question regarding tatoo - Page 1

my gal is only 11mos old. i never thought it was required in the trial when i first went to see how trial runs.

when judge was checking tatoo of every dog i was totally surprised and scanning micro chips provided by the handler.

i'm trying to take her to club to start with the basic title so would i require to do one out of two.

if so which would be the best at this age.

if i get micro chips then should i need to buy scanner just for the trial purpose?

sorry, learning curve....

thanks good to hear.

For most Schutzhund events, if your dog is not tatooed, and you are using microchip for positive ID, you are required to provide the reader when you present to the judge.

if you tattoo, you will either have to use anesthesia or have it done in the thigh and then be able to teach your dog to show that area ( not so attractive in trial setting).. if you tattoo the ear, it hurts like crazy.. i have had and done a couple dogs when I've had them under for xrays..... we do pups at 7 weeks and they scream, i hate it, hate it, hate it!!

There is a good link on the USA website for a reduced price on a scanner... www.germanshepherddog.com

Tatooing the ear is really not a big deal.  11 months is a good age as well since the ear is nice and grown, there is plenty of area to get a nice visable tatoo.

There is no need to put the dog under or give anesthesia, sorry DKiah I have to discagree with you on this.  I have seen many many dogs tatooed in the ear, and it takes about 2 seconds and then its done.  Most dogs act like no big deal once its over.  Its the same processes as humans getting their ears pierced, it is a quick pop and smear of the ink.  Sure there is a yelp, but seriously the dogs is totally fine in less than a minute.

Sasha was tattooed at 12 months and I get compliments quite often by judges, "Nice Tatoo"

Patty Garcia is really good, she is in Modesto it is worth taking a drive out there, she has tatooed many many dogs.

I have both tattoos and microchips.  Most clubs now a day have a scanner for club use.  If you choose not to tattoo then you can use the chip, and probably get away with not buying a scanner unless you plan to compete nationally,  then I would have my own, but even there several people have scanners.

No need for any sort of anaesthetic either local or general for a tattoo at any age!

Takes a couple of seconds.

It is easier to do the younger they are as the ear is not quite so thick, but none of my dogs that were tattood at a year old have even needed a muzzle!

is there any better place in bay area that i can take then....

Tattooing a dog of this age in the ear can be a big deal if using the traditional pincher method of doing the ear tattoo.  There is much more vasculature in the ear of an older dog as opposed to a puppy, and the cartiledge is fully formed.  This makes the ear more prone to damage, infection and hematoma... which can cause the ear to go soft... than in puppies.  Sure, sometimes it works out fine, but other times there can be problems.  I personally would not do a pincher type ear tattoo in an 11 month old dog, and know some official USA tattooers who will not either, for the same reasons.

Doing a tattoo in the ear, or anywhere else, using a tattoo pen would be the best option for a dog of this age.

If you microchip for ID, there must be a scanner on hand. Some clubs provide these (usually borrowed from a breeder or vet friend), others do not.

Also, the permanent ID requirement applies only to purebred GSDs who's scorebook lists the dog as a purebred GSD.  It doesn't apply to other breeds, mixes, or purebreds who's scorebook says "mix".

is it a difference between using old method tatoo and pen method....sorry i don't have much knowledge about these things.

or i can put the chip, i guess this might be the easy option .....

i don't think there are any place i can rent the scanner during the trial, correct....either from the club itself but i find my club doesn't have their own but i saw one member had her own personal....

Stone Manufacturer has nice .300 tattoo pliers kit where you can purchase 1 set of A-Z and 1 set of 0-9 for like $75 plus shipping from different companies. Then, you can use the kit to tattoo any dog/puppy you own now or will own later.  

I just got through tattooing a blk/red WGR show 15 1/2 mos old male last Friday, and did a 16 mos old black mostly working female just a few days ago. The hardest part-them not liking being restrained. They didn't react much to the 'clamping' and their tattooes are looking very clear and nice. I own both dogs, so I know how they reacted before, during and after. Proper placing in the center of the ear and not down where you're getting into the special  groves and ridges in the ear. They've got PLENTY of ear flesh at 6mos+ to do one appropriately with minimal problems.
Doing pups is a little touchier due to them being smaller and thus their ear surfaces being smaller, but it can still be done. Pups I've tattooed squeal when initially clamped, but have forgotten it within a few minutes after its done. We've never had issues with ears standing for tattooed ears, either. I've learned a system-one person holds the puppy and I alcohol the surface in prepping. Then I waste no time-I get the ear in one hand, place the tattooer in the appropriate position, clamp firm and release. Then I use a rollerball tattoo ink and quickly  fill the tattooed area liberally with ink, rubit in with a finger or two for a minute, and leave it for about a week like that-has worked fine every time.  No excessive bleeding or any problems yet. Always properly clean all equipment before and afterward with rubbing alcohol and put away dry.

I have heard of microchips migrating within a dog's system down into their chest area and other places as the dog gets older.  Never have to even think about such with a tattoo.

Male tattooed at 15 1/2 mos old last Fri-note green ink still noticeable in this pic taken 3 day after tattooing.

We also tattoo dogs for breeders & owners ...of ALL ages...........NEVER had a problem!    The older dogs require more restraint at times,.........but we've never experienced any "health or physical traumas"..........