Australdi

My first dobe had "issues" with things like hoses...would chew them into 5cm lengths! ...trailer wires...thermarests....windscreen wipers (yep! he slid the rubber right out of the housing!) but his piece de reisistance was the mudflaps on the police car!!! tisha..my bullie x managed to destroy (beyond recognition) a $2000 couch! (she was lucky to survive that one!) Daim's was pretty good...he only killed 2 beanbags...oh & mum's roses (because they used to bite him! ;)) Zillah's toll so far is a few small holes in sundry rugs...1 beanbag, 1 sock..he's trying for my runners, but I keep catching him! haha! and the corner of a cushion. mind you, he's had 2 full kills on 2 chew toys..partial kill on the 3rd one & I have another in the cupboard in readyness! he seems to be getting the message (slowly) that chew toys are the only permissable chew toys! ;) Aus BTW (he's 16 mths!)

My first dog was a dobe x GSD and was a rescue dog..he was great, but had some behavioural "issues" (probably due to maltratment when he was young) my second was a bull terrier x bitch & she was fantastic. (unfortunately someone baited her!) I waited quite a few years before I got another dog & this time I bought a pure bred Dobermann from good breeders (in fact excellent breeders!) with a superb bloodline. I couldn't have found a better dog if I'd tried! conformation, temperment, drive & nerves. He was entire, but on limited register & my biggest regret is that I never got to breed from him...he was an amazing dog! If I had of planned it, I would have gone back to the same breeders to replace him eventually....but we adopted Zillah 2 weeks before Daims suddenly died. Zillah (although a rescue dog) is also pure bred dobe with good bloodlines (although Daim's was probably a better example of the standard conformation wise) as Zillah's desexed, I'm not too worried about that though, he's just going to be a companion dog..but he's training quickly & is turning out to be a lovely dog. I would definately stick to PB dobermanns....I couldn't imagine owning any other breed now, I just find them to be everything I want in a dog! Aus ...mind you...they're not a dog for the fainthearted or timid...you need to be a really strong alpha to have a "good" dobe!

Yeah, in the middle all huddled together, NOT! Dogs in beds ruin sex life! ;) My old dobe Daims, somehow worked out that he was allowed to sleep with me when I was alone in bed, but not when I had a companion.....because he learned it so many years ago I'm not sure how I taught him that...but I think I recall several nights of stern "NO!" s & "piss off" (which was his command for go away! ;) ) I still never quite trained him out of hogging all the doona though....dobe's do a really good "dead dog" impression when they're comfy on the bed & 34kgs isn't easy to move! In the end I settled on having a single doona beside me as well so that if I woke up with a small corner of the queen size doona...I had another option....and then I'd just roll over & cuddle him! yeah I know..I'm a softie!!!....but he was more faithful than any other man I've had in my life! Aus ...and yeah...that watching bit is REALLY off putting!!!...but if you want a really good laugh....a BF & I got a bit "experimental" one evening in the loungeroom...had to stop really quick because the noises I was making had Daims worried I was being hurt....I suddenly heard that low warning growl, then the silence that dobe's give right before they launch! & guess who's backside was right in the firing line! I've never seen a guy leap up so quick! (luckily quick enough!)...I couldn't stop laughing...thinking of how he would explain it if Daims had of succedeed in "rescuing" his mum!

I'd love to do this (might work off some of my new biys adolecent energy!) but I don't feel he's had enough basic training yet to be able to concentrate properly on a task whilst other dogs are around...I've had to start from scratch with his training...so he's got quite a way to go yet! He's heeling well now as long as there are no distractions...and he's begining to get the idea of recall...but he's still along way off full concentration have fun! I'm tempted to come down just for a look & a socialisation exercise though...where in Longford is it held? cheers Aus

Daim's was the same...I could have an open bag of dog food in the car..meat, anything, and he wouldn't touch it...just like having food on the floor..I could leave the room, even for 10 mins & he wouldn't go near it, and didn't require any command to know that he couldn't touch it...but that wasn't the case when he was a pup! lots of growls until they "get" it...the training that is then the visual cue...then when they finally don't bother...you're home & hosed! I think Daim's was about 2 by the time I could fully trust him (he almost made it to 11) Zillah hasn't had the same training from an early age, so we're going through the basic training now....but he's picking it up really quick...in the past day, all I've had to do now to get him to keep away from human food(always more enticing than dog food! ) in the past 2 days is look him in the eyes...he pleads..but he's working out that that don't work! ..thank goodness he picks it up so quick...my throat was getting sore from the low growls! ;) I went through the big dominance challenge with Daims when he was about 10mths old (2hr challenge) he was a real tough cookie! after that..it all became so easy! As I got Zillah at 15mths...we went through the dominance fight in the 2nd week I had him....didn't take as long as daims...but I'm quite a bit older now...so the effort seemed alot more taxing! ...but again, after that, I haven't had to do more than growl a couple of times & he comes into line. (except for the recall, stand down when he's barking at that new pup next door! grrr!...still working on that one! ;) ) ...he's starting to call off..but has discovered a new game...I stop barking...run to mum...then run back & bark again & do this a couple of times until I actually follow the command to come inside! typical dobe...always has to have the last word! cheers Aus

we had the same problem when Daim's was alive...we'd have the other "kids" over to visit (a lab x rottie & a collie x something) and 2 dobermanns who were fighting for prime position next to mum on the sofa ....getting another couch seemed like a good proposition, cause heaven help if anyone came to visit! ;) Zillah prefers my spot next to the coffee table...but understands now that if I want the couch then "move" means MOVE! and he sulks up "his" end then ...or moves just enough to let me in & cuddles up ..and yes, sofa armrests are exactly the right height for a dobe pillow! Daim's, when we used to live in Melb, and was sunning himself in the back yard, would move a log of wood (just the right size of course) into the sunny spot & use that as a pillow! He would also rotate between chairs and couches & beanbags as his bed depending on ...actually I have no idea what was going thru his head! ....but ALWAYS....5 mins after I had gone upstairs to bed...I'd hear him coming up the stairs (even if he'd been in a dead sleep when I left!!) ...and "plop" right across my legs on the futon! ...which leads me to the next question....even with a queen size quilt/bed...how come they hog it all & you wake up with one tiny corner to yourself!!??? Zillah is now going thru that "phase" hahhaha(lifelong in a dobe) where he wants to come to bed with us...if the bedroom door is open & my BF isn't quick enough...guess who assumes the position! ..and then sooks at the door when he's kicked off! ....first thing in the morning...when BF gets up to have his shower....I have a furry companion curled up next to me. & this morning when I got up...he jumped straight into MY spot & curled up there!!!! This dog is working it out way too quickly!! of course me being the typical dobe mum...says...awww poor thing...(he was a rescue dog) he was always chained up outside, spent over a month in a cage at the RSPCA....it's good that he has a comfy home now.... you'd think that this being my 3rd dobe I would have learned by now! ;) ; but no! I'm still a sucker for those big eyes and the pouting eyebrows! hehehe Aus

ok..someone has to say it!!!! ....do we ask what you're doing to get grass seeds down your bra? ;) ;) Aus

I honestly doubt it...for it to be approved..it does have to go through extensive testing...although this isn't fail safe....there are alot of dogs out there that are getting this treatment and having no problems Aus

Typical Bloody dobermann!!!!!DON"T BE FOOLED!!! these guys are masters at that woebegone "miss doneby" look!!!!If you want a definition of "sook"...look up Dobermann!!!! Carefull! they will wrap you around their dew claws (if they've still got them) if they're able!!!!...this is a dog who knows every human weakness...and will exploit it to it's fullest! ;) YOU are ALPHA! and YOU get to say where they sit!...yeah I know..dobes like to cuddle up & have a pillow & a comfy couch....& they will use every ounce of intelligence and influence they have (which is considerable) to get you to swallow this hook line & sinker! lets face it...would you rather be on the couch cuddled up to your pack leader...or banished to a mat on the floor...I ask you. and yes..they do have the most adorable "sookie" eyes when they want something. The funny thing is, although Dobes need to be included as a part of the family for optimal socialisation, they also respond well to strong Alpha direction.....but being the intelligent (and sly) dogs they are..if Alpha shows the slightest hesitation.....they will run a mile with it!...if you think of them like ADD kids....you'll be on the right track Be firm! be insistant! and don't fall for that forlorn look they give you! (damn it's a killer! ;)) YOU ARE ALPHA!!!!!! DONT FORGET IT!!!! ..cause if you do...hehehhe..so will they hehehhee Aus

K9: If that were true every single breed could be trained in every single discipline... Nerves & Drives are genetic driven experience effected... Breed is not relevant. You obviously havent come accross the right situation in which training & environment will outrule a weak nerved dog as yet. Keep looking, they are everywhere. hey! I don't for a minute conceed that I'm not "lucky"... but.....my first dobe was a rescue dog...& he initaially had very weak nerves...he would piss himself at any confrontation...or new experience!..and yet, through positive training & reinforcement, he became a very capable dog with quite strong nerves....so how do I explain this...did he have weak nerves...or not? both my other dobes I have been fortunate to get at an earlier age...and both showed strong drive & nerves. The one I bought at 6 mnths from the breeders showed exceptional nerve & intelligent drive...my recent recue at 15 mths shows strong drive, but not quite a strong as nerve...although that is changing every week!....he is becomming so more confident and self assured! maybe this is a genetic disposition of dobermanns.....not difficult to understand as they were intentionally "created/bred" for strong nerves & drive ;) However, I have also seen the consequences of a dog who has been misshandled...and the degradation of drive & nerves that that can cause....but I have also seen those dogs rise above their past experiences and perform admirably.....whether this is a nature/nurture issue is certainly open to debate ;) Aus

Rom I t "talk" to my dogs more in their languge rather than ours ;) (I was taught by a very disiplinarian bitch..vail tisha;)) so I do tend to to train my dogs foemost in "dog language", but I also reinforce it with a verbal command + a visual command. because I am now absolutley besotted with dobermanns...they are a breed which responds readily to this type of training, and have the intelligence to make the connections between the different modes of commands. (hey! I've got it easy!!!..except for their exhuberance & ...and their propensity to test you to the limits..as every adolecent does;) trust me...without a convincing "growl".....you don't have a hope in hell! BTW...I only have to "show my teeth in a snarl "now & zillah leaves my food alone! (& that is only after 4 weeks!) Daim's my "old boy"..(sadly recently passed) could be left in a room with a steak on the floor & wouldn't touch it, as long as I didn't leave the house itself....Zillah's well on the way to learning that ;)...mind you..the "stand down" command is taking a bit longer...the new pup next door is just too interesting! rofl! Aus

for rehydration purposes....can I suggest divetlac...it's a protien milk source that can porvide the vitamins & nutrients a puppy can tolerate whilst their settling down to a new feed regime. Any changes of feed can induce irregularities in the digestinal tract in both young pups & older dogs....the trick is to blend the old with the new & introduce it gradually. The main thing that you have to worry about is with a pup of such a young age (or any age for that matter) is that they don't become dehydrated. This is easily tested by pinching the scruff of their neck and seeing how long it takes for the skin to return to it's natural state. If it takes longer than 5 secs...your pup needs re-hydration..either by water, or something like di-vetlac. Diveltlac is forumlated so that it is tolerable to young animals that don't have the enzymes to process lactose...I can't reccomend it highly enough! whenever you change the makeup of feed, you have to introduce it gradually...no matter the age of the dog...a sudden change can lead to "scours" which can then lead to complications via dehydration....just like in humans :D if your pup has no desire to drink...you might consider tube "feeding"....consult your vet on how to do that let us know how he goes....& if we can be of any further assistance....just ask :D Aus

keep in mind that licking is a puppie's way of submitting to a pack leader...yeah, it's not exactly the kind of attention we want....but it does confirm that we are looked on as "alphas" ...I allow my pup to lick in certain circumstances...like when he's misbehaved & want's to make up for it, but otherwise I train the "no licks" policy. It does take a while for them to get the hang of it....because they have to overide instinct :D but in my experience, positive & consistent reinforcement creates a dog that you only have to say once "no licks" and they obey ...just be patient & consistent :D Aus

cool Nadia :D I get where you're comming from! Aus

My dobe was first treated on daily heartworm tabs whenI moved into a heartworm prone area (18mts of age) ....I then at about 3yrs of age put him onto heatguard....but I was often remiss in remenering to dose him (blame me being in my 20's) by the time I had to go through blood tests each year, and then the cost of heart guard....I was relieved to find that a simpiler proctection was available!...1 blood test..the injection at the time of his annual shots & no probs whatsoever! (just as an aside...I'm a person who is VERY sceptical of vaccinations..as I have personally had some severe reactions from vaccinations..) however, my boy seemeed to tolerate it well, it meant he was covered, despite my negligence & forgetfullness....in his later years, as he wasn't living in a misquito prone area and was essentailly a "house dog" I stopped his vaccinations...when I moved to Tassie....heartworm was not a prob, so I didn't subject his immune system to the extra assualt. all I can say is that if you live in a heartworm prone area, I would seriously consider giving your dog that protection....however, my personal opinion is if the heartworm risk is extremely low...then why subject your dog to a further pathogen......it's all about weighing up the risks :D Aus

hehhee....I used to get the same sense of satisfaction out of catching them with my ciggie! ..and this is coming from someone who is arachnophobic, but still captures & releases spiders!!! Aus

Ha! you reckon you've got probs!!! (hehehe..I'm only joshing...I kno how irritiating dog/horse hairs can be ) ...I have to explain to all my house guests that the short & straights that they see on the bathroom tiles...are not what they think!...it's the result of having up to 4 large dogs in the house!!!!...even tho my "short & black" dobe has been "passed" for 2 weeks now....I'm still vacuuming up his short & straights from every surface! when my horse was alive...I had no hope (she was a grey!) so whatever I wore....traveled in....lived in...showed either the white hairs of my horse...or the black hairs of my baby....I was just a fur covered entity! ..yeah sticky tape works....but after you've sticky taped....the bloody hairs seem to make a beeline back to you!!! :D I'm making a book now...my balck boy passed on the 22nd....how many weeks/months is someone willing to bet i will be still vacumming up his hairs! :D Aus

....unless you have had prior advice & experience in administoring those drugs to the specific animal :D ..sorry...I just had to add that! ) Aus quick intervention can make all the difference if you are educated & experienced

Thanks Tassie for those links....but I think that neither actually refute what I'm saying...if anything they confirm it! ie: seek vet advice about correct dosages for your specific dog! I just didn't want to see people panicking if their vet actually prescribed paracetamol in a safe dose...the way the message was comming across was that paracetamol was as dangerous for dogs as it is for cats...and that isn't specifically the truth. As with any drug....a certain dose can be beneficial...an overdose can be fatal....this holds true for both animals & humans. Because each species metabolises different drugs in different ways & at different rates, it is IMPERATIVE to get proffesional advice tailored to the specific requirement (whether it be human or animal), however, to blanket advise people to NEVER administor a certain drug, even though in the correct dosage it is indicated for those specific circumstances, I felt was something that needed to be clarified hope I'm not getting anyone offside...but I tend to take a scientific approach to these sort of things...I'm a pedantic "bitch"! :D Aus

It would make sense that it's use is linked to dosage levels....large doses of paracetamol in humans can cause liver damage too! :D That is why I recommend dicussing dosage with a vet first...they can calculate the amount tolerable to the size of the dog I'm guessing that the advice re the bute was again, one of dosage levels...a pony is a lot bigger than a dog & therefore a pony sized dose might not be the "best thing" from a dog's point of view! ....even in horses...bute is a drug which must be carefully considered, and usually (except in exceptional cases) is not advised for administration for a period longer than 2 weeks. As it's use over the long term can cause other complications that can outweigh the original condition. phenylbutazone is an NSAID..(non-steroidal anti-inflamitory drug) dosages are carefully prescribed for ponies compared with horses due to it's potency....therefore in use in a dog..the amount needed would be miniscule in comparison to even a pony. Contra- indications are irritation of the stomach lining, gastrointestinal dysfunction & bone & marrow abnormalities if bute is used as a long term treatment. ...again...I recommend vet's advice, however if you have these drugs on hand...used correctly they can provide relief in emergencies! I also forgot to metion lotagen....something I also have in my first aid kit! ...it prevents proud flesh from forming by eating away at dead cells, but leaves live cells intact. (so don't let it touch any leather objects!!!) It's usually used with horses (who are prone to proud flesh scarring) however, if your dog is a show dog....it might be wise to keep some on hand (available from vet pescription) as it facilitates wound healing with minimal scarring. Acetylpromazine (Ace, ACP) is actually an antihisthamin...but is used mainly as a sedative.....however, it also has properties of analgesia (relieving pain) so can be very usefull in the treatment of irritation & inflamation. One of the side effects to watch for is that it can cause a drop in blood pressure, which is why I recommended supervision at all times. It should not be used in animals who are in shock or are comprimised by a debilitating condition. cheers Aus ...and glad to here your boy is feeling more comfortable!!! I know what it feels like to watch an animal suffer & I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy!

please guys, don't take this the wrong way...but where are you all getting your information about paracetamol??? Paracetamol is toxic to cats...but is ok for dogs...however Codiene is not (so no panadine!) When my old Dobe broke one of his teeth, and was in considerable pain (and I couldn't get him into the vets until the next day) the vet advised me to give him 500mg of paracetamol every 4 hours (equivalent to 1 panamax tablet) this was for a 34kg dog...so for a smaller dog I would reduce the dosage accordingly. But my vet said that paracetamol was very safe to administer to dogs! In my experience, medications that are applicable for horses are also indicated for dogs, but in smaller doses of course, so if you have something like bute available, this could be tolerated by your dog..just watch the dosage, and follow vets advice about the dosage calculations. If he is distressed, but not in pain...I would consider Ace (ACP) half a tab (or even a 1/4) should give him a very good night's sleep but this should only be used as a very short term tranq...and he should be kept under supervision at all times whilst he's on it. (also watch for paradoxical effects when giving tranqs...it depends on the individual animal how they tolerate it...in some it can actually hype them up) My young dobe responded well to ACP when I needed to use it...but had a paradoxical effect from diazapam...which my vet reccomended I use. Now I am NOT a vet. But I have had a fair bit of experience with both dogs & horses, so I'm just passing on my own experience, nothing more, nothing less....but please give your vet (or an afterhours emergency vet) a call first to confirm before administering any new drug to your dog. They can advise dosages specific to your situation & describe the types of reactions that you need to look out for. but as to why everyone is saying no paracetamol to dogs....In my experience, and my vet's advice, it's not a problem. Paracetamol to CATS is FATAL. I would also be very cautious in recommending asprin for dogs, unless their Von Willibrand's status is known to be negative. giving asprin to a Von Willibrand's affected dog could cause internal bleeding. Aus P.S. I have found that dogs that have skin irritation, respond well to essential chamomile oil 5% blend applied topically, it seems to stop the itching within 5 mins! Ongoing dermatitis seems to respond well to eliminating red meat from the diet..ie go to a chicken based diet. good luck..hope he feels better soon!

I probably don't have the legitamacy of an actual understanding of what "shutzhound" involves (I'm a newbie to DOL so be gentle with me )....but I have had the priviledge of being companioned by 3 dobermanns....a breed which is (somewhat mythically) defined by both nerves & drive. IMHO......it really comes down to training.....I have taken on dobe's at varinging ages. stages of development & training (or lack thereof).....but each time, through dedicatication & positive reienforcement; I have achieved a level or behavioural adjustment, that has overcome whatever the dog had been exsposed to in it's formative stages./...therefore I conclude, that despite critical learning stages,,,positive training and a secure environment can overcome deficiencies in those critical stages. I accept that this may not be applicapble to other breeds....but in the realms of dobermanns...both drive & nerves are a product of envionment..more than geneticts......although there maybe dispositions either way....positive training & positve reward.....can overcome.....reinforcement can override the instinctual tendancies. ...one only has to understand the breed first Aus

Rom...hate to be pedantic...but the command "leave" could be considered "verbal" hehehe but I do agree with you, I train my dogs simulataneously with verbal, non verbal , visual & dog language (I've got a real good growl ) I actually had my 15mth rescue trained by the 2nd feed to visual cues...and that was with the food sitting in front of him ! 4 weeks on, I only have to call him to the "feed station" & he immediately drops & stays...and waits & drools heehee...but I won't torture him longer than a minute now, because I know he's got the hang of it. lesson learnt! In my experience though...he's an exception to the rule... this is a dog that learns VERY fast!!! (blows me away!) probably due to lack of interaction & direction in his previous 15mths..he's so eager to learn! (& he gets sooo much lovin when he gets it right now!) cheers Aus (Di)

Nadia That "protecta home" sounds like Ovitrol...where the heck do you find it? ..not that I have a flea prob now...but it never hurts to "be prepared!" cheers Aus P.s....its the vibration of vacuuming that causes the hatchings...and I've noticed that even the strongest vacuum can't detach a clinging flea from shag-pile! grrrr! (close proximity of a glowing ciggie butt seems to make them curl up quick though! hahaha!) I got so OCD at one time...I used to vacuum the dog (cream carpet, black dog)...BTW...he learned to enjoy it, the dirty old man! rofl!...but even this couldn't suck the dirty little bloodsuckers off! I'm a pacifist...But...I HATE FLEAS!!!!! Aus

I don't have much to add to the good advice already given, except to advise everyone, that beware...vacuuming actually exacerbates the problem in the short term, as it stimulates the latent eggs to hatch! Most flea treatments only work on hatched fleas.....so each time you vacuum...a new untreated batch hatches! I would recomend vacuuming first...then bombing!! a day or so later....should have Maxiumum collateral damage!!! There used to be a fabulous spray called Ovitrol available from the vets years ago that stopped the eggs from hatching, but for some reason...it doesn't appear to be around anymore! & I haven't been able to find anything like it since! before going to all the stress of moving...I'd try the induced hatching (vacuuming), then bombing raids a couple of times in quick succession (not giving the blighters time to lay more eggs! and see if that can break the cycle! believe it or not...when my old boy was attacked en mass by fleas from a rental property too! (so I know what you're going through!....bloody cats!!! "joke" sort of.....) I used the el cheapo friskies flea treatment from the supermarket as an interim...& lo & behold withing seconds of application...the nasty critters began dropping off him....Literally!!!!! dead as door nails! Couldn't believe it could be that cheap & easy!...& from then on....with regular applications (once a month) never spotted a single flea on him again! (even when dogs that had fleas visited the house!) good luck...I really empathise! Aus.