Today's Articles

WANTED Great Dane Pup

Question:

Hi I’m looking for a great dane pup (bitch). I live in the North of England.  If you can help please email me. — Stuart Thomson

Response:

>Hi >I’m looking for a great dane pup (bitch). >I live in the North of England.  If you can help please email me.

Hi I don’t know personally of any Great Dane breeders, but I would recommend buying the Exchange and Mart.( if you haven’t done so already!) I’ve got a load of breeder directories, so I’ll have a look through and post anything of interest. By the way, what part of the north are you from? I’m from Newcastle, just incase your’e interested! — Dodgi

Response:

Havanese Rescue Contact Needed

Question:

Would someone please e-mail me with a contact for Havanese rescue?  A large commercial breeding operation was raided near me in Southwest Virginia and there are a number of Havanese involved.  Also involved were Pomeranians, Maltese, Cockers, Rottweilers, Westies and German Shepherds.  I have national rescue contacts for the other breeds, but am having trouble with the Havanese.  There are over 100 dogs involved in this tragedy. Thanks for the assistance, Mary Welch

Response:

Primary Havanese Rescue Contact:  Barb Bogart, President of the Original Havanese Club, (903)757-7707. Other Contacts: Barb Balder, Board Member, OHC, (616) 396-6789 Robert Rich, Board Member, OHC, (503)981-4401 Judy Leverett, Board Member, OHC, (313) 449-0113 Rena Westerhof, Board Member, OHC (616) 399-3959

Response:

What in the world is a Havanese?

Response:

rolling over nasty stuff

Question:

My year old miniture schnauzer [Kelly] seem to love rolling and rubbing her body over doggie poo when ever she finds them on her daily walks. The other [Niki] does’nt do this, is it a natural  for dogs to want to get themselves smelly like this? I do not apply any perfume on them at all. Kelly is also very fond of pick up little pieces of wood, paper and will very quickly chew on it and swallow, I’ve watched her doing this many times and have corrected her many times for it, but it seems that its not getting through to her. I would also like to know how are scabies transmitted, are they ground to dog like ticks or transmitted dog to dog? Cause Kelly has got it first and now Niki is also infected. They are both scratching all the time, I’ve since brought them to the vet and they were given a shot and followed by antibiotics and steroids.

Response:

>My year old miniture schnauzer [Kelly] seem to love rolling and >rubbing her body over doggie poo when ever she finds them on her daily >walks. The other [Niki] does’nt do this, is it a natural  for dogs to >want to get themselves smelly like this? I do not apply any perfume on >them at all. >Kelly is also very fond of pick up little pieces of wood, paper and >will very quickly chew on it and swallow, I’ve watched her doing this >many times and have corrected her many times for it, but it seems that >its not getting through to her. >I would also like to know how are scabies transmitted, are they ground >to dog like ticks or transmitted dog to dog? Cause Kelly has got it >first and now Niki is also infected. They are both scratching all the >time, I’ve since brought them to the vet and they were given a shot >and followed by antibiotics and steroids.

Hi there, our dog does the same thing with loving to roll in other dogs poo. We talked to our vet about it and we were told that it is an instinctual thing.  In order to diguise their scent from other animals that were hunting them.  Unfortunately, this may be true but it becomes a real pain to have to bathe the dog all the time after a walk.  We now try a spray bottle on the walks and when we can catch her in time spraying her with water when she is about to roll.  You may try this, good luck!!

Response:

My year old miniture schnauzer [Kelly] seem to love rolling and rubbing her body over doggie poo when ever she finds them on her daily walks. The other [Niki] does’nt do this, is it a natural  for dogs to want to get themselves smelly like this? I do not apply any perfume on them at all. Kelly is also very fond of pick up little pieces of wood, paper and will very quickly chew on it and swallow, I’ve watched her doing this many times and have corrected her many times for it, but it seems that its not getting through to her. I would also like to know how are scabies transmitted, are they ground to dog like ticks or transmitted dog to dog? Cause Kelly has got it first and now Niki is also infected. They are both scratching all the time, I’ve since brought them to the vet and they were given a shot and followed by antibiotics and steroids.

Response:

She’s rolling in poop to mask her own scent. She must have really good hunting instincts and wants to cover her tracks.  My guess is she’ll probably roll in anything’s poop…birds, horse, cows, dead fish, etc. Seems like a contradiction that she’d roll in her OWN poop to hide her own smell, huh? Sierra Betamillion Danes & German Shorthairs..for show, for love, for life. http://www.inergy.com/Betamillion

Response:

My year old miniture schnauzer [Kelly] seem to love rolling and rubbing her body over doggie poo when ever she finds them on her daily walks. The other [Niki] does’nt do this, is it a natural  for dogs to want to get themselves smelly like this? I do not apply any perfume on them at all. Kelly is also very fond of pick up little pieces of wood, paper and will very quickly chew on it and swallow, I’ve watched her doing this many times and have corrected her many times for it, but it seems that its not getting through to her. I would also like to know how are scabies transmitted, are they ground to dog like ticks or transmitted dog to dog? Cause Kelly has got it first and now Niki is also infected. They are both scratching all the time, I’ve since brought them to the vet and they were given a shot and followed by antibiotics and steroids.

Response:

She’s rolling in poop to mask her own scent. She must have really good hunting instincts and wants to cover her tracks.  My guess is she’ll probably roll in anything’s poop…birds, horse, cows, dead fish, etc. Seems like a contradiction that she’d roll in her OWN poop to hide her own smell, huh? Sierra Betamillion Danes & German Shorthairs..for show, for love, for life. http://www.inergy.com/Betamillion

Response:

Prong type collars — good or bad

Question:

           I have just bought two of the prong training collars            for my two strong standard poodles because they take            me for a walk instead of letting me set the pace.            The salesman removed enough extra links so that the            collars are a perfect fit and don’t slide around            loosely on their necks.  If you can offer me any            advice or opinions on using these "pinch collars",            I would appreciate it.            Thanks from June in Winchester, Mass. and Diamond

Response:

The thing to remember with prong or pinch collars is tug, release and praise. Your dogs are smart enough that they won’t test the collar more than once. If they do pull, tug, tell them whatever command word you use like no pull or hell or whatever, then tell them how good they are. Never leave the collars on your dogs if you’re not with them and never tie your dogs up with the prong collars on. You’ll probably be very pleased with the results and walks will be much more pleasant. Mara and Top Hat’s June Bug CD (Weimaraner)

Response:

>The thing to remember with prong or pinch collars is tug, release and >praise. Your dogs are smart enough that they won’t test the collar more >than once. If they do pull, tug, tell them whatever command word you use >like no pull or hell or whatever, then tell them how good they are. Never >leave the collars on your dogs if you’re not with them and never tie your >dogs up with the prong collars on. You’ll probably be very pleased with >the results and walks will be much more pleasant. >Mara and Top Hat’s June Bug CD (Weimaraner)

No!.  Sorry Mara! The correct use of a pinch (or choke collar) is a very quick pop.  If the leash is already taught, stretch out to slacken and then quickly pop.  You want the surprise reaction of the quick cinch around the dogs throat, and then the quick release so as to not threaten (especially with the pinch collar), not a continual nag or tug. The faster the pop the better.  Essentially something with teeth that says you are in control.  Do not tug or nag the dog with any collar or they can turn you off and any collar correction. If your problem is actually one of leash training, then that is more what you need to teach rather than worry what type of collar.  Either a pinch or a choke will work well for leash training.  But I would only do one dog at a time until they are both trained.  To leash train, get a good 6-8 foot leash and a collar that just fits your dog.  Place the collar up high on the dogs neck, just behind the ears. And then go for a walk.  When the dog rushes past you, turn 180 degrees and hold the leash low and tight on your thigh and brace for the impact as your dog hits the end of the leash and bounces back. (This is the type of correction pop that you want with collar corrections)  DO NOT acknowledge the dog in any way but just keep walking away.  The dog should turn and again rush past you.  YOU turn 180 degrees and brace again. POP.   You will probably need to do this 3-4 times before the dog will begin to watch you more than trying to rush ahead. Check the collar postion regularly as the collar does tend to drop. The dog will also relate this correction to itself as you couldn’t possibly have caused it as you weren’t even facing it. Nor did you voice any concern, so you are not at fault.   After the dog is no longer tugging on the leash, you can begin walking zig zag patterns to test the dogs response to your change of directions.  If the dog is not real steady, shorten up on the leash and pop the leash with your thigh/knee as you turn away from the dog until the dog is staying with you.  After you have one dog leash trained, do the other.  When you begin walking them both, you may notice that they will try to revert to their prior behavior.   In this case, get a brace coupler.  This is something that will tie the two collars together so that you will only need one leash.  Repeat the same exercise and in about 2 turns they will both be with you.  And no longer pulling. Good luck. Tom

Response:

Rat Terrier

Question:

If you are looking for a Rat Terrier, go to  www.ratbonerescues.com  to see what is available in rescue.  We have foster homes in 26 states and we have arranged transport for dogs going home half way across the country.  If you want more information about Rat Terriers as a breed go to  http://members3.boardhost.com/RATTERRIERS/   where you can get almost any question you have about RTs answered. There is also an extensive list of links to other Rat Terrier sites where you can learn more about the breed if you want.  My suggestion, check out the breed if you aren’t already familiar, I have 7 currently (only 3 are my own) and I love them.  They are real characters and in my first 40+ years of dog ownership, everything from Rottie to Toy Poodle, I never found a breed I enjoyed more.   Good luck.

  Thinking of getting a Rat Terrier?  Any suggestions?  We are in our 60’s.  Grandsons here some; 11 yr & 4 yr old.

Response:

Thinking of getting a Rat Terrier?  Any suggestions?  We are in our 60’s.  Grandsons here some; 11 yr & 4 yr old.

Response:

Please send any info on the breed for a new owner

Response:

Check out http://members.aol.com/frets22/

Response:

Will someone please inform me on the Rat Terrier?  I’m having trouble finding much info on this breed. Thanks! Phil Lord

Response:

>Will someone please inform me on the Rat Terrier?  I’m having trouble >finding much info on this breed. >Thanks! >Phil Lord

Phil – There is a Rat Terrier group on AOL on rare non-akc dogs breeds.  You can also contact the Rat Terrier Club of America , 47044 N. Fifth St. West, Lancaster, CA 93534-7501.  Dues are $10 per year.   There is a RT site on the internet – Herren’s Rat Terriers with some information.  I don’t have the address handy but you can use your search program to find them. Hope this helps. John

Response:

Radio Fences

Question:

Hello all I am trying to decide what radio fence to purchase to contain my wandering Great Pyrenees.  Any suggestions?  Any systems to definitely avoid?  Any sort of testimonial would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

Invisible Fence www.ifco.com or www.caninefence.com is the best choice.  I have it, I worked for the company.  Many, many of the "competitors systems" were replaced with Invisible Fence brand. Before you buy.

Response:

Which ever brand you get, it requires a good bit of training, unlike a regular fence. Follow the instructions rigorously. Mine works great for my Rottie and Dane. Now, they don’t even need their collars. I feel that it was worth the investment, so does my neighbor. The only way the dogs leave the property is in a vehicle and they know that. -Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello all > I am trying to decide what radio fence to purchase to contain my wandering > Great Pyrenees.  Any suggestions?  Any systems to definitely avoid?  Any > sort of testimonial would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

Hello all I am trying to decide what radio fence to purchase to contain my wandering Great Pyrenees.  Any suggestions?  Any systems to definitely avoid?  Any sort of testimonial would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

Invisible Fence www.ifco.com or www.caninefence.com is the best choice.  I have it, I worked for the company.  Many, many of the "competitors systems" were replaced with Invisible Fence brand. Before you buy.

Response:

Which ever brand you get, it requires a good bit of training, unlike a regular fence. Follow the instructions rigorously. Mine works great for my Rottie and Dane. Now, they don’t even need their collars. I feel that it was worth the investment, so does my neighbor. The only way the dogs leave the property is in a vehicle and they know that. -Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello all > I am trying to decide what radio fence to purchase to contain my wandering > Great Pyrenees.  Any suggestions?  Any systems to definitely avoid?  Any > sort of testimonial would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

Side effects of Cisplatin chemotherapy

Question:

I’d like to hear more about how the vet is delivering cisplatin to your dog. I have no experience with having a dog on this drug (sorry!) but my mare was given cisplatin via injections as a follow-up to melanoma surgery. In her case, there were no ill effects noticable. The melanomas injected were expected to either shirnk or dry up and fall off if the treatment worked. They did shrink considerably. I was also told by my vet that cisplatin was one of the "safer" chemo drugs, that it did not spread much upon injection, so it had a fairly local effect. (my mare’s injections were done with a  vegetable oil mix to help keep the medicine from spreading) I hope you have very good luck with using the cisplatin, or whichever treatment you decide to try! Laurel

Response:

Our 12 yr old Maltese will soon begain chemo with Cisplatin to combat her cancer and we are wondering what to expect in the way of side effects. Any input is welcomed

Response:

I was talking about this drug with my vet today, my dog could also be starting chemotherapy with cisplatin soon.  He told me that its one of the ’safer’ chemo drugs, if you can call them safe… Side effects can be, tiredness or depression and sometimes vomiting and diarreah (never could spell that).  He sais because the fastest dividing cells are attacked by the chemo drug, some cells in the stomach that are dividing fast my be affected. I’m sorry I cant tell you much more, like you, I am also curious about this drug…. Best of luck to you Stacey – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Our 12 yr old Maltese will soon begain chemo with Cisplatin to combat her > cancer and we are wondering what to expect in the way of side effects. > Any input is welcomed

Response:

Dog chews stuff and plays "keepaway"

Question:

>> — >I must apologize for the wrong choice of words when I used "cop-out". I >was trying to emphasize that I wanted advice on things that I would take >responsibility for as opposed to passing it onto a third party (imagine >this coming from someone who is a consultant by trade!).  I appreciate the >comments I received, which are very helpful. This is our second Lab and >unfortunately for Kia (her name), her predecessor, Aza,  was intelligent >and extremely well-behaved. I must confess, however, that I spent more >time training and playing with Aza than with Kia. Now that winter is >finally over and the days are longer, I hope to correct the situation.

I understand.  Maybe you thought the dog would in fact be "sent away" for a period of time and be trained by a third party?   As someone else said, training the dog yourself helps establish you as the "alpha" and you have better control of your dog in all aspects of its training.  I agree, if it is trained by someone else, you lack that bonding between the dog and you that training creates. Each dog is different, as you now know!  I started out knowing zero about training dogs and had to get info somewhere…..from training school, internet, friends…  with the resources on the internet you can get all kinds of great info, but it’s also good to find a good local training club where a trainer can SEE your dog and teach you how to train your own dog!  Good luck.   — * Tammy Abernethy – NCSU    Raleigh    *  CLEVELAND INDIANS !!!!!!!  *

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >item. Any thoughts on addressing these problems (other than "Send her to > >training school"–that to me is a cop-out) > Oh yes, she was sent to training school, too, but I went along so > I could learn how to train her.  It isn’t a cop-out, in fact is > probably very necessary.  Look for a good one in your area and > attend some classes. > I’ll second the thought — training school isn’t a cop-out.  The > training is as much for *you* as it is for your dog.  Unless *you* learn > to be the boss, you will have problems with a chewing dog, and possibly > worse. > You’d be suprised how basic training has a positive impact on *all* of > the dog’s behaviors, not just the ones they’re trained for.  It all goes > back to the fact that training asserts that YOU are the boss, and the > dog must do what you say. > At the very least, go by the library and check out a couple of books on > training and see what they have to say. > —

I must apologize for the wrong choice of words when I used "cop-out". I was trying to emphasize that I wanted advice on things that I would take responsibility for as opposed to passing it onto a third party (imagine this coming from someone who is a consultant by trade!).  I appreciate the comments I received, which are very helpful. This is our second Lab and unfortunately for Kia (her name), her predecessor, Aza,  was intelligent and extremely well-behaved. I must confess, however, that I spent more time training and playing with Aza than with Kia. Now that winter is finally over and the days are longer, I hope to correct the situation.

Response:

>. Any thoughts on addressing these problems (other than "Send her to >training school"–that to me is a cop-out)

Hi,    First and foremost, you and her need to enroll in a good training program so she will act calm when visitors are present, inpublic, visiting relatives,etc. Self control is important in all areas of her life, one affects the other. Labs, as well as many other sporting dogs can a royal pain in the butt until they are mature(over two) and TRAINED. Not enrolling in some kind of training program, and seeking pointers online, I would say is a cop out.    In the interim, stop painting yourself into a corner. Limit her responsibility. Don’t give her more than she is ready for at this age.     Put all shoes and other favorite items away. If she does get ahold of something don’t yell or chase. (cut out all play chase games) Ecourage her to bring it to you and remove it from her mouth, substituting something she can chew on. The best way to deal with the "keepaway" is to have her drag a short line indoors, and long line outdoors(with supervision). When she does get something, you can step on the line to prevent her from running away.    This dog, until she is better trained and more mature, needs to stay within your line of vision and grasp. Don’t let her wander all over the house. Very,very few labs at that age will be ready for such responsibility. How old is a human child before it can be out of your line of vision?   Are you giving her quality time? Quality time would be seeing she is a house dog and not a mostly outdoor and garage/basement dog. Sleeping(crated) in the bedroom does tend to give one a calmer and more responsive dog.    Lying down calmly when eating, reading, TV time, going for 2 to 3 30 minute leash walks followed by fetch sessions will all give you a calmer dog.     Speak with your vet, lab people,shelters and get the names of trainers in your area. The sooner you do that, the happier, you and your dog will be. Bob Maida Manassas,Va

Response:

>I have a 10 month Lab who is quite bright but has some bad habits I am >trying to break: For one, she loves to chew on leather and rubber items >(shoes, galoshes, gloves, etc.) and it’s driving us crazy. She knows it’s >wrong, because she’ll hide or hang her head when she’s caught, but she >insists anyway. She also insists on playing "keepaway" where she’ll steal >an object that she knows she can’t and will then try and entice us into >getting it from her. Of course, chasing a young Lab around the yard is >fruitless, so we have to end up tricking her somehow into giving up the >item. Any thoughts on addressing these problems (other than "Send her to >training school"–that to me is a cop-out) >Thanks >Nestor

My lab stopped chewing on stuff she wasn’t supposed to have when I started putting the stuff away behind closed doors. Oh yes, she was sent to training school, too, but I went along so I could learn how to train her.  It isn’t a cop-out, in fact is probably very necessary.  Look for a good one in your area and attend some classes. Other than that you could try spraying the stuff with something unpleasant like bitter apple or hot pepper spray.  Don’t chase her around the yard.  Not only is it fruitless it creates bad habits.  Exchange the stolen item for a favorite dog toy. — * Tammy Abernethy – NCSU    Raleigh    *  CLEVELAND INDIANS !!!!!!!  *

Response:

> >item. Any thoughts on addressing these problems (other than "Send her to >training school"–that to me is a cop-out) > Oh yes, she was sent to training school, too, but I went along so > I could learn how to train her.  It isn’t a cop-out, in fact is > probably very necessary.  Look for a good one in your area and > attend some classes.

I’ll second the thought — training school isn’t a cop-out.  The training is as much for *you* as it is for your dog.  Unless *you* learn to be the boss, you will have problems with a chewing dog, and possibly worse. You’d be suprised how basic training has a positive impact on *all* of the dog’s behaviors, not just the ones they’re trained for.  It all goes back to the fact that training asserts that YOU are the boss, and the dog must do what you say. At the very least, go by the library and check out a couple of books on training and see what they have to say. — Hewlett Packard Co.         Fort Collins, Colorado       "Think!  It ain’t illegal yet."  – George Clinton

Response:

My Un-patriotic Birds!

Question:

I’ve had my nails done with flags painted on some, others are all red or white or blue with little glittery star decals and my birds are freaking out!  LOL.  Trying to get them to step up is such a chore now.  The poor dears…but I’m not ready to get rid of the theme yet, so they’re going to have to adjust.  heheh…I’m such a mean mom.  They did the same thing when I changed my hair color and they adjusted just fine to that. Mel is becoming such a little chatterbox these days.  He’s saying words that I can actually understand now.  He’s not a cuddly bird like Mollie, but he sure is entertaining as hell. I hope every birdie is healthy and happy! — Laurie *~*~*~*

Response:

>I’ve had my nails done with flags painted on some, others are all red or >white or blue with little glittery star decals and my birds are freaking >out!  LOL.  

I read that as you having the *bird’s* nails done up like that, and wondered why you were dondering that they were freaking out. Combination of too many years with dog owners who *do* paint their dogs’ toenails in fashio colors, and the sleeping pill which is just kicking in, I suppose. — Jennifer Mullen

Response:

> I’ve had my nails done with flags painted on some, others are all red or > white or blue with little glittery star decals and my birds are freaking > out!  LOL.  Trying to get them to step up is such a chore now.  The poor > dears…but I’m not ready to get rid of the theme yet, so they’re going to > have to adjust.

Ready to get rid of the birds or the nails? :>) —   Mama ~^~^~^~   Visit Mamabird’s Nest: <http://iluvbirds.tripod.com/> And My Photo Album at: <http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=442768>                          -To email me: change nest to net- "This nation is peaceful, but fierce when stirred to anger. This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others; it will end in a way and at an hour of our choosing." -President George W. Bush  9/14/01-

Response:

Laurie, do you know me??? Only you have a bird named molly, and one named ‘mel’ which is my sons name. Spooky or what? —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve had my nails done with flags painted on some, others are all red or > white or blue with little glittery star decals and my birds are freaking > out!  LOL.  Trying to get them to step up is such a chore now.  The poor > dears…but I’m not ready to get rid of the theme yet, so they’re going to > have to adjust. > Ready to get rid of the birds or the nails? :>) > — >   Mama > ~^~^~^~   Visit Mamabird’s Nest: <http://iluvbirds.tripod.com/> And My > Photo Album at: <http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=442768> >                          -To email me: change nest to net- > "This nation is peaceful, but fierce when stirred to anger. This conflict > was begun on the timing and terms of others; it will end in a way and at an > hour of our choosing." -President George W. Bush  9/14/01-

Response:

> I read that as you having the *bird’s* nails done up like that, and > wondered why you were dondering that they were freaking out.

LOL…yeah, those teeny little toenails were damn difficult to paint, lemme tell ya! > Combination of too many years with dog owners who *do* paint their dogs’ > toenails in fashio colors, and the sleeping pill which is just kicking in, > I suppose.

I know a hairdresser with two little miniature poodles that she dyes hot pink and egg plant purple, with rhinestone collars and painted toenails. The hairdresser has jet black hair with electric blue streaks so the colorful pups don’t surprise me.  They actually look pretty cool. Laurie – hoping you got a terrific night sleep

Response:

> Ready to get rid of the birds or the nails? :>) > — >   Mama

The nails!  well…at least MOST days Laurie

Response:

> Laurie, do you know me??? Only you have a bird named molly, and one named > ‘mel’ which is my sons name. Spooky or what?

 Verrry scary!

Response:

great dane and parvo

Question:

I bought a 10 week old great dane puppy.  All the puppies came down with parvo and were in the vet and are fine now.  He has not had any parvo for 4 weeks now.  But i am told two different things about parvo.  One told me it may stunt his growth another told me no don’t worry.  HELP

Response:

>I bought a 10 week old great dane puppy.  All the puppies came down with >parvo and were in the vet and are fine now.  He has not had any parvo for >4 weeks now.  But i am told two different things about parvo.  One told me >it may stunt his growth another told me no don’t worry.  HELP

Since he lived, he’ll probably be fine.  Good Luck.

Response:

> I bought a 10 week old great dane puppy.  All the puppies came down with > parvo and were in the vet and are fine now.  He has not had any parvo for > 4 weeks now.  But i am told two different things about parvo.  One told me > it may stunt his growth another told me no don’t worry.  HELP

It is my understanding that a puppy having parvo is like a human being born prematurally (in terms of growth).  They lag behind but eventually catch up. Janyne Janyne Kizer, CNA, CNE-IP                                    Apex, NC Penny – Rescue lab http:/www.webbuild.com/~jmkizer/

Response: