Dog owners' guide to Heidelberg

[anichka 2]

I dunno, he's been at the park before and watched other dogs wade in. I've been really surprised that he doesn't seem more keen on swimming since he was bred for it.

 

Thanks for the info on insurance. I had insurance in Britain, and I had done some searches here on the forum and it seemed like the consensus was that it was a waste of money. The insurance I had in the UK covered vet bills, but the one you are talking about is only if he causes harm, correct? Do you have any recommendations for companies?

[rhody 3,170]

The company I use is Gerling. I always thought the general consensus was that liability insurance was a good thing to have. Yes, the insurance only covers damage done by the dog and does not cover health. The biggest example given is when a dog runs across the street and causes some cars to collide. The dog owner can be made responsible for causing the accident and pay for the damages. Perhaps rare but could be expensive in the long run. It also covers damages to rental properties by animals as well although that doesn't apply to me.

[Bipa 5,814]

Errr... I think we're talking about two different types of insurance policies. I don't think that vet/health insurance for dogs is really worth it, but liability insurance is not only a good idea, but required if you want to take classes or join a club. And some cities and municipalities are beginning to require it for all dog owners, too. I don't think you have to have it by law in Heidelberg, but I'd get it anyway. It usually costs around 65-75 euros per year per dog. Can't remember which one we have, but I can look it up if you want.

 

I finally took the plunge and clipped Joey. Biggest problem I had was that he kept wanting to lie down and turn over which made doing his face, back and neck a bit problematic. But clipping his feet and stomach was no problem at all. I did it outside on an old kitchen table and didn't use any restraints. He didn't seem uncomfortable and didn't try to jump off the table so that helped a lot.

 

The clipper I have is an inexpensive Chinese one which is currently on sale for 36.90. It came in a cute carrying case with 4 combs, recharging stand, little brush and oil etc. You can use it cordless or directly plugged in. For comparison, both Oster and Moser are 100+ euros.

 

You can buy a new blade head for about 10 euros if this one gets dull. The clippers can be set from 0.8mm to 2.0 mm, and then the add on combs are 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm. I did Joey's chin and beard with the 12mm, and his body with the 3mm. I started with the 6mm and felt he was still quite shaggy, so I switched to the 3m. Now I think I'm finally getting the hang of it better, but still need more practice. Thank goodness Joey seemed to treat it like a massage and didn't cause any fuss at all. Helps that the trimmer isn't really loud, so it didn't seem to bother him.

 

The battery did run out on me, but I'm a slow beginner and took a long time to cut Joey. They say the battery should last 40 minutes, which seems about right. I think I took about 1.5 hours, with a break to recharge it. I plugged it in and went away and after 2 hours it was totally recharged again. Didn't check so don't know how long it actually takes to fully charge up.

 

Here are before and after photos. I still need to do a little clean-up with scissors, but I'll do that tomorrow.

[anichka 2]

He looks great, Bipa!

 

Looking at this thread reminded me that I need to register pup here very soon. Will have to make it priority next week when I have access to a printer at work. We're loving it here so far. Found a nice place to eat and sit outside last night, waitress brought him some water, and then we walked along the river down to O'Reilly's. More sitting outside. Saw lots of dogs off leash downtown, too. I would be too scared to let him go right now.

[rhody 3,170]

Looks good Bipa - you could open your own doggie salon. I agree, the health insurance for dogs is not worth it but the liability insurance is a must have. I think it is pretty clear that they are two different insurances.

 

Taking dogs to restaurants and pubs is one of the things I love about Germany. I always take him for a long walk first so he is nice and tired and sleeps under the table. I never have him off-leash in downtown HD because I can see him running over to another dog to play and potentially knocking someone over on the way. :)

[Bipa 5,814]

FYI: I got delivery yesterday of a set of two Karlie agility hurdles and am really pleased with them. Decent quality and comes in a carrying case. On sale now for 29.90 euros. That's just a bit more than the usual cost of a single hurdle. The picture shows it in yellow, but mine have blue support poles and yellow cross-bars.

 

I also made my own so now I have three. As soon as they restock I'm also going to get the proper slalom poles. Gonna be a fun summer! B)

[anichka 2]

Nice. I am really hoping to find a place with a patch of grass. Most of the places I've seen advertised have a "shared garden", so I don't know that I'll have much luck with setting up my own agility area. Have to find out about a club once we get into permanent housing. He's just coming up to the age where he can do these sorts of things.