Gun Dog Forum

djswizz

Hi there, Just got back from ND about 1 hour ago. The dog did great! No cramping, etc. He hunted for all 5 days and is just sore like all the dogs were. I didn't do anything out of the ordinary except I used Annamaet's Impact in the mornings and nights. Lots of water (some days with Rehydrate tabs i...

djswizz

BigShooter: It's only the rear legs. Last year, both rear legs cramped up. This past weekend it was his right rear. He's never cramped up anywhere else. Just the rears. As for the food, yeah it was weird but it makes sense. When I played basketball, there was no way I was going to play that game if ...

djswizz

So abandon my half bag of Exceed and try better kibble 1 week away from driving up to ND? Not sure if I'm liking that... I appreciate your message bosco. Great info and you are really puting out an effort in trying to help - it's greatly appreciated. For clarification, I only use maltodextrin after ...

djswizz

But this ONLY happens when hunting for extended periods. Normal exercise, running, field work, etc. this does not happen. I'm going to call up the guy from Annamaet and then talk to the vet.

The good news is that after his muscle cramp, he is good to go again.

djswizz

Got your info bosco. I'll call.

djswizz

I'd be really temped to set up a test situation if possible with blood work before & immediately during cramping to take a shot at identifying metabolic issues. Sounds like a good idea, but not really sure if my doc would be able to offer this. I'll check. I even switched his foods from Diamond Per...

djswizz

Went out grouse hunting on Saturday and Sunday in N Wi. Saturday was going fine (no birds though) and the dog cramped up again. Had him in the car 2.25 hours on the way up there. Not long at all! After about 1.5 hours or so, he cramped up. You could see the HUGE cramp in his right rear leg. He was w...

djswizz

birddog1968 wrote:
djswizz wrote:Same. You have it on too tight.
Its usually too loose that causes chaffing I think......

Hmm... I find it the opposite.

djswizz

Well, some dogs love any food, others are pickier. This food just must taste like crap to your dog. It's fine. I don't like liver and some people do.

djswizz

The first sign of aggression, immediately put her in a submissive state. On the, controlling her, etc. You're the pack leader and if you don't establish rank, she'll try to outrank you. You're not the dominant one and she knows it. Otherwise this won't happen.

djswizz

Same. You have it on too tight.

djswizz

Sounds like the dog food sucks.

djswizz

Ok so after I posted that I bought Danner's, they failed me on my 2009 ND hunt. Feet were wet everyday. Ridiculous. So I returned them and Danner gave me a new pair from their warehouse. Great I thought. I went out last weekend in them for the first time and THE EXACT SAME THING! My foot was in a pu...

djswizz

Bossman27 wrote:that cabela's model looks like it might raw up their arm pits, any problems with that?

Used this protector all year last year. In ND, we used it all day, everyday. Minor rubs and minor wear marks on him.

djswizz

You have to train a dog for the ecollar - I don't think just slapping one on him and going at a full hunt is a good idea. You're going to create problems. I personally like a closer hunting dog. Mine never ranges more than 100 yards away from me. That is the max I tolerate. When birds are running in...

djswizz

I went out to Ottowa Trial Grounds today. VERY NICE area! Will be going back.

djswizz

Good stuff. Heading out to Vernon Marsh this weekend most likely.

djswizz

I'm interested in finding public places near Milwaukee to run my dog to get him in shape for the upcoming bird season. I'm doing a lot of conditioning at home for him and had him in the water all this past weekend, but I want to run him in fields. Some places I found: Theresa Marsh Wildlife Area Jac...

djswizz

It's got to be confinement in the kennel for those long periods. The good news is that I won't have as near of a drive this year as past years. And I'm going to run him around the day we arrive to stretch out, get blood moving, etc.

I also have those rehydrate tablets. Have not used them.

djswizz

Mine gets them because he gets occasional/seasonal allergies.

djswizz

Cool, will do. I'm glad I got a varying of input. I' just want him to do well and not cramp up. That's the goal and I think we'll stave it off this year with all this good input.

djswizz

I hear ya. Mine drinks a ton after the hunt but does not eat or drink well leading up to it. I do know that he will drink unlimited amounts of water when I put in the k9 Superfuel powder into the water. That is my game plan this year as well. Beefy water...

djswizz

I will start the maltodextrin now then since I'm working him hard 3 days on and 1 day off right now. I give him 2-3 days rest before the actual week starts, but I think I'll just ease it up a week before and do light jogs, etc. with him. Nothing strenuous.

djswizz

Yep Greg, I'm going to try that this year. Thanks. I have the time and location on my side leading up to the hunt.

djswizz

I hear you Ezzy. But I did not give complete details about what I do. I don't give additives before the hunt, only a normal sized amount of dog food (maybe a little more). I've done the no food thing before a hunt and debated about that as I know others on here do that, talked with my vet (who is a ...

djswizz

try giving him some dyne before the hunt starts and get him to drink water more often As for the dog food PS Exceed has dropped the fat content to 16 percent on their food and fat is where the energy comes from ..I was just at sams club the other day and looked at a bag and sure enough bags in AZ a...

djswizz

1. I run my dog every day without any cramping and pain. He's a great exerciser, and loves to run. It's only when he's in the field on the first days of hunting out in ND (the past two years). 2. Yes. I just rub him down and walk back to the truck. He gets better with time walking and not running/hu...

djswizz

OK, I have to bite this one in the butt this year and hopefully I can plan to avoid it this season. Here's the deal: For the past two years when we do our annual hunt up in North Dakota, on the first day out on the week long hunt, my dog will cramp up to a point where he is whining and sits down and...

djswizz

dog dr wrote:i just loop one end of a 4 ft leash around the pole of my bike seat, attach the other end to a harness. works great, alot cheaper than $30.

Yeah and that is how you get a free trip to the ER there doc. The attachment systems seem to be MUCH safer. That is the whole idea...

djswizz

http://www.springeramerica.com/

I've heard nothing but great things about this attachment. It will fit any bike! Anyone use one? I'm interested in this...

djswizz

If this were a concern, I'd gladly spend the $100 or so on a vaccine to keep my dog alive and/or protected from something that might occur to him. Outbreak or not... Just like flu shots for humans. But I hear what you're all saying about this... I'm going to ask my vet about it to be sure. He's a FT...

djswizz

My kennel informed me that the dog flu is becoming a concern. It started out in horses in the tracks, but now has moved over to dogs, through Greyhounds I believe he said. Told me that once a dog contracts the virus, it kills the dog in 15 days. Very quick and very painful to the dog. He's seen dogs...

djswizz

Too much money for me. My dad has had a Port-a-Kennel, the standard hard plastic portable kennel, for 20 years. It's been dropped, stowed in a plane, kicked, scratched, etc. and it only costs $30. I could buy 4+ of these kennels for the price of one of these Ruff Tough kennels. Not worth it IMO. The...

djswizz

I had to out of necessity. He was losing muscle/fat. Too skinny and boney, not like his normal self. I didn't start him out at double the amount right away. It's been 3 months now of this. After the first month, I had to increase it a cup and have been doing this since. Now 2 months later, he is sti...

djswizz

Liking that idea Greg. Thanks for this...

djswizz

Tractor Supply now sells Sportmix! I picked up the 24/20 variety this time around so we'll see how he does on it. I am going to feed him 4 cups though. That is double what I fed with Diamond Natural. Might not be saving much after all.

djswizz

Dizz. to put the dogs in the back, build a platform on the supports in the back to give storage underneath and set the crates on top of the platform. Buy a cap that the sides open also. If you use the plastic crates you can get kennel covers to help keep them warmer. Make sure you make provisions t...

djswizz

I'm thinking 05 and 06 year models as I've heard they had issues with the new 07 model year. And yes, I'm looking for crew-cab due to baby on the way... Need room for the kiddos in the back and dog in the bed.

djswizz

I'm sticking with the Toyota. But I'm wondering about putting a dog in the bag for long trips in the cold or heat with a truck cap. That is my only concern. And accessibility of the gear in a bed with a cap.

djswizz

Anyone have any pros/cons on a Toyota Tundra? Still searching for a vehicle...

djswizz

I started my dog on Sportmix in the beginning of October and I'm still on my first bag. I've had to increase his feed amount from 2 cups (what I was feeding with Diamond Naturals C&R) to 3 full cups with Sportmix. He was getting too thin and boney. Otherwise, my dog is doing fine on it. Smaller stoo...

djswizz

mcbosco wrote:Why did you get involved in the discussion? I don't see any added value in your post.

+1

djswizz

Don't waste the egg. Hard boil them, let them cool, and then feed the WHOLE egg to the dog. Yolks contain more than half of the protein and vitamins. The whites are good too, but not nearly as good as a yolk. What do you think a baby chick lives off? Yep, the yolk.

djswizz

Mine has lost a bit of weight as well, but I don't hunt him much. Maybe 5-6 times a fall and one big week in October. I like it because it keeps him trim. BUT, and a big but, he has alot more energy! His stool is super small and he devours it when its in his bowl! He loves the stuff, more than any o...

djswizz

Awesome review chicago. I'm looking at them today, bringing the kennel. The Tahoe is bigger, but bad on gas and not as bulletproof. I'm also not a fan of Chevy. Toyota and Honda have NEVER let me down. I'm considering everyone's reviews though.

djswizz

mattj wrote:You could always throw a Thule on top of the 4runner for some extra storage.

Definitely considering that! Thanks.

djswizz

I'm not buying a new car, just an FYI. They are terrible purchases (a car is NOT an investment). Thus, the Traverse = new car = not considering. I like it though but I'm not paying for a new car. Used only. Under 75k miles. Good idea though!

djswizz

I like the prices on used 4Runners. Good advice there Greg! I've heard nothing but GREAT things on these vehicles. I'm debating though whether it'll be enough room down the road. I eventually want to get another GSP so dual kennels would be good. It's between the 4runner, sequoia, and tundra at this...

djswizz

I am liking the reliability ratings on Consumer Reports for the 4Runner and Pilots. I'm going to hit them up and see if it fits what I need in it!

djswizz

I'm considering a four-door pickup if the SUVs don't meet my criteria. Thanks for all the ideas. Keep them coming. If you have pictures of kennels and your sport dog in them, please post them. I'm interested in seeing how they fit with kennels, equipment, etc.

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