High Potential Dogs In Low Potential Homes

[Lollipup]

I am guilty of having low potential home

HonBun would be great at agility/obedience. Unfortunately I am yet to win Lotto. I will be able to offer her that opportunity when I can stop working.

Until then 2 walks per day, play with her "sibs" and lots of love must suffice.

Sounds like a great home :)

I didn't mean to make anyone feel guilty

[Weasels]

Never heard of a w/l Australian Sheppard! Most of the ones that I've seen in agility are low - medium drive *dons flame suit because they seem to be the popular choice for agility these days*. Are there any in Australia?

Most of the ones I see are imports :) There was a litter earlier this year between a US import and the granddaughter (I think) of a Tri Ch which would have been heaven if I was in the market for a puppy/herding Aussie! As a consolation I still get to cuddle with one of the pups from the litter sometimes, she's already a tiny superstar :D

Part of me thinks that would be too easy tho :laugh: And for better or worse, my heart belongs to kelpies :)

This is what I think the other times :laugh: though inserting Mal or BC instead of Aussie Shepherd. There is something about the look in the Kelpie's eyes . . .

There really is isn't there :) OH was having a bad day today so I sent in the kelpies and suddenly all was forgotten :)

Also I think I should get the hang of training a stong-eyed dog before trying to switch to a loose-eyed dog and getting myself all confused! Also buying well-bred, well raised dogs I'd miss out on all the "fun" of dealing with the myriad of issues the rescue dogs came with :laugh:

Edited November 9, 2012 by Weasels

[Staff'n'Mutt]

I also think its better for me, as a beginner in agility to have a slightly slower/lower drive dog than the other way round! I see plenty of fast, driven dogs with handlers that don't have the athletic or training ability to allow them to reach their full potential imo . Having said that, it is amazing the way some of these people develop their distance handling, but to me, agility is about the both the dog and the handler being fast and agile and working together.

holy dog did you see us last week at training? she's fast and agile and I'm sort of blobby and clumsy? dagnabbit I'm the low potential of this duo. don't worry i'm not offended or having a dig but not all of us care a great deal about ribbons and titles it's about having some fun and for me ditching the hubby and kids for an hour or two here and there :)

[aussielover]

I also think its better for me, as a beginner in agility to have a slightly slower/lower drive dog than the other way round! I see plenty of fast, driven dogs with handlers that don't have the athletic or training ability to allow them to reach their full potential imo . Having said that, it is amazing the way some of these people develop their distance handling, but to me, agility is about the both the dog and the handler being fast and agile and working together.

holy dog did you see us last week at training? she's fast and agile and I'm sort of blobby and clumsy? dagnabbit I'm the low potential of this duo. don't worry i'm not offended or having a dig but not all of us care a great deal about ribbons and titles it's about having some fun and for me ditching the hubby and kids for an hour or two here and there :)

Well obviously none of us can ever hope to be as fast or agile as our dogs :laugh:

I think agility is great because anyone can do it, whether you're old or young, fit or not so fit. I'm sure my dog would be a million times better if I were a better handler as well.

Just for me, I prefer actually attempting to run the course with my dog (as unco as I am :laugh: ), as I think this helps improve MY health and fitness and I actually gain (a tiny amount) of exercise out of it.

Sorry if I offended you.

[BC Crazy]

I tend to put the guilt trip on myself a lot regarding my ownership of Border Collie's. I just adore them. I know that both of mine could so much more in experienced hands.

Even though they get tonnes of attention one on one with me, 3 hours walk/swim/tug/fetch every morning without fail. I often think they are missing their chance to shine at some form

of dog sport. I am hoping to live that dream with them one day. Also hope they aren't too bored in the mean time. They do seem to be very happy dogs in themselves though & very content :)

Yes, they have a great life. Lots of fun activites, love & attention. So I guess in the scheme of things that is just as important.

Edited November 9, 2012 by BC Crazy

[Staff'n'Mutt]

Well obviously none of us can ever hope to be as fast or agile as our dogs :laugh:

I think agility is great because anyone can do it, whether you're old or young, fit or not so fit. I'm sure my dog would be a million times better if I were a better handler as well.

Just for me, I prefer actually attempting to run the course with my dog (as unco as I am :laugh: ), as I think this helps improve MY health and fitness and I actually gain (a tiny amount) of exercise out of it.

Sorry if I offended you.

:) na I am so far from offended I just had a vision of people who do Agility as a sport and then me and Diva lining up, it amused me Diva suffers from user error and is usually waiting for me at the next station. I try to run it but if it's not my unco action it's the left / right confusion we stumble with. I've been asked to join the novice category for next season but um yeah I think we'll sit that out and just do the training for fun. maybe the season after that if I can improve enough.

[Vickie]

Sometimes I think a low potential dog in a high potential home can be harder. Plenty of those around.

Yep. It'd be nice to have a higher drive/faster dog for agility but to be fair to my dog, I didn't get her with the intention of competing in dog sports and I think she probably had very high potential for her intended purpose as a guide or assistance dog if it weren't for her health issues. I still love her and think she's the perfect dog for me even if she's not the best at agility or other dog sports :D

Oh that's not what I meant at all. I'm talking about dogs that stiil are asked to and struggle to do things despite physical limitations like age or injury.And dogs that are miserable or truly don't want to do it, but the handler persists because it's the only dog they have.

You don't even remotely fit into either category .

Edited November 9, 2012 by Vickie

[megan_]

I would never have believed that those homes existed Vickie until I went to watch my first trial. I was shocked to see a dog that, to my novice eyes at least, was clearly lame. The poor thing was so unenthusiastic and lumbered along a Masters agility course. I don't understand why someone would do that.

My boy hurt his back a while ago (muscle strain, x rays all clear). I didn't realise until we saw a specialist. We've been to the physio and he gets a bit of stiffness after about a month of no physio or massage. We have a plan of attack and, while I would be heartbroken if we no longer did agility because we both love it so much, if the physio advised us to stop, we would stop immediately. We have a plan to build his core strength which is going along nicely and he gets a nightly massage. He is participating in agility, having what looks like a ball, and is hooning around. I still sometimes doubt my decision to carry on though - wish they could just tell us how they felt.

[Sheilaheel02]

The Mal requires a bit stricter management to live with and while training is easy in some ways because she's so smart and driven and just an all round awesome dog, they obviously don't suit everyone. Even friends of mine with dogs I would also consider to be high drive look at her and go

While I don't have the skills or the lifestyle to suit a Mal, I think I may just be in love with Wisdom. WOW!

S

[The Spotted Devil]

Sometimes I think a low potential dog in a high potential home can be harder. Plenty of those around.

Yep. It'd be nice to have a higher drive/faster dog for agility but to be fair to my dog, I didn't get her with the intention of competing in dog sports and I think she probably had very high potential for her intended purpose as a guide or assistance dog if it weren't for her health issues. I still love her and think she's the perfect dog for me even if she's not the best at agility or other dog sports :D

Oh that's not what I meant at all. I'm talking about dogs that stiil are asked to and struggle to do things despite physical limitations like age or injury.And dogs that are miserable or truly don't want to do it, but the handler persists because it's the only dog they have.

You don't even remotely fit into either category .

See Vickie - I would call that a LOW potential home :D

[huski]

The Mal requires a bit stricter management to live with and while training is easy in some ways because she's so smart and driven and just an all round awesome dog, they obviously don't suit everyone. Even friends of mine with dogs I would also consider to be high drive look at her and go

While I don't have the skills or the lifestyle to suit a Mal, I think I may just be in love with Wisdom. WOW!

S

Hehe, I am in love too! I hope she didn't leave you too bruised and battered! (unlike me :laugh:)

[BC Crazy]

I would never have believed that those homes existed Vickie until I went to watch my first trial. I was shocked to see a dog that, to my novice eyes at least, was clearly lame. The poor thing was so unenthusiastic and lumbered along a Masters agility course. I don't understand why someone would do that.

My boy hurt his back a while ago (muscle strain, x rays all clear). I didn't realise until we saw a specialist. We've been to the physio and he gets a bit of stiffness after about a month of no physio or massage. We have a plan of attack and, while I would be heartbroken if we no longer did agility because we both love it so much, if the physio advised us to stop, we would stop immediately. We have a plan to build his core strength which is going along nicely and he gets a nightly massage. He is participating in agility, having what looks like a ball, and is hooning around. I still sometimes doubt my decision to carry on though - wish they could just tell us how they felt.

I must say Megan I am also very shocked re trialling an obviously injured dog. Poor thing

Why would anyone do that? Firstly, the discomfort factor for the animal. Surely that would have to be a responsible dog owner top priority. Secondly, the big risk of causing further injury.

They must just get overly competitve perhaps. Best times at all costs perhaps. Very sad if that is the case.

[Sheilaheel02]

The Mal requires a bit stricter management to live with and while training is easy in some ways because she's so smart and driven and just an all round awesome dog, they obviously don't suit everyone. Even friends of mine with dogs I would also consider to be high drive look at her and go

While I don't have the skills or the lifestyle to suit a Mal, I think I may just be in love with Wisdom. WOW!

S

Hehe, I am in love too! I hope she didn't leave you too bruised and battered! (unlike me :laugh:)

Mate, I've got so many scars and bruises from the ACD's a few more just adds to my character :) Damn she's the bomb, what I'd give for just some of her drive in my young dog. Well.........I'm working on it. ;) Gotta lift my game.

S

[huski]

Mate, I've got so many scars and bruises from the ACD's a few more just adds to my character :) Damn she's the bomb, what I'd give for just some of her drive in my young dog. Well.........I'm working on it. ;) Gotta lift my game.

S

Your young dog was lovely! Can't wait to see your progress :)

And naturally I agree with you, Wis is definitely the bomb :cool: :laugh: She's still so young so will be great to see how she develops.

[Sheilaheel02]

You are too kind Huski. I need to focus on the dog in front of me instead of constantly comparing her to my older ones.

Anyway, will keep you posted on how things go over the next few weeks.

S

[Guest Clover]

Sometimes I think a low potential dog in a high potential home can be harder. Plenty of those around.

Oh yes I have one of those as well that I'd love to take much further but his lack of interest is amazing. Terriers eh. Not that I am a high potential home, but we go to class every week and I do work the dogs when I can. Harri does what he likes to do very well, try teach him something he is not overly keen on and he shuts down.

I'm another one who would love a w/l Malinois one day. But not unless I am completely certain I can put in the time and effort and do the best I can for the dog.

[Guest Clover]

I would never have believed that those homes existed Vickie until I went to watch my first trial. I was shocked to see a dog that, to my novice eyes at least, was clearly lame. The poor thing was so unenthusiastic and lumbered along a Masters agility course. I don't understand why someone would do that.

My boy hurt his back a while ago (muscle strain, x rays all clear). I didn't realise until we saw a specialist. We've been to the physio and he gets a bit of stiffness after about a month of no physio or massage. We have a plan of attack and, while I would be heartbroken if we no longer did agility because we both love it so much, if the physio advised us to stop, we would stop immediately. We have a plan to build his core strength which is going along nicely and he gets a nightly massage. He is participating in agility, having what looks like a ball, and is hooning around. I still sometimes doubt my decision to carry on though - wish they could just tell us how they felt.

I must say Megan I am also very shocked re trialling an obviously injured dog. Poor thing

Why would anyone do that? Firstly, the discomfort factor for the animal. Surely that would have to be a responsible dog owner top priority. Secondly, the big risk of causing further injury.

They must just get overly competitve perhaps. Best times at all costs perhaps. Very sad if that is the case.

I don't get it either . It happens a lot down here in Vic in Flyball. I have come to the conclusion people just don't care as long as they can compete with something.

[Jumabaar]

I would never have believed that those homes existed Vickie until I went to watch my first trial. I was shocked to see a dog that, to my novice eyes at least, was clearly lame. The poor thing was so unenthusiastic and lumbered along a Masters agility course. I don't understand why someone would do that.

My boy hurt his back a while ago (muscle strain, x rays all clear). I didn't realise until we saw a specialist. We've been to the physio and he gets a bit of stiffness after about a month of no physio or massage. We have a plan of attack and, while I would be heartbroken if we no longer did agility because we both love it so much, if the physio advised us to stop, we would stop immediately. We have a plan to build his core strength which is going along nicely and he gets a nightly massage. He is participating in agility, having what looks like a ball, and is hooning around. I still sometimes doubt my decision to carry on though - wish they could just tell us how they felt.

I must say Megan I am also very shocked re trialling an obviously injured dog. Poor thing

Why would anyone do that? Firstly, the discomfort factor for the animal. Surely that would have to be a responsible dog owner top priority. Secondly, the big risk of causing further injury.

They must just get overly competitve perhaps. Best times at all costs perhaps. Very sad if that is the case.

I don't get it either . It happens a lot down here in Vic in Flyball. I have come to the conclusion people just don't care as long as they can compete with something.

My beef is horrendously overweight dogs who compete. There is honestly no reason for a dog to be expected to perform while they are carrying an extra 20% of their bodyweight.

[Guest Clover]

Jumabaar yes that's my other hate as well. It happens so often as well. I cannot believe some people. Not having a healthy dog to compete with is not the end of the world.

Ohhh and yes there are working lines Aussies in Australia. Pretty sure Waikikamukau have a lovely tri bitch :).

[BC Crazy]

Geez, I would've thought dog sports owners would be right onto any sign of weight gain. The added stress on the dogs heart, joints etc. Not to mention it would slow them down & make it that much harder for the poor dog. I'm suprised again to be honest but not in a good way.