February 17th 2009 6:08 am
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The Catahoula Leopard dog originated from the Nordic wolfhound. In 1979 the Catahoula dog was made the state dog of Louisiana. You will find the Catahoula leopard dog is considered a herding dog. There typical features are white and black further that is rather spotty. They have a sleek form, with plenty of muscle. These dogs have a long tail, thin legs, and droopy ears. They can be white and tan as well. The coat is short, coarse, and usually tight to their bodies. You may mistake them for a mixed Labrador based on their appearance and frame. The Catahoula leopard dog is usually 55 to 80 pounds making them medium sized. You will also find they are 20 to 26 inches in height.
Like most herders the Catahoula leopard dog offers a wonderful temperament for families. They are independent, protective, and territorial, but extremely affectionate with their family. Their characteristics make them good for herding and watch dogging. You will find they are aloof with strangers. Since they can be independent they are not recommended for new dog owners or lax owners. They are best with an active master they can get respect from. You will also want to check with a dog breeder regarding children and other pets with the Catahoula leopard. Their temperament typically asks for older children, and only larger dogs rather than small pets.
Grooming and other care is very important for any dog. You will find that for the Catahoula leopard dog grooming is often easy. The short coat just needs to be brushed once a week to remove dead or loose hair. They can be bathed twice a year if they get dirty. You should trim their nails on a regular basis and check their teeth. You will find the Catahoula leopard dog sheds an average amount of hair a year.
When you provide the proper care for your Catahoula leopard dog you will find they live for about 12 to 13 years. Some health ailments they are prone towards include hip dysplasia and deafness. You will also find that they can have eye issues such as tunnel vision. In some cases these dogs have contracted cancer, but they are not considered genetically predisposed. For proper care you need to provide a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Since the Catahoula dog was breed for herding they require a pretty high protein diet. You should check with a breeder or your vet for the best food. A dry food that is high in protein or a natural diet may be best.
For exercise you will want to ensure that they have daily walks and a yard. They do not do well in apartments for the most part. They need to get at least an hour of exercise if not more than that on a daily basis. The Catahoula does not do well when they have been tied up to a runner or placed in a kennel. It is best to spend a lot of time with this breed and avoid eight hours of being gone. The dog does better when you provide them with a lot of attention both indoors and out. Exercising should be a combination of things such as toys, running, jogging, and walking. Training is also important. They need to be socialized early as well as given obedience training. You may take a combination of training, play, and walks to help get the proper exercise.
February 12th 2009 10:57 am
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Have you ever noticed that when your dog gets older there are behaviour changes? It really is like people. As your parents get older or you get older you notice that there are changes in behaviours and of course health, which is just like what your dog is going through. This article is going to examine the various changes an older dog can go through. We will look at maturity and aging to help you understand your dog a little better. The genera life span for any dog is going to be 9 to 15 years. Part of the reason for such a short or long life span is the breed, but it is mostly the actual care they have received in life. It’s just like a human. Someone who smokes is usually going to have a short lifespan than someone who didn’t. In the same the more exercise one typically gets the longer you will live. So when you think about your dog’s life span consider their lifestyle and health throughout your care. It is important to have preventative care over fixing each problem as it arises.
Aging of course is not preventable. Every dog is going to age. There are some breeds that have more diseases that are common to their health and sometimes those can’t be prevented, but knowing the possibilities can at least help you take the proper care. Part of prevention is making sure they have their vaccinations on a regular basis. Some of the vaccinations are going to be your choice. For information on those you should seek an article dealing with vaccinations and the proper schedules. There are some vaccinations that are state mandatory. Vaccinations are just part of prevention. Good nutrition is another method. If you are providing the healthy foods at all stages in life your dog is generally going to be healthier. This means that you take care for the proper food such as protein, carbohydrates, and the minerals your dog needs to grow healthy. Some of the generic foods are not going to have what is needed. So just double check the label.
Exercise is of course very important. When you offer daily exercise for the type of dog you have you will see their health continue. Basically all dogs require a certain amount of exercise. Some of the dogs require just short walks and playing around the home, while others need at least a half a day of playing outside in a large field. The proper exercise even for an older dog can help keep up the health. Old dogs do like to play and walk, but sometimes they may have health issues that take away from the length of exercise they can handle. While you may feel you are doing them a disservice by making them exercise you are actually helping them even when they are a little ill or have arthritis. They need the little bit of play and exercise. You just don’t want to go overboard.
The other part of preventative care is going to be cleaning their teeth, grooming them and checking their ears. First with the teeth you want to make sure they are not getting gum disease from a lack of proper cleaning. Gum disease can lead to the falling out of teeth and while this is common in older dogs, a healthy diet and care can make this happen less frequently. Grooming your dog is very important as well. As long as you can keep his skin and coat healthy you will avoid skin infections. When the skin begins to look dry, thin, or brittle they can experience health related diseases. You will usually find sore spots and body odor from not taking care of your dog.
October 30th 2008 4:36 am
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When you are training for agility there are a few tips that will help you and your dog succeed. We all know that some training is required for obedience as well as socialization, but agility is a specialized training that can take you and your dog further. There are some dogs, small and large, that have more ability for agile work or play. When you offer the obstacles, jobs, and other exercise they tend to be happy dogs because they are getting what their intelligence requires. Often agility training is thought to be for dog shows, police dogs, or even for guard dogs, but the truth is it can be for any dog you want to make happy and have fun.
The first tip for agility training is that you should work the dog on both sides of the handler. In other words you are going to make sure the dog watches you from both sides and that in one segment you practice with the dog on your left and then switch this can give them the mental capacity to be able to move with more fluidity. For example when you are working with examples you don’t want the dog to understand where the owner is in relation to the obstacle. Instead they need to be shown the owner can be anywhere.
Often times your dog is going to be very excited during training. This can work against you in some cases. You want to make sure they follow your lead and you need to make sure they stay at the same pace. You want to make sure the dog can handle the obstacles and the course, but don’t let them push you through the work and don’t push them. Some dogs need more time to grasp concepts. Patience will always win out over irritation when you have commands and agility they need to perform and understand.
Motivating your dog is very important as well. Some dogs need more motivation. There are several ways to provide motivation. You can change out the obstacles and the course for a highly intelligent dog that gets bored, you can provide treats for a job well done, or you can offer toys to get them going.
Consistency in agility training is needed. Some dogs lack the confidence to perform, but they tend to do so for their owner. The more work you provide and the more you are affectionate and caring when they complete a task right the more they can feel proud and begin to improve. Dogs can be very sensitive and they pick up on disappointment. Always try to help your dog feel the best.
You also want to watch that you don’t over train. Overtraining when a dog experiences issues with an obstacle can make them avoid the course, get discouraged or provide less enthusiasm. It is best to work a course and work on problems at a good pace, but also to realize when the dog needs a break from something they don’t get right away.
When you are working with agility training it is important to remember that a dog will only remember the training as long as you continue to work with them. It is not a good idea to provide just one day a week with agility training. You should supply two or three sessions a week that are short. You don’t want to over work the dog either. It can be both stressful and become boring.
For agility training you will find that it is not necessary for all dogs or proper care, but for those dogs who love to play, and have jobs agility training can keep them happier and more fit.
October 23rd 2008 10:40 am
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Our dogs need us to care for them. This care includes vaccinations, proper food, and exercise. The article is going to talk about the vaccinations dogs are usually given. In some cases with new dog owners or owners that have listened to vets we don’t really know what the vaccinations are that are required or given throughout their lives. It is important to know what each vaccination is supposed to do and whether your dog really needs it. Most of the time we just listen to the vet, but there is some evidence that over vaccinating your dog can be more harmful. You may also find that there are certain schedules your vet keeps your dog on. Below you will find a list of some of the common vaccinations to make sure your dog is getting what they need and not being overly vaccinated.
The first vaccination that is usually given to our dogs is the distemper. The distemper shot prevents a fatal disease that often shows signs of respiratory distress before causing seizures and death. The disease is also called distemper and it is a virus that will affect the dog. The fact is distemper can continue to reappear, which makes it important that your dog receive a shot through various stages in their lives to prevent the disease. Often times this is disease is marked by loss of appetite, discharge in the eyes and nose, vomiting, fever, lethargy, and paralysis of the limbs before death sets in.
Kennel Cough viruses are another type of disease you need to have vaccinated. This type of disease affects the bronchi and trachea of the dog giving them a loud, dry cough. It is not a fatal disease to contract, so the vaccination is usually optional and the disease can be treated after infection. You may consider not having this vaccination for your dog, unless you are in an area where there is a high rate of the disease as it is very infectious.
Leptospirosis is a serious disease that is usually vaccinated for on a schedule throughout the dog’s life. It affects the liver and kidneys of dogs. Larger dogs are typically going to be more susceptible to the disease so you will have an option of not including it in their regiment of vaccinations. It is also a very uncommon disease. When the vaccination is given it is usually in combination with other vaccines.
Parvovirus causes serious dehydration, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. It can result in death. The virus affects the white blood cells in the dog causing a compromise in the immune system. Some breeds are more susceptible to this virus and therefore veterinarians recommend it for those breeds. Two of the most common breeds are the Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler. Again the vaccination can be subjective for need. It is recommended that any dog breed more susceptible to the disease have the vaccination on the usual schedule supplied by the veterinarian.
Lyme Disease is another disease that most dogs are vaccinated for on a specific case. Lyme disease is more prevalent in certain areas, such as the warmer climates; therefore any dog that lives in a warm, humid climate or is traveling to one may need to have the vaccination. Lyme disease is serious arthritis and lethargy in a dog. There can be repeats of the disease once a dog has been infected. It is not fatal and usually antibiotics will help the dog get over the disease, but as a precaution certain areas were the disease is more prevalent require the vaccination.
October 21st 2008 4:34 am
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When you are training for agility there are a few tips that will help you and your dog succeed. We all know that some training is required for obedience as well as socialization, but agility is a specialized training that can take you and your dog further. There are some dogs, small and large, that have more ability for agile work or play. When you offer the obstacles, jobs, and other exercise they tend to be happy dogs because they are getting what their intelligence requires. Often agility training is thought to be for dog shows, police dogs, or even for guard dogs, but the truth is it can be for any dog you want to make happy and have fun.
The first tip for agility training is that you should work the dog on both sides of the handler. In other words you are going to make sure the dog watches you from both sides and that in one segment you practice with the dog on your left and then switch this can give them the mental capacity to be able to move with more fluidity. For example when you are working with examples you don’t want the dog to understand where the owner is in relation to the obstacle. Instead they need to be shown the owner can be anywhere.
Often times your dog is going to be very excited during training. This can work against you in some cases. You want to make sure they follow your lead and you need to make sure they stay at the same pace. You want to make sure the dog can handle the obstacles and the course, but don’t let them push you through the work and don’t push them. Some dogs need more time to grasp concepts. Patience will always win out over irritation when you have commands and agility they need to perform and understand.
Motivating your dog is very important as well. Some dogs need more motivation. There are several ways to provide motivation. You can change out the obstacles and the course for a highly intelligent dog that gets bored, you can provide treats for a job well done, or you can offer toys to get them going.
Consistency in agility training is needed. Some dogs lack the confidence to perform, but they tend to do so for their owner. The more work you provide and the more you are affectionate and caring when they complete a task right the more they can feel proud and begin to improve. Dogs can be very sensitive and they pick up on disappointment. Always try to help your dog feel the best.
You also want to watch that you don’t over train. Overtraining when a dog experiences issues with an obstacle can make them avoid the course, get discouraged or provide less enthusiasm. It is best to work a course and work on problems at a good pace, but also to realize when the dog needs a break from something they don’t get right away.
When you are working with agility training it is important to remember that a dog will only remember the training as long as you continue to work with them. It is not a good idea to provide just one day a week with agility training. You should supply two or three sessions a week that are short. You don’t want to over work the dog either. It can be both stressful and become boring.
For agility training you will find that it is not necessary for all dogs or proper care, but for those dogs who love to play, and have jobs agility training can keep them happier and more fit.
October 5th 2008 12:00 pm
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There are many aspects of care that we must concentrate on when we have a dog. They depend on us to provide the proper food, exercise, and grooming. There are many articles out there about what is best for your puppy or dog, but how can your really tell the difference. The idea is, if you have more information about what is available regarding the proper care the better decisions you will make. It is hard to determine the proper diet for any dog. Some dogs require different diets because they are susceptible to intestinal issues. So what is right for your dog? We are going to look at alternative diets for dogs. We’ve discussed in the past the types of dog foods made at processing plants, and glossed over the natural meat idea.
When you are looking for a proper diet for your dog you want to make sure the food has all of the enzymes and protein your dog needs to grow healthy and keep those diseases away. It is always best to search for a natural food that doesn’t contain any preservatives. There have been a couple of ideas in the raw meat and home cooked diets, but are those really right for your dog? You may be exposing them to other illnesses.
For the proper diet you have to consider what types of food are used in any of the diets. Commercial dog food is typically created with meat and by products that are not suitable for human consumption or that we will eat. This means that they are turned into dog food. This doesn’t mean the food is actually bad. In fact most of the plants take the time to carefully prepare the dog food ingredients to make sure the products are good for consumption. You dogs need calcium and that can be provided in the bone meal a plant will grind up. The thing about commercial dog foods is that not all of it is the same quality. You have to find a brand that doesn’t load the food, with calories and not enough vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates. Most often the cheaper brands are not going to be the best. The specialized brands tend to spend a little more time in the preparation to make sure the dog is getting the meal they need.
When you prepare a home cooked meal or hand out raw meat you may not be providing the dog with the essential ingredients that they need. It is important to read books, talk with your vet, and find as much information about these alternative diets before signing off on the commercial foods. You need to be very careful about the meat your buy and prepare. Raw meat often has parasites and other disease that can actually harm your dog. This is why we usually cook our meats as well, to kill any bacteria. So, you may find raw meat is out of the question depending on where you can get access to such foods. When you do a home made diet you also have to make sure that you are preparing the meal according to the instructions and that you are taking care with all of the proper nutrients and protein.
There really is no sure answer as to whether the alternative diets or commercial food are better for your dog. It is usually a case by case basis to make sure all dogs are healthy and happy. It is also in how much time you care to offer to feeding your dog and how careful you can be with the alternative diets.
October 5th 2008 11:58 am
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When you own a dog or are thinking about adopting a dog you are usually concerned with several factors. One of those factors is going to be the proper health care for your dog. There are many veterinarians to choose from when you live in a city, and most often you have one or two choices in a rural area or small town. When you are adopting a pet it is important to seek a qualified, licensed vet to help you care for your dog. In this article you will find some tips for choosing a veterinarian for the proper care of your dog.
First you want to make sure that you speak with a couple of vet offices in your area. You may even want to speak with coworkers or friends who have dogs to get a suggestion. You may find they have the best vet in town.
Most often we seek a vet that is close to our neighborhood to save gas and in case of emergencies. Remember that proper dog care is finding the right person to help you care for them and not necessarily the savings you can find in various areas.
You will want to compare the cost of vet visits for the clinics you research. Some vets are just out there to make money offer of procedures, and don’t care as much for the owners and dogs as they should. These are rare, but it does happen. When you compare the cost of the visits you can usually find someone who is willing to take proper care for the right cost.
You will also want to check their credentials. Ask the vet questions about their education background, where they went, and where their staff may have gone. These questions can help you feel more comfortable about providing the proper care for your dog.
You will also want to ask about proper vaccinations schedules. In some cases you may find that there are two many vaccinations given to dogs. It is important to ask what the vet thinks and do a little research to make sure you aren’t giving too many or too little to your dog. You should also check with your state or community because they set some of the vaccination schedules.
Ask the vets during the interview process what procedures they may perform at the clinic. Some dog breeds tend to have genetic diseases or other diseases they are prone to. If you know your vet is qualified then they can help suggest the proper diet and care for the dog. For instance Old English Sheepdogs are prone to hip dysplasia and most vets recommend shortening the tail to a nub. This procedure can go wrong and then you end up with more problems. It is best to know what the vet has been qualified to do and specializes in.
You will also want to know about their emergency procedures and whether you have to find an emergency hospital for dogs. It is best to stay with one person if you can, especially if the dog becomes hurt. They will recognize the person and feel more comfortable.
Part of dog care is dental hygiene. You may want to find a place that incorporates dental work, grooming, and regular vet visits into one location for the convenience and to make your dog feel more comfortable.
October 3rd 2008 3:55 am
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There are many aspects of care that we must concentrate on when we have a dog. They depend on us to provide the proper food, exercise, and grooming. There are many articles out there about what is best for your puppy or dog, but how can your really tell the difference. The idea is, if you have more information about what is available regarding the proper care the better decisions you will make. It is hard to determine the proper diet for any dog. Some dogs require different diets because they are susceptible to intestinal issues. So what is right for your dog? We are going to look at alternative diets for dogs. We’ve discussed in the past the types of dog foods made at processing plants, and glossed over the natural meat idea.
When you are looking for a proper diet for your dog you want to make sure the food has all of the enzymes and protein your dog needs to grow healthy and keep those diseases away. It is always best to search for a natural food that doesn’t contain any preservatives. There have been a couple of ideas in the raw meat and home cooked diets, but are those really right for your dog? You may be exposing them to other illnesses.
For the proper diet you have to consider what types of food are used in any of the diets. Commercial dog food is typically created with meat and by products that are not suitable for human consumption or that we will eat. This means that they are turned into dog food. This doesn’t mean the food is actually bad. In fact most of the plants take the time to carefully prepare the dog food ingredients to make sure the products are good for consumption. You dogs need calcium and that can be provided in the bone meal a plant will grind up. The thing about commercial dog foods is that not all of it is the same quality. You have to find a brand that doesn’t load the food, with calories and not enough vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates. Most often the cheaper brands are not going to be the best. The specialized brands tend to spend a little more time in the preparation to make sure the dog is getting the meal they need.
When you prepare a home cooked meal or hand out raw meat you may not be providing the dog with the essential ingredients that they need. It is important to read books, talk with your vet, and find as much information about these alternative diets before signing off on the commercial foods. You need to be very careful about the meat your buy and prepare. Raw meat often has parasites and other disease that can actually harm your dog. This is why we usually cook our meats as well, to kill any bacteria. So, you may find raw meat is out of the question depending on where you can get access to such foods. When you do a home made diet you also have to make sure that you are preparing the meal according to the instructions and that you are taking care with all of the proper nutrients and protein.
There really is no sure answer as to whether the alternative diets or commercial food are better for your dog. It is usually a case by case basis to make sure all dogs are healthy and happy. It is also in how much time you care to offer to feeding your dog and how careful you can be with the alternative diets.
September 17th 2008 4:49 am
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Dog care can encompass many different things from supplying the right food to the actual health of your dog. There are several things that you have to be concerned with when you own a dog. For instance ticks are extremely pesky insects that will latch on to your dog’s skin and cause several different issues from heart disease, blood disease, and heartworms. You should know that all dogs can have problems related to ticks, which makes the proper care of your dog extremely important. We will look at what you can do to avoid ticks getting on to the skin of your dog and what you can do for proper grooming when you do spy a tick. There are also removal methods that you should learn about.
First ticks tend to survive in a few places including woods and moist areas. You will find that tick season is generally going to be in the warmer months of summer. When you live in the UK you will find that most dogs will only need to be treated for ticks in the summer months, where as if you are in the south portion of the United States you will find they have to be wary of ticks for at least six months out of the year because of the warm weather. Ticks generally leap from trees and bushes as a person or dog walks by crawling up the body. Ticks are usually found around the ears or neck of the dog. In some cases they may be found further along the body, but most often the neck is harder for the dog to kick the insect off and they can latch on. Ticks are very prolific creatures and left alone on the skin for too long can create babies that will hatch. A tick will latch on to the dog’s skin by using its legs and then burying its head underneath the skin to suck the blood.
To prevent ticks from getting onto your dog’s skin you should avoid certain areas, during the summer season. You should keep your dog out of tick areas such as the woods or moist areas like puddles and such that generally also have fleas. This is the best prevention method. You should keep to the streets, sidewalks, and open areas. There are also medications that can be used to prevent ticks from actually latching on. Instead it will kill them almost instantly. These medications are usually like the flea medications and are administered by a liquid to the back of the neck. In fact some of the medications are combined with flea medications. These medications need to be administered once a month during the height of tick and flea season to prevent health issues to your dog. These prevention methods and of course common sense is extremely important to keeping your dog healthy.
Now let’s look at some of the methods for removing ticks. Ticks that have been able to latch on to your dog’s skin can be difficult to get rid of. During your normal daily grooming you should always look through the hair with your hands to look for insects. With ticks you don’t just want to brush the dog’s hair and hope for the best. You will find that using a brush can remove the body of the tick, but leave the head, which can be dangerous. This means that you really do need to look around the head and ears of the dog to make sure that you see the ticks before giving the coat a good brush. You can use a few methods for removal. If the head is not buried you can just remove the tick with tweezers. If the head has been buried you may need a little heat or certain types of oil or medication that will cause the flea to loosen the head and enable you to pull it out with tweezers.
September 14th 2008 12:08 pm
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Have you always had trouble with clipping your dog’s nails? Many of us try to find the method that works best for clipping our pets nails. For larger dogs it can be a little harder to hold them during the process if you are doing the nail clipping yourself. It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that there are methods you can use to help the nail clipping process run smoothly, but before we get into that let’s look at a few other things first.
Dogs can be very stressed out when you go to clip their nails. They tend to hate the fact that you are getting near them with something sharp and touching their sensitive paws. This stress that they go through can be very upsetting and cause other behaviours to occur. They may try to bite, hide, or just generally give you grief. There of course is the option of having a second person to help you and hold them down, but this is a rough and unnecessary method.
When you are talking about nail clipping for your dog you should first realize that starting at an early age is going to be the best option. Few dogs like the nail clipping process, but those who are exposed as puppies and receive nail clippings on a regular basis tend to do a little better with the entire process. You should also be concerned with their mood. Have you ever tried to clip a dog’s nails because it was convenient for you? This could mean that you have someone in your home to help you or you are in a hurry to get it done, but the dog is not in the proper frame of mind. When you consider clipping your dog’s nails you should catch them during a nap or when they are about to take a nap. Most dogs wake up energetic from a nap and are extremely energetic when you have just gotten home or when they need exercise. These are definitely not times to try nail clipping. You should make sure the dog has been exercised and that they are ready to relax before you start trying to clip there nails.
When you clip their nails you do want to have another person to help. They can assist you in calming the dog as you do each one of his or her paws. You will also want to have plenty of dog treats with you. You probably should offer a treat after each foot or some type of reward such as a head and ear rub or something they particularly like.
Going back for a moment to starting as a puppy is one of the best methods you can have. When the dog is used to the clipping or that young you can usually train them for the behavior you desire. It is best to work with the dog and talk with the dog. Have your dog give you a foot. Then you can take and massage the foot, showing them that it is not all bad for you to touch their feet. Once they are used to the massage and the touch you can add the clippers. If they begin to become stressed you can stop, ask them to sit or give them another command and help them to relax. Most often once a dog has been trained for the nail clipping they will be a bit more relaxed and willing to go through the process. The second person can assist you in helping them relax by offering head rubs and other treats they may enjoy.
Dog Accessories
September 12th 2008 8:14 am
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The Chinese Crested dog breed is one of the smaller breeds and considered in the toy breed group. Their name speaks to the origins of their breed, and it is unknown precisely when they began. They have a hairless body that makes the warmer climates more important to their over all health. You will find the Chinese Crested has actually two coat variations. There is the Powderpuff that has a long coat and then the hairless. The hairless Chinese Crested dog is rather easy to groom since they just need attention to their feet, ears, eyes, and skin. The Powderpuff breed needs extensive professional grooming for most owners. They need to be brushed on a daily basis to avoid issues with matting and tangles. The good thing is the Powerderpuff doesn’t shed that much. With the hairless Chinese Crested you have to make sure to apply suntan lotion when they are going to be out in the sun to avoid skin issues. The size of the dog is usually 5 to 12 pounds, and 11 to 13 inches in height. These dogs can be any color.
The character of both Chinese Crested breeds is similar. You will find they are sweet, energetic, and full of love. They are also very intelligent animals in that they can climb and dig holes. They can also learn tricks. Despite their size they rarely bark or nip. You will find them obedient, happy, but aloof with strangers. As a new dog owner you will find this is one of the best breeds for the care and simple pleasure they can give. You will need to enroll them in obedience classes, but they do learn well. Another thing to consider is socialization during puppy life and adult life. They can be timid dogs and need to be around strangers to help them be well adjusted. They are also great with children.
For training you will find they are intelligent and eager to please. This means they will love agility training or any sport training you provide. You must have a consistent, yet firm hand. Harshness is uncalled for during training. You will also find these wonderful dogs can learn several tricks and have even been apart of some circus acts in the past.
When you are considering the proper care for you dog remember it is important to understand that each will be slightly different. The hairless Chinese Crested is going to need more attention when they are outdoors to make sure their skin doesn’t dry out or burn. They can develop skin issues and cancer if you are not careful. For proper feeding you should provide small meals at least twice a day. The meals should be high in protein. You will also want to check and make sure the food you provide is healthy for them and not synthetic. For exercise you will find the Chinese Crested needs regular play sessions and short walks. Their tiny bodies can’t handle an hour of walking, but a mixed bag of exercise is often great. They do really well in apartments so you don’t have to worry about having a small yard. As long as you provide plenty of toys you will find your Chinese Crested to be very happy. You should also keep them indoors during harsh sun, and cold weather as they do not do well. Taking care of your dog is very important and as long as you understand the needs of your Chinese Crested you will have a long life together.
January 25th 2008 4:48 am
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Your dog is very important to you. For, this very reason you want to keep your dog in the best health. Grooming your dogs is the most important care you can give to your dog after you see to their basic needs. Dog grooming keeps their skin healthy, the dead hair away, and the matted hair down to a minimum. Think of grooming kind of like you would a horse. A horse needs to be brushed after you ride them to remove the dirt. A dog needs to be brushed every day to remove dead hair, matted hair, and the dirt. You will find a few tips on how to get your dog to cooperate.
First your dog needs to understand who the master is. They also need to enjoy the process. So you have to make it as painless as possible. You may teach them that there is a certain hour and place that grooming will occur on a daily basis. This helps with consistency and making sure they are understanding what you need from them.
Once they are cooperative you can start your daily examination. First you need to make sure there are no cuts, fleas, rashes or bumps. They may have other types of bugs hiding in their hair. Some dogs are more prone to diseases like cancer or skin rashes so you need to keep up with grooming to make sure they don’t have anything you should seek a vet about.
During this process you will need to brush the dogs coat. Depending on the type of dog you have you will need to have a few different kinds of brushes. A fine tooth comb generally takes care of the bugs they may have.
If you are in a prime tick area you will also need to search their fur for the bugs. Ticks are one of the hardest bugs to get rid of because you need to use tweezers and even alcohol to remove them. Ticks bury their heads under the skin so just using tweezers may not be enough. Sometimes if you just pull gently back and forth to loosen the head and then pull firmly you can remove the tick without incident.
You will also need to check the ears, feet, and teeth daily. You are going to be looking for cuts, potential injuries, tumors, or other lumps during this process as well. You want to make sure, especially when left alone, that they did not get hurt. There are many dangers when you leave them alone in the backyard from sticks, bugs, and other things that could harm their thick skin.
Dogs love to chew on things and though their teeth are quite hard they still have problems with tooth decay and can harm their teeth. Part of the grooming process is making sure they get regular cleaning. You may brush their teeth at home and take them to the vet for teeth cleaning once a year. (Depending on vet recommendations)
Your dog’s feet are also important. You will have to clip their nails every two to three weeks. You need the dog to be placid during the grooming so teach them to sit and lift their paw for you. That way you won't nip an area or clip too far down on the nail. You need to understand just where to cut. The dog has a blood supply to their nails, which if you clip with bleed and hurt the dog. Before clipping their nails make sure you know where the quick is, which is the nerve.
January 24th 2008 4:33 am
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When begging to teach your remember the most important things are consistency, rate of reinforcement and motivation. Consistency would be always giving the dog the same signals dogs love consistency and it will make stress levels go right down and produce far quicker results.
The rate of reinforcement is how often the dog is rewarded when starting to teach a new behavior the rate of reinforcement should be very high. The rate of reinforcement should gradually come down as the dog begins to learn the behavior until the rate of reinforcement is very low. A high rate of reinforcement will also encourage faster behaviors thought motivation.
One of the biggest aspects to any dog training whether it be obedience, agility, fly ball or just general behavior obedience the most important thing is the dogs motivation. The dog must love to do what you're asking of it when this is the case the dog will work fast and highly accurate. A dog that has little or no motivation to work will be very slow and de-motivated making any training extremely difficult. Forced behavior which is where a dog is forced into the behavior will often produce a de-motivated dog in cases where dogs have been forced into behaviors the best thing to do is simply start from scratch with very high levels of reinforcement.
Reinforces to use:
Toys are the number one way to train dogs they produce highly motivated and highly obedient dog. When dogs love there reward and associate it with fast exciting situations then dogs will always work well.
Food is also a motivator often used I personally would always avoid using food for training as it produces a dog that becomes dependent of constantly being fed.
Clickers are a way of reinforcing a dog's behavior with a simple click rather than the reward itself. This is a good way to train as it produces very quick results. The dog is being reinforced down to the millisecond getting through to the dog exactly whets excepted using a consistent click at the same consistent point when the desirable behavior is shown.
Motivation, consistence and the rate of reinforcement are three huge factors in training any dog. I hope through reading this guide you have learned how to train your dog more efficiently while producing a happier dog.
January 23rd 2008 3:36 am
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As you can imagine there are many hounds that have been used for fox hunting and other hunting over the years. In the UK most are familiar with the foxhounds. The American foxhound is really just another breed of the UK foxhound that has been adapted. If you are looking for a lovable dog that will want to play, exercise, and have a generally good time in your back yard you may be interested in the American foxhound.
The American foxhound looks much likes it UK counterpart in that it has the same color pattern and body type. You will find the American foxhound is a little taller and a little light in the body, but they are still about the same. The height of this foxhound is 21 to 25 inches with 65 to 75 pounds. They have straight bones adding to the height and making them a bit more agile as foxhounds. They have floppy ears, a long tail, and thin legs. They are usually white with black spots, and a brown head; however they can be just about any colour. The American foxhound was breed from the English descendent and the French hound.
The foxhound has several wonderful qualities including hunting, tracking, being a watchdog, and a trail dog. They are a hardy breed, which means they have a lot of energy to expend and love to have some type of job or game to play during the day. They have been used as pack dogs as well. You will find they are not good around other pets like cats. Their instincts are to chase and they can end up harming the other pets. They do okay with other dogs, but again this depends on the breed of the other dog. They can do well with the same breed. You will find they are not the best of dogs to have around children or novice owners. However with the proper training in socialization and obedience they can be in family homes. Training will be difficult as they are a stubborn breed. As long as you are firm, but gentle you should have no difficulty in further training after obedience. They are often a barker, so you may need to train them when to bark and when not to bark. They are very friendly, loyal, and energetic pets to have in your home. You will find they do better in outside kennels and should not be placed in apartment living.
For proper care of your foxhound you will need to have a small or large home with plenty of backyard. The foxhound likes to run around during the day and play. They also need attention from their owner. They should not be left alone for long periods of time. Exercise should be given daily, especially long walks. Usually two to three walks a day are needed. Typically if you provide the right care they can live for twelve years. They are prone to some health conditions that are genetic like hip dysplasia and bone problems, but on the whole they are very healthy. Grooming is important on a weekly basis. The short hair requires a brushing to remove dead or loose hair. They should only be shampooed when necessary as they have sensitive skin. They are an average shedder all year long, so it helps to brush them often. For nutrition it is best to supply them with a high protein diet, with little meals throughout the day to prevent weight gain.
January 21st 2008 2:56 am
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Did you know that there are a lot of private owners of search and rescue dogs? Well there are. Many people find they need to do something during catastrophes and because they love dogs they decide to adopt and have a dog trained for search and rescue. If you are interested in adopting a search and rescue dog or just in knowing how to care for one you will want to read the below article.
Search and rescue dogs are very hard working heroes. They can work in earthquake aftermaths, hurricane rescues, and even as water rescue dogs. They are very loyal, lovable, and determined dogs. They also require special training, handling and care above other dogs. You will find that most often a search and rescue dog will go through training on a daily basis to make sure they have not forgotten any skills and to keep the dog’s minds active. In some cases new training is added. As a private owner of a search and rescue dog you have to keep them in tune. This means you need to go through the class with them, and provide as much support and skill to the session as they do. You should also know that a search and rescue dog usually thinks of the training and actual rescue situations as play. This means that if they aren’t having a little fun, and being useful they will want to quite- in other words it is too much like work.
There are certain dogs that work really well as search and rescue dogs. First the dog have to be a good tracker, hunter, hound, and good swimmers. Since dogs often have to smell for blood, or human scent they have to have great noses. This means that bloodhounds, Labradors, German shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, and St. Bernard’s are usually the best. Golden retrievers are also really great at working as search and rescue dogs. Keep in mind that the dog thinks it is a game; for the owners you have to be sure you can handle the issues you will be dealing with. Most people are great in rescue situations, but some individuals may have lasting problems of the death and destruction they have had to deal with. So it is not just find a dog to go with the owner, but making sure the owner can handle the job required as well.
Most of the time search and rescue handlers are volunteers, like the private dog owners we have been discussing. This means they show up when they can and must also be physically fit. They are going to be training with the dogs, working a lot of hours at a seen, and of course need to have a handle on rescue criteria for survival as well.
Training as mentioned above is very important. You can not just watch a video and say “I have a search and rescue dog.” In fact what you need is a training facility that will help you learn how to be a handler as well as how to train the dog. You must have certification as well as rescue equipment. Training will last for the dog’s lifetime in the service. This means that you must keep up with the training on a daily basis and be extremely committed. Search and rescue dogs are heroes and so are their handlers, but remember you should be fully prepared for the tasks at hand.
January 20th 2008 4:57 am
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Your dog is very important to you and I bet you have treated your dog carefully, making sure they have the proper nutrition, exercise, and of course love. Even owners who spend all their time trying to prevent cancer in their dog will be shocked to find out that their dog has cancer. In some cases you just can’t prevent cancer no matter how careful you are. In these cases you just have to learn how to care for your sick dog and understand the progression of the disease to help treat it. With brain cancer you will find there really is no cause science has been able to find. They believe that brain cancer is usually a result of a genetic disorder in the cells that allow them to mutate and form.
Brain cancer or meningioma is a tumor cell that can form in several areas of the brain. The cancer can form at the base of the spine, or any part of the brain. The cells will mutate and the cancer will grow if left untreated. You should know that this type of cancer is malignant. This means that the cancer will continue to grow in the brain until the dog either dies from the cancer or from the pressure on the brain causing an aneurism. It is important that you know and recognize the early symptoms to prevent suffering and of course death of your loved one.
Symptoms of brain cancer include personality changes, stress, aggression, shyness, or depression. They are also appetite changes, lethargy, lameness, muscle twitches, eye and facial issues, coordination problems, bleeding in the nasal cavity, respiratory issues, and heart problems. The early symptoms are usually related to the appetite, weight loss, and personality changes. As the brain cancer progresses you will see more changes and of course extremely muscle weakness. The brain is the center for all things in the body. If a small section is affected it can through off the other functions of the body such as the liver, heart, lungs, and immune system. Sometimes brain cancer is a result of another cancer forming somewhere in the body and moving through the blood cells until it creates a second mass on the brain. Some of the symptoms will be determined by the location fo the actual brain cancer.
As I mentioned above there really is no known prevention making the treatment for your dog extremely important. You will have a few choices in treatment and therefore care. Surgery is often very difficult on dogs with brain cancer as they have to go in to remove the actual mass. This can cause lasting effects, so most often an owner will decide care and medication are the best choices. There are medications that have been created to prevent the actual mutation of cells. Keep in mind that the medication usually does not reduce the cells already formed; therefore you may need to try radiation or chemotherapy with your dog to reduce the cells that have already formed and prevent the cells from re- growing. If you choose medication and radiation you will need to make adjustments for care. The dog will need a different diet, more care from you while you are home, and less exercise. Exercise is important, but when they are feeling ill they tend to want to lie around. So allowing for more rest is as important as short five minute walks. You also need to realize that they can be sick from the treatment so they need you to be there to help them get over the vomiting and other issues of the treatment.
January 19th 2008 3:52 am
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There are certain diseases that dog’s can have during their lives that can cause many problems in their overall health. With hypothyroidism in dogs their endocrine system tends to suffer the most. The endocrine system regulates things like temperature, weight, memory, muscles, and a few other things. We are going to explore the symptoms of hypothyroid disorder in dogs including symptoms, causes, and treatment to help dog owners to better understand what their dog may be going through.
The dog breeds that are most commonly affected by hypothyroid include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, and Greyhounds. In some cases these breeds may be affected by the counterpart, which is hyperthyroidism. You should also know there are two types of hypothyroid disorder in dogs. First autoimmune thyroiditis is where the immune system actually attacks the thyroid gland; in the other case you have lymphocytic thyroiditis which is where the gland fails to produce enough of the thyroid hormone to regulate the body. You will find that in each case the symptoms and treatment will be the same.
Symptoms of hypothyroid disorder can be a little difficult to diagnose by the unsuspecting owner as there are several reasons some of these symptoms may occur. The first in the short list of symptoms is hair and skin changes. You will start to notice that your dog is shedding more. There are inadequate levels of thyroid hormone for hair to grow which means it will begin to grow sporadically over the body and they will lose hair. Most areas that are affected by this hair loss are the legs, and back. You will also find that the dog’s hair will become scruffy, dull, and flaky. The skin is another clue. Most often dogs have sensitive skin, but in the case of thyroid disorders they can gain more irritations, in some cases they may have black pigment growing on the skin around the groin area. They will also have itchy areas and allergic reactions or infections. The toenails will become less strong, and they tend to break off or have infections.
Infertility is another symptom of hypothyroid disorder. With females the cycle they go through becomes erratic. This means that it is very hard to gauge when they will be in a fertile state or be in heat. Often times they just pass over being in heat. They may also display a false pregnancy. With male dogs you will see low sperm levels or a decreased desire to mate.
Weight is another area of hypothyroid disorder that is affected. Most usually it is hard to understand the weight gain a dog will experience with this disease because diet, a change in exercise, and other things can cause a weight gain and you may not always notice the weight gain. These are the most common symptoms to look for, but what causes the actual hypothyroidism? The cause is largely undetermined. It is thought to be a genetic disorder, but we don’t really understand why some dog breeds are more commonly affected by this ailment. The most common treatment for hypothyroid is a medication that will synthesize the actual thyroid hormone the dog is not producing. The vet will have to work with the dosage until they get it on the proper level, but the dog can live a relatively normal life by taking the medication every day. In some cases medication for a few months may be enough to help regulate the thyroid into producing the hormone again, but most dogs will be on medication for life. They should be tested every six months to make sure the thyroid levels have not changed or if they have to change medication appropriately.
January 18th 2008 1:53 pm
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Dogs are one of the most wonderful pets you can add to a home. Not only do they show a lot of affection, but they can also be therapeutic for children with issues. Dogs should be loved and treated well, but as we all know that is not always the case. There are over 12,000 cases of animal abuse in the abuse database. Of that amount you will find that more than half is usually dog abuse. We may feel badly about the dog abuse that has been inflicted, but if you are considering going to a rescue shelter to adopt one of these dogs you have to be prepared for certain ramifications. Dog abuse even though it is physical can have lasting psychological effects on the dog. We will explore some of the psychological effects for dogs that have been abused below.
First dog abuse is usually considered to be yelling, screaming, hitting, or injuring the dog in some way. This means that most often dogs who have suffered abuse will have at least some type of psychological effect from verbal abuse and may also have physical damage. In some cases physical damage can actually leave the dog handicapped for the rest of its life or at least with severe health problems. When adopting an abused dog you have to be prepared to take care of all aspects, especially the health issues they may have. So, if you feel you are prepared for the physical demands of the dog care needed for abused dogs let’s look at psychological effects.
Psychological effects generally present themselves as shy or aggressive behaviors. The behavior of the dog may also be extremely destructive to your physical property. Let’s look at the shy behaviors first. In most cases the dog will shy away from being touched or petted. They will hide under beds, in closets, or other spaces they feel you will not notice them in order to keep them from being harmed as that is what they were trained to recognize as human behavior. In some cases the dog may latch onto one person of the household. Typically if the dog has been abused by a male they will be extremely shy and will not approach or be in the same room when a male is present. It is the same if the abuser was a woman. In some cases the dog may stay in the room, but they will not allow the gender of the person to pet them unless they are sitting down. For an example a German Shepherd mix was abused. The history is unclear, but it was plain to see the dog was abused by the behavior of avoiding any large man in the room unless they were sitting down. Only then would the dog hesitantly approach to be petted, even though the dog had been in the vicinity of this person for several months.
Aggression is another way to show the effects of abuse. In most cases the dog will snarl at anyone who tries to approach and they may even attack. In this case of abuse or psychological break it is best to have the dog enter a training course to be rehabilitated. Dogs that have psychological issues can have a behavior therapy that will re- teach them proper behavior. It will also help them to overcome their fears. Lastly when discussing dog abuse we need to look at destructive behavior. Some dogs may not display destructive behavior right away in a new home. It may take time to come to the forefront. In the same example as above a dog began to slowly destroy things around the home. In one instance the dog actually broke through the backdoor. Part of the problem was that the dog needed attention during the day that the owners were not supplying, but the other part was the actual abuse. They needed to show destructive behavior in the hopes that they would get any attention and that it would be several hours worth of that attention good or bad. Again therapy is needed as well as a more active roll.
January 17th 2008 4:05 pm
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There are several wonderful dogs that you may wish to adopt, but how do you make that finally decision? Below you will find information regarding the Afghan hound dog breed in the hopes that you can make a sound decision as to whether their temperament, size, and of course grooming needs are what you are looking for.
The Afghan hound is one of the most beautiful dogs with their long fur coat and aristocratic stance. You will find this dog breed is going to be very sweet, happy, loyal, and intelligent. The Afghan hound has been known for its courage as well as its sensitivity. Things you should know about their temperament include its ability to be around older children and other animals. As affectionate creatures they do well with older children who will exercise them as well as show them the attention they love. They are also good with other animals, especially after socialization. You will need to offer training as a puppy for obedience because they can be quite stubborn if you don’t. They are also very dignified creatures so they are typically not going to jump in water or puddles and play certain games. They can be a little hesitant around strangers, but for family they are very affectionate.
As I mentioned above training is important at the puppy stage. When training an Afghan hound you need to make sure you use a gentle, but firm hand. They are sensitive dogs and can be affected by rough behaviour or even harsh words. Consistency is also warranted when dealing with these dogs. You should allow proper socialization and obedience training before trying to teach them any tricks. For exercise you will find they need to have a fenced in yard and daily walks. While they are not active indoors they do need plenty of space. Their size is part of the reason they need space. When you exercise the dog you need to make sure you exercise them for a half hour each day, with running. They can overheat easily in warm climates or in the summer so you may have to take a break during the exercise to avoid any issues.
The Afghan hound stands between 25 and 27 inches and weighs 50 to 60 pounds. They are usually any colour from cream to black. Typically the hound will have a long light coloured coat, with a dark patch on the back, ears, and around the muzzle. They are not bulky dogs, but rather thin from the face through to the rear. Their face is usually thing with a long narrow muzzle. You will find they have long floppy ears that can be hard to distinguish from their coat. For grooming you need to brush them daily to avoid matting and tangles. You also need to make sure they visit a groomer every six weeks or so to get a trim and their toenails clipped. You will want to make sure you give your Afghan hound a bath frequently to help avoid the matting and tangling of the hair. Often times when you live in a dry climate brushing can cause more of an issue than in a humid climate. It may be easier to seek a groomer who has the proper tools as their coat can be quite difficult to work with.
Afghan hounds make some of the best pets as they are loyal, elegant, and affectionate creatures. You will want to make sure to provide proper nutrition as well as time with your dog. Like most dogs you do not want to leave an Afghan hound alone for too many hours. They strive on attention and affection.
January 16th 2008 3:58 am
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Beagles are well known in the United States and extremely popular based on the cartoon Peanuts that ran in the newspaper for several years and actually created some movies and TV shows. Snoopy has always been popular with children, which of course makes the demand for these dogs in homes. So if you are one of those families that finds the beagle dog breed entertaining you may want to read up on how they came to be, their characteristics, and of course the proper care, training, and grooming.
Beagles are one of the most active dogs you will ever find. They love to play, shower affection, and just generally be a part of any family. They make great pets for anyone who wishes to have a dog with children. You will find that the beagle is a very small dog. In fact they only grow to be about thirteen to fifteen inches in height and weigh at most thirty pounds. They are not the softest pet that you could have, but their little hearts speak for themselves. Their coats are extremely thick, but very coarse and short haired. Most often this type of dog breed will offer tan, white, and black patches. The pattern of the fur will be determined by the parents and ancestry. Some of the beagles are only two colors rather than multi colored.
For grooming care you will find the short to medium length of hair is a moderate shedder, which means that grooming is fairly easy with this breed. The beagle needs to be brushed at least once a week to remove dead or lose hair and keep their skin in perfect health. While they have moderate skin irritation, you do want to make sure you groom them properly. It is not wise to bathe them often. You will also find that a damp towel that is soft works well for removing the hair. Moving from grooming we will discuss some of the training.
Training for any dog is extremely important. The thing you have to remember about the beagle is that they are very active. This means that while they are not as intelligent as other dogs they are able to be trained for a variety of things such as hunting or some tricks. It will take quite a bit of time and patience to get them trained as well. Most often they need a high energetic training course because they can get very bored easily. Obedience training can be a little difficult as they tend to want to play over being trained.
The beagle can be a great therapy dog based on their temperament. We have mentioned that they tend to be very energetic and affectionate, which makes them great for someone who needs the slobbery love of a good pet. They like to be in people’s laps as well as hang out on the floor playing with toys. For this time of characteristics you will find apartment living with small daily walks works out great. Unlike larger dogs they can be quite happy indoors for most of the day. This means that they do need at least one walk in the morning and one in the evening to get the best exercise, but other than that playing around the house and being a little devious will be the most enjoyable options. Make sure that you have plenty of toys for beagles or they may find their own. They can have a few health issues so make sure to provide a healthy diet with the proper nutrition and treats.
January 15th 2008 8:54 am
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There are three types of poodles that you can choose from when you are a poodle fan. First you will have to decide how much room you have for the poodle, and then you will have to decide just what kind of affection you really want from your new dog. The teacup poodle is the smallest poodle breed that you can find. The other two breeds are miniature and standard poodles. The Teacup poodle can only reach a height of ten inches, and are usually about six. They are also about six to nine pounds in weight making them extremely small, like cats. You may also hear the Teacup poodle referred to as the toy poodle.
The toy poodle or Teacup poodle is elegant, affectionate, and sensitive. You will find they are really just a smaller version of larger poodles with the small skull, long, but narrow muzzle, and floppy ears. They also have the characteristic curly fur that is usually shiny and soft. The coat is not as dense, but very pretty. They can be several different colours, from white to black and all those in between. You will usually never see a multi coloured poodle. There are three grooming techniques that groomers usually use. They are Continental clip, English saddle, and the Pet clip. Depending on whether you are going to enter your dog in shows you may just choose the pet clip for easier care of their coat. You have to brush their coat at least once a day to prevent matting and tangling. You will probably want to visit a groomer at least once a month for the clipping, but sometimes you can go a few months.
Their temperament as mentioned above is affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and of course sensitive. You will find they are very active and responsive for their owners, making them one of the easier trained dog breeds. You can work for an hour everyday on training as long as it is fun and active. They love to learn new things and please their owners. They should be socialized as puppies to help them interact with strangers as well as children. You will find they are very amusing to watch as well as entertaining. You will find they can be nervous and a little timid, but proper socialization should take care of most of that. You will also want to train for their incessant barking. If you train the dog to only bark as a watchdog they tend to not bark as much. Some people love teacup poodles, but find after a while the barking is too much, so be prepared that early training is needed to head this off.
Proper care of your teacup poodle is absolutely necessary. You will find with proper nutrition, exercise, and love they can live for 12 to 15 years. They need to have regular baths every six weeks to help reduce some of the health ailments they are susceptible to. They also need to have daily walks. Since they are small a fifteen minute walk is usually all that is needed. You also need to make sure they have a safe place to play. They love to play indoors with toys and of course have interaction with humans. They are okay in apartments, but you may find they are happy with a small backyard. Typical ailments for teacup poodles include heart disease, eye and ear infections, digestive tract issues, and slipped stifle. They can also be affected by anemia.
January 14th 2008 5:22 am
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As you might imagine there are tips for just about any type of pet care or dog care. You will find the following information provided is how to care for your dog during travel. There are of course several modes of travel so you will want to consider everything before taking your dog on a trip.
Dogs can become quite agitated when left alone for too long. They can also become anxious during travel. You need to learn how to relieve some of these problems by preparing for your vacation and the mode you will take. Traveling on a plane is probably the most difficult for a dog to handle. Most dogs will have to be caged, given a sedative that will last most of the flight, and then you will be able to help relieve their anxiety. Some of the smaller dogs can be brought with you on the plane and most often they will not be given a sedative, unless the vet thinks it is necessary. Dogs can get air sick as well so make sure you provide them with plenty of space and water. You may wish to feed them four hours prior to a flight in order to avoid discomfort.
When you are traveling you need to consider the area you are traveling to. There are certain places that cause disease your dog is not vaccinated for. If you have any questions about the vaccinations they have received and may need speak with your veterinarian. You will also want to see your vet about two weeks before you travel to ensure that they are healthy enough for the trip and that you have everything you need as far as vaccinations, medications, and tips for traveling with a dog.
If you are going camping you definitely want to make sure the dog has been treated with a tick and flea medication before leaving. These medications can be purchased through your vet or online from a pet store. Things such as Lyme disease, spotted fever, and other diseases can be on the road when you are camping.
Exercise is also very important especially if you will be traveling by car, truck or RV. They will need to have stops along the way as well as exercise outside of the vehicle during the trip. Even if it is a road trip you need to spend at least twenty minutes every three hours at a rest stop letting the dog out. They will need to have bathroom breaks, water and food during the journey.
Items that you may wish to bring should include: a crate, first aid kit, familiar toys- to relieve anxiety, dog food, treats, their leash, a spare collar, food and water bowls, their tags, vaccination records, and grooming tools. You may also want to have an extra set of tags just in case they loose their collar.
If you are going to leave them in the car during your meal breaks make sure you have provided them with enough air, food, shade, and water. It is best to park in the best-shaded area even if you have to walk a little to the restaurant. They are already going to be a little anxious so adding to it is not a good thing. You may want to bring them to the outside of the restaurant for exercise where they can see you and you can see them. You will of course need to make sure they are tied to a post of some sort. Taking your dog on a trip can be very demanding for them so you need as much comfort as possible.
January 13th 2008 12:17 pm
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When we decide to get a dog for our home we are taking on the care, responsibility of someone depending on us, and of course the other aspects of owning a pet. Dogs require a great deal of care and when they are puppies you should view them like infants or toddlers. They are very dependent on you and while they grow fast training is essential during the puppy stage. We are going to look at puppy proofing your home and what to expect when bringing a puppy home.
The first thing you need to look at is how old the puppy actually is. Most usually a puppy that is six weeks will be weaned from the mother and can go to a new home. This means that they have very little training if any. A puppy that is perhaps two to three months old may already have some house training. So there are supplies you need to have as well as things you should do before brining the puppy home.
It is always best to read up on the type of dog breed you have. You will need to learn about the general development of the breed, common ailments, and of course what training you should expect them to learn for a pet. You also need to have a collar, leash, dog bowls, kennel, and training supplies. Training supplies to help your puppy become house trained is usually a lot of newspaper and certain rewards. There are certain dog supplies that will help teach the dog not to pee on the carpet or in the home. You will also want to make sure to take them out frequently in the first few days they are home. When training a puppy to be house broken you want to teach them commands or behaviors to make sure they understand they need to let you know when they need to go. If a bark or just brining the leash is the command you would like you can train the dog for this. You may also want to have a dog book regarding training in your supply list.
House training is just a small part of preparing to bring a puppy home. Like toddlers who can walk and grab just about anything you will find that puppies are curious in nature. They will run around in a home, they will pick up things that are left lying out, and they may even try to eat dropped food. You need to make sure any breakable items are on a stable shelf, high up to where they cannot jump or swat it with a paw. You also need to make sure any pillows, blankets, clothing, or shoes that you don’t want ruined are placed in a closet that they cannot get into. When you are gone for the day it is important to leave them in their own room, like a laundry room. Make sure they have plenty of space to run around, but that they can’t escape into areas of the home they may have accidents in or that are not puppy proof.
You will want to establish right away where their quarters are. They may whine a little being left alone in a room, but it will eventually help them to sleep at night as well as learn who the master is. You should have a comfortable spot with food, water, and a dog bed so that they can feel at home. In the first few days it is important to establish the rules of the house for them as well as a routine for eating and getting daily exercise.
Faith - Puppy Dog Toys
January 11th 2008 6:50 am
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Poodles are one of the most loved dogs around the country. It seems that their temperament, as well as their ability to be great show dogs has endeared them to many dog owners. If you are interested in having a poodle for a pet you should consider first what type of poodle. There are three sizes of poodle from the miniature, standard, and teacup poodle. We will be discussing the characteristics of the standard poodle in this article to help you make your decision.
The standard poodle will generally reach a height of 15 inches to about 20 inches. They will also weigh about 45 to 70 pounds. The standard poodle is considered a medium dog with a large body and smaller head. The head of the poodle is generally characterized by a narrow, but long muzzle, floppy ears, and a small angular skull. You will find the coat is generally curly, unless it has been sheared short. The coat should be soft, with natural oils, and rather luxurious looking. You will find that the coat is usually white, cream, black, blue, red, pink, gray, silver, and other single colors. A poodle will not have a mixed coat. They have a medium length tail to go with the rest of the body, and it is usually fluffy on the end.
The standard poodle has one of the most pleasing temperaments for show dogs. They tend to be elegant when they walk, full of dignity, and they are very well behaved. You will find they are extremely intelligent as well as trainable. The intelligence and eagerness to please will make training easy even in obedience classes. Unlike the miniature poodle you usually won’t find the standard poodle doing tricks that are beneath their elegance. The standard poodle is also the calmest of the three types. They don’t tend to be really energetic in play and they do not like being left alone. They are very dependent on their owners for affection and play time. They are great with children, but again it may help to socialize the poodle for the best results. The standard poodle tends to be wary of strangers, but on the whole friendly. They make good guard dogs, and don’t bark as much as the miniature poodle.
For care you should realize that the standard poodle coat does take a great deal of grooming. It is best to seek a professional groomer at least once a month to keep the coat looking beautiful and soft. You should also brush the standard poodle daily to keep the hair from tangling or matting. The standard poodle does need a daily walk and they love to play in water. They are not as demanding as some breeds when it comes to exercise, but it is best to give them plenty of time outdoors to exercise. They can live in apartments as they tend to be inactive indoors as long as they get exercise outside. You will find this breed can suffer from hip dysplasia, eyes and ear infections, and Von Willebrand’s Disease. For most standard poodles the life expectancy is going to be 12 to 15 years. When you are considering owning a dog it is important that you are willing to make the commitment for their life. Most dog breeds, and especially poodles will get attached to their owners. This can make it difficult if you can not handle the care of the pet and have to give it up. It is recommended for any adoption that you weigh all aspects of owning a dog before adopting.
Faith
Dog Collars
January 10th 2008 3:26 am
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Many first time dog owners have many questions about whether their dog will be good around other pets, around cats, and of course around children. You will find that most dog breeds have specific information on whether they can actually be around other pets. You may have seen stories of dogs adopting little baby chicks or becoming friendly with deer, but are the stories really true? For the most part you have to be very careful with dogs around other pets. There are certain breeds of dogs that tend to have affection for cats; however you will find that some dog breeds are not ideal. Below you will find a list of some of the dogs that will do well with cats and some reasons as to why. You should also realize that making this important decision before owning a new dog or before introducing a cat into your home with a dog is an important aspect of caring for your dog.
First dogs take a lot of care. You will find that most dog breeds need to be walked for at least fifteen minutes a day if not an hour. They also need a lot of affection and attention throughout the day with play time, training time, and of course their bathroom breaks. So before you introduce a cat into your home with a dog you have to make sure you are willing and able to take care of both pets. Cats are easier to handle as they are mostly able to have a food bowl on the floor constantly and can be trained to use the litter box. They generally need affection as well, but not always the amount a dog requires. Once you have made the decision that you can handle two types of pets you need to look at the breed of dog you have.
Dog breeds that you need to stay away from with small pets include Great Danes, Affenpinschers, Sheepdogs, hounds, and hunting dogs. You will find that most large dog breeds do not do well around small animals. For larger dog breeds like the hounds or Great Danes they were taught to hunt. Their instincts are to hunt the cat rather than allow it peace. Even if they understand the cat is part of the family they can also be too rough on the cat. For instance German Shepherds love to play. They will adopt a new family member well, especially cats, but they can be extremely rough on the smaller animal, not understanding the gentleness needed even during play. This is the major concern with all dogs and cats. Dogs tend to be rougher during play and most breeds have been breed for working as hunters or hounds, which mean they prey on smaller animals for their masters to catch in the hunt.
Dog breeds that can do well with cats include German Shepherds, Boxers, Labradors, and the smaller dog breeds such as small Terriers, Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Collies. What you must realize with any dog is that training is extremely important in these cases. You will find that German Shepherds all though they can be harmful to cats can be trained to behave around smaller pets. During training you need to socialize the dog with other dogs as well as cats or other animals they may be around. The idea is that at an early age if the dog understands the behaviour required of them around other more delicate pets they will be able to live in harmony rather than harming them. So yes dogs and cats can live together as long as the proper training and precautions are taken.
January 9th 2008 3:02 am
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The American Eskimo dog is one of the most beautiful dog breeds you will find. This dog is of medium size offering a white, cream, or biscuit colour. They’re size proportions are 30 to 40 pounds and an average height of 12- 19 depending on the gender of the animal. You will find that in most cases the male dog is slightly bigger than the female. Going back to the coat for a moment you will find that with the longer hair they tend to shed a little more in warmer months, but typically in Alaska and other cold parts of the country they will not shed very much. The coat is a double fur with a thick undercoat for warmth and a top coat that is very soft and bushy. The coat will usually be straight. The tail on this particular dog will curl up like most of the Husky breeds to lie on the back. The muzzle is long, and they have short pointed ears.
The American Eskimo dog has a long history dating back to German settlers. Apparently the dog breed is descended from the Spitz breed. You will also be glad to learn that this particular dog was a working in circuses for many years. This means that along with the affection and intelligence they show you will also find an agility and alertness that makes them a true companion. They can learn many skills in training from tricks to actual work with dog sleds. They are a hardy breed, which means they do not have many health issues. You will also find that they enjoy large families. The American Eskimo dog will be really great with children as well as other pets. They can be suspicious of strangers, but most often you will find they are quick to get over these feelings. In fact they will bark as a stranger approaches and make great guard dogs. American Eskimo dogs need a lot of attention, which means part of their care is the amount of exercise, playtime, and general time you spend with them.
You will need to be around the dog for most of the day. This means frequent trips home during the day if you work out of the home to offer playtime as well as exercise. They should have at least an hour of exercise a day and you should never leave them alone while you are on vacation. They tend to become destructive if they are isolated for long periods of time. You will find that they are great at giving love as well as receiving it. For training you will find they are easy to please. This means that they will enjoy the training because they get to play and they will listen to your commands and be very alert. You may have some trouble with obedience, but most often that is short lived with a firm, but gentle hand.
This dog breed needs a large backyard and home. They can do okay in apartments as long as most of the day is spent out side playing. They are also very active indoors so make sure you have plenty of toys for them to enjoy. For grooming you will find that the care is a little more in depth than other pets. The American Eskimo dog needs to have a daily brushing after their walk in the evening. This will help keep the hair from matting as well as tangles. It will also get rid of any dead or loose hair they may have. They have dry skin so bathing is not recommended.
January 8th 2008 2:29 am
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Are you looking for unconditional love, someone to give you affection, and someone who always wants to play? If you are then you are probably looking for your next pet. A dog makes one of the best pets you can have, as they love to play, shower attention on their owners, and of course love you. When you are choosing your dog you have to be aware of certain issues. There are dog breeds that have certain medical conditions and there are others that are more working dogs than playmates. The following is going to be a few tips on what you need to consider before purchasing your dog.
If you already have a dog breed in mind you may wish to do a little more research before you go pick them up. A lot of animal shelters carry both mutts and dog breeds depending on where they got them. You also have a choice between pet shops and breeders to find the correct dog for you. Every breed is going to have characteristics that may make him or her the best pet or may make you think a little harder. It is very important that you know exactly the type of dog you wish to have before purchasing one.
You need to consider the dog breed’s temperament. Some dogs are very social and love to be around strangers, children, and other dogs. Other dog breeds tend to be a little less friendly and need a little training before they will be the best pets. A few suggestions for the friendliest dogs include: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Maltese, Yorkie, Beagle, Basset Hound, Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels.
Grooming and dog care are also very important when you are considering a dog. Dogs like the Old English Sheepdog, Akita, Huskies, and German Shepherd are a few dogs that need to have extra care when grooming. All pets need to have water, appropriate food, and time with their owners, however these dogs have special grooming needs. The Old English Sheepdog is just one of the dogs that suffers from medical issues as does the Golden Retriever. When choosing a dog you need to understand the attention and care they will need to make sure you are compatible.
There are different training techniques for the many breeds of dogs. Some dogs require a lot of stimuli during training so they will not become board. Other dogs are extremely patient and very intelligent making training a little easier. German shepherds for example take repetitive training as well as consistency, however they are very intelligent animals. A Affenpinscher may require a bit more attention as they tend to be a little more hyper. They often take a firm hand, and a lot of activity during training to keep them interested.
Depending on the size of dog you are wishing to purchase you need to know if you have a large enough yard, will keep them in the house during the day, or if your flat is large enough. German shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, and huskies require a lot of room to move around a home and have a medium sized yard. They require quite a bit of exercise. On the other hand small dogs such as Yorkies need a smaller yard, home, and exercise to be happy. Of course the more room you have for a pet the better you and the dog will be.
Dogs are wonderful creatures and often you will already know your favorite dog breed long before you enter the pet shop, animal shelter, or speak with a dog breeder. There are of course many details about the dog you will need to know such as care, health, temperament, and characteristics.
Dog Leads
January 7th 2008 3:33 am
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The dachshund is one of the more affectionate dogs you can have in your home with children. When you are considering offering a home to this dog breed it is important that you understand the grooming, training, and care needed. You will find all the information you need to make a sound decision below.
The dachshund is a very small dog and often referred to as a Weiner dog because of their shape. The dachshund is a very sleek looking dog that rises about 5 to 9 inches off of the ground. A health dachshund should never be more than 20 pounds, most usually they are about 11 pounds. You will find this breed is typically cream, white, black, or tan. They can also be a mix of colours like black and tan. It will depend on what the parents looked like as to what colour they may be. You will find that the dachshund has floppy ears and a silk appearance to the coat. The coat or hair is going to be short and very easy to groom. In fact when you consider the care of these dogs you will find that they do not need to be groomed, but once a week to help remove any dead or loose hair they may be carrying around. They have a muscular body that offers a sleek look about them and their muzzle is generally narrow and long.
Dachshund dogs are usually very affectionate pets. You will find they do really well in families with little children as well with other types of pets. They are a loyal and intelligent breed that has often been used for hunting badgers, foxes, and otters. The dachshund can even be a good watchdog. They tend to bark a little more than some of the other dog breeds, but most usually on the approach of a stranger or car at the residence. You will find that the dachshund characteristics mean that they will be dominant unless it is trained out of them. The intelligence of this dog breed will allow its training to go rather easily once obedience has been seen too. During obedience they may be a little stubborn. They also need socialization training to make sure they do well around children and other pets. It is best to train this dog with a consistent, gentle, but firm hand. Most dogs are very sensitive so you should never be unduly harsh.
The proper care of a dachshund means that you give them the proper nutrition daily and offer a short walk on a daily basis. The dachshund, unless you prod it tends to be more of a docile creature. They can exhibit energy, but most often they will be content to sit at your feet and play with a toy every now and then. They do well in apartments for this very reason. If you have a backyard they will go out and play every once in a while. They tend to overeat, and the lack of exercise can make them over weight. It is important to set up a feeding regime with these dogs rather than leave the food out during the day. You should always give them plenty of water though. Some of the problems a dachshund can have include skin irritations, heart disease, and back issues. Since they are prone to back issues it is important that they do not jump a lot when they are playing. In other words you should never hold up a toy and have them jump three or four feet to try and get it.
January 6th 2008 11:04 am
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There are several different dog breeds out there that you can choose from when adding to your family. One of those dog breeds is the Pug. A Pug is a smaller dog that offers intelligence, loyal and a lot of affection for their owners. Below you will learn about their history, care, training, and grooming needs to see if they will fit into your family.
The pug is originally from China. They are thought to be a cross between a Pekingese and a bulldog. You will find that the pug usually grows to ten or eleven inches and they are about fourteen to sixteen pounds. You may recognize the pug from some of the movies or commercials as they have been in quite a few. The pug was actually used in Men in Black, among others. Characteristically you will find the pug has a wide face, but a short snort, a muscular body that actually makes their head look larger, and floppy ears. They usually have a black mask around the eyes and black on the ears and some on the legs. Typically this dog breed is going to be tan, but they can be silver. They have short hair making grooming fairly easy on the owner. Grooming usually needs to be done on a daily basis for the ears, eyes and face. They tend to have eye and ear infections and the slobber can get into the folds on their face and cause skin irritations so it is really important to take a soft wet cloth to their face and ears. Their coats are short haired, which makes it easy to brush or rub down with a towel once a week to remove dead or loose hair.
As for other care they do need to have a little bit of exercise daily. They don’t usually take long walks, but fifteen minutes at a time with a little playtime around the house is great. They like to play with toys for the most part. They tend to be susceptible to heatstroke so don’t over exert them when they are out of doors. You will find that a healthy diet usually consists of protein, and you may want to speak with a vet about heart problems they can have. They tend to have genetic issues related to heart disease and therefore may need special diets.
The pug can be a jealous dog, which means they don’t do well in households with small children who require a lot of care. In fact the pug would rather have all of the attention. So it is important that they go through obedience training as well as socialization training. They can be extremely happy, friendly, and loyal dogs. The pugs are also sensitive to voice changes. This means that they tend to exhibit the emotions around them and can feel despair. The pug should never be aggressive or shy, but constantly happy. If they are not left alone for several hours each day or while you are on vacation they will definitely continue the happy life. When you train these dogs it is important that you use a gentle, but firm hand. Consistency is going to be the key to this dogs training as well. They can be a little lazy so some times you may mistake laziness for intelligence. Just keep in mind that diligence as a part of training will be most successful.
With the many dog breeds that exist it can be a hard decision to make, but you should know that pugs are wonderful in households with older generations as well as a one pet family.
January 5th 2008 12:30 pm
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Taking care of your dogs is extremely important. You will find that dogs need to be taken care of to avoid certain diseases and that some of the other diseases are genetic. With genetic diseases you will find that they are difficult to prevent, which means that if your dog is susceptible you will be unable to prevent the disease, but there is much that you can do to help your dog through such diseases. When you are talking about prevention of dog diseases you do need to understand the inner workings of some of the more popular ailments of dogs. We will look at a brief overview of some of the dog diseases that you can prevent.
First it may be a surprise to you, but there are many dogs that have issues with the ears and eyes. Most of the dog breeds that suffer from ear or eye infections tend to have long hair that gets in the way of these two areas. Dogs that have long fur tend to have hair that will grow around the eyes and fall into the eyes. While the hair is part of their body it can cause infections based on the oils as well as the dirt that may be on the hair. You will want to make sure that when you groom your dog you remove any hairs that are near the dog’s eyes. Poodles, some terriers, and English Sheepdogs tend to be a few of the breeds that suffer from eye infections. To prevent these eye infections grooming around the eyes should be done once a month. In other words that means that you should check their eyes daily for infection and remove any hairs that have grown in the way, and once a month you should trim around the area. For ear infections you will find that ticks and other small insects can get into the ears. This means that you have to keep the ears clean on a daily basis. You should check to make sure there are no insects in the canals and that any dirt is removed. Hair can also cause ear infections in certain breeds like the Mexican Chihuahua that tends to grow hair in the ears and cause infections. When you are worried about eye and ear infections for your dog breed you should make sure to use a soft wet cloth around the areas each day to prevent any such infection from occurring.
Another dog disease that can be a difficult is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common ailments you will find in large dogs. Hip dysplasia is caused when the hip bones do not form properly. There really is no reason for the bones not to form, but most believe it has something to do with a calcium deficiency during the puppy stages. Hip dysplasia can be treated in a variety of ways. In English Sheepdogs they tend to cut the tail short to prevent the issues. In some cases they offer nutrition and calcium supplements to help your dog grow the bones as a puppy that they need.
Diabetes is another common ailment in dogs that has been seeing an increase like it has in people. You see with most diabetes cases there is a direct link to an improper diet as well as improper exercise. Diabetes is luckily treated with medication as well as changing the diet of your dog so it can be prevented. In some cases after a dog has suffered diabetes and the nutrition and exercise has been fixed the dog may not need to have medication for life. You will find that most dog breeds can suffer from this disease.
January 4th 2008 3:32 am
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The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds to have in a home. They are full of life and one of the cutest pets. The Jack Russell is a small dog only growing to fourteen inches and seventeen pounds. Their characteristics include small floppy ears, a short tail, and short legs with oversized paws. They are typically white with tan or black. They usually have a brown spot on the side or back, near the neck, and their ears and head are usually a mask of tan. The snout is short, with narrow set eyes. They are constant shedders despite the short hair.
The Jack Russell began its life in England in the 19th century. They were used for hunting, digging, and burrowing into foxholes and dens. Today they are still popular for the hunts as well as for pets. You will find that even though they are small they are hardy and loyal. They tend to be fearless, with their big heart. You will find that they can be quite vocal with their bark, but it is more the large bark than a yappy sound. In fact they’re bark is much stronger than their size. They are very loyal dogs and therefore they make excellent guard dogs. You will find they are better with older children as they like the well behaved over the harsh treatment of younger children. They are amusing as well as very active dogs. You will find that they have strong hunting instincts, which makes them difficult for smaller pet households. They do need a lot of attention from their owners so beware.
Training of the Jack Russell Terrier can be difficult. They tend to display determination, stubbornness and dominance. You will need to have a consistent hand, be firm, and provide a lot of different activities. They can become bored rather easily. They also need to know who is master. If they feel they can be master you will have obedience issues. Training should begin as a puppy and continue on through adulthood. They do need a little socialization, but are relatively friendly dogs on the whole. Keep in mind training should use the agility they can display.
For care you will find a protein diet is essential to keep their energy up. You will also find that despite the energy they can have weight issues. They should be fed three times a day, with small meals. You should always give them plenty of water. They need minimal grooming, such as a weekly brushing, and should not be bathed unless necessary. Jack Russell’s need to have their nails trimmed on a regular basis. They are prone to deafness, glaucoma, epilepsy, allergies, and skin problems. You should also provide plenty of exercise. They need to have constant stimulation indoors and out. This means long walks, plenty of toys, and preferably a home with a yard. They can be destructive if left alone with nothing to do.
If you wish to have a Jack Russell Terrier in your life you need to be prepared for the attention they need. They do best in homes that have at least one person home for most of the day. They also need to be walked at least twice a day and they thrive on chasing balls and catching sticks. You will find that any mentally stimulating activity will keep them happy. Care of any dog is important and understanding the commitment you need to make is very important. Many find that the Jack Russell becomes too much to handle for a two career family. Make sure you have thought this over before seeking a breeder for a puppy.
January 3rd 2008 4:11 am
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The Great Dane as his name suggests means he or she is a very large dog in the dog breeds. You will find the Great Dane to be an excellent family companion or guard dog. Typically the Great Dane dog breed is considered a working dog, but you can just teach him a few tricks and play. The Great Dane is also known as the gentle giant because while he appears fierce, this dog is actually very gentle and affectionate.
This dog breed typically reaches a hundred or more pounds, with a maximum height of thirty- two inches. They are rarely seen in any other color besides black or blue. They can be brindle, fan masked with black, or white with black patches. You will find they are a short haired dog making grooming rather easy for you. They should always have a shiny coat that is thick. For care regarding grooming you will find that brushing this dog at least once a week will remove and dead hair. You will also find the Great Dane loves the attention and will usually sit happily. Luckily this dog tends to keep itself clean so bathing isn’t really necessary. If you do need to bathe your dog you don’t have to worry they can handle the water. It is more having the room for such a large dog in a bathroom that can cause a lot of mess.
As mentioned the Great Dane is a very gentle dog in character. You will also find that they are dependable, responsible, and great at guarding a home or a person. This dog breed can make you feel very comfortable if you live alone, but they can also be a family pet. There size can make leaving them around little children seem unwise, and you should always supervise them around small children, but they won’t be aggressive. Most often they will be playful. You will need a large backyard for this dog when you consider care. They need plenty of space to run, explore and play in. You will not be able to live long in an apartment or condo once this dog grows to its full size. You will also find the Great Dane loves to go on runs rather than walks or run along side a bike for optimal exercise. You should take care to play at least an hour with your dog.
Training is also very important, especially if you want a guard dog. They tend to have temperament issues later on as adults if you don’t show them who is dominant. You will till need to be gentle during training, but establishing a dominant owner is very important. Obedience training is the most important part of training your dog. With the stubborn streak you will want to start as a puppy with your Great Dane.
If you are looking for a Great Dane to add to your family you will most likely want to seek a dog breeder. Dog breeders will be able to help you with the information you will need to know about the dog and help you assess whether you have enough room. Sometimes a dog just has to pick the right owner. They are very intuitive and will understand if you are not the dominant sort. If you feel that you can’t be dominant or someone in your family cannot you will find the Great Dane is not really the dog for you. You also have to be willing to be active for your dog. They don’t like to be sedentary and you can find your home damaged if they are left alone for too long. They will also become bored.
January 2nd 2008 4:33 pm
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January 2nd 2008 4:48 am
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Heat affects us all, the difference is that humans can do something about the extra heat and dogs are left to depend on human care. There are several different things you need to consider when the temperature begins to increase. The summer months are going to be the hottest for a dog, whether they are inside or out in the backyard. Remember taking care of your dog is extremely important at all times of the year, but especially when the temperature begins to rise.
When you leave for work for the day follow a checklist. If the dog is going to be left out of doors you need to make sure they have a constant water source. Just having a food dish or two full of water is not going to help them keep cool. You may want to have a fountain in the yard that you turn on. This way the dog can get a constant stream of cool water running through the fountain. Also if it is large enough they can take a little dip and cool their entire bodies down with a little water.
If your dog is going to be outside you will need to make sure that a proper amount of shade is available. You may have a doghouse or you can have a shaded tree area that the dog will be comfortable lying in. Wherever the area is you need to make sure it will be shaded the entire day or that they can find shade the entire day. You dog is not going to be comfortable if the sun is beating down on their thick coat all day.
When you leave your dog inside during the day you may feel that since no one is home you can turn down the air conditioning if you have one. If you don’t you may feel secure only when the windows are locked. Keep in mind the dog needs air and to be kept cool. You do not want to turn down the air conditioner too much. You should keep the house around seventy to seventy- five degrees Fahrenheit during the day when you have a dog at home. If you do not have an air condition for dog care you will need to leave a window open. During the summer heat a house can get extremely hot when the blinds are open, and the windows are closed. Even if you have the blinds closed the home can get above eighty degrees Fahrenheit making it really uncomfortable. Again inside a home a dog will need to have a source of water. You may feel a large bowl of water is enough, but having a toilet left open can help just in case they run out of water.
Another point for dog care when it gets hot is making sure to keep your dog groomed. You can ask the person grooming your dog to keep the hair short during the summer. Your dogs will also shed a lot of hair so keeping them bathed at least once a month and brushing them out can get that excess hair off their bodies.
When walking your dog in the summer heat you should have a source of water with you. You may feel that a quarter mile walk or less is not going to require some form of refreshment, but your dog is going to differ. They need to have a source of water, whether you carry it with you or you stop off at a creek. You will definitely need water for longer treks.
A source of problems has always been leaving a dog in a car while you are running your errands. While your dog needs the company the heat in the car can be so extreme even with the windows cracked that they can suffer. If you must bring your dog along see if you can’t leave them outside the store, or at least leave water in the car.
January 1st 2008 4:06 am
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Your dog’s health is extremely important when you bring them into the family. You will want to ensure they are well taken care of and that you are following the directions of best dog care. There are many breeds of dogs so some may differ a little, but there are still important aspect you need to consider before bringing a dog home.
First of all dogs are often inquisitive and usually get into things they shouldn’t. You will need to “dog proof” your home. You don’t want them to reach things that are dear to you and that they could break. So make sure your favorite items are up high on stationary shelves where they can’t be reached. You also want to make sure that they don’t have access to things they will chew such as shoes, pillows, garbage, and other items. Training can help in the department of behavior, but sometimes when a dog is left alone too long they will get into anything despite the training.
Dogs also differ from other pets you may have had growing up. A dog requires more attention and specific feeding regiments. Cats are the type of pet you can fill the food bowl and they will eat out of it for days. A dog on the other hand if given the food will most likely eat it all and beg for more. You should speak with a vet about proper feeding times depending on the dog you have. Some will be fine with just one meal a day, while others may need to have three small meals a day. Keep in mind that you want to portion out the food based on their weight. If you already have an overweight dog you will need to cut back on how much they eat in a day. Special items, such as treats are not always a good thing to give your dog. You may reward them for good behavior, obeying your commands, and other reasons, but remember they don’t always have to have a treat. Simply giving them affection and kind words can be reward enough.
You also need to consider the dog breed when you consider dog care. Some dogs are going to need a lot of grooming, time spent exercising, and a lot of affection. Others don’t need as much. When you are looking for your dog you will want to do as much research on the breeds you are interested in and narrow down the list until you find the best fit.
Dog care means you will need to have a place to let them exercise, whether it is taking them for walks in the park or just letting them run around the yard you have. Depending on the size of dog you may need to have a larger home. Smaller dogs do well in condos or apartments, but other dogs need to have room to grow and enjoy activities.
You always need to have plenty of water for your dog, especially when it is hot out. Heat can be very dangerous to most dogs because of the thick coats they have. They can simply drink all their water in one gulp when it is hot, so you may need other methods of watering your dog when it is hot outside.
If you are going to leave your dog outside all day listen to the weather. You will need to make concessions for severe weather. Make sure they have plenty of shade and that they can’t escape the enclosure. While some of this may seem like common sense dog care it is important to learn all about your dog to ensure proper care is being provided.
December 31st 2007 1:55 pm
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Dogs often complete are families and offer plenty of companionship when we need it. There are so many dog breeds out there that it can be difficult to determine which dog is right for your family. You may feel you need a dog for protection, fun, or just someone to talk with when you are alone. There are many reasons for you to adopt a dog, but there are also many things you should learn about that dog breed before you consider adopting them. Below we will look at a few reasons you should be careful in adopting a dog or certain dog breeds for the type of family you have.
There are working dogs, herders, toy breeds, small and large dogs. In order to decide the type of dog you will want to have you have to understand what the dog needs in the way of care. To do this you have to understand their temperament and the type of training they will need. You will also want to learn about their lifespan and certain disorders they may be prone to.
The most important aspect of adopting a dog is going to be finding the information on the dog breeds you are interested in. There are many sites that will help give you a general idea online, but you should really speak with a vet or a dog breeder to determine what type of dog would fit best in your home. You should ask yourself a few questions about the setting you will be bringing the adoptive dog into. Do you and your family work all day, often more than eight hours? Are you living in an apartment, condo, small home, and do you have a backyard? Can you afford the proper care needed for your dog? If you have answered yes that you have the budget you are part way to deciding what type of dog you will want to have.
As mentioned there are several different dog breeds and sizes. If you are living in a small place without a yard you will not want a larger dog breed like a German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, Neapolitan Mastiff, or even a Greyhound. These dogs require space to run and exercise. Therefore a smaller breed or toy dog breed like the Papillon will do a lot better for.
If you work long hours you will want a dog that is more sedentary and that doesn’t require a lot of attention from its owner. Dogs that really want attention are going to turn destructive when they get bored or fear you have left them. With dogs you really have to be committed to spending at least an hour a day with them if not more in a general setting.
You will also want to ask yourself how much training you wish the dog to go through. Some dogs are fine with a little obedience training, but others will require socialization, and dominance training as well. This means you will need to find the time for these classes and to keep up with the skills.
Before determining what dog breed you should bring into the home you should do an extensive research session on the dog breed you are interested in. You will also want to spend time with the different dog breeds to see if both you and the dog can get along well. In the final stages of deciding whether you can provide proper training and care for the dog breed you should spend time with one specific dog that has caught your eye. Making an educated decision is very important.
December 31st 2007 4:06 am
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Dog care is one of the most important aspects of owning a dog. When you don’t properly care for your dog they can have health problems and some of these problems may in turn affect you. When you love your dog and wish for a long life you understand the needs of your dog. Having said that, there are some tips which can make dog care a little easier on you. With fleas you are usually only aware of an infestation when you start to feel the bits on your legs. There are preventative methods that will help your home stay clear of the pests and your dogs safe.
First let’s look at some of the ways your dog can pick up fleas. First and foremost moisture around puddles, unsanitary areas, and the woods can have fleas. It is important to keep your dog out of these regions. Don’t let your dog play in puddles that have formed around the sides of the street where there is typically a lot of trash. You also want to keep your dog out of the woods during the summer season. Humidity is one of the largest draws for fleas, therefore the summer months are more important for guarding against fleas in areas where their can be a lot of water and of course the words were insects typically thrive. Another place you will find fleas is in homes that are not cleaned. Fleas tend to be in unsanitary areas. This means that if you rarely dust your home, clean the sheets, and wash the dog’s bed you are leaving yourself open to a flea infestation depending on where you live or spend your time. Remember fleas can be carried into the home by the owner. So if you have a job where you are required to spend a lot of time at streams and other areas that attract fleas you may want to remove those clothes and wash them before letting them back in the rest of the home. The last place where you may find flea infestations are humane societies, and animal shelters. Typically animal shelters and human societies are a refuge for lost pets as well as abandoned pets. You may find that even with proper care at the facilities the dogs will come home to you with fleas.
Now that you know how fleas may latch onto your dog let’s look at some of the prevention methods you can take. First you will find that there are flea medications that should be used all year round, and most especially during the summer season. These medications are generally a liquid or collar that has flea insecticide. The medication should be administered on a monthly basis. You can find some medications that are taken orally, but these are not always as effective as the liquid. You also have the option of using a flea and tick shampoo. This shampoo offers a medication that latches onto the hair after a bath and will work for about thirty days. As some dog breeds are very sensitive to baths this is the least recommended option.
For other care of fleas you should also take care to brush the dog on a daily basis. If you have gone for a walk you will want to brush the dog before you enter the house. The brushing motion will dislodge any fleas that have attached themselves to the hair. Combined with flea medication you should be worry free from ticks and be keeping your dog in great health. If fleas do manage to get in the house you will need to release a bug bomb, clean all linens, and of course the dog’s bed. This will help the infestation from spreading and offer a clean home once again.
December 30th 2007 2:55 pm
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Dogs are one of man’s best friends, as the saying goes. There are many families and single owners out there who are extremely happy with their dogs. Dogs can be found in many places from pet stores, dog breeders, animal shelters, and from families who’ve had puppies they just can’t keep. Most often in animal shelters, getting a dog from a friend, and even in pet stores you will find mixed breed dogs and sometimes you may not know exactly what breed you really have. If you are interested in caring for a specific breed of dog, that is all one breed, you have to seek out a dog breeder. A dog breeder is going to work with one maybe two different breeds of dogs in order to supply the populace with those breeds. When you are looking for specific dog breed you are better off heading to a dog breeder; however there are things you should consider before you choose just one dog breeder. Below are a few tips on how to find a dog breeder and what to look for.
Your first resource for finding a dog breeder is going to be the internet. The internet has several thousand legitimate business owners that breed all variety of dogs, but of course there are always those who aren’t as legitimate as they seem. While the internet can help you located dog breeders close to you or within your traveling distance budget don’t rely solely on the internet as your source. There are several dog lovers around you that can point you towards dog breeders they have used. You will also find pet shops or pet stores can often give you information on dog breeders that they have dealt with.
When you find a list of three to five dog breeders you are interested in. You will need to narrow your choice down by several things. First the price they want for their puppies, the training they may provide, and the care they have supplied for the puppy. To narrow your choices you will need to visit the dog breeders business to check for proper care of the animals. Ask yourself how clean is the space they use, how large, and do they supply proper nutrition and exercise for each dog. You will also want to know how often they breed their dogs. If a dog is used too often there is more potential for damage to the offspring and to the mother. It is important that they take care of the mother just as much as the puppies. You will also want to ask for references. Dog breeders should be able to provide you with at least one reference for a happy dog owner, even if they need to speak with the past customer first.
Once you have visited the dog breeders on your list and narrowed your choices down by what you have seen and how much you can afford with your budget you will be able to choose your dog. You may find you still have two dog breeders on your list. Spend a little time with the puppies they have and narrow down your choice even further to one dog. The dog breeder is going to want to see you interact with the puppy, and they may even ask for references as well as seeing your home to ensure that you will provide the proper care. You will want to talk about care with the dog breeder. Ask questions about how often your dog will need a bath, grooming information, their ideas on proper nutrition, exercise, and the amount of space an adult dog will need.
December 30th 2007 5:08 am
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Dogs make the greatest companions when you are seeking undivided devotion and affection. While not all dogs are as great as other breeds you will find there are plenty to choose from depending on what you are looking for. The Samoyed dog breed is considered a working dog, but they are also one of the gentlest dogs you will ever meet. Below you will find information regarding care, characteristics, and training that is required for this breed.
The Samoyed dog is a rather large dog compared to other breeds. The male species reaches 45 to 65 pounds, with the female at 35- 50 pounds. You will find height is between 19 and 24 inches. They are either white, biscuit, cream, or a mix of those colors. Their coat is thick and often made up of a medium length to long fur. They also have an undercoat which is less soft, but provides them with plenty of warmth. Their coat often reminds individuals of wool. You will find they are a close relation to Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. They have the same face shape, body type and of course the curled tail.
The Samoyed dog breed is very gently, active, and affectionate. These dogs also tend to be very loyal to their owners. Despite the loyalty they are not anti social or aggressive. They love to go up to almost anyone for petting and love. They are sweet natured in temper. You will find they can bark to alert you of approaching cars or people, but lack the necessary skills to be great guard dogs. You will also find because of their sweet temper they do well with children. They don’t mind a little rough behavior, but rather look out for the children. You will also find that the Samoyed can do well with cats and other dogs, but smaller passive animals may be in danger.
If you are interested in a dog breed that will complete your family and make you feel warm and safe you cannot do any worse than the sweet Samoyed. You will find that training can be a little difficult however. They can express a stubborn side when it comes to obedience. In this case you must be determined, consistent, and of course exhibit fairness. You will also need to provide a lot of different activities during training because they tend to become bored with the same activities. They do really well in cooler climates, which will help you keep them active. Part of training and care is going to be regular exercise for them. You need to allow them rest, but give them at least two hours of outdoor play time a day with walks, and toys. Warm weather is okay, but keep in mind they were raised for cooler temperatures and they will shed more.
The rest of the care for these animals of course includes proper water and food during playtime and after. You will also need to groom them on a daily basis. They need to have their coats brushed to get rid of tangles, matting, and of course dead or loose hair. You will find that the coat does trap dirt, but bathes aren’t really necessary as long as you keep them brushed. You may want to ask the breeder about giving them bathes to see how frequently it could be warranted. Most often dogs have trouble with bathes due to sensitive skin. A breeder should be able to answer any grooming questions you have about them. You can also speak with a vet for what to expect when you bring a Samoyed dog into your family. You should always contemplate the full requirements before adopting any dog breed.
December 29th 2007 2:38 pm
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If you haven’t realized it yet there has been a huge controversy this year with some children’s toys, and if you stop to think you will realize that dog toys are just as susceptible. Many of the dog toys sold in stores, especially in America have been made in China. This means that they can be harmful. The dog toy market is unregulated. This means that some of the toys could have harmful properties that will actually make your dog sick over time. It is important that you pay attention to were the toys are made and how they are made when choosing your dogs toys. Often we just find the dog toys we think our pet will love. We also let them choose some of the toys when we’re in the pet store. But you need to start paying more attention.
You should read the package of the dog toy to find out what it has been made of. Rubber, cloth, painted toys, and many other toys may have toxic properties. You may find that it is better to go to a specialty toy shop rather than a generic pet supply store. Lead has actually been used in the creation of dog toys. So you should be a little concerned about the dog toys you are buying. Here are a few toys that your dog may like, and they are probably pretty safe. Remember to check the label for its contents before purchasing these toys though.
You may think that rope is pretty harmless; however there are some rope toys that could actually harm your dog. A rope toy is usually made with a braided rope and two ends that have been knotted. When you are choosing this type of dog toy you will want to make sure the rope has not been colored. Rope that has been colored has a potential of having harmful chemicals in the synthetic making. In fact you are probably better off buying rope from a hardware store, like twine and making your own braided rope. If you are looking in a pet shop stay away from the brightly colored ropes that have been dyed. The color of the rope will not matter for the toy.
Fleece and Plush toys are one of any dog’s favorite toys. They love to bite them, catch them, and chew on them. Puppies are especially happy to have plush toys as it makes their gums feel better. Plush toys can also be harmful. While the synthetic material they are made out of may be okay in small doses leaving the dog to chew on a plush toy while you are not home can have disastrous effects. The dog can open up the toy and start chewing on the stuffing. It is best to only offer this toy when you are home and can watch them play with it. It is also a great toy for interaction.
There are rubber balls and rubber squeaky toys that can be okay to give to your dog. Keep in mind that you do want to know the ingredients just in case, but for the most part rubber unless eaten is pretty safe for your dog to chew on. Rubber balls or squeaky toys that the dog can chase are one of the most popular toys.
You can also buy rubber tug toys that have an elastic band in the middle. These are also safe toys to an extent. You don’t want to leave the dog alone with the toy to chew on, but a daily play time with this toy is usually enjoyable for both parties.
December 29th 2007 8:38 am
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Doberman Pinschers originated in Germany around the late 1800’s as personal guard dogs, watch dogs, rodent killers, sheep herders, and gun dogs. Since then they have become extremely important to combat for the Marine Corps and as guard dogs for many houses. You will find the Doberman Pinscher is 65 to 90 pounds. Males tend to grow to 26- 28 inches, while the female is usually 24-26 inches in height. They are black, red, blue, and fan in colouring with tan markings.
Their coat tends to be thick, smooth, short, and coarse. You will find that they shed a little hair during certain seasons, but much less than other breeds of dog. The Doberman works well as a guard dog because of their extremely muscular body. They are able to jump to great heights and have quite a bit of stamina. Despite being a medium sized dog they are fierce. You will find they are resourceful, intelligent, and courageous as well as protection and devoted.
Grooming is not a huge concern for these dogs as the lack of hair helps you keep them clean. They do need occasional brushing or wiping down with a towel, but for the most part they are extremely clean dogs. Most often you will have to have dental hygiene care as well as trimmed nails. Bathing is not recommended with their sensitive skin. You will also find that they tend to suffer from Wobbler syndrome, Von Willebrands disease, hip dysplasia, and heart disorders. Unlike other dog breeds you will find the cold climates are too harsh on the Doberman Pinscher.
When considering how well they do around other people you will note that they are assertive in behaviour, and that they love companionship and stimulation from humans. They do well with like dogs, but can be a little anti social with other dog breeds. You will not want to have one around if you have small children, as they are not very tolerant. Strangers need to be cautious when first meeting the Doberman pinscher as they tend to be a little aloof. You will also find they need a lot of attention as most dogs do. They don’t like being left for long periods of time and do well with active owners. This breed is not recommended if you have never owned a dog before or don’t wish to provide a lot of exercise.
Training is quite easy once you determine the pecking order with the dog. They need a dominant owner. Someone who will give them attention as well as give them respect is the best type of owner. They can be shy, timid or aggressive without proper training. It is best to train right from the early stages of puppy- hood to get the best traits. They don’t like harsh treatment and it will not work. Rewards or reinforcement for the correct behaviour is the best way to train them as well as consistency. You will find they are great with tracking, search and rescue, police work, and as therapy dogs when they have had the proper training. Mentioned above was exercise. They do need to have a lot of exercise during the day. Just a small walk and a little playtime are not going to be enough. They need to have play sessions, and long walks to feel their best. Though they can live in apartments the ideal place for them is a fenced backyard where they can run free and get plenty of play in during the day. Most often a house is the best place you can have.
Faith writes for- dog beds.
December 28th 2007 11:21 pm
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There are many diseases that dogs can suffer from. In some instances they can be cleared up with little medication and treatment, such as eye infections. There are of course other diseases that take extensive treatment. Glaucoma is more than just an eye infection. In fact your dog doesn’t have to suffer from eye infections to develop glaucoma. We will look at the different reasons for glaucoma to form, what it is, and of course what treatment may exist to make your dog more comfortable.
Glaucoma is a condition of the eye in dogs when there is a fluid build up in the eye. Every eye secrets a fluid that helps it stay moist as well as move in the eye socket. With glaucoma the build up of the fluid can actually cause under pressure in the eye in various spots. It can affect the retina, the lens, and the blood vessels attached to the lens. There are three types of glaucoma: open angle, narrow angle, and mesodermal dysgenesis. Depending on the dog breed you have you may experience one of these types of glaucoma. It has been shown that there are certain breeds that are more affected with glaucoma such as beagles, poodles, basset hounds, cocker spaniels, and Samoyed. This by no means is a full list of dogs that can develop glaucoma, but is a list with the most common breeds that contract the disease. We have discussed the reason for the disease to occur, but not really the cause. After all why do some dogs produce more fluid than others resulting in the disease? The actual cause like many diseases is unknown. It has been linked to a genetic disorder as well as eye infections. In some cases it could be a lack of proper formation of the eye, a mutation of cells, or just a decrease in proper nutrients for the diet.
It is important to understand the symptoms your dog will have if they have the disease so that you can get them treated as soon as possible. There are early signs of glaucoma that include inflammation, squinting with the dog’s eyes, pain, tearing of the retina, and cloudy vision. They may even have a dilated fixed pupil. In other words the pupil will be large and the eye probably has lost motor function. It can be difficult to diagnose some of the symptoms like pain, but usually a sensitivity to light that they didn’t have before is one indication that they have an eye problem. You will also find that the dog will have trouble walking. They may become clumsier, such as walking into things that have always been there, but they now cannot see. Glaucoma is a degenerative disease. This means that left untreated the dog can become blind. There are a few treatments that will help reduce the inflammation caused by the fluid increase.
The first treatment a vet will usually try is an injection of antibiotic into the eye. The medication is supposed to help reduce any inflammation that has occurred as well as take care of any infection. This is not always the best medication because it can be toxic to the retina causing blindness. There are also surgical procedures that you may wish to try. These procedures allow for a small tube to be inserted into the eye to help the flow of fluid drain away from the eye. This can be a costly procedures and often times owners elect not to have the surgery. There are other medications that are anti- inflammatory that can be used orally. These are not as effective. You also have a choice of eye drops to help reduce the inflammation in the eye.
December 28th 2007 10:31 am
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There are several different breeds of dogs available for one to add to their family. The important things you should know about any dog is the care, health, training, and characteristics of the dog you wish to add. Some dogs are friendlier towards younger children, and others should not be near children at all. The Saint Bernard is one of the friendliest dogs in the category. Despite their size, muscles, and powerful body they are good natured and highly intelligent.
First you will find a Saint Bernard grows to be 120 to 200 pounds depending on the sex. The males are 27 inches in height and the females are about 25 inches. They have a longer face than most dogs and appear rather gruff. They can be white with red, red or brindle with white, or tan with dark ears and white. Most usually they have white on the chest, feet, tail, nose, and collar. Their eyes are in a darker pattern of fur. They have a smooth coat and short hair; however some of their breed can have rough, long hair. You will find yourself cleaning up after them if you neglect the grooming portion of dog care, as they are heavy shedders.
You will be surprise to learn that their breed has been around for several thousand years. They are extremely popular as rescue dogs, workers, and companions. Even though they are a gentle bred the Saint Bernard tends to be careful and great at sensing danger. You may think the St. Bernard always looks sad, but really they are very happy, especially when they are apart of a good home. You will find that any children are welcome with their temperament. With their gentle nature they tend to enjoy the affection of younger children as well as adults. They also have a heightened sense of protection. The Saint Bernard loves other animals as well. Occasionally they may display a bit of stubbornness, however they are most usually obedient. They will ask for plenty of attention and affection from you as the owner. As with most dogs you should never leave them alone for long. They don’t like being left alone and will cause considerable damage to your belongings if unhappy or anxious.
Training should begin at the earliest possible stage because they need socialization training. They are lovable and good natured, but sometimes their size can be a little too much, so you must teach them to behave and be gentle towards others. The Saint Bernard does really well when you are gently and affectionate in return. You also want to keep the training the same and be assertive, but never harsh. You will find sitting, heeling, and staying are commands they understand easily.
Exercise is an important part of dog care and especially so for the Saint Bernard. They like outdoor exercise, but be careful to not over do. You will find daily walks and playtime is one of the best times of day for them. You will need a secure fence and at least a small backyard. You will find that grooming is important as a daily brushing activity and checking their bodies for bugs and hurt areas. They can have heart trouble, skin disorders, and bloating so be careful to keep them free of problems by frequent visits to the vet. The Saint Bernard also has a low tolerance of heat, due to the thick coat they have. Saint Bernard’s though large are one of the best dogs to have for a family. While they do need their attention you will find they are extremely lovable and affectionate to everyone in your family.
December 28th 2007 3:28 am
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There are several reasons a dog may have heart disease. In some cases heart disease is actual genetic, meaning that a parent also had the issue and passed it on. In most cases heart disease actually forms later in the dogs life due to several causes. One of the leading causes of heart disease is improper nutrition. In other words the dog owners have not supplied a healthy diet, they gave the dog human fatty food, or the dog didn’t get enough exercise to counter act the diet they were on. You will find that cancer is usually genetic or a result of a mutation in the dog’s blood cells that form a mass on the heart. This is the worst type of heart disease in a dog and is often deadly. There are symptoms to help you diagnose the early stages of heart disease and we will be looking at the different heart diseases and their treatment below.
As mentioned heart cancer is one of the worst diseases a dog can contract. The cells in the heart mutate forming a tumor mass either inside the heart or around the heart. When this occurs there is a blockage of blood flow, usually resulting in dizziness, clumsiness, fainting, lameness, and seizures. You will find with heart cancer the best treatment is usually surgery. Some masses are too big for surgery and in this case radiation is used to kill the cells, reduce the mass, and prevent other mutations from occurring. If left untreated the dog can die from the cancer. The dog may also die from the blockage of the blood before the cancer cells spread. With heart cancer it can form directly in the heart or it can form elsewhere in the body first. In some cases liver cancer, stomach cancer or lymphoma forms in the body, the blood cells that are mutating flow into the heart and then attach themselves in a mass.
Another form of heart disease is of course the heart attack or stroke. Though they are two different diseases there are some of the same causes as well as treatments. A heart attack is usually a blockage in the heart due to fatty oils, over taxing the heart, and blockages in the aorta. A stroke goes a little further in that it is a nerve reaction that can affect the brain and muscles of the dog, ending in partial paralysis. The signs of heart disease are usually weakness, loss of appetite, coughing, fainting, breathing issues, bloating, pale gums, and an irregular heart beat. You will find that the treatment for heart disease can be medication or surgery. Surgery is usually an option when there is a blockage that must be removed. This surgery usually removes the fat that has formed from the aorta and opening up the bloodstream to flow properly. Medications are also meant to help reduce the blockage as well as lower cholesterol. The medication usually is given once a day and will help regulate the heart to beat correctly. If, left untreated these two heart diseases could cause death. It will depend on the size of the blockage and of course the patient. To prevent this heart disease you need to have your dog on a healthy diet, with plenty of enzymes and protein that will help breakdown the food. You also want to avoid any food that is fatty, filled with oil, or carbohydrates. You also need to make sure your dog is exercised properly each day. Any dog breed can be susceptible to heart disease, although there are certain breeds more inclined.
Faith
dog information
December 27th 2007 7:32 am
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Though we have looked at training a few different ways in previous articles you will find that in this article of training importance we are looking at a few specific behaviours of dogs. There are some dogs that tend to bark a lot more than other dog breeds. If you are aware of the proper training and take the time to train your dog you will not have to worry about much of the barking. This can be important to you as well as your neighbours based on the fact that many like the peace and quite, rather than incessant dog barking. So how do you go about training out some things a dog just does instinctively?
Well the answer to that is really more in line with behaviour training. You will need to start the training as early as possible. In other words once the dog breed has been weaned from its mother you will want to enter the dog into training. You can go about training in a few different ways. If you feel you are a confident owner that exhibits patience and a consistent hand you may wish to purchase a manual and look on dog training sites for the information. This is one method and most usually the least effective. While books can help during training for dog barking and other instinctual behaviours you really want a professional that will teach you obedience as well as other training methods for your dog. The best approach to any training is going to be a combined method. You also should keep aware that training should never stop. Even though you have been successful in training a dog will go back to the instincts they were born with over training if you don’t keep with the training regiment. Most training is considered a daily exercise along with the actual physical exercise the dog needs.
So now that we have looked at training methods let’s look at behaviour training a little more in depth. Behaviour training is not just obedience. With behaviour training you are trying to teach the dog the response you would like to have. If the dog barks for know reason you should not reward the behaviour with petting. In actuality you need to discourage the behaviour. Yelling is not a way to do this. You need to find something that the dog does not like. For example with cats water is a good deterrent for bad behaviour because they don’t like to be wet. For dogs, it can differ depending on the breed, but usually a tone of voice, that is still at the normal level or the word no will be sufficient to get the bad behaviour stopped when you consider the training you are imparting. Remember that you also want to reward for good behaviour. Good behaviour can be the response to the “no” command you have issued. In other words if the dog ceases the barking and lies down instead you can reward them with a “good dog” or a little rub. Treats should be left for special occasions during training.
It can take a few months to get a dog trained to not bark. In some cases dogs will still bark when they hear the approach of a car or stranger. This can be good if they learn to bark once to alert you and then quiet down again. If they continue the insistent barking you may need to continue training. Remember so behaviour’s are instinctive so that behaviour training must over ride these senses to be effective.
December 27th 2007 5:28 am
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There are several breeds of dogs that are prone to hip dysplasia. It is a condition where the hips do not form right and can be come painful for the dog to walk as well as move their hind end. There are several things you can do to help your dog when they have this condition as well as try for preventative measures. You will find the joints are going to be extremely uncomfortable for the dogs because a gap in the area has left them underdeveloped. Dogs prone to this disease include Old English Sheepdogs, Kuvasz dogs, and several others.
With certain dogs you can actually prevent the issue from becoming to unbearable. You will find that vets recommend dogs with hip dysplasia, especially old English Sheepdogs, to have their tails cut short. If, the tail is cut short that will take away the stress on the dog’s hindquarters alleviating the stress on the hip bones.
You will also find that a nutritious diet can help you to prevent the hip dysplasia from becoming an issue. Most often bones do not form because there is a lack of calcium in the dog’s diet. If you add high calcium food or supplements to the dog’s diet you are helping them to form bones as puppies. This can mean that during the growth cycle the hips actually form properly rather than missing the growth needed. You should always speak with a vet about the proper dosage regarding the calcium intake they may require.
You will also find the nutrients you feed them is important. Vets may recommend that a high calorie diet is very bad. You will want to watch how much they eat, and when they eat to prevent any further discomfort for the issue. You will also want to ask what other types of minerals and vitamins they may need as puppies and adults to find the right mix of food. You dogs care is very important to you and those with diseases they are genetically predisposed to can be even harder to care for, during their older years. If you take proper preventative measures during their youth you may find the problem won’t form with hip dysplasia or that it will be a minimum issue rather than ones that will require surgery down the road.
Another means for caring for a dog with hip dysplasia or potential issues is having proper bedding. Sometimes we just go for the crate and a few layers of blankets, but for those that experience hip dysplasia you should have more bedding. It should be softer and they should be able to lay down comfortable for their size.
You will also want to watch the amount of exercise they get. The running or jogging can be very hard on the bones. If they haven’t formed correctly you could be speeding up the process of the hip issues rather than helping prevent the issue. Bear in mind exercise is still important to the overall care, but you should be careful not to over exert them.
Lastly for hip dysplasia there is surgery. Surgery can help the dog get the correct hip they need. It is like a hip replacement surgery for humans. You will find the procedure is very expensive and time consuming for the healing process. You may wish to speak with a vet and pet insurance before considering the idea. What you really want to do for care is provide the most comfort and best care you can to prevent exacerbated discomfort.
December 26th 2007 3:05 pm
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Steps For Dog Grooming
Description: Grooming your dog is very important to removing the dead hair, dirt, and prevention of matting. Your dog’s health should be just as important as yours.
Keywords: Grooming, Dog grooming, dogs, dog’s health, health, dog care
Your dog’s health is going to be dependent on you; not only what you feed your dog, but also on your dog care. There are many things that are considered part of your dog’s care, but the main item you should concentrate on is the grooming. There are many reasons for grooming your dog. First you want to remove the dirt, dead hair, and prevent matting of their fur. Second you want to bond with your dog. Every dog needs some type of grooming care. It will depend a little on the dog as to how much grooming they are going to need. For example the Akita has natural oils in their coat that protect them, giving them baths can hurt the coat and weaken their immunity; therefore it is important to only bathe them when they really need it. Other dogs need to be bathed at least once a month. The following are going to be a few tips for dog grooming and care.
You should start grooming your dog as a puppy. If you have bought an older dog you may have a little trouble if they have not been groomed a lot in the past. However with a little help they will become accustom to the procedures.
You will need to have tools in order to groom your dog properly. Most stores will carry kits for dog grooming. Here are a few things you need to make sure are in the kit: combs for the correct type of hair, brushes with slanted metal pins, shedding blades, nail trimmers, tooth brush, and of course some type of shampoo.
The shampoo should be for dogs specifically. You want to make sure the proper nutrients are in the shampoo, such as natural oils that will help the hair remain soft. You may wish to ask a veterinarian or a person who grooms dogs at your local pet store for tips on the proper kit to purchase.
Once you have the proper tools, you can then start the brushing process. You will need to make sure all of the matted hair and tangles are removed from the dog’s coat before getting them wet. This means you may have to work a little hard to brush at the matted areas with a mat comb. Use a sawing motion to get through their coat.
As we mentioned above some dogs cannot tolerate frequent baths due to drying out the natural oils in the hair and skin, which leads to dry skin that they will scratch constantly. So you will want a gentle shampoo and a moderately warm bath. Soak the dog to the skin making sure all areas are wet. Lather the dog with shampoo, making sure to work the shampoo into the fur as you would your hair. You want to be thorough so make sure to get the tail, head, and under areas. It is best if you have some sort of showerhead with a hose or if you are outside to use a spray nozzle. The spray action will help you get the soap out of their hair. Just rinsing with a washcloth or buckets of water is not going to be effective. You do want to keep the soap out of their ears and eyes, but you can wash around the eyes with a cloth and use a sponge to help clean out the ears.
Grooming your dogs is extremely important and while we have only discussed the brushing, tools, and bathing aspects of grooming you should be aware that there are more things to consider after the bath and for daily care.
December 24th 2007 4:25 pm
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The Maltese dog breed is considered a toy. Basically this means they are fun, lovable dogs that make wonderful companions for young children as well as adults. Most often they weigh between 4 and 7 pound reaching about 9- 10 inches in height. Unlike most dog breeds the Maltese is only white in colour when it is a pure breed. They have a long, almost silky hair. The hair on this breed of dog is one of the most beautiful and easy to maintain, as it is straight and not easily tangled because of its softness. They are one of the only non-shedding dogs available when you consider all the breeds available.
The Maltese breed originated in Europe where many individuals favored them, especially the upper class. You will find their character to be full of affection as well as a great amount of energy. They love to play, socialize with other dogs, and are very intelligent. You often see the Maltese dog breed on dog shows because of their characteristics, not only their personalities, but for their body type as well.
When you consider the Maltese dog breed for your home you should understand their temperament and care. These dogs often bond with one person, while they tolerate others. They love to be showed affection, including cuddling. You will find that they do not like to be left alone for a long time. While you may leave them alone during the day, they don’t like being alone during vacations. It is best that they are left with someone they are close to or that you take them with you. The Maltese is also a fairly quite breed of dog. They do bark when they perceive a threat, alert you when there is someone in their territory, and very protective. You will need to groom them daily with a brush to keep their hair luxurious and pretty. Unlike other dog breeds they can be bathed regularly.
You will find that they tend to have eye problems when the hair gets to close and they need to have their eyes bathed every day. You will also learn that they suffer from skin disorders, respiratory problems, and digestion issues. Your vet or breeder will be able to help you determine the right type of diet and hygiene to make sure they are healthy throughout their lives. With the amount of hair and their body type they don’t do well in hot climates or very damp climates.
The Maltese is a small breed and therefore they don’t require a large amount of space. They do well in apartments and with minimal exercise. You will find that a daily walk and some playtime is all they really need to be content. They also love to play with other dogs at the parks. Training for these dogs should be crate training. They may be intelligent, but they are one of the most difficult to train. Your best option when training the Maltese dog is early socialization, consistency, and a gentle hand. They will do well when you reward their good behavior and show patience. If you take the proper amount of time to train them they can do tricks and will be obedient.
Any dog will do better around your family and become a wonderful member of your family when you purchase them as puppies. Training is important when they are younger as they haven’t learned bad habits, yet. Most often you can get a Maltese puppy from a breeder.
December 24th 2007 3:19 pm
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Where are you going to find your dog? Well that will all depend on what you are looking for from a pet. There are many reasons to do a lot of research before purchasing your dog. You need to know about the care, training, and breed of the dog. The question is where will you find all of that information and then find the right dog for you. The Internet, newspaper, breeders, shelters, pound, and veterinarian offices are the typical places for finding your dog. The trouble is you have to know about the dog before you can actually purchase one.
So here are a few tips for where to find your dog and what questions you should be asking. Most offices are not going to be a fountain of information, while the dog breeders are going to have the most helpful information. A dog breeder is going to know how to breed them, take care of them, and the typical characteristics that dog will show. They will most often interview you to make sure you are the right candidate. Dog breeders tend to be very cautious in letting just anyone who wants a dog have a dog. They want to know about your home, your life, and where the dog will fit in. They also require the highest fees next to pet shops for a specific breed.
You also want to make sure you are speaking with a valid person. The Internet can give rise to many scams and some of those are dog scams. They will have a picture of a pure breed online and give you plenty of information, but then the dog you actually get is a mixed breed. So be wary when trying the Internet. You will want to visit any place you are looking to purchase a dog to make sure they have had the best care and that you and the dog get along. Care should include a place that is large enough for the breeders setup, making sure it is clean, and that they are producing healthy dogs. If you are not looking for a puppy you will also want the dog to have training prior to your purchasing it. Training should be started when the dog is a puppy in order to have the best results. An older dog that has not been trained may not be the best fit for you and your family.
You need to know if the dog you want is going to do well if you have small children. Some breeds of dog are not good with small children and they can be a bit aggressive. For a family with smaller children you need a gentle, caring dog that is aware of its size. You should stay away from the Akita, Lhasa Apso, and Doberman Pinscher breeds. You will find most hounds, Saint Bernard, and German Shepherds are better for families. Keep in mind the more you know about your choice in dog the better you and your family will be.
You also need to know the medical history and medical care the dog may require. The medical history will tell you if they have suffered from injuries, accidents, or abuse prior to your ownership. You also need to know if they are prone to certain diseases, hip problems, or allergies to make caring for them a little easier. If you are aware of the issue you can have the proper vet treatments and nutrition supplied to avoid most problems. You will also find that medical care is needed at least once a year with different types of vaccinations.
December 24th 2007 11:17 am
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The Lhasa Apso dog originated in Tibet, about 2000 years ago. Most upper class individuals wanted the Lhasa Apso as a pet because they were considered good luck. You will find that they are an intelligent animal as well as having perfect hearing. Most Lhasa Apso dogs are 13 to 15 pounds and reach a height of 10 to 11 inches. They are considered a small dog. They are either black, white, brown, grey, cream, or multi coloured.
As with most dogs with a lot of hair they have a problem with shedding at different times of the year, but are considered moderate. They have a thick insulation underneath their top coat offering a barrier to the cold weather. The long hair also offers more comfort during the colder season. The hair grows to the floor and often covers the eyes if it is not trimmed at a regular basis. The coat is not the softest hair, but it is rather nice. Due to the early breeding of the dog you will find they have a lot of stamina and muscles. They tend to be a little aloof when confronted with strangers, however they tend to have a playful nature. You will find this breed fits in well with a family. If you have children it is best that they be older in order to get along with the Lhasa Apso breed. They do not tolerate disrespect or small children well.
You will find that the Lhasa Apso dog is expressive with affection, but they are also very stubborn. Most often they tend to have two different personalities given their moods. With the heightened sense of hearing you will also find they make great watchdogs. You will also find jealousy is sparked when they are mixed with other pets. It seems they are a one pet family. The Lhasa Apso also needs a great deal of attention. A family that will not be around during the day is not the best type for this wonderful breed. You may find that in a playful mood or when irritated they will nip. This is one reason for avoiding placing a Lhasa Apso with a family that has small children.
The hair is going to take a lot of care for grooming. It can get matted, tangled, and dirty very easily because of its length and style. You will need to brush them at least once a day. Luckily you can also bathe them when it is necessary. Unlike other dogs the Lhasa Apso doesn’t have sensitive skin and they won’t loose the natural oils of the hair when bathed. Having said that they can develop skin problems due to parasites, ear infections, and eye problems as well. This is why cleaning on a regular schedule is imperative. Other health problems can include kidney disease.
Training can be difficult because of their behaviour. They do tend to be stubborn and even housetraining may be a problem. Your best option for training your Lhasa Apso dog is to have professional help. You will want to visit a training centre to help you learn basic techniques that can be applied. You may ask the breeder to help with training as well before you take over the care. They need a firm hand with respect as well as consistency. You will also find that positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to get them trained.
A Lhasa Apso will provide you with plenty of companionship or even make a great show dog. You do have to be aware of their aggressive side so that you avoid issues with other pets and humans.
Faith - puppies for sale
December 24th 2007 3:15 am
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Dogs require visits to vets on a regular basis. Most of the visits are going to check their growth and make sure that they are healthy. They will also provide the vaccinations dogs need to have on a yearly basis. It is important that a qualified person monitors your dog’s health. However we all see the vet bills and get a little hesitant about taking our dog in. With the rising costs for dog care the need for insurance has risen. There are several companies available online that allows you to purchase a yearly dog insurance plan to help you with your vet bills. You can select from plans that include accidents and illnesses as well as your general visits. Depending on the plan you choose you can have up to 80% coverage on veterinary expenses.
Injuries, illnesses, regular vet visits, lab tests, surgery, and even prescription medicines can be included in your policy. This makes it easier for you to get your dog the health care they need and ensure a longer life. Most companies allow for three days after you have signed up before the policy will start depending on the coverage you have chosen. You will have a packet sent to you in the mail detailing the plan you have chosen. You will want to make sure that you have vet clinic that accepts insurance. As it is a newer item available for dog care you may find some clinics are unwilling to take dog insurance.
If you need to file a claim make sure you have done so within three months of the first occurrence. It is a simple process with filling out the form, making sure the vet signs off, and then sending it to the insurance company. They may ask for the medical records to be sent along with the file, along with receipts. You can only claim things that are covered under the plan you have and you must meet your deductible before you can file a claim for reimbursement of the expenses. Once they have all of the information they need you will be able to get the money in a relatively short amount of time, unlike your regular health care coverage.
A few more things that you will find covered on the policies include: MRI, CAT scans, X-rays, cancer treatments, after- hours emergency visits, specialist vets- ophthalmologists, dermatologists, surgeons, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, and hospitalization. There will be a few things that are not covered like any other health insurance you have dealt with. Dog insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. In other words, if your dog suffers from an accident, injury, or illness before you purchased the dog insurance it will not be covered. Any condition that is a result of the pre- existing condition will also not be covered. For an example if you dog has a broken leg and then you buy the dog insurance it will not be covered; however if they break their leg a second time after it has healed they will be covered. In other words the first break wasn’t covered because of the timing, but the second injury had nothing to do with the first and therefore they feel it should be covered.
Dog care costs are continuing to rise and are extremely expensive, even for minor visits. Having dog care insurance can help you pay for the health care they need and see other issues are covered. The policy will have a deductible and you will have monthly payments so you have to weight the amount you save versus the amount you pay out per year to see if this would be something for you and your dog.
Galaxy Football Dog Toy
December 23rd 2007 4:08 pm
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Have you ever heard of a Labradoodle? If not you will find the below information not only interesting, but you may convert to a new dog breed for your family. The Labradoodle is a hunting dog that is a cross between a poodle and a Labrador. You will find there are seven colors you can have with a Labradoodle. They can be chalk, cream, apricot, chocolate, cafÈ, or black and silver. You will also find they can be a mix of these colors. They are one of the most interesting breeds despite being a mixed breed. You will find they usually weigh between 25 and 90 pounds. They stand about 13- 22 inches from the ground making them a short dog.
You will find the Labradoodle is intelligent, intuitive, and very full of energy. They do very well as companions, but doesn’t make a service dog. In other words while they can be great hunting dogs they don’t make for good therapy dogs or seeing- eye dogs. They tend to have both a poodle and Labrador mentality making them very excitable. You will also find they can make a great family pet as long as they have been trained. They can be excessively energetic and sometimes don’t make the best pets for smaller children. Training as a puppy is very important to help them learn proper techniques and reign in the energy just a little. If you do train them properly they can be around children.
Training should be for both a lab and poodle since they are mixed. You should be able to combine sport activity along with obedience. Labradors tend to be very energetic and without proper training they will continue to be disobedient because they would rather play. The poodle in them can make them a little anti social. You will find they are very easy to train for indoors, but consistent training and a firm hand is needed. You should always take your Labradoodle for walks daily to offer them plenty of opportunity to play and have fun. You will also find a medium yard is needed. They do not do well in condos or apartments. If you work during the day you should have them tied to a runner in the yard to let them explore and play. They require at least two hours of interaction such as walking, running, and playing with toys for the best health and happiness.
Care of the Labradoodle is fairly easy. They require regular brushing as the hair can become quite tangled. They have the poodle style coat, which means longer hair, rather than the Labrador coat which is usually short. In order to keep shedding down you will need to brush them. You should be able to clip them just once a year. You will also find this dog breed to be hypo- allergenic. In other words they tend to suffer from several allergies so they can have health problems due to respiratory issues.
As long as you train your Labradoodle and offer plenty of affection and activities you will find them to be a great addition to your family. You should start of with a puppy, especially if you are planning on having children to help them adapt to the social requirements they will need to have. If you purchase an adult Labradoodle you may find it harder to train certain behaviors out of them, especially if they have had no formal training. Labradoodles are one of the most interesting breeds because they have been mixed. They are recognized as a breed by the dog association.
Faith - Galaxy Bone Dog Toy
December 23rd 2007 1:58 pm
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Adding a pet to your home is a huge responsibility. Not only do you have to know the proper care, grooming, and training needed for a pet, especially dogs, but you have to make the right decision when you go to adopt a pet. You have to be prepared to adopt the dog and know they depend on you. So while there are several things to consider when you adopt a dog you also have to decide where to adopt the dog from. There are several places to obtain a dog that include breeders, kennels, rescue shelters, pet stores, humane societies, and private owners. Each place is going to offer you a little bit of a difference in the type of dog breeds available as well as their condition. Read further to find out what each place is like.
Breeders: If you are looking for a dog of a certain mix or breed than you may want to go with a dog breeder. A dog breeder works specifically with a certain breed to ensure the top of line dog. This means that they have a business, land, and a place to house healthy dogs. They may even offer training. Dog breeders are typically going to require a bit of your history with pets in an interview as well as seeing your place to make sure it is adequate. Dog breeders tend to charge a little more for the dog as they have taken care of the dog since infancy and they are raising an elite breed. These dogs are generally sold as puppies.
Kennels or Shelters: There are two types of shelters from your regular animal shelter to your rescue shelter. With a regular animal shelter you will find orphaned pets. This means that the dogs have either been lost and the owner cannot be found, the dog was raised wild, or someone had to give up their pet for a variety of reasons. Shelters will also take in unwanted pets from litters. Most often you will find older dogs in a shelter, but in some cases there will be puppies. The fees usually include adoption, neutering, and vaccinations as part of the actual adoption process. Most often in an animal shelter you will find a mixed dog breed or a mongrel. You may find some well known breeds in the shelters like terriers or golden retrievers. Generally a dog that is well bred is sold by the owner rather than given to a shelter. A rescue shelter operates a little different. The rescue shelter takes dogs away from abusive owners, dogs that have been rescued during fires or other natural weather issues like Hurricane Katrina, and those who have been abandoned and may be hurt. They nurse the dogs back to health before finding a loving owner. Most of the dogs from rescue shelters will have special needs emotionally and physically based on the trauma they may have sustained.
Human Societies: These types of places are also animal shelters. They house unwanted animals or dogs they have found on the streets. Most often you will not find a particular breed in the shelter, but a mix of breeds, and of course mixed breeds of dogs. These types of places want to make sure there are good homes, but work as non profit agencies so donations are taken rather than fees.
Pet Stores: A pet store usually carries a breed of dog. In other words there are usually not mixed breeds of dogs, but Huskies, Terriers, Dalmatians and other well known dog breeds that most pet owners are interested in. They can also work as the middle person in finding a breeder with the dog you would like to adopt. Keep in mind that pet stores will offer an increase in price on the dog above the animal shelters or humane societies.
Private Owners: A private owner is someone who is not a breeder, but has recently had a litter of puppies and tries to sell them or give them away for free. In this case you will not have the shots or neutering you may wish to have. While you may find a healthy dog for a reasonably price from a private owner they are not always the most well cared for. It will depend on the owner you seek. Keep in mind you can always go to a vet and have the dog checked for health issues and still adopt a wonderful pet. There are many choices in adopting dogs. It really doesn’t matter were you adopt from as long as you are willing to care and love for your new family member.
waterproof dog beds
December 23rd 2007 8:19 am
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Alaska, Siberia, and even Canada have breeds of dogs that work sleds, and live in cold weather with their owners. The Siberian Huskies are just one of the working dog you may want to have if you live somewhere cold. They are a medium dog breed that offers loyalty, affection, and happiness for any human. You will find out below about some of their characteristics, grooming needs, and the proper care for these dogs.
If you take proper care of the Siberian husky you will find they live for more than ten or twelve years as faithful companions. They need a well balanced diet with plenty of protein and of course a lot of daily exercise. The Siberian husky is usually 35 to 60 inches in height depending on the sex and 20 to 24 pounds. They have medium length hair that is usually a white, gray, or black. You will also find that they tend to have blue eyes. They have thick coarse fur to keep them warm in the cold climates. You will also find that they have two coats, an undercoat that is usually thick and very soft, and a top coat that is a little coarser. You will find that they are usually lighter in color on the underside. Their faces are usually thin like a wolf, with a slightly long muzzle. The tail tends to remain uncurled unlike other breeds that they mirror.
If you are interested in a Siberian husky you should realize that they need a lot of exercise. They love to work and be useful so any time you can give them something to do even if it is just training you will have a happy dog. You will find that they exhibit agility, dominance, and pride. The dominance stems from the sled dogs that they are. They need to show some type of dominance in order to lead the back as a team. Some of the Siberian huskies will have less dominance as they were breed for further back in the team. However they all love to have a job given to them. They are highly intelligent, which means they can learn tricks, as well as work. You will find obedience training is a little difficult with the dominant nature, but they will soon learn who is master. As long as you keep a gentle hand and a firm hand with consistency you should have little trouble with further training. They do need to be socialized with other animals at an early age because of their hunting instincts. They get along great with other Huskies, but cats and other small pets can be an issue. They can get bored fairly easily so having a home with a medium sized backyard is usually very important. They would rather run around all day than be cooped up inside.
For care you will find that daily walks are needed, at least a total of two hours. Grooming is important on a daily basis to avoid matting and tangles. You should also know for care that the Siberian husky can have cataracts and retinal atrophy so you need to have frequent eye checks as well as other vet visits. These dogs love to be around people and be of use. They can even be pretty great with children as they are a hardy breed.
December 22nd 2007 10:40 am
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Your dog is an important member of the family and wonderful companion. In order to provide the proper care you first have to understand the dog breed you have. Once you know the dog breed keeping your dog healthier is going to be easier. Certain dog breeds have tendencies towards diseases such as diabetes, hip dysplasia, heart disease and other diseases. It is important to understand what your dog breed may contract so that you feed them the proper food, give them plenty of exercise, and of course lots of affection. Diabetes is one of the most common diseases among dogs today.
Diabetes can be prevented in dogs as it can be prevented in humans. While there are genetic causes to the entire disorder and some are more prone a proper diet and exercise can help you keep the disorder under control or from ever being a factor. Diabetes usually results in dogs with problems digesting carbohydrates appropriately. In other words they tend to have problems converting the carbohydrates into blood sugar. Exercise will help in this instance because exercise allows the metabolism to speed up with the expounding energy. You will also find reading the ingredients on dog food is important in reducing the amount of carbohydrates your dog is exposed to. If the dog food you are currently giving them is high in carbohydrates you will want to switch to a different food. You may even wish to change to an all natural or organic dog food.
When you are trying to prevent disease in your dog you have to look at what you are feeding them besides regular dog food. Dog treats can be something for special occasions, but again you want to be careful about the type of treats you are giving your dog. The treats should be high in essential nutrients and avoid being junk food for dogs. Treats that help with dog breath or dental hygiene are important so don’t discount them, but ask your vet about better dog treats to promote health.
Human food is also dangerous for your dog. Some dogs do live off a diet of raw foods rather than processed foods, which is okay as long as you know the foods are inspected. What you don’t want to do is feed your dog high fat human food, such as McDonalds, KFC, and other fast foods. You don’t want to feed them fried chicken that you make at home either. Fatty foods or those high in cholesterol can help heart disease form and can affect the dog with diabetes as well.
Let’s go back to exercise for a few moments. Exercise can be used as a preventive measure as well as a means to control certain diseases. You will want to take your dog for a walk every day. You will also want to spend at least one hour exercising your dog, especially if it is an active dog breed. You can walk them, play with toys, or go over training to help them exercise.
Frequent visits to the vet will also help you keep your dog healthy. In other words you should take your dog in once a year for a check up and a clean bill of health. During this time you can have the vet clean the dogs teeth, groom them for you, as well as make sure they are at the proper weight, getting enough exercise, and all around healthy and happy. Owning a dog is a lot of responsibility when you consider the care they need and some of the diseases they have, but the rewards is great.
December 21st 2007 5:13 pm
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Dog care is extremely important not only on a daily basis to make sure they are receiving the proper nutrition, water, and brushing, but also when you consider the long term care of a dog. Most dogs need to be vaccinated as certain intervals to avoid health problems such as worms, lyme disease, coronavirus, and many other dangerous diseases a dog can catch. Below you will find a schedule most veterinarians will follow regarding vaccinations. Keep in mind some dogs are fine without the medications, but they are preventative methods as well as some state regulated policies.
When you have a five- week old puppy you will need to have the parvovirus vaccination. This is one of the dog vaccinations that does not have to be administered. The vet is going to worry about this vaccination only if you are in an area of high risk for the dog. At six and nine weeks they must be given a combination vaccine. You will also find coronavirus is a concern, leading your doctor to administer that vaccination as well. At 12 weeks you are going to have to give your dog a rabies vaccination. This is according to local law, though the age can vary slightly.
From 12 weeks and 15 weeks you will find the combination vaccine, leptospirosis, coronavirus, and lyme disease vaccinations are needed or at least suggested depending on your dog’s breed and the area you live in. Some of these diseases are regional and may not affect you directly, unless you are traveling to that area.
An adult dog will need to have the combination vaccine, leptospirosis, coronavirus, lyme, and rabies vaccinations. Again some of these will depend on the area you live in or may travel to with your dog. Your veterinarian is going to recommend a schedule and the vaccinations your dog will need throughout their life. You will want to make sure they are receiving the proper care and if you have any doubts you can always speak with your veterinarian or find a second opinion. Most often the vaccinations are there to help your dog live a healthy and full life, although some vets may just want to make more money.
The combination vaccination combines five different vaccines such as adenovirus cough, hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and the parvovirus. You must have this combination vaccine. Law enforcement requires at least these five vaccinations and rabies to keep your dog in good health.
Some of the above vaccinations must be given every year or six months depending on the type of vaccination once the dogs reach adulthood. Rabies and distemper tend to be every year, while a few of the others may be every two years. Other medications you need to have are flea and tick medications. Flea and tick medications are often a liquid that you place behind the dog’s neck near the collar area. They will keep the dog from getting fleas or ticks during the different seasons and keep your home free from pests. Although you will need to still brush your dog daily these do help the majority of the problem. You also have to give them a heartworm medication. Most often these medications are given every month or three months depending on the brand.
Dog’s vaccinations are important to their health care. You want to make sure your dog lives long and a healthy life just as you would for yourself. While vet costs are a necessary evil there are ways to get help for the dog’s health care. Such as dog insurance to make paying the vet expenses a little easier. You may also find that some vets will allow for a payment plan option to make sure your dog is getting the care they need.
Faith
dog beds
December 21st 2007 1:30 pm
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Are you looking for a new member to the family? If you are, you may find the Kuvasz dog breed to be very acceptable as a companion. They have long been known as working dogs because of their protective nature. If you are looking for a dog breed that will be a great companion and see to your safety you will do no better than the Kuvasz.
The Kuvasz dog breed is a larger dog. The males are usually 28- 30 inches and 110- 115 pounds. The female dogs are 26- 28 inches and 70- 90 pounds. The Kuvasz is one of the only dogs that do not have a wide ranged of colors. This dog will only be found in white as a purebred. If you have a dog that is considered a Kuvasz, but a mix in color or other colors you do not have a purebred Kuvasz. Their coat is coarse with a soft undercoat. They can have wavy or straight hair depending on their parents.
For temperament you will find they are suspicious of strangers, which can make them aggressive or shy depending on their nature. You will find them to be obedient, protective, and gentle. However you should realize training is going to help make the difference in whether this dog breed is right for your family. They tend to be particular for families. While they can be affectionate for the right family sometimes they just don’t fit well. You should spend extensive time with the Kuvasz puppy you are looking to adopt to make sure you and your family will fit nicely with them.
Training is also going to be a very important part of the puppy and adult dog life. You have to socialize them early on to take care of the shy or aggressive behavior. A failure to do so may make them aggressive towards strangers and not fitting for the neighborhood with kids. They are easy to train because of their intelligence. They also tend to be obedient, but you need a firm hand, and you must be sensitive with your tone of voice. They don’t respond well to anger, impatience, or a heavy tone. You will also find because of their nature they have been wonderful herders in the past as well as watchdogs. If you are in need of a working dog you will find training them can be relatively easy for that.
Training will also need to be kept up as adults as part of their exercise. They need to have daily exercise even if it is just a walk or a run around a park. You should have plenty of entertainment for during the day including a large backyard and toys. They tend to be destructive when left alone for too long. They need human companionship, just as we need them so keep in mind a family with two working parents may not be the best or ideal situation.
Care is also very important, and not just the regular exercise, and feeding. You will need to groom them on a daily basis. They need to have their overcoat and under coat attended to. You will find they will also shed less and be cleaner with constant grooming. You should need to bathe them regularly. They do best in colder climates, but can handle a warmer area. Keep in mind the shedding will increase in a warmer climate. The Kuvasz dog breed is one of the best for protective nature. You may find this is not conducive to families with small children or those who work long hours every day. Keep in mind your dog is apart of the family and needs attention too.
December 20th 2007 1:32 pm
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Dogs come in all shapes and sizes to make great family pets. There are always dog lovers out there that have a favorite breed, but how do you know what you may like if you don’t know the breeds peculiarities. If you have never really been around dogs you should always find as much information about them as possible including the breeds that are available and how you should interact with them. The Papillon dog breed is considered a toy. It is one of the smaller dogs among the list. You will find that it is also an older breed in European history.
Dating back to the sixteenth century you will find the Papillon was considered a lap dog for most of the nobles in Europe. The name means butterfly in the French translation and when you see this dog you will understand why it is an apt name. The ears really resemble the wind span of a butterfly with the shape and the hair that grows around them. In fact you could argue their ears are actually larger than their face. You will find the Papillon dog weighs nine to ten pounds and stands about eight to eleven inches. They have one of the finest coats in the dog breeds as well. They are usually white with patches of black, tan, and other colors. The coat is long and almost silky. You will find they are soft to pet and that their hair is going to be a little longer than most dog breeds. Luckily the hair doesn’t grow to long on their limbs, but they are fairly fluffy in appearance all around.
Like most dog breeds in the toy category you will find the Papillon dog to be extremely playful, alert, and affectionate. They are also well known for their elegance. They do not make a great guard dog as they tend to be overly affectionate with everyone. You will find they are not shy or aggressive. They like to be the center of attention, and despite their size you will find them to be quite sturdy. The Papillon likes to have plenty of affection and doesn’t do well with mistreatment; therefore older children are recommended before adding the Papillon to your family. You will also find they can be a little protective towards the family or owner, but they will never be dangerous.
Training is one of the easier options you have with this dog breed. Most dogs can display a stubbornness during training, but not the Papillon. They are eager to learn and like complex problems for their intelligence. If you are hoping to integrate them into a family you will need a little socialization training regarding other pets. They tend to like being protective and the attention seeker, which may cause issues. You will find the Papillon is often a show dog or used for therapy because of their temperament. You will also find they need to have daily exercise if you hope to keep them healthy and happy. They do need to have yard space or parks that they can go to for running and playing. You should never leave this dog in the backyard unsupervised though. They tend to have issues escaping.
Care for your Papillon requires weekly grooming for their hair. They are medium shedders and they tend to get a little tangled during the week. You will also find they are prone to ear issues and the paws need to be trimmed at appropriate intervals. Health issues you may find with these dogs are cataracts, petalla luxation, and Von Willebrands disease.
December 20th 2007 8:40 am
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Most often we find dogs make wonderful pets, however there are a few that make great working dogs for certain situations. You will find the Finnish Spitz dog breed is a great watchdog or hunter. They were breed early on to bark for a hunter to alert him of other animals. This can make the Finnish Spitz a little difficult to handle if you have neighbors unless you train him not to bark. You will find the Finnish Spitz dog breed to reach twenty- five pounds and about eighteen inches in height. They are golden red in color or auburn. The coat is soft to the touch. It is a dense coat with long hair.
The appearance of the Finnish Spitz is almost like a fox. They have small ears with a small pointed snout. You will also find their tail tends to curl back towards the head rather than hanging down or in an up position. One you have considered the appearance of the dog breed as your new family member you will want to consider their temperament. As stated they tend to bark a lot as they were breed for hunting; however they also make wonderful family pets for children. While it is best to supervise these dogs around small children they don’t become aggressive or threatening. You will also find they are very active, intelligent, and affectionate dogs. They are aware of anger in a person’s voice so you should always be gentle.
Training can be a little more difficult due to a stubborn streak, but if you are firm and gentle you will find the Finnish Spitz dog breed reacts better to commands. The intelligence this dog has also means he needs activity during training, or he will become bored. You will want to use patience during the training and make sure to train this dog breed daily. Always continue to work on skills. During training as a puppy you will be able to teach your dog to bark less or only at certain things. This can help make him a wonderful pet for the neighborhood. Remember though, that training for barking must begin as soon as possible.
While barking can be a small downside to this breed the temperament more than makes up for it. You will also find the care is rather easy. They tend to take care of the cleaning themselves. With long haired dogs you do have to brush them at least once a week and clean around their paws. You will find bathes are not necessary and should only be done if they begin to smell. They have sensitive skin so it is important not to bath them a lot. You will need to take care of their teeth and trim their nails at least once a year if not twice. As long as you take care of your dog’s health by exercising him daily and not giving them a lot of treats you will find health problems will be kept to a minimum and they can live to at least thirteen years if not more. Exercise for the Finnish Spitz is important and they love to run. As long as you give them an hour or more a day to run outside, take walks, and have play time you will find them a wonderful companion. They can be taught to catch and retrieve items, tug of war, and just general fun.
Keep in mind that if you start out with an adult you may need to seek training to help with their bark and it can be a difficult road.
December 19th 2007 3:16 pm
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Old English Sheepdogs are really great dogs. There are several things you need to consider when you have an Old English Sheepdog. Most Old English Sheepdogs are friendly, couch potatoes. You will also find they have the herding instincts of most sheepdogs. While they are very protective of family and territory you will not find them the best watchdog because they tend to be more affectionate. It may not seem like this dog is very active, however they do require quite a bit of exercise and are full of life.
First you should realize that an Old English sheepdog requires both physical and mental exercise. You will need to take them for walks daily as well as provide toys that will be useful and involve their mental capacity. Old English Sheepdogs are also great rescue dogs because of their high intelligence. An Old English Sheepdog will have very long hair, often covering their eyes. Most of these dogs are going to be white and grey in colour. You will also find that they grow to be quite large and need a lot of room to play. The male dogs grow to be 70- 90 pounds and a height of 22 inches. The female dog grows to around 21 inches and 60- 80 pounds.
The herding instinct usually causes the dog to bump into their owners, trying to herd them where they want to go. They also like having the contact between master and themselves. You will find the training for this breed is quite possible. They do need a firm hand as they are strong willed, and often stubborn as a herding dog should be. However you can be successful in training due to their temperament as they are alert. As mentioned they do make great rescue dogs because they tend to herd and listen to commands due to their intelligence.
An Old English Sheepdog is usually friendly and very social, until they feel their territory invaded or feel they need to protect. In most cases you can train the dog to ignore these feelings and have a wonderful companion. There have been some cases where an Old English Sheepdog is very dangerous to young children. When the dog has been brought into a two person family and a baby is introduced they can become very jealous of the new arrival. This can make them dangerous or at least give you the feeling of danger. It may be possible to train this behaviour out of them, but in some severe cases you may have to give the dog up for adoption. Keep in mind that this is rare and depends on the training they have already had. Most psychosis can be trained out when you take the time and really that is what you can consider a dog’s jealousy.
The last caution I would throw in if you are considering this breed is their medical problems. Most breeders and vets will tell you that they need to have their tail clipped. Old English sheepdogs suffer from hip dysplasia, and the breeders feel clipping the tail will keep them from having difficulties. The tail needs to be clipped to a certain length as clipping to far can harm them. Care can also be extensive when you consider the grooming they will need with their long coats.
When you choose the Old English Sheepdog breed you will find a wonderful companion that loves to protect you and herd you. You will also find that they can be trained, and though there are minor concerns you will be happy with this choice.
December 19th 2007 3:15 pm
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Learning how to train your dog and when to train your dog is going to be the most important aspect you should consider when you are choosing a dog for a pet. There are some dog breeds that do not train easily and others that just love to show off. When you consider the type of dog breed you would like to have you will need to understand the training process. While we can go into a few how to train your dog tips, you will find the best resource is going to be a dog training facility.
Dog training should be done as early as possible. While most dogs can learn new tricks at any age they will develop personalities, as they get older. It can make training a little harder for an older dog. They may not want to pay attention to the master. There are also different kinds of training. First there is just house training a dog, and then there is training the pet for tricks or working. The different breeds of dogs are going to tell you just what they can handle. For instance a golden retriever or German Shepard makes a great working dog. They are easily trained once you have them in a program and work well for their masters. On the other hand a Affenpinscher is going to be more difficult to train, even for house training.
Methods of training consist of crate training, clicker training, dog whistle training, and command training. First crate training is where you have the puppy in the crate overnight, when you are away from home, and at certain times when you are home. The idea behind crate training is that they will learn the behaviors that are bad. Reasons you may put your puppy in the crate include barking, being to hyper, having accidents, or getting into things they should not. You also want to train the dog that they can’t sleep on the bed with you and that bed time is going to be in their crate or bed you have bought for them. You may wish to use such things as noises from a clicker or a dog whistle to get them to come to you or do certain things when they hear the sound. Command training is one of the best training methods you can do. You want the dog to recognize commands so that they listen to your voice and do the behavior.
When you are training your dog you need to have a rewards system. If they succeed at the command or whatever you are trying to train them then they should get some type of reward whether it is a treat or just affection. You have to give the dog some sort of reassurance that they are doing something right. You also want to make them understand that bad behavior will not be rewarded. Think of training a dog a little like training younger children that may not understand everything yet. You need to give positive reinforcement, but also realize that you need to do something about the bad behavior. Just ignoring bad behavior with a dog is not going to do the trick. You have to keep repeating the behavior you do want while telling them “no” for behaviors you don’t want.
Dog training is going to be different depending on the dog. Some dogs have extremely high intelligence and patience to learn knew things and want to sit through training. Other breeds of dogs require a lot of stimulation during the activity while you are training them or they lose interest.
December 19th 2007 4:28 am
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The Keeshond dog breed originated in the Arctic around the 18th century. They are part of the Spitz family dog breed. You will find that they are wonderful family pets with a compact, muscular body type that offers companionship to all. They are most often used for watchdogs or show dogs depending on the owner.
Physical Characteristics:
Male- 45 pounds and 17-19 inches in height
Female- 35 pounds and 16- 18 inches in height
The Keeshond dog has a mix of furs from grey, black and cream. They have two coats- the undercoat and the outer coat, which is generally black in color. You will also find their muzzle, ears, and tail are black.
The coat provides them with the warmth they have needed to survive in the arctic with a long, straight, harsh top- coat, and a soft, downy under coat. The neck, shoulders and chest have some of the thickest parts of their coat to protect the more sensitive areas. They tend to shed their coat twice a year based on the climate and temperature changes.
Personality:
The Keeshond breed ofdog is one of the most interesting with the dog species. They are extremely extroverted. You will find that they can curl their lip into a smile and will do so for people they love.
The Keeshond is also on of the most intelligent dogs.
Around other people you will find them affectionate, friendly and playful.
They are also very social dogs with other dogs.
You should not be surprised to learn that they make wonderful companions for children as well as for those who need therapy dogs. They tend to be very empathetic towards those who need extra affection.
Mentioned previously is their abilities as watchdogs. They have a loud, warning bark to alert you of problems whether it is predators or trouble. Despite being a wonderful watchdog they don’t tend to be aggressive. Their personality and physical characteristics help a great deal when you are training them. They can be a little difficult, however they are obedient and agile. With their temperament being playful they tend to be a little mischievous and wish to have their own routine. Training them takes a firm, but caring hand. Being fair, having structure, and being consistent are the best methods for training you will find for the Keeshond dog. Repetition is not their favorite activity.
While the Keeshond dog breed does make a wonderful pet their care can be burdensome. They tend to suffer from hip dysplasia, slipped stifles, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. For general care you will find they are in need of daily brushing to avoid matting and tangles in their beautiful coats and that they often groom themselves. You don’t want to give them too many baths; in fact every once in a great while is good to avoid causing skin irritation. They don’t do well in hot climates due to their thick coats.
The Keeshond dog breed is one of the most playful and yet obedient dogs you will find. They don’t bark a great deal, only when they feel you need to be warned. They love exercise and to play with the entire family. Most often you will find your dog playing with a ball, Frisbee, or other dog toy that requires interaction. One downside is boredom. They love to have activities and can begin to tear up a yard when they become bored. You may need to go home during your lunch break, play with them before you leave, and make sure they have plenty of toys during the day to avoid problems when they are left alone.
December 18th 2007 5:41 pm
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German shepherd’s are one of the most versatile dog breeds that you will ever find. Not only are these dogs used as police dogs, but they are also used in therapy, for seeing- eye dogs, and guard dogs. You will find no better companion when you look for a German shepherd dog. They are an extremely popular dog in several countries, especially America. It is important to understand how to care of this dog breed as well as some of the characteristics you should expect when you have one. We will also delve into their working side a little bit.
German shepherds are medium to large dogs depending on their point of view. You will generally find that they are 22- 26 inches in height and 75- 95 pounds. German shepherds are also characterized by their hair color and face. A German shepherd is going to tan with black on the back, tail, and around the face. The muzzle is on the longer side for most dogs and proportionate to the head. You will also find that the German shepherd’s ears will stand up, but tend to curl just at the ends on some of them. The hair of a German shepherd is usually coarse and very thick. They are average shedders which means they need to be brushed at least twice a week if not more. During the warmer seasons they will need to be brushed daily. A wire brush will usually do the trick for grooming. Among other grooming needs you will need to clip their toenails usually once a month or maybe every two.
German shepherds have one of the most lovable temperaments of any dog. They are very affectionate, require a great amount of human interaction, and of course they need a lot of exercise. They are a very well muscled dog, which means that they are agile, quick, and very powerful. They may not be best around small children until after they have gone through training to make them more aware of their size and capabilities. You will find that they are really great at being trained, despite some tendency for stubbornness. It really takes a firm, but gentle hand. Among other characteristics you will find a calm behavior rather than rowdiness, and loyalty. Most often they do latch on to one master, but that doesn’t mean they won’t seek attention from anyone in the room.
German shepherd training can go in several directions. You can train them for households or you can train them to work. When training them for work you may need to seek a professional. As guard dogs or police dogs a German shepherd undergoes hours of training not only in rescue, but in tackling a person with a gun. This means that they will spend puppy- hood with a trainer. They will most likely be attached to one person during training. In some cases with the German shepherd used as a police dog they will have the partner train with the dog. In most cases they will train separately and then go through more training with their actual partner. You will find as police dogs they are used for narcotics, as well as cadaver dogs because they do have a powerful sense of smell.
German shepherds need to have a lot of space. They do not do well cooped up in small homes. They need at least an hour of exercise each day if not twice that amount to remain fit and happy. You will find large homes with a moderate backyard and fence will fit them a lot better.
December 18th 2007 5:40 pm
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Our dogs are very important to us, and sometimes they get sick without our even realizing it. Most of the time with cancer it starts off slow and then as they progress further into the disease there are more symptoms that appear. When you are trying to keep your dog with you for years you are already doing everything you can in care and health. Sometimes that just isn’t enough, especially if they are genetically predisposed to having some type of cancer form. You will find that there usually is nothing you can do to really prevent cancer from occurring in your dog, but there are treatments and of course understanding the disease is very important.
Lung cancer is just one type of cancer that can really affect your dog. With lung cancer in dogs there are several symptoms that will help your figure out that your dog is ill. You have to keep in mind also that lung cancer doesn’t really pick just one breed. In fact lung cancer can be in any dog. There are a couple of types of lung cancer. The types of lung cancer are carcinoma and hemangiosarcoma. We will concentrate on carcinoma for this article. Carcinoma lung cancer is usually malignant, which means that it will cause death if it is not treated. As you can imagine we are still unsure about the actual cause of the cancer, but it has been linked to smoking for some dogs. Second hand smoke as we all know can affect a dog. So be careful if you smoke to not smoke around your dog. They will have a longer healthier life because of your caution.
Lung cancer is most usually marked by chronic coughing, lethargy, trouble breathing, weight loss, and coughing up blood. The symptoms will usually start off slow. In other words the carcinoma will form in the lung as a small mass. This usually causes trouble breathing and a little cough at first. As the mass grows the symptoms will begin to get worse. Usually when there is blood present in the saliva it means the lung has begun to deteriorate and the dog may have actually ruptured the cancer cells. This exacerbation of the lung cancer can cause immediate death if you don’t rush them into surgery. You mat also begin to see numbness in the limbs. Your dog may begin to drag their hind legs rather than walking, they may also begin to show less movement in sleep as well as during the day.
Prevention is very difficult when you do not know the cause, however when you keep your dog away from smoke, give them a healthy diet with the proper nutrients, and exercise them daily they are less likely to form cancer cells in the lungs. For treatment you will find surgery is usually the first option. Surgery will remove the mass from the lung and medication will help the lung to heal. In some cases the mass may be too large to remove without compromising the entire lung. In this case the vet may suggest radiation therapy to reduce the mass until they can remove it surgically with some safety or until the actual mass disappears. Radiation and chemotherapy work to reduce the mass as well as hinder abnormal cells from forming again. In some cases it may take a couple of surgeries or treatments of radiation before your dog is truly healthy again. As the owner you have the responsibility to see that your dog is properly cared for. Lung cancer in dogs can be deadly so make sure to watch your dog for symptoms.
December 18th 2007 2:27 pm
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What’s white with several black spots and considered to be a fireman’s best friend? You got it- the Dalmatian dog is one of the most popular dogs with firehouses in the United States. They are also very popular with children after the release of 101 Dalmatians from Disney, but do they make a great pet?
The Dalmatian weighs from 40 to 60 pounds depending on sex and will be 19 to 23 inches tall. They are thin dogs with inquisitive noses. They are usually only white with black or liver spots on their coat. Most puppies are born without their spots and only gain them with age. The best Dalmatian breed should have distinct spots rather than large patches. The Dalmatian dog breed is a very short- haired dog with hard, coarse hair. They do have a thick coat or skin, but they are not the cuddliest dogs around.
It is not really surprising to learn the Dalmatian dog originated in Yugoslavia and later became a transplant to America with the role of protecting U.S. soldiers during the world wars. You will also find that they are full of energy, stamina, and intelligence. Most often the Dalmatian is considered a guard dog rather than a playmate. They are medium sized dog when you consider the entire dog species. Among other roles are hunting small rodents, circus performers, hounds, and companions.
They are extremely social dogs that need human companionship, as well attention. It is best that you don’t leave them alone for long and take them for long walks and have lots of playtime. Destruction is the name of the game, if they are left alone for too long as they become bored and need to have some sort of entertainment as well as human companionship. The Dalmatian is also a very quite dog they only bark when they are warning you of something and are aloof with strangers. Training must be extensive and early in order to gain the proper obedience and socialization that they need. You will find they are either timid or a hand full making harsh or firm training something that should not be done. You can be consistent, firm, patient, and reward them to get them trained properly.
As with most dogs you will find the Dalmatian does suffer from some medical problems, which need to be addresses as puppies. They can have deafness, bladder and kidney stones, skin and food allergies, and hip dysplasia. As long as you take care of them and have the proper vet visits you shouldn’t have too many issues. Remember a proper diet is going to make the difference in dietary issues. Grooming is also important you need to brush them daily to remove excess hair. With their skin problems you don’t want to bath them a lot or use just any type of shampoo. You need to make sure you have a sensitive skin shampoo. You will find that extreme weather, moist grass, and soil are best kept away from. They can have fungi grow due to the moist grass and soil. They also have a propensity for picking up ticks and fleas.
With the sensitive properties of the Dalmatian dog breed you need to fully understand the dog before you purchase one. You will want to speak with a breeder about the different characteristics and what you might expect from the breed. You will also want to learn about their care as in depth as possible. It is best to purchase a puppy rather than an adult to make sure they are trained properly and their health remains in good standing.
December 17th 2007 5:19 pm
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There are a few Mastiff breeds in the dog species. One of those breeds is called the Neapolitan Mastiff, which is also a working dog. They are large dogs growing to 165 pounds and at most 30 inches tall. They are a very muscular dog breed. The Neapolitan Mastiff is usually black, chocolate or blue in color. They have a short hair that is coarse and dense. You will find this mastiff is known by his massive wrinkles around the face and on his back. If you are ready to learn more just keep reading. We will tell you whether they will make a great pet or just a wonderful watchdog. You will also learn about care, temperament, and training needed.
First care with any dog is very important. You need to make sure you have the right dog food with the highest nutrition value, plenty of water during the day for them to drink when you are off at work, and of course that you take care in their grooming needs. As a larger dog you will find the Neapolitan Mastiff requires quite a bit of nutrients in their food. You will also find that grooming is very easy. You can brush them with a rubber brush to remove the dead hair, and help keep shedding to a minimum. You will also need to take a wet cloth to their winkles to keep that area clean, but for the most part they will keep themselves clean. This can make the care very easy for this dog breed as a pet, but the question remains are they really a great pet to have?
Their character or temperament is often seen as very watchful. They are a guard dog at heart. They will be very territorial, protective, but not aggressive. You will actually find them to be gentle and very affectionate. Despite the gentle side they will still stand guard around strangers. You may also be a little wary at having them around small children. As mentioned the Neapolitan Mastiff dog breed is very large. They are also very muscular which can make them a little scary for small children. You should introduce this breed into the family only if you have older children that can handle the massive size. You will find that around other pets and even children with the proper training and socialization they can be quite safe.
Training is very important so that you establish a dominance over the Neapolitan Mastiff rather than the other way around. You will need to socialize them with other animals as puppies to avoid issues and make sure they under stand house rules. You will need to be firm with a consistency they will understand. Their need to be protective can be a problem during training and especially if you don’t train them at all. You may seek a professional handler to help you learn the techniques you will need in order to train your Neapolitan Mastiff. Exercise is also very important to their care and training. You will find they need daily exercise, such as two walks in a day. They also need to have a large backyard to play in. Their great size demands a lot of space, even in a home. You will not want to keep them cooped up in an apartment, but rather have a large house with a backyard. While they are protective they can be happy spending time outdoors for a day while you are at work. Like most dogs they shouldn’t be left for extended periods of time or ever mistreated.
December 16th 2007 2:45 pm
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Learning What Breed Of Dog You Have
Description: There are a lot of mutts in the world, but you will find most dogs have a specific overall breed that they take after. The following is a discussion of how to determine the breed.
Keywords: breed, dog breed, breed of dog
Have you often wonder what your dog is because you found him at the pound? Most often the pound has a small clue as to the identity of breed for a dog, however you may still wonder about the characteristics they are displaying. To determine your dog’s breed you need to know a few things about dogs in general. The following are a few tips for determining the breed of dog you have.
First asking the vet or the people at the pound can give you a small idea about the dog you have. Most dogs have specific physical characteristics that separate them from other breeds. For an example if your dog is part German Shepherd they are most likely going to have the dominant color pattern of the German Shepherd. Other dogs may be a mix of some many different breeds that you will have a hard time figuring it out.
The hair color is one of the most important aspects you can view. If they have short hair or long hair, and whether it is soft or coarse. Most dogs tend to have a coarser hair than other animals. Several breeds have short hair and there are of course those with extremely long hair.
Once you have determined those characteristics you can look at their size. Again there are several dog breeds with several different sizes. You may have a mixed breed so that the height is that of one and the color is another.
The facial structure will help you figure out the dominant characteristics of the dog you own. You can compare photos online if you have an idea as to the breed or mix of your dog. The photos can help you determine the exact mixture of breeds that resulted.
Most dogs have rather short ears so chances are the ears are yet another way to define a specific breed of dog. There are maybe ten breeds of dog that have long ears. The ears are generally as long as the face and can trail on the floor, such as the Basset Hound.
The personality will also help you in determining which breed is dominant. Most often a mixed breed will have a mixture of personalities, however some basic instincts are going to be apparent right off and this can help you determine the breed.
At this point you may be wondering why it is so important to know your dog’s breed. For an example we will look at the Saint Bernard and Old English Sheepdog. These two breeds are prone to certain medical issues during their life. The Saint Bernard can have heart trouble while the Old English Sheepdog usually suffers from hip dysplasia. You need to know the mixture of breeds in your dog to help you care for the dog. You may not know the correct foods to feed them if you are not clear on the exact breed as some have digestive issues. You will also need to know if they are small children pets or that you should avoid the mixed breed because of small children. There are several dogs that don’t like to be around small children and can be quite aggressive. Other dogs can become aggressive when there is an introduction of a new pet or a new member of the family. It is best to know as much about your dog in order to learn training techniques and the best dog care you can give them. Dogs make some of the best pets, but not knowing a thing about their origins or their breed can lead to problems down the road for you and your family.
December 14th 2007 4:02 pm
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As you may imagine part of dog care is the basics of dog food. Most dogs have different stages of growth like humans, so they need different foods at those different stages. Some does have trouble with their digestive tracts and need to have specialized dog food. To compare dog food you need to know what most are made of, the cost, and why they are considered best for your dog. Keep in mind that puppy food is going to be softer and have a higher nutritional value for the growing dog than some of the other foods. Larger dogs will need an increase in certain ingredients, which accounts for the adult dog food.
Most dog food is plant or animal material that has been ground up for the dog to eat. Depending on the type of dog and their system you may even find food from the grocery store or health food stores is better for them than the actual dog food you can purchase. Speaking with a vet about the dog food brands is a great way to learn what they consider to be the best for your dog breed.
You will also find a choice between dry and wet dog food. Each will have its own benefit and you may find combining them is the best way to feed your dog the appropriate nutrition. Purina, Pedigree, and Pet Pride are just three of the top dog foods you will find in the stores. The contents of these three dog foods involve meat by products, meat and bone meals, grain, and horse meat. The less expensive brands are going to have fake substitutes for the dog food with a lot of grain fillers. This means your dog is not going to have the proper amount of nutrition in their meals.
Before you purchase any dog food you need to read the ingredients of the package to find out what they have used and how much nutrition is actually to be found in the dog food. Purina and Pedigree have several different options when you consider dog food. You will find healthy dog food, their regular brands, and different levels of dog food. These two are the best brands on the market for considering nutrition.
Dog food ingredients you will find in Purina or Pedigree include chicken, wheat, corn, lamb, beef, whitefish, venison, duck, rice, barley, potato, quinoa, buffalo, fruits such as apples and berries, salmon, carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes. Depending on your dogs need you will find that some of these ingredients are found only in the allergenic specialty foods. Specialty foods for weight management, arthritis, breeding, dental conditions, diabetes, nursing females, and senior needs are also available.
All dog food is inspected by the food and drug administration to help make sure the meat and other ingredients are good. They also make sure that drugs are not involved in the process and that the food stays healthy and clean. If you are going to raw feed your dog you need to make sure you are buying healthy food that is stamped by the Paw Naturaw symbol as they inspect the meat to make sure it is not contaminated. It is not always a large deal, but sometimes brands have been recalled due to bad batches. You will find that recently there was a recall due to wheat gluten from a Chinese company.
Dog care is extremely important and feeding your dog properly is going to determine whether they live a healthy full life or become sick. Monitoring what your pet eats and making sure to keep human food off the menu is important. There are certain products dogs can eat and others they should not touch. Dogs often suffer from cholesterol issues because of human food full of fat and grease.
December 14th 2007 4:17 am
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You will find the Chow Chow originated in China over 200o years ago. They were once used for hunting, herding, pulling, and protection, and are now one of dog lover’s favorite companions. They are a medium sized dog of about 45 to 70 pounds. They are short in only gaining 17- 20 inches compared to other dog breeds. You will find solid red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream are the most common colors of this dog breed. Like most thickly furred dogs they do have two coats, a smooth or rough coat with thick fur along the neck. Unless the dog is a mixed breed you will never find a multi colored coat. With all that luxurious hair it is no surprise that they tend to shed a lot, but luckily they are seasonal in their shedding routines.
As a companion you will find they are full of obedience, dignified, and beautiful. They seem quite cuddly when you look at them, but strangers should be cautious. They tend to be cautious of new people and don’t always like everyone. To approach this dog you will want to hold out your hand and ask permission. If they decide to investigate let them get a good sniff in before trying to pet them. You should always ask the owner if it is okay to approach their dog.
They have myriad of temperaments depending on training. You will usually find them to be polite and patient with you, however they can be a little difficult when they want something. This is definitely not a comical, playful dog, but a dog that appreciates and shows loyalty. With dignity comes the desire for respect. If you are looking to add a Chow Chow to your family you will want to start off with a puppy to make sure the training is complete and the way you want it.
They need extensive and intensive work to be trained for both obedience and socialization of other humans. House training is usually easy to do, but they do have to understand the task you are asking. You do have to show them who is the master, but be firm rather than harsh as well as consistent. They are best as some form of guard dog and can become aggressive with the wrong type of training.
When you are looking for a family pet for your children you may want to look elsewhere. While they are loyal and want respect they have difficulty with little children. They don’t like to be pulled on, picked on, or abused so they can become aggressive. It is best to have older children that understand what a dog is and how to treat a dog, if you still choose this breed.
You will find that they don’t really like exercise, and prefer the indoor area. You should never leave them outside for long, especially in the heat. Their thick coat provides plenty of protection, but again they do like the indoors to the outside. They are a bit lazy in reality so if you are looking for a jogging companion you will find a better bread. The Chow Chow do need to have some exercise, but it should not be intensive. They can also survive in smaller areas such as apartments despite their size. They will want to have their own bedding, a place to eat, and have an owner on hand for attention. The Chow Chow dogs have an extremely picky demeanor that demands respect. You will find they tend to go their own way rather than be obedient without training.
December 13th 2007 2:50 pm
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Bulldogs have bad reputations for being aggressive animals in a home or with children. In order to understand what a bulldog, especially an English Bulldog is really like you will need to research them a little. This article is designed to help you figure out if an English Bulldog is the right companion for you. The English Bulldog breed reaches a height of twelve to fourteen inches and a range of fifty to fifty- five pounds in weight. They are a small, but very muscular dog.
You will find the English Bulldog is usually white around the neck, a tan belly and rear, with a tan face and black around the ears and snout. Typical of other bulldogs this dog breed has a shout winkled snout. It often looks like it is sad or pouting. The coat is a smooth, short hair that can make them nice to pet. Unlike some bulldogs the English Bulldog is one of the gentlest breeds you can have. While it may seem like an aggressive dog when you see it, the English Bulldog is more affectionate and gentle than they are portrayed. The English Bulldog is a rather heavy set little creature, but most of that is muscle mass as long as you give it appropriate exercise. You will even find they deal well with children because they are sturdy. They rely on their owners for a lot of affection, attention, and guidance.
Their temperament can exhibit dominant behavior over other animals and sometimes humans, but once you show them who is master and give them a little obedience training you will have a great pet. You can train the English Bulldog to be a guard dog, but mostly they are just good natured. Training should always be consistent and done with a firm hand. You don’t want to exhibit any dominance in a cruel or impatient manner. It is best to show who is boss, but to allow them respect. You should also realize they can tend to be a little lazy, so it can be hard to keep them on task, especially when training. Unlike other dog breeds you will also find the English Bulldog to need little exercise. Small walks and a little play time are sufficient. In fact they can tire really easily if you exert them too much during exercise.
The care of an English Bulldog when speaking about grooming is rather easy. You can brush them once a week to help remove dirt and dead hair, but they don’t really need bathes. In fact you should only use a damp cloth if you do need to clean them up a little. You will find they shed a little, but brushing once a week or twice a week can help with that. The extensive part of care comes with the dental and mouth cleaning. They need to have frequent washings of the mouth area and the folds of the skin with water, as well as dental care.
English Bulldogs and other breeds of Bulldogs have a long history of being aggressive due to the history. History once used these dogs for sport in fighting or bullbaiting. This of course produced aggressive behavior, but it has placed a bad light on most bulldogs. You will find that an English Bulldog raised from a puppy will not exhibit extreme aggression; in fact you will find the opposite as stated above. For any concerns or questions regarding appropriate and regular behavior of the English Bulldog you will want to speak directly to a breeder. They work with the dogs and understand their normal behaviors better than most anyone.
December 12th 2007 4:23 pm
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Some individuals like to have dogs to protect their home. If you are looking for a dog that will guard your home while you are in absence and even when you are home you will have a few different breeds to choose from. There are some dogs that make really great watchdogs, but are not so great at being guard dogs. So if you are interested in having a guard dog you will want to choose from some of these breeds below.
The Doberman pinscher is one of the most popular guard dogs in America and perhaps in other countries as well. One of the reasons the Doberman pinscher is such a success as a guard dog is their intelligence and the willingness to be trained for active duty. They are also a fierce looking dog when you see them as guard dogs. They have a small head with pointed ears and a lean muscled body. This sleek body enables them to jump a good distance and to run for quite a distance helping in the pursuit chase if one does occur; however most individuals choose this dog because they are fiercely loyal to the owner. These dogs tend to choose just one master in a family. They will be obedient to this person and will train well with this person. The train needed for guard dogs is often full of activity and requires a lot of time. The dog must learn first to be obedient and then they must be taught to stop a thief, but not to harm. In other words most guard dogs are meant to act fierce.
The next time of dog that is really good as a guard dog is a German shepherd. While most often the German shepherd is seen as a police dog they are also really good at guarding as well. You will find that with German shepherds they have a high intelligence above most dogs that’s what makes them so good at many of the different tasks like a police dog, seeing- eye dog and many other occupations. They are extremely trainable when you consider all jobs that they have. This means that training for guard duty will be easier for this breed and they will stick with the job at hand.
Another dog breed for guard duty is the Rottwieller. The Rottwieller is a very fast dog. They are extremely well muscled dogs. This means that they have the sped to chase as well as the muscle for the duration. While most people hope never to use this lean dog as a guard dog they will also find this dog has a fair intelligence. This makes them easy to train also. For training of this guard dog you do have to be careful in obedience training. They can display a stubbornness that can make the first few times of training a little difficult, however once they understand who is master they will be great with the training and eager to learn.
You will find that with all guard dogs they are going to be easily trained after the initial obedience training and asserting who is master. Training must be firm, but done with a gentle hand. In other words you never want to use harsh words even for guard dogs. Like all training these dogs need to have affection along with their training. You will need to seek a professional training facility to help with training your guard dog to ensure they have been properly trained.
December 11th 2007 2:48 am
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Dogs require a lot of attention and some dogs can be extremely sensitive, which means they are not always best for small or young children. When you have children who want a pet there are several things you should consider. Below is a list of dog breeds that do well with children as well as some dog breeds that do not.
Dogs That Love Children:
German shepherds are our first dog on the list for being great with children. Despite the size of the German shepherd you will find that they are sensitive and very hardy dogs. They will tolerate a lot from young children such as tail pulling or hair pulling from children that are not aware of how it can hurt the dog. German shepherds are working dogs, but they also love a lot of affection and attention. They do well in households that have walking age children, especially older children that may return home from school and play in the backyard with them.
Poodles tend to do well with children as well. You may not want to have a poodle with infants or toddlers as they can be a little sensitive, but they love the affection and attention the children are willing to offer. Poodles are very active dogs inside and outside of the home. This means, they like being played with as well as trained. They can be sensitive so well behaved children are really the best types of households for them.
Golden Retrievers love children. In fact the best dog breed you can have for your child is going to be the Golden Retriever. You will find that they play, learn well, and shower affection. Most Golden Retrievers tend to follow children around as if they have adopted the care for that child and become some of the best companions as the child ages.
Labradors are also very good dogs to have around small children. They may need a little training to help with the proper socialization and commands as they can get quite rowdy, but they are hardy and not too sensitive. They tend to take the abuse of a toddler rather than lashing out.
Dogs That Tolerate Children:
Bulldogs are usually very loyal and loving to their owners, however they do not do well in abusive homes or where they will be picked on a great deal. Bulldogs tend to like peace and quiet over little children pulling on their ears or screaming.
Old English sheepdog’s can be in either category. It will depend on when you adopt the pet. Old English sheepdogs tend to be very loyal, affectionate and vie for attention. When you have an Old English sheepdog before children they can display very jealous behavior making them only tolerant of most children.
Great Danes are wonderful dogs, full of life and happiness. If you have a Great Dane in your home you can be assured that they will do well with any type of child; however they have landed in the tolerant status because of their size. The Great Dane is a very large and muscular dog, even with socialization training they can harm smaller children without meaning to do harm. Though they love being around children it is up to the parent to decide if they can be trusted with infants or toddlers even when the parent is in the room.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog’s are not the best dogs to have around children. They are a fiercely independent dog that does require attention. They do not tolerate children, and in some cases have been known to carry off children left unattended. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is meant to guard as well as protect the home from animals. Their instincts are to carry small prey to their owners during hunts as well as protect the home.
Faith
squeaky dog toys
December 10th 2007 3:18 pm
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Surprisingly there are many individuals who find the Greyhound one of the best show dogs. They raise them from puppies and then head around the country for shows. If you are interested in a Greyhound you should learn about there care, temperament, and characteristics before purchasing one. When you do decide that a greyhound is what you wish to have you will want to speak directly to a dog breeder. It can be difficult to find this dog breed in stores, humane societies, and animal shelters.
The greyhound is considered a hound as the name depicts. They are also a very tall dog breed, despite their size. Male greyhounds weigh between 65 and 70 pounds, where the females are usually five pounds less. They can reach twenty- seven to thirty inches in height making them about level with your waist for most individuals. They are a shorted haired dog with black, grey, red, fawn, and several other color choices to choose from. The coat is not really soft, but a glossy finish. In fact they are not really pleasing to pet for long periods of time like other dog breeds.
For the greyhounds character you will find them to be gentle around children making them a great pet for the family. You will also find they are long distance runners. At dog races you usually find greyhounds running up to forty miles an hour after a rabbit or other incentive. They can also make great hunters, watchdogs, and show dogs. They tend to be very graceful in their movements. They also need human attention. They can’t be left for long periods of time alone because they want to be apart of the family. They also have deadly instincts for tiny animals so having rabbits, cats, or birds for pets can be a bit dangerous. This dog breed does well around other dog breeds, especially their own kind. The greyhound is very sensitive though, so you should be able to devote plenty of time with your dog and have children that will respect them as well.
You will find care for these dogs in the grooming category is very simple. As mentioned their coat is short and coarse, which means a brushing every once in a while will help them to get rid of dead hairs. You should avoid bathing them as it can irritate the skin and cause issues with the natural oils in the hair. You will find greyhounds also need a lot of exercise. You will need to have a backyard where they can run and play. You should also plan on having a morning and evening walk to help them expound their energy. You can even take bike rides so they can run with you. Two hours a day of exercise is required when you own a greyhound.
Training is also important as part of the exercise regime. You will find an intelligence behind the dog, but as mentioned they can be sensitive. They need a gentle person to be firm, but affectionate during training. You may find it is best to seek a trainer at first to help you. You should take obedience classes with your puppy and always be consistent. Training should also keep the greyhound interested. They can become bored if the activity is not fun or challenging enough.
Greyhounds are one of the best pets you can have with children and when you want a very affectionate pet. Some dogs are not as affectionate and tend to be anti social. With the greyhound you don’t have to worry about that, but remember don’t leave them alone for very long as they desire human companionship.
dog training equipment
December 10th 2007 3:17 pm
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Your dog no matter what breed he or she is requires training and care. The type of training and amount of care is going to differ with each breed, but there are some essentials you should always be thinking about. First you have to understand the dog breed you have before you can determine the appropriate dog toys to purchase for them. Dogs that tend to be more active like Alaskan Malamutes, Basset Hounds, and Dalmatians need a lot of interaction during training. Training can also be quite intensive, so the important thing to remember is to keep them from getting bored.
Some dog toys that you may wish to have or fashion for yourself for the proper training and care include a laser pointer, cube toy, balls, Frisbees, squeaky toys, toys they can pull on like a tug of war activity, and even jumps. You will also need to purchase some time of leash and runner for more active dogs. A runner can be used in a backyard to give the dog more freedom without the ability to escape over fencing. Most cities require leashes to be worn when the dog is out for a walk, but it can also help during training. If the dog learns commands and the pressure on the leash for those commands chances are they will learn to stay at your side even off the leash.
The most important reason for having dog toys is to keep the dog entertained while you are a way at work or even during home time. They need something to keep their active minds from finding trouble. You may see friends or family with dogs that come home to chewed shoes, table cloths pulled to the floor, and other destruction that the dog looks on as just playing with toys. Dogs like humans will get tired of the toys you first purchase. For very active dogs you want to keep changing the toys they have to play with. You can add new toys to the pile or add a toy and take another they are bored with away. If you take the toy away for a couple of months, chances are they are going to want to play with it again later on. This can be like introducing a new toy or an old pal. Some toys can also be helpful to the dental health of your dog. Chew toys such as bones and other items can help them relieve new teeth coming in when they are puppies as well as help them feel better. It is an oral fixation that helps the mouth feel better, especially if they have something bothering them. The chew toys can also strengthen their jaws.
You may find that your budget is a concern for new pet toys or certain dog toys. What you need to keep in mind is that dog toys are part of their care, especially for mental health. You can find toys around the house they may be willing to play with. You can place an old tennis ball on a thick rope to play tug of war with. Stuffed animals make great chew toys. Old baby toys you may have lying around can be converted to dog toys. The point is no matter what the toy as long as it is safe for the dog to chew on you will be providing proper dog care. There are of course other things to consider with dog care and training. Toys are great for some of the time, but they also need grooming and obedience training without toys.
December 10th 2007 3:16 pm
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With the many types of dog breeds out there it is sometimes hard to find the new pet for home. If you already have a favourite breed it may be why you are reading this article. Most often we all have a favourite dog breed that just says this must be part of the family, but in some cases there are those who have never had a pet and they need to know all about the different dogs. Below you will find a comprehensive look at the boxer dog breed to see if you are compatible.
The boxer was actually a German breed before they moved through Europe and into the United States. Today you will find many countries including the UK has at least one boxer dog breeder. The boxer was mixed from a mastiff and a Bullenbeiszer, which means they are not an original dog. Many of the dog breeds we have today are a mix of one dog or another in the hopes of breeding the qualities that we want in a friend. So you will find that the boxer was mostly breed for their fighting and hunting skills. They also make pretty could watchdogs. So you will find the boxer is full of confidence, loyalty and of course intelligence. The boxer is a medium sized to large dog. This means that they generally reach a size of 25 inches at most and 80 pounds in weight.
Appearance wise with the boxer you will find a lean, well muscled dog that is very agile. The boxer needs a lot of exercise because of their structure. In fact daily walks that last for a half hour to an hour are the best for this breed. With appearance you will find a short muzzle that is rather squat in appearance. They are generally black with a little brown around the ears and muzzle. They may also have brown or tan around there paws. The ears are usually not pointed, but floppy at the sides of their heads. The hair is going to be short and coarse, which lends to the easy grooming.
For grooming and care you will find that they like all dogs need proper nutrition. With the activity that these dogs like to do and the energy they expend you really need to have a high protein diet. It is essential to keeping away some of the health ailments they suffer from like allergies, tumours and aortic stenosis. As long as you are able to feed them properly they will live a long life. You should also know that they have sensitive skin. This means that they tend to need a simple brushing once a week to get rid of loose or dead hair, but bathing can be an issue for skin infections.
You do need to train these dogs. They can be strong willed at times. This means that training can be a little difficult in the early stages, but a strong and consistent hand will help. Obedience, as well as worker training for such things as hunting can be important depending on what you would like to have the dog for. They make good companions once trained, but aren’t always as affectionate as other dog breeds. Keep in mind that most dogs are very affectionate, active, and playful so a small or large home is very important with a small backyard. You will also want to have plenty of time to take the boxer for walks and daily exercise.
dog beds
December 10th 2007 3:16 pm
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We may think our dogs are tough and they shouldn’t be in the house alone, especially when they are considered a large dog breed. Your pet does need regular exercise and plenty of room to grow, but you should also consider the type of weather you will be leaving them in. Cold weather is one of the most dangerous times of the year for your dog. Even when you have a Huskie or Akita they need to have protection from the harsh cold weather. As an owner you are going to be responsible for their care.
If you must leave your dog outside during cold weather check the weather forecast. You will need to know what temperature it will reach and whether it will be snowing or raining. Shelter will only help your dog so much when left outside in the cold. There are also many different types of doghouses you can have to help keep your dog safe.
First the doghouse should be insulated and large enough for them to fit their entire body into as well as have plenty of blankets and covering to avoid the cold earth or snow. If it is not going to snow several feet then you may be able to let them stay outside depending on the provisions you are providing them and the temperature. Any temperature that is near freezing or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is going to be too cold to leave your dog outside. Water will freeze if it gets too cold and then they want have part of the basic care a dog needs.
When the cold weather rolls in you are better off keeping the dog inside, no matter what it will be doing. It is rather cruel to withhold proper care just because the dog is a little too big or can get into trouble while inside. Your best option for cold weather care is coming home at least once during the day and letting them out for exercise and bathroom breaks.
We all like to turn down the temperature when we aren’t home, but consider what temperature the dog will need to be comfortable. If it is too cold inside you are doing no better by having them inside. So keep the thermostat up at a decent temperature while you are away for the day.
You may need to spend a little more playtime and exercise time with your dog once you get home, but it is important to see they are safe, warm, and happy during the day when you are at work. You can even leave them extra blankets around their bed during the night and when you are away just in case the house isn’t warm enough. Most dogs love to cuddle when it gets cold. You will find them in front of fireplaces and heaters warming themselves.
If you do have a fire going make sure you have the doors on the fireplace closed or that the screens are in place. You don’t want the dog to get too close just because of curiosity.
Cold weather can be just as harsh on your dogs or dog as it is on you. Keep in mind that extra care needs to be taken even if you are just going for a little exercise out of doors. There are many things you can do such as dog sweaters, little booties, or just keeping up the pace to make sure your dog will not suffer in the cold.
dog collars
December 9th 2007 12:19 pm
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Dog food is essential to your dog’s health care. You have several choices on the shelves in pet stores as well as feeding them with natural foods. The choice of what to feed them is going to be determined partly by the health problems they can exhibit in life. You will also want to determine the dog food you feed your dog on the nutritional value of the ingredients. There are four types of dog food you can give your pet. These include dry food, canned food, semi moist, and raw food. Your vet or dog breeder can tell you what they prefer to use and help you find a brand that has the essential ingredients for both puppies and adults.
Dry food is one of the best choices you will have. Some of the dry food may be high in carbohydrates and processed foods, but you will find overall they contain the most nutrients you will need to provide your dog. Dry food only contains 10% of water in the ingredients making it hard to chew for some older dogs. However the nutrients provided in the dry food is best even for older dogs. You can wet the food down just a little to make it easier. You will also find that the many types of dog foods available include all natural from several vendors like Purina. They have a cheaper line that is not as healthy, but cost effective for the consumer and then they have the all natural ingredients. You will be the deciding factor for health in your pet so keep that in mind.
Semi moist food tends to taste better to your dog, but it would take twice the amount of food you supply with dry food to find the proper ingredients. Semi moist food contains about 30% water along with turkey, chicken, other meat, and vegetables in the processing. The semi food, though not as nutrient rich is often easier for older dogs to eat. It provides a soft material they don’t have to chew as much. You will also find the semi moist dog food is a little more expensive, but not outrageous.
Canned food is the worst food you can supply your dog. It is made with 75% water and the rest is natural ingredients. Like semi moist it takes at least a double dose of the food to provide proper nutrition. You may find your dog prefers the taste and texture, but you are holding back essential nutrients and vitamins they need to be healthy. You can always supply one can of food or semi moist food for a special treat, but for over all healthiness in a dog you should head towards dry food or raw foods.
Raw foods need to be handled with special care. They need to be checked just like our food for problems before feeding it to the dog. Keep in mind that raw food is not going to be cooked like we do to kill some of the bacteria. So you can also be harming the dog if not supplied with top quality raw products. You will need to incorporate vegetables and raw meat in the food dish. You can grind the food into a paste for wet food or just serve the meat. If you are choosing the raw meat option you should talk it over with a vet before doing so. They will be able to help you determine what potential dangers exist from raw meat and vegetables regarding diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Some times your vet will even ask that you change to raw foods for their health.
December 9th 2007 12:18 pm
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There are several dog breeds a person has to choose from and one of the smaller dogs in the entire species list includes the Cockapoo. The Cockapoo is considered a highly intelligent dog with a mix of poodle and cocker spaniel characteristics. You will find the Cockapoo dog breed weighs at most nineteen pounds and as little as six. They also only reach a height of fourteen or fifteen inches. The Cockapoo is often white, cream, tan or a combination of these colors. It helps you recognize the breeds when you see them in public because they are rarely any other color. You will also find the coat or hair on the dog is very wavy, almost curly. The coat is a soft, but dense coat to help keep them warm and make them soft.
You will find the temperament of the Cockapoo makes a wonderful pet. Some dogs have aggressive sides or they tend not to be the best companions for families. The Cockapoo dog breed is the opposite. They are very intelligent, affectionate, and often very loyal. You will find that this type of dog likes to please the owner, and spend a lot of energy in play. They will also make a fine lap dog during nap hours. You will find they don’t mind little children and often have fun with other dogs. You don’t want to leave a child unsupervised because their high energy can make them a little too rowdy at times.
While it is not a breed recognized by the American dog association because it is a mix of poodle and cocker spaniel they are still becoming a widely accepted breed to have around the home. You may even wish to study up on both of those breeds to figure out where the temperament can be derived. Both the poodle and cocker spaniel tend to be more aggressive, which makes training at a young age for the Cockapoo imperative. While they don’t usually display aggression training can have a lot to do with that. Training should be handled properly. It is important that you seek either a breeder to help you or a training school. They take to training really well, but you do need to learn how to handle the dog breed. When training a Cockapoo you have to have a firm hand, but a gentle voice. They don’t respond to anger or impatience as their nature is more loving and affectionate. Upset tones will make them unhappy.
Care is very important with every dog breed you choose. It will depend on the type of dog how much time you will need to spend grooming as well as exercising them. For the Cockapoo you will need to brush them once a day for the best results. Their hair can get very tangled and dirty when they play. You will find that small shedding may occur, but typically they don’t shed. During the grooming process you will need to attend to their nails at least once a year. If you are unsure about the grooming aspects you can visit a pet store with grooming facilities to find out more about the care required. As for exercise they are very active. If you don’t have a yard for them to play in everyday you will need to walk them. You will also want to have play times with plenty of toys to avoid boredom. You will also need to monitor how much they eat. Unlike some dog breeds that you can leave a bowl of food out for a few days the Cockapoo tends to overeat. You should have a regime for feeding your Cockapoo daily and stick with it. This will help with overeating issues.
December 9th 2007 12:18 pm
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Dogs can suffer from several different diseases and one of the most deadly is usually cancer. Live cancer is one of the worst types of cancer your dog can have because the liver provides a function for the immune system as well as removing toxins from the body. If you suspect your dog have liver cancer you will want to take him or her to the vet immediately to start a course of treatment. There are four treatments your dog can undergo for the liver cancer, but first let’s look at what liver cancer is and the symptoms associated with this disease.
As dog diseases go you will find that liver cancer has a couple of different types. There is primary liver cancer, hemolymphatic cancer, and metastatic cancer. Hemolymphatic liver cancer is transferred by blood cells in the body or by the lymphoid tissue. Mestastatic cancer is usually cancer that spread from the other organs in the body. You will find that metastatic cancer is one of the most common forms. Primary liver cancer tends to be rare, but when it does form it is malignant. This type of cancer forms directly from the liver cells. The cause of the cancer is largely unknown. There has been speculation that the cancer is due to environmental factors such as pesticides. To prevent liver cancer in dogs it is often best to stay out of areas you know they spray harmful chemicals or dumb these chemicals. You other method of prevention comes from providing a healthy diet with the proper enzymes and protein.
The symptoms of liver cancer can very as to the type, but most of the symptoms will appear at one point. Symptoms are lethargy, vomiting, appetite loss, abdominal bloating, pale gums, limb weakness, respiratory issues, jaundice, and weight loss. As you can expect the weight loss and loss of appetite are usually combined symptoms. You will also find that the symptoms become more pronounced as the disease progresses. This means that while the dog may have displayed three symptoms for the last six months they will generally have more symptoms as the disease becomes worse and the other symptoms will become worse. You will find that as the disease progresses the cancer cells increase in size. A good spot to look for jaundice is going to be around the eyes as it can be difficult to recognize it in other areas. You will also find that coughing is another symptom that may bring up blood when they become worse.
Treatment for cancer is pretty general for all forms. The vet will look at the size of the tumor and decide if surgery is an option. You may not want an invasive procedure as well. Keep in mind that if surgery is an option it usually is the best thing to do to help your dog feel better. If the mass is too large surgery will not be an option and the vet will recommend medication, radiation, and/ or chemotherapy. The medications and therapy are to help reduce the cancer cells as well as prevent more cells from forming. It is important to realize that radiation and chemotherapy can last for several treatments before you will see results. In some cases the cancer may be too far along to do much good. It is always best to help make the dog as comfortable as possible.
December 9th 2007 12:17 pm
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Small dogs can often make the best pets for individuals as they usually don’t have space for larger dogs and want affection from their pets. You will find the Japanese Chin dog breed in the category of toy. This means they are affectionate and playful animals to have around. They are also a small dog breed. You will find they don’t grow to be larger than eleven inches and seven pounds. They are more the typical size of a cat so apartments and condos can be fine for them. Usually they are black and white, red and white, or black and tan. You will find their coat to be long, very thick, and straight. Unlike most dogs with long hair, they don’t tend to have problems around the eyes with overly long hair, but they do have a denser coat around the chest and neck. You will also find them to be an average shedding dog.
The origin of the Japanese Chin dog is obviously that of Japan. They were very popular in the Japanese court and were only allowed to be owned by the royal family. You will find they were extremely popular in the nineteenth century and became the national symbol of Japan in 1964. If you are a little confused by the name you should know in history they were actually known as the Japanese Spaniel. This dog is intelligent, happy, and affectionate. You will find them very playful, but you can also find them very sensitive. They tend to feel the moods around them so if you are angry, sad, or upset they will often feel these emotions as well. Despite their gentle manor they are best placed in homes with older children. They don’t tend to like the abuse a smaller child may inflict. You will also find they don’t tend to bark, unless during their guard duties. The Japanese Chin also has a great memory, therefore they are attuned to the humans around them and when they don’t like someone will let it be known. They tend to choose their owners with respect to attention and care.
For care of the Japanese Chin you will find daily brushing is needed to keep tangles and dead hair from happening. You should only dry shampoo the dog, but check the ears and eyes daily. Grooming should be completed by a professional on a regular basis and you should also seek help when learning how to brush them. These dogs tend to need a special technique when being brushed. You will also find they are sensitive to respiratory problems and eye infections. They don’t do well in extreme heat.
Exercise is required, but it does not have to be very long on a daily basis. Short walks or play time can be suitable. It is beneficial to have a yard they can play in, but it is not necessary as long as you take them to a park or on walks. Training is also important. Their temperament makes most training easy as they are eager to please their masters. You will also find that harshness is not warranted, instead use gentleness, but a firm hand. They respond well to fairness and affection over impatience. You should train them as puppies or find a Japanese Chin that has already been trained.
You will find the Japanese Chin is still widely popular in Japan and has only recently become popular in other countries; therefore you may have to seek a dog breeder before you can find one for your home.
December 9th 2007 6:52 am
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With the many dog breeds you have to choose from it can be hard to decide who to bring into your family. There are things you should analyze when choosing your dog for a pet. You should look at the care, training, and character of the dog breed before making your decision. You may also want to speak with a dog breeder about all aspects of the dog and what to expect. They can help you in determining the right choice and find the right dog for you. One of the many dog breeds available is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This dog is considered a toy as they love to play, but don’t really have the body type for other activities.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog only weighing ten to eighteen pounds with a height of eleven to thirteen inches. You will notice most of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeds are black and tan or white, black and red, or just red. They have a medium length hair that is straight rather than curled, except on the ears where it is a bit wavy. You will also find it is a silky coat rather than coarse or completely soft. They tend to shed lightly, but should be brushed often.
As the name suggests they are of the spaniel breed with an elegance to their demeanor. They are one of the most common lap dogs you will find. They also tend to be loyal, gentle, and great for playing catch and retrieve with. If there is water around you may find they are taking a dip, just to have a little more fun in the day. You will also find they make good hunting dogs if you train them from puppies. However the most important character trait is the family orientation of the dog. They love to be pampered and live indoors despite the burst of energy. They make great pets for households with other dogs, but sometimes little children are not a favorite. They prefer the pampering rather than being tugged on.
For training you will find the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is obedient and happy to learn new things. They don’t like to be ignored so allowing plenty of time for attention and activities is the best you can do for them toward happiness. During training you will want to have a gentle nature and plenty of positive reinforcement.
Care for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will include having at least a small home like an apartment or condo. They don’t need a lot of space, but you will need to have a fenced in yard where they can run when you don’t have the time for exercise. You will also find the medium hair tangles quite often so brushing once a day or weekly will help you keep them groomed and looking stately. As with some breeds the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is prone to certain health issues. They can have diabetes, cataracts, deafness, allergies, and heart abnormalities. To prevent disease with your dog you will want to have yearly visits with the vet as well as understand the proper nutrition they require. You will also want to keep checking behind the ears for problems or insects. This is a prime spot for trouble.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the gentlest dogs you will find. You will enjoy adding them to your family and know that they don’t take up as much room as some of the larger breeds.
December 9th 2007 6:51 am
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The Akita originated in Japan and is highly prized within their culture. You will find that Akita is a medium sized dog with the males gaining a height of 25 to 28 inches and the females 23 to 26 inches. They normally weigh between 65 to 130 pounds depending on sex and of course their care. Generally these dogs are white, pinto, or brindle in color. While they live in a moderate to hot climate in Japan you will find they have a double coat that is quite waterproof. The Akita has a harsh, straight topcoat, with an under coat that is dense and soft. This dog breed typically sheds their coat twice a year.
The character of the dog is alert, powerful, responsive, and courageous. In other words they love to have some sort of activity where they get to work as well as be very close to people. They are often great companions, therapy dogs, or guard dogs depending on your needs. They are usually not the greatest dog for small children as they are not as affectionate as other breeds, but they do take care of the ones they love.
The best characteristic of the Akita is the companionship they provide. They are extremely loyal to family members and tend to be restrained with strangers. You will find they are a one pet family. Other pets where they would have to share their food, territory, and family are considered a threat. They will have a more aggressive side with other pets or dogs. They tend to tolerate children and once they are used to the children will protect them. However they are not comfortable around other people’s children. They do not excessively bark either.
If you are considering this dog breed you will want to make sure you and the dog are going to be a good fit. They are not happy with career families, novice dog owners, or owners who are submissive. They deal well when commanded, working, or when you can shower them with a lot of attention.
Akita dogs are going to require a certain amount of grooming. They need to be brushed daily with a firm bristle. You will want to avoid bathing the dog as much as possible. They tend to have sensitive skin and it can become irritated when you bath them and use shampoo. You also don’t want to strip the coat of its natural oils during the bathing process as that can cause damage. This dog breed has webbed feet and need to have the hair trimmed away from their paws to make them more comfortable.
A caution for the Akita dogs is their medical problems. They are prone to hip dysphasia, hypothyroid, eye problems, and lupus. You have to be very attentive with the Akita breed when dealing with health care. You will want to make sure they have regular trips to the veterinarian and that they are given proper nutrition.
Lastly when you are considering owning an Akita you will need to spend a little time with intensive and extensive training. They need to have proper socialization and obedience training to make them a great pet. They need to understand whom the master is or they will take charge. The Akita also needs to have socialization training in order to help them deal with their surrounding environment. They are less likely to have issues with other people and pets when they are exposed as puppies to training. These dogs are extremely loyal and wish for patience, fairness, and consistency during training. You will find these dogs make wonderful working dogs.
December 8th 2007 4:20 pm
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Dogs are apart of a family and deserve our respect and care. If you have never been a dog owner before you probably have lots of questions regarding the care of your new member of the family. If you do you will find this article looks at some of the available dog supplies and offers a few tips for proper care. In some instances proper care can be solely based on the dog breed you have, but most of the time general tips can help you pick the right dog supplies for the proper care.
When you are choosing your dog you have to decide where it will sleep, how much training you will be giving it, and of course the proper nutrients they will need. Some dog breeds have special needs to do digestive issues they are born with or can develop. This can make finding the right foods a little more difficult. It is best to speak with a vet or a dog breeder regarding the proper nutrition. You will also find that proper nutrition is based on age. Growing puppies are going to need softer foods that have plenty of nutrients, while older dogs may still need some nutrients, but a different formula.
Pet food is just one of the dog supplies you will need to buy for proper care. Grooming is also an essential part to owning a dog. You will need to take care of their teeth, give them vaccinations, clip their nails, and of course brush them. Some dogs, especially those with long hair or thick coats will need to be brushed more often. Sometimes you will find brushing them once a day is essential to that dog breed, while others can be brushed twice a week. Dogs have very sensitive skin so before giving them a bath you will need to understand the type of shampoo you should use and how frequent a bath should be. For dog grooming you will need the proper dog supplies at home from different brushes and of course the nail clippers for dogs.
Part of the proper care for your dog is having enough space. Some dogs tend to be very active, such as Alaskan Malamutes, German Sheperds, and Terriers. For these dogs you will need plenty of space to let them run and expend that energy. When you are talking about pet supplies for an active dog you will need to have fencing and even a runner in some cases. You may feel a runner is enough for the dog to stay out of harms way, and often it can be. However you don’t always want to hook them to the runner, but give them the entire backyard, so a fence can help you keep them inside the yard without restrictions.
You may also want to have a kennel or crate for your dog to sleep in at night and during the day. Some of us don’t mind our pets sharing the bed, while others want to teach their dogs as puppies that they have their own bed. Crates can also help you take them to the vet or on vacations so they can serve two purposes. You can also purchase softer bedding for them to lie in around the house.
Other essentials include dog toys, food bowls, and water dishes. Dog toys will help you exercise your dog physically as well as mentally, which is important to having a healthy happy dog. You will want to choose food dishes that allow for the proper amount of food intake during the day as well as water. This dish can be made from anything or purchased at a dog store. It is just important that it has enough room for your dog to get the nutrients and water he or she needs in a day.
December 8th 2007 4:18 pm
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Are you looking for a smaller dog you can have in an apartment or condo? Maybe you just want a dog that is going to be affectionate and is considered in the breed group of toy? If this is the case you will want to research the Havanese dog breed. They are very happy and affectionate dogs. You will find they make a wonderful addition to an incomplete family and even offer a little therapy. Some dogs that offer a great deal of affection can help individuals with issues feel more relaxed. The Havanese can be one of these dogs.
You will find the Havanese dog breed to be very small they weigh at most thirteen pounds and can reach eleven inches. You will also find them very furry. They can be cream, gold, silver, champagne, tan, blue, black or multi- colored with long, straight hair. This dog breed has a double coat that helps keep the shedding to a minimum. You will also find the long coat offers quite a look as it parts in odd places if you forgo grooming. The coat if not groomed can reach up to eight inches in length as an adult. The face is also very small with a short snout. Grooming is very important with this breed. You will need to trim the hair around the eyes to make it easier to see and keep the hair short enough so they can walk with ease. It is recommended that you brush this dog at least twice a week if not every day during high shedding. As mentioned you can clip their coat to make care and walking easier. You will also need to pay close attention to the ears and eyes because they tend to have genetic diseases. Eye and ear infections are very common, which is why trimming the hair around the eyes on a regular basis is important. Bathing is not usually necessary and should only be attempted once a year. You will need to take special care of their teeth as they are also susceptible to tooth decay and loss.
The Havanese temperament is often one of playful devotion. They are intelligent and curious animals that love to be the center of attention. You will find small children are one of their favorite family members. You will also find that they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. This means you usually have to take them with you on vacation or place them with a well known friend. They do get along with other animals, especially dogs. The Havanese can also be a great watchdog as they tend to let you know when someone is approaching. Luckily they will not approach a stranger without your consent. You will also find they are neither timid nor aggressive. If you see this behavior in your Havanese there is something wrong and you should take them to the vet.
Training is one of the most fun experiences you can have with your dog. They love to learn and be obedient for their masters. You can entertain them with water sports, tricks, and other training. Mentioned above was the ability to use them for therapy dogs. They are very sweet and loving, which can help individuals with problems. Keep in mind when training you should always use a firm hand, with consistency, but also gentleness and affection. They are full of energy, which means they require walks and play time. You will find at most an hour is good and as long as they have stimulation they will not become bored. It is important to play with them when it is playtime.
December 8th 2007 4:17 pm
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Dogs naturally take a lot of care, more in fact than cats. Dogs are man’s best friends. They crave human companionship and can get quite lonely when they spend the day by themselves. Among other problems dogs can have is when they have been abused. Dogs that are abused are going to have physical scars as well as mental scars. Dogs that have been abused will take more care than other dogs. If you find yourself going home from an animal shelter with a dog that has been abused you will need to understand how they have been affected by the trauma.
Any dog is going to need proper nutrition, exercise, and grooming. So really this part of dog care is no different. You may need to ask the shelter if your new dog has specific food they have been given while at the shelter or if they need to have a specific diet. Some abused dogs may have sensitive systems that require them to have special food. It may be a mix of wet food and dry food or you may have to prepare a meal for them like you would your child. It is extremely important to find out what they have been fed and what a veterinarian recommends.
You will also need to find out if they are on any medication as a result of the abuse. Most often when you take a dog home, they will tell you exactly what the dog has been given, what they may need to take, and when you should take them to the veterinarian. The importance of understanding the medication comes in understanding the physical issues the dog may have. For instance they may suffer from broken bones that have heeled in correctly or pain from older injuries where a great deal of exercise can really cause them undue stress. If you have never had to administer medication to a pet before you should have the shelter or veterinarian show you the best way to give them the dose. Some dogs can take their pills when you feed them, while others may have to be force-fed the pill.
Grooming is also an important aspect of any pet care, however your abused dog may need a little more care. Some dogs are abused with water or abused while in the bathroom. This can make giving the dog a bath extremely difficult. They may have been abused with a brush or something like it to make them nervous of certain grooming equipment. The idea behind the care of an abused dog is to understand exactly what abuse they have suffered and by whom in order to understand how basic care should be carried out. The shelter or veterinarian should be able to tell you want they suspect or what they know about the dog’s case.
Additional care may mean that you have to take the dog to work. An abused dog left at home can damage your home because they feel abandoned. Raising your voice or making sudden movements can also have them cowering. Dogs who have been abused by a male or female may be agitated around that type of person. For example a dog abused by a man will be extremely agitated and caution around other men. They may not feel comfortable being petted or played with. Some may require the person to sit down before they feel comfortable coming over to be petted. An abused dog really needs love, affection, and a lot of playtime. Like humans an abused dog needs time to adjust to a new home and the love you will be offering.
December 8th 2007 4:17 pm
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There are several things you should do to prepare to bring your puppy home, for instance in our last article we spoke about puppy proofing the home. In this article we will concentrate on the things you should do for your puppy’s ride home in the car. Puppies and dogs are sensitive creatures, often times they shy away from new things when it involves something they have never seen before like a car. Older dogs or those who have been in a shelter are probably more used to riding in cars than a puppy you are adopting from a breeder; however some of the same rules should apply to bring home your new puppy.
Cars can be daunting for a new puppy for a lot of reasons. First they have never ridden in a car and the movement can be surprising and a little upsetting to their tummies. So you need to make the car ride home for you puppy easier to handle. This is actually the first step in care you will need to have for owning a dog. You need to realize that when you bring a puppy home especially from a breeder, they are going to be leaving their mom and food source. There will be new smells around them to explore, but they will no longer have a mom or brothers and sisters. This can be a lonely time for your puppy and make that car ride a little scarier.
When taking your puppy home you should inquire of the breeder when the dog usually takes a nap. If you take the puppy home when they are usually napping they will be more relaxed. In other words they will be a little drowsy and they may even sleep all the way home. This of course is not guaranteed as the car ride could just waken them up; however it is better to try for during their nap for better results.
There are other things to look out for on the car ride home. Nervousness can lead to issues with the bowels. Without meaning to the puppy may have a little accident in the car. It is better to have some old towels that you don’t mind getting soiled in the back seat of the car. You will also want to have a kennel in the car. If they are inside the kennel they will have less chance to explore and ruin the upholstery if there is an accident. Sometimes the puppy will howl, be sick, or have diarrhoea due to the car ride.
Other supplies you need on the drive home include water, plastic bags, a puppy toy that they will enjoy and be comforted by, and the collar. When you pick up the puppy you need to immediately make sure he or she has all of your contact information so don’t leave the collar at home. You will also want to try a few other things especially if you feel the dog is going to have a hard time on the drive home. You can bring an old blanket along with you to help wrap the puppy up in the blanket and hold him. This is soothing and if you have another person driving it is one of the best ways to travel. The puppy will feel warm, and safe in your arms and be able to see out. This can calm the dog’s howls and make him or her bond with you a little better. While a crate or kennel is safe for travel just in case of an accident, it is okay as long as you are not the one driving, while trying to hold the puppy.
December 8th 2007 4:16 pm
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Our dogs are very important to us and for those who have never owned a dog there is a lot to consider before you make the choice to add a member of a family. In some lines of thought it can be like adding a baby to the family because dogs need care, love, exercise, and a friend. The American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the many dog breeds you can choose from when considering adding a new member to the family. You will need to know the proper care, training, and the temperament of the dog breed before you add them to your family.
First you will find the American Staffordshire Terrier to be a small to medium sized dog. They reach 57 to 67 pounds, with the males being 18-19 inches in height and the females about an inch smaller. You will find they have a shorter snout than most dogs with pointed ears. The American Staffordshire has a boxer like face in the smaller snout and the jowls, all though you can definitely tell the two breeds apart. They are usually a solid color or partial. You will find white, black, and tan are the colors they display. Their hair is coarse and short. This means that grooming, which we will discuss in more detail later, is a little easier. They are not a cuddly dog, when you contemplate their hair, but they are also not great shedders which can be nice.
You should also not that the American Staffordshire Terrier is the American Pit Bull Terrier. Pit Bulls or the Terrier are often thought of as sport dogs because they have been used in the past for fighting dogs. This makes the dog an excellent guard or watchdog for your family. You will also find despite their use in history as fighting dogs they can be very gentle and devoted to their family. Despite the fighting mentality that has been trained in them in the past the American Staffordshire Terrier breed is actually a great dog for smaller children, all though you should not leave them unsupervised. You will also find that they are rather active and muscular. This dog breed does well for a one pet household. You should not introduce them to the family if you have other pets or dogs.
Training for the dog should include high energy activities that will keep them interested. They can get bored or stubborn if they don’t like the activity. You should start training as early as possible, especially with obedience. A firm, but gentle hand is required to train this dog breed. You will also want to be consistent and form a knowledge base with you as the master or dominant part of the equation. Exercise is extremely important. You will need a backyard, and should avoid apartment living with this breed. They can be destructive when left alone for long periods of time or when they become bored. Two hours a day spent on exercising and training will be required to keep them happy.
The care for the American Staffordshire Terrier is relatively simple. The short hair does not require much grooming, just a brushing once a week. In a warmer climate you will find they tend to shed a little more, so they will need a little more grooming. You can use a dry towel rather than a brush if you desire. You will also need to bath them perhaps once every six months or less. It should always be done with a dry shampoo as they can develop skin irritation from too much bathing or water.
December 8th 2007 4:15 pm
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Dog breeds are plentiful and you can always find a true breed for a dog breeder, but it is essential that you understand the dog breed you are interested in before going to the dog breeder. You want to have questions prepared and double check information. So you will find information regarding the Beauceron dog breed below to help you determine if they are the right dog for you.
The Beauceron dog breed is known by several names including Berger de Beauce, Bas Rouge, and Beauce Shepherd. They are a French breed of dog dating back to the fifteen hundreds as herders. These dogs are very athletic in build and temperament. You will find they enjoy being outdoors with plenty of room to run. You will also find they resemble Doberman Pinschers in their looks and body type. They often have the same black fur with the tan muzzle, ears, and paws. This dog can weigh up to 110 pounds with a height of 24 to 27 inches, which makes them a medium to larger sized dog.
If you are looking for a watch dog or a guard dog you will find that the Beauceron is one of the best. They are highly intelligent, obedient, and fearless. It is considered a working dog so having one for a pet is not always the best. They tend to like tasks and other activities that will keep them busy mentally as well as physically. It should come as no surprise that they are also great for herding other animals. To establish a relationship with a Beauceron you need to establish a master versus subordinate relationship. The Beauceron loves to receive praise and please you as an owner. Typically they choose just one person as the master over all. This doesn’t mean you can’t have them around little children, but you do need to take some precautions. First you will want to raise the Beauceron from a puppy if you are going to have it around children. They can be a little overzealous in energy sometimes, so small children tend to be a little wary, but the dogs will not be aggressive.
You will also find the Beauceron is great around dogs they know and have met before, but territorial instincts can override their sense when exposed to new dogs. Therefore socialization should begin as a puppy to help dissuade this behavior in a pet. As they are often guard dogs you should not be surprised if they show a little aggression towards unknown people or pets.
Part of owning a dog is understanding their care. You will find the Beauceron can have health problems related to hip dysplasia, and bloating, but for the most part they are one of the healthiest dogs. They tend to have a high amount of stamina as well. Grooming will be required periodically, but the coat does not shed much and a brush is sufficient to getting the dirt off. Again part of care is also exercise. You want to make sure you have a backyard that is sufficient to proper exercise and that they are given at least an hour a day for walking, playing and training. If you show the Beauceron proper care you should expect to have them in the family for over ten years. You will find they do well in moderate climates or even warmer climates. The cold can affect them a little, and they should be kept indoors during the colder storms.
The Beauceron is one of the most loyal dog breeds you will find and although they are guard dogs as heart they can make a great member to any family.
December 8th 2007 12:40 pm
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It is true that training a dog should begin as a puppy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue training an adult dog or begin training for an adult dog. What you have to realize when training an older dog is that they are already going to have some behaviors defined that can be very difficult, but not impossible to override. There are some behaviors or temperaments that may not be changed. You will find that some dog breeds need to be socialized early on in order to make them great pets for families, to have them around other dogs, or other people. Failure to train the anti social behavior out as a puppy can mean that your dog is a little aggressive towards others for their life. So you first have to recognize what behaviors or temperaments can be retrained with older dogs and what may be lasting. This is in no way asking you to give up, but to be realistic and possibly seek help for training an adult dog.
There are many facilities available around the world for dog training. Some of them specialize solely in obedience schooling while others will train police dogs or show dogs. If you are trying to train your adult dog that has had no formal training and has several bad behaviors it is best to at least speak with a dog trainer or facility as well as a dog breeder. A dog breeder spends many hours with both adult dogs and puppies. They may be able to give you information regarding the regular training your dog should have had and where to go from this point. A professional trainer will often have perspectives on training the more stubborn breeds and offer you help in learning the techniques you can work on at home and in class.
If your dog has had training from someone else you will find keeping up that training and adding a few new skills can be a little easier. A dog that has been trained in obedience and commands will often be able to understand what you want and be more open to practicing skills. The stubbornness of the dog can still be a factor as that is part of some dog breeds, but when trained to obey they tend to be a little better depending on the skills. Keep in mind most stubborn dogs are highly intelligent and just want respect.
You should always spend at least fifteen minutes a day in training with your dog. It helps them to expound energy and it also helps keep the skills fresh in their minds. If you have purchased your dog as an adult from someone else you will need to learn all about the training and skills they have learned. It is essential to keeping them the well behaved dog you have added to your family. Raising the dog from a puppy gives you an advantage of what training and skills you should continue to practice and hone. Remember that it is essential that you know the dogs temperament when you begin any sort of training. Knowing your dog is going to help you figure out the best methods and what they can learn.
For dogs that have been abused you may need to retrain them or help them to push past their fears. Dogs that have been abused often fear other humans, loud noises, going into unfamiliar territory, and they tend to hide a lot or cower. In this case you will definitely need a trainers help that can teach you to be gentle, but firm in training your dog to recognize the potential they have.
December 8th 2007 12:21 pm
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There are many varieties of dog breeds that you can find around the world. You will find that some breeds are more common to specific areas, but the lucky thing is if you like that breed you can usually find a breeder to purchase the dog from. With the Anatolian Shepherd dog you will find they are one of the more rare dogs in the Middle East. The temperament of this dog offers you one of the more intelligent and loyal of the species. Below you will learn not only about its physical characteristics, but also about its temperament and some training advice.
First of all you should realize that this dog is a working dog. This means that they need a lot of space to be happy and they don’t necessarily live well in cooler climates. They are a hard breed to find, but are gaining in popularity around the world because of their characteristics. You will find they are loyal and devoted to one owner. This means that while they do well in families with children they tend to have a master. They are also very agile as hunters because they are used for hunting and guarding of families.
The Anatolian Shepherd dog is one very sleek and muscular animal. They have a short coat with fawn colouring and a black muzzle and eyes. Like most dogs the over coat is rather thick and coarse. They do have a softer under coat that will keep them warm during the nights. For these dogs you need to have a lot of space for them to run around in. You may find that they do well on farms as sheep guarders or other large animals.
Care and grooming are important for any dog that you own. In some cases you will find certain dog breeds are easier to take care of than others. In the case of the Anatolian Shepherd dog you will find they are rather easy to groom. Their short haired coat doesn’t need grooming except for once a week or if you have been in a high insect area. You will also find that their toenails, eyes, and ears are easy to keep clean and that they are fairly healthy dogs. Training is important in this breed based on the dominant displays. They are masters in their race, which means it takes a specific master and some obedience training to get this dog to behave properly. When you use patience and a consistent hand you will find that training is rewarded with their high intelligence. They can be trained for other work besides guarding. All though they are not currently used for police work or rescue work they do make great show dogs when they have the proper care. These dogs also need to be socialized at an early age during training. This means that they are introduced not only to other pets and animals, but also children and other humans to make the transition a little easier.
Dogs that are great with guarding or watch dogs tend to need a little training in regards to socialization. The socialization helps them to interact with more people rather than going off to hide or worse guard the home from friends. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is still found in the Middle East primarily, but they can be found in the UK or US if you go to a breeder directly.
December 8th 2007 12:20 pm
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It is true that training a dog should begin as a puppy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue training an adult dog or begin training for an adult dog. What you have to realize when training an older dog is that they are already going to have some behaviors defined that can be very difficult, but not impossible to override. There are some behaviors or temperaments that may not be changed. You will find that some dog breeds need to be socialized early on in order to make them great pets for families, to have them around other dogs, or other people. Failure to train the anti social behavior out as a puppy can mean that your dog is a little aggressive towards others for their life. So you first have to recognize what behaviors or temperaments can be retrained with older dogs and what may be lasting. This is in no way asking you to give up, but to be realistic and possibly seek help for training an adult dog.
There are many facilities available around the world for dog training. Some of them specialize solely in obedience schooling while others will train police dogs or show dogs. If you are trying to train your adult dog that has had no formal training and has several bad behaviors it is best to at least speak with a dog trainer or facility as well as a dog breeder. A dog breeder spends many hours with both adult dogs and puppies. They may be able to give you information regarding the regular training your dog should have had and where to go from this point. A professional trainer will often have perspectives on training the more stubborn breeds and offer you help in learning the techniques you can work on at home and in class.
If your dog has had training from someone else you will find keeping up that training and adding a few new skills can be a little easier. A dog that has been trained in obedience and commands will often be able to understand what you want and be more open to practicing skills. The stubbornness of the dog can still be a factor as that is part of some dog breeds, but when trained to obey they tend to be a little better depending on the skills. Keep in mind most stubborn dogs are highly intelligent and just want respect.
You should always spend at least fifteen minutes a day in training with your dog. It helps them to expound energy and it also helps keep the skills fresh in their minds. If you have purchased your dog as an adult from someone else you will need to learn all about the training and skills they have learned. It is essential to keeping them the well behaved dog you have added to your family. Raising the dog from a puppy gives you an advantage of what training and skills you should continue to practice and hone. Remember that it is essential that you know the dogs temperament when you begin any sort of training. Knowing your dog is going to help you figure out the best methods and what they can learn.
For dogs that have been abused you may need to retrain them or help them to push past their fears. Dogs that have been abused often fear other humans, loud noises, going into unfamiliar territory, and they tend to hide a lot or cower. In this case you will definitely need a trainers help that can teach you to be gentle, but firm in training your dog to recognize the potential they have.
December 8th 2007 5:26 am
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There are many dog breeds out there to choose from and it is important that you find the right companion for yourself. When you are trying to choose a dog breed you will need to know what each dog is like, not only in looks, size, but also temperament. The Belgian Tervuren is considered a herding dog. Most often this dog was used for helping with farm duties. The Belgian Tervuren dog breed has been around since the late 19th century, so they are relatively new compared to other dog breeds that have histories dating back to early empires.
The Belgian Tervuren has a fawn or russet coat, with a black topcoat. The ears and face are also covered with the black rather than the russet. You will find they are a medium large dog weighing in at sixty to sixty- five pounds. The male dogs are twenty- four to twenty- six inches in height, with the females ranging about two inches smaller.
You will find the Belgian Tervuren dog is very adaptable, especially in terms of weather. They can handle changes in weather to extreme climates due to the coat they have. The coat while not the softest is dense allowing their bodies to be protected from cold. You will also find despite the long hair they tend to shed heavily only once a year. At other times they do shed, but it is lighter and less noticeable.
Each dog breed has a different temperament and you will find the Belgian Tervuren is not any different. They are one of the best companions to have. They enjoy human contact as well as being alert, agile, and very inquisitive. You will find these dogs tend to become lonely without a master and do not take well to being ignored or left alone for long periods of time. You will also find the Belgian Tervuren will behave better around older children as they don’t like the rough treatment little ones can often supply. Being herders by nature this dog breed will show signs of protectiveness, watchfulness, and they can be very territorial. The Belgian Tervuren is best as a single pet household or with other dogs. They can show a dominant side even to their own breed if you don’t bring them up as puppies together.
Training is very important whether you are going to use this dog as a herder or just have for a pet. You will want to train them as puppies to help with socialization of other humans and pets as well as bring out their cooperative nature. You will find yourself spending a little time training them because they exhibit plenty of energy, love things to do, and need consistency. You should never be harsh during training sessions, but being fair and showing respect is very important. The Belgian Tervuren does well with active owners, someone who will take them for daily walks, have play time for at least fifteen minutes a day, and allow them plenty of backyard to roam in. Owners who live in small apartments, or work for long hours every day will not find this breed to be the best for them.
Care of your Belgian Tervuren is essential for grooming daily, bathing once a month, and making sure they have the necessities as well. This dog breed can have issues with hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and retinal atrophy. You should talk with a breeder extensively about the proper care for your dog and what to expect and how you might be able to prevent a few health concerns from happening.
Faith
dog bowls
December 8th 2007 5:25 am
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There are many working dogs available from dog breeders when you are considering a dog. You will also find these working dogs make some of the best companions. One of the most popular working dogs in the northern United States is the Alaskan Malamute. They are largely used in Alaska for sled dogs, but also make wonderful companions. If you are interested in finding an Alaskan Malamute to become apart of your family you will want to learn all you can about the breed and speak with dog breeders.
The Alaskan Malamute dog breed is a medium to large sized dog weighing in at 75 to 85 pounds depending on the sex. The female dogs are a little smaller at 23 inches in height and weight less. You will find the male dogs are 25 inches in height. They are depicted with a curly tail, plenty of fur, and an almost wolf like face, though the snout is a little shorter. They have grey, black, sable, red, or white coloring. You will find their coats can be a mix of all colors or they can be completely white. The coat is actually a double coat designed for warmth with the top coat being extremely thick and coarse. The under coat is softer, and more dense.
An Alaskan Malamute resembles huskies, though there are differences. As sled dogs the Alaskan Malamute is often very loyal, hard working, and intelligent. You will also find they are affectionate with their owners and other dogs they have been raised with. You can find a little aggression as they work on a ranked basis when sledding. However don’t let this dissuade you as they make wonderful family pets. Maturity will see a calming of the dogs spirit and a growing affection. While they make wonderful working dogs they are not the best guard dogs. They tend to be too friendly around others; though they can alert you to other animals or danger. With training you will find activity is best with a firm hand. They like to have plenty to keep them from getting bored, but they can also be stubborn in nature so a firm, but kind hand is needed. You also need to keep training going even as adults to help them keep the skills fresh in their minds.
The Alaskan Malamute breed should be given plenty of space to run. They do not like to be inside all day, in fact apartment living is not recommended. You will need plenty of space in a backyard. You can even let them run all day while you are at work. You may find they get a little lonely if left for more than a day, but with other Alaskan Malamute dogs around they will be content. They also suffer from heat issues if it gets too hot. Being raised for Arctic weather they don’t like the warmer climates.
Care for this dog breed will require a brushing at least twice a week. This will help you get the dirt out of their fur. They don’t usually require bathes, but if needed it is okay. They tend to be heavy shedders because of the thick long coats, so you may have to clean your home a bit. You will also find they are prone to a few diseases such as hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, and bloating. You should expect to have this dog in your home for a good twelve to fifteen years.
Alaskan Malamutes are one of the most lovable dogs you can find for your family. They are a wonderful pet and extremely loyal. They also love meeting new people.
Faith
dog collars.
December 8th 2007 5:24 am
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The Affenpinscher dog is a relatively small dog weighing 7-9 pounds. They reach a height between 9 to 11.5 inches, with a shaggy gray, black, silver, or black and tan coat. While their hair is not the cuddliest, you will find they are a very active dog breed. This type of dog is low maintenance when it comes to grooming, as they don’t tend to shed their hair.
The Affenpinscher breed originated in Germany in the 16th century. They are considered one of the most amiable companions for humans. They tend to have a strong playful spirit, while being great at hunting rats and mice. You can consider their character to be balanced and sturdy. In other words they will have pretty much the same behavioral characteristics throughout their lives and be a pleasure. They are also very agile, inquisitive, and quick- witted.
You will find that this dog breed is great for a family. They tend to play well with younger children as well as be aware of the delicate nature of the child. They will want to play, amuse, and be affectionate with the entire family. This will lead us into the care of the Affenpinscher. While they require minimal grooming you will find they do need a lot of attention. They tend to have a lot of energy so taking the dog out for long walks, playing with them often, and not leaving them along too much is going to be the best care you can give them. When you are grooming your Affenpinscher you will need to pay close attention to the eyes. They tend to have little hairs that will grow near the eyes causing irritation or even infections if left for too long.
This dog breed is one of the hardest to house train despite the wonderful pet they do make. They are extremely active and therefore they don’t want to pay attention to training and lessons. When training the dog you need to use the crate method. In other words they need to understand what the crate means, and that until they are house trained to go outside or let the owner know when they need to go they will be in the crate while you are away. You need to be extremely authoritarian with the Affenpinscher with firmness and consistency. While they are quick to learn they often don’t like to sit still for the lessons as they become bored. If you are trying to train the dog to do tricks it must be something that stimulates them.
You will also find that this particular breed of dog is a fairly good watchdog. While they are certainly not the best they do tend to let you know when a person is arriving and will stand guard. With their heightened sense of play you will find that this dog also loves to climb and bark. You will need to train them when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not. You will also have to make sure your backyard is large enough and set up with a high fence to keep them contained.
When you are considering further dog care keep in mind that they are extremely active. They need to have a place they can run and expend energy. This means during the day while you are at work and your children are in school you probably need to leave the dog outside in the yard. Make sure that they will not be able to dig themselves out or climb over the fence. It is really best to have a dog runner set up so they are chained, but have the freedom to explore the yard and stay in the shade.
Faith - dog beds.
December 8th 2007 5:22 am
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Why the long face? Well to start of with the Basset hound has a longer face than most dogs. They also have long ears in comparison to the rest of their body. They are a distinctive breed that usually weighs 40 to 60 pounds and stands about 14 inches. You will find that they are about any hound color from brown, tan, black, and white or a mixture of colors. You will find that their coat is coarse with short hairs and it is weather resistant. In other words they don’t tend to get too soaked from rain, get too cold or too warm depending on the climate.
The Bassett Hound is one of the most pleasurable breeds in the dog groups because they are well behaved, affectionate, and they love to be sweet. One minor issue with this dog is the need to howl or bark. They tend to make noise even when there is nothing to bark at. Therefore you may see them as a great alarm system, but not a great guard dog. They tend to be very affectionate with strangers and other dogs as well.
You will find that they are quite lazy and peaceful despite the need to bark or howl. They also tend to be stubborn during training, but more on that later. First you will want to know they are better with older children. Their ears are extremely sensitive and they don’t wish to be handled roughly by the younger set. As for intelligence they can be taught tricks with patience, but they are not the most intelligent dog.
Basset hounds need grooming daily. You will find they shed quite a bit so brushing and combing them at least once a day will keep this down. The basset hound tends to neglect the natural method of grooming as well as their toenails so you will need to spend a little time and care to get them in shape.
Part of the laziness factor is actually due to a tendency to overheat easily. They do need to have plenty of exercise, but it should be a moderate pace. Since they don’t tend to run around a lot you need to help them stay healthy as part of the dog care package. You can certainly let them roam around a fenced yard, but again they do need a regiment of exercise to keep them healthy.
Training is one of the most important aspects of this breed. The basset hound tends to be sensitive and gentle so it requires patience and consistency to train them. You also need to understand that they are stubborn so it may take a little bit to get them motivated. They also like to go off and sniff around rather than be trained. Training should begin as early as puppy- hood to get the best results. You can train them out of the barking and howling for the most part, but that will take a bit of time and definitely some type of reward.
The basset hound is one of the best pets you can have when you consider the dog breeds available. They love to be around humans and other dogs even if they tend to be a little on the lazy side. You will find that affection, devotion, and tranquility are their best qualities as well as being someone to complete a family with children. They don’t have any major medical issues, but you do need to remember their sensitive ears. In case of an accident with their ears you may need to seek your vet.
Faith - dog accessories.
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