Archive for September, 2009
Dog Sports – Two Popular Canine Sports You & Your
Posted by: | CommentsDog Sports - Two Popular Canine Sports You & Your Athletic Dog Will Love
Getting your dog involved in dog sports requires preparation and knowledge. What you need to do beforehand is get familiar with the type of breed you have, his physical capabilities, and his interests.
Once you have figured out the three factors stated above, you'll have an easier time deciding on the best sport to choose for your dog. The sport should be something that you also enjoy, since both you and your dog are going to be in this together. If you have the time, go to different sporting or activity events and just watch the other dogs and owners perform. This is a good way to get a feel for what each sport entails.
If you are lucky then there will be dog sporting events in your area. If the sport of your choice is three hours away from where you live, you may be better off participating in one that is just two blocks down the street. You can always look for other sports or activities later. Many dog owners engage their dogs in more than one activity.
Below is a list of two of the popular sports for dogs and their owners:
Agility: A very popular dog sport that gained recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). In this activity, the handler or owner has a limited amount of time to direct his dog through an obstacle course that consists of ramps, tunnels, climbs, jumps, and other challenges.
Agility is a fun sport where dogs and owners go through the challenge together as a team. The dog's performance is determined by his speed and accuracy as he performs through the course. Obedience training and the ability to follow instructions is a must, since this activity requires the dog to be off the leash and only relies on the owner's body signals and verbal commands to guide him through the course.
Obedience Trials: In this sport, the dog must demonstrate his role as a civilized human companion by accurately performing a predefined set of actions as directed by his owner or handler.
Obedience trials provide a great opportunity for the dog and his owner to work as a team. Dogs and owners are evaluated on precision, accuracy, the owner's movement, and the dog's willingness to cooperate and follow directions.
The American Kennel Club obedience competitions have three levels. Beginner's level is referred to as Novice, intermediate level is referred to as Open, and advanced level is called Utility. The dog needs to complete the requirements for each level before advancing to the next. Examples of exercises are: Recall (Come), Drop on Recall, Heel, and Sit.
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Parties & Your Dog: How To Make Every Event Dog-Friendly
Posted by: | CommentsParties & Your Dog: How To Make Every Event Dog-Friendly (Part 2)
A great food addition to any party that kids and dogs can both devour together are those to trusty boneless chicken nuggets and the ever popular mac-and-cheese. You might also find takers for fresh, cubed fruit and veggies, especially if offered with a peanut butter and jelly dip.
Setting a festive table by substituting dog bowls - clean, brand-new ones, of course - for plates is another decorating option.
If your event venue is a backyard or garden, replace chemical lawn pesticides and fertilizers with safe botanical alternatives; Neem Oil for the Garden is effective yet harmless to pets (it's available online and at some health food stores).
Also, arm your dog against mosquitoes and other pests by washing him with an all-natural pet shampoo that contains Neem, which is absorbed by the skin. Neem makes the dog's blood taste absolutely horrible to those unruly pests that fly in for a bite.
For good measure, safeguard against pests by rubbing your dog's skin and coat with a product called Buck Mountain Herbal Gold Parasite Dust, made of Neem and diatom flour. You can also find this product online or at various health food stores. Be sure to replay the mixture if the dog gets wet. And when creating flower arrangements, remember that Lilies are extremely toxic so avoid them at all costs.
Resist the temptation to overdress your dog. At a wedding, say "no" to: four-footed tuxes, bridal gowns, top hats, tiaras, veils and yarmulkes. It's far more humane to replace your dog's ordinary collar with a special-occasion version made of grosgrain ribbon, color-coordinated with what the rest of the bridal party is wearing (inexpensive custom options, complete with useful monogramming is a great option and is serviced by online providers).
Here is a really good look for a large male dog (and especially sharp on a dark-coated mutt): A man's wing collar and silk bow tie from. If it's a kids' party, go head and put an Elmo party hat on the dog, but don't expect him to wear it a moment longer than it takes to snap a photo!
Speaking of photo moments, if you're entrusting archival duties to a photographer who's not conversant with contemporary canine culture, explain to him or her upfront that you'd like to see the dog in as many shots as possible After the last thank-you note is mailed, you'll be so glad to have proof that your party animal was the life of the party!
Destructive Chewing: Your Dog Is Trying To Say Something!
Posted by: | CommentsFor many centuries now, humans have totally domesticated dogs. We have brought them into our society and, in most cases, expected them to act like us and to be a regular part of our families. We should accept that fact that, in doing so, we have caused some of our own human emotions to develop in our dogs. Dogs have learned to become jealous, neurotic, spiteful, hateful, and bored.
In adolescent dogs, between the ages of six to sixteen months, we find that these emotions cannot be controlled as easily as the same emotions in adult dogs. The same can be expressed by a human teenager's capability of exercising mature restraint when affected by the same emotions.
Can You Spare 15 Minutes?
The most common cause of chronic chewing is boredom, and if every dog owner would spend a little more time each day giving his full attention and love to his pet, much of the "boredom chewing" can be eliminated. Fifteen minutes a day is all it takes, it's just that easy!
The Spiteful Boxer
Spite, another motivating factor, should also be considered. A story about a twenty-month old Boxer would be a great example in this case. Ever since he was a puppy, this Boxer had been an "only child" to a couple who spoiled him with lots of love and attention. The dog went along with them shopping, running errands, and visiting friends. He would walk gracefully and loved tagging along with his parents.
Then, a new baby had arrived and things changed. Suddenly, the dog found himself left in the car during errand trips. On one occasion, mom and dad returned to the car only to find the entire interior completely destroyed! The car seats, the padded dashboard, the upholstery, all ripped to shreds, totally obliterated.
The Boxer dog was venting his wrath the only way he knew how. This is a case of spiteful chewing, not jealousy. The canine was not jealous of the new baby in the family, but he was not willing to give up his former position in the family and go back to just being a dog.
Replace The Dog's Target
The next time you catch your dog or puppy chewing a sock, shoe, or other object that he's not supposed to, take the object away from him, followed by a firm "No!" The object should be replaced with his own chew toy. The toy will take his mind off the object that he was chewing and won't make him think that you are taking something away from him.
And should your life suddenly change, while altering your dog's life in addition (like having a new baby in the house), like the Boxer up above, be sure to pay attention to the new schedule and adjust your focus to avoid your dog's destructive chewing. Your pet will need a little extra care and training to prevent such behavior and to settle in with the new changes.
Dog Sports – Introducing Your Dog To Canine Sporting Events
Posted by: | CommentsDog Sports - Introducing Your Dog To Canine Sporting Events & Competitions
Are you the athletic type that has considered starting a sports activity program that you and your dog can both enjoy together? Would you like to see him jump high into the air and catch a high-speed disc or retrieve a ball thrown out of visibility into a trial-area? Or maybe go through a maze in an obstacle course and watch your buddy come through with tremendous accuracy?
If this interests you, then you'll be happy to know that there are several sports activities that you and your canine friend can both participate in. Dog sports such as agility, obedience trials, musical freestyle, canicross, disc dog, field trials, and many others are becoming more and more popular among dog enthusiasts, and for various reasons:
1. It is a great way to exercise your dog and keep him in great shape
2. It provides an excellent opportunity for you and your dog to connect on a different level.
3. It is a great way to meet like-minded dog lovers.
Warning: We strongly encourage that you take your dog to the vet for a complete physical check-up before starting any kind of sport. This is to ensure that he is in healthy shape and not suffering from any type of physical condition that can hinder his performance or cause harm to the animal.
Two Factors To Consider When Picking A Sport
What type of activity or sport does your dog like to do, one that he does really well with? If you already know the answer to this question, then the next step is to just get familiar with the types of dog sports that are out there and pick one that you think best matches your dog's favorite activity.
However, if your dog is not currently engaged in any kind of activity, consider the following factors:
1. His breed. Your dog's genetics play an important part of the type of activity that he may enjoy, as well as his ability to perform that specific activity. Understanding his history and heritage makes it easier for you to find a sport or activity that is most suited for his breed.
Learn more about your breed. Find out what type of job his ancestors did and what they were originally bred to do. For instance, most, if not all dog breeds from the spaniel or retriever family, will do great in water sports and retrieving, although it doesn't mean that water sports and retrieving are the only two things that you should consider.
2. His personality. In addition to his physical abilities, you also need to consider his personality. Some dogs love nothing more than to run a long distance course or catch a flying ball. These dogs will definitely do well in many types of dog sporting events. Other dogs are a little slow at first, but with right training and motivation, they too can have fun and benefit from participating in canine sports.
Nightmare Grooming Services – How Safe Is Your Pet? (5)
Posted by: | CommentsNightmare Grooming Services - How Safe Is Your Pet? ƕ)
Many reputable groomers across the country welcome the possibility of being required to get a license to continue their grooming businesses. Of course for every one reputable groomer, there are probably hundreds that run their business in an undesired manner, resulting in abuse and mistreatment of the animals left in their hands.
Many people feel that federal licensing is near at hand. Legislation of certain controls has already filtered into the pet shop industry, cutting many pet shops' business in half. Controls on importing exotic birds, exotic animals, domestic animals, turtles, and even some tropical fish, have hurt many pet shops financially.
A lot of pet shops have taken up grooming to make up for the loss even though they are not qualified dog groomers. If legislation can control pet shops, legislation can - and will - control the grooming industry.
In many ways, it's too bad, but in the long run it will do the industry good. It will help rid our industry of the many quacks and incompetents - and will make the grooming shops a safer, cleaner place for our pets.
Licensing will give the consumer a lever in which to demand fair and humane treatment of animals left in the care of groomers. It will help to ensure proper and sanitary conditions for the helpless creatures left in the care of dog groomers, without the worry of the animals contacting mange, kennel cough, distemper, or worse - getting beaten and cut by the unprofessional practices of some individuals.
As a guideline for the pet owner - and until licensing does come - the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) suggests that the pet owner look for the "code of ethics" logo displayed by participating grooming establishments, or a Better Business Bureau logo.
With state licensing requirements, we can put an end to the fakes and sadists that have hung out their grooming standards. Sure, there is money in grooming, but there's money in the medical and veterinary field too. A person doesn't sit down and watch one episode of a home cooking show and then open up a restaurant.
Licensing will come, but not a day too soon. Until it does, we'll have to wonder what kind of groomer we've left our pet with. It makes me wonder just what our pets would say if they could tell us what's going on behind closed doors.
First Aid – How To Save A Choking Dog
Posted by: | CommentsDogs sometimes have a bad habit of putting anything they find inside their mouths. Actually, let me correct that statement, dogs always seem to find a way to put objects in their mouth that do not belong there! They tend to pick up all types of stuff, ranging from balls to rocks, small toys to articles of clothing, basically anything they deem fun to play with.
Unfortunately, there are many times when a dog accidentally swallows these objects and it becomes lodged in his throat. If this object is not removed immediately then there is the chance for the animal to stop breathing and become unconscious.
Since this occurrence is very common with all pets, it would behoove of you to learn the basic moves that it takes to help your dog from choking. This can invariably save the life of your pet.
Below are basic First Aid steps which can come in handy for a choking dog:
If Your Dog Is Choking, But Remains Conscious
1. With two hands, open your dog's mouth and look inside to see if you can see the object. If you can see it, try your best to remove it.
2. If you cannot see the object, place your dog on its side and elevate the hindquarters.
3. Now place your hand below the rib cage and another on the dog's back. Press in and then up, all in one fluid motion. Keep pressing until the object is coughed up.
4. If the object does not come up then your dog may become unconscious. If this happens, then follow the steps below.
If Your Dog Becomes Unconscious
1. As stated above, be sure that the dog is placed on his side with elevated hindquarters.
2. Open the airway and be sure the tongue is pulled out as far as possible and placed to the side.
3. Now perform several compressions in the same area that you had attempted to press in the rib cage. After two to three compressions, check the mouth for any foreign objects by using the sweep of your finger.
4. Now give the dog a few breaths.
5. Repeat this cycle of compressions, finger sweeps, and artificial respiration breaths until your dog starts breathing by himself and dislodges the object.
Shopping From A Breeder (6): The Backyard Breeder
Posted by: | CommentsThe third type of breeder that offers puppies for sale is known as the "backyard breeder." These people should never be confused with the "small professional breeder." The backyard breeder can be considered the "bad apple" in the barrel.
"Low-Priced Puppies, Only โ.00"
This type of headline can be found all across every newspaper and small advertising publication throughout the country, each and every day. The puppies advertised are rarely, if ever, what they seem. Even if the puppies are from purebred parents, they are not bargains for they are usually the result of indiscriminate breeding. You can never be absolutely sure of what you are getting.
A Prime Example Of The Typical Backyard Breeder Sale
Mrs. Collins had been given a Collie a few years back. Several people commented on how gorgeous the dog was and, "If you ever breed her, I'll buy one of the puppies from you." Then Mrs. Collins moved into a new neighborhood in which her neighbor also had a pet Collie. At a certain time of the year, both dogs developed a tremendous liking for one another. Dollar signs began to register in the minds of both owners.
Approximately 2 months later, nine puppies had been born. Once the initial cuteness of the adoring newborns had worn off, Mrs. Collins discovered that she, and she alone, would have to bear the full brunt of this litter. She never factored in the high costs involved in puppy shots, food, worming medications and other veterinarian fees. Now after about 8 weeks, all of the puppies are weaned from the mother and Mrs. Collins is stuck feeding the entire group.
All of the "I can't wait to buy a puppy from you" friends have conveniently disappeared. Then one day Mrs. Collins discovers that she is only allowed a specific number of dogs on the property, as outlined in the apartment rules. Now she is faced with a fact: these purebred Collies must now be dumped!
Full of worms, and not inoculated against anything, Mrs. Collins is faced with three choices. She can dump them off on some unsuspecting pet shop, take them to the animal shelter, or place an ad in the local paper and try to recoup some of her money.
So, this litter of Collie puppies end up in the Sunday newspaper. No one will know until it's too late that the puppies will have terrible temperaments. Nobody checked the pedigrees (if in fact there had been any to begin with) to find out exactly what was behind the two Collies who had been mated.
I am using the term "mated" instead of "bred" because true breeding is a science that takes time, skill, and devotion to creating the healthiest puppies possible. Backyard breeders like Mrs. Collins have no clue as to what it takes to create a real purebred puppy. So beware of buying cheap pets from your local newspaper.
Consequently, if you are disgruntled over the high prices that professional breeders are asking for their puppies, remember that breeding and raising good dogs is not a cheap investment. Puppies must be given the best food available, including vitamins and mineral supplements. Veterinary fees are not cheap. The professional breeder knows all of these things. And all of these reasons are why buying a good puppy from a professional breeder is worth every dollar you spend.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Posted by: | CommentsAs you can probably tell by its name, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have Spanish roots. These dogs are also said to be the reason why European Toy dogs existed in the first place.
People bred small spaniels with various Oriental Toy breeds and the results were small Tudor lapdogs, otherwise reffered to as "comfort" spaniels. The wealthy actually use them as foot warmers and to attract fleas that were otherwise bothering the owner.
Toy Spaniels eventually became popular because it appealed to people of all ages. Sometime during the 1700s it is said that King Charles II was so taken by his Toy Spaniels that he was actually accused of ignoring important state affairs in order to spend time with his dogs.
These stories about the king and his dogs travelled so fast throughout town and other parts of the country that eventually everyone associated the Toy Spaniel with King Charles himself, thus causing the dog to become officially known as "Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs."
Soon after King Charles II passed away, the Duke of Marlborough was just as enthusiastic about this dog breed as King Charles II was. The Duke's favorite was the red and white Toy Spaniel which was named after his estate. For generations to come, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs graced the families of the wealthy.
In time the look of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel started to change. Eventually, more people started to prefer the look of the shorter-nosed Toy Spaniel. However, when a rich American named Roswell Elridge traveled to England and offered an enormous money prize for the best "pointed nosed" Spaniels, it sparked a huge interest back to the original look of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They eventually became the most popular dog in England and was recognized by the AKC in 1996.
Personality
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is opinioned to be the all-around best house pet that a family could own. This dog is playful, sweet, quiet, and overly affectionate. It is an absolute joy to have around and is amiable towards other pets, dogs, and strangers. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love to explore the outside and is very adaptable when being trained.
Taking Care Of Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs need a moderate amount of exercise on a daily basis. This can be accomplished with a few short walks or a romp through the yard. This is one breed that is not meant to live outside. As far as grooming is concerned, its long coat will need a thorough brushing at least every other day.
Health Information
The lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can vary from 8 years on up to 15 years. Major health concerns that spring up are CHD, mitral valve insufficiency, and syringomelia. Minor healh issues include entropion and patellar luxation.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Clearing Up The Confusion
Posted by: | CommentsWhereas many dog breeds have origins that are cloaked in controversy, those of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are cloaked in confusion. So let's clear it up for you:
For starters, you must realize that there indeed does exist a breed known as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. There also exists a breed known as King Charles Spaniels. To further confuse the issue, both breeds are strikingly similar in appearance. So similar in fact, that some countries lump the two together under the common name of English Toy Spaniels.
And as if that weren't enough, we must also add that even though considered spaniels, they are not gun dogs; neither are they classed in the sporting group.
To begin digging our way out of this confusion we must start by accepting the fact that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Charles Spaniel were originally one and the same. Spaniels have always been a favorite of aristocratic families of Europe.
King Charles II was one who was so enamored by the little spaniels that the court's diary keeper noted: "They had access to all parts of Whitehall, even on state occasions."
The diarist goes on to write:
"All I observed there was the stillness of the king playing with his dogs all the while and not minding to his business."
Mary, Queen of Scots had an entire pack of small spaniels. Just before she was executed, one of the spaniels crept under her clothing, hung on tight and had to be removed by force. Toy spaniels appear in paintings by Gainsborough, Rubens, and even Rembrandt.
The little spaniels became so popular that over the years their pattern and characteristics changed. They developed diminutive characters, more similar to the Pekingese than to the miniature Springer Spaniel types. They eventually evolved as the spaniels King Charles love so much.
In 1920, an American living on Long Island in New York was reported to have put up some pretty interesting prize money at the famous Crufts Dog Show in England, for any breeder who could come up with a revival of the old type spaniel of the king's era. The British breeders accepted the challenge and started from the bottom.
They reconstructed the spaniel over the period of just a few generations, and finally produced the original-looking King Charles Spaniel. But herein lies the problem - instead of getting to wear the original title (which they really deserved since they were replicas of the originals), they were called Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The addition of the name "Cavalier" would therefore distinguish them from what had evolved into the King Charles Spaniel of our present era.
From about the year 1926 until the present day, there are two separate breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (most likely akin to the original King Charles Spaniel) and the King Charles Spaniel (far removed from what he was originally).
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