Pepper 🌶️

[MichiH]

Great job getting out there! The decoy threat will make or break a lot of them. She needs a fence between her and the threat to say, "hold me back" lol! Dobes are allowed to be dog reactive so it doesn't surprise me she put on a huge show for that dog earlier this week! How old is she again? Confidence can have a lot to do with it. Home turf helps too with the confidence so I'm sure as she gets older she'll be more sure of herself in other environments too the more experience she gets under her belt. You can re-test again in the future!

Thank you! I was really happy we made it out there, finally.

She is almost 2, September 24 is her birthday. I was thinking that as well new place, new adventure, lots of uncertainty, but she did well otherwise. I said to her well, I guess I’d have to beat that man up like I did the racoon too

Thank you so much for the input and advice. I agree, more experience the more she’ll grow. She’s come a long way already with her confidence.

 

[Ravenbird]

You did great - and I remember the judge talking to us all beforehand, and he said if you don't pass, it's not a failure! It's an insight to your dogs temperament and personality, opening the door to help them get through life in our crazy human world.
So proud of you for stepping up to do this with her,

 

[MichiH]

You did great - and I remember the judge talking to us all beforehand, and he said if you don't pass, it's not a failure! It's an insight to your dogs temperament and personality, opening the door to help them get through life in our crazy human world.
So proud of you for stepping up to do this with her,

Thank you, it means so much how you all are so incredibly supportive! Wish we all could meet up and do Doberman stuff. Seriously thank you!

The judge was really helpful and took the time to talk to us after. He knew I was brand new to Doberman testing/comp stuff and I appreciate his kindness too.

We will be back and maybe do more stuff too.

You all have opened my eyes to all the things available to better my Doberman/ our relationship and I thank you immensely.

 

[MyBuddy]

Pepper didn’t pass which is fine! We will do another until she gets it. She scurried off on decoy threat number 5 then went back and scurried again. She was anxious being there, but did well and didn’t mind the other dogs.

Judge was incredibly helpful and kind claimed a lot to me regarding the test. The woman who ran the WAE was also incredibly kind and helpful. She actually lives in my state just a few hours away.

Interesting experience, interesting people. Apparently, Pepper is overweight by a few pounds…

She’s zonked out now and I’m sure overwhelmed by the day. I think I am too haha.


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You guys still did great! I love that picture of her sleeping! Really zoned out! She had a workout! Physically and mentally! You guys make a great team!

 

[MichiH]

You guys still did great! I love that picture of her sleeping! Really zoned out! She had a workout! Physically and mentally! You guys make a great team!

Thank you @MyBuddy

 

[Katyusharocket]

You two are amazing! Just even trying that test shows a lot about what you, as a pair, are willing to try as a team. You've given me something to study and learn about now, and keep my eyes open to see if there is a WAE in my area as Z and I grow together, too. Not that I am limiting taking it to Z. I think it would be amazing to learn how K would respond to it, too, with her working background being so calm.

 

[MichiH]

You two are amazing! Just even trying that test shows a lot about what you, as a pair, are willing to try as a team. You've given me something to study and learn about now, and keep my eyes open to see if there is a WAE in my area as Z and I grow together, too. Not that I am limiting taking it to Z. I think it would be amazing to learn how K would respond to it, too, with her working background being so calm.

Right back at ya! Thank you always for the support and cheering!

It was fun I’d recommend it and you’re right it’s team work. I do feel like next time I can do better too. I was kind of taken back too.

 

[BGpa]

You two are amazing! Just even trying that test shows a lot about what you, as a pair, are willing to try as a team. You've given me something to study and learn about now, and keep my eyes open to see if there is a WAE in my area as Z and I grow together, too. Not that I am limiting taking it to Z. I think it would be amazing to learn how K would respond to it, too, with her working background being so calm.

On BYB Bonnies to-do list, too.
Just for the fun of it.
Thanks for sharing your results!

 

[JanS]

keep my eyes open to see if there is a WAE in my area as Z and I grow together, too

I believe they offer it at she spring show near Cambridge since that is a DPCA sanctioned show. Or at least they used to offer it.

 

[Ravenbird]

I believe they offer it at she spring show near Cambridge since that is a DPCA sanctioned show. Or at least they used to offer it.

Here's the link on DPCA to scheduled events, boxes to select states, year etc.

Working Aptitude Evaluation (WAE) | DPCA

dpca.org

 

[MichiH]

 

[Katyusharocket]

Using this chart, with that photo, I would call her a 5. She looks great to me. Katyusha was at a 6 when her vet told me that 6 wouldn't forecast any health problems, and that since she is a therapy dog, leave her there, because older ladies would scream at me that I am starving my dog if I got her back down to 5.

 

[MichiH]

Using this chart, with that photo, I would call her a 5. She looks great to me. Katyusha was at a 6 when her vet told me that 6 wouldn't forecast any health problems, and that since she is a therapy dog, leave her there, because older ladies would scream at me that I am starving my dog if I got her back down to 5.
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Thank you I was thinking so an 5 as well and then she looks like she’s got a bulge on sides of hips , but I don’t see it in her photo.

I did cut her back a 1/2 cup of kibble and less topper on her meals. Just to see if it does anything.

When I told this said person she had 3 cups of kibble a day she laughed at me and said wow don’t follow the bag.

Most of the dogs I saw had incredible hip tuck - ribs going up to the hips. Not sure that’s the correct term for it. They were also very long and muscular. Again, she’s still a pup and euro which I thought made them stockier?

 

[JanS]

I did cut her back a 1/2 cup of kibble and less topper on her meals. Just to see if it does anything.

When I told this said person she had 3 cups of kibble a day she laughed at me and said wow don’t follow the bag.

They're all different and have different food requirements. I judge by the body condition and Olive is getting 2.5 cups/day to maintain what I like so that's pretty close to what Pepper is getting.

 

[Katyusharocket]

They're all different and have different food requirements. I judge by the body condition and Olive is getting 2.5 cups/day to maintain what I like so that's pretty close to what pepper is getting.

This is what I do, just watch the dog, adjust a little, wait and see. With Katyusha, I have to change her food amount based on the season, more food in the temperate months, because her activity levels increase from the months when we are frozen inside. I am guessing I will see the same thing with Zastava once her growth levels out.

 

[Ravenbird]

she laughed at me and said wow don’t follow the bag.

This kind of behavior at a show is what would send me though the roof. Was it a stand alone WAE or part of a Doberman breed show? Totally rude. They wonder why they're losing people...

It's hard to tell from that photo, a side view standing up would help. And I know how much trouble you had with getting her to keep food down, not have the poops & pukes. She's about 2 now I think? That's when the metabolism slows down because the bones, the muscles, the skull, the organs are all about the size they ever will be. Now is filling out whatever never got enough growth because that whole body was being grown which took a ton of energy and every calorie she ate! So if 3 cups was the ration for the last year, it's time to cut back because she's not burning all those calories, unless you've added some exercise/work outs/training. I use my eyes and hands: I like to feel ribs but not see them. Our breed should have a decent tuck up in the flank - that's how they are built. Recent photos from @remy shows a thicker dog, even though I don't think he's Euro, so it's more body type. I thought I remembered Pepper as being more compact so she may have a body type like that and just look stout with out being overweight. You'll have to be the judge, but it's much easier to put weight on than take it off once they quit growing and especially after she's spayed. Reckless got her food cut back after spaying and she still put on weight.

Any way, more than anything I'm mad someone was so rude to you. If you want advice you've got all of us here!

 

[MichiH]

This kind of behavior at a show is what would send me though the roof. Was it a stand alone WAE or part of a Doberman breed show? Totally rude. They wonder why they're losing people...

It's hard to tell from that photo, a side view standing up would help. And I know how much trouble you had with getting her to keep food down, not have the poops & pukes. She's about 2 now I think? That's when the metabolism slows down because the bones, the muscles, the skull, the organs are all about the size they ever will be. Now is filling out whatever never got enough growth because that whole body was being grown which took a ton of energy and every calorie she ate! So if 3 cups was the ration for the last year, it's time to cut back because she's not burning all those calories, unless you've added some exercise/work outs/training. I use my eyes and hands: I like to feel ribs but not see them. Our breed should have a decent tuck up in the flank - that's how they are built. Recent photos from @remy shows a thicker dog, even though I don't think he's Euro, so it's more body type. I thought I remembered Pepper as being more compact so she may have a body type like that and just look stout with out being overweight. You'll have to be the judge, but it's much easier to put weight on than take it off once they quit growing and especially after she's spayed. Reckless got her food cut back after spaying and she still put on weight.

Any way, more than anything I'm mad someone was so rude to you. If you want advice you've got all of us here!

I just reacted with kindness and felt so out of place because this was new to us both. Stand alone WAE at someone’s house. I literally got out of the car said hi met their dogs and then got Pepper out. I asked if I could bring her out because I wasn’t sure how that worked. First thing was where is her crate?! She wore her car harness and I had her crate in the back for back up. It was just so bizarre. Then when Pepper got out it was her being overweight to what do I feed her and hers are so muscular because they hike so much.

Now if I was worry and wasn’t so overwhelmed I should have said some stuff back. For instance I’m not sure that woman even took walks by the look of her…

Now I had some other things said to me by others which again was so odd. I was told to get off the course because the judge was talking to me too much. I said he’s actually being very helpful and explaining to me how this all works - because Pepper didn’t pass and yes she is 2 tomorrow.

Thank you for the insight on the food as they age makes total sense. I did cut her back and we are still normal on our activity, which I think a good amount.

I do think Pepper is more compact and stout. I do see that she is similar body type to Remys body type, besides the fact that he is much taller and a male size wise.

Reducing already and will keep that up. Her heat is almost here so I’m sure that’ll also mess with her weight and lack of exercise because she’ll be pooped.

But yeah the way I was treated for no reason really makes me not want to go to anything dog wise. I will say the woman who hosted it was amazing so sweet and helpful! She explained it all to me on the phone and I thanked her when we met.

And of course you all are always beyond helpful and kind . Love you guys!

 

[MichiH]

Just took this we are up way late working on this kitchen - moving in!

 

[Katyusharocket]

But yeah the way I was treated for no reason really makes me not want to go to anything dog wise.

Please hear me and Z out. The Hibbing area AKC ATT and FDC folks are not what you found at your local WAE. We hope you'll come test.

 

[Katyusharocket]

Just took this we are up way late working on this kitchen - moving in!
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Pepper Pampelmousse is just fine.