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posted by admin on Oct 18

A dog can be one of the most rewarding of pets, but also one of the most demanding. Selecting the right animal for you is an all-important aspect of the adoption process. One must consider a multitude of factors – ranging from living quarters to time commitments.

We all love to visualize a cute puppy playing innocently in the park. But is this the ideal pet for you? Do you have the time and patience to potty train and watch over the mischievous pup? Would an older dog better suit your lifestyle?

These questions, and many more, need to be answered before making such a critical decision. This is one time that you will be rewarded handsomely for considering all of the factors surrounding pet adoption. Remember, you owe it not only to yourself, but to your new best “friend”.

Follow these 7 Key Steps and finding the right dog for you will be “doggone” easy.

Determine the right size dog for your living arrangements and lifestyle

Your living arrangements, whether sprawling house or urban apartment, can put limitations on what breed of dog will best suit you. A large breed dog, or hyperactive breed, may not be the best choice for an apartment dweller. Even in a larger home, these types of breeds generally demand lots of exercise and play time. Are you willing to make that kind of time commitment?

Consider the right temperament for your family situation

Like people, dogs have different temperaments. Some breeds are very laid-back and don’t require a lot of maintenance, while other breeds can be very high-strung and demand lots of your attention. Certain breeds, by reputation, are not suitable for households with small children. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but as a general statement, avoiding these breeds is probably prudent.

Breeds that are considered playful and child-friendly include: Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Bearded Collies and Miniature Schnauzers, just to name a few.

Think about the climate where your dog will live

Arctic breeds, like Samoyeds and Huskies, have relatively thick coats and will be uncomfortable in hot, humid climates. Conversely, Greyhounds and other short-haired breeds can become very cold and chilled in more frigid climates. The point is to choose a breed that is compatible with your climate. Many breeds can adapt easily with proper protection, like a dog sweater, and limited exposure to extreme conditions.

Determine the amount of time you will have available for your new dog

Dogs are normally active pets and can, in seconds, go from lounging in their favorite spot to running laps with you around the track. One thing for certain, dogs need plenty of time for exercise and play. Of course, they expect you to be right there with them, joining in the fun.

You will also need to plan time for training, feeding, walking, and grooming your dog. Be certain that you can allocate this time, because all of these items are a must to ensure the well-being of your pet.

Consider whether a male or female dog is a better fit for your family

Though both males and females make great companion pets, males can sometimes have more behavioral problems and tend to be more rambunctious than females. Females are usually easier to house train, but may be more demanding of your attention. If size is a consideration, females are generally smaller in size than their male counterparts.

Strongly consider adopting a mixed-breed dog

Mixed-breed dogs often pick up the best traits of the combined breeds and are much less prone to inherited diseases and breed-specific behavioral problems. But as puppies, they can be a bit more difficult to predict their adult look and size.

However, mixed-breed “mutts” tend to have unique personalities and are very charming. An even better reason to consider a mixed breed is that many are in need of loving homes. If adopted, they tend to show their appreciation by becoming outstanding companions and faithful friends.

Spend as much time as possible with your prospective new family “member” before adopting

There is nothing like observing a pet firsthand to get a real feel for its personality. Watch the behavior of the dog or puppy and how he responds to children or other animals.

Ask these questions: What is his background? Is he friendly to people? Does he like to be petted? Does he look healthy? Does he act friendly with other animals? Does he obey any commands? Is he house-trained? The more answers you have to questions like these, the easier your decision will be.

And lastly, pets should never be an “impulse” purchase. The consequences of these decisions stay with you anywhere from 10 to 15 years. So be sure to take the time to match the right dog with your personal situation – it will make the experience one that you will cherish for a lifetime.

William Wilcox is a long-time dog lover and trainer. He is a very active volunteer with animal rescue groups in the Caribbean, like Pets From Paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He writes articles for a number of dog-related websites. For more information visit: http://www.pets-from-paradise.com http://www.superior-dog-supplies.com

posted by admin on Oct 17

Chat to any dog lover and they’ll sing the praises of these amazing animals. Completely devoted to their master, they ask so little and yet offer so much. I could write pages about the strengths of the humble canine, I could advise why so many people prefer the companionship of a dog rather than another member of the human race or how a pet can replace a deceased loved one. But I’m not going to, instead my story is about one very special dog, my dog, Murphy.

We’ve had a pet dog in the family just about all of my life. There have been a Bassett Hound (Bertie of course), Greyhounds (Blackie and Bill Teal), a Great Dane (Toddy) and a Springer Spaniel (Bill). Every one left a massive void at the time of their departing and each time we vowed never to have another one, it was just too traumatic to say goodbye.

The year was 1993, the pain of Bill Springer’s death some 12 months previously had eased and the possibility of looking for a new puppy was mooted in the household. Naturally everyone agreed, who can resist a puppy dog ?. My sister had a copy of a magazine detailing just about every breed of dog available, their temperament, their traits and habits etc plus a list of breeders. Even before looking through the book I had some strong opinions about what type of pet I wanted to look at. Medium sized, neither small nor big. Short haired, I had neither the time nor the inclination to groom my pet for an hour a day. Maybe a gundog, not that I’m into hunting but I definitely prefer that style of dog to the herding or terrier type and I’m definitely not into the “my dog’s harder than your dog” breeds such as Rottweilers or Staffies, so beloved by certain sections of our society. Browsing through the publication I noticed this amazing chestnut coloured dog that caught my eye.

I’d never heard of the Hungarian Vizsla and wasn’t aware if that the breed could be found here in England. I rang one of the breeders mentioned in the book and had an extended chat, enquiring about the characteristics of the breed in general and their suitability as a family pet. The breeder was enthusiastic and mentioned that I might like to go along to a huge dog show taking place in Windsor in a couple of weeks time. It was a wonderful show with dogs of all shapes and sizes and there was a class just for Vizsla’s. The rest, as they say, is history. I fell in love with the Hungarian Vizsla breed and wanted one !!.

Wanting a Vizsla was completely different to actually finding one for sale. There was only a handful of breeders in the country, the web and email were only a glint in the eye of a bunch of geeks, so it was all down to snail mail or the telephone. All existing litters had been sold and several of the breeders seemed unwilling to sell a puppy as simply a pet dog. They were looking for people who wanted to compete in dog shows or working dog trials with their puppies. I guess that they were trying to carve out a reputation for the dogs they had at stud and selling pet dogs wasn’t on the agenda. The long wait began. There was no shortage of German Shepherds, Labradors or Spaniels but my decision had been made, and my next dog was to be a Hungarian Vizsla.

The breeder that I had originally contacted and had subsequently met at the Windsor dog show was Peter Harper and his “Pitswarren” Vizslas had a tremendous record in the show ring. His champion dog, Pitswarren Levi, had won more best in breed prizes than any other Vizsla in the UK. On one of my regular calls to Peter, he told me that he and his wife had kept a bitch and a dog from the last litter for showing. These pups were now 4 months old they had decided to keep only one, so would I consider a 4 month old boy dog. I was in Andover as fast as 4 wheels could carry me. I was introduced to “Pitswarren Murphy Himself” and naturally he was lovely and soft and wonderful and sweet and everything else that a puppy should be. As is normal with most reputable breeders, I was told to come back in a weeks time and I could pick him up. During that week the Harper’s phoned a couple of times and there were one or two silent calls. I’m sure that each one was just the breeders checking to make sure that we were who we said we were, and that the pup wasn’t about to be left on his own all day whilst everyone went to work. We must have passed that examination because exactly seven days later we were able to pick up Murphy, our very own Vizsla puppy.

He’s now fourteen years old, and sadly he’s coming to the end of his time on Earth. He is, and has been, the best dog in the World. He’s my best friend and has been my constant companion and I pray that we’ve given him as much love and affection as he has so willingly given to us.

This article was penned by Trevor Dace. He has many years of experience working as a claims adjuster with a number of UK insurance companies. His website http://www.instant-online-insurance.co.uk offers UK pet insurance with online quotes and secure online payment.

posted by admin on Oct 16

Hunting dogs, as their name suggests, are simply those dogs that have been bred – and trained – to assist human hunters in their activities. Originally, these dogs were responsible, at least partially, for bringing home the meat for the family’s dinner and, without them, the job of hunting was much more difficult. The dogs assist the human hunter to scent and track, retrieve, flush, point or even chase down game. The skills developed will be specific to each breed, depending on the type of game that the dog has been trained to hunt, and the hunting style used with that particular type of game. Hunting dogs love to be outdoors and work with their owners. They usually become noticeably excited and active when they notice that preparations for the hunt are getting under way.

Since each breed of hunting dog has unique skills and attributes, we shall look at each general type of hunting dog separately. It is important to remember that hunting dogs are not aggressive by nature and are actually some of the best natured and calm mannered of all the breeds of dogs.

Hounds

Hounds, used as hunting dogs, can be subdivided into two types: scent or sight hunting dogs. They are used to hunt many types of mammals such as raccoons, coyotes, and other larger mammals. As you might imagine, sight hounds hunt by visual contact with the game. They are very fast and tend to be relatively smaller than scent hounds – although this does not mean that all of the breeds of sight hunting hounds are small dogs. Sight hounds include:

· Whippets

· Greyhounds

· Rhodesian Ridgebacks

· Saluki

· Afghan hound

· Basenji

· Irish Wolfhound

Scent hounds tend to be heavier-set, deeper-chested hunting dogs that excel for their endurance rather than their speed. Their voices tend to be deep and baying and in this way hunters can follow them to where they have treed or cornered the game. Scent hounds include:

· Bloodhounds

· Bassets

· Beagles

· Coonhounds (all varieties)

· Foxhounds

· Scottish Deerhound

Some hounds are versatile and can track using both sight and scent.

Water Dogs

The name “water dogs” is the original name for a large group of hunting dog breeds that are now often referred to as gun dogs. These dogs were bred to go into the water and retrieve or bring back game, to flush and point, and to show where waterfowl may be located on the shore areas in rushes and weeds. Some of them are also used for on-land game bird shooting, a type of hunting in which setters and pointers have become specialized. These dog breeds are very patient and will wait, without moving, for long periods of time until they are finally told to do so by the hunter. They are also used to swimming great distances into the water and back to retrieve a duck or goose without damaging the bird or even piercing the skin with their teeth.

Dog breeds included in the group of gun or water dogs are:

· Retrievers – Labradors, Golden, Chesapeake Bay

· Spaniels – English, Cocker, Water, Brittany

· Setters – English, Irish, Gordon

· Pointers – Pudelpointer, German Short Haired, English

It is interesting to note that the standard Poodle is an excellent gun and hunting dog, although nowadays it is rarely used as a hunting dog anymore.

Terriers

Terriers are a group of hunting dogs, mostly developed during the industrial revolution, in the United Kingdom and Europe, to kill the vermin in houses, factories and farms. These small- to medium-sized dogs are energetic, lively and very independent. These dogs are a little different, in that they are actually trained to kill their prey, unlike the hounds or water dogs listed above. For that reason they tend to be a bit more aggressive towards other animals if not socialized properly. The most common terrier breeds include:

· Jack Russell

· Cairn

· West Highland White

· Skye

· Boston

· Yorkshire

· Fox

· Airedale

· Scottish

However, there are many other types of terriers, all with unique coat colors and characteristics.

If you are looking for a hunting dog, you need to bear in mind, first, exactly which breed is best suited to your requirements. As a hunter, be sure to research each breed and talk to dog owners to find which will most closely match your needs. However, remember that you needn’t be a hunter to own one of these dogs – hunting dogs can make excellent, good-natured companions. If that is the case, simply make sure that the breed you choose fits in with your present – and projected lifestyle.

Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about hunting dogs – and about dogs in general – visit his website http://www.livingwithadog.com

posted by admin on Oct 14

Choosing the right dog for your lifestyle is a bit of a challenge. Our lives are very busy and as adults we have formed our own opinions on how we want to live and what we want in our lives.

At one point or another the thought of a pet creeps into our thinking and usually the types of pet we choose is either a cat or dog.

Cats as a general rule can fit into a lifestyle quite nicely. Dogs on the other hand require a bit more thought as they do require more space, time, and general care.

The purpose of this article is to alert you to some of the types of breeds there are and how their demands might fit into your lifestyle.

The first thing we will consider is “apartment living and the dog.”

Granted there are many apartments that will not allow a dog for obvious reasons. Some dog owners who are not responsible have made it almost impossible for the responsible dog owner to find a place to live.

Animal shelters are filled with dogs that their owners have either abandoned or have turned over to the shelter because they cannot keep them in an apartment.

It is very hard to keep a barking dog in an apartment. It is equally unfair to keep a large dog that needs plenty of exercise and doesn’t get it, from tearing up the carpet or chewing on the woodwork out of sheer boredom. If you want a dog and live in an apartment there are certain breeds that make good apartment dogs. Some dogs secretly want to become “couch Potatoes” and would love living in an apartment or condominium.

Some of these low energy dogs are: Cocker Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, Bichon Frise, Poodles, Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahua, Maltese, Papillon, Pekinese, Pomeranian, and Cockapoo to name a few. Mixed breeds with combinations of these dogs can make good pets, too. This does not mean they do not need exercise; it means that they don’t demand a great deal of it and for the most part are not noisy (granted a few are.)
If you are moving into an apartment and already have a similar dog and the apartment owner or manager is not too happy with the idea of you moving in, you might consider this game plan.

Put together a packet that includes a list of references such as your vet, current neighbors, possibly a former landlord and others, that will state the pet is well kept and that you are a responsible owner. Include information on your pet’s current vaccinations, proof of license, a record that shows the pet was spayed or neutered and a copy of obedience school training, if applicable. Also include a promise to clean up after the pet inside (should an accident occur) and outside, agree to a pet deposit, promise to keep the pet “flea free” as well as the apartment and agree to sign a policy agreement if necessary.

Offer to bring the pet in for an interview and allow the owner or manager the opportunity to visit your apartment at times that are convenient.

If you are living in an apartment that has no set rules about pets, I would consider asking for permission before I ventured out and became a pet parent.

Depending on the situation, I would also present, when I applied for permission, a list of references stating that you are a responsible person and the name of a vet you are considering on using for your pet. Offer to pay a pet security deposit and make list of things you will do in caring for your pet and the apartment, should you be allowed a pet.

It has been proven that most pet owners are responsible people.

It is unfortunate that there are some people that do not care about the property of others and truly do not care about taken proper care of their pets.

When trying to convince your future landlord or your current landlord that having a pet in the building is a good idea, keep a cool head. Spend some time gathering evidence that a responsible pet owner is also a responsible tenant. Be willing to compromise.

If having a dog is no problem and you are looking for a dog that demands “only some exercise.” Here are a few breeds or to consider: Bulldog, Pug, Italian Greyhound, and Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Pekepoo, plus there are many more.

If shedding is another point of contention, when thinking of getting a dog I have included some of those breeds. There are many people that do not think having cat or dog hair on their clothes is a sign of a well-groomed person.

Keep in mind there truly isn’t a dog that is totally “non-shedding.” All dogs shed some, however there are some breeds that shed little and here is a list of some of them: Airdale Terrier, Basenj, Bichon Frise, Bichon/Yorkie, Cairn Terrier, Cockapoo, Schnauzer, Kerry Blue Terrier, Labradoodle, Maltese, Schnoodles, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier and many more.

Some of us really just want a “lap dog.” The truth being most dogs “big or small” would love to be a lap dog. However, I am going to list a few that are truly lap dogs: American Cocker Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Bichon/Yorkie, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Malti-poo, poodles, many Terriers, Shih-Tzu, Schnoodles and many more of the smaller dogs.

If you are a jogger, you may want a companion to run with you and there are some dogs that just love to run. Among the breeds that love running you will find: Airedale Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Basenjis, Bearded Collies, Boxers, Dalmatians, Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Irish Setters, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Rottweilers only to name a few.

Along with running there are some dogs that have a high need for exercise. These are dogs that need long walks, running and big yards to play in.

I cannot name them all, but here are a few of the standard breeds: Airedale Terrier, Afghan Hound, Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, Brittany Spaniel, Dalmatian, English Setter, Great Pyrenees, Irish Setter, Vizula, Weimaraner, and the Redbone Coonhound.

There are many popular mixed breeds in dogs. The poodle has more combinations than you can count from Boxerdoodle, Cockapoo, Lhasapoo, Schnoodle, Shih-Poo, to a Weimardoodle (which I would love to see.) Think of a combination of dogs and somewhere you will be able to find it. There are breeders that raise mixed breeds, all you need to do is get on the Internet and find one. Just be certain to check out their credentials before you buy and try to see the dogs before your buy.

If you already have a pet and wonder what kind of dog would get along with your cat, bird or whatever. Here is a list of some dogs that are usually good with other pets (notice I said usually, there are no guarantees.)

The generally good ones are: Affenpinscher, American Cocker Spaniel, American Eskimo Dog, Australian Shepherd, Basset Hound, Bearded Collie, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Dachshund, Gordon Setter, Keeshond, and there are many more.

Some dogs will get along with other types of pets if they are raised with them from puppy-hood. Among those are: American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Chihuahua, English Springer Spaniel, Great Dane, Mastiff and many more.

Now there are some that are not trustworthy with other pets, (what comes to my mind is a picture of a Greyhound and a bunny.) Here is a short list of some of the breeds: Bichon/Yorkie, Bull terrier, Dingo, Fox Terrier, Irish Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Fox Terrier, Rat Terrier, Silky Terrier and more. I believe the Terrier breed was bred by the English to hunt rodents and small prey and that may be why they do not get along with other pets.

In order to cover all categories I will mention some breeds that do not get along with anything except another dog and I would be careful there, too. Afghan Hounds will start our list and I will continue with Australian Cattle Dog, Basenji, Beagle, Border Collie, Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Samoyed, Whippet and Weimaraner, however there are more.

If you are looking for a dog that will be great with your children, I will cover some of those, too. The better dogs are: American Cocker Spaniel, American Mastiff, American Bulldog, Basset Hound, Bloodhound, English Setter, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Gordon Setter, Keeshond, Labrador Retriever, Pug, Saint Bernard, and there are others.

Some of the best dogs for older children (children that will not tease the dogs are:) Alaskan Malamute, Border Collie, Cairn Terrier, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Pekingese, Pekepoo, Pomeranian, Shih-Tzu, and of course there are more.

There truly is a “dog” for every lifestyle, you just need to take your time and search for it.

The Internet is a great source for finding information on breeds. There are many breeders that are willing to help you find the perfect pet.

Dogs can be a challenge. You need patience and you need to be willing to give of your time and love. Do not consider a dog, if you are not willing to take complete responsibility for it. Being a dog parent requires time, money, patience, love and respect for another life. If you are up to the responsibility, a dog will give you so much more in return.

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

posted by admin on Oct 13

As the winter winds and cold breezes remind us that it is time to get our winter clothes out of storage, it is reminding us that our dogs need to be prepared also.

Just because your dog has a year round fur coat does not mean that it will keep him/her warm during the cold spells of winter. It does not matter if your dog is an adult, puppy or senior dog, each has its own special needs and each breed has it own needs.

So let’s prepare for every stage of your dog’s life, and keep your pet safe, warm and happy now that winter is coming upon us.

If your dog is an outside dog, and lives mostly in its doghouse, now it the time to make certain it is in good condition. If it has needed some repair like holes in the roof or walls, do it now. Add a door or plastic flap to keep the cold wind out. If your dog has a dog run, a plastic sheet attached to the sides of the fence will keep out the cold winds of winter and make the space a little more enjoyable.

Most dogs that are used to being outside all the time can generally withstand most weather as long as they have a dry sheltered doghouse to climb into. Extreme temperatures, however, require bringing your dog inside or at least into a warmer garage area with a bed to lie in.

Do not let your dog off leash when walking especially during a snowstorm or times when there is snow on the ground or roads. Drivers have trouble enough driving in such weather, and may not be able to stop if your dog runs out into the road.

Dogs such as Huskies and other breeds that have been bred for the winter months love the snow and cold, but greyhounds and other shorthaired dogs do not have enough hair or fat to insulate them against the cold. This is where a nice coat or sweater comes in handy. If you get cold more than likely your dog will get cold, too.

Shoes for your dog! Sound silly, well, maybe! However, if the streets you walk on are salted the salt may irritate your dog’s pads and a bootie might just be the right thing for him/her to wear. Longhaired dogs have hair between their pads and can collect ice balls from the snow on their feet, many would love to wear some booties to make the walk more comfortable. Clipping the hair between the pads helps, but booties would keep their feet warm and cozy.

Puppies on the other hand are much more prone to cold conditions and can develop hypothermia and frostbite. Puppies should never be left outside for long periods of time. Remember if you are cold, they are, too.

Housebreaking a puppy during the winter months can be a challenge and will require that you carry the puppy outside and make certain he/she does its business and then bring them quickly back inside. This is where puppy-training pads become a godsend, as most puppies do not like to go out into the snow and cold. Personally I find puppy pads the most wonderful invention of all time and I truly recommend using them for housebreaking to all my friends and readers.

What are the signs of hypothermia? It happens when the body temperature of the puppy drops too low for the body to function properly. The puppy will start to shiver uncontrollably and will need to be brought inside and warmed up at once.

Frostbite on the other hand is damage to the skin and cannot usually be detected for a few days after it happens. The skin will turn a chalky white as the tissue starts to die. The areas most affected by frostbite are the ears, tail and paws. Do not let your puppy or dog for that matter outside in extreme weather in order to prevent that from happening.

Senior dogs are especially affected by cold weather. If your dog has arthritis, it more than likely will get worse during the cold weather. A warm cozy bed in a spot where your dog can keep on eye on the household activity would be greatly appreciated by your pet. There are beds being made now that will produce heat at a proper temperature once the dog lies on it. Some beds are made with memory foam that will give your dog great support and cushioning for its achy bones.

Senior dogs, just like puppies are very susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite, so take great care when taking your older dog outside in the winter time. Your senior pet would appreciate a nice warm coat or sweater and booties.

Winter is a fun time for both people and dogs, as long as you take the proper precautions and use common sense. Remember if you are cold, your pet more than likely is cold too. Siberian Huskies and other cold weather dogs can be the exception, so consider your breed!

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

posted by admin on Oct 12

It doesn’t take too long for greyhound handicappers to figure out that the best post positions at almost all dog tracks are the 1, 2, 3, and 8 boxes. If you look at the statistics in the program, you’ll find that the three inside positions and the far outside one account for way more dogs in the money than the other boxes. So, why don’t we just bet 1238 quiniela and trifecta boxes and clean up at the track?

Well, some people DO bet those numbers, but I don’t think it works too well. For one thing, everyone knows about it, so when they come in, they don’t pay that well. For another thing, even though dogs come in more often from those boxes, they still come in from the other boxes too. There’s no way of telling in any particular race whether the winner will come from the golden boxes or from one of the other ones.

My take on post position is that it’s more important whether a dog likes the post position it’s in and whether it’s moving to a more favorable post position or a less favorable one – for that individual dog’s running style.

Let’s say there’s a dog – we’ll call him Sparky – who’s had six races in inside boxes and hasn’t been in the money in one of them. Today, he’s in the four box. You look at all of Sparky’s previous races (read about how to do that in my previous article “Winning With Connections”) and see that he’s a solid midtrack runner with early speed. That might explain why he’s had trouble in almost all of the races he ran from inside boxes.

When Sparky breaks and zips over to the middle of the track, he’s probably had breakers beside him, some of whom were probably trying to get inside. They bumped Sparky and he bumped them and that explains why he didn’t come in. But now, Sparky is right where he wants to be and probably pretty dadblamed sick of getting knocked around.

To me, this situation is ripe for a betting opportunity. Sparky looks lousy to the bettors who are only looking at the six races they can see in the program. But I know from looking at Greyhound Data that he’s had some very good races from the middle of the track, so I have good reason to think that he’s a contender in this race due to his favorable post position.

If you want to check out how often this kind of situation happens, look over your old programs for dogs who win and pay well. Many times, it’s because they looked lousy in their last six races because they weren’t in the post position they wanted to be in. Pay particular attention to dogs who have been in outside boxes and then move to the 1 or 2 box.

Post position is just one of the things you need to consider when you’re handicapping races. 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 Oct 11

The history of the breed of dogs known as Doberman Pinschers is relatively short in comparison with other canines. Dobermans were first bred in Germany around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. Dobermann was a tax collector and was forced to travel through many rough areas of town with bandits and thieves. He bred Dobermans in order to have an effective animal for protection while performing his job. When creating the new breed, he envisioned a dog with the perfect blend of strength, loyalty, and intelligence. Dobermann also worked as the local dog catcher, giving him easy access to a large number of canines that he could use for his breeding purposes.

It is believed that the modern day Doberman Pinscher originated from several different types of dogs. Although the breeds used still remains unknown, it is speculated that the Pinscher, Rottweiler, Beauceron, Weimerainer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Great Dane, old German Shepherd dog, black Greyhound, and Manchester Terrier all contributed to the Doberman’s development. Many experts believe the modern day Doberman is a combination of at least four of these types of dogs. One exception does exist, however. It is documented that Greyhounds were crossed with the current Doberman. Additionally, it is commonly thought that the old German Shepherd, a now extinct breed, was the largest contributor to the gene pool.

After his death in 1984, the breed was named the Dobermann-pinscher in his honor. However, about 50 years later, the term pinscher was dropped. In German, pinscher means terrier. It was thought that it was inappropriate to call the dog a type of terrier, so the ending term of the name was formally dropped.

After becoming very interested in the further development of the breed, Otto Goeller adopted the kennel name Thuringen and further refined the work done by Dobermann. Several years later, in 1889, Herr Goeller established the first “Dobermann Pinscher Club.” Herr Goeller became involved in breeding the dogs as well and took up the kennel name Groenland. This kennel is responsible for some of the most important and influential specimens in the history of the breed. Most modern day Dobermans can be traced to this prominent line of dogs.

Because of their history as a guard dog, Dobermans excel at a number of disciplines such as police and military work. However, they can be aggressive. If you are interested in learning more, this dog aggression website can provide more helpful information.

Joseph Devine

posted by admin on Oct 8

Many people want to become involved in the greyhound racing industry but cannot afford to buy a dog on their own. As such, they want to become a part of a syndicate. If you are one of these people that want to start a syndicate, then this article should give you a little information to get started. Basically you have there syndication options and below you will find a short description of each.

• Buying a Greyhound Pup- Your first option is to buy a pup. This is by far your cheapest option as you can get a well bred pup quite cheaply. It is not without its downsides though. There is a risk that your pup will not break in well and may not even make it to the race track. You need to keep these things in mind when considering your syndicate options.
• Buying a ready to race greyhound- Your next option is to buy a greyhound or a share in a greyhound that is ready to race. This is going to be more expensive but you do have the benefit of knowing your greyhound has broken in well and you will more quickly see your greyhound at the track.
• Setting up a breeding syndicate- a Breeding greyhound syndicate is a more exotic option, but after initial start up costs, the syndicate could possibly end up paying for itself, giving you a tidy profit and also your own greyhounds to race. Basically, you would buy a city winning brood bitch and breed her with a city winning dog. You could then sell off some of the pups and keep some pups to race yourself.

As you have seen, there are a variety of greyhound syndicate options out there. You can decide on one preferred syndicate option or you can buy shares in a variety of options. It is all up to you.

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 Oct 7

There are many dogs whose eyes are particularly sensitive to sunlight. To comfort themselves against the bright light, your dog may squint, whine, or even paw at its face. Some people consider sunglasses for canines a cute fashion statement but they are much more than that. A pair of pet dog goggles to block out UV light may help your canine feel more comfortable outdoors.

Humans are prone to eye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts and photokeratitis, and so are dogs. In addition, certain breeds can suffer from a condition called “pannus,” which is also known as chronic superficial keratitis or inflammation of the corneas. It is primarily found in the German Shepard breed, although other predisposed breeds include Greyhounds, Huskies and Dachshunds. Other breeds reported to have problems with pannus include Poodles, Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers.

Pannus can be caused by prolonged and repeated exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which hit the eyes of both human and animal whether the sun is shining high in the sky or whether the day is cloudy. Ultraviolet light, high altitudes and low altitudes create the greatest risks.

It is not just ultraviolet radiation that can damage our four-legged friends’ vision. Does your dog ride with its head out the car window, spend time on the bright beach or in reflective bright snow, or maybe run through brush? Pet dog goggles that function as sunglasses for dogs can also help protect them from airborne debris and wind.

New and improved dog goggle eye protection for your pet is available, the same eyewear that has been seen on CNN, Regis and Kelly, National Geographic, Animal Planet, and in People and Woman’s World magazines. After eight years of designing and manufacturing eyewear for dogs, pet dog goggles have come a long way in quality and function. Redesigned dog goggles have an interchangeable lens system that offers a deeper lens cup, very flexible frames, and wider nose bridge. The ILS was designed from the beginning to be lighter and more comfortable for dogs.

Pet goggles for dogs offer 100% UV protection, and shatterproof, anti-fog lenses facilitated by side air vents; a very flexible, wrap around foam padded frame; interchangeable capable lenses; two adjustable soft elastic head and chin straps; for complete and beneficial dog goggle eye protection for your pet.

Sunscreen for your dogs!

And, yes, many dogs can benefit from sunscreen. Why put human sunscreen on your dog when you can use a formula designed specifically for a dog’s skin? Does your dog have light colored skin or a pink nose? Your dog needs sunscreen! Dogs have more sensitive skin than humans and thus do better with their own sunscreen. Sunscreen for pets also helps with coat condition and to prevent sun bleaching in dark haired dogs.

For a selection of Pet Dog Googles and Dog Sunscreen CLICK HERE.

We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of http://www.CalloftheDog.com and http://www.CalloftheDogShop.com — created to provide the things your dogs and pets need. Visit us for great information and quality dog supplies! Be sure to see our About Us page as well.

The two sites are dedicated to the dogs we have loved so deeply, and who have given us so much love in return. Purebreds and mixed breeds, but mostly rescues in need of a home. We educated them, but each one has had something to teach us in exchange.

posted by admin on Oct 7

Canine influenza is a fairly recent addition to the list of things we have to worry about when it comes to our dogs. Although the widespread epidemic of suggested by the media does not exist, it is certainly a disease that is spreading and that we should be aware of if we live or work with dogs.

It was discovered in Florida during research into the causes of kennel cough amongst greyhounds, and is thought to be a variation of horse influenza. It is an airborne disease and is most likely to be found where many dogs are housed in close proximity to each other. Roughly 16% of dogs who are exposed to the disease develop symptoms, and of these cases, about 6% prove fatal.

The symptoms of canine influenza are a high fever, coughing and sneezing, a runny nose, excessive lethargy or depression and a lack of appetite. Of course, many other illnesses are characterised by coughing and sneezing so you shouldn’t immediately assume your dog has influenza, but if you are concerned you should consult your veterinarian, particularly of your dog’s temperature reaches 106 degrees.

Canine influenza is a virus and therefore does not respond to antibiotics. In severe cases, the damage to the respiratory system leads to a secondary pneumonia infection, and it is this that usually causes deaths. Pneumonia is treatable with antibiotics and a high fluid intake, so the number of fatal cases of influenza can be reduced. Research into a vaccine for canine influenza is currently in progress, but it may not be available for another couple of years.

If you are planning on leaving your dog in kennels you should check their policy on respiratory infections. Ask whether they isolate any dog that develops an infection, whether it is influenza or something less harmful such as kennel cough. Also make sure that they will inform you if your dog has come into contact with another dog with a respiratory infection.

A recent case in Pittsburgh saw the high quality boarding facility, Misty Pines, temporarily closed because thirty of their dogs developed canine influenza. None of the dogs died and the facility was reopened once the infection had run its course. Canine influenza is only infectious for ten days and has an incubation period of two to five days so it is perfectly safe for dogs to board there again now the infection has gone.

Although the infection is more common in places where dogs are grouped together, you shouldn’t let this put you off buying a dog from a shelter. You will, however, want to check the shelter’s policy on new arrivals. Do they isolate them for the first few days to ensure they don’t have the infection? If you already have a dog at home, you may want to keep your new pet separate from them for a few days just to be on the safe side.

Canine influenza does not pose any risk to humans as they cannot become infected. However it is believed that humans can carry the virus on their hands, clothes and shoes so you should be aware of this. In some cases it is believed that employees of dog shelters or kennels have transmitted the virus to their own dogs in this way.

Although canine influenza is clearly an issue that you should be aware of, and take precautions against, you should not let it stop your dog from living life as usual. And you should not stop using your usual pet facilities. If you want to find out about any outbreaks of the virus in your area contact your local veterinarian or the state veterinary medical association, who will be able to give you local information and some peace of mind.

Oftentimes our dogs don’t have anything as serious as canine influenza. Learn more about symptoms like coughing, snoring and voice changing here. More dog articles are here.