Archive for January, 2010
New puppy and older dog playing or fighting?
Posted by: | CommentsWe have a 4 year old rhodesian ridgeback, and just recently got an eight week old new puppy. From the introduction, the older dog barks or growls every time the puppy approaches his face. They also get into these little brawls, where the puppy bites the older one's face, legs, and midsection. During this, the older dog shoves the pup around with his head and his mouth open. He does put his mouth around the pup sometimes and nibbles, but never really bites. Is this normal behavior, or are they doing more than playing? If so, any ideas of how to help?
Welcome back! If you've commented, I hope you enjoy the eBook. I hope to add more treats in the future, so stay tuned!
How To Keep Your Puppy Busy While Learning
Posted by: | CommentsHow To Keep Your Puppy Busy While Learning At The Same Time
Looking for fun games that your puppy can enjoy? Check out these tantalizing activities that you can get a puppy of any age involved in.
Grooming Made Fun
Probably one of the most important things to do is groom and brush your puppy. So what better way to start on the right foot than to make it a pleasant experience?
It is important to teach skills like staying in place. Also of great importance is to get the puppy used to being touched all over and yet be relaxed the entire time. This grooming/touching procedure will create a tight bond while allowing the owner to maintain dominance over the puppy as it grows into an adult.
This is important since there will always be nails to cut and teeth to clean, as well as rules to follow. Fun grooming practice builds a foundation tolerance within the young pup.
It's Circus Time!
Puppies like jumping so why not play bar jumping games, just like they do at the circus?
The first thing to do is walk over the jump with your puppy. The pup will probably follow at your side. If the puppy doesn't want to go over the jump with you then encourage your puppy over the jump with a treat. Be sure to start with the jump on the ground, then increase the height as the dog's skill level develops.
Hide & Seek, What A Classic
Who doesn't like hide and seek?
Playing hide and seek with your puppy can be loads of fun while at the same time introduces the puppy to the come command.
First you need to have a leashed trained pup or one that can obey the sit/stay commands. Put the leash and have a friend hold the puppy, or if the pup can obey the sit/stay command without a leash then that is just fine.
Hide close by, like behind an open door or a small piece of furniture. If playing outside then get behind a bush or tree. After a short amount of time, call the puppy in a playful tone of voice. Make certain that the leash is not being held.
Once your pup finds you, give him a treat and/or simply tell him how good he is and love him.
You should attempt to move farther away and making finding you more difficult as your pup's skill increases.
Let's Go On A Treasure Hunt!
Finding toys and objects is another classic activity that can be fun for your puppy.
First, put your pup on a leash and tie it securely to a chair. Then place many toys and other objects on the floor while the puppy watches.
Now go see your puppy, but have a toy that your pup likes in your hand. Just hold it while the pup observes for a minute and then toss it into the pile of stuff you made on the floor. Now let your puppy go and say repeatedly "Fetch, boy Fetch!"
When he goes to hunt down the toy you were showing him be sure to give positive reinforcement and lots praise. Eventually you will be able to have your puppy sniff one object for a few seconds and literally dig it out of anywhere you hide it.
Australian Shepherd (Herding Group)
Posted by: | CommentsThe Australian Shepherd is a bold, loving, smart and energetic member of the Herding Group. These dogs have an athletic build and are medium in size. With amazing agility and a powerful body, they can work hard all day without sacrificing speed or stamina. Australian Shepherd dogs were bred to guard livestock and to this day maintains the genetic drive to herd.
The temperament of the breed can vary from being overly playful with its owners to an imposing and courageous watchdog against intruders. They are typically friendly towards other dogs and pets, but reserved around strange people. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation through games and dog training, the Australian Shepherd tends to become bored and may act out in a destructive manner through barking and chewing.
A Brief History Of The Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd's assumed area of origin can be misleading because it is not actually an Australian Breed. Although the exact details of the dog's history is unclear, we do know that they made their way to the United States, from Australia, where they were used to herd sheep.
One theory suggests that the breed started when the Basque people of Europe settled in Australia with their sheepdogs, then relocated to America, bringing their dogs with them. The name "Australian Shepherd" was given due to the breed's past residence and function, but they were still largely known as the Basque dog.
The Australian Shepherd excelled at overcoming the harsh conditions of herding through rough terrain in both Australia and western America. They were crossed with various other breeds and were mostly kept under the radar in terms of popularity. During the 1950s, the breed gained exposure as they were seen in various dog trick shows and even in film.
The International English Shepherd Registry registered the very first Australian Shepherd (today known as the National Stock Dog Registry). The Australian Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1957, and in 1993 the AKC officially recognized the breed. Today the Australian Shepherd is still used as a sheep herder and can be seen winning herding trials.
Upkeep Requirements For The Australian Shepherd
This breed must have vigorous exercise on a daily basis, both physically and mentally. And with its ease of training ability and high intellectual levels, the Australian Shepherd is the perfect candidate for advanced obedience training. These dogs thrive on human contact and are not meant for sitting around the house all day.
Australian Shepherds can tolerate both hot and cool temperatures but should not live outdoors completely. The ideal living arrangement is to allow the Aussie to have access to a safe outdoors area during the day and to sleep inside with the family at night. Grooming requirements call for a heavy brushing of its thick coat about two to three times weekly.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between twelve and fifteen years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are CEA and cataracts. Minor health issues include CEA, Pelger-Huet syndrome, hypothyroidism, CHD, iris coloboma, and nasal solar dermatitis. Rarely seen is PRA, PPM, distichiasis, PDA, epilepsy, lumbar sacral syndrome, and vWD. Veterinarians suggest that the Australian Shepherd get specifically tested for DNA for CEA, hip, thyroid, and eye problems.
Does anyone have tips on how to introduce a new puppy to a current dog?
Posted by: | Comments I have a 1 year old shepherd who is a total sweetheart, but can be protective and standoffish toward strange dogs/puppies. I am getting a puppy in 2 weeks and want to introduce him in the best way possible. I know it should be done on neutral territory, not in his home, but is there anything else I should do? Thanks!
Miniature Bull Terrier
Posted by: | CommentsThe Miniature Bull Terrier is a member of the Terrier family, the Mastiff family, and the Bull family. Its original area of origin is the country of England and the date of origin can be traced back to the 1800s. This dog's original function was nothing more than to be a companion. Today, many Miniature Bull Terrier dogs are also used at Earthdog trials.
This dog breed was created directly from the regular sized Bull Terrier so it shares the same history in the early days. Back then, the standard drawn up for Bull Terriers allowed for all size ranges and poundages. This diversity reflected all of the breed's ancestry, including the Black and Tan Terrier, Bulldog, and the White English Terrier.
Miniature Bull Terriers have been in existence for a long time. There have been some Bull Terriers reported to weigh as little as 4 pounds. One of the first groups of smaller "toy" Bull Terriers were white in color and referred to as "Coverwood Terriers." This name was a reflection of the kennel that produce them.
In time, a better and more healthier group of small Bull Terriers were created. Their size was somewhat larger than the toy version and so became known as "miniatures." These Miniature Bull Terriers were bred and their popularity rose to such a point that the English Kennel Club recognized the breed in.
This recognition created a few problems at first. Because it was its own separate breed, Miniature Bulls could not be interbred with the regular-sized Bull Terriers. Unfortunately, the numbers of miniatures were so small that inbreeding was forced to happen. The numbers rose slowly and in 1991 the Miniature Bull Terrier was recognized by the AKC.
Personality
Most miniature and toy dog breeds are considered lapdogs. However, the Miniature Bull Terrier does not have the same characteristics as these other small dogs. As far as personality is concerned, these dogs are literally just smaller versions of the standard-sized Bull Terrier. They are rough, playful, mischievous, yet sweet and friendly, all the same time. Miniature Bull Terriers are considered to be very stubborn but when trained properly become excellent watchdogs.
Taking Care Of Your Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature Bull Terriers should not live outdoors. Playtime in the yard and a few walks on a the leash will provide plenty of exercise for this dog. They also make excellent pets for small apartments or condominiums.
Health Information
The average lifespan for a healthy Miniature Bull Terrier is between 11 and 15 years. The only major health concern that may show itself is deafness. This issue is mostly seen in the all-white color versions of the Miniature Bull Terrier. Minor issues include lens luxation and glaucoma. Kidney disease is sometimes seen with this breed, but is extremely rare.
do dogs help children with adhd and if so is there proof of this?
Posted by: | Commentsmy son really wants a dog but he has ADHD and I want to know if the dog would help him.
where can i find info on dog breeding laws in WA state?
Posted by: | Commentswhere can i find info on dog breeding laws in WA state?
Hello,
Where can i find info on dog breeding laws in WA state? Licensing and so on.
I have recently been growing more interested in breeding dogs and have been hunting for none bias information. Before, or if you reply, I want to stress the fact that I am not planning on turning this into a large operation and my focus will be on pure quality in small numbers. HOWEVER, I am also not interested in doing this for free please don’t take that in the wrong way, I am a full time business student and try to do everything efficiently. I am not looking to get rich off this but I wouldn’t mind it helping put a tiny dent in my tuition debt.
Continuing on...
Every article I read to try to better my understanding of dog breeding is quite obviously written by fellow breeders only interested in convincing anyone interested in becoming competition, not to do so. To me this is understandable, I mean, no breeder wants competition, why would they? No business encourages competition.
How To Approach Strange Dogs (Part 3)
Posted by: | CommentsThe protective biter is something that's altogether different than the indiscriminate biter and fear biter, as discussed in previous articles. The territorial instinct of the protective biter is inbred and he certainly cannot be blamed for what nature has given him. That is, unless he happens to be the spoiled dog who owns a favorite toy and dares any member of the family to even walk close to it.
It might even be a favorite rug in the kitchen or in the living room, and the dog is ready to fight anyone who comes near it. That type of protective biter needs some special training, rather than special understanding. He could seriously injure a family member before sufficient amounts of special understanding can be administered.
Never, Ever, Run Away!
In the protective biter, certain instincts are alerted at the approach of a suspicious person or at the approach of a stranger who acts in a suspicious way. One of the most dangerous things a person can do when confronted with a protective biter is to run. That action alone is enough to trigger the protective biter to act.
In training guard dogs for protection work, a running "villain" is precisely the way such training starts. Here, too is where children often make a big mistake. They panic, run, and they get bitten as a result of this reaction. But if they stand perfectly still, the chances of them getting bit are greatly reduced and, most likely, eliminated altogether.
Since it is difficult to tell whether the dog confronting you is a protective biter, you must keep in mind to do nothing that could be interpreted by the dog as suspicious. Again, you should kneel down to the dog's level and let him come to you and be able to examine you. Let him decide at his own pace whether you are good or bad. This question may arise - can he actually smell that? Whether he can smell or merely sense it remains to be a mystery, but you can bet that he'll know.
No Fear
You must never act scared in front of a protective dog. Even if your heart is beating fast and pumping adrenalin a gallon a minute, you must act in a nonchalant way and every movement you make must be natural.
In the case of the protective biter, slow, deliberate movements could very well be interpreted as suspicious movements by the dog. Think about a slow, apprehensive movement a burglar would be using as he sneaks into the night. This kind of movement may trigger the protective dog into aggressiveness.
By keeping all movements natural and by constantly talking to the dog in a warm, friendly and cheerful manner, you exhibit the appearance of confidence. You are showing the dog that you have nothing to hide and therefore, nothing to be scared of. To the protective dog, villains are always fearful, cowardly, distrustful, and reeking with badness. On the other hand, the good guy is always fearless, confident - but not dominant, and has nothing to hide.
How To Choose A Good Obedience School For Your Dog
Posted by: | CommentsHow To Choose A Good Obedience School For Your Dog
Every person desires for a dog that is well trained, but at times your pet may be a little problematic or you simply may not have the time or be acquainted with how to train him correctly. Fortunately you can get assistance and it is as easy as signing up your dog in a dog obedience school.
Maybe you have come across people with disobedient dogs, or possibly even have prepared to accept to yourself to believe that your dog will by no means do as he is told. Perhaps you have got accustomed to returning home from work and finding chewed up shoes and litter all over the house. Possibly you have even started to take your dog for a walk at night because that is when no neighbors are outside. For the reason that you just cannot manage him when people and other dogs are all over.
You do not have to give up yourself to start believing that your dog will by no means be controlled and in reality you are accountable to yourself and your pet to do all the things that you can in order to get him trained appropriately. Possessing a well bred dog can put away difficulties for both yourself and your pet. A disobedient dog may perhaps bite off a neighbor or child creating legal troubles for you. If your dog howls a lot and tries to get loose most of the time you might get yourself in a problem with the police as well. And most significantly, if your dog will not come up to you when called, you have very few ways to keep him away from creating any trouble.
A trainer with a dog obedience school will give you an idea about you can establish contact with your pet to make him to pay attention to you. He will be trained how to act with people around and also with other dogs and the fundamental instructions such as "sit", "down", "heel" and "stay." Your dog will most likely even take pleasure in this, as he will be able to pass time with you, which is all that he in fact wants in the first place.
Selection of a dog obedience school is sort of like deciding on a school for your kids - you would like to be in no doubt to send him to the proper one. Of course, given that you will in all probability be attending as well, you would like one that works for the both of you so you have to do a bit of investigation before you decide on the school.
One thing to think about when making inquires about dog obedience schools is a recommendation from others who have been at the school. Maybe you have a co-worker, a neighbor, or a friend you can inquire from. If not, feel free to request the school for recommendations and call up somebody who has experienced the course. You ought to have a list of essential queries you can inquire about the school and the effect of the dogs training. If you get encouraging replies then you might have found your school, or else, it is time to shift on to the subsequent alternative.
One more thing you have to do when cutting down your selection of obedience schools is to drop in at the "campus." Just like selecting a college, you would like to be convinced that the school puts forward a fine atmosphere. Be sure that the school appears well structured and the instructors are well informed. In addition, you will almost certainly wish for a pleasant surrounding where your dog and you feel at ease.
Chatting up with the instructors at the school is also a good plan. Find out about the techniques that each trainer uses and you may even bring in them to your dog to be certain they will get along. Your training will be much more effective if both you and your dog are at ease with the trainer.
Special Diets For Dogs: Your Veterinarian Has Something To Tell You
Posted by: | CommentsSpecial Diets For Dogs: Your Veterinarian Has Something Very Important To Tell You
Special diets for dogs are not only prescribed by veterinarians for the obese animal, but also for various health reasons.
For example, if your dog suffers from congestive heart failure, due to heartworm or other heart diseases, your veterinarian may want to put him on a low-sodium diet, along with the proper medications, which combined, may literally save your pet's life. There used to be an old saying: "You are what you eat," but your dog has no choice, "He is what you feed him" and his welfare is always in your hands.
A veterinarian once told me that over half of mature dogs alive have kidney disease. Your pet's doctor may suggest that he be given a special diet that will not put a strain on his kidneys. This will often correct many problems and keep an animal from becoming seriously ill. All of the prescribed dietary foods must be given according to your veterinarian's strict instructions.
What About The Puppy & The Pregnant Dog, Do They Need Diet Food?
This too is a question which must be left up to your veterinarian. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't, depending upon the physical condition of the animal. Physical and mental stress is sometimes a determining factor in the prescribing of a diet program for puppies or the mother dog.
Diarrhea & Loose Stools
If your dog has diarrhea, he may need a bland diet. The intestinal tract of a dog is similar to that of a human and when it is irritated, a change of food can sometimes correct the problem.
Allergies & Skin Problems
Does your dog have an allergy or dermatosis? It may be that he is being fed the wrong food. Many times the well-meaning dog owner will spray, bathe, or put ointments on their pet, when what the dog really needs is a special diet food. Your veterinarian is the person who can determine the cause of your dog's itch, so don't try to diagnose it yourself.
Take Responsibility For Your Dog
Animal nutrition has made giant strides during the past 30 years. Today it is said that most dogs who are fed regular commercial dog food have a better diet than an American child. However, I'm sure this is a debatable statement and a hot topic. But the day is long past when we threw the family dog a bone from the table and expected him to grow just fine on any scraps left over.
Whenever your dog is not eating properly or is overweight, consult your veterinarian. He may suggest that you put your dog on a diet and if he does, be sure to stick with it. Try not to overfeed your pet. If he gets more calories than his body size needs, based on how much he weighs and physical activity, you may become a fat pup. Our pets have a way of becoming part of the family circle, but we must remember that their dietary needs are not the same as that of the rest of the family.
Hi! I'm Jamie and this is my site about dogs.
