Dog Clothing, Products, News and Training Tips

Make sure your Rottweiler knows that you are the Alpha dog.

Never give your Rottweiler treats or a new toy just because they look cute.

Teaching your Rottweiler the “Leave It” or “Drop It” command early on helps keep your Rottweiler safe. Often they curiously pick up anything in their path and it can be quite poisonous or harmful to their mouth.

Rottweilers are famous for testing their owners over and over - especially when they’re puppies. If they try to get up on the couch once and you say “NO” they’ll wait a while and try it again. If you allow them to get up on the couch (or another family member allows it) the second time, watch out.

If your puppy bites turn to him immediately and give him the “sit” command. Take your forefinger and hold it up in front of his nose, then tap him on the nose and say “no bite” in a stern tone of voice.

First, pick a word or phrase that will be your command to stop barking. Suggestions can be: “Quiet!”, “Enough!”, “No Bark!”, “Hush!”
Never use “Shut Up!”, its better to use “No”.
Set up for barking, and have a leash on the dog. When the barking happens, take the leash (step on the leash if you have to “catch” the dog or just have the leash in your hand to start!), give a firm tug horizontally to the floor and firmly use your word.
When the dog is quiet, calmly & quietly praise (“GOOD quiet”). Sometimes a tiny soft-moist treat can reinforce your praise (brought down to the dog’s level).
If the pop on the leash doesn’t help, you can incorporate a squirt bottle into the equation. Give a sharp series of squirts right in the face, firm command to quiet, and, for extra measure, have the dog SIT. Your correction should only be as firm as it needs to be. You can also use a small “shaker container”. Do not use these tools to threaten.
Teach a command for “guard barking” – my command is “Who’s there?” My dogs will run to the door and bark. Tell them “Good who’s there!” and then use a quiet command to tell them that is enough. Use this to get dogs to respond to the doorbell or knock.

Although you have no way to correct barking when you are not home, you may want to leave a tape recorder or video camera on to see when barking happens, what causes the barking and the duration of the barking. Guard barking, for example, is handled a little differently than lonely or random barking.
Barking is a normal dog behavior. In excess, it can be irritating. If controlled, barking can be useful!

Bichon Frise Dogs would be considered by most people to be “high maintenance”. This means that a lot of care should be given in order to maintain the stature of these adorable little dogs. So how do you care for your charming and intelligent new friend? Caring for and training your Bichon Frise can be quite a bit of work. However, with patience, your efforts will be rewarded.

Let us first talk about the coat. This is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of Bichon Frise dogs. Their coats can be solid white or white with apricot, cream or gray markings. With their extraordinary coats, they also make outstanding show dogs. . Their curly coat needs regular brushing and clipping to keep it free of mats, because mats can form easily and quickly without brushing. A bath is needed at least once a month. The coat doesn’t shed and is one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers. However, human sensitivity to dog fur and dander varies considerably. Besides the coat, you should also take care of the nails and teeth of Bichon Frise dogs. In case you do not know what to do by yourself, you might want to hire some professional dog grooming services to do the job for you.

Another aspect that you should concentrate on is the training. Remember to train your Bichon Frise dogs as early as possible in order to establish the basics of proper behavior. And, be consistent with your teaching. Do not use different commands in order to get the same response as this will only serve to confuse your Bichon Frise dogs. If you need help with the training of your dog, there are some resources available to help you. You can always go to your library and take out some dog training books. There are also different programs available that deal with training dogs.
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For active families who are looking for a versatile pet, German shepherd dogs must be on top of your choices. They can be a house pet and at the same time they can also be a working dog as guard or police dog. It is known to all that German shepherd dogs are popular police dogs and rescuers. However, their gentle character is one of the reasons why they can be great pets to kids, too. With the right training, they can blend well with people in a household and even perform the duties of a guard dog at the same time.

This is quite contrary to the common impression that German shepherds are fierce dogs. The characters of a German shepherd dog would generally say that this breed is extremely intelligent, quick to learn, and loyal to his master. If you are well-versed about this breed, you can maximize this dog’s potentials to your benefit. Choosing a German shepherd as your family pet may depend on the type of lifestyle that you live and your purpose of getting a pet. They need ample of daily exercise to release their energies. If they are not given enough time to exercise outdoors, they tend to be overexcited and restless.
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Labrador puppies are more than just adorable and cute. They are a very affectionate and charming breed. They can easily blend in your family if properly trained. Housebreaking a Labrador is not a difficult task if you know how to implement the right methods on them. Labrador puppies are said to have a special mental trigger that you need to use in order for them to follow your commands. So, if you aspire to own one of this breed, you need to have a prior knowledge on how to train this breed.

Choosing a puppy is a decision that needs a careful thinking. There are responsibilities that a dog owner must learn before getting a puppy. Preparing one’s self is very essential in order to raise a good breed. There are certain methods you need to follow on how to properly feed, train, and care for the breed of your choice. When you are in the process of looking for a Labrador puppy, don’t get too excited or be impressed of puppies that seem to be aggressive at the first instance. Aggressive ones tend to be domineering and difficult to train in the long run.

It is better to pick out the puppy that is more calm and gentle. These pups do not tend to be aggressive the first time you see them. However, they first observe you before they eventually get comfy during your meeting. They have greater potentials of being obedient and easy to train. However, be cautious of pups that are too shy or too nervous among people. They have greater tendencies of snapping out too easily and becoming a scared pet. Surely you do not want a very timid dog because all your efforts in training him will just be put to waste.
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The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Westies: Category: Terrier Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard) Coat: about two-inch coarse and wiry outer coat and soft, dense, and furry undercoat Color: white Height: between 10 and 12 inches Weight: between 13 and 22 pounds Temperament: Naturally, they like to bark and dig they are not as willful like most terriers they love companionship When properly trained they can become fairly friendly towards strangers they develop close affinity with behaved children they love to chase cats but they do not hurt them they can become a very good watch dog they can become very lively Breeders should note of the following health issues: Chronic skin problems Perthe’s disease (hip problems) Jawbone calcification Cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw) Patella luxation, a disorder in the kneecap Liver ailments Deafness Congenital heart disease

Care and Exercise: Their coat should be brushed regularly using a brush with stiff bristles. They should bathe only when necessary. Their whole coat should be stripped at least twice a year and trimmed every four months. The fur on the eyes and ears should be trimmed using blunt-nose mirrors. They will surely be more agile and healthy after regular sessions of play and/or walk.

Origin/History: As noted, they share the same lineage with Cairns and Scotties (from Skye terriers), and even with the Dandies. This trio was developed in the Isle of Skye, which was one of the highlands in Scotland. It was noted that white whelps were chosen from the wiry-coated Cairns, Scotties, and Dandies to produce the variety that were known as Poltalloch terriers.

Following are some items in the history that show the Westies’ reputation of being owners’ favorite companion dogs. Records in the history mentioned that around 1620, King James 1 of England requested some small white dogs from Argyleshire in Scotland. Colonel Malcolm, who was considered as the originator of Poltalloch terriers, that are very similar to the Westies of today, accidentally shot his terrier (a dark one). From then on he vowed to have only white terriers.

A Shetland sheepdog is not a “mini-collie” but a distinct separate breed that actually has roots in the Border collie. A native of the Shetland Isles in far northern range of Scotland he was a dog developed to help on crofts, or small farms, where there wasn’t much food to be had. A small dog was needed for that reason, yet a tireless worker in all kinds of weather which gave rise to selection for a durable coat and a loyalty to their owners.

Shelties are also thieves - they’ll steal your heart slicker than any pickpocket! They are commonly sable, black and white, tri color and blue merle. They can be barkers without patience and training but are a loyal, observant dog. Their intelligence and trainability make them among the most successful obedience breeds.

The sheltie coat does require regular grooming to remain tangle free and prevent it from becoming matted. There is a double coat with an outer layer that is more harsh and straight and an undercoat that is very dense. This can help shed rain from a working standpoint and enough harshness to the coat to resist tangling. For pet dogs you must be committed to thoroughly combing a Sheltie a couple times per week. It is not advisable to shear or close cut a Sheltie’s natural coat.

From a show standard point the Sheltie is 13-16 inches tall and of course show dogs are bred for that glorious coat. Dogs over or under height can excel at herding, agility, obedience and many other tasks where intelligence and their work ethic is valued.

Some Shelties are very nervous, some very friendly and some reserved. One sheltie came to a new home at five months old and was very stand offish initially, almost timid. After a week or so his new owners noticed he was observing EVERYTHING in the household. From washing clothes to cooking dinner to hooking up speakers on the stereo the young Sheltie was observing as if taking notes on human behavior. Once he was satisfied in his mind things were fine he became a constant companion and irreplaceable part of the household. He had his little quirks and routines - he loved to be outside but let one rumble of thunder roll and he wanted inside pronto! He would patiently stand to be combed and brushed until the camera came out when he would primp and pose like the most arrogant of film stars!

Shelties are above all people dogs. They’re intensely loyal and affectionate with a high drive to please their owners. They should move as a working dog with purpose, without up and down hackney action. They are wonderful dogs for those who have a small area or need a small dog due to housing requirements. They are a big dog in a small package and often have a hero worship for the people lucky enough to own one.

There are health considerations that warrant attention in the Sheltie. Among them is hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, von Willebrands disease, dermatomyositis, collie eye anomaly, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy and Addison’s disease are among those to watch for. Many of these can be tested for including eye disease, epilepsy and hip dysplasia.
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Although we are unable to identify the exact time period in history when the Bassett Hound was created, some historians have noted that the first mention of this type of dog was found during 16th-century text that made mention to “short-legged dogs used for badger hunting.

We also know that comparable dwarf breeds that had short legs were used during the ancient times, but it is very difficult to focus in on exactly when and why the Bassett Hound was intentionally bred.

The word “Basset” is French and is derivative from bas, which means “dwarf”. We know that short-legged dogs were normally used for slow paced hunting during the French Revolution. History of this dog breed indicates a much clearer snap shot after French Revolution.

During this time period that Basset Hounds became a whole lot more common as a hunting companion. Many Hunters needed a dog that was intelligent enough with its scent ability to hunt prey and at the same time was slow enough so that they could be followed and hunted with guns. This is where this animal received its small dwarf-like body; it became the perfect hunting formula for these needs.

Ultimately, there are four different variations of the short-legged kind were created. One of these variations is know as the Basset Artesien Normand. The Basset Artesien Normand is what closely resembles today’s Basset Hound. In the late 1800s and then again around 1930, crosses were developed with Bloodhounds to bring up their size. The first Bassett Hounds were sent to England and the United States during the late 1800s.

Personality

You will discover that the Bassett Hound is one of the most calm and relaxed dog breeds alive today. They are very good-natured with nearly every other animal and human they come into contact with. The Basset is enormously suited for kids and is well behaved even in the company of other strange dogs. Even though these dogs are considered high in affection levels and friendliness, do not underestimate its watchdog capabilities. In addition, these Hounds made great watchdogs.

Taking Care Of A Basset Hound

Basset Hounds need a dose of daily exercise, but not an over dose. One or two walks each day on the leash around your blog will suit just fine. But, like any animal, it is always good for extra playtime and games when possible. Bassett Hounds should sleep indoors with the family during the evening. During the day, having these dogs should have access to an enclosed yard. There’s no need for that much grooming. Just a little brushing and bath times throughout the week will be fine. Also, make note that these dogs tend to drool frequently.

Health Information

Basset Hounds have a live around 9 and 12 years, sometimes they live longer, it all depends on their health. Big health concerns are ectropion, vWD, CHD, gastric torsion, OCD, thrombopathy, otitis externa, and elbow dysplasia. Minor health problems may include patellar luxation. Obesity is a common issue with these animals when owners overfeed them. Make sure that you place caution on how much food you provide.

Hypoallergenic dogs are ideal for dog lovers who suffer from allergies. Although there are no dogs that are 100% non-allergenic, some dogs are more “low-allergy” than others. Though these kinds of dogs shed little to no hair and less dander than typical dogs, all dogs will still shed some dander, even includes hairless dogs. Generally, dogs without hair or with continuously growing hair tend to be the most hypoallergenic. However, a lot of these dogs will need to be kept on a high-maintenance grooming schedule.

There are certainly other alternatives to hairless dogs, and that includes hybrid dogs. Hybrid dogs are the result of controlled cross-breeding. Dogs such as labradoodles and goldendoodles, which are poodle mixes, tend to take on hypoallergenic qualities. Dogs that are mixed with known hypoallergenic breeds can sometimes be considered low-allergy, but it is nearly impossible to know the true makeup of a mutt and whether or not it is really low-allergy.

If you suffer from allergies, but happen to find a mixed-breed dog that you think might be hypoallergenic, try spending some time with the dog to see how you react before committing to it. There would be nothing worse than taking home a dog you love and having to give it away because your allergies are affected and you didn’t realize it at first.

Depending on the severity of your allergies, you may still be able to live happily with dogs. The ultimate key is to minimize the amount of allergens in your home. Vacuum your rugs and upholstery frequently and wash your curtains and drapes often. Consider using some type of air purifier. You can also talk to your physician about medical therapies. It really just depends on your particular severity.

Those with very severe allergies may still not be able to tolerate hypoallergenic dogs. If you are allergic but love dogs, consider some of the hypoallergenic dog breeds listed below. If you decide one might be right for you, spending some time around the breed to see if you have an allergic reaction before you decide to get one of your own.

Some good breeds of hypoallergenic dogs include: Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Pail (Pulik), Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Xoloitzcuintli, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Dogs and in general all pets tend to spend more of their summer time outdoors. In case of dogs, it is very important to be careful about parasites, bugs and micro organisms that can harm them while they get their whiff of fresh air. Precautions are necessary to keep these dangers away. One of these pests that can cause a lot of nuisance and damage are the ticks since they carry diseases. Avoiding the ticks is of prime importance than curing at a later stage.

How to keep ticks away from your pet dog

The best way to avoid ticks is to avoid walking your dog in the midst of vegetation during tick season. Always keep the vegetation around your house trimmed. Certain preventive medication products are also available. More information can be gathered from your veterinarian about suitability of these to your dog in respect to age and area. Do not use medications without consulting and proper instructions must be followed in using this kind of medication. Please remember that these medications are suited for a single class of pets only, meaning that tick prevention medication for dogs is for dogs only and should not be used on cats or any other pets.

Removing Ticks

When your dog comes back from outdoors make sure to check him carefully for ticks. They are normally found in warm areas, under the arms, in the ears, between the toes and in the folds of the skin. If you find any, remove them safely. Do not touch the tick, use a alcohol swab, then pull it up slowly with tweezers. Make sure not to leave any parts of the tick sticking to your dog. If you are unsuccessful contact your vet.