AboutLabman Expertise housebreaking, feeding, training, grooming
PLEASE DON'T SEND ME MEDICAL OR BREEDING QUESTIONS. An internet forum is not the appropriate place for them. Even if I could tell what was wrong from a handful of symptoms, you would still need to get the medications from your local vet.
Breeding should be left to those not needing to ask simple, basic questions. Books have been written about it. Rather than ask me a question, start reading. Those unwilling to do the work it takes to produce quality puppies should spay/neuter their pets at 6 months. I will not answer questions that sound like a poorly prepared breeder.
Experience
Past/Present clients I have been around the net a long time answering questions including the general dog area of All Experts. I recently discovered a lack of good experts under many specific breeds. I don't have as extensive experience with the GSD as Labs, but still can give good answers to most questions.
I try to base my answers on carefully proven methods confirmed by my own experience. Much of what I know about dogs, I have learned raising a puppy every year since 1991 for a large dog guide school. I am familiar with several similar programs. Nobody is in a better position to know dogs, need ones with long, active life, and share what they know, than the service dog schools. In addition I have done extensive reading. My answers have much more to back them than the limited experience any one dog owner can have.
Expert: Labman Date: 7/14/2008 Subject: German Shepard floppy ear
Question I just adopted a 4-5 year old german shepard/collie mix. I noticed that he can't hold up his left ear. It just flops around, but his right ear is perfectly erect. I don't believe its an ear infection because he hasn't been shaking his head and when I touch the ear it doesn't appear to be sensitive. Is this something that needs vet attention?
Answer I doubt there is much the vet can do. It varies how soon, but most erect ear dogs' ears eventually stand up. A few don't. it may be a behavioral thing. Some time when you are in something, you might ask the vet about it. Sometimes they can do surgery. If you haven't had him to the vet yet, a check up and get acquainted visit might be a good idea. Take any medical records you have.
