mobcmom

Ditto on the Shark navigator!!

I'm getting started in agility myself. Check your local library for books and DVDs. I like "Switching Sides-Making the Transition from Obedience to Agility" by Kay Guetzloff. She has included a range of exercises from very simple foundations to more advanced. As you gain some skill you might want to look for Australian Shepard Club (ASCA) trial in your area. The entry fees are cheaper than other venues and you can train in the ring, though you will not Q at that point. You also have to register with ASCA, but the fee are very reasonable. Hope that helps.

Pro Plan Performance. Works well and three bcs chow down.

Purina Pro Plan performance. Three dogs love it and have done well.

My bcs have been on Purina Pro Plan Selects salmon and rice and doing very well; healthy, happy, and shiny coats. My new puppy is on Pro Plan Selects puppy food. She loves is and is also doing well. Purina has a good track record. I feel good that they do a lot of research into nutrition and have not had recalls where other brands have.

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Etiderm Shampoo. My dogs have seasonal allergies. It gets the junk out of their fur without stripping out the natural oils or monthly preventatives. It has a pleasant smell without being over powering. mobcmom

I do not use the clicker very much except, when teaching tricks or, a few times, when teaching a new obedience exercise. Timing is defiantly the key to mark the desired behavior. I've been using "Yessssss" to mark correct behavior. When I do use the clicker, it is combined with a "Yessss", and we progress from there. The clicker can become another piece of stuff needed for training. I've been using a play-based, motivational method of training, that works very well for my dogs. It feels as if they are focusing more on me and provides a lot more training freedom, rather than me trying to remember all the stuff needed to train. Having said this I do keep a clicker for use as needed, I just don’t want to become dependant on it. Each trainer/handler should decide what works best for their dogs and how they want to train. Good luck with the training. mobcmom

Are people still doing it? YES These should get you started: k9athletel.com Skyhoundz UFO hero disc Georgia Irish disc dogs

One last thought on seminars and general training. I'm not sure about agility however with obedience I've found it very helpful to watch and listen to those who train at the higher levels. There are many different training styles and methods. It is hard to teach a dog unless you know where you want to go and understand various methods to get there. You will also be learning and developing skills as a handler and developing a relationship with your dog. I think this applies to many activities people do with their dogs. It is very helpful to know the rules and what happens in training at the higher levels. Take the time to listen, learn, and ask lots of questions. Most people are very willing to offer and explanation, advise, or suggestions. Good luck. Mobcmom

Try larger size durable nylabones. They last a VERY long time, just don't step on one in your bare feet. Be very careful of fabric or anything with thread, like ropes or other tug toys. They can be useful for supervised play or training, but dogs can swallow pieces of things they chew on. Nylabone pieces are few and the size of sand. I would worry about fabric or theads getting stuck in the dog's stomach or intrestines. Could be exspensive vet bills and or a dead dog. Just a thought. mobcmom

The first thing to do is check to see if there are any working spots available. They may be full and the question becomes a non-issue. I working spots are full and are still interested, you can ask to be placed on a wait list for the working spots. Sometime people have to cancel at the last minute and are looking for someone to take their spot. These are all options, but the bottom line is decide what you want to do and go from there. The next step would be to research information on the instructor. Has she written and books, articles, or made videos? Does she have a web site? Sometimes this information is available on the internet, through the library, club libraries, or friends. Try and understand the instructors back ground and training philosophy. This will help you better understand the information and techniques presented at the seminar. Write down 3-5 of your top questions or problem areas you would like to see addressed at the seminar. The answers may be addressed as part of the presentation or in answer to someone else’s question. Write down other questions, that occur to you, as the seminar progresses. If there is time later look over your list and pick the top one or two to ask during a Q & A session or during a break. Again many people have the same questions, need clarification, or the answer was addressed in the presentation. After the seminar, get together with others who attended and compare notes. I've found there was information I missed while taking notes or understood a point differently that someone else. It is a good check and comparison of seminar information. Then try some of the suggestions as a group training session. Other people may be able to point out things and draw from the information that you are missing in your handling skills or run. There was an article in the issue of Dog Sport magazine on getting the most from a seminar. it might also be useful. Good luck. mobcmom

Put the dog on a short leash i.e. 4 ft. When the dog pulls, turn around and walk the other direction and praise. Every time they pulls, say uh-oh, or oops or no (some correction word), change direction, and praise "yes, what a good dog" ect. Work short sessions and repeat a few times a day until they get the get it. Pulling on the leash is not an option. This works for any type of hardware and leashes. Good luck. mobcmom

This thread seems to have some of the answers for which you are looking. "Finding a performance dog" mobcmom

I would suggest the series of books by Terri Arnold, Stepping up to Success. These are obedience books training, books but will be useful what ever activity you try. Book One will have some good information and deals with basic obedience, building the relationship, keeping good focus, and creating a foundation. There are a lot of specific steps. It may take a while to work through the exercises but take the time. This will help build the relationship and communication between you and your dog. Terri's steps help keep my dogs motivated and happy to work with me. (note: ...there seem to be different definitions for the term "work"). If the cost of the book is an issue try libraries and interlibrary loan. The libraries are another great resource. mobcmom