German Spitz / Japanese Spitz

Finnish Spitz Dog Health Issues, Grooming and Living Conditions

2011-04-08T03:24:00.000-07:00

Health Issues. Thanks to the careful and responsible breeding of the Finnish Spitz they suffer from very few health problems and are generally a fairly robust dog. On rare occasions though they can suffer from luxating patella, which is when the knee cap slips out of position, epilepsy and hereditary cataracts. They can also suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Their average life expectancy is around 12 to 15 years.

Grooming. The Finnish Spitz has an almost self-cleaning coat and only requires brushing around once a week. However, they do shed seasonally for a few weeks twice a year, during this time they will need to be brushed daily to remove all the excess coat. This process of removing the old coat will help the new coat to grow out in a better condition, also excess undercoat can cause skin conditions.

Living Conditions. The Finnish Spitz prefers a cooler climate and can be relatively inactive indoors. They can do well in an apartment but do need daily walks and plenty of attention. They are well suited to family life and get on well with children and other pets. It's important to train them well and to make sure that the dog knows it is not the one in charge, or they can become dominant and even aggressive. They are loyal to their family and, due to their breeding, bark when they have found game, they make excellent watch dogs alerting the family to trouble, however they do not make good guard dogs.

Pomeranian Dog Breed Profile

2011-04-08T00:19:00.000-07:00

Description: The Pomeranian is a small Spitz dog weighing between 3 and 7 pounds, and measuring 7 to 12 inches at the withers. The Pomeranian has a long, fluffy coat that can be found in many color varieties such as orange, cream, black, red, spotted, and white. This dog carries its plume-like tail flat on its back. Pomeranians have a short, pointed muzzle, and small, upright pointed ears. This is a confident and active toy dog. The Pomeranian has a delicate body structure. The Pomeranian is also known as the Dwarf Spitz, Pom, or Loulou.

History: Ancient Spitz herding dogs led to the toy dog we know today as the Pomeranian. Originally utilized as sled dogs in Lapland, these Spitz dogs were brought to Pomerania, now part of Poland and Germany, in the 16th century. This early progenitor was considerably larger than today's dog and weighed 30 pounds or more. Mozart and Marie Antoinette kept Pomeranians, but it was Queen Victoria of England who was responsibly for breeding the dogs down to a smaller size. These small Pomeranians became very popular and the breed was officially recognized in 1900.

Temperament: The Pomeranian is a merry and lively dog. It is even-tempered and makes an excellent companion. Pomeranians are very affectionate and attached to their human family. This is an intelligent, trainable dog that also serves as a good watchdog. They do tend to bark quite a bit, though, so should be taught to be more restrained from the start. Since the Pomeranian is such a tiny dog, it is not a good choice as a pet for small children. There is generally no problem with older children or adults.

Health Issues: A major health problem with Pomeranians concerns the breed's high propensity for tooth decay. This can lead to heart or kidney ailments. It is best to feed Poms dry dog food and provide chews that help clean the teeth. Although they do not usually suffer from hip dysplasia, Pomeranians can experience problems with their knee caps, which can shift out of place, causing the affected leg to become stiff. The Pomeranian can develop eye conditions such as cataracts or entropion. The trachea can sometimes collapse, which is a serious condition. The Pomeranian can live for 16 years or more.

Grooming: Since the Pomeranian has a very thick double coat and sheds heavily, it is important to brush the dog daily. The fur can easily become matted otherwise. It is best to use a dry shampoo on the Pomeranian to preserve the dog's coat oils. The owner should clean the ears and eyes every day to help prevent infections. While a daily brushing of the teeth can help prevent decay, a veterinarian should clean the teeth on a regular basis.

Living Conditions: The Pomeranian makes an excellent companion for indoor living. The dog will play and exercise itself in an apartment or house, but the Pom will enjoy and occasional walk or play session outside. While these dogs are not clingy, they definitely enjoy being around their family. They must be kept inside, and are not suitable for outdoor living.

What Exactly the Term Hybrid or Designer Dog Means

2011-04-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hybrid dogs and designer dogs are becoming very popular. However what do these terms really mean. If you are buying a dog or have a dog, how do you know if you have an "official" hybrid or designer pup? Let's take a look.

Have the terms hybrid dog or designer dog just a new way of saying that a dog is not a purebred and is a mix of several breeds or perhaps a pup that is so mixed that no one is sure of the background? Well, when used correctly, the answer is no.

Many people, including breeders, will use the terms hybrid or designer incorrectly. So let's take a look at what these mean and how they should be used.

These terms technique only apply to a dog that is the result of 2 purebred parents. For example, a Maltipoo is a designer dog that has one parent that is a toy Poodle and the other parent is Maltese. This is called a first generation dog.

If that Maltipoo is breed with another Maltipoo or is breed with a Maltese, Poodle or any other dog, the litter that is produced with not be hybrid dogs.

The goal of breeding designers is to someday have them accepted as purebreds. In fact, all breeds that you know of today began in this way. For example, the Pomeranian which is a toy breed originated from large, ancient Spitz sled dogs. They were pure white in color and while they had a lot of similarities in appearance, they were much larger.

Over time, the Spitz dogs were bred with much smaller dogs; the result after countless purpose, controlled breedings and several hundreds years is the Pom as we know them today.

When a pup is the result of 2 different purebreds, this is called a 1st generation dog. If one's goal is to someday have that hybrid accepted as a purebred, then the dog would not be allowed to breed. The parents, however, would keep having litters. The dam is usually safe when mating 2 heats in a row and then having a rest or having a tie every other heat. In most cases, if she is in excellent health, she should be retired by age 6 or 7 and then spayed.

Some people are against the idea of all of this, because it takes away strength from the bloodlines of the purebreds that are being used for this purpose. Those that are in favor of this do point out that this is how all different breeds were created, beginning from the time that dogs descended from the wild wolf.

Visit a great site to help you keep your dog happy, no matter what their personality at http://www.happycanines.info

Learn helpful dog facts, separated by category at http://www.facts-about-dogs.info

American Eskimo Dogs

2011-04-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

I know that you find American Eskimo dog so irresistibly cute with all those fluffy hairs and stuffs. And he can be a real charmer too, American Eskimo dogs are naturally very friendly, playful and devoted, which no doubt you'll find a very pleasing trait for an incredibly cute dog. But, do you know all there is to know about American Eskimo dogs?

American Eskimo dogs originate from arctic regions, accounting much for its fluffy fur. A member of the Spitz dog family, American Eskimo dogs resembles in temperament much like Siberian husky and the malamute in its playfulness nature but possesses more intelligence and thus high train ability than its arctic cousins. American Eskimo dogs are also very friendly, pack oriented that is devoted to every family member and suspicious to strangers. For that they make excellent family guard dogs, barking to announce strangers but won't attack.

These traits make American Eskimo dogs highly suited as companion dogs. Their friendly temperament compounded with their high train ability factor makes them highly prized dogs as family pets. And because they are exceedingly cute, and provides a reason for taking care of (the hair requires substantial brushing) they are top notch choices for first time owners, even children, providing companionship or functioning as therapy dogs.

American Eskimo dogs, like most dogs of the polar region require a degree of exercise or playing, especially when pups where they tend to be so playful with exhaustible energy. And the transition from pups to full grown dogs tend to be slow, so the burden of constant outdoor activities tend to be a burden for some. But this aspect could be a beneficial factor, giving an individual reason enough to sport on their runners and sweats.

The amount of hair on American Eskimo dogs can be a problem. It requires cleaning for one. Though normally American Eskimo dogs are adapted to colder climates thus having a lesser pronation to "doggy sweat" smell, they will still stink enough with dirt easily adhering to their coats. The fur underneath their eyes can stain too, with tear stain if not clean regularly. The routine to keep a clean American Eskimo dogs is therefore a shampoo once a week interspersed with coat brushing.

With regards to tick and fleas, the amount of hair on American Eskimo dogs can be a problem too. Their long hair means a bigger habitable environment for fleas, so an anti flea shampoo should be routinely used aside from regular shampoos the dog may use.

Lastly, with white fluffy hair, red lapping tongue, a few other dogs can be as cute as an American Eskimo dog at play. And playing is what they like best. So make sure if you're bringing home an American Eskimo dog, you're ready to spend some quality park time with him.

The Miniature American Eskimo Dog

2011-04-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Miniature American Eskimo dog has a beautiful appearance with its thick white coat. This dog also has a dense and soft undercoat, which is common in Spitz breeds. Their coat is easy to take care of but they shed a lot. These dogs have wedge shaped heads and triangular shaped ears. Some of these dogs have blue eyes but most have brown. The Miniature American Eskimo dog is approximately 12 to 15 inches in height. They weigh somewhere between 25 and 35 lbs.

Another name for the Miniature American Eskimo dog is an Eskie. These dogs came to the United States during the 19th century with German immigrants. They may be descendents of the German Spitz, white Keeshonden, or large white Pomeranians, which also were brought to America. Eventually the American Spitz was called the American Eskimo Dog. During the 1930's and 1940's the American Spitz dogs were trained to use in the circus and were excellent performers.

The Miniature American Eskimo dog is very vigorous and loves to be entertained. They get along good with considerate and well-behaved children. This is a very intelligent and obedient type of dog that can be easily taught tricks. These dogs make a good family dog because they love companionship and plenty of attention. If you don't want an active dog that barks a lot than this dog may not be for you. The Miniature American Eskimo dog is a great watchdog because of their barking and alertness. Even though they make a good watchdog, they will not attack anyone unless they're aggravated.

Since the Miniature American Eskimo dog is very intelligent, you need to stimulate them with activities and socializing. Without stimulation and interesting things for them to do, they can become bored or have problems with their behavior which could result in destructive chewing. They also need to be around people often so they don't become fearful of strangers. It's best to start socializing your dog between 7 weeks and 6 months. It's also important that they are taught socialize during adolescence, which starts between 6 and 9 months and ends between 1 and 3.

This breed of dog usually lives to be around 14 years of age but some have lived longer. Some health problems these dogs may get are hip dysplasia, luxating patella, deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and urinary tract stones. They may also develop allergies such as flea allergies, which could cause acute moist dermatitis. Some other health concerns are diabetes, epilepsy, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

The Miniature American Eskimo dog can live in cold or hot climate. These dogs have extremely dry skin and shouldn't be bathed too often. Once every two or three months is fine unless they get extremely dirty or have an odor. Usually brushing their coats is all that's needed between baths. They are a very clean type of dog and groom themselves regularly. Before you buy this type of dog, remember they're constantly on the go and shed a great deal.

These types of dogs may not like some kinds of food. Try feeding them a few times a day with small meals. The food should be of good quality to benefit their health. Fresh food such as chicken or turkey is a good choice. It's best to buy Miniature American Eskimo dogs from a breeder that's experienced and can tell you everything you need to know about their care.

Finish Spitz Dog Description, History and Temperament

2011-04-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Finnish Spitz is recognizable for its bright red fur, they have a double coat with the undercoat being a lighter colour than the longer and courser outer coat. They have an almost fox-like face with pricked up ears, a narrow snout, and dark eyes. They are square in appearance, a deep set chest and profuse amount of fur on their tail which is carried curled up over their back. They have rounded catlike paws and their dew claws are often removed. They are generally between 15-19 inches in height with females weighing between 20-27lbs and the males between 27-33lbs.

History. The Finish Spitz is the national dog of Finland, they are thought to have originated around 2000 years ago when they were brought, by a group of people living in central Russia, into Finland. Due to the area where they lived, which was secluded, the breed managed to stay almost pure throughout the years and developed to the hunters needs. They were first introduced to the UK in the 1920's and to this day they have remained relatively popular not only as working dogs but also as family pets. The Finnish Spitz was used to hunt small game and would alert the hunter with a distinctive bark, it's even been known for these little dogs to chase bears.

Temperament. The Finnish Spitz is an affectionate and inquisitive companion, who loves nothing better than to be part of the family. They can be lively and playful and do not fully mature until between 3 and 4 years of age. They need to be socialized well, from a young age, or they can develop the habit of being aloof with strangers.

Pomeranians - The Right Dog Breed For You?

2011-04-07T03:10:00.000-07:00

Are you considering getting a Pomeranian but not sure if it's the right breed for you? There are many good qualities of Pomeranians but there are also some bad ones that people should know before bringing one of these dogs home.

Pomeranians originated from Germany. It is said that they originated from large Spitz dogs. These Spitz dogs came from the Arctic Circle, where they pulled sleds. When Pomeranians were originally introduced into Britain, the breed standard was thirty pounds. Now, the breed standard is seven pounds. It is said that Queen Victoria loved this breed and had many of her own.

Some of the most common colors are red, white, orange and black. A Pomeranian is a very small, compact dog. This makes them well suited to live in any home, even apartments as they do not require a lot of exercise. They are great companions for the elderly and get along well with other pets. Pomeranians love to be around people; they seem to think they should always be the center of attention! They are very affectionate as well as faithful to their owners. Being petted and pampered is one of the Pomeranian's favorite things, but they also enjoy playing. They are very active, lively, playful and very intelligent.

One of the downsides of owning a Pomeranian is that they are very fragile, as are most toy breeds. They can get hurt very easily, because they are so tiny. If you have one of these dogs, you will have to constantly supervise it. They must be either kept indoors, or in a securely fenced-in yard. If they are not completely under your control, they can easily become injured.

Pomeranians are not recommended for families with small children. Many Poms won't put up with any nonsense. They can become overwhelmed from all the loud noises and fast movements that children make which can be very stressful for some dogs. Another aspect of Pomeranians that many people do not enjoy is barking. They will bark at anything new or unfamiliar. To make it worse, their bark is very high pitched and can really become annoying. The barking can be stopped though, if you are consistent.

One of the things that people love the most about this dog is their beautiful long coat. However, if you own one this will require you to regularly brush and comb the hair. If the dog is not regularly groomed, its hair will become matted. Also, Pomeranians are extremely heavy shedders. You will have to vacuum the house very frequently but brushing the undercoat will reduce shedding.

Pomeranians are very independent and can be extremely stubborn. You must be very consistent to show that that you are the boss. If they are not taught as a puppy that the owner is boss, they can become very defiant. Overall, if you are very consistent in training your dog, Pomeranians make great pets. They are extremely intelligent and learn tricks very easily. They are fun to be around because they are so lively and playful. Poms are very loyal to their owners and absolutely love to be the center of attention.

The American Eskimo Dog

2011-04-06T23:34:00.000-07:00

The American Eskimo is a member of the family of Spitz dogs. The Spitz type breeds can trace their history back to the "Peat Dogs" of the New Stone Age. All of them possess double coats that stand away from the body, prick ears and a tail that curls tightly and is usually carried over the back. Among the most common Spitz breeds represented today are the Keeshond, the Chow Chow, the Finnish Spitz, the Shiba Inu and the Akita and several others, besides the American Eskimo. The American Eskimo has the shape of the typical Spitz type of dog, with short erect ears, a bushy stand off coat all over the body and a brushy tail curling over the back. In 1985 The American Eskimo was first registered in the American Kennel club in the non sporting group. It is considered that perhaps the name came from the numbers of these small Spitz-type dogs that were bred by the American Eskimos and were used as sledding dogs. The dogs that were bred by the Eskimos however were of a larger size and stockier. The dogs the Eskimos used were most likely descended from the German Spitz, crossed with the Keeshond and the White Pomeranian. After the admittance into the American Kennel Club the breed officially became known as the American Eskimo, with the nickname of Eskie.

The Eskie comes in three sizes, toy, measuring 9-12 inches, miniature, measuring over 12 and up to 15 inches and the standard, measuring over 15 and up to 19 inches. The coat is always white, biscuit, or cream, with black being the preferred color of the rims of the eyes, nose and lips. The coat is typically easy care, requiring only a thorough brushing once a week or so. The little dog is well built and balanced, slightly longer than it is tall, with a large ruff around the neck. This little dog loves to go walking and its beauty always attracts admirers.

The American Eskimo is an exceptionally healthy dog, having no particular genetic diseases. There may be some tearing of the eye, which needs to be watched, but other than that there seem to be no outstanding health issues. Even with its heavy coat it is considered an "indoor" dog and except for shedding it makes a fine pet. The American Eskimo is most popularly used these days as a companion dog for the house, typically it is a good watchdog that will bark a warning but will not show aggression. It is alert and watchful, affectionate and friendly. It is a playful yet mellow pet, its disposition being quite friendly and its size being non threatening for children or the elderly. The American Eskimo is a smart dog and does well in Obedience trials and in agility. He possesses an easy attitude, generally very trainable and non aggressive to other dogs as well as people.

The Norwegian Buhund Dog Breed Makes a Great Companion

2011-04-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

The Norwegian Buhund or "Norsk Buhund," is a herding dog of the spitz group, and is the farm dog of Norway. Buhunds have the typical spitz characteristics of activity, self-confidence and independence, but are trainable and home-loving with less inclination to hunt than other spitz breeds, having been bred as herding dogs rather than as hunters and draft dogs. These dogs were taken along by the Vikings on their travels and colonising journeys over 1,000 years ago and were the ancestors of the Iceland Dog. They also are said to have influenced the development of the collie breeds.

They love their family and are known for their fondness of children. Although Buhunds do get on very well with children it would be possible for parents to take this too far. Like any breed, they should not be left alone with unsupervised young children who can easily tease, frighten or hurt a dog without realising it.

This breed has also been trained as a hearing dog, and at least one dog was taken through the training course at the RAF Police Dog training school in the United Kingdom. This dog performed protection work and tracking. It was only its lack of size, which reportedly made it unsuitable for this in a practical situation.

Genetics

Buhunds are often born with double dewclaws on the rear legs; the dewclaws are left on in Norway but are usually removed in Britain and the US.

Breed Clubs

The breed is a registered American Kennel Club Breed with its own club known as the
Norwegian (Norske) Buhund Club of America.

The Norwegian Buhund Club is the Kennel Club registered breed club promoting the interests of the breed in the UK.

Why their Owners Like Them

Norwegian Buhunds are:-

o a medium sized breed, but they are not a toy dog, and are big enough to be a "real" dog. So, for those with small homes and gardens they are particularly well suited. They are smaller than collies and, for example, Labradors, so they are not too big for anyone in reasonable health to be able to handle them with ease.

o are so good as pets because they have a real desire for human companionship. This in particular makes them an ideal family pet as they are very affectionate.

o are vocal and brave but not aggressive. This is a big asset when walking them in town parks and anywhere that chance encounters with people and other dogs may occur. The Buhund owner can relax that this breed will not normally disrupt a peaceful walk by enjoining another dog in an argument. There may be some noise at times but rarely, if ever, anything like a fight.

Breed Characteristics and Variations

The Norwegian Buhund comes in red, black and sandy brown colours.

They are lightly built, with a short, compact body, fairly smooth-lying coat, erect, pointed ears, and a tail carried curled over the back

The coat is smooth and less abundant than some of the spitz dogs and fairly easily to keep.

Within the spitz group the Buhund is a middle-sized breed and a typical Nordic Spitz dog, and has a lively tail that stands vertical and curls.

They may tend to bark somewhat more readily than most breeds. This probably derives from their herding background when high vocality would be an asset.

History

The Buhund is the Norwegian variant of the original small spitz dog type, which quite remarkably goes back to the stone age, and in fact is thought to have already in the stone-age have been widely dispersed throughout Scandinavia.

In the ancient Gokstad excavation in Norway, six spitz-like dogs of various sizes were found within a Viking grave dating back to about the year 900. It is clear that the buhund's ancestors were expected to continue to protect the herds of their owners, even after the death of their owner.

Interesting Facts

Recently Buhunds, together with Norwegian Lundehunds, have been involved in the experimental endeavours of breeders to achieve the recreation of the barking bird-dog of Norrbotten, which had been removed from the list of recognized breeds in1936 by the Swedish Kennel Club. The reason for this was that it was then regarded as extinct. So, one day you may see this breed breeding true again and re-registered.

Conclusion

If you decide that you seek a real dog, in a small package, with a courageous, energetic, and affectionate character the Norwegian Buhund is the dog for you.

You are lucky to have found this web page because the breed is not very well known. Very many of these dogs are simply chosen by people who know somebody who owns one, and they have been delighted with what they have seen.

If the truth be known many just fall in love with the first dog of this breed they get to know, and they decide that they really want the same delightful companionship for themselves. There can be no better recommendation than this!

Finnish Spitz - Dog Breeds

2011-04-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

Group: Non-sporting

Weight: 25 lbs

Height: 18 inches

Overview

The Finnish Spitz was originally brought from the area of the Volga River Area to Central Russia about 2000 years ago. This breed is the national dog of Finland; and the Finnish Spitz is referred to in quite a few Finnish patriotic songs. These dogs are now extensively acknowledged throughout the Scandinavian countries. The Finnish Spitz is fine at hunting birds, and they also make good family pets.

Temperament

You will find this breed to be lively and sociable, energetic and enthusiastic, devoted and courageous - but at the same time careful. The Finnish Spitz is tolerant of children and other animals in the household. They have a good hunting instinct, so they may chase after smaller animals. This breed is very intelligent and likes to be a part of the family. On the other hand, this breed is not ideal for all families - especially in households with lots of tension or loud bickering.

Care

The Finnish Spitz has a coat that cleans itself seeing that these dogs are viewed as arctic dogs. This breed does not need a lot of overall maintenance, but if dead hair can be removed with a brush or a comb. The coats of the Finnish Spitz don't have a typical doggy odour. The Finnish Spitz sheds heavily on a seasonal basis. The coats of these dogs are very rich, and they can remain shiny and thick all year round if these dogs are maintained throughout the year.

Training

The Finnish Spitz is a very smart, self-assured and intelligent breed. They will learn new skills very quickly and are easy to train when the right training methods are used. This breed can however be stubborn when overly anxious or full of fear. It is imperative to work with the Finnish Spitz in a calm manner whenever possible. These dogs are willful and brave, and will perform at a high level once they are comfy and have admiration for their owners. The Finnish Spitz has time and again been used in competitions as show dogs seeing that they have so many good qualities and virtues. This is an impressive hunting breed, and they can also be trained to be racers and rescuers from an early age onwards.

Health problems
The Finnish Spitz is a relatively healthy, and has one of the lowest occurrences for health issues. There are however a few conditions that potential owners should be aware of and these include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and deafness.

Husky Dog - The Perfect Companion

2011-04-06T11:45:00.001-07:00

The husky dog is a name of several types and breeds of dogs that are normally used as sled dogs in countries like New Zealand, Alaska and some parts of the United States of America. Bespoke to the northern regions of the world as sled dogs, their popularity as home pets have increased of late.

Now no more is their visage wrapped in plastic in many products and mascots for sports teams, the loyal and strong husky dog is now a prominent feature in many a dog lover's house and home all over the world. There are more than 5 breeds of huskies, from the popular Alaskan husky, the Mackenzie Rive Husky, the Sakhalin Husky and of course what list would be complete without the Siberian and Tamaskan Husky.

Huskies are considered the perfect companion by many of their owners, probably because of the fact that they are extremely loyal and especially the older breeds - which are very alert to their owners need and extremely well behaved in most situations.

Alaskan huskies are very energetic, which makes them excellent for families with energetic kids and they are one of the choice dogs for pet owners who need someone to have their daily run with. As dogs go, these breed of dogs are really very energetic, so they need a lot of space to run and play.

In much less sedate areas of Alaska, huskies are used by moose and humans alike to serve as sentries, warning if an oncoming large predator like a wolf or a bear is approaching. Like many dogs, when they form an attachment to an owner, they are very protective dogs and form a very instantaneous reaction with little kids and children.

Nowadays, the Siberian husky breed is gaining popularity as one of the best companion dogs in the world today. They are very strong and very industrious dogs, also a member of the Spitz family. Known to be a very gentle and playful dog, often cheerful with a cheeky and wilful side to it, it is an extremely docile dog and does very well with children and families. Like the Alaskan husky, it is also very protective - probably because it is known for its watch dogging capabilities in Russia.

Now many dog houses offered very cute and very tame Siberian husky. With a smooth and dense coat and some markings on the head, the Siberian husky is an easily recognisable dog. Health wise, you need not worry much because most members of this breed and the Spitz dog family are extremely healthy in any condition.

Afflictions that come with old age are inevitable but it does not suffer from normal dog related or breed specific problems. It all depends on the climate and the sort of food you feed the husky. It normally prefers to live in cooler climates and doesn't like apartments that are closed in. If you have a yard, it would be great. You will find that the husky is a perfect companion dog in every sense of the word.

Factors to Consider in Choosing A Dog Training Collar

2011-02-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

In training dogs, the most important tool you have to acquire is the dog training collar. This type of collar is the very fundamental tool used to train your dog some basic tricks as well as sport dog training, obedience training, and even expanded training without having to hire the services of a professional dog trainer.

Services like these can be quite expensive. Hence, trying to train your dogs using dog collars can save you lots of money.

Dog training collars are specially designed collars to put your dog under proper control. It guides them on what to do, such as the proper way to behave in public places when instructed to.

Dog training collars facilitate obedience training and enable the dogs to learn the necessary "obedience commands" such as heel, stay, and sit.

Before, there are only few options in choosing dog training collar. It is as if dog owners do not have any choice at all. Now, thanks to the revolutionary dog training collar enhancements, dog owners can now choose from a wider array of dog training collars.

However, the abundance of dog training collars is not at all advantageous at some point. With so many choices, dog owners find it difficult choosing the best dog training collar for their pets.

It is a well-known fact that not all dog training collars are created equal. Each has its own varying intensity when it comes to efficiency, affordability, and functionality.

Hence, it is best to consider some factors affecting dog training collar choices. To help you out, here are some things that you need to reflect on before deciding on a particular dog training collar.

1. Size

Of course, this aspect matters most. It is important that the dog training collar will fit comfortably on your dog's neck. Do not make random guesses as to how long the collar should be.

Before going to the pet shop, try to measure your dog's neck by using tape measure or any string or tape that can be used as a guide. Then, try to make some allowances, say, 2 to 3 inches more. You can never be too sure about the actual length of the item; hence, it is best to make room for extras.

2. Budget

Each type of dog training collars may vary from the most affordable to the most expensive. Among the different types of dog training collars, the electronic dog training collar is the most expensive. Since it runs electric current throughout its mechanism, the actual value for this collar is quite expensive.

If you cannot afford to buy expensive ones, you can always resort to cheap dog training collars. However, the efficiency of developing positive results is lower than the best dog training collars available in the market today.

Keep in mind that quality is always partnered with value. Hence, the better the quality, the higher the value.

3. Function

Some experts do not approve using dog electronic training collars. The infliction of pain tends to create inhumane act towards dogs. Hence, if you think you can still train your dog without having to hurt them, you can try the other types of dog training collars.

Just keep in mind to choose dog training collars according to the function that you need. For instance, if you do not want to use inhumane devices such as shock collar but would still want to tame down a wild dog, you can use the pronged collar instead. It is ideal for dogs that are hard to control.

Indeed, buying dog training collars can be quite tedious. However, once you have considered these factors, buying the best dog training collar is possible.

Guard Dog Training Tips & Tricks Revealed

2011-02-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

People buy guard dogs because they want protection. These pets can be very valuable and a great asset to any family. Their training takes special measures and people need to be aware of the best way to train them properly. Here you will find a short guide revealing some of the main considerations needed when training guard dogs.

The first thing you want to do is teach the dog when to bark. It might be when something unusual takes place. When the dog barks at the proper time, you can call it to your side and offer a treat. You might also try to offer a chew toy. You want the dog to understand that when something unusual happens and the dog senses this, it's good to bark and go to a family member.

Some people like to use what is known as "clicker training" to get their dogs to perform properly. When the dog behaves correctly, you make a noise with tiny clicking apparatus that lets the dog know it has done a good job. Give it a treat at the same time. The dog will soon understand that the noise and the action will get it a treat. After the dog gets the hang of this, you can replace the clicker with a treat and a verbal order like "Bark."

At the same time, there are dogs that bark too much. Then you will have to teach them a "quiet" order. When you want them to be quiet you might have to shake a can full of coins or say "Quiet" and squirt their mouth with some water. The dog will quit barking in order to suck up the water. Follow this by letting the dog have a treat. Soon the dog will learn to respond to the word "Quiet" and you won't have to give it a treat or squirt it.

Guard dogs may get aggressive about protecting their territory. You may need to put up a "Beware of dog" sign. Good guard dogs don't need to scare people. They can be trained to be obedient to commands.

Although guard dog training can work well with older dogs, it's best for the dog to learn these skills while they are young. That's because you don't want them to get training that might interfere with the guard dog training. For instant, if you teach your dog not to jump up on people, the guard dog might be hesitant to jump up on a trainer that is supposed to be an intruder.

Guard dog training is something you can do yourself or let a professional trainer do. There are a couple of fantastic guard dog training guides available which you can read about in more detail using the links at the bottom of this article. If you prefer to let a professional trainer train your dog, you should be able to find a one by asking at your local vet clinic or pet shop.

In a good training program, the guard dog will first learn some basic obedience lessons. Those lessons will be very rigid. Guard dogs must learn to follow each and every command instantly. These dogs also get trained to only obey commands or take treats from owners and handlers. This is important because nobody wants an intruder to have power over the guard dog.

When the owner wants a dog to alert them if an intruder enters the property, the dog must be trained to spot strangers. This is usually accomplished through barking and going back to the owner. Barking and returning to the owner's side can be repeated often, until the owner recognizes the stranger and the dog knows he successfully finished the job.

Sometimes the guard dog is actually trained to attack an intruder. This is done for protection purposes. After this kind of training, the dog shouldn't be left alone. The dog might perceive a movement by a visitor as a reason for attack. Dogs trained to protect owners are not as sensitive to noise or threatening movements. This is to help the dog respond properly to loud noises or strange gestures used by intruders.

The guard dog must be taught how to properly respond to all family members. The dog should know all the children in the family, as well as other family members. The dog should also be familiar with other household pets. This is how to make the guard dog an agreeable member of the family.

Guard dogs make gentle and sweet companion dogs. They enjoy having company, but they will put up a fierce face when intruders arrive. Owners will feel secure having these dogs in the house. Training them can the beginning of a fabulous relationship. Don't forget to praise them when they do a good job, and you will be rewarded with lots of love.

A couple of links are provided below which you can use to find out more information about dog training and in particular guard dog training.

Using a Good Dog Training Tip

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Sometimes using just the right dog training tip can make all the difference in achieving your training goals. If you would like to have the most productive dog one can ever have, let your dog be trained by a professional dog trainer. A professional dog trainer has the skills necessary to teach the dog about the primary skills about obedience and agility. He or she is knowledgeable about the physiological and emotional needs of the dog. He/she can ensure that the dog gets proper care and attention. A dog trainer is wary of the various diseases that the dog can be at risk to, thus he/she can prevent it. Furthermore, you really need a professional dog trainer if you would like your dog to engage in proper attack dog training or dog field training.

In choosing the perfect professional dog trainer, do check the past work experiences of your prospect. Check for the possible specializations in terms of the breed that the trainer usually trains, and the type of training that he gives. Fit your choice of trainer with the characteristics and the personality of your dog. Choose the dog trainer that your dog easily gets along with. If faced with the dilemma of choosing between equally competent dog trainers, do choose the one that your dog likes best and the one that loves your dog as well. If you don't have any dog trainer in mind and you would like to challenge yourself in handling dogs, then you can opt to be your dog's 'personal' trainer. Such choice is more rewarding and fulfilling for you as a dog keeper, but you ought to remind yourself that dog training is not just about spending lots of quality time with your dog. Instead, dog training requires a huge load of perseverance, time, effort, and determination on your dog's part, but even more on your part.

When training your dog, the most important tip or technique that is advised by professionals is to you're the reward system. Dog studies show that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to teach the dog something. No matter what type of training- may it be toilet training, attack dog training, or dog field training, or police dog training- be sure that you give rewards and privileges to your dog if he/she responds well to the lessons. Usually, dog trainings should be done following a step-by-step procedure, with a chronological order. In cases of doing such trainings, the privilege or the reward given should increase as well. This will then motivate your dog to move on with the training no matter how difficult the next step will be. Also, make sure that the pleasure given by the reward is proportional to the effort given by the dog and the level of difficulty posed by the trick being taught. Moreover, reward your dog more if he/she increases the skills he/she shows each trick trial. Such reward system can motivate your dog to achieve a higher level of performance each time he/she responds to the training.

If your dog happens to ignore the training you are providing, a good dog training tip is, do not lose hope. You may reassess or consult a professional if the type of training is fit for your dog, or you may also try new ways to motivate your dog.

Do's and Dont's of Dog Training

2011-02-11T04:54:00.000-08:00

When it comes to training a dog, every dog trainer, been the dog owner or a professional dog trainer needs to be aware of the do's and don'ts of dog training. Just because you decided to train your dog it means that immediately will have a well trained puppy, it takes consistency to train a dog, but it is not that difficult, if you can figure out what are the initial steps you need to take into account to start training your dog. Read below to learn more.

There are different advances to dog training and these techniques are proved to be effective in training your dog to become the well-mannered, refined dog you always desired her to be. There are some do's and dont's of dog training that you must be aware of before training your dog. These do's and dont's of dog training are imperative to be taken note of so that you can distinguish the positive and negative elements that can bear upon how your dog is responding to training.

The do's and dont's of dog training are not truly something so elaborated or complex and these may be well understood by even the simplest pet lover and dog owner attempting their deal at dog training.

First of all to take in consideration are the dont's in dog training. You must keep in mind that dogs are living things and as beings, they've dissimilar attitudes and so training different kinds of breeds might differ somewhat. In general, when training dogs, you shouldn't put your dog nor yourself in a position where both of you are not ready to manage, in order to avoid any mishaps or frustration from occurring. Besides, if you're training your puppy in your home with lots of older dogs, you must not permit them to mingle particularly if the grownup dogs are impatient of the younger ones. In respect to this, you must not expect that your dog will like all the dogs she will meet as well.

Furthermore, you must not let your dog to become overexcited as the inclination for dogs when overexcited is that they'll have no control over how they act. As the pet owner, you must not tolerate other dogs to be rude to your dogs and so it's best to keep an eye on them. You should also not dismiss your dog when you feel that she's attempting to tell you something especially if you acknowledge something awry in her behavior. Never impose your training goals to your dog and never penalize a dog for doing something wrong.

Now, let us consider the do's of dog training. First in line is to acknowledge that dogs need of his own space. You must be able to respect this fact so that in turn the dog will respect you as well. It's likewise of essence that your dog must socialize with other dogs therefore that she will be aware of the presence of other creatures as her. Some of the times, when dogs have uttermost dislike of some other dog or matter, you must become capable to understand her for having this kind of attitude. Likewise, you must be able to build your dog's tolerance levels by putting her through positive and rewarding experiences.

Be sure you make your dog feel that you as owner and trainer likewise functions as her guardian. A significant matter to recognize when training your dog is that occasionally you will not see eye to eye as to your training goals, so if it takes time for the dog to be in the same boat as you are, and so you must be extremely patient in understanding this fact. An efficacious way into positively rewarding your dog during training is to put your dog's needs, fears and concerns first on the list. Because you desire your dog to learn, then it's of essence for him to feel that you really care about them by showering them with much attention.

If the dog owner follows the above dog training tips, he will have the opportunity of developing a strong bond with the dog. One of the most crucial aspects when training a dog is to be able to connect with the dog and with further training that bond will become even stronger. It does not matter if you decide to train your dog at home, or if you decide to bring your pet to a dog training facility you need to be aware of how important is for your dog to acknowledge and recognize you as the alpha. If he does not yet recognize you as the alpha, dog training will help him to do so.

Train Your Dog - Benefits and Tips For Successful Dog Training

2011-02-11T00:09:00.000-08:00

Watching your children's eyes light up when you bring a new puppy home is truly a heart warming experience. Your dog comes with unconditional love and warm genuine friendship. If you've owned a dog before you already know that along with all the delights of a new doggy - it can also come with frustration, unconditional messes, and genuine destruction. Not to worry, with a little obedience training you can head off unwanted dog behavior.

5 Great Benefits of Dog Training

It builds a solid relationship with you and your dog and establishes you as the pack leader. The time you spend together as a team working together, learning about each other, deepens your bond. A well trained dog is a welcome dog that can be taken almost anywhere, and is a joy to be around when camping, hiking, or even just going for a walk, because he is not high risk or a nuisance to others. Dog training corrects undesirable dog behavior. Chewing up your furniture, digging up your flowers, barking at everyone who passes by your yard and even bolting out the door can be resolved with a little focus on obedience training. When you train your dog it stimulates your dog's intellect and allows him to use his brain; dogs are curious by nature and want learn about both the world and the people around him. Dogs have a deep desire to please us, its instinctive, so when they can understand what we want of them and they respond to our commands; they feel vital and needed - a strong member in the pack. It saves you time and money! Taking the time to train your dog to behave properly in your home saves time cleaning up messes and saves you money by not having to replace torn up pillows, shoes or other valuable possessions.

Obviously, there are many great benefits to a well trained dog, to many to really list, but among my favorites is the companionship, having a dog that can protect my family when I'm not around. It was best said by an unknown author: "He is your friend, your partner, your defender. You are his life, his love and his leader."

The very best dog training method is the use of Positive Reinforcement to train your dog. This is simply rewarding good behavior that you want to see repeated, and ignoring bad dog behavior. This is a direct contrast to a now outdated method of obedience training which by today's standards was cruel and inhumane, (like using shock collars, hitting your dog with rolled up newspapers, or even rubbing your dogs nose in pooh.) Your dog instinctively wants to please you and when you use positive reinforcement to train your dog you will find that your dog learns quicker and the lessons are remembered throughout your dog's life. This is the best path to a well trained dog.

5 great tips to facilitate your dog training efforts

Be sure to use meaningful rewards. Most dogs get bored quickly and don't respond as well with just a pat on his head or a good boy. To keep your training at the highest standards use tempting incentives for good dog behavior. Mix up the rewards, don't always give the same treat while training your dog. All dogs have different favorite treats; I've trained dogs that would practically rob a bank for a liver treat. Try to find two or three special treats that you can use just when you train your dog. Use the right timing when you reward your dog for obeying a command. Your goal is to mark the desired dog behavior with a treat timed so that your dog understands what behavior earned the treat. Some dog trainers recommend a clicker while training to mark the exact moment your dog does what you desire, then immediately give the reward. This works well but so does a high pitched "whoop," or any other sound that the dog can identify as the reward sound. Be clear and consistent with your commands. Decide your verbal clues before you start your training and stick with them. Be sure that everyone in the family uses the same commands and your dog's rate of obedience training will be much higher and you'll see quicker change in dog behavior. Take the time to learn proper dog training techniques - it really helps to get it right the first time out. If you're new to obedience training or an experienced trainer; it pays big dividends to read trusted sources to learn more about the benefits of training your dog.

You are the best person to train your dog! It can be simple to teach a dog to do almost anything. Beyond understanding basic dog behavior and obedience training, I've trained dogs to close the door, dance, speak, play bang you're dead, catch Frisbees, and other cute and impressive tricks. For more information the basics, or learn about the hottest trend - Dog Training Videos: join us at The Dogs Park. With new and fresh dog related information being added all the time you are sure to be successful in all of your dog training efforts.

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A Long Tradition of Dog Training

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For as long as people have kept historical records, we can find accounts of a strong bond between people and dogs. In primitive times when hunting was man's only way to survive, people realized that using dogs could make the hunt more successful. This partnership was more than just people dominating animals because dogs and humans worked as partners with a goal benefit both species. Dogs and their human companions developed an unspoken ability to understand each other. So throughout history, when dog training was designed, it was focused on the working relationship between dogs and people.

Historians have evidence of art and documents from ancient civilizations. They discovered drawings depicting dogs serving as guides and companions as far back in time as we have records. No doubt our ancient grandparents knew that the relationship that they had with their dogs served the people and the dogs equally and that their trusted canine companions were prized and cherished part of their families much as they are today.

It isn't a stretch to say that as long as there have been human culture and civilization, dogs have been part of it. When society was agricultural, dogs were important in protecting livestock and herding sheep and cows. But as people began to realize how easy it was to train dogs, they began to be used in other agricultural chores as well as in military and police functions. Then dogs were bred and trained for the very purpose of serving people's working need: Hunting, herding, protection and pulling.

Turkish and British used the natural abilities of their local dogs for guarding and herding livestock. Inuits and other Northern culture used their dogs for pulling sleigh across the snow The Lasha Apso was bred to guard temples and palaces in Tibet The ChowChow one of the oldest breed originated from Mongolia and was bred for hunting, pulling, guarding and herding. The Roman Empire developed full battle ready battalions comprised entirely of dogs. Later, during World War I and II, dogs were vital to the war effort delivering messages and protecting military encampments and guarding prisoners as well. Along with these duties, dogs also pitched by serving as scouts, finding mines, tracking the enemy and delivering important military messages during battles. The ability of dogs to help the blind has been going on since the first century as has been proved with ancient artifacts of the time. 1788 see the first ever training facility to teach dogs to aid the blind atles " Quatre Vingts" in Paris, France. Even though modern medicine has advanced significantly, dogs have more jobs than ever helping patients recovering from therapy, assisting people with disabilities including epilepsy and autism and even making contributions in cancer detection.

In 1939, when WWII started, young servicemen were taught the military method of training service dogs, which used the choke chain and harsh training method. When the war ended there were a group of young ex-military trainers available to help civilians train their dogs. By now the original trainers and their method of training had pretty much disappeared.

It was in the 1970's thanks to TV that Barbara Woodhouse was able to bring her method of training to the masses. Choke chains became as popular to dog training as moon rocks had become to fish bowls. By this time the use of physical correction was widely accepted in dog training.

By the 1980's the buzz was dominance, not by the dog but by you over your dog. This method led to all kinds of pack leadership ideas. It was decided that if you didn't dominate your dog he would dominate you, and that there was simply no other way to train a dog than using the pack leader method.

And just like politics that swing back and forth like a pendulum, by the 1990's we had swung the other direction.

This was when animal behavior experts and psychologist started to understand dog's behavior and their body language. More interested by the overall well being of the dogs and how they communicate with each other, experts such as Turid Rugaas, Patricia McConnell, Karen Prior and Ian Dunbar opened a new door to dog training, behavior and psychology.

The focus became more about teaching owners how to understand their dogs better and enhance the positive natural abilities of the dog rather than dominance and other forceful methods.

As the population of dog lovers responded to these new techniques, more and more up to date dog training courses have become available. The number of dogs entering human homes continues to rise. It seems there are more and more dog owners looking for companionship in our four legged furry friends.

TV shows with popular Cesar Millan have create an awareness around dog training. Like him or not, now more than ever, people are taking their commitment to well trained dogs very seriously and more dogs than ever before are being trained because of the dog whisperers popularity.

It can seem a little bit strange to be able to train your dog at home in the comfort of your living room or backyard but when you think about it isn' t dog training about educating the human first?

From a partnership for survival to online courses, dog training has evolved with our society and technology.The number of dogs entering human homes continues to rise. It seems there are more and more dog owners looking for companionship in our four legged furry friends. No matter how the training is delivered, dogs are here to stay and always be an important part of our society.

Dog Training: 7 Reasons Why You Should Do It Yourself

2011-02-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

Reason 1:
Poor Dog Training resulted in unruly dog which can be a serious nuisance and be destructive to the relationship between the dog and its owner.

Effective dog training is essential for both a pet's safety and the quality of life for both dog and its owner.

Would you take the risk of leaving the Dog Training to someone whom may not love your dog as much as you?

Reason 2:
Effective Dog Training must be consistent. Effective Dog Training Starts even while they are still puppies.

The Problems of Leaving them to Dog Training School, is that they might be trained by different Dog Trainer and this reduces the consistency, which might confuse the Dog.

Reason 3:
Effective Dog Training must be fun. Well, can you imagine how fun it is for an employee or Trainer in Dog Training School have when in one day he or she has to conduct Dog Training for more than 5 Dogs per day

You get what I mean don't you? But if you do it yourself, you can make the Dog Training session much more fun both which will be enjoyed by your dog and yourself.

Reason 4:
Dog Training Creates Lasting Bonds between the Trainer and the Dogs.

Since it is your Dog, How would you like Your Dog to have a better relationship with the trainer instead of with you.

This can be disastrous.

That is why there is some cases where robbery occurs and the Dogs did not even bark or show any aggression, because the one that enter the house is known to the Dogs

Dog Training Yourself can create a much more satisfied relationship with your dog and thus beneficial for the dogs and its owner.

Reason 5:
Dog Training Session is costly and expensive while its effectiveness is very questionable at times.

The cost and frustration of Bad Dog Training is very very expensive. You have to pay a lot and at the same time it will aggravate the Dogs and Frustrate you.

Self Dog Training cost much lesser and if you do it right, it brings much pleasure and satisfation for the Dog and yourself.

Reason 6:
You know your Dog Better than anyone. You know when to train them at their most effective moment.

When your dog is down with sickness or is not having fun, you will be able to notice them, but where as a lot of Dog Trainer may not be able to notice them as they are just doing their job.

In addition to that, since Your Dog will be one of your best company,

Dog Training yourself will set your dogs to be familiarise with your habit and the environment and places you have in your life.

This will be a much fulfilling experience for both the dogs and the owners.

While in Dog Training School, Your dog will only be confined to one or few common area of training.

When you bring the Dog back home, you will still need to train him to the environment of your life.

isn't it a waste?

Reason 7:
Effective Dog Training do closely related on the condition of the Trainer during the Dog Training Sessions.

You as Trainer know your own condition during the training better than anyone. If you are not feeling well or not in the mood for training because of some personal problem that happens in your life.

Then you can choose not to train your dogs during such situation

What about when those trainer in dog training school. When they are facing problem at home. Do they still need to train your dog?

Yes Definitely ....

Do you think it will be effective and good for your Dog?

So that's it, The 7 Reasons, Dog Training, why you should do it yourself?

One Fatal MisConception that most dog owner have, is: It is Difficult to Conduct the Dog Training Yourself....

Let me tell you that it is not as much difficult and troublesome as taking your dog to the Dog Training School. It is much worth the the risk in Dog Training yourself than leave it to people whom you may never know what they instill in your dog while training them.

Why Is Dog Training The Best Thing We Can Do For Our Dogs?

2011-02-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

We're always told how important it is to train our dogs, but what exactly is dog training and why is it so important anyway?

The following list explains why it is absolutely vital that we provide proper socialization and training to our canine friends.

Please read these 5 undeniable reasons why we owe it to our dogs to train them:

Dog training helps to build and strengthen a healthy and productive relationship with your dog.

Dog training opens up the lines of communication between you and your dog. A real form of two way communication is established through positive non violent dog training. You and your dog will learn to interact with each other in a mutually respectful manner, based on co-operation and understanding.

A well socialized and trained dog will become a fantastic life-long companion, work mate and friend. An untrained dog can quickly become a burden and an endless source of frustration. Instead of having a lopsided relationship where you are continually yelling at or reprimanding your untrained dog, why not set your dog up to succeed by providing some leadership and clear guidelines for him/her to follow?

A trained dog is a well respected and trusted member of society who is welcomed almost anywhere. This has to be a positive thing for your relationship doesn't it?

Training prevents many common "dog problems" from ever arising.

A whole range of common dog behavior problems can be prevented through some obedience training. Dogs are creatures of habit so why not use this to your advantage by helping your dog to develop good behavior habits from an early age? If you are proactive and set up some simple guidelines and routines for your puppy to follow you may never have to deal with destructive behaviors such as digging, chewing, excessive barking and even separation anxiety.

When a so called behavior problem does arise you and your trained dog will be well equipped to work through it. You will be able to clearly communicate to your dog that the behavior is unacceptable. You may even choose to get your dog to perform an alternate behavior in place of the existing problem. An example of this would be if your dog was up surfing your counter tops for food scraps you could get him/her to "go to your spot" instead.

The vast majority of "bad dogs" or dogs with behavior problems eventuate because the dog has never been taught any better. A dog does not chew your expensive shoes to get back at you or because he/she is evil. They do it simply because you left the shoe lying around with a bored and stressed dog. Most probably if you provided a tasty chew toy and did some chew toy training then your dog would be more than happy to chew on the toy only.

A trained dog is also a pleasure to take for a walk (no pulling!) and trips to your Vet or Dog Groomer are never a problem.

Training your dog is a necessary safety measure for you, your dog and everything that comes into contact with your dog.

Having your dog under voice control in any situation is a very reassuring position to be in - it may even save your dog's life one day. If your dog is about to bolt out onto a busy road or pick up something dangerous it is great to be able to immediately intervene and change their behavior with an obedience training command such as "no", "come" or "leave it".

A properly socialized and trained dog is a much safer proposition around other dogs and animals.
Dog training plays a crucial role in educating your dog how to act appropriately around yourself, your children and visitors to your home.

A trained dog is confident, secure and comfortable with his/her place in your household.

A well trained dog appreciates the guidance, structure and boundaries you provide through training. It's far better than having a nervous, anxious and confused dog who is continually being yelled at for things he/she doesn't even understand. Training relieves much of the frustration and stress that exists between you and your dog.

Training sets up proper household etiquette for your dog to follow. It addresses such issues as bolting out the front door, chewing, jumping up on guests and excessive barking.

Dog training provides a brilliant release or outlet for all of your dog's pent up energy. This energy has to come out in one way or another so why not channel it into something productive like obedience training?

A trained dog's life takes a far different path to that of an untrained dog.

Most dogs that end up in animal shelters arrive there because they have at least one behavior problem - many of these problems can be easily controlled through some basic obedience training.
Untrained dogs often become a pest and are pushed further and further away from the family. This of course only compounds the existing problems. Behaviors such as jumping up, mouthing and cheeky barking which you considered to be cute in your young puppy suddenly become a real problem as the dog grows up.

When we bring a new dog into our lives we are bringing a different species into a world that is completely foreign to them - our human world. We owe it to our dogs to help them fit into our way of life by clearly showing them what is expected of them and what is acceptable behavior - this is what dog training provides.

So there they are, the 5 reasons I believe every dog deserves at least some basic training - for everybody's benefit.

For just a second forget about all of the benefits listed above that obedience training provides. Would you still train your dog even if all of the benefits listed did not apply? I would, because training your dog is one of the real joys of owning a dog, it is great fun. Time spent training your dog is time well spent - for all involved.

Chris Smith is a long time dog owner and trainer. For more specific dog training information and tips please visit Chris's website - http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com

Aggressive Dog Training - Expert Advice

2011-02-10T06:09:00.000-08:00

Almost everyone loves dogs. People like to run, throw a stick, play fetch and pass time with dogs. We enjoy sitting on the sofa and scratching the dog's back. People like to receive a big kiss when they get home from work. The one time when this isn't the case is when you have an aggressive dog. In this instance, aggressive dog training will be required.

If you have an aggressive dog, you can face legal problems. Different states handle this problem in different ways. Dog owners can end up in jail. If your dog attacks and injures someone, the dog could be put down. You can curb the aggression in your dog through aggressive dog training.

First you need to understand what makes a dog aggressive. It could be the dog is territorial and doesn't want their space compromised. Or it could be they feel threatened by something or somebody nearby. The root cause of aggression is often found to be a lack of security. The dog may often have little or no confidence. Dog obedience training on a simple level won't help with these dogs.

Perhaps the dog barks and lunges at people. This may imply it needs thorough aggressive dog training. This demands a special skill and you should select your trainer carefully, or if you choose to train the dog yourself you should consider using a training guide specifically suited for aggressive dog training. You want to put your worries to rest. Normal training classes won't be right for an aggressive dog. You want a school that knows how to handle aggressive dogs.

There are some basic facts about aggressive dogs that people should know:

90% of dog bites happen to those who are familiar with the dog

Most biting dogs can be called family pets

60% to 70% of bites happen to children or to elderly people

40% of bites to children cause damage to facial tissue (lips, cheek etc.)

1/2 of the claims created on homeowners insurance come from bites claims

Aggressiveness in dogs is caused by a number of different things that all can be tracked to poor breeding or poor socializing

Dogs don't get to be monsters in one day. Most dogs display some kind of warning signs. Maybe it was timid when it was younger or maybe it became a bully after growling at different people who came to close to its toys and food. You can't blame the owner for missing these early alerts. It's hard enough to teach a puppy to pee outside. Still, that pet owner must take some responsibility for the dog's aggressive nature.

There's a variety of aggressions dog's can display. These include:

Dominant Aggression

Territorial Aggression

Fear Aggression

A dog is showing dominant aggression when it does things like snap at people fingers if they get too close to a toy or a food bowl. The dog may grow up to be one that is aggressive to people in the family as well as strangers. The dog may try to gain control of the entire home.

Keep in mind that dogs are pack animals. This has been bred into them since time began. They demand a pack order. They will develop a pack by which they can live. They learn to think of their owner as the pack leader. This is why they take commands better from the man of the house.

To get control of the dog, it's a good idea to switch him to the bottom of the pack. Control every aspect of his life and you can succeed in this mission. Feed him only after the owner eats. Never let him sleep on the owner's bed. If motivation is used in training, it must have corrections for failure to learn. Only allow the dog to play with toys the owner provides. The dog can't play with the toys until the owner hands them over.

Dogs that are territorial often believe the yard, house, or car belongs to them. This form of aggression can be considered one of dominance. Some dogs seem to think they need to let people know who owns what. Usually, a territorial dog is simply going to guard the estate from strangers.

When someone owns a guard dog, they want it to be territorial. A dog that barks and even bites is a good thing. Still, these people don't want the dog to actually attack anyone. No one wants to lock their dog in the basement when guests come for dinner.

Once again it is necessary to show the owner is the pack leader to contend with this type of dog. The pack leader is the one that tells other dogs what part of the territory belongs to them. The owner can't allow the dog to think of the back yard as his own back yard. The dog should simply wait for the owner to be present and ready to give attention.

Fear based aggression is what happens when the dog wants to avoid all people and strange places. The dog understands that showing its teeth to a stranger will mean the stranger will back away and not bother them. The dog may manifest fear by trying to bite people it doesn't recognize the minute the stranger turns his back on the dog. Dogs that bite in this situation often bite the rear. This presents less threat than an attack from the front. This is why it is said a dog that bites from fear is a dog with troubled nerves that has learned a response.

Fear biters are dogs that are born shy. This is why they act like they do. They are the result of some poor breeding. Some people believe they were abused at an early age. It's the bad temperament they were born with that causes the trouble.

Once you realize you have an aggressive dog, you can work with it by creating situations where training will help build a feeling of confidence and security for the dog. It might be a good idea to try to meet a friend when you take the dog for walk. Reward the dog with a treat if he behaves nicely.

If the dog is shy, it's good to try and socialize him. Be careful when you get your dog around older dogs. It's a good idea to protect your dog from dogs that may not treat him well. Again, having the dog meet your friends might be helpful.

A dog that is socialized and that has gone through some basic training will create a lot less of a problem. The owner needs to pursue education on the training of aggressive dogs, so he can find the right kind of help. Any owner can learn to help his dog become a friendlier, more loving pet. It takes patience and practice. If the owner is dedicated to make life good for the dog, he can't lose.

If you are having trouble with properly implementing a plan for aggressive dog training or are facing any of the problems mentioned throughout this article, I suggest you consider using a dog training guide to help you train your dog. A wide range of dog training books exist, many of which are not worth the paper they are written on. If you want a quality dog training book I recommend you check out "Secrets to Dog Training" or "Dog Training Secrets". Thousands of dog owners worldwide have used these books to get great results.

To find out more about how to train aggressive dogs, please click the links below.

Buying An Electronic Dog Training Collar Doesn't Have To Be Shocking

2011-02-10T02:19:00.000-08:00

The attractiveness of training dogs should not be cliched at the very least. Dogs are born to be pets. When trained properly, dogs can render support and affection more than what they were born with. Hence, the old adage, "A dog is a man's best friend," is not a sheer cliche.

However, in spite of the innate qualities of dogs, it is still important to train them to develop the skills that they possess. By nature, dogs are obedient animals. However, because of their character, training is important.

For this reason, numerous obedient trainings and advanced schooling programs were created to develop the necessary skills in dogs. The basic obedience skills such as sit, walk, or lie down are usually taught.

To do this, the help of a professional dog trainer can be very helpful. However, if you do not have the budget for it, you may opt to train your dogs all by yourself. You just have to equip yourself with the right tools and equipments.

Among the various devices needed to train dogs, dog training collars are the most important. Dog training collars helps the owner control the behavior of the dog, thereby, creating an air of authoritativeness over the dogs. Hence, dogs can easily understand that they have a master to follow.

One of the most common types of collars used by non-professional trainers or simply dog owners themselves is the electronic dog training collars. Although quite controversial, electronic dog training collars are effective if used properly.

Electronic dog training collars had created such media hype when quite a number of dog owners have discreetly denounced their use. The issue is focused on the outright infliction of pain caused by electronic currents that run from the collar to the dog's skin. These electric currents can create shock, which can be very harmful for the dog.

However, experts say that when used properly, electronic dog training collars can be effective in training dogs and in managing dog behavioral problems. In fact, an electronic dog training collar can be safe and effective if the trainer or user knows how to operate the device properly.

In essence, electronic dog training collars create electric shock that warns the dog how to respond appropriately. The main purpose of producing electric shock is to assist the dog trainer during training sessions and in controlling behavior of your dog.

Nevertheless, not all electronic dog training collars are created equal. Each has its own distinction depending on the make of the product and its feature benefits.

Here are some tips in buying electronic dog training collar.

1. Budget

Electronic dog training collars can be very expensive. If you do not have the budget for it, buying an electronic dog training collar can be a problem.

So before you decide on a particular type of electronic dog training collar, try to see first if your budget can afford it.

2. Function

Each type of electronic dog training collar has its own distinct function. Hence, it is best that you know what you want in an electronic dog training collar.

For example, if you want to control the route of your dog whenever he walks, you can use a training collar that will fit near your dog's nose. The electronic shock will direct him which way to go. If you want to control your dog's behavioral problem such as excessive barking, try to use an electronic dog training collar that has a transmitter device attached at the collar placed near the dog's neck.

3. Breed

In buying an electronic dog training collar, you also have to consider the dog's breed. For smaller breeds, it is best to buy collars that will fit on their little necks. Moreover, this type of dog training collar has additional training device that will facilitate the training process.

4. Kind of training

If you are trying to correct canine behavioral problems, it is best to use remote electronic dog training collar. The transmitter can send signals to the collar as far as 300 feet. Hence, you do not have to be in close proximity with your dog just to train him whenever he gets into annoying behaviors.

All of these things can help you choose the best electronic dog training collar. Coupled with good knowledge about the product, electronic dog training collar is, indeed, one of the most effective training tools available in the market today.

Choosing Your Dog Training Video

2011-02-09T23:14:00.000-08:00

Dog training methods abound the market just for the proper training of man's best friend. Most of these methods are costly and takes away the bonding between you and your dog. However, because most people want a trained dog, they are still looking for ways to get their dog trained.

Training your dogs is not an easy task. There are a lot of dog training aids like dog training books, electronic collar devices used in dog training, electronic fences, and there are times when you can't get enough from these training resources.

If you want the proper way of training your dog for obedience, dog subordination, and leash training, then what you need is a dog training video.

Most people who had a hard time in training their dog's behavioral problems or those who utilized other dog training devices but failed, turn to dog training videos. Dog training videos offers guidelines, correction techniques, and discipline for your dog's benefit. Various dog behavioral problems can be addressed by these dog-training videos.

These dog-training videos cover barking, door charging, jumping, aggression, leash pulling, and so much more. It comes in VCD or DVD format, and you can choose from many videos depending on your need. You can visit your local stores for copies of these videos or DVDs; or you can order online. With the help of the Internet, you can choose from a wide number of companies offering videos or DVDs about dog training.

Here is a list of some of the available videos or DVDs of dog training out in the market today:

- basic dog obedience

- training a competition heeling dog

- raising a working puppy

- training the send away

- training a forced retrieve

- training agility dogs

- electric collar training for pet owners

- bite training for puppies

- whelping puppies

In purchasing a good dog training video, make sure that it can provide you with valuable information regarding your dog's training. You can make a little research about the best dog training videos by asking your friends, colleagues or family members.

Since there are many dog-training videos available in the market, choosing the right video can be a difficult task. You can make use of the following guidelines to make choosing a lot faster.

First, establish the training method that you will utilize in training your dog. This will narrow down your search for the appropriate video based on the training method used.

Then, find out where you can get such video. Pet supply stores are good sources of dog training videos; some stores offer a wide selection of dog training videos as well. You can also try video stores, video rentals, libraries, department stores, and the Internet.

If you have time, you can research the Internet about dog training and dog training videos.

There are many benefits of a good training video. Dog training videos cost less than getting professional training, and you can do it at home. Spending a minimal amount of money to purchase a dog training video is a worthy investment. Both you and your dog will benefit from it.

Once you get your dog trained, leaving your dog home alone need not be a cause of worry because he will not chew any furniture, or soil around the house.

Considering a Dog Training Career

2011-02-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

You may think that a dog training career is something you would like to take seriously. But have you really thought well enough about it? Here are some points to ponder before engaging in a full-pledged dog-training career.

Consider your inclination to dogs. Do you really love dogs or is it just a group or breed of dogs that you are especially fond of? Can you really work well with them regardless of what age the dog is or what breed, or even if the dog is so stubborn or restless? Before engaging in a dog training career, do consider if you really love working with and teaching the canine population. Make sure that your state of being a certified dog-lover is not a temporary state of fondness for them but a lasting.

Understand your working attitude and skills with people. Dog training careers are not just about training dogs. It is also about training people, specifically the dog keepers- to train their dogs. Being a professional dog trainer means you will be a professional teacher for people as well. You have to have patience to dog keepers, you have to empathize with them and understand their concerns with their dog, and you need to share the same concern for the welfare and the development of their pets.

Consider the type of dog training education you would like to have. There are many ways by which a dog enthusiast transforms into a professional dog trainer. The first option is to read lots and lots of publications about dog training. There are many dog training books, dog training magazines, and dog training articles that can be found on bookstores, and even on the Internet. Another choice is to learn dog training through hands-on experience as a volunteer in dog rescue centers or dog shelters or as an apprentice of a professional dog trainer. If you become an apprentice, then you'll be able to get a dog training experience that's guided by an expert. Last but not the least, an aspiring dog trainer can enroll in dog training degree programs offered by dog training schools or veterinary centers. Such programs usually last for months. The usual course involves lectures from professional dog experts and discussions regarding dog learning theories and dog training techniques. Such courses also involve internships in dog training schools for hands-on experiences.

Carefully research what type of dog training career you would want to take. Think about your plans after getting your dog training education. A professional dog trainer can teach dog tricks on a part-time or freelance basis to private individuals. They can also join groups and provide training by groups. Some also opt to teach dog keepers about the necessary steps and measures in training their dogs.

A dog training career can be a very rewarding endeavor. However you must be a good business manager as well as a good dog trainer to be successful. More dog training careers fail as a result of poor business practices then from poor dog training skills.

Dog Training Today

2011-02-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

Dog training is ever-evolving with new ideas and tools popping up every year. Dog Training, Melbourne dog obedience training, puppy pre school, in home, problem behaviour, boarding and training. Dog training: the process of teaching a dog (Canis lupus familiaris) to perform certain actions at the behest of somebody in response to certain commands which the dog is trained to understand. Dogs may be trained to: follow obedience commands (part of obedience training)perform tricks casually or for circus acts be a guide dog to lead the blind be a rescue dog to find victims of a disaster be a hunting dog to aid in hunting aid in herding, tracking, and retrieving follow agility commands serve as a guard animal. Dogs do not figure out basic obedience on their own; they must be trained. Dogs that are handled and petted by humans regularly during the first eight weeks of life are generally much more amenable to being trained and living in human households. Dogs are expressive and may communicate needs by biting, whining, and getting fidgety. Dogs are also trained for specific purposes, including: Detection dogs Assistance dogs Herding dogs, livestock guardian dogs, and sheep dogs Hunting dogs Police dogs Rescue dogs Schutzhund German for "protection dog". Dog Training Tips and Puppy Training Resources Proper training for your dog it vital to a long and happy association with it. Dogs are pack animals & need leadership. Dog training is more than dog "obedience. Dogs and puppies are trained very quickly with the clicker, without force, which is why we train dogs that way at Ahimsa.

Training is most effective if everyone who handles the dog takes part in the training to ensure consistent commands, methods, and enforcement. Training classes are offered by many kennels, pet stores, and independent trainers. Training your dog is something to be planned at the very earliest opportunity. Training Dogs the Aussie Way is ideal for dog lovers who want to understand pack law and gain insight into the canine psyche. Training starts the moment your pup comes home. Training should start from an early stage, so that these tendencies do not become dog behavior problems. Training your dog to obey your commands open up a line of communication between you and your dog. Training methods today have no place for harsh punishments and losing temper. Training Centers are not available at all Centers. Training is the way to teach our dogs what is expected of them. Training Collar Main Features of a Dog Training Collar Dog Training Collar consists of two main components: A receiver that comes attached to an all-weather collar and a hand-held remote control transmitter that send signals to the receiver. Training a puppy not to bite is very important when training them. Training Dogs With Reinforcement and Corrections Positive reinforcement is necessary for the learning process.

Obedience training doesn't solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem. Obedience Training usually refers to the training of a dog and the term is most commonly used in that context. Obedience training is teaching the dog to obey specific commands such as stay, sit, come, and lying down. Obedience is simple when you know how. Obedience training will make life more enjoyable for both you and your dog. Obedience training should not be monotonous to you or your dog. Obedience Training is the perfect way to achieve your goal. Obedience training often clears up behavioral problems because boredom is usually the culprit for destructiveness and other issues. Obedience training is on Sunday mornings year-round, and either Wednesday evenings (summer) or Tuesday evenings (winter) depending on the season. Obedience dog training creates a common language for you and your dog. Obedience training is one of the best things you can do for your dog or puppy and yourself. - Want to know the fastest way to start getting dog obedience results from your pet.

Aggressive Dog Training Made Easy

2011-02-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Dog aggression is a fairly common problem that many owners will face at one time in their dog's life or another. It is actually so common that there are hundreds upon hundreds of studies associated with aggression. Questions such as "Why does aggression occur," "Why are some breeds more aggressive," and "How can I use aggressive dog training to curb aggression in my dog," are asked on a regular basis. Before you actually begin aggressive dog training, it is important to understand the type of aggression that your dog may be experiencing. Believe it or not, there are actually several types of aggression and each one will need to be handled in a slightly different manner. The types of aggression are:

- Dog Aggression: this can be seen in many different breeds and it is actually aggression that a dog shows to other dogs. · Fear Aggression: Many people may not see fear as an aggressive behavior but if a dog begins to bite, bark, growl or bare his teeth when he is frightened than it has moved from simple fear to fear aggression.

- Dominant Aggression: This is a very serious type of aggression since the dog has many traits that you would see in a "bully." One of the biggest problems with dominant aggression is that it is not always seen as aggression, just an alpha personality doing what it does best, until the dog attacks someone or something. Another problem is that dominant aggression is very unpredictable.

- Possessive Aggression: To get a clear idea of this, watch your dog while he is eating and is interrupted by someone. If he is fine and continues to eat or even allows you to put your hand in the dish then there is no real aggression there; however, if he growls or bites then you know that he is being possessive about things he preserves as his. While this may seem appropriate, a dog should never be possessive.

- Pain Aggression: This is aggression that is shown when a dog is in pain. · Maternal Aggression: Seen only in female dogs, this is an aggression that is seen when a female is raising a litter of puppies.

- Territorial Aggression: There are several breeds of dogs that are prone to territorial aggression where they see an area such as the house, the yard, the neighborhood or all of the above as his. When other animals or people enter his territory, he reacts in an aggressive manner.

As you can see, there are a large number of aggressions and many dogs will experience one or the other at certain times in their life. While some forms of aggression are very serious and require aggressive dog training, some of them aren't and really only require some patience by the owner to overcome. In the case of pain aggression, it is important to find out why your dog is being aggressive. If he is hurt, take him to the vet to have the problem looked after. When the dog heals, the aggression should go away on its own but if it doesn't, you can move into training methods for it.

In addition, maternal aggression can be avoided simply by spaying your dog but if she does whelp a litter, the maternal aggression should diminish as the puppies are weaned and placed in new homes. In many cases, the easiest way to use aggressive dog training is to socialize your puppy and dog correctly. Many people see socialization as a process that is done when their puppy is young but socialization should be done throughout your dog's life. Exposing him to other dogs, people, places and stimulants will help curb many different areas of aggression such as dog aggression. Remember that when you do socialize your dog, especially if he has some aggression problems, that you do so in a controlled manner.

Make sure all the dogs are on leashes and introduce him to one dog at a time. Never allow your dog to be surrounded by a group of dogs since this can frighten him and trigger his aggressive response. If at any time your dog starts to indicate aggression, simply correct him by removing him a few feet away from the other dog and then praising him when he calms down. Another way to make aggressive dog training easy is to place firm rules in your house from the moment your dog arrives home. This means that he is not allowed on the furniture and that he understands that the home is yours. To battle dominance aggression, it is important to put yourself and everyone else in the role of dominate. Your dog should never eat before the family and he should never be allowed to find food for himself.

When he does eat, take the time to place your hands in the dog's food dish and feed him by hand. This teaches him that anyone is allowed in his dish and it will help curb some possessive aggression. Make sure that everyone in the house does this as well and never let the dog go around your hand to eat directly from the bowl. In many cases, aggressive dog training needs to start with owners. To make it easy, you need to look at how you are training your dog, how he is being socialized and what negative behaviors are being reinforced. For instance, if you nurture fright responses such as growling by coddling the dog whenever he is scared, then he will quickly learn that growling is the proper response to being scared, which may develop into fear aggression.

Ignore some behaviors and correct others with a firm "no," which is an important command with aggressive dog training. When you are using aggressive dog training, it is important that you do not correct your dog in a harsh manner. Although it may not seem like you are being abusive to your dog, a small slap can cause a large amount of damage and if a dog is already aggressive, it will just reinforce the aggressive behavior. After you have corrected how you train your dog, it is time to start aggressive dog training and it is very easy; simply break out the basics of training. Many times, basic training on a regular basis can really help with many forms of aggression and many different types of negative behaviors.

To battle territorial aggression, start by inviting people over to your home and correcting your dog when he begins barking with a loud noise to interrupt the behavior and then a firm "no." When your dog stops barking, praise him and treat. Increase the frequency that different guests visit as your dog becomes accustomed to people being in his space. If your dog is aggressive during walks, it is time to take aggressive dog training out on a walk. Start by taking different routes every time you take a walk. Since the route is different, your dog is less likely to imprint a route as being his.

When he meets people or other animals on the street, correct his negative behavior with a firm "no" and praise him when he doesn't react. As the aggressive dog training is advanced, gradually begin taking him to higher traffic areas until he can walk in a busy place without reacting in an aggressive manner. Although aggressive dog training is fairly easy, it does take some time and it is very important to watch your dog's stress levels and to take your time with training. Remember, your dog didn't become aggressive over night and you can't expect the aggressive dog training to work overnight either, so take your time and enjoy every success your dog has.

Do You Make These 4 Common Mistakes in Dog Training?

2011-02-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

Everyone begins training a dog with a number of unknowns. First, no one can truly know how a dog will react to training and even if you know the breed, there can be differences with each individual breed. Another unknown is the type of dog training that you use. Some dogs do well with food based reinforcement and some do not and owners will need to learn as they go along. While most of the unknowns with dog training can be overcome quickly, many owners make some pretty common mistakes while they are training your dogs. To avoid those dog training mistakes, it is important to be aware of them and that is exactly what I will be doing in this article; alerting you to common dog training mistakes that every owner has or will make at one time.

Mistake #1: Not Setting Firm and Consistent Rules: One of the most common mistakes that owners will make actually has nothing to do with the physical act of dog training and is actually a daily occurrence that usually plays in the background. As every parent will tell you, children require rules and dogs are no different. There should be rules set in place the moment that a dog is brought home. This means that if you have a rule for no dogs on the furniture, then you need to stick with it, regardless of how cute a puppy is. Not establishing those rules right from the beginning can lead to long term behavior problems and your puppy will quickly learn that he can ignore the rules and eventually simply ignore you. It is important that you avoid this dog training mistake right from the start and make sure that everyone in your house will follow the same rules with your dog to ensure the best success.

Mistake #2: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: Okay, this may be a little confusing since dog training consists of the repetition of an action but while repeating an action over again is fine, repeating a command is not. When it comes to dog training mistakes, I would say that this is the biggest mistake that owners will make and I have been found guilty of this little offense myself. It is only natural to repeat a command when a dog doesn't listen but it is something that you should train yourself not to do. When you repeat a command, you are teaching your dog that he doesn't have to listen to a command every time. This means that a command stops having any affect on the dog and you end up having to retrain with a new command, which can take time and can be very frustrating for both you and your dog.

Mistake #3: Rewarding Bad Behavior: Although there are several types of dog training available, most trainers and owners will use positive reinforcement training, which consists of treating your dog, usually with food, whenever he does something positive. While this is an excellent way to train your dog, many owners make the mistake of treating the wrong behavior and end up reinforcing bad behavior. Bad behavior in dog training is anything that you don`t want your dog to do. So, for instance, your dog is in the kitchen while you are cooking a meal. At first it may not seem like he is doing anything but spending time with you and that may have been the case in the beginning but when you drop your first bit of food, or you toss him a little snack, he will quickly learn to beg whenever you are in the kitchen. Fast forward a year and you have a full grown dog under foot whenever you go to the kitchen simply because you have reinforced that begging in the kitchen is okay. To avoid rewarding a dog for a bad behavior, don`t praise him, comfort him or treat him when he is doing something you don`t want repeated. So if he barks at the door, don`t praise him for being a good guard dog and if you drop some food on the floor, pick it up yourself and take it to his dog bowl if you want to give it to him. By controlling the environment, you can quickly stop yourself from rewarding his bad behavior.

Mistake #4: Saving it for a rainy day: The last common dog training mistake that I am going to mention is the desire to put off training. Many owners feel that dog training should be done after a certain age but it has been shown time and time again that the longer you wait, the harder it will be to train your dog. Dog training should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. It starts with establishing rules and house training first and then it quickly moves to basic training such as sit, down, stay. Puppy socialization class usually begins around 11 weeks of age and from there you will quickly start dog training. Never leave training until your dog is 6 months of age or older since many negative behaviors are established by that time. In the end, if you are aware of the dog training mistakes that you can make, you will find that you are less likely to make them and your dog will quickly respond to dog training with only a small amount of fuss.

Protection Dog Training - Vicious Animal or Family Pet?

2011-02-09T02:05:00.000-08:00

I was recently in a social setting where I was asked about my dog, Rocco. Rocco is my Rottweiler who has undergone extensive protection dog training. We were engrossed in a discussion about his training and capabilities when we were overheard by another person.

"Oh, you shouldn't train your dog to do that stuff. That makes them vicious," was her statement injected into our conversation. I was initially a bit taken-aback and annoyed; not only was her comment unsolicited but it was based on a lack of knowledge. As I thought about it more, however, I came to realize that this is a common style of thinking. There are many misconceptions about protection dogs and protection dog training. Let me dispel some of the myths of protection dogs and talk about protection dog training at its root to combat some of the more prevalent misinformation.

First, let me do a bit of defining. There are many terms thrown around that are often interchanged incorrectly.

Attack Dog- A poorly trained, typically anti-social, and fearful creature. Ineffective except for looking tough.

Guard Dog- A dog that is trained to guard an area. Guard dogs are often used on estates, warehouses, or open areas that need guarding. Guard dogs may or may not be good with people and may or may not have obedience training.

Police Patrol Dog- A dog that is trained to work chasing down criminals. They are trained to be used on the offensive.

Protection Dog- A dog that is trained to be used first and foremost as a defensive deterrent. A protection dog is trained to show aggression on command and turn off on command. A protection dog is trained to attack on command or if the aggressor is not deterred by the show of aggression. A protection dog has high levels of obedience training.

So now let me return to the original statement. Does training a protection dog make him vicious? I understand why many people would assume this. After all, you are training a dog to show aggression, bite a person, and do what is necessary to combat a human. Protection dog training does not, however, make a dog vicious.

There are several styles and methods for protection dog training. At its root, however, there are two instincts, or drives, that protection dog trainers harness time and time again to achieve results. Let's examine them.

Prey Drive

Prey drive is a drive that most dogs possess, not just protection dogs. A Labrador retriever chases a tennis ball because of prey drive. The local mongrel chases a car because of prey drive. Essentially, prey drive is a dog's desire to chase and capture a fast moving object. Nothing vicious about it. A good protection dog trainer will harness this drive to teach a puppy to chase a rag. As the puppy grows older he graduates from a rag to a tug. From a tug the trainer teaches the dog to bite a sleeve or a dog training bite suit. All the while the training is approached as a game. As a fun way to use energy and satisfy drive. Basically, the decoy, or guy wearing the bite suit or sleeve, is not viewed as a 'bad guy' but as a partner in a fun game. As training progresses, a good trainer will train the dog to discount the presence of equipment and view the person as the prey object. All of this training is done on command only. As training progresses the dog is taught to only respond when he hears the dog training command from his owner. This ensures for safety and control.

Defense Drive

All creatures have some sort of defense mechanism. Dogs have three ways of dealing with an aggressor: fight, flight, or avoidance. In protection dog training a good trainer will utilize a dog's defense drive to build on what he has learned with prey drive. The trainer will show the dog that in certain situations a person is a threat and can be dealt with using the skills taught in prey drive. In this way, prey drive and defense drive work together. In essence, a dog is taught that when given a command that the aggressor is a real threat and he should use his skills to fight the threat. As with prey drive these skills are taught only under command and with high levels of control and safety.

There are not many dogs capable of this level of training. A dog that can accomplish this is a strong and very confident dog. This level of confidence is what often makes protection dogs safe and good with people. They are so confident that they don't view people as threats unless told to under command by their owner. Protection dog training often bolsters this confidence as these dogs learn the power that they have and their innate abilities.

So are these dogs vicious? Absolutely not. Their natural drives have merely been harnessed to teach them new skills. I like to compare a well trained protection dog with a well trained soldier. Is a soldier more of a danger because of his training? Many would argue that he or she isn't. The advanced levels of training turn a soldier into a person who is extremely confident. A soldier is capable of being a loving and caring family member in one setting and tool of battle in another. Just because a soldier is capable of using weapons under one setting does not make that person 'vicious'.

Confidence is the opposite of fear. Fear is what causes many problems both in dog and human alike. When you combine the confidence and high levels of control in a well trained protection dog, I contend that you have a dog that is safe to be around and definitely not vicious.

Effective Dog Training For Obedience

2011-02-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

Dog training for obedience is a continuous process. Dog obedience training for obedience is basically a program that requires active involvement of both the owner and the dog. The whole dog training teaches them how to communicate with each other effectively. In case you do not know, dog training for obedience is vital to building a strong and close relationship with your dog. To achieve that, house training your dog is the most effective and quickest way to accelerate the dog training for obedience of your dog.

Proper dog training for obedience is built on the principle of proper and strict reinforcement of discipline. Dogs are naturally social creatures and are able to live in packs. As such, they are not loners and they are inclined to conform to social hierarchy or authority within the pack of dogs. Likewise, because of this, they are ready to listen and obey your commands. But dog obedience training is effective and easier for you if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, a lot of times, your dog training efforts become futile and counter-productive.

One common goal in dog training for obedience is to train your dog to respond to your command willingly and quickly every time you issue it. Dog obedience training is basically communication between you and your dog so that your dog understands how you want it to respond to you. At times, you will realize that training your dog is more about training yourself the owner. This is because your attitude, patience and effort towards dog training for obedience are so critical to the training success. One more tip for you is that dog training for obedience is an ongoing process.

The ideal dog obedience training method is using a consistent reward and punishment system as dogs respond well towards this especially when they are young puppies. Dog obedience training starts first with sit and come training. Make sure that it pays attention to your commands and not get distracted. Your dog needs to know that you are serious about the training and command. Do not merely threaten to punish it. Carry it out consistently so that he/she senses you are serious about the dog training session. The same goes for rewarding your dog for executing each command. Other basic dog obedience training techniques include training your dog to stay and keep down.

Dog training for obedience of course includes other more advanced commands such as off leash training. You will find a fair bit of information online. On top of these, you can find a good dog obedience training school for your pet. But be sure to use only Certified Pet Dog Trainers as they are professionally trained to handle most dogs.

Dog training for obedience is something you should begin from the very day your pet dog arrives at your doorstep. It is not something you can procrastinate or delay as your dog would quickly form its habits. It can become difficult down the road to change and correct any dog behavior problems like excessive barking, chewing etc as they stay longer at your home. Remember that dog obedience training is an excellent way of communicating and building friendship with your best friend. It also ensures he/she is under control and safe for the whole family.

Dog training for obedience need not be tedious and challenging. Find out more useful tips through the recommended websites at my dog obedience training website.

Electronic Dog Training

2011-02-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Once people become familiar with electronic training products and use them properly, they find the methodology is proven, efficient, economical, and ethical.

The type of training in which an electronic aid is used is critically important, for it will influence the type of product and methods used. Is the equipment being used to teach a new obedience command, correct some common misbehavior, or is it being used to reinforce another electronic training methodology?

Factors affecting success Before an electronic training tool is used, it is strongly suggested that the entire training situation be re-examined. There are three major considerations in this re-evaluation:

Does the owner know what he is doing, does he understand the training process, and can he apply proper methodology to a specific situation? Is the owner training the dog properly, does he have a plan for this specific misbehavior, and is he executing that plan appropriately and correctly? Is the dog trainable? Is the dog in question stubborn, set in his ways, or unintelligent?

(We believe that all dogs are trainable. Dogs that seem stubborn, or unintelligent, have simply not been trained properly, consistently, or effectively.)

Of these factors, the first two are most important. If training is not successful, in most cases it is because owner education, preparedness, consistency or commitment is lacking. This may be difficult for some owners to accept, but remember that we have invited dogs into our environment. It is our responsibility to teach them in ways they can understand. This is incredibly important, because if an owner has not taken the time, or applied the appropriate techniques properly and consistently, training with an electronic product will not make a difference. It will only confuse even the smartest dog.

There are certain signals that suggest a dog has not been properly trained. In these instances a dog may:

Resist when his owner attempts to place a collar around his neck. Withstand correction, of any type, in the presence of certain distractions Control his owner by acting timid or by ignoring his owner Panic when he senses a warning. Attempt to escape when receiving a correction Do anything except the behavior necessary to avoid the correction.

Education is the key. If an owner takes the time to understand electronic training - why it works, how it works, how to apply the appropriate techniques - it can be a beneficial tool.

Electronic training requires knowledge and skill Why the concern for proper education? Because of the largest variable in the equation - the owner. Let us face it, humans are very unpredictable, as far as dogs are concerned. The response of most owners to the need for correction varies widely, depending on the dog, the training, the situation at hand, and even the mood they happen to be in at the time. This is not conducive to effective training - of any kind.

In most cases, a dog exhibits a behavior in response to some stimulus or distraction. Owners must be careful not to create yet another, different misbehavior by misapplying the correction, or applying it at the wrong time. And, for the safety of the dog, it is unnecessary to correct it for every little thing. Owners must be selective to avoid canine confusion. When applied properly, electronic training can be done successfully. To help understand this, let us examine how people respond to their dog without electronics.

Dog owners respond to their dog in any number of different ways. They may reward their dog by petting, talking, providing food or treats, playing, or letting them sleep on the bed. The list is as long as there are owners on it. These same owners also correct in various ways, including yelling, hitting, throwing things, the use of a chain link training collar, ignoring their dog, not providing food or treats, or isolation in a room, crate, or kennel. This does not imply that all of these forms of reward and correction are acceptable. Only that they are multiple, and that training can be successful under some of these circumstances. So it is with electronic training.

One of the greatest acknowledged advantages of electronic training is that sophisticated electronics do make us humans more predictable. It enhances human consistency, especially as it relates to correction. It also allows humans to easily and conveniently apply appropriate corrections, even when a dog is not within range of traditional (leash and choker collar) correction techniques.

Rules of electronic training As was mentioned earlier, electronic training operates on the same basic principles used in all canine behavior modification: correction, redirection, and reward. Therefore, it is imperative that the dog understands the basics before more sophisticated training begins.

Dogs are highly intelligent and certainly smart enough to know the difference between the different types of collars being used. They look different. They smell different. They exert different pressures on the neck once they are applied. Even the owner/trainer acts differently with the different collars. In some cases, the owner/trainer is there; in other cases, he is not.

Because all of this is true, it is important to eliminate the equipment itself from the learning process. Here is how.

Before beginning to train with an active electronic collar, the dog should first become accustomed to a deactivated collar (i.e., take the battery out). Even if the dog trainer or dog owner is under pressure to train the dog quickly (e.g., the neighbors are complaining), he still needs to teach the dog that the collar is not something to be feared.

The last thing someone wants to see is the dog cowering when it is being approached with a training collar, electronic or otherwise. By spending just a few days introducing the dog to the collar, other problems can be prevented.

General Rules: All of the general rules of obedience training apply to electronic training as well. In fact, they are probably even more important in electronic training. These guidelines include:

Do not train the dog for extended periods of time. Limit the number of corrections the dog receives in one training session and in one training day. Be sure that corrections are properly balanced with reward. Always give the correction at the same time. That is, do so only when the dog is actually misbehaving, not before the misbehavior occurs or after the misbehavior has stopped. This is important because it gives the dog a chance to learn, (i.e., to understand what causes the correction in the first place).

Finally, the beginning point of most electronic training includes the use of a leash, which serves to help redirect the dog away from escape and other inappropriate responses. This, in turn, makes it increasingly important not to correct arbitrarily or out of frustration. As a dog trainer or owner, it is necessary to be as disciplined as you want the dog to be.

The importance of redirection and reward Electronic training combines several different techniques. Applying a correction is only a small part of a training program. Redirection and praise are far more important.

Why is this methodology important? Suppose there is a dog in a containment system, but every day he charges away and barks at a jogger who is running along outside the established bounds. What should be the desired correction? He should come when he is called, stay in the yard, and stop barking at the jogger. But chasing and barking are perfectly normal in a dog's natural environment. Only in the human environment are they inappropriate.

Therefore, if the owner/trainer really wants to train the dog under these circumstances, he must first correct at the appropriate time, and consistently. He would do so using an obedience command. So, before beginning more complicated electronic training, it is important that the dog understand basic obedience commands. The trainer/owner must build from a solid foundation provided by these training basics.

In this specific instance, as soon as the dog takes off running, he would be given the 'Come' command. That way, when applying correction, it is because the dog did not come on command, not because he is chasing a jogger. Conversely, when the dog does obey immediately, he is praised for responding to the command, not for breaking off his pursuit. This is called redirection.

The risks in electronic training are the many variables. This same situation, handled improperly, can have the opposite effect. It could train the dog to attack joggers. A correction at the wrong time may cause the dog to identify the correction stimulus with the jogger. Dogs are known to have fight or flight responses to such threats. If the dog's response is to 'fight,' joggers beware!

Reward: Unfortunately, some dog trainers/owners put the emphasis on correction. Even in this article, the information is weighted in this area. This is because correction is the area where most training problems occur. Reward is a much easier concept to understand and apply. During training, the dog should constantly and consistently be given a deserved reward - preferably praise and petting - for behavior that meets his training objectives. Again, timing is critical. The dog must be able to make the connection between the reward and the appropriate behavior.

Gratuitous reward is also a no-no. The dog trainer must reward the dog only when he is behaving properly. Do not worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to do so. Unless, of course, the dog trainer/owner slacks off and chooses to reward inconsistently; or he breaks down further and treats the dog to praise, petting, and food, even if a behavior is inappropriate.

Emotional and energy outlet: Appropriate emotional outlets also bear some discussion in this context. Obviously, electronic training is designed to stop a dog from exhibiting misbehaviors, and help reward him for what the dog trainer/owner considers appropriate behavior. But if a dog cannot leave the yard, no reward can replace the freedom he has lost. In such cases, a dog must be given other appropriate outlets. This is why activities like running with the dog, or playing with him, are extremely important.

Redirection: Redirection is equally important, if not more so. In many electronic training situations, the dog trainer/owner needs to provide an alternate behavior for the dog. This redirection provides a known behavior pattern that the dog can fall back on, enabling the dog trainer/owner to reward him. A good example of such a behavior pattern is the 'Sit,' 'Get your ball,' or other command the dog already understands.

Have a plan: Overall, what one tries to do with redirection and reward is build better behavior in the dog. But when building anything, it is useful to have a blueprint - a plan that outlines specifically what to do under an array of circumstances.

Because of all the variables involved with electronic training, the dog trainer/owner needs to have such a plan. He needs to know exactly what he is going to do before a situation arises. Because, when it comes to training dogs, he needs to expect the unexpected. But if there is a plan in place, he will know exactly what to do.

The best plans are the simplest - the ones that ask the dog to do something basic. Pick something the dog has done many times before; perhaps a 'Sit' and 'Stay' command. Reliance on an old habit can bring a misbehaving dog - even a frightened or frazzled dog - back into the comfort zone. This will enable the dog trainer/owner to reward the dog, or regroup, should this become necessary.

Do a Good Job of Dog Training

2011-02-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

Dog training can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. It can range from employing the most basic training methods to the more complicated or advanced training methods that a professional dog trainer would employ. There are methods which are more ideal to a specific breed of dog. Obviously training used to teach a Labrador retriever would not be appropriate for a small house dog. However basic obedience training would benefit any dog.

Basic obedience dog training includes teaching your dog the simple language commands. Obedience training is critical to keeping your dog safe and under control. In addition basic obedience training requires the socialization of the dog. Socialization will allow the dog to properly interact with people and other animals. You must train your dog to respond to the basic commands such as come, site, down, off, quiet, no, whoa and stay. This is best done using command, action and praise or clicker training.

Many people are unable to effectively train their dogs. As a result they seek the expertise of a qualified dog trainer. This can be expensive but in the long run may be the most cost effective method. In addition most trainers spend most of the time training the dogs owner to be a proper handler. Many dog trainers will confide that is frequently easier to train a dog than it is the dogs owner.

If you still want to do your own training you can purchase one of the many very good dog training course that are on CD or DVD. Even if you do use the services of a dog trainer having a dog training DVD on hand is a good idea. Dogs sometimes develop bad manners or habits overtime and the training course will give you the tools necessary to correct the problem. In addition you should continue to train your dog through its entire life. This reinforcement training is very important. Using a the training course to review proper training techniques is a good ideal.

If there is one key ingredient to successful dog training beyond the basic love of the dog it is patience and persistence. Keep training sessions to less than 30 minutes each day followed by a play session. This will ensure that your dog will be eager to respond to training. If your do does not respond to training on any given day then spend time playing with the dog and try again either later or the next day. Just like people dogs will occasionally have off days where they are unable to properly respond to training.

During training, consistency is highly important. Try to train your dog at the same time each day so that his bodily rhythm will easily get attuned to the impending exercises. In this manner, the dog will be more focused and ready for the activities. Most trainers feed their dogs prior to training to assure the dog has the energy and focus to respond to the training session.

Not properly training a dog can be a death sentence. Many animals that end up in dog shelters and ultimately put down have behavioral problems that could be cured with proper training. The owners just did not invest in the time and energy necessary to properly train their dog. In the end it is always the dog who suffers.

Dog Training Fundamentals - 5 Key Dog Behaviour Factors That Affect Training

2011-02-08T10:40:00.001-08:00

Whether you already have experience of dog ownership, are a new dog owner or are about to be a dog owner, then training your dog is one of the most important aspects you need to consider. Likewise if you currently have a dog with behaviour problems, then dog training is essential.

However, knowing you need to train your dog and actually training your dog are two entirely different things. Just where do you start?

To successfully train your dog, you need to consider and understand some key facets of dog behaviour. Knowing and understanding these 5 facets will greatly improve your dog training.

1. The origins of dogs. Dogs are in essence descended from modern day wolves. While domestication has dampened or eliminated many traits, some key natural instincts still remain. Like wolves, dogs are pack animals. What does this mean?

Well, there are several traits that derive from being a pack animal. The important ones when it comes to training are dogs are naturally sociable, they are used to routine and they are used to a social structure (i.e. the famed alpha male).

As sociable animals dogs thrive on the interaction with other dogs. A dog does not consider you as a human but rather a funny looking dog. Therefore, dogs thrive on the interaction with you. Just like a wild wolf, rejected by the pack, if you starve a dog of this interaction, they will become unhappy and very agitated.

When it comes to training, you can use this to reward or punish your dog. Interacting with your dog (e.g. patting, encouraging/excited talk, etc) can be as much of a reward as treats of food. Similarly, ignoring your dog (e.g. turning your back, stern talk, putting them in another room, etc) can be a harsh punishment for a dog. Its definitely better than smacking them.

As with all animals (including humans), dogs thrive on routine. If they know what and when they are likely to be doing certain things, then they are relaxed and comfortable. They know what to expect and are not confused by ever changing circumstances.

Training should also stick to a routine. Decide when the best time of the day is best for you to train your dog and stick by that time as rigidly as possible. Your dog will soon get into a routine of expecting to be trained at say 3pm every day and will be prepared for when training time comes. If your dog is ready and expecting to be trained, then it goes without saying that they will actually train better.

Within a pack there is always the alpha male. The dog that leads the pack, protects the pack and ultimately ensures the pack is fed and survives. As mentioned, a dog sees you as a funny looking dog and not a human. To be a good dog owner you absolutely need to be the alpha male. How many nature programs have you seen where the alpha male is being challenged by one of the other would be alpha males? Likewise, your dog will be challenging you to be the alpha male - this is a natural instinct for them.

You must establish yourself as the alpha male from the beginning. Providing food, interaction, punishing bad behaviour, body and vocal language all go towards asserting yourself as the alpha male. If your dog does not consider you as the alpha male, then they will not listen or act on your training instructions.

2. A dog's memory. We all know that goldfish have short memories. However, you may be surprised to know that dogs also have short retention memories. If you could tell your dog something, it is likely that by the next day or a few hours later, they will have forgotten. On the other had (or paw) dogs do have incredibly good associated memory. This basically means that if your dog can associated something with what you tell it then it will likely remember what you told it for years to come.

For example if you told your dog (assuming you could speak doggy language) that the chocolate biscuits were in the cupboard your dog would probably forget this within a few hours. However, if you showed your dog where the chocolate biscuits were, repeating the words 'chocolate biscuits', every time you said 'chocolate biscuits' it would probably go straight to the cupboard. It may also search the cupboard every few hours for the rest of its life looking for the chocolate biscuits but that's not the point.

Therefore, when training your dog you need to associate the training topic with something. For example: if you are teaching your dog to sit. If you associate the word 'sit' by getting your dog to physically sit and then giving them a reward. Repeat this a few times and soon your dog will associate your command 'sit' with it physically sitting and then getting a reward. The difficult bit is disassociating the reward - ask yourself why almost every dog will naturally sit when you have food in your hand?

3. Doggy language. Despite comments above, we cannot speak doggy language and dogs cannot speak our language. This is important when it comes to training. You have to choose words for commands that both you and your dog will remember. Be careful not to choose very common words or else your dog will be easily confused when this word keeps appearing within the middle of a sentence. A common word often used in training dogs is 'come'. For this example, it may be better to use a slang version or combine 'come here' into a single short word.

The important thing is that when you decide on a word for a command to stick with it and be consistent, otherwise your dog will become confused.

I know it can be difficult, especially if you come home to your new TV pulled off the cabinet, to always use pre-selected words when talking to your dog. Your dog does not speak human language and will only know what those few words you have trained it with are (and the tone you have used). So if you start using other words or different tones your dog will not understand.

For example: imagine someone speaking to you in a foreign language asking for directions to the city hall. You can't understand a word they are saying yet they get more and more frustrated, talking in a louder and quicker language. Is it your fault you can't understand them? Why are they getting angrier when you have no idea what they are saying? What is their problem? What will I do? Similarly, if you haven't trained your dog to understand what 'sit' is and you start shouting 'sit', 'down on back legs', 'down', etc is it your dog's fault it is looking at you confused and increasingly scared.

4. Puppy behaviour. Just like babies, puppies do not know how the world works or how they are supposed to behave within that world. They need to be taught and learn what is good, bad, right or wrong.

A healthy and happy puppy will be a bundle of energy, desperate to explore as much as they can as quickly as they can. Dogs do not have good eyes that can see things or hands that can feel the intricacies of objects. Instead they have noses that can smell things and mouths that can chew objects.

While this can come through training and general maturing, the importance of this is that you must be patient and understand where your dog is coming from and why it does what it does.

5. Structure and enjoyment. While I have in a round about way touched on these two above, no dog training information would be complete without mentioning these two aspects on their own.

However you decide to train your dog, as with routine, you must have a structure to your training. If you have never trained a dog before, how do you know when your dog can start learning to sit, stay, etc and when it can run down to the local shop and pick the paper up for you?

You need to know what it is you actually want to train your dog to ultimately be able to do and what steps you need to take to get to that point. Personnel dog trainers, dog training classes and dog training guides can all do this. Personally, I prefer to train my own dogs and believe that in the end you develop a much stronger bond with your dog. Also, your dog is more obedient to you rather than the trainer. However, at the very least, and particularly if you have never trained a dog before, I would recommend purchasing a dog training guide.

The small amount of money for a dog training guide, compared to the time you would waste searching for free online tips that will be a mix match of training and will not provide the structure, is just not worth it. More than that, the time saved in training and the end result of a properly trained dog for the rest of its life (around 15 years) is worth many times more than the cost of even the most basic training guide.

If you, and more importantly your dog, do not enjoy training then you will never properly train your dog. Training will take longer and be much harder. When you start training your dog remember they are most likely to be a puppy and at that age all they want to do is run and explore their new world. Be flexible with the time you plan to spend training. Try and keep training short but if your dog appears to be really enjoying it then be prepared to train for longer. Likewise if your dog will just not focus, then maybe leave it for a bit before going back to it. With a routine and structure to your training, your dog will soon learn that when it comes to training they need to focus for a short length of time and will be better able to do so.

I hope the above has been helpful in your desire to train your dog. By knowing why and how your dog does what it does, you should be able to understand it's behaviour much better. By using this understanding you can better bond with your dog and train your dog. A good training routine and structure as well as plenty of patience and eventually you will have a well trained dog. Always always always make sure training is enjoyable for both you and especially your dog.

Selecting the Right Dog Breed for Your Family and Lifestyle

2011-01-12T22:38:00.000-08:00

It's important to do your research before deciding to adopt a dog. Different breeds have different temperaments and qualities. Here we have outlined some common dog breeds to help you select the right dog.

Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog, nicknames Bobtail, is a British breed that belongs to the herding group of dogs. They are a large breed that stands between 22 and 24 inches tall and they usually weigh around 66 pounds, giver or take 5 pounds. They have a long fluffy coat that includes shades of white, gray, blue, and grizzle. This is a playful and smart dog that has a natural instinct to protect its family. Because of these traits they make a great family dog, and they even get along with other pets.

Samoyed

The Samoyed, also called the Samayedskaya, is a Russian working breed. These dogs were originally used as herding dogs and guard dogs for reindeer herds. Today they still a very active working dog taking on responsibilities for herding, pulling sleds, guarding homes, and caring for their human families.

The Samoyed is a medium sized dog that stands between 18 and 22 inches tall and weighs between 50 and 60 pounds. They have a medium to long overcoat that is harsh and straight and a soft downy undercoat. This dog is mainly found in shades of white and cream.

Foxhound (English)

The English Foxhound is a British hunting dog that can be traced back to at least the 16th century. They were originally bred to hunt in packs. This breed was the result of mixing several hounds including the greyhound, with a bulldog and a fox terrier. Today these dogs are still used for fox hunting, however they also are used for family pets.

The English Foxhound stands between 23 and 27 inches tall and they weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. Their hair is short and hard, like the American Foxhound, and their coat comes in black, white, tan, bicolor and tricolor coats. In order to train this dog you need to be firm and consistent. They are a smart dog, however, they get distracted easily by fresh scents.

Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel, also called the Prayer Dog, is a an ancient non-sporting dog that originated in Tibet. It was originally developed as a companion and watch dog. They are a cute little dog that stands about 10 inches tall and weighs between 9 and 15 pounds. They have a medium to long silky coat that comes in a variety of spaniel colors. The Tibetan Spaniel is an intelligent breed that is good with kids, cats, and other dogs. However, they have a tendency to display female to female dog aggression.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also called the Korthals Griffon, the Pointing Wirehaired Griffon and the Griffon D'Arret a Poil Dur, is a hunting dog that originated in France. This breed was created by crossing a Griffon of Barbet with Small Munsterlanders, Setters, Pointers and the Braque Francais.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon stands between 22 and 24 inches tall and they usually weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. Their coat is coarse, hard, and variegated. Some of the color combinations that are typically associated with this breed include white and chestnut, gray and chestnut, and pure white.

Briard

The Briard, also referred to as the Berger de Brie, is a French breed that was originally bred over 1,000 years ago as shepherd. They are a good sized dog that usually stands between 23 and 27 inches tall, and they usually weigh about 75 pounds. They have a long and wavy top coat that protects their dense undercoat. This breed can be found in shades of black and fawn.

To care for this breed you will need to brush its coat semi-daily. This will help to keep their hair free of tangles and matting, and it will help to distribute their natural oils which will protect their skin and hair from drying out. They do not need a lot of exercise, however, a gentle walk after dinner is always appreciated. This breed has a couple of health problems including hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, is a Canadian breed that belongs to the gundog class. They stand between 17 and 21 inches tall and usually weigh between 37 and 51 pounds. They have a medium to long length coat that is thick and wavy. Their coats are red fox with markings on their faces, feet, chests, and on the tips of their tails. This is a great family dog as they are patient and playful.

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner, also called the Weimaraner Vorstehhund, is a German breed that developed at least 125 years ago. They are a large dog breed that stands between 22 and 27 inches tall and that weigh between 70 and 86 pounds. They have a short sleek coat that comes in shades of silvers and grays. They are good with kids and other pets, however, they will need to be socialized and trained to make living together peaceful.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is an Irish breed that was created to be a waterfowl retriever. Today they are used as a hunting dog and as a family dog. They have a very friendly and playful temperament and they get along with kids as long as the play doesn't get too rough. This breed does have a tendency to be dog aggressive so they will need to be either an only pet or they will need to be properly socialized and trained to accept a housemate.

The Irish Water Spaniel stands between 20 and 23 inches tall and they weigh between 45 and 65 pounds. Its coat is designed to help protect the Irish Water Spaniel from the water is works in. It is made up of a dense layer of tight liver colored curls.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a German breed that has existed since at least the 18th century. It is suspected that they developed from a Spitz-like founding breed. This toy breed stands between 8 and 11 inches tall and weighs between 3 and 7 pounds. They have a long and fluffy coat that can come in just about any color. They are a very active and friendly dog, however, they usually don't get along well with young children. They do make a great companion dog for the elderly as they don't need a lot of exercise beyond what they get running around inside.

Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher, also called the Reh Pinscher, the Zwergpinscher, and the Mini Pin, is a German breed. They belong to the toy group and it is suspected that they descended from a crossing of the German Pinscher, the Dachshund, and the Italian Greyhound. This breed was developed as a ratter and as a watchdog. Today this little dog is used mostly as a family pet.

The Miniature Pinscher stands between 10 and 12 inches tall and weighs between 8 and 10 pounds. Their coat is short, hard and smooth. They come in three basic coat colors, black, chocolate, and blue. This dog is best suited for families with older kids, as they don't like to be pestered and rough housed with. They also get along well with other pets. Some of the health concerns that this breed has include eye problems and patella luxation.

Dog Obedience Training - How to Train Your Dog to Guard

2011-01-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

What is the necessity of a guard dog? A guard dog helps to protect the assets, both moveable and immovable, of the possessor. For this essential or highly significant reason a guard dog is trained by the owner himself or by professional dog obedience training. This indicates that you shall have to prepare your own dog and help it to grow like a perfect guard dog. However you should know the difference between a guard dog and watchdog beforehand. While the first one is trained also to attack any intruder whenever necessary, the watchdog tries to admonish their possessors through ceaseless barking.

Now before embarking on the process of dog obedience training you must detect the breed of the dog. The most famous breeds in the global arena are Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherd Dogs. They, due to their genetic influences, are appropriate in the roles of guard dogs. This is only possible due to their inherent qualities. Any guard dog should be daring, sharp and committed to work at the same time. In this situation both the Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherd happen to be marvelous. On the contrary just imagine the dogs like pug and spitz. They are completely incompetent in this role and if you misidentify them there may be a mess.

What does this indicate? Any guard dog training remains in the need of meticulous planning and implementation. You shall have to teach the dog both drive and bite and keep them in the schedule also. Now there are different types of guard dog training as a part of the dog obedience training. You shall have to opt for the most apt and meaningful one depending on the characteristics of the dog. Never forget that the success of the training depends on you. You are the key person to decide how your dog should react to different situations. Its aggressiveness or timid attitude depends largely on this.

Remember that this is also a part of the dog obedience training. But this training should be given to a dog who has already undergone the dog obedience training or even its basics. Any obedience training establishes the base and also the relationship between the dog and the owner. If the dog is already obedient, the rate of success will be higher.

Its also necessary to train the dog in the best way so that it can steer clear of the association of other dogs, especially of the other sex, along with mice and cats. These are nothing but distractions and that hamper the concentration of the dog in a great way. It's also the time for you to sharpen its barking skills. The best feature for which a dog gets admiration is barking. This is essential to send a shudder in the spinal chord of any intruder. The louder the bark of a dog is, the more respect it gets.

There are also different schools nowadays to impart the same training. You can take your dog to them. But all of them are not good. The best will be if you train.

Norwegian Buhund Dog Breed Description and History

2011-01-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Description: The Norwegian Buhund is a Spitz type dog, which is of medium size. The muzzle is the same length as the skull. The eyes have black rims, that are oval in shape and dark in colour, their eyes appear sad, but intelligence. They have medium-sized ears that are erect, and mobile. Their legs are straight, with good pads on their feet, these are small and webbed.

The Buhund tail is over the back and tightly curled this breed has a double coat. This is smooth to the touch while being harsh, with the undercoat is soft and woolly. The colour ranges this dog comes in are; biscuit, from light yellowish red, black, wheaten and wolf-sable. Males are 17 to 18 inches in height where as the bitches are 16 to 17 in height. Males are 31 to 40 pounds in weight whereas the bitches are 26 to 26 inches to 35 lbs in weight.

History: The Norwegian Buhund breed has been discovered in a Viking grave, dating from about the year 900. The Vikings were believed to use this breed, to protect farm animals, herding cattle, and sheep. There is evidence these dogs travelled widely with the Vikings on land and sea. In ancient times, they hunted bears and wolves. This breed can score well in the obedience, and do well in agility trials.

The Buhund dog is still a working dog guarding homes and families and is still a livestock guard. This is considered to be one of the easiest Spitz breeds to train as it is keen and willing to please. This dog has good learning aptitude. The Norwegian Buhund was first recognized by the AKC in 2009.

Ainu Dog Breed History and Description

2011-01-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

Description: The Ainu is thin, but sturdy and muscular. Here is a spontaneous and speedy dog. The Ainu has upright triangular ears; these are at right angles to the dog's brows. It has small but triangular dark brown eyes. The teeth are non- protruding, solid and healthy. In some dogs, we see black spots on the tongue. The muzzle is straight and ends with a black nose. The tail has a curl like the Spitz family. The legs are straight and lean. It is 18-22 inches in height and the weight is 45-65 pounds. This breed has a double coat that is harsh and straight. The colours are white, wolf, brindle, red, brown, and sesame. The life expectancy is 11-13 years.

History: This dog came from Japan and is part of the Japanese Spitz family. This breed is still rarely seen outside of the country. The start, and history, of this breed is not known, but we know that they were in Japan some 3,000 years ago where they were brought by the Ainu tribe. This led to the tribe, and the dog, being pushed onto the island of Hokkaido. Here the dogs' role was one of the guardian to the local villages as they are very alert.

The Ainu is thought to be one of the oldest dogs' of Japan. The blue-black tongue shows a distant relationship with the Chow Chow and the Shar Pei. This dog is good at big game hunting such as bears and has now become a designated Japanese Natural Monument. Some of their talents are in guarding and hunting. This dog has been used for sled pulling and can be trained to be defensive. The dog has a fantastic ability to sense direction and can find its owner over vast distances. This dog is also called the Hokkaido, after the area it lived, by Thomas Blankiston in 1869. This is a rare dog breed.

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Know Your Dog's Paw Health Issues

2011-01-12T06:34:00.000-08:00

Dog health and its paw problems should be cared properly by the dog owners. More and more people are going for dogs as a pet animal as these animals are lovely by the look and are very affectionate with the owners. These dogs earn the family member status in most of the houses because of their behavior. Let us discuss about the dog health and paw problems of the dog here.

Dog health

Heath of the dog is very important as like the human being the dogs are also susceptible to various, bacterial diseases, viral diseases, parasitic infestation , fungal infection , food allergy, skin allergy etc. the environment in which the dog is kept places a major role in dogs health problem . hence the dogs if they are kept in clean environment, given nutritious , hygienic food, vaccinated against all possible viral diseases and taken to pet clinic for regular health check-up, there can be hardly any health problem for the dog.

The paws, the different types of the paws and its problems

The paws of the dogs can be compared to the sole of the foot of the human beings. The paws of the dogs are the same basically in all aspects in all the breeds of the dogs. There slight difference in some dogs. In dogs the third digital bone is much shorter; hence they are also called as cat feet. The breeds like Doberman, Akita, Finnish spitz, new found land, giant schnauzer, bull terrier, Airedale terrier, kees hound, and English sheep dog are the examples of breeds with cat like feet. This kind of feet helps the dog in many ways. The dog requires very less energy to lift the feet. The dogs can move faster. The dog's remains energetic as less energy is spent as the feet are compact.

Some dogs are having hare feet. Here the center toes are longer than the side toes. The breeds that are having hare feet are also called are toy breeds. They are Bedlington terrier, Samoyed, Skye terrier, grey hound and borzoi.

The main purpose of the paw of the dog is to absorb the shock while jumping and running. The paw also gives flexibility in the movement. These paws bear the weight of the animal while the animal is on the move. The structural faults like straight shoulders, loose shoulders and hips, and imbalance between the front and back structure can affect the paw of the dogs. Hence these structural abnormalities need to be corrected in order to protect the paw.

The paws are likely to be damaged more as these parts are constantly in touch with the floor. The paws need to be checked for any wound at periodic interval. In case if there is any, it should be treated at once, otherwise the organisms can gain entry in to the body thus establishing serious infection.

Hence by taking care of the dog as a member of the family, the dog health and its paw problems can be protected.

Dog Digging - How to Manage Your Dog's Digging Habit

2011-01-12T01:56:00.000-08:00

When it comes to dogs and their desire to dig rather large holes in the yard it's hard to imagine that you can train your dog where to dig and on one side of the coin it's often thought that dogs should be allowed to continue with their digging as, after all it's in a dog's nature and nothing should stop them from doing what they do best. Another side to this coin is that no matter how much they long for this type of behaviour, there is absolutely no place in any garden for a dog of any shape, size or breed, to participate in this erratic pastime they seem to treasure so much, especially when those rosebuds took so much time and hard work to grow. I'm in favour of a compromise, as I believe that given a small amount of supervision and management, you can train your dog where to dig his or her hole, in harmony with watching the garden grow and that just because a dog wants to express itself naturally it doesn't mean it has to completely destroy the flowerbeds in the process.

If you're wondering whether some dogs have a tendency to dig more than others, it is a known fact that certain breeds are more prone to this behaviour and if you're wanting to take a vested interest in preventing the possibility of a dog digging in your back yard, it would be wise to steer clear of Nordic breeds such as certain members of the Spitz breed, and also Malamutes and Huskies. Terriers are another type of dog that has shown particular interest in digging holes. Incidentally Terrier comes from the Latin word terrarius, meaning "of the earth" so that tells you something. Although these breeds govern the likelihood of a dog's desire to dig, it's not carved in stone but it is however possible to train your dog where to dig regardless of the breed.

There are a number of reasons why a dog feels compelled to dig but here are a few of them:

The need to broaden its horizons. Sometimes a back yard just isn't enough space for a dog, no matter how big the yard is and its only consolation is in knowing what lies beyond that fence. It's the adventure of finding out that lures it into such mischievous activity. Separation anxiety. When you're one side of the fence and the dog is forced to remain on the other, it finds that a straight line is the shortest distance between you and the dog and strategy comes into play when it decides in which direction the burrowing should take place. Boredom. This can cause a dog to do a number of things but digging a hole is one of the first things on its list of priorities. A dog needs to feel it has a purpose in life, a rewarding job to perform that's interesting, keeping its mind occupied and avoiding total frustration. Lack of exercise. If a dog isn't allowed some healthy, vigorous walking, for at least forty-five minutes a day, it needs a way to burn off all that extra nervous energy so digging a large hole seems just the way to deal with this. Some of the more obvious reasons why dogs dig can be dealt with quite easily, such as your dog not getting enough physical activity. That being the case, simply take him for longer walks and more frequently. If your dog becomes easily bored, allow him more toys to play with or things to chew on while you're away. For those dogs that have an uncanny knack of escaping from whatever solitary confinement you can offer, either put him in a crate for a while or keep him inside the house where he's not as likely to leave the premises. There are still some dogs that despite your best efforts dig holes simply for their own enjoyment. For these characters a more subtle approach is required:

Allow nature to work in your favour. If your dog is completely destroying your flowerbeds, plant the type of blossoms that offer their own protection such as roses; they have thorns that most dogs would think twice about messing with, and deep roots, just one more thing they have to worry about. Access can be restricted. One of the best ways to deal with a dog's digging habit is by supervising your dog in the yard; he won't be given the opportunity for digging. Another deterrent nature provides is a dog's dislike for digging anywhere near poop, even those dogs that eat it (a condition called coprophagia). A very effective approach is to purposely leave some of this in strategic areas of the yard where he's likely to want to dig; he'll avoid it at all costs. Not particularly enjoyable for you but at least it works! Spray him with water. Dogs usually don't like to get wet so turning on the hose and giving him a cold shower may just be the answer when you see him digging in a place he knows he shouldn't be digging at all. Lay chicken wire. If laid near the fence or at other locations where your dog is likely to dig, after a few tries he'll get the message and not dig there again - just make sure that it's buried deep enough that it won't be visible; an inch or two under the surface should be just fine. It's a bit time-consuming but it's well worth the effort. Having said all this a dog is still a dog after all and there's nothing that's going to change that and if he feels it's absolutely necessary to dig a hole he will do whatever he can to accomplish that. Before embarking on a lot of time-consuming methods to prevent him from doing what he loves to do, try redirecting his digging habit to a more appropriate area of the yard. It's perfectly natural for a dog to want to dig, just as it's quite normal for you not to want him to do that so why not find a compromise? Select a corner of the yard and dedicate it to the dog and only the dog. That way, once he becomes aware that his digging must only be done in that corner, he'll treat it like it's his own and he will know that he can do anything he wants there and feel quite safe and at home that he won't be reprimanded about things he does there. It's up to you of course to make it known in no uncertain terms that under no circumstances must he dig anywhere else but in his own corner of the yard, he'll soon get the hang of it!

Not everyone can afford to give an entire corner of the yard to their dog. In this case a sandbox is the answer. You can buy one or even make one; it's not that hard to do, just make sure it's deep enough for him to dig in. Place it in an appropriate part of the yard and fill it with a combination of earth and sand, then lay some grass or leaves over it if you prefer, and bury some of those tasty marrowbones he likes, in the sandbox and start to scratch around in there to show him what it's for. Once he gets to know what he can expect to find inside he'll want to check it out as often as he can to see what's new. Give him a treat when he starts to dig in there, as this will encourage him even more. The important thing to remember here is that although he's become acquainted with his new sandbox, he must realize that every other part of the yard is off-limits as far as digging is concerned. Some initial hollering and scolding may be in order to reinforce your point of view. He'll understand soon enough.

To find out more about other types of anti-social behaviour that dog's tend to engage in, check out Secrets to Dog Training. It's what every responsible dog owner needs, an in-depth, how-to reference, full of tips and tricks on raising a well-adjusted, happy and healthy dog: from obedience work to problem behaviours and dog psychology, Secrets to Dog Training has it all.

The Keeshond - Intelligent and Affectionate Companion Dog

2011-01-11T21:24:00.000-08:00

An Introduction to the Keeshond

The Keeshond (plural is Keeshonden) is an extremely affectionate dog that tends to get along wonderfully with people and with other pets in the household. They are a medium sized dog, weighing about thirty-five to forty-five pounds and stand at seventeen to eighteen inches tall.

The Keeshond History - Dog of the Patriots

The world almost didn't get to enjoy this great companion, though. It was in the late 1700s that the breed almost disappeared. The people of Holland dared to stand up to the royalists at about the same time the colonists in the New World were preparing to fight King George of England.

The Dutch commoners chose as their mascot a medium-sized dog that had served for centuries as the guard dog on barges and as a household companion. The leader of the Patriots had one of these dogs that followed him everywhere. The dog's name was Kees.

The Patriots were not victorious and people were afraid to be seen with a dog that had stood for the rebellion, so these great dogs almost disappeared. Then in 1920 Baroness van Hardenbroek found a few of these dogs that had been kept in low profile by farmers and river boatmen. She used the fine individuals to bring the breed back.

The Baroness fought the attempt to change the name of the dog to German Spitz, and in 1925 the breed was officially changed to Keeshond (after the dog Kees, mentioned above, and the Dutch word for dog, "hond"). It is now the national dog of Holland.

The Keeshond's Temperament

The Keeshond is very smart and such a great companion that it's a bit of a mystery why it is not more popular in the United States. In 2006 they were ranked 93rd most popular dog by the AKC.

Like many dogs they want to be inside with their family instead of locked outdoors. They make great housedogs: playful, attentive, loving, content to take it easy, and yet ready for adventure. A daily walk and a play time is all they need each day to satisfy its needs for exercise.

They are also easily trained, friendly to everyone but yet an alert watchdog, and an excellent companion for children and adults. With their thick fur they can tolerate cold temperatures but cannot tolerate heat.

Like dogs such as Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, the Keeshond has a double coat to keep them warm. This coat requires brushing once or twice a week and more often when shedding.

Dogs - Three Lessons from Some Great Dogs I Have Known

2011-01-11T18:23:00.000-08:00

1. Johnny - some sort of mix between sheep herding dog and a collie that I had when I was about 4 until after I went to college. Johnny taught me loyalty and the ability to do things that are hard to do because you have to do them. I must have been about 6 or7 that warm day. I was swinging on the backyard swing, barefooted, dragging my feet through the no grass area underneath the swing. Suddenly, Johnny went berserk and acted like he was going to chew my feet off. So, now, I am standing in the swing. And then I see the prettiest coral snake right where my feet had been. Now, I'm hollering and out came the whole family - and my daddy ran and got the hoe. As soon as the snake was gone, Johnny, rubbed me with his nose and me and licked as if to say "I'm so sorry for scaring you, but I didn't want the snake to bite you."

2. Li' Toot - an "accident" when from breeding pugs and breeding chihuahuas who bred. We got Lil' Toot and his brother, Big Toot about the same time I became pregnant. Lil' Toot taught me that sometimes you don't need to be one who always gives in. Sometimes, you just need to stand your grand! Both of them liked to pile in my lap while I reclined in the recliner and read the newspaper. This unborn child could very easier have gone out for the soccer team because of his kicking ability. Apparently, he kicked both dogs at the same time. Bib Toot, being the mild gentleman that he was, moved over. Not Lil' Toot - no way! He looked at my ever increasing tummy, growled, and promptly laid back in the exact same place. I felt the baby roll over and kick someplace else.

3. Goya - a beautiful, white spitz. She was given to us when the little boy who kicked Lil' Toot was nearly 4 years old. Goya taught me that sometimes you have to do the right thing instead of the easy thing. I watched in horror from my kitchen window as that little boy climbed to the very crossbar of the swing set and started to walk across it. (Last time I took him to the circus for awhile!) If I hollered he would fall. If I rushed out, I would startle him and he would fall. Goya was watching him as well. Only she was there and I got there as quickly as possible. She followed him along the ground and crouched down. Just as I got there, he fell and landed on her. She could have moved at any time - but didn't. The doctor said she kept him from breaking his collarbone - it was only dislocated. The vet said Goya was fine, even if she was a little bruised and no doubt sore.

The Five-Minute Guide to Keeping Your Dog Fit and Healthy

2011-01-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

Keeping your dog fit and healthy really is a no-brainer, and yet you're seeing as many unfit, overweight dogs as you see unfit, obese people. And yet there is a simple solution to both problems: combine a healthy, nutritious diet with regular exercise.

Feeding and your dog's health and fitness:

The sheer variety and amount of dog food that is available in your local supermarket is quite staggering. And for many pet owners it's difficult to know where to start.

Should I get the dry food, wet food, in a pouch? Feed canned food, raw, scraps, homemade, road kill? The short and most useful answer is always buy good quality food for your dog. Would you be content feeding your family, or yourself, on only the very cheapest of food? Probably not. However, a great many dog owners allow their dog's to consume the cheapest muck on the market.

A dog's nutritional needs are exactly the same as ours: A proportionally balanced diet of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, vegetable matter and fats are necessary to maintain good health.

If you're competent enough to create a nutritious an appetizing daily diet for your dog- then go ahead. This is how I've fed most of my dogs. But if you decide to use the supermarkets' offerings make sure that you only buy the Premium brands. Whether you choose wet, dry or canned, find one that your dog likes and stay with it. Any changes from dry, to canned, or to any other food type should be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets.

In general, use the manufacturer's guide, which gives a daily-recommended amount for the size of your pet. Only increase the recommended amount if your dog is looking on the thin side.

Treats are another food item that's heavily promoted by the supermarkets; for dogs and for us. Because we're fond of treats we assume that our dogs are, and we'd be right. Their treats like ours are usually high in calories. The more enlightened of us know that it's wise not to eat too many, but our dogs don't possess that knowledge. So, we need to know when to hold back on our dogs' treats in the same way that we do with ours.

Exercise and your dog's health and fitness.

All dogs whether they're young or old need exercising. How much exercise a dog needs is dependent on his breeding, his size, and his age. Many owners are led to believe that large dogs need more exercise than small one's. However, with some breeds the reverse of that is true.

Every breed of dog was originally bred to do some form of work, ranging from the highly strenuous sled hauling of the Spitz group of dogs, to the agility and intelligence required by a Collie to herd sheep. If you fit the exercise to your dog's breed type you won't go far wrong. For example Cocker Spaniels were bred to flush out game.

So, exercise a Spaniel where there are bushes, bracken, and the scent of game, such as rabbits, birds, etc. Not only does your dog get a physical workout he's also getting mental stimulation in to the bargain. Labrador's and Retrievers love games that involve retrieving: incorporate that in to your walks.

The quickest way to promote obesity in your dog is to confine it to the home all day. You're also decreasing your pet's life span, quality of life- and like any prisoner- driving it crazy with boredom.

Dogs' need to run and play, and off lead activity is better by far than the quick round the block, on the lead, exercise that many dogs are saddled with. Thirty minutes to an hour per day is all that's required to keep your dog in good shape, and it won't do you too much harm either.

Dog Grooming - Do You Really Have To Groom Your Dog All The Time!

2011-01-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

Dog grooming. Is it really necessary?

In most families, dogs are more than just the family pets. They are valued members of our family, a playmate and protector. They give unconditional love and all that they want in return is to be loved and taken care of.

Part of this care is grooming. It is very important that you find the right person to groom your dog. Dog grooming is not an easy occupation. It is difficult work that requires adequate professional training and a dedication to dogs; it also helps if you truly like dogs.

Dogs can sense what type of person you are and will act or react according to what they sense. If you have a love of dogs, and take pride in their appearance, then dog groomer may be right for you.

It is however, important that you gain experience with dog grooming before you start out on your own. Dog grooming experience might be gained through apprenticeship; therefore, it is wise to spend at least one-year gaining experience from a well-respected groomer.

Grooming a dog is more than keeping the coat and skin clean and healthy, it also involves looking after the dogs nails, teeth, eyes and ears.

Dog grooming does a couple of things for your canine:

It makes him or her look better and it contributes to both his and her mental and physical health. It is not just a luxury for your canine companion; it is also a health requirement. Grooming is essential both for the dogs well being and for the owners enjoyment of a clean pet. If you have a show dog, then you know how important it is to keep him or her groomed properly.

It literally means the difference between winning and loosing a competition. Having a properly brushed dog is important to keep a silky and shiny coat, however, it is equally important the fact that the judges also check the show dogs eyes, ears, and teeth.

Grooming also involves making sure your pets ears are cared for. This aspect of grooming is very important because dogs rely on their hearing more than the other senses so keeping the ears properly maintained is crucial. It is very easy for a dog to lose their hearing if their ears are not cleaned properly.

It is the practice of caring for the appearance of a canine for personal or showing purposes. It is important to understand that brushing the entire coat is extremely important. Brushing only over the top of the longer outside hairs can compact the undercoat and promote mats.

"Daily grooming can be fun and enjoyable, but the process of grooming your dog will vary depending which dog breed you have"

Some dog breeds require professional grooming, there is just no way a round it. Some of the herding dog breeds, along with some Spitz, Hound and hunting dogs have specialists coats and require particular attention.

The famous Poodle and Shin Tzu and also dogs requiring experienced grooming at regular times throughout the year. You can learn to groom your dog adequately, as long as you have the right tools, a patient dog and a whole lot of time!

Dog grooming can be a very soothing experience for dog and owner.

However, it will be something your dog will grow to enjoy. Once you have established a daily routine of grooming your dog, he or she will jump for joy when the dog brush comes out. It will be quality time you both will enjoy.

How To Teach Your Dog To Rollover In Two Weeks

2011-01-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

I'm no professional dog trainer but, an average person that knows the easy technique to teach any of my dogs how to rollover within a matter of two weeks. Friends are amazed when I call my dog and I tell her to rollover and she does what I command but, I always reward her for an amazing little performance.

I have been teaching the rollover technique to my dogs for the last thirty years when my mother told me to teach our Border Collie how to rollover and I told my mother something like Yeah Right how do you do something that is so complicated like that. She said watch me so, I watched her very closely to learn how to do it on my own but, I still wasn't sure that it was going to pan out in the long run.

After few minutes she was done showing me and it was my turn to practice what she showed me and by the time I was done it seem like our Border Collie was already getting the hang of it on the first lesson.(WOW) So, after that first day I was committed to teaching that same technique at least once day for nearly two weeks.

Why I did quit after two weeks was because, I could not make that Border Collie do any better performance than she was already doing and I was very happy that my dog understood what I teaching to him very well and in very short time. Anytime you wanted that dog to show-off we would grab some kind of treat usually some left-over table scraps and hold it in my right hand and twirl it circular motion while saying rollover all at same time. My dog would commence to rolling over time after time but, no more than three times and my pooch was given his treat for a job well done.

The second dog that I taught was my Alaskan Spitz and her name was Shasha and she learned to roller-over as quickly as the Border Collie but, I did not ever think about training two different dogs that I had the same time. We enjoyed Shasha and her great abilities to roll-over talent and her long life as our beloved pet that lived about 20 human years.

My third dog is a Rat Terrier that I have right now and her name is Starr named by my wife for having a star looking shape right on her nose when she was a pup. As you probably know that these are hyper dogs and she does get a little carried away when she wants a treat and sometime her roll-over turns into craziness dance but, we love her because, we know that she has over abundance of energy that she don't ever get to completely burn up around our home.

The whole technique of learning your dog to roll-over is very easy and by starting out with you having some likeable treat then get down your knees with the dog right in front of you begging for the treat. Preferably hold the treat in your left hand just high for the dog not to be able to reach the treat and with your right hand gently hold down on back of the neck and top of shoulders region to keep the dog in one general location. Then with the left hand start drawing a fairly big imaginary circle around the dog head still maintaining barely out reach. Just teasing your poor dog to death and be sure the dog follows the treat completely with their head and always gradually drop the treat lower to the ground as you proceed.

Helping them a bit by getting them on their side and getting their head to follow the treat in the roll-over direction is the difficult part of the technique. You may need to help them roll the first several times but, always rewarding them after about two times. It much easier than what its sounds because, dogs love a special treat and they will chase whatever they want to extreme measures to get what they are after. Its nice to have a good trick for your dog to show- off in from others so, when you get chance show your dog how easy is rollover it will be worth the small effort.

Stopping Those Backyard Blues - How to Get Your Dog to Respect the Yard

2011-01-11T02:29:00.000-08:00

Does your yard resemble the moon's surface, riddled with craters everywhere? When resolving a digging problem, it helps to know why your dog digs. Reasons for digging are many: to relieve boredom, to hunt vermin, to create cooling pits, to escape under fences and to underneath buried treasures, the list goes on...

A dog left in the yard to exercise alone may choose digging as an entertaining way to burn up excess energy. If the soil has been recently tilled to ready it for planting, it's softer and more enjoyable to dig in than dry, hard-packed soil.

Prevent dogs from digging in newly tilled or freshly planted sections by fencing off your garden patches, laying chicken wire on top of plant beds, or accompanying your puppy on its outings and directing its play toward more wholesome pursuits, such as fetch or hide-and-seek.

Terriers and Dachshunds were bred to hunt vermin, a task that includes dashing down holes to dispatch them. If your lawn is beset by moles, voles, groundhogs or other small mammals, your Parson and Jack Russell, Cairn, Westie or other earth-dog breed will embark on an extermination mission.

The genetic urge to catch and kill these pesky critters is so strong in these breeds that walking them on-leash while they're in the yard may be the only way to control the digging until you can clear your yard of these interlopers.

During hot summer months, some dogs, particularly the heavily coated northern spitz-type dogs (such as Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds and Alaskan Malamutes, to name a few) frequently cool themselves by digging pits in shady areas to unearth moister ground. Plastic wading pools filled with a few inches of cold water can serve the same purpose while saving your sod. Keeping your pup inside the air-conditioned home during the hottest parts of the day is also wise.

Is Your Pup Digging For Sport?

If so, then you had better choose an out-of-the-way spot in the yard in which to establish a doggie digging pit, because this sporting habit is not likely to change. It doesn't have to be huge - a square 1½ to 2 times your dog's body length should do it. Put some sort of visual boundary around it - flat, light-colored stones would be just fine.

Till or aerate the soil, and add a little sand so it's more pleasant to dig in the pit than elsewhere in the yard. To make it even more appealing, toss in a few biscuits or chewies and call your dog over to dig them out.

When you catch your puppy digging in another part of the yard, interrupt it and direct it to the digging pit. When you catch your pup digging in the pit, reward the behavior. Now you're well on your way to a pothole-free yard!

Japanese Akita Dog

2011-01-10T22:25:00.001-08:00

The Japanese Akita dog is not for the faint hearted owner. It is a large strong powerful dog with a regal bearing and a sense of its own superiority. It's a loyal dog. Which, when trained to a high standard, makes a wonderful companion, but training is crucial to successful ownership of this dog.

It's a large spitz type dog, full of muscle and latent power, easily recognised by the tail which curls over the back. It has a thick powerful neck and powerful shoulders. The coat is a thick top coat and a soft undercoat. Like most spitz breeds it is a surprisingly quiet dog that is not prone to nuisance barking. Akitas only tend to bark if it senses trouble. When it does bark however it can be frightening.

The Japanese Akita dog is by nature a loner and does not mix well with other dogs.? Especially male dogs. If you are going to own an Akita then extensive socialization is need to get it used to other dogs and even then it's not the kind of dog you can allow to run free on a public park. It requires extensive supervision at all times.

The dog is very territorial and will guard its home space against strangers. This can cause problems when friends or neighbours call to your home, the Akita may not like this. You will need to put him away in a crate or socialize him to frequent visitors.

It is also a very intelligent dog that will become bored easily. You need to keep it engaged when at home. During training the dog will soon become bored if the training is repetitive; if it becomes bored it will just walk away. Stubbornness is also one of its characteristics.

Think very carefully before committing yourself to this dog, do plenty of research. Many Akitas end up in rescue centres because their owners found that looking after the dog was too much for them and owning this dog is a challenge. Don't even consider getting an Akita if you are not a dominant person.

The dog will sense your weakness in no time and seek to take control. It is a natural leader and will only submit to your authority if it senses you are strong, show it weakness and it will take control, if this happens your ownership of the dog will not be pleasant.

If you're thinking of buying a Japanese Akita dog then do your homework. This is not like any other dog. Be prepared for plenty of challenges and to spend a lot of time training the dog. A well trained Akita can make a great and loyal companion for years that will be protective of you and your family but the dog does require extensive training.

Six Types of Small Dogs & Their Temperaments

2011-01-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

Small dogs were originally bred to be the companions of royalty. Their sole purpose was to bring their owners companionship, loyalty, and amusement. The types of small dogs that comprise what is now known as the Toy Group were genetically bred to not only be tiny, but to seek companionship from humans as well. The same qualities that made the small dogs a favorite of royals also make them a favorite of Americans today. In fact, according to American Kennel Club registration statistics, since 2000 four of the top ten most popular breeds in the United States have been small dogs.

Despite their rapid increase in popularity, many toy breeds are unknown to most Americans. Following is a list of six types of small dogs in the Toy Group and some information about their history and temperament.

1. Pug

Pug History

The Pug originated in China around 400 BC. and became popular in Europe around 1027 when Prince William II of England, a long time fan of Pugs, became King of England.

Pug Characteristics

The breed is known for having a big personality in a little body and for being even tempered, playful, and loving. The Pug's reason for living is to be near his family and his sturdiness makes him one of the few Toy breeds that are suitable for families with young children. Pugs are comfortable in apartments but can adapt easily to all situations. Pugs shed, but their short coats requires little grooming.

2. Maltese

Maltese History

The Maltese breed was also a favorite of royalty, particularly in Malta. According to the AKC, the gentle, white dogs became known as "Ye ancient dogge of Malta". Now these small dogs are just referred to as "Maltese".

Maltese Characteristics

Maltese's are calm, entertaining, and generally great terrific family dogs. They mature at about 4-7 pounds and they require daily brushing to keep their fine coats from becoming matted.

3. Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox History

The American Toy Fox Terrier (TFT) Association states that "The Toy Fox Terrier is truly a Toy and a Terrier, and both have influenced his personality and character. "

While most terriers were bred in England the TFT was bred in the United States by enthusiasts that crossed the Smooth Coated Fox Terrier with various Toys including Chihuahua's, Min Pin's, and Italian Greyhounds.

Toy Fox Characteristics

The Toy Fox Terrier possesses tremendous life-long energy and an acute sense of hearing; characteristics that make him a great watch dog. Like all Toys, the TFT is fiercely loyal to his family. TFT's mature between 7-9 pounds, require little grooming, and are generally easier to potty train than most Toys.

4. Havanese

Havanese History

The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and the county's only native breed. The combination of the Havanese's study build and it's gentle but playful personality make it a great companion for children.

Havanese Characteristics

The breed requires slightly more exercise than most Toys and its non-shedding coat, while great for allergy sufferers, needs to be regularly groomed.

5. Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon History

The Brussels Griffon is one of the few Toys breeds that grew up with a working class history. Originally the breed was developed by crossing Pugs with sable colored Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This crossing resulted in two distinct types of coat: rough and smooth. The dog's sturdiness and affectionate temperament made them great companions for coachmen who used them as ratters in Belgian stables.

Brussels Griffon Characteristics

The Brussels Griffon is super-intelligent and sensitive but can be self-conscious and shy around strangers. Interestingly, a Brussels Griffon was featured in the 1997 hit movie, As Good As it Gets, starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.

6. Pomeranian

Pomeranian History

The American Kennel Club's web site indicates that "The breed's name originally came from the historical region of Pomerania (now present day Germany and Poland). Originally weighing nearly 30 pounds, the dog served as an able herder of sheep in its larger form. They were not well known until 1870, when the Kennel Club (England) recognized the so-called Spitz dog. In 1888, Queen Victoria fell in love with a Pomeranian in Florence, Italy, and brought the specimen back to England, influencing its popularity dramatically."

Pomeranian Characteristics

The Pomeranian is now a showy and animated little dog having been bred down to Toy size over the last century. An average adult Pomeranian weighs about 7 pounds. The breed does not require a lot of exercise but does require regular grooming to keep his coat from matting.

Pomeranians - The Right Dog Breed For You?

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The Miniature American Eskimo Dog

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The American Eskimo Dog - In Focus

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The American Eskimo Dog is a spitz-like breed that has an all-white double coat with short and thick ears. Because of these features, she can fare well in cold climates. This breed has been recognized by the American Kennel club (AKC) since 1994. The American Eskimo Dog comes in toy, miniature and standard versions. Her sweetness and adorability make her a very good family dog.

A Brief History Of The American Eskimo Dog

This breed -- also known as the Eskie --descended from the Keeshond, the Pomeranian, the Volpino Italiano, and one variety of the Spitz breed that originated from Germany. This mix of breeds attributed to the very spitz-like appearance of the Eskie. In fact, she is usually mistaken as a spitz breed.

The Eskie's popularity grew very slowly while the other aforementioned breeds became very prominent. That's why in the 1900s, there were a lot of white spitz-like dogs -- American Eskimo Dogs -- that were homeless. It is believed that European workers adopted these dogs and brought them to the United States. This breed was then registered in the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1913. These white spitz-like dogs were then named the American Spitz by the 1920s. They were usually seen in circus shows and dog shows. Her name was changed to the American Eskimo Dog after World War I and the breed was then recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1994.

Taking Care Of An American Eskimo Dog

Like any other dog, the American Eskimo Dog needs a significant amount of exercise every day; but in her case, her exercise requirement depends whether she is the toy type, the miniature or the standard size. The miniature and toy versions require only a very small amount of exercise daily. They can get by with just a short walk around the block or just a bit of running inside the house. On the other hand, the standard-sized Eskie may require a lot more time for exercise. She needs a good workout every day along with several walks around the neighborhood. In general, American Eskimo dogs love to run around and play a lot, especially in cold weathers.

This dog breed is no stranger to very cold climates. She can tolerate cold temperature very well. In fact, they were not meant to live in warm places. However, she still makes a very good house pet and watchdog as long as she is kept indoors most of the time. You may also need to brush her thick coat at least twice a week to keep it looking great.

The American Eskimo Dog's Health Concerns

A good thing about the American Eskimo Dog is that she isn't prone to any major health problems. However, minor health concerns may arise, such as CHD, patellar luxation and PRA. She can also acquire diabetes -- but only rarely. Vets recommend that you take your Eskie to the clinic to be tested for possible eye, hip and knee problems. This breed's average life span is between 12 to 14 years.

American Eskimo Dogs

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Finish Spitz Dog Description, History and Temperament

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The German Spitz

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A "Spitz-type" breed is a dog that is compact of body, with dense stand off coat, tail curled over the back and a fox appearance to the head. The German Spitz in appearance is quite similar to that of a small Chow, with less ruff at the neck and a more fox-like appearance to the head. Archaeological findings date the German Spitz to dogs that were of similar body build and size during the Stone Age.

Historically in Germany the German Spitz has been divided into five separate sizes. All sizes of the Spitz can be found in Germany today. Actually these dogs are all considered separate "breeds" but are classed in the F.C.I. (European dog club classifications) as members of the entire "family" of German Spitz. The Spitz family ranges from the 19 inch size (known as the Keeshond) down to the 7-8 inch variety known as the Pomeranian. The Keeshond and the Pomeranian are the sizes most commonly seen in Britain and in the United States. Australia only recognizes the standard size in their dog shows. The breed standard of the F.C.I. distinguishes all variations by size and markings or color but all within the one classification of "German Spitz" while the A.K.C. recognizes the varieties as separate breeds. In Great Britain the Kennel club allows exhibits of all sizes and colorations within one class. At the Kennel Club shows this makes for an interesting and exciting class for spectators to observe, what with all the different colors and markings.

In all the varieties of the Spitz, the coat is termed a "stand-off" coat, meaning that the individual guard hairs stand away from the body and do not lie flat. This makes an easy care coat that requires little brushing to remain mat free. The outer coat is weather resistant and does not mat easily and except for seasonal shedding of the undercoat a weekly brushing is fine. The ears are always upright and the tail is always curled over the back, with shorter fur on the fronts of the legs.

The Spitz was commonly used in Germany as a drover's dog. Queen Victoria was responsible for the introduction of the breed into Great Britain, where it became popular as a companion dog and lap dog. In Great Britain the Pomeranian size gained the greatest popularity. The German Spitz has a lively and inquisitive nature, friendly and outgoing and non aggressive in all respects, making it a dog that blends easily into a household with children and other animals. They are a bit reserved with strangers and give a good warning as a watchdog but are not known for displays of bad temper. The high intelligence and easy trainability of the German Spitz makes it a popular obedience candidate and it is lively enough to be a good agility prospect also. This is a breed that no doubt would make more of a mark in the United States if agility enthusiasts knew about it. The dog's size and temperament make it an ideal apartment dog, needing nothing more than one or two daily walks for exercise.

The American Eskimo Dog - Is This The Dog For You?

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These endearing little dogs come in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. They are highly intelligent, playful characters. They are so delightful that circuses used them in the shows, Barnum and Bailey had a tightrope walking American Eskimo dog! Beautiful in appearance and charming in character, you'd be hard pressed to find a more engaging and entertaining dog.

They are also known as "Eskies" and Miniature Eskimo dogs. Descendents of larger Nordic Spitz dogs, the Eskie was bred to its current size in Europe where they were kept as watchdogs. They were brought to the United States in the early 1900's where they became known as American Eskimo dogs.

Highly active and curious individuals, these dogs require a lot of care and attention if they are to develop into well behaved dogs. Not given the necessary mental and physical stimulation they need, they can become aggressive and destructive and can turn into barking machines! They make great pets for children as they can engage in endless hours of play, in fact they'd love nothing better! They do fine in a yard but need to be walked regularly as well in order to satisfy their pack and migration instincts.

Eskies have long white coats with a dense undercoat that needs regular grooming. They are prone to flea allergies so special care should be taken to avoid flea infestation. The breed sheds a lot and isn't recommended for people with allergies. Ideally they should be bathed no more than once a month as they have dry skin and can develop allergies; frequent grooming will usually keep them clean and ensure their coat stays in top condition. Some individuals have blue eyes but blue eyed Eskimo dogs can be prone to deafness and can't be used as show dogs.

The breed's life expectancy is around 13-15 years and although it is a hardy breed it is prone to breed specific conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy and luxating patella. Special care should be given to the eyes as this breed is susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy. Hip dysplasia is another common condition in the breed.

American Eskimos make terrific pets but do your research before getting one; these dogs require a lot of care and attention and may not be suitable for the laid back dog owner. If you live in a pet intolerant neighborhood or apartment building, think twice before getting an Eskie as they are master barkers!

Finnish Spitz Puppy And Dog Information

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The Finnish Spitz makes a great family dog. She likes older children and is generally good with other pets. She needs plenty of daily walks or a properly fenced in yard for exercise. She does not have a dog odor but can tend to be a barker. She is extremely healthy for a purebred and she is the national dog of Finland.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male and female Finnish Spitz is 15 to 20 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 30 to 35 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Finnish Spitz is no exception. Although she is considered a very healthy breed, be on the look out for canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), and patella luxation (congenital condition in which the kneecap dislocates). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Finnish Spitz has a double coat, a long hard outer coat and a soft dense undercoat. She sheds heavily seasonally. Her coat is pretty much self cleaning but she still should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Finnish Spitz can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Finnish Spitz was bred to hunt elk and bear. They were originally called the Finnish Hunting Dog. They were later turned into bird dogs. She is the national dog of Finland. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1991.

Some Registries

Finnish Spitz Club of America, Inc. UKC United Kennel Club NKC National Kennel Club CKC Continental Kennel Club APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. AKC American Kennel Club FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain ANKC Australian National Kennel Club ACR American Canine Registry
Litter Size

3 to 6 Finnish Spitz puppies

Category

Non-Sporting

Terms To Describe

Gay, happy, fox like, active, friendly, eager, brave, faithful, alert

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

This is a low odor dog. Highly intelligent. Good companion dog. Great for jogging.
SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Known for her barking. Can be very strong willed. Sheds heavily during spring and fall. She likes to explore so she must be secured. Often does not like to be petted.
Other Names Known By

Finsk Spets, Barking Bird Dog, Finnish Hunting Dog

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

The American Eskimo Dog

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The American Eskimo Dog is loving, alert, beautiful, agile, highly intelligent, friendly, social, curious and strong. She makes an excellent protective watch dog but is not threatening or aggressive. It has a white or cream straight outer coat, with dense undercoat. There is a lion appearance as the coat is longer and thicker around the chest and neck. It has a thick tail carried on the back. Blue eyes in this breed is considered a defect and a problem of ill health or bad breeding.

She will do well in an apartment as long as she can get frequent long walks. A properly fenced yard is always preferable. She was bred to be a family dog and they need plenty of family attention. She is excellent with children. Of course, never leave very young children alone with any dog for any length of time, long or short, without adult supervision.

The American Eskimo Dog is often called a Spitz in America. The Spitz refers to a group of breeds, not an individual breed. He is also nicknamed the Spitz, which again is not a breed but a group of breeds including the Pomeranian, Samoyed, Shiba Inu, Siberian Husky and Finnish Spitz.

Approximate Adult Size

There are three sizes of the American Eskimo Dog, Toy, Miniature and Standard. The Toy runs from 9 to 12 inches to the withers (tallest point of the back), the Miniature runs 12 to 15 inches to the withers and the Standard runs 15 inches to19 inches to the withers.

Special Health Considerations

The American Eskimo Dog, like many large dogs, are prone to hip dysplasia, flea allergies, hot spots, cataracts, epilepsy, patellar luxation, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. They have no tolerance for fleas and can develop severe flea allergies which can result in painful skin lesions. Their skin is naturally dry so they should not be bathed more than one every two or three months. All dogs should have their teeth brushed once a week.

Grooming

The thick coat is easy to groom, brush twice a week with firm bristle. They are a medium shedder, one in May or June and then again in November and December. Many owners use an undercoat rake to groom which is available online or at better stocked pet stores.

Life Span

They can live 12 to 14 years with proper nutrition and care, although there are cases of 20 year life spans.

History

The American Eskimo Dog derives from the ancient Spitz family. Hailing from the coastal regions Germany, these dogs were traded throughout Europe. This family dogs probably came to America with German immigrants. They were used as family pets, watch dogs and circus animals. Circuses would sell puppies after performances and this the breed was spread throughout the US. They became popular during the 1930s and 1940s. They are known as the German Spitz in Germany. They were renamed during World War I to remove their national origin since we were at war with Germany. They were recognized as a breed in 1913.

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good with children. Highly intelligent. Very obedient. Good watchdog. Can be protective but rarely will bite. Do not smell like a dog. They groom themselves. Easily trained, especially early.
SPECIAL BAD POINTS

They love to bark. Can be willful. Prone to weight gain. Responds very poorly to harsh treatment. Can take long to mature, up to two years. Must be trained early as a puppy. Can develop bad habits if not stimulated.

Learn About The American Eskimo Dog Breed

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Of all the dog breeds one of the fluffiest and cutest is the American Eskimo puppy. It is from the Spitz family and considered a Nordic breed. When brought to America its name was changed to the American Eskimo dog. It was originally related to the white German Spitz. They originally changed the name because after World War I there were widespread anti-German sentiments. They are now considered to be two separate breeds but the two a very closely related.

Evidence shows that the "White Spitz" was also brought to America by German immigrants. The studbook was closed by the North American Eskimo dog Association in 1969. To gain acceptance into the AKC, The American Eskimo Dog Club of America was formed in 1985.

On July 1, 1995 the American Eskimo dog was accepted in to the AKC in the Non-Sporting Group. There are three sizes of the breed, the standard, miniature, and of course, the toy. The standard size will reach a height of 15 to 19 inches, and will weigh between 18 and 35 pounds. A miniature will be 12-15 inches tall and weigh 10-20 pounds. A toy dog will be 9-12 inches high and weigh six to ten pounds.

Being a small to medium size dog the American Eskimo dog is a well-balanced, compact Nordic type dog. When it walks or run you will see a smooth gait. The dog is also very alert. There are very distinctive black points on the dogs face. They are around the eye rims, lips and on the nose. The ears also have the black points and are triangular shaped and stand erect.

The coat is two fold. The under coat consist of short dense hair. The outer coat grows through the undercoat with long guard hair. This gives the dog a double coat. The hair should lay flat with no waves or curls. Around the neck and chest the coat is much thicker and forms a ruff similar to a loins. This trait is more pronounced on a male than on the females. The breech look, which is characteristic of the breed, is formed around the back legs to the hocks and is covered in very thick hair also. The tail is loosely carried on its back and is very plum. The color of the American Eskimo dog should be pure white, though white and biscuit cream is also allowed.

As a puppy the American Eskimo is a little on the conservative side but is generally friendly. They are very intelligent and highly alert. If being shown they can be penalized for either aggressive behavior or being overly shy. If you want a watchdog this is a good breed, due to its alertness they will bark when someone is approaching. They do not general threaten to bite or attack people, but they are protective of their area and family. It is quick and eager to learn new tricks.

Though this breed is generally healthy there are a few things it is susceptible to. Owners should pay close attention to any changes in the tear ducts or eyes. Progressive retinal astrophy and hip displaysia also run in this breed. To avoid dermatitis keep the coat free of fleas and clean.

This dog is very active and is best suited for living in an area with a yard where it can run and play. It can become overweight very easily so regular exercise is a must. It would be okay in an apartment as long as you had a place to exercise them. You should brush the dog at least twice a week. Remember it has a thick coat so you will need a comb or brush with bristles that are firm. The breed is not really a heavy shedder, but when it does shed its coat increase the brushing frequency to daily. Wash only when needed.

About Japanese Spitz

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The Japanese Spitz are developed in Japan in the 1920s and 30s by breeding a number of other Spitz type dog breeds together. They are recognized by the vast majority of the major kennel clubs, due to its being similar appearance to the American Eskimo and Samoyed dog from other country. A Japanese Spitz is a small dog around 33 cm at the withers, with a somewhat square body, deep chest, and a very thick, pure white double coat.

The Japanese Spitz has wedge-shaped face. It is an intelligent breed and will quickly learn what is required of them if gentle consistency is applied. They are also playful, alert, and obedient, and particularly excellent and loving towards children. They are small enough to enjoy being a lap dog, but do possess an independent nature and a strong will of their own so new owners need to be firm with their pups, but not that harsh because harsh handling and strong verbal and physical discipline are harmful and may be met with resistance. Positive reinforcement of treats and praise will bring out their eagerness to learn and their willingness to please. Socialization at a very early age can introduce the puppy to various people, places, noises, situations and other animals. This will mature into a friendly, confident, well mannered adult. This kinds of dogs are a type of companion dog and prefer to be an active part of the family but they can act as reliable watchdogs.

Although the Japanese Spitz might appear fluffy, they are a low maintenance breed as the coat has a non stick texture often compared to Teflon. This kind of dogs requires weekly care and grooming because a regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible. But grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails

Finnish Spitz: Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Finnish Spitz

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Breed Description

The Finnish Spitz is a northern breed that resembles a red fox. This medium-sized breed was originally used as a hunting dog, but now they are a bird dog that is used to flush wood grouse. This breed weighs an average between 31-34 pounds, and has a height of 15-20 inches.

Coat

The Finnish Spitz has a double coat. Their undercoat is dense and soft, while their topcoat is harsh and long that is one or two inches long. Males have slightly longer and coarser fur than the slightly refined furs of the females. Red gold on their backs, or reddish-brown colors are accepted, preferably bright, with accepted lighter shades on their underside.

Activity

The Finnish Spitz loves outdoors, but can adapt to apartment living if given enough exercise. A securely fenced area should be provided for this breed as they love to run free. Requiring a great deal of exercise, this breed should be taken on a long walk, or a jog, as running around a fenced space cannot satisfy their primal instinct to walk.

Temperament

The Finnish Spitz is known to intermingle admirably with people, children included. This breed is a delightful member of the family, with the ability to play placidly with children, yet rough with other dogs. Some of these dogs love other dogs, and some may be passive or aggressive, and shy. This breed is highly loyal, and so it should be expected to be moody or shy around other dogs. This dog is known to bark on anything they perceive as unusual. This can be prevented through training, although this can make them excellent watchdogs.

Overview

The Finnish Spitz is known to be generally great companion animals. They are protective and loyal, but this tends to make them noisy as they bark at anything that is atypical for them.

Care

With a self-cleaning coat that sheds dirt by itself, the Finnish Spitz does not have a doggie odor on their coats. Regular grooming with a comb or a brush is required to remove dead fur as they are known to be a seasonally heavy shedder.

Training

The Finnish Spitz is a highly intelligent breed that is strong-willed and independent. A highly trainable breed requiring a firm but gentle tone and touch, this dog responds best to appreciation than correction. They easily get bored, so training should be kept short, and appealing. Patience is highly essential in training the Finnish Spitz. Owners may feel as if they are not making progress, and suddenly, they will surprise you. This breed is known to be competent in obedience competition, if trained with reward and a lot of praise.

Character

Bred as barking hunting dog, this breed is known to bark at anything they perceive as a threat. It should be noted, though, that although this breed may be barkers, they are well-suited to be a watchdog rather than a guard dog as they rarely bite. This breed makes a delightful family dog and a hunting dog as well, with a big heart for children.

The Japanese Kai Dog

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The Japanese have six native Spitz type dogs that are unique to their part of the world. Among these six, the Kai Dog or the Tora Dog is the Shika Inu which means "medium sized" as opposed to Shiba Inu which is smaller. The Kai Dog has the typical Spitz type of short stand-off brush coat and the tail curled tightly over the back, while the head has the wedge shaped look of a fox and the ears are prick.

In the early 1900s there was an influx of western dogs into Japan due to the opening of their borders after the first World War. The Japanese were impressed greatly by the larger size of the dogs and the unique hunting abilities. The two breeds in particular which made a big impression were the German Shorthair Pointer and the Alsatian. For some time the Japanese abandoned their own breeds in favor of the newcomers. In 1930 a Japanese breeder by the name of Haruo Isogai attempted to revive the interest in breeding of these dogs. At that time he developed the categorizing of the native breeds by size and somewhat by function.

The function of the Kai Dog has always been that of a hunter. It is recognized by the F.C.I. as a member of Group 5 (Spitz type). The Kai Dog hunts deer and boar and small game. The alternate Japanese name of this breed "Tora Dog", which means "Tiger Dog", signifies the common coloring of the coat, which is often striped like that of the Tiger. Some breeders will also say that the name implies the disposition of the dog also, for it is a strong willed and cunning hunter and will not pass up the opportunity to hunt independently of its master.

The common colors of the Kai Dog are brindled with black, red, or a generally dark brindle, sometimes with white markings on the legs. However the white markings should not extend above the knee on the legs. Size is usually about 18-22 inches at the withers. The dog should be rather square in appearance and without legginess or ranginess. The Kai has made only a few inroads into other parts of the world. It wasn't until 1990 that there were the first imports into the United States. It is now recognized as a member of the United Kennel Club in the U.S.A. and is a member of the group of dogs which are listed in the F.S.S. registry of the A.K.C.

If its function is that of a household pet the Kai will be very affectionate and strongly loyal and requires a strong owner or it will take over the alpha position in the household. The Kai Dog in Japan is usually found in a hunting dog kennels but may be in the house as a pet more frequently in the United States, in which case it is very often a "one man dog". This is a breed which gets along well with other dogs. The Kai Dog also functions as a guard dog, although it is usually within a fence for it will definitely run off and hunt if allowed to roam free. The Kai is a good household pet when introduced as a puppy to the household, being very affectionate and loyal.

Pomeranian Dog Breed Profile

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Keeshond Dog Breed Height, Weight, Color, History and Description

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Description: The Keeshond is a member of the Spitz group. This dog is 17 to 18 inches, in height and 35 to 45 pounds in weight. This dog has a stocky build, with a wedge shaped head, small but pointed ears and a medium length muzzle, in proportion to the rest of the body. The Keeshond tail is tightly curled and should be carried high. With good straight legs and catlike feet that are solid and well rounded.

This breed has a dense double coat with a very thick ruff around the neck this is more pronounced in the male of the breed. This breed has a long straight and harsh outer coat. The colours are steel or grey with black tips. The undercoat being cream and pale grey this is soft. The Keeshond coat stands away from the main body, which exaggerates the ruff neck. This breed has a very expressive face.

History: The Keeshond breed has Arctic origins, and was known as a dog of the people, as it was a symbol of the rebellions, against the house of Orange, in the 18th century. This breed, as we know it today, came from the Netherlands. It is known to be part of the German spitz family. It was first seen at the 1899 club the German spitz. And the German standards were revised in 1901, and it went on to be recognized by the British kennel club in 1915 then in standards set in 1926.

The Keeshond was recognized by the club and given its present-day name. Thanks to a man called Carl Hinderer, visiting the AKC. The breed was registered in 1930, he had work hard for this recognition and even had all the German standards translated for the AKC. This dog has been known to be a guard dog and watchdog on river boats and barges, but mostly it has been known for being a companion.

The Norwegian Buhund Dog Breed Makes a Great Companion

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Genetics

Buhunds are often born with double dewclaws on the rear legs; the dewclaws are left on in Norway but are usually removed in Britain and the US.

Breed Clubs

The breed is a registered American Kennel Club Breed with its own club known as the

Norwegian (Norske) Buhund Club of America.

The Norwegian Buhund Club is the Kennel Club registered breed club promoting the interests of the breed in the UK.

Why their Owners Like Them

Norwegian Buhunds are:-

o are so good as pets because they have a real desire for human companionship. This in particular makes them an ideal family pet as they are very affectionate.

Breed Characteristics and Variations

The Norwegian Buhund comes in red, black and sandy brown colours.

They are lightly built, with a short, compact body, fairly smooth-lying coat, erect, pointed ears, and a tail carried curled over the back

The coat is smooth and less abundant than some of the spitz dogs and fairly easily to keep.

Within the spitz group the Buhund is a middle-sized breed and a typical Nordic Spitz dog, and has a lively tail that stands vertical and curls.

They may tend to bark somewhat more readily than most breeds. This probably derives from their herding background when high vocality would be an asset.

History

Interesting Facts

Conclusion

If you decide that you seek a real dog, in a small package, with a courageous, energetic, and affectionate character the Norwegian Buhund is the dog for you.

Steve Evans is a regular contributor of dog breed related articles.

There are more essential details for this dog breed and many others at The Dog Breeds Compendium.

Keeshond Ranks 16th in Stanley Coren's the Intelligence of Dogs

2011-01-07T13:53:00.000-08:00

Originating in Germany and a member of the AKC non-sporting group Keeshond is also known as the Wolfspitz, German Spitz or simply Kees. Being part of the German Spitz family they have a typical spitz appearance, neither coarse nor refined. This is medium-sized dog with a plush two-layer coat of silver and black fur with a 'ruff' and a curled tail, small pointed ears and an expressive face. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Keeshond is 17 to 19 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 40 pounds.

The color is a mix of grey, black and cream. The top coat is tipped with black, while the undercoat is silver or cream (never tawny). The color can range from very pale to very dark, but the Kees should neither be black nor white, and the ruff and "trousers" of the hind legs should be a distinctly lighter silver or cream.

They generally likes to bark (known by their loud distinctive bark) and remain active indoors and makes a good watch dog. Keeshond puppies are generally great with older, considerate children and want to be a part of the family. They are very quick to be trained as long as you use gentle and consistent training methods. Like most of the independent-minded spitz breeds, Keeshonden respond poorly to heavy-handed or forceful training methods.

The Keeshond is a dog that can live in an apartment as long as frequent long walks are available. Keeshond puppies should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. A daily walk and a play time is all they need each day to satisfy its needs for exercise.

This spitz type dog features a fabulous coat which consists of a short undercoat and a long overcoat making it quite fluffy indeed. They shed their undercoat twice a year, seasonally. This coat requires brushing once or twice a week and more often when shedding.

The coat acts as insulation and protects the dog from sunburn and insects, so shaving or clipping is not desirable. With their thick fur they can tolerate cold temperatures but cannot tolerate heat so make sure they are not left out to sweltering heat.

Their teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Be sure not to overfeed the Keeshond as they can have a tendency to gain weight. The Keeshond can live between 13 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

Unlike herding and hunting dogs the Keeshond is a general, all-purpose dog. An excellent watchdog, friendly and affectionate, they are a wonderful pet for any family who is looking for a dog to share their home. The Keeshond ranks 16th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of excellent working/obedience intelligence. This intelligence makes a Keeshond a good choice for the dog owner who is willing to help a dog learn the right lessons, but also entails added responsibility.

Go Oriental With Japanese Breed Dogs

2011-01-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Dogs have a long history even in distant places like East Asia particularly in Japan. One of the most popular Japanese dog breeds is the Japanese Spitz characterized by its petite height, pointed muzzle with slanted oval eyes. Another interesting feature of the Spitz is that its hairs have the tendency to stand and tailor long from its back and its hind legs. It is also an excellent security animal as it suspicious of strangers and will bark repeatedly at first sign of doubt. Children also love having a Japanese Spitz at home as they are very friendly and patient with the child's playful actions. Keeping the Spitz nice and healthy is not a problem as it only requires minimal bathing and its coat barely catches a serious amount of dirt.

On the more ancient side of Japanese dog breeds comes the Shiba Inu which are said to breed from the mountains of Japan where they are very susceptible to the cold climate. It is also quite remarkable that Japanese authorities are able to save the almost extinct Shiba Inu in the 1920's The Shiba Inu's part wolf appearance makes it a revered animal to Japanese. Recently, this type of dog is considered as a national treasure in their country due to its early cultural existence.

Finally, another example of these Japanese dog breeds is the Akita Inu or Akita Ken which also stems from the Spitz family. It currently holds the title as the largest dog coming from Japan.

Husky Dog - The Perfect Companion

2011-01-07T05:44:00.000-08:00

Diabetes and Your Dog

2011-01-07T02:09:00.000-08:00

Just as with humans, it is possible for your precious pooch to develop two different forms of diabetes mellitus. In both cases, your pet is unable to metabolize sugar properly, which can lead to a host of additional health problems if not cared for properly.

Understanding Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

One kind of diabetes, which is referred to as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, occurs when your dog's pancreas produces enough insulin for the body but the body is unable to use the insulin properly. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which is responsible for about 99% of cases of canine diabetes, occurs when the pancreas fails to produces enough insulin for the dog's body. If your dog has this type of diabetes, it will need to receive insulin injections on a regular basis in order to keep the disease under control.

Recognizing Diabetes in Your Dog

Although diabetes mellitus generally affects older dogs between the ages of 7 and 9, it is possible for younger dogs to be affected by the disease. In fact, juvenile-onset diabetes can affect dogs who are less than 1-year-old.

Some signs to watch for that could indicate diabetes in your pooch include:

o Increased urination frequency
o Increased thirst
o Lethargy
o Unexplained weight loss
o Sudden blindness
o Poor body condition

It is also worth noting that certain breeds of dogs are more likely to develop diabetes, which means you should be particularly watchful of signs of the condition in these breeds. Breeds that are at a greater risk of diabetes include:

o Australian terrier
o Bichon fries
o Cairn terrier
o Fox terrier
o Keeshond
o Poodle
o Samoyed
o Schnauzer
o Spitz

Dogs suffering from certain conditions are also more likely to develop diabetes. Some of these conditions include:

o Cushing's disease
o Obesity
o Recurring pancreatitis

Dogs who take drugs such as progestagens and glucocorticoids are also more likely to develop the condition. Therefore, if your pet suffers from any of these conditions or takes any of these medications, be sure to monitor its blood sugar levels closely and to work with your veterinarian to make certain you are feeding your dog a proper diet.

Treating Canine Diabetes

Successful treatment of canine diabetes involves taking a holistic approach of medication and dietary changes. Most dogs suffering from Type 1 Diabetes will need to receive one or two injections of insulin each day in order to control blood glucose levels. Dogs with Type 2 Diabetes, however, can be treated with oral medications instead.

You can also help control your pet's diabetes by feeding it a diet that is high in fiber and by giving your pet plenty of opportunities to exercise on a regular basis, as weight management is key to controlling the condition. Female dogs can also benefits from being spayed, as estrogen can have an effect on insulin as well as on diabetes.

Most importantly, be certain to work closely with your veterinarian in order to keep your pet healthy. It is not uncommon for your pet's needs to change as it grows older, so changes in medication may be necessary. By keeping a close eye on your pet's health and discussing your pet's needs with your veterinarian, you will be certain to give your pet the best help possible.

Finnish Spitz Dog Health Issues, Grooming and Living Conditions

2011-01-06T21:59:00.000-08:00

Finnish Spitz Dog Breed

2011-01-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

Most often we find dogs make wonderful pets, however there are a few that make great working dogs for certain situations. You will find the Finnish Spitz dog breed is a great watchdog or hunter. They were breed early on to bark for a hunter to alert him of other animals. This can make the Finnish Spitz a little difficult to handle if you have neighbors unless you train him not to bark. You will find the Finnish Spitz dog breed to reach twenty- five pounds and about eighteen inches in height. They are golden red in color or auburn. The coat is soft to the touch. It is a dense coat with long hair.

The appearance of the Finnish Spitz is almost like a fox. They have small ears with a small pointed snout. You will also find their tail tends to curl back towards the head rather than hanging down or in an up position. One you have considered the appearance of the dog breed as your new family member you will want to consider their temperament. As stated they tend to bark a lot as they were breed for hunting; however they also make wonderful family pets for children. While it is best to supervise these dogs around small children they don't become aggressive or threatening. You will also find they are very active, intelligent, and affectionate dogs. They are aware of anger in a person's voice so you should always be gentle.

Training can be a little more difficult due to a stubborn streak, but if you are firm and gentle you will find the Finnish Spitz dog breed reacts better to commands. The intelligence this dog has also means he needs activity during training, or he will become bored. You will want to use patience during the training and make sure to train this dog breed daily. Always continue to work on skills. During training as a puppy you will be able to teach your dog to bark less or only at certain things. This can help make him a wonderful pet for the neighborhood. Remember though, that training for barking must begin as soon as possible.

While barking can be a small downside to this breed the temperament more than makes up for it. You will also find the care is rather easy. They tend to take care of the cleaning themselves. With long haired dogs you do have to brush them at least once a week and clean around their paws. You will find bathes are not necessary and should only be done if they begin to smell. They have sensitive skin so it is important not to bath them a lot. You will need to take care of their teeth and trim their nails at least once a year if not twice. As long as you take care of your dog's health by exercising him daily and not giving them a lot of treats you will find health problems will be kept to a minimum and they can live to at least thirteen years if not more. Exercise for the Finnish Spitz is important and they love to run. As long as you give them an hour or more a day to run outside, take walks, and have play time you will find them a wonderful companion. They can be taught to catch and retrieve items, tug of war, and just general fun.

Keep in mind that if you start out with an adult you may need to seek training to help with their bark and it can be a difficult road.

Finnish Spitz - Dog Breeds

2011-01-06T13:30:00.001-08:00

Group: Non-sporting

Weight: 25 lbs

Height: 18 inches

Overview

Temperament

Care

Training

Summer Vacations: How to Choose a Kennel/Dog Hotel

2010-07-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

When searching for a good boarding kennel or dog hotel, consider asking friends and family members for recommendations first. If no one can offer any suggestions, then start to search the Internet for referral services and reviews. There are some sites that offer reviews for kennels in the same way people can get hotel reviews. Here are some further actions to take to make sure a spitz is left in a safe environment at a boarding kennel.

What to Look for in a Boarding Kennel

Once a list is compiled of possible boarding kennels, check them out personally. Any reputable facility will have tours that can be scheduled. When calling, simply ask if they have a tour available, and if they can spare a few minutes to talk with someone about the facility. This is the time to ask questions and have a good look at what is offered. Check out all the areas for spitzs to see how much space they have to roam. Get a look at the sleeping area and the play areas as well. Look for cleanliness, professionalism, and observe to see if the other spitzs seem to be enjoying the stay.

While visiting the facility, make a point to inquire about the feeding schedules. Most boarding kennels will feed twice a day and use the same brand of food for all of the spitzs. If a spitz is a picky eater, find out if the facility can offer additional feeding options, or if food can be brought in from home. Some facilities will charge more for extra feedings and some will not allow this option. While most facilities do allow food to be brought in, a few will charge over five dollars for each feeding for the extra effort.

Also consider the bedding used, as well as the toys available. Most kennels will offer items similar to what any spitz currently uses, such as bones and chew toys. This can greatly add to the comfort level of a spitz in a new surrounding. Make sure that any toys used are sterile and used only by one spitz and not shared. Even though the other animals may seem healthy, colds can be transferred before any symptoms even appear. Ask if owners are allowed to bring in a spitz's favorite toy from home. This may not be the icebreaker for the place chosen, but it is nice to know. Also ask about activities such as walks or games that will be played.

Health Concerns in a Boarding Kennel

Health issues can be a major concern when leaving a spitz with someone new. There are few questions to ask each boarding kennel that is under consideration, such as:

Does the facility administer medication, if a spitz needs routine medication?
Is there a veterinarian on call for emergencies or injuries?
Will the facility contact an owner immediately if something happens?
Are there procedures in place to monitor the health of the animals in the facility's care?

Any qualified facility should be able to recognize any issues that arise, and be able to handle them caringly and professionally.

Boarding Kennel Prices

Price is also an issue when choosing a boarding kennel. There are really good places for a cheap price, but be careful not to sacrifice service for price. In general, just like any other facility, prices will vary by the amenities and facilities provided. Checking out at least three boarding kennels before making a decision should satisfy the price issue.

Make sure the facility chosen understands the stress boarding your spitz can cause to both the owner and the pet. They should be willing to answer all questions asked, and should be very understanding if an owner wants to call and check in. Once a quality boarding kennel is found, the hard part is done. There will be a safe environment for the family pet, hopefully for years to come.

Spitz Dog Training

2010-02-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

Most experienced spitz owners are familiar with common spitz behavior problems, but some may wonder why dogs have these behaviors. Barking, chewing, biting are only some of the behaviors your spitz exhibit and new spitz owners usualy misunderstand and mishandle their dogs. Either if you are planning to buy a spitz or you just wish to better manage your dog's behavior problems, the understanding of the most common dog behavior problems is the first step to start solving and preventing them. Later on a solid foundation of obedience training will help you avoid and control better this problems.

In our articles we will discuss about:

Barking
Chewing
Bitting
Aggression
Jumping
Begging

Don't buy dogs from Pet Shops!

2009-10-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Don't buy dogs from Pet Shops!

By researching to get my own puppy I came across the most horrible thing I saw in my life. The puppy mills! What are puppy mills you may wonder.. It's a factory of producing puppies, under the worst conditions, with hundred of dogs in a small area, hundred of puppies in small boxes and the worst is that they dont care to breed dogs from the same mother. This conditions and methods produce unhappy puppies, sick, with genetic and cleronomical problems.

If you are thinking about buying a spitz dog, research a lot to find a good breeder, visit him and check his place, ask other people who bought from him and use your heart to decide if he is a real good breeder who love his dogs or someone who just seek the easy money!

Pomeranian

2009-10-28T04:11:00.000-07:00

The Pomeranian (often known as a Pom) is a breed of dog of the Spitz type, named for the Pomerania region in Central Europe (today part of eastern Germany and northern Poland) and classed as a toy dog breed because of its small size. As determined by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale the Pomeranian is part of the German Spitz breed, and in many countries, they are known as the Zwergspitz (Dwarf Spitz), or Toy German Spitz.
Appearance
Pomeranians are small dogs. The Pomeranian has double coat,a soft and fluffy undercoat and with harsher guard hairs. .The Pomeranian Breed standard calls for the Pomeranian females to be slightly larger than the male Pomeranian dog. A Pomeranian dog can be many colors, but the most common Pomeranian dog color is orange. A tan color , with lighter shadings on the ruff, tail and breechings.

Behavior

Pomeranians are typically very friendly, playful and active. This breed of dog loves to be around their owners plus are very intelligent and are easy to train. Pomeranians are somewhat extroverted and can develop the habit of barking excessively in any situation. They are somewhat very defensive and bark to any outside noise. Some also say that Pomeranians have a "Napoleon Complex" because they are not afraid to stand up to dogs much bigger in size. Because of their long double-coat, they tend to seek out cooler environments and it is common to find them lying down on a cold floor, in the shade out of the sun when outside or on an isolated hard surface. Because of their size, they do well in condominiums and apartments all the while being able to adapt to almost any situation or environment. Due to some of these aforementioned positive behavioral traits, this makes the Pomeranian an easy to manage dog as opposed to its larger canine counterparts.

Popularity

In the 1890s the Pomeranian "sports" breed began to be shown in the ring and were about 10 pounds. Since then, the size of the Pomeranian has decreased to 3-7 pounds. The Pomeranian has been among the most popular of dog breeds, consistently in the top 15 of registered AKC dog breeds over the last 10 years. The breed ranked #13 in the 2008 rankings having attained the same ranking in 2007 and 2003. The breed has appeared on television shows and commercials.

Mittelspitz

2009-10-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

The German Spitz Mittel is the third largest of the 5 varieties of the German Spitz and is very similar in looks to the other sizes of German Spitz. It is usually bred in solid colors but parti-colors are acceptable.
In the British and Australian show rings, all varieties and markings are acceptable. In Germany (and consequently any other country where the FCI standard is used), only solid colored dogs and particolored dogs are considered correct, mismarked solids (colored with white toes, chest, or tail-tip) are not allowed. German Spitz Mittel coat colours are black, white, brown (liver), sable, black/tan, brown/tan, blue-grey, and various shades of cream and orange. German Spitz Mittel's nose pigment may be any color and eyes should be dark. German Spitz Mittel has a long outercoat with a soft woolly undercoat.

To qualify as a particular breed of German Spitz the dog is categorized by size. German Spitz Mittel weigh around 15-25 lb (7-11 kg) with a height from 12-15 in (30-38 cm).
German Spitz Mittel originated in Germany sometime in antiquity, with examples nearly identical to the modern version viewable in 18th century paintings. The watchful demeanor of these dogs initially led to their being highly valued on farms. Like other medium sized breeds of antiquity, they probably were used as all-around farm and companion dogs. They are very loyal and make excellent watchdogs with a tendency to alert the owner by barking.

Kleinspitz

2009-10-18T02:26:00.000-07:00

The German Spitz Klein is a breed of dog of the German Spitz type. They are usually classed as a toy or utility breed.

A Spitz type dog is compact of body, with dense stand off coat, tail curled over the back and a fox appearance to the head. The German Spitz in appearance is quite similar to that of a small Chow, with less ruff at the neck and a more fox-like appearance to the head. Archaeological findings date the German Spitz to dogs that were of similar body build and size during the Stone Age.

Historically in Germany the German Spitz has been divided into five separate sizes. All sizes of the Spitz can be found in Germany today. Actually these dogs are all considered separate "breeds" but are classed in the F.C.I. (European dog club classifications) as members of the entire "family" of German Spitz. The Spitz family ranges from the 19 inch size (known as the Keeshond) down to the 7-8 inch variety known as the Pomeranian. The Keeshond and the Pomeranian are the sizes most commonly seen in Britain and in the United States. Australia only recognizes the standard size in their dog shows. The breed standard of the F.C.I. distinguishes all variations by size and markings or color but all within the one classification of "German Spitz" while the A.K.C. recognizes the varieties as separate breeds. In Great Britain the Kennel club allows exhibits of all sizes and colorations within one class. At the Kennel Club shows this makes for an interesting and exciting class for spectators to observe, what with all the different colors and markings.

In all the varieties of the Spitz, the coat is termed a "stand-off" coat, meaning that the individual guard hairs stand away from the body and do not lie flat. This makes an easy care coat that requires little brushing to remain mat free. The outer coat is weather resistant and does not mat easily and except for seasonal shedding of the undercoat a weekly brushing is fine. The ears are always upright and the tail is always curled over the back, with shorter fur on the fronts of the legs.

Appearance

The Spitz Klein has triangular ears and a small, foxy face that is less fluffy than the rest of the body, although the fur is still very thick. The fur around the neck is extra thick, giving them a lion-like appearance. Their body has a fuzzy, woolly base underneath the straight, smooth upper coat, though that too has a tendency to become crimped when wet. Their tails will usually curl up over their backs and sit flat. They come in a wide variety of colour, including Wolf sable, blue, cream, brown, orange, black, white, particolors of black/brown and white, and also black and tan bicolors, though gold and black dogs tend to predominate.

Height: 9 inches (23 cm) min, 11 inches (29 cm) max
Weight: 11 lb (5 kg) min, 18 lb (8 kg) max

History

The German Spitz is descended from the Nordic Samoyed and Lapphund[citation needed], which were most likely brought over to Germany with the Vikings during the Middle Ages[citation needed], making spitzers an ancient breed. They were then spread all over Europe and were bred to other shepherding breeds. They were originally used as herding and guard dogs, but have been used mostly as companions for the last few centuries.

Due to the fact that Germany did not exist in its current form until 1871, and was made up of small kingdoms, princedoms and dukedoms, different countries developed different spitzers, though all of them came under the heading 'Mistbeller', meaning 'Dung-hill Barker', because of their inclination to stand on dung-hills and bark - a tendency that still remains in them today.

Health

This breed has few inherent health problems, though can be prone to Patellar luxation, due to its small size, especially if they are overweight

Keeshond (aka Wolfsspitz)

2009-10-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Keeshond (pronounced /ˈkeɪzhɒnd/ or KAYZ-hond; plural: Keeshonden) is a medium-sized dog with a plush two-layer coat of silver and black fur with a 'ruff' and a curled tail, originating in Germany. Its closest relatives are the other German spitzes such as the Pomeranian. Originally called the German Spitz, more specifically the Wolfsspitz, the name was officially changed to Keeshond in England, where it had been known as the Dutch Barge Dog, in 1926.

Appearance
A member of the spitz group of dogs, the Kees in AKC standard is 17 to 18 inches (about 45 cm) tall and 19.25 (46 cm) ± 2.4 inches (6 cm) in the FCI standard and weighs 35 to 45 pounds (about 16 to 18 kg). Sturdily built, they have a typical spitz appearance, neither coarse nor refined. They have a wedge shaped head, a medium-length muzzle with a definite stop, small pointed ears and an expressive face. The tail is tightly curled and, in profile, should be carried such that it is indistinguishable from the compact body of the dog.

Coat

Like all spitz, the Kees have a dense double coat, with a thick ruff around the neck. Typically, the males of this breed will have a thicker, more pronounced ruff than the females. The tail is well plumed, and feathering on the fore and hind legs adds to the soft look of the breed. The coat is shown naturally, and should not be wavy, silky, or long enough to form a natural part down the back.
Color

The Keeshond is a color-specific spitz type; many of the names of the dog refer to the distinctive wolf color of the breed. The color is a mix of grey, black and cream. The top coat is tipped with black, while the undercoat is silver or cream (never tawny). The color can range from very pale to very dark, but the Kees should neither be black nor white, and the ruff and "trousers" of the hind legs should be a distinctly lighter silver or cream.
The plumed tail should be of a silver or cream color with a black tip on the very end. The tail should be tightly curled over the back. The tail is an important part of the Keeshond's shape. The ears and muzzle are to be black, although some Kees tend to develop "milk mouth" or a white shading around the nose and front of the muzzle. This increases as the dog ages. In American shows, this white shading is acceptable, although not desired.
It is also important to note that the feet are to also be of the same cream, or lighter grey color as the legs. Feet that are totally black or white are not allowed. However, light pencilling is accepted.
The other important marking is the "spectacles," a delicate dark line running from the outer corner of each eye toward the lower corner of each ear, which, coupled with markings forming short eyebrows, is necessary for the distinct expressive look of the breed. All markings should be clear, not muddled or broken. Absence of the spectacles is considered a serious fault. The eyes should be dark brown, almond-shaped with black eye rims.

Ears should be small, triangular, and erect.
Temperament
A one year old male Keeshond.Keeshonden tend to be very playful, with quick reflexes and strong jumping ability. They are quick learners and eager to please. Because Keeshonden are quick learners, they also learn the things you didn't necessarily wish to teach them - very quickly. However, Keeshonden make excellent agility and obedience dogs. So amenable to proper training is this bright, sturdy dog that Keeshonden have been successfully trained to serve as guide dogs for the blind; only their lack of size has prevented them from being more widely used in this role.

They love children and are excellent family dogs, preferring to be close to their humans whenever possible. They generally get along with other dogs as well and will enjoy a good chase around the yard. Keeshonden are very intuitive and empathic and are often used as comfort dogs. Most notably, at least one Keeshond, Tikva, was at Ground Zero on 9/11 to help comfort the rescue workers.[2] The breed has a tendency to become especially clingy towards their owners, even in comparison to other dogs. If their owner is out, or in another room behind a closed door, they may sit, waiting for their owner to reappear, even if there are other people nearby. Many have been referred to as their "owner's shadow," or "velcro dogs".

They are known by their loud distinctive bark. Throughout the centuries, the Keeshond has been very popular as a watch dog on manors in the Netherlands and middle Europe; this trait is evident to this day, and they are alert dogs that warn their owners of any new visitors. Despite being a loud and alert watch dog, Keeshonden are not aggressive towards visitors. They generally welcome visitors affectionately once their family has accepted them. Unfortunately, barking may become a problem if not properly handled. Keeshonden that are kept in a yard and not allowed to be with their humans are unhappy, and often become nuisance barkers.

Training

The Keeshond is a very bright dog as evidenced by its level of achievement in obedience work. The Keeshond ranks 16th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of excellent working/obedience intelligence. This intelligence makes a Keeshond a good choice for the dog owner who is willing to help a dog learn the right lessons, but also entails added responsibility.

Many people purchase a Keeshond thinking that, since they are agreeable family dogs, they must also be easy to train. While affectionate, Keeshonden may not be for the inexperienced trainer. Consistency and fairness are needed and, while most dogs need a structured environment, it's especially necessary with a Keeshond. Like most of the independent-minded spitz breeds, Keeshonden respond poorly to heavy-handed or forceful training methods.
Many behavioral problems with Keeshonden stem from these intelligent dogs inventing their own activities (often destructive ones, like digging and chewing) out of boredom. They need daily contact with their owners and lots of activity to remain happy. Therefore, it is not the right choice of breed for those who want a dog that lives happily alone in a kennel or backyard.
Keeshonden can also be timid dogs. It is important to train them to respect their owners and family, but not fear them. Keeshonden want to please their owners so harsh punishment is not necessary when the dog does not obey as quickly as desired. They like to spend time with their owners, and love attention.

Health

Keeshonden are generally a very healthy breed. Though congenital health issues are not common, the conditions which have been known to sometimes occur in Keeshonden are hip dysplasia, luxating patellas (trick knee), epilepsy, Cushing's disease, primary hyperparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Von Willebrand's disease has been known in Keeshonden but is very rare. An accurate test for the gene causing primary hyperparathyroidism (or PHPT) has recently been developed at Cornell University. As with any breed, it is important when buying a puppy to make sure that the parents have been tested and certified free from inherited problems. A healthy, well-bred Keeshond can be expected to live between 12 and 15 years on average.

Grooming

Due to their double coat, a thick undercoat and a longer "guard" coat above that, Keeshonden need regular brushing. An hour per week will keep the dog comfortable and handsome. The Keeshond's coat sheds dirt when dry, and the breed is not prone to doggy odor, so only infrequent bathing is necessary. The coat acts as insulation and protects the dog from sunburn and insects, so shaving or clipping is not desirable. The coat also loses its distinct color as the black tipping on the hairs will be shorn off. If frequent brushing is too much effort, it is better to choose another breed rather than clip the Keeshond short.
History

The Keeshond was named after the 18th-century Dutch Patriot, Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer, leader of the rebellion against the House of Orange. The dog became the rebels' symbol, and when the House of Orange returned to power, this breed almost disappeared. The word 'keeshond' is a compound word: 'Kees' is a nickname for Cornelius (de Gyselaer), and 'hond' is a Dutch word for dog. In the Netherlands, "keeshond" is the term for German Spitzes that encompass them all from the toy or dwarf (Pomeranian) to the Wolfsspitz (Keeshond). The sole difference between the German Spitzes is their coloring and size guidelines. Although many American references point to the Keeshond as we know it originating in the Netherlands, the breed is cited as being part of the German Spitz family and originating in Germany along with the Pomeranian (toy or dwarf German Spitz) and American Eskimo dog (small or standard German Spitz) according to the FCI.

The first standard for "Wolfsspitze" was posted at the Dog Show of 1880 in Berlin. The Club for German Spitzes was founded in 1899. The German standard was revised in 1901 to specify the characteristic color that we know today, "silver grey tipped with black". In the late 1800s the "Overweight Pomeranian", a white German Spitz and most likely a Standard German Spitz, was shown in the British Kennel Club. The "Overweight Pomeranian" was no longer recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1915. In the 1920s, Baroness van Hardenbroeck took an interest in the breed and began to build it up again. The Nederlandse Keeshond Club was formed in 1924. The Dutch Barge Dog Club of England was formed in 1925 by Mrs. Wingfield-Digby and accepted into the British Kennel Club in 1926, when the breed and the club were renamed to Keeshond.

Carl Hinderer is credited with bringing his Schloss Adelsburg Kennel, which he founded in 1922 in Germany, with him to America in 1923. His German Champion Wolfsspitz followed him two by two in 1926. As in England, Germany was not regarded fondly in America at the time and the Wolfsspitz/Keeshond was not recognized by the AKC. Despite this, Carl joined the Maryland KC and attended local shows. Due to the lack of AKC recognition Carl had to register each puppy with his club in Germany.

Carl regularly wrote to the AKC including the New York headquarters to promote the Wolfsspitz. While going through New York on his way to Germany in 1930 Carl visited the AKC offices and presented Wachter, his Germany champion, to AKC president, Dr. DeMond, who promptly agreed to start the recognition process, with some caveats including changing the name to Keeshond, and asked Carl to bring back all the relevant data from Germany. Carl also translated the German standard to English for the AKC. The Keeshond was accepted for AKC registration in 1930

Despite intense lobbying the FCI would not accept the Keeshond as a separate breed since it viewed the Wolfsspitz and Keeshond as identical. In 1997 the German Spitz Club updated its standard so that the typically smaller Keeshond preferred in America and other English-speaking countries could be included. This greatly expanded the gene pool and unified the standard internationally for the first time. Now bred for many generations as a companion dog, the Keeshond easily becomes a loving family member.

As a result of the breed's history and friendly disposition, Keeshonden are sometimes referred to as "The Smiling Dutchman".

Breed pronunciation

Out of the 350 some purebreds, the Keeshond has possibly the most mispronounced name. "Kay sawn", "Case-hond", "kās-hond", "keys-hând", "keesh-ond", "keesh-hond", and even "keesh-hound" as so many will say, are all improper pronunciations. The proper pronunciation is "kayz-hond" or "kayz-hawnd" with the proper pronunciation of the plural being "kayz-honden" or "kayz-hawnden".

Colored Keeshonden

Historically, Keeshonden being part of the German Spitz family had been interbred with their smaller brethren (small, standard, and dwarf German spitzes) and came in several colors—white, black, red, orange, orange-shaded white (also called orange and cream), and silver gray. Originally, like the other German spitzes, many colors, including piebalds, were allowed, but as time progressed, only the silver-grey and cream (wolf-gray) color was finally established into the Wolfsspitz type.

While other-colored Keeshonden can have terrific conformation, they're not allowed to be shown in the show ring. Colored Keeshonden are considered "pet quality" and thus should be spayed or neutered.

The appearance of oddly-colored Kees in otherwise wolf-gray litters has caused research into the early history of Keeshond coat colors.[citation needed] Because of this, some breeders wonder whether the Keeshond should be bred for colors other than grey. There are many bloodlines carrying the colored gene, and rather than examples of mixed breeding, colors are legitimate throwbacks to an earlier era of the breed.

No one knows the exact number of colored Keeshonden born in the United States. Incorrect or incomplete documentation make it impossible to determine how many colored Keeshonden, and of which colors, have been born in the United States.

Japanese Spitz

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The Japanese Spitz (日本スピッツ, Nihon Supittsu?) is a small breed of dog of the Spitz type, developed in Japan. The Japanese Spitz is a companion dog and pet.

Appearance

The Japanese Spitz is a small dog, around 33 cm (13 ins) at the withers, with a somewhat square body, deep chest, and a very thick, pure white double coat. The coat consists of an outer coat that stands off from the soft inner coat, with fur shorter on the muzzle and ears as well as the fronts of the forelegs and the hindlegs. A ruff of longer fur is around the dog's neck. It has a pointed muzzle and small, triangular shape prick ears (ears that stand up.) The tail is long, heavily covered with long fur, and is carried curled over and lying on the dog's back. The white coat contrasts with the black pads and nails of the feet, the black nose, and the dark eyes.[1] The large oval (akin to a ginko seed) eyes are dark and slightly slanted with white eyelashes, and the nose and lips and eye rims are black. The face of the Japanese Spitz is wedge-shaped.[2]

Size variations

Male Japanese Spitz (UK)Description of the ideal size of the breed varies. In Japan, the ideal size for dogs (males) is described as 30-38 cm at the withers, with females somewhat smaller; (the Japanese standard is the one published by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale for international dog competitions.) [3] In the UK, the Kennel Club describes the size as 34–37 cm (13.5–14.5 in) at the withers with females 30–34 cm (12–13.5 in), which is the same for the Australian National Kennel Council. In New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club, the ideal size is 30–40 cm (12–16 in) for males, 25–35 cm (10–14 in) for females. The Canadian Kennel Club states that the size for dogs is 12 inches (30 cm) with females slightly smaller, and the United Kennel Club in the U.S. describes the ideal size as 12 to 15 ins (30.5–38.1 cm) for males and 12 to 14 ins (30.5–35.6 cm) for females. Minor kennel clubs and other organizations may use any of these ideal sizes or create their own.

History

A four year old female Japanese SpitzDog breeders in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s created the Japanese Spitz by crossbreeding a number of other Spitz breeds to develop the Japanese Spitz.[4] Breeders began with white German Spitz dogs, originally brought over from northeastern China to Japan; they were first exhibited at a dog show in Tokyo in 1921.[5] Between 1925 and 1936 various small white Spitz breeds were imported from around the world and crossed into the developing breed, with the goal of producing an improved breed.[5] The final Standard for the breed was written after World War II, and accepted by the Japanese Kennel Club.[5] The breed gained popularity in Japan in the 1950s, and was exported to Sweden in the early 1950s. From there the breed went to England, and the Kennel Club recognized the Japanese Spitz in 1977 in the Utility Group.[1] The Japanese Spitz has spread around the world and is recognized by most of the major kennel clubs in the English speaking world; by the Canadian Kennel Club in Group 6, Non-Sporting, by the New Zealand Kennel Club (Non-Sporting Group), by the Australian National Kennel Council in Group 7 (Non Sporting), and by the United Kennel Club (U.S.) in the Northern Breeds Group. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Japanese Spitz due to its being close in appearance to a U.S. developed Spitz breed, the American Eskimo Dog. The breed is also recognized by minor registries and clubs and is a popular pet.

Health

A Japanese Spitz puppy.They are a healthy breed with very few genetic problems. The main health concern for Japanese Spitz is the development of Patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap dislocates out of its normal position. They can also be prone to runny eyes, which is most commonly due to having tear ducts that are too small, or an allergy to long grass or stress. It is rarely caused by any serious eye defect.[6]

Mortality

Life expectancy is estimated at 12 years.

Temperament

Most Japanese Spitz are good watch dogs, as they have a tendency to bark a lot, especially to warn off arriving strangers. The Japanese Spitz is first and foremost a companion dog and thrives on human contact and attention, preferring to be a member of the family. They are intelligent, playful, alert, and obedient, excellent with children.

Care

Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather, but as it was bred as a companion dog, prefers to live in the house with its humans.

Grooming

Despite the appearance of the Japanese Spitz’ pure white coat they are in fact a low maintenance breed. They are a very clean dog and do not have a doggy odor, due to the texture of their coat mud and dirt fall off or can be brushed out very easily. Provided they are kept well groomed, they should only require a bath every couple of months (common sense prevailing). They have a major coat shed once a year, but like most dogs shed minimum all year round.

Some Love to swim and in which case regular baths are not necessary. You will find yourself washing your dog after a swim- sure the sand and dirt will dry and fall out but Japanese Spitz are an inside dog and hate to be locked away (in order to dry).

The Japanese Spitz's coat is relatively dry compared to other breeds. While it is optimum to bathe them once every few months, they should not be bathed more frequently than once every two months, as bathing and shampoo strips the natural oil and moisture from their coat. This can cause skin sensitivity and itchiness. Their coat should be groomed twice a week using a pin brush that reaches to the undercoat, preventing formation of knots. Grooming this breed is relatively easy in contrast to other dog breeds. Their white fur coat has a non-stick texture often described as being similar to Teflon.

Training

Basic obedience training for all breeds of dog should be commenced at a young age to provide mental stimulation. The Japanese Spitz is an intelligent breed and will quickly learn what is required of them if consistency is applied. Positive reinforcement of treats and praise will bring out their eagerness to learn and their willingness to please. Harsh handling and strong verbal discipline are unnecessary and may be met with resistance. Socialization at a very early age can introduce the puppy to various people, places, noises, situations and other animals. An adequately socialized puppy Japanese Spitz will mature into a friendly, confident, well mannered adult.

Similar Breeds

A Japanese Spitz in the sunAs the Spitz are a very ancient dog type, many smaller types of Spitz resemble each other. Medium to small sized breeds similar in appearance from various places in the world include the Wolfsspitz (Keeshond), Großspitz, Mittelspitz, Kleinspitz, Zwergspitz (Pomeranian), Samoyed (dog), Schipperke, Norwegian Elkhound, Volpino Italiano (Italian Spitz), Laika (Russian Spitz), Finnish Spitz, Indian Spitz and Japanese Spitz.

Types of German Spitz

Pomeranian (dog)
American Eskimo Dog
Keeshond

Related breeds

Samoyed (dog)
Schipperke
Norwegian Elkhound
Volpino Italiano (Italian Spitz)
Laika (Russian Spitz)
Finnish Spitz
Indian Spitz
Japanese Spitz

German Spitz

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German Spitz is used to refer to both a breed of dog and category or type of dog. Several modern breeds have been developed from the German Spitz, and are either registered as separate breeds or as varieties of German Spitz. All the German Spitz type dogs are dogs of the Spitz type of German origin. The Grossespitz, Mittelspitz, and Kleinspitz breeds of German Spitz type are also called the German Spitz in English.

The German Spitz breed

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the German Spitz (Deutscher Spitz) under Group 5, Section 4, European Spitz. The Deutscher Spitz is one breed, names differentiate sizes and colour:

Wolfsspitz (a.k.a. Keeshond) - Wolf grey with black points
Großspitz (Great Spitz) - White, Brown or black
Mittelspitz (Medium/Standard Spitz, incl. American Eskimo Dog) - White, Brown or black
Kleinspitz (Miniature Spitz) - White, Brown or black, Orange, Grey shaded and other colours
Zwergspitz (Dwarf Spitz, a.k.a. Pomeranian) - Any colour

The German Spitz type

Since there is no one German Spitz breed type, "German Spitz" can also be considered a subtype of the Spitz. Dogs descended or bred from various German Spitzen are included in this grouping.

The Wolfspitz is also called the Keeshond and is registered as a separate breed by the Kennel Club (UK) and other registries. The Großspitz (Grossespitz) or Giant Spitz is 40.5-41.5 cm/16-17 in. high and weighs 17.5-18.5 kg/38.5-40 lbs. The Keeshond and the Giant Spitz are divided primarily by colour. The Mittelspitz or Medium/Standard Spitz is the ancestor of, and is sometimes taken to include, the American Eskimo Dog. The American Eskimo Dog is allowed to be registered as Mittelspitz by some registries. Only the Canadian Kennel Club and the two major American kennel clubs recognize the American Eskimo Dog as a separate breed. The Kleinspitz is allowed more colours than the larger German Spitz under the Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard. The Japanese Spitz, also bred from the German Spitz, is very similar to the Kleinspitz but is limited to the white color. The Zwergspitz, the Pomeranian, is also registered as a separate breed in the UK and North America.

The Kennel Club (UK) and the Australian Kennel Club recognize only the Kleinspitz and Mittelspitz. In those countries the Grossespitz is not recognized, and the Pomeranian (Zwergspitz) and Keeshond (Wolfspitz) are separate breeds. In many countries the Miniature (Klein) Spitz is also confused with the Pomeranian (Zwergspitz). Some registries and breed clubs allow various sizes of German Spitz to be interbred, others do not.

Appearance

German Spitz are similar in appearance but vary in color. The German Spitz can only be white but the Standard, Small and Dwarf can have various color combinations as well.[1]. All German Spitzen have a wolf/fox-like head, double coat, highset triangular ears and a tail that is curled over the back. Although the Kleinspitz and the Pomeranian look alike, they are not the same dog. Also, some mixed-breed dogs, such as the papichon, a cross between the Bichon Frisé and Papillon breeds, resemble them, but are not to be confused with them.

History

German Spitz are descendants of the ancient spitzen found in the Stone Age and they are the oldest breed of dog in Central Europe. The German Spitz was later brought to America, and was renamed American Eskimo Dog due to the widespread anti-German prejudice during World War I, although other breeds ("White Keeshonds" and Pomeranians, along with Japanese Spitz) were also used in the formation of the breed. The American Kennel club recognizes the breeds as separate.The smaller version of the German Spitz is known as the pomeranian.

Similar Breeds

As the Spitz are a very ancient dog type, many smaller types of Spitz resemble each other. Medium to small sized breeds similar in appearance from various places in the world include the Wolfsspitz (Keeshond), Großspitz, Mittelspitz, Kleinspitz, Zwergspitz (Pomeranian), Samoyed (dog), Schipperke, Norwegian Elkhound, Volpino Italiano (Italian Spitz), Laika (Russian Spitz), Finnish Spitz, Indian Spitz and Japanese Spitz.

Types of German Spitz

Pomeranian (dog)
American Eskimo Dog
Keeshond

Related breeds

Samoyed (dog)
Schipperke
Norwegian Elkhound
Volpino Italiano (Italian Spitz)
Laika (Russian Spitz)
Finnish Spitz
Indian Spitz
Japanese Spitz

Welcome to the Spitz (German/Japanese) Breed Information blog

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This is a blog devoted to the lovely Spitz breed. We will try to provide information for all spitz family, Japanese, German, Finnish, Pomeranian. Feel free to contact us to send us your dog pictures.