Afghan Hound Breed

History

This is a very elegant, ancient dog breed, native to Sinai, and mentioned several times in Egyptian papyruses as well as pictured in the caves of northern Afghanistan more than 4000 years ago. The breed was kept pure for centuries, and its exportation was always prohibited. It therefore only reached Europe as contraband early in the 1900s. An extremely fast and agile runner, the Afghan is a sighthound, which means it hunts by sight. It was used as a shepherd and as a hunter of many types of game including deer, wild goats, snow leopards and wolves. They were also used by shepherds as herders and watchdogs. Their thick coat protects against temperature extremes. In Europe and America they have become a luxurious pet and show dog because of their aristocratic beauty. Some of the Afghan's talents are hunting, sighting, tracking, herding, watchdog, racing and lure coursing.

Appearance

The Afghan Hound is considered an aristocratic sighthound. Tall and slender with a long, narrow, refined head, silky topknot and powerful jaws, the back part of the head and skull are quite prominent. The muzzle is slightly convex and the nose is black. The Afghan has little or no stop, which is the transition area from backskull to muzzle. The teeth should meet in a level or scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond shaped. The ears lie flat to the head. The neck is long and strong. The height at the withers should be almost level and the abdomen well tucked up. The hipbones are quite prominent. The front legs are strong and straight and the feet are large and covered with long hair. The tail has a curl or ring at the tip, but is not carried over the back. The long, rich, silky coat is most often the color of sand with a darker face and ear fringes, though all colors are permitted. White markings, however, are discouraged.

Temperament

Courageous, dignified, spirited, very sweet, loyal, affectionate and sensitive, with a low dominance level, the Afghan can be somewhat aloof, but socialize well. They must be trained kindly yet in a calm and firm manner. The Afghan has been described as "a king of dogs"—noble, majestic and elegant. They tend to be suspicious of those they do not know, but not hostile. Although tough, they will pine if they are deprived of proper gentle leadership. They will do best with older, considerate children who understand how to be a gentle pack leader. Amenable to training and discipline, they can be disobedient if an owner does not give the dog clear guidelines and consistency with what is expected of their dog. This breed can be difficult to housebreak. It can also be timid and high-strung if it does not receive enough mental and physical exercise.

Size

Height: Males 27 - 29 inches (68.58 - 73.66 cm); slightly less for females.Weight: 50 – 64 lb. (22 – 34 kg). Average life span of this breed is about 14 Years.

Grooming

The long, thick coat demands a great deal of attention. Bathe the dog when necessary. Do not brush in between baths in order to keep coat long and shiny. Brushing a dry coat will damage the coat and even make it more easily matted.  Weekly baths are not as important if your Afghan is a pet and will not be shown, but doing so will make the coat less matted and will save you time in the end. Many wear snoods indoors to protect their ears from food bowls. Some owners like to use a special air-cushioned brush called a pinbrush. This breed is an average shedder.

The Afghan Hound needs to be taken on a long daily walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. Teach them to enter and exit door and gateways after the humans. They will also enjoy running free in an open, fenced, safe area.

The Afghan Hound is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with acreage. This breed can live in or outdoors, although it would be happier sleeping indoors.

Read More

Dog Training Secrets - How to Become the Alpha Dog

Stop your dog's behavior problems by learning the secrets to dog training. You need to learn how to become the alpha dog in your home. If you don't, you may have a problem with training your dog.

Dogs are pack animals and they have retained the instinct and concept of having a pack leader. You will be the pack leader in your home if you learn the following steps that I have outlined in this article.

You will need to elect yourself as the alpha dog right from the beginning of your relationship. You'll also need to enforce this position throughout your relationship.

Your household members will need to be aware of the enforcing of this position. If the members of your household do not assert your position as being superior to your dog, then the dog will try to insert his place in the ranking system. This is natural because of their pack instincts. The problem is... you can't let this happen!

A dog will get confused if one person gives leeway to do things and not by another person of the household. He won't know the appropriate response.

See his world through his eyes. He's looking to the alpha dog for domination.

Follow these tips and you'll find success at being in charge.

1) Adolescent Dog

An adolescence dog, from 6 months to 14 months of age will try to raise their position in the hierarchy. You'll need to be extra alert during this time to prevent his hormonally changed behavior from becoming a permanent problem.

2) Sleeping Dogs Need to Move

Don't go out of your way to disturb your sleeping dog. But if he's sleeping on the floor, a doorway or walkway, they you can have him move so that you can pass. You want to keep your alpha position. This will reinforce your position.

3) Moving Ahead of Your Dog

You should never allow your dog to go through a doorway first. The alpha dog has the right of way and you'll need to use that right of way at all times. Make him sit or wait while you walk through first. In the wild, the alpha dog leads the way and everyone in the pack follows.

4) Alphas Eat First

Ensure that your dog eats after all of the family members have eaten. Then, you can feed him. Again, this reinforces the wild pack leader where the alpha dog eats first before the other dogs further down the chain.

5) Treats

Don't feed your dog treats of food without him earning the privilege. If you do feed him scraps from the table it will encourage poor behavior. A dog will pester people while they are at the dinner table and it can become a difficult habit to break.

If you're using treats as a training aid you will devalue food in your dog's eyes if you give him treats at any other time. If you keep treats for training purposes only, then you'll get a good response out of your buddy.

6) I'm Home

When you arrive home, don't greet your dog right away. Make your dog go to his basket, bed or into another room. This will keep you in the alpha dog position. Greet all the humans in the household; put your groceries away or whatever you need to do then call your friend to you. I find this personally difficult to enforce myself because we both are so happy to see each other.

7) I Want to Go Outside

The exception to this tip is if you are house training your puppy or dog. Otherwise, if he wants to go outside make him wait or even have him go to his bed or basket for a few minutes before taking him outside.

8) Obedience

If your dog does not obey any command you give him within two to three seconds, then he's either ignoring you and your alpha dog position is under threat or he does not understand the command --- he'll need further training.

9) Be Physical

You may need to correct inappropriate behavior and send a strong message that the behavior is inappropriate and establish yourself as the alpha dog.

Give a "sit" command, be calm, and put your hand around the dog's snout. Do not squeeze it. Hold it firmly so it cannot squirm away. Make eye contact and tell your him in a stern voice... "bad dog". Apply only as much pressure as necessary for the him to be still. Send him away to another room, his bed or crate and ignore your friend for 15 minutes.

Dogs use their mouths to express themselves and to protect themselves. When you, the alpha dog, take control of their mouth, they are vulnerable. You are forcing them to submit to you.

Sometimes... "it's easier said than done." But, when you learn you'll be asserting yourself as the Alpha dog. I personally know how difficult it is to be alert and consistent when it comes to noticing your his bad behavior. It's important that you deal with the situation while he is misbehaving. Don't let your dog go back to their bad behaviors.

Read More