GSDowner

You have helped me so much so far and I am so grateful. My German shephered dog is an oldie - 11+. Deaf, can't see that well, walks slowly (his hind legs are slowly giving away). I love him dearly and he is a big part of my life (especially after having lost lately a close family member). Nelson is well behaved, always on a leash at a decent distance from people and dogs. I walk him early in the morning to avoid crowds and other offleash dogs attacking him. People often stop me and compliment him on his beautiful "old" demeanor. I live in a suburb with a predominantly Asian population. Many middle aged women have small fluffy dogs. Whenever they see my dog they recoil in horror, quickly grab their dog and anxiously watch me walk by. I say that my dog is ok and not to worry. But slowly I am getting sick of it - why should I make excuses for this beautiful intelligent breed? German shepherds make such a valuable contribution to our community. I heard one saying to her child not to approach us as “these dogs are dangerous”. Yesterday another episode - a woman was holding her little white fluffball and screaming in panick when I walked by (I might add that often these small "cuties" run lose and bark at my dog) I just wonder if any forum members have had a similar experience and how you cope

Well, not really silly, as the vet in question is a well known vet. As far as my dog is concerned he was diagnosed with a plant and grass allergy.

Almost every year my german shepherd gets an allergy. Last year we were lucky - he was fine. This year the allergy came back with a vengeance. I am reluctant to take him to the vet, as he gets cortisone (small blue tablets). The side effects are horrible: urinating everywhere (incontinence) and my dog lives at home. He becomes apathetic and irritable and his hair falls out. I am also worried as he is already 11 (Apparently cortisone shortens dogs' life). I was listening to a talk back radio and a vet was recommending avil. I gave my dog 2 tablets a day (morning and evening) Not sure it is helping. I don't know what to do. It looks like cortisone is the only remedy; I would be so grateful if anybody could suggest some other solution for this problem.

Well, dogs show affection, so they are able to love.

In our case the theory that a dog gets attached to his/her carer does not stand. My german shepherd is fed by me, brushed (and he loves being brushed), taken for a walk, petted and spoken gentle to. The dog is love of my life; My husband hasn't got much patience with him (although loves him to death); yet the dog is always by his side; comes to me for a treat and goes back to the man.

Many thanks Becks for the link

I am grateful for so many replies. The examples given of dogs losing their lives really scared me. I learned a lot today.

Thanks everyone It's a "standard" chain (no spikes) with two big loops on either side. Sometimes when he goes to the garden (and starts barking) it's easy to grab the collar and take him home. But I can see that it may be unsafe for any dog.

I just heard a heartbreaking story on 3AW about an 18 yo dog being walked past a gate with a dog behind it. The fence had gaps and the little dog (a poodle) was grabbed by the dog behind the fence. The little dog's face was ripped off and it had to be euthanised. So upsetting.

My german shepherd has a metal chain collar (loose) - we found it convenient for various reasons,much more than a leather collar: for example in an offleash park to temporarily restrain him or when on leash. Lately I noticed that his paw got stuck in it. Last year he lost his chain and we found it in the garden hanging on a low branch - I hate to think that my dog could have been stuck there. I would be grateful for your opinions on chain collars.

Thanks, I feel better now But it's so embarassing to have baked a cake for some work function and here it is.

I read on the internet that apple cider vinegar with water (half and half) neutralises doggy smell I sprayed my dog and my sibling who is extremely sensitive to doggy smells for the first time said he can't smell him.

I love my german shepherd dearly: warts and all. Here the biggest warts are his hairs. I brush him every day diligently and methodically. I used to love baking but no more. I am so careful to have everything clean, but since I noticed my dog's hair (one) on a cake beater (after mixing my cake) I stopped. Dog of course wins. I am soooo upset:-(((( I used to love baking for different occasions. Just thought will have a winge...

I had a desexed german shepherd and thought perhaps this was the reason My dog would want to join in and was simply ignored; or other dogs would try to dominate him (as if he were a female). My heart would break as he would try and try and then stand aside and watch a big group of dogs play).

Early this morning I took my dog for a walk. A man (perhaps in his 60s) was with his dog running off-leash (the area is an on-leash area). Anyway, the dog, an older cattle dog with a feminine name (so a female) came up to my dog; the owner tried to call her. The dogs exchanged friendly greetings and his dog walked away from us. The owner came up to his dog and wacked her hard with his folded leash. I said to him: "Oh, no, dont hit her!" He responded: "This is the only way she understands!" He laughed. I remarked that the dog will fear him and never love/respect him. I was in shock, as you don't see nowadays owners openly abusing their dogs (unless reported in media). Last time, maybe 6 years ago I confronted a young man hitting a young female german shepherd. I would be grateful if I could get some feedback whether anyone here has come across a similar incident and how you handled it Many thanks and have a fantastic Sunday

My dog is a reserved dog, so does not come up to our guests. My brother used to be ok with our dogs inside, but adopted his wife's way of thinking. He sometimes says that inside dogs should be washed often and said his wife knows of a lady who washes her dog every day My vet is of the opinion that too often is bad, as dogs lose their natural skin oil. Thanks so much for such helpful responses; It helped me to realise that my way of thinking is not strange. Our dog is very much part of the family and a constant companion to an elderly family member.

Our german shepherd is 10 y o. He has always lived at home as a family member (as did all our dogs). At one stage we reported a suspicious person in our suburb (who knocked on doors and asked personal questions). When police came they said our dog was a very good watchdog (he is very vigilant and has a low loud bark). They said that it is a good idea to keep our dog inside for our safety. I am convinced of it hearing of attacks on elderly people. My brother is visiting from interstate and will live with us this Christmas. I am already under stress. My brother didn't previously mind our dogs inside; but his wife is against it(and my brother started to agree with her) . They complain of my dog's hair and a doggy smell. I told my brother that perhaps his wife should not be visiting us. His reply was "it's her right to come to our house". He looks in disgust at our dog, asks us if we wash our hands after touching him. He said his wife told him there are numerous diseases people can catch from dogs. I am perplexed as I don't know of any, and if this is the case then nobody would have a dog. I am so NOT looking forward to this year's Christmas in view of the above. I love my brother and love to see him, but wish he and his family would stay away from our house. I would be so grateful if someone could give me some information about dogs so I could argue my point that dogs are not dangerous to people's health.

Unwanted dogs in Japan. Disgraceful.

Many thanks

A neighbour told me about this programme. I went to the ABC website but the two previous episodes are no longer available. I would really like to see the episode about lost dog's home. There are short trailers on youtube; can't get it on BBC website either. I would be grateful for help.

Who would leave their dog behind just because they wanted to travel. and on top of such an old dog. Unbelievable! If I I had not much time to live I would rather put my dog to sleep. I wouldn't want my dog to be unhappy or end up with someone who would mistreat him. I remember watching a film about the second world war - families were fleeing leaving their animals behind (they had no choice). Their animals wandered around. Their owners while fleeing would suffer additionally worrying about their pets' fate. One family tied their dog to a tree, so he wouldn't follow them. He managed to break away. They boarded a train and while the train was moving they could see their dog running beside the train, disappearing (falling) and then getting up and running again, and finally disappearing. So heartbreaking! It would have been better if their animals could have been euthanised than left behind alive (but again people would just leave in a hurry trying desperately to survive)

http://www.positivelypositive.com/2012/04/26/10-things-your-dog-would-tell-you/

http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2012/08/picture-of-man-craddling-his-dying-athritic-dog-in-lake-superior-19-years-after-saving-him-goes-viral/

I am soo grateful for every reply, The fact is that I honestly can't see any signs of old age in my dog. I look at him (and his photos) and see an adult healthy dog with bright eyes etc. (although he has been through cancer). Every time I hear comments about his age, I am sincerely surprised, but perhaps after so many comments I should acknowledge the fact that he IS perceived as old and he DOES look old to other people. It's good I learned here that "10" IS in fact old. My neighbour had a ridgeback who was still walking at 15 and I always thought that's what my dog will be like at that age. I do too love oldies: there is so much experience in them, so much personality,they are in tune with us. You see a real connection with them when looking into their eyes. I guess it's time to educate myself how to look after an oldie. First of all a thorough "oldie" check up by the vet. Thanks so much to every person here