Re: my education failed
...but no they got a pup out of a Pet Store. AR. How timely, one of my best friends (of many years) just last night emailed me a picture of her new pup, an American Eskimo they bought from a petstore, I've been thinking the same thing. Everytime she mentioned wanting a dog I told her about puppy mills, responsible breeder criteria, rescues, health clearances, etc. Now I know how so many parents feel when their kids run amok. . . where did I go wrong? And to add something Berner-related; I would highly recommend to anyone out there who is considering getting a Berner, go visit your local club. We've been to about half a dozen shows, and had the good fortune to meet some very nice people dogs, but going to the Twin Cities BMD club meeting was pure joy. Literally about a ton of happy dogs running around, sitting on your feet, leaning into you, rolling over to be pet - my husband I still occasionally talk about how much fun that was, and that meeting was a few months ago :-) Great people too - everyone was very nice willing to introduce their dog(s) and answer questions. A big (and overdue) thank you to the members of that club for making us feel so welcome! Tami K-Baker St. Paul, Minnesota
RE: Flaky Skin
Hi Pat, Many things can cause dandruff, bathing too much, using a harsh shampoo, not rinsing enough, spray on products, products used in the home, not rinsing the dog laundry enough or using fabric softeners, the list goes on for topical. The main cause may well be dietary and the food is lacking sufficient fat percentage and a change may be in order. Fish oil is a better supplement for coat care and I have found adding a can of Pink Salmon to the diet has done wonders for my allergy dog who is fed Eukanuba Fish and Potato. Sardines and herring are good too. My other dogs are fed other Eukanuba products with no oil supplementation and their dogs are nice and shiny and skin supple and no dander. A lot depends of the brand of kibble you use and what works for one might not necessarily be the choice of another. Our problem here in the cold temperatures of a Canadian winter is the dry heating air and I've never had to supplement the main crew. Dry coat and flaking skin can be caused by hormones but usually related to thyroid which you might check. Also internal parasites can cause the same. Rose T.
RE: Fussy Puppy
Hi Kathy, Do not feed your puppy cat food. Keep with the diet that your breeder has recommended. Put the cat's dish where puppy cannot get to it and follow this regimen. In the morning after puppy has been out present her with one cup of her Large Breed Kibble and nothing added, if she hasn't eaten it in ten minutes pick the dish up and no bribing, no treats, nothing. Midday offer her the food again, if she hasn't eaten it promptly or turns her nose up at it say too bad and lift the dish again. No treats no bribes nothing. At supper time offer the food again. Repeat this for all meals and I assure you she will soon smarten up and eat. What you are doing right now is letting your puppy train you, she has quickly worked out that she has a food servant. This is not what happens in the pack. Taking the food away promptly simulates the other pack members to clean up what she is not wanting. Hunger will make her eat:-) Remember no snacks or cookies in between meals:-) You might check the freshness or sell by date on the bag of food, keep it in an airtight container that is food grade plastic or metal and only buy the 20lb bag. At twelve weeks she can have three meals of one cup of kibble each. I find my puppies like their kibble dry at that age but by twenty weeks they are having equal amount of warm water added and soaked for a few minutes. Use a stainless steel feeding bowl and make sure you are not placing her food near a source of perfume. Plug in air fresheners, aromatic floor cleaners can all upset the tender nose of a dog. Rose Tierney.
Anotrher Limping puppy :(
Hi, My Doppo- who is now 10-11 months old- has a limp on his right paw. He´s had two different periods of left paw limp peviously, and an articulatory problem which kept him from opening his jaw. The vet suspected a wandering articulatory problem due to Erhlichia, since he had had some ticks. Blood work came back showing signs of ehrlichia (which is a gigantic epidemiological problem in my region- no Lyme but so much Ehrlichia!) and he was on Doxicyclin for a course of 21 days, after which his bloodwork showed him to be cleared from the ricketsia. However, this new limp just developed. It looks like a sprained toe, but he was not x-rayed, just given a very thorough physical examination. He is on Rymadyl twice daily (75mg) and improved immeadiately after beginning Rymadyl. It´s been hard to keep him quiet- he has a young mini schnauzer , a lab mix and a cat for siblings and they are quite rambuctious together. My questions: Should I be pressing for x-rays to look into elbow dysplasia, OCD, etc? The vet thought it would be better to wait this treatment ou and keep observing him. Is there anything I should be doing exercise-wise? I´m afraid that all this concern with sparing Bernese from intense physical activity may have led me to contribute to underdeveloped musculature, since he has not been consistetly walked (first because he hadn´t finsihed his shots; then because he was limping; then ...) . He does exercise a lot in the yard, (which is very large) with his siblings and next door neighbors. (We also play fetch daily, but he doesn´t get the idea- he prefers to chase the other dogs while they´re fetching.) Any brilliant ideas for helping with pills? He´s been on so many meds by now he´s getting sick of the idea, and is getting very good at spitting out the pill from whatever concotion I´ve managed to hide it in. Thanks again for all he support, advice and ideas, Simone de Lima Brasilia, Brazil with Doppo, BMD, Mali, lab mix, Gimli, mini schnauzer, Godot the cat
RE: Bones and Berners
Hi Cindy, Unfortunately it sounds like you gave Bridger a processed bone, one that has been cooked and smoked. They break easily because of their brittleness and can cause problems in the stomach and intestines. I think it might be prudent to have an xray taken to see what is happening to the fragments and shards of this bone. The types of real bones we feed are raw, straight from the butcher and not processed in any way. I prefer the big beef ribs and throw them out when just the rib is left, the back bone part is all scrunched up and eaten. Crushable bones are better than hard marrow bones which can fracture the teeth but when feeding the big knuckle bones you might want to limit the time the new bone chewer has them as they can cause constipation and also the endorphine effect of intense chewing needs to be moderated particularly in hot weather. All the best Rose T.
Barli's reoccurring diarrhea
Just an update on Barli's cyclical stool problem. We are now calling it soft stools as they are not watery. They occur suddenly in the middle of the night (she is confined to our kitchen and we do not hear her). She had another bout on Monday night and yesterday we visited our vet. Parasite test was negative and he has given her enzymes and we are hoping we won't have another bout in 7-9 days. Many of you have written to me saying you have a similar problem with your Berner. Thanks so much for all the marvellous responses. The descriptions have been similar to our problem, the remedies have been varied. This morning I suddenly realized that the soft stool episodes have been occurring after Barli has had an egg. We have eggs in the morning once a week and usually on Sunday's and have been giving her a cooked egg at the same time. If we miss Sunday we have them on Monday morning. These soft stool episodes have occurred in the middle of Monday or Tuesday nights - always early in the week and only once each time. Cannot believe that I never thought of the eggs! Has anyone found this reaction to eggs? Marilyn Lister, Chelsea, Quebec
Stevie has friends!!!
I just wanted folks to know that I have been getting donations in to BEHAF in honor of Stevie and Karen. Thank you for your donations. BEHAF will be sure to put the funds to good use if not soon, in the future. They WILL help a Berner and family in need. It makes me proud to be part of BEHAF and to know that the Bener Community or is it the extended family?- is there, even without asking. Thank you, Dino Candelaria For BEHAF
Re: Fussy Puppy
Eileen wrote: I've never met a dog without health problems which would actually starve itself, although I've met ones which would skip a few meals to extort treat food from people. I respectfully beg to differ. I know several dogs, including one of my own, who'd rather go very, VERY hungry than to eat something they abhorr. Eileen IS right in her assertion, however, I'm sure no healthy dog would willingly starve himself. To death that is. But they sure can go very, very hungry and it is debateable how healthy that is for a rapidly developing youngster. No, they might not get any nutritionally empty treats in that you WILL eat that particular food time, but they don't get any decent nourishment, either. For a fully grown dog to regularly skip some meals might, indeed, be immaterial, but I'm not at all sure whether that applies to a pup also. If one of my dogs hated its food so much that he'd rather go without I would try out some other brands. Neither of my two dogs liked Eukanuba. And one of them even eats dirt with great gusto! There is nothing magic in Eukanuba's formula that one wouldn't find with other comparable foods which your pup might actually relish. Thus, why not try and find a compromise? Imagine YOU hated a particular food. Let's say, Campbell's tomato soup. You love all sort of other foods, just not that vexed brand of tomato soup. Now imagine that you have no input of what is being served to you and ALL you get, day in day out, is that despised tomato concoction. Wouldn't you find that depressing? I would. If you view food simply as a form of essential nourishment and nothing else, then, yes, stick to your guns and keep feeding Eukanuba and no other treats. Personally, however, I think food should be a source of pleasure and excitement as well as a source of nourishment. Life is short, that of our Berners in particular. I don't know about you, but I found it rather dispiriting to watch my dogs staring at their full bowl with great disappointment. And then to walk away in disgust. All this doesn't mean that I just feed my dogs on Big Macs and Cheese cubes - irrespective of how jubliant they might embrace that idea - but that I respect their taste buds, too. There are some GREAT complete dog foods* out there with infinitely superior ingredients to Eukanuba. Most of them have samples available. Try out a few and see how puppy likes them! Michaela, Harvey Rupert Devon/UK * last month's issue of the Whole Dog Journal reviewed some fabulous complete dog foods. Let me know if you want the info and I'll mail it too you
60 Berners at auction
It is true...there are between 50-60 Berners consigned for sale at an auction this coming Saturday in Wheaton, MO. There are many ways you can assist in the rescue effort if you wish to do so. *** If you do not support these efforts, please delete now. *** FINANCIAL: Obviously this is a daunting number of dogs so it would take an avalanche of funds to get them all. My personal feeling is that each individual puppy we are able to place in a loving home (instead of going to a puppy mill or pet store) is a victory...for both the puppy and for we who love the breed. If you'd like to help financially, there are two vehicles. Your tax deductible donation to BARC (www.barcinc.com) is a wonderful way to help cover the veterinary and care costs that will inevitably come along with puppies from the auction blockin addition to supporting our ability to bid for dogs. You can also sponsor one or more puppies which will provide the means to get as many of the pups put up for bid as possible. Sponsorship makes funds available up front to enable the bidding process. When the pups are eventually placed, the sponsorship ends and your money is returned to you. I've done it for several auctions over the past two years (4 pups this time)...it works! Time is inordinately short so if you can offer financial support...either by donation or by sponsorship...please contact Amy by phone so she can coordinate our efforts: 913-837-4635. AUCTION ATTENDEES: Several of the people who usually go to the auctions on behalf of our breed are not able to attend this weekend. If you can make it to the Wheaton/Kansas City, MO area for early Saturday morning...we NEED your help. Contact Amy at 913-837-4635. FOSTER HOMES: Depending on how many of the pups we are able to get, we may have an emergency need for foster homes and transport. If you can help in this regard, please email Amy and let her know where you are, how many dogs you could foster, whether you could pick up or would need transport, any limiting factors, how many you could transport and where, etc. Email Amy at [EMAIL PROTECTED] ~ Sherri Venditti
Speaking of studies.....
Just a reminder we are still working on this: For several years VetGen has been researching the genetic causes of Canine Diseases in dogs, and has made progress in identifying the genes that cause Hip Dysplasia. Since it is not the policy of VetGen to keep research animals or do test breedings we depend solely upon owners/breeders who are caring enough of their breeds health issues to participate in our research projects. For our research on Hip Dysplasia, we need families of Bernese Mountain Dogs in which there are two or more offspring which have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and are available for DNA sample collection. DNA is collected by means of small oral brush swabs which are simply swiped in the dog's mouth. We need to collect DNA from the affected dogs, their parents, and a few of the unaffected littermates as well. When contacted by participants, we send out the number of swab kits requested and enclose instructions, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for their return. Along with the returned DNA samples we need a copy of the dog's pedigrees to see how the dog's are related to one another and also to see if they are related to dogs we already have in. The information is extremely helpful in determining the mode of inheritance of this disease. PARTICIPATION IS FREE AND COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL. Cheryl Hogue Research Coordinator VetGen E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.VetGen.com Phone: 800 483-8436
Canidae Dog Food in Denver area
Does anyone in the Denver area (Highlands Ranch) buy Canidae kibble? If so, would you mind sharing privately with me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] where you buy it, please? (This is for my son -- my spoiled guys here in Montana get raw). Thanks! Vicky Whitney Bozeman, Montana _ Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail
Quad Chair
I have e-mailed Hugo's mom privitely, but thought others on the L might like to know that Wheelchairsfordogs.com, make something called a 4 Wheeler chair.You have to contact them as it is not on their website. Daisy and Chance
Re: Bones and Berners
We have a small freezer in the shop that is for bone storage and when I open that they are setting their waiting. But alas they have to wait till the bones are thawed out. Why? My guys are delighted to chew on bone Popsicles -- is there a reason they shouldn't have them frozen? Susan on Salt Spring Island with Djinn and Riley
RE: Quad Chair
thanks, i have been working on getting a chair for hugo. we have three companies interested in helping him out with a loaner, rental or refurbished chair. andrea, woofit and chi shavertown, pa http://www.brin.org/Woofit_and_Chi/ -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2003 1:00 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Quad Chair I have e-mailed Hugo's mom privitely, but thought others on the L might like to know that Wheelchairsfordogs.com, make something called a 4 Wheeler chair.You have to contact them as it is not on their website. Daisy and Chance
Hip Dysplasia Studies
I know how good Berner owners are about sharing information, so how many of you who have dogs with hip dysplasia have tracked litter mates? There must be families out there with two or more littermates affected! Cheryl, how many Berner family samples has VetGen received, and how many more do you need from us? Pat Long, a babysat Gabby, ( Luther) Berwyn PA _ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
thyroid/aggression
We have had aggression problems with our male Samson. One of the recommendations we have been given is thyroid replacement therapy to boost his thyroid to the upper part of normal or higher (his level is 1.3 normal 1-4). Has anyone experienced problems with use of thyroid medication? Other changes we have made are in his dog food (lower protein) he works for what he used to get just for being so cute. Thank you for any input. Vicki Fallin
Re: Head fill-out
Sure it varies considerably, but can anyone give me an estimate of when a male Berner's head fully fills out? Well, Bob, it does vary considerably. Picture a 13 yo boy and a 30 yo man ... and a 60 yo man. The 30 yo man is filled out, but keeps changing throughout his lifetime. So a Berner boy's head may be filled out by 2.5, 3 .. but will keep changing just like the 60 yo man. Now, when does a Berner boy's head fill in is another story :) Tailwags, Cathy Burlile Memories BMDs Springfield, TN
RE: Head fill-out
Judging by my 14 mo old's youthful exuberance; I'd say the fill in may take the longest! -Original Message- From: Burlile\MemoriesBMDs [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2003 2:48 PM To: Bob Husted; Berner-L Subject: Re: Head fill-out Sure it varies considerably, but can anyone give me an estimate of when a male Berner's head fully fills out? Well, Bob, it does vary considerably. Picture a 13 yo boy and a 30 yo man ... and a 60 yo man. The 30 yo man is filled out, but keeps changing throughout his lifetime. So a Berner boy's head may be filled out by 2.5, 3 .. but will keep changing just like the 60 yo man. Now, when does a Berner boy's head fill in is another story :) Tailwags, Cathy Burlile Memories BMDs Springfield, TN
update on research BMD numbers
VetGen has seven families in right now. They need a minimum of 12 families before they will start research on any new breed. They have learned the hard way not to put time and tons of research money into a breed where they hit a dead end by not receiving enough DNA samples to make significant progress. Unfortunately, it takes so many DNA samples to tract down the causative genes in a polygenetic type disease. I keep plugging away. Cheryl Hogue Research Coordinator VetGen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.VetGen.com 800 483-8436
Re: thyroid/aggression
The only problem I have seen is if the thyroid supplementation tends to be to high the dog seems a bit hyper. I recently lowered the dose of my girl on supplementation from .8mg to .6mg. I will test to be sure she is therapeutic in a couple more months. I have noticed that she appears adequately energetic without seeming nervous or hyper. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Wed, 5 Feb 2003 14:29:10 -0500 Vicki Fallin [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: We have had aggression problems with our male Samson. One of the recommendations we have been given is thyroid replacement therapy to boost his thyroid to the upper part of normal or higher (his level is 1.3 normal 1-4).
Re: my education failed
Tami wrote: ...but no they got a pup out of a Pet Store. AR. How timely, one of my best friends (of many years) just last night emailed me a picture of her new pup, an American Eskimo they bought from a petstore, I've been thinking the same thing. Everytime she mentioned wanting a dog I told her about puppy mills, responsible breeder criteria, rescues, health clearances, etc. Now I know how so many parents feel when their kids run amok. . . where did I go wrong? *** but sometimes it succeeds. I have been having an ongoing dialog with a woman who bought her puppy from our resident Georgia puppy miller. After two weeks of intestinal illnesses/bloody stools, and the knowledge of what she had done in making this purchase, she did what I consider an incredibly courageous thing...she returned the puppy. I am frankly amazed the guy took the puppy back (and returned her money), and she is understandably devastated over the whole thing, but at the end of the day she did the RIGHT THING!!! And she did it all on her own. My tongue was bitten in two, but I didn't tell her what to do. When she told me where she got the puppy from, I informed her of what we knew about the guy, but I wasn't going to rake her over the coals... I just figured it was water over the dam, and it would do no good to alienate her, especially as she had gotten such an earful from the puppy miller about what horrible people we show people were. I hope when she is ready to get another berner pup - and she isn't ready right now - we will be able to thank her for having done the the right thing by finding her a healthy, happy bouncing baby berner. This PPO can just as easily represent the future of our breed as the PPO's who have to have the first puppy they see. It doesn't always work out this way, and I would never have thought this situation would have resolved itself in the way that it did...But it is gratifying to know that sometimes our educational efforts are NOT in vain, that they DO have merit and people DO listen and read and at the end of the day, they DO make the right choices. Mary and the girls, Laurel and Bailey Fayetteville, GA
AKC Stud Book
Being that I am from Canada, I need some help understanding how to find info in the AKC Stud Book. Both the Dam and Sire of my litter born Jan/02 are AKC reg'd. I just sent in for AKC reg'n of my puppy out of this litter but I never AKC reg'd the litter because I live in Canada. The sire has since sired a litter born in USA so I would assume he's in the stud book (I found him in Sept '03) but is the Dam of my litter in the Stud book? Will she be? Thanks for any info. Kim Morrow Susa Reg'd Saskatoon, SK http://www.bernesedogs.com
VetGen Hip Dysplasia
I have a pup with a diagnosis of HD and I know his sister (Hi Danniyell Hudson) has a funky back end. Same thing I called it till we were diagnosed. No diagnosis on Hudson as of yet but Yukon is a definite and they are brother and sister. There were 11 supposedly in the litter so we may find more realatives through the Berner - L. That's how I found Yukon's sister. If the info I have on Yukon and then any further vet visits for Hudson would be helpful I'd be willing to forward my info. Kristin 0'Neill Yukon South Boston
Inland Northwest Club Draft Test, Match and CGC test
3 Events / 1 Location / 1 Weekend The INWBMDC is hosting the following events: Draft Test - Sunday, April 6, 2003 Entry Fee $25 Judges: Patti Morgan and Val Horney Draft Match - Saturday, April 5, 2003 Entry Fee $10 Judges: Vicky Hall and Terri Zimmerman Canine Good Citizen Test - Saturday, April 5, 2003 Test Fee $10 Evaluator: Mary Dowski Come join in the fun at Lakeview Park in Nampa, Idaho. We are planning a wonderful weekend of dog/handler events. We hope that you will join us to work your dog or to cheer on the participants. Watching a good team work is fun and inspiring. The match and CGC test are open to all breeds of dogs. To request a copy of the premium contact: Debra Bammel-Test Secretary [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Burmese Mountain Dog
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RE: dog-dog socialization
Is your pup an only dog? It would help if he could spend some time with an older dog very savvy in dog-dog relations, who can help teach pup how to play. From what I've seen, puppies really learn how to play from older dogs, not from equally clueless puppies g. My Berner Bria was taught how to play by a wonderful older Tervuren bitch. And I'm serious, I watched this in two sessions and the Terv was very focused in her instructions -- how to approach and back off, how to invite play and follow-through, how to tell other dogs to back off, how to dodge, etc. Bria in turn taught my Border Terrier how to play and he, in turn, taught the most recent addition - a terrified 2-year-old Yorkie who had NEVER played with another dog -- how to play. Said little Yorkie is now INCREDIBLE with all dogs, all ages, all sizes. It takes an older dog who is willing to pretend that the puppy is winning a battle or controlling the play, who will pretend that the puppy is stronger in tug, etc. If you know someone with a savvy older dog -- of any breed -- I'd arrange to spend some time with that dog. Emphasis on savvy here because you want your pup learning GOOD play habits, not bad ones G. PS, if you live anywhere near Grinnell, Iowa, come on over and bring pup -- we've got several trusted older dogs here who are most excellent at this job! Anita Schrodt In Grinnell, IA with 3 Berners, a Border Terrier and a Yorkie NOTE NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Any info on Lora v Hausmatt???
Fixing to pop off a letter to FCI and the tattoo registry to see if this dog was still alive or if she has passed caused of what? Anyone out there know? Thanx, Rusty C
The Power of Prayer - Drachmboui Update
Dear, Camille, Martha Molly, Jen, Joye Neff, Kelly Weir Hope, Ann Lee Fuller, Laura the MexGang Ravela and Abby, Karen Dave Ransom - Rocky, Grizzly, Sugar, and Harley. Pat Long, Maurice - berner mom to Karlie-sage, Susan Kowitz with Mercedes Bentley, Diana Gerba and Fidelio, and the 'L' List: It has been nine days since Drachmboui had his seizure. I want to thank everyone for sending their kind messages and prayers our way - they really helped! I am so happy to say that our little BooBoo dog has made a miraculous recovery! He slowly began to regain his mobility and on day five, although still wobbly, he was no longer falling over or walking into walls. Today he is once again running in the fields and back to work protecting his farm -watching this is a joy! He has a 'twitch' in his face that was not there before and he has slowed down a bit - this, he I can live with. And he is still sharp-as-tack. This morning I told him to go-by-back and without hesitation he obeyed like the good boy his is. We know our BooBoo Dog's life was shortened by this last seizure and our vet has forewarned us that he may not live through another. So, until then, we will take longer walks in the woods, cuddle more on the couch and let him chase the cats. Thanks again everyone. Denise Paul Vickers with Bueford, Drachmboui, TheBlackCat and TheGrayCat From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Berner List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Prayers Needed Date: Tue, 28 Jan 2003 13:19:28 -0500 Dear L'ers, Drachmboui had a rough night last night. He's epileptic and seized last night for over an hour. He's suffering from ataxia this morning and is not doing well. This is not his normal post seizure behavior and mom dad are quite worried.
Re: Any info on Lora v Hausmatt???
Any info on Lora v Hausmatt??? Rusty, Are you speaking of Lora Vd Hausmatt? SHSB42083 If so, she was born on 07/23/87 I would assume that she is no longer living. Sire: Esko V. Bankenhof Dam:Farah Vd Hausmatt You can put her name into the Bernergarde database and get her info. and pedigree. There is also a bitch named Yutta Lora VD Hausmatt, (don't know if she is in the database or not) I believe she was a daughter of Lora, I believe she is gone too. Karo vd Hausmatt - Matt, is alive and well. I own two of his girls, out of different moms. Both are GDC excellent hips, clear elbows, CERF certified, etc. I have photos of Lora and Matt's sire also if you'd like to view them contact me. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: My education failed(:
Sylvia- I think we all share your frustration at times. Many of us, as consumers, can be impulsive. How many people want a dog, but don't necessarily want do the necessary research, or don't know where to begin, and can't resist the adorable puppy in the window? Ironically, a Berner puppy in a local puppy store just sold for $2000. The original price was $3200, but after 4 weeks, was dropped. He was purchased for that price. He had no pedigree papers to be seen when I went in to check on him, but I was assured he was bred by a very good breeder in Missouri. I don't know of too many responsible, caring breeders who are selling their dogs for $3200, with no AKC registration. A local vet told us that every one of the pups she has seen come from this store has worms, intestinal parasites, etc. Add that to the cost of the puppy. I think a good probably breeder under sells the pet store price all of the time. I agree, it is pretty disturbing. Janice Parky Cape Cod, MA
Re: My education failed(:
the cost of the puppy. I think a good probably breeder under sells the pet store price all of the time. I meant a good breeder probably Back to my crate for the evening, Janice Parky
article re: US Shelters import strays
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Altered Classes
Hi Sherry, Here in Canada we have altered classes but I've only seen them offered at Specialties. Personally I would love to see more altered dogs in the showring as I believe a breeder can be measured for the quality of their pet dogs as well:-) Also I would like to see the transference of points from regular classes made up to contribute to altered championships for those dogs who may have been altered half way through their show career. I also think it is meaningless for a regular pointed finished champion to participate for an altered championship. Why not leave those classes for those that are untitled. Rose T.
Re: Berner Tricks
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Re: Bones and Berners Frozen
If they are bones with lots of cartilage on them,, frozen is fine but the harder bones fed frozen just enhance the chances of a broken tooth. We fed them frozen also a few years ago but changed our minds after hearing of broken teeth from them. But many folks feed them frozen and have never had a problem, but we figured what the heck, why take a chance. RB Ray Pat Burgett Eaglecap Bernese Talee,Lexi,,Bell, Shadow Max www.goodbernerfood.com http://users.eoni.com/~eaglecap/ Draminski Ovulation Detector Rep
RE dog-dog interaction
Kathleen, Fear biting is not necessarily something that always goes along with fearfulness or shyness. I have a pathologically shy Rescue Berner (Shadow) who is very timid around people, and in the house, but is much more comfortable outside and with other dogs. And he's not particularly mouthy so biting is not his first response - freezing or fleeing are his coping mechanisms. Several factors may be contributing to your boy's reluctance to participate in puppy play session. He may feel overwhelmed in a group. Has your trainer tried to have more than one play group going? She might try having him play one-on-one with a dog that is gentler or more his speed in terms of playfulness. Some pups can really benefit from one-on-one play (my Mickey was similar - with people he was a super-sweetie and very outgoing but he hid under the chairs for the first 3 or 4 weeks of puppy K. To this day he prefers one-on-one play to those multi-pup pile-ups that Labs seems to love) When he exhibits this cowering does he come up to you for reassurance? And do you give it to him? This comforting may actually be reinforcing his timidity. As hard as it may be for you to resist, it is important not to give him such reinforcement. When I assist at our training classes, I frequently tell the owners to ignore their dogs and then I will toss treats to the shy ones when they are out observing the play session and esp. if they try to investigate or greet the other pups. This can be helpful too. Dogs all have breed personalities and individual personalities. He may need to find just the right friend to click with. Does he get much dog-dog interaction outside of puppy class? And have you considered bringing him to class early so that he can investigate the building alone? Sometimes this can help a dog feel more settled when s/he has a good sense of what's where, etc. You don't describe this other class that your trainer is recommending -- can you tell us any more about it? I know that many other folks on the List have experience with shyness and training issues and the more information you can give about behaviors and specific instances will help us to help you. Good luck and let us know how your little guy is doing Catherine Young Madison WI Shadow, Mickey and Jenny (BMD) Max and Emily (cats.)
RE: Fussy Puppy
Hi Michaela, I totally disagree with your comments. I would assume that the fussy puppy was fed Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy at the breeders without problems, after all she made it to leaving home time! Dogs and puppies are very astute at training their people and I have looked after a few dogs in the past having been told their particular nuances about feeding. I can tell you that by the next meal they have learned to eat up. Dogs will eat faeces, rotting carcasses and socks etc, they are not connoisseurs of fine cuisine. If a puppy owner chooses to experiment with a variety of kibbles then they are likely to gain experience with diarrhea and other gastric problems. In Canada and the US many breeders have their own feeding regimen and recommend that to their puppy buyers. These breeders are expected to guarantee the puppies for healthy development and if an owner wishes to deviate from the program then they should discuss alternatives with their breeder. I don't think it unreasonable to make the assumption that if a puppy has eaten a brand of food for the breeder one might suspect the owner of over indulgence and thus worrying needlessly when the puppy gets fussy. Rose Tierney
RE:weird things dogs have eaten
Several folks have related how their dogs broke into sealed/hidden containers and ate the food therein. Since this summer I've been assisting with training classes for Dog's Best Friend here in Madison. I've heard some pretty wild stories. But this most recent one takes the cake. Bronte, an 8 month old English Mastiff (super-sweet and huge) we've had in classes for three sessions missed his first class 2 weeks ago. Last Saturday his mom told us why -- he ate 30 pushpins. The vet had her feed him pumpkin and he managed to pass all of them. Unbelievable. Catherine Young Madison WI Shadow, Mickey Jenny
masticatory myositis
Hi- I brought my boy Kerzon in to see the vet today, as I noticed muscle atrophy occurring over his eye, which is now progressing to under the cheek bone and to the other side of his head. The vet diagnosed masticatory myositis. I'm wondering if anyone else has had any experience with this problem, or any disease that resulted in muscle atrophy around the head. My vet is not recommending any treatment at this time, and the atrophy does not seem to be bothering Kerzon at all. I obviously want to learn everything I can about this disease, and also make sure that I'm following the best course of care for this special boy. Thanks! Ann Skinner Tatters and Kerzon
Re: Altered Classes
Rose Tierney wrote: . Personally I would love to see more altered dogs in the showring as I believe a breeder can be measured for the quality of their pet dogs as well:-) You can see lots of altered dogs in the show ring. They're in the agility ring, the obedience ring, the draft ring, the herding arena. :-) Marjie
