Friday, April 30, 2010

Dog Communication Signs

5 Dog Communication Signs That Are Easy To Misinterpret

Despite the time we spend with our pets, most humans misinterpret many dog communication signals. We tend to think that dogs have similar thought patterns to ours. Meanwhile, dogs think that we understand their language, too.

For humans and dogs to communicate effectively, we must become more aware of what they are telling us, since they do not have the capability of purposefully learning our language. We have take the first step.

Here are 5 dog communication signals to get you started.

1. Dog barking is one that you will have to learn by studying how your dog responds in different situations. You will notice that if another dog is walking past the house, he might bark loudly and purposefully. If the dog ventures onto his property however, he will probably become a more aggressive barker. Watch him each time he barks so that you can learn how they differ and what each one means. Most importantly, you will discover that he barks for a reason and not just because he can.

2. Eye contact has several interpretations. Unlike humans, dogs do not like to be stared at or looked at with a fixed gaze. To them, this often means confrontation and challenge. Yet eye contact can also indicate playfulness and curiosity. If he avoids eye contact, he might be showing respect or he could be submissive or feel defeated or fearful. How your dog stands helps other dogs to read his intentions. Knowing these will help you as well.

3. Body language, such as head down and eyes diverted is a sign of submission. If the hair on the dog's back is raised, this is a distinct sign of aggression. Combine that with long looks and enlarged pupils and you can be sure that your dog is issuing a threat. Bared and clenched teeth with lips curled is a sign of aggression. Take it as a warning. If the dog holds his mouth slightly ajar with his tongue rolled to one side, your dog is relaxed. Some dogs will bare their teeth and roll their top lip when they are very happy. There is a difference between this behavior and aggression.

4. Ears are another tool that dogs use to communicate. Up and forward indicates he is alert. If they are rotated sideways, he is feeling insecure. If they are pulled straight back and down, it shows that he is being submissive. These signs are more obvious in shorthaired dogs with pointed ears. Floppy eared dogs communicate the same way but it is less obvious. You will have to look a little harder to spot the subtle changes.

5. A dog's tail can say a lot but many people do not understand how to interpret their messages. One misconception is that if the dog is wagging his tail he is happy and friendly, but this is not always true. If the tail is straight out and wagging slowly, it shows that he is mildly interested in whatever is before them. If it is wagging very quickly, this indicates that his energy levels are high and perhaps is overly excited. If a dog is wagging his tail and shows any signs of aggression as discussed, it is a sure sign to back off and be careful.

One interesting discovery made by one researcher is that when dogs are attracted to someone or something, they will wag their tails predominately to right and when he is fearful and apprehensive, they will wag to the left. Study your dog and see if you can spot this sign.

As you can see, there are many dog communication signs that can help you to understand your pet's messages. Use them to help communicate with him more effectively.

More on Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain dog breed stands from 23 to 28 inches in height depending on the sex, with the female being the smaller. This is an agile dog despite the fact it is a large and sturdy breed. It is slightly longer than its height. The head is flat on the top. The muzzle is well-built and straight. The teeth meet in a good scissor bite. The eyes are brown with the fur being rust over each eye. The ears are of medium size, high setting and rounded at the tips of the ear, they are triangular in shape. The straight legs are strong and will have fawn on all four legs. Their feet are round with arched toes. Their coat is fairly long, slightly wavy or straight and should be thick. This is a weather- resistant coat. The coat is tricolour with good symmetrical markings of black, rust, and white. They will have a white blaze on the chest, and white on their heads, tip of the tail and toes. Rust is on their face reaching the corners of the mouth and under the tail.

History: This dog comes from Switzerland, in the Swiss mountains. Art work dating back to the 18th century shows this dog. They are working dogs and were used to pull carts to market. In addition, they were used to drive cattle, be a companion to the farmer and a watch dog. This breed's gifts are also, tracking, herding, search and rescue and competitive obedience.

Temperament: This is a dog that loves children. With good intelligent brains, they are easy to train. Here you have a friend that is full of confidence and a great natured dog. It is slow to mature, staying puppy like for longer than other breeds. Socialize this breed as well as possible, then this dog will be better with anything new in the future. Firm but kind training will work best. Natural leadership is a must, as a dog is a dog, that way your dog will be much happier. Due to their slow maturing some owners have not worked with this breed to give clear rules and leadership, this can give many problems later, and so it is best to be the Alpha at all times.

Health issues: Sadly, this dog suffers from cancer and their life expectancy has dropped from 10 to 12 years down to 6to 8 years. This is being researched, but for now, is a fact that needs consideration by the buyer. This breed can suffer from bloat, eyelid problems, hip and elbow dysplasia and weight gain. Portion sizes need to be controlled.

Grooming: For its long coat, daily grooming is required, taking extra care when the dog is shedding. This is a heavy shedder. Bathing is fine but only when needed.

Living conditions: This dog is not recommended for an apartment. They need a large garden and due to the full and thick coat would rather live in cooler climates. This is a large dog that needs regular long daily walks.

Learn and know more about Plott Dog Breed

Plott Dog Breed

Description. The Plott is a medium sized dog being some 20-24 inches in height, and weighing 45-55 pounds.  They're muscular in appearance with a long tail and medium sized hanging ears; their overall look is somewhat reminiscent of a Labrador.

Colouration of the coat can be any shade of brindle, which is a motley effect, they can also come in solid black or a mix the two, White in the area the chest and or feet is also common.  They can be quite fast dogs and have a level of stamina that allows a high standard of endurance.  One of the distinctive factors for this breed is webbing between the toes.

Commonly, they will have a single coat although double coats are not rare.  History.  The dogs were introduced to America by Jonathan Plott, who originally came from Germany with his brother.  They had taken with them five Hanoverian hounds, which are used in Germany for the hunting of wild boar.

These then became mixed with more indigenous dogs.  The dogs were bred by the family 200 years and today's Plott dog is the result.  The family were looking for hunting dogs to help hunt raccoon and bear in the Appalachian hills and Blue Ridge areas.  Their fearless nature is due in no small part to this breeding.

Temperament.  They are sprightly, quick, active, quite clever, and are courageous with an excellent level of confidence.  Instinctively they are determined fighters when set upon game or are defending.  They are not commonly a pack animal and are not particularly sociable with other dogs, but they do enjoy and seek out the company and attention of humans.

They are a good family pet when sufficiently exercised. However, it should be borne in mind that as instinctive hunters they may not interact well with small children.  Another consideration, with this breed, are other pets in the house as this is a fearless hunting dog, there may be problems with other pets. This is especially true with smaller animals, but as it was originally bred to hunt bears, even larger pets may be seen as a challenge.

Health issues.  The breed is considered very hardy and lives between 12 and 14 years.  It does have a tendency to eat very quickly, which can make it susceptible to some gastric problems, bloat, torsion, and intestinal twists.  These dogs should only be exercised a reasonable time after they are eaten, to reduce the incidence of these problems.

Grooming.  The Plott hound, with its short coat is fairly easy groom.  All that is necessary is occasional combing and brushing to clear out any debris and shed hair. Whilst grooming it is a good idea to check that the ears are free of infection, and are clean.  If the dog is used for hunting then on return you should check their feet and coats for any signs of ticks or fleas etc.

Living conditions: This breed can live outdoors if adequate protection is supplied for them. However, great care should be taken if you live near roads as they have no road sense whatsoever.  They enjoy a lot of exercise and are well suited to long brisk walks or even jogging, you jog the dog runs alongside.

They do enjoy the chance to run free, but you must bear in mind they are natural instinctive hunters, and whilst free may decide to chase smaller animals.  Ideally, they are suited to a house with a medium to large garden which is fenced off and secure, they are not suited to apartment life.

They are not particularly playful, but the throwing of balls, sticks, etc. and playing chase in the garden will exercise at least some of their natural hunting instincts.

Some more insight on Shetland Sheep Dog

Shetland Sheep Dog

The Shetland sheepdog is somewhat reminiscent, in look, of Collies and particularly so as a smaller version of the Ruff coated collie. Standing 13-17 inches in height and weighing 14 to 28 pounds. they are classed as a medium-sized dog. Their head is in proportion to their size, and with a slight tapering of the muzzle towards the nose, giving it a blunt wedge shape when seen in profile. They have dark coloured eyes, which are an almond shape. They have been known to have blue eyes, in the blue Merrill coloured dogs. They are small ears, folding down, and an arched muscular neck. Their tail is long and feathered, normally straight down although it can have a slightly curve upwards. Their double coat is quite long over their entire body, although somewhat shorter on the legs and head. The outer coat is straight and feels harsh when stroked.

History: The Shetland Sheepdogs were originally bred by crossing the Icelandic Yakkin with Border collie's. The Icelandic Yakkin has since become extinct. As their name would suggest they were originally bred in the Shetland Islands, as Shepherd dogs. They are habitually willing workers and tend to have a gentle approach when herding, which is handy as a lot of the Shetland animal breeds are smaller than normal. England first recognized these dogs, as a breed, in 1909 with the AKC recognizing them in 1911. Nowadays, these dogs are mostly popular as family pets and companion dogs. Amongst their talents are, agility, watchdog, performing tricks, herding, tracking, and obedience, all of which attest to this being a very clever dog.

Temperament. As with so many other sheepdogs the Shetland, being no exception, will be eager and willing to please, with a strong sense of loyalty, thus making them a wonderful companion dog. They have a pleasant temperament, whether they are alert or just resting, they will always be happy to see you and willing to play. They are a great people dog and excel in homes where they are socialised early, preferably as a puppy. They are particularly sensitive to tone, and if when giving a command you do not really mean it, they will sense that in the tone of your voice, and just ignore what you have said. Their herding instinct is still very strong, and they love chasing. It is a good idea to keep an eye on them and teach them not to chase cars, as they quite well may do, which is obviously very dangerous for them.

Health issues. The Shetland Sheepdog has a predisposition to eye diseases, with some lines having a reasonable chance of developing hypothyroidism. They do suffer from gaining weight fairly easily and should not be overfed. A normal life expectancy is some 12 to 15 years.

Grooming. Grooming of the Shetland Sheepdog coat is easier than you may think, although very important. If you give their coat a light misting of water and tease the matting out before it gets too bad with sparing use of the comb, the final brushing is then very simple.

Living conditions. The Shetland Sheepdog do require a lot of exercise and as long as this is given to them, they are quite happy to live without a yard, or even in an apartment. They are very active indoors and do require some space, so a bed-sit type apartment would not be suitable.

How to train your day to have good Etiquettes

Tips On How To Train Your Dog To Be Etiquette Savvy

If you want to know how to train your dog, start with etiquette. This is the basis for more advanced training.

It can be a problem though. Who can reject that perky attitude and excitable nature that all puppies bring with them? They are just too irresistible for you not to give them that extra bite from your dinner plate.

If you do not stop your puppy from doing things like begging, stealing, barking and racing around the house, you will have big problems to deal with when he grows up. Your dog will learn from your lack of intervention that he can do whatever he wants and what you want does not matter.

Imagine having company and your dog paws at them or jumps up and tries to steal food right off of their fork. It has been known to have to happen. Or consider the end result if you're now small puppy jumps up on visitors when he is big. You could be in for some hefty clothing repair and cleaning charges.

Your dog will develop the attitude that he is the boss. For you, that means you will run into all kinds of problems during your training sessions and beyond. Your puppy will grow to become unruly, demanding, and exhibiting various forms of bad behavior.

5 tips on how to train your dog to be etiquette savvy

1. Teach him from the very first time that he is not allowed to jump up on people. Advise everyone to ignore him when he does this because to show him any form of attention will only encourage his bad behavior.

2. Stop him from begging. Show him where he can stay while you are eating. Never allow him to sit at your feet while you're at the dinner table. Same goes for snacking on the couch. Make sure he understands that his begging will not be rewarded with treats.

3. Do not allow him to race around when someone comes to the door. He must learn to be quiet and relaxed. One method you can use involves having another person hold him on a leash several feet away from the door. When he begins jumping around and barking, the person will give the leash a small jerk to divert his attention.

4. Prevent your puppy from ravaging your house from the very beginning. You want to deter him from racing through the house, bouncing across cushions and streaming out your roll of toilet paper in his exuberance. Take the time to introduce him to the entire house one room at a time. This will harness his high energy that comes from having all of that unfamiliar space to romp in.

5. Secure him on car rides. A romping puppy or grown dog in a moving vehicle can be dangerous. You can become distracted and during sudden stops, your dog can be injured. The best method is to use a crate with toys to keep him busy and a comfortable blanket to lie on.

Etiquette is just the beginning. You'll soon learn that if you want to know all there is about how to train your dog, you'll need to continue seeking advice from the right people.

Things you may be interested to know about German Shorthaired Pointer Dog

German Shorthaired Pointer Dog

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a short thick coat that is predominately liver in colour, either solid liver, liver and white, liver patches/liver roan. In some countries their tails are docked, but this practice is now illegal in most countries. They have slightly long ears that lie flat and close to the head. They can stand up to 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 70 lbs. they are well proportioned dog with a broad and rounded skull, they have a slight stop and brown open nose. They have almond shaped eyes and compact feet that are webbed, their fur is rough to the touch but softer on their ears and head. They are streamlined dogs, powerful and are able to move and turn rapidly.

History: The German Shorthaired Pointer was bred to be an excellent Hunter as well as a good family companion. It is thought to descend from many German dogs including hunting dog, scent hounds and tracking dogs. They're an all-purpose dog with an excellent nose and can be used as either a retriever or a gundog both in the field, and in water. They were officially recognized by the AKC in 1930. As well as hunting, this dog has been known to be used in Scandinavia as a sled dog for dogsled racing. Although not much is known about its history, it is thought to have been descended from the old Spanish Pointer and to have come to Germany in the 1600s, however no records were kept until the first studbook in 1870.

Temperament: The German Shorthaired Pointer is extremely energetic breed, they are eager to please and will love their family. They are a faithful dog who tend to have a happy air around them. They do need lots of exercise, and if they do not receive the amount they need they can become highly strung and very frustrated. They enjoy constructive activities, and they need an order and structure to their life. They need a calm yet firm owner, who the dog must know is in charge, without leadership these dogs can become nervous and destructive. They do not cope well with being kept in a kennel, but love nothing more than doing what they were bred to do, which is to hunt.

Health Issues: Overall a very healthy breed, but like many dogs they are prone to hip dysplasia and they can also suffer from epilepsy and genetic eye diseases. They can also get cancerous lesions in their mouth or on the skin in other areas of their body, and similar to other breeds the German Shorthaired Pointer females are prone to breast cancer if they are un-spayed. As with all hunting dogs, they are prone to the spread of fungi and bacteria through contact with the game, this can easily cause infections in their mouth or any open wounds or small cuts. Their life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, though it is not unheard of individual dogs to live up to 18 years.

Grooming: The German Shorthaired Pointers are generally very clean breed so only occasional brushing is required. They are minimal shedders, and normally only shed once a year. They should only be bathed when needed, for example if they are covered in mud.

Living Conditions: The German Shorthaired Pointer is not recommended for apartment life, they are a very active dog and would do best with a large garden. They are also best suited to an active family who can give them the amount of exercise they require. If under exercised they have been known become escape artists, being able to jump fences up to 6 foot high. They are tireless animals and on occasion can be more than a match for even the most active people, however if their exercise needs are not met they can become restless and destructive.

Learn more about Border Collie Dog Breed

Border Collie Dog Breed

Description: The Border Collie is an energetic working dog of a medium build. The body is slightly longer than it is tall. The skull is relatively flat, but moderate and wide. The muzzle is about the same length as the skull.

This breed has strong teeth that need to meet in a scissor bites. They have medium-sized ears set well apart either side of their head, and can be either erect or semi-erect. The front legs if viewed on the side, slightly slope, but when viewed from the front are straight.

They have a medium-sized tail, that is set low, reaching down at least to the hock. They have a double coat that is weather resistant, thick and close-fitting. There are two recognised lengths of coat, a course, rough looking coat of about 3 inches in length, or a short sleek coat, around 1 inch in length. The coat colours come in black and white, red and white, tricolours, yellow and white, yellow, saddle, black and grey, and all black.

All longer haired variety should have a mane and a good tail brush. Their front legs ears and face fur is always shorter and sleeker. These dogs have been bred for working, with great intelligence, and are truly beautiful to see an action.

History: The original name to the Border Collie was Scottish sheepdog, coming originally from Northumberland, along the borders of Scotland and England. This dog came to the borders of England and Scotland with the Vikings and was used to herd reindeer.

This dog thrives on work, work and more work. It is believed the Border Collie can hypnotise cattle or any animal, they are herding with its intense stare. This is one of the most trainable breeds, and is incredibly versatile, from being a working man's herding animal, to a top performer in obedience, Frisbee trial, police work and agility training. This is an incredible dog.

Temperament: This dog thrives on praise, and plenty of hard work. Border collie's are amongst the top leaders in competitive dog training, excelling in agility, sheepdog trials, obedience and Frisbee. This dog loves competitions, and really cannot get enough wins.

This is a dog that you should consider carefully. If you wish to get higher up in competitions, as it is classed the best. This is still a working dog, and many farmers are very happy, with their bright intelligent dog. This dog has endless energy and stamina to match. The Border Collie is happy with other dogs, and children, but some care must be taken with the same-sex dog. This dog needs lots of activities and exercise. Socialising your puppy from a young age is recommended as this can prevent shyness.

You need to be a firm and fair pack leader, to gain good respect, and get the best from your dog. This is not the dog Breed for you if you do not enjoy lots of exercise with your pets, both mentally and physically. If not, this dog will soon turn destructive, if left alone. They can also become neurotic, without the right levels of exercise.

Health issues: This breed is prone to epilepsy, deafness, hip dyspraxia, PRA, and allergies to fleas.

Grooming: This breed needs regular combing and brushing. Extra care is needed when the dog is shedding. Check the ears and coat regularly for tics.

Living conditions: This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They do best in a large garden with acreage of possible. They can live outdoors in a kennel, provided, they have daily activities and walk's.

Know more about American Eskimo Dog Breed

The American Eskimo is a medium size dog that is in the Nordic- type dog. It looks like a miniature Samoyed to some. We have three in this group of dogs, the miniature, toy and standard. This dog should have a wedge shaped head, the head and muzzle being the same length. This dog has nice erect ears of triangular shape. With a well carried neck, the top line should be level. This dog has a lovely curly tail that is full and curls over the back. The dog should have an energetic trot that is not timid. Good legs and feet allow this to show. It is slightly longer than its height. They need to be over 9 inches in height and fewer than 19 inches if you wish to show the dog. The coat of this breed needs to have no curls or waves. The undercoat should be full and thick, while the outer coat needs to be harsher. The coat can only be these colours. While white in colour, you can have cream or biscuit with white. The coat is big around the neck giving a mane or ruff. Black is the best colour for the skin on the eyes, paws, gums, nose and pads of their feet.

History: The American Eskimo is one of the Spitz families of the Nordic breeds. They are close to the German Spitz and when they came to America the name change to what we know today. This was due to the war where in World War 1 bad feeling for all things German was high. They are now recognized as a separate breed. They are also said to be related to the American Inuit dog. They are famed throughout America for their ability to do tricks. This came about through the circus use of these dogs from around the 1920 on. There are lots of stories about the origins of this dog, but it was first formed into an organization of the North American Eskimo Dog in 1969.

Temperament: The American Eskimo dog is one of the best scorers in obedience trials. They are bight, with high intelligence. They are willing and keen to please. It has lots of affection and is wonderful with children. Quick to learn they are easy to train. They love to work so need mental stimulation. They need to be part of a family; here they need you to be the pack leader. Without this they can become obsessive and willful. You can get separation problems. Hyperactive and obsessive barking can arise if you do not give enough mental and physical exercise. If you get the balance right you can have a wonderful family dog that all will Adore.

Health issues: Weight gain can happen with the American Eskimo dog breed so keep a close eye on their weight and exercise regularly. They are predisposed to hip dysplasia. Eyes need to be well looked after as this breed can get progressive retinal atrophy. They can have an allergy to fleas.

Living conditions: The American Eskimo dog is suited to house or apartment living providing you give the right amount of exercise. Even then it is an active dog in the home. A garden that is safe will be greatly appreciated by this dog, but they will still love to have walk's out of the home to meet all their needs.

Insight to Belgian Tervuren Dog

Belgian Tervuren Dog

The Belgian Tervuren dog has a square shaped body and is seen with a beautiful ruff. The skull is parallel to the muzzle on the top line. This dog has tight black lips and the teeth meet in a level or scissor bite. The eyes are oval and dark brown. The ears are pointy and triangular in shape, with height and width equal. The chest is deep and reaches the elbow. Legs should be straight and have feathering; this takes your eye to the cat like feet. The tail is full and strong reaching the hock, there is also an abundance hair on the tail. The coat is double long with guard hair. The harsh coat is medium to long, but on the head and outer ears being shorter. The undercoat is dense and the outer coat is straight with black tips. The males have a mane that is prominent whereas in the females it is not so prominent. Colours include shades of grey with black tips and rich fawn to russet mahogany, and a black mask. Small amounts of white on the chest are also allowed.

History: This dog is named after the village it fist came from, the village of Tervuren. This is one of the four Belgian sheepdogs. These are dogs that share the same standards in most countries, but it is different in the USA. This dog was first used as a sheepdog but their talent is now used in police work in various roles. They work best as a working dog. Obedience, agility, tracking and herding are to name but a few. With great intelligence and lots of energy it loves to work.

Temperament: This dog needs experienced owners for it to be happy and for you to gain the best from this dog. With its high energy and keenness to learn it is not a dog to lie around and be happy. This dog needs to be socialized well from a young age. This breed needs great leadership and firm rules. It can be a good family pet, but you will need to use up that energy and bright intelligence, to allow a well balanced dog. Some of their need is to be part of the family. Careful thought has to go into non-canine pets. They are often dominating of other dogs and great care and training is needed around this issue. The herding instinct needs to be stopped and not allowed. If this dog is not stopped, as a herding dog, they can be very nippy around the ankles while trying to herd the family.

Health issues: Issues that can happen are skin problem like allergies, epilepsy, eye problems and excessive aggression or shyness. Keeping this dog to a strict meal allowance as it can become obese. Rarely, you can see hip or elbow dysplasia.

Grooming: This coat will require daily grooming. Make sure you clip out any mats as they start. The males shed twice a year and more grooming is needed around this time, whereas the females shed once a year. Have one day a week, where you really work on the dog's coat, for that better and easier care the rest of the week.

Living conditions: If this breed has the right amount of exercise daily it can live in an apartment. It will benefit from a garden and cool climate but can live in other climates. It can live out doors but would rather live with its family of humans.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Polish Owczarek Nizinny

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Description. The Polish lowland sheepdog is a medium to large size with the male dogs measuring 16-20 inches in height and weighing 30-35 pounds, and the female bitch being some 42-47cms high and 13-18kgs in weight. They have a double coat which is shiny on the outside, with the undercoat being downy, for warmth and weather resistance. Whereas they can be any colour the most common are, brown, white, and grey with grey, black or brown markings, these colours can fade as the dog ages. These are large boned with a strong skeleton supporting a fairly impressive musculature.

History. As the name suggests these dogs originated in Poland, where they are still quite common. However, in Poland they are known by their correct name, which is the Polish Owczarek Nizinny often shortened to PONS (and with a name like that you can see why). Whilst bred originally as a sheepdog the vast majority are now kept as pets, although in their native Poland some are still kept as working dogs. This breed, as with many others, nearly reached extinction during World War II, but was revived by Polish breeders after the end of the war.

Temperament. These are generally happy dogs, which are quite animated and boisterous, while also being affectionate and intelligent with a good level of obedience. They can be wary and watchful of people they do not know, and will announce the arrival of any of your visitors, in no uncertain terms, at very high-volume. You need to assert yourself over your pet as early as possible, they are bred to look after sheep and have a strong instinct to be in charge, if you do not show this dog that they are number two and you are, in fact, in charge then problems may arise. As long as they are socialised early they will be a faithful friendly household pet, however there herding instinct can surface and you may find that the dog starts to nip at ankles, trying to herd the family. Whilst this can be annoying; you have to admit it is quite funny. If being raised in a family with young children, this trait could be quite handy, if you send your dog out they will be able the round of your children and bring them home (providing great entertainment to their friends, I am sure).

Health issues. As with most medium to large dogs the Polish lowland sheepdog can sufferer from hip dysplasia. Other problems include a possibility of epilepsy, and a risk of congenital deafness. Although overall they are a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Grooming. Because of their very long shaggy coat, they require grooming at least once a week with a stiff brush and comb, to prevent knots and matting of their fur. They will require bathing fairly regularly, to eliminate the risk of tics and other skin parasites, which tend to like living in this type of fur and can be difficult to remove. Dependent on the surfaces they walk, they will require their nails to be clipped regularly.

Living conditions. This breed will require a good amount of exercise; however, as long as they receive this they are reasonably happy with living in either an apartment or house. They prefer cooler weather, but during summer they can cope providing the area they are in is well ventilated, they could be kept in the garden, if you have one, during the summer daytimes. They are friendly and can easily be accommodated in a house with children, as with all large dogs care must be taken of small children as whilst playing it is easy for them to be accidentally knocked over, especially if the dog gets a little overexcited.

herbal Supplements for dogs are getting popular

What Herbal Supplements are Available For Dogs?

It is becoming ever more popular for owners of dogs to give their pets herbal supplements. These are all natural products that use clean manufacturing processes.

Conventional manufacturers use irradiation to prevent bacterial growth, and to increase product shelf life. This process is responsible for destroying the vitamins and enzymes needed for healthy canines. Only certified raw ingredients are used in producing natural health supplements for pets.

Increasingly, dog owners are choosing natural herbal supplementation to meet their pet's health needs In fact, vitamins for pets possess the same high quality standards that human supplements have. Not surprisingly, pets have similar health concerns as their human owners, which reflect issues related joints, vision, digestion, and the liver.

Dogs can also be obese and require supplements for weight loss, as well as calcium for strong bones. They are just like a member of the family, which is why their health and quality of life are of major importance for owners. As a result, the choice of natural health supplements and food ensures optimum quality of life for their beloved pets.

Supplements you can give your dog:

Vitamin B Complex:

The benefits of B complex vitamin for your dog includes growth enhancement, stress management, and reduces reactions to vaccines. Vitamin B can be found in liver, yeast, wheat bran, wheat germ, and kelp.

Low levels of this vitamin can manifest as:

Hair loss, premature gray coat, back leg weakness, loss of appetite, eating of stool, fleas, ticks, anxiety, edema, and cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin C:

Dogs can make their own vitamin C from minerals in their diet, unlike humans who must get this nutrient from outside sources, such as sun light. According to research for this article, your dog does not need vitamin C supplement, and you shouldn't feed your canine any food that contains it.

Benefits of vitamin E for your dog:

- Better circulation.

- The dog will age slower

- Cataract Prevention

- Boosts the immune system.

- Better endurance

- May dissolve breast tumors

- Improve spinal conditions

- Promotes skin and coat health

Glucosamine and chondroitin:

These supplements provide the best benefit when given together, and are most often given for preventative maintenance. They work to increase joint fluid volume and protects the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin should be started early in a dog's life.

Antioxidants:

Antioxidants help protect against the damage incurred by free radicals. Free radicals damage cells and can cause premature aging in your pet.

Talk with your veterinarian about supplementing your dog's diet with a good high quality multivitamin supplement. Be aware that if your dog is getting a well balanced nutritious diet every day, there is a good chance that vitamin and mineral supplements may not be needed.

Know and learn Dog Whispering Secrets That Can Work

Although there has been much controversy around dog whispering techniques and infamous dog whisperer Cesar Milan, not everything he has to say is wrong. Using aggressive tactics to train your puppy or dog may lead to your dog being afraid of you and striking out at more vulnerable targets like children and smaller animals, or your dog will simply become aggressive in response to your aggression. This cycle is not only vicious but it can be dangers for you and those around you.

But let's talk about where dog whisperers have it right.

Calm, Cool & Collected - One secret that all dog whispers swear by is controlling your reactions to bad behavior. When your pup does something bad, or disobeys a command your first reaction may be to get angry and scream. It won't help, and it won't stop the dog or puppy from repeating the behavior in the future. Instead, dog whisperers recommend remaining calm yet forceful. There's no need to shout and make facial expressions to get your point across, besides it's a dog and only understands basic commands. Furthermore, you risk initiating aggression in the dog.

Put the Fire Out Quickly  - Dog whisperers around the world agree that continuous training is the best way to keep your pup or dog well behaved. Dogs make mistakes, they forget and when they do it is your job as the authority figure to help them correct those mistakes. Like humans, dog will test limits to see what they can get away with as they feel more comfortable—and for keeping you on your toes—so don't allow him to get away with bad behavior.

Assert Your Dominance - Although many dog whisperers so not apply the wolf pack theory correctly to dogs, one exercise they emphasize has proven effective. Even if your dog responds to some commands and generally does as you say, he probably exerts his dominance when you take a walk. More often than not, it is the dog taking his owner for a walk, letting the world know he's only docile because he chooses to be.

Dog whisperers say that you should allow your dog to walk beside you or behind you, but never ahead of you. Allowing your dog to walk ahead of you isn't just about chest thumping; he won't be able to follow your cues if he can't see them. Practice walking around your neighborhood, stopping and starting every few steps until your dog mimics your steps. When he stops, reward him. Repeat this every day, each time walking longer before stopping.

Pay Attention to Your Dog - One thing that every dog whisperer I spoke with emphasized was that their success was about understanding dogs and dog psychology. Unlike a dog whisperer, you only need to understand your dog and his ways. Remember that while all dogs share many common characteristics, each dog will develop unique to their environment.  The best thing you can do for your pup or dog is pay attention to them as you would your children. Many behaviors can be avoided or corrected with a bit of quality time and training. Additionally many physical problems can be avoided by simply noticing a change in your dog's gait or breathing.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

learn ways to take care of little puppies

If you ask me, small dogs are in general cuter than big dogs however when it comes to taking care of the smaller stature canines, you have to be extra careful so they don't get hurt. There are a variety of ways you can take extra care - here are a few of the primary ways.


First, you have to be careful just in your day to day activities. For example, you can't afford to accidentally fall or stumble on them. This might sound far fetched, but imagine two kids horse playing around and one pushes the other and the diminutive dog doesn't notice, this can be trouble. Thus, it's better to have a more mature household just for care in the practical sense.

Second, these types of dogs need to have their diets carefully monitored. Just like big pooches, they have eyes that are bigger than their stomachs and will eat until they literally can't anymore if they like the food enough. With this in mind, you have to consciously make an effort to limit their portions relative to their body size. Along these lines, you must be extra cautious not to leave any dangerous things they might eat such as chocolate or other candy.

Third, you should let tiny dogs stay inside. Simply put, a full time outside life is too dangerous for them. They can't withstand the same elements and dangers that normal sized dogs can. Owls, snakes, ants, and weather among other things can pose big time problems.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Pomeranian Dog


The Pomeranian is of course a small dog; it is 8-12 inches in height with a weight of 3 to 7 pounds. They have a wedge head and short nose, the colour of which can be different dependent on the colour of their coat. They have a double coat, which is copious, the outer layer being made up of quite long hair with a thick downy undercoat. They come in a variety of different colours, with a long-haired tail. Whilst they are dainty dog, the look of them from the front is somewhat reminiscent of a fox, whereas from the back they look like an enormous ball of fluff with legs.





History. Pomeranians are descendants of the Arctic dogs that used to be sledge pullers, although originally they were much larger, than the breed as we know them today, weighing some 28-33 pounds. On a trip to Italy, Queen Victoria fell in love with this breed of dog, and brought it to England. It is Queen Victoria that bred them down to their present-day size, so although they originated in the Arctic, the dog as we know them today was in fact a product of the United Kingdom. Queen Victoria is also well-known for having entered these dogs into shows. This breed became a popular pet, and was owned by such famous people as Marie Antoinette, Mozart and of course Queen Victoria. Pomeranians were first recognized by the AKC in 1888.

Temperament. Pomeranians are intelligent, proud, loyal dogs that are normally very eager to learn. Given that, the breeds overall temperament is, laid-back and affectionate in nature. They are very popular within the toy dog breeds. With an active and inquisitive disposition, it is an independent and free thinking dog. Because of these tendencies, it is necessary to have a firm but gentle approach to training. If overindulged these dogs can become quite domineering, although very cute and apparently fragile they are in fact a very robust dog for their size. It is important not to spoil this dog, as if you do the dog will see itself as the pack leader and essentially taken over your home. Whilst they obviously require daily exercise, due to their size this is not a particular chore as they do not need to be walked great distances, and a normal play session can take care of a proportion of their exercise requirements.

Health issues. The main health problems with Pomeranians, concern the knee joints, and teeth problems. They are also predisposed to heart conditions. It is recommended that they are fed dry dog foods, to assist in reducing problems with tooth decay. As puppies they are obviously very small and fragile, Therefore, when very young care should be taken in handling them.

Grooming. Pomeranians are constant shedders and as such should be groomed frequently, it is fairly easy to do although time-consuming. Working from the head you would brush their coat forward, removing any debris. Their hair will fall back into place naturally. The downy undercoat most commonly will shed twice a year. Regular brushing will remove any loose or detached hair, thereby reducing the amount of vacuuming necessary in the home. Although it is not part of grooming you should regularly check your pets' teeth, and take it to the vet if there are any problems with them.

Living conditions. They are quite happy in most locations and adapt well to living in an apartment, obviously daily exercise is necessary. Care needs to be taken, to avoid overheating in summer. As mentioned before they can obtain a great deal of their exercise from simple play sessions within the home.