Thank you Phillip, his bed is uneven because its a quilt and he plumps it, the
lameness does move from limb to limb and he does walk normally on a lead. We
have recently had to change his diet to a dried food after vets advice so it may
be that. Thank you for your quick response and I will keep you informed. Adele

tavey_the_dogsblls <philip@...> wrote:
--- In dobermaneuropeclub@..., "adelembennett"
<adelembennett@...> wrote:
>
> Hi can any one advice me. Diesel is a 7 month old Dobi who was bought
> from a reputable breeder. He has had short bouts of lameness in
> different legs lasting from one day to a week. He sometimes forgets he
> is lame when he thinks nobody is looking but when a treat is on offer
> he can become crippled.He never wimpers or expresses any pain. He has
> been checked by the vet who cant really explain with out doing really
> expensive tests. (we are insured) but as there is no pain and hes been
> manipulated believe me I wonder does anybody know if this is a "Dobi
> thing" or are we looking at a puppy that knows how to work his owners.
> I would be grateful all advice
> Regards
> Adele
>
Hi Adele!
First off, let me tell you that I am not a dog psychologist, but having
owned four Dobermanns, I think I know their behaviour traits. None of
my Dobes have ever had the intelligence to "manipulate" me in the way
you describe. They certainly have the intelligence to learn to do
certain things for reward, but they don`t think the way humans do. I
think it`s safe to say that no dogs do.

"He sometimes forgets he is lame when he thinks nobody is looking but
when a treat is on offer he can become crippled".

This sounds to me that the injury is only excaserbated when he gets
excited, or moves quickly. If this was my dog I would check some
things. You may have done this already, so forgive me if it sounds
repetitive.

1. Pads and paws. Check for debris all round the paw, including between
the toes. Check nails by applying slight pressure to each in turn.
2. Is the "lameness" in one leg only, or does it appear to move from
limb to limb.
3. What is his bedding made from? Is it an even surface? What is his
pen floor made from? Is it an even surface.
4. When on a lead, does he walk ok?
5. What are you feeding him? Check levels of protein. They should be in
single figures.

Let me know how you get on.
Philip






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