Male dobies act like hyperactive teenagers until they are at least a year old but do not mistake that for a lack of intelligence. It only took me one try to teach him to run out and get the newspaper. However, if it was raining...he's no dummy.[b said:Quote[/b] ]Most male dobies seem like they have ADD
As a genetisist I have to argue against that for the simple reason that they are not allowed to evolve to that point naturally thanks to the selective breeding enforced on them at the hands of man.[b said:Quote[/b] (indymental @ Jan. 31 2006,1:48)]If they didn't need parts of their ears or tails they would be born without them. Anyone who thinks they should be cropped should have their own ears done first to see how it feels, maybe that would change their minds.
[b said:Quote[/b] ]Everyone I know who's had one they were very gentle dogs (until you knocked on the door-or table just for fun!)
That does not excuse cropping a dogs ears, it is barbaric. If your dog is one that suffers from recurring ear infections and there is no other way then maybe then, it should be considered as an option, but not all dobies will suffer from ear infections and so it is not necessary. You wouldn't have your newborn babies tonsils adenoids and appendix removed at birth because there is a possibility they will cause problems later on would you?[b said:Quote[/b] (Pyro @ Jan. 31 2006,4:06)]There are very good reasons for cropping the ears of some dogs, Dobies in particular are very prone to persistent, debilitating ear infections if their ears are not cropped.
Actually in a way it does. Like I said, I personally do not advocate the practice but there are cases where it is necessary for the good of the animal.[b said:Quote[/b] (indymental @ Jan. 31 2006,5:49)]That does not excuse cropping a dogs ears, it is barbaric. If your dog is one that suffers from recurring ear infections and there is no other way then maybe then, it should be considered as an option, but not all dobies will suffer from ear infections and so it is not necessary. You wouldn't have your newborn babies tonsils adenoids and appendix removed at birth because there is a possibility they will cause problems later on would you?
I'm not trying to knock anyone who does this, I'm just trying to understand why it is necessary.
[b said:Quote[/b] ]If your dog is one that suffers from recurring ear infections and there is no other way then maybe then, it should be considered as an option
Actually I think it is barbaric to circumcise boys just in case of infections, fair enough if they have suffered any and are considered to be particularly prone to it, but each case should be considered seperately and not just done as a matter of course. Most times these days it is done for religious reasons and not for health reasons. So it is only a minority of boys that are circumcised anyway.[b said:Quote[/b] (Pyro @ Feb. 01 2006,11:22)]Is it "barbaric" to circumcise a boy to prevent him from getting serious infections under the foreskin that could cripple him, render him sterile or possibly kill him?