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Neo developed another huge hot spot on his left hip.  This is the second time he's been put on antibiotics in the last 6 months for hot spots.  The vet said that it is common in double coated dogs and if he is prone to them we'll have to keep his coat clipped short.  Does anyone have cures for hot spots so he could get his beautiful coat back?  I've been adding olive oil to his food on the advice from a friend who has a dane with very dry skin.

I have to agree! I can't imagine life without him.  Yesterday he ran smack into a star gazer lily and got the pollen all over his head.  It wouldn't come off with soap and water so he had to walk around all day looking like someone had peed all over his head.  Luckily a friend that is a nanny suggested using baby wipes.  It's not completely gone but is sure lightened it up.  Never a dull moment!

Neo has one VERY major problem with drooling.  It's worse than any other large breed dog I have ever met.  Whenever I let him out he collects dust and dirt in the drool that has fallen on his face and neck.  Usually I am able to brush it out but when he lays in the dirt and slobbers at the same time it is like cement and I don't want to hurt him with agressive brushing.  I gave him his first bath 2 weeks ago, he wasn't really excited about it but he tolerated it.  I read that since they have "self cleaning" coats, they shouldn't be bathed too often.  I don't see that there would be too much need most of the year but during the summer he really collects dirt.  Is it okay to give him a bath every few weeks or should i just get out what I can by brushing?  He also collects a lot of dirt and debris on his hind quarters and is getting very matted.  His coat is almost like wool on his back end.  I brush it out as well as I can but it mats right back up again. After I shampooed and conditioned his butt the mats were much better for a while.

My friend has a 5 year old Dane who has just started eating dirt.  He hasn't done this in the past but is now eating A LOT of dirt.  I did a little research that said this could be due to Pica.  Are there supplements that will help with this?  Is Pica curable?

Does anyone have good suggestions for jumping?  Neo gets very excited when people come to visit. It's not a big deal at home because I have him by the collar anyway when I open the door to make sure he won't run out.  I have also trained the regulars to cross their arms and keep their backs to him until he stops jumping, as suggested by the obedience trainer.  My main concern is when we go to the dog park.  He only does it once in a while there, but he will get excited and jump up in greeting. If you're not expecting it, he can knock someone down. Not everyone at the dog park knows him so it can be quite startling. 

So, Neo and I have made it through our first 5 obedience classes.  Tonight will be our last one.  As I was warned, obedience was a bit of a crap shoot.  Some days he did really well and other days he just wouldn't do a thing.  He is so good natured about it though, that you just have to laugh. It was pretty comical, me with my 3 year stubborn dog and everyone one else with 6 month old labs and poodles.  The puppies would do the same thing 30 times in a row.  Neo would do it 4 times then lock up and stare off into space.  It was if he was telling me, I know how to do this but will not degrade myself to the level of a puppy.  Instead we would just stand there and he would slobber.  The trainer seemed to know a bit about Pyrs so she said this was normal behavior and let him be. 
His separation anxiety has greatly improved.  He gets rawhide and kongs when I leave and I've started leaving the TV on for him for motion and noise. I am so happy he is settling in and finally feels at home.
I take him to the dog park 3 to 4 times a week (whenever it's not raining.  I have never met a dog more scared of water.  Living in Seattle, this makes going out for potty quite traumatic sometimes). He only seems to have bad days if we haven't been to the park in a few days.  Hopefully with summer coming, this won't be an issue soon.
I can't thank you all enough for all your help. This is a wonderful site!

I just adopted a 3 year Pyr from a rescue program.  He is a great dog.  I've always had Goldens before so this is a new experience for me.  We are having huge seperation anxiety issues.  I was taking him to work with me but I had to stop because everytime I left the office he would throw himself at the door and was leaving huge claw marks in it.  He does this when ever my roommate or i leave th house as well.  Obedience training was suppose to start last night but was postponed for 2 weeks.  Any ideas that can save my sanity until then?  I'd love to be able to bring him back to the office.