DRAHTHAAR ADDICTION

K-9 Training

I know these are not Drahthaars. The top one is a Belgian Malinois. The bottomt is a Dutch Shepherd in action.
The reason for this post is just to show how proud of my nephew i am. He is the Canine Manager for SLC F.D. He trains and works with dogs all over the country to prepare them and handle them in Urban Search and Rescue situations. He also does live find and cadaver dogs as well. He has traveled all over training and testing his dog Wersley as well as many other dogs he has prepared for other orginizations. He has a Chocolate Lab, a Belgian Malinois and is now in the process of getting a Dutch Shepherd.
He is looking to test these dogs according to the Dutch standard of what they call the KNPV.
Much like the Germans the Dutch have a very strict way of doing things. This is the only orginization that will certify these dogs as Urban Search dogs that have really been put to the test! I think it is really cool that he is getting so into this that he will have to travel to Holland to test and certify these dogs.
Keep up the good work nephew.

Santa Hessian

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM DRAHTHAAR ADDICTION,HESSIAN AND THE HOLT'S!
(poor pooch huh, had to do it)

Training Again

Out to Lee Kay again for some more training with Zac and Mac.
here are a few pics of Jager and Lola by the water. Lola checking out the scenery and Jager, Lola and Hessian doing an example of a 3 dog PLATZ Session. Good distraction!
We were working on getting the pups familiar with water, and see if we could get some swimming in, worked on searching while walking all over not saying much.
I am preparing Hessian for the Breed Show in February. Alot of heeling, trotting, whoaing,platzing and hands on handling. like a judge would do.
I have also been working on Steadiness and Down from a far distance.
Everything seems right on track. Also with the new pups, everything is right on schedule, need to get in some bunny work and time to really crack down for the VJP.

Trapped in the Desert

Went out with Hessian this last friday to hunt down some rabbits for a few guys that need them for their pups. Saw about a dozen but none within shotgun range unfortunately.
While Hessian was searching as big as he does, i heard him yelping in pain, so i ran to his location about 50 yards away and there he was with his front leg caught in this trap. Screaming and pulling, so i rush to him and see the trap, no teeth thankfully. Carefully i open the trap, he yanks his foot out and starts running around me watching what i do. He did not get hurt at all, didn't seem to bother him one bit.
I was really ticked off, Not knowing much about trapping, i've talked to a few people and been on a couple forums. It is legal, and it happens alot, dogs getting caught that is.
Just another thing to keep your eye on when in the field. You never know what you will encounter in the desert. Happy Hunting.

Kennel Question.

I added a poll just above the Post section.
I am curious about something.
I kennel Hessian in an outdoor kennel 6x6x6. Have since he was a pup. I have a small yard and as we all know the drive of this breed, i have always been concerned he would "hunt" his way out.
It is not a problem for I or the dog. He enjoys his kennel and i know he is there when i get home. Besides it has made training easier in my opinion.
My nephew and house mate has a 1 year old dog that he does not crate or kennel for personal reasons. No problem. Just curious on peoples insight as to if Hessian being kenneled, seeing this dog have free roam, in the yard, in the house, in the yard, starts to want to act up, or not always listen so hot cuz he sees this dog free.
Lately he has busted birds on more than one occassion and has started doing the old puppy race car around the yard upon being let out.
Check out the poll above and feel free to comment please.

Bad Dog Chew Toy

Just a heads up not to buy this toy for your Drahthaar.
Not sure if your DD has the same case of the OCD as Hessian but man what a powerful chewer. I had bought this toy for him to take his mind of the Lick Granuloma and in 45 minutes he had destroyed it! Good thing i was there and did not let him swallow any of it or it would have been another expensive vet bill!
Stick with the indestructible Nylabone types.
Petco was nice enough to let me return it.

Lick Granuloma

Hessian has a Lick Granuloma. This is a small sore caused by licking an area constantly. Seems that they start out small and get bigger as time and the licking go on.
The licking is caused out of frustration and drive.
When locked in a kennel day after day, separated from its owner or new things stressing the dog a high prey drive dog has been known to pick a spot and lick away.
The licking is soothing and/or sends endorphins to the brain much like satiating on a bone or toy.
If not treated the dog will lick and lick until the sore is red and infected. There is not much info on an actual cure, just antibiotics and and taking the mind of the area. Even when covering or bandaging the area it has been known for the dog to start licking on another area. The most common area is the wrist area or carpral area.
I have Hessian on Antibiotics now and have given him bones to take his mind off it. But just keep this in mind if you begin to see a pattern in your dogs licking behavior. Thought this might be interesting and help someone out if there dogs develop sores like these.
It took 160 dollars for me to find out.