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POUT ALL YOU WANT… THIS IS MY TOY!!

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SEE, I TOLD MOM HE WOULD LOOK OK STUFFED AND MOUNTED

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Terms of Dog Shows

When you begin going to dog shows you need to know the dog show lingo. That way you’ll understand what people are saying and know how to communicate. These are terms used at AKC dog shows.

Terms

The American Breed Class is a regular class open to all dogs six months old, which were whelped  in the United States. Its parents must have mated in the U.S.A.  The exception is champions. This is a basic term to be familiar with and learn.

The term angulation means the angle made when bones meet at the joint, which is a concrete notion useful when talking at dog shows. The angulation is related to balance. When both of these traits are good the canine’s joints be more flexible and the movement will be smooth.

Agility Trials are competitions in which the dogs surmount or negotiate jumps and obstacles like tunnels and weave poles. These events are a lot of fun for the audience.. The AKC holds a national agility trial. There are many canine agility events sanctioned by various dog clubs.

An All-Breed Show is a conformation show and any bred can show. Of course, you’ll want a very agile dog. In a conformation show the judges try to select the canines that are the epitome of the standard for their breed. A match show means no championship points are given at that show.

When a trainer uses a treat to attain a dog’s attention causing him to seem alert it is called baiting. It is important to teach your dog to bait properly; he should look attentive, quizzical, with an air of anticipation.

The bench show is one in which the dogs are seated on benches, when they are being shown.   Sitting on the bench allows the attendees, breeders, and exhibitors to view and discuss them. The judges look for the ideal dog for this show, exhibiting the standards better than the other competitors. When the dogs limbs and body are posed to design a pleasing look it is called stacking.

The champion is the title given to a dog that defeats a specific number of dogs in designated competitions during a series of shows. A standard is determined for a breed. A dog is measured out when his measurement is not within the limit for the breed. The dog earns credit toward a championship called points.

The exhibitor or handler is the person that brings a dog for showing and shows him in the correct class.   He shows the dog in the ring or works him at an event such as a field trial. He is hired by an owner that doesn’t want to show the dog himself.

Another person involved in shows is the  fancier. He  is someone that has a keen interest and normally is actively involved in some part of the sport of purebred canines.

The gait is how the dog moves. It is one indicator of  the dog’s condition and structure. Agility, angulation, and balance are intertwined in the dog’s gait.

To move is to gait a canine in a patten a judge proscribes. Moving close means that the dog’s hocks turn inward and his pasterns drops towards the ground, moving parallel to each other. Moving straight describes a balanced gait in which the inclination angle starts at the shoulder and legs stay mainly straight going from these points to the pads of the dog’s feet. This is while his legs extend. This can also start from the hip joint.

Terms of Dog Shows courtesy Dog Articles.

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For Dog Owners

(From a dog’s point of view) You know you need a new mindset when your dog would say: I am a small breed dog that should weigh about 15 lbs but I weigh 40. My owner jokes about how she is guilty of feeding me table scraps (I am four now, but I may not see seven or eight because of this. I like to eat and it’s my owners’ job to maintain my weight because I don’t know how) I am a medium size breed that should weigh around 60 lbs but I weigh 110 lbs. The vet, told my owner to put me on a diet, so he/my owner cut back to 6 cups per day (that means I was getting way, way too much before because 6 cups is way too much for me now and I will probably not live long because I don’t know how to control my own weight, this makes me sad)

My owner doesn’t want me to see, smell, look at, greet or play with any other dog (since I am by nature a pack animal, he can expect me to have issues including possible aggression and fearfulness. I don’t think he realizes that I am just like a human child that needs to play and have fun and make friends with other dogs just like a human child does) I am a large breed, long haired dog and my owner hasn’t brushed or bathed me in 9 months and she wants my groomer to bathe, brush and get all the mats out without clipping me. (which isn’t possible without a haircut and hurts me and makes me really anxious) I am a small breed dog and I have gotten severely matted because my owner doesn’t brush me.

She has this silly notion that a hairbrush is a stress on me, so she tried “hacking” and “chopping” at the mats herself then decided to take me to the groomer but didn’t want me to be bathed or brushed, just clipped. (It hurts me to cut my hair when it’s this matted and it can’t be done without brushing what can be brushed out first. Lack of regular care causes me way more stress when I am dumped on a groomer for care and have to endure tugging and pulling at mats, than if my coat was maintained to begin with. Hacking and chopping what she can’t see, can cause cuts she can’t see)

My owner lets my toenails get so long that they curl around and dig into the pads of my paws, then takes me to the groomer. (this would be to him, like walking around in shoes that have nails driven into them stabbing into his feet. My toes will become splayed and I will probably develop joint pain, not to mention that I may have hoof rot, which can get very stinky and painful.) When I jump up on counters or people, my owner says “look what I taught my dog” (I’m behaving badly and I should not be encouraged) When I bark and growl at people and other dogs and my owner says “Good boy!, you go get em” (If I am allowed to behave like this, he may end up getting rid of me to another owner who may give me up again and I might get euthanized in a shelter because I wasn’t trained to behave to begin with.)

I bite people and when my owner is told about it, she says “Oh yeah, he gets a wild hair every now and then and decides to turn” (I am being very naughty and I should not be allowed to act like this. I’m afraid if she doesn’t get me trained to behave, I might end up in a shelter or get euthanized for my bad behavior) My owner doesn’t want to have me spayed or neutered because he thinks I will become fat, lazy or that it will take away what I should have. (What he doesn’t realize is that I will want to mark and mount the girls and other dogs and I might become a fighter and a dangerous dog. The girl dogs out there like me will probably have puppies that no one will have a home for and they will end up in shelters or get euthanized. This makes me so sad)

My owner wants my caregiver while she is on vacation to feed me human treats for my snack but they are unhealthy and one is actually poisonous to me. (If you want to feed me human foods, please make sure that they are safe for me because I want to live a long life with you, not die of poisoning that you didn’t know about.

For Dog Owners courtesy Dog Articles.

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The Difference Between Dog Training Collars & Dog Tracking Collars

When it comes to dog collars, the myriad choices can be mighty confusing. You can choose from simple leashes, special training collars for dogs with behavioral issues and tracking collars to keep your pet safe and secure. One thing most people get confused about is whether dog training collars and tracking collars are interchangeable. To put it simply – they aren’t. There are a host of different types of dog training collars itself that are used mainly to teach a new dog or puppy good habits or even break bad habits. Dog-tracking collars on the other hand are used to track and locate a missing pet using the latest GPS technology.

Whatever reason you may have there are plenty of choices for the concerned pet owner. Dog Training Collars: There are dog-training collars for all types of behavioral problems. Choosing the correct one would depend on the type of dog and the issue at hand. For example, does your dog bark excessively? An electric shock collar might be necessary. Electric shock collars are not as cruel as they sound. When a dog continues barking even after being reprimanded, a small shock can be administered, which serves to break this unhealthy pattern. This produces only a minor discomfort and has been proven to be very effective in the long run.

There is also a choke collar or a chain clip collar that offers maximum control over your pet. Used mainly for larger and more unruly dogs, these are popular training tools and used for disciplining and control. Dog training collars are often imperative in protecting your pet from dangerous situations as well. If your dog has a tendency to run after cars, the correct usage of the collar can break this unsafe habit. In the end, dog-training collars can be used not only to remedy bad habits but also train puppies and dogs in discipline and good behavior. That said, they should be used with discretion and not as a regular collar. If you do not recognize the proper use of such collars, you could in fact cause more damage than good. Dog Tracking Collars: Discovering that your pet has gone missing is probably one of the most stressful experiences to go through as a pet owner.

But now, thanks to the latest GPS technology, there is a new, highly effective way of keeping track of your pet at all times. Using the same satellite technology used in your cars and mobile phones, a GPS dog-tracking collar will keep you informed about the whereabouts of your pet 24/7. It will alert you with email or phone updates every time your pet moves away from his predetermined safe zones. It can also give you directions on how to get to your pet if he goes missing. Position Animals Worldwide (PAW) has recently teamed with the American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) team to create and develop the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator.

SpotLight has the advantage of being water resistant, compact, lightweight, and long lasting. And with a lifetime enrollment in the AKC CAR’s Recovery Service, owners of the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator have access to their call center and the best recovery team available. With SpotLight, tracking and recovery of lost dog is no longer an issue and your missing pet will be returned safely to your home as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The Difference Between Dog Training Collars & Dog Tracking Collars courtesy Dog Articles.

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5 Things To Consider When Buying A Puppy

Having a puppy is something many children dream about.  They hear their friends at school talking about their dogs and the jealousy sets in.  You might desperately want one yourself.  The good news is that buying a puppy can be a great addition to your household and teach your kids great responsibility.  Even so, there are some things you need to think about before making the final leap.

1. The first thing to consider is that puppies take a lot of time and attention.  It can almost seem like you have to care for a newborn baby because the attention they need is constant.  It will get easier as they become older, but even full-grown dogs need pampering.  Many dogs and puppies are also very playful and need some form of entertainment or they’re likely to get into trouble.

2. Puppies also need to be trained in different areas as they get older.  There are probably training classes in your area that increase in difficulty as your dog gets older.  It is a good idea to send your children to the classes too so they know exactly how to interact with their pet.

3. Keep in mind that your puppy will cost a lot of money.  Even if you try to calculate all the costs there will be some that are completely unexpected.  Some of the many are food, toys, vaccinations, registrations, and dog training.  If poor little pup gets hurt you’ll also find yourself with a large vet bill.  Expect to pay for your dog what you would pay for a member of your “human” family because the costs can really add up.

4. Your puppy will get a lot larger depending on the breed.  While that is a fairly obvious statement it does need to be said.  If you have small children it can be intimidating to have such a large animal around.  The best way to avoid any problems is to do your research before your purchase to make sure you’re getting a dog that is just right.

5. Another consideration is that your dog will need considerable exercise.  If you enjoy exercising yourself this will be a no-brainer for you.  On the other hand, if you are worn out at the end of a long day it can be a lot of trouble to take your dog for a walk.  Many dogs also like to play with their toys and be active in general.  There are breeds that are less enthusiastic so choose one of those if you prefer to be sedentary.

You will also need room for your dog to play and sleep.  If you have plans to get a large dog you should make sure that you have a large area.  Of course, there are also dogs that will always be so small they can fit into a purse.  Make your decision based on the space you have.

Despite all of the things you need to think about it can be incredibly rewarding to be a dog owner.  This is especially true if it’s the first time you’re going to buy a puppy.  It is an experience like nothing else and they are oh-so-cute!  If you decide to make the purchase, it will be a neat adventure for your whole family.

5 Things To Consider When Buying A Puppy courtesy of Dog Articles.

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5 Tips For Spotting A Disreputable Dog Breeder

New dog owners should always make sure that their purebred pup comes from a reputable and responsible breeder. This is really is the only way to ensure that the animal will be free of any medical or behavioral problems. If a breeder you speak with displays any of the following 5 behaviors, he or she probably isn’t breeding healthy puppies in accordance with standards that have been set for the breed.

1. The breeder is willing to sell you any puppy you want, no questions asked.

All reputable dog breeders care about what happens to each and every puppy they breed, even after it leaves their care. Indeed, a good breeder will ask you many, many questions about your lifestyle, experience with the breed, house and property size, show or breeding experience, and any other aspect of your life that may affect the puppy’s future. If your answers to these questions are not satisfactory, then the breeder probably won’t sell the puppy to you. A good breeder will also require that you sign a contract in which you agree to: have the puppy fixed if you’re not going to breed it; notify the breeder if the dog develops any diseases or medical conditions; notify the breeder first if you are no longer able to care for your dog; and, do anything else the breeder feels is important for the health and well-being of the puppy and the breed. If your breeder doesn’t seem to care about the puppy’s future and only seems interested in payment, go to another breeder.

2. The breeder seems reluctant to answer questions about the puppy’s pedigree.

A reputable breeder knows all about the pedigrees of the puppies he or she sells. He or she knows who the parents were and can provide you with each puppy’s lineage, going back several generations. You will also want to register your purebred puppy with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The breeder is supposed to supply you with an AKC registration application with his or her portion already filled out. After you fill out and submit your part of the application, you’ll receive an AKC registration certificate. If the breeder you are dealing with cannot provide you with any documentation or registration papers for either the litter or the parents, be extremely wary.

3. The breeder does not seem too concerned with the health of his or her animals.

Any potential buyer of a purebred puppy should be able to see the facility in which the animal was bred. Do the puppies and other dogs there look healthy? If not, then the breeder may not be maintaining an appropriate standard of care. This could definitely affect the current and future health of the puppy in which you’re interested. The breeder should also have a record of the puppy’s health care, from birth to the present, and should be happy to provide you with copies. He or she should also guarantee that the puppy is free from any genetic disorders.

4. The breeder will not allow you to see the breeding facility.

Any reputable breeder will be happy to give you a tour of their facility. If the breeder you’ve chosen is not willing to let you see where your potential puppy comes from, the breeder may be running a puppy mill. Puppy mills are facilities that breed puppies only for profit, not for the benefit or love of the breed. Often, multiple dogs are crammed into one cage, the living conditions are filthy and the dogs there do not receive the proper nutrition or medical care. If the puppy you want comes from such a facility, it will most likely have serious medical and behavioral issues related to its stay there.

5. The breeder engages in questionable business practices.

If the asking price for your purebred puppy is significantly lower than other prices you’ve seen advertised for the same breed, there may be something wrong with the dog. Perhaps it comes from a puppy mill or has some serious medical issues. If the breeder also sells to pet stores, you can be pretty sure that he or she is operating a puppy mill. Reputable breeders usually concentrate on one or two breeds. If the breeder advertises that he or she has many different breeds for sale, then this is another indication that he or she may be breeding animals indiscriminately, without much concern for set breed standards.

5 Tips For Spotting A Disreputable Dog Breeder courtesy Dog Articles.

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Do Greyhounds Make Good Pets?

Greyhounds are devoted, brave, sensitive, intelligent, and often fairly laid-back dogs. They are great for young families with children, and are very obedient. This breed is mostly known for their speed and agility which makes them exceptional racing dogs. Other talents they possess include being good watchdogs, sighting and hunting, so Greyhounds do make a good choice of pet.

They have a lovely even temperament in both show and racing lines but are often undervalued due to their character, as at times they can be rather bashful towards strangers and sometimes their owner. Often they are very sensitive to the tone of voice being used, they have been known to be unresponsive to communication if they sense they are stronger minded, and do not react well negative punishment. Greyhounds are tall with a long slender build with flexible spines. Their long graceful necks and small folded back ears are a part of their distinct profile. They also have impeccable straight front legs with contoured muscular hind legs.

This breed can run at remarkable speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Male and  vary some what in height and weight. While a male might be up to 30 inches and weigh up to 70 pounds their female counterparts are only up to 28 inches in height and can weigh up to 65 pounds. Their smooth coat is short and their colors vary from brindle, black, white, fawn, gray, fallow and blue or a combination of these colors with a white coat. Due to their short coats they are simple to maintain as long as they combed weekly. They don’t need to be shampooed regularly only when necessary as they are fairly clean dogs, good for people who normally have allergies as these dogs don’t produce the dander that other breeds do as they have more oil in their skin making them almost shed –free and odorless. These dogs don’t mind urban living environments but still need regular moderate exercises on a daily basis.

They are indoor dogs but also enjoy the freedom of outside play. Their dietary requirements aren’t strict but it may be best to feed them two to three small portions each day instead of the one main meal. Greyhounds may be susceptible to bloating and have been known to be quite sensitive to insecticides and some medications. Some are allergic to anesthetics. Their skin is fairly sensitive so you may need to be mindful of this as it can tear easily. Check with your veterinarian first, before using certain products on your dog, as some flea treatments may be harmful to your pet. Like few breeds, Greyhounds aren’t prone to hip dysplasia and can normally live up to 10-12 years of age. Many retire from their racing prime from 18 months to 4 years old and generally adopted to good homes. These former racing dogs make great pets and have been crate trained, so house-training should come easily. The cost of these dogs will vary accordingly to their bloodlines, racing or show statistics.

Do Greyhounds Make Good Pets courtesy of Dog Articles.

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Why You Should Rescue Dogs

It is an amazing fact but Benji in the movie “Benji: Off the Leash” was actually an adopted dog.  He came from the Humane Society of South Miss.  Benji came to be at that humane society when he was found wandering around the streets.

Of course, most dogs won’t have such good fortune to be movie stars, but they will certainly be glad to be rescued.  And the person who rescues them can rest easy that they’ve done the right thing.  It’s not hard to find a dog to rescue either; there are thousands of animal shelters all over the United States.

Some people think that rescue dogs are unhealthy and unclean, or that there must have been a good reason for the previous owner to give them up.  While this is true in some cases, it is more often that it was the owner’s fault and not the dog’s.

If you’re on the fence about buying a dog from a shelter there are three good reasons you should consider getting one.

1. There are shelters all over that are filled to the brim with these great pets.  When you adopt a dog you will be freeing up room for the shelter to save another dog.

2. You will be saving a lot of money.  It can cost a lot to buy your dog from a pet store.  When you buy from a shelter you will only spend in the neighborhood of $45 to $160.  If you choose to buy from a breeder you could end up paying in the thousands for the same kind of dog.

3. You are saving a dog’s life when you rescue a dog.  There are no two ways about it.  When these shelters get overcrowded they have no choice but to put some dogs to sleep.  When you buy a shelter dog you will literally be saving its life.

Of course, not everything is always so rosy.  There are some negatives to buying a dog from a shelter as well.  Many of these concerns are physical and behavioral reasons.

1. The dog you rescue might be physically disabled in some way.  Even if you don’t notice these problems at first they might show up stronger down the road.  One example is Hip Dysplaisa.  This is kind of like dog arthritis and can impair your dog severely.

2. If your dog is hurt in some way the pain can cause them to act out in ways they would not normally.  If you have small children this can be a bad situation for everyone involved.

3. Behavioral issues are also a problem because you never know what kind of life the dog had before it was in the shelter.  If the dog was malnourished or abused in its previous home you might run into a lot of problems and odd behaviors.

4. It can be hard to train a dog that you find in a shelter.  These dogs might be set in their ways and not willing to learn.  House training is a must and it can be very difficult with a dog that is wary of training.

It’s best not to get discouraged despite all of these seemingly negative problems.  There are ways for you to overcome physical and behavioral problems with your dog.  Try going to your local Humane Society or ASPCA.  There are also specific breed animal rescues that are likely to be in your area.  Rescuing a dog means getting a brand new member of the family.

Why You Should Rescue Dogs courtesy of Dog Articles.

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Should I Adopt Two Puppies?

Puppies are cute, affectionate, loving and silly. They’re fun to play with and cuddle with and will never not call you back. What could be better than one puppy except two, right?

Maybe.

Puppies may be all of these great things, but remember, puppies are tons of responsibility. For all the work you’ll have to do to housebreak one puppy, you’ll have to do it all twice as much. For all the money you spend on food, toys, treats and supplies, you’ll have to spend double. For all the love, attention, work and time you put into one puppy, you’ll have to put in two times that amount.

Now, if you’re an experienced pet owner and have handled having two young dogs in the past before, you may already know all the work involved and are willing to do it. In that case, good luck and have fun. However, most of us have never had to bring up two puppies at the same time. That being the case, most of us can’t fully realize the kind of effort that goes into raising two dogs simultaneously. Remember this before you commit to two new family members.

One problem that is often brought up about rearing two puppies at the same time is that they get closer with each other than they will with you. If a puppy has another dog to be his companion, he doesn’t need the human partnership most pets crave. Additionally, once he passes a certain point without that human bond, he will never bond as close with his master as he could have if he were forced to at an early age.

An obvious problem with this is that oftentimes companion dogs will pay more attention to the other dog than they will to their humans. This can make the two dogs a lot harder to control, to train and to housebreak. Dogs are pack animals and once you have more than one dog, you have a pack. Packs are self-involved and hard to handle. They can also be dangerous in early years, as a pack order must be established and may or may not come easily. Fights can happen, intimidation, abuse from one dog to the other. Remember than all of these complications are very real possibilities that may occur from raising two puppies at once.

A common reason people have for wanting to get two puppies is that they want one to keep the other company. They overlook all the work that will go into raising two babies (as that is essentially what puppies are) at once and decide that one needs another. Remember that your dog will get plenty of company from you if you are devoting enough time and attention to it and if you still feel that you dog needs a companion, it is much easy and better idea to wait until your first puppy is a year of age, past housebreaking and training, to adopt another. That way, you’ll be positive that you can accept the responsibility of being a two dog household.

Should I Adopt Two Puppies courtesy of Dog Articles.

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