Lindsay

So very sorry to hear about Beauty Lindsay x

I remember some of my earliest eating out experiences were about aged 8 - it was great, as mum and dad took me to a cafe place (large, it was called Fortes) and there was a room called something like "The Caribbean" - they had wonderful pictures and evena giant tortoise shell (which now would make me sad). I went to the Chinese, where I was fascinated by the smelly perfumed tea, and one of my faves was "The Henry Tudor" which is now a wine bar. They used to give me spaghetti bolognaise and chips, and i felt so important using parmesan cheese, and when the waiter remembered what i liked. I think I was always pretty well behaved because I enjoyed it so much. Maybe part of the key is getting the children really interested in their surroundings and stuff? Mind you, 8 is quite different from 2 <g> Lindsay x

You can teach them to open and close doors (if they are easy to push) by teaching targetting to a post-it note, which you can then stick on the door, and they will open/close the door when they push it...gradually they get used to the cue command and will do it without the post it note

Thanks, I wasn't sure Lindsay x

Mel was that from my post? I was referring to being understanding in "training" for want of a better word - that children and dogs are worth understanding and being kind to. I've volunteered looking after physically and mentally handicapped people, adults and children. It was pretty hard and sometimes you did need a strong stomach - but then that job should only be done by peeps who have compassion and kindness My view is that children should certainly be allowed in any part of restaurants. What i would dislike though, is the child that is basically ignored and allowed to run riot seemingly with their parents blessing. Now that is annoying as there is no excuse for that. I don't mind children crying, laughing etc, but i DO object to totally out of control children in restaurants and I don't apologise for that. Apart from anything else, it is simply dangerous as things can get pulled of tables or waiters can trip - why restaurants are not firmer with parents who let their children run riot, I can't think. You don't see it abroad, not that I've seen anyway Lindsay x

Lindsay x

That's a good point, however, there are occasions with dogs and children when doing the above is not going to work - an example : if the behaviour is self rewarding (ie they get a buzz out of it) and so on. I do believe in lots and lot of praise, love and encouragement, and tolerance, and understanding (man!) but also in boundaries and guidance (for dogs and children ) and occasionally fair consequences.

I'd suggest The Motivation Movie by Joanna Hill, or some by Stephen King from Crosskeys, I'm sure there are more but i can't think. I reckon the first would be best though

Im not that experienced at agility, it was my hoped for dog sport, but, sadly due to problems training, due mainly to the way the contacts were trained, I pulled out. We trained for it for about a year, but a large part of that was attempting to sort out problems! Banya's a belgian terv and very confident but sensitive. She was originally trained for contacts with method 3. We had a good instructor but, she was rather more used to BCs and gundogs. When I queried training methods with a Belgian agility trainer, I was told the best method for the breed (due to their innate sensitivity) was backchaining. I can totally see this now, but at the time was new to agility, etc and because the instructor was someone i trusted, went along with method 3. I just thought i'd mention this to add to the info Lindsay x

11.718 which is good for me! Lindsay x

HI Tracy, I hope poor Cal is feeling not too bad this morning, thinking of you Lindsay x

I'm Lindsay, and live in Dorset with my other half - we are at present both mature students, and soon to move to Norwich to be near Des's full time studenty place of learning We have just the one Belgian Terv, Banya. I can't bear to have any small furries any more as I just hate it when they die, they do not live long enough at all. x

It's a good idea, I guess if they have it in agility, why not obedience

Well i've learnt something already, never knew they did ABC at Obedience shows -is this newish?

I've competed in the Companion dog shows, just about 3 or 4, in one Banya ran out of the ring ... !!! :lol: this was when she was a lot younger though I don't think we'd be very good as i tend to do looser heelwork etc (for working trials) but am interested in learning more as you never know. I think it would be great to have a basic guide as to what's required etc

I'll join too please Trainer - Lindsay Dog: Banya (Belgian Terv) Past clicker history: started training a few years ago, love it!

I love the books you mention Brammie esp. Click for Joy I'd also add: Clicker Training for Dogs by Karen Pryor Very good for introducing clicker training to owners, lots of great photographs, my fav. of which is the sequence showing the whippet being taught to retrieve!! Also, "Quick Clicks" by Mandy Book and Cheryl Smith Good for understanding how to shape and use clicker for teaching all sorts, such as how to keep the dog calm whilst its being groomed ;)