LurcherGirl

I got Argos one for my American Cocker, but they are not all that good. I am therefore treating myself to an Andis AGC (http://www.dezynadog.co.uk/shop/product_in...products_id=742), which aren't cheap but do a much better job than the cheap ones and have blades that can be sharpened and can easily cope with a yankee coat. Vera

Fantastic! To be honest, I don't think I would have been able to train my lurchers for obedience at all if it wasn't for clicker training! It is the only thing that works for such independent minds.

I'd also have further tests at the vets, but wouldn't dismiss a diet change... The first thing I look at if there are persistent digestive problems is diet... Flash only got better from his food poisoning episode last year after he was finally put on a vegetarian diet and he has never looked back since. So it might be worth changing to a different protein source if nothing else helps. Vera

Our vet charges about £60 for out of hours. After 11 pm however, we are covered by a different emergency clinic which costs £100 just to walk through the door... With our vet, we can always pay whenever, so it's not a problem. The clinic wants money there and then though. Vera

Yes, I have had two different animal communicators and vashti was one of them (in fact, her first reading of an animal was our Troy). All the readings were amazing and have always helped and made things clearer! And it is also good to hear that my own feelings about my animals have so far always been confirmed... # Marie's (vashti) reading for Flash earlier this year was totally amazing and everyone that knows Flash confirmed this! And I am sure her communication with him helped Flash turn the corner from being very unhappy and stressed and very difficult to cope with to the fabulous and happy dog he is now. Vera

When I had a readings done on Troy, he used to sit in the middle of the room and stare at me for minutes... Very spooky.

OMG!!!! They did it....! These two are in my classes and told me on Saturday morning that they will go to the show and enter Prettiest Bitch! I told them that they have a good chance as lurcher faces are so pretty - and BINGO! Well done! Vera Oh, I think I got that mixed up... this dog and boy look exactely like the ones in my classes, but "my" dog would be a bitch... Are you sure this is best "Dog"? Vera Yes, it is them... here they are in the prettiest bitch class. And Blake (Manchester Terrier) is from my classes too...

Our dogs get walked once a day for about an hour, usually in the morning before I go to work. Very occasionally (perhaps once a fortnight or even once a week) they go without a walk, but get lots of training and playing indoors instead. I haven't noticed them suffering because of it, though their play gets more energetic and rougher I find. I feel it is important that dogs can handle missing a walk here and there. If you happen to be ill or there is some kind of emergency, I don't want my dogs to get overly stressed because they miss a walk or two. However, I do agree that getting them out once a week is not acceptable. Good daily walks (which in my mind is at least an hour for most dogs) should be the rule, and missing a walk the exception! Vera

Our four guys will be staying with M&S... for three of them they have already paid out big time this and last year (so we couldn't change even if we wanted to) and though expensive, the cover is good and we have never had any problems claiming for anything. Vera

But they haven't got two noses, it is a split nose. There is only one nostril in each side...

Yes, 3 out of our 4 are fed on CSJ Command Performance 18 and/or 21. They're in excellent condition. (4th one is vegan so is on a special diet). Vera

I sort of agree with you, Jo, though I didn't get Jesse because I wanted an easy dog as such. I did however chose an American Cocker because I wanted a breed that had a low prey drive. I can handle whatever other problems are thrown at me, but I couldn't deal with a third high preydrive dog. And Jesse is just turning out perfectly (so far!) in that respect (or any other respect for that matter). He has a very low preydrive, the only thing he does chase is birds, and he is called off of them easily too. And it is great to have at least one dog that I don't have to watch around other dogs, that I know won't be too rough with other dogs when playing etc. Having said all that, I wouldn't want to change our rescue dogs for the world. All of them have turned into fantastic dogs, though it was flipping hard work at times! But they are really doing me proud now! Vera

Yes, I am very proud of our rescue dogs... though we also have one non-rescue dog. I got into the dog rescue world because because we wanted adult dogs due to our work commitments. When I was first looking for a dog, I wanted an adult Standard Poodle, but it was made clear to me quickly that due to me not having any experience with poodles (other than training all kinds of breeds for 15 years and looking after a guide dog standard poodle occasionally), I would not be considered a suitable home . So I went looking on DP, being open-minded about breeds. When I saw Dylan on there, I wanted him - and got him. Troy came from the breed rescue too. When I wanted a third dog, there was no question that it would be a rescue dog as there are so many saluki lurchers looking for homes. And we got Flash. When I was looking for dog number 4, which had to be a small dog, I was initially looking at rescue dogs, however, they come up very rarely in my chosen breed, so I got onto the waiting list of a very reputable American Cocker breeder and we got Jesse earlier this year.

Gigi from Greyhound Gap. The most beautiful little greyhound x saluki pup. Vera

No idea about Sunday... shame about tomorrow... (showground got flooded today...).

I went to an obedience competition a few weeks ago and my lurcher broke his sit stay for the first time ever! I didn't know why, but found out a few days later when I noticed a sore on his back foot! Since that's heeled, no more problems with sits and stays! So I too would be tempted to have your dog checked out, perhaps by a chiropractor too. Vera

I'll be at the South Eastern on Saturday, but as a helper as I am a member there. Will not get there till after lunch though as I have my own classes to run until 1 pm. But will probably be hanging around the tombola stall from about 2ish... Would be great to see you again. Vera

Yes, it is my write up... , already spotted it; I am well pleased.

Flash and I got through! We have already been doing a bit of filming, but the big scary bits will be in August! I am ever so proud of Flash! Now we've got to get started with all the training.

SATS in Warlingham on 24th June.

Dylan and I have been doing competitive obedience for a few years (three to be precise...). We upped our efforts last and this year as we had to train for college at an advanced level. This has made the world of difference, and finally, we have a break-through. On 24th June, we went to an obedience show, and although we lost a few points, it was the first time that Dylan (and I) actually really enjoyed our round and that I could be sure that Dylan did what he was supposed to do. Mistakes always happen of course (e.g. he dropped the dumbell on that day), but until last year, I was never sure whether Dylan would do anything at all... If it hadn't been raining, he would have done even better, I am sure. (He hates the rain). Well, we got a lovely write up by the judge; they loved Dylan. He also made us laugh when he came through my legs to shelter from the rain at the end of the round instead of going into the heel position. Here's a picture someone took on the day (sorry for looking like a hoodie... it was raining ) We lost 7 1/2 points, 2 of which were for dropping the dumbell. I was particularly proud that Dylan did both the sit and down stay perfectly well despite the rain and therefore having to sit/lay in the wet! Quite an achievement for a lurcher, I'd say!

I wonder if that judge had past the same sentence if that 10-year old girl had been HIS daughter...

I don't have a soul dog and doubt I ever will... they are all my soul dogs and I have a special relationship with each one: Dylan: he is my first dog and will always have a special place in my heart! Troy: our protector and troublemaker with other dogs... certainly a dog that will never be forgotten. Flash: the cause of all my grey hair, but I couldn't love him more than I do if I tried! Jesse: my first dog from puppy, exactely the puppy I wanted and waited for so long, and what a special dog he turned out to be!

You could start the retrieve with a pencil case stuffed with treats or even just the inner of a toilet role with treats in it and taped up.

Bobbie and Jules, how did the auditions go? The audition I did with Dylan and Flash went really well and I was pleased. If I am chosen, then it will be with Flash as he is a bit more bouncy and fun than my dear old steady and laid-back Dylan.