Buffy
What is the best place to find Jake or Buffy? There are some things you will want to concern yourself with to ensure that "Buffy" and "Jake" are healthy when deciding where you find your dog, where this be from a breeder or a shelter.
- Are their shots current?
- At minimum they should have rabies and distemper.
- Puppies purchased from a breeder at a young age, probably will not have had a rabies shot. They should have DPPH (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus)
- Have they been spayed or neutered?
- By six months, both Jake and Buffy should be altered unless you intend to breed your dog.
- If your dog is less than six months old, chances are, Jake is not neutered and Buffy is not spayed.
- Each shelter has different rules about adopting dogs and cats under the age to alter.
- Most will not adopt their dogs until they are altered.
- Ensure they don't have worms and parasites.
- Whether they're from the shelter or a breeder, dogs eat myriad of things, including feces (one's own, other dog's and cat's) that give them parasites.
- Don't assume because your dog is from "a top breeder" he or she is immune to worms and parasites.
If Jake is coming from a breeder, it's important to visit the breeder to ensure its cleanliness. Breeders, unlike shelters, are not mandated by the same city and state regulatory agencies and some are not very clean or ethical. Some breeders admit to inbreeding - father/daughter, mother/son, brother/sister and see nothing wrong with it. The justification is that it's all to ensure the "champion blood line" is preserved. If this is the case, you would hate to learn that because of inbreeding Jake or Buffy suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia[1]
- Very common in GSDs, Huskies, Akitas and other large breeds.
- Neurological problems and has seizures.
- Very common in English Springer Spaniels.
- Retinal problems and/or deafness.
- Can't breath very well and is prone to allergies and asthma.
- Overheats easily.
- Very common in Pekingese.
There are myriad of other problems found at breeders, and most of these are found in puppy mills. But these are some examples to look for when you are checking out a breeder. It comes down to something as simple as visiting the breeder. If you are going to just buy one over the internet without seeing the conditions the dogs are kept in or seeing the papers and having the ability to verify this, you're leaving Jake's health and well-being up to chance.
Of course you almost never know the history of a dog you've fallen in love with at your local shelter. All you can do is take Jake or Buffy to the Vet and have a thorough exam. This is a good suggestion regardless where you decide to get Jake or Buffy.
[1] Is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a hip dysplasia continued: polygenic trait that is affected by environmental factors in the production of the final phenotype. It can be found in many animals and occasionally in humans, but is most commonly associated with dogs, and is common in many dog breeds, particularly the larger breeds.
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Posted by Dog Training Pet on September 16, 2011 in
Canines
If you own a dog or are thinking about adopting. there are a few things that you need to know. Many people approach adoption with casual attitude and don't necessarily take into account the many responsibilities that go along with bringing a dog into your home.
First, you should consider whether owning a dog is right for you. Perhaps you like the idea of having a dog, but aren't prepared for all that it entails, including costs. Owning a dog is not like owning a cat. You can't leave a dog in a kennel all day, since they need lots of attention. Also, if you have children, you should see which breeds would be best. Some dogs can be great pets, but not have a good history with children. Do some research and educate yourself before making any final decision.
Dogs love a routine. As boring as it may sound it can be distressing for a dog if it doesn't have a set regiment. If you have a chaotic schedule you should realize that some dogs don't take well to this kind of variance. Giving your pet a set schedule makes them feel more secure and goes a long way towards their happiness.
Make sure you supply your dog with the appropriate diet and exercise. Certain canines have specific dietary and exercise requirements, based on size and breed. Some breeds need more physical activity than others. If you have more of a sedentary lifestyle, you should consider low maintenance breeds. Once you decide on a breed, you should know that quality dog food and exercise goes a long way towards extending the quality and longevity of your dogs life. So, be aware your new responsibilities can last over ten years.
Also, make sure to take your dog to a professional veterinarian every year. Ensure that your dog has the necessary shots and check-ups to maintain their health and safety.
Ultimately, it all depends on you to educate yourself on the needs of your pet. It is a responsibility - not a right. Evaluate your lifestyle and reasons for wanting to own a pet to decide what's right for the dog.
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Posted by Dog Training Pet on September 15, 2011 in
Dog Training
Happy dogs.
When you own a dog, it's important to realize that you don't live in a vacuum. Sure, your household pack - whether large or small - has an enormous impact on the behavior of your dog, but what about this instances when you need to do some traveling?
How ready is your dog to handle the prospect of encountering other dogs? These are crucial questions and they get to the meat of a very important dog training issue: socializing with other dogs.
The goal in social environments for a dog is to remain calm and relaxed in almost every situation - this relaxed behavior has a positive domino effect that helps put other dogs at ease and keeps you feeling secure, as well. This is the healthy way for a dog to interact with its world, and it's the goal you should strive for.
The common problems people see with dogs who don't properly socialize frequently manifest as excessive barking, aggression, fear, anxiety, and excessively nervous energy. There are a few ways to train this out of your dog as you grow it up.
For one, a dog will adapt to its surroundings pretty naturally. If you've ever taken a stroll through a city downtown, you'll notice that dogs on a leash have very little to no problems with crowds of people. Why is this? A dog has learned that it's normal to have so many people around and is not anxious because it's not a new or unfamiliar situation. If you bring a country dog to the city, however, you might find that this dog will have some socialization issues.
The first way, then, to raise a dog with a healthy social life is to expose it to other dogs and people as much as possible. Don't do this with a "throwing it the wolves" mentality; it's okay to work in progressive steps. But the more your dog is exposed to social situations, seeing other dogs, and seeing how other dogs react, the better they will be able to socialize in the future.
If your dog is a fully grown adult and still has socialization problems, you'll want to work with progressive training with a specific goal in mind: keeping your dog relaxed. Many people who have a problem with a dog's social skills often find that they don't set boundaries of influence for their dog. A dog shouldn't feel like it has to protect you - you should be your pack leader. This means correcting a dog when it gets too aggressive and not letting it dictate how you act or feel.
Photo Credits: DerbyDog1
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Posted by Dog Training Pet on September 15, 2011 in
Canines, Dog Training, Tips for Dog Owners
Leader of the pack.
In dog training, there's an old concept that says, quite simply, that the owner has to train himself before he can expect to train his dog. Why is this? Why can't you simply learn some techniques, a few commands, and expect your dog to know them and respond to them? Well, if you've ever owned a dog before, you know why: a dog has to respect your leadership before it agrees to be led. And if you're going to be a good leader in your "little pack," then you have to train yourself to be one. And that means training yourself to be a good pack leader.
First, understand that dogs respond to pack leaders. It doesn't really care if you're a dog or not - it will respond to commanding behavior from a human. If your dog is constantly aggressive, always lashing out, and frequently ignores your commands, it's safe to say that your dog doesn't respect you as a leader. Many dog owners would prefer to be friends with their dog. What they don't realize is that the dog sees this submissive behavior and begins to think that it is the leader. Who's the leader? You are, and that's why you need to train yourself to be one.
Second, you have to know how to be a pack leader. The first rule to establishing yourself as a leader is having a code of conduct for your dog. If your dog does something you don't like, do you simply yell at it, but never correct the behavior? The dog doesn't know what your words mean, so there's a good chance it will end up displaying the behavior again. However, if you have a code of conduct and your dog violates it, you should get up and correct the behavior - sometimes, simply standing or sitting up and being firm is enough. The bottom line is that your dog should know that you are willing to enforce certain standards of behavior.
A dog that sees it has limits with you will begin to understand that you are the leader. So you have to train yourself to be consistent. Only reward dogs after they have produced a behavior you want, and have done so calmly. Don't ever "bribe" a dog to do something - people bribe political leaders; is your dog a political leader? No. You're the leader in your house, and you get to say when the rewards are doled out: when actions have been completed to your satisfaction. Treat yourself like the leader, and the dog will follow. Then you can train the dog with less effort.
Photo Credits: Greencolander
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Posted by Dog Training Pet on September 14, 2011 in
Dog Training, Tips for Dog Owners
Injured Dog
Your Dog Is Stung
Like humans, some dogs are allergic to bee stings. Thankfully, the majority are not. If Buffy gets stung, watch the infected area. If you notice redness and that's all, the immune system will eventually work the histamine out of her system. If you notice redness accompanied by swelling, you may give your dog a quarter tablet of Benedryl. Before doing this, consult your Vet to ensure he or she agrees with this.
If, however you notice unusual swelling and labored breathing, call your Vet immediately. Your dog may be going through anaphylaxis. This is as rare in dogs as it in humans. Anaphylaxis is an acute multi-system severe type I hypersensitivity reaction. The term comes from the Greek words ανα ana (against) and φÏλαξις phylaxis (protection)[1].
Immediately take your dog to the nearest animal hospital. As with people, you don't know your dog suffers this sever reaction until it happens. The first time is dangerous and the second or third time can be deadly. If Buffy is diagnosed with this, your Vet will know how to treat this.
If you live in a rural area, and don't have a "nearest animal hospital", make sure you have your Vet's cell phone number in your phone book.
Your Dog Is Bitten By A Rattle Snake
Immediately take your dog to the Vet. The venom in a rattler is deadly.
Your Dog Is Hit By A Car
Don't try and diagnose the severity of the injuries. Buffy may get up and walk away and for all you know, she has internal bleeding. Don't take any chances. Call your Vet.
Your Dog Gets Into A Dog Fight
Unfortunately dogs get into fights on occasion. If the wounds appear to clear up on their own and don't appear to be very deep, you can treat them on your own. Although, quite honestly, if you're in doubt, call Vet He or she may suggest a course of treatment that you can try at home or have you bring Buffy in.
Your Dog Eats Chocolate By Mistake
There should never be a "by mistake" with chocolate. You may be lucky the first time and all that happens is that your dog has a seizure. However, chocolate, even in small doses can kill your dog. Never leave chocolate lying around. This means, no chocolate bars, no ice cream, cocoa powder, nothing. The first time you see this seizure is memorable and will stay with you for a very long time and will serve as a deterrent to ensure that Buffy never eats chocolate again.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaphylaxis
Photo Credits: rutlo
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Posted by Dog Training Pet on September 14, 2011 in
Health and Medical, Tips for Dog Owners
Puppies
When we look at a German Shepherd (GSD), we know it's a GSD because of the lower hindquarters and coloring. When we look at a Rhodesian Ridgeback, we see the telltale ridge down the dog's spine and know immediately it's a Ridgeback. When we see a pug, we know it's a pug because of its "smashed in" snout.
Would it shock you to learn that some of the characteristics breeders are looking for in a dog, the ones that determine whether it potentially has "show quality" are actually genetic defects?
When choosing a dog, whether from a breeder or at a pound, some of the characteristics we've come to know as being unique to a particular breed may cause your Buffy years of pain and you years of very high vet bills.
Here are some examples:
- The lower hindquarters in a GSD that we've all come to know as being "classic GSD" is an indication that Jake will develop hip dysplasia in the future
- That "smashed in" snout of the pug that we find so cute is a characteristic that has been bred into the dog by humans. Over time Buffy will develop dangerous breathing problems, including apnea.
- That "smashed in" snout of your Pekingese is not only a defect, but it also means that Jake overheats and as he ages, he will need to sit on an ice pack constantly.
- The cranium of an English Springer Spaniel is the result of selective breeding and the ones that have the classic head of today will most assuredly develop neurological problems and seizures.
All of these are not fun for your dog, can cause them a lot of pain and will increase your vet bills unnecessarily. It's important when selecting your dog, whether from a shelter or a breeder, if you want to save both your dog and you years of heartache, to select against these man-made traits. If you were to look at GSDs prior to this selective breeding, you'll see that their hindquarters are not lowered but rather, its hips are equal distance from the floor as are its shoulders. Over time the joints in the hindquarters begin to wear thin and lose lubrication, which can cause hip dysplasia, which is very painful and debilitating. This is an example of how selective breeding is harmful.
Before you go to the pound, the breeder or wherever you feel it's best to find your Jake or your Buffy, it's important to get as much information about that breed as possible. Sometimes we don't have the opportunity to do our homework beforehand. Perhaps Jake or Buffy just found you, in which case, arm yourself with as much information as possible and if your dog has any of those traits, be prepared.
It is very possible, if you understand ahead of time what the likely prognosis is, to give your dog a loving and fairly pain-free life. It's best to discuss this with your vet.
Photo Credits: Beverly & Pack
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Posted by Dog Training Pet on September 13, 2011 in
Canines, Health and Medical
Walking Your Dog
Anyone who's owned a rambunctious dog has been there: you want to take a calm, relaxing walk through your neighborhood so both you and your pet get some exercise, but instead it simply becomes an exercise in managing an overly-excited dog! If you really want to enjoy a calm, relaxing walk with your dog - or even a brisk walk with minimal fuss - you've come to the right place. Here are some of the top tips for getting along even when you're moving along.
First, don't ever let your dog control the walk. If you put your dog on a leash and its first instinct is to go out ahead of you and stretch the leash as far as it goes, then your dog is controlling the walk. Even if you're ultimately deciding where the walk will end up, the dog will probably feel like it's in charge. Going for a walk is a great opportunity for bringing your dog out and reinforcing healthy behaviors. Your dog isn't control. You're the one in control, so walk like it.
Next, build a routine. If you take a walk once, then your dog probably won't know what you want it to do. But if you go for a walk every weekday with your dog, they'll eventually pick up on the fact that your morning walk is a routine. Set aside time each day - preferably in the morning - for you both to get some exercise. When it's the morning time and you call your dog over to the door, it will know what's going to happen and what's expected of it. You'll find that many dogs are happy to oblige your commands if they clearly understand those commands.
Don't let your dog determine what it does with its time. So you've got the dog on a leash, but it just wants to explore the yard. "Oh well," you think, "it probably knows what's best better than I do." But if you want to set the tempo for your dog, you should define the time when your dog can move around freely, not your dog. If you simply acquiesce to your dog's demands, then you're not asserting yourself as the head honcho! It's vital for your dog to intuitively understand that it is a companion, not the head of your household. Making sure that the walk goes as you dictate it, including bathroom/exploration time, will help reinforce your status as the head of your household.
Photo Credits: Roy Montgomery
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Posted by Dog Training Pet on September 13, 2011 in
Doggie Exercises, Tips for Dog Owners
Healthy Canine
If you raise a dog from a puppy and plan on living with that dog for the long haul, there's a good chance that you care about that dog enough to want to give it a long, healthy life. This is a great thing, but it will require some investment of both time and money to make sure that you're really raising a healthy dog. Remember that healthy dogs aren't raised simply with the right food, but with the right challenges, obedience requirements, and relationships that will help the dog adapt and socialize with the world around it.
In order to train a healthy dog, you'll want to focus on a few essential principles.
1. Make sure that your dog gets regular exercise.
Regular exercise is no joke - if you're not getting it, you should, and you should bring your dog with you. Walk your dog at least a half hour a day for a good six days a week. Don't skip out on this - if you have problems sticking to that simple habit, then you'll want to work on yourself, too. A dog's exercise habits might eventually reflect your own, so an investment of time and energy will help both you and your dog to live healthier, longer lives.
2. Have a clear structure of obedience.
The dog lives in your house, not the other way around. If a dog is going to socialize with you, your family, your friends, and other dogs, then it needs to know its place. Too many people give in to their dogs in order to appease them and treat them well - though these people are well-intentioned, their lack of discipline can lead to some mental problems for these dogs. By giving your dog boundaries and clear roles to respect, it will feel at home and know exactly how to behave: calmly and friendly. Set these standards for your dog and enforce them.
3. Don't punish your dog, correct behaviors.
A healthy dog needs to grow up in a friendly but firm environment built on discipline. You can't punish a dog because the dog might not know what it's being punished for. Instead, concentrate on correcting behaviors - don't let a dog get under your skin. If a dog is behaving out of line, firmly and strongly correct the behavior, physically if necessary.
For example, if a dog is barking at the door every time the bell rings, keep the dog on a leash and use that leash to move the dog back to a proper position of relaxation. Make sure that your dog knows that there are boundaries it is not allowed to cross, and be consistent in enforcing these boundaries.
Photo Credits: Randy Son Of Robert
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Posted by Dog Training Pet on September 12, 2011 in
Dog Training
Getting Vaccinations
There are a lot of warnings out there warning against vaccinations and the side effects associated with them. There is research that suggests that immunizations are not needed yearly after age 2 years. However, a Titer blood test needs to be done to determine if the immunization is needed. Although it would be irresponsible to advocate one way or the other what you should choose for you dog. The best thing you can do is do as much reading as possible about the pros and cons of vaccinations. This is one you will have to come to a conclusion on your own. It's not too dissimilar an issue to the one about the immunizations in humans. It's controversial and one best left decided by the parent of a child or owner of a dog or cat.
Heartworm, Hookworm, Roundworm, Fleas, Ticks:
There is a lot of debate whether heartworm, roundworm and hookworm pills should be administered to your dog. This is anther case where you are going to have to be Buffy's advocate and decide what's best for her. There are regions in the world, such as tropical ones, where to not guard against heartworm in particular is most assuredly asking for trouble and possibly a shorter life expectancy for Buffy Your Vet knows best about the particular area you live in and be able to help you weigh the pros and cons against these preventative diseases.
Fleas and Ticks - Annoyance and Worse
Clearly, however, controversies aside, one cannot argue against preventing fleas and ticks. Ticks carry disease, are most assuredly to be avoided at all cost and fleas are an annoyance to Buffy's skin. It's not too dissimilar from you having head lice. They thrive on your dog's blood. If left untreated on Buffy, your entire home will become infested with them. If you have carpets, they will burrow their way into the fibers. They'll make their way to your bedding, the sofa and your clothes. So even if your concern is not with your dog and only with your own comfort, consider your own comfort. Once your home is infested with fleas, it is not only a tremendous pain to rid your home of them, it can be very costly.
The warmer the climate, the more the threat of fleas exists. Fleas cannot survive in freezing temperatures. They love hot and tropical temperatures. You can use a multi-purpose flea and tick color for your dogs. It lasts for six months. Or ask your Vet what he or she recommends.
Photo Credits: ♪_Lisa_♪
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Posted by Dog Training Pet on September 12, 2011 in
Health and Medical
Dog outside at night.
You've read the books, you've searched endlessly for articles, and you've watched enough dog training television shows to make your eyes bleed. You are starting to understand the principles behind dog training, but when you look at your dog, you're not exactly where to start with it all. So why don't we start first thing in the morning, by actually the ideal day of dog training and what it will actually entail?
Wakeup time. Upon waking, you and your dog head out for a morning walk or a jog. If you're not exercising daily, this is something you need to take up regardless of whether or not you own a dog. Stick to this routine every day, and at least do some form of exercise with your dog for a good thirty minutes to an hour. This will keep both of your moods stable and balanced throughout the rest of the day. Note: Make it clear that this is your run, not your dog's run. Do this by walking out of the door first to enter and exit your home.
Feeding time. After the workout, if your dog has been calm and relaxed, feed it a treat and then its breakfast. Remember not to produce any reward for your dog - don't even present it to them just to see until they are behaving the way you want them to behave. Wait until your dog is calm and relaxed before you put down the bowl of dog food. This will happen a few times a day.
Training time. Presumably, after you've exercised and fed your dog, you had to go to work. After returning home, accept the dog's affection but don't reward any intrusive behavior like the dog crawling on you. Tend to your family and your own needs first: dinner, conversation, etc. Once you've got some free time, take one behavior you'd like to train into your dog and work on that for fifteen minutes to a half an hour.
Play time. At the end of a full day, it's time to simply enjoy some leisure with you, your dog, and your family. A great way to entertain a dog is to give it "dog" things to do: have it fetch sticks, chase a ball, or accompany you on an adventure into the woods.
Night time. Once the day is over, make sure the dog goes into its designated spot - correct it by giving it a stern verbal warning and directing it back to its spot. If you've previously done training (rewarding your dog in the morning, for example, for a calm night of sleeping where it was supposed to sleep), you shouldn't have many problems here.
Photo Credits: Ed.ward
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Posted by Dog Training Pet on September 11, 2011 in
Dog Training, Tips for Dog Owners
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