COCKAPOO - The Facts Every Owner Of This Dog Breed Should Know

Cockapoo at 12 weeks old (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Though not formally recognized as a breed of dog, Cockapoos, a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, have been bred since the 1950s. Breeders have taken the best traits of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles and breed them into the Cockapoo. From the Poodle side, the Cockapoo takes intelligence, relatively little dander and an almost non-shedding coat that comes in many colors. From the Cocker side, it takes a sturdy build and friendly and loyal personality.

A crossbreed like the Cockapoo is also less likely to have many of the genetic problems that purebred breeds do (something called hybrid vigor). In fact, other than the normal care for a dog (grooming, cleaning ears, safety, exercise) Cockapoos have no particular health concerns, though it should be noted that without consistent care and cleaning of the ears, Cockapoos can develop ear infections, thanks to long floppy ears from the Cocker Spaniel side.

Cockapoos can live 18-22 years and come in different types: Teacup Toy (height less than 10 inches and weight under 6 pounds), Toy (height 11 to 14 inches, weight under 12 pounds) and Standard (height over 15 inches and weighs over 12 pounds).

Since the Cockapoo is a mixed breed dog and there is currently no breed standard, there are variations in the build of the dog ranging from slim to stocky. The Cockapoo can also be bred with three different coats: a tight curly coat, a medium curl and a flat coat. Though different in style and color, all of the coats are less likely to shed, making them consideration for allergy sufferers.

However, Cockapoos, like all dogs, will have dander (though considerably less than other breeds of dog), a potential allergen. The longhaired coat should be trimmed regularly to prevent matting.

Cockapoos enjoy being around people and their intelligence makes them easy to train. Though active dogs, Cockapoos do not require large outdoor spaces to run around in and are good in apartment settings, provided they are walked at least once a day. It is the friendly personality - as well as forgiving nature and loyalty - that makes it an ideal family pet for those with children and other animals. Even when left alone for extended periods of time, Cockapoos are generally not destructive, though can become anxious so crating is recommend if leaving a Cockapoo alone for more than four hors at a time.

By Robert Benjamin - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Creative SCRAPBOOKING ALBUMS For Your Pets

Photo by bibliobird

Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to preserve your cherished memories. For many people, their pets are an important part of the family, so it is just natural to want to capture those special times shared with a beloved pet. You can use your favorite scrapbooking tools to make unique pages that you can enjoy for years to come.

As always, make sure the scrapbooking materials you use are acid and lignin free. You'll need the typical scrapbooking supplies such as an album, cut-outs, stickers, letter rub-ons, and any other creative embellishments you desire. Choose things related to your pet such as dog breed stickers or cat themed papers. Creating scrapbook pages for your pets is also a great way to get the kids involved.

To get started, you'll need to have some good photos of your pet. Try taking pictures from a variety of different angles and include your pet with different members of the family. If your dog has a favorite toy, include some special pictures of that as well. Do you celebrate your pet's birthday? Then, by all means, include some "birthday" photos in the scrapbook. My children even celebrate the birthdays of our fish!

Here are some fun theme ideas for creating your pet's scrapbook.

Focus on "the firsts". If you are fortunate enough to get your pet while he or she is still a baby, then create a scrapbook album around the "firsts". Even if you adopted your pet when it was older you can still create some great "first" scrapbook pages. Create a scrapbook page or album around your pet's first bath, coming home, first holidays, first visit the park, first car ride, etc.

Another great scrapbook theme is "A Day In The Life of ________" which would include pages about your pet's morning routines, nap time, meal time, play time and favorite toys, and outdoor time. Trace your pet's paw print and include that in the pages too!

A theme around "pet favorites" is also a fun idea. Take photos and create pages around your pet's favorite activities. For a cat, you might include pages on favorite toys and favorite nap places. For a dog, choose photos of favorite outdoor play or playtime with favorite toys.

Whatever kind of pet you have, you can enjoy creating special scrapbook pages that you will enjoy for years to come!

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PEKINGESE - Puppies of the World

PEKINGESE - Puppies of the World

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Overview of CAT BREEDS

Cats were one of the last animals to be domesticated. They were first found in households in Egypt about 5000 years ago. Today they are the most popular house pets, outnumbering dogs by more than two to one.

The earliest domestic cat was probably a Tabby, descended from the wild tabby cat.

The first cat show was held in London in 1871. There were 17 breeds listed at that show. Currently, there are 37 distinct breeds recognized in the United States.

 Though dogs were initially bred to do specific jobs, such as pulling, hunting or herding; cats have been bred for looks alone. Unfortunately, the desired physical trait that is bred for may carry with it undesirable defects.

Manx cats (which are tailless) for example often are born with malformed urinary tracts. Persians can have lethal defects of the eyes, nose and jaws. Both Persians and Siamese have a high incidence of cleft palate. Blue-eyed white cats are often born deaf and maybe sickly in general.

Coat type, longhair or shorthair, is the first level in classifying cat breeds. After that, each breed is divided into its accepted color classes.

The most common and most popular “breed” is not a breed at all, but the ordinary housecat, known as the domestic shorthair or the domestic longhair. They are also commonly called tabby cats, though this term actually refers to specific markings and coloration.

Of the purebred cats, the currently most popular are the Persian, Maine Coon and the Siamese.

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Fact Sheet: PEKINGESE

(Original Article: Pekingese Dog Breed Profile)

15y.o. Pekingese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Description: 

The Pekingese is a toy breed with a chunky, sturdy build. This dog is only 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder and will weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. The long, flowing coat is instantly recognizable as is the pug face and long ears. The coat is found in a variety of colors, with red, gold, and sable being the best known. The coat can also be black, sable, or cream among other colors. The Pekingese has a life span of 10 to 15 years. This dog is also called the Peke or Peking Palasthund.

History: 

The Pekingese was considered by the Chinese Imperial Court to be a sacred dog. It was thought to be a manifestation of the mythical Foo Dog, which could drive away evil spirits. Ordinary people had to bow to the Pekingese and to steal one meant death. As this dog was thought to keep evil spirits at bay, an emperor's Pekingese was killed when the emperor died so that it could guard him in the afterlife. The breed was almost rendered extinct when the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in 1860. The order was given to kill all the Pekingese so that they could not be taken by 'foreign devils'. Fortunately for the breed and mankind, five of the dogs survived and were brought to England. All Pekingese today are descended from these five dogs.

Temperament: 

The Pekingese is first and foremost, a companion dog. This dog tends to bond closely to one person and will expect plenty of attention from them. The Pekingese is quite happy to lie in its owner's lap for hours on end. This dog will be jealous if its owner's attention is not focused on it. It tends to be somewhat distant with strangers and is best with older children. The Pekingese may be small, but it has a strong personality.

Health Problems: 

As all Pekingese are descended from only 5 individuals, they do suffer from a multitude of health problems. Congestive heart failure is the most serious that this breed can experience. If this condition is caught early, when first detected as a murmur, it can often be treated medically. The Pekingese can catch a cold easily, and should not be kept outside for long periods. Because this dog has such a flat face, it experiences breathing problems such as snoring, snorting, and wheezing.

Grooming: 

The luxuriant double coat of the Pekingese needs to be brushed every day. If this is not done, the coat will become matted and tangled. As the Pekingese has facial wrinkles, these should be cleaned and dried as needed. The rather prominent eyes of the Pekingese should be attended to when the wrinkles are cleaned and kept free of debris.

Living Conditions: 

Needless to say, this is strictly an indoor dog. The Pekingese is not suited in any way to living outdoors. This dog will be perfect for an apartment, as its exercise needs are small. Most importantly, the Pekingese needs to be close to its chosen person as much as possible. The Pekingese should not be walked or exercised in hot weather because it short face makes it susceptible to heat stroke.

By Scott Allan Lipe - Article Source: EzineArticles

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PUG DOG Breed Profile

A Pug dog. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Description: The Pug is a small dog, considered by some to be a dwarf Mastiff. It is a solid, compact animal with the dogs measuring 12 to 14 inches and weighing up to 20 pounds. The bitches are generally two inches shorter and have a weight of 13 to 18 pounds. The Pug is well known for its short, wrinkled face and a curled tail that rests on its back. The baby Pugs are sometimes called Puglets. The Pug's coat color can be black, fawn (often with a darker facial mask), silver, or apricot. Other names for the Pug include Mops, Chinese Pug Dog, or Carlin. The Pug can live for up to 15 years.

History: Two schools of thought contend over the origin of the Pug. It is the most generally accepted that the Pug came into being in Asia and is a descendant of the Pekingese. It was mentioned in the writings of Confucius and was a favorite among the Chinese royalty and nobility. The Pug was also kept in Tibetan monasteries. It was the Dutch East India Company that brought the Pug to Europe in the 16th century. The Pug was almost instantly popular and is featured in a self-portrait of the artist Hogarth.

Temperament: The Pug is an affectionate, outgoing dog that loves to be around people. It is something of a clown and often amuses its family with its playful antics. The Pug is very good with children and enjoys playing with them. The Pug is a confident and alert dog that will keep an eye on the house, without excessive happiness. It gets along fine with other dogs and family pets.

Health Issues: Due to its short muzzle, the Pug is susceptible to the usual problems that affect brachycephalic breeds. The Pug will snore and wheeze and can suffer from "snort attacks", which are alarming but not dangerous. The Pug can suffer from hip dysplasia, and this occurs in a majority of these dogs. Be careful that your Pug does not become overweight as this can make breathing and joint problems worse. A very serious ailment is Pug Dog Encephalitis, which causes brain inflammation in young dogs. A cesarean section is often necessary to deliver the pups.

Grooming: The lighter colored Pugs, fawn and apricot, can be fairly heavy shedders, especially seasonally, and should be brushed regularly. The black Pug sheds much less and does not need to be tended to as much. The wrinkly face of the Pug needs to be kept clean and dry as infections can develop in the moist wrinkle creases.

Living Conditions: The Pug is perfect for indoor living, being equally comfortable in a house or apartment. It should have a daily walk to keep it healthy, but these should be skipped in hot weather. Because of the short face of the Pug, it must be protected from both heat and cold. It can suffer heat stroke very easily and should be kept cool during the summer. The Pug will want to be with its human family as much as possible.

By Scott Allan Lipe - Articles

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Understanding the Difference Between a PUGGLE and Their Parents

Playful Puggle (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Puggle is one of the new hybrid breed dogs that is produced by mating a select male pug with a small female beagle. These Puggles are very not very high tempered and they would surely be because pugs and beagles are also sweet-tempered. These pups do not require much maintenance and they would go very friendly with the children.

They are very playful and sturdy dogs apart from being very lovable and loyal. However, unlike other hybrid dogs, the Puggles do not have any specific health concern which is observed in purebred pugs. As this dog breed has long and elongated nose they also do not face any breathing problems. The Puggles have a comparatively short coat, a distinctive curly tail and velvety ears. They generally range between 8 to 14 lbs and are nearly about 12 to 15 inches in height. It is possible for you to find different colors in Puggles.

The difference between the first generation of Puggles and second generation Puggles: There are a number of people who are confused about the first and second generation of Puggle as they also have the question whether it is possible to breed a Puggle with a Puggle. The first generation of the true Puggles actually comes from a purebred beagle parent and only from a purebred parent pug. Usually, all the pups in the lot would be very similar in looks. Their size and coat color can however differ but for the most part, their physical characteristics are similar.

It is actually possible to bread a Puggle to Puggle or second generation Puggle which is same as you bread any other dog. However, this breeding will not give the same outcome as the first generation Puggle. If you are breeding 2 Puggles from purebred parents then you will still be breeding with a half pug and half beagle but the genetics would be a little shuffled during the second time. the pups would look very similar like the beagles like the Puggles or pugs that you started with and their color of a combination. There are a number of people who are using what is called a poetic license that includes the Puggles. Here, the Puggle is not a part of Chihuahua, Poodle or any other breed but a mix of pug and the beagle only. The second generation Puggle would just be the result when a true Puggle is a breed to true Puggle and no other breed.

The way to establishing breeds is very difficult and would require time and many generations of careful breeding in order to gain a consistent outcome. As every purebred that is known today was once started using two different breeds of dogs you can just imagine how long it must have taken to create this consistent build and look that you recognize today. If the Puggles need to be the breed of their own then the conformation and look should be produced properly every time a Puggle is a breed to another Puggle.

By Christy Taylor - Article Source: EzineArticles

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"Daddy, Can I Have A PUPPY?"

Photo by Sebastian216 (Wikipedia)

Sooner or later, every parent is likely to hear: "Please, can I have a puppy?" 

Rather than dodge the question, parents should consider whether their family is ready for a pet, says Sharon Bergen, senior vice president of education and training for Knowledge Learning Corporation, the nation's leading provider of early childhood care and education.

Bergen suggests that parents weigh the pros and cons of adding a pet to the household before agreeing to a child's request. "A pet can teach children responsibility and become a wonderful addition to a family or it can be a burden," she says. Bergen recommends families consider the following before deciding.

Who will care for the pet? Families should agree beforehand who will be responsible for feeding, walking, bathing and cleaning up after the pet.

Do you have space for a pet? Families living in apartments or townhouses may prefer a cat, a bird or fish, rather than a Labrador retriever. Check the library or Internet to learn more about different types and breeds of pets to determine the one most suitable for your family.

Owning a pet is time-consuming and may be expensive. Family members should realize that they may have to give up other activities to properly care for a pet. If the prospect seems too daunting, parents may suggest waiting until the child is old enough to help care for an animal.

Bergen recommends the whole family meet the animal before deciding to take it home. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, so think carefully before adopting a furry new family member.

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The Boston Terrier -- A True American Gentleman

Photo: Pixabay

The Boston terrier, one of the few breeds that can claim to be truly American, is a lively, curious and smart companion that’s always ready to play. At one time, Boston Terriers were actually the most popular breed in the US. Today, they’re still a clear favorite among the thousands of dog lovers who want a medium-sized, intelligent pet.

Because of its Bull terrier or Bulldog background, the Boston (classed with the non-sporting breeds by the AKC) is alert and keen to learn new tricks and jobs. Bostons like children and will play games with them for hours on end. A well-bred Boston isn’t vicious, but pretty able to take care of himself. Boston fanciers like to call this breed the “American Gentleman,” obviously because of his formal, tux-like markings, but also because his personality is gentlemanly and even as well. The Boston’s friendliness, alertness and courage make him an ideal pet and companion dog. Always alert, he’ll also let you know of any strange sounds in the night.

For many families, the Boston terrier is a terrific choice not only because of his compact size and pleasant temperament but because of his low-maintenance coat. Smooth and short-coated, the Boston goes easy on your carpets and furniture and does well in smaller spaces. It’s good to remember, though, that Bostons don’t take well to extremes in temperature. They’re inside dogs, as their coat affords little protection. On cold days, you may want to get out some warm booties or a coat for your Boston. 

A well-bred Boston terrier will look like the active, intelligent, short-headed and short-tailed dog that he is. The ones that conform to type will have symmetrical white markings, ideally against a brindle color. Black with white markings is also conforming, although brindle is preferred.

Bostons come in a variety of sizes. Naturally, some owners prefer the small ones, while others like a more romping, substantial-sized dog. Either one will make a great pet with very little grooming required, all of which can be done at home. 

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A Dog in One Pack- JACK RUSSEL TERRIER

Jack Russell Terrier (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We basically want to find companions who would give us most of the benefits we think we need. Well, if you are looking for a dog that is somewhat a one-in-package pal, you might find Jack Russell Terriers interesting enough. 

This dog has a history that is somehow loomed to give rise to the species. 

It was said that the breeder of this dog, a young Theologian student of Oxford University named John Russell once met a milkman with a white terrier that has spots on his eyes and ears. This dog became his interest which later proved to be his foundation for breeding a new dog breed that many has learned to love as pets. The dog he first saw was named "Trump" from which another 60 types of terriers were later bred from. 

With a terrier's basic nature to go on and over the ground (terrier, by the way, came from the Latin term "terra" which means earth), Jack Russell terriers also have the disposition to hunt and scour for hunting. Thus, they should be given enough grooming so as to set off the dirt they gather from digging soil to either bury a treasure or to recover a hidden treasure kept long ago. 

An excellent ratter, Jack Russell Terriers proves to be good "housekeepers" since they keep most rats away from home. Any unlucky rat that happens to be inside the quarters of this terrier is sure to meet its instant doom. Thus, owners find themselves with both a dog and cat in one pal. 

One basic character of this dog is its disposition towards strangers. They can easily figure out who must be kept away from their homes and who can be accepted inside the house. This very attitude also makes them good watchdogs. They were designed specifically to be aggressive on preys. And while they can be very vocal, many of them only bark when they find a good reason to. 

They do not appear vicious though. But once they smell threat, they can show off aggressiveness that could serve as a warning towards the strangers. However, once the stranger is let into the house by the owner, a Jack Russell can already tolerate his or her presence. 

This terrier is also a family dog and desires for human companionship. And their love for children is significantly interesting. However, once they are abused or had been shown improper treatments, may it be intentional or accidental, they can react through aggressive behaviors. Their aggressiveness is further manifested with their lack of fear towards larger dogs which can, unfortunately, lead to injuries, some can even be fatal. 

They are also marked for their intelligence and good spirit. These characteristics can be highly observable through their curiosity in things. Thus, they require supplementation on formal training unless you can tolerate difficult behaviors. The good thing though with Jack Russell is that it can acknowledge training and do well in most of them. In fact, they are known to champion various ring shows and other similar competitions. 

Hollywood has recognized the disposition of these dogs too. Coupled with feisty and good physical characteristics, this pal has already made names on the screens. If Wishbone, Milo (from The Mask) and Eddie (from the Frasier) ring the bell on you then there is no doubt that you can recognize this dog. 

Jack Russell fair well with grooming. A dog of relatively small size, this breed will not tax you with grooming needs.

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Is A RAW FOOD Diet Right For Your PIT BULL TERRIER Dog?

Poncho the Pit bull mix kissing his owner (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many Pit Bull owners are choosing to feed their pets a raw food diet rather than use the commercially formulated mass produced feeds. Others have never heard of the raw diet, also known as the bones and raw food diet, but are seeking more information about what this type of diet can offer their pet.

The raw diet entails feeding your Pit Bull or other pet mainly raw meat and meaty bones. The raw meat diet also includes some vegetables be added in as well. Leafy greens mixed in with the raw meat helps give your Pit Bull a nutritional meal. As an added bonus, finely chopped garlic can be added as a natural way to give added protection against fleas.

In the wild dogs are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plant material. If you choose to try the raw diet, you’ll need to be sure and balance his diet by adding some vegetable material into each meal. Some owners who are fans of the raw diet like to add additional proteins like cottage cheese or eggs into the meat and veggie mixture.

It has been reported that dogs on the raw diet tend to lead healthier lives. Proponents of the raw diet say that canine allergies, as well as dysplasia and a wide range of other canine ailments, are mainly due to the commercial dog foods with their non-meat proteins and additives. The commercial market has also been accused of using the grain content in their feed simply because they are cheap fillers, and aren’t there for the true benefit of the pet.

Those who choose the raw diet also say that they feel they are giving their dog the diet that nature intended, and that commercial dog food kills any real benefits of the proteins in the cooking process. This, in turn, they say, can cause problems to the animal’s immune system and cause other health-related problems.

Raw diet advocates also state that the commercial dog food makers put special additives into the food which makes the food more appealing to the dogs so they get addicted to the commercial foods.

Of course, the commercial feed makers state that there’s no difference in cooking a dog’s food as there is to cooking a human’s food and that the nutritional value is still there. Commercial feed makers claim that dogs have very sensitive digestive systems and that the raw food diet can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s up to you to decide on how your Pit Bull gets his nutritional needs met. If you have concerns about your Pit Bull’s nutrition, or before you change your Pit Bull’s diet, talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can give you more information on the raw diet, as well as recommend any changes which may need to be made.

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CAT FURNITURE

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I remember dreading the day I found the perfect couch to go in our apartment. Binx was never particular with what he liked scratching on and I realised that if I bought this couch, that it would end up looking like a shredded pincushion in a matter of hours not days!

Just moving into a new apartment (or having been there a long time) introducing your kitty to his new surroundings can be quite tough and you want to keep him inside for about a week to three weeks until you are satisfied that he is happy to know where home is and he is settled himself before deciding to let him outside. While he is inside for those ones to three weeks, if you are unfortunate enough not to be able to stay home and watch your kitty 24/7, you will likely to come home and find the couch has been attacked or worse, I used to come home and find the base of my bed had been attacked!

Now declawing is definitely out of the option, the only other choice left was to look at is Cat Furniture for your kitty. For starters a cat scratcher especially if you have an indoor kitty! Now I was very wary how Binx would take to this new carpeted object sitting in the lounge, and it was quite lucky I had bought him a Cat Nip plant!

Your kitty will probably go nutty over Cat Nip, but not all cats react the same way to it. If your kitty is not taking any notice of his new scratching pole and is still using your couch, break a couple of leaves off the Cat Nip plant and proceed to rub it all over the carpeted pole. It took a few days of sniffing for Binx to actually get any interest in the pole, but once your kitty gets the idea or if need be, show kitty how it should be used first, and praise him each time he uses it properly!

Make sure the pole is secured down properly because it might topple onto kitty while he's using it, and it will just scare him off using the pole for good! I had ours wedged underneath the TV Cabinet and now the Coffee table and removed the bell attached to the top of the pole as it seemed to scare Binx everytime it jingled behind him! And guess what - He has not touched our new couch, ONCE!

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SIAMESE CAT - Kittens of the World

SIAMESE CAT - Kittens of the World

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A Glimpse on the Various Types of TERRIER DOGS

Two Wirehaired Fox Terriers. Listed on Flickr as "Daisy and Gatsby". (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Whatever your dog preference is, you are sure to find terrier dogs among the candidates for a pal. You'll get the energy you want with little grooming and added wit.

Basically bred for hunting and killing vermin, Terrier dogs are now known to offer a wide spectrum of features and characters that you might find lovable. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (while there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog brackets) and they may not be as intelligent like other breeds but they set off these lacks with various things that only they can offer.

Let us discuss in brief some of the terrier dog types that you may find interesting:

Less aggressive but definitely not timid. This best describes Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They are definitely alert and very spirited, but when the call for steadiness arrives, they are sure to show you some air of confidence and steady disposition.

This dog type is gifted with intelligence which makes them very responsive with obedience training.

Parson Russell Terrier is a dog type that exhibits boldness, cleverness, affection and exuberant disposition. While many may find this a playful pal, it is still not advisable for everyone to take Parson Russell home. In fact, formal obedience training is a must for owners since this dog type is more likely to display mischievousness and too much playfulness that make this a very independent pet. For people with active lifestyles and those who can tolerate explorative disposition, this scamp is the best for you.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Norwich Terrier, on the other hand, is a type of dog that resulted from breeding small Terriers with other smaller breeds, possibly Yorkshire Terriers. Maintenance of Norwich Terrier is minimal and they are content with modest living quarters. They have active disposition though and can be affectionate and fearless. Additionally, they are also known to display stocky and happy personalities which make them ideal pals.

Much like the Norwich Terriers, Norfolk Terriers are also well-spirited, fearless, charming and always ready for the game. While both may have some similar physical characteristics, Norfolks can still be distinguished through their folds in the ears.

Basically workman-like dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers are excellent watchdogs and work well in farm settings. This dog got its name from its blue-shade coat color which was originally black during puppyhood.

Wire Fox Terriers are of great interest since they display power through its excellent endurance capabilities and speed. Alertness and quick movements are the dominant expressions of this dog type. It is advisable though that the owner trains this dog and should be given enough doses of daily exercises.

Meanwhile, Smooth Fox Terriers are the frolic and lively types of dogs that are ideal in both country and city living. Displaying intelligence and cleverness, this dog makes good trainees and must be well credited by that. They are also likely to show great affection towards their owners.

These are just some of the many terrier dog types that can be considered as your next pets. In general, this dog type has good dispositions and makes ideal home pets. While some may display obscure aggressiveness, this still does not negate the fact that most types have the capacity to develop affection and keen expression of their attachment to their owners. Be warned though that some dog types in this breed can be very playful and should be given enough amount of attention and time during obedience training and exercises.

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PUPPY Protocols - Introducing a Young DOG Into Your Family

A Maltese puppy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Introducing a puppy to your home can cause a lot of upheavals. You might need to move furniture and make your home dog-friendly, or just change your lifestyle to make sure you are available to exercise or feed your new pet when she needs it.

A puppy is very much like a baby.  

They are cute and cuddly.  They tug at your heart and you just have to give in to them.  But, doing so will likely spoil that puppy into an annoying pet rather than a trusted friend.  While the world of puppy can be a rewarding one, it can also be quite a nerve-wracking as well.

Just like children, puppies need you to watch over them virtually all the time.  They like to explore and they are likely to get into things that they shouldn’t. This can prove to be something that injures them or even poisons them, though. Puppies use their mouths to explore the world around them.  If it has an interesting taste or texture, the dog is likely to keep at it.  Now, if this is such a thing as an electrical cord, it can prove to be fatal to them.

So, what do you do if you can’t be there all the time to watch your puppy?  You can use baby gates as well as barriers of other types to block off dangerous areas to your pet.  Put your pet in a welcoming area where you spend time in.  Provide them with toys, water and a soft place to lie and they are set to go.

Training for a pet begins from the time you allow them to enter your home.  

Experts agree that the first thing a puppy needs to learn is that you are the leader of the pack.  You need the dog to understand that you are the boss.  They instinctively look for a leader because dogs are pack animals.  If you don’t take on this role, the animal will think that he is the leader instead.  You don’t have to be aggressive at it though.  Subtle things tell your puppy that you are in the leadership role.  If you are harsh with the puppy, you will make them afraid of you and they will not be able to bond with you at that point. 

At a young age, you can teach your puppy to sit.  To do this, simply put your hand on his chest and the other on his rump.  Say the command ‘sit’ and push down on their rump and upon the chest.  When she does it, praise her verbally and give her a treat.  Keep practicing this with her.  Whenever you give the dog its food, make her sit before you give it to her. This is a “nothing in life is free” technique.  The dog learns that you are in charge and that to get his food he must obey you.  

Lastly, it is important to note that the best techniques for raising your animal are those that surround compassion, patience and love.

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Vintage Collection - Dogs (10)

Collie Dog

The Scruffy Little Hunter Dog: BORDER TERRIER

Unstripped Border Terrier with a puppy. This is the "natural" form of the Border Terrier coat. The coats of Border Terriers must be stripped. Here an unstripped adult Border Terrier (left) is shown with a puppy.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Border terrier got its name from the area called Cheviot Hills, which is actually near the border of England and Scotland. This is where these dogs were made to attack and terminate predatory foxes.

They have a wiry coat that is why they normally appear as scruffy. However, this scruffiness is an attention-grabber that is why owners do not forget to hug their little ball of energy.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Borders:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: wiry and short; double coated

Colors: tan, red, grizzle and tan, and/or blue and tan

Height: between 11 and 16 inches

Weight: between 11 and 16 pounds

Temperament:

Naturally,

• they are scruffy, hard and bold hunters

• they are active as puppies but mellow down as they mature

• they are not friendly with rabbits, rats, hamsters, and even birds

• they are economical to feed

• their activity die down when left alone all day as they really love to please people especially their owners

When properly trained,

• they can get along with the household cats but not with cats in the neighborhood

• they may even catch a burglar

• they may lose timidity when accustomed to active environments

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

•   Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome or CES, also called as "Spike's disease", which is a hereditary, neurological, metabolic and muscle disorder that is sometimes confused with canine epilepsy

•   Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes

•   Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum

•   Deafness

•   Skin problems and a few skin allergies

Care and Exercise:

• Their coat needs weekly brushing.

• They should be professionally groomed at least twice a year.

• They should bathe only when necessary since they shed little to no hair. Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on a leash.

• They should be on a leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts.

Origin/History:

The exact origins of Border terriers are obscure but many breeders accepted the story that the variety was developed in the Cheviot Hills area, which is near the border of Scotland and England. The Borders have been used as hunters of rabbits and hares. They can even keep up with running horses with their short yet sturdy legs. They were also used by farmers to lure predatory foxes into their dens before killing them.

They were also trained to hunt otters, marten, and even fierce badgers. Like most terriers that were once molded as hunters, they also evolved as pets and became lovely, friendly, and loyal companion dogs. They also take part in dog shows and they can easily grab their audience attention with their agility, appearance, and bright disposition.

The breed was registered by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and by the American Club ten years after.

At present, Borders are highly favored as companion dogs and pets due to their adaptability, friendliness, and winning personality. Nonetheless, they can be reliable when it comes to tracking down vermin. In fact, some of their esteemed talents include hunting, guarding the family, and performing tricks and sports that require competitive obedience.

Like most terriers, you can be rest assured to have a loyal and bright companion dogs if you give your attention and affection to a Border. You can be sure that they can definitely drive away your bore!

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PIT BULL Terrier Dog AGILITY TRAINING

Pitbull (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Entertaining your American Pit Bull Terrier with dog agility training is an excellent activity that can be fun for both you and your Pit. It is something that both of you can do together that will strengthen the dog-owner bond.

Pit Bull agility training is one of the more advanced types of dog training, but it is certainly quite enjoyable. Dog agility is an activity that has become very popular in England, Australia, and the United States. It consists of the main event with multiple dog courses set up to compete in. All of the courses contain roughly 26 obstacles. In order for your dog to win, he must finish the course without any faults in the fastest time. This is an activity that certainly takes patience and a lot of practice.

Many of the obstacles that are included agility courses need extensive training in order to master. There are two basic types of courses, jumping courses and agility courses. Jumping courses are full of obstacles which your dog must clear, such as jumps which your dog has to make it over without knocking down, and weaves which your dog must stay in until the very end. In dog agility courses there are contact points on the obstacles which your dog must touch with his paws.

Dog clubs do not allow puppies under the age of one year to participate in agility exercises. A great many agility enthusiasts actually own their own equipment so that they can begin training with their dog at a much earlier time. Jax is a company which makes training obstacles in case you are interested in doing this.

Much of your dog's agility training must be done before you enter the very first show and your dog should have no trouble running the entire course. It is an extremely exciting and challenging activity and can certainly improve the bond between you and your best friend.

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Celebrate Your DOG'S BIRTHDAY with a Dog Party

Photo by The U.S. Army

It was recently reported that over 700,000 pets in the United States have had birthday parties thrown for them by their owners. This “pet party” trend has also taken off in other nations such as China, Japan, and England. If you were thinking of throwing a party for your pet (specifically your dog), here is a list of party safety guidelines to ensure that all of the party animals in attendance have a fun and safe time. This list is by no means fully comprehensive, but it gives you a good starting point for your pet party safety. You should always use your best judgment to determine if something is appropriate for your pet and the other pets in attendance at the party.

Without further adieu, here are the dog party safety tips:

- All dogs attending the party should have at least one person who the dog feels comfortable around present at the party. If a guardian for the dog is not able to attend your party, the dog should not attend either. Unless you feel comfortable enough with watching the dog yourself, you do not one to be held liable if something happens to the dog.

- In case any of the dogs’ guardians do not bring waste bags for their dogs, make sure to have plenty on hand. This is especially true if the party is at a dog park or other public facility. Be sure to leave the location in the same condition that it was in prior to the party.

- To avoid any potential scuffles between the party animals, only invite dogs that your dog already knows and feels comfortable with. If your best friend’s dog is sweet, but just doesn’t get along with your dog for some reason, it may be best to leave them off of the guest list. If you want to invite a dog who your dog has never met, set up a meeting between your dog and the other dog so that they can become acquainted before the party. Definitely, leave canine bullies off of the guest list.

- If you plan to have an outdoor party at a dog park or in your backyard, make sure that you have a contingency plan in the event of bad weather.

- In regards to the length of the party, you can plan the party for as long as you see fit, just keep in mind that dogs can become restless very easy. If you notice that many of the guests are getting cranky, don’t be afraid to end the party early.

- Wherever you choose to have the party, make sure that it is safely enclosed and that there are no “cracks” that any of the party guests may be able to slip through. This is especially true for the smaller guests at the party. If your Rottweiler has started digging a hole under your fence in the backyard, make sure that the hole isn’t big enough for your friend’s Shih Tzu to crawl through. If you think that the whole may become problematic, fill the hole before you host your party.

- At treat time, make sure that every puppy has his or her own treat. Also, allow each dog’s guardian to give the threat to their respective dog.

- If you invite dogs that have not yet been spayed or neutered, make sure that you alert the parents of the other dogs at the party. Also, if you think that it is necessary, make sure that the parents of these dogs keep an especially close eye on their pet.

- Make sure to only provide treats that are deemed safe for dogs. If you are unsure about the dog toxicity of any of the treats that you want to give out at your party, consult your veterinarian. Also, it is a good idea to talk with the owners of the dog party guests beforehand to check if their dog is allergic to a particular food or ingredient.

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