Posted on 09 September 2010. Tags: better food, Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, Dog Care, dog feeding, Dog Food, dog foods, Dog Health, Ownership Advice
Better Food for Dogs: A Complete Cookbook and Nutrition Guide
by David Bastin, Jennifer Ashton
This book is a nutrition guide and a cookbook that is intended to take all the guesswork out of feeding your dog a home-cooked meal. It's written by a veterinarian and the proprietors of a dog bakery. It is very easy to read and it discusses a wide range of topics that provide vital information for your pets health. All people want their dogs to have a happy, healthy and long life and therefore providing the best nutrition is one of the most important steps you can take to achieve this. 
The problem is that there are so many different opinions about dog's dietary requirements that feeding just becomes a challenge. This book will guide you through this puzzle and it also provides all the information we need to know about tasty recipes that have all been tested and approved by the dogs themselves. There are many recipes, from basic everyday meals to gourmet dinners.
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Posted in Dog Books
Posted on 03 September 2010. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, cavachon, cavachons, dog, dog breed, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, good dog, Ownership Advice, Tips and Advice
General Characteristics
The Cavachon is a friendly, personable and loyal medium to smaller sized hybrid dog that is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Most Cavachons will be less than 30 pounds at maturity however they are not a delicate or indoor dog, rather they are an excellent family pet. Their bodies are longer than they are tall with well formed legs and a moderately deep and wide chest.
The coat of the Cavachon is typically solid white or white and another color such apricot, black, sable, red or even a yellow color. Tri-colors are also possible but not common. The coat is longer and silky, wavy to straight, and is low shedding and like these dog types may be hypoallergenic for those with mild to moderate dog allergies. The head is round in shape with long ears that frame the face and alert, bright and intelligent dark eyes. The muzzle is moderately long and tapered giving the head a very balanced appearance.
What You Need To Know About Owning A Cavachon
Owning hybrid breeds is always a bit of a unknown factor since the puppies may favor either of the parents. With the Cavachon both breeds have been developed as companion dogs so you are much more likely to get a puppy with a gentle, friendly and outgoing temperament. They are easy to train and will respond very well to positive training methods.
The Cavachon is a canine hybrid with a high maintenance coat, although with routine care the grooming program should only take a few minutes every day. Clipping the coat every six to eight weeks in a puppy clip will cut down on daily grooming requirements. Eyes and ears may be problematic in the breed so be sure to carefully clean and monitor both eyes and ears to prevent infections.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
Posted on 30 August 2010. Tags: barking dog, barking dogs, Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog bark, dog barking, dog breed, dogs bark, dogs barking, good dog, Ownership Advice, Tips and Advice, Train Your Dog
Dog barking and complaints from the neighbors about barking dogs are the most frequent reasons that dogs are voluntarily sent to shelters and rescues by owners that have no idea how to stop barking. Besides voluntary surrenders, there are also by-laws in many cities, towns and urban areas that can result in a dog being seized by the city if there is a repetitive pattern of complaints about barking. Unlike what many owners believe, there are very successful ways to train a dog to only bark when required.
Dog Barking – The Good
Dogs instinctively bark, they don't need to be trained to be watch dogs. Even toy dogs and companion breeds will vigorously bark to let their owners know that someone strange or something different is in their environment. Most people that have dogs appreciate this natural instinct, however when barking gets out of control or is allowed to continue for prolonged periods of time it quickly changes from a benefit to a serious problem.
Part of the problem with good dog barking and bad dog barking is that the dog really has no idea when the line is crossed. This is an important part of training that owners need to start as soon as the puppy or dog starts showing the behavior. By training barking dogs a simple "enough" or "stop" command the issue can be resolved, at least while the owner is present.
Stop Barking Techniques
As mentioned above, there are different techniques that owners can use when they are home and when they are away to help their dog learn to stop barking. Teaching the stop command or the enough command, depending on your preference, is the easiest way to control barking dogs.
To do this simply allow the dog to bark once or twice as normal, then give a sharp but not loud command such as "Stop barking Spot" or "Enough barking Fido", at the same time offering a treat or a favorite toy. The dog will naturally turn to the sound of your voice, see the treat or reward and stop barking. Reward immediately then have the dog sit or chase the toy, resulting in a distraction and cessation of the barking behavior.
If your voice doesn't stop the dog from barking, you can use anything else that will make a noise that is unusual. A whistle, bell or even a few coins or dried beans in a tin can will all produce a sudden, sharp and unusual noise that will get the dog to stop. If you are using a noisemaking device, remember that a reward needs to be provided the second the dog is not barking, and you have to give the verbal command of either stop or enough before making the noise.
Dog barking when you are away is more problematic. If it is caused by boredom, provide more exercise, toys and attention to the dog before you leave, plus ensure the dog is attended to when you are home. It may also be caused by separation anxiety, which will need more intensive training. This type of barking is the hardest to stop. Barking from anxiety is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as panting, frantic behaviors and unwillingness to be away from the owner at any time.
Citronella collars for barking dogs are a safe way to monitor your dog when you are gone, as the collar will spray a puff of citronella in front of the dog's nose when triggered by the vibrations in the throat. Of course barking dogs will also need attention, training and ongoing monitoring to learn how to stop barking and remain quiet when left alone.
Posted in Psychology & Training
Posted on 18 August 2010. Tags: aggression, aggressive dogs, Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog aggression, Dog Behavior, dog behaviour, dog breeding, Dog Training, good dog, Tips and Advice, Train Your Dog
Owners of aggressive dogs have a very real, serious issue that they have to deal with either through training or ongoing modification of this potentially serious dog behavior. There are literally hundreds of dogs that are seized and destroyed every year in most major cities because they became aggressive and either injured or killed another animal or even more serious a child or adult. While there are breeds that are known to be more aggressive, it is really a case of inappropriate training or lack of training that results in these types of attacks.
Aggressive Dog Breeds
There is no doubt that some dog breeds are more closely associated with dog aggression than others. It is interesting to note that there are just as many if not more smaller breeds that are considered to be dog aggressive or generally aggressive than the larger breeds, however it is the bigger dogs that tend to carry the negative stereotype. This is because a larger dog breed such as a Pit Bull or a Rottweiler is much more likely to cause serious damage when it becomes aggressive than a smaller breed.
In reality any dog that is mistreated or not properly socialized and trained can become aggressive. Many of the breeds of so called aggressive dogs are excellent family pets when properly trained and socialized and are routinely worked with by someone that is knowledgeable about the breed. Unfortunately irresponsible owners that have encouraged aggression or simply failed to control and train their dogs have resulted ruining the reputation of many breeds and breed bans in some cities and urban areas around the world.
Training and Managing Aggressive Dogs
One of the most important factors in managing aggressive dog behavior is to start training very early. If you are working with a breed that is known to have some aggressive tendencies be sure to get the puppy into a puppy obedience class at approximately the 12 week mark. This will help with early socialization as well as help the owner learn about how to work with the breed.
Often aggressive breeds also tend to be dominant dogs in training, meaning that a person that is planning on owning these dogs needs to have some experience or knowledge of how to correctly train and manage these dogs. Since these dogs also have their wonderful, loving and playful sides, finding a balance between companion and leader is absolutely essential in the relationship.
Spaying and Neutering Dogs
As with non-aggressive breeds, it is absolutely essential to neuter or spay aggressive breeds as soon as possible. Dog behavior will become more pronounced in both males and females during the reproductive cycle, so early spaying or neutering will prevent issues of aggression related to hormonal changes.
There are many examples of aggressive dogs in any breed or hybrid mix. In most cases the dog behavior that is problematic is caused by inexperienced or ineffective owners. As a prospective owner of a breed that is known to be aggressive, it is essential to get help in managing dog behavior in a proactive and responsible manner. This will include early and ongoing socialization and training as well as spending lots of time in developing a great relationship with your dog.
Posted in Psychology & Training
Posted on 15 August 2010. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, doggy, Hybrid Dogs, jack russell, jack-a-bee, Ownership Advice, terrier, Tips and Advice
General Characteristics
A Jack-A-Bee is a hybrid dog developed by crossing a Jack Russell Terrier with a Beagle. As can be imagined, these dogs are short coated, highly active yet playful, loving and all round great companion dogs. In appearance this is one canine hybrid that favors both parent dogs, including the slightly muscular body, stockier, shorter legs and the highly carried wagging tail.
Colors of the Jack-A-Bee range from the typical Beagle tri-color of black, brown and white through to the bi and tri-color markings found on the Jack Russell. Generally the head is a blending of both dog types with a slightly longer and narrower muzzle than the Beagle but longer, more turned over ears than the Jack Russell. The eyes are well set and dark in color, highly active and alert with a friendly expression.
The Jack-A-Bee is a good watchdog but not generally a yappy dog unless unsocialized and untrained. They are highly intelligent and will learn quickly, making them a good potential hybrid dog for a first time owner.
What You Need To Know About Owning A Jack-A-Bee
As a puppy the Jack-A-Bee can be more active and hyper than other smaller dogs and will need routine obedience work as well as exercise. Although not a large sized dog, typically maturing at less than 25 pounds, the Jack-A-Bee does love outdoor time. Since they will chase cats, squirrels, birds and other small animals they need to be in a fenced yard.
The Jack-A-Bee is very easy to socialize and gets along well with other dogs and especially loves children. They are large enough to romp and play but small enough to be non-threatening to kids of all ages. It is important that children learn not to tease these dogs as the terrier temperament can lead to nipping if they are teased or provoked. As mentioned above, once socialization and training is completed these problems do not occur.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
Posted on 02 August 2010. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, chihuahua cross, Chug, Chug Hybrid Dogs, dog breed, doggy, dogs, Ownership Advice, Pugawawa, Pughuahua, Pugwawa, Puppies, Puppy, Tips and Advice
Photo by Laura M. Stolpman, Esq.
General Characteristics
The Chug is a true family dog that loves to be in the center of the action. They are a smaller hybrid dog measuring about twelve inches and the shoulder and weighing in at around twenty pounds when fully grown. The Chug, also known as the Pugawawa, Pugwawa or the Pughuahua can have short, dense hair like the Pug or can also have the longer, silky hair of the long-haired Chihuahua. They have the tightly curled tail of the Pug as well as the short muzzle found in both parent breeds. This canine hybrid can be several colors however black and tan, black and white and fawn with darker colors on the feet, muzzle and tail are the most common.
Although they are a smaller breed the Pugawawa is a good watchdog and has a loud bark for its small size. As with many smaller dog types they do need to be trained not be problem barkers but are easy to work with, housetrain and obedience train. The Chug is one of the most common hybrid dogs and is high demand.
What You Need To Know About Owning A Chug
Chugs are terrific dogs for small spaces, however they are strong and durable for talking on long walks and outings. Like many short-muzzled hybrid breeds they do have the same respiratory problems associated with both the Pug and the Chihuahua including heat intolerance, snoring and wheezing when exercising. Most breeders recommend using a harness and leash rather than a collar and leash when training and walking this hybrid to avoid putting any unnecessary stress on the trachea and respiratory system. Pugawawas are known to have early tooth loss and dental problems with tartar build up so start early with routine grooming and feed only high quality dry kibble whenever possible.
Very friendly by nature, the Chug will need to be routinely socialized to prevent them from becoming somewhat possessive and territorial. As a whole the breed is a terrific family dog and loves children, making it a good match for most homes.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
US $6.95
