Help
Posted 30 July 2010 - 07:57 AM
Hi everyone, my name is Joanna, I dont have a Dane as yet but am currently on the look out. I wanted to do some reasearch first as this is really important to me and i want to get things right but i have drove myself mad with all the conflicting advice given over the web. So i decided that this forum seemes the best and registered. It has always been my dream to have a Dane and cant wait,,,,,,,,
I would however like to ask for some advice / info. I am not going to check other site anymore though as this just confuses more so going to go with whats on here as everyone seems very clued up and helpful. Ant help would be soooo appreciated and by the way been looking at all the dane pictures, their beautiful.
1, Feeding (what a mine field) some sites said not to feed raw and to steam meat, this site seems to favour raw, whats the best and is there any meats that you shouldnt feed raw? what about washing the meat, some say dont wash poultry? What is the best height for feeding? I have read alot about chicken bones, is this safe to feed my future dane? I was suprised that danes could have brown rice mixed with meals (thought things high in carbs may be problematic). Should Dane drink milk to strenghten bones?
2, Choosing my puppy, i have been researching breeders around my area (Sheffield) but would like to ask for any tips. I am pretty open about which colour to go for although i loves Harleys but i feel that i will just know which will be my baby..... But could anyone give me some tips on what to look out for and avoid i.e i read about avoiding puppies bred from two merles? or any other tips for me to keep in mind, is it true taht some poeple are printing fake Pedigree papers from the web, how will i know?
3, The issue re bloating has worried me a great deal, is there anything that i could do to reduce the chances of this happening?
All thoughts welcome xxxxxx
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What I Always Wanted advice needed
#2
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Posted 30 July 2010 - 09:19 AM
Here are my tips in response to the points you raise.
1. Feeding. The breeder or rescue from which you acquire your Dane should give you a diet sheet and advice on feeding your new arrival, and if you are at all uncertain on feeding take his or her advice. With regard to raw feeding, you can feed any meat, there is no need to wash the food first, and chicken bones can be fed raw (never cooked, ever). Rice is more often used as a convalescent food, but it’s OK to give leftover rice. I feed off the floor, others feed off raised feeders – the only dog I have seen bloat here was fed off a raised feeder.
Feeding is an emotive subject. Both of my two were raised on a raw diet by the breeder, but I had switched with my previous two because I feel it is the most natural and therefore best diet for my dogs.
2. It’s OK to give young pups goat’s milk to start with but dogs lose the ability to digest milk as they get older. Don’t be tempted to supplement with anything to strengthen bones; it could end up doing damage. Dane pups should be grown slowly. Supplementation with Vitamin C can be advantageous, but that is the only supplement you should consider.
3. You will read a lot about bloat on a Dane forum as it is a condition to which Danes are susceptible, but it is rare. People whose Danes haven’t bloated don’t post to say that as it is tempting fate, but I’ve seen one case and one possible mesenteric torsion (the official cause of death was acute kidney failure) in 20 years of Dane ownership. Bloat is even rarer in dogs under a year old. There are loads of tips for preventing it on this forum, but no-one really knows the cause.
4. Don’t limit yourself to the Sheffield area when choosing a breeder (and you choose the breeder first, not the pup). Be prepared to travel. Go to shows, choose the type you like, then approach the breeders. Be prepared to take your time in choosing a breeder.
5. I would be wary of buying a pup with one merle parent, let alone two :). If the pup had a lot of white on it, I'd want it BAER and sight tested.
6. Yes, occasionally people put out fake pedigrees with pups. The way to avoid it is to do your homework to ensure you buy from a reputable breeder. If the sire isn’t on site you can always ask for the pedigree up front and check with the other party that the breeder really did use their dog. If not, you can always ask the breeder for DNA tests to confirm. If you are suspicious of anything, however, walk away. Trust your gut instinct, and don’t let your heart rule your head :D.
7. Don’t forget your health checks :).
Hazel
1. Feeding. The breeder or rescue from which you acquire your Dane should give you a diet sheet and advice on feeding your new arrival, and if you are at all uncertain on feeding take his or her advice. With regard to raw feeding, you can feed any meat, there is no need to wash the food first, and chicken bones can be fed raw (never cooked, ever). Rice is more often used as a convalescent food, but it’s OK to give leftover rice. I feed off the floor, others feed off raised feeders – the only dog I have seen bloat here was fed off a raised feeder.
Feeding is an emotive subject. Both of my two were raised on a raw diet by the breeder, but I had switched with my previous two because I feel it is the most natural and therefore best diet for my dogs.
2. It’s OK to give young pups goat’s milk to start with but dogs lose the ability to digest milk as they get older. Don’t be tempted to supplement with anything to strengthen bones; it could end up doing damage. Dane pups should be grown slowly. Supplementation with Vitamin C can be advantageous, but that is the only supplement you should consider.
3. You will read a lot about bloat on a Dane forum as it is a condition to which Danes are susceptible, but it is rare. People whose Danes haven’t bloated don’t post to say that as it is tempting fate, but I’ve seen one case and one possible mesenteric torsion (the official cause of death was acute kidney failure) in 20 years of Dane ownership. Bloat is even rarer in dogs under a year old. There are loads of tips for preventing it on this forum, but no-one really knows the cause.
4. Don’t limit yourself to the Sheffield area when choosing a breeder (and you choose the breeder first, not the pup). Be prepared to travel. Go to shows, choose the type you like, then approach the breeders. Be prepared to take your time in choosing a breeder.
5. I would be wary of buying a pup with one merle parent, let alone two :). If the pup had a lot of white on it, I'd want it BAER and sight tested.
6. Yes, occasionally people put out fake pedigrees with pups. The way to avoid it is to do your homework to ensure you buy from a reputable breeder. If the sire isn’t on site you can always ask for the pedigree up front and check with the other party that the breeder really did use their dog. If not, you can always ask the breeder for DNA tests to confirm. If you are suspicious of anything, however, walk away. Trust your gut instinct, and don’t let your heart rule your head :D.
7. Don’t forget your health checks :).
Hazel
#3
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Posted 30 July 2010 - 09:23 AM
1. I feed raw and it's the best thing I've ever fed to my dog I think. I buy my meat from a supplier and it comes prepacket and frozen in 1lb/454g bags. We have a freezer for the dog and just take out the next days packs the night before to defrost in the fridge. It's much easier than it initally seems. With regards to milk, dairy is actually quite difficult for dogs to digest as they get older and isn't something they need. I give mine a bit of natural yoghurt now and then as a treat though. Hazel, a member on here, wil be able to give you much better advice on feeding though.
2. I would make sure you see at least the mother, and if possible the father. try to go for health tested parents, and get as much informatioon about the breeder's line as possible. You may have to go out of your area, but I definitley think it's worth it when it's something this important. have a look on the champdogs website, they're very good for finding a reputable breeder.
3. Feeding from a raised bowl has been said to help, making sure that your dog doesn't have any strenuous exercise/walks a good hour or two either side of meals. Feeding each days food over 3-4 meals instead of 1 or 2. And although it won't prevent bloat, it will prevent a huge vet bill - get pet insurance!
Good luck! :)
2. I would make sure you see at least the mother, and if possible the father. try to go for health tested parents, and get as much informatioon about the breeder's line as possible. You may have to go out of your area, but I definitley think it's worth it when it's something this important. have a look on the champdogs website, they're very good for finding a reputable breeder.
3. Feeding from a raised bowl has been said to help, making sure that your dog doesn't have any strenuous exercise/walks a good hour or two either side of meals. Feeding each days food over 3-4 meals instead of 1 or 2. And although it won't prevent bloat, it will prevent a huge vet bill - get pet insurance!
Good luck! :)
#4
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Posted 30 July 2010 - 10:05 AM
Have a look at the 'Champ Dogs' site...There you will find available litters and perhaps research different breeders....Be careful if buying a Harli as harli to harli breeding is best left to breeders who know exactly what they're doing. If your thinking of buying a harli please ensure you buy from one of these breeders. Merle to merle is strictly off limits as it realises 'damaged puppies, ie; deaf and /or blind.
Barf feeding is very much championed on here and I'm sure you'll get loads of info from those who feed barf..I feed my three Arden Grange kibble mixed with a little tripe, liver, heart or kidney and give them raw chicken wings as a treat. I also give mine sardines twice a week. They also get pigs ears or snouts as a treat.
Bloat is a worry. you can take preventative measures such as, no excercise 2 hours before and after feeding. Stress is also a factor to watch out for re' bloat...There is a sub forum on here that gives you a wealth of information on bloat, worth reading that., I feed mine on an elevated stand about 22/24 inches from the floor. When feeding kibble you have to watch out for the protein level which should be around 22./23%.....
As for fake papers....I know this happens but if you research your breeder well or go to a few GD shows and talk to some breeders they will be more than willing to help you with recommendations. It is also not unusual for people to travel considerable distances to get the best puppy possible. I did two 14 hour round trips when
I got Phoenix [Fawn Boy] Its is also recommended, when buying a puppy, you see at least the dam. If you can see the sire too, even better.
Lastly I would'nt give cows milk. Dogs don't have the enzyme to break down the bacteria in cow's milk and it can give them the runs..
Good Luck
Kim..http://www.greatdaneowners.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif
Barf feeding is very much championed on here and I'm sure you'll get loads of info from those who feed barf..I feed my three Arden Grange kibble mixed with a little tripe, liver, heart or kidney and give them raw chicken wings as a treat. I also give mine sardines twice a week. They also get pigs ears or snouts as a treat.
Bloat is a worry. you can take preventative measures such as, no excercise 2 hours before and after feeding. Stress is also a factor to watch out for re' bloat...There is a sub forum on here that gives you a wealth of information on bloat, worth reading that., I feed mine on an elevated stand about 22/24 inches from the floor. When feeding kibble you have to watch out for the protein level which should be around 22./23%.....
As for fake papers....I know this happens but if you research your breeder well or go to a few GD shows and talk to some breeders they will be more than willing to help you with recommendations. It is also not unusual for people to travel considerable distances to get the best puppy possible. I did two 14 hour round trips when
I got Phoenix [Fawn Boy] Its is also recommended, when buying a puppy, you see at least the dam. If you can see the sire too, even better.
Lastly I would'nt give cows milk. Dogs don't have the enzyme to break down the bacteria in cow's milk and it can give them the runs..
Good Luck
Kim..http://www.greatdaneowners.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif
#5
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Posted 30 July 2010 - 10:57 AM
Thankyou all so much for your replies, its really appreciated and i feel much more at ease knowing that i can come on here and chat / get more info.........I am def willing to travel further a field for my pup, i have been on the champion website and found a breeder in Doncaster but i am moving to Lincolshire very soon and have been waiting for the move before getting my pup. Does anyone know of any breeders that they could recommend?
#6
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Posted 30 July 2010 - 11:34 AM
Hi Joanna
You have had some really good advice from the forum. As quite a newbie to Danes myself I can only welcome you and wish you lots of luck in your search.
I have 7 month old Lilly and she is such a delight to have. You won't be dissapointed http://www.greatdaneowners.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac43/bevdaly/Lilly%20in%20the%20garden/Lillyundertree1-2.jpg
You have had some really good advice from the forum. As quite a newbie to Danes myself I can only welcome you and wish you lots of luck in your search.
I have 7 month old Lilly and she is such a delight to have. You won't be dissapointed http://www.greatdaneowners.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac43/bevdaly/Lilly%20in%20the%20garden/Lillyundertree1-2.jpg
#7
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Posted 30 July 2010 - 12:05 PM
Think that most of your questions have been answered. With regards to choosing a breeder this is the hardest thing. As has been said its really better not too restrict yourself to any particular area. I travelled from London to Liverpool for one of my dogs and infact none of the Dane pups we have ever had came from anywhere near to where we live.
It is probably better to speak to the breeders and visit them before they have pups. If you are faced with a scrummy puppy it will be very difficult to say no. Plus even if the pups or conditions are not ideal you might buy one just to get it away from their surroundings. This is not good for you or future puppy buyers as it just encourages the breeder to carry on breeding.
If you have nothing planned for Sunday why not go to the Great Dane Club Championship Show. It is being held at the Holiday Inn, Crick which is near Northampton. If you are interested I can put a link to full information about the show. There will be Danes of all colours from different breeders and many of the breeders will talk to you and help as much as you want. It is a great show and you will be able to see dogs of 4 months up. The dogs entered in the show will be at least 6 months but dogs from 4 months are allowed if entered not for competition.
Good luck in your search I know how hard it is to find the 'right' breeder
It is probably better to speak to the breeders and visit them before they have pups. If you are faced with a scrummy puppy it will be very difficult to say no. Plus even if the pups or conditions are not ideal you might buy one just to get it away from their surroundings. This is not good for you or future puppy buyers as it just encourages the breeder to carry on breeding.
If you have nothing planned for Sunday why not go to the Great Dane Club Championship Show. It is being held at the Holiday Inn, Crick which is near Northampton. If you are interested I can put a link to full information about the show. There will be Danes of all colours from different breeders and many of the breeders will talk to you and help as much as you want. It is a great show and you will be able to see dogs of 4 months up. The dogs entered in the show will be at least 6 months but dogs from 4 months are allowed if entered not for competition.
Good luck in your search I know how hard it is to find the 'right' breeder
#8
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Posted 30 July 2010 - 07:38 PM
Welcome to the forum Joanna.
I'm not the person to give advice about about breeders...none of my 4 rescued Danes, past and present, were breed standard...nor are my 2 rehomed field spaniels...
If I were to ever consider a GD puppy...and trust me its top of my want list....I would have to have every possible health cheack, see BOTH parents for temperament ( my deaf partially sighted girl Hollie is a temperamental psychopath) and expect the same grilling from them as we had from the rescues we applied to.
My current 2 Danes eat raised and raw, both went to training and both, in terms of time, are high maintenance. They are worth it...truthfully...but from my experience they are hard work and expensive.
I can't imagine my life without a Dane...I adore the breed...even though every other dog I've owned has been easier. But as they say "If its easy...it ain't worth working for!"
Good luck with youre search....
ps Have no experience of bloat...and don't want any!
I'm not the person to give advice about about breeders...none of my 4 rescued Danes, past and present, were breed standard...nor are my 2 rehomed field spaniels...
If I were to ever consider a GD puppy...and trust me its top of my want list....I would have to have every possible health cheack, see BOTH parents for temperament ( my deaf partially sighted girl Hollie is a temperamental psychopath) and expect the same grilling from them as we had from the rescues we applied to.
My current 2 Danes eat raised and raw, both went to training and both, in terms of time, are high maintenance. They are worth it...truthfully...but from my experience they are hard work and expensive.
I can't imagine my life without a Dane...I adore the breed...even though every other dog I've owned has been easier. But as they say "If its easy...it ain't worth working for!"
Good luck with youre search....
ps Have no experience of bloat...and don't want any!
#9
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Posted 30 July 2010 - 08:28 PM
Hi & welcome to the forum,
you are in the right place for help & advice, though i will leave that to the more experienced people who have already given you answers.
Just wanted to say hi, and wish you luck.
I have my second ever dane Honey, she is amazing.
Also have two small dogs.
Good luck in your search.
you are in the right place for help & advice, though i will leave that to the more experienced people who have already given you answers.
Just wanted to say hi, and wish you luck.
I have my second ever dane Honey, she is amazing.
Also have two small dogs.
Good luck in your search.
#10
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Posted 31 July 2010 - 08:39 AM
sharon, on 30 July 2010 - 12:05 PM, said:
Think that most of your questions have been answered. With regards to choosing a breeder this is the hardest thing. As has been said its really better not too restrict yourself to any particular area. I travelled from London to Liverpool for one of my dogs and infact none of the Dane pups we have ever had came from anywhere near to where we live.
It is probably better to speak to the breeders and visit them before they have pups. If you are faced with a scrummy puppy it will be very difficult to say no. Plus even if the pups or conditions are not ideal you might buy one just to get it away from their surroundings. This is not good for you or future puppy buyers as it just encourages the breeder to carry on breeding.
If you have nothing planned for Sunday why not go to the Great Dane Club Championship Show. It is being held at the Holiday Inn, Crick which is near Northampton. If you are interested I can put a link to full information about the show. There will be Danes of all colours from different breeders and many of the breeders will talk to you and help as much as you want. It is a great show and you will be able to see dogs of 4 months up. The dogs entered in the show will be at least 6 months but dogs from 4 months are allowed if entered not for competition.
Good luck in your search I know how hard it is to find the 'right' breeder
It is probably better to speak to the breeders and visit them before they have pups. If you are faced with a scrummy puppy it will be very difficult to say no. Plus even if the pups or conditions are not ideal you might buy one just to get it away from their surroundings. This is not good for you or future puppy buyers as it just encourages the breeder to carry on breeding.
If you have nothing planned for Sunday why not go to the Great Dane Club Championship Show. It is being held at the Holiday Inn, Crick which is near Northampton. If you are interested I can put a link to full information about the show. There will be Danes of all colours from different breeders and many of the breeders will talk to you and help as much as you want. It is a great show and you will be able to see dogs of 4 months up. The dogs entered in the show will be at least 6 months but dogs from 4 months are allowed if entered not for competition.
Good luck in your search I know how hard it is to find the 'right' breeder
Hi Sharon
could you send me the link for this show please. Do all dogs have to be entered in some way or can you just take them along with you?
#11
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Posted 31 July 2010 - 01:04 PM
All information about the show can be found on the Great Dane Club website. The link is http://greatdaneclub.danemoor.com/
All dogs need to be entered either to take part in the show or Not For Competition. Unfortunately the closing date for all entries has gone so you would not not be able to take your dog to this show.
All dogs need to be entered either to take part in the show or Not For Competition. Unfortunately the closing date for all entries has gone so you would not not be able to take your dog to this show.
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