I read on antoher site that this is a bad idea. It would effect the senses of a dog. Does anyone have an opinion?

Affect the senses how? Like they wouldn't be able to smell as well or something?
We have all our animals, from parrots to horses, microchipped and haven't noticed any problems. But our animals don't "work" so I can't attest to that.
I do know of one SAR unit who has all their dogs microchipped and it doesn't seem to affect their performance.
I am really curious about how it would affect their senses.
I used to work for a company that pioneered this technology for animals and I never heard any rumors about this.
Any one with any more info?

I read it on a site called Dogmen. They also mentioned that it floats in the body. i talked to my vet and he said he has never heard us such mentioned. I had it done to my pup and have not noitced any difference. I was just wanting to get some other opinions on it.

My GSD also has a Microchip and I have not noted any differences at all. I am about to have one also put into our older mix whom is an escape artist. Was there not something about the dogman site in past posts? I recall Ed saying something about these folks passing misinformation. Perhaps I am wrong.

phillipe,
I have resisted getting our older dog microchiped because of a comment made by our vet. I was told there are two separate chip technologies in the market and currently there is no standard for a "scanner" ...meaning that if the dog is lost, whoever finds him may not be able to detect the chip unless they use the scanner particular to that chip.

Do you know if this is still the case, or has that changed?

Chris-
Personally, I wouldn't trust anything I read on the Dogmen site. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> I don't care to have anything to do with Dogmen or anyone affiliated with them. IMO, a wise person will stay far away from anything to do with them.
If you want more details about these guys just ask Ed; I'm sure he'll give ya an ear full.

Auster is chipped and there is absolutely no difference. She's a show line (foo foo) shepherd so if it reduced drive then she'd have absolutely nothing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> . I would have the cat done, but then I'd have to find a new vet (very bad kitty).

There are two different chip companies, but there are now universal scanners. Auster has an AVID chip. One of the chips doesn't last as long as the other (I think it's the other one) but I don't have the specifics on hand; I was just told this by the vet tech I used to work with.

Thanks Lauren!

If there is now a universal chip scanner, then I will have our older gsd microchipped. (The younger one is tattooed, so I don't think I need a chip...)

I am not sure which chip my GSD has but I was told by my vet that all the animal shelters, spca etc in the area have a scanner to read the chip should he be found or picked up (yes he has tag and collar also but those can come off). Lauren
My GSD also has a tatoo (right ear has his SV registration #) but most shelters would not know that with that tatoo # the breeder can be located and the owner, so I also opted for the microchip. I think the chip program is called "at home again". I think in the pamplet it said the chip is good for 14 years, can't remember I will have to check the pamplet.
I see I was right about the dogmen site. Was there not some of their people kicked off this board?

OK I will chime in with the little info I have. Please remember this is just from memory and I am not a representative of the company.
I worked for AVID when they were relatively new, must be 8 or 9 years ago now. At that time it is true that the competitor chip( I think that is the "home again", I forget the company that makes it, i think it is some medical company or something like that maybe Shearing Plough?) and the AVID chip could not be read by the same scanner. That has since changed however and most scanners out there can read both.
The chips can quit working but it is rare, also they can migrate from the implantation site. The biggest problem when I worked there was that the people scanning were not skilled at locating the chips. Shelters are given the scanners for free and are given a reduced cost on the chips.
I don't recall hearing that one brand outlives the other or anything like that.
If you need any more information I am sure I could get it. My mom still works at the vet hospital owned by the vet who started and still runs AVID.
There used to be a lot of misconceptions about the chip, like it was a lojac for pets or something but that is not true. It only works if the person who finds your dog has a scanner and remembers to scan. AVID did develop a tag to go with the chips that had the number printed on it however, when I put it on my dog(about 5 years ago I think) she quickly rubbed off the number. I don't know if they have changed that or not.

I would never rely on it exclusivly, but think it is an added bonus in recovering your animals. When used in conjunction with tatoos and collars etc.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />