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Dog Breeds: Labrador Retriever

Written by on July 27, 2009 · Leave a Comment

labrador-retrieverblkLabrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland where they were used to assist fishermen land the fishing nets.


Nowadays, they are employed as guide dogs for the blind, for sniffing out drugs and explosives, and as field sports dogs.

FACTS ABOUT THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Size Male:    22-24 in (56-61 cm)
Female: 21-23 in (53-58 cm)
Weight Male:     50-60lb (23-27 kg)
Female:  45-55lb (20-25 kg)
Temperament The Labrador Retriever makes an ideal family pet as they are intelligent, good natured, loyal, obedient, affectionate and thoughtful. They are patient with children which makes them an ideal family pet. They do tend to mature late both physically and mentally.
Grooming Requires regular brushing but the short haired coat is easy to groom. Bathe or dry shampoo as required
Exercise Labrador Retrievers require regular vigorous exercise to keep them fit and trim. They are big eaters and have a tendency to become obese if they are not sufficiently exercised or are overfed. The Labrador Retriever loves water and retrieving.
Living Area The Labrador Retriever needs plenty of space to run around in and it is moderately active when indoors.
Health Prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts.
Life Expectancy 10 – 12 years
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Training a Big Dog – How Hard Can it Be to Teach Your Big Dog to Sit

Written by on July 21, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Unless you make it clear from the start who is in control then training a big dog can be a problem. A big dog can be a handful because of its size and sometimes its temperament. Unless training has commenced at puppy hood it can be difficult to train your pet. This guide will provide you with some dog training tips and hints to help you gain control over your dog.

It is best to start training your dog from the day you bring it home. If you have acquired a puppy, that is better from a training perspective. Puppies are much easier to train than a big dog. While your pet is a puppy you will easily have control which makes training that much easier.

If your dog is already full grown and is a problem to you and anyone it meets then some serious training is required. Training a big dog will require a lot of patience. A grown dog is harder to train than a puppy. Stay calm and be persistent with your training methods. Start with the basics and take it slowly.

Teaching your dog to sit is one of the first things most people teach their dogs. It can solve a lot of other related problems, like jumping up for instance. There is no point trying to physically get a big dog to sit by forcing their back down. This is not a good method to try on any size dog as it can damage their back so avoid it.

To teach a big dog to sit use food rewards.

  • Get your dogs attention.
  • If your dog has a tendency to run from you then train it in a small room in your house or in a small confined area of your yard.
  • Take a dog treat that you know your dog loves and stand in front of your dog.
  • Hold the dog treat just over your dog’s nose, say SIT in a firm voice and move your hand backward behind your dogs head.
  • This should all be actioned in one fluid movement. If done correctly your dog will automatically sit. Let him have the treat and praise him. Don’t overdo the praise for hyperactive dogs.

Repeat this four or five times ensuring that you say SIT each time.  Do not overdo it on the first day.

Repeat this process for a week reducing the treats little by little until your big dog eventually sits without the treats. Ensure that you praise your dog each time he does the right thing. The praise will eventually replace the need for treats.

Categories: Dog Training, How To - Tags: ,

Dog Breeds: English Cocker Spaniel

Written by on July 8, 2009 · Leave a Comment

eng-cocker-spaniel The English Cocker Spaniel originated in Spain.

The English Kennel Club recognized it as a separate breed in the late 1800′s. The Cocker was named for its ability to hunt out woodcocks.

Cocker Spaniels have a soft mouth which makes them excellent retrievers.

The smaller American Cocker Spaniel were bred from the English Cocker Spaniel and recognized as a separate breed in the 1930′s.

FACTS ABOUT THE ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL

Size Male: 15-17in (33 – 41cm)
Female: 12-15in (30-38cm)
Weight Male: 28-32lb (13-1kg)
Female: 26-3lb (12-14kg)
Temperament The Cocker spaniel is an energetic, playful and affectionate dog. Eager to learn and eager to please. Sweet and loveable but some can be snappy towards strangers unless kept in check. Many make good watchdogs. Cockers behave well with children but will not tolerate teasing. Train your cocker gently but with firmness. They do have an independent streak
Grooming Daily grooming is required and professional grooming may also be needed. Unless you are showing your dog it is best to keep your cocker clipped. Trim the hair around the pads but not between the toes. The Cocker Spaniel is a moderate shedder
Exercise Moderate to vigorous exercise required although some Cocker Spaniels are more energetic than others.
Living Area Medium space requirements. Not really suitable for apartment living although it is not totally out of the question. These  dogs love to sniff about in undergrowth so a yard is the preferred option.
Health Cocker Spaniels can suffer from ear infections, eye infections, skin and spinal problems.
Life Expectancy 12-15 years
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Keep Your Dog Safe – Review: Designer Pet Saver Life Jacket For Small Dogs

Written by on July 1, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Designer Pet Saver Life Jacket

KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE WHEN OUT BOATING

BUY NOW

Designer Pet Saver Life Jacket, Small (Colors Vary)

We love our dogs and want to include them in as many parts of our lives as we can from curling up on the bed on a rainy Saturday to riding along in the car.

Since pets are family members we want to keep them safe just like we would our children. That’s why we’re so thrilled with the Designer Pet Saver Life Jacket. The small size is perfect for smaller pooches that want to hang out with us.

If you live near the water or like to take your pet out boating then there’s no reason not to give your faithful companion the same kind of protection that you would your children.

The Pet Saver life jacket works just like one you would wear yourself. It will keep your pet safe if it falls out of the boat or can’t get out of the pool.

The eye popping colors mean that if your pet falls into the water you’ll be able to quickly locate and rescue them.

This pet life jacket is specifically designed for smaller breed dogs from 15-25 pounds.

The unit is designed to support your pet with floatation and  buoyancy in the event it falls into the water. The life jacket supports the animal letting it keep its head above water.

What We Like:

  • One of the greatest features of this pet life jacket is the rescue handle built into the back. The handle runs along the back of the jacket making it easy to grab and lift your pet out of the water without having to jump in to retrieve it.
  • The quick adjust Velcro straps make putting the unit on a breeze. Just slip it on and adjust the straps until they’re snug. You won’t have to worry about fighting hard to secure buckles.

Finally, we loved the price. This is a great affordable way to help keep your precious pets safe.


Categories: Dog Clothes - Tags: , ,

Dog Breeds: Poodle

Written by on June 27, 2009 · Leave a Comment

poodle1 Poodles come in three sizes – Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle and, Standard Poodle.

The Poodle is recognised as the National dog of France, and is generally referred to as the French Poodle. In France the Poodle is known as the ‘Caniche’ or duck dog. Poodles have been around for about 400 years and the French Poodle is believed to have been bred from the French water dog the Barbet.

In Germany Poodles were known as ‘Pudel’ which means water dog. Poodles used to retrieve water fowl. The Poodle has a thick coat that was clipped so as not to weigh them down in the water, although the hair on the leg joints was left on as protection when swimming.

Poodles have also been bred to sniff out Truffles, a fungus delicacy that grows underground.

FACTS ABOUT POODLES

Size Miniature  Male:     11-15 in (28-38 cm)
Miniature Female:  11-15 in (28- 38 cm)
Standard Male:      15-24 in (38 – 61 cm)
Standard Female:  15-22 in (38 – 56 cm)
Weight Miniature  Male:      15-17 lb (7-8 kg)
Miniature Female:   15-17 lb (7-8 kg)
Standard Male:      45-70 lb  (20-32 kg)
Standard Female:   45-60 lb (20-27 kg)
Temperament Poodles are a happy, highly intelligent, easily trained breed. Poodles can be easily trained to do tricks and they are often seen as circus performers.

Some poodles tend to be very highly strung, sensitive and nervous around children, others are quite happy to be around children.

Poodles should be trained and socialised at an early age. They can have a tendency to bark a lot.  Poodles adapt well to other dogs and other animals within the family group.
Grooming Poodles require extensive grooming and should be combed and brushed daily. Shampoo regularly and have clipped approximately every 6 weeks.  Poodles have fine coarse hair that does not shed readily so they are ideal dogs for people who suffer from allergies. The ears should be checked often for mites.
Exercise All Poodles benefit from being taken for a walk to keep them fit.  They have no special feeding requirements
Living Area The Standard Poodle is well adapted to apartment living providing they are given plenty of exercise and there is a small yard to run in.

Miniature Poodles are ideally suited to apartment living and are not suited to being kept outdoors
Health

Although Poodles have a long-life they can be subject to a number of genetic diseases. Poodles can suffer from Cataracts, allergies, skin conditions, hip dysplasia, dislocation of knee joints and ear infections.  Have your Vet check your Poodles teeth on a regular basis.

Standard Poodles are best fed 2-3 small meals a day, rather than one large one.
Life Expectancy 12 – 15 years

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Review: The Drinkwell Platinum Pet Water Fountain

Written by on June 24, 2009 · Leave a Comment

drinkwell-pet-fountainGetting enough water to drink is essential for health for both us and our pets. Since our pets are lifetime companions we want them to be in the best health possible for years to come.

One of the ways to help ensure they stay in tiptop shape is to make sure they’re constantly getting fresh clean water. Sure you can just put down a bowl of water for the pet but that has its downsides. A bowl of water just sits and stagnates over time. You also have to deal with pet hair and dirt falling into the water dish.

A good way to solve that problem is to get a pet drinking fountain.

And one of the best we have found is the Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain which provides a constant flow of water off a dedicated power supply. This ensures that your pet has fresh clean water available all day long.


How It Works

The Platinum Pet Fountain uses a small pump to circulate water from a reservoir to a bowl and back up. As the water circulates it passes through a charcoal filter to remove any nasty odors.  The fountain also has a debris screen to catch any dirt or hair that might get in it.

What We Like:

  • The fountain has a removable water reservoir for easy refilling. You don’t have to lug the entire unit over to the sink to refill it. Just detach the reservoir from the unit, fill it, and then snap it back into place.
  • Another really nice feature is the detachable power cord. This means that when it comes time to clean the unit it can be unplugged and taken outside for easy washing. Also, the filters are removable so you can just rinse them off and stick them back in the unit with minimum hassle.
  • This is a solid unit. It can stand up to a pet. It’s nice and heavy with rubber feet so you don’t have to worry about a pet knocking it over and dumping water all over the floor

Buy the  Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
to provide your pet with fresh water at all times.

Categories: Dog Health, Dog Supplies - Tags: , ,

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