Wednesday, April 18, 2018

CLUMBER SPANIEL DOG Breed Description and History

Clumber Spaniel - Photo: Wikimedia
Description: The Clumber Spaniel is low to the ground with heavy bones and short legs. The head is large and broad, with a deep muzzle, combined with a heavy brow. The nose is large and comes in various shades of brown. The teeth meet in a scissor bite. The eyes are amber in colour and deep-set. The chest is wide and deep, with the front legs being straight.

The Clumber Spaniel ears are triangular in shape, set low and hang downwards. The neck is muscular and heavy, and the fur is feathered at the throat. The tail is docked, in countries that permit this, and is feathered. The coat is dense, flat and straight, being soft to the touch. This coat is mainly white, with orange or lemon markings. Their weight is 55 to 85 pounds and their height is 41 to 51 inches. Their life expectancy is ten to twelve years.

History: The dogs contributed to making this breed were, the Basset hound, St Bernard, and Alpine Spaniel. There is no proof, but it is believed this breed was created in 18th century France by one of the Dukes of Noailles. Threatened by the French Revolution, the Duke transferred his dogs to England, to his closest family, the Duke of Newcastle. Here the breed was in favour of royalty and the name possibly derives from the Duke of Newcastle's estate called Cumber Park.



This is the heaviest of the Spaniel's and is a slow, quiet hunter. This dog is able to work independently or within a pack showing good endurance to do particularly well in dense undergrowth, and they have a fine sense of smell. This breed has been trained to retrieve and track. In 1848, the breed arrived in Canada, and from there made its way to the United States. The Clumber Spaniel was first recognized by the AKC in 1884.




Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Preparing Your DOG For A Walk

Walk Your Dog Austin's Dachshund Race
Photo   by MarkScottAustinTX 
You are not alone if it feels like your dog is walking you rather than you walking the dog every time you head to the park. If dogs drag their owners along or darts here and there sniffing and exploring, many find going for a walk with them to be an irksome experience. You can train a dog to walk properly to let you be the guide and let your pet have a great time.

Your relationship with your pet is associated with your dog's leash-walking habits and you might be surprised to learn about this. Instead of owners setting the pace and guide the experience, dogs control the walk and have to be dragged away from bushes and trees. During the walk, the dog is unaware of its owner for the most part. Dogs consider the leash to be an impediment which keeps them from going at whatever pace they want and where they want.

An experience that is pleasant for both the dog and the owner is what all of us really want. You don't want to keep untangling yourself from the leash as your dog wanders about, neither do you want to be dragged along. What that said, training your dog how to walk properly while on a leash is required. It's up to us to provide this dog obedience training since they are not born knowing how to do this.

With the number of different dog leash training methods available today, it is important to find a method that truly teaches you how to understand your dog's very specific personality. If both of you can learn to understand each other, it will be a lot easier to adjust to the training. Additionally, spending time playing with your dog is ideal prior to the walk. The main exercise of the day is often found by walking them and if you burn off energy before your training walks then your dog is more apt to follow along. Spending time before walking them by playing fetch or running around in the house makes the dog feel more relaxed and less resistant to training.

Proper dog training is one of the best investments you can make. Not only will you learn how to teach your dog to behave properly, it will improve the bond and relationship between the two of you. Often one of the main reasons why people forgo dog training is that they simply don't have time to attend a class. With work and family obligations it's often difficult to fit in a scheduled dog training class. For these people, it might be best to opt for a DVD training system, such as The Dog's Way.



Spread over five DVDs are 12 lessons with a workbook that follows along with each lesson with reminder cards that you can take on walks and access to a private, students-only website with extra problem-solving tips is what consists of this obedience training systems. All types of basic behavior such as training a dog to sit and stay walk loosely on a leash, coming when called, staying quiet and much more are included in these dog training video lessons.




Sunday, April 15, 2018

Vintage Collection - Dogs (9)




Saturday, April 14, 2018

The Definition Of A Crazy CAT Lady

Oh noes!  Another kitteh!
Photo  by Sleeping cat beads 
There are some women who are obsessed with cats for a number of reasons. Some genuinely want to help cats because they are strays and do not have anywhere else to go. Others do it because they are lonely and need company. In both cases, society has coined the term crazy cat lady to describe women who have a large number of cats in a small living space.

There might be one woman who lives in the neighborhood and has been single for a long time. She has never been married and she does not have any children. She has a very special place in her heart for animals of all kinds but is particularly fond of cats. So she decides to have a cat as a pet since she believes in taking care of animals.

This woman is usually single and does not have any responsibilities to others since they live on their own. So they use the opportunity to use the space they have in their home to take care of these cats. The main problem is that their home is usually too small to take care of so many cats.

Every time she sees a stray cat, she takes it home with her. She just could not turn any away or ignore them when she sees them on the street. Her house is small and does not have much room, but she believes quite strongly that she was destined to do this. As a result of her dedication, sixty-five cats do not have to struggle to find food to eat and a place to sleep.

On the other hand, some women might take in many cats because they are lonely and need company. They might have been married at one time and are now widowed, and probably have children that are now adults and have moved out. This can cause a person to seek out a way to satisfy the emptiness that they feel and they might do this by having lots of cats.

Due to her need to take care of others, she ends up taking in lots of cats. These women are usually older and live on a pension, so they are not very wealthy, to begin with. Yet, they might have so many cats over a certain amount of time because taking them it helps them feel better about themselves.


As a result, she took in a cat every chance she got. She had so many cats that the neighbors were worried about the living conditions in the house she lived in. Some of them tried to talk to her, but she saw them as threatening to break up her new family, which in her mind is the only family she had at the time.

There might be many other ways to define a woman who takes in so many animals, but the two definitions discussed above are typical. Both of these women have a similar obsession with cats and having them in their home. Some may see this as crazy, but to the ladies, it is simply what they love to do and they will keep on taking in these animals.

    About the Author: Tammie Caldwell





Friday, April 13, 2018

JAVANESE CAT

Blue Lynx Point Javanese Cats - Adult and Kitt...
Blue Lynx Point Javanese Cats - Adult and Kitten Females (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Javanese is a long and slender breed amongst longhaired cats. The pretty feline is very much similar to the Balinese breed of cats, except for the former's rich array of versatile colors. A spontaneous mutation of the Siamese, Javanese breed is classified to include all those felines that fall out of the blue, chocolate, lilac and seal colors of the Balinese. Hence the name Javanese is used, based on the island Java, next to Bali.

A lithe but muscular cat, Javanese is an athletic and surprisingly heavy animal. It is one of the long-haired felines though it is its rich tail that displays true plush. Body is light in color with markings occurring in the typical points, in colors ranging from red, cream and lynx to tortie and tabby variations. Head is wedge-shaped with proportionately oriented ears and slightly slanted eyes to accommodate the shape of the skull. Body, overall, is long and sleek.

With their single layered coat, Javanese don't require much grooming. Their hair doesn't shed nor matt easily. They are quite talkative and meow regularly as part of their expressive nature, though this attribute is not universal amongst all members of this breed. Interestingly, it has been suggested that the individual personalities vary with the fur colors.

Intelligent and inquisitive, Javanese are quite playful. They require attention and company and sometimes get overweight if not monitored. Affectionate animals, they attach themselves readily to people and thrive amidst them. Active and busy cats, they are often on the lookout for high places to perch and survey their 'territory'. Javanese are fearless felines and their curiosity often leads them into odd places and narrow crevices. Despite this dynamic nature, they have a warm personality and adjust readily to their owner's routine to provide company and affection to their adoring humans.




Thursday, April 12, 2018

Helpful Products For BLIND DOGS And Helpful CARE Hints

English: Australian Shepherd with Microphthalm...
Australian Shepherd with the microphthalmic eye, from Gypsy's Eye Blind Dog Rescue (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A blind dog can still lead a happy life. There are many products for blind dogs that help them to do just that. It is important that you treat your pet just as you always did. If you treat your canine like he or she is fine, they will adjust. If you treat your canine differently and feel sorry for the dog, the dog will pick up on your sadness and it will be bad for the canine.

One of the best things that you can do for a dog that cannot see, treats it like every other dog. A dog has a very good memory and will often be able to navigate its own home and other areas that he is used to spending time in. Many people who see your pet in its own environment, may not even realize he is unable to see.

No matter how careful you are, there is always the chance that a pet can escape. This is scary for dog and human. A medical tag should be attached to the collar. If anyone stops to help the escape artist, they can see right away that the dog has lost its vision and will need some extra help getting home to you.

A hoop harness is another product that is helpful for any dog who cannot see. The hoop harness consists of a harness with a loop on the front. The loop is held several inches in front of a dogs face. This way instead of your pup walking into walls and other things, the hoop hits the object first. This alerts the animal to walls, and furniture, and prevents possible injury.

The scent of a dog is amazing. They can smell things in the air that humans are clueless about. For this reason, using scented markers can help your pup find dishes, her bed, and another item that she must get to. They work well and they are reusable. They can be easily freshened up each month for continued use.

There are leashes that are made for vision impaired and disabled dogs. They allow you to lead the dog so that he or she knows where to go. They are unlike traditional leashes in that they are short and not made for taking walks. They are wonderful for helping you to help your pet.




As mentioned, your dog will not likely need help to navigate through their own home. That is unless you rearrange the furnishings. This can be very difficult for a blind dog. It is best to avoid moving your furniture, or the dog's bed and other items.

Help your pet to live a happy and rewarding life by keeping the above suggestions and products in mind. With a few helpful items, the animal will be able to figure out his surroundings. Your dog can still be taken for walks, always on a leash, of course. Your dog will still enjoy playtime with you and cuddle on the couch. Continue to love him just as you always did.


    About the Author: Tammie Caldwell


Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Some History of DESIGNER BREEDS and The Problem

Labrdoodle Assistance Dogs
Labradoodle Assistance Dogs
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Although the concept is by no means new; many people are discovering that some of the latest breeds of super dogs are not as great as their breeders would have you believe.

Of the "designer dog club," the 'Labradoodle' is probably the most well known. The 'Labradoodle' was originally bred for sight impaired individuals who had severe reactions to dog’s fur. This new hybrid aimed to combine the intelligence of the Labrador with a non-shedding poodle.  However, you may or may not have a puppy that will be non-shedding.  Labradoodles have been around for over 20 years and are gaining recognition.

But the term 'designer mutts' can be used to describe any number of endless combinations of dogs who have been bred for particular valued qualities. Ever thought about owning a Dorgi? That's a cross between a Corgi and a Dachshund. How about a Puggle? That’s a cross between a Beagle and a Puggle. There are many variations on breeds with poodles now too. This often results in comical names - the Corgi Poo; or the Shih Poo, the variations are endless.

Hypoallergenic, intelligent and some say healthier than average - these dogs are becoming popular throughout the world.

Yet the American Kennel Club refuses to accept these new breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 153 breeds at present; and says that these dogs don't meet their criteria.

The American Hybrid Club seems to be the answer for the breeders who are rallying to have their new combinations recognized. They argue that in fact, all dog breeds exist as a result of some kind of experimentation with mixing breeds.

There are many inherent dangers associated with mixing breeds that would never have bred naturally. The main problem is that you never really know exactly what you will be getting. Most often you can learn a great deal about a dog by the look and temperament of their parents - but with these dogs, there is no way to tell if you will end up with a mouse-sized dog - or a dog the size of a small donkey.

And it does not just look. You might be unpleasantly surprised to find that your new puppy has the temperament of a hostile dictator, or worse is very aggressive. These are serious faults; especially if you intend to introduce your cute new 'Schnoodle' (a mixture of a Schnauzer and a poodle) to your kids you never know what might happen.

Is that really a chance you want to take?

Also, these new breeds are by no means considered cheap. You could get an equivalent mix at a shelter for free. But some breeders are charging thousands of dollars for dogs they cannot personally guarantee.
They claim these dogs take the best of both breeds. But there is an equal risk that the dog can end up with the worst from breeds. This seems like a staggering chance to take.

In an attempt to create super dog these breeders are using breeding techniques that seem strangely unnatural. Certain Bulldog combinations always require artificial insemination for successful mating to occur. And you can't count on Caesar section.

Many of the crossbreeds are bred for profit. Unscrupulous practices which lead to fashion item dogs will create a host of problems for future generations.



If you have your heart set on a designer dog bear in mind you might end up paying more in vet bills. Your puppy will need a vast array of tests.

There are many well-established variations. Purebred dogs have a proven track record. You can say with greater certainty what your Labrador will look like. You will also have a greater idea of what kinds of health problems to expect in your Dachshund.

You can also find adult crossbreeds in a number of places. Adult dogs are often a good choice for families who have children or who need to be sure of the dog’s temperament. And of course, giving a loving home to a homeless dog is always a good thing.

If you have your heart set on one of the new crossbreeds; try to learn what you can before deciding on the particular dog or cross.


Tuesday, April 10, 2018

My Favorite GERMAN SHEPHERD

English: A German Shepherd dog Polski: Owczare...
A German Shepherd dog Polski: Owczarek niemiecki (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I have a lot of fond memories of my childhood years. My family shared great times of vacationing and of enjoying our annual winter trip to the mountains for skiing. We shared every Saturday morning's breakfast together and we even liked to play games together on Friday nights. I truly loved my growing up years and I loved being a part of my family. My absolute favorite memory of childhood, however, is not a memory of my family at all, it is my memory of my favorite German Shepherd dog.

I got my German Shepherd as a birthday gift on my tenth birthday, so I guess you could say that the memory is in some way connected to the family who purchased Ruffy (as I named him) for me. I loved that dog. I had been asking for one ever since I was in first grade, and I guess by the time I was turning ten my parents realized that I was serious about wanting a German Shepherd and that I probably wouldn't stop asking until they gave me one. So all of my childhood dreams came true the day I turned ten and came home from school to discover a brand new German Shepherd puppy waiting just for me.

My four siblings were not thrilled about the birthday gift my parents had chosen. Apparently, they had each asked for an animal in the past and had never received anything more than a small tank of fish. I felt pretty good about the fact that I was the first one to receive a German Shepherd for my birthday, even though I know it was only due to my nagging that my parents finally melted and agreed. I was very generous, for the most part, about sharing my German Shepherd with my brothers and sisters. We spent countless hours that summer playing with Ruffy, trying to teach him new tricks, and of course, teaching him when and where to go to the bathroom.

I guess my German Shepherd became my best friend in a way that no one else had. I had some trouble fitting in with the other kids at school and so I quickly became attached to my German Shepherd enough that it didn't matter what anyone else thought of me because I had Ruffy to go home to at the end of a long day.

Ruffy and I spent the next thirteen years getting along great. When it was time for me to head off to college, I left my German Shepherd in the care of my mother, who did a fabulous job with him. I have nothing but fond memories of my German Shepherd.




Monday, April 9, 2018

4 Interesting Facts About the AMERICAN SHORTHAIR CAT Breed


English: American shorthair cat Romeo from Sta...
American Shorthair cat Romeo
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you are considering getting a cat for a pet, then the American Shorthair cat breed is one you may do well to consider - especially if a unique cat is one you fancy. This is an opinion that may yet become stronger in you after you get to read our collection of five interest facts, presented as 'did you know' about the American Shorthair cat breed.

1) For one, did you know that the American Shorthair cat breed is the world's eighth most popular cat breed? The implication here is that if you have found yourself smitten by it, then you are not alone - many other people do. The fact that the American Shorthair cat breed is the eighth most popular cat breed in the world is not arbitrary or a product of guesswork. It is based on painstakingly collected statistics, by the Cat Fanciers Association for the year 2007.

2) Secondly, did you know that the American-Shorthair cat is a direct descendant of another popular breed, known simply as the English cat? Indeed, the fact that the American Shorthair breed is only three centuries old or so (although the name is much newer) means that it is more or less a variant of the English cat; seeing that such a period of time is not really long enough to result in the formation of a new cat species. Legend has it that these English cats (which gradually gave birth to the American Shorthair) found their way into the states thanks to efforts by the early settlers to protect cargo in their ships from the destruction of rodents. At a time when technology was not as advanced as today, the only way this could be done was by bringing cats on board, and this is how the English cats found their way into America, where they went on to give birth to the American-Shorthair breed.

3) Thirdly, did you know that the American Shorthair is one of the truly multi-colored cat breeds, recognizable as it is, in more than 80 color patterns? You could find an American-Shorthair that is remarkably brown, just as you could find one that is remarkably white, silver and so many other colors. Clearly then, if the color is an attribute you value in cats, the American Shorthair is not one of the breeds that limit your choices - you will actually find yourself spoilt for choice.



4) Fourthly, did you know that the American Shorthair is the very same breed of cat that was originally known as Domestic Shorthair? Its change of name, from domestic shorthair to American-Shorthair could have to do with propaganda or it could be more practical (to differentiate from other similar cats). That is still a subject of conjecture. What is known for sure is that this is the very same cat breed that was known as the domestic shorthair? Of course, you will have to be a senior citizen to have been a cat fancier when the breed was known by its former name; for the change of name took place in 1966.



Sunday, April 8, 2018

Fact Sheet: DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER

(Original Title: Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting
Dandie Dinmont Terrier)

Dandie Dinmont Terrier - GCH King's Mtn. Angelina Ballerina 02
Photo by Petful.com
Breed Description

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small breed with a distinctive top-knot hair on the head of this terrier dog. Primarily bred to go to the ground, this breed is a low-stationed working dog with an arched top line. They are between 8-11 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs from 18-24 pounds at the average.

Coat

The Dandie Dinmont has a coat mixed with rough top coat and silky undercoat, as demonstrated over their heads. The distinctive hairs on their heads are usually kept relatively long and may shroud the eyes if left without trimming for too long. Their coat color comes in silver and black coat, or reddish-yellow color that is commonly called "mustard".

Activity

These dogs need to be walked on a daily basis and will enjoy playing in the park, or any other securely fenced open areas.

Temperament

The breed is fun-loving and affectionate, making them an excellent companion dog. They are determined, lively, and willful, with intelligent and independent nature, bold, yet dignified. They are aloof with strangers, often protective of family and property. They are great with well-behaved kids, and babies, as long as they were reared with them. Dominance varies greatly, as some males may be aggressive with male dogs in their home, while females can be bad-tempered and snappy.

Overview

Also known as the Dandie or the Hindlee Terrier, this is a breed of dog that belongs to the Terrier group. This interesting little breed has a body similar to that of a Dachshund, but they have a wavy and long coat, with puffed white hair on top of their heads.

Care

These dogs require regular brushing. They need professional grooming, as dead hair should be plucked at about once or twice in a year.

Training

These dogs are tricky to train. They require firm, consistent, and fun training sessions to make these puppies interested. They are intelligent but intelligent enough to question the judgment of their trainers. It is therefore imperative to use positive reinforcement as your approach to asserting your stand as the leader of the pack.

Housebreaking is an important part of training for new owners of these puppies. The key is to be around all the time while they are small, and never allowing them access to the areas where they can muddle up around the house.



Crate training is known to be effective for your dog's training as this allows them the opportunity for quiet time in a space where he can make it his territory, as well as a chance for early housetraining owners can work on.

Character

These dogs are generally lively, independent, and affectionate. They are friendly but can be stubborn at times. They are bold, unafraid, but remains dignified, even when playing. They are extremely loyal and can make excellent guard dogs. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is intelligent, playful, and fun especially when given enough attention.




Saturday, April 7, 2018

Unfortunate Impressions on BULL DOG TERRIER

Photo: Pixabay
People might be wondering why there is such a name as "bull dog". 

Originally, Great Britain and later, America were obsessed with bloody fights between bulls and dogs. The main function of the canine is to hang on to the bull's neck and worry the poor animal until it dies. Obviously, these dogs had developed great strength in their jaws. 

Among the popular choices of dogs for this sport were the pit bulls. Back then, the selection of pit bulls was so varied that many showed a variety of characteristics that made the sport highly interesting. Later in the life of the sport though, the center of attraction switched towards the fight between pit bulls and not against the bulls themselves.

From these canines rooted most of the bull dog terriers that we know of today. 

One of the significant bull dog terriers we have is the American Staffordshire Terrier who is of great interest since it possesses intriguing seemingly opposing characters. 

They project strength and physical power but they are not vicious. In fact, this dog is very much associated with its relationship to its family, especially among children. The physical features it has are now only due to their basic nature and orientation during their bloody fights as fighting machines. But this does not negate the fact that they can sometimes show aggressiveness which may somehow work against them. Nevertheless, this can be set off with their loving nature and devotion to human family. Thus, it has a stable temperament which makes them good pets and excellent watchdogs. 

AmStaff terrier, as it is called by its shorter name suffers in reputation though since it is commonly associated with pit bulls. These dogs are known for their love for the challenge and are therefore employed in illegal dog fighting. 

Most of the problems root from irresponsible training. Sadly, there are too few AmStaff that are properly trained. And what's even depressing is that there are innumerable pit bulls that are continually ill-treated by sadistic owners. 

We are often confused about what true pit bulls are. In fact, many contend that these dogs must not be called by that name since it elicits unwanted images of gory dogfights. While this breed is not yet officially recognized by the American Dog Breeders Association or the United Kennel Club, the legitimate name remains to be American Pit Bull Terrier. 

While it is true that American Pit Bull Terrier is violent in nature, this doesn't imply that they are made purely for brutal stuff. As we have earlier said, these dogs are only products of maltreatment and exploitive training (and inhumane) for self-serving purposes. Otherwise, American Pit Bull Terriers can be very people loving. 





These are also known for their being hardworking on which they excel from. They are also fond of excessive physical activities that would exhaust their power reserves. Thus, this breed is great for those who need company during athletic training. If you are the couch potato personality, please find another breed of dog that would suit your lifestyle. 

To clear things off, American Pit Bull Terrier is not officially recognized not because of its ill reputation but mainly due to beliefs that it is not a purebred. One major standard for a dog to be distinguished as a member of Kennel Clubs is that it should be purebred. Until more comprehensive findings on its origin are found, this dog will remain unfortunately tagged as "nasty".





Friday, April 6, 2018

General Steps to Start DOG AGILITY TRAINING

An Australian Shepherd doing agility at the Ro...
An Australian Shepherd doing agility
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you are planning to commence agility training for dogs, there are certain considerations that you have to carefully look into. This is important to ascertain that the training will yield good results. Agility training practically offers a rewarding experience for both the handler and the dog being trained. To effectively get started with the training, it is of the essence that you take note of the following information.

Above anything else, it is critical that you pay careful attention to the overall health of your dog. Before you begin with any types of agility regimen, it is crucial that the dog is fit to participate in such activity. That being said, it is highly advised that you consult the dog's veterinarian so he/she can provide you with a comprehensive physical and mental assessment of your dog. This is important so you can devise a training course that fits your dog's capabilities.

The way dogs respond to the training will vary greatly depending on their breed, size, personality, as well as their overall energy. For instance, smaller breed of dogs is more energetic than larger breeds of dogs, like Mastiffs or Great Danes. If you have a puppy, it is best to wait until it reaches at least 9 months old before you expose it to the training.

After preparing your dog for the agility training, you should now decide whether to enroll in agility classes or set up your own agility training course. There are various agility training clubs that provide extensive training programs for competing dogs. Most of the agility classes are geared towards teaching novice agility competitors. Seasoned handlers, on the other hand, prefer to build structured dog agility practice courses on their own. Since they have more experience, they are capable of training their dog independently. Typically, handlers decide to enroll in agility classes due to these reasons:

* To acquire proper training in a more appropriate environment that is away from all kinds of distractions
* To gain access to various types of agility equipment that are hard to build and require lots of space
* To seek guidance from trained and experienced handlers
* To expose themselves to enjoyable social venues that are normally provided by many dog agility training facilities



For those who decided to independently train their dogs, it is a must that you invest in useful and functional agility training equipment. You can either construct them from scratch or you can purchase pre-made ones. However, remember that a significant amount of money is needed to buy ready-made agility equipment. So, if you have a crunched budget, it will be more practical to design your own training equipment. You can research the net to find the official size and dimension of agility obstacles used in actual competitions.

To begin the agility training for dogs, you should introduce an appealing and comfortable training environment so that your dog will be at ease. Remember to always begin your training with basic commands, like sit, come, stay, and lie down. The dog being trained must appropriately respond to these commands to ascertain that it understands you.




Thursday, April 5, 2018

CRATE TRAINING From a Dog's Perspective

English: A greyhound lying in his wire dog crate
A greyhound lying in his wire dog crate
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When we look at dog crates through our human eyes, we may see a lot of different things: a cage or a place where we lock dogs up, something we can use to help transport dogs safely when they're travelling by car, a dog bed or in some unfortunate cases dog's bathroom... the list goes on and on. Crates have been used for many different reasons and purposes; however, in more recent years there have been those that do not agree on whether we should or should not be using them. The majority of professional dog professionals say that crates are an extremely useful tool for training dogs, while there are some people that believe that placing a dog inside a crate may actually be cruel.

The Canine Perspective:

But if we wish to understand what creates really represent for dogs, we must look at them through their world and not our human perspective. This is not to say pets are not part of your family, but rather only that your dog has different needs than its human family members. These feelings may come up after new pet owners buy a crate and start to train their puppy, only to stop short of seeing the benefits because they cannot bear the perceived suffering or unhappiness that their new pet is displaying.

Imagine this: you're a young puppy. You live in a strange, noisy world and you're surrounded by these strange creatures who make funny noises and want to grab you and touch you all the time. All of the sudden, they place you in a cold, scary place and close the door. You're stuck in that place and all you want to do is to get out. But you can't. Naturally, you whelp and try to get out. You stay there for hours, you feel like you've done something terribly wrong and, therefore, you are being punished. You do not understand why and are very confused. You continue to cry out, bark, and beg for these strange creatures to "let me out! Let me out!", but they ignore you. What a horrible scenario, isn't it?

Human Empathy:

When people say crates are cruel, they're visualizing this scenario. That all crating is done in this fashion and that dogs would prefer not to be caged. If dogs had a human understanding of the world than it certainly would be cruel as it is certainly clear that humans do not thrive when caged. This is not the same as a dog's perspective. Please note that care should be taken to buy the right dog crate sizes so that they have adequate space to lie and sit down, but not so much that it encourages using it as a potty. Most models come with a divider that allows the space to grow with the puppy.

In the end, these thoughts act to put a real human face, with human emotions on their dog's experience when in reality this scenario is nothing more than poor crate training. This scenario contradicts the whole purpose of dog crates as a valuable training tool and is not how a puppy should be introduced to their crate.

Proper Dog Crate Training:

When the dog crate is correctly used, here's an example of what will happen: the strange (but incredibly nice) creatures place a weird box in front of you. Since you're a curious puppy, you sniff it and when you do so, they offer you the most delicious treat. Wow! You take a step forward and, oh! Here comes another treat! You start to understand that when you show any interest in that strange box, good things happen. So you decide to explore a bit further and you get inside the box. In there, you find a very comfortable blanket, as well as a toy stuffed with puppy food. This is amazing! You lay down and start to play with that chew toy; you feel warm, safe and relaxed. With time, you start to look at that strange box as a safe place; where you can sleep, relax and feel great. And when something scares you or makes you feel unsafe, you know you will always have your crate: nothing bad could ever happen to you while you're in there because it has become your den!



Crates should mean this to dogs and your training should be driven towards this objective. They should look at crates and see a safe, calm, enjoyable place to be and sometimes escape to... We just need to know how to use them and perhaps most importantly, be patient.

Curious about how you can accomplish that? Keep your eyes out for our next article!



Wednesday, April 4, 2018

AIREDALE TERRIER - Dogs of the World

Airedale Terrier - Dogs of the World



Tuesday, April 3, 2018

CHINESE DOG Breeds - Symbols of Luck and Protection

Pog - Mops - Photo. Pixabay
Chinese New Year, which occurs on January 23rd, 2012, will mark the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. The Chinese use animals to represent each of their zodiac signs: the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, pig, rat...and dog. While we won't be celebrating the Year of the Dog again until 2018 (I would know for my animal sign is the dog), I thought it would still be a good idea to dedicate this week's "Good Dog" article to dogs of Chinese origin.

The Chinese believe that dogs bring good "yang" energy into our homes. They create bright, positive, active energy and provide us with comfort and security. Dogs even influence Chinese mythology and represent some important symbols of good fortune and protection.

There are at least a dozen dog breeds of Chinese descent - these breeds include:

• Bone-mouth Shar Pei
• Chinese Chongqing Dog
• Chinese Imperial Dog
• Chow Chow
• Kunming Wolfdog
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Shar Pei
Shih Tzu

While I would love to go into detail about every one of these unique breeds, I have chosen to highlight the three most popular ones based on our customers' opinions. So here it is - the most widely owned Chinese dog breeds are: the Shih Tzu, Pug, and Chinese Crested (Sorry Chow Chow...better luck next year).

English: Shih Tzu Deutsch: Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Deutsch: Shih Tzu
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Shih Tzu - The Little Lion Dog

Did you know that the average Shih Tzu is less than 12 inches tall and range from 8 to 16 lbs.? Don't let their small stature fool you though. The Shih Tzu (which means "Lion Dog") is thought to be a descendant of the wolf - specifically, an ancient Chinese wolf known as the Senji, which had drop ears, a short muzzle, and big, dark eyes.

The colors of a Shih Tzu's coat can vary wildly. Many are solid and have coats that are black, white, brown, liver, and blue. Others can be bi-colored, including black and white, liver and white, silver and white, brindle and white, and black and gold. Their coats grow quickly and can be either long or short. In fact, the coat of the
long-coated Shih Tzu will often touch the ground even while the dog is standing.

According to the UK Kennel Club, the average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is more than 13 years with many reaching the ages of 16 to 20. However, the Shih Tzu breed is known to be subject to some not-so-fortunate health issues. Among these are IVD (Intervertebral Disk Disease), hip dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, and, like all dogs with short muzzles, they can be prone to breathing problems.

Yet don't let these concerns distress you. The "lion dog" can be an excellent companion. Their disposition is playful and affectionate and they generally get along well with other animals. Plus they make great watchdogs because they are very brave and always on alert.

Chinese crested
Chinese Crested
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Chinese Crested - Charming and Affectionate

The Chinese Crested dog comes in two varieties: Hairless and Powderpuff. Powderpuffs have a long, soft coat that changes in appearance depending on how they are groomed.

Then there is the hairless variety - in fact, there are actually two varieties of hairless crested: true hairless and hairy hairless. True hairless dogs have very little to no fur at all, while hairy hairless dogs have patches of hair on the head (crest), paws (socks), and tail (plume).

While the average Chinese crested has a longevity of 12 to 14 years, there are some health problems that could shorten their life expectancy. Ocular and dental problems can be common, as well as allergies and immune disorders. (Interestingly enough, the dental issues are far more common in the hairless variety.) More severe problems include patellar luxation, which can cause the kneecaps to become dislodged, resulting in lameness. Another serious issue is Canine Multiple System Degeneration. This can lead to a dog walking with a "drunken gait" or falling down while climbing stairs or making a fast turn.

The Chinese Crested makes a great family animal as they are very affectionate, charming and quite loveable. Just make sure that your kids are gentle with this pup. Since they don't have the protective coat that other breeds have, Chinese crested can injure easily.

Pugs - A Symbol of Chinese Mythology

The pug resembles the ancient Chinese mythical creature, the Fu Dog. Fu dogs were thought of as imperial guardians and according to folklore were said to be able to transform into dragons. It is actually very common to see statues of these animals placed at the doorways of Chinese businesses and in the home to protect against burglars and evil spirits.

Similarly to the Shih Tzu, pugs have a short muzzle and a scrunched face. They are also similar in size, weighing 14 to 18 lbs. Other distinctive features of the pug include a curved tail and predominant wrinkles that cover the face and head.

While Pugs can come in a variety of colors, including black, white (extremely rare), fawn, apricot fawn, silver, and brindle, the American Kennel Club only considers black and fawn colors to be "standard".

Pugs have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, but obesity can be an issue if the dog has a fairly sedentary lifestyle. Pugs can also suffer from Pug Dog Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), Hemivertebrae (congenitally deformed vertebrae), hip dysplasia, reverse sneezing, and (I'm not joking) overheating.


They are known for displaying an even temperament and are dogs that love to please their owners. Pugs are rarely aggressive and are good for families with children.

I hope you enjoyed this article about Chinese dog breeds. May you have good fortune, prosperity, health, wealth, and happiness.

    By Robert Mueller
    Robert Mueller, BSc, Pharm. is a registered pharmacist, author of "Living Enzymes: The World's Best Kept Pet Food Secret", and co-developer of BARF World's BARF diets patties, nuggets and supplements - the first company to make the Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods (BARF) diet conveniently available to animals everywhere. He and his wife love to travel around the world with their dog, Ubi - a sheltie/beagle mix. For more articles like these and to learn more about the benefits of raw food for your pets, sign up for The Intelligent Pet monthly e-zine at http://www.barfworld.com.

    Article Source: EzineArticles