Pat Embrey, Newsletter Editor

1390 Sanders Road, Benson, NC 27504

PH: 919-934-6232, E-Mail: VonRillca@aol.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.         Board Policy on Dogs at Club Sponsored Events

2.         May Meeting Information

3.         Tips on Insect Control

4.         Tonsillitis and Panosteitis

5.         10 Commandments for Dogs

6.         Reasons for Digging and the Cure

7.         Excessive Licking

8.         Cruciate Ligament Injuries

9.         How to Give Pills

10.       How to Read a Dog Advertisement

BOARD POLICY ON DOGS AT CLUB SPONSORED EVENTS

The GSDC of Greater Raleigh welcomes your German Shepherd at our events, including meetings. However, the following rules must be followed:

1.         Anyone with an aggressive dog (one that growls, snaps, or is in any way aggressive towards other dogs or people) must be muzzled.

2.         Dogs will be free of loose hair and external parasites (fleas or ticks). Please brush your dog prior to bringing it to the meeting as we must clean up the room after we are finished.

3.         For the safety of all members, guests and their dogs, it is strongly recommended that all dogs be kept up to date on     their vaccinations. ALL dogs that are old enough, MUST have a current rabies shot.

MAY MEETING INFORMATION

The next meeting of the GSDC of Greater Raleigh will be held on Wednesday, May 4th at the Exchange Park. All German Shepherds are welcome to attend, along with their owners of course. Our program will consist of a tape from the GSDC of America on the German Shepherd Standard, followed by information on just what we will be doing for our 2006 shows next March. FRANK SANDERS WILL BE FURNISHING REFRESHMENTS this month.

INSECT CONTROL

I ran these articles on Insect control a couple of years ago, but for anybody who lost their information, I am repeating it again

BLEACH TO CONTROL FLIES

In reply to all the people who have asked about the original post on using bleach water to keep flies, etc., away... It said 2 parts bleach to 5 or 6 parts water. I actually didn't have quite enough bleach in the house...but it was close. I used tap water and clorox (no scented clorox, just the plain stuff) and put it into a Tupperware pot.    The directions said it would take a few days to work, but it started working almost immediately.       Someone wrote me and said the bees were attracted to the bleach water...maybe they were using a scented bleach.

    Where to put it? Wherever you need it and the dogs can't reach it. I put mine on a table outside my back door, which is where all my dogs go in and out and where the flies and bees seemed to be the biggest problem. Every time I opened the door, in came the little pests (the flying ones)...now I can stand there and hold the door open and there are no flying critters. One of the other recipes was to put a chlorine tablet into a bucket of water... but using Clorox (unscented) was easier--and that was the recipe I used.

         1" Chlorine Tablet(From Pool Supply) in a gallon bucket of water and put it close to the doorway, but out of reach. We hang ours even out on the paddocks. Liquid bleach will work, but it must be changed more often.

FLIES ON EARS

The recent post regarding flies on ears reminded me of a very cool tip I read and it really works. I tried literally every product to keep flies off ears, bronco, repel-x, swat, flies off, and dozens of other things that others told me worked for them. I have found the absolute best thing to keep flies off ears is good old BioSpot, or Kiltix, both are Permethrin. What you do is put on gloves and apply maybe 2 drops to the outer tip of the ear and one on the inner tip and rub it in. It lasts close to 2 weeks even through the rains and hot humid weather we've been getting. One tube of Biospot for large dogs is almost enough to do 10 dogs, but I waste a lot and it doesn't go as far for me LOL After going through almost a whole jar of Swat in a week I did a little research and found this tip on the web someplace. It was an ear saver for sure, I wish I had known about it years ago :-)

INSECT DETERRENTS AND KILLERS

Gnats - Last year we had attack of some bug.. Fruit flys I believe..but could be Gnats. In the kitchen. Is this were your bugs are? Well.. i called the "Friendly Trapper" guy here, and he said they were coming up out of my Kitchen drain. To put Comet all around the drains in the sink at night. Do not rinse away until AM. WOW. 2 days in a row and NO MORE BUGS... whew. Something as simple as that took care of them totally.

Fleas and Ticks - Buy HI-LO comes in a gallon and when you buy one you get one free. It is a dip for cattle, sheep and dogs. Really works. Kept fleas from cats away from my place in the city. Out here it keeps everything under control. I carry a spray bottle of it with me to shows and before the kids get in the car we spray them so nothing comes home. New England serum company sells it for sometimes only one gallon sometimes as two for one. Have to check catalog.

Fleas and Ticks - Diatomaceous earth. Put it into a duster, and dust everything. Don't spray it when the dogs are there to breath it...once it settles it is safe for dogs to run on. It is miraculous.

Peggy

Ticks and Organic Sulphur I recently discovered that MSM (organic sulphur) has been used for generations

to repel ticks and chiggers on humans and dogs alike.

I started using MSM when one of my dogs injured himself when jumping up on the grooming table. I also have a bitch that was starting to show signs of arthritis and with the MSM she experienced significant improvement.

Our property borders the Apalachicola National Forest so ticks are abundant. Interestingly enough I haven't found a tick on one of the dogs in over three years, but I have found them on the cats who don't get the MSM supplement.

We had a dog come in for boarding, he came from another kennel. He had over 200 ticks on him.Most were seed ticks which are baby ticks. We put a Tick Arrest collar on him and put him in a crate. By morning all those ticks were dead in the bottom of the crate. I SWEAR by Tick Arrest. Won't harm puppies or pregnant bitches.

Ants - Used coffee grounds, It does not kill them, but they do move away. In the spring I have to do this around the dog runs, I have railroad ties around them and could not keep the ants out of them until I tried this.

Flies - GUESS THEY DO NOT LIKE THE SMELL OF BLEACH. BUT IT DOES WORK.

If it works, I'm all for it, and will try it.. but why does it??

SunRehGSD@aol.com wrote: >I will reply to all who have written, however, I have modified the method

just a tad. This is what I do: 2 parts bleach to 5-6 parts water, and in a large bowl, preferably glass or plastic as the metal ones will rust. Now, more dogs, use more bowls, I have 4 dogs, one bowl. Do this once a month or more often, mix and place in a place out of reach of animals, like on top of an old water heater, or work bench in the area where you keep doggie poop, or close to. Remember, you must also pick up your poop everyday, this will also help. Now, I give you about 1 month and you will see the difference. And, yes, it takes care of bees too! At this time last year my doggies had fly bites on their ears and I had problems with "white-faced" wasps who get a little pissed off when you remove their poop. No more wasps and no more flies. My neighbors can't believe the difference. And, trust me, my fly problem was terrible here, always in the house too

DEODORIZING PENS, GRASS, ETC

Sweet PDZ, for all those that asked privately is a product that is put on horse stall boards to adsorb moisture and odors. It looks like white sand (sort of) and very inexpensive the last time I bought some. I have used it, and it absolutely gets rid of the odors around the dog pens. I do recommend you moisten it and keep the dogs off it, until it is damp mainly because there will be a fine dust, which I personally feel is not good for the dogs to breathe.

TONSILLITIS AND PANOSTEITIS

I got this little note off the internet, so am just passing this on.

I had corresponded with a GSD owner in Italy a while back. She had told me that tonsillectomies over there are routine in young dogs, usually done around 4 or 5 months of age. I asked her why on earth they would do that! She replied (with a bit of a language barrier) "so they are not limping". I assumed it had something to do with them not getting Panosteitis, she was a bit unsure of the terminology, but apparently dogs who have had their tonsils removed have no episodes of "limping" during growth. Her dog had

not had his tonsils removed, and had not had any signs of Pano by adulthood, and I suppose many would not, but in her part of the world people seem to have this done as a form of prevention. Sounds a bit extreme to me.

10 COMMANDMENTS FOR DOGS

   My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be   painful for me. Remember that BEFORE you get me.

Give me time to understand what you want from me.

Place your trust in me, it is crucial to my well being.

Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment.   You have your work, entertainment and friends. I       have only YOU.

Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I   understand your voice.

Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget.

Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch and   I really don't want to do that.

Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask   yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the   right foods or I've been out in the sun too long or my heart is getting old   and weak!

Take care of me when I get old. You will get old too.

Go with me on difficult journeys. NEVER say, "I can't bear to watch,   or let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if your are   there. And always remember, I LOVE YOU!

REASONS FOR DIGGING AND THE CURE

(1) Preventing Digging

Digging occurs for many reasons. Dogs dig to bury and recover bones; they dig cooling pits when it's hot and warming pits when it's cold; they dig up prey and they dig dens. Digging is a highly enjoyable and natural canine activity. Lack of exercise, prolonged confinement and boredom can also cause digging. Once digging starts, it can quickly become a habit.

(2) Preventing Digging

If you provide your dog with regular walks, runs, play-time and training, the chances are you will not have a digging problem. But until your dog has been taught that digging up your garden is unacceptable, he should not be given free access to these areas when you are not there to supervise him. Temporarily confine your dog indoors or to a dog run. Confinement is not the solution; it is only a temporary measure until your dog can be trusted not to destroy your garden and yard.

(3) The Digging Pits

If your dog loves digging, provide him with his own digging pit just as parents would provide their child with a sand box. Make sure the pit is neither directly in the summer sun nor unprotected against the winter winds. A 3 x 6 foot area about 2 feet deep is sufficient. Dig it up to loosen the dirt and mix in a little sand to help it drain in the rainy season. Let your dog watch the preparations and if he joins in to help, lavish him with praise. Once the pit is ready, it is easy to get your dog digging in it. Take some of his favorite toys and treats and let him watch you make a fuss over burying them. Call your dog over and help him dig things up. Once he gets the idea and is digging without your help, enthusiastically praise him and repeat, 'Dig in your pit, dig in your pit.' When he digs up a treat, he is immediately rewarded by getting to eat it. If it's a ball or toy you've buried then you can immediately play a short game of fetch, then bury it again. Repeat this over and over, always repeating the command, 'Dig in your pit.' Your dog will quickly learn what the command means. You can test this by putting your dog inside the house, burying a dozen or so treats and exciting chew toys, and then letting him out. Say 'Dig in your pit' and praise him if he goes to the pit. This training can usually be accomplished in one afternoon.

(4) Continual Reward for Digging

Once your dog has learned that digging in his pit is fun; you must still encourage and praise him whenever he shows any interest in the pit and especially for digging there without any encouragement from you. Now, every morning before you leave for work, you can hide all kinds of fun things in the pit, which will keep your dog busy digging for hours. Even if he has found all the goodies, he will keep digging and looking to see if anything else is buried there.

(5) Discouraging Bad Digging Habits

Once your dog understands that digging in his pit is an acceptable and enjoyable activity, and knows the meaning of the command, 'Dig in your pit,' now you can teach him that digging elsewhere is forbidden. The first step is to teach your dog to stay completely off the flower and vegetable gardens and that he is only allowed on the grass or other parts of your yard. Clearly demarcate the forbidden areas with a short fence about a foot high. A few small sticks with a length of string attached along the top are fine. The fence is not intended as a physical barrier but as a means of marking a boundary. Spend the day outside and watch your dog. Each time he gets close to the boundary, quietly warn him by saying 'Off.' If one paw goes over the line, scold him firmly until all four paws are on the correct side of the boundary and then immediately praise him. If you invest some time, your dog will learn to keep out of the garden.

EXCESSIVE LICKING

Before you decide to eliminate your dog's licking, it is important to realize why your dog is doing this. Your dog's licks are his way of telling you that he loves you and that he wants your affection and approval. It is possible that being pushed away after 'kissing' you might make him try harder to lick you, thinking that he didn't deliver his message well enough the first time.

Another reason for licking is that the dog has been unintentionally trained to compulsively lick. He has learned that by licking, he can get almost anything he wants - especially attention from you. Even though you may have tried to discourage him, he's been interpreting your actions as even more fun and attention. Sometimes, it just develops into a habit. Your dog continues licking because he likes it, and he thinks you like it too. It is perfectly normal for dogs to express affection in this manner.

Don't forget the possibility that the dog just likes the taste of your face cream or body lotion or body salts.

Some dogs get carried away with licking when they are in their owner's lap because they are so excited and happy to be there. In such cases, it is best to spend a weekend or several evenings holding the dog on your lap in order to reduce the novelty and excitement of the experience. The dog should be picked up and held until he settles down to doze. During this session, verbal communication should be soft and gentle so the dog doesn't become overly excited. This procedure should be repeated over and over until the dog learns that getting on your lap is not a special event.

If he begins to lick you again, squeal or yelp as if in pain. Your dog will learn to stop licking because he does not wish to hurt you. Applying lemon or hot sauce to your skin will make it taste unpleasant to him and this will also help break him of the habit. (It may not however be good for your skin, so be sure to rinse it off as soon as possible.) If your dog is sometimes rewarded for licking and at other times reprimanded for it, he will almost certainly be confused. So teach your dog to 'kiss' on request and 'no kiss' on request. Only let him lick you if you say it's okay to do so. If you don't want to be licked, then politely request your dog to 'no kiss.' If your dog has been indulging in this behavior for a long time, then it will also take some time for him to learn to stop, so be patient. After all, he is only licking you, not biting you.

If you decide to stop your dog's licking behavior, then be sure that he has another way of expressing his affection. Some dogs like to jump up on the owner in greeting, other like to shake hands or roll over for a tummy rub. Training your dog to do a trick such as 'sit up, shake hands, roll over,' will give him a less sloppy way to ask for attention. When he forgets himself and tries to lick you, you can re-channel his behavior.

CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES

Question: Need to know what experiences people have had with cruciate ligament problems. I have a bitch who is limping severely. The ligament is not torn but the vet thinks it is probably stretched. There is motion in the joint.

Answer: Patrick & I don't know if this will work for your girl, but we can tell you what we JUST went through with our Champion bitch "Marie." She was diagnosed with a severe strained possibly torn cruciate ligament in her right knee. We had two options 1 being surgery the other an intensive herbal regimen with total crate limitations except for potty time & that would have to be on lead to control her "hyper" ways to know this bitch it would be self explanatory when it came to her activity & energy level of NEVER sitting still!!!

I demand x-rays, etc., to see the damage, even wanting to take her to a specialist at the University of TN, who would have been the person to do this surgery if we had to!! Vet here & Patrick strongly suggested the herbal option first. Soooooooo..................

With nothing to lose we decided to try the herbal option first, knowing that surgery was still an option. (Against my feelings!)

After 6 weeks of faithful dedicated work & an occasional dip in the pool (vet feels this is excellent therapy work) she has been back in the kennel for about 30 days now & back to her wild spinning & running as if NOTHING was ever wrong!! I am so THANKFUL for this that I can't ever imagine I EVER considered surgery!! Her leg was so swollen she not only held it up & allowed me to carry her (now if you knew this bitch this in itself was amazing as she is VERY alpha & tough so for her to even show this pain took a MAJOR injury!!) The knot in her knee felt as if her knee was dislocated or broken it was the size of an orange.

Here's the recipe

2 Ascriptin 2 times a day,
The rest of this is once a day
2- 500 mg Vitamin. C with rose hips, 1 Vitamin.E400IU,
2- Glucosamine/Chondroitin 500/400 mg(we used the
Sam's Members Mark brand which compares to Osteo-Bi-Flex).

he Ascriptin is only for a 5 day period then 5 days off. for the first 2-3 weeks (until you see her putting weight on that leg again) We now continue to maintain her on everything above but the ascriptin. I don't know if we need to but it makes me feel better. LOL Her coat has never looked better & her muscling has completely returned & you would never believe this had ever happened to her. I was convinced her show days would be over forever, now I can't wait to special her again. :))))))

We sure hope this might help your girl, cause we know how helpless & devastated we felt watching her hold that leg up & knowing the pain she had to be in!!!!

HOW TO GIVE PILLS

1. I keep a tub of soft margarine marked "dog" in the fridge. I give them a little on the tip of a spoon and with the next spoonful they get the pill. By the time their mouth is closed and tongue lifted to taste, the pill is down the throat. I teach everybody as puppies to eat off a spoon like this. Saves on those finger chompers

2. Tablespoon of peanut butter. By the time they know what's in their mouth, their lips are stuck together LOL

HOW TO READ A DOG ADVERTISEMENT:

Noted Judge ...............................He put up our dog

Respected Judge ......................He put up our dog twice

Esteemed Judge .......................He puts up anything that crawls

Shown Sparingly .... ...................Only when we had it in the bag

Show Prospect ...........................He has 4 legs, 2 eyes, 2 ears, 1tail

Finished in 5 shows ...................And 89 where he failed to win a ribbon

He has good points....................His head is shaped like a carrot

Won in heavy competition..........The others were revoltingly overweight

Multiple group winner..... ............At 2 puppy matches

Specialist Judge ........................Puts up anything that looks like his own breeding

Well Balanced ............................Straight as a stick, front and rear

Quiet gentle natured ..................After 4 valiums

Excels in type and style..............However, moves like a spider on speed

Personality Plus...... ...................Wakes up if you put liver up his nose

Large boned................................Looks like a Clydesdale

Good bite ..... ..............................Missed the judge, got the steward

Lovely head.................................2 eyes, 2 ears, 1 mouth, 1nose

Excels in movement ...................If he gets loose, put on your running shoes

Gorgeous Coat..... ......................If the hair spray lasts until the class finishes

Handled brilliantly by..... .............Nobody else can get near him

Won in stiff competition..............Beat 4 puppies and a 9 year old novice dog

At stud to "approved" bitches....Those bitches whose owners check is approved" by our bank

Line bred from famous champions.....Ch Whoozitz appears twice in 6th generation

Good Obedience prospect........Smart enough to come in from the rain but he's UG-LEE

Terrific brood bitch......................Her conformation is the pits, but she throws big litters

Great stud dog ............................Mounts anything that can fog a mirror

Loves children ............................For breakfast, lunch and dinner

Wins another Best In Show .......His second, under the same judge, our uncle