Here are some great search tools that I thought I would pass on...hope you find them helpful! –Kim
Searth Tools from Petfinder™
Adopt one of over 200,000 dogs available right now on Petfinder! Many are available in your local area!
Making a Difference
Adopting the Right Dog for You
Valuable Resource...
Who Else Thinks Dog Toys are
RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE?
WHY NOT SAVE BIG BUCKS AND JUST MAKE YOUR OWN?
Save money, make your pooch happy and stop lining the pockets of pet store chains!
Everyone knows dogs love to run and chew, and this is natural for any dog. Puppies tend to teethe, and just like children, they will put anything in their mouth.
As a pet owner, you get to offer some acceptable solutions to this natural process, hopefully deterring the teething pup away from the more unacceptable items.Nonetheless, the pup will choose something homemade over something store bought because the smell from store bought items are nowhere near as appealing as items already in the home.
Making HomeMade dog toys is COST-EFFECTIVE, imaginative, and down right fun. Almost anything in the home has the potential to be a dog toy, and believe me, your dog is well aware of this fact.When bored, your favorite cushion sure will feel good on those teething incisors, and the smell is simply wonderful!
Those curtains hanging there sure do move nicely and make this interesting sound, and your dog will thoroughly enjoy finding out what is making that sound.Let’s face it – your home is a cornucopia of interesting smells and sounds with everything you hold dear having the potential to be an enormous dog chew.
Instead of allowing your best friend to envision your belongings as a favorite new toy, or an adversary needing to be ripped to shreds, pet owners offer special toys to their dog. This is how a dog learns what is an acceptable opponent, and what is not so acceptable.Making homemade pet toys is an ideal method of allowing your dog the benefit of personal scents you naturally add to the homemade item instead of the sterile or mixed scents of those store bought items.
It's Also a Great Way to Teach Your Kids the Value of a Dollar and Inspire Them Creatively!Continued - List of toys you can easily make, plus five BONUS books....
Here are two great tools that I thought I would pass on...hope you find them helpful! –Kim
Search Tools from Pedigree®
Breed Gallery
This easy-to-use Breed Gallery chart will give you information about numerous common breeds to help you find one that matches your lifestyle.
Find Your Perfect Match
This easy-to-use Select-A-Dog® tool will help you find the breeds that best match your lifestyle.
Every dog owner cringes at the thought of their pet chasing a squirrel across a busy intersection, paying no mind to their owner. Dogs might be man’s best friend, but only if they are trained correctly. Proper pet training ensures your dog will come to you when called, stay on command, and be a polite animal citizen. Obedient dogs make for both a happier owner and safer pooch.Valuable Resource...
You CAN Heal Your Sick Pet at Home,
Without Going to the Vet...
In Less than 24 Hours, I Can Show You How to Examine, Diagnose and Treat Your Pet at Home.
Dr. Andrew Jones, DVMDear fellow pet lover,
If you're not ready to make some simple changes to the way you provide veterinary care to your pet, beginning today....
Here is How I know:
My dog died young, only 8 years old. He was a mixed breed dog, a specimen of health. He was given a ton of attention, exercised three times a day, fed only Veterinary Approved food, and given all his vaccines. He had the "ideal" life. Hoochie passed away in my arms from a massive tumor bleed at 12:02pm on April 12, 2003 – the saddest day of my life.
I asked myself... why?
I thought that he was incredibly healthy. I was sure I was doing all of the right things for him.
I'm Dr. Andrew Jones, and I have practiced Veterinary Medicine for over a decade. Over the past 17 years I have treated literally thousands of pets for a whole variety of problems, and I currently own the Nelson Animal Hospital in Nelson BC, Canada (http://www.nelsonvet.com/). But, my beloved dog Hoochie is gone.
You are fortunate... it's not too late for you and your pet. Just read on and find out exactly what you must do now.
Conventional veterinary medicine may be harming your pet – and I can show you step-by-step what you must do to prevent it. "Regular" veterinary care has lost its effectiveness over the years, and in some cases is actually causing illness in our pets.
Alternative pet health care has grown over the past few years, but the truth is that Veterinarians have STRONGLY discouraged pet owners from treating their pets outside of the Vet Clinic.
The entire Pet Health Industry has a vested interest in discrediting alternative medicines which can safely, naturally and effectively allow pet owners to care for their pets at home.
STOP AND READ THIS
Lock the door, Unplug the phone, and do whatever you can to have 10 undivided minutes... Get ready to read about how you could be saving the life of your pet starting now!
"I began to notice something unusual..."
Slowly, I began to notice something unusual about Hoochie. He really just wasn't the same. He was reluctant to go for his morning dog walk, which was always the highlight of his day.
I dismissed it as him feeling a bit off, some mild stomach issue or maybe a touch of arthritis... but it didn't pass. In fact, it got worse.
I eventually did a blood test on Hoochie, thinking at that point that he had a tooth infection. However, much to my horror, I quickly found out that he had a spleen tumor.
Immediately, I performed surgery on Hoochie and removed the spleen tumor. But I was too late - the cancer had already spread to his liver, and I knew that very soon, he would die.
How did an apparently healthy
mixed breed dog die so young?
I came to question exactly what I did to my own pet – and what was I doing to other people's pets.
Through my questioning, I came to realize that most Veterinarians (including me as well, at the time) are not "getting it" – that in the process of trying to heal pets through technological advances, we are actually making them sicker!
There are 3 mistakes that I made that contributed to Hoochie's early death...
...are you making these same mistakes with your own dog?
...Or Plot?!...
This is so classic that I had to post it....
I was on the phone this afternoon with one of my young-adult-single daughters*, who is currently living out of state with two of her own rescues – a Mini Schnauzer and little Doxie mix.
My daughter was in the process of enjoying a rare lunch break at home before her upcoming, extremely arduous evening shift. As a struggling young songwriter, musician and performing artist carrying the pressures of a mortgage, utilities, car repairs, insurance and the various urgent needs of daily life on her own, lunches like this are a relative luxury, as her refrigerator is usually empty.
Otis (the Schnauzer) was laying on the couch next to her, alternately eyeing her plate and chewing a squeaky toy. Suddenly, I heard her exclaim in an anxious voice, "OH, NO! There are two lost dogs running around in the street outside my house – a little Pug and a Weimaraner – without any collars!"
My daughter watched the dogs for a minute, and I could feel, even through the phone lines, the pull on her heart for these two wanderers. Suddenly I heard her exclaim, "What?! They stopped and they're looking at my house! The window is open and they can hear the squeaky toy!" It seems the piercing squeak of the toy Otis was happily chewing was acting as a homing beacon, drawing the two lost dogs straight to her front door.
"Oh, no! They're running into my yard! Oh my gosh!... They're… they're running right up on the front porch!!" I told her I'd call her back and hung up the phone. Several minutes passed....
Not hearing anything and overcome with curiosity, I called her back after about fifteen minutes. A rather annoyed voice answered the phone. "Hello..."
"So, what happened?" I asked.
"Well, when I went to the door, I heard someone calling them and they took off down the street. (Long painful pause.) Then I went back to sit down and finish my lunch... but... MY SANDWICH WAS GONE!"
She continued forlornly, "I looked at Otis, who was QUIETLY sitting on the couch, looking very pleased with himself. 'Otis,' I said, 'did you eat my sandwich?' MOM... HE LOOKED AT ME ... AND BURPED!"
I assured her, after unsuccessfully trying to contain my own amusement, that someday she will look back at this time in her life and laugh.
But somehow, at least right now, she doesn't quite believe me.
—Kim
*Our three talented twenty-something daughters currently perform as a band called SelahVie. They share a home together with their own rescues: two Mini Schnauzers, a Dachshund, a Dachshund mix, a Chihuahua and little Terrier mix.Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim
How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth
By Peggy Frezon, Rensselaer, New York
Your veterinarian probably tells you to brush your dog's teeth. I know – if you're like me, it's hard enough to remind your kids to brush their teeth. With all we have to fit in a day, brushing a dog's teeth may be the last thing we can tackle on our expanding To-Do list.
But I've learned that dental care is important to a pet's overall health. So I'm making more of an effort to brush Kelly's teeth. And, it really is quick and easy, once you get the hang of it. Here are some simple steps you can follow:
Most veterinarians suggest brushing daily. I admit I fall short of this. But if you can try for once or twice a week, that's a good start. Make it a part of your routine, like before bed or the evening walk.
Peggy Frezon, freelance writer and pet lover, has owned dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, hermit crabs, turtles and fish. Visit here twice monthly to read helpful tips on caring for your pets and check out her blog.Source: http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth.html
Here's a wonderful story that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it inspiring! –Kim
As a puppy, ChiChi was rescued from abusive owners. Years later, at the ripe old age of 13, the Chihuahua-mix returned the favor by saving the lives of two elderly women in danger of drowning at a beach. This month, ChiChi was voted Reader's Digest Hero Pet of the Year.
Before he became a hero, ChiChi had been living with cruel owners who thought it entertaining to beat, kick and throw the little dog out of a moving car. Mary and Rick Lane's niece Heather saved the pup and soon moved in with her aunt and uncle in Greensboro, North Carolina, while attending a nearby college. Aunt Mary wasn't looking to bring a dog into her home, but when ChiChi came into the picture, something all too common happened.
"I fell head over heels in love with him," Mary told Paw Nation. "He's so smart and expressive," she said. "His ears perk up and do one of about 50 different things. He has so many ways of telling me what he wants to do, exactly how he wants to do it, and when he wants to do it." She fell so hard for the guy that when Heather eventually moved out, her niece graciously allowed ChiChi to stay with the Lanes.
And now, Mary and Rick have even more reason to love little ChiChi: he is a literal lifesaver.
Last October, Mary, Rick and ChiChi were enjoying a day at Indian Beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The Lanes set up a blanket and umbrella for their dog, tying his leash to the beach chair they brought for him because, "He doesn't like to lie on the sand," explains Mary. The three sat in a row on their beach chairs, the Lanes reading and ChiChi dozing.
It was late morning when the Lanes heard a little boy in the water shouting, "Help! Help!" Alarmed, the Lanes looked up, but the boy was only joking. The boy played this frightening trick several more times, and each time, the Lanes looked up worriedly. But ChiChi didn't stir.
As the day turned to dusk, the beach emptied. Deeply engrossed in their books, they didn't notice two women in the water.
Suddenly, ChiChi leapt out of his chair and started barking furiously. "He was whirling in circles, dragging the chair behind him and making a sound we'd never heard before," Mary recalls to Paw Nation. "It was very sharp, loud and fast. He seemed panicked and was almost twirling on his leash."
Startled, Mary looked up. "A hundred yards down the beach, in the surf, I could see two women," she says. "They were struggling. One was on her back with her head in the surf, and the other woman was trying to support her head."
Rick and Mary took off running down the beach. "We're coming! Hold on," they screamed.
"When we got there, the one woman was about ten feet in the surf on her back," Mary says. "There had been such a terrific storm that weekend and the night before that the waves were really loud. There was a three-foot wall of sand then the beach sloped down."
The women appeared to be in their nineties. Mary grabbed the frail-looking woman who was desperately trying to keep her friend's head above water and helped her to shore. Rick went to the woman struggling on her back and dragged her up. She was disoriented and said she had fallen in the water when she lost her balance bending over to roll up her pants.
"Thank you for rescuing us," the woman gasped, explaining that she had just had knee surgery and would not have been able to right herself and crawl up the sloping wall of sand to shore.
"It wasn't us, it was the dog," Mary replied. "He's the one who told us you were in trouble." Had ChiChi not alerted them, the women would likely have washed out to sea. "There was a riptide," Mary says. "And as far as you could see in either direction, there wasn't one human being on the whole beach."
Mary cannot explain how ChiChi knew something was wrong – remember, the pup didn't look up earlier in the day when the little boy cried wolf – but he sounded an alarm when the two elderly women, who hadn't made a sound, were struggling in the surf.
"I think ChiChi has some sort of sense that we don't have. It's the only answer," says Mary. "In all the pet stories I've ever read, the animals were always saving someone they know, like their family or friend. ChiChi wasn't. He was saving strangers. I didn't know I had a dog who could do such a thing."
ChiChi meanwhile, had jumped back onto his beach chair and fallen asleep during the dramatic rescue. When the elderly women tried to pet him, he growled. "He's a funny little dog," says Mary, laughing. "He'll save your life, but you can't pet him."
Source: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/24/chichi-the-chihuahua-mix-named-hero-pet-of-the-year/
© 2009 The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
Here's a great series that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim
Basic Breed Information – Part 1
Collie
The Collie is a lovely, active and agile, long-coated sheepdog made famous by the movie star, Lassie. The lean, blunted, wedge-shaped head gives an impression of lightness. The top of the head is flat. The face is chiseled, and the long, smooth, well-rounded, blunt muzzle tapers to a black nose. The ears are ¾ erect with the tips folding forward. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark, except in the case of blue merles that may have blue or merle eyes. The trim but muscular body is slightly longer than it is tall. The chest is strong and fairly wide, and the tailbone hangs down to the dog's hocks.
In the Rough variety (left), an abundant double coat forms a mane around the neck and chest. The coat needs regular weekly grooming to look its best. The Smooth variety (see picture below) has a one-inch coat that needs very little grooming. With both varieties, the hair on the head and legs is short and smooth. They both come in sable and white, tri-color (black, white & tan), blue merle or predominantly white with sable, tri-color or blue merle markings.
A noble, highly intelligent dog, the Collie is sensitive, sweet, kind, easy to train and loyal. She is usually good with other pets and friendly with other dogs, very devoted to and protective of his loved ones. One Collie travelled 2,000 miles to find his family after she became lost. Collies have received the Ken-L-Ration Hero Dog award five times. She is an excellent children's companion, playful and gentle. Without a firm, but calm, confident and consistent owner who sets the rules and sticks to them, she can become willful, stubborn and indolent.
This breed should be trained gently, but with an air of authority or she will refuse to cooperate. Some exhibit herding behavior as puppies, nipping at people's heels and need to be taught not to herd humans. Adult dogs generally outgrow this behavior if you are consistant with them. Collie puppies house train quickly, generally in about a week (after about 10-12 weeks old). They are good-natured, friendly, dogs. They are energetic outdoors. Socialize them well to prevent them from becoming wary of strangers. It has a fairly good sense of protectiveness for its master, especially for children. They are not aggressive, but they do tend to be suspicious of people they do not like. Daily pack walks are important.
Collies are generally healthy dogs. Some lines are prone to PRA, eye defects and hip problems leading to acute lameness and arthritis. Seeing your veterinarian is advisable for a clearance certificate before purchasing a puppy. The tip of a Collie's nose can be sensitive to the sun. The Collie is a very popular breed, resulting more recently in the sale of many inferior animals with poor health and/or temperaments.
The Collie will do okay in an apartment, as long as they are sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. They are sensitive to the heat and provide plenty of shade and fresh water in warm weather. The Collie needs plenty of exercise that includes a daily, long walk. In addition, they would enjoy some romps off the leash in a safe area.
The spectacular stiff coat sheds dirt readily, and a thorough weekly brushing will keep it in good condition. Take extra care when the soft dense undercoat is being shed. The Smooth variety has a one-inch coat that should be brushed every one to two weeks. If the long coated variety has a BIG matt, and the dog is not being used for show, the matt may need to be cut out, as opposed to combed out, to avoid pain to the dog. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. This breed sheds heavily twice a year.
For centuries, the Rough Coated Collie was hardly known outside Scotland, but it is now one of the world's most popular breeds. Descended from generations of hard-working herding dogs, it is a conscientious creature of immense intelligence. It is used as a water rescue dog and has served man as a sheepdog for centuries, guarding and herding flocks. The breed's name probably comes from its charge; the Scottish black-faced sheep called the Colley. Early Rough Collies were smaller, with broader heads and shorter muzzles.
The Collie is so intelligent that she has been trained for many purposes: as a rescue dog, guide for the blind, movie star and as a guard dog. Queen Victoria kept Collies at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and her interest launched the breed's subsequent popularity. J.P. Morgan and other members of the upper class have owned Collies. At this point, Collies were mixed with the Borzoi, and ALL show dogs had to have the Borzoi influence for them to win in the show ring. The working dogs separated, branched out and became the different breeds (with the Scotch Collie remaining) and the show type became what we see now, the large dogs with flatter faces.
The Collies' great beauty has made them a favorite show dog and family companion. The Smooth Collie is more popular as a companion dog in Great Britain than in the United States, though she is gaining popularity in the U.S. today. The Smooth Collie is the same as the Rough Collie, but without the long coat. The AKC considers the Rough and Smooth Collies as varieties of the same breed. They are judged by the same standard with the exception of the coat. The first Collie was presented at a dog show in 1860.
For more in-depth Collie training info, check out: Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by Dog Breed Info Center (©2009 Dog Breed Info Center®). For more information on Collie Obedience Training, visit the Dog Training Zone!
Dalmation
The familiar dapper black & white spotted dog of Disney fame, the Dalmatian is a symmetrical, muscular medium-sized dog with superior endurance. A picture of elegance, the Dalmatian has the lean, clean lines of the pointer, to which it may be related. It has a short, hard, dense coat of pure white with black or liver colored spots randomly splashed over it. The spots can be black, brown (liver), lemon, dark blue, tri colored, brindled, solid white (highly discouraged in show dogs) or sable.
The feet are round with well-arched toes, and the nails are either white or the same color as the spots. The nose can be either black, brown (liver), or blue or a dark gray that looks like black. The eyes are dark brown, amber or blue, with an intelligent expression. The ears are soft, narrowing toward the point, carried with a slight upward curve. The more defined and well distributed the marking, the more valued the dog. Puppies are born completely white and the spots develop later.
Dalmatians were bred to run under or along-side of horse-drawn carriages and therefore have a vast amount of stamina and energy. They do not like to just sit around all day with nothing to do. They are playful, happy-go-lucky, sensitive and loyal. The Dalmatian needs a lot of leadership, along with human companionship, in order to be happy. For this reason they do not make good yard dogs. The Dalmatian enjoys playing with children, but if they do not receive enough mental and physical exercise, they may become too rambunctious for toddlers. They get along well with other pets, but without proper human to dog alpha communication where the human clearly tells the dog that he is not in charge and fighting is an unwanted behavior, they may become aggressive with strange dogs. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they will become high-strung, and can be timid without enough socialization.
Quite intelligent, Dalmatians can be willful if they sense their owners are in the slightest bit meek or passive, and or if the owner is not properly communicating with the dog. Generally, they do well with firm, consistent training. The Dalmatian is trainable to a high degree of obedience. They can be trained for defense and are good watchdogs. Dalmatians often have large litters, sometimes up to 15 pups.
Fifty percent of people who adopt a Dalmatian puppy do not keep them past the first year. Young Dalmatians are very energetic, and need a lot of leadership and exercise. If you give them what they instinctually need, daily walks where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human (never in front of the person holding the lead) and very stern but not harsh leadership, they will make a wonderful pet and will calm down after a few years.
People who keep them long enough to get past their active stage tend to be very pleased. If you are thinking about adopting a Dalmatian puppy, be sure you have the time, are authority driven and have the energy for them. If you cannot provide this for them, they will become very high strung, hard to manage and destructive. If you are a very active person who has the time, and know what it means to be a pack leader, then a Dalmatian may be right for you.
Deafness affects 10-12% of Dalmatian puppies. Every Dalmatian puppy should be BAER-tested for deafness, and totally deaf puppies should be spayed or neutered. They should be checked as a puppy at about six weeks old. Deaf dogs are very difficult to raise and often become aggressive and snappish from fear. Urinary stones and skin allergies (especially to synthetic fibers in carpets and upholstery) are also sometimes inherited. Uric acid levels in Dalmatians are higher than in any other breed, sometimes causing urinary blockage. Veterinarians may recommend a low protein diet for this breed to prevent urinary tract problems.
A Dalmatian is not an ideal dog for apartment dwellers, unless it can be taken out for a brisk walk or run several times a day. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. This breed should not be kept outside in the cold.
This is a very energetic dog with enormous stamina. It needs to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks or jogs where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead. Never allow it to walk in front, as instinct tells a dog that the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. In addition, it needs plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe area. If this dog is allowed to get bored, and is not walked or jogged daily, it can become destructive and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems. Dalmatians love to run!
The Dalmatian sheds profusely twice a year. It is a hardy, easy to keep breed, though frequent brushing is needed to cope with constant shedding. It does not have a doggy odor and is said to be clean and even avoid puddles. Bathe only when necessary.
There is total disagreement about the origin of this breed. Traces of it are found in Egyptian Bas-reliefs and Hellenic friezes, so it certainly is an ancient breed. In 1700, a dog known as the Bengal pointer, similar to the Dalmatian, existed in England, calling into question the Dalmatians Yugoslavian origin. Some claim the Dalmatian is a Croatian breed. Efforts to have it recognized as an indigenous Croatian breed had been aggravated by this state of affairs, at least up until 1993, when the FCI did finally recognize the Croatian roots of the Dalmatian, although they continue to deny Croatia standard patronage rights over the breed.
In the Middle Ages, the Dalmatian was used as a hound. The breed became popular as a carriage dog in the 1800s. They trotted beside (and even among) the horses and then guarded the carriages and horses while the master was occupied elsewhere. It followed its master with exceptional reliability and hardiness, whether its master was on foot, on horseback or in a carriage. The versatile Dalmatian has seen many uses, before and since, as a mascot for firemen, war sentinel, circus performer, vermin hunter, hound, shepherd and guard dog. Today, this beautiful breed is primarily a companion dog.
For more in-depth Dalmatian training info, check out: Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by Dog Breed Info Center (©2009 Dog Breed Info Center®). For more information on Dalmatian Obedience Training, visit the Dog Training Zone!
Pug
The Pug has a square, thickset, stocky, compact body, with a sleek, soft coat that comes in apricot, fawn, black and silver – all with a short, flat, black muzzle and velvety ears. Rose shaped ears are preferred. Moles on the cheeks are considered beauty spots. The eyes are prominent, expressive, dark and lustrous. The teeth should meet in a slightly undershot bite. The back is short, with a level topline. Their tail lays in a tight curl, or in the best specimens, a double curl on the back. Their limbs are straight and strong, which gives them a jaunty, rolling gait that is quite distinctive.
A Pug is "a lot of dog in a small space." It is perky, rambunctious and loyal, affectionate and loving, with a happy disposition. It is playful and charming. Clever and mischievous – with a heart-winning personality. It can be a bit willful if it senses it is stronger-minded than the humans around it. Highly intelligent, it bores easily with repetitive training practices. Pugs are sensitive to the tone of your voice, so harsh punishment is unnecessary. They need an owner who is calm, yet firm, confident and consistent with the rules. The dog is neither excitable nor dull. They are good watchdogs, very devoted, and are not yappers.
Pugs get along well with other dogs and pets, and they behave impeccably with both children and visitors. Be sure to be your Pug's pack leader. Pugs who do not have strong human leaders can become jealous, and begin to display guarding behaviors, such as guarding furniture, food, toys or other spots in the house. This behavior only happens when the dogs are allowed to take over. These behaviors can be corrected when the owners start displaying proper leadership. Dogs who feel they need to run the home are not as happy as dogs who know they are human followers, as it is very stressful for a dog to need to keep "his" humans in line.
Pugs catch colds easily and are stressed by hot and cold weather. They are prone to allergies and the short muzzle contributes to chronic breathing problems. (Pugs suffer from poor ventilation.) They are not the easiest whelpers. Expect a Cesarean Section, if breeding. There is a chance of keratites (inflammation of the cornea) and ulcers on the cornea. The delicate eyes are prone to weeping. This breed tends to wheeze and snore, but on the whole is a very easy-care dog. Do not overfeed a Pug, as it will eat more than is good for it, quickly becoming obese and living a much shorter life. Pugs are prone to skin problems and Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), an inflammation of the brain that strikes adolescent Pugs usually between the ages of two and three. The cause is unknown.
The Pug is good for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. It cannot withstand hot or cold weather, and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature.
Pugs are strong dogs with short straight legs. They need to be taken on daily walks. Never allow the dog to walk in front, as instinct tells them that the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. They enjoy energetic games and will keep in better health if given regular exercise. But be careful not to over do it, especially if you see them start to wheeze.
The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush and comb with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. After bathing, dry him quickly and thoroughly to prevent a chill. The creases on the face must be cleaned regularly. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.
One of the older breeds, the Pug is believed to have originated before 400 BC in Asia. There is somewhat of a debate over the origin of the Pug. Some experts think it came from the Lowlands, brought back from the Far East by Dutch traders. It is possibly of Oriental stock, descended from a short-haired Pekingese, but another theory is that it is the result of crossing a small Bulldog. Yet another school of thought is that it is a miniature form of the rare French Mastiff called Dogue de Bordeaux.
Pugs were a favorite of the artist Hogarth, who included his pet Pug, "Trump," in several of his works. From the sixteenth century, it became a fashionable adornment of the European Courts, reaching its peak of popularity in Victorian times. He was a pet at Tibetan monasteries and later traveled to Japan. The Pug then came to Europe, where the endearing little dog was the pet of royalty in several countries and even became the official dog of the House of Orange in Holland.
A Pug saved William, Prince of Orange's life by alerting him to the approaching Spaniards in 1572 at Hermingny. Napoleon's wife, Josephine, sent secret messages to her husband under the collar of her Pug while she was in prison. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in 1860, they discovered several Pugs and Pekingese, and brought the little dogs back to England with them. The AKC recognized the Pug in 1885, and the breed has since become a popular companion dog. Some of the Pug's talents include being a watchdog and performing tricks.
For more in-depth Pug training info, check out: Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by Dog Breed Info Center (©2009 Dog Breed Info Center®). For more information on Pug Obedience Training, visit the Dog Training Zone!
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a very large, strong, muscular dog, with a powerful head. As long as the weight stays in proportion with the height, the taller the dog, the more prized. There are two types of coat: rough and smooth, but both are very dense and come in white with markings in tan, red, mahogany, brindle and black – in various combinations. The face and ears are usually shaded with black and the expression is intelligent and gentle.
In the rough-coated dogs, the hair is slightly longer and there is feathering on the thighs and legs. The feet are large with strong well-arched toes, making the St. Bernard's sure-footed in the snow and ice. They have a highly developed sense of smell and also seem to have a sixth sense about impending danger from storms and avalanches.
Saint Bernards are extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant of children. They are slow moving, patient and obedient. Extremely loyal, this breed wants to please. Since this dog is so large, be sure to socialize it very well at a young age with other people. It is highly intelligent and easy to train; however, training should begin early, while the dog is still a manageable size. Teach this dog not to jump on humans, starting at puppy-hood. Bear in mind that an unruly dog of this size presents a problem for even a strong adult, if it is to be exercised in public areas on a leash, so take control from the onset.
The St. Bernard is a good watchdog. Even its size is a good deterrent. They drool after they drink or eat. Be sure you remain the dog's pack leader. Dogs want nothing more than to know what is expected of them, and the St. Bernard is no exception. Allowing a dog of this magnitude to be unruly can be dangerous and shows poor ownership skills.
Thay have general good health, but some are prone to "wobbler" syndrome, heart problems, skin problems, hip dysplasia and extropion – a folding outward of the eyelid rim, usually on the lower lid. Also, watch for twisted stomachs. As these dogs are prone to bloat, it is best to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal.
Saint Bernards will do okay in an apartment, if they are sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. They can live outdoors, but would much rather be with their family. They have a low tolerance for hot weather, warm rooms and cars.
A long walk each day is needed to keep the Saint Bernard in good mental and physical condition. Puppies should not have too much exercise at one time, until their bones are well formed and strong. Short walks and brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old.
Both types of coats are easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Shampoo may strip the coat of its oily, water-resistant properties, so use a mild soap. The eyes may be inclined to water, and need special attention to keep them clean and free of irritants. This breed sheds twice a year.
This is a very ancient breed. It was founded in AD 980 by St. Bernard de Menthon as a refuge for travelers through the perilous Alpine pass between Switzerland and Italy. It is descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, and therefore, must have originated with the Mastiff brought to the Alps by the Romans around the year 1000. The monks probably crossed the ancient mastiff with the Great Dane and the Great Pyrenees. Its use and popularity as a rescue dog began in the middle of the seventeenth century.
The Saint Bernard was used as an avalanche and rescue dog in the snowy passes near the Hospice. More then 2,000 people were saved by this amazing servant of mankind. The dogs search out and find the lost or injured traveler, and then lick him and lie next to him to give him warmth. Then, one dog from the party heads back to the Hospice to get a full rescue team. The St. Bernard's sense of smell is so excellent that he can find a person even under many feet of snow. This breed is also known for his ability to foretell storms and avalanches, perhaps because he may hear very low frequency sounds that are beyond our ability to hear.
There are two varieties: short-haired and long-haired. The short-haired variety is more often used for mountain work because he can tolerate cold temperatures. The long-haired variety's coat tends to collect icicles. Some of the St. Bernard's talents are search and rescue, watchdog and carting.
For more in-depth Saint Bernard training info, check out: Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by Dog Breed Info Center (©2009 Dog Breed Info Center®). For more information on Saint Bernard Obedience Training, visit the Dog Training Zone!
Here's a great series that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim
Basic Breed Information – Part 2
Chinese Crested
There are two distinct varieties of the Chinese Crested dog: one is hairless except for its feet, head and tail (and called, not surprisingly, the Hairless; see dog on right side of picture); the other is called the Powder Puff (it has a coat of long soft hair; see dog on left side of picture). Both come in numerous colors, either solid, mixed or spotted all over. They have a broad skull and a long muzzle. Eyes are dark, and ears are erect. Strangely, the two types often come in the same litter.
The most popular of the hairless breeds, the Chinese Crested, is still very rare. These dogs are sweet, lively, playful and cuddly. They are exceptionally loving and affectionate with children. Children should be taught not to be rough with this breed, as it is friendly, but it does not have the protective hair that other breeds have and can get injured easily.
They are an entertaining companion, intelligent and very alert. Puppies should be well-socialized and exposed to loud noises when young to avoid potential timidity. If its owners do not baby them, these dogs can grow up to be a very well-adjusted dog. They have an ability to perform tricks and are generally good with other pets. They are generally not barkers.
Chinese Crested Dogs like to climb and dig holes. They tend to become very attached to their owners. These dogs enjoy constant companionship, and need constant human leadership. Do not let this wonderful breed fall into the "Small Dog Syndrome," where they lack a human pack leader. It is easy to baby a small dog, however doing this can cause many unwanted behaviors. If your dog growls, guards objects, snaps or bites, the dog has been allowed to take over and be pack leader to the humans. These behaviors can be corrected as soon as the human starts displaying proper leadership.
Exposed skin needs special care to prevent skin problems and irritations. The breed should be protected with sunscreen. The hairless dogs do get sunburn and a good sunscreen should be used if the dog is going to be out in the sun. Good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. They should wear a sweater in cold weather. Many Chinese Crested are allergic to lanolin and wool. Their teeth should be well cared for to prevent decay. Hairless dogs often lose many teeth as young adults. They should not be given bones to chew as they often have an incomplete set of teeth. The Hairless variety has the ancient forward-pointing canine teeth or "tusks" as they are called, but usually these are the first teeth to go.
Powder Puffs (the long-haired variety of the hairless) generally have normal teeth and breeders are hoping to improve the dentition of the hairless variety by interbreeding with Powder Puffs. Each hairless dog carries one gene for hairless and one gene for hair, as a combination of the two hairless genes is fatal. Therefore, Powder Puff and Hairless dogs often appear in the same litter. Do not overfeed this breed, as it will become obese if given the chance.
Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about, these are active little dogs, who need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs; however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Don't think that just because he is small he should be confined to a small space.
Chinese Crested are very clean, with no doggie odor, and are not prone to fleas or ticks. Power Puffs need a lot more grooming. Daily brushing of the Powder Puff's long, fine double coat is recommended, taking extra care when the dog is shedding. The wooly undercoat becomes matted, if neglected. Bathe the Hairless frequently and massage a little oil or cream into the skin to keep it supple. These dogs shed little to no hair and are great for allergy sufferers.
The Chinese Crested originated in Africa where they were called "African Hairless Terriers." The ancient Aztecs kept them as bedwarmers, and believe it or not, did eat them. The Chinese trading ships stopped along Africa on their routes, and it was there that they picked up these dogs because they were excellent ratters for aboard their ships. They renamed the dogs "Chinese Crested" and the name stuck.
This unusual breed was first exhibited in the West in 1885, but the first American breed club was not established until 1979. Full AKC recognition was granted in 1991. The similar Mexican Hairless was formerly recognized by the AKC, but is no longer recognized. The Chinese Crested Dog has been gaining popularity as a cheerful companion dog in both the United Stated and England. The breed is a frequent competitor in rare breed dog shows.
For more in-depth Chinese Crested training info, check out: Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by Dog Breed Info Center (©2009 Dog Breed Info Center®). For more information on Chinese Crested Obedience Training, visit the Dog Training Zone!
Chow Chow
The two most distinctive features of the Chow Chow are its blue-black tongue and its almost straight hind legs that make it walk rather stilted. Its dense furry coat is profuse and comes in two varieties, smooth coat and rough coat. The most common colors are solid red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream, but it can also come in tan, gray, or (rarely) white.
The coat sometimes has lighter or darker shades, but is never parti-colored. The ears are small and rounded and there is a huge ruff behind the head, which gives it a lion like appearance. Its head is broad and its skull is flat. The muzzle is broad near the eyes and narrows toward a black nose without becoming pointed. The chest is broad and deep and the kidney area is short and strong. The tail is thickly covered with hair and is carried over its back.
The Chow is usually well-mannered. Quite good with children. If they get to know cats and other household animals when they are young, they will get along with them when they are adults. They must be extensively socialized preferably when they are young. They need firm authority and training right from the start. Whether you are adopting a puppy or an adult dog, owners need to set the rules in which the dog must follow and stick to them. This very dominant breed requires a dominant owner. The owner of this breed of dog should be a calm person who is naturally firm, confident, and consistent. With such a handler, the Chow can develop well. The problems arise when the dog lives with owners who do not understand how to be, and stay in the alpha position.
If you allow this dog to believe he is the boss of your house he can be willful, protective, bossy, serious and will independently work at keeping his alpha position in your human pack. He is not being mean, he is instinctively telling you in the way dogs communicate with one another that he gets to decide when and how things are done.
He will be self-willed to the point of obstinacy and may be over-protective. When you have a Chow Chow who believes he is the ruler of humans, and strangers push themselves on this dog, he may become aggressive, telling the humans he would like to have his space. Space means a lot to a dog. It is respect in the dog world. Alpha Chow Chows will often be a one-person dog, very loyal to his family, though he may act reserved, even with them. Alpha Chows like to dominate other dogs. A Chow who is not 100% convinced humans are the boss, will be harder to obedience train.
The Chow will feel HE needs to be deciding what and when, to do things, not the human, as humans must listen to him. These are NOT Chow traits, they are instinctual behaviors, resulting in meek human authority over the dog. If you would like to own a dog, make sure you, and the rest of your family know how to be alpha. All family members, and other humans around the dog must be higher in the pecking order, than the dog. This breed can be quite a handful with passive owners, but take the very same dog and put him with an owner who has natural authority and he will be polite, patient and well rounded, making an excellent family dog.
One owner told me that their Chow can do tricks, and learns them quite easily at that. Here is a quote from the owner who has three children and three cats: "My 8 year old white Chow performs a variety of 'tricks,' ranging from dancing on her hind legs on command to rolling over, and jumping from her hind legs into the air on command. She even knows the difference between 'shake hands' and 'shake,' as in shake her mane to dry or fluff after a bath/brushing.
"After the first 'trick' was learned at a very early age, she usually learns new activities through a process of three examples from her human friends, then she readily attempts the feats until successful. Her eagerness to learn from and please her two masters comes from her love of people. She loves being around people, even strangers. When threatened, or unsure of the circumstances she is facing, she quickly becomes protective of her family and home."
Chow Chows can be lazy, but need to be taken for a daily walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems.
Beware of hip dysplasia. They are prone to suffer eye irritation called entropion, caused by eyelid abnormality; this can be corrected with surgery. Also prone to stomach cancer. The Chow Chow will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Sensitive to heat, but can live in or outdoors. Regular brushings of the long coat is important to maintain the lifted, standing-out look. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder and extra care is needed when the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. Dry shampoo when necessary.
The Chow's structure is very similar to that of the oldest known fossilized dog remains, dated to several million years ago. The Chow has been known for thousands of years in China, where the breed was put to work as a hunter, cart puller, temple guard and boat guard. One Emperor is said to have kept 2500 Chow pairs. One was given to the Prince of Wales, the future Edward Val. Over history, the Chow has been used to hunt wolves, sable and pheasant, and to pull sleds.
Their fur has been used to trim coats. The flesh of these dogs was considered a delicacy in China. Dog is still eaten in China today. This beautiful dog was first brought to England by merchants in the late 1800's. The name probably originated from the pidgin English word "chow-chow," a term used to describe all sorts of miscellaneous stuff brought back from the Far East. The Chow has become very popular in the United States as a companion dog. Some of the Chow Chow's talents still remain as watchdog and guarding.
For more in-depth Chow Chow training info, check out: Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by Best Show Puppies. For more information on Chow Chow Obedience Training, visit the Dog Training Zone!
Greyhound
The Greyhound is a sleek, contoured dog built for speed with a very deep chest and an extraordinarily flexible, curved spine. The head is long with almost no stop and the muzzle tapers. The skull is wide between the ears. The small rose ears are folded back. The eyes are dark and the neck is long and graceful.
The front legs are absolutely straight. The hindquarters are very powerful and muscular with an arched loin. The long tail is carried low and has a slight upward curve at the end. The short, smooth coat comes in all dog colors.
Sensitive, sweet and elegant. Brave and loyal. With meek owneres it can become willful. The Greyhound is very intelligent, but its character is often undervalued because of its reserved behavior toward its master and toward strangers. Socialize them at an early age to prevent timidity. As a rule, they are gentle and even-tempered – both racing lines and show lines.
Most Greyhounds have a definite prey instinct. It is instinctive for these dogs to chase anything that moves quickly. They are extremely fast and some will kill cats and other domestic animals, although this is not the majority (only about 20% of ex-racers are too "keen" on chasing prey to ever be safe with small animals). About 10% are immediately okay, due to low prey instinct, and the rest can be trained to leave cats and other small pets in the home alone.
They seldom present difficulties with other dogs and are normally good with children, though they do not usually like rough-house play, and would not be a good choice for young children who are looking for a play mate. Indoors, these dogs are calm and sociable to a point where they can even be considered lazy. They bond strongly with their own people, have tremendous stamina, and do not bark much. Show lines tend to be of a different body style than racing lines, and are often more angulated. Racing lines are bred for performance, but often a good by-product are friendly, outgoing dogs, who make wonderful pets when their racing days are over.
Greyhounds are not particularly vigilant. Show lines tend to be a bit heavier and bred more for temperament than racing lines, who are bred for speed. However racing lines also make wonderful pets. There are hundreds of adoption groups all over North America, Europe and Australia to place these gentle, loving dogs when they retire. Retired racing Greyhounds are not usually difficult to housebreak. They are already crate trained from the track, so it doesn't take them long to learn that they are not to "go" in the house. The Greyhound needs an even tempered, gentle but firm loving owner who knows how to consistently communicate the rules of the home. A Greyhound who knows his place in his pack and what is expected of him is a happy Greyhound.
May be prone to bloat. It is better to feed them two or three small meals rather than one large one. They are sensitive to drugs, including insecticides. The Greyhound will do okay in an apartment if they get enough exercise. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do. Greyhounds are sensitive to the cold but do well in cold climates as long as they wear a coat outside. The smooth, short-haired coat is very easy to groom. Simply comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
Greyhounds that are kept as pets should have regular opportunities to run free on open ground in a safe area, as well as daily long, brisk walks, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead. In a dog's mind the leader leads the way and that leader needs to be the human. Greyhounds love a regular routine.
This very ancient breed is the fastest dog in the world and can reach speeds of over 40 miles per hour (65 km/h). Its greatest gift is its speed. They are thought to have originally descended from the Arabian Sloughi and brought to England by traders before 900 A.D. Centuries ago it was used in the hunting of deer and wild boar. It could catch them and pull them down without stopping. It is also an incorrigible enemy of domestic animals, especially cats and geese.
Today Greyhounds are used primarily in dog racing (where they chase mechanical rabbits). This sport is especially popular in Anglo-Saxon countries. After retiring from a racing career, these dogs are often destroyed. Greyhound Rescue groups select the most even-tempered, gentle racers for placement into homes, with excellent success. Their talents include hunting, sighting, watchdog, racing, agility and lure coursing.
For more in-depth Greyhound training info, check out: Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by Dog Breed Info Center (©2009 Dog Breed Info Center®). For more information on Greyhound Obedience Training, visit the Dog Training Zone!
Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized, rugged, robust dog with bushy eyebrows, whiskers and a beard. The head is long and rectangular, with a strong muzzle and a pronounced stop. The nose is black and the eyes are oval and dark brown. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The feet are small and cat-like, with arched toes.
The tail is generally docked at the fourth vertebra, but cropping the ears is optional. The forelegs are very straight. Any dewclaws should be removed. The topline slopes slightly downward from the withers to the rump. The front legs must appear straight from every angle, while its rear legs and thighs are oblique and very muscular. He has a harsh, wiry outer coat and dense, soft undercoat. The coat comes in salt & pepper or solid black.
The Standard Schnauzer makes a great watch and guard dog. It is lively, but not restless. High-spirited and affectionate, it has a personality of a terrier. Clever, intelligent, and playful, Standard Schnauzers need companionship and are good dogs to travel with. This breed has a high learning rate. If the owner does not display a confident demeanor, with firm and consistent rules the dog must follow and limits to what the dog can and cannot do, he can be quite willful, demanding and may begin to act fearless.
The Schnauzer may become untrustworthy with children. He may become very protective and dominant, guarding objects, places and people from other people. Along with being this breeds pack leader, socialize and train him well, and be sure to take him for a daily pack walk to release mental and physical energy. These energetic dogs need energetic and dominant owners, one who has the ability clearly demonstrate that they are the boss and not the dog.
The Standard Schnauzer is generally a very healthy breed, and is a good dog for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. These energetic dogs will take as much exercise as they can get and they just love play sessions during which they can run free. At very least, they need to be given a daily, long, brisk walk. Do not overdo it with very young pups, though, until their body frames are strong and mature. Pups still need to walk, just a shorter distance.
The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but the undercoat is dense and it will become matted unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush. Clip out knots and brush first with the grain, then against the grain to lift the coat. The animal should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year - in spring and fall. A person can easily learn how to do it. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean the whiskers after meals. They have no doggie odor and shed little to no hair.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, squarely-proportioned dog with a long head, bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The thick, prominent eyebrows and long mustache are often trimmed to accentuate the dog's square cut shape. The front legs are very straight. The tail is usually docked. The oval eyes are dark colored, and the v-shaped ears fold forward when left natural or are cropped to a point and stand erect.
It has a long head, strong muzzle, a well-developed black nose and a scissors bite. Coat colors include salt and pepper, black, white or a harsh black & silver outer coat with a soft undercoat. The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush, it will become matted. Clip out any knots.
The animal should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year, in spring and fall, but this is a job best left to an expert. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean the whiskers after meals. On pet dogs the coat is usually clipped short on the upper body and left somewhat longer on the under-parts, legs and head. Show dogs require trimming and hand stripping instead of clipping. This breed sheds little to no hair and is a good dog for allergy sufferers.
This is usually a healthy breed. Although some are prone to suffer from kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, von Willebrand's disease, diabetes, liver ailments and cysts. Also, watch for hereditary eye problems. Eyes of breeding stock should be checked for this. Do not overfeed the Schnauzer, for he tends to gain weight easily.
The Standard Schnauzer is probably the oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds. They are originally a German breed, named after the German word for muzzle, "Schnauze." They were used to accompany coaches, as messengers in World War I, and as vermin hunters and guards in stables and on farms. The breed was used to watch children, and even given the name "kinder watcher." Schnauzers have also been successfully trained as livestock guardians and as retrievers.
The breed has been portrayed in paintings and tapestries of several European artists, including Rembrandt and Durer, who owned one. Today, it is esteemed as a watchdog and body guard, but above all, as a very lovable, spirited, loyal, intelligent companion. Some of the Standard Schnauzer's talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, guarding, military work, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks.
Very perky and bright-eyed. Loving and intelligent. Energetic, affectionate, and obedient. Playful, happy and alert, they like children. The Miniature Schnauzer enjoys time and companionship from its owner. Without the proper leadership, it can be feisty and fairly dog-aggressive - putting on a show of superiority without necessarily intending to fight. This can be fairly dangerous for the Miniature Schnauzer, who will challenge even large dogs, sometimes bringing more trouble on himself than he really wanted. Socialize this breed well with other dogs when it is still a puppy. If properly introduced, and if the dog does not see himself as pack leader, the Miniature Schnauzer will get along with another dog. They make good companions and family pets.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. These energetic little dogs need daily, long, brisk, walks and love play sessions off the leash.
The Miniature Schnauzer is reportedly a result of crosses between the Standard Schnauzer, the Affenpinscher and perhaps the Poodle. He is originally a German breed, named after the German word for muzzle, "Schnauze." The Miniature Schnauzer excels at killing rats, but today it is mostly a popular and esteemed companion. Some of the Schnauzer's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing tricks.
Schnauzers tend to bark a lot, but it does not have a yappy bark it sounds like a low carried-out voice, howl of a voice. They make good guard dogs and mouse catchers. They are excellent watchdogs and are great to travel with. Some can be reserved with strangers, but most love everyone. Socialize well. Do not allow this little dog to developed Small Dog Syndrome, a human induced behavior where the dog feels he is pack leader to humans. This can cause a varying degree of behavior problems, including, but not limited to separation anxiety, willful, nervous, barky, guarding, bold and sometimes temperamental, not hesitating to attack much bigger dogs.
A mentally stable dog, who gets enough mental and physical exercise will have a totally different personality. These are not Miniature Schnauzer traits, but rather behaviors brought on by the way the dog is treated by the people around him. It is all up to the humans. As soon as the humans start being true pack leaders, the dogs behavior will change for the better.
For more in-depth Schnauzer training info, check out: Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by Dog Breed Info Center (Standard) and by Dog Breed Info Center (Miniature) (©2009 Dog Breed Info Center®). For more information on Schnauzer Obedience Training, visit Miniature Schnauzer Training or the Dog Training Zone!
Here's a great series that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim
Basic Breed Information – Part 3
Great Dane
The Great Dane, the giant dog, is extremely sweet, spirited, dignified, friendly, kind and affectionate with children. He is a strong dog that is very intelligent and loyal towards its owners. But, the Dane does not bark much and is also not aggressive. Great Dane Obedience Training at a young age is necessary to manage him when he grows. He normally tends to lean on people and has to be taught not to do that as it may cause children to fall. Training this breed is somewhat difficult.
The Great Dane has a slow metabolism rate and suffers from bloat. When the dog is
suffering from twisting pain of the stomach, he needs to be given immediate care.
Otherwise, he may die. Some owners tack the stomach of the Dane to prevent bloating.
The Great Dane may also have problems like dilated cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia and
congenital heart diseases. He usually lives till the age of 10 years. Great Dane
Obedience Training includes conveying the correct body language to him. He will get
stimulated and excited when his owners are happy. So, it is necessary to communicate
with him properly for positive actions.
Great Dane Obedience Training involves establishing some guidelines for your pet. You should never chase your pet when you are angry. Your dog may think that you are playing game with him and he has to run to involve himself in the game. You should give him commands with power and you should face him straight when you are giving him commands. Also, display the same behavior when he plays spoil sport.
Great Danes comes in every color – white with black spots is the most popular one. But, the most attractive of the Great Danes are the Blues, where their body color ranges from a gray to steel-blue color. Regardless of color, they are lovable pets and owners of Danes are always proud about them. The Great Dane has a thick, short, glossy coat that does not need much maintenance. Fawn, black, blue, Harlequin, mantle and brindle are the most accepted colors of this breed. Despite the giant appearance, he is friendly and mixes well with other dogs and pets. He becomes close to his family members and frequent visitors. He has to be exercised regularly to keep him more active. He quickly alerts the family about approaching strangers, although they don't bark much.
In natural intelligence, he is somewhat above other few dogs. He has a most impressive figure and never slobbers from his mouth. On the other hand, if Great Dane Obedience Training is not given properly, he can be a dangerous animal, due to his terrible strength. A Great Danes takes longer to mature and the puppy period lasts up to two years. A puppy is normally more rambunctious than an adult, and hence, he can damage household things if not under regular supervision. Early Great Dane Obedience Training is a must, as they weigh more and grow rapidly. During the obedience training, basic manners should be taught with strict discipline.
For more in-depth Great Dane training info, check out: Great Dane Training Secrets or Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by Online Dog Training (©2008 Dog Obedience Training). For more information on Great Dane Obedience Training, visit the Dog Training Zone!
Jack Russell Terrier
Some people find it difficult to train a Jack Russell Terrier. Jack Russell Obedience training requires some thorough understanding of the breed. This dog is an intelligent working dog, and may prove too much for some owners. Given enough information and with some patience, the training process should be enjoyable and productive! You should never punish your dog if he's done something that you don't like. Instead of punishing him, you can ignore him for sometime. Dogs crave human interaction and acceptance, this approach will eventually stops him from making such mistakes.
The Jack Russell suffers from separation anxiety when left alone for a long time. He always want to get his owner's attention and when neglected he feels bad. When the dog is having anxiety attack, he usually whines, paces, chews, scratches doors and window sills and barks without any obvious reason. Other signs of separation anxiety include vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. These signs are seen when the owner neglects the dog for a longer time. So, Jack Russell Obedience training includes socializing the dog as much as possible and spending time with him every day. There are various techniques that will work best to address this anxiety problem. You can take your dog for a walk for fifteen to thirty minutes each day. This will keep him energetic and he will not feel depressed, even when you leave him alone during the day.
A Jack Russell makes an ideal hunting companion. He has high energy levels and some open space in your backyard will be the perfect place for him to carry out his search operations. He makes a good family pet as he immediately alerts the family about any strangers. He can even become aggressive towards the stranger, but he rarely exhibits this quality, especially when he has been properly socialized. Jack Russell Obedience training would not be complete without socializing. You need to socialize your dog from the moment he is home, and being an intelligent breed, he will reward your patience by learning quickly. He tolerates the presence of children and others when you invite him, although as with all dogs, children should be supervised when playing with your dog.
As Jack Russells are highly energetic, apartment life may not be suitable for him. He needs space to burn up his energy. Apartment life leads to boredom and hence he may start destroying your home! So, during Jack Russell Obedience training, train him to behave normally, even in smaller places. If you have a yard with a fence, he will enjoy being outside. This dog loves to run freely and he will also burn off the excess energy by running.
Jack Russells require minimum grooming, and removing the dirt from his coat is also quite simple. You can use a sturdy brush once or twice a week to get rid of the dirt from his coat. Russells are healthy and hearty dogs. They may require some medical attention for their eyes and ears. Deafness may develop if you are not taking proper care of the ears of the Jack Russell. Take him for a nice long walk daily to keep him healthy. He will be happy in his owner's company and also when trained properly he mingles with people very easily.
For more in-depth Jack Russell Terrier training info, check out: Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by Online Dog Training (©2008 Dog Obedience Training). For more information on Jack Russell Obedience Training, visit the Dog Training Zone!
Poodle
Poodles are my favorite kind of dog for many reasons. They are "drop dead gorgeous" to start, and oh so intelligent. Some people think that Poodles come in second in the canine "smart" category, but I think those who say that are using a different measuring stick than I am. Having lived with Poodles and also having hands-on experience through the years, I have found them to be the most "human like" of any breed.
Poodles have a very long history of living in close quarters with humans. Their level of domestication surpasses other less domesticated breeds of canines that have been more for utility than the Poodle. Genetic imprinting (why a dog have certain behavioral attributes) has everything to do with why a dog acts as he/she does.
Genetic imprinting is why the German Shepherd just knows to protect his owners, why a Border Collie is so very proficient when it comes to herding her sheep, and why a Newfoundland will jump into ice cold water to save a human he doesn't even know. Through generations of selective breeding for a specific behavior, aptitude and ability are created in each of our wonderful purebred canine friends.
Poodles have a history in Duck Retrieval. The hunter was served very well by their well trained retrieving Poodle. Poodles also were trusted in World War II to carry messages through very dangerous territories, avoiding the enemy and delivering information that was so important at the time. Their human counterparts had long recognized that the Poodles were of superior intelligence and could be trusted with such a task.
But, after a long day of work, while the Shepherd was sleeping in his dog house, the Border Collie in the barn and the Newfoundland was drying off from his death defying dive, the Poodle, in most cases, was at his owner's feet by the fireplace enjoying the quiet companionship of the one he worshiped, his beloved master. Poodles learned to act as another member of the human household long ago, and it shows in their ability to integrate into the home of the human today. Poodles do not shed like so many of the other breeds, nor do they have a "doggy odor." They enjoy doing whatever involves their human, whether it be laying by the pool or hiking in the mountains. Poodles are extremely versatile canines.
Of the three varieties – Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Standard Poodle – the Standard Poodle is, of course, the most rugged. Poodles do not have strong gender-specific traits that separate the boys from the girls. However the females tend to be more active over all than the males. Both sexes are darling, and if someone were to tell me I could have only one, it would be a hard choice to pick between the two.
Poodles are individuals. They have very individual likes and dislikes. But one thing most Poodles have in common is the ability to communicate just what it is they are trying to say. Poodles are fun loving and have great humor in the way they perceive the world. And with their very distinct facial expressions, you can usually tell what is going on in those fabulous heads of theirs.
For more in-depth Poodle training info, check out: Secrets to Dog Training.
This article was brought to you by PoodleDogs.net. For more information on Poodle Obedience Training, visit the Dog Training Zone!
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a purebred dog registered with most official kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club. Shih Tzu dogs are in the toy group, and has a unique history originating from Tibet. DNA tests have recently shown that they may be one of the oldest dog breeds. Shih Tzu's may have originated from mixing the Pekingese with the Tibetan dog, the Lhasa Apso. Like the Pekingese, this breed was also bred to sit around the palace of the Emperor of China and bark when people approached. It's also known as a Shitzu.
The Shih Tzu is a tiny dog, averaging nine inches in height. It has a long and soft white coat. Other colors are acceptable such as black, red or tan. Some Shih Tzu's will have white mixed with another color. Their coat tangles easily which causes them to need frequent brushing. Their hair grows fast and gets very long so it is best to have them see a professional groomer every 6 weeks to keep them looking their best. To keep their hair out of their eyes, a bow or barrette is often used. Shih Tzu's do not shed. Their most striking feature is their beautiful coat and the way they carry themselves.
There are not many people who would argue that they are simply beautiful and easy to love. Shih Tzu dogs have a gentle personality that goes well with the look that they have and this makes them absolutely charming creatures.
The Shih Tzu puppy is a very affectionate, sociable and cheerful dog. She can be quite adorable. She is smart and very lovable. She seldom barks. Like many dogs in the toy group, however, she is not the easiest of dogs to train. She tends towards stubbornness. A Shih Tzu puppy is not overly keen to learn tricks or obey her master, but she does carry herself with grace and appear proud. She can get along with children and other pets, because she likes company. She can be very smart and often appear to be a very happy dog. A Shih Tzu loves to cuddle, which can make her charming. She can easily win over someone's heart.
The Shih Tzu may be the perfect small breed dog for someone who is looking for a loving and loyal companion. The Shitzu adores cuddling and is sociable and charming. She doesn't shed and has little dander, so it is great for someone who wants a dog but is allergic to most dogs. A Shitzu is not the ideal breed for someone who wants to enter dog obedience competitions. But on the other hand, if they love to train dogs and like a challenge, with a lot of determination and patience, they might win in their own breed category, competing against the other breeds in the toy group.
The Shih Tzu breed does not need a lot of exercise. She has a beautiful coat that requires a lot of care. These features would not make a Shih Tzu puppy well suited to country life or farm life. However, Shih Tzu dogs can be quite content in the city, living in an apartment
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For more in-depth Shih Tzu training info, check out: Shih Tzu Training Secrets (Shitzu) or Secrets to Dog Training or the Dog Training Zone!
