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Selecting The Right Golden Retriever Breeder

September 4th, 2010

A breeder is one who deals in pups and looks after the dogs to ensure he gets a good quality litter. It is important for you to be able to trust your breeder and his ability to provide you with a good pup. There are three types of breeders that one must know about.


Avoid pet shop or pet dealer and backyard dealers. At the pet shop the pups are raised strictly for their commercial value and not much attention is paid to their welfare – they are generally poorly bred and badly raised.


The backyard breeder is a person who has a pet Golden and breeds for fun or money. Not much attention is paid to history and standard of the breed. Proper care is not taken and the breeder is generally not aware of problems that he may face while breeding.


Your best option therefore is the serious hobby breeder. Now here is someone who is dedicated to breeding his dogs in the best and safest possible manner keeping all relevant details in mind.


Since the price difference is not much between the pet shop breeder, the backyard breeder and the serious breeder, one needs to know a few things before selecting the right breeder to know that they have someone they can trust.


Firstly, the breeder should be part of the Golden Retriever Club of America, a local Golden Retriever club, or an all-breed club and is up to date with rules and regulations.


The breeder must show his/her dogs in the breed ring, in hunting tests/field trials, the obedience ring, agility, tracking, or in a combination of all. This is so that the breeder is aware of how good his/her dogs really are. He is allowing his dogs to be tested so that he can better his efforts.


You know that he is not only dependent on pedigree. You may not want a competition dog but you would like you pup to be part of a carefully planned litter.


The breeder must also have some basics in place like a clean environment; healthy, well-socialized puppies; and a dam of good temperament. He must also allow you to have the puppy examined by a veterinarian and ensure that it is in good health.


Then the breeder must have a record of dates and types of vaccinations and de-worming done, feeding instructions, a 3-to 5-generation pedigree, and an AKC registration application so you can apply for registration of the puppy in your own name with the American Kennel Club (AKC).


Written instructions on feeding, training and care must be given. He also must be able to show you proof that the sire and dam have had their hips X-rayed, and evaluated as normal by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and/or PennHIP along with other necessary check ups. The breeder should be willing and able to answer your questions possible hereditary problems.


He must take the trouble to find out what kind of dogs you have had in the past, what happened to them; do you have a fenced yard; and will the dog will be allowed to be a house dog and a member of the family.


Sincere breeders will want the pups best interests at heart and will be reluctant to sell them if they have misgivings about you.


He should be able to give you references, a written contract benefiting all concerned, pedigree and registration papers, be there for advice should you need any and help you enjoy your dog to the fullest as much as he can.


Ensure that you ask all the questions you have and clear up each and every little doubt. Before selecting the right breeder, make sure he gives you a satisfactory response to all queries and he meets all the criteria. All the best!

Don’t get ripped off. If you are looking for information on golden retrievers? or advice on buying a golden retriever or house breaking your golden retriever, visit us now. GoldenRetrieverAdvice.org is a goldmine for information on everything related to golden retrievers.

Identifying the Right Chihuahua Breeders

September 3rd, 2010

Identifying the right Chihuahua breeders is not easy. As for the dog itself, you might have seen the Chihuahua on the cover of some tabloid magazine being held close by a celebrity. But the drift is not that, the point is that the Chihuahua, rooted from a small place in Mexico, is one of the more famous dogs around. Given more airtime than some boy bands, the famous little tyke of breeds has shown its famous face and tiny body in many Hollywood movies, in TV shows and even in comic strips.

If you choose to purchase one of these Chihuahua’s, then you need to know how to identify the right Chihuahua breeds, the ones that fits your needs and what you expect out of a dog. The Chihuahua is truly your best friend and will be with you all the way. It is also known to be an extremely jealous and sometimes over protective dog, but this is because of the fact that much of it is due to the almost instant emotional connection the dog has with it owner.

The breed of Chihuahua will set the scene for many things, as some breeds are more excitable than others, while others are much more temperamental. Some breeds even require special care that includes caring for their health when they are transported from their normal environments to your home.

Choosing the right Chihuahua breeds also depend a lot on you. Are you living alone or do you have a family? If you do have a family, does it consist of many infants or small children? Where do you stay? It also depends a lot on the climate conditions of your country as Chihuahua are usually used to warm climates. Transporting them to the fringes of Alaska is usually not a good idea.

Another thing, where you live is also very important. The type of breed that you will purchase depends on factors like if you live in a high rise apartment or if you live in a landed house with a large field. Try to find a breed that is not so energetic if you are staying in a rather small apartment, or if you do have an extensive backyard to offer them, then you might consider those with high energy levels and a higher tendency to run around a lot.

Also, you must understand that owning a Chihuahua is not well suited to those who have a lot of kids in their company. Because of their size, they are more than likely to get frightened, especially with strange infants who start to play with them and this will make them react in the most natural way they know how – which is to bite.

Don’t let the size of the dog fool you, Chihuahua’s are known for their ferocity and loyal devotion. Choosing the right Chihuahua breeders is really about matching your needs with the realities of owning this cute but fierce dog. Once you are able to find the right balance between situation and price, then you will be able to find the right Chihuahua for you.

Clarence Clark is an avid Chihuahua dog lover providing valuable advice at http://www.chihuahuatime.com for fellow chihuahua dog lovers. Where he shares chihuahua info and training tips with Chihuahua lovers worldwide. Click Here to gain FREE access to this Chihuahua networking website.

Find Out Whether the Daschund Breed is the Right One for You

August 15th, 2010

The Daschund breed of dog is the wiener or sausage dog with a long narrow body and short legs. 

 

They are very active and loving dogs that work great in a family with or without children. You do need to be attentive to them because they always want to have company around them. In spite of this, this breed of dog is not for every pet owner. For one thing, these dogs are very independent and stubborn and therefore are a challenge when you start to train them. However, once you start using incentives, such as bits of food or treats, they are very anxious to please and will learn very quickly. They also love praise and petting with lots of hugs.

 

Because of the origins of their breeding, these dogs are naturals for digging holes. They were bred to hunt badgers in Germany and the name means ‘badger hound? For this reason, you cannot this dog loose in your flower bed or vegetable garden and if you do let it loose outside, make sure it is in an area where it won’t matter if the dog digs holes.

 

It may not be a good idea to choose the Dachshund as your pet if you work all day and have to leave the dog alone. This is because when it is left on its own, it will whine constantly until you return home. However, if you do have a tape recording of your voice that will play over and over, this could alleviate the stress the dog is feeling because of the lack of companionship.

 

If you have small children, the Dachshund makes a wonderful pet once it is properly trained. If you haven’t yet trained the dog to be around children, you should never leave it along with them. 

 

Dachshunds do not like being teased and as a result will nip at a child that does tease it. These dogs also have fragile spines, so they do not hold up well to being handled in a rough manner. This is especially true if you have a miniature Dachshund.

 

Even when you have the dog house trained, you need to be prepared for accidents on your carpet or other flooring. They do not like going outside in cold temperatures for their potty needs and would just as soon use the rug on the living room floor. No matter how well trained the pet is, you will never find a Dachshund that will not go in the house at some time or another.

 

Since this breed of dog has a hunting instinct, it is not a good idea to have one in your home if you have smaller pets, such as a guinea pig, a hamster or even a small kitten. If you get a Dachshund and a kitten at the same time, you may have some success in teaching it to get along with this pet, but you always have to be on the lookout that it is not hunting the kitten as prey.

A Dachshund is very intelligent and you have to set yourself up as the leader of the pack from day one. If not, the dog will rule your household.

For more information on the Daschund breed as well as other breeds of dog like the malmute visit http://www.BreedsofDog.org

Training Your Puppy The Right Way: Why Using The Crate Is The Safest Thing For Your New Puppy

August 2nd, 2010

Tom lives in a gated community of six houses.

The woman who lives in the house next door to Tom just got a new
Border Collie puppy. Tom immediately gave her a print-out of my
dog training book (which you can read more about at: http://www.dogpro
blems.com/secretsbook.htm
)

She read the book. Especially the part about using a crate to
confine your puppy when you’re not home. (This is the same way
you’d confine a baby to a crib or a play pen when you can’t keep
100% of your attention on your baby). It prevents your puppy
from learning bad habits, and it also gives your pup a sense on
security and well-being, as it brings out their natural den
instinct.

Now, I make it pretty clear in my book that the crates I
recommend are the kind you can buy at any pet store. They are
made of a plastic shell and have a locking wire mesh-gate door
at the front, and wire windows on the side. (You can ask any pet
store for the “airline approved” crates).

Anyway— Tom’s neighbor thought she’d get creative. Since it was
only a 10 week-old puppy, she put the pup in a tupperwear box in
front of her house during the day. (Yes, she left the top off,
of course). But this was in lieu of buying the crate I
recommended with the locking door… so that her pup would
actually be confined.

The problem was that: The puppy wasn’t CONFINED.

It didn’t take a genius dog (or even a puppy) more than half a
day to figure out how to jump out of the box.

Then it was off to puppy adventures…

The puppy learned how to chew plants.

The puppy learned how to urinate and defecate in unapproved
areas.

And the puppy leanred how to run into the street and play with
strange, stray dogs and other animals.

Fortunately—by the second day—Tom’s groundskeeper became aware
of the pup, and started keeping the pup with him during the day.
When the pup started to chew on plants, the groundskeeper would
tell the pup, “NO!” and then take him away. When the puppy
started to sniff around and look for a place to defecate, he’d
take the pup to the APPROVED area.

And then praise the pup, after doing the desired behavior.
(Hey—some people are just naturals!)

And when he couldn’t watch the pup, he locked the pup in the
guard shack, which has a concrete floor, is shaded and
well-ventilated. This functioned as a make-shift crate, because
there was nothing in the guard shack that the dog could chew on,
and no way to get out. (Also, the walls were concrete, so the
pup didn’t have any floor molding or dry-wall to learn how to
chew.

So, that evening—after talking with the groundskeeper– Tom had
a talk with his neighbor and explained why it’s so important to
follow the instructions in my book and not try to get “creative”
with the process of raising her pup. (Like I said—some people
get it naturally, and some people don’t.)

And when it comes to raising a puppy, the idiom: “Do It Right,
The First Time” is always worth it’s weight in gold

Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, “Secrets of a
Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider’s Guide To The Most
Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History.” Get a free
copy of his report “Games To Play With Your Dog” when you sign
up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: http://www.dogproblems.com

Choosing the Right Breed of Dog For You

July 29th, 2010

Choosing the right dog isn’t like choosing a car or another product. Remember that you are selecting a living being, and one that will be with you for a very long time. Too many times people choose the wrong type of dog, a dog that ultimately ends up as an outcast because of a clashing personality. To avoid this, you will want to learn the personalities of the major breeds. So what we’re going to do is go over a few of the more popular breeds so that you’ll get a better idea of what you’re looking for.

Dalmatian: This is one of the most popular breeds, having risen to stardom as a result of 101 Dalmatians. They are short haired, though they will shed quite a bit. If you think you can handle this, then you might have picked a winner.

There is more to them than hair of course. They have a very energetic personality; one that many people may not find agreeable. If you have toddlers, then this might not be the best choice as they could be injured by this type of dog. Due to their near boundless energy, they do need regular walks and expanses to run around with; so not ideal if your home is empty throughout the day.

Doberman: Though many people believe the Doberman to be a dangerous animal, it is actually quite gentle so long as it is treated right. Keep in mind that this type of dog does not like to be left for hours at a time. If you have a job that requires you to work many hours, then this might not be the dog for you.

Alaskan Malamute: You’ve probably seen these at some point or another. Either in a movie or in real life, but these are typically known as sled dogs. They can be obedient when it comes down to it, but they usually know when it’s okay to act up. Remember that you will need to take the role of pack leader with this type of dog, and you will need to be able to provide it plenty of exercise.

Beagle: The beagle is an adorable breed of dog, but you need to remember that they can get quite curious. Essentially you will need to spend a lot of time with them, and have a backyard that is fenced off and fully beagle proof.

Bearded Collie: This is a long haired dog that is very friendly, and very loving. You will have a long time companion if you choose to go with this dog, but make sure you have plenty of time to commit to its care. Also make sure that you have a vacuum cleaner handy to take care of the shedding!

These are a few of the different breeds, and as you can see they are all quite different. The one thing that it always comes down to however, is attention. You need to provide any dog with a lot of attention, and make sure that it knows it is loved. Doing this is vital to a dog’s health, after all, dogs can become depressed just like humans. Choose your dog wisely!

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For Dog Insurance, he recommends Healthy Pets, a specialist pet insurer.

Beagle Puppies For Sale – Selecting The Right One

July 28th, 2010

Beagle puppies for sale – selecting the right one. This article will discuss about the cute and cuddly beagle puppy, and how you can go about selecting the right one. Beagle puppy can surely bring a lot of joy and life to the household.

The bark to welcome you home from a hard day of work and having a loyal, loving guard making sure that everyone in the house is safe. There are no words that can describe the connection someone can have with their dog. It is unexplainable how completely different animals which have no way of communicating with each other, can have the ability to have such an emotional and mental connection with one another.

It is a wonderful mystery that man and animal can have such an emotive link. So now gather the information needed and go down to the pet store, and pick the right beagle puppy that offers the potential for such companionship.

The first issue that I will touch on will be the pricing, as price is one of the most important factors when you do choose a beagle. It is a reflection of both the breed and quality of the dog that you are purchasing. A good one in a reputable pet store will usually cost you anywhere between $500 to $1, 000. Get suspicious when the price goes below or way, way above it. Even the best breeds in the world should cost around this range.

Ask the right questions like what is the expected weight and height of the dog may be. Someone in the know should tell you that the puppy you are considering to buy should reach a height of about more than 15 inches and weigh anywhere from 10 – 12 kgs. That is a sign of a healthy and happy beagle dog.

One of the best advices given to be a long time ago when selecting a puppy is that when one does decide to buy, he or she should try their darnest to find one at a rescue shelter. This means that these recued dogs have already been housebroken somewhat and they are usually over the stage of chewing, even in the case of young puppies.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a dog at a shelter is a dog that has something fundamentally wrong with it, the majority of cases that actually come through these shelters are due to families or individuals realising that they simply do not have the time or the money to deal with these dogs.

While it is a shame, you can be one to rescue them for their dispositions and help them to resume a normal healthy life with a new family. A beagle puppy is quite a sight to behold and soon in your care they will grow into a healthy pedigree of those well known hunting dogs in the British Isles. This of course, if can be done only if you make the right choice when choosing one.

Clarence Clark is an avid Beagle lover providing valuable advice at http://www.iluvbeagles.com where he shares Beagle info and training tips with Beagle lovers worldwide. Click Here to gain FREE access to this Beagle networking website.

The Right Companion: Dachshund

July 19th, 2010


www.janson.com Finally, all of our favorite dogs – on one DVD! This indispensable “visual guidebook” is not just for prospective dog owners, but for dog lovers in general.

Is A Collie Puppy Right For You?

July 17th, 2010

The television series “Lassie”  made Lassie the beloved symbol for Collies in America. Your new Collie puppy won’t measure up to the wonder dog, but you’ll most likely find him a wonderful family dog.

The Family Protector

The Collie was originally bred to herd sheep, and still has a strong protective instinct, which makes them an excellent choice for a family dog. The American Kennel Club classifies the Collie as part of the Herding Group. These dogs weigh 55 to 80 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall.

The Collie is strong and graceful and has lots of endurance. This dog’s almond shaped eyes seem to sparkle with intelligence, whether they are brown or blue in color. The Collie’s ears — 3/4 erect with 1/4 folded — make its appearance both alert and appealing. The coat can be either rough or smooth. The rough coat is longer and fuller than the smooth coat. This breed can come in sable and white, tricolor (black, white and tan), or blue merle (tortoise shell) colors.

The Collie enjoys living in the midst of an active family. This breed is not a good choice for apartment living, since it’s a large dog and loves to spend time outside. A home with a big yard is ideal. Although the Collie is friendly and outgoing, this dog is protective of its family and takes its duties as a watchdog seriously. Your Collie will bark at intruders, whether they are people, cats, squirrels, or pieces of trash blowing around the yard.

Stubborn, But Trainable

The Collie can be quite headstrong and can get into a lot of mischief as a puppy. You should consider attending puppy obedience classes with your Collie, since it is easier to train a small puppy that hasn’t developed bad habits than a 60-pound dog that has. Also, be firm with your puppy about staying on the floor if you do not want Collie hair on all of your furniture. Once you allow your dog onto the furniture, he will feel that he has a right to be there any time you leave the room.

The Collie breed has few health problems. Eye diseases and PRA (a genetic defect leading to blindness) are the most common problems these dogs face.

A Good Eater

Collies can pack away a lot of food. These dogs have a tendency to overeat, so it is best to give them 3 small meals a day. If your Collie develops a bulge around his middle, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a food that promotes weight loss.
 
Although a rough coated Collie has long hair, the dog does not need extensive grooming. Brush through your dog’s coat several times a week to avoid mats, paying close attention to the hair around his face, behind his ears, and around his legs. A smooth coated Collie needs only occasional grooming.

If you want a medium-sized dog to protect your family and play with the kids, the Collie may just be the perfect pet for you.

 

 

These Puppy Training Techniques will be able to show you how easy Puppy Leash Training can be.

http://www.obediencetrainingfordogsblog.com

Finding The Right German Shepherd Puppies

July 8th, 2010

German Shepherds make excellent pets because they are athletic, energetic and bond well with their owners. Many know the German Shepherd breed because of their high trainability as a search and rescue dog or a police dog. When selecting between German Shepherd puppies for sale you should consider some health and breed standards. Before you purchase any puppy you will want to have an initial meeting with the puppy you are thinking buying. Observe how the puppy reacts to both your voice and touch. The puppy should be affectionate and eager to make friends.

Later in life some German Shepherds can have a tendency towards aggression. If you don’t train your puppy early then you should at the very least choose one with a good temperament to start. You also want to inquire about any socialization training the dog has had. For German Shepherd’s early socializing is extremely important and any methods the former owners use is crucial. It is important for the puppy to interact with other dogs and humans every day and early.

Next you should request to see both parents of the puppy if you are buying from a breeder. Carefully observe how the parents react to you as a stranger, make sure there are no signs of unwarranted aggression. The litter will inherit the temperament of the parents. For health reasons you should also make sure the parents move easily and unencumbered. Make sure you view the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or OFA certification for the puppys’ parents.

German Shepherds are prone to hip dysphasia and it is a predisposition that can be passed on to litters. So when considering German Shepherd puppies for sale you want to find out the rating the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals maintains on all registered canines based off the X-rays of the dog’s bone structure. Any dog prone to hip dysphasia shouldn’t be bred and you shouldn’t purchase a dog from anyone who doesn’t have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certification for their dogs.

Next carefully look over the puppy you are considering. The eyes should be clear and alert and the gums should be pink and healthy. There should be no foreign matter in the ears. Without being overly energetic the puppy should be playful. When considering German Shepherd puppies for sale you should carefully consider the puppy’s lineage. An American Kennel Club puppy from a breeder will have family charts that show not only the puppy’s parents but also the ancestors of the puppy for several generations on both sides of the family. A good breeder will be happy to show you this detailed family tree and even provide you a copy for your records.

After you have chosen and purchased you German Shepherd puppy you should have it evaluated by a veterinarian right away, they will need to be de-wormed and get all their shots. To socialize your puppy with other dogs and human beings you should take them on walks, set up play dates with dogs or friends and take them with you into pet stores when you shop if it is allowed.

Jan Ryan is a breeder of German Shepherd puppies and can offer tips on what to consider when choosing your new puppy. When you are looking for German Shepherd puppies you will need to take several steps in order to find a healthy and good puppy. After getting a new puppy it is important to know proper German Shepherd puppy care.

Is the Teacup Chihuahua the Right Companion For You?

June 11th, 2010

Is the teacup Chihuahua the right companion for you? If you are looking to adopt a dog which you can dote on, most probably the answer will be “yes”. A Teacup Chihuahua is sweet and friendly in nature and it is simply too adorable for you to resist pampering it. Chihuahuas are also well-known for their gracefulness, agility and alertness. Although Chihuahuas typically appear to be well-mannered and tame, there are some characteristics of Chihuahua that you must look out for, such as their indifferent behaviour towards strangers and their need for contact with other dogs or human beings. Therefore, although the Chihuahua appears to be a good companion for you, you have to know the characteristics of the Chihuahuas well enough before you actually decide to adopt one.

For example, it is essential for your Chihuahua to have an ample intake of fresh air and enough exposure to sunlight. If there is insufficient exposure to sunlight and fresh air, your Chihuahua will appear to be very pale and dull. The best way to ensure sufficient supply of fresh air and exposure of sunlight is to frequently bring your teacup Chihuahua to take a stroll at a nearby park. As mentioned earlier, as your Chihuahua is very friendly toward others, you may need to pay special attention to the behaviour of your Chihuahua. The main reason behind this is that your Chihuahua will tend to be friendly towards other dogs or cats. It will most probably greet any dogs and cats it comes across with a soft bark. However, at times, it might meet some dogs that are not as friendly and sociable as it is. This might cause unexpected hostile reaction from the unfriendly dog. Worst case scenario, a fight might even break out between the 2 dogs.

Therefore, it is your responsibility to make sure that such a thing does not happen. As for cats, most of them will be friendly towards your Chihuahua. However, most cats have long claws and they might scratch your Chihuahua with their claws. Therefore, it is best for your Chihuahua to keep a distance away from stray cats.

Another essential thing is that you will need to ensure that your Chihuahua stays fit and healthy at all times. One important thing you need to know is that Chihuahua need a warm and quiet place in order to fall asleep. Sleep is very important to Teacup Chihuahuas as they are very active in nature and therefore, they need ample rest in order to stay healthy. For the Chihuahua to stay fit, regular exercises and a good diet plan are 2 very important factors that you will need to pay special attention to. Also, regular check ups at the vet are also very vital. It is best to diagnose dog-related diseases at the early stages because it will be more difficult to deal with when the condition of the Chihuahua worsens.

After knowing all these facts, you should more or less know if you have the ability to take care of your Chihuahua. So, is the Teacup Chihuahua the right companion for you? Well, I suppose that only you yourself will know the answer to it.

Clarence Clark is an avid Chihuahua dog lover providing valuable advice at http://www.chihuahuatime.com for fellow chihuahua dog lovers. Where he shares chihuahua info and training tips with Chihuahua lovers worldwide. Click Here to gain FREE access to this Chihuahua networking website.