Pippi

Just reminds me of the time my dog & I actually did just that. I have never asked for a constant 'look at me while heeling' ever again.

Hey, welcome back Kelpie-i.. Good to see you back on deck. :p

Yep - Behaviourist - now thats my next step. Maybe next year

I did this course 12 months ago, mainly because my dog had dog aggression issues and I couldn't find anyone to help me. I looooooved the course and got more from it than I ever imagined I would. My dog also benefited. When I got my next puppy I was more than equipped to deal with bringing up a healthy, happy, well socialised puppy. The bonus is, I now spend my time doing what I love, training dogs.... :pant: It doesn't get any better... BTW: We had a couple of people on our course who came from interstate once a month and successfully completed the course - so anything is possible..

Good idea, I'll try that one . Good for a young dog I would suspect....

Sounds good Hopenfox. I'll be in touch as soon as I know when the next weekend will be. Love your pics.. ;)

No need to get up that early ...I could meet you at Malmsbury or Woodend and from there it takes 1 hour, all freeway, no Melb traffic, easy peasy.... We could then meet Sparty around Keilor/Taylors Lakes (as long as she doesn't get lost :D ) then no one is going too far out of their way. Anyway its food for thought, we'll see what happens when the next herding day comes along. There's always solutions.... Just thought...another option is to all meet at Daylesford ??? kinda halfway.

Sky: Thanks for all the photos of the Herding Day, they were great. I didn't expect to see any of my boy though! ( I was only there for half the day with my Sable BC Byron, not Bandit - although I do like that name ) Now I know a few other DOLers, although I didn't at the time (except I recognised Jyra's name.) I went back on the Sunday to have a full day and took my little BC girl as well as Byron so they could both have a go. What a fantastic time we had. Byron was pretty good but Pippi astounded me. 7 months old, first real experience and she just got in and did the job, wow isn't it great to watch your dog doing what they were bred for. Only trouble was I was the one feeling totally useless and unecessary in the whole event :D I have no doubt my dogs will be fine, me..... thats debatable!! I'll keep trying.... Sparty.. I think I'm hooked . I will definitely be there if you and hopenfox decide to go, maybe you can give me some extra tips. Maybe we should organise a DOLer's day at Herding in the near future. Sorry I don't have any pics, I couldn't manage myself, dogs, sheep AND camera all at the same time, so next time a dedicated photographer will need to be arranged Any volunteers?? Fantastic time David & Geoff, thanks for your time and help. Me and furkids learnt heaps. We'll be be there again for sure ....

Yes it is... Take the advice of Amhailte and Poodlefan, as soon as possible...

Yep, don't need to add anything to what Tess has explained, except that it should all be explained to you at Steve's classes...

What or where is Bungandore ??? Please explain...

Not sure what age your puppy is but hopefully you are attending a reputable training school where you shouyld be able to get good advice. IMO a correction chain should never be used on a puppy under 12 weeks, beyond that age it is still questionable. Using a c/chain or not should not be an automatic upgrade, i.e. from flat collar to c/chain, from grade 1 to grade 2, from windows 95 to XP etc etc (hope that makes sense). It is something you think about, and research, and ask questions about (as you are doing here ) It is a decision you make with the dogs temperament and training requirements in mind. As others have already stated, you may decide that for your dog, it is completely unnecessary - or alternatively if you are having issues you may need to look at other options (many of which have already been mentioned). But please don't just move to a c/chain purely based on the age or size of the dog. Stick with your training

Sorry I was talking about Agility at Ballarat on 18th, not Obedience.

Bummer, can't make this one. But I'll try to make the Ballarat one. Have a great day...

Hmmmmm..... do I really want to feel the difference? I'm very happy with my BC's. I might have trouble handling a Kelpie... ;)

Herding Guy I'll be there for sure - with my Border Collies.. ;)

You need a Border Collie to get that.. Sorry, but that was just too good an opening to resist.....

Haven The Victorian Govt, Dept of Primary Industries have released a Code of Practice for the operation of dog training establishments. Comes under the Feral & Nuisance Animals Act 1994. http://www.agriculture.gov.au/product4.cfm...4=Fact%20sheets I guess to be accurate, it does not prevent you from doing what you want in your own back yard but certainly it covers anyone operating a dog training business.

:D :D ;) :p How awful, couldn't agree more. I believe it is illegal to use a correction chain on a puppy under 12 weeks (in Victoria anyway). In any case poor puppy is just doing what puppies love to do and that is play and socialise - poor thing is being corrected for it !! Plenty of time for that a bit later. Some people should have goldfish.....

Hmmmm 40 dogs off lead.... what do they do with any that may be a little reactive or aggressive to other dogs, or are they unwelcome? :D

I believe check-in time for AM is 8-8.30 and for PM 12.45-1.15

I am also about to embark on the building of agility equipment. I agree with Erny that the best material seems to be PVC tubing - safe and simple to put together as well as readily available at the plumbing store. IMO jumps should be made so as the bars will fall off if the dog crashes into them, rather than the fixed variety (especially when the dog is learning). Light and easy to move is important. Do a google search for "agility equipment" and you will find lots of ideas and plans on the web. Good luck BTW excellent about the colours

I know I'm a bit late answering this but I've just joined. I would absolutely be interested, preferably in Vic.