Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
One of the most difficult parts of owning dogs is saying goodbye to your friend, so the urge to pick a long-lasting breed is understandable. In terms of sticking power, hybrid dogs have some advantages over their purebred counterparts, but life span really comes down to one thing: Size.
In the United States, it is illegal to sell puppies before they are eight weeks old. Find out why it is illegal to sell puppies before eight weeks with help from the executive director of the Found Animals Foundation in Los Angeles in this free video clip.
Although mother dogs can't express love and affection to their puppies by buying them toys or knitting them sweaters, they do so instinctually. Most mother dogs have strong maternal instincts, which they display in many ways, from feeding to grooming.
Many owners choose to retire their dogs after winning the prestigious Best in Show title on the national level. That's a personal decision, however, and not an American Kennel Club rule. The winning dog must go back on the show circuit again, in a season running from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, attempting to repeat previous triumphs when he really has nothing left to prove.
The behavior of puppy mill dogs tends to vary due to the harsh conditions that they are subjected to. Find out about the behavior of puppy mill dogs with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this free video clip.
30% of a dog's brain is dedicated to olfactory. Learn how to keep your dog from sniffing male dogs with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in this free video clip.
If you're registering your dog with the American Kennel Club, you not only have to come up with an everyday name, but a registered name as well. Registered names are used to uniquely identify dogs that might have the same call name, and are printed on official AKC records and catalogs if the dog is entered in AKC events.
Competitors at American Kennel Club shows are judged based upon an ideal standard for their individual breed. Dogs are judged on looks, movement and temperament with the winner awarded to the dog that best personifies the breed. The AKC sponsors other events based on skill -- such as agility or obedience -- but dog shows focus on physical appearance or conformation.
Teaching a dog to Frisbee is a bit of a cat and mouse game that will end with a new game you can play with your animal. Teach a dog Frisbee with help from a certified professional dog trainer in this free video clip.
If you're planning on fostering dogs, there are a few things you need to be aware of before bringing a new friend into your home. Get advice on fostering dogs with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this free video clip.
The first thing you need to do to get a male dog to stop marking at a female dog's house is get him fixed. Stop a male dog from marking at a female dog's house with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this free video clip.
For a male dog, peeing is a dual-function activity. He is simultaneously emptying his bladder and leaving a calling card for other dogs. The urine contains scent that your dog wants others to smell. Once a dog is sexually mature, he typically has the instinct to urinate at a height where other dogs are likely to pick up the scent. But if your dog squats to pee, there are various reasons why and it’s not necessarily a cause for alarm.
While many dog shows no longer bench competitors, that's not true of some of the nation's premier events. The prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held each winter in New York City, is a benched show. As the show management stated in its 2013 program, "The benching area is the heart and soul of Westminster." Benching provides an opportunity for exhibitors to share their love of a certain breed with the general public.
Most mama dogs take care of their puppies very well. They're just doing what comes naturally. There's always a chance that a dog won't have maternal instincts, or fail to produce enough milk to feed her babies. The mother might fall ill, requiring veterinary care and separation from her pups. That's when you must step in and care for the litter.
People have their dogs spayed for a variety of reasons. Preventing unplanned pregnancies and litters is a major reason. Your dog will live a longer, healthier life, and her risk of uterine infections and breast cancer will be greatly reduced, if she is spayed before her first heat. A female dog who never goes into heat will not experience the accompanying restlessness, swollen vulva, increased urination and bleeding. You will avoid cleaning bloodstains off your rugs and furniture. Male dogs will not travel miles to hang out at your house whining, barking and fighting with other males, while waiting for…
Open the classified section of any newspaper, and you’ll find ads touting phrases such as “papered purebred puppies” and “non-papered purebred puppies.” But like many sales tag-lines, these phrases can be deceiving. The American Kennel Club was among the first purebred registries to issue papers verifying purebred standing. Today, approximately 10 different organizations issue paperwork claiming to verify a dog’s purebred standing. Unfortunately, varying organizational requirements make the difference between papered and non-papered puppies less significant than you may think.
A dog's pregnancy lasts between 58 and 68 days, during which time you may notice a small amount of mucous-like vaginal discharge. If this mucous has a pink tint, that is normal, but if you notice red, bloody or pus-like discharge, this could indicate a problem with your dog's pregnancy. Bleeding during pregnancy is not normal and requires immediate veterinary care for your dog.
Founded in 1880, the Canadian Kennel Club, known as the CKC, considers itself a leader in advancing the quality of purebred Canadian dogs through shows, competitions and trials for its 25,000 members. The CKC show circuit combines strict purebred regulations with etiquette and showmanship among canines and their handlers. Each dog must meet specific physical standards in the show ring, which vary by breed. For purebred owners interested in showing their dogs, the CKC offers opportunities but demands strict compliance with its regulations.
As a dog owner, it is imperative for you to be the pack leader. Your female companion should listen to you and obey your commands. Running away, biting and urinating in the house are some examples of behaviors you need to overcome. Get your whole family involved in the training process. Your pet should listen to all family members, including children in the home.
Dogs affected with bordetella have an unmistakable cough. Commonly referred to as "kennel cough," bordetella can also affect cats, rabbits, pigs, guinea pigs and a few other animals. Extremely contagious, bordetella passes through saliva and respiratory secretions and can pass from species to species. Bordetella is manageable through vaccinations and minimizing exposure to infected animals. Prevalent worldwide, bordetella is the most common upper respiratory condition in dogs and cats in the United States.
Whether it actually is illegal to sell a puppy before it is eight weeks old is a law that varies by state. Not all states have such a law, though many of them do, and some states, such as Virginia, mandate that the puppy must be at least seven weeks old rather than eight. The reasons for enacting these laws are related to the physical and mental needs of puppies.
Unlike human beings, dogs mate only to reproduce. Because canine reproduction is an instinctive process, the male and female dogs rarely experience any significant degree of attachment to one another. For this reason, the female dog usually does not want the male around when whelping, that is giving birth, no matter how much he might appear to desire it.
Spaying is a surgical procedure in which a female dog’s reproductive organs are removed. The procedure is administered in order to prevent the dog from becoming pregnant. Once spayed, a female dog will no longer come into season, or experience the period of two to three weeks when she is fertile, drips blood and is attractive to male dogs. Another benefit of spaying is that the spayed dog will have a greatly reduced risk of breast cancer and will not be subject to uterine infections or cancers. Normally the spaying procedure and recovery are trouble-free, but there are things to…
If you are a dog lover, you have probably noticed that some canines are referred to as designer dogs, and wondered what this impressive-sounding term means. Designer dogs, or hybrids, are the offspring of two different purebred dogs. While adorable and charming, designer dogs are not the same as purebreds. Purebred canines are the result of generations of breeding within one specific breed group. There are several important differences between designer and purebred dogs.
The English Bulldog represents strength to many as evidenced by its use as a mascot for the United States Marine Corps, 39 U.S. universities, the New York City Fire Department and hundreds of sports teams throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Yet this fan loyalty does not equate to the standards set for bulldogs headed for the show ring. Rather, breeding clubs in America and England have stringent requirements that at times are hotly debated when up for review.
Walking your dog can become a stressful experience if he lunges, barks or growls at other dogs. Your pet companion may display the aggressive behavior due to a lack of socialization with other dogs during his puppy years. Bad past experiences with other canines also can trigger the undesirable behavior. To make walking your dog a pleasant experience, incorporate measures to prevent your dog from displaying his aggression.
Clinically known as gastric torsion, and also commonly called bloat, a twisted gut in dogs occurs when the dog’s stomach fills with gas and then twists around, blocking the passages in and out. The number two killer of dogs in the United States after cancer, bloat can be fatal within a few hours and up to 33 percent of dogs that contract it will die. The exact reasons why a dog's stomach fills with gas are unknown, although some breeds are more likely to suffer the condition, according to PetMD.
Agility is a dog-sporting event that highlights your handling skills and your dog’s ability to run a series of obstacles. The obstacles in an American Kennel Club Agility Trial include jumps, weave poles, tunnels, a rest table, an A-frame, seesaw, tire hoops and dog walk. Entering your dog in AKC agility requires certain qualifications, depending upon the dog’s breed and health. All dogs entering AKC agility trials must have an AKC registration number in one of the five registration categories and be at least 15 months old.
The urge to merge is very strong among animals. This need to breed was built into them to ensure the survival of the species. This is true no matter the species. It's an important part of making sure the likes of lions, lemurs and leopards survive in the wild. Once upon a time, it played an important part in the survival of wild dogs, too. But those days are long over and there is no danger of dogs facing extinction any time soon. However, dogs didn't get the memo on that, and so their genes are still programmed for sexual…
Although domesticated dogs can become an integral part of any family, they are, in fact, not human beings. Dogs show affection to humans in a number of ways that might be considered offensive if they were coming from another member of the human race. Understanding how a dog communicates affection is important for pet owners, as it helps humans to interpret and appreciate their pets' mysterious expressions of love.
Oxygen requirements for dogs at high altitudes depend on the type of activity you are engaging in. If you are taking your dog on a plane, the cabin that the dog will be in is pressurized, making the increase in altitude not directly change the amount of oxygen that is pumped into the cabin. If you are going on a hike or climb with your dog, climbing above 8,000 feet of elevation will begin to effect the oxygen intake of your dog.
Sheer tops and blouses add an ethereal, delicate element to an outfit. But an obvious bra line can ruin the elegance of the look, and visible undergarments are not appropriate in most workplaces. To keep your bra invisible, color is key. A bra the same color as your skin -- called a nude bra -- is a lingerie-drawer essential because it creates no color contrast and is thus hard to perceive under clothing. With a nude bra and a few other basic layering pieces, you can make sheer tops appropriate for just about any social or professional setting.
Dog shows are a popular way to show off your favorite canine companion, but if your dog isn’t purebred, you might not be able to compete in all facets of a show. Don’t despair, though. Many mutt-only shows exist, so your pup can participate in these and even the major dog organizations have some specific areas in which mixed breed dogs are allowed to compete. While the American Kennel Club doesn’t allow mixed breed dogs in it’s appearance contests -- which focus on judging dogs by the specific traits of their breed -- they do have mutt-friendly obedience and agility…
Recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1934, Corgis have been bouncing their way into dog lovers’ homes for centuries. If you can’t add a real Corgi to your family, adopt one virtually by drawing your own in Microsoft Paint. With Paint, you’ve got all the tools required to make a virtual Corgi, with none of the barking or late-night walks required.
The American Kennel Club, which is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a not-for-profit organization for breeders and owners of purebred dogs. The AKC maintains an official registry of every purebred dog that has been submitted for registration by either the dog's breeder or owner. The AKC also sanctions official dog shows around the country. In addition, the AKC promotes responsible dog ownership and education through commercials and pamphlets that can be found at pet stores and veterinarian offices. The AKC also issues grants to researchers who are working to improve canine health. The certifications that the AKC issues are…
Maintaining optimal health for your dog involves routine veterinary care, good food, fresh water and plenty of exercise. Dogs benefit from an assortment of exercise routines to help maintain an active lifestyle. Though obstacle courses can be set up outdoors, utilizing a makeshift indoor version will help keep your dog entertained and active while indoors during inclement weather or when outdoor free space is not readily available.
Training your puppy to do its business outside can be difficult while living in an urban setting. Most likely, dogs do not have easy access to recreational areas like public parks, especially during the wintertime. Instead of forcing your puppy to deal with its chaotic surroundings, make an indoor dog potty, which can resolve the issue without harming the puppy's psyche.
The round ligament in dogs connects the head of the femur to the hip-joint socket. This ligament is flat and short; its purpose is to help keep the hip joint lubricated. The round ligament is identical in male and female dogs. Canine hip dysplasia is a condition in which the round ligament of the femoral head becomes enlarged due to a poor fit of the head of the femur to the joint socket. CHD is fairly common in many breeds of dogs and while it cannot be cured at this time, there are steps that can be taken to prevent…
With the right care and lifestyle, a Yorkshire terrier can live for up to 15 years. Not only are Yorkies great companions for humans of all ages, they are good guard dogs since their courage makes them a fierce and noisy opponent for invaders despite their small size. Enjoy the benefits of your Yorkie and help your pet achieve a happy, healthy life by meeting the needs and the ideal lifestyle of this small, energetic breed of dog.
While some people prefer to keep dogs as pets, others use them as a method of home security. The terms "watchdog" and "guard dog" are often used interchangeably by some people, but the two terms mean completely different things. Some types of dogs are better suited to be watchdogs and others are best as guard dogs.
Fleas cause misery for the dog and the entire family. These blood-sucking insects hide in your dog’s fur, bed linens, carpets, upholstery and any cracks they can find. Fleas do more than cause a dog discomfort, they cause health issues as well. The dog may have an allergic reaction known as dermatitis, which results in skin infections. Fleas can cause hair loss, anemia, or red skin and scabs. Many remedies exist to control fleas on your dog. Before choosing one, consult your veterinarian.
The coat style your Maltese Shih Tzu favors determines how often the coat requires grooming. Shorter coat styles reduce grooming in all dogs. The types of combs and brushes this breed combination requires depend on coat type. Daily grooming is necessary for longer coats to remove tangles and mats. Routine nail, ear, eye care prevents common infections and nail disorders. A quality diet, fresh water and routine veterinary care improve skin and coat quality as well.
You may have a dog visit your home because it is the companion of a friend or relative, a guide-dog for the visually impaired or a pets-as-therapy dog. Whatever the reason, it is important to treat the dog as a dog and not as a person. Have your guidelines worked out before the dog arrives, and preferably talk about them with the person who will be bringing the dog. Guidelines include which areas of the house the dog is allowed in and what areas are restricted, where it will be eating, whether it is allowed on furniture, if it is…
Bringing a dog home from a shelter or breeder is similar to bringing a new family member into your home. The new resident will be very excited by the new sights, sounds and new smells. Precautions and arrangements must be made to ensure the safety and well-being of the dog and other members of the family. Be especially careful to guard very young and elderly members of your household when your bring in the new arrival.
Some male dogs learn to lift their legs to urinate instinctively, or by watching other dogs in their social group. However, some dogs appear to not acquire the skill through normal means. A dog lifts its leg to pee in order to make the act of urination a multipurpose one. The release of bodily waste is important, but the dog is also marking its territory with its unique scent. The leg-lift maneuver allows the dog to get its scent on a vertical object so that other dogs who walk by will smell that the territory has been claimed.
Dog shows may appear odd and confusing to an outsider, but there are specific rules and procedures governing this enduring competition. According to the American Kennel Club, more than 3 million dogs are entered in shows every year, competing in events that include agility, herding, obedience and physical characteristics. Judges are responsible for evaluating dogs and following guidelines to determine which dogs win awards. The ultimate prize, of course, is Best in Show.
Between 1800 and 1812, Barry, a St. Bernard known worldwide as the "Avalanche Dog," saved more than 40 lives in the Swiss Alps. Today, search and rescue, or SAR, dogs are commonly seen in the news and are portrayed on television shows. Certifying a SAR dog is not a straightforward process. While there is one nationally recognized training and certification program offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there are also numerous other ones. Choosing the right training and certification program involves doing comprehensive research.
The toy is the smallest of the three competitive poodle groups, the others being the standard and the miniature. In U.S. dog shows, the toy poodle is judged by the regulations set out by the American Kennel Club's breed standards, as are all dogs. These standards take into consideration appearance, health and temperament, among other things.
A dog handler can choose between many different types of handling work, and each type brings a different rate and form of remuneration. Dog handling as a career ranges from security work in the police or military, through search and rescue organizations, to handling purebred dogs in conformation shows or working dogs in field trials. In each career, the handler works for a different type of employer and earns a different type of income. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated almost 10,000 people working in the category of animal trainers, which includes dog handlers, in May 2010.
Rottweilers can be good dogs to have in multi-dog homes because they usually get along well with other canines. However, when bringing them into a home where other animals are already established, it is important to take the time to plan ahead and introduce the dogs carefully. Dogs in your home will follow a pecking order depending on their age and personality, and a new dog -- especially a female one -- will have to find its place within that pecking order. This can take hours, days or even weeks to truly establish.
