Archive for May, 2010
Bearded Collie
Posted by: | CommentsAlthoughthe exact origin of the Bearded Collie is not known for sure, it is estimated that this dog probably originated from one of two breeds: the Lowland Polish Sheepdog or the Magyar Komondor. We do know for certain, by specific records, that two Lowland Polish Sheepdogs made their way to Scotland when Polish traders brought the dogs there sometime during the year of 1514.
While it is true that many dogs were drawn up in artwork that resembled the Bearded Collie in paintings, dating back to the 18th century, solid evidence of the breed description did not show up until sometime during the early 19th century, at the time it was officially published.
Bearded Collie dogs were hard working dogs that herded sheep and drove cattle through rough terrain. They were tough and seemingly tireless during these long journeys. Its job as a dependable herder lasted for quite some time in Scotland until soon enough, after the Victoria era, Bearded Collie dogs soon gained favor as a show dog.
After World War I was over, the Bearded Collie was valued once again for it's hard work as a herding dog. They became just as needed for herding after the war as they were back during the 18th century. Eventually, breeders who had interest in showing the Bearded Collie brought some of the dogs to England and America and the breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1977.
Personality
Bearded Collie dogs are considered to be overly enthusiastic, playful, and with high energy levels. An independent thinker and often the center of attention, these dogs have a great sense of humor and its high intellect influences ease with obedience training. The Bearded Collie loves kids but may be a little too rambunctious for smaller children. In fact, they may even try to herd them when playing.
Taking Care Of Your Bearded Collie
As previously mentioned, the Bearded Collie is abundant with energy and must have a good jog or several long walks on daily basis. This dog is able to live outside when the weather is cool and can tolerate heat to a certain extent, but should be allowed to sleep indoors with its family. Grooming requirements consist of a thorough brushing about every other day.
Health Information
The average lifespan for a healthy Bearded Collie can last between 13 and 15 years. There are no major health concerns to worry about but occasionally seen are a few minor issues which include Addison's, CHD, pemphigus, colonic disease, and epilepsy.
Dogs & Drugs: Why Sedatives & Tranquilizers May Put Your
Posted by: | CommentsDogs & Drugs: Why Sedatives & Tranquilizers May Put Your Dog To Sleep... Forever!
As far as I know, pets aren't smoking or drinking...
...not yet, anyways.
But I hear they're becoming regular pill-poppers!
What???
A recent report from Colorado State University noted that drug abuse among pets is becoming a serious problem. We know how dog owners tend to select pets which look like them. Now, apparently, they're trying to get their pets to act like them.
Dr. Ben Baker of the school of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State said, "We always here that we look like our dogs, and we do have a tendency to think that what is good for us - like vacations and baths - is also good for our dogs. And that is carrying over to tranquilizers."
Drug manufacturers report that humans are popping pills in increasing numbers. There's a "tranquilizer" - both prescriptive and non-prescriptive - for every complaint; however, none of them were designed for animal consumption (and more than likely not even safe long-term for humans as well).
Billions of drug prescriptions are filled each year and hundreds of billions of dollars are spent on advertising these sedatives and tranquilizers. Right now there are at least 200,000 or more drugs on the market. A survey made by a popular consumer magazine revealed that the average household has upwards near 30 prescriptions stocked in the medicine cabinet.
What Does All Of This Have To Do With Your Dog?
Dogs have been long fed tranquilizers before travel and surgery, and occasionally during various types of training. Now, however, rambunctious and noisy dogs are given sedatives to quiet them down and turn them into docile, well-behaved animals.
Dr. Baker went on to say, "I don't think there is a serious abuse problem yet, but I'm scared that it will become one. Tranquilizers should always be a last resort in dealing with an animal."
Veterinarians get more requests for sedatives for pets before winter and summer holidays when families are packing up for vacations. Most animals don't need to be tranquilized to travel, however. Dogs are usually accustomed to riding in a car - they enjoy it; so even on a long trip, there should rarely be a problem. Some who are sedated wind up sleeping for days - and if the dosage is inaccurate they could sleep... forever.
The craze for big guard dogs that has swept the country has put many big dogs in small apartments and condominiums for extended periods of time. Complaining neighbors who resent the barking of a dog often motivate the owner to tranquilize the dog to keep it quiet.
My veterinarian commented, "I have some serious questions about keeping a dog penned up like that; however, with training, a barking dog can be controlled. We don't have many dog psychiatrists, but its a rare dog that needs tranquilizing."
People who pop pills day and night for any problem believe that their pets would be calm and tractable, too, if they were given sedatives. Once in a while they overdose their pet and he goes on a "trip." Sometimes he doesn't come back. Furthermore, dogs, like people, react differently to a dosage of anything; some even become more active and unmanageable when they're drugged.
So, if your tempted to reach for that canine sedative that you got from the veterinarian whenever your pet is on some kind of rampage or seems over-excited, don't. As yet, there is no evidence to indicate that dogs can become drug addicts, but why take any chances?
dog training,dog grooming career questions?
Posted by: | Commentshey i like to understand more about dog training. im thinking of applying school online for dog training, but is it any good? i love animals and would like to have a career involving them. Is it a good idea going full time? or part-time? is it really like a hobby thing or you can make a living out of it? i was thinking of opening a business of dog training and grooming center. possibly adding pet supplies(but i dont know yet) so i just wanna know if this is a good career path. and if you make enough to live.
thanks in advance
I live in connecticut so i dont know how much of a demand this career can be.
Showing Your Dog: Training Tips Part 2
Posted by: | CommentsChange the lead from the left to the right hand (while maintaining the tension) and begin to adjust the rear legs. Do not let go of the lead or let the head drop out of position or you will most probably find the front will need readjusting again.
In some dogs with very good rears, little or no adjustment will be necessary and if that is the case, great; however, if your dog's rear is out of line, begin by adjusting the left leg and then the right, as with the front.
There's a greater variation of stances in the hindquarters between breeds. For example, German Shepherds are shown with one rear leg forward and the other back so check your breed photos to see which is correct for your type of breed. However, most are shown with the hind legs parallel and slightly wider spread than the front. The line of the pastern from the hock down should be perpendicular to the ground with toe straight forward.
At this point, your dog should be fairly well "stacked" in his show pose. Make sure none of the legs have shifted, and then check your dog's topline. In most breeds, the topline should be level or sloping downward towards the tail. Again, check your breed's standard, as some breeds, like the Whippet and Borzoi, require a "roach" back. If the topline is correct, make sure the tail is in the proper position and that your dog's head is up with an alert and intelligent expression.
As you become more proficient, you will see where you can make further small adjustments to improve the appearance of your dog and minimize his faults while maximizing his strong points. However, that comes much later, after you gain more experience. Make your dog hold this pose for only a few seconds at first while giving the command "Stay" then offer him lavish praise and reward him.
Practice this several times a day, until after one month or so of practice he will stand for up to five minutes or more without you having to readjust him. Always try to keep these sessions pleasant for both you and your dog and do not be overly critical until he understands what is expected of him.
If you have a puppy, you will have to be especially patient and expect his ability to hold the pose to be much shorter in duration. Your dog must enjoy showing or he will not perform well in the ring. Therefore, try to make it fun and don't forget to reward him with praise and his favorite treats.
Aggression – What is Territorial Aggression & Why Does
Posted by: | CommentsAggression - What is Territorial Aggression & Why Does It Make A Dog So Angry?
All dogs have one form of aggression or another and to some degree, it is perfectly natural. However, since our pets are domesticated then there is a certain level of calmness that we should expect from them. The most common aggression behavioral problem that dogs display is called "territorial aggression." To sum up the definition of territorial aggression, it simply describes a dog that goes absolutely crazy whenever a stranger approaches their home.
What encourages a dog to display such aggressiveness?
As we stated earlier, it is natural for your dog to want to defend his home and make it known that the area is his territory. However, the following scenarios may cause your dog's aggression over his territory to escalate:
1. Aggression is reinforced in a dog whenever, for example, a delivery person approaches the house and then after dropping off a package he leaves the territory. Your dog actually thinks that he drove the stranger away and this in itself creates more aggression.
2. When riding in a car, a dog with extreme territorial aggression tends to bark incessantly at every person he sees and every moving thing outside the window. He is saying to them "stay away, this is my territory!" And of course nobody is going to approach the car so your dog actually thinks he is "winning." Therefore, the dog will bark even lower to celebrate his victory.
3. Another very common reason why a dog may increase his levels of barking and aggression is whenever he is acting up and barking at the door (for whatever reason) and the owner starts to yell at him in order to shut him up. Most dog owners do not realize that yelling at their dog is doing nothing but creating more aggression. A dog will think that you are "supporting" his aggression towards the approaching stranger or delivery person.
4. A fourth reason why a dog may have heightened levels of territorial aggression is whenever he is isolated or locked up when there are guests and strangers inside the house. When you first think about it, it seems very reasonable to take your barking dog and lock him up in a room or crate whenever you have guests. However, during this time, your dog can smell the "intruders" and since he can do nothing about it, is aggression levels can rise dramatically, causing stress and anxiety, which of course leads to more behavioral problems.
Support Humane Societies
Posted by: | CommentsDo you support your local human societies or have you been guilty of speaking nothing but criticism and judgment over the way some of these animal organizations handle their responsibilities?
STOP!..... and ask yourself where we would be if it weren't for the humane societies and animal shelters that exist today. Where would the strays, the abandoned, the unwanted, go, if there were no shelters at all?
How many more crushed carcasses would we see along the roads and highways? How many more wretched strays would be searching the gutters for any morsel they could swallow to do away with the pangs of hunger in their empty bellies? How many more dogs and puppies would be occupying research centers, their tortured bodies - betrayed - by the very society in which they placed their trust?
Surely we would see more wanton death, needless destruction, starvation, and cruelty than our hearts and souls could endure.
The good news is that many organizations, as well as animal books and publications, have dedicated their energy to pointing out the spotlight on the good that is being accomplished by humane societies, and animals shelters, without spending too much time dwelling on what may be considered objectionable. Of course there are improvements to be made, but in fairness, you should always ask yourself, "Where would we be without them?"
Rather than burn off steam complaining about the system, or just looking the other way, let's think about how we can improve things by actively supporting and working for the changes we want and that will better serve these wonderful animals. Your local animal shelter and humane society need your active support, not your criticism.
These groups absolutely have their hands full trying to find homes for the abandoned and the unwanted. They are busy taking care of animals that have been impounded due to criminal neglect. They're busy investigating complaints of horses overridden and without proper care, animals left in the baking sun, or in the rain, in need of medical attention, stranded on roofs and ledges, locked in cars, and rescuing injured wildlife caught in traps.
They're busy with inspections of animal farms, aquatic parks, livestock trucks, parades, pet shops, ranches, riding rings, stables and stockyards. They're busy with humane educational visits to schools, nursery schools, adult groups and SPCA tours.
So... when you feel like criticizing, STOP, and think what it would be like without them!
American Water Spaniel
Posted by: | CommentsThe exact origins of the American Water Spaniel was never officially recorded. But most experts agree that a combination of the Irish Water Spaniel, Tweed Water Spaniel, English Water Spaniel, and the Curly Coated Retriever all had a part to play in the equation. This theory is based largely on the breed's appearance.
Another theory is that the American Water Spaniel was created by American Indians who had tribes located in the Great Lakes regions. Whatever the origins of this dog are, it is irrefutable that the breed became hugely popular and established as a reliable hunting companion in the Midwestern section of the United States.
The American Water Spaniel is a small dog that has a waterproof coat and an amazingly keen nose, allowing it to hunt through rough terrain and retrieve a variety of game from both land and water. It is no wonder that this breed became a sought after hunting companion in America.
It wasn't until after the year 쌔, at which time it was officially recognized by the AKC, that the American Water Spaniel started to become the target of breeding enthusiasts. Before then, no one really had considered breeding American Water Spaniels for any other reason besides hunting.
Personality
As you can tell by its name, American Water Spaniels absolutely love water and have a natural ability to swim and hunt. This dog is a highly skilled retriever and is able to hunt a variety of animals.
At the same time, these Spaniels make great family companions. They are lovable and always willing to please. Some of them can be quite timid, yet other American Water Spaniels may be aggressive towards strange dogs. They are also known to bark loudly.
Taking Care Of Your American Water Spaniel
Like all dogs whose prime desire is to hunt and retrieve, American Water Spaniels must have a vigorous amount of exercise on a daily basis. Two or three long walks on the leash each day will suffice, but running outside in a safe area is best.
As far as living arrangements are concerned, American Water Spaniels should have access to the outside but remain indoors at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements tend to be a bit more work than other breeds, largely due to its long oily coat. Weekly brushing is a must and the hair may need to be clipped around the feet, ears, and the topknot.
Health Information
The average lifespan of a healthy American Water Spaniel is between 10 and 13 years. The only major health concern that may come up is mitral valve disease. Minor issues include CHD, PDA, and pulmonic stenosis. A few of these Spaniels may show signs of PRA and patellar luxation, but these occurrences are rare.
Shetland Sheepdog Dog Breed
Posted by: | CommentsThe Shetland Sheepdog originated in the 1800s and its ancestors were from Scotland, which worked as herding dogs. These early dogs were fairly small, about 20 inches in height, which further developed into the current Shetland Sheepdog. It is said that other dogs came into the mix as well, which helped produce this breed, namely the early Collie, the Iceland dog, and the King Charles Spaniel (black and tan version).
Because they were isolated from the rest of the world, the Shetland Sheepdog was able to breed to its original form in a fast amount of time compared to other dog breeds who might have taken decades, or even centuries of mixed breeding to form their current AKC recognition. England became fond of these animals when the British naval fleet used to take puppies back after visiting the islands.
Their name in the beginning were referred to as "Toonie dogs" which made reference to their local Shetland farming area. Sometime in the early 1900s the name was termed "Shetland Collies." However, Collie enthusiasts were not very fond of his name so they changed it to the Shetland Sheepdog.
This dog breed is a very intelligent animal that is considered to be extremely bright, a bit on the sensitive side, and always willing to please. Shetland Sheepdogs learn very quickly which makes them easily trainable. They are very obedient dogs and just as equally gentle, amiable, and make great companions to any family, especially those with small children.
Upkeep And Maintenance
This dog is very energetic, therefore it must have daily exercise to maintain its physical energy output needs. Brisk walks throughout the day on a leash, short jogs, or playful training sessions are all perfect ways to spend time with the Sheltie while getting the dog its required exercise.
Shetland Sheepdogs are best to be kept indoors with its family, as it longs for companionship and human contact at all times. However, this dog can sleep outdoors if necessary, so long as the climate is decent. It is just not recommended for its stable emotional happiness.
Health Information
As a member of the herding group, the Shetland Sheepdog has a lifespan of 14 years when it maintains good health. Veterinarians suggest that dog owners have their Sheltie dogs specifically tested for DNA for vWD, hip dysplasia, eye problems, and thyroid issues. The only major health concern that is common for this dog breed is dermatomyositis. Minor issues to lookout for include allergies, patellar luxation, CHD, PRA, CEA, hypothyroidism, trichiasis, Legg-Perthes, and cataracts.
Re-housebreaking Your Mature Dog (3)
Posted by: | CommentsThere are some isolated cases where the cause of a breakdown in toilet habits in a mature dog starts as a psychological motivation, but results in a problem becoming medically motivated. An example of this would be the dog that suddenly forgets his housebreaking and urinates out of jealousy and spite.
A dog of this type could develop a psychosomatic urinary tract infection, therefore giving him a reason to eliminate at will anywhere in the house. Such a condition can be inspired by the arrival of another pet like a cat or a bird, a new baby, or any other attention-stealing tangible. Verbal punishment in such cases will only perpetuate the problem.
The dog is getting attention which is, after all, what he wanted in the first place. As long as he is getting this extra attention, whether it is shaming or admonishment, he will continue whatever action prompts his attention. Competition can cause a breakdown in toilet habits without the problem evolving into a psychosomatic urinary tract infection. The dog owner should understand that competition alone can be the cause of the problem. And when there is competition, the dog wets!
The competition can be real or imagined. In either case, a thorough examination into any recent changes in household routine would be in order. Something may be giving the dog a feeling that his position, or your affection for him is in jeopardy. Whether actual or simply imagined, it is very real to the dog. If competition is to blame, extra time spent with your dog, and maybe even exaggerated affection, will normally suffice in removing the motivator of his bad deeds.
Then there is the sort of dog who indulges in the type of wetting where he lifts his leg against everything; bedding, curtains, furniture, etc. and finds it necessary to try and own or control his environment by wetting on it. This is the type of dog who is self-oriented, selfish, narcissistic animal that he wets on everything to make it more his own territory. This is a dog that needs a master in all the purest and literal sense of the word.
That type of dog suddenly realizes that he is the leader of the pack, although he really doesn't want to be. This dog is insecure and wants, in fact needs, strong and confident leadership. These actions usually materialize as a result of soft, permissive, easy-going dog owners who spoil and baby their dog. The ratio of love and discipline are tipped only in the direction of love.
Love in this instance is not a healthy love, both for the dog owner and his dog. It's permissiveness by an owner who is afraid that discipline may cause the dog to not like the owner. In reality, mistaken kindness can be a bitter and unneeded cruelty. When these dogs are placed in the pound and put to sleep, there's nobody to blame but their owners who thought so little of their pets that they failed to bring them up with the proper balance of love, discipline, and control.
Hi! I'm Jamie and this is my site about dogs.
