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 29 July 2010. Tags: cesar millan, cesar's way, dog book, Dog Care, Dog Training, dog whisperer, dogs, good dog, Ownership Advice, Psychology & Training, Spoiled Puppy Behavior, Tips and Advice, Train Your Dog
Cesar's Way : The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
by Cesar Millan, Melissa Jo Peltier
Cesar Millan is the founder of the Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles and is the star of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan on National Geographic Channel. In 2005, he was awarded for his work in rehabilitating sheltered animals. "I rehabilitate dogs. I train people." - Cesar Millan. Why is it that in America alone, there are at least 68 million dogs, but so many of them have problems? And their owners spends millions on them every year getting pampered. In this guide we learn about what goes on inside our dog's mind and we learn to develop a positive, fulfilling relationship with them. This book gives you a deeper appreciation of how your dog sees the world and it will help to make the relationship you have with your dog a lot more rewarding, and make the bond even stronger between you.
Cesar Millan is America's most sought after dog-behaviour expert. He's not a trainer but he has the ability to comprehend dog psychology. He takes us through the basics of dog psychology and behaviour. Millan's formula for a contented and balanced dog seems impossibly simple: exercise, discipline and affection, in that order. He shares with us how common behavior issues develop and how they can be corrected.
You will learn, to mention a few, that what your dog really needs may not be what you're giving him, why a dog's natural pack instincts are the key to your happy relationship, how to relate to your dog on his level, there are no "problem breeds", just problem owners, how to choose a dog that's just right for you and your family, the different between discipline and punishment and there is so much more.
This is the only book you will need to have for a more rewarding connection with you four-legged companion.
Click to View on Amazon
Posted in Dog Books
Posted on 18 July 2010. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, doggy, dood, golden, goldendoodle, goldie poo, goldiepoo, goldipoo, good dog, groodle, Ownership Advice, Tips and Advice
General Characteristics
This canine hybrid goes by many names including the Dood, Groodle, Golden and Goldie Poo and the Goldendoodle. They are a gentle, fun-loving and friendly hybrid dog that is a result of a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever. There are also Miniature Goldendoodles that are second generation cross between a Goldie Poo and a Miniature Poodle, resulting in a smaller overall dog.
Looking very much like a shaggy, curly to wavy coated retriever the Dood can be any color from chocolate through to a very light cream and all variations in between. They tend to have a squarer retriever face and the longer, turned over ears of both parents. Tails can be long and plumed like the retriever or more narrow like the Poodle. Eyes tend to be dark brown but hazel eyes may be noted in some of the lighter coated color variations. These dogs are medium to large in size, well build and very muscular and athletic.
In general the Goldendoodle is one of the hybrid breeds that needs to be around people to be happy. They are very well suited for families and get along well with kids, other pets and other dogs.
What You Need To Know About Owning A Golden Poo
For those that have mild allergies to dogs a first generation Goldendoodle may be an ideal pet, as will most dog types with Poodle in the lineage. People with more severe allergies may wish to consider an F2 or second generation cross with a Goldendoodle bred back to a Poodle. This tends to enhance the hypoallergenic issues with the Golden Poos coat, although each person needs to check their sensitivity to the dog before bringing it home.
While very intelligent and fun loving, the Goldendoodle still needs routine training and socialization. They love to be with people and seem to really enjoy pleasing their owners. As with any of the very intelligent hybrid breeds, they will also learn bad habits as quickly as they learn good behaviors and routine, consistent training is important from a young age.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
Posted on 06 July 2010. Tags: dental care for dogs, dog breed, Dog Dental Care, Dog Health, good dog, Ownership Advice, Tips and Advice
Dental care for dogs has come a long way and includes a variety of options for home dental treatment that will actually prevent tartar build up and early tooth loss. In addition the options for dental procedures that can be completed at the vets have also increased dramatically. They now include options for reconstructive jaw surgery to correct misaligned teeth and other congenital problems that lead to dental health issues in dogs.
Home Dental Care for Dogs and Dog Dental Treatment Options
Dental treatments for dogs can be as simple as including a good, safe chew bone or nice fresh joint bone for the dog to chew on. This natural form of dental care is still one of the best for dogs and will prevent the tartar build up that leads to most of the more costly dental procedures.
Some of the more common dental care options and dental treatments that are easy to add to the routine at home include:
• Regular daily or every other day tooth brushing for the dog
• Feeding only dry kibble that will act to scrape tartar off the teeth
• Providing specially formulated dental treatment or dental care treats
• Using rubber or texturized nylon chew toys
How To Provide Home Dental Care for Dogs
Most dogs and puppies will learn to enjoy having their teeth brushed. Start by just running your index finger around the base of your dog or puppies teeth, on both the inside and the outside. Once they are comfortable with this, add a small amount of flavored dog toothpaste. It is really important to never use human toothpaste, dogs really don't like the taste!
The next step in building in a dental care routine is to add either a finger sleeve that slides over your index finger or a soft bristled doggy toothbrush. Both of these items, as well as the dog toothpaste, can be purchased at your local pet store. Start brushing your dogs teeth on a routine basis, they will really start to enjoy this dental treatment, especially with the flavored toothpaste.
Dog Dental Procedures
The most common dental procedures include scaling or removing the tartar from the teeth. This is done by your vet and does require that the dog be fully anesthetized. Since there is some risk involved anytime your dog has to be put to sleep, taking care to keep a good dental routine in place and maintain your dogs overall dental hygiene is important.
Dog dental procedures including scaling, as well as dental care and home dental treatments are all important for your dog. In combination they will help ensure your dog doesn't suffer from any irritation or pain in the gums or mouth for his or her life.
Posted in Dog Health
US $6.95
