Forums

Johnson wrote:
expert boarder now

Yes that is a default tag and I have been trying to think of new ranks to use, was going to use (figures are a post count);

Newborn Puppy <10
New Puppy <30
Puppy <75
Junior Dog <150
Dog <500
Senior Dog <1000
Champion Dog 1000+

But then figured you (as in you as the human) may not want to be referred to as a Senior Dog

So have left them as they are for now - any suggestions?

Cheers

Greg

What about Stud dog & Old Bitch LOL.

So where did everybody go. Ness, Ness, where are you??? Taz, LP anybody.

LOL - Iwas thinking the same thing, I was waiting for Ness to tell me what they bought at Amazon... hopefully they will all be back soon.

Greg

Ness sprained her ankle at the dogpark on the weekend - sooo not happy. Well the "human" ness not the dog one. Not great timing with 2 weekends of trials both days coming up . Last time I offer to volunteer for anything. We were helping out with a student film production. I don't ever usually go to dogparks and now I know why.

I haven't had a chance to go shopping yet I am still collecting opinions on what I should get .

I've been away coz I've been sick and busy with work

Ness what are you going to get?!?!?! Did you get the book link I sent you about how dogs think?!?!

No idea yet LP - its soo hard to go shopping.

well - I've given you heaps of suggestions

(never mind the fact that they are not doggy books and ones I know you won't read)

ROFL - I can spend it

Well I spent it - on dog books

Bought one on developing jumping skills and another called Control Unleashed.

The remaining dollars will go on a toy for one of Ness's US friends but she has to wait for her friend to log in tonight and work out which he wants

Sorry to here about your sprained ankle, sprains are worse then breaks because the stretched ligaments take ages to heal. The most important part is always wearing good supportive shoes and have a physio teach you how to apply special hyperfix and sports tape strapping for support.

Interesting about the dog off lead area, when we travelled all over Australia in 2005 I researched lots and checked all the places we visited (could write a book just on doggy play places), and checked with all the local councils etc and of course Brisbane has a fantastic number of excellent dog off lead areas with well fenced enclosurs, seats, water bowls, picnic gazebo's and some even have mini agility courses permanently set up, also some have a partitioned area especially for young / small dogs to keep them away from the rough and tumble of the larger breeds. As we travelled north we found beaches designated at specific times as "off lead', BUT ONLY one park which was "off lead", this place was most unsuitable as bordered main roads with no water or shade and if you did use the place you had to bring your own doggy doo bag and take it home with you as no bins provided, hence there was loads of human rubbish all over the park. When we got to the far north of QLD dogs became practically extinct with working dogs more the norm and signs everywhere in city areas banning dogs from entry (we had the special pass to go in these places). Central and far west QLD again plenty of open expanses so not so much need for specific off lead areas, but again working dogs ruled and were not "controlled' when in town with owners and did their own thing and made life difficult for a different kind of 'working dog' which we have, the owners thought it was a joke and treated us with disrespect which didn't win any friends with the tourists.
Down through the NT and into SA we found the welcome mat out always, but no dog places except the odd "off lead" beach in SA, when we enquired about 'off lead parks' we were greeted with strange looks! Then on through outback NSW and plenty of home stay dog friendly places to explore but unheard of 'off lead' specific, further on into Victoria, same story, then a semi coastal route back up to QLD and by this time we had all but given up and just found little secluded places that Taz could enjoy a play and a run with a ball and wasn't at risk of attack or harm from native flora/fauna. Thankfully due to his high level of obedience he never ventures far from my side even when off lead and ignores birds and other wildlife unless he is in a confrontational situation.

When over in NZ we found some of the local councils actually put out brochures with 'rules' and maps of where and when dogs could be exercised on beaches but again specific off lead places are unheard of.

Also just as a point of interest here in Brisbane our council run regular dog days in the park and on specific Sundays from approx 1pm - 4pm they provide stalls for all the various companies and organisations to display their wares etc, offer a variety of fun events as well as having a high profile dog obedience instructor who does a session or two with the participants teaching them in a fun way how to make the most of their pet and encouraging attendence at local dog obedience clubs. The council dog enforcement officers are there to give a friendly reminder about dog registration and they also offer microchipping at a reduced rate. All of these events are held throughout the greater Brisbane area in the off lead areas and this also makes all the residents more familar with where these places are. There is also a little booklet available from our council offices which detail every off lead park in Brisbane (On the net as well).

So there you go I hope soon that other councils and towns throughout Australia follow suit and provide these excellent resources for the dog community.

Ceebrah and Taz