ZAUBISTAR

As some of you might remeber early last year we lost our special girl Ashka (Zilversee Xoyful), our first German Shepherd Dog. As a tribute to her we planted a weeping cherry 'Prunus Snowfozam' on her grave to remember her by. We got back from Rosebery last night to find it in full bloom for the first time, a mass of beautiful single cherry blossoms. The photo does not give it full credit but you get the idea.

I had to have a bit of a brag because my boy *Zilversee Acteon AZ C.C.D gained his 1st Novice pass today Acteon was in for his first attempt at novice dog and didn’t disappoint. On the first test of the day we were awarded our first pass with a 1st placing of 184/200! This was followed very closely by a lovely young German Shepherd bitch who gained her second pass and went on to gain her 3rd pass and title in the afternoon trial. This young bitch is definitely one to watch and shares a strong family trait with her Dam who was working in Open and Utility today. One other pass in the novice AM trial went to a very nice German Shorthaired Pointer. I'm not sure of the PM results. All the dogs did surprisingly well with the weather being reasonably windy and cold throughout the day and setting in with showers while the novice PM test was underway. It was a very enjoyable day thanks to all the organizers and volunteers who helped out over the day, and well worth the drive.

Fair enough point. I just heard that from worming horses you need to change it every few months and thought it might be the case with dog wormers too.

I have been wondering if it's worth buying worming tablets in bulk (50 or so for 3 dogs). I was of the impression that to use different products was more beneficial as using the same brand encourages immunity. Is there any truth to this? It would save me a bit of money but I'm not sure if it's worth it.

Rice is a good bulk grain but it needs to be really cooked, nearly mashy. There are debates on brown rice because it stays fairly firm. I've always done a well washed then boiled and add more hot water to absorb overnight white rice. Oats are good for the very active dog. I got into the habit of giving my shepherds 1-2 cups of cooked oats with egg for breakfast on cold winter mornings. Provided the egg white is partially solidified (stir through oats when warm) and the yolk left fairly raw this is a really good 'up and at um' breakie. Depends on your ratio of grain and kibble to meat and the age of the dog. Too much meat in the diet can lead to developmental problems.

My girl Ashka used to get very bad ears. Check the diet you’re feeding because some ingredients can worsen these conditions. I'd go a fish (tuna canned cat food no preservatives or added extras from coles or sardines) and really well cooked rice diet with 2 Tbls well washed grated carrot and celery and 1/2 to 1 clove of garlic in each meal. Try this for a couple of weeks then slowly reduce rice and fish volume as you add a different food each time. Try each one for a week or so then add something else and try to see if it's allergy based. You could keep to the rice/fish/veg diet if you get a good result but if your dog's really active or a large breed you will need to get red meat in there. Also fresh bones to keep teeth clean. Also try a natural product ear claener. There are a few to try. Good luck!

It's so frustrating isn't it You know there is something not right, your dog is not 100% but the subtle signs just aren't enough. Thank you for your thoughts everyone.

It has been a while now but our dear puppy girl passed away last month on the 12 May 2008. We had celebrated her 8th birthday only 3 weeks before. Dale had noticed her panting with discomfort one night at tea time so we kept a close eye on her over night. The next day she was fine, playing body slam with Acteon as usual. She spent two days of happy play with brief moments of disinterest so we took her to the vet for a quick once over. We had a list of all the things that seemed a little odd but the vet could find nothing. We were sent home with two weeks of anti-inflammatories for arthritis and advised to come back when that was done. We made up a warm bed next to ours and kept close watch for the next few days. 6 days later Ashka limped out of the bedroom when Dale came home and collapsed at his feet and died. I have no answers and no reason. The vet could offer nothing. Such a sad and sudden way to loose such a happy and joyful girl only 8 years young. RIP puppy girl XXX

I had never heard of this method b4 but I must say I think it's too advanced for a puppy. I have a CD titled bitch, one who is nearly at title and a dog that is heading into novice in February and I wouldn't use this method on any of them. I'm pleased that you’re taking the time out to read about diff methods. At our club I find many students don't even read up on basic obedience, let alone any behavioral or advanced work. If you're worried about leadership then just follow the basic principles. Teach the dog to wait b4 food, you going through a door first and general obedience, which you seem to have covered well. If you’re a real book worm like me check out Jan Fennell Cheers Bec

I've found pork anything works wonders, they love it. I mostly use homemade liver or natures best treats. I must add a warning though. I know dogs work really well for cheese but I find it too gluggy for puppies. Unfortunately I have heard of many very close calls with dogs choking and sadly one boxer about 9 mths passed away. I think if you have dogs with small muzzles and long throats its best to use something small that remains reasonably together such as tiny raw chicken breast pieces or boneless fish flakes or liver. I don't want to discourage ppl but I don't want to hear of another good dog choking to death. Bec