Doggie Resolutions

Happy New Year!

In addition to your own New Year's resolutions, your dog might have a few of his own. The American Kennel Club® (AKC), the dog's champion, reflects on some resolutions your dog might be thinking of for the coming year.

Top 10 Resolutions by Dogs include:

10. Owner on floor, dog in bed.

9. Stop begging and actually get a seat at the dinner table.

8. Give up the dream of ever catching my tail.

7. Bark like a big dog but still get cuddled on lap like a little dog.

6. Get back at cat for litter box incident.

5. Find every bone I ever buried.

4. No more haircuts!

3. Become alpha dog in my house. Well, at least stop letting the cat push me around

2. Invent goggles that allow me to see the electric fence.

1. Finally pass that darn AKC Canine Good Citizen test.

Hope this made you smile.

Earthdog

Did you know that there is a canine sport called Earthdog?

Yes. It is for those terriers who love to chase little animals.


Terriers' ancestors chased an animal to its den, then dug and tunneled in to dispatch it, also known as "going to ground." At Earthdog events, tunnels are pre-built and the rat at the end is in a protective cage, but the challenge still remains.

To get started, it is recommended to have a good working relationship with your dog so that it is under control.

For practice, you can use cardboard tubes which are secured not to roll. Use a favorite toy to tempt your dog through the tube. When your dog confidently works its way through the tubes, you are ready for an Introduction to Quarry test.

Events are often hosted by regional breed-specific terrier or Dachshund clubs. Look for a local Earthdog club by using a search engine or visiting the American Kennel Club website. Earthdog is an AKC trial event.

It is fun to watch your dog doing what it is bread to do, and they have so much fun doing it.

Native Dog of Argentina

In 1925, two ambitious young brothers in Argentina set out to create a new dog breed.

Antonio Nores Martinez and Agustin Martinez envisioned a dog that was fast with an excellent sense of smell to hunt big game like wild boar and mountain lions. They desired a dog that was fearless and tireless on the hunt, but a friendly family dog at home. More than anything else, the brothers wanted their breed to get along well with other dogs.

The brothers used 10 breeds to design their new hunting dog, starting with the now-extinct Fighting Dog of Cordoba. They then added the Boxer, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, the Dogue de Bordeauz, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, Pointer, and Spanish Mastiff. Breed development took decades. Finally, in 1973, the Argentina Kennel Club recognized Argentina's first and only native breed: the Dogo Argentino.

Today the Dogo Argentino is rare in the United States.

In 2011,the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the breed into its Miscellaneous Class, the final step before full recognition.

The hallmark of the breed is its pure white coat - one dark-colored patch around the eye is allowed - which requires little care. Simply groomed once a week with a rubber curry brush. Dogos are prone to sunburn and must have access to shade during the summer.

Dogos are 23 to 27 inches tall and weight 80-100 pounds. These large, muscular dogs might look intimidating, but Dogos are friendly, affectionate, and devoted to their families, especially children.

Rally Sport

No not cars, but with dogs!

In 2005, the American Kennel Club incorporated the sport of rally into its title competitions and has become extremely popular.


Rally is a series of 15 to 20 numbered stations, each with a sign and picture showing the obedience exercise you and your dog do at that station. The exercises incorporate heeling maneuvers, basic stays, and come.

It is said that rally proves easier than formal obedience because owners can communicate with their dogs, which is against the rules in formal obedience. Though exercises must be performed correctly, rally judges look for spirited cooperation between owner and dog over absolute accuracy. Timing is used only to break a tie score; the quickest time in a tie wins. In addition, the handler must concentrate on going to the next station correctly and not get lost in the course.

It is a great opportunity to develop a bond with your dog.

For more information, visit the website.

Doggie New Year Resolutions

As you know, New Year's is traditionally a time to reflect on our past, and more importantly, look forward to the changes we want to make in the coming year. In addition to your own New Year's resolutions, your dog might have a few, too.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC) reflects on some resolutions your dog might be thinking about for 2012.

If dogs could talk their top 10 Resolutions might include:

10. Owner on floor, dog in bed.
9. Stop begging and actually get a seat at the dinner table.
8. Give up the dream of ever catching my tail.
7. Bark like a big dog but still get cuddled on lap like a little dog.
6. Get back at cat for litter box incident.
5. Find every bone I ever buried.
4. No more haircuts! (Come fall, I can go as a Komondor for Halloween).
3. Become alpha dog in my house. Well, at least stop letting the cat push me around.
2. Invent goggles that allow me to see the electric fence.
1. Finally pass that darn AKC Canine Good Citizen test.

For Additional information on responsible dog ownership visit the American Kennel Club Website.

Breed Standard

Each dog breed in dog registries and associations such as the American Kennel Club, has a standard; a set of guidelines written to ensure that the dogs conform to specific attributes. Each breed standard is different, but all share some similar characteristics:

1. Appearance Every breed standard addresses the outward qualities of the dog, and includes factors such as general appearance; size, proportion, and substance; head (including eye and nose color); neck, topline, and body; forequarters; hindquarters; coat; and color.

2. Gait This describes how the dog should move.

3. Temperament Qualities like behavior, adaptability, trainability, intelligence, playfulness, and energy level differ from breed to breed.

4. Disqualifications It is important to know what a breed should not look and act like. Disqualifications could include rare color or coat, or wrong ear size or shape.

Why is a breed standard important?

Along with helping to ensure that breeds maintain a consistent look and personality, the standard also ensures the dogs maintain the functions for which they were originally bred.

For example, according to the AKC, Rottweilers were originally bred to herd cattle in the field. With selective breeding, their protective, courageous natures are still prevalent in their temperament even today.

For more information about breed standards, and to see listings of the standards of your favorite breeds, visit the AKC website.

Tracking

Dogs love to sniff the ground.

The American Kennel Club tracking allows your dog to indulge this passion as it follows a specific human scent trail complete with turns and "lost" articles to find. It also provides your dog with unparalleled freedom for in tracking the dog becomes the leader and you have to listen and trust the dog.

You do not just hold the leash while your dog tracks. You must learn how to handle the line, how much tension to put on the line, how to read the dog's body language, how to know when the dog is off the track, and how to encourage the dog back on the track.

The length of the track varies per the competition level, as does the number of turns, and general difficulty. The tracks may cross fields, near ponds, into wooded areas, and eventually over man made surfaces.

Tracking develops an incredible bond between owner and dog, due in part to the trust the handler must place in the dog's ability to follow something humans can neither see, hear, smell, nor feel.

Training involves using food and toys to direct and reward your dog's natural scenting ability. When approached in this positive manner, most dogs love tracking.

There are tracking clubs and obedience clubs with members who track. You can also contact judges to see if they do training, or they can refer you to someone in the area. Books and videos help, but do not replace the assistance of another tracker.

To track down mover information, check this out.

Rescue Dog Check List

Considering adopting a rescue dog?

Here are some tips from rescue experts for the best chance at a successful forever adoption:

1. Do not look at this a saving a dog, so much as looking for a lifelong pet. The rescues main concern should be to fit the dog to the family.

2. Find out whether the organization is a registered 501(c)(3)non-profit. If it handles any volume of dogs, it should be.

3. Call your local humane society to see it it is familiar with the rescue.

4. If you want a particular breed, contact the local breed club or go through the American Kennel Club national breed club's rescue coordinator or network.

5. The dog should be spayed or neutered and receive appropriate vaccinations before you take him/her home. Many rescued dogs also have microchips for easier identification.

6. If the rescue does not ask you plenty of questions, move on to another organization. They want to put each dog into a home for the rest of his/her life.

7. Your adopted dog should come with a written contract that says if for any reason you cannot keep him/her, you will return the dog to the rescue. Also, the rescue should offer a written record of where the dog came from, why it was surrendered, and any known health or behavior problems.

8. It is best if the dog you want to adopt has been in a foster home. The foster family has a chance to find out the dog's temperament and training level, and to identify any behavioral issues. This is not always possible.

9. Ask for references from people who have adopted from the rescue, then check them. If the organization will not put any of its previous adopters in touch with you, move on.

10. Take a good look at the dog to see if he/she is healthy and social.

Remember, it is worth all the work to have the right dog as a new member of your family.

Dog Rescue Groups

When the movie 101 Dalmatians aired in 1996, children and parents clamored to get a Dalmatian. It did not take long for people to realize that they could not meet the needs of this excitable breed that requires a tremendous amount of exercise and attention. Shelters soon filled up with unwanted Dalmatians.

This is when the Dalmatian Club of America came into existence. This national organization helped rescue thousands of Dalmatians.

Rescue groups have been a natural outgrowth of dog clubs that specialize in maintaining purebred dogs. Too often, people see a dog that looks interesting or is a popular breed and they purchase a puppy without investigating the breed's characteristics.

People unprepared for the demands of certain breeds quickly become disenchanted and get rid of the dog. In response, those who have a love and understanding of specific dog breeds have developed rescue groups. The majority of these rescue groups are for a particular breed, though some rescue shelters are open to all dogs.

Purebred Dog Rescue

Breed rescue groups have a vested interest in saving their particular type of dog. Because they understand a breed's requirements, they can assess the dog's behavior, training needs and suitability for placement. They know what type of family a Dalmatian, for instance, would be most happy in. This insight dramatically reduces stress on families, the dogs and ultimately humane shelters, where many dogs unfortunately wind up.

Beware of so-called "rescue groups" that attempt to sell rescued dogs for a profit, particularly those that sell to pet stores. While it is perfectly natural to recoup some of the fees for maintaining the dog, the fees should not be constituted as the "price" for a particular dog. Moreover, a rescue group will spend time talking with you about your particular family and living situation to determine if you are right for the dog. The last thing a rescue group wants to see is a dog returned, once again, after placement.

A reputable rescue group will also not attempt to breed a rescued dog for two reasons: any undesirable traits can be passed to the offspring; and breeding dogs only adds to the problem of overpopulation.

If you are looking for a dog of a specific breed and do not care too much about lineage or American Kennel Club papers, consider contacting a breed rescue organizations. These dogs can make great pets, as long as they are with a family that understands them.

Contact your local veterinarian or shelter to find the names and information for breed rescue organizations in your area. You can also search the Internet. In addition, the AKC Web site lists the official dog club contact information. Individual clubs are often affiliated with rescue organizations.

Top Dog 2010

This year the American Kennel Club (AKC) celebrates its 127th anniversary and recently released its 2010 report about registered dog breeds in the USA.

Can you guess what breed is #1?

Hint: For the 20th straight year in a row, it is the same breed!

America's favorite dog - the Labrador Retriever.



The biggest change this year is that the Beagle jumped into 4th place from fifth knocking out the Golden Retriever to 5th. The bulldog also jumped into 6th place knocking out the boxer.

America's Top Ten Dog Breeds for 2010:

1. Labrador retrievers
2. German shepherds
3. Yorkshire terriers
4. Beagles
5. Golden retrievers
6. Bulldog
7. Boxers
8. Dachshunds
9. Poodles
10. Shih Tzus

For the full list, check here.

First Three Mistakes A Dog Owner Makes

I will be doing a series of blogs highlighting the
top TEN mistakes a dog owner makes.
Today, the top three...

Mistake 1: Buying a Pet Spontaneously

Why this is a mistake? That doggie in the window may be darling, but he might not be the right fit for your family or lifestyle.

How to avoid it: Fully inform yourself before you bring home a pet. Every dog has its own needs, some of which are specific to the breed. Terriers tend to dig; Abyssinians explore and climb. If there’s a breed that interests you, read up on it (try the website of the American Kennel Club), talk to owners, and get to know someone else’s Border collie or Persian. That said, not every dog or cat is typical of its breed, so “ask about the pet’s history, health, and temperament,” says Stephanie Shain, a director at the Humane Society of the United States. When dealing with a breeder, you should be shown where the pet was raised and meet his parents.

Mistake 2: Skipping Obedience Training

Why this is a mistake? Bad habits can be difficult to train out of a pet. So unless you have the know-how to school an animal, you need the help of a pro.

How to avoid it: Even before a puppy starts formal training, teach him simple commands, such as sit and stay. A puppy can begin formal training at eight weeks (and ideally before 12 weeks), after he has had his shots. “Between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks, puppies readily absorb information about the world around them,” says Andrea Arden, author of Dog-Friendly Dog Training. To help a dog stick with good behaviors, every few years take him for a refresher course.

Mistake 3: Being Inconsistent With the Rules


Why this is a mistake? If one child lets Fifi on the bed and another punishes her for it, the animal will be confused. Bad behavior is inevitable.

How to avoid it: Make sure everyone in your household knows―and follows―the rules, says Arden. “You want your dog to sit before eating a treat? Then figure out a system that will help your pet succeed.” Pets thrive with a sense of order, so discuss with your family when yours should be fed, exercised, and even given a treat.

Next time, I will post mistakes number 4,5,and 6

Dogs and Relationships

Relationship expert, April Masini, and Stanley Coren, Ph.D., a psychologist and author of The Intelligence of Dogs (Free Press), enlightens us on the traits of a man and his best friend.

The American Kennel Club recognizes twenty-eight groups of dogs (one is miscellaneous), but not all breeds may be a suitable match for you, nor your pick of a dog man.

Read this article to discover how to make a dog-person love connection that will make you both happy.

AKC's Top 10 Breeds of 2008

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently released their 2008 registration numbers which we have used to determine the Top 10 Breeds of 2008.

Drum roll please....

For the 18th year in a row, the Labrador Retriever takes the top spot once again as America's favorite purebred dog!

So it is safe to say that America is in love with the Labrador Retriever ... and with good reason. Labs are friendly, loving and very playful. They are highly regarded for their good nature, easy trainability and intelligence.

This popular breed was not originally used as a companion dog. Instead, Retrievers were bred exclusively as hunters, a job for which they possessed superior talents. The Labrador Retriever was officially accepted into the English Kennel Club in 1903 and the American Kennel Club in 1917.

The Top 10 Breeds of 2008 are:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Bulldog
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu