Archive for September, 2010
Kuvasz (Working Group)
Posted by: | CommentsThe Kuvasz is one of the most beautiful members of the working group and equally as fearless in its protection abilities. It is rated as one of the best guard dogs and most protective watch dogs that a family could own.
Quite loving and gentle with its owners, this dog does well with children in the house but care must be taken that the kids do not play too rough as a Kuvasz dog may interpret this roughhousing as an attack. The Kuvasz was specifically used as a guardian since the beginning of traced origin so the dog's temperament can be quite aggressive towards strange people and other animals.
A Brief History Of The Kuvasz
The exact origin of the Kuvasz is still unclear but researchers consider this dog a Hungarian breed. It is said that the breed is probably rooted from giant-sized dogs in Tibet, and made its way to Hungary by traveling through Turkey. The name "Kuvasz" is not Hungarian either, but more likely an altered version of the Turkish kawasz, which means armed guard for the nobility.
Kuvasz dogs date back to the 15th century during a period when they were held in high regards. There was even a period of time when only the nobility could own a Kuvasz. The breeding additional puppies were carefully monitored and each one documented in detail. The dogs were useful as hunters, guard dogs, and had the strength and courage to ward off animals of all sizes, even as large as bear.
The breed's quality was further improved by King Matthias I, who maintained a large kennel and carefully bred quality Kuvasz pups. The breed eventually got into the hands of commoners who used them as livestock dogs. It was during this time that the name of the breed was ironically changed to its current name of Kuvasz, which actually means "mongrel."
During the 1900s, the breed's numbers suffered tremendously due to the two World Wars. It was the German stock that helped continue the base for the breed to survive. Many Kuvasz dogs were imported to the United States during the early 1930s and the AKC officially recognized the dog in 1935
Upkeep Requirements For The Kuvasz
Like all members of the Working Group, the Kuvasz must have an ample amount of daily exercise. These requirements can be met with a few long walks on the leash or runs outside in a large field. This dog is at home in the cold and can live outdoors in cold climates but should sleep inside at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements consist of a heavy brushing about twice per week, more when shedding season starts.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the Kuvasz is between nine and twelve years. There are two major health problems that run common in the breed - OCD and CHD. Minor issues include hypothyroidism. Rarely seen is HOD and panosteitis. Veterinarians suggest that all Kuvasz dogs get tested for possible thyroid, hip, and elbow problems.
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What to do with a dog when we travel?
Posted by: | CommentsI want to get a medium size dog and I will be a very responsible dog owner but I travel approx 6 times a year and may not be able to take the dog with me on each trip. I know a lot of people who have dogs tell me that they can't go places because of the dogs. Dogs don't like to be boarded? Are there any other alt? We don't really want to leave them at the friends.
Q & A: Jealous Of New Baby & Chewing Issues
Posted by: | CommentsQ & A: Jealous Of New Baby & Chewing Issues
Question: New Baby & The Jealous Dog
"I have a 4-year-old, aggressive one-man Wheaten Terrier. Now I also have a new baby, and the dog is jealous! However, I'm afraid to keep him confined for fear it may break his spirit. He is very affectionate with me and my husband and I can't give him away (wouldn't want to anyway)."
"How about having his front teeth pulled, thereby enabling me to train him without undue risk to the baby? He tolerates the baby when it isn't crawling after him. The dog is well trained otherwise (he's been to obedience school); however, he is very nervous and has a nasty temper."
Answer:
While you are probably right that having your dog's teeth pulled provides less danger, I personally would not do it. Not only is it unnatural but your dog needs all of its teeth to help break down its food. It would appear that your best solution would be to separate your youngster and the dog. Perhaps a large, fenced-in back yard would accomplish this end.
Question: Best Way To Stop Chewing Problems
"I have a problem with a female Corgi - age ten weeks old. When I go out she eats the paint and woodwork - literally gnaws it off. Her stomach has been upset. I'd like to know of something bad tasting that I can brush on. The pet shops have something, but it has an awful smell and I'm allergic to that, so can't use it, unfortunately. Can you recommend something? She chews a rawhide bone in no time at all; she also chews a man's shoe sole. The only thing she can't break is a marrow bone!"
Answer:
The problem you describe of chewing things up from boredom is a common one. However, since your Corgi is only ten weeks old, there is a good chance that this habit will disappear as she ages. As a general rule, most young puppies like to chew.
One diversionary tactic would be to provide her with a larger assortment of her own "toys" as a distraction. I would recommend some of the stiffer (harder) rawhide products, or even better, some of the nylon chew toys.
Things which might be applied to your woodwork to discourage her misplaced enthusiasm include fresh lemon juice, oil of wintergreen, or commercially available deterrent liquids that pet shops and online pet supplies stores carry.
You should also make sure she gets plenty of exercise and attention, because some of her chewing vice may be the result of boredom.
Leash Training: Your Leash Training Questions Answered
Posted by: | CommentsLeash training is hugely underestimated by new dog owners. The process of getting your puppy or adult dog used to being on leash is fairly simple and just takes a little bit of your time. Trust me, this small investment of properly training your dog to walk politely on his leash will pay high dividends in the near future, especially if your puppy will grow up weighingಲ or more pounds.
Leash Training Questions
I get at least a dozen or more questions each week from new dog owners that ask me about leash training. They want to know what type of leash is best, what type to avoid, how long they should walk their dog, how to get the dog to stop pulling, etc.
Below I have listed a few of these common leash training questions for your benefit. Remember, there is no one best way to do anything so when it comes to dog training, whether it involves leash training or other lesson, it is okay to mix in your own training ideas so long as you keep it 100% positive. Negative dog training is not recommended and highly discouraged.
Having said that, here are a few basic leash training questions:
1. How much room should I allow the leash to extend when walking my dog? According to most dog trainers, your puppy or adult dog does not need anymore than 5 to 6 feet of distance to roam when you are walking him. This is plenty of room for you to keep control of the situation, while at the same time giving your dog a chance to sniff out small areas along the way.
2. What type of material should my leash be made of? If you walk into any pet-specific store you'll find that the majority of leashes for sale are made of nylon. Nylon is easy to wash and comes in all kinds of pretty colors. However, they will burn your hand if the dog suddenly pulls and the leash moves through your fingers.
My recommendation is to use a leather leash. In fact, a 6 foot leash made of leather is the perfect size and material. It will last a long time and you will not experience any type of burning sensation if it is pulled. The grip is firm and your control is increased.
3. What about using chain leashes? Chain leashes are practically indestructible and will last a very long time, but just like nylon material, a chain leash can hurt your hands if the dog yanks hard and your grip slips. In fact, the injury could be much more severe than a nylon burn.
4. How wide should the leash be? This answer is very simple. A leash that is approximately inches to inches is ideal. Try to avoid heavy, bulky leashes.
i hav a pryrenees and a setter
I’ve trying different dog foods for my dogs. Looking for + nutrition< stool What is the?
Posted by: | Commentsbest in both nutrition < stool?
Preschool Puppy Training (Part 3): Sit & Come
Posted by: | CommentsWhile learning the fetch game, it is important that tasty treats be used in place of too much praise, as previously mentioned. The importance of praise hasn't been firmly written on the chalkboard of his mind - so until it is, give your pup what is known to be a positive reward stimulus - food!
(Some trainers might ask, "But shouldn't training take place in the head, and not the stomach?" Yes that is true, but this is game time, remember?)
Try to get at least three fetching games (ten minutes each) into each day for three days in a row. These fetching drills should be in addition to a five or ten minute walk on the leash - daily. We're going to sneak in two commands while the puppy is having these "game times" and before he even realizes what's happened, he will have been trained to respond to "come" and "sit."
During your retrieving games, when your puppy has returned the play toy to you, place your left hand on his rear end and your right underneath his chin. Press lightly with your left hand while exerting a small amount of upward pressure with your right as you command "sit."
As soon as you have placed the puppy in that sitting position, pour on the enthusiastic praise, then toss the play toy out again. When the puppy returns with the toy, withhold any praise until you have commanded "sit" and have placed him in the sitting position. If the puppy should squirm from your grasp, and you fail to get him properly seated, do not throw the play toy, do not praise, and above all, do not give up!
Always Remain Positive
Thoughts like "he just won't do it," or "he won't let me," have absolutely no place in dog training. Use the leash to bring the puppy back to you, say "sit" and place the puppy in the sitting position. Conclude each fetch-sit game with a tidbit reward.
By the time you finish your third session of fetch-sit games, you'll notice that it really doesn't take much left-hand pressure at all to get your puppy seated. You have a 10 minute walk on leash still scheduled for each of the days four through seven. All things will be as they've been on preceding days, except - take four small tidbits with you. Make sure they are tucked away in your pocket - out of sight and scent - as you take the puppy outdoors.
After you begin what with the puppy believes to be a routine daily outing (we know it to be an important part of his socialization training), take a tidbit out of your pocket, kneel down to his level and say his name, followed by the command "come."
Using the leash, carefully pull the puppy towards you. Give him the tidbit, and at the same time pour on the praise. By giving the tidbit with the praise, your puppy will begin to learn that praise is synonymous with the reward.
How do i find out about training for dog grooming?
Posted by: | CommentsMy goal has always been to be able to work with animals in some way. I have worked alot of jobs without much fulfillment and I know that the reason is because I really want to get into groooming animals. I live in southern illinois and I need a starting place because I don't know where to begin as far as education or training. If anyone has any information that may help me start my career it would be greatly appreciated!
Luxated Patella: Should You Take Your Dog To The Vet
Posted by: | CommentsLuxated Patella: Should You Take Your Dog To The Vet Just For The Occasional Limp?
You are playing fetch with your 2 year old Chihuahua when all of a sudden, he cries in pain and you notice that he starts to limp with his lower back leg.
He skips on the other three legs for about 2 to 5 strides and then starts to run normal again as if nothing happened.
This incident occurred two to three more times in the last couple of months, but is becoming more frequent...
Should You Take Your Dog To The Vet?
The answer is yes, definitely! Your dog may be suffering from luxated patella.
Luxated patella, also referred to as "trick knee" or "slipped kneecap", is a hereditary condition in which the kneecap (patella) regularly dislocates or moves out of position (luxate), especially toward the inside. The condition often occurs in both legs, but usually to a different extent.
The patella is found in the center of the knee joint. In a normal knee, the kneecap rests in a rather deep groove where it slides up and down in a usual, controlled manner. But when the groove is too shallow or out of shape, the patella pops out of the groove and shift to the sides, usually toward the inside of the patella. This result makes the leg lock up while the foot is held off the ground, causing your dog to yelp in pain and limp.
Luxated patella mostly occurs in smaller breed of dogs, although it can affect medium and larger sized breeds. When it strikes, this condition causes lameness and pain for your dog. In minor cases, the patella slides out of the groove and then slides back without any enduring discomfort or lameness. Your dog will yelp in pain, hold his leg up for a few seconds, then feel fine again when the knee moves back into place.
In other cases, the patella pops out for longer periods or more frequently, causing damage to the knee capsule. The pain lasts longer and the dog usually appears bowlegged.
Luxated patella is a congenital disorder, meaning that the condition is present at birth. But the presence of this problem does not make your dog disabled. He can still live normal and happy, with the ability to do all of the activities he loves to do, and for the rest of his life.
Keep in mind, however, that without any treatment or if treated improperly, having a slipped kneecap causes the knee to become susceptible to worse injuries, such as a torn ligament.
As your dog ages, a slipped kneecap can also lead to diseases of joints and bones, which can result in arthritis.
Hi! I'm Jamie and this is my site about dogs.
