Animal Education

06/06/2026

I totally agree. My next litter will be some very well planned Rottweilers. More info once all health checks are final.

“Adopt, don't shop"

has become a popular slogan, but slogans rarely tell the whole story.

The uncomfortable truth is that responsibly bred dogs are not filling rescue centres.

Ethical breeders carefully screen potential owners, provide lifelong support, health test their breeding stock, and will often take back any dog they have bred if circumstances change.

Their dogs rarely end up abandoned or unwanted.

The majority of dogs entering rescues come from irresponsible breeding practices:
backyard breeders,
puppy farms,
accidental litters,
and people breeding without regard for temperament, health, or long-term responsibility.

These dogs are often produced simply because there is demand, with little thought given to where they may end up years later.

Choosing a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder is not contributing to the rescue crisis.

In fact, supporting ethical breeding helps promote better health, stable temperaments, and accountability within the dog world.

Adoption is a fantastic option for many people, and giving a rescue dog a second chance is something to be celebrated.

But it should be a personal choice, not a moral obligation.

There is nothing wrong with seeking a responsibly bred dog that suits your lifestyle, experience, and goals.

Instead of "Adopt, don't shop," perhaps the message should be:

"Adopt or shop responsibly."

Because the real problem isn't responsible breeders, it's irresponsible ones.

Share this post if you agree 🥰

06/06/2026

Hannah the GSF has headed off to her new home after 3 days handover training with new mummy Lana. Specific protection exercises like guard the front door, the boundaries and how to deal with aggressive humans went well. She settling in at home like she's always been there, so Lana reports. Wonderful.

06/06/2026

I have 640 ac for sale, $850k, about an hour west of Gympie. I put the trail camera up there and got some great photos. One being this buck deer calling out for the ladies. And before hunters ask, no I wont allow access. If you want to hunt there, buy the property.

06/06/2026

Time to catch up with some posts.
This little Border Collie was a bit of a firecracker. After 3 lessons, consisting mainly of teaching his owner how to tell him that being aggressive wasnt allowed if mum says no. Mum tells me he's behaving much better. Good job ladies ☆☆☆

06/06/2026

I train my dogs to do this but one owner per dog. Not dog hire. And for all people, not just for women.

In the early 1980s, long before conversations about women’s safety were part of the national spotlight, a Eugene, Oregon runner named Shelley Reecher came up with an unusual solution to a very real problem.

After being physically assaulted while out on a run, Reecher became afraid to run alone. A friend loaned her a Doberman named Jake to accompany her on runs, and suddenly she felt confident enough to get back out there. That experience inspired her to found Project Safe Run in 1981.

The concept was simple but groundbreaking: train large dogs — many of them Dobermans — to run alongside women as protective companions. The dogs lived with volunteeers, and for a small monthly membership fee, women could check out a dog at any hour and head out for a safer run.

At its peak, Project Safe Run became nationally known. Newspapers across the country covered the organization, and the image of powerful Dobermans jogging quietly beside women runners captured the public imagination. The dogs were not trained to attack; their presence alone was usually enough to make runners feel secure.

Like many fast-growing nonprofits, however, the organization eventually faced internal struggles. Reecher had trouble renting a facility or property that met her dog training needs. Volunteers raised concerns about training methods and administration of the organization. In 1996, Project Safe Run was voluntarily dissolved under an agreement with the Oregon Attorney General’s Office.

But even with its difficult ending, the idea behind Project Safe Run remains fascinating: a moment in time when Dobermans became symbols not of fear, but of confidence, partnership, and freedom. For many women, those dogs made it possible to reclaim the simple act of going for a run alone.

Sources include:
“Dobermans guard female joggers,” The (Vancouver, Wash.) Columbian, April 29, 1984
“Leashing women’s fears,” The Sunday Oregonian, Aug. 26, 1984
“No dogs allowed,” Eugene Register-Guard, Jan. 23, 1992
“Trainer aswirl in controversy,” Don Bishoff (columnist), Eugene Register-Guard, May 17, 1996

29/05/2026

Training today with Hannah GSF. Tidying up some guard skills before training and bonding with her new owners next week. Hannah has natural talent and loves the work. Thanks to Daniel Hobson our decoy for the day.

21/05/2026

Today the horse dentist came. Bree from Double B Equine Dentistry attended with handler Barry. They had a great manner with the horses now everyone has a lovely smile !

18/05/2026

Postponed due to wet grounds.

For those of you who have young horses you are starting. Long reining is a wonderful low stress way to introduce training in public.
Our little harness club has practise days and small friendly shows like this one in a fortnight at Pomona Showground.
There is beginner long reining and also with obstacles. No stress. Like minded people. It doesnt mean you have to continue into carriage work, but you can if you want.
Come along and look if you'd like to check it out. Bring a plate to share for afterwards. We always sit down for a cuppa and a chin wag at the end.
Non members welcome but if you bring a horse there's a one day entry fee to cover insurance as well as classes.

16/05/2026

Kola in the correct 'tuck' position while waiting for a script at the chemist. This means staying close to the handler while also keeping out of other people's way.

12/05/2026

First ride on my 7yo stallion Jacko for 18 months. We've been busy doing harness. I'd only ridden several times before he got an abcess. No lunging or trying to wear him out first. Just asking for calmness. With the irreplaceable knowledge and support from Maarit Welling from Traditional Riding Australia, the methods of the old Masters has proved a winner once again.
And it was soooo windy.