Erny

You betcha ... you know, seeing the human/dog partnership progressing and so happy is the instructor's best "pay cheque" .... It's the "buzz" that can leave you feeling euphoric for hours and days, and is an extra injection of enthusiasm for the instructor. Good on you, Anne. You seem to give us alot of credit, for which we're happy, but we don't lose sight of the fact that it's YOU who is training Murray .... we're just there to give you guidance, hints, tips and help where you need it. So don't forget to pat yourself on the back! Well done. :D

MM - Just read this thread .... hope your girl is ok and that everything turned out as good as it could. It's a worry, isn't it? It's really obvious how much you care for your dog and that she is well looked after. Good luck .... and standing by for some good news.

Speak to Steve Austin @ Hanrob Kennels - is he any closer to you, MM?

At home, she isn't in a position where she feels, as "Leader" that she needs to "handle" situations. When she's out, she does. Follow K9's advice .... this dog doesn't view you as a Leader in external environments. Perhaps not even at home .... but you might not be noticing it. An imbalance of leadership isn't always conspicuous. Leaderships starts at home .... and never ends. ETA: Once your leadership is in place (in the dog's mind), you'll probably have some work to do to as your dog now has a learnt behaviour. I'm sure K9 will be able to instruct you in this regard. I'd recommend you contact him for some lessons.

I am so sorry, Lablover. I have PM'd you in return.

Well done on the quotes, LL .... that's a small thing to teach. Would rather be able to teach retrieve as you have to Stamp. :rolleyes: Maybe with my next dog. So sorry to hear about Sas ... I didn't know. That'd be one of the golden lab's you have? It's tuff when one of your dogs are 'down' .... I know the helplessness you feel. Poor darlin' .... but lucky to have an owner such as you. Feel free to PM if you need to talk anytime.

Actually, HR, it's just dawned on me that your OH's dobe isn't featured in your signature!!!!

Congratulations, LL! Well done A hint, though ... it is often helpful if you type in the name of the poster who you are quoting from, so people can track back to the full post if need be. :rolleyes:

IMO a cross section of regular exercise is best. In otherwords, some running (chasing balls, bike riding - you ride the bike, the dog runs incase you're wondering!) - ie aerobic exercise; some light trotting/walking; over flats and up and down hills; swimming. Rest in between and change of exercise has, as I understand it, a better effect on muscle strength and recovery. Combine all this with a sport such as agility is good too. ETA: Is this what you mean, Anne?

K9: many people feel that their dog has been abused as it shows a lot of avoidance, but sometimes the dog is just weak nerved genetically. Totally agree, K9. Many people have suggested to me that Kal has been physically abused. I don't think so. She is so incredibly "sensitive" (weak on nerves) that I have to be careful with the use of my voice around her, otherwise she cowers, shakes, shivers etc. I don't think her previous owners understood this, though - so much work could have been done with her as a puppy to improve on her genetic disposition.

Lablover1 .... we'd all look forward to meeting you and Dodge.

Anne! .... not boring at all! Given that I've not been able to get back to ADT training for a while, it was nice to be able to catch up with some progresses . I'm rapt that things are progressing for you and Murray, and importantly, that you are enjoying yourselves there. I'm waiting for the ADT roster to come through ... there might be a weekend or two that I can make it down - if not at Berwick, then perhaps to the fun day .. and get a chance to meet you both then. Well done - your enthusiasm brings a smile to my face.

Haven -

Kelpie-i - ETA: And with you .. ETA: Don't forget to bring a prong collar ..... will have to pick one up as soon as we cross the border because they're illegal here in Victoria (and we're good "bad guys"). Hugely Wirthless says they're equipment of torture ..... it may come in handy.

I'm building my TOT instructor robot .... can control it from the outside. Robot has a stash of steaks, chicken wings, bones and ......... pigs liver (thanks for the hint, Myszka) to work with. When the dogs are distracted, we rush K9 ..... Haven, that's where you come in with the "doggy bag" ....... And Kelpie-i, you cover the back door .... Oh - and by the way, the robot's name is ...... "ROBOTOT" © sssshhhhhhhh .......

Hmph ..... Erny returns to base for new ideas ...... ETA: Calls pack members to a meeting .........

Hey CF - it's fun! Let us know how you go (if you go)!

Erny skulks off to the nearest butcher .... a pig's liver is good alternative, and Erny pops it in the microwave for warming ..... Erny dons stout vest (bullet proof) .... to cover vital organs.

You forget .... my balaclava will save me! Or else you mean your dogs will be swooning at my feet ..... is that it, K9?

K9 ..... that would be treason the Sydneysiders are suggesting!!! Us Melbournites don't play quite that dirty ..... ....... come on down here with us - we'll look after you ....

Bribery and drugging Kelpie-i ........ you're a geniuous!!!!!!!!! (Remember, I don't cook, though ..... just in case you were thinking of tempting with gormet dishes etc.)

Erny runs to shower to wash smell of dog treats away (just incase of confusion) ........................ brings out dogs' fav "prey item" !!!!! aha!!!!

Ahhhh, yes, but I now aware of K9's secret weapon and key to leadership ..... known as ....... THE TOT!!!!!!!!

Erny puts on balaclava and sneaks away .........

LL - maybe he wants you to do your whizzy spins