http://www.aboutpuppies.com/ Find information on selecting and training the puppy right for you and your family. en-us Nucleus CMS v3.2 © Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.aboutpuppies.com//nucleus/nucleus2.gif http://www.aboutpuppies.com/ http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=59
As with any important decision you should first have a plan. Make a list of potential vets by use of referrals and your local phonebook. Once you have a list, the process of selecting your vet begins. Schedule an appointment with each vet and plan y explaining you are looking for a vet and would like to meet with them for a few minutes to go over some questions.

If you already have your dog when going to interview with the vet, take him along. This will be a great way to see if your pup is going to be comfortable at the office and with the doctor. Just make sure to ask if you can bring him along first.

Typical questions and observations you will want to be aware of:

1. Ask about fees and services. If you know your dog will need a special service ask about it up front.
2. Ask the vets opinion on the proper age to Spay and Neuter if needed and see if it is line with your own beliefs.
3. Discuss the vets experience and educational background.
4. If you have brought your puppy along with you for the visit, observe their interaction with your dog.
5. Observe other patients and overall cleanness of the facility.
6. If you have a pure bred dog, ask the vet about his experience with the breed.

Once you have interviewed each candidate you will need to make your decision by deciding who best matched what you are looking for. Remember if the vet does not work out, it is OK to switch. Hopefully by doing some up front work discussed you can find a vet to serve your puppies needs.]]> Puppy Healthcare http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=59 Fri, 06 May 2005 14:56:15 -0500 http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=56 Progressive Retinal Atrophy involves a deterioration of the retina of the eye that is used to receive light. In most cases onset occurs about mid-life between the ages of 4 – 6 years. Due to the late onset, it makes it very difficult to detect and test the cause of this health problem.

Most agree that the illness is heredity based although there is not solid proof. One of the best ways to prevent passing this illness is for the breeder to regularly have the eyesight of their dogs checked. This helps identify dogs that carry the gene and can prevent future litters from being bred. When this is completed the results can then be submitted to Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) and will show on the dogs pedigree as Eye Certified. ]]> Puppy Healthcare http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=56 Wed, 20 Apr 2005 12:32:00 -0500 http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=53
Who will get up during the night to take the dog out?
I prefer to alternate nights if more than one person owns the puppy.

Will a crate be used?
I would recommend a crate for housebreaking and other reasons. If used properly a crate can provide the dog a comfort area to feel safe and keep your valuables safe while you are away.

Will the pup be on a leash, if so who will take it out and wait for it to go to the bathroom?
At first it will take time for a new pup to get on a schedule with you so additional time will be needed. It is important to discuss what time the pup will be taken out and who will take it out ahead of time to avoid future frustration.

Consistency
One of the best methods for getting your pup to go outside is consistency. Each time the dog is taken outside to use the bathroom, go to the same area. This will help the puppy learn that this is where it should go to the bathroom and when you go to that area it is time to go to the bathroom.

To remember where the spot a rope laid on the ground in the shape of a circle can be used. This will help you and the pup remember where it is suppose to go. Leaving some of the dog’s stool in the area has also seen success and when it comes back ad smells it a trigger will happen and the dog will feel the need to use the bathroom.

Potty Command
Believe it or not dogs can be taught a command to use the bathroom. No, they will not go on command anytime but will go when it is time. The Potty Command is very useful for puppies because they have short attention spans. By using a consistent command at potty time, the pup will stay focused and go quicker.

Scheduling
Just like humans, dogs are creatures of habit and learn scheduling quickly. By taking your pup out at the same time each day, it will quickly learn and know when it is time to go to the bathroom. The best times are when the pup first wakes up, after eating, when you come home and before bedtime. A new pup will need to go about every 2 hours at first. As the pup gets older its bladder will also grow and the frequency it needs to relieve itself will decrease. One note of cautious is that if you miss a time the dog will let you know!

Praise and Reward
The main ingredient in the training program is the praise and reward stage. Just as with humans, dogs love praise for a job well done. Usually start off with treats followed immediately after the bathroom is used and praise the pup. This will teach the dog it is doing right and it will want to go outside to get rewarded. After a month or so, reduce the treats and simply praise the pup for a job well done.

Crating
A great resource for potty training is the crate. By placing the dog in a crate it creates a safe environment for it and will help it learn to wait before relieving itself. When choosing a crate the size is of the up most important. A crate too large will allow the pup to use the bathroom in half and sleep in the other. You also will not want a crate too small to where the dog cannot move around much. Dogs are like humans and do not want to sleep where they relieve themselves and thus will wait to be let outside. This is an invaluable tool for assisting your dog to learn to wait to use the bathroom.]]> Puppy Training http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=53 Wed, 20 Apr 2005 12:20:00 -0500 http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=55




BISS - Best in Specialty Show. Simular to Best in Show, this is awarded to a dog judged as the top dog at a speciality show. A specilaity show is a show that only one breed is shown.





CD - Companion Dog. A title awarded by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for a dog that successfully passes three Novice Obedience items. A passing score is 170 out of 200 possible points.





CDX - Companion Dog Excellent. This is an advanced obedience title awarded to a dog who successfully qualifies in Open Obedience Class three times. Awarded at AKC licensed dog shows.





OTCH - Obedience Trial Champion. Advanced Obeidiance Title earned by receiving a minimum of 100 points at AKC licensed shows. Resrictions include the dog must win at least one first place in Open B and Utility and an additional first in either. The first places must e awarded by different judges.





CGC - Canine Good Citizen. This AKC Title shows a dog has passed a that evaluates temperament, manners and behavior.





CH - Champion. A title awarded by the AKC to a dog that has acquired at least 15 points. Requirements include at least 6 different points need to come from two separate Major wins and wins must come from at least three separate judges. The title is often preceded by the country the title was won (i.e. Amer CH= American Champion).





CQN - Certificate of Natural Qualities. This title is awarded by the International Canine Federation for completion of Breed Working Test that is required for conformation.





HCT - Herding Capability Tested. Offered by The American Herding Breed Association that certifies the dog has a presence of natural instinct to herd.





HIC - Herding Instinct Certified . A title offered by The American Herding Breed Association that certifies the dog has a presence of natural instinct to herd.





NAFC - National Amateur Field Champion. Awarded by the AKC for dogs that win first place in the National Amateur Championship stake.





NCH - Nite Champion. A title where the dog must earn 100 points and have one first place finish in a licensed AKC Nite Hunt.





NFC - National Field Champion. Title offered by the AKC where the dog must win first place in a National Open Championship stake.





NOC - National Obedience Champion. Title awarded to the Annual National Obedience Invitational winner. Award is given once each year.





NGDC - National Gun Dog Champion. Title offered by the AKC where the dog must win first place in a National Open Gun Dog Championship stake.





NOGDC - National Open Gun Dog Champion: AKC title where the dog must win first place in a National Open Gun Dog Championship stake.





OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. This certifies that an animal has dysplasia-free hips. The test is conducted after the age of two by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and is recommended for any large breed.





TT - Temperament Tested. Awarded by American Temperament Test Society to dogs that successfully pass the a test that evaluates temperament balance.





TDI - Therapy Dog. A title given by Therapy Dog International for dogs doing therapy work. Requires the dog to pass a temperament test and work in situations that therapy is provided to humans.





TD - Tracking Dog. A title offered by the AKC for dogs who pass a tracking test.





TDX - Tracking Dog Excellent. A title offered by the AKC to dogs who pass advanced tracking tests and requirements.





UD - Utility Dog. This is a title offered by the AKC to dogs who meet the requirements of points winning in the Utility Obedience classes. Can be combined with the TD or the TDX and would show as UDT or UDTX.









More pedigree information offered at:


AKC


Therapy Dog International


American Temperament Test Society


Orthopedic Foundation for Animals


The American Herding Breed Association]]> Selecting a Puppy Breed http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=55 Tue, 19 Apr 2005 12:31:00 -0500 http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=57
For the example, I will use a dog lover gift basket but you can easily transfer the contents of the basket for cat lovers, bird lovers and most any other animal that the special someone in your life is passionate about.

Contents of the Dog Lover Gift Basket
To start, we need to first compile a list of ingredients for the basket. I personally like to choose items for the person and the pet. Below are some common items I normally include:

- Dog Figurines: I like to include a personal figurine of the persons breed with the basket.

- Sauvignon Bark Treats: I love to use these in my baskets as the dogs always love them and they come packaged in a wine bottle. A very nice touch if your friend is also a wine lover.

- Homemade Dog Treats: This adds a wonderful personal touch that your recipient will love. The site listed has lots of free recipes that are easy to make.

- Personalized Dog Gifts: This is my favorite touch as this store offers dog items and will add the persons name onto the items.

- Dog T-Shirts: Shirts with the recipients breed make a perfect addition to your basket.

- Dog Golf Head Cover: These make perfect toppers for the basket. I use them even if my friend or family member is not a golfer as they make great decorations.

- Basket: Depending upon your exact contents, you will need a basket to fit everything into.

Assembling the Basket
Now that you have all of the contents of you dog gift basket, all that is left is to assemble it. I usually like to create a large bow for the top of the basket and decorate it with some berry garland which the recipient can reuse as decorations.

After all of the items are arranged inside of the basket , you can wrap the basket with a colorful cellophane. This adds the perfect touch of professionalism to your dog lover gift basket and will help keep the dog treats fresh.

Wrap Up
Now that you have seen how easy and fun creating a pet lover gift basket is, go get busy. Remember you can exchange items to make a wide variety of animal baskets for any occasion that the recipient is sure to cherish.

A special thanks to CreativeSplendors.com for the use of samples from their Pet Lover Gifts section.]]> General http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=57 Mon, 18 Apr 2005 12:34:00 -0500 http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=54
The first step for teaching this command is to start the pup playing. What you play is not important, the main thing is to get the puppy paying attention to playing and not you. While playing take a treat with a strong smell, such as a cutup hotdog, and wave it in front of the pups face. This will get the puppies attention immediately. Once the pup is interested move the treat to under your chin and say “Watch Me”. Wait until the puppy looks at you in the eyes then praise it and give it the treat.

As the puppy begins to learn to follow the treat and has a general idea it should look at you when you say “Watch Me” then the training should be taken to the next level. While playing with the puppy, place the treat at your nose and say the “Watch Me” command. Wait for the pup to look and then treat. After a little while of this the puppy will begin to recognize the command.

Finally begin to wean the pup from the treats and simply praise them for looking when commanded. In no time at all you will be able to have your pups attention, no mater what it is doing. Remember that different dogs learn at different rates and to keep training sessions short. The most important thing is for you and your pup to be having a great time with each other. ]]> Puppy Training http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=54 Mon, 18 Apr 2005 12:23:26 -0500 http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=52
With proper training and patience aggression can be overcome in a dog. Often a professional trainer is needed and it involves intense work on the owner’s behalf. Another popular choice for owners with dogs that have aggression problems is to seek the advice of a veterinary behaviorist. This is a veterinary that has completed additional coursework outside of the common veterinary school in the area of animal behavior. The main body governing this is the American College of Veterinary Behaviorist. For information about obtaining a referral for a veterinary behaviorist ask your regular vet or contact the college.

Learned aggression behavior is another problem as many owners do not take the time needed to correct aggressive behaviors when a dog is young. If items like chewing and nipping are not taken care of properly when the dog is young it could lead to problems later on. Nipping or play biting is often started in the puppy teething stage. Although a puppy does not do much harm when play biting, it is also establishing itself as the Alpha in the family. This behavior should be corrected and is a great opportunity to teach some basic commands. When the pup begins to bite, give it the “Sit” command and reward it when it complies. This turns the negative behavior into a positive one and is much more enjoyable for everyone.]]> Puppy Training http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=52 Mon, 18 Apr 2005 12:20:02 -0500 http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=51 The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program was started in 1989 and promotes responsible pet ownership and good manners in dogs. A certificate is awarded to those who pass the test as a reward for completion and the names are stored in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Archive. In addition to the certificate come the satisfaction of a well-behaved pet and a sense of completion.

Why Is This Desirable
Besides showing you are a responsible pet owner there are other reasons as to why individuals train and complete the CGC Program. One major reason is this is the first step in having your dog accepted in pet therapy programs. Owners with a desire to allow their dogs to participate in pet therapy should look into the Canine Good Citizen Program to see if their dog would make a good therapy dog.

Another reason many seek the Canine Good Citizen recognition is so a dog may come to the owner’s place of employment. Many employers such as nursing homes, small shops and others will allow owners to bring their pets in to visit residents or customers if the dog is well mannered. This is a very rewarding experience for everyone involved when done properly.

Although there are many reasons for owners to seek CGC award the owner should be note that the main reason should be to spend quality time with their dog. Training can often make a dog's life more enjoyable as they get to spend additional time with their owners and are mentally challenged. Even if the desire to get involved in the CGC program all owners should take an active role in obedience training for their and their pets well being.

Program Curriculum
Although not required, several formal training classes are offered for owners wanting a formalized method to prepare for the test. These classes are usually around 8 weeks in length and help prepare the owner and dog in what to expect during the test.

The test itself is made up of 10 separate parts. The majority of the test is focused in how the dog will behave when confronted by strangers and reacts in public, Below is a breakdown for each section:

1. The dog will be expected to sit and stand calmly while you stop and speak to a stranger.
2. The dog must demonstrate it can remain calm while being walked in a crowd.
3. The dog should be able to allow a stranger to walk it on leash while the owner is not present.
4. The dog will need to walk with the owner on a loose leash. Be prepared to also demonstrate the dog’s ability to turn left, right and coming to a stop.
5. The dog must sit while a stranger pets it.
6. The dog should demonstrate focus when confronted with common, unexpected events such as loud noises or a passing person walking nearby.
7. The dog must allow a stranger to groom it with a brush and examine its feet and ears.
8. The dog will be required to meet another dog without overreacting and should show only a casual interest.
9. The dog must be able to stay on command while the owner walks away.
10. The dog must come on command.



Additional Resources
Find more details on the CGC Program at the AKC]]> Responsible Puppy Ownership http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=51 Mon, 18 Apr 2005 12:19:02 -0500 http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=40
Most dogs do not get sufficient exercise and the only exercise they get is to be taken out to relieve themselves. From the dogs point of view he is taken out, he "performs his duty" and then is taken straight back home as a punishment. If he has an extra sniff for a moment or two he is now punished with shouting abuse and as some owners do, by smacking the dog.

Lets think like a dog. He is looking forward to his outing, if and when he performs he is taken straight home, a simple change in our behaviour can alter all this. Dogs should be taken out for their walk, as soon as they perform their "duties dog should be taken for his walk as a form of reward. Dogs must be allowed to explore, sniff but must at the same time learn that they must come when he is called. We can start this training in the home, in fact it is not training it is fun.

Whenever you call a dog always bend down in a crouched position, open your legs and arms, this is a warm posture, call your dog in a soft loving voice, when he comes give him a treat of food and a cuddle. This human behaviour will encourage the dog that to come back can now be associated as rewarding and is not a threat . Now he gets a treat and cuddle. However most important is to release the dog and walk away from the pet, we now turn the tables, we walk away from him.

If your dog is walking towards you always bend down, call him in a soft voice, give him a treat and again walk away. In the horse world it is a well known fact that horses are not fed until they get back to the stables, in fact they trot all the way back for their food, this is also a good idea to feed a dog after the walk.

A good idea when going for a walk is to take a toy like a ball and get involved in games, to encourage the dog to drop the toy, offer him a treat, by doing this he must drop his ball to obtain his treat, so the ball game can continue. In one easy lesson the dog can learn to bring back the ball, drop it for a treat.

Now comes the real object of the exercise, when you are cuddling your dog, put him back on his lead and carry on the walk for one minute, then let him off the lead, after a few repetitions your dog will learn that the lead is no longer a threat that this is a signal that the walk has not come to an end, in fact the lead means nothing and certainly does not indicate that he is being captured to be taken home.

So to sum up, do not make the mistake of catching the dog as soon a he has carried out his duties and taking him home, his reward is the walk. Put him on and off lead as much as possible, play games and then both of you will enjoy the walk and guess what? He will always come back!

Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.



Brought to you by: World Wide Information Outlet - http://certificate.net/wwio/, your source of FREEWare Content online.


Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviourist who works and lives in Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net. David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.

David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388]]> Puppy Training http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=40 Mon, 18 Apr 2005 11:43:34 -0500 http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=39
Our dogs understand us better than our closest human companions, they read our body language and their sense of smell lets them know whether we are ill or indeed about to become ill. Unlike humans dogs do not have negative characteristics. They never betray us they do not talk about us behind our backs, never answer back.

Those who have shared a deep bond with their pet must expect to feel its loss very deeply and they will enter a grieving period. Common symptoms of grief include crying, feelings of anxiety and isolation. Loss of appetite and generally disinterested in life. It is not uncommon for physical symptoms to occur as well. Often just seeing other people with their pets can provoke the thought ‘ Why is that dog alive and mine isn’t?

These reactions and feelings are normal and a natural part of grieving. Once you can accept that your pet has gone forever you could well be able to get on with your life.

If you find it difficult to talk to someone about your pet it may help you to write about your pet and remember the happy times you had together, or just put down the words how you feel about your loss.



Let yourself mourn your loss.
Don’t fight the pain when it occurs.
Take it into your heart and let it rest there with happy memories.
Take your time. Grief can last for days, weeks, months or years.
Share your emotions with someone.
Face up to the fact that your dog will not return.
Don’t be embarrassed about seeking professional help.


A new dog or cat

Sometime the loss of your beloved pet is so devastating that you are unable to contemplate having another pet. You just couldn’t face going through all the trauma again but you know you might have to one day. Some people replace their pet immediately, feeling that something is missing in their lives without a canine companion.

It is often wise to wait a little while before taking on a new dog or cat because you may in your grief, be trying to find a substitute for your pet. All dogs and cats have their own personality and you will not be able to stamp your old pets personality onto a new one. Some people feel they will not be able to love a new dog as much as their previous pet. If you feel this way you should not have another pet for a while.

Eventually as time passes, the pain of loosing your pet will heal. Then you may start to think of all the dogs in rescue centers waiting for new homes and may consider opening your home and heart to one of these.

Do not feel guilty or disloyal to the memory of your previous pet and give wholeheartedly to your new dog- he deserves it. He will bring happiness to your world.

Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.



Brought to you by: World Wide Information Outlet - http://certificate.net/wwio/, your source of FREEWare Content online.


Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviourist who works and lives in Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net. David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.

David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388]]> General http://www.aboutpuppies.com/index.php?itemid=39 Mon, 18 Apr 2005 11:42:24 -0500