gsdog2

Thanks so much for the info westiemum. My girl has had a yeast infection and yes, she's had many swabs (the latest one yesterday). After two solid weeks of Surolan suspension she is now clear in one ear and all but in the other. If this hadn't worked we were going to talk about surgery, but at this stage my vet's happy with her treatment. I have seen an aural resection years ago - where they virtually open up the ear canal to allow it to air/stay dry. When my vet mentioned surgery I was definitely hesitant (to say the least ) and Indi's ear infections really weren't bad enough to warrant putting her through such major surgery. With care (avoiding swimming, careful in rainy weather & bath times and cleaning her ears weekly) I hope to keep her ear infections to a minimum. I recently changed her diet and I'm wondering whether that has anything to do with this latest ear infection problems??? The surgery Mac had, has improved heaps compared to the surgery I saw all those years ago and has obviously been a huge success for him and it's so good that he's painfree :)

Me too, dog had a pseudomonas infection and no treatment was effective so eventually surgery was the only option. In retrospect I should have done it sooner. Surgery has been mentioned for my girl too - although at this stage I don't think it's necessary. I am interested to know the process and how long recovery was? Can we have a few more details just in case I need to go down that track in the future with Indi?

Have shared on FB too - it worked for the stafford pup

I'm sorry I must be cheap - there are a lot of great training classes around for a lot less than $180 per session. We have a business where we employ 5 tradesman (paid well above award rate) and don't charge that much per hour

THIS story was in our local paper (Queensland Times) this week

So sorry to hear that Sway.....its a bloody awful disease/condition. We must also factor in age. Any deep chested dog over 7/8 years is high on this to be affected. This came from treating vets I worked with.... I was told the same thing - my boy was a very healthy 9 year old. Hugs to you Sway - it's a very difficult loss to come to terms with ........

I agree - getting to the vet as quickly (and safely) as you can is the most important thing you can do

Having lost my GSD to bloat and then reading where you say your dog was "trying" to vomit rang immediate alarm bells for me. It's also called unproductive vomiting and is a definite sign of bloat, HOWEVER you also said he is now asleep (to lay on their side is extremely uncomfortable) so it's unlikely he's got bloat. The symptoms my dog showed:- *restless, walking around (unable to get comfortable) *unproductive vomiting (gagging) *panting (from pain) *tight extended abdomen If your dog shows these symptoms you ring your vet and tell them you're on your way - I didn't ask, because there's not time to discuss. Just get your dog in the car and get to the vet - because it may still be too late

I was thinking the same thing ........

I haven't been to a trial recently, but can't remember witnessing anyone mistreating their dogs when I was trialling. I'm training at a number of different training grounds now and find it difficult when I see someone mistreating their dogs there. I'm not an instructor so it's really not my place to say anything - but it's hard not to! When I see someone really yanking the lead on a dog wearing a head halti (and I can see how angry the handler is), is it my place to say something?

Yes, I'd be interested to know too. I sent an email in April and never received a reply - I assumed they must have sold out :)

Great post! Im particularly fond of Point two :) I'm thinking I need to make myself a list (from this thread) and read it on the day of Indi's first trial - and yes, I'll be highlighting point no. 2 :)

now I'm nervous for you! My eating could be a problem, when I'm nervous the thought of food makes me want to After reading the thread re feeding before trial I think it makes a lot of sense and I will make sure Indi gets a light breakfast. Good luck with your Rally-O & CCD trial - we'll both have to come back here after we've trialled and compare notes re coping with nerves :laugh:

So true ........... I find being videoed makes me very nervous. It's crazy because it's me that wants the video but as soon as the camera starts so do the nerves. I have gone to a couple of trials (with Indi) and watched the CCD ring and yes I did feel better as there were plenty of others who were making mistakes (I won't be the only one ). And yes Pax I intend to make the right decisions for Indi and if that means pulling her out I will :) Lol I have friends that are already insisting I try some rescue remedy, although I didn't know you could get them in pascals - I'll have to look into that. A nice wine has also been suggested :laugh:

Soooooooo cute

No, you're right ness - injury/illness would have to be the worst. At this moment Indi's a very fit and healthy dog and I really should relish the moment and enjoy it - I will try and remember that as we enter the trial ring next month :)

I find the more I focus on relaxing the more nervous I get :laugh: And I'm sure everyone gets nervous but somehow they don't look it

A big part of my issue (with nerves) is the last time I was in a trial ring (Open) my dog was dq'd for 6 months - it was the last time he was in the ring (my decision). I'm quite sure I won't have that issue with Indi but having said that I know how quickly it can all come to a complete halt Weasels was it Patty Ruzzo? You have reminded me of a CD I have of hers where she explains her preparation before entering a trial ring and I remember her saying exactly that - speaking softer than usual and generally trying to behave as you would when nervous. Thanks for the reminder :)

This is my big concern too. She's a great dog but she's never really seen me that nervous so I really don't even know how she will react in the ring if I don't try and get my nerves under control (or hidden) now

After three years of preparing Indi for CCD we have entered our first trial next month - and my stomach is already in a knot I have not been in the trial ring for four years but remember suffering from nerves way back then too. The silly thing is I love training Indi and she loves training and I think we're both ready but there's a good chance my nerves are going to ruin everything when we enter the ring. I'm sure I'm not on my own, what does everyone else do to cope with pre-trial nerves?

It's great that you're enjoying these classes and they're obviously working for you and your dog. But, ....................... although I personally don't use food as a reward for my dog many people do, and just as you are offended with the opinion of some re Alpha Dog Training I'm sure there will be others offended by your generalisation of treats in training. Alpha Dog Training works for you AND treat training works for others - ultimately you use what works for you and your dog :)

I lost my first two dogs (German Shepherds) within a month of each other and promised myself I would never have two dogs so close in age again I now have a Golden Retriever 7 yrs and a German Shepherd 3 1/2 yrs and I am already worried history may be repeated

So sorry for your loss - and far too soon. to you RIP Loulou

Another Obedience fan here ........ the dog needs to be keen and enjoy the process and I suppose that's the case with all dog sports.