Sunday salon

[Jovial Monk]

An idea pinched from Larvatus Prodeo: we can't live just for politics so tell us of anything interesting you did today or this weekend.

To kick it off, went on a flying visit to the Farmer's Market, then off to dog obedience club. Nice to get some congrats for coming third at Mt Gambier last weekend! Did my trial class then back to the clubhouse and went out with a Grade 1 class for practical instructing experience. Hmmmm what to do, decided to offer individual help to the very new students as well as any general help asked by the instructor. Demi sitting a bit disconsolately by herself while I was paying attention to all these other dogs I brought her into the action a couple of times to demo how things should be done.

At the end three or four of the students thanked me and one asked if I would be there again next week, graduation Sunday--nice to know my efforts are appreciated! Nice day today if a bit warm so will spend the afternoon in the garden.

[Ethnic]

Sounds like you had heaps of fun. Tell me at what age does a dog become un-trainable?

[Hebe]

Sounds like you had heaps of fun. Tell me at what age does a dog become un-trainable?

Judging by mine, about 3 months.

Mind you, he does respond to the word "pub".

[Jovial Monk]

What age it becomes untrainable?

Well, "Can't teach an old dog new tricks" isn't quite right but it does take longer with an older dog.

Puppies 3-6 months can be put into puppy kindy when they learn to socialise with other dogs/people and learn the rudiments.

If dog is food oriented (most are) treat can be used to teach 'sit' and 'drop' and to encourage dog to come to you when you call it. A favorite toy, esp a squeaky one, can also be used. Besides treats playing a little fave game with the dog and praising/petting the dog are other rewards--but treats ("schmackos" are great while the dried liver treats smell foul to us they are dry not greasy and are popular.

[Ethnic]

My dog is 7 years old and I'm trying to teach her to play fetch so we can go the beach but she has a habit of chasing the ball but running off with it instead of returning it. I was thinking obedience school but I don't know if they cater for dogs at that age. I should have sent her to puppy pre-school, silly me.

[Jovial Monk]

A good club should.

Try bouncing another ball to remind dog that another exciting chase is possible, or give a treat each time it does give you the ball or you take it off him. Abusing him just confuses the dog and makes him want to move in the direction of away.