Archive for December, 2009
Puppy Health – A Fat Puppy Does Not Equal A
Posted by: | CommentsPuppy Health - A Fat Puppy Does Not Equal A Healthy Puppy
As a responsible pet owner, you need to be aware of your dog's growth progress, from puppyhood to adulthood, to make sure that he stays in the best shape for the rest of his life. One of the things that you should do is to keep a weekly record of his weight until he reaches his 1st birthday. This is important in order to determine whether or not you have to modify his diet.
A chubby puppy may look cute and cuddly, but he is at great risk of developing joint problems or a bone disease. On the other hand, a puppy who is not eating his required daily meal may be experiencing an illness by type of food he is eating. If you have a large-breed puppy, he should be at least 2 years old before you can see a dramatic growth in his size.
Determining The Size Of Your Puppy
Obese puppies lead to obese dogs. The best way to find out if your puppy is overweight or underweight is to feel his ribs. The correct way to do this is to position your puppy on the table. Place one hand on his right shoulder and the other on his left shoulder.
Next, feel his ribs by applying a gentle press using the palm of your hand. You should be able to feel his ribs with just a little bit of fat and muscle. If you are having difficulty locating his ribs, then your puppy may need to shed some pounds. On the other hand, if you have no trouble finding every single rib in his body, you may have to add a little bit more calorie to his diet.
Check With Your Veterinarian
If your puppy needs to lose some weight, the best way to handle the situation is to make an appointment with your vet. Your vet will give you specific instructions that you must implement on a day-to-day basis. Your puppy will probably be given a special diet designed specifically for weight loss, one that is going to satisfy his appetite and contain required nutrients that his body needs while helping him lose weight at the same time. Your vet may also recommend regular exercise to help those extra calories. These include walking, occasional running, and lots of playing.
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Irish Water Spaniel (Sporting Group)
Posted by: | CommentsThe Irish Water Spaniel is one member of the sporting group that does everything with enthusiasm and vigor. These dogs absolutely love to run for hours at a time, swim, play, and hunt. The Irish Water Spaniel also has a funny side, and tends to clown around when having a good time.
In the mix of these wonderful characteristics, this breed has a high rating in terms of training ability and makes an excellent watchdog. A bit stubborn and quite independent, the Irish Water Spaniel tends to be reserved around strange people and other pets, but is generally good around children.
A Brief History Of The Irish Water Spaniel
One of the most distinctive members of the spaniel group, not to mention one of the oldest, the Irish Water Spaniel is reported to have been depicted in various manuscripts from as long as 1,000 years ago.
During the 1100s, there is mention of these dogs by various names, including Rat Tail Spaniels, Shannon Spaniels, and Whip Tail Spaniels. The name Irish Water Spaniel has been found to be the reference to the breed from approximately 1600 and on. Sometime during that period researches documented that an Irish Water Spaniel was given as a gift to the King of France.
Now we do not exactly know whether or not the breed existed in different varieties at this time or if there were just similar breeds that resembled one another. However, what we do know is that in Ireland there were various similar spaniels in existence. They were the Tweed Spaniels, Southern Irish Spaniels, and the Northern Irish Spaniels.
The one type of spaniel listed above that is said to be mostly responsible to the influence of today's Irish Water Spaniel is the Southern Irish Spaniel, which is also known as McCarthy's Breed. The breed was part of the show ring by the late 1800s, in both the United States and Britain, and by 1875 it was considered the most popular dog of the time. Today, the Irish Water Spaniel is rarely found as a common pet or in the show ring.
Upkeep Requirements For The Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting dogs need plenty of daily exercise and the Irish Water Spaniel must have mental exercise to match. Plan on giving your Water Spaniel at least one hour of daily stimulation each day. They are inquisitive and sensitive to your needs which makes them easy to train. And a well-trained spaniel makes a great watch dog.
Like all dogs, the Irish Water Spaniel will lose its coat ever so often, but because of its curly coat the hairs do not fall off; instead they become trapped in the other hairs. This means regular brushing so that the dog's coat does not form cords and mats.
Health Concerns
The average life span of a healthy Irish Water Spaniel is between ten and twelve years. The only two major health issues that are common in this breed are otitis externa and CHD. Minor concerns include distichiasis. Rarely seen is nail-bed disease, seizures, and megaesophagus. Veterinarians suggest that all Irish Water Spaniel dogs get tested for hip problems.
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Posted by: | CommentsIrish Terrier Dog Breed
Posted by: | CommentsThe Irish Terrier is known as the world's oldest Terrier breed. It is said to have descended from the Black and Tan Terrier, also mixed with a larger and more streamlined wheaten colored Terrier. There is no official documentation to list this ancestry, but researchers are pretty confident with this estimation. Other information leads us to believe that the Irish Terrier may also have roots from the Irish Wolfhound dog breed.
Irish Terriers dogs are considered to be the raciest of the Terrier Group. It has a longer body with legs that extend further than most other Terriers. The solid red color of the Irish Terrier became a standard for the breed around the end of the 19th century. Before that time, early Irish Terriers were seen in a variety of other colors, including gray, brindle, and black/tan.
The very first Irish Terrier was shown in the year 1875. They became so popular that by the middle of the 1880s, the Irish Terrier was rated as the fourth most popular dog breed in England. During that time, it was fashionably stylish to crop the ears of the Irish Terrier. However, this practice was banned in 1889 by the Irish Terrier Club Of England. This banning led to the abolition of cropping ears for all dog breeds that were shown in England.
The Irish Terrier soon became quite popular in America. During the late 1920s, they were ranked #13 of all breeds listed at that time. With such fame and a great beginning, you would assume that the Irish Terrier would maintain its popularity. However, it is considered to be one of the more rare Terriers of today.
Personality
Irish Terrier dogs are extremely bold, dashing, assertive, and independent. Often said to be one of the most strong-willed of dog breeds, these animals can be a bit aggressive towards other dogs and smaller animals, and tend to be reserved when around strangers. On the other hand, when it comes to its family, the Irish Terrier is top-rated for its playfulness. It loves adventure and is also a first-class watchdog. So long as it gets plenty of daily exercise, this dog will maintain a well-mannered personality.
Taking Care Of Your Irish Terrier
This is one dog that not only needs physical exercise on a daily basis, but it also requires a lot of mental stimulation as well. Daily entertainment and vigorous playtime is a requirement if you plan on raising an Irish Terrier. They make great jogging partners and are often the desired pet for active people. When it comes to grooming, it has a very wiry coat that will need a thorough combing two to three times per week.
Health Information
Irish Terriers are one of the most healthiest dog breeds in existence. They have a lifespan of up to 16 years, with 13 to 14 years being the average. There are absolutely no major health concerns to worry about and the only minor issue that occasionally springs up are urinary stones.
Dog Health – 5 Natural Ways To Increase Your Puppy’s
Posted by: | CommentsDog Health - 5 Natural Ways To Increase Your Puppy's Energy Levels
Does your puppy have the attention span of a two-year-old child? And does he seem a little too fatigued and tired throughout the day? If you have already taken your dog to the veterinarian for a full examination and he checks out okay, you may want to take it upon yourself to help increase his energy levels and attention span by going the "natural" route.
Of course animal medicines do have their place, but if your veterinarian does not see a major health problem then your best choice is to follow some of the guidelines below to get your puppy feeling better and acting more alert:
1. As long as your puppy is more than six weeks old, try reducing his feeding times to only twice per day. In an attempt to keep our puppies growing and healthy, some dog owners make the mistake of overfeeding the little pups, which can result in lethargic energy levels as well as very short attention spans. You can help your puppy by cutting back on his meals.
2. Check the food labels and be sure that the food you are feeding your puppy has a complete digestibility level of at least 85% to 90%.
3. Protein is a very important nutrient for good health and energy in dogs. Unfortunately, many dog foods sold in stores are made up of mostly carbohydrates. Dogs need meat and lots of protein to be at their best. This is especially true of young puppies. So be sure that each meal has a high level protein source when feeding your puppy.
4. As far as supplements are concerned, is always smart to first check with your veterinarian. But we have a recommendation that may help your dog and that is to supplement his food with brewers yeast. Brewers yeast is chock full of B vitamins and protein.
5. Last but not least, the latest trend in supplements for both people and animals are omega-3 fatty acids. But there is good reason for this popular trend and that is because these oils are extremely healthy and are known to raise concentration levels in dogs as well as create a healthy shine on their coat. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils and flaxseed oils.
Poisonous Plants – Common Indoor Houseplants That Can Kill Your
Posted by: | CommentsPoisonous Plants - Common Indoor Houseplants That Can Kill Your Dog
For those of you that keep your dog inside of the house at all times and away from outdoor dangers from poisonous plants, you may feel relatively safe but there are plenty of precautions to take in what indoor plants you choose to have around the house.
Let me guess, you probably have plants decorated inside such as the caladium, alocasia, elephant ears, a few philodendrons, and even a sprinkle of skunk cabbage for added sparkle. There is nothing to fear in this lovely scenario, is there?
Wrong!
Each indoor plant that we just mentioned above contain a small amount of sharp crystals known as calcium oxalate. Once your dog bites into these plants, the crystals become embedded in its mouth which not only results in pain, but can be fatal due to the immense swelling of the back of the tongue, thus preventing the dog from breathing, and ending in death by suffocation.
Mistletoe is a beautiful little plant, widely known as a yuletide decoration, that provides a traditional reminder of happiness during the holidays. But when the holidays are over, these mistletoe plants are carelessly thrown into the trash can. If your dog doesn't get to it then there is a good possibility that a free-roaming dog outside may snatch up a few bites when the trash is put out. Either way, these dogs can become very sick when ingesting the mistletoe.
During wedding ceremonies, thousands of churches every year are decorated with beautiful yellow Jessamine to accent the ceremony. And the brides all carry bouquets of this yellow Jessamine. At the end of the ceremonies, these lovely decorations are tossed into the trash and death is literally waiting for any stray dog with nothing better to do than eat the blossoms of these plants.
Take Responsibility
Now that you can see that there are many common houseplants that represent death to your dog and other house pets, it obviously would behoove of you to understand exactly what you are putting into your home for plant decorations. Place your dog's life ahead of your wish list when designing your indoor plant set up.
Further, if you think that your dog has been poisoned by plant toxin, bring both your dog and the suspected plant culprit with you to the veterinarian. If the vet knows exactly which plant caused the poisoning, he will have a better chance at providing the correct antidote.
Keep in mind, however, that your veterinarian cannot be expected to know as much as a botanist would, but proper diagnosis and the correct treatment of specific plant poisoning is at the vet's fingertips through the national Poison Control Center if additional help is needed.
New Puppy Dog, how do I get him to stop biting?
Posted by: | CommentsWe have a new springer spaniel puppy dog, he just loves to bite everything he can get his mouth around. What are some good ways to get him to stop biting me and other humans?
Handy Dog Training Tips
Posted by: | CommentsDespite what it seems to be from a distance, dog training doesn't need you to be a fearless Hercules, all it asks of you is to keep a few basics in mind. First, establish who the boss is, remind your dog again and again that you are the one on two feet while he is still on all fours, and thus what you say is Gospel and what he barks is not. Second, speak in a tone which oozes superiority, something on the lines of your first grade math teacher. Third, routine is everything so keep your training tactics consistent. Once you master these three techniques you will be the master of every single dog around!
Your heart might melt into a mush every time your cute little pup cocks his head, but don't let that get in the way of your establishing who the master is. Go gooey eyed too frequently and you are likely to pay with your carpets and sandals, which it will most merrily chew through. Treat your pup the way you would treat a little kid, setting it strict boundaries and letting it know what goes and what most definitely doesn't. Establish gestures like pointing etc. which will give the dog a cue to act in a certain way.
You might not think it possible but dogs, like your kids, can tell when you mean business, slacken up a bit with them and they'll know you can be taken for a ride. Interestingly enough they also have this instinct for intonation; be strict when you want him to stay put at the yard, but be enthusiastic when you are asking him if he would like to go for a walk. It's funny how you'll see your own mood reflected in his responses. This is the primary step for you to establish the kind of communication with your dog which will allow you to calm him or set him up for work with a single word.
One of the main methods of training your dog is to keep a certain consistency in your approach towards him. Keep your intonations, gestures and words for expressing dissatisfaction the same every time, so that he gets used to the idea easily. A young pup who grows up with a certain set of commands will respond to them more promptly than one who is frequently confused by conflicting orders. The more consistent your commands are, the better trained your dog is, the better trained your dog is the greater your confidence in him regarding his obedience to you. A few other ways of establishing consistency are to use the same door when taking your doggie out for a walk, give him the same kind of pat every night before retiring for the day, so that he knows exactly what time it is.
Little things like these will help you predict your dog's behavior more accurately.
Most importantly, however, remember to shower your love and affection on the little one, continue your training through little games which he might enjoy, and remember to treat him every time he does a task well, after all like a child it too needs to be appreciated and given its bit of fun.
Some Facts about the Boston “Bull” Terrier Dog
Posted by: | CommentsThe Boston terrier is a well-muscled and compact breed. This is not really surprising since the Boston terrier was first bred by people who wanted to use them in dog fights. Now some people may read all sorts of implications from such a violent past. Some people might think that the Boston terrier dog would make a bad pet because of its aggressive nature. However, you should know that as a pet, the Boston terrier can actually be pretty mild mannered.
The temperament of the Boston terrier can be described as enthusiastic as it often loves to play. Most people comment that the Boston terrier actually has a great sense of humor. Another characteristic that people find delightful with this breed is the fact that they are intelligent and are very much easily trained. This fact is also enhanced by the dog's natural curiosity and love for learning.
Of course, people who own pets know the importance of training. Having a well-behaved pet increases the enjoyment for you both. Having a well-behaved pet means that you can have more fun with that pet.
One thing that owners have noticed with a Boston terrier is the fact that it can be very sensitive to the tone of a person's voice. This may be described as a sort of emotion detector. Because of this sensitivity to the tone, a Boston terrier will be able to respond to how you are feeling when you are talking. This means, however, that you need to take care when training your dog. You need to make sure that anger and frustration do not find their way into your voice.
They also make excellent watchdogs as they do not bark indiscriminately. This means that you won't wake up in the middle of the night because your Boston terrier saw a butterfly. There are some cases, though, when a Boston terrier will not bark at all.
Regarding the living conditions, Boston terriers can do well enough without a yard as long as they get regular exercise. This means that they are suitable for apartment living. However, you should also know that they are very sensitive to the extremes of weather. This means that you should keep it in a place that's neither too hot nor too cold.
Unlike other terrier breeds, the Boston terrier is an average shedder. This means that you should be wary of keeping it indoors as it can shed fur over your floor. We all know how much of a fiasco that can be.
Bostons have a variety of common health problems. They easily get overheated when they are pushed too hard. As said before, they can also be sensitive to extreme weather and any weather that's too hot or too cold can leave them with breathing difficulties. Skin tumors and heart tumors are very common with this breed. So you need to bring the dog to a vet regularly.
Another disorder you should watch out for is a skull defect. If a Boston terrier is badly bred, it often develops a bone defect that prevents the brain from growing. This, naturally, will lead to a retarded dog.
Future Dog Trainers
Posted by: | CommentsDifferent people have varying ways of enjoying their leisure time in life. There are growing numbers of people who have taken their spare time to help dog owners become more responsible with the care and training of their own animals.
These dedicated band of responsible dog enthusiasts are now working hard to instill that same sense of responsibility into other pet owners and to prove, by example, that a "trained" dog is not only a "happy" dog, but is unlikely to prove a menace to others.
There are thousands of dog training clubs located all over the world, especially throughout the United States and Great Britain, and new ones are continually being established. Owners attend one or two evenings each week and take part in elementary, intermediate, or senior grades. The classes usually begin at specific times, although dog owners often like to sit and watch their less experienced (or more advanced) colleagues go through their paces.
Beginners learn to teach their dog how to walk at "heel", to "sit", "come", and to "stay." Seniors aspire to more ambitious exercises such as scent discrimination and dumbbell carrying, then go on to competitive obedience trials on weekends - and perhaps finally, the honor of competing in annual obedience championship contests.
People of all ages attend dog training classes, and for a variety of reasons; some consider their dog training evenings to be a pleasant night out for all the family, and of course, it can be a great way to meet someone special! But without exception, everyone joins because they are proud of their dog and want to do their best for their pet and get the maximum pleasure from pet ownership.
Who Instructs?
You may wonder who instructs at these types of training clubs and where the instructors obtain their qualifications in the first place. Obviously, there are clubs whose instructors have worked up through the ranks, developing their own training skill while gaining experience at the club. However, more and more clubs are becoming affiliated to non-profit organizations, such as the National Dog Owner's Association which was founded back in 1953.
Among its activities are the holding of annual residential holiday courses for pet owners, and intensive obedience instructor's courses, where candidates, with their dog, or dogs (often sponsored by their local dog training club), are given the chance to qualify in the various instructional grades.
The pet courses are helpful "fun" courses - a holiday in which the family dog learns his manners and the owner learns a lot about the dog's welfare. But to enroll for the instructor's course is to let oneself in for a hard working week. You will learn how to train your dog in addition to learning to to train people to train their dogs.
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