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posted by admin on Aug 31

Caring for a dog is much more than just feeding it daily. One of the saddest things in the world is a neglected animal – especially a doting dog. Dogs love and need bundles of attention and tender loving care. Their whole day revolves around when they can expect some love and attention from you, their owner. Basically, your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty. In return for all of his/her love and affection he/she counts on you to provide all his/her necessities such as food, water, a safe shelter, exercise, veterinary care and much more.

A good place to start when caring for your appreciative pooch is with identification tags. Outfit your pooch with a collar and ID tag that includes all your vital contact information such as your name, address, and an easily reachable telephone number. No matter how careful of an owner you are, there’s always a chance your lovely companion may become lost at some point. A collar and ID tag will greatly increases the chance that you and your pet will be happily united again.

After you have collared and ID tagged your dog, you should think about vaccination. It’s extremely important to follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him/her for rabies – not only for your pooch but for your own well being too. A great place to look for information is your local animal shelter or humane society. These agencies can give you information regarding legal requirements, and where to have you passionate pooch vaccinated.

Not only does your doggie need vaccinating, it also needs regular check-ups with a veterinarian. A dog is just like you or I, it needs regular check-ups with his/her doctor to ensure the proper health of your pet. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or your loving pet-owning friend for a referral and check out the provided information on choosing a veterinarian.

Once you have found a veterinarian both you and your dog love, then it’s important to think about spaying or neutering your dog. This always makes me think of Bob Barker and his passion for spreading the importance of spaying and neutering through word of mouth on the hit game show The Price is Right. Dogs that have this routine and minor surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavioral problems such as biting, running away, and general aggression. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the disheartening problem of pet overpopulation.

Now that we have addressed your pets’ medical needs, you should think about proper nutrition. It is vitally important to give your pooch a balanced diet with constant and consistent access to fresh clean water. Your veterinarian can give you information about the proper type of food, and the amount that will keep your companion healthy and happy. He or she can also give you information on how often to feed your dog, because various breeds require different amounts of food.

When caring for your dog you have to think of proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is an ideal setting for your pooch. Remember that if your dog is large and active, it typically needs more space and room outside to run and play. However, dogs should never be left outside alone for extended periods of time. This all goes back to the deep down need dogs have for love and attention. Dogs truly need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with the family – since they are a vital family member.

Just like you or I, your dog needs plenty of exercise and movement to stay healthy. Make sure he/she gets enough exercise to keep him/her physically fit but not exhausted. Many dog owners agree that playing a game, or with use of
throw toys with their canine companion, along with twice daily walks provide sufficient exercise for your pooch. If you should have any questions or concerns with this, once again it is wise to check with your loving veterinarian for their advice on the proper amount of physical activity suited to your dog.

Many experts agree there is also a simple rule to remember when thinking of care for your dog – off property, on leash! Even if you have a valid license for your dog, an official rabies tag, and a collar and ID tag, your companion should still be on a leash. Your dog should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard – ever. It may sound harsh but it the best bet for you, your community, and your dog to keep control of your pet at all times. The old saying “it’s better to be safe than sorry” applies here.

Along with keeping your dog on a leash, many experts believe it is important to enroll your canine companion in a dog training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion’s behavior safely and humanely. Not only will this bring some control to your hands, it provides a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your pooch. The humane society, as well as your veterinarian, can provide information on reputable dog trainers.

Lastly and most importantly in thinking about proper dog care is love – and lots of it! Be loyal to, loving, and patient with your faithful canine companion. Your pet needs you and loves you – that is something you must remember. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and healthy. Also remember if you do encounter some behavioral problem, the vast majority of them can be solved with a little time, effort and supporting love. If at any time you are struggling to meet all the things that are required to love and care for your dog, you must contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice and direction. If for some reason you can’t handle the responsibility of loving and caring for your animal, someone else gladly can and will.

Christine Beals is a professional writer who provides information for That Dog Blog where you’ll find information on Greyhounds and other dog breeds. That Dog Blog is a part of the Go! Blog Network.

posted by admin on Aug 30

Barking excessively is one of the biggest complaints pet owners hear. Constant barking is a nuisance to owners as well as their neighbors. Sometimes a simple change solves the problem, for example, bringing your dog inside at night. More often, excess barking is your dog’s response to being confused emotionally or otherwise.

CAUSES OF EXCESSIVE BARKING

Barking is a normal behavior for dogs. Some dogs bark to defend their territory, as a greeting, an invitation to play, or because they’re happy. Other dogs bark as a threat, because they’re lonely, do not have enough exercise, or are frightened by thunder or fireworks.

Certain breeds are more vocal than others. For example, beagles bark a lot while greyhounds hardly ever make a sound.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO CURB EXCESSIVE BARKING

The first step in dealing with your dog’s barking is to gain an understanding of what stimulates his excessive barking behavior. Keep a note of when and where the problem seems most persistent.

Since barking is a normal behavior, trying to reduce rather than eliminate it is most realistic. For example, try teaching your dog to bark on command, and then teach him to be quiet on command, and release excess energy with exercise.

Several anti-bark collars are being marketed as a quick fix for barking. These collars produce an adverse stimulus in the form of an electric shock of variable intensity, an ultrasonic or audible noise, or a spray of citronella oil that is released under the dog’s chin. Shock collars almost always stop the barking but dogs may become fearful and/or aggressive as a result. Ultrasonic collars work for some dogs; others get used to the noise then resume barking. Citronella collars are as effective as shock collars for most dogs but are more acceptable to most owners and to me. Always check with your veterinarian before using any product or device on your pet.

Copyright 2007 Dr. Carol Osborne

Dr. Carol Osborne is the inventor of PAAWS, the pet anti-aging wellness system seen on TV. VitaLife is Dr. Carol’s newest line of pet vitamin supplements and is the best supplement available for arthritis and anti-aging in dogs and cats. PAAWS and VitaLife are revolutionary breakthroughs, with all natural nutrients that virtually peel away the years, seeming to reverse the aging process normally experienced by pets.

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posted by admin on Aug 27

While choosing an animal friend for yourself, it is important to consider various factors before zeroing in on the breed that you want. Your living space, the money that you can spend, the time that you can avail for the dog, etc are some very important considerations when you choose on out of the numerous dog breeds available.

It may depend on your choice as well whether you want a small one, a hunting pet, a toy dog, mixed breed, or a larger variety. If you have a small apartment or an even smaller living space then getting a toy dog or a small dog is the best option for you. This pet will act as a friend and a companion for you, play with you, accompany you while watching TV etc. You can get this dog without spending too much as well. Also, the small dogs and toy dogs mix very well with the children of the house.

Larger breeds of dogs require much more care and attention than the smaller ones. German Shepherds, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinschers, Greyhounds, Golden Retrievers are some varieties which are very strong and also very intelligent. They are a great help in the time of crisis. But their habits, foods, training, etc are all different which require some time and money to be spent on them.

If you are passionate enough to look for and take care, then you can go in for the rare dog breeds as well. Getting them is slightly difficult but online researching can help you get in touch with dealers who are selling these breeds.

If you are a regular at hunting and want an accomplice, then what is better than a dog? You can go in for the hunting dogs that are available which provide you protection in the wilderness as they have been trained and also have great senses. Sighthounds, Scent hounds and Lurchers are some of the varieties.

You can order for the variety that you like through the online mode. There are also pictures available online which can guide you to the breed if you have any in mind. From all the dog breeds that are available, you can choose whichever is suitable for you according to your living space and finances available.

Mark Joness is the content author of the Dogs Center. After studies at the University of Alabama, he has been involved in teaching english and creative writing. Mr. Jones writes informative topics related to dogs and their breeds. To find Small Dogs, Small Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds, Toy Dog Breeds, Larger Breeds of Dogs, Rare Dog Breeds must visit http://www.dogscenter.net

posted by admin on Aug 26

With all the different types of dog breeds out there, how can you be sure which breed is right the right pet for you? There are so many things to take into consideration when selecting a puppy including size, behavior, health concerns, compatibility with other pets and children, temperament and grooming requirements. Here we have outlined a few common dog breeds to help you find the dog that is best for you.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier, now called the Parson Russell Terrier, is a British breed that was created in the early 19th century. This breed developed from selective breeding of the fox terrier. The Jack Russell is used today as both a hunting dog and as a pet.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a hyper little dog that is smart and stubborn. They stand between 12 and 14 inches tall and usually weigh between 13 and 17 pounds. Their coat can be either rough or smooth and it is usually broken into two or more colors. You can find this breed in shades of black, white, lemon, and tan. Some of the health concerns you should be aware of when adopting a Jack Russell include eye problems and knee problems.

Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a small British dog developed to hunt with Foxhounds. They were especially valued for their ability to kill small predators that threatened farm animals in the English countryside. This dog stands about 10 inches tall and it usually weighs between 11.5 and 15.5 pounds. It has a short coarse coat that comes in a variety of colors including blue and tan, red, grizzle and tan, and wheaten.

To care for this breed you will want to brush their coats and bathe them as needed. When debris gets caught in their coat you will want to remove it as soon as possible to prevent matting and skin irritation. They are an active dog so you will need to provide them with a lot of opportunities to get exercise. Going for walks, playing fetch, and offering them secure locations to run free will help to keep your Border Terrier happy, healthy, and out of trouble.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a German breed that was originally developed as a livestock controller. During the two World Wars this breed was taken from the fields and trained to be guard dogs for the military. Today this breed is still used as a guard dog, however, they are also used as a family dog.

The Rottweiler is a large working dog that stands between 23 and 27 inches tall and weighs between 90 and 110 pounds. They have a short to medium length coat that is coarse and flat. Their coats are primarily black with tan markings. This is a very protective and loyal dog, however, they really aren’t the type of dog to have if you have small children. They function better with school aged kids. If you have a Rottweiler and small children you should always supervise their interactions. Rottweilers can be paired with other pets, however, they will need proper supervision and socialization as Rottweilers are territorial and may show dog and food aggression.

Canaan Dog

The Canaan Dog, also referred to as the Kalef K’naani, is a medium sized breed that originated in Israel. This is a very old breed that developed from the selected breeding of the Pariah Dogs found in the wilds of the Middle East. This dog breed was originally used as a messenger and a herd protector.

The Canaan Dog stands between 19 and 24 inches tall. It weighs between 35 and 55 pounds. Its coat includes medium length strands of hair and long strands of hair. Its undercoat thickens in the winter to provide it with extra warmth and insulation. It comes in three color combinations: white and black, harlequin, and variegated shades of brown. Solid colored coats of white, black, and brown are also common. This dog makes a good family pet and a great addition to a multi-pet household.

Maltese

The Maltese is a toy breed that originated in Malta. This is an ancient breed that can be traced back to 1500 B.C. Today this is a popular breed for dog shows and families, as well as companions for the elderly.

The Maltese usually stands about 10 inches tall and weighs between 4 and 6 pounds. They have a long, silky white coat that may have faint lemon markings. This is a friendly dog, but they do not get along well with kids or other pets. They are a dog bred for royalty and they know it.

Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound, also called the Elkhound or the Norsk Elghund, is a Norwegian breed that was probably developed by the Vikings. They belong to the hound group and they were originally used as watchdogs and guard dogs. They were also used to hunt large game animals like bears and elk. Today this 6000 year old breed is used as a pet.

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium sized dog that stands between 19 and 21 inches tall and weighs between 44 and 50 pounds. Their coat sheds year round, but they don’t have the characteristic doggy smell. Their coats should be variegated with gray, white, and black, and they should have black masking on their faces and have black overlays on their backs and near their tails.

Borzoi

The Borzoi, also referred to as the Russian Wolfhound, is a Russian hunting and tracking dog. This breed was developed by the Russian aristocracy. It is suspected that it descends from the crossing of Collies, Greyhounds, and Lapp Sled Dogs.

The Borzoi is a majestic animal that stands between 27 and 31 inches tall. Its slender build still packs a punch with an average weight between 75 and 105 pounds. It has a flat, silky coat with medium length to long hair. It also has fringes of longer hair on the backs of its front legs, on its underbody, on its tail, and on its back legs. The Borzoi comes in a variety of solid colors and color combinations.

Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound, also called the Kelb-tal Fenek, is an ancient breed that has been the founder of several other breeds throughout the centuries. Their roots can be traced back to at least 3,000 B.C. in Egypt. They belong to the hound group and are sight hunters. They can still be used for hunting, however, they are also prized as a family dog.

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posted by admin on Aug 26

The argument has been going on between dog racing fans for ages. Is it possible for a system to pick dogs automatically, with no handicapping? Many have claimed to have one, but so far as I know, no one has offered definitive proof that their system works. Even the giants of greyhound handicapping like Brenner and Fink and Herter admitted that their handicapping methods didn’t work all the time. Fink’s spot plays, while often paying well because they were longshots, didn’t pay off over the long run.

Brenner was adamant that there was no such thing as a system that didn’t include handicapping, money management and good judgment on the handicapper’s part. His articles in Greyhound Racing Record also made it clear that even the best method of handicapping dog races couldn’t always predict the winner.

Herter was even more firm about how dog racing could pay off. His methods involved statistics, lots of poring over past performances and paying attention to the odds. Nothing mechanical about that approach and lots of work involved. However, as a former military man, he knew that discipline and attention to detail beat pie in the sky any day. Anyone who read his books and the books he sold out of his Colorado home base came away with a much better understanding of the dynamics of dog racing.

Of course, anyone can claim that they have an automatic system for winning at the dog track and even show you programs where it worked, if they cherry-pick the programs to fit their claims. I’ve seen this on greyhound forums and from friends who made the mistake of falling for these systems – some to the tune of a thousand dollars or more. They’re still wondering why the systems don’t work and wishing they’d spent the money on something more substantial.

Before you plunk down your money for a system or method of picking winners at the dog track, you would be well advised to make certain that it’s not being touted as an automatic system. If it is, give it a miss and save yourself some money and some grief. Though there are systems and methods that can help anyone be a better handicapper, there’s no such thing as one that picks the dogs for you.

In order to make money at the track, you have to invest time and maybe some money, but not thousands of dollars in dubious systems. Let’s face it. If these systems worked with no effort or handicapping skill, wouldn’t the guys who sell them keep them to themselves? Why would anybody sell the goose that lays the golden eggs? Be smart. Do your homework.

Before you go to the dog track, find out why smart handicappers are checking out the free articles, tips and Winning Greyhound Systems at http://ebnetr.com

posted by admin on Aug 24

Greyhound racing is an exciting industry that crosses gender and age boundaries. It is a lot of fun watching greyhounds run around the track, and even more fun if your greyhound wins. Owning the winner would be a more fun and exciting option and with many syndication options out there it has never been easier to become an owner. You have three different options if you want to get involved:

• A greyhound pup syndication- This option is for those who want to get involved as cheaply as possible. The upside of purchasing a pup is that you can get an extremely well bred pup extremely cheaply. The downside is that you have to wait a long time for your dog to race and they may not even make the track.
• Syndication involving a ready to race dog- If you have a bit more money to spare, then you may want to buy a dog that has already broken in. You will end up spending more money on your dog for syndication or your share, but you will not have to wait as long to see your dog on the track.
• Brood Bitch Syndication- After finding out what is involved in a breeding syndicate, this is a favoured option of many of those who want to get involved with ownership. Buy purchasing a brood bitch and mating it with the right dog, you can end up with a litter of pups, some of which you can sell and others you keep and race yourself. This type of syndication can end up paying for itself as you start to sell off some pups.

With greyhound syndication, ownership becomes affordable for almost every budget. All you have to do is decide which type of syndicate you would like to become involved with and away you go.

Hamish Jones organizes Greyhound Syndicates in Victoria, Australia.

If you are keen to get involved, contact him through the website here.

posted by admin on Aug 23

Understanding basic canine behavior is our passport into mutually terrific relationships
with our dogs. Knowing how to identify basic canine body language,
is step one in removing the hindrance of misunderstanding.
Different breeds have different body language.
For example, Akitas hold their tails high and always look confident, Greyhounds
tuck their tail between their legs and always look fearful and Boxers have no tails!
The same goes for ears and how they can differ in each breed.
This why it’s important to learn to identify all indicators of canine emotion
and try to get a general idea of overall body language and not be thwarted
by your Malamute’s high tail or you’re the fact that you can’t see your Sheepdog’s
eyes or ears!

A relaxed dog:

has his mouth slightly open and his tongue lolling.
His ears are not pushed forward or flattened back, they are in a neutral position
The tail is also held at a neutral position and his body is relaxed and not bristling, stiff
or recoiling in any way. This is your dog’s standard position and you know it better then me!

An alert dog:

Holds his ears are forward and they may twitch a little.
The mouth is pursed and the rest of the face are smooth.
The tail is held horizontally but is not stiff or bristling and may wag slowly from side to side.
The eyes are wide and focused on the interesting thing.

A confidently aggressive dog:

Is stiff and his whole body is shifted forwards.
The tail is stiff, bristled and held high and may quiver or vibrate slightly.
His hackles are raised, ears are pushed forward and his eyes are dilated and staring.
Forehead and nose are wrinkled and lips are curled to form a tall snarl.
The mouth is C-shaped and the corners of the mouth are forward displaying his teeth.

A fearfully aggressive dog:

Lowers his body, raises his hackles and tucks in his tail, holding it stiff and still.
His ears are flattened and the eyes are dilated. The nose is wrinkled and the teeth may be bared,
But the corners of the mouth are pulled back into a grimace.

A fearful and/or submissive dog:

Has his body lowered and may have a paw raised.
His tail is down and may wag slightly, his ears are back and forehead is smooth.
Eye contact is short and indirect and dog may lick at air or the perceived threat.
If fear or submission escalate, the dog may roll into his back and expose his throat and belly.
Submission can occur without fear and a submissive dog is not always fearful.

A playful dog:

Has his bum up in the air and front paws on the ground!
This is called a play bow and is unmistakable.
The tail is up and wagging broadly, the ears are up and the mouth is relaxed and possibly
opened wide and smiling. Many dogs bark or growl in this position and all vocalizations
made whilst in a play bow are friendly and an invitation to play.

In the case of different breeds having different attributes,
We can piece together the dogs message by learning their visual signals
Independently and piecing them together.

Basic elements of dog body language:

Ears:

- Pulled back or flattened are either expressing fear or submission

- Ears held at side of head in an “airplane” position are expressing confusion and uncertainty

- Ears alternately flicking and slightly forwards and then flattened indicate investigation and interest

- Ears forward signify interest or confidence

- Ears in the neutral position are relaxed

Eyes:

- A direct stare indicates a challenge. Dominance and confidence

- Eyes averted signify fear, evasion or submission

- Blinking is a “calming signal” which I will go more into below

- Looking at you through a corner of the eye is often a coy invitation to play or solicit your attention without being rude.

- When pupils are large, this indicates arousal.

Mouth:

- Relaxed and panting is neutral

- A C-shaped tall snarl is offensive aggression

- Corners of mouth pulled back indicates fear or submission

- Corners of mouth pulled back and teeth exposed indicates fearful aggression and or defensiveness

- Mouth pursed and possibly a “round” vocalization expresses playfulness

- Mouth pursed with silence or a low growl equals investigation, uncertainty or possible defensiveness

- Front teeth bared in a “smile” with wrinkled nose accompanied by sneezing or head bowing is submission and friendliness

Tail:

- Tail up and curved around back-dominance

- Tail horizontal but not stiff-relaxed investigation

- Tail horizontal and slightly stiff- caution

- Tail held relaxed- neutral

- Tail pulled sharply down and possibly wagging slightly- distress or discomfort

- Tail pulled down- insecurity

- Tail tucked between legs- fear or submission

- Bristling hair on tail- threatening

- Bristling hair on only tip of tail- stress

- A sharp bend in tail- dominance and/or aggression

- A slight wag-a pacifying submissive gesture

- A broad wag- friendliness or play

- A wild wagging of the tail- I like you or I’m interested

- A broad wag that actually moves the hips- respective submission

- A slow wag- confusion or uncertainty

Full body language:

Stiffness, bristling and shifting forward signifies dominance and/or aggression

Hair bristling only on shoulders indicates nervousness

Muzzle nudging- a request from beta to alpha, often with licking

Dog sits and allows other dog to sniff- a calming signal. A request for peaceful behavior

Exposing throat and belly- fear and/or submission.

Standing over another dog, putting paw or head on other dog’s back- assertion of dominance

Shoulder bumping- dominance

Turning side to other dog- admission of beta status

Circling indicates a conflict.

Freezing signifies a conflict, fear, concern or worry.

Raising one paw- anxiety and insecurity

Mounting- dominance. Mounting is nonsexual unless between an unaltered male and female.

Rolling on back and rubbing with nose or shoulders- I’m enjoying myself!

Crouching with front legs out and rear and tail up- let’s play!

Calming Signals:

Calming signals are a dog’s way of saying “I’m sensing some disarray here, but I don’t want any trouble. Let’s just be peaceful.”
Calming signals include yawning, turning away, blinking, sniffing the ground, grooming, sitting, urinating, licking, sniffing air, lifting a paw, scratching,
Play bow, stretching, sneezing or other casual behaviors.
If your dog exhibits calming signals while you’re training her, she’s saying she’s had enough and wants you to relent.

Play Behavior:

Barking, growling, nipping, chasing, stalking, grabbing around the neck, jaw wrestling, body slamming, grabbing ears and tails, falling and rolling, somersaults,
“keep away” are all normal play/mock-fighting behaviors for dogs.
While play occurs, dogs temporarily become equals and even dominant dogs
will sometimes lie belly up over and allow submissive dogs to shoulder them, nibble them, wrestle them and behave in a way that
wouldn’t typically be tolerated in an alpha/beta relationship..
Sometimes the dominant dog will get fed up a disagreement may ensue.
If playing stops and dogs becomes stiff and circle each other, freeze or “face off”, play may have stopped and
there may be conflict until the breech of etiquette is resolved.
Dog play is mock-fighting and hunting.
Keep that in mind and do not assume dogs are fighting when they are only playing.

Rules:

- Dogs making themselves look taller, larger and pointing at the target are dominance signals,

- Dogs making themselves look smaller and turning away are exhibiting submission signals.

- A play bow always means play!

- Frightened dogs are more prone to inflicting serious bites than confident dogs

- Do not console a frightened dog, this reinforces fear. Issue a command and praise the dog for executing it correctly.

Next article: Dog Vocalizations/Canine Verbal Language

Lex Fredericks is a Registered Veterinary Assistant/OTJ Veterinary Nurse and dog trainer who lives in Toronto. She has worked with and trained wolves, big cats, bears and primates for film and originally began learning training dogs and learning about the language of animals at the age of 7 with Hungarian grandfather and horse/dog devotee George Egon Fallus. She currently lives with a Bullmastiff rescued from gang violence, a Presa Canario, a mastiff cross rescued from British Columbia, a rescued wolf hybrid, a rehabilitated feral cat, and cat she and her husband rescued with the Vancouver police. She can be reached at her website, http://www.TorontoDogTrainer.com

posted by admin on Aug 22

Although there are approximately 400 breeds of dogs recognized in the world, the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes 146 breeds. These breeds are subdivided into seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Herding, Non-Sporting, Terrier and Toy. The dogs in each group share similar characteristics but can be quite diverse and therefore each group has distinctive subgroups.

The Sporting Group were bred to assist man in hunting, especially in retrieving birds from water or fields. These are very active dogs that are loyal and intelligent. They need lots of exercise and do not like to be left alone. Excellent family dogs who love interaction, these dogs can play fetch for hours and absolutely love it. Subgroups in this category include retrievers, pointers, setters and spaniels.

The Hound Group are also favoured for hunting because of their instinct to follow fast-moving game like rabbits and foxes. They are renowned for their keen sense of smell and sharp eyesight and tend to be great pets due to their gentle, easy to get along with nature. Subgroups include sight hounds such as greyhounds, whippets and Irish wolfhounds; scent hounds like basset hounds, beagles and dachshunds; and large game hounds such as the beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Dogs that make up the Working Group were historically bred to perform specific tasks for people. This group includes sled dogs that love cold weather, living outside and need plenty of exercise. Guard dogs such as mastiffs, rottweilers and Great Danes were bred for protection and are thus alert, courageous, intelligent and independent. These dogs can be territorial and require strong leadership and structured training.

Other breeds that make up the Working Group include personal protection dogs like boxers and Dobermans that are very loyal and strong-willed and rescue dogs such as the friendly Saint Bernard. Rescue dogs can be terrific with children if they are raised with them and tend to be quiet and unassuming.

The dogs of the Herding Group do just that, herd livestock. This group can be broken down into sheep herders like shepherds and collies and cattle herders such as bouviers and corgis. They love to work, exercise and play. Extremely agile and easy to train, these dogs also tend to be fabulous family pets.

The Terrier Group consists of breeds that are determined and very competitive. Two types of terriers are fighting breeds and vermin hunters. Fighters such as pit bulls and bull terriers are courageous yet perhaps somewhat cocky but fortunately most of their aggression has been bred down. They can make excellent pets but need early socialization to ensure that they can be comfortable around other people and animals.

Vermin hunters were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms and hence are very alert, lively, agile and independent. These dogs include just about every breed of terrier that you can think of and make great pets if you like spirited dogs that require patience, training and attention.

The majority of the dogs that comprise the Non-Sporting Group were bred to perform specific jobs that now have become obsolete so the animals have become companions. The personalities of the dogs that make up this breed group have very wide variations so it makes sense to consult breed-specific information sources before selecting one of these dogs as a pet. Some of the breeds in this group include the Dalmatian, Bichon Frise, Lhasa apso and the poodle.

The final breed group is the Toy Group. They are mainly miniature versions of hunting or working dogs and tend to be adorable, affectionate pets that are ideal for the elderly or apartment dwellers. These dogs need attention and exercise and will benefit tremendously from training to prevent them from constant barking and nipping.

Many people prefer mixed breeds but the advantage of choosing a purebred is predictability of behaviour. For example, if you want a dog that will retrieve, you know you will get that with a retriever. The main point is that all dogs should make excellent pets if given proper attention including exercise, discipline and affection.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs

posted by admin on Aug 21

Who has your best interest at heart? Your mother? Your friends? What about your best friend – your dog. We all know our dogs truly love us unconditionally.

For those looking to make this your year to really connect with someone and find that love of your life – your furry friend just may be your best source of judgment. So give Fido a shot.

Date Bait – Go Fetch

1. Let your dog sniff out a good date

a. Our sense of smell is to dial up what our dogs is to broadband. Dogs have 220 million smell receptors to our 5 million. Trust that your dog will know who’s a keeper.

2. Animal Instincts

a. Dog lovers are more sexy – Radiate your sexiness. The presence of a dog makes everyone seem more approachable and fun.

b. Go for a walk with Fido and nonchalantly pause when in view of a potential date. It often opens the door to conversation.

Play Time

1. You got the date! Begin your date with a walk

a. People reveal more of themselves when there’s no pressure.

b. It’s free – you won’t waste money on a bad connection.

2. Don’t smooch your pooch or your date on the first date

a. Especially if you think this may be the one, some things are better left for later.

b. Kissing your dog before you kiss your date, may leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.

After the date

1. Be as gracious as your dog

a. A dog appreciates the time you spend with him/her, so be as polite as your dog.

2. Dogs don’t lie – so why should we

a. In such a high tech communication world, if you don’t hear back within a few days after he/she said they’d call, it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.

As the Dogsexpert, and Founder of http://www.LeashesandLovers.com, Sheryl Matthys talks with dog lovers on how their dogs impact their personal relationships. Leashes and Lovers offers online connections http://www.FetchaFriend.com where dog lovers can search and connect around the world for friendship, doggie playdates, same breed of dog, and possibly love!

Sheryl has two children, two greyhounds and is a certified dog trainer.

posted by admin on Aug 18

If you are the proud parent of a large dog (Great Dane, Akita, German Shepherd, greyhounds, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Wolfhound or other large breeds) be aware of gastric bloat and torsion.

It is a condition known as gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) caused by your dog gulping its food, drinking a lot of water right after and then going out for a great run or some hard play. The stomach is inflated by the eating of a large amount of food and drinking the water along with the taking in of a large amount of air. The combination of food, water and air, along with the normal secretion of digestive juices creates a large amount of gas that the dog cannot burp, vomit or relieve itself through defecation. The stomach becomes distended and then torsion occurs. Torsion is the twisting of the stomach inside the dog that demands immediate treatment for the dog.
Untreated GDV is the cause of death in an estimated 25 to 40 percent of dogs who do not get emergency treatment within 6 to 10 hours.

What are the symptoms? In general the dog will act nervous, possibly pacing, whimpering, may start to drool, try to vomit, but nothing happens and soon the stomach will start to become swollen and hard. The dog’s breathing will become rapid; the heartbeat will also become rapid. The dog may lie down and will not get up, if you tap the stomach it will sound like a hollow drum. The dog’s gums may also become pale. It is suggest you call your vet or animal clinic at once and advise them you are coming in and what the symptoms are.

If the stomach has twisted the blood supply to the stomach is cut off; this can result in tissue death, allows bacteria to enter the stomach wall and then into the bloodstream and the possible formation of blood clots may put the dog into shock. Treatment is necessary at once.

What is the treatment? First of all your vet will treat the dog for shock with intravenous fluids. Then a hose like tube is gently inserted through the mouth into the stomach to hopefully release the gases that are present. This along with fluids that are added to help release the food inside the stomach usually works.

However, if the stomach has twisted, surgery is necessary to untwist it. Usually if the stomach has twisted your vet will attach the stomach to the abdominal wall during surgery to make certain if gastric bloating occurs again, the stomach will not twist

Recovery time is usually a few days in the animal hospital and after some rest at home a dog can assume normal activity within a few weeks.

This surgery is rather risky and the best way to prevent it from happening is to follow this advice.

Do not feed your large dog one big meal. It is best to feed your dog several small meals a day, do not allow your dog to gulp large amounts of water right after eating and do not allow your dog to do any strenuous exercise for at least two hours after eating.

Interestingly enough, even small dogs can such as dachshunds and basset hounds are prone to this problem due to their elongated stomachs, though it is usually the large dogs that are most affected.

It may be easier on you to feed your large dog once a day, but in light of the cost of veterinary care, an ounce of prevention is worth the price of time it takes to feed your dog several times a day, and monitoring its fluid intake after eating.

If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com