck LM ..... hope the issues you speak of are fairly benign and remedy is swift.

LM - I've got to rush out so no time for a thoughtful "cover all contingencies" response. BUT (and of course, saying this without knowing the dog or your relationship with him), as the behaviour is only just at "onset" I would suggest "Leadership" will have good results. That, and knowing what to do to avoid inadvertent reinforcement for the behaviour. SA is actually very complex and frequently over diagnosed, IMO. So without asking a whole stack of questions and without benefit of observation, I can neither affirm or negate your diagnosis of this condition. If it is true SA, then apart from your Leadership, there would be other remedial steps to undertake as well. I have had clients who have reported behaviours which to the sound of it, seemed as though it might be SA. Leadership fixed it (and it wasn't necessarily SA anyway). But by itself, that isn't necessarily always going to be THAT easy. But it's the best start you can make. Your behaviourist/trainer will be able to go into it further and bettter than I, because of the benefits of visual assessment coupled with more thorough investigative questioning.

I agree with Tony. Do this as your first step. Will your dog get off the bed on your command? Will he get off the bed on your command in these circumstances? If not - step no 1 will be to work on this aspect, even if that means to begin with that you teach your dog that your bed is out of limits regardless. High resource guarding - especially over food - is an issue I don't normally advise on over the internet, simply because it can lead to that 'bite' (not safe for the owner, and the dog learns yet another unwanted behaviour), but following as Tony has suggested (ie training your dog to relinquish its bone by exchanging for an alternative treat - which should NOT involve you putting your hand on the bone while it is still in your dog's mouth) is a basic step towards being able to do this safely. If not this, then wait until you get to see your behaviourist/trainer. But you can begin working on the "on the bed" issue easily and if necessary this can begin by denying access to it.

A passing phase? That depends on whether he recognises you mean the boundaries and guidelines you've set him. It is a time of 'learning' for dogs - in part it could be a reflection on what relationship you've established up until now. Or it could be him checking to see if you will assert those boundaries. Could also be the 'second teething' period, - kind of as if his mature teeth are 'settling in' .... some dogs do go through another chewing phase at that point. Either way, it is still about 'learning' even if there is an underlying cause and if unchecked the behaviour can become habitual. Do nothing and the phase will not necessarily 'pass'.

Are you saying, towards you? Towards other dogs? Towards anyone? Any activity that would give her a feeling of control over her own destiny. Sorry - a poor way of saying things such as agility (dogs lacking confidence can "grow" before your very eyes when they easily learn to achieve obstacle negotiation). I have worked with dogs who have been real scaredy cats, and lacking in agility equipment, I'd encourage them to jump up (on a box, table supplied for that purpose, chair .... all dependant on the size of the dog and what they can manage). Make the exercises REEaaaaalllly easy for her to win, and let her know you're so pleased with her and amazed - even for the smallest of small accomplishments. Also, praise for more confident posturing. Having a good run with her on lead can also help bring that tail and posture up - have fun with her and if you can, try to encourage some 'drive'. I think another good activity (esp seeing as she is part Kelpie) might be "herding". I've seen dogs who have been very meek literally 'bloom' as their ancient instincts come into play. She might not make the best herding dog in the world with her temperament, but the herding may well help her confidence immensely. I'm not the expert in this - if you're interested, get in contact with Kelpie-i (DOL member). Trick training is also good. Start easy so she can achieve wins quickly and frequently.

I believe not necessarily Mel. The axis of the leverage might be different, but it is still there and perhaps more than one might at first think. IMO, HeadCollars are not a style of equipment that should be 'toyed' with until one gets to see a trainer to understand how to train.

Hi Mark. It's ok .... I have the topic in the c4s site being "tracked" so I normally receive an alert when someone posts on that thread . Have responded in the c4s site and also PM'd you (via c4s). Cheers! Judi

A 2008 *bump* Happy New Year! :rolleyes:

One more before the end of the year . A number of queries in relation to Regulatory law have arisen and I need to wait until the New Year for certain people to return to work so I can seek answers to them, so I've taken this time (hours) to sort through the submission folder and sifted my way through download upon download of various Government Acts, making notes as I go. For this same reason, I've had to put the petition 'on hold'. I can't do too much more until the questions in my mind are answered, but in the meantime I'm hoping to receive the submissions needed from professional trainers. Thank you to those who have submitted - your help I can not do without and it is appreciated. I hope I can achieve for you an outcome that will benefit all whose interest lay in dog training and dog welfare. That's not to say that I don't have the need for any more submissions from dog-owners who have used the "Pressure Point Collar" and recognise its benefits. So guys .... my New Year's wish is for submissions in support to come flooding through in overwhelming fashion and for this I wait. Impatiently, admittedly, but waiting all the same . My other New Year's wish is for all to share in peace, health, happiness and hope. Happy New Year to all. :rolleyes: Cheers! Erny ETA: There is a very special person out there who has been an immense help - both by way of backstop as well as my 'right-hand-man'. She has relentlessly searched, dug and uncovered areas within the laws of Government for further investigation in support of the submission presently underway. I'm not sure if she would like to be named but she knows who she is. To her, a special thanks .

Sticks - the next level of training will see you learning how to teach your dog to "heel". You've done well to teach loose lead walking (ie leash manners) before "heel" - IMO this is the correct 'order' of things. If all your other criteria - such as reliable "sit"; little to no resistance to "drop"; on lead recall with "sit" to front at end; and focus; are all in place, then you should see yourself and Fraser being passed up very quickly on return to training (not long to go!). The "social walk" exercise is the exercise that I get the most use out of whilst out walking with dogs. It serves to not only physically exercise but also mentally exercise the dog along the way. I use "heel" as part of training here and there throughout my walks (if the dog's training level is up to that stage), but don't ask for long periods of "heel". In "heel" the dog is not permitted to sniff the ground and should be maintaining focus on you, so he really doesn't get opportunity to investigate his environment - which takes mental calculation to accomplish . I'd suggest you enjoy the fine time you have simply walking Fraser out on lead. Spend this next couple of weeks to build and strengthen the basic skills you've already taught him and work to improve them wherever possible. This will stand Fraser in good stead for when the new and more complex skills are introduced. ETA: Sticks - if you start fiddling with the "heel" command now but do it incorrectly, it can lead to an inconsistency that will be more difficult for Fraser to comprehend when you do begin training for it under instruction and can serve to make the exercise more difficult for him to learn and hence slower to achieve.