Chipper

Thanks to you both for your responses. Ayra, funny you mention ACP's. One vet did prescribe these for Duke and yes they make him very woozy. Only problem is that I need to give them WELL before the storm or fireworks and on two occasssions I gave them to him the damn storm blew over so all I had was a doped up dog for hours. I have emailed Steve Courtney fro k9 Force. Anyone had any dealings with him? His website is very encouraging. Duke does have a kennel outside, which he loves. I use a crate for him at our holiday house which he loves too. So this week I bought one for home. Only, I'm scared to use it during a storm in case he hurts himself in it.

I would really love some constructive advice on how to help my dog deal with varying noises. It all started at about 8 months old. I was picking the kids up from school and while I was away there was a thunderstorm. He tried to climb through a partially opened window, broke the screen, smashed things all over the verandah. The sight when I got home was heart wrenching. This poor dog was obviously petrified. He had not shown any signs of fear before this. Now, while I am home, the storms aren't an issue. I let him inside and try to get him to stay quiet on his mat. Generally I have to put his lead on as he starts pacing the house. My worry is when I leave the house. He stays outside while I am not home and copes just fine. Until that is, a storm comes up, theres fireworks etc. A few days ago my kids were playing with balloons outside when one popped. He makes a beeline for the back door, practically tears the door off and charges inside. Last night we went out for about three hours. When we got home, the screen on the back door was ripped off and the timber door was all chewed up. He is not normally destructive when left on his own so I am assuming that some sort of noise set him off. I need to help this dog, not just for his sake but for my sanity as well. The maintenance bills are getting quite expensive. Duke is generally very well behaved. Great obedience, low drive (lazy butt actually) gets regular exercise and training. Lots of toys, kongs and bones when I am not home. Two skin kids who love him to death and play with him. What can I do to help him? Has anyone had any luck with those desensitizing CD's? Love some help.

Giving Duke a good belly rub today he layed on his back and his top lip was hanging down. Just as I was telling him how beautiful and white his teeth were I noticed that he has a broken one. Top one before the canine. It isn't red or swollen and given the fact that I didn't know it was broken I had given him a chicken carcass earlier in the morning. He is not showing any signs of discomfort at the moment and he did let me touch it. Should I get him to the vet? Would leaving it this way do any further damage? What about infection? I have no idea how it could have happened and even in the rain I went out looking for the other half. I can't imagine it would have broken on a chicken carcass???? He has had these before. Would appreciate any info/suggestions.

Well in a previous post i said that I used Dog Rocks and thought they were great. BUT.......over the last few days I have noticed awful burn patches in the lawn!! The rocks were only replaced two weeks ago. I am going to try the Apple Cider Vinegar in the water bowl. One question though - can I just use the one from the Supermarket? Okay two questions.....roughly how much per litre of water? Thanks.

I currently feed Royal Canin GSD and am pretty happy with it. Only problem is that Duke puts weight on just by the smell of food, so he only gets a small quantity of food a day. I do feed him chicken necks and RMB but i was just wondering about Eagle Pack. I have seen quite a few people on this board recommend it. How does it rate next to Roayl Canin? And where do you guys get it from. The two Pet Stores I have been to don't stock it. thanks.

I belong to another board which is solely for German Shepherds. Many on there swear by the Furminator, so I got one. I have to say that on my Shepherd this is THE BEST tool I have used. Sadly, they are not very easy to find in Australia. One groomer sold them but for a hefty price. I got mine on EBAY about 3 months ago and paid $65.00. This was for the largest one but that price included a spray in conditioner and postage from US. See if you can get your hands on on. They work wonders.

Totally agree with you Poodle Wrangler. My 18 month boy has laxity in his left hip. After being xrayed the Vet said his hips looked alright but a lot of laxity upon manipulation. He explained the cost of surgery if it ever got to that and I nearly fell over. While we love our boy dearly $10,000 is a lot of money for a family with two small children and a mortgage! We have started on supplements and swimming and are simply keeping our fingers crossed that we never have to wander down the surgery road. What a terrible decision to have to make and as you said, not always guaranteed. ETA : We bought our boy from a Breeder and his parents were both x rayed with fine results !

Well I got some Omega 3 oil today and started it. And now my son has goopy eyes so I went to the CHemist to get something for him and asked the Pharmacist if it would be safe for Duke. He told me there would be no problems using it on him, so I bought 2!!! The cream is called Brolene and it is for mild conjuctivitis. I gave him a bath yesterday and a damn good brushing with the FURMINATOR !!!!!!!! Does anyone have one of these? Absolutely THE BEST grooming tool for anyone with a German SHEDDER !!!!!!!!!!!

Just wandering if Spring is the time to itch!!!!!!! Duke is obviously losing his coat at the moment but he is scratching A LOT !!! And he is getting some goopy eyes. Could it be allergies? He doesn't have fleas, his skin isn't red at all but he is scratching. At first I thought he was itchy because his hair was coming out but now the goopy eyes. Ears are fine. Is there a home remedy I could use for him ie. fish oil etc or should i choof him to the Vet?

I don't really think it matters. But I will say that (in my experience) my first GSD puppy was home with us at 8 weeks and was just gorgeous. Our second GSD puppy came home with us at 13 weeks and he was very, very clingy to me. He's still a velcro dog but not as bad. Whether it was the age or just the different personalities , who knows. But at 8 or 12 weeks you're still going to shower them with love and affection and they'll love you right back !!!!

Thanks everyone. Joint Guard and Ester - C seem to be the way to go. Does anyone know of a stockist around south West Sydney? We have Pet Care 2000, Western Pet Foods and PetBarn to choose from. Also, I'm assuming Ester - C is purchased from a Health Food store? Once again, I really appreciate the feedback. Thanks muchly.

From experience with a German Shepherd who loved his soft crate so much he wanted to eat it !!!!!! No more soft crate ! The steel crate we use at our Holiday House is still like new...only he can get out of it himself. Should've called him Houdini!!!!!

Doesn't the Joint guard have Glucosamine in it? Is there such a thing as too much Glucosamine? Yes, I have also heard very good reports about Ester - C.

My 16 month old male German Shepherd has just had xrays on his hips. The results came back okay but upon physical examination there was some laxity in his left hip which clicks upon manipulation. This was the reason why I took him in the first place (i heard the clicking one day while walking). I am curious to find out what supplements other people use for their dogs. At this stage, he's showing no signs of pain or lameness but I am hoping to prevent it getting worse. I am curious to find out what supplements other people are using for their dogs. And whether you use human grade supplements or animal grade. Thanks.