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We're the same. It's a horrible affliction for any dog to have especially when there is no cure, only management - some dogs are better off than others....

LOL This thread could relaly be taken a number of different ways!

Loads of dogs are actually allergic to it, interesting huh, especially as it's meant to be good for skin

None of my foster bitches have needed the e-coller - not that many dogs have a go at their stitches.

Sources please? This is mostly myth, caused by the fact that gold/goldens cockers were a popular colour back in the 70's and 80's, and everyone jumped on board breeding them, in particular back yarders, who in turn sell to people who have no idea how to handle and raise them. Or bad temperament ones were bred and you end up with a whole colour where many are poorily temperamented dogs. I always find it so interesting that blame is always put on the handling and raising - there's a much bigger picture. If a whole 'Colour'/Breed has a problem (large % of them) you can't keep sticking your head in the sand (not that I'm saying YOU are). I've also read about the Cockers, I think it was actually in Dr Temple Grandins book.

I think they are referring to the silver labrador, which is not an acceptable colour but is being bred all the same. Personally I think they're beautiful, not sure if there are any health issues associated or not. I think there's been doubt since they arrose if they were infact pure....they don't look it.

If you're worried take her to the Vets. She may just be reacting to the storm and perhaps you felt a little sorry for her and treated her differently and so she's continuing the behaviour?

Ditto. I have a dog that in someone elses hands would be a real concern, I find him extremely challening at times, he's not babied or spolit and is still a prat and we have worked with Trainers & Behaviourists - some dogs are just prats - I'm not saying the said dog is - but no one but the owners know this dog - everyone is just making assumptions.

If the dog is aggressive then there is no way that it should be re-homed *shakes head* Logic people - not just emotion. Additionaly if the owners won't do anything to help the dog then it will continue to be dangerous and should be PTS - no dog deserves to live in that state of anxiety.

If you head to Page 1 in the Dane thread there is information there about selecting a Breeder, you can also read 'Buyer Beware' created by Dane Rescue QLD: http://www.greatdanerescue.com.au/Great%20...er%20Beware.pdf There is much information FOR and AGAINST early desexing, the choice will be yours. Desexing a Giant Breed before maturity can cause them to grow taller and be finer in appearance, male dogs may look more like bitches.

No, although breeding two Merles together can double up on the Double M gene - therefore creating Deaf/Blind Whites.

I have a Dane theif....he now wears a lovely little collar to keep out of the kicthen when we're not home as he can open cupboards Mind you that didnt' stop him recently getting a bloackage from a piece of bone. Why we have dogs, I'll never know!

I don't think it's 'ideal' - mainly just because if the dog can hold that long doesn't neccessarily mean we should make them wait that long. I know when it's raining my girl will hold out for more than 8 hours, however my boy can't hold out for long periods of time. If it's only 1 day then they should cope just fine.

Great Danes come in 6 accepted colours, there is an additional colour that pops up through normal breeding which is Merle, however is not an accepted Show/Breeding colour. But then you have those who cross colour breed which is Taboo in our breed and can end up with all sorts! Here's a few of the assortments: Brindlequin Fawnaquin Fawn Mantle Chocolate

Great Danes - misconception: That they need huge backyards and alot of exercise.

It could be a contact allergy, sounds silly but can you can some toddler pants and chuck them on the dog to act as a barrier and see what occurs. Rinsing the area daily just with water to can assist if it's contact. Did the itching subside when the dog was on Cortisone (injection)? Having unmanaged yards isn't great for sensitive dogs, I would reccomend you block off access to the unmanaged part or take a lawn mower through it and cut everything back. You really need to get into that yard and have a walk around and see what plants, weeds and grasses you have and if there are any of the common irritants there. I would go back to the Vets and if they cannot assist any further ask for a referral to a Derm but it sounds like there is still a bit you can do as it doesn't sound like you have looked into the yard to see if that is a problem.

I use Seasol once a week and have dogs who graze. If you're worried I would ring rather than e-mail the company.

Dumb question....what does auditing mean?

Going to the Castle Hill one

I think alot of people reccomend to teach a show dog Stand first as usually the first command you train becomes the default behaviour for the dog and you don't want the dog sitting in the ring so teach stand and once they understand stand fully you can teach sit and when sit is appropriate but you know what in the end it'd not a big deal if a young dog sits in the ring, you just get them back into position.

I don't want to sound cliche' but I'd be interested in knowing how the Handler was feeling, could she have been feeling some anxiety after the initial problem? I'm not sure what method of training the handler uses, I like Click to Calm for those kinds of situations HOWEVER have to be careful in obedience dogs because sometimes the method you use to correct that kind of behaviour can stuff up their drive for their obedience work. Can they have a session with a good trainer/behaviourist just to get them on the right track?

That's not even factual

I use a calming supplement such as PetArk Calm.

My old girl does it every now and then, a little nugget, she has probably been doing it on and off for about 3 years, sometimes more often and sometimes not for ages. I don't see it as being a drama as it's not runny etc, obviously I'd prefer if she didn't but I never really look at it like a drama probably because she's older?

I'd lure the dog onto the target if they didn't put both feet on, however in the past I've just free-shaped it, but I personaly see nothing at all wrong with luring onto the target and clicking, the dog will get it shortly as well. Leila is my 10 year old Dane and she has already associated the target as a positive, this is her doing her back end awareness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asTIQw6USl4 This was my first session of the target with my then 3 year old Dane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OurJndZm1go I use a very big target to start with and then once they know what they're doing and are getting the back end awareness going you can make the target smaller.