Bisart Dobes

Good, I am glad - actually you made me cry with relief - I felt as if he were one of our babies gone to his new home. When you see as many dogs as I do suffering from skeletal issues in their lives it becomes an emotional issue I guess - last week someone bought one of the wheelchairs for there dog who can no longer walk as his rear legs don't work due to spinal degeneration - to see the look of joy on his face as he was able to 'walk' around again was just incredible - he was so happy. I don't think I will ever forget just his total look of pleasure and joy - for the first time in that whole week of physio he was happy. Prevention is always better than cure and the dogs wellbeing and fullness of life is of the highest priority. I guess I am lucky - it makes me cherish my dogs every day. You (from 'you' I mean all of us) can learn alot from these forums if you just stop, read and absorb - there are alot of experienced people on this forum and it can be a valuable resource. I learnt a long time ago to read posts and then log out to have a think about it - go make a coffee and then come back to it if it is really something which I can offer help with - it helps me keep the emotional out of it I hope. The day I stop learning will be the day I die

High impact exercise in my opinion is any on hard surface - footpath, road, concrete run, paved area, treadmill etc etc - high impact on growing, forming bones and joints. 5 to 10 minutes sprinting or playing on grass in entirely different to being on a treadmill. Playing/running on grass puppies will run, jump, roll, play bounce, pull tugs or toys from each other etc etc - this form on exercise is the best way to grow and condition dogs for the entirety of their lives. Why - because it uses all the muscles and bones in their body naturally and it conditions them all at the same time. A dog on a treadmill will work certain muscles and work with certain bones. 10 minutes on a treadmill is the equivilant to about 30 minutes free running flat out. Even when a fit adult dog is doing conditioning work in an aqua treadmill we don't work them for more than 20 minutes and an aqua treadmill puts less pressure on bones and joints due to the water level. Treadmills offer a good way to exercise a dog or condition a dog for certain things and as I said I do have a treadmill and I do use it but it is a very small part of their conditioning program. A dog which is growing and forming bone will be put under stress in the soft bone areas and growing areas when working on a treadmill because it is the same as working a young dog on the road beside a bike - it is hard impact, pounding exercise. At the end of the day he is your dog and you will do what you feel is right for yourself and for him - it is ultimately your choice. Obedience tricks - well you have shown he is very clever and picks up things quickly so use that to your advantage - there are heaps of books on games to play with your puppy that help them learn to learn. Check Susan Clothiers (think I spelt that right) website - from memory I bought a few when I did her seminar years ago and amazon have a great selection. And then ofcourse there are normal obedience exercises which make them use their brains, hide things or someone and teach him to find them. Hope this answered your questions ?

OK - I preface this with a slight warning. This is not meant to be a downer post but simply the truth - if you don't want that then don't read any further. I see far too often the permanent damage and lifetime of grief that dogs suffer from injuries at a young age to not take this seriously. As I said don't read any further if you don't want the ugly worrying truth. On a positive - you have certainly proven that he is a very clever little boy who can learn quickly just direct that ability into the right direction. You are dealing with a med/large breed and heavy boned breed - these breed types (not just your breed) suffer a great deal with joint and bone diseases, bone growth diseases (pano) and they can have lifetime consequences and sometime deadly consequences (cancer). We do treadmill our dogs - babies only get to play over it when its not on and are crated next to it on with older dog or me working to get used to it being on. I would never high impact exercise a dog until minimum of 12 months of age - with our breed I don't until 18 months and that still depends on the dog themselves, they are still forming and growing until 3 years of age technically. My young boy is now 2 yrs and he will just now start treadmill and biking. Our puppies only ever 'self exercise' - run and play until they are tired, walk on lead until they are tired, learn obedience, learn tracking basics until they are tired etc etc - they dictate. Playing games and teaching him obedience "tricks" will tire him out more than being on a treadmill and will be far more beneficial in the long run to both you and him. Growth plates and feet bones are actually quite fragile in growth stages and I wouldn't be risking my puppy. Once these joints or bones are injured you have a lifetime of grief to deal with (or the dog does anyway) - also sadly with inflamation of joints and bones you have oxidation take place which causes alot of damage and even more devastatingly can lead to permanent bone damage or even cancer growth. All I can say is please don't take this lightly - your puppy's full life is ahead of him and I am sure that you, just as we all want them to be as healthy and happy for as long as is possible throughout that life. Let him be a baby - love him and play with him now - there is plenty of time to push him later when he has grown up. Contact his breeder and speak to them about this if you want reassurance on what the right thing to do is. Most of all enjoy your 'baby puppy'.

Take it out of a normal training situation and teach him that specific position as a calm good dog position. I teach it in the lounge room - I sit to start with and teach the hold prior to teaching anything else with the dumbell. Using food reward I just get them to sit in between my legs so we are both totally relaxed and then get them to hold the bell. Start in learning phase again - so reward every improvement for a week - I can usually increase the hold position to about 2 minutes within 2 weeks (not that you need that but it helps when they are jumping etc). I normally break it down to training goals - eg: Day 1 - hold 10 secs 4 reps Day 2 - hold 20 secs 4 reps Day 3 - hold 30 secs 4 reps etc etc Then go back to 10 secs when you stand up with dog in same position then increase. Always ensure that this position is calm, relaxed and safe for your dog and they will never drop it. I find they only drop it when they are unsure or uncomfortable - take that away. Once you have the dog holding the bell for 1 min with you in stand position then try at the end of the retrieve (no distraction) - ensure you put the command you have been using (I use hold - low calm voice) in just prior to the dog sitting in front of you at the end of retrieve. You find it will click pretty quickly. Good luck.

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Can you pleeeeeeeeeese post pac that puppy to Victoria, Australia ?????? Way Too Cute :D

I tube fed our first litter - bitches first litter / large litter all were fine but we had 48 / 50 deg days and they were only just 3 days and getting dehydrated (aircon in whelping room now) - I was shown how by my mentor and experienced breeder and had no trouble with it - only supplemented for 3 or 4 days while mums milk fully dropped and so did the temperature thank god until they were about 7 weeks - then they got about 4 days of it again poor kids. Our second litter didn't need it. I wouldn't tube feed a puppy to save its life if its mum was rejecting it though - nature must take its course in that regard, I have seen too many times dogs that were 'saved' suffering throughout their lives with different things.

Ellz - I responded in general - didn't see it here. I was stunned with the response of some in that forum but felt it best left alone. If they cannot understand that it was simply meant as a beautiful reminder of how much blood, sweat, tears and love goes into rearing litters not a whinge "woe is me" - then they shouldn't own dogs at all. Very sad attitude and best left alone as I said.

I have probably the fussiest dog in the world - Darred - love him to bits but if he deems something unedible he won't touch it - luckily his mother is a 'goat' (will eat everything ). I posted a while ago for help to get the weight on him to show him and someone suggested the 4 x 2 biscuits - we had used them as treats years ago but stopped due to having dogs on totally natural diet. Well the fussy boy loves them and on top of his normal intake of food he gets 4 everymorning - he will eat 3 1/2 to 4 of them and that top up is keeping the weight on him. No adverse reactions here either - the others get them on occasion, except for our girl who was baited about 2 yrs ago now, she's recovered now but I still won't feed her any wheat based products.

"but then again obedience isn't adn won't be our focus until the dogs can't run agility courses any more." Why take the chance with dogs that aren't ready that you ruin a pass for someone who is focused on obedience and gaining those titles.

My young boy has chosen toilet rolls as the ultimate reward - can't wait to enter him in a trial should get some good looks !!!!

I used to get nervous when I first started - to the point where the judges would always tell me to breath after the heeling pattern The best thing I ever did was to enter the Melb Royal obedience trial - was so nervous I nearly spewed (sorry . . .) and my girl, Rhemy was soooooo naughty the night prior at our last run through with trainer that I thought she would probably run out of the ring and go for a joy run (could just imagine her joy running through the cattle enclosure). Nope, she was so good the judge actually ran us into the rail because she was so enjoying watching her heeling pattern . Despite her 'mother' having an out of body experience she pulled off a great pass and first place as well & best novice. By far the best thing I ever did - NOTHING / no other trial was ever as stressful as that day was. I recommend everyone aim for something like that and push your own boundaries to the extreme - you will only learn valuable lessons from it. Now I trial with my dogs to be with them - they love it and enjoy having a job - nothing more beautiful than a dog who shows they love working with you. I love the one on one with my dogs, I love to see how fast they learn things, I love to see them work something out, I love to see their joy and look of satisfaction with themselves when they know they have done a good job, I love their excitement for their reward (whatever they choose) and yes the titles are a nice tribute to their achievements but thats not what it is really all about. What I want from each trial is to gel that team work with my dog to a higher level each time - this includes accuracy ofcourse and hopefully bettering our last scores but moreso their enjoyment and desire to work with me - Love being with your dog, enter for you and your dog and don't worry about anything or anyone else. & GOOD LUCK ;) BD * a shot of vodka & raspberry cordial about 1/2 hr b4 you go in the ring works wonders as well

Carluke Thanks - Norking is the one we were looking for - we are deciding between Advantage and Norking at the moment - depends on who will do exactly what I want Thanks for other reply's as well.

Hi, Tried to find the topic which was here about 2 months ago but cannot locate it. I am looking for the trailer manufacturer which is located on the Mornington Peninsula - Victoria but cannot find any details for them. I remember reading alot of great comments about their trailers and have decided to order a new one - I would like to get in contact with them please. Don't even know the company name. After a disaster with FX Trailers which we sent back in disgust after waiting 8 months for it and lost our deposit (karma will catch up) - I purchased a large 6 berth with wardrobe which is fantastic but just too big for what we need so I have decided to order a 4 berth / storage - and from what I read this company seems like the way to go - plus they are really close to us as well. Oh & the six berth will be on the market soon as well Thanks, B

Soffban is the best - I find one layer is enough even with vetwrap. One great vet taught me this wrap years ago :D 1. Soffban around whole area you want to wrap - ensure you tear of little bits to slide in between the dogs toes (just enough to fit snugly make sure it doesn't change where the toe would naturally sit) - this absorbs any sweat and helps to stop the dogs being annoyed by hot feet - which tends to make them chew at them. 2. Vetwrap - first a strip down the back of leg over the toes and up the front of the leg (need someone to hold it in place or strips of tape to hold it in place) - second wrap the whole area with vetwrap - I find figure 8 / cross over holds in place better and moves on the leg much less - work from bottom of leg to top. 3. Solid sticky bangadge on the top of vetwrap / leg to hold in place (I make sure it has the soft edges as it is more comfortable for the dog). 4. Ask the vet for old saline solution drip bags - they make the best foot covers - just cut slits in and thread a soft bandage through to tie it on - easy to get on and off over bandage. This bandage lasts most dogs for about a week. Best of luck with your kid.

Its an ointment (like paste I guess) - you can get it in the spray which I keep on hand for scratches / bites etc but I always use the ointment on feet / nails. You can get it at most country feed supply places - most horse places will have it as mostly it would be used for horses - just ring your local place they could get it in if they don't stock it. I find it helps keep their feet/pads/nails in condition and therefore have really no issues with major cuts or tears. Product details are: Virbac Sea Minerals Dermal Ointment Code: P0325-2 Active Constituent: Sea Minerals - (Magnesium, Sulphur, Sodium, Zinc, Iodine, Bromine, Carbon & Potassium) Thats it.

Hi, Sorry to hear you didn't pass with your girl and only saw this thread today. Remember that Dobes are very 'special' when it comes obedience -yup they love it but you must make it a game - and you cannot work them too much or they get bored and hate it or start to 'modify' excercises . Eg, my young boy - hadn't really done any training with him ever (some time ago) and started basic first official training session - only for the little smart a--- to work in perfect heel position, made turns perfectly and change of pace, drop & stand no issue - only really had to work on halt (auto sit) and left about turn (I do flip/military turn). I was left stunned - when did he learn it ??? He thought he was sooooo clever and I guess he was really - lovely boy he is - still haven't trialed him though - might have to get him ready for the National. I have decided to have mine ready for the next level before I trial them at the prior level - for me it is about improving my partnership and result with the dog each time we trial (or train). Best of luck with your girl - just enjoy the journey. Bernadette Bisart Dobermanns http://bisartdobermanns.homestead.com

I use Sea Minerals Dermal Ointment on feet / pads - it heals up cuts in a few days. Ensure the wound is clean and apply twice a day. Dogs won't lick it off as they don't really like it - I generally put it on then confine them to crate for 15 mins to allow it to have time to work before they run around. I actually use it to condition my dogs pads all year round - once a month over winter and every week over the summer months or whenever I do their nails - it is fabulous stuff and we used to use it on the horses when I was a kid. My old dog licks his feet which drives me nuts and this is the only thing that stops him. You can get the ointment or a spray - use the ointment on pads and I have the spray as well if I need it. I get it from our local animal feed place - most horse places will have it. Best of luck.

I am not sure if this is applicable to your breed and my dog doesn't have kidney disease - so not speaking from experience with that, however he is a very fussy eater. I was given this remedy by canine naturopath ages ago - brew camomile tea (I use organic loose flowers) while still hot add 1 tbs of slippery elm powder slowly - stir it until is goes about the consistency of light gravy - I use about a cup of tea and drink the rest myself . This creates a lining on the stomach and digestive tract and protects it from things like medications etc - however I have found it really works to get him to eat what I want him to and it seems to stimulate him to eat - so it may make a difference to your dog. My dogs get it every day now and our old boy (10 yrs scoffs it down - guess his system must really be needing some help). As an offside they seem to get more from their food as well - digest it better and get more nutrients from it - which is always something we want. I can't find any contraindications to kidney disease or your breed but best you check. Also I am studying canine natropathy & nutrition and it is always recommended that you 'feed like for like' - ie kidney disease feed kidneys (lamb would be the least hard to digest and are pretty readily available) - feed them raw and you may need to slice them up to start as some dogs don't like to eat them first off when they aren't cut up. Also I always feed human grade offal to my dogs - better quality. Not sure if this will be of any help but good luck with your dog. Bernadette

:D OMG

Good to read that he is progressing well. So glad for you, it is such a stressful time when they are not well and not progressing in themselves. Looking good so far. Tempting him with food - I found with fussy Darred that warming his food in the microwave or under hot water helped his interest in starting to eat it - once he started he was fine (can't stop him now, but he has matured also). That might interest him - just be sure you dont cook it if using microwave. B

Yes, she has clients all over Aus - the phantom drops are the same for all dogs I believe - though she can do consults with a sample of the dogs coat if need be. Believe me, it works. Bernadette

Hi DL, I have a bitch who goes into a phantom every season . She has done since her first season, she produces milk etc etc - she even locks herself into her crate with 'puppies' and will guard them with her life. She literally drives me nuts. Her daughter never had a phantom until her last season - she's 3 and a half and her granddaughter had one after her first season. So I think it is genetic. Though after six and a half years of phantom hell I have found the only thing that has ever stopped Rhemy's phantom - all three of them went into phantoms after their seasons and all three stopped within a week (EVEN RHEMY). Contact Carol Freeman K9 Kinesiology & Natural Therapy's on 03 9796 8330 and tell her Bernadette gave you her number - ask for the Phantom Drops. They are a godsend. Good luck and let me know how you go, Bernadette

"leading up work" Only when you're anal like moi :rolleyes: So glad to see he is eating - even if it is only small grazing amounts. Its all good. B

Nope nothing wrong here (Yah !!! - Touch Wood) - just returning her call. But we are there every week at present as we are getting ready for the specialty run over the next couple of months - conditioning etc starts about 6 wks out for us, physio every week to ensure no probs and they are all on whatever drops they need to make the travelling etc as stressless and happy as possible. Glad to see you've been and are on the right track - keep us updated - look forward to seeing him when he's better. B

Yup, me too . . . How did you go ?