SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE HAVE BEEN ASKED OVER THE YEARS

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR COMMENTS OR POSE A QUESTION, IF WE DO NOT KNOW WE WILL TRY AND FIND OUT, MAYBE YOU HAVE SOME GOOD TIPS TO TELL US ABOUT.

These are our personal opinions and are not open to negotiation but everyone else must make their own mind up this is just the way we do things here at Kilbourne. Mick and Glenis

Q My Deerhound likes to eat grass - why? and is it bad for them. ?

A. There is no definitive answer as to why Deerhounds grass. Many people have theories and the vets do not always know. Theories range from A upset stomach to the need for roughage in their diets. Grass has no nutritional value for Deerhounds so the most likely explanation is that it is a habit dating back to their ancestors where a certain amount of roughage was required for normal bowel activity. Present-day dog and cat foods contain varying amounts of fiber making grass eating unnecessary. It is most likely an instinct that has just remained with them and not faded away with time.

It is true that too much grass can be irritating to the stomach lining, which can cause vomiting. Although some dogs enjoy eating grass, it is best to discourage them from grazing like cows.

Q what do I do if my dog has taken poison ?

Signs of poisoning may include collapse, muscular twitching, vomiting, bleeding or convulsion. Do not hesitate to contact the vet. Take some of the noxious substance to the vet with you if you know what it is. If the dog has recently swallowed the poison, try to make it vomit. Salt and mustard in water will usually work quickly, or a small piece of washing soda (sodium carbonate) pushed down the throat.

Q How do I clean my dogs ears ?

Ears are one of the most important things to keep a check on as ear infections can be serious, and can start very quickly if the ears are not kept clean. following these simple steps:

To Clean or Not to Clean
If a Deerhounds ears have an offensive odor, or if he has been scratching them repeatedly, you should not remove the stuff that might have accumulated; whatever is there will be able to help your vet find the cause of the problem.

Before a problem starts - practice basic hygiene - we do this once a month.

Do wear rubber cloves so you don't catch your hounds ear with your nails and you may want to do this with another person who can help distract and steady the hound.

Gently wipe out the ears with a cottonwool ball soaked in tepid water. Dont scrub be gentle As long as you've determined that your dogs ears are just dirty and not full of mites or an infection, you can remove the dirt.

Using a cottonwool ball moistened with cleanser, (there are lots of low alcohol cleaners on the market) gently wipe out the inner surface of the animals earflap.
Using several clean cotton balls and only use it in one ear at a time. Stop when you feel resistance — don't try to stick the cotton ball any farther into the ear than it should go. Repeat this procedure on the other ear with clean cotton balls. .
Be sure you remove any foreign matter, whether it's dirt, bugs, or just waxy buildup.

Tip - Do not use q-tips If the hound makes sudden movement you could have a problem with the stick going too far into the ear.
Using cotton balls is much safer; they're much softer and less likely to get stuck in the animals ears.

How do I get started showing my puppy ?

You cannot take a puppy to a show before the age of 6 months of age but your local canine society will probably run a club night or training night. If you dont kn ow where or twho them are the Kennel Club will help. Try to socialise the puppy from the age of 12 months and exspose them to as much of life as you can. Join the local dog club and meet other show people and get advice from your breeder. The Deerhound world is quite a small one so there will be someone who will tuck you under their wing if you are a novice. Never enter more than 1 class to start with and remember it is a game and should be en joyed by all. There will be open shows and companion shows in your area during the summer months, go along and meet people.

Try to practise a little each day with your puppy, never for very long and we find it best to do this when there are distractions rather than if it is quiet. If you can get your puppy to stand and move with you while things are kicking off around it the show world will be easier for them to cope with.

At most championship shows your dog will need to be benched, it is a KC rule, so it is good to get the puppy used to being on a tether - again for a very short time only. We have a hook in one of our skirting boards and we will put a youngster on a benching chain and hook him down on a blanket but again only for a short time each day and often with his favourite treat.

It really helps if a puppy is used to this before he has to be benched at a show. Also get the puppy used to being brushed regularly - we often see people arrivng with ungroomed dogs and doing it at the show, better to arrive in good order so that the dog is comfortable from the start of the show and associates the day with nice things.

How do I join the Deerhound Club?

contact membership secretary here

Are Deerhounds good with cats?

I have always had cats but the dogs are brought up with them and the cats are rather quick!! they have their escapes but in the house the dogs are very respectful. If one of my cats runs they will get chased but in 30 years I have only lost one cat and she was not killed by the hounds but rather run into the ground being trapped in my kitchen with 4 deerhounds having fun. Had she stood her ground they would have backed off. The dogs have to be taught from a young age to respect the cats and good cats are usually well up for swiping at a puppy and the lesson is learnt.

Are Deerhounds good with children?

Absolutely Yes as long as the boundaries are set for both child and hound. We have had 4 children and never a problem but the dogs knew that if one of my kids accidentially stood on them and hurt them the dog needed to apologise for being in the wrong place. You cannot have a unsteady or nervious suspicious hound around children . A hound that reacts can do great damage, fortunately we rarely hear of anyone who has had a problem. Our golden rule is we do not forgive a growl under any cirumstances and the children also know not to tease or annoy the dogs in any way, we did not allow squeaky toys as we just feel this teaches the dog to bite and the squeak encourages it. ditto with the pull toys.

How do I keep the nails on my deerhound short.?

Exercise on hard ground will keep them short if the nail is well arched but some trimming may be needed. We find it better to start the nail husbandry early by taking small slithers off each nail from time to time when the dog is a puppy. Holding the footy and examining it will desensatize the feet and the hound will learn to trust you. If you do happen to slip and cut the quick permanganate of potash will stop the bleeding - you can buy a propriety brand of stop bleed for gentlemen who cut themselves shaving something we keep in the first aid box.

How much exercise does a Deerhound need?

You can over excercise in the early days but when the hound is adult they need good exercise at least 1/2 to 1 hour at each end of the day although if you can do more they will love it.

How do I recognise Bloat?

This one is difficult but believe me you will know it. You sence the hound is uncomfotable and they will often lie in a odd way looking at their rear, one hound we had curled up tight and the only way we knew is she gave a little yip. Some may try and vomit but cannot but there is no golden rule for knowing you just do. Time of of the essence move fast and warn the vet you are coming. I have to say if we ever find a hound full distended we do not try and save it sleep is given quickly as the cure is sometimes worse than the cause. This is a extremely deistessful and painful condition and this should be remembered there is a worse thing than sleep. If the hound is young and healthy and you catch it quickly the prognosis is good.

Do the dogs need boosters?

Speak to your vet

Will Deerhounds chase stock?

Like any dog, YES, unless trained not too,

more to come .....................