Is Banning Specific Dog Breeds Right?

Dogs and their breeds are now being banned in our country and foreign countries as well. The very reason why dogs are being banned due to the safety of mankind, they say some aggressive breeds really get irrational and at times a pest for the society. Now just eradicating something out of the country or the town do you think that it would be the best solution. If tomorrow bill boards would be become a problem due the wind blowing would you simply remove all the boards and make a loss. The answer is NO. So then how can just by eliminating a breed the world would come to peace.

If a breed is banned, ultimately only those who are responsible owners of the breed will be affected. Are these the people causing the problems? No. Those who are using dogs for fighting, protecting drugs or as weapons and status symbols will continue to own the dogs and ignore the laws. As to those who think so. These kinds of owners are actually a pest for the state and not those who love dogs and keep them for the sake of love and not for the sake of fights.

 Now if you ban dogs then these kinds of people are going to have a great amount of advantage over the law and would start to smuggle dogs. This would become more over like a symbol and help these kinds of ruthless and heartless breeders to symbolize this word ban and exploit the government on a higher scale. If the fact is that the dogs would not be treated so badly so then one would even comprehend this act. But the very reason the government is taking such a step is due to those people who train the dogs to fight and be irrational. They are the ones who actually have been viewed by the state. This is a fact that those dogs are very dangerous but why even killing or eliminating them. Why can’t we fetch those criminals who are behind this entire move and punish them?

If you ever have a detailed research you would actually know why dogs bite? Anywhere from 75-80% of all dog bites occur from the family pet regardless of breed or cross. This means 20-25% of all bites are from other dogs - like ones roaming loose. So, you round up all the dogs running loose, it will not have much of an impact in reducing dog bites overall - just those bites caused by loose animals. So then it would be pointless to reducing after looking at the consensus that in general cases why dogs bite. So if elimination is the answer then I would disagree. It all depends on the way a dog is brought up. If we speak with utter justice then 80% would be just conservative. Reason being they are mostly bitten by their own dogs at home and that’s what bugs them the most. If a person does not know how to treat a dog and just keeps and getting by that particular breed then it is not the dog it is him.

If he is not training his dog in a proper manner then how can he keep one, instead of the breed being banned the owner should be banned of keeping dogs. If the breed is banned the owner just due to his fancy could get another breed and get himself bitten just the same way he got bitten by the old one.

The dogs that are left out side without paying any attention develop more bad behaviors than the other dogs. The reason is that the dogs become more aggressive and do not learn proper mannerism that he should be learning. In a different home, the dog would probably be a great companion. But in the one the dog is in, the dog is now a risk. Would banning the breed work? No. Another dog will be brought in and the scenario play out again - regardless of the fact that has he been trained or not. What about animal control? According to the Animal Planet Network show Animal Precinct, New York City has about ten animal control officers to police about 5,000,000 pets. How can the officers keep up with this number? Now is this justice to all the animals that they have no one too look after and how far can one animal controller look after. He would rather give decision made on his own estimation than having a proper consensus done. These officers are not even paid well then how they even do justice to their duty. I have seen them traveling on cycles. Now please explain how many dogs would the officer would be able to inspect if he has a CYCLE and how would he able to give a big decision to eliminate such a big number. This would make his decision also void.

According to the Washington Animal Foundation in Seattle, WA, of the 24 dog bite fatalities in 2001, two were from Pomeranians, one from a Beagle and one from a Labrador retriever; only one was from an American Pit Bull Terrier. Maybe we should look at banning Pomeranians? They killed more people than the APBT that year! In other years, Dalmatians were reasonable for more dog bites. Why? Well it was in the year following the release of the live 101 Dalmatians. Irresponsible breeding, owners are giving into children's wails or falling for the hype of Hollywood and having to get that new fad but that is wrong. Now if you see dogs are not just going to be used for irresponsible breeding or to have the trend to be settled. They are living things, they have all five senses active then how can we mistreat them so much.

As owners who leave dogs unattended when no one is home are creating a greater risk. In many areas I have lived, there always seemed to be a core of dogs (not one was any of the breeds mentioned in bans) that were always loose or escaping. The owners could care less. This is one of the very reasons why dogs go out of hand. This is what makes the dogs have a bad impression in the society. Habitual offenders need to lose the PRIVILEGE to own another life. Most punishments for irresponsible pet owners are presently a joke. I would like to conclude on this one that dogs are supposed to be well trained but will also that well educated too. If a dog is not well educated then he would act without mannerism and can also be irrational. A dog is not a pet that is only to be called at orders but he should also understand sentiments. This is what makes him an actual friend. So the idea is not to eradicate a particular dog breed or dogs but the breeders who are involved in this crime.

Toy Maintenance for your Dog

Dog toys are not just a luxury for your dog, they are necessary. They help fight boredom and separation anxiety, they help your dog get the exercise he needs, they are a good replacement for improper behavior, and they are fun! However, you have to keep an eye on your dog’s toys so they do not become hazardous to your dog’s health.

Make it a habit to keep all your dog’s toys in one place, so you can periodically examine them for wear and cleanliness. You can even teach your dog a “put your toys away” command, which is a fun way for you and your dog to tidy the house together. A dog Toy Box is great for this.

Toys to Toss:
Regularly inspect your dog’s toys for signs of excessive wear. Any toys which are significantly smaller than they were when they were new should be thrown out, as should any toys which your dog has been obviously eating. Stuffed toys that have been ripped apart should be thrown out, as should toys with dangling string or small parts. Toys with an especially foul odor, even after washing in hot water should be tossed as well.

Cleaning Nylon and Rubber Toys:
you can use a Toy Cleaning Brush or old toothbrush to remove excess grime from nylon and rubber toys, and you can wash them by hand with dish soap and hot water. You can also throw these toys in the dishwasher on the hottest cycle with no detergent. The hot water and pressure will remove grime and sterilize the toy. Check the toy’s packaging, or contact the manufacturer to be sure it is safe to wash in the dishwasher.

Cleaning Stuff Toys:
your dog’s Kings and other stuff able toys should be washed after every time you stuff them with food. Food particles work their way in to all the nooks and crannies of these toys and can harbor tons of dangerous bacteria.  Use dish soap, hot water and a toy cleaning brush or old toothbrush to de-grime your dog’s treat toys. Most of these toys can be washed on the top rack in your dishwasher as well, which will truly sanitize the toy. Check the toy’s packaging, or contact the manufacturer to be sure it is safe to wash in the dishwasher.

Cleaning Soft/Plush Toys:
Soft toys, like rope toys can also be put in the dishwasher on the hot cycle. You can sterilize them even more thoroughly by wetting them and putting them in the microwave for a full minute. Be careful removing these toys from the microwave; they will be extremely hot. Again, check the toy’s packaging, or contact the manufacturer to be sure it is safe to wash in the dishwasher or microwave.

Most stuffed animal toys can be put in the washing machine, and some can even be put in the dryer. My personal principle for my dog’s stuffed toys is, if it’s not sturdy enough to hold up in the washer and dryer, it isn’t sturdy enough for my Beagle anyway.

Feeders for Dogs

Between types of food, additional supplements, and kinds of feeders, it seems there are nearly as many options for feeding your dog as there are breeds out there.

Each dog varies from the next in many ways--they have different tastes in food, different nutritional needs, and different physical issues. It is recommended that you feed your dog a high-quality dog food and discuss specific formulas of food and supplements with your vet. But as far as feeders, there is one widely accepted way to feed that literally stands above the others: Elevated feeders, also known as doggie diners, or feeding stations.

There are, of course, plenty of other acceptable options, but they each come with their pitfalls. Stainless steel dog bowls are extremely durable and inexpensive. These bowls are not prone to scratches and are not likely to get chewed up or destroyed by even the most over-zealous pup. Stainless bowls, however, are the most obnoxious noise-wise on hardwood or tile floors. If you have a dog who likes to paw at his bowl, it’s likely that one of these bowls will drive you to distraction eventually. Stainless bowls are also not available in many styles or designs, so you don’t get to let your personality and décor shine through.

Ceramic and stoneware bowls are probably the most creative option. There are hundreds of designs of stoneware bowls, mostly hand painted and therefore unique. There is a stoneware or ceramic bowl out there to suit any interior design. They are also often dishwasher safe, and either way, easy to clean. The problem with ceramic and stoneware bowls, though, is that they are prone to developing tiny, hard-to-see cracks. These cracks can harbor harmful bacteria that can potentially make your dog sick. Ceramic and stoneware bowls are not inherently unsafe, but they should be checked regularly for cracks and chips.
Plastic bowls are easy to clean and offer just as many fun and aesthetically pleasing designs. They are also quite handy for the clumsy owner or playful dog since they are difficult to break, even when dropped from human heights. Some dogs, however, can develop allergies to plastic, resulting in irritated skin on the face and in the mouth. Softer plastic bowls are also attractive as chew toys to some dogs, and usually scratch easily. Bite marks and scratches are apt to fill with harmful bacteria.

Automatic feeders and waterers are handy and great for the dog owner who isn’t home as much as one would like. Little to nothing is ever said against automatic waterers; automatic feeders, on the other hand, can be trouble. Free feeding is unhealthy for most dogs. There is no way to regulate how much your dog eats when you’re not around, this can result in weight problems. Many vets warn against automatic feeders and suggest you only feed your dog a specific amount every day, in person.

The choice recommended by many vets is an elevated feeder. When a dog eats from a bowl directly on the floor, he must bend his head down to reach. This can be uncomfortable for dogs with arthritis or back and neck problems. An elevated feeder allows the dog’s spine to stay more aligned, relieving pain and stiffness. Older dogs are prone to eat less as it is, and they may eat less still if it is painful to do so. An elevated feeder will make your older dog more comfortable, and thus, more likely to eat a sufficient amount. Starting your dog young, with a proper diet from an elevated feeder can help avoid this kind of back and neck problem all together.

When your dog doesn’t have to reach down to the floor to eat and drink, swallowing requires less effort. It’s purely logical that if food and water don’t have to travel up the esophagus, against gravity, the process is easier and more comfortable. Elevated feeders help avoid problems like megaesophagus(decreased or absent movement of the esophagus), bloat (swelling and sometimes twisting of the dog’s stomach), and gas. They help the dog chew more and gulp less which leads to a healthier eating experience.

When dogs drink from regular bowls, they often lift their head to help swallow, leading to a slobbery, wet mess around the bowls. An elevated feeder solves this problem completely. It also discourages your fun-loving pooch from playing in his water bowl, further avoiding messes for you to clean up later.

Most elevated feeders sit on four legs, rather than flush against the floor. When bowls sit directly on the floor, moisture and dog food crumbs collect under the bowl and create a prime environment for mold, mildew, and all manner of crawly critters. This can lead to not only bad smells and bugs in your home, but also allergies and other health issues for your dog.

Arthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis is the number one cause of chronic pain in dogs, affecting 1 in 5 adult dogs, with the incidence more than doubling in dogs seven years and older. It is a degenerative disease that causes pain, loss of mobility, and a decreased quality of life. Signs of arthritis include stiffness when getting up or lying down, limping, slowing down on walks, and pain after exercise, or reluctance to jump or climb steps. It’s important to recognize these signs and begin treatment early, to slow the progression and help preserve your dog’s quality of life.

When my dog, Piglet, was diagnosed with severe dysplasia in both elbows at a year old, I was told that, even with the surgery we did, she would develop arthritis in those joints. I gave her a daily glucosamine supplement, but knew of no other way to help her. By the time she was six, she was on daily NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Rimadyl and Etogesic) to relieve the pain that otherwise caused her to limp. At the time, I thought I’d be lucky if she made it past the age of ten before becoming too lame to walk.

It was then that I learned about the benefits of a natural diet, and began researching supplements that I could use to improve her condition. I switched her onto a raw, grain-free diet just after she turned 7, and within a few months, no longer needed any drugs for pain.

As time went on and her joints continued to deteriorate, I tried more and more supplements and natural therapies, rotating between those that seemed to help, and replacing those that didn’t seem to make a difference. I was able to keep her off drugs until she was almost 12, and then began adding them to her nutraceutical “cocktail.”

The net result? At age 15, her elbows are visibly deformed and vets cringe when they see her x-rays, but she still enjoys one- to two-hour walks every day. She no longer runs, but jogs along at a comfortable pace. I let her decide how far and how fast we go so that I don’t risk pushing her beyond her limits, but occasionally I have to convince her it’s time to head for home when we’re miles away and she still wants to keep going.

Glucosamine and chondroitin:
The first step in treating arthritis is the use of nutraceutical supplements called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), also known as mucopolysaccharides. These include glucosamine (both the sulfate and the HCl forms) and chondroitin sulfate, from sources such as chitin (the shells of shellfish), green-lipped mussel (perna canaliculus), and cartilage. Also included in this category are the injectable forms sold under the brand names Adequan in the US and Cartrophen (pentosan polysulfate) elsewhere.

GAGs are important because they actually protect the joint rather than just reducing symptoms, by helping to rebuild cartilage and restore synovial (joint) fluid. GAGs may also have some preventative effect on arthritis, though this is speculative.

Always start with high doses so that you will be able to tell whether or not your dog responds. If you see improvement, you can then reduce the dosage to see if the improvement can be maintained at a lower dose.

If you don’t see any change within three to four weeks, try another supplement. Different dogs respond differently to the various supplements available, so what works well for one dog may not work as well for another.

Brands that have worked for dogs I know include Arthroplex from Thorne Veterinary, Syn-Flex from Synflex America, Synovi-G3 from DVM Pharmaceuticals, Flexile-Plus from B-Naturals, and K-9 Glucosamine from Liquid Health. You can also use products made for people that contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and green-lipped mussel. The use of manganese in the supplement may help with absorption.

Injectable GAGs may help even more than the oral forms, and may work even when oral supplements do not. It’s very important to start with the full “loading” dose, following the instructions in the package insert, before tapering off the frequency to the least that is needed to maintain improvement (often one injection per month). You should continue to use the oral supplements as well.

It is interesting to note that the label instructions for Adequan say that it must be injected IM (intramuscularly), while Cartrophen is injected sub-q (subcutaneously, which is less painful and easier to do at home). Many vets believe that Adequan works just as well when injected sub-q as IM, and I have heard reports from people who have used this method effectively.

Diet:
Certain foods may increase inflammation and aggravate arthritis. Some people have found that eliminating grains from the diet improves their dogs’ symptoms, sometimes to the point that no other treatment is needed. In addition, plants from the nightshade family, including potatoes (not sweet potatoes), tomatoes, peppers (all kinds) and eggplant may aggravate arthritis.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to avoid these foods unless you feed a homemade diet, where you control all the ingredients. The vast majority of dry foods contain grains, and those that do not often contain potatoes instead. There are a few brands that use only sweet potatoes or tapioca that would be worth trying for a dog with arthritis, to see if your dog improves. Canned foods usually have fewer carbohydrates than dry foods, so that might be another option to try, especially for smaller dogs where the higher cost of canned food is not such an obstacle.

Certain foods may help with arthritis: celery, ginger, alfalfa, tropical fruits such as mango and papaya, and cartilage are all good to add to the diet of a dog with arthritis. Remember that vegetables must be either cooked or pureed in a food processor, juicer or blender in order to be digestible by dogs, and fruits are more easily digestible when overripe. Whole, raw veggies are not dangerous, but they supply little nutritional value.

Weight and exercise:
It’s extremely important when dealing with a dog who has arthritis to keep him as lean as possible. Extra weight puts added stress on the joints, and makes it harder for your dog to get proper exercise. If necessary, get an inexpensive postal scale and weigh your dog’s food to help you control his intake.

Carbohydrates supply the same number of calories as proteins do, but offer less nutritional value to dogs. A low-carb, high-protein diet is better for a dog with arthritis than one that is high in carbs, which is more likely to lead to weight gain. Keep fat at moderate levels, to avoid weight gain from a high-fat diet and excess hunger from a diet that is too low in fat.

If your dog needs to go on a diet to lose weight, remember to reduce portions gradually, so the body doesn’t go into “starvation mode,” making it harder to lose weight.

Moderate, low-impact exercise, such as walking or swimming, is important for dogs with arthritis, as regular exercise will help maintain flexibility and well-developed muscles help to stabilize the joints. It’s important to prevent your dog from exercising to the point where he is more sore afterward. Swimming is an excellent exercise for dogs with arthritis, as it is non-weight-bearing, so your dog can exercise vigorously without damaging his joints. If your dog is unused to exercising, start slowly and work up only gradually, as he begins to lose weight and develop better muscle tone. Several short walks may be easier on him than one long one.

Minature Dog Breed Questions

Miniature dog breeds are available in all shapes and sizes. There are many new dog owners who have a lot of questions when it comes to the up bringing of miniature breeds. Let’s discuss the hot topics of what questions can one come up with?

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF SMALL DOGS?
All the dogs that stand up to eleven inches and are of eleven pounds are said to be small dogs. This does not mean that these small dogs are not supposed to be taken care of and they do not require exercise. Many of the breeder’s in fact new breeders make this humongous mistake of exercising their dogs due to which in later days they have lack of strength. Dogs like terrier need a lot of exercise.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE THEY REQUIRE?
The small usually do all of their work out themselves. If they walk they would walk according to their capacity and would give their maximum to play in the garden. If there are many obstacles faced by a dog then he can even get intimated. So it is better to keep on a normal stage of walk and play to the extent he wants.

ARE SMALL BREEDS PRONE?
Not some but almost all the small breeds if not breaded in a proper manner can be prone to several diseases. So it is better if you buy your pup from a reputable owner. You need to look for a reputable breeder who is registered with the kennel club and is also has good terms with rest the rest of the breeders.

DO THEY REQUIRE GROOMING?
All the small breeds are supposed to be groomed on a daily basis. Especially the long hair pups are to be brushed twice a day so that they keep healthy and away from all the lice. The Bichon Frise and Toy Poodle do not molt, so must be groomed daily to maintain good coat condition. Areas to pay particular attention to are the hair around the eyes, ears, mouth and tail. The small breeds need to be given more attention than the big ones as they have a weaker immunity system than the big breeds

HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE FOR?
Small breeds in comparison live for a longer period of time than the big ones. They at least live for ten to twelve years and this is quite common. A small breed only dies early if the dog has not been given good attention by the breeder.

WHAT KIND OF PERSONALITY DO THEY HAVE?
Mostly all the dogs in the small dogs are very sharp and intelligent in comparison to the large breeds. But the idea is that they are bubbly and energetic. But what one should make sure is the dog he is purchasing should be relative and suitable to his circumstances.

ARE THEY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE?
At initial stages yes they are very difficult to handle. But then after eight weeks they become very much easy to handle than the other big breeds.

DO THEY REQUIRE FREQUENT FEEDING?
Most of the dogs do require frequent feeding but in the case of small dog it is entirely different. They need to be fed less but their food should be of the highest quality. They at the maximum would eat for like twice a week but what matters is quality.

DO THEY FEEL COLDER?
It is not a question of small or big breeds but the idea is that it depends on how much thicker is their coat? If a pup has a thicker coat he would feel less cold than a pup that has lesser coat. It has an indirect relation with the coat.

DO SMALL DOGS GEL WITH A LARGER BREED?
It all depends but then again it would be better if you do not take a chance with a big dog. Normally big dogs get irritated of the smaller breeds pretty soon. So it would be advisable for you that you would keep your dog far away from all the big breeds and let them interact with the medium sized breeds. But that has also been done with a keen observation.

Responsible Dog Breeding

If one would talk about the millions of breeders and the way they keep their pets it would be a little offensive and offhand too. But today I would like to talk about the millions of dog breeders that always have been buying, cuddling pups and after sixty three days they days once they grow up maximum dog owners loose interest in their own dogs. It depends on the way you up bring your dog. Now the question is what does a responsible breeder do? We would first start from a responsible breeder. 

KNOWS THE BREED:
A responsible breeder should know about his breed. As to what is his habit and temperament? The weight and the size of the dog, he should even have an idea if the dog would be comfortable enough to fit in his house? If a breeder does not know about all of this it would be useless. We highly regard a dog who has achieved an s.c.h.III - field trials, lure coursing, etc. This makes a breed highly capable of being a good pet. You should have your dog evaluated as many times as possible so that you may know his potential and capability. Some breeders go for brains and same go for beauty. But a dog should have both of the quality to be the best choice for you.

THE PEDIGREES:
If two dogs are breaded from the same origin does not mean that the dogs have a good understanding. It may be possible that they may play together and have similar interest but still to dogs have a genres problem which brings in a conflict later. Some require a combination of multiple gene sequences before being expressed. So, two dogs could have parts of these sequences and if bred, the problem could be expressed though there is no sign in either dog's background of the problem. This makes more complicated so a breeder should always be ready to accept such challenges. A responsible dog should always go through pedigrees to have a complete search about the breed he has. It does not mean that two great dogs can be great pups. Many times we make this mistake that the dogs who have the maximum win all over we consider him or his breed to be the best. Just because a dog is being taken care of by many renowned handlers does not mean he is the best choice. The dog is just lucky to get good trainers and many opportunities to show his talent which many breeds do not get. That certainly does not make that particular breed the best choice for you. You also must know color inheritances. Colors, like merles (blue or sable/red) should not be bred together. The merle gene, if doubled, can cause problems. Merle to merle breeding can be very bad. So a responsible breeder should also be capable of knowing that as well.

RISK ACCEPTING:
You should know your dog completely before you have one. If you have a female breed then you need to be very careful with her. You can not just make your dog produce a child before age. At least a gap of two years is quite essential for a dog is completely mature or it is just like a teenager having a baby. Same is the case with the male dogs you need to wait for him for at least two years too. Both male and female should be completely mature before they reproduce. There are also diseases such as brucellosis that can cause fetal abortion (miscarriage) in pregnant females - it is sexually transmitted - you dog must be clear of. Brucellosis does not always have outward symptoms, your dog could carry it and you never know. It is more like having aids and it may also lead to sudden death.

KNOW THE DOGS:
A breeder should always be well versed of the kind of pup he is buying or selling. He should test dogs for things like hips, thyroid, eye problems (eye should be tested yearly on breeding stock) and whatever problems are common to your specific breed. If something is suspected, the dog is not bred. They also require testing for the dog they intend to breed to. This ensures either a breeder is good or not. A breeder should also be very careful when it comes to the pregnancy of his dogs. He should be visiting the vet often to know the kind of complications a dog can face and what precautionary measures he is suppose to take?

There are many dogs that give birth through C-Section only. Even if the dogs are prone and weak in health. The breeder should go to the vet to see how many pups the dog is about to give birth too? If the pup is big then he might get stuck or have complications for the mother. If the pup is too small have chances to die within. So all these things have to be keenly observed by a responsible breeder!

If the dog that is born weak or has some medical issues will you take up for that new born pup? If the dog is born amateur or if the mother is weak enough to take care of the pup will you take care of the pup? If not then you are a bad breeder.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PUPS:
One needs to be very responsible when it comes to pups. In most of the areas pups before eight weeks are not allowed to be soled which is very right. The pup needs to be with their moms until then. If you area responsible breeder then you would ensure to give your pup all that needs for eight weeks. The pups require a shot and a vet exam before they go home so that they may not accidentally bite someone. Vet costs, feeding, time to socialize and clean up after, postnatal care of them and Mom all can be expensive. What if down the road your dog develops a problem, say starts having seizures. Are you going to take the pup and take care or try and find out what is actual problem? Are you willing to call everyone who bought a puppy from you and inform them? What if someone calls you down the road and cannot keep the puppy - now dog - what will you do? What health guarantee will you offer? What if someone's puppy proves deaf, dysphasic, epileptic, what will you do? You brought the pups into the world; therefore, you are responsible. If you are then it proves you to be a good breeder.

We have only discussed responsible breeding as it is very important that a person knows that be it a male or a female dog it is essential that a dog is taken care off and accordingly. Do not breed to produce crosses (peek-a-boos, schoodles, etc.). Do not breed if you cannot devote the time and money to do it responsibly. If you cannot ensure good, loving homes for pups then only buy a pup because most of them need a lot of attention so that they can do well. Dog’s area blessing from God for man to have a companion, where in a world a brother would not be trustworthy you always has a dog to trust.

Dog Breeding Basics

I am thinking of taking up breeding but am not at present quite clear about the meaning of such terms as line breeding and inbreeding. What exactly are they, and what points generally should be kept in mind when choosing sire and dame for breeding?

If you are going to take up dog breeding seriously, you must read books on the subject; you must attend shows, and study heredity, breeding for certain qualities, line breeding, and in breeding. First of all, you must realize what you are aiming at. People imagine that if they buy a bitch with “Champion” written all over their pedigree, they are certain to have a perfect dam to start breeding with. All they have to do, they think is find the equally marvelous sire with “Champion” all over his pedigree, and the resulting litter will be perfect. How wrong they are! To get the perfect puppy, let alone the perfect litter, often takes experienced breeders a lifetime of trial and error, and will hardly ever be achieved at the first attempt.

We know the old saying “Like begets like,” but what we may not know is what characteristics past generations have passed on to dam and sire. Such characteristics may not be discernible in the parents-to-be, yet a mating could produce something vastly different from what we expected. Only by having litters can prove what that particular mating will produce. Always remember that dam and sire exert equal influence on the litter, and it may therefore be unfair to blame the sire for the faults of the offspring. Choose your bitch just as carefully as you choose your sire, and remember temperament. This is most important. However good the puppies, if they are nervous or fierce, they will not be welcomed either as pets or for show purposes. Both sides should be chosen for the greatest number of desirable qualities in each and for their ability to stamp these qualities on their offspring. Therefore, if possible, see stock that the sire has fathered, and note any good or bad points. The mating together of two animals with the same good or bad points tends to fix these points and, in the case of the bad ones, they are almost sure to be passed on by the offspring when they breed in turn.

This brings me to inbreeding which is of course the mating together of closely related dogs and is done in the hope of stamping certain good qualities in those dogs on their offspring. Line breeding is simply choosing dogs from the same line of descent to be mated together with the object of accumulating blood on both sides that you practically like in your breed of dog.

The most dangerous method to dabble in is inbreeding, as the mated dogs have practically the same ancestors and you may therefore again find that not only have the good points you hoped to stamp on the progeny become fixed but also some of the faults. This is often the case when the mating are arranges more on the basis of studying the pedigrees than the two dogs themselves. No dog with any bad feature at all should be mated with another bearing the same feature. Inbreeding fixes characteristics, and with sensible selection very superior progeny can be produced, though very often this improvement is only noted in one or two of the litter. Inbreeding is not a 100 percent method of getting what you want in all the puppies—very far from it—but it is the shortest known cut to stamping a family likeness on the litters you breed. Unfortunately it often leads to a deterioration of constitution, size and temperament, and what you gain upon the swings you may lose upon the roundabouts.

Inbreeding is not an unnatural phenomenon. Formerly, when dogs ran wild in packs, the most powerful male was the sire of all the puppies in the pack, and that of course led to intensive inbreeding. But what we are inclined to forget is that in those days the survival of the fittest was the rule, and the weaklings never survived. In these days of specialized dog-breeding, when puppies mean money, the weakest in the litter may be hand reared, which is of course a very bad thing for the race.

Not all inbreeding is harmful, or sure to make the strain lose vigor or produce bad temperament. These faults occur also with mating between completely unrelated animals, and one is far more likely to know what one is going to get as the result of inbreeding than by indiscriminate breeding from an unknown, unrelated sire. If the same constitutional weakness appears in both sides of the parents to be inbred, then undoubtedly the weakness will be stamped in a terrifying way on the progeny. If, however, the breeder inbreeds sensibly by choosing only vigorous, fertile parents, rejecting all signs of any weakness, the resulting puppies should have indelibly stamped on them the good qualities sought after. I do not feel it is wise for amateur breeders to indulge in this method of breeding. It depends entirely on the skill used in selecting the dogs to be mated.

Line breeding is an entirely different process, and some of the best dogs in the world owe their beauty, temperament, and vigor to being line bred for generations. This is of course done chiefly on pedigree as well as selection, but you do not stamp the particular quality you require on the progeny as you do with inbreeding.

Mating of my bitch with a dog

I have arranged to take my bitch to be mated during her next heat. Can you tell me anything I ought to know?

Having chosen your male sire for the future litter by pedigree, by seeing his offspring, and by noting the qualities you wish impressed on the offspring—above all his masculinity and temperament—you will have the job of seeing if your bitch likes the chosen mate. Some bitches are distinctly shy breeders and absolutely refuse to have anything to do with the dog chosen for them. This can be extremely annoying. Nowadays artificial insemination is used in rare cases and no doubt it will be used more and more in the future, but unless such facilities are available, natural mating is still essential. If the bitch is determined to have nothing to do with the dog of the owner’s choice, she may have to be allowed the last word in the matter of choosing a sire. One can sometimes hold the bitch in position for the dog if she is really to be mated—which one can test by taking her near the dog, when she will stand provocatively with her tail flat on her side—but I feel this is a bad thing and might cause injury to the bitch. Always let her play with the dog first, if possible somewhere where they can be alone but watched. She may be coy at first and then suddenly decide to acquiesce.

Sometimes difference of height makes mating difficult. Breeders use raised ground to counteract this or even a box for a small dog to stand on. This mating of difficult cases should really be left to experienced breeders; the average owner need only take the bitch along to the stud dog and call back for it. Some novices have been frightened at the length of time the dog and the bitch are joined together, but this is a perfectly normal thing and calls for no interference.

Some people prefer to mate a bitch twice, and of course if the bitch were left with the dog, they would mate many times, but this is not a good thing. For one thing you do not want too big a litter, especially for a young maiden bitch.

Occasionally a terrible-looking puppy is born and the owner of the bitch runs cursing to the owner of the stud dog, but it may simply be a throwback, or atavism as it is called, and nobody can tell which side has this hereditary tendency. In such cases it is of course wiser not to use the same stud dog again. If the same thing happens again with a litter fathered by another sire, it is obviously the bitch’s fault, and she is not one to be used for breeding purposes. In cases where a mating does not induce pregnancy, the usual thing is for the bitch to be entitled to one free re-mating.

The bitch stays in heat anything up to twenty-one days, but for the first seven days she is passing a bloodstained discharge and will not allow male dogs near her. After the discharge ceases, she will usually be ready to mate on about the ninth to the fifteenth day, but there are variations on either side of these dates.

Sterility can be due to a number of things. Lack of estrus, or heat as it is called, is a common cause. Bitches usually come in heat for the first time between six and nine months, and most commonly in spring and autumn, but nowadays under artificial conditions bitches show estrus at any time of the year. Then again twice annually is the usual thing, but some of the small breeds come in heat only once a year.

Sterility can be cause by the absence of ova, or by stunted growth that affects the genital organs. It may also be due to nymphomania, which causes the bitch to be almost continually in heat and which is in most cases due to chronic inflammation of the ovary; sometimes it is even caused by cysts. Only an examination by a vet can help in these cases. The lack of vitamin E has been found to cause sterility, as has excessive fat. Too much inbreeding causes weakness of the strain and is a contributory factor to sterility.

A lot of sterility is caused by the male dog; in the absence of sperm, a deficiency of semen and excess fat are all causes, and examination of the semen under a microscope will determine if lack of live spermatozoa is the cause. Naturally any disease in either male may also result in temporary, if not permanent, sterility.

Nowadays the judicious use of hormone products helps to reduce sterility. While we are on this subject, should a bitch in heat escape and be accidentally mated, heat can be brought on again by Stilboestrol given by the vet and the pregnancy terminated. This however must be done quickly.

Finally there are some general remarks for owners of bitches. Never breed a bitch at her first heat, but wait for the second. Never breed unless you want to do so for pleasure or profit. There still goes around the old wives’ tale that if you don’t breed a bitch, she will get ill and her uterus will get diseased. This is nonsense: pyometra (pus in the womb) happens just as often in bitches that have had puppies as with those that have not, probably more. The other fallacy is that to breed a bitch stops her having false pregnancies or pseudo pregnancies as they are called. This is not so.

How can I protect my bitch from unwanted visiting dogs while she is in heat?

Nowadays the use of chlorophyll in large doses has been found to be extremely effective in preventing male dogs from picking up the strong scent emitted by a bitch in heat, and I have also proved with my own bitched that by commencing dosing according to the directions with chlorophyll, they can be taken out comfortably without being molested by dogs. Some people even take them to shows—with the exception of obedience shows, which are barred to bitches in heat by Kennel Club rules—and the dogs completely ignore the bitches’ presence. I have run residential dog-training courses at my home with male dogs in the house and my own two bitches in heat, and no male dog fussed or made any attempt to get near my bitches when they were dosed as mentioned. But I do think one is taking an unnecessary risk if one does not closely confine the bitches for the last five days of the heat period—the bitches themselves are extremely provocative toward any dog at this vital stage and do everything in their power to attract the male dog.

The quantity of chlorophyll to be given depends entirely on the size and weight of the dog. Directions are enclosed, and the owner of each dog must work out what that particular dog needs. The substance is quite harmless, so no one need be frightened of giving an overdose.

It is always helpful to wash the bitch’s vulva two or three times a day with a chlorophyll solution. If possible, exercise her away from your own premises. I usually take my bitches in the car some distance away before letting them run; thus if there were any scent to be picked up, it would not lead the male dogs to my house.

Most people want to know when to start dosing their bitches with chlorophyll. The answer is: as soon as you notice the swelling of the bitch’s vulva and discharge of blood from the genital passage. The period of heat varies vastly in bitches, but nine to fifteen days is about average. Some bitches come in heat only once a year some as many as four times a year; the greatest number to do so twice a year. The bitch is ready for mating as the discharge lessens and she stands with her tail turned sideways. This is the time when, whether you are using chlorophyll or not, I recommend careful isolation from any male dog.

How often should I bathe my dog? Can I let him bathe in the sea?

There is no hard and fast rule as to how often to bathe a dog. If your dog smells or is scratching, or is losing his coat excessively, you should bathe him. If his coat is clean and shiny and you groom him regularly, I think he shouldn't be bathed more than once every three months. Bathing softens the coat and takes away natural oil, although the friction from rubbing the dog dry and getting out the old coat more than make up for these things. Always use good dog soap, and the result should be a nice, sweet smelling, clean dog.

Bathing in the sea is not good for dogs’ coats and often leads to eczema. Let him bathe if he wishes, but pop him into the bath afterwards, and rinse the salt out with warm water before drying him. Otherwise the salt leaves a deposit in the coat, eventually leads to scratching. Long-coated breeds suffer from this more than short-coated breed. If you want proof that sea water is bad for hair, see what a state your own hair is in after a few days of swimming in the briny.

How often should I bathe my dog? Can I let him bathe in the sea?

There is no hard and fast rule as to how often to bathe a dog. If your dog smells or is scratching, or is losing his coat excessively, you should bathe him. If his coat is clean and shiny and you groom him regularly, I think he shouldn't be bathed more than once every three months. Bathing softens the coat and takes away natural oil, although the friction from rubbing the dog dry and getting out the old coat more than make up for these things. Always use good dog soap, and the result should be a nice, sweet smelling, clean dog.

Bathing in the sea is not good for dogs’ coats and often leads to eczema. Let him bathe if he wishes, but pop him into the bath afterwards, and rinse the salt out with warm water before drying him. Otherwise the salt leaves a deposit in the coat, eventually leads to scratching. Long-coated breeds suffer from this more than short-coated breed. If you want proof that sea water is bad for hair, see what a state your own hair is in after a few days of swimming in the briny.

Basic Principals of Dog Nutrition

I should like to know a little more about the nutrition of dogs. Can you tell me the basic principles?

The nutritional needs of a dog come under two headings which can best be called the maintenance ration and the production ration. The former represents a bare minimum of feeding, which may be quite enough for the old dog lying in the chimney corner all day; the latter is for active dogs, or very active dogs like racing greyhounds or working hounds, which need a good deal of extra food to keep them going.

Before we can examine different methods of feeding dogs, we must know a little about the constituents of foods. Food is made up of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, not forgetting water, salts, and minerals. Vitamins are present in fresh food but can be destroyed by cooking in some cases. When dogs were still wild animals, they chose the food they required in the natural state, and were thus always certain to get what the body required. But nowadays dogs have to rely on the bounty of their owners and would receive punishment for helping themselves for the fowl yard when they felt they wanted a chicken. Therefore, owners must provide food that is certain to contain all that the dog needs for perfect health. Animals can live for a considerable time without water but suffer in health as a result of lack of water or water given only spasmodically. Therefore the first rule is to see that there is always a plentiful supply of clean water available day and night for your dog. Carbohydrates are chiefly needed for the production of energy; therefore some kind of biscuits or bread is essential in every dog’s diet. Although I have known dogs to keep healthy on a diet of meat alone, how long this would last, I don’t know.

Fat provides heat for keeping the dog warm, as well as energy, but excessive fat is bad for the dog and tends to give it a bad heart and other troubles.

A certain amount of fiber is necessary and helps the passage of waste products in the intestine, though dogs do need less fiber than other domestic animals. Therefore, never mash the dog’s food too much, which would produce a doughy mass in the intestine and cause trouble. Some hard food is essential for health.

Protein foods like meat and fish are used to build up muscle. If given in excess, the strain on the kidneys becomes too much and may cause illness. If too much protein is being decomposed in the intestines, it may cause diarrhea. Thus it will be seen that in every case feeding must be balanced for the good health of the dog. Dogs require concentrated food; they are not like cows, which have four stomachs and can regurgitate and chew again what they have eaten. A dog has only one stomach, which must not be abused. Half their diet should be of meat, with occasional changes to fish.

When puppies are being reared, remember that bitches’ milk is far richer in fats and casein than cow’s milk, and more closely resembles the milk of goats (which many breeders keep for this reason). Cows’ milk can be made more like bitches’ milk by gently simmering it and getting rid of some of the water.

Normally dogs need only two meals a day, at midday and at night. The biggest meal should always be at night when the dog has time to sleep and digest its food. Hounds are seldom fed daily. They get enormous meals three times a week and seem to keep extremely fit on this diet. It would not suit the ordinary dog-owner to feed his dog in this way, although it is quite a well-known custom to starve a dog one day a week. This I have never done, nor would I like to start it. I think regular mealtimes are most important in the life of a healthy dog. The saliva begins to flow at the usual time for a meal, and the digestive juices, if not employed, may cause digestive upsets. If a dog doesn’t get his expected meal, you are letting him down, and his faith in you cannot be as strong as it should be. I never let a dog down in any way if I can help it.

Some people feed puppies like human babies, and give them foods like farina, not to mention orange juice and apples. This suits the puppy very well but is not a necessity. Good raw meat, milk, whole meal bread or biscuits, vitamins, and an occasional egg, and your dog will get everything he needs.

Hypo Allergenic Dog Breeds

The word hypo-allergenic was for the first time used by cosmetic manufacturers. With time, the dog breeders came to the conclusion that the phrase ‘ hypo-allergenic’ was the most suitable description for describing the none shedding and hairless breeds that the people with allergies could live with. Thus, we can say that hypo-allergenic dog breeds are those specific dog breeds which are most suitable for allergy prone people. But now the question arises that do such dog breeds really exist which the people with allergies can live with?

Of course, that’s true. I can claim so because I have a cousin who suffers from asthma. She had serious problems with animals but yet she was fond of them all. This led to serious trouble while she was small. She would cry demanding for a little puppy but for quite a long time, every time a puppy was brought for her she’d have her asthma attack. However, finally a poodle was brought for her and no such problem was encountered. Similarly, you might have come across many such living examples.

However, we can not under any circumstances claim that hypoallergenic breed is completely free of allergens. In fact, all dogs produce allergens. However, a hypoallergenic breed produces less allergen than the other breeds. Thus, we can say that it is actually the degree of intensity of allergen production which makes a dog hypoallergenic. Breeds known to produce less allergen as compared to the other breeds are termed as hypoallergenic.

ALLERGEN PRODUCTION
Allergen is produced on the dog’s coat. However, more than that it is secreted in proteins found in the dander and saliva of the dog. This varies from breed to breed. The various factors which may contribute to allergen production are as follows:

Effect of size
Size is an important factor which may be used to determine hypoallergenicity. Smaller dogs will leave less environmental pollutants containing dog dander and god allergens and hence are considered hypoallergenic. This is due to the fact that there is less total body surface to produce allergens in small breeds. However, since all dogs produce saliva, there can be no complete escape from the allergenic proteins.

Hair
In reality, even hairless breeds have little dander. However, a breed that sheds less produces less dander and hence it is not likely for a small shedding breed to produce allergy for their owner. However, the large breeds that have access to outdoor environment may shed off pollution which may lead to allergy

Barking Effect
During barking the saliva and dander are produced due to which we can say that excessive barking may contribute to high levels of allergen dispersals.

In order to ensure perfect health as well as a lifetime companion, we advise allergy sufferers to do their own research and talk to breeders. Below is a list of hypoallergenic breeds which we hope shall be helpful in your search. Wish you a good happy bonding.

Click on the Breed Name for detailed article on the breed with health care information for each breed.

Non-Shedding Dog Breeds
Affenpinscher
Airedale Terrier
Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Bolognese
Coton de Tulear
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Havanese
Irish Water Spaniel
Maltese
Poodle, all sizes
Polish Lowland
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Silky Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Tibetan terrier
Welsh Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

Hairless Dog Breeds
Chinese Crested
Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

Short haired, Single Coated Dog Breeds, with minimal shedding 
Basenji
Greyhound
Italian Greyhound
Kerry Blue Terrier
Schnauzer, all sizes

Long haired Dog Breeds, with minimal shedding 
Bouvier des Flandres
Shih Tzu

Long haired shedding dog breeds with minimal dander 
Pomeranian
Samoyed

Dog Disease - Cancer in Dogs

Dog cancer is one of the most contagious dog diseases which above all is just too bad for every dog keeper and not only that it slowly and gradually starts and makes a gradual change and strike the dog to death. It usually starts from a lung or bronchial infection which leads to a slow cough and later leads to a lethargic behaviour of the dog.  The worst scenario is lymphoma which is actually dog cancer but then again it’s an entire system which is controlled by the lymphoid system which includes liver, spleen and lymph nodes, it depends on what kind of cancer your dog is suffering from.

If the cancer erupts in the stomach or the liver then it would be a gastrointestinal cancer. This sort of cancer erupts by have an infection in one of these organs of your body. If it’s in the lungs then it would be multicentre lymphoma which happens mostly in lungs. It starts from a soft cough and shoots to a sudden death.

Its symptoms are mostly found in older dogs than in younger dogs due their lesser immunity power that they possess. The older dogs due to having less immunity power they happen to contract in number and have a number of effects. If it’s a  gastrointestinal cancer which happens due to the infection in liver or stomach due to which you will finds a sudden weight loss in your dog, more frequent running stools or diarrhea and unable to digest food properly and throwing up. It may be possible he wouldn’t be able to breathe and would look expecting it’s then definitely lymphoma. Most of them even land up having glands which is due to the infected lymph nodes.

Until know there has not been a single a cure found like a chemotherapy or a s such. But there have been some medicines like vincristine, prednisone, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, and are given with some injections the treatment does get a lot painful for your dog and very unfriendly too.  It says to give at least give them about a six weeks survival and some a times a life time survival too. These cancers are very minor in the initial stages and most of the dog keepers don’t notice at times as to what is coming next to their beloved dog.

There have been researches running in them in which most of them have not been very successful but the medicines are a great help for most of the running matters in usual houses.

Top 10 Large Dog Breeds

We do think of getting a dog that could easily sit in our lap and would be friendly and also provide some security. Know when it comes to small dogs it is still a little easy but today we would be talking about some of the gigantic breeds among the dogs that are really huge. Dogs are all shapes and sizes; we would be listing 10 gigantic breeds of the dogs for you to be familiar of the humongous ones too.

Usually people love to keep small breed dogs as it is easy to handle but there some crazy lovers who like to have a large breed and a guard dog or protector normally big breed dogs are mostly preferred. The list below is a consolidated list and has a perfect consensus of the top ten big breeds of dogs. The following are the top ten Huge dogs.

1. Saint Bernard:
Saint Bernard was a service providing dog for the Swiss Alps and was used in the mountainous regions for rescue purposes. It is undoubtedly the humongous breed among the dogs that stand up to 37 inches. Most of the male dogs of this breed weigh 77 – 117kg, the best part of this breed being so huge still on the contrary they are very friendly and helpful. It needs proper training at the initial sages and would never be trouble to handle. They socialize very well and are easy to train.

2. Mastiffs:
They are also known as The English Mastiff due to being an English originated breed. The breed weighs maximum up to 110kg and stands in height till 30inches.  It is second on the list though Great Danes and Wolf Hound in stature are much huger but Mastiffs are much more muscular and stronger due to which they come on the second position. They being a big breed still is renowned to be house pet for its friendly nature and being courageous and fearless. Its quality of having the urge of being with its keeper is a diehard fact in the breeds.

3. Napoleon Mastiffs:
The name says it all. Napoleon Mastiffs is a fearless dog which stands up to 31 inches and weighs up to 74 kg. It comes third on the list being shorter than the rest of the breeds but because of it having a muscular psyche and faithful and just has all the quality of being a guard dog. They need to be trained at early stages so that they may not become a threat for strangers.

4. Newfoundland
It comes fourth on the list and weighs up to 70 kg and stands till 30 inches. The amazing thing about this breed dog is that it used for rescue operations in waters and deep sea which is not done by most of the breeds. It considered being one of the strongest dogs and with its webbed feet it’s just rocking. It has qualities of being a house pet, patient and gentle, above all friendly, loving and very much caring. It needs to be trained carefully from the point of socializing with everyone.

5. Dogue de Bordeaux
It is a French dog and weigh from 54-65kg and not only that its height is up to 30 inches. It is a very obedient and friendly dog and has all the qualities of being a guard dog. It comes on the fifth largest breed on our list and is fearless, courageous and faithful sufficiently. It is an ideal pet for having as a friend, companion and protector too.

6. Great Dane
Great Dane in stature is capable being on the second position after the wolf hounds but is on he 6th position due to its energy level. It is undoubtedly one of the huge breed existing today. It weighs from 54-90kg which is a large scale to measure on has a maximum height of 30inches. It is a beautiful breed and is very much patient with kids and toddlers.

7. Irish Wolf Hound
This breed id an ancient breed and was used to in ancient times to hunt wolf that is called the Wolf hound. It weighs up to 40-69kg and stands till 35inches which brings it 7th on our list. It is one of the tallest breeds existing today. They have a very sweet and humble nature but some where they do become sluggish due to which they are not highly recommended of being a guard dog.

8. Perro de Presa Canario
It was breaded in the Canary Island and was brought for dog fighting games. It weighs up to 36-59kg and stands up to 25 inches. It is as outstanding dog if used for dog racing and fighting games. They are a playful breed and require a lot of attention by its owner. They need a strict trainer and if you a new dog owner it wouldn’t be a good choice for you.

9. Pyrenean Mountain Dog
It weighs about 50-54kg and ranks 9th on our list. It said to be one of the most well mannered breeds and highly socializing too. It would not be wrong to advice this breed to be trained at initial stages when it’s a toddler and make it learn all mannerism. This remedy would definitely benefit the owner too. It is highly faithful and friendly too.

10. Kuvasz
This breed comes from the Hungarian Origin and is an ancient one. It weighs up to 45-52kg and stands till 30inches which brings in on our top 10 list.  They think independently and are really hard to train. To train them you need to be really strict and conscious too. They are not friendly in nature and can ve very unfriendly to strangers too. So if you are a new dog owner its better you choose some breed from the above list and get use to it. Even if you have someone who had this breed it would be good for you too to take suggestions as to how to manage this breed.

Dog Training Collars and Leashes

When it comes to dog training it gets really complicated as one should know the kind of dog he has and his specialities  To hold a dog it is necessary that you need to have a collar. There are various types of collars that are available, some are flat collars, and there are choke collars made from leather, nylon, or chain. Finally there is a pinch collar known as spiked collar. This is one of those collars that are not very dangerous and easy to handle when it comes to dogs. There are collars which look very comfortable and thin and you may think that this would be the correct choice for your dogs. But what always seems is not the actual fact. The collars that are very thin are dangerous to dogs. The thinner a collar would be the more it would roll and become pointed. Now this thin collar hurts the most and the dogs tend to have a misinterpretation. The thick collar look bad they are most comfortable for all kinds of dogs. The more thick a collar would be it would turn less and its inner soul would be soft due to the thickness of the collar. If you go for the thin collars then the dogs can even get wild or scared of you due to the pain he would be getting from that collar. Your dog can even get chocked up due to such collars.

If you take an example of bold: “know if a bold is forced on your hand would it hurt? But if the same bold is sharpened and then rubbed on your hand, would you feel a pinch?” that’s the idea of having a thin collar or thick collar. The collar is used as the very first step in the training of dogs. Dogs are to be trained and not punished by a collar. A collar is to stimulate an appropriate instinct. When the dog learns to be positively motivated by a light tug on a flat collar and then a stronger tug on the choke collar he can also be introduced to a light jerk on the pinch collar.It is not essential for dog to be punished by a collar so that he would listen. In this manner he would even get more stubborn.

If a doctor is treating you he would or going by an operation he would try and do a simpler thing rather than opening you up and then looking for the actual disease. In the same a pinch on the collar of the dog would be sufficient than getting a small collar and threaten the life out of him. A dog needs to be dealt with love and care and not just with anger. If this attitude of a dog owner a dog tends to be very rigid this would actually be a total loss to the idea of having a dog.  This pinch remedy with the thick collars can actually do wonders in your dog’s life. He can be more civilized and wouldn’t feel so left out too.

Finally once you have given a pinch to the dog, then you can be satisfied as the dog would even feel new and not hurt. As a dog owner one can know be relax because the pinch would do the job.  It is a feeling he has never felt before, nor is there an instinct evolved to deal with it. Once your dog has corrected his habit, then you should get back with the routine happy go lucky mood and enjoy the day with him.

There are three kinds of leashes that are used for dogs. They are as under;

SIX INCHES LONG:
The one that is six inches long is very thick and is of good quality. During the training process of a dog it is essential to monitor that a dog shouldn’t be hurt by the leashes. This leash is thick and soft due to which it does not twists very soon.

LONG NYLON LEASH:
A long nylon leash is used for those who walk or are more of an outgoing people they are suppose to have this leash so that they can always tag their dog along.

TAB LEASH:
This is neither too long nor too short. This one is recommended for both outgoing and non-outgoing dogs as it has a short blat to the leash so that the owner can always tag along with the dog and keep up with him.

How can you help your dog Lose weight ?

Weight of all the dogs are a big question that comes to one’s mind when a dog owner would think that can his or lose weight or not? This is because a dog if it gets really fat they are difficult manages. Feeding them or washing them becomes a great deal to be executed. There are various kinds of fixes that occur that comes when one talks about weight of dogs, they are as under;

OVERWEIGHT DOGS:
Dogs look really cute if they are fat, flabby and chubby. But the idea is to manage those gets really difficult. If you see your dog is not doing well then you can always go and consult the vet as to what is to be done. If the suggests you that your dog needs to lose his excessive weight then you should make your dog lose his weight. Many dogs are prone to be overweight or even obese. Other dogs may simply be suffering from a lack of exercise, or may be eating the wrong types of food. If you are feeding your dog a lot of junk food then also he can gain unwanted weight which can be harmful for him and make him lazier. As a dog breeder or owner it is your duty to keep up the health of your dog and take care of him.

FEEDING YOUR DOG:
Many dog owners keep on feeding their dogs all kind of junk food due to which the dog falls seriously ill. Giving a dog one big meal a day does not work. A dog should at least have three meals a day. A dog’s metabolism matches a man’s metabolism; I guess that’s why dogs are said to be man’s best friend. Many of the dogs while eating food also eat junk like the paper in which the biscuits were kept or the box in which the food was there. So you need to make sure that he has his fill. Do not leave him half stomach or in the rush of hunger he would eat anything. Eat; purchase the smallest bag available in each brand. Your veterinarian can help you select good choices when it comes to healthy food for your dog to eat during its “diet”. After finding the right kind of dog food for your beefy dog, you can then start adding crushed veggies (steamed beforehand) to their food. The assumption made by the dog owners that the particular food would be good can be dangerous for your dog or pup. So it is always safe to have a suggestion by your vet.

EXERCISE YOUR DOG:
Your dog needs time to exercise too. Many breeds love to just laze around after they have food and this case also increases their weight. Try and keep your dog with proper timings. You should at least keep thirty minutes in a day so that he can exercise his calories and stay fit. A proper timing for your dog can be very beneficial. Since he is having food and working out in time, he would prefer sleeping early and stay pro-active. Keep a portable dog bowl and plenty of water for the dog so that he doesn’t become overheated. Slowly add a longer course to your daily jaunts and walk for a longer period of time. This will then help him exercise more and eat to a certain limit. Eating like a hog also at times gets risky for a dog as he does not realize that his appetite is being destroyed by this habit.

ENCOURAGE YOUR DOG:
Now since your dog is following all the things you can reward him by saying “good job” and rub his back. This will then help him do better. But if he does not please do not be rude to him and just be patient. Never make a mistake of rewarding your dog with some food. This can be more discouraging for him. It is better you give him some love and ask him to do better. This remedy to loose weight for your dog can really be handy but remember it is only if the vet has prescribed you to do so. Some dogs look naturally cute which is an additional quality about them; so why ruin it. Keep your dog the way it is suppose to be bred.

Training your dog to Stand

While training your dog it is essential to train your dog how to stand. The very reason why a dog is trained to stand is to keep him away from unwanted things. Many times dogs while sitting try to eat things which can be really harmful for them like “Anti-freeze”. Now the command “Stand” is an official command recommended by the AKC i.e. “American Kennel Club”. This word is moreover certified by them and dogs are also analysed on the basis of “Stand”.

Dog owners do not focus initially in the training process of a dog that the word “stand” should be taught to the dogs. But then in latter when you want your dog to participate in some kind of exam then you will have trouble regarding him standing. It is essential he gets up on this particular command or he might harm himself. There are many types of anti-freezing agents that are spread out of the garages and streets. If the dog does not stands and starts he can even reach to a point of death. If he's shy of strangers, not well socialized or skittish, having people handle him and pet him while he remains standing still is one of the exercises that will help him overcome his shyness. The word “Stand” is wonderful word for a dog’s vocabulary; he can also get over with his tepidness and makes him more comfortable among strangers.

To make your dog stand what you need to do is that is keeping your hand on his belly and slowly and gradually asks him to stand. Try and get him on his toes and make him walk. Once you do this make him walk for a while and then make him sit down. Frustration should be highly avoided in this training process. Take your dog in a quiet room and do not grouch at him if he is not standing that will make him sit automatically and he even might even start barking.

Keep on trying this routine with your dog for at least 10 minutes a day. After you do this you can even take him to some training school to do the same. If a student practices from home it is easier for teacher to teach him the lesson. Now the training session and the home on combing will actually make a lot of difference to your dog. He will start standing and he even might start standing in the bath tub too.

When your dog learns how to stand then you should teach him some more commands. Ask him to “turn around” and then slowly turn him round. Now where his tale was his head would come and vice versa. This will teach him how to turn and then even give him some credibility each time he follows the command correctly. This would show some love to your dog and would encourage him to do better. This is something very obvious that is the more you teach dog the more he learns. It all depends on how patient you can be. Because the training person is always suppose to be patient and enduring.

Dangerous Dog Breeds and Why?

Sadly many dogs like pit-bull and other fighter breeds are said to be a threat to the country. So the government is now in the process of eradicating the fighter breeds. Many dog owners that have been harmed by the dogs are also in the move to finish away this breed. What happens is that many of the dog owners do not understand the psyche of the dogs. Every dog has his own qualities and talents to show. If a dog is from a fast paced breed so he wouldn't stay much at home and play a playful breed. The basic thing one needs to do before getting a dog is to browse and look all over for the information about the dog because if you have a poor research on the breed you are purchasing then you are going to be great trouble.

Just few months a lady by the name of “Linda” came to me to purchase a “Border Collies” saying that she lived a suburban life so the dog would be happy. Now according to her the breed was laid back and would be the right choice for the life style she wanted. I had advised her not to purchase the breed since what she thinks is just the opposite of my research. But later she purchased two border collies for herself and was sufficiently happy. Later she faced innumerable trouble with those two dogs. She called up saying that the dogs are more like a trouble breed. This is not true but the breed is one of the most active breed man has ever come across. It is sprint and fast. The breed is said to be highly athletic and are also used as guard dogs for houses. The lady’s poor research nearly had cost her, her life.

Many of the dogs that are said to be a risk to man’s life today are they actually are a threat or not let’s have a look. Are the dogs lumped into the general heading of pit bull really a danger? Let's first look at the group of dogs called Terriers as a whole. Most terrier breeds developed in Great Britain and Ireland. These were dogs of varying sizes from the tiny Yorkshire (originally a mouser) and Norfolk, to the medium Lakeland, the ancestor to the American Staffordshire Terrier (close relative to the American Pit Bull Terrier), to the giant Airedale. These breed has a different kind of a sense they are all hyper. They are supposed to be dealt in a different way and their wants are poles apart different from the other breeds.

Usually we do not have a defined research about the breed we are interested to purchase, so that is what actually creates kayos. This blur imagination and research can only be washed away until and unless you consult a reputed dog breeder or kennel. Make sure he is registered with “AKC” club which would make him an official and legal person to suggest on you’re regarding query.

Now the breeds falling between these size extremes are breeds such as the Fox Terriers, Norfolk Terriers, Scotties, Wes-ties, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Manchester terriers and many others. Terriers as a whole were bred to hunt vermin. They were bred to be tenacious which is the breed is suppose to breed. Though a terrier may not start a fight, but the sad part is they do not back out from a fight too. This means if they see coming their way seems fishy to them or would be unsafe for them they would attack. This habit of theirs is considered to be harmful but if you notice there is a reason why they behave irrational like this and there are also remedies to prevent them from this habit. The ancestors of all dogs are pit bull. They are a very stubborn breed and tenacious too. They were basically herding dogs and were used in farms. This breed is highly capable of being a watch dog or a guard dog. They exactly know how to take care of their masters but at the same time they act very rigid due to which they are also in the list of bad behaved dogs. These are traits that in any breed require a knowledgeable and experienced owner. For example, Australian Cattle Dogs (heelers) have traits very similar to Terriers that make then unsuited for novice dog owners. Not only do they have a herding drive, this drive makes them very much wild and annoying at times. This is their habit and they are known to be like this. One should not purchase them thinking could be suitable for being a lap dog or house pup. An ACD is a tough dog and cannot be tackled if they get wild by a single person.  In fact they get vicious at times but they are not considered to be a dangerous breed.

Now that’s funny all my readers. This one has bought jitters down my spine. I have personally been with several kinds of dogs like; American Pit Bull Terrier or generic pit bull from a good source and in a good home that posed any more danger than any other Terrier. When I think of the dangerous dogs I have known over the years, the first ones that come to mind now are a Chihuahua, an Australian Shepherd/Dalmatian cross, and a Golden Retriever.  All these dog that I came across were from poor homes and they were not kept in a good condition. Some came from negligent homes and some from bad breeders but all of them looked in a pretty miserable state.  It is never the breed it is always the way you treat the dog and above all they were not treated according to their breed. Most of them came from a dog production where dogs were just produced just for the sake of making business.

The danger a dog possesses comes from the man who is taking care of the dog. If the dog was not taken of good care then how can the dog be in a good state of mind? No breed is a bad breed, we need to look upon them as individuals and analyze their problems. An American Pit Bull Terrier from a good source and in a proper home more than a Labrador retriever from a poor source and a poor home. When evaluating the threat posed by a dog breed.

Medical issue like a form of seizure disorder called Rage Syndrome (and must be diagnosed as Rage and not a dog who is poorly trained and socialized) or other chemical imbalance that may cause a dog to be an inherited risk. But this is in rare cases most of them are not a threat to life it all depends on the way you breed the dog. Just by secreting the dogs away from humanity would not be correct. If I was asked personally are dogs a threat to humanity my answer would be NO and if I was asked is a bad breeder or owner a threat to dogs my answer would be YES!

Keep your dog warm in cold weather

The season that almost all of us are waiting but then there are several types of allergies that affects in this beautiful winter and viral that affects us. Not only us but dogs are not also allergic to winter at times. There are certain precautionary measures that need to be taken if you ever find you dog sneezing, having a bad throat or shivering in winter. Left outside for extended periods of time, your dog can experience frostbite or hypothermia. Look for discolouring of the skin, especially on the ear tips and other extremities. If you find any signs, contact your veterinarian. If you find it difficult to get through a vet then a cocktail of juice can be given to the dog should be given to him but only the dog does not reach on time.

We have some special tips for those dogs that face lots of trouble when it comes to winter. The following are the tips by which your dog can be prevented at a great extent.

FLANNEL SHEET:
Place a flannel sheet under your dog’s bed so that he feels warmer. Dogs normally feel very cold in winter due to which they shiver and act absurd at times to prevent all of this a flannel sheet can do wonders for a dog and could save him from winter.

VENTS CATCH IDENTIFICATION:
Many dogs like to sleep on the floor as the vent catches an amount of identification and the dogs mostly like to lie down and sneeze rather than on his couch. Just keep the dog warm as warm as you can and let him be in his maximum comfort zone.

ADDITIONAL FOOD:
In winter your dog would require more energy to do every possible thing he does because due to falling sick his immunity level goes down and he needs more food to get back to the same level. So do not be afraid as much as food he requires.

CLEANING OF PAWS:
Be sure that you need to be cleaning your dog’s paws so that any sort of chemical that comes with his paws he wouldn’t lick it. May dogs get anti-freezers in their paws and then land up falling serious ill. So their cleanliness should surely be taken care off.

ANTI-FREEZE:
Try and keep the anti-freeze as far as you can so that they may not get in their paws or elsewhere.  Normally they get in to the freezing agents by the side of the garages spilled outside so they lick it or get it stocked with their paws. Try and keep these things as far as you can from them.

HOMELY PUPS:
If your dog is not habitual of going out or if he is not much of an outgoing dog then it wouldn’t be advisable for your dog to go out. It would be better if he stays back at home rather than going out and getting sick.

WARM PLACE:
Your dog should be kept in a warm place from where warm sir is blowing. That would help him to stay warm and away from all the winter diseases.

SNOW STORM:
Try not to unleash your dog be unleashed in snow storm and other winter calamities so that he can be safe from all the hap hazards that takes place. Even when he would be lost he won’t be able o find his way to home.

WINTER CLOTHES:
Above all if your dog is old in age and very sensitive please do get a sweater for him so that he can be kept warm. The age and immunity level has a great impact on the dog’s health in the winter season.

GOOD TIMING IS CRITICAL TO YOUR DOG TRAINING

While training a dog timing is something that can really be killing for a dog. The only reason why time is assumed to be really pious when it comes to dog training is because it has a great impact on a dog’s mind. Talking about a dog’s mind set this is one of the most important things because it enables the dog to do better as much as it can. The dog learns how to behave in public and moreover learns mannerism too. The very reason timing is prescribed for dog is due to the emotional brain storm that goes round in their mind. Dogs usually feel that that they under some kind of a Hitler rule and at times they even get rebellious.

The dog would tend to be calmer for the domestic restraints eve when his trainer is not around. Dog’s become rebellious the owner starts responding on each and every “Bark”. This habit of his becomes more like a fancy and later turns in to a rigid nature. The key to train dog’s lies in timings, if you notice you pup or dog for long time and focus on what he actually wants and what would be his next reaction and then if you would respond then it would do good for you. But this requires a lot of constant concentration towards your dog because if you do not respond correctly to his want and would fail to comprehend his reaction the training process can actually become negative for you.

If a dog owner looks after his dog very carefully and focuses on his reaction and the way he behaves then only he can implement this timing remedy on his dog. Any kind of training requires a lot of timing or else it goes vague.  So that even if a dog is acting irrational the owner can actually have a pre-determined reaction towards the dog so that he wouldn’t rebel. This controls the dog’s emotional memory which process due to which he actually tries and obeys.

For example, if you are training a dog to heel you should watch his head very closely. As you see the dog is about to shift his attention just at that same time catch him up with his collar and praise him. Additionally, pick up your pace, and to complete the process, throw a ball for him to chase or give him a food treat.

The praise, food, and the ball then serve to convert the correction to stimulation. Since I'm the source of the excitement, the dogs calm focus on me from which he was about to stray is renewed and reinforce. Know this remedy can be applied on a dog but still all that takes is the correct timing to play with. If one knows it wouldn’t be tough for him.

DOG OBEDIENCE AND BEHAVIOR

The diction to the word discipline are several, some say “training to act in accordance with rules” , “exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training” , “punishment inflicted by way of correction and training” and many more. It depends all on their thinking or what they have observed. Discipline according to me comes within. It is something that varies from person to person. If a musician is told to follow the military law, he would not be able to follow the law as he is an artist. An artist would follow what discipline music would teach him. “Discipline is all about how a person goes according to his potential of work”. Know when we talk about discipline we mostly impose laws rather than make them follow. The law should be simple and easy for one to follow and not difficult to comprehend and impossible to follow.

If a martial arts student does not show the right kind of attitude while practicing he would be rejected by “Sensei”! They look for someone who has the correct attitude towards the sport so that they can train him. If one does not have the right kind of attitude then he would considered someone pretty non serious and the teachers would refuse investing time on him. It entirely depends on teachers as to what kind of discipline he wants to be followed by his student. The art of training a dog depends entirely on discipline. If a dog is not disciplined he would neither obey nor behave well.  It needs a lot of motivation by the trainer to understand the psyche of a dog as to how would he react and what would be his wants. If a trainer understands his dog very well and is desperate to train him well he would definitely look forward towards all his psyche and consciousness too. The dog should be answered in his psyche and the owner should be well versed with all his habits before he responds to the dog.

The dog does not need much of a training in order to be obedient and have a good behavior. In the given above meanings, one of the meanings states that “punishment inflicted by way of correction and training”. Dog’s are mostly corrected or should be corrected rather than being trained and this brings out the good qualities of a dog. A state of order based upon submission to rules and authority. While we are about to explain that there are times where this more limited view is necessary, we wish to reaffirm that the higher definition should be foremost in our minds and at the foundation of your training program.  A dog requires a lot more attention and observance before training so that you may know his attributes so that you can train him accordingly. You can never train a lap dog like you train a guard dog. Every dog has a different way to be dealt.

For instance if a dog goes off track I would catch him from his collar and correct him. All his and anger would be dampened up then and there and after I correct him I would calm down once he corrects himself. The art of training a dog depends on reaction if my reaction would not be precise at the precise at the precise moment then I would have bought a negative side of my dog which wouldn’t had been really fruitful. In such a way a dog is always associating and not rebelling against it. He learns how to obey when he is corrected. A dog at times does get annoyed if he is not treated the way as he reacted then he could be irrational so in case if you do not know that what is the dog’s want then you can just give  general reaction rather than getting him hyper and later you can always discover that thing.