Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I think Tajsa is growing fine.  If the vet is not concerned with her growth, I wouldn't be either.  Jack seemed small too, but between 18 and 24 months, he really did his filling out.  Tajsa is still young and has a lot of growing yet to do.  It is better for big dogs to be on the thin side. 

I'd leave well enough alone!  As long as Tajsa is eating normally and not throwing it up, I'd let her genetics decide her growth!

Lori

I wanted to cross-post this here.  I received the announcement on another dog list I am on and it seemed worthwhile to pass on.

Dear DogPsych list members,

The Canine Behavioral Genetics Project (http://psych.ucsf.edu/
K9BehavioralGe netics/) is a joint effort between Dr. Steven Hamilton,
MD, PhD, at UCSF, and Dr. Karen Overall, VMD, PhD, at the University
of Pennsylvania.  I’m writing to introduce the project, and to invite
everyone to join an email list related to the project.

Defined narrowly, the main goal of the Canine Behavioral Genetics
Project is to explore the biological basis of behavioral problems in
dogs, particularly those behaviors associated with panic and
anxiety.  We hope that a better understanding of the genetic
background behind problem behaviors will help design better
treatments and lead to better outcomes for dogs.  Broader goals
include an understanding of the relationship between genes and normal
(including breed specific or working behaviors) as well as
pathological behavior, an assessment of genetic diversity within
domestic dogs as a whole.

We are currently collecting data to add to our sample (at last count,
around 1000 dogs of about 20 different breeds, and also mixes).  In
particular, we are looking for are dogs who either appear or are
known to be (diagnosed as) behaviorally affected -- dogs who suffer
from panic, anxiety, and fear issues (i.e., but not limited to,
separation anxiety, noise phobias, fear aggression), and also (if
available) dogs related to affected dogs (relatives need not be
fearful themselves).  Because it would be so valuable to have data
from families as well as individuals, the ideal subjects for the
project are purebred dogs with known pedigrees (mixed-breed dogs are
also valuable if both parents are of known breeding, or at least of
known breed).

If you have a dog who might be a good candidate for this study, or
know dogs who might be good candidates for this study, please
consider participating -- the process is very simple.  Sample kits
can be requested for free online, at the study website (http://
psych.ucsf.edu/K9BehavioralGenetics/kits.html).  They consist of
cheek swabs for taking DNA samples (totally non-invasive) and a very
short questionnaire.  If a pedigree is available, we also request a
copy of that.  ALL DATA SUBMITTED TO THE STUDY ARE STRICTLY
CONFIDENTIAL.  And if you know people who might be interested, spread
the word.  More data is better than less data!

I have set up a Yahoo! email list dedicated to the project: at http://
groups.yahoo.c om/group/K9BehavioralGenetics/.  On this list, we will
host discussions related to the project, post announcements, and let
interested folks keep up with the latest news.  Questions, comments,
and suggestions regarding the project are very welcome. 
Unfortunately, we will not be able to address questions about
specific behaviors or specific dogs, but luckily there are other
resources for that purpose such as the DogPsych list.  More resources
can be found in the “links” section of the K9BehavioralGe netics
Yahoo! page.

A little bit about me, the list owner: I am a postdoctoral fellow
devoted to this project in Dr. Hamilton's lab at UCSF.  I became
personally interested in canine behavior when I adopted a
behaviorally-challenged adolescent Border Collie in September 2000,
and got to know Dr. Overall rather well as a result.  Solo forced me
to learn, fast, about behavior, and training, and management; he
became my soulmate, my greatest teacher, and the reason I got into
agility, flyball, and sheepdog trialing.  This project is meaningful
to me not only in an academic, but also in a personal sense.

If you have questions you may email me directly at the address in
my .sig.  Please feel free to forward this message to other folks or
email lists.  Thanks very much!

Project website: http://psych.ucsf.edu/K9BehavioralGenetics
To join the Yahoo! list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
K9BehavioralGe netics/join

--

Melanie Lee Chang, Ph.D. * mchang@lppi.ucsf.edu
Canine Behavioral Genetics Project
University of California, San Francisco
http://psych.ucsf.edu/K9BehavioralGenetics/

Patt Wiegand
Michigan

Peggy,

I have to disagree somewhat with sctrogans.  There are many, many people who have Berners who live in Texas, Arizona, Florida.  To imply that their Berners are not living any kind of life is completely wrong.  I think you definitely have to be more creative in terms of exercising your Berner when you live in hot termperatures.  They will not want to be outside during the hottest hours....but neither do humans that live in those areas.  Walking them early in the morning and later in the evening often works.  Setting up a shady area in the yard with a baby pool is a way for your Berner to spend time outside (though my guess is they will choose to hang out inside with AC).  Creating mentally stimulating games to play inside with your Berner is a great way to engage them.  Taking trips to the mountains where your Berner can frolick and play is always an option.

A Berner may not be the best choice if you want a dog that can participate in a lot of outdoor summer activities with you.  A Berner may not be the best choice if you won't have a lot of time to spend with them indoors...caus e they can get bored and you don't want a bored Berner.  There are a lot of factors you need to consider, but I would not say don't get a Berner just because you live in Arizona.  There are ways to make it work and many Berners live great lives with their families in the hot spots of the country.

Lori
Who lives in PA and it has been wicked hot ALL summer!

Speaking of pit bulls...am wondering if anyone here has information about something I heard on another list and find completely disturbing.  It was posted on another list that Denver has recently passed a law prohibiting people from owning pit bulls...or any dog that 'looks' like a pit bull.  Another person posted that they had also heard that since this law was passed, over 300 dogs have been euthanized.  That animal control is actually going to people's houses and taking their dog(s). 

I am appaulled....c an this really be true?!  I am hoping not.

Lori

Why do pet stores buy from puppy mills?  Profit.  They get the pups at a discount from the millers, then sell them to the misinformed public for major $$.  Have you ever seen the prices pet stores charge for pure bred pups?  Almost always higher than what you'd get from a reputable breeder and many times MUCH higher...espec ially for the rarer breeds.  I don't know about other breeds, but for Bernese Mountain Dogs, you can get them from top notch breeders for around $1200-$1500.  You rarely see a berner in a pet store for under $2500...unless it has been there awhile is is costing the store too much money to keep...then they'll 'discount' them for under $2000.  The purebred pups you see in petstores often suffer from serious health and termperment issues....as NO screenings are done on the parents. 

Please, Please, Please never buy purebred dogs from petstores.  For those of you reading this who do have pet store dogs....please don't take this post as a criticism, you cannot help what you didn't know. Your dogs are every bit as worthy of the care and love you give them...they are the true victims.   But if people stopped buying them from the pet stores, the millers would slowly be put out of business as stores aren't gonna buy product they can't move.  The general public is not aware of this problem and for many people who want a purebred dog...they assume the pet store is the place to go.  The only way this will change is through education.  Please spread the word of these atrocities to your friends and neighbors.  The petstores and millers aren't gonna tell you the truth...we have to get the truth out there on our own!

Sorry for the winded post...this subject is near and dear to my heart.

Lori

I just jumped in on this thread but want to say how glad I am for both you and Cooper.  It is one thing to have an immobile dog, but to add incontinence on top of that...wow you had a tough couple weeks.

I also wanted to say Cooper is gorgeous!  What a handsome (and lucky) boy!

Here is my boy Jack in his usual sleeping position.  I also had to add a cute sleeping pic of my little girl lucy...whose favorite spot is in my letter tray.

Love the sleeping pics!!

Wow, Zero is stunning.  I have never heard of the breed before, but am eager to do some research.  What a handsome boy.