Dane DispatchNov2017

More documents

Recommendations

Info

SAGDA: Are deaf Danes quieter (bark less) than the ones that can hear? Henri: Hell No!! They bark more and louder. You can’t yell at them to stop - you need to get up, touch them and give the sign to be quiet. Like naughty teenagers they often turn their back on me and continue barking - cos “if I can’t see you sign at me, I can continue” SAGDA: How does training a deaf Dane differ from training one that can hear? Henri: The training methods might differ, but the basics remain the same. You need to be consistent, praise, be patient and reward all the time. The big difference is that you need to get eye contact in order to give a hand signal. I never punish with my hand or a rolled up newspaper etc. I use a spray bottle with water (water ONLY, no added vinegar or other substances) A quick spray works wonders and they get to know the bottles - now I only need to reach for the bottle to stop unwanted behaviour. I teach a number of simple commands like: come here, sit, down, no, good job, out, stop, quiet and a unique sign for each dog’s name. I walk my dogs “off lead” all the time, they have learned to “check in” with me every couple of minutes so I can signal what I want. SAGDA: Lots of people shy away from taking in a dog once they find out it is deaf. What is your opinion on this? Should they shy away or is it not that difficult to keep them? Henri: Difficult one. Taking a deaf dog is really not for everyone, but it can be so rewarding. They are like any dog, but you need to consider all the other health problems that are associated with the genetic deficit. I have 2 defies that have epilepsy - the most horrible thing to see your dog having a seizure. They have a higher risk for certain cancers and may not live long, sight problems, skin problems etc. So before making the decision to take in a deaf make sure that you are prepared to deal with and manage all these other deficits, and costs. Be prepared for the frustrations that come with not being able to talk too your dog, you need to spend time touching them , getting up to get their attention - perhaps one need to spend just a little more time with them. I will aways take in another deaf Dane. I have had the privilege of having 8 defies at one time in my house, I have had the heartache of losing 2 at a very young age due to cancer. Don’t let the fad of “owning” a deafie cloud your decision to take one in. Be prepared to put the work and time in to really offer them a great home. 12
SAGDA: Have you had a Dane that is both deaf and blind? If so, how do you train and communicate with them? Henri: I have never had a blind and deaf dane, but I have a boy with very poor vision. I use hand and touch signals to communicate with him - a real happy chappie. SAGDA: Anything else you want to share with people? Henri: Some Myths All white danes are deaf - FALSE All deaf danes are white - FALSE All deaf danes carry the double merle gene - FALSE Deaf dogs don’t socialise well - FALSE (I have a pack of 10) 13
Page 1 and 2: DANE DISPATCH November 2017 For the
Page 3 and 4: INSIDE THIS ISSUE: What’s new in
Page 5 and 6: he end of 2016 and early 2017 has s
Page 7 and 8: Multiple Best in Show winners for 2
Page 9 and 10: New Champions for 2017 Photo by Coe
Page 11: SAGDA: Why white Great Danes? What
Page 15 and 16: Ice appeared to be a happy and comf
Page 17 and 18: By Shannon McKay To fully understan
Page 19 and 20: How does that work? Normally just a
Page 21 and 22: GDV actually stand for ”Gastric D
Page 23 and 24: 23
Page 25 and 26: Our mission is clear: Rescue, Rehab
Page 27 and 28: “We educate to overcome ignorance
Page 29 and 30: Colours expected in ethically bred
Page 31 and 32: Adverse your Kennel here! Contact i
Page 33 and 34: Vice Chairlady - Margie Lamprecht a
Page 35 and 36: Committee Member ~ Chantel Porelli
Page 37 and 38: Committee Member - Thirusha Padiach
Page 39 and 40: Website Facebook Group SAGDA - Sout

Dane DispatchNov2017

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?