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Hi there, I was wondering if anyone has experienced a dog that has or had increased skin pigmentation. Now to start off with, I do have a Harlequin so it is typical that in this case that the dog can acquire more patches over time, however here is my concern... Allergenic dog in the last 2 months have started to produce a large amount of pigmentation spots, they are raised to start with and almost look like a large blackhead but are not, over time they spread out, over the course of 2 months the largest is probably 2cm round. The reason why I am asking in this case is because in those last 2 months we have 30+ new tiny pigmentation spots and even for a Harlequin it seems excessive. Doing a search on the internet showed that there are a number of skin issues where an increase in pigmentation is seen. Anyone experience anything like that?

I bath in warm water.....for the dogs comfort, Dante actually shivers if I use cold....but we also do have skin issues.

That's a fantastic result, i would be so proud if it were my dog!

You can't really do anything until you know what the allergy is, it's not neccessary a contact allergy because it appears on the feet. There are several blood tests you can have done at your Vet, there is a cheaper one that tests for a smaller number of allergens that is about $250.00 and then there is the new fancy American one that tests for heaps and apprantely has less false positive than the cheaper one and that one is about $500.00. Once you have the results you can get the de-sentising injections, they don't work for all dogs, but worth a try but you can also start to try and get rid of some of those allergens from your house, pollens etc you can't control because it's not just what is in your yard, it's also about what flies in with the wind. Then there is the actual intra-dermal skin testing but I believe the dogs have to be about 12 months old to have that done. My reccomendation is get tested as soon as praticable with a puppy so you can get on the problem instead of waiting for ages trying 100 different types of things like many of us did. As for ripping up grass, if that is something you decide to do there is a product that you can get that looks like grass....much better than the cheap artifical grass you get from Bunnings and it's good for dogs allergies etc. Great Dane Girl does distribution for it.

I can only comment on Eagle Pack for Giant Breeds, it grows them very very slowly. Have you spoken to your breeder?

Leila was the same when we brought her home, taking her to obedience and seeing 100 other dogs settled her down instantly LOL Dante on the other hand sounds like all your dogs.

It's an interesting concept, I guess what the dog is learning that no harm is coming to it i.e. all the dogs are muzzled.

I stumbled upon this and I'm not sure what I make out of it, positive or negative?

These might be helpful? Sit: Down: Stand: Stay: Come:

Doesn't sound dominating at all, sounds as though puppy trusts you enough to have its's food right there with you.

To me, successfully toilet training a puppy is watching them like a hawk, becoming aware of their toileting schedules. Trying to never let puppy have a mistake and you'll get to your goal faster. At 17 weeks you should be well on your way to toilet training if not there already, might pay to have a look at how consistent you are being and how many mistakes you're allowing the puppy to have. Crating assisted Dante is toilet training, maybe this is something you may like to consider as well? If you can't watch your puppy at the time you pop them in the crate. We have a 5 week old Staffy x at work at the moment and I know what you mean about laying down on the paper to rest when they're meant to be toileting LOL When this happens I put him back on his bed and then watch him, usually he'll go back to sleep but if he gets out of bed I'm watching him very closely. We're also using the drops you put on the toileting pads that attract the puppy to toilet there. At 5 weeks he is already pooing on the matt consistently but wees we're still stuggling with which is more than fine because he's only 5 weeks old.

My understanding of the collar is that the dog is meant to wear it for an extended amount of time before the training begins so that it does not associate the collar with corrections? In addition, yeah the timing is really important as it is with any praise or correction, you're meant to issue the pulse as the dog is considering doing something/as soon as it starts rather than when it's in full swing yeah?

Did you Vet mention the word Mange at all? There are 2 types of mange, 1 easy to control, the ther more difficult.

Mites = Mange, did your Vet tell you what type of Mange you are dealing with?

I'm a great fan of the BARF diet however I also don't believe that all diets are 100% balanced (my own personal opinion), Lot's of people can go wrong with making up their own BARF so unless you're feeding a product like Dr Billinghurst patties you may be out on the ratios and out on the mineral content etc. There's different things that you can add such as minerals. Humavyte is a natural, organic, liquid chelated mineral and trace element supplement for all animals: http://www.animalcare.net.au/p/128884/humavyte---1lt.html Thrive D is a registered digestive aid for dogs. It improves the digestibility of the commonly fed diets of all dogs: http://www.animalcare.net.au/p/81310/thriv...powder-1kg.html The Missing Link Pet Superfood Supplement. The Missing Link® was developed to target the nutritional gap between what nature provides and what is available in commercial foods: http://www.thexton.com.au/product/Designin...lement__-__454g

Never heard of it for fleas before, I had that when taken my humans it helps the adsorbtion of vitamins you take. I did some hunting and found some more information: "All living Creatures Great and Small" (dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, fish, reptiles, livestock and more) realize countless benefits from the use of grapefruit seed extract. Externally you can easily mix grapefruit seed extract into your pets shampoo to remove fleas and mites. It can be used as a mouth-spray against fungal disease of the mouth (stomatitis). It can also be applied to countless types of external skin infections and conditions caused from fleas, mites, parasites, fungus, bacteria and viruses. It has a superior cleaning and healing effect. It is compatible with all known antibiotics and by using grapefruit seed extract you may be able to eliminate the use of such compounds that can and sometimes do cause more harm than good. For years both veterinarians and the general public alike have safely and successfully used grapefruit seed extract for many internal and external pet illnesses and conditions. Grapefruit Seed Extract - Non Toxic Cleaner Grapefruit seed extract is a great nontoxic spray or wash for the cleaning of all pet areas, cages and bedding, etc. to provide a germ free environment. It can be mixed by the quart or gallon size if necessary and sprayed onto large areas with any type spraying device. There is no need to rinse it off as grapefruit seed extract is biodegradable and nontoxic. Grapefruit seed extract is also very economical at 10-15 drops per gallon. Amphibians, Turtles, Reptiles: It has long been known that these pets harbor salmonella. To clean cages and hands, etc. Mix (?) drops grapefruit seed extract in 2- cups water and spray to sterilize. If pet is appearing to be ill. It could be suffering from parasites etc. You may try adding grapefruit seed extract to their water according to the fish tank recommendations (Below). People who handle reptiles, especially iguanas, should spray their hands with this solution after touching their animals to prevent the spread of salmonella. External Injuries, Cuts, Wounds, Infections: Mix (?) tsp grapefruit seed extract in 1-cup water or (?) tsp grapefruit seed extract in 1/2 cup water. Use distilled or boiled water. Add to clean spray bottle. Spray liberally over affected area once every few minutes while performing other standard first-aid procedures. A deep wound would require a more dilute mixture to avoid irritation. Note: For severe wounds or burns see a veterinarian. Ear Mites and Ear Infections: For ear cleaning, mix (?) drops grapefruit seed extract and no more, thoroughly mixed in 1 oz (1/8) cup water or vegetable glycerin (sold at health food stores and pharmacies). Use 2 times daily until problem is cleared up, then once a month. This is especially good for cat ear infections caused by fungus. Fish Tanks and Fish Health: Start with (?) drops grapefruit seed extract to 2-cups water and mix well. Slowly add this to tank. The algae infestation seen on the glass walls will decrease as a result. Increase drops if necessary. This is also good for keeping fish healthy from diseases, parasites and fungus without toxic side effects. General Cleaning: Mix (?) drops grapefruit seed extract to 1qt of water, for effective cleaning. This can be used for cleaning: bird baths, cages, stalls and troughs, bowls, basket pads, dog and cat blankets and saddle blankets; you can even spray some in your cat litter box. Hoof Disease and Foot Rot (Panartium): Particularly in damp or wet seasons. This disease affects; sheep, goats, cattle, horses and donkeys. They suffer from swollen feet, pain in the legs and limping. Which can sometimes be very severe. Put the animal's hoof in a small shallow pan, that has an adequate amount of extract with as little dilution as possible. Mix (?) grapefruit seed extract to 1/4 cup water. So the hoof is soaked good with extract. While the hoof is in the extract you can rub the extract on the upper part of the hoof. If possible the hoof should be trimmed before hand. If you have a lot of animals it would be best to lead them through a shallow reservoir that has an adequate amount of the extract diluted as little as possible. Mange and Fungal Infections: Use shampoo mix (Below) or use (?) drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 Tbls. Almond, sesame, olive, avocado or vegetable oil. Rub on the affected spot. Use either one every 2-3 days until condition improves. Read more about mange. Pet Odors: Mix (?) drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 qt water. Spray the whole body, making sure not to get it into the eyes. Grapefruit seed extract is very effective for this. Ringworm's: (A fungal infection). Mix (?) drops grapefruit seed extract to 2 1/2 oz (5Tbls) water. Spray infected area 3-4 times daily. Olive, sesame, avocado, almond or vegetable oil can be used in place of water and rubbed into affected areas (as a long lasting effect). Read more about ringworms in pets. Shampoo Flea and Mite Dip: Mix about (?) drops grapefruit seed extract per Tbls. shampoo. Shampoo the fur thoroughly with the mixture. Let it take effect for several minutes. Rinse well! Repeat the process after 3 days. For stubborn cases or small areas: a few drops of extract can be applied in full strength or mixed with a little vegetable glycerin, olive, sesame, avocado, almond or vegetable oil and rub it in 2 times daily. Please make sure that the animal does not lick the highly concentrated mixture and consequently damage its more delicate mucus membrane. Read more on fleas. Sick Birds: Mix (?) drops grapefruit seed extract into 1/2 cup of their drinking water (Mix well) or spray a small amount on the birds food. Birds also frequently suffer from inner parasites, which can be eliminated in this simple way. To keep pet birds, chickens, turkeys' etc. healthy add (?) drops grapefruit seed extract per cup drinking water. Skin Fungi and Eczema Spray: Mix (?) drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 qt of water and spray on infected areas or mix (?) drops grapefruit seed extract with 1/4 cup olive, sesame, almond, avocado or vegetable oil and rub into infected area. Above information from: http://www.pureliquidgold.com/dogskindisorders.htm Here's another site that talks about the product and also sells the product: http://www.nutriteam.com/pets.htm Then there is the site that says all the claims are not founded: http://www.wellvet.com/grapefruitseedextracts.html An Australian website selling the product: http://www.nutribiotic.com.au/

Due to allergies we can't use the standard doggie treats or chicken, so we're down to Cabanossi, the only packaged product that has stuff the boy can eat. Apart from that cheese cubes work too. I am considering buying a dehydrator and making my own treats.

There is a Great Dane that is trustworthy around small dogs in that area, his name is Angus, if you go to the General topic section then to the Breed Specific Forum and then to the Dane thread you'll find them lurking in there.

Not sure how fast it's meant to work but applied yesterday and haven't seen a result at this time.

Used it for the first time tonight, will let ya know how we go. I find the instructions abit confusing and concerning at the same time, trying to make sure you don't administer too much.

Anyone go? How did you go?

Fantastic news, you must be over the moon!!!!

Well at least you know that you won't need qualifications as a trainer or a behaviourist with the RSPCA.

Thanks guys, shame we lost a good aussie eh!

Does anyone have contact information for a Dog Trainer called Mick McAuliffe, I have a friend who has been reccomended to use him, apprantely he's quite well known but doesn't seem to have any contact details on the web that I can find.