Choosing the Right Dog

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

2009-03-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

If you are living in an apartment and plans to get a dog as your new companion, you might want to consider cavalier king charles spaniels. With this breed, wide yard is not necessary since cavalier king charles spaniels can stay active indoors. Thrilled with the idea? Many people are thrilled with the idea of having a small yet active dog as companion, right? But their living condition is not the only basis wheter or not this breed is for you. Before you head to a breeder nearest you, it is a great idea to make a little research about cavalier king charles spaniels.

- Is this breed an official American Kennel Club (AKC) breed?

Yes. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, falls under toy group category, was recognized by AKC in 1995.

- Are they good with children?

Being playful and extremely patient lap dogs, a Cavalier is a trustworthy companion and playmate for children. However, young puppies are not suitable to families with children under the age of five. Get an older puppy or adult dog instead.

- How about the elderly?

These ultimate lap dogs enjoy spending their time sitting on their owner's lap.

- Are they easy to train?

This breed is quite intelligent thus making training easy. With appropriate training method along with his favorite treat, a cavalier can easily learn tricks such as lay down, roll over, shake and so on within a day or two.

- What kind of grooming does a cavalier needs?

Cavaliers are naturally clean dogs. Some can be seen cleaning their own paws, just like cats. The long coat needs daily or at least once a week brushing to prevent knots and tangles and to make sure foreign objects such as grass and sticks are not entangled in the feathering. They should not be bathed more than once a week and ears should be checked. The nails should be clipped and the hair between their pads should be trimmed at least once a month.

- What are their health issues?

Two genetic diseases common in cavaliers are mitral valve disease and syringomyelia. They can also suffer from keratoconjunctivitis sicca and other eye disorders, luxating patella, ear infections and sometimes hip dysplasia. Vets and other dog experts recommend to check the medical history of previous generations and to buy from a reputable breeder to make sure that you are getting a puppy with a healthy back ground.

- How much exercise does a cavalier needs?

Cavaliers can get their exercise indoors through playing and going up and down the stairs, however, this cannot fulfill their primal instinct to walk. They need daily walk or running in a fenced in yard.

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West Highland Terrier

2008-02-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

Are West Highland Terriers The Right Dogs for You? - You can look at west highland terriers and know if it is the right size for your yard, home, or lifestyle, but a little more in-depth knowledge is necessary to determine if westies have the personality for you.

Westie terriers are exuberant little dogs, but owners do report that they are usually content to lie at their side throughout the day. However, once they are let outside, westies will want to run and jump and play. Like any dog, they require outside playtime every day. Westies are not dogs that perform well when left alone all day.

Some people describe them as obstinate and naughty. This is a trait of many terrier breeds, but westies dogs usually have it to a lesser degree. They are very independent, but they are also intelligent and easy to train if they handled in a firm, consistent way. Westie terriers are considered easy to housetrain, because of their natural desire to remain clean.

Most are not described as cuddlers. They are not lap dogs. However, they are extremely companionable, and want to be with you no matter what you do. You can take westie dogs just about anywhere that dogs are allowed to go.

They will bark to announce that a stranger is approaching. They make good guard dogs. They can be trained not to bark, or to bark once and then stop. Although they announce strangers, they are also extremely friendly with everybody.

Your pets will get along with your children if they respect the dogs' boundaries. One that has been poked and pulled to the point of irritation will nip or become aggressive. Some authorities on westies do not recommend the dogs for homes with children under six years of age.

Westhighland white terriers were bred to chase down small prey. If a cat runs away, it will chase it. Westie rescue organizations report that the terrier's inability to tolerate cats can be a problem. Other small pets, such as rodents and birds, are not safe to run loose in a home with a westie terrier. Your westie will usually accept other dogs, although males are less likely to accept another unaltered male of any breed.

All terriers are also bred to dig prey out of the ground. They enjoy digging and will do so if they are allowed to learn the behavior when they are puppies. Older dogs that have already learned the behavior can be trained out of it.

Westie terriers' physical needs are fairly simple. They do not shed much, but require regular brushing, and grooming every six to eight weeks. It is better to let the hard, stiff coat shed dirt and debris naturally, rather than frequent bathing.

Getting to Know Your Westie

2007-01-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed,
and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance,
personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to
know about the West Highland White Terrier:

Commonly referred to as a “Westie,” this breed has an excellent
personality, being extremely friendly and great with both
children and other animals. The breed is small with a white
coat that is hard to miss. Keep in mind that because the
Westie is a “terrier,” you can expect a little bit of
independence and attitude. However, proper socialization and
training will help.

This breed of dog is actually a descent of the Cairn Terrier,
which is also white, and the Scottish Terrier, also known for
producing white puppies. Although no longer done, original
breeds of the West Highland White Terrier also incorporated
bloodlines from the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Bedilngton
Terrier.

The exact origin of the West Highland White Terrier is a bit
confusing. Some believe the breed originated during the 19th
century, first being developed in Scotland by Colonel Edward
Donald Malcolm while others insist the breed was developed by
the 8th Duke of Argyll. Regardless of the actual person
responsible for the Westie, we do know that special breeding
was required to end up with this beautiful and distinguished
dog.

Physical Appearance
The West Highland White Terrier has a strong, sturdy body,
bright eyes that are typically dark and deep set, and small,
pointed ears. The average height for this breed is 11 inches
with weight anywhere from 15 to 22 pounds. Unlike other
breeds, the Westie has a tail with a carrot shape, averaging
five to six inches in length. The the tail is a distinguishing
character. It should never be docked. You would also notice the
build including a deep chest, short fitted jaw with a scissor
bite, muscular legs, and a slight convex head.

The coat of the West Highland White Terrier is a double coat.
This means the undercoat is soft and thick while the outside or
top coat is rough. To keep the Westie looking good, it does
require regularly scheduled grooming. Depending on personal
taste, some people will keep the Westie clipped short while
other people will go for the lion clip in which fur around the
face is left to resemble the mane of a lion. The Westie has
feet with a slight web, similar to that of the Labrador
Retriever.

Temperament and Personality

Keep in mind that while the West Highland White Terrier makes
an exceptional companion or family pet, it is also among the
working class dog, which means it has a medium to high level of
energy. When taking your dog outside, you may notice it trying
to chase down birds, squirrels, and other “prey.” It is
important to note that most terriers have a built-in desire to
chase prey. The Westie is exceptionally driven. Because of
this, if you were out walking the dog, even one that had been
trained, you risk it taking off at the first sight of a rabbit
or other creature.

Although this breed would make a great pet for the elderly or
apartment-dwellers, due to the energy level, the Westie also
needs adequate playtime and exercise. You will also find that
the West Highland White Terrier is protective of its family,
making both great watchdog and guard dog. While the Westie
does exceptionally well with children and other animals in the
home, it is still important the dog be socialized and
introduced preferably from a young age.

Health

Probably the most common complaint seen with the West Highland
White Terrier has to do with skin. This breed is prone to dry
skin so rather than bathing weekly, as you might do with
another dog, it is recommended not more than once a month. To
help keep the coat healthy and shiny, daily brushing will help.
When you do give this breed a bath, you want to use gentle dog
shampoo, one without fragrance or detergent.

In addition, you will find that the Westie often has allergies.
For instance, while one breed of dog might only itch slightly
when bitten by a mosquito, the West Highland White Terrier
could actually experience a nasty infection. Other less common
health problems include Westie Lung Disease, White Shakers,
liver, kidney, eye, and heart problems, along with diabetes,
Addison’s Disease, Legg-Calve Perthes, and Hip Dysplasia.

About The Author: Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer
and author of SitStayFetch, a leading dog training guide having
sold over 21,000 copies. See
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/west-highland-terrier.php
for more on dog breeds.

Choosing a Dog Breed

2006-12-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

Choosing a Dog Breed: Which Breed of Dog is Right for You? by Valerie Goettsch

If you are considering getting a dog, it’s wise to explore the characteristics of different breeds of dogs to determine which one is right for you and your family. You’ll want to find a dog that goes with your personality, lifestyle, and pocketbook.

The importance of choosing the right breed cannot be emphasized enough because a major cause of issues between dogs and owners revolves around unsuitability between the two. For example, an avid gardener probably would not be happy with a Fox Terrier, which is bred to dig vermin from their underground burrows. He’s born to dig up the garden!

So how do you choose the right breed? Let’s look at some key considerations:

What kind of experience is required? Some breeds like Border Collies are strong willed by nature and will challenge you for leadership. An experienced dog owner would likely do better with them. However, the Smooth Collie and Bearded Collie are easier to train and are suitable for new dog owners.

How is the Breed with Children? If you have kids or your dog will be around them, it’s important to get a dog that does well with children. More importantly, you need to teach your children how to handle the dog properly. Even the most easygoing and tolerant breed of dog can bite if it is hurt or frightened.

Size – Size DOES matter, when it comes to choosing the right dog breed. Do you have a house with a large yard, or an apartment or condo? Do you want to take your dog with you when you travel? Are you willing to clean up after a large dog? Do you want a dog to cuddle on the couch with you?

Exercise Requirements – With the exception of a few, almost all breeds enjoy brisk exercise. Do you have time to walk your dog regularly? Does the breed need daily vigorous exercise to prevent it from being hyper? If you work long hours you may be happier with a dog with lower exercise requirements.

Grooming and Coat – As for grooming, dog breeds run the gamut. Some have no-fuss coats and need occasional brushing, some breeds require regular trips to the groomer, and others fall in between. Think about the time and money you are prepared to spend on brushing and combing your dog and groomer visits, if required to keep your dog stylish.

Shedding – Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly non-shedding dog. However, there are breeds that shed less than others. Some breeds shed profusely, particularly at certain times of the year. Consider possible allergies and the amount of vacuuming you are willing to do before you settle on a breed.

Ease of Training – Typically only really little dogs, like toy dogs, don’t require much training other than potty training. Some breeds, such as Jack Russell Terriers, are strong-willed and harder to train. This is something else to consider when narrowing down your breed.

Sociability – How do you see your dog behaving around strangers? Do you want a happy-go-lucky dog that is friendly to all, or a more reserved dog that barks to alert you when strangers come to your door?

Now that you have answered some important questions, research the characteristics of the breeds you are considering to find the best fit for you. Check your library, bookstores and the American Kennel Club for profiles of breeds. Taking time to do your research will pay off tenfold, and you will have a great companion for years to come.

Valerie Goettsch is webmaster of http://www.my-favorite-dog.com featuring articles and information on dog breeds and where to find the best of everything for your dog, from flea meds to beds, training and designer dog clothes.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

The importance of choosing the right breed cannot be emphasized enough because a major cause of issues between dogs and owners revolves around unsuitability between the two.

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Choosing The Right Puppy .... Do's and Don'ts

2006-12-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

So you want a Puppy! Do the entire family buy into this idea? Experience has shown that if one or more are against a pet, then bringing an animal into that environment can cause considerable family friction and stress.
Have you weighed up the financial and time implications, these can be considerable, owning a dog is a serious commitment and should never be taken lightly.

You should take into consideration your health, age, and overall time constraints, do you want an active or sedentary animal?

Some dogs demand and require almost constant attention, lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Others are more laid back; therefore you need to research which dog will suit your family’s outlook and lifestyle that includes living arrangements. For instance if you live in a flat and had limited time, a Border Collie or Springer Spaniel type dog would be madness, and would most probably lead to serious behavioural difficulties. Not only for the dog!

Lots of people buy a dog because they like the look of them, ie for aesthetic reasons, without taking into account the needs and temperament of that breed. You need to research both the positive and the negative side of your chosen breed and make sure what you are looking for is suitable for your environment and lifestyle. Make sure you have fully decided on the breed before you start looking for your new addition to the family

PUPPIES: WHERE TO BUY

If you have decided on a Puppy then there are some fundamental things you must do and some places you should never buy from, and rules that you must adhere to whatever the breeder or seller tells you.

Rule 1.

Never ever buy a Puppy from anywhere or anyone without being able to see at least one or preferably both the parents. There are places called Puppy Farms that are absolutely deplorable. Just look at this link for more information and to report a potential puppy farmed dog. http://www.puppywatch.org.uk

The puppies from these farms normally have major problems throughout their lives. This is caused mainly through poor breeding, bad sanitation, cheap food etc, and are generally taken from their mother and siblings far too early causing socialisation problems with people and other dogs.

Do not let the word Farm give you the wrong impression. It may not be a farm but kennels that are clear, airy, and bright, and on the face of it look like a professional establishment. If you cannot meet at least one parent or their are lots of different breeds of pups then do not even consider buying a puppy you will live to regret it.
Quite often they will buy the whole litter at say £45 from puppy farms in Ireland or Wales then sell then on to you at £450.00 complete with bogus pedigree certification.

Rule 2.

Never buy a puppy from a pet shop or any other similar outlet; other animals are OK but not Dogs. You could be supporting the horrific trade in puppy-farmed dogs. I have even seen pups being sold at car boot sales.

Rule 3.

Never buy on impulse or because you feel sorry for a frightened or timid puppy.

Rule 4.

Never take the word of a breeder or any seller who says you cannot meet any of the parents, or they skirt your questions re the parents. The excuses commonly used are the mothers ill or not available or at friends or they are selling a pup for someone else.

Rule 5.

Do not automatically believe that your dog is a pedigree. Just because they have supplied a certificate, especially if parents cannot be seen, some of these certificates are not worth the cheap paper they are printed on. I have a puppy at my classes at the time of writing this, with a full pedigree certificate, sold as a Cocker Spaniel yet it is clearly and without any shadow of a doubt an English Springer Spaniel.

Rule 6.

Unless you are an experienced handler/dog owner then do not pick the puppy that bounds up to you and pushes all the others out the way in it's haste to get at you. This is normally the most dominant of the litter. Do not also go to the other end of the scale and pick the runt or the frightened one, because you feel sorry for it, you are taking on a whole heap of problems if you do, the majority of all dog attacks are based on fear not aggression. You are far better off picking a pup from the middle rankings. The breeder if worth their salt, should be able to advise you on this. Alternatively you can employ a behaviourist or specialist who can assess the pups using specialised puppy assessment tests.

Rule 7.

If you looking for puppies do not automatically think that if you go through the Kennel Club route that those dogs and breeders have all been personally checked or vetted by that organisation. This is not the case though an excellent and well meaning establishment, they really do not have the facilities nor the ability or time to check the credentials or bona fide of all the breeders on their books.
You may be better to go to the breed clubs of the type of dog you are looking for, as they generally know each individual professional breeder, and respect each other ethics and work. Contact the secretaries and they should be able to point you in the direction of available quality pups.

CHOOSING THE PUPPY AND TAKING IT HOME

You have now set out what you want and where to buy it from. I would recommend you visit the puppies at the very least twice, at 4/5 weeks and again when you pick up the pup. The best age to take the puppy home is 7 weeks see my Psychological Changes in a Puppies Growth.

NEVER ever accept a puppy less than 7 weeks of age, it is vitally important they are with their mother and siblings up to this age, and puppies over twelve weeks should be avoided if possible, however this would depend on where they are kept, ie, if they are kept in a house not in a kennel outside without human contact, if it is a loving home with plenty of contact with the breeders family then it can be considered.

Check the appearance of the mother and puppies. Do they appear healthy; eyes clear and bright, free of any discharge? Are their coats shiny? If possible get confirmation of the eye and hip scores of both the mother and the father. If the breeder allows you, always stroke and fuss the parents, check their temperament, look for signs of aggression, fearfulness, nervousness, or ‘Neurotic’ symptoms such as chewing feet, tail, or skin damage, are the dogs pacing etc.

This is especially important in the mother, as the puppies are in close contact with her. It has been shown that, it is the mother that shapes the behavioural future of the offspring, genetics may load the gun but environment fires it.

Make sure you handle the puppies if they become distressed or shy away this could mean that they have not been properly socialised. If the puppies have been socialised correctly, then they will adapt and accept situations that are potentially stressful. You should then end up with a happy well-balanced dog in maturity.

Before bringing your new dog home, make sure your garden is ‘Safe & Secure’. Purchase a collar, lead, bowls, and dog tag with name address and telephone (law max £5000 fine) bed, toys and treats etc, check with the breeder what she is feeding the pups, a good breeder will supply you with some food and give you a feeding chart. Leave a small blanket or towel on your first visit, so that it gets the mother and the litter smell on it, this should provide some comfort in the first week or so at home. Check with other dog owners as to the best Vet in your area. If you live near me check on the local links section, as I have recommended what I believe to be the best Vets in our area.

When you pick up the pup take a crate/indoor kennel or a cardboard box with you and line it with newspaper, take spare newspaper with you as the pup may be sick and will almost certainly urinate and defecate on the journey, especially if it is any distance.
When you get home place the bed or crate near somewhere warm, if you are using a crate and I heartily endorse them, cover the crate with a blanket or sheet to make it more den like introduce the puppy to the crate gradually and positively, see my article on Toileting With a Crate.

If you have a loud ticking clock put this near the bed or crate, you can also put in a hot water bottle; it mimics the mothers and siblings heat and the tick of the clock the heartbeats, leave a radio on in another room, make sure it is tuned into a talk not a music station. 97.3 LBC is my favourite and the one I choose every time. Not sure about what the pup thinks though?

If the puppy continues to get distressed you can take it into your bedroom, though I would only normally advise this when using a crate/indoor kennel as you can gradually move this away over a period of time, once the puppy has settled in. You can also put in a hot water bottle; this will mimic the heat from the mother and siblings over the first few nights. Make sure it is well covered or you may get a very wet bed/crate.

Your new puppy will needs lots of sleep, just like a human baby so too much interference in this pattern will be detrimental, rough handling by children or adults could affect the behaviour and attitude of your new puppy, and could have a long lasting effect as the dog matures. However not enough contact and gentle handling will also have a negative effect on your dog, finding the right balance is of vital importance.

A puppy can be an absolute joy or an unmitigated nightmare, which one you get, can be affected by the effort you initially put into your research, decisions, training and ongoing socialisation. It is vitally important to book your puppy into a good socialisation class, make sure that they do not have more than 8/10 dogs in any one class and that the pups at the start of the course are not over 18 weeks old, and the trainers do not allow the puppies to just jump on one another at the start of the class, integration of the puppies in the class should be careful and slow to avoid problems and long term bad manners in later life.

Puppies need lots of time, care and patience. Follow the above guidelines and your efforts will be positively rewarded with what I personally believe is the best companion in the world. "A Dog".
Stan Rawlinson Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer, who has owned and worked dogs for over 25 years, starting with gundogs then moving to the behavioural and obedience side of training companion dogs. He now has a successful practice covering Greater London, Surrey, and Middlesex.

Stan is recommended by numerous Vets, Rescue Centres, and Charities. He writes articles and comments on behavioural issues and techniques for dog magazines including Our Dogs, Dogs Monthly and K9 Magazine and Shooting Times.
He is also the founder member of PAACT The Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers.
http://www.doglistener.co.uk/
enquiries@doglistener.co.uk
http://www.paact.co.uk/
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How Do I Choose a Dog Breed?

2006-12-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

Being a dog owner can be one of the most rewarding things in life and can be even more rewarding if you choose the right dog breed. When you decide to bring a dog or puppy into the home you will soon realize what superb, loving and fantastic companions they will make for your family. However, if you choose the wrong breed of dog for your living situation, it can easily go the other way. Hopefully these quick tips will help you on your way to choosing the right dog for you.

Time and Exercise

Before even beginning your search for a dog, you need to first decide whether or not you have the time to devote to dog ownership. Dogs are extremely social animals and desire your companionship as much as, if not more than, you desire theirs. If your life is busy and hectic right now, dog ownership may not be for you.

For those of you that do live a busy life schedule, and are still determined to choose a dog, then going for a smaller dog breed will be much better than a larger dog breed. Smaller dog breeds, or less active dog breeds, will require less exercise to stay fit and healthy. One caveat you should be aware of is that not all small dog breeds are less active dogs, nor are all large dog breeds more active dogs.

Space and Comfort

The amount of living space you have and the amount of space you are prepared to allot for your dog is a major contributing factor in choosing the breed of dog for you. The most important factor to consider in regards to space is: How active is your dog going to be? If your living space is small, for instance, you may still choose a larger less active dog breed. In contrast, if you choose a highly active small dog breed, you will need to provide the space for them.

In addition to have the space for your dog to reach the activity levels he or she will require, you will also need to choose a dog breed that will live comfortably within your living arrangements. A couple of simple, yet often overlooked questions, one might ask themself when choosing a dog breed are: 'Do I intend on having my dog live outside, am I able to provide a dog house or other means of shelter?' and 'Do I have the extra living space to provide my new dog with his or her own area?'

Available Funds

Yep, money also is a contributing factor to choosing the right dog breed for you. Firstly, can you actually afford the dog itself? Some dog breeds are far more valuable, in a monetary sense, than others. A quick look through your local classifieds will easily inform you of the going rates of particular breeds in your area. Another place you can find information on the prices of dogs is a simple search on the Internet.

The more important things you need to take into consideration are whether you are going to be able to afford to buy dog food, pay for regular vet checkups, medicinal supplies, purchase necessary equipment such as leashes or kennels and grooming. Oh yeah, treats and toys too, dogs love treats and toys.

Every person's life is different and for every person the factors to consider for choosing a dog breed are different. In the end, the right dog breed for you to choose is the dog that best suits your life as it is now.

About the Author
Matt runs the website A Happy Dog - it's for the dogs. http://www.ahappydog.com