The Animal Human Connection - A Brief Overview

The History of the Dog

For thousands of years dogs have provided people with protection, companionship and support. What we today recognize as the domestic dog became a part of human society when nomadic bands of hunter gatherers were roaming the Earth. There is evidence to suggest that these dogs, descended from the Grey Wolf, were viewed as both working animals and as valued partners in surviving the tough environment that characterized the lives of those societies. Today the dog has become part of the fabric of society (how to socialize you dog) and a valued member of families across the globe.

The Value of the Dog

There are very few homes that would not be enriched by the addition of a dog. Our children learn to love these additions to the home as they would a family member. Many people have extremely fond memories of spending time in the outdoors with what would later prove to be not only a faithful companion, but also a staunch friend and ally during the challenging years of childhood.

It seems that the thousands of years that human beings spent sharing their homes with the canine species has forged a bond that is very difficult, if not impossible to break. The truth of the matter is that we need dogs as much as they need us.

The Loss of Your Pet

Sharing our lives with pets brings so many benefits, but sadly, despite an ever-improving standard of veterinary care, every owner will eventually experience the loss of their much-loved friend. Coping with loss and grief can be a lonely and difficult struggle for many of us, and as a veterinary technician with cats and dogs of my own, even I haven't been immune to the storm of emotions that descend after the loss of a favorite friend.

4 Steps of Grieving

Through helping family, friends and clients cope with the loss of their pets over the years, I've learned some helpful ways to help both them (and myself) come to terms with the grief that the passing of a pet can bring.

1. Everyone Grieves Differently: allow yourself the time and space to grieve.

2. Don't Let Others Minimize Your Loss: avoid those who try to downplay your emotions.

3. Ask For Support: empathy goes a long way, and being around like-minded individuals help ease any loneliness you may be feeling.

4. Find Ways to Remember Your Pet: celebrate and honor the special relationship you had with your pet.

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Bulldog Puppies Are One Of The Most Rewarding Dog Breeds You Can Go For

The English bulldog is one of the most easily recognisable breeds that are available in today's society. They have become known for the companionship they give to their human family and also for their appearance which is unsightly for some but irresistible for others.

As with any dog it is important to train them from an early age and set boundaries with them. Although this has proven to be hard with the majority of bulldogs, once you do this they can develop a very sweet, patient and tolerant nature which is a defining factor to any person wanting to buy one.

Due to their personalities they have become known as the perfect family dog as they easily get on with children while at the same time looking to protect their human friends. They attach themselves to their family and this shows that they would make the perfect companionship to anyone who is looking for this.

Despite dividing opinions on how they look, they are deceptive in the sense that they make people think they are unhappy and moody. This is because if the saggy skin around the face which causes a frowning expression.

This is shown in the bulldog puppies in particular as they haven't "grown" into their skin yet and can give off an almost comical but sweet look. Despite being a lot smaller than a fully grown bulldog, they still have the same posture which is stocky with thick limbs.

The over-riding perception of bulldogs is that they are friendly, cuddly and dependable. The main reason for this is that they have been successfully bred to take out any characteristics which in the past made them appear to be vicious in nature.

In order to make sure this is the case you will need to be careful to do your research into each individual breeder to make sure that they are well known and respected. This is so you can buy in confidence and be sure that the puppy you are buying comes from the best possible bloodline and carries all the good traits.

Also, another factor that is important for finding a reputable breeder is that you will have the best possible chance in bringing home a healthy dog which you can care for and will provide you with happiness and become a member of the family.

When bulldog puppies are born it is important to make sure they are socialised with other dogs and also humans. This is so that when they are introduced to any other dog or human at a later date then they will act appropriately and not aggressively and maybe cause harm to others.

You can carry this on when you bring your new puppy home by bringing them to classes where you can learn yourself how to carry this on and continue to help them develop as they get older.

Despite the clown like behaviour of this breed, they are known to have a protective streak in them and are known to make good watchdogs when the time calls for it. As with all puppies, bulldogs are mischievous and you will need to make sure you keep things out of their reach that you do not want to be chewed.

The main things to remember are that you need to train your puppy as soon as it is brought home, with one of the more important factors being house training so they learn to not go to the toilet wherever they want to. Not only this but you must also teach them some of the more basic commands.

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5 Questions To Ask A Dog Breeder

Getting a new puppy is always exciting but there are a few questions you want to ask your breeder before you take your puppy home. In this article I want to discuss five of those questions for you.

1. Genetic testing

This is an important one. Has your puppy's parents been tested for the genetic problems that may occur in this breed of dog? And if you're considering a breed that can have hip dysplasia have the parents been OFA'd and if so do the breeders have certificates from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to prove that. There's nothing worse than taking a puppy home and a few months later discovering that it has a genetic problem.

When it comes to Labradors, Goldens, German Shepherds and any of the big breed dogs that could have hip dysplasia I would never take a puppy whose parents haven't been OFA certified.

2. Can we see the parents?

This is an important question to ask. Now I will admit there will be times that the sire will not be on the property because the female was sent out to be bred. However in that case I want to see at least the mother of the litter. If a breeder says that you can't see the parents for any particular reason I would completely pass on the litter.

Breeders should be proud of their breeding stock and be willing to show them to prospective new puppy owners. However if the dogs are overly aggressive or have some other type of problem they may want to keep them away from you.

3. What is your guarantee?

I would like to know what the breeder offers for a guarantee on the puppies. Does their guarantee cover genetic issues? And how long the guarantee is good for is an important question as well.

4. Do you have a contract?

Does the breeder seem to be professional and have a pre-done contract outlining your responsibilities as well as the breeders responsibilities related to the sale? Is the guarantee included in the contract?

5. Current shots and have they been to a vet.

Have the puppies been examined by a veterinarian and are they current on all their shots. Does the breeder have shot records from the vet or did they give the shots themselves at their kennel?

As you can see there are some important questions for you to ask a prospective breeder that you're considering for your puppy purchase. There are many great breeders out there that are very conscientious and care about their dogs and where they go for their new home. However there are many other breeders out there that shouldn't be breeding and really don't care about the puppies, only the money.

The last thing I want to mention and it's very important you should never bring a puppy home and away from its litter until it is eight weeks old. A breeder that wants to sell you a puppy at five or six weeks old is not a good breeder and you should not even consider a purchase from him. A good conscientious, reputable breeder will not allow you to have a puppy until its eight weeks old.

Good luck with your purchase and enjoy that new puppy!

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Good Dog Breeds for Families

Everyone has their preferences on great dog breeds,but you have to admit that not all dogs are created equal. Some breeds are more prone to violence and dog bite claims than others. Have you or a friend ever been bitten by a dog? It certainly hurts, but it can get the owner into a world of trouble with the law. Here are the breeds with the highest dog bite statistics:

1. Pit bulls

Pit bulls are cute, but are also notorious for dog bite claims against them and their owner. According to dogsbite.org, pit bulls contributed to 78% of dog bite related fatalities. If you want to avoid a dog attack claim, it would be best to stay away from these.

2. Rottweilers

Unfortunately, rottweilers are dealing with the same type of dog bite statistics as pit bulls. They have about half of the fatality blame as pit bulls, but they are still a good breed to avoid if you don't want any dog bite claims.

Have no fear! There are plenty of options, big and small, if you want to avoid getting bitten by a dog. Some of the calmer favorites include:

1. Retriever

Sweet and loyal, retrievers are great with children or adults alike. Their calm disposition is to only bark, not bite.

2. Mastiff

A loyal and protective breed, these quiet guardians love their people but aren't prone to anything more than a loud bark and some drool.

3. Saint Bernard

A perfect combination of size and enthusiasm. They are sweet giants who generally enjoy a good "lay down" with full view of their property.

4. Collie

Collies are generally non-aggressive and prefer people to the outdoors. A little training can quiet them down and they love to "herd" their people.

5. Basset Hound

Bassets do need some exercise but they are most famous for their lazy disposition and floppy ears. They are very loyal creatures and generally adore children and families.

6. Shar-Pei

These pups have a suspicious side, only displayed with a little bark. Shar-Peis are generally quiet and affectionate.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A flexible breed, the spaniel enjoys lap time and outdoor adventure. They are sweet and patient, and are often a good choice for young children or seniors.

8. Bulldog

They are a very laid-back breed, with little exercise needs. They are content to be indoors and are very mild-mannered with adults and children.

Do some initial research, and you will be able to choose a breed that is well suited to your family.

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How To Choose The Right Dog Breed For Your Family

At some point or another, most kids will beg their parents for a dog. Those who have had a dog before or have always wanted one may be considering giving in to their child's plea. However, before parents make any decisions, they should think about which breeds are best suited for their family.

Why is Choosing the Right Breed Important?

Like children, dogs are a lot of work. They require care, attention and exercise. If they do not get these things, they could wind up being sick or unhappy.

Because dogs rely on their owner to provide them with a good life, families should not take on dogs that they cannot handle. Choosing the wrong breed could mean that the dog and/or the family do not get their needs met.

How to Find Information on Dog Breeds

The simplest way to get information on dog breeds is to look on the AKC website. This website lists every dog breed and talks about issues such as:

- Exercise requirements. High energy dogs such as Jack Russell terriers should not be adopted unless the family has time to walk them every day.

- Grooming requirements. Some breeds require more grooming than other dogs. For instance, Maltese terriers need to have their fur trimmed regularly. If this is not done, their hair may mat.

- Temperament. While all dogs can sweet with the proper training, some of them have a milder temperament than others. Labradors are known for being good with children while terriers have a reputation for being "nippy" and loud.

- Trainability. When a dog is easily trained, life becomes much easier for the dog owner. Untrained dogs tend to misbehave more often.

Are Some Breeds Better for Children Than Others?

Highly trainable breeds are great with children as they are eager to please. Some examples of these breeds are Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Breeds like German Shepherds and Border Collies are also highly trainable.

Although, some parents would rather not get specific breeds, all breeds are good with children if they are trained and socialized properly. The size of the animal should also be considered.

Many people (especially men) have never imagined themselves owning a small dog. While this is fine, dogs that are too large may not be suitable for certain conditions. Large dogs require a lot of space and this could be a problem if they are living indoors. They also eat a lot more food.

Small dogs such as the Chihuahua are nervous around small children. This is because smaller children tend to play more roughly than adults. A pull on a tail could lead to the dog feeling threatened and reacting aggressively.

Finally, health problems need to be assessed. If a breed is known for having certain health problems, parents may not want to adopt the dog. Illnesses and medical problems can result in high vet bills. If anyone is allergic to dogs, a dog that does not shed much should be chosen.

Taking a little bit of time to choose the right dog is important and can make for a happy household.

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How to Find and Choose Your Own English Bulldog Puppy

Would you like to own an English Bulldog? If you are looking for a dog to be a new member of your family, this is a breed you should consider. These charming dogs make loving and loyal pets and have a great character and personality. When cared for and trained correctly, they make the most fantastic family pets.

The breed has been growing in popularity in recent years. This is thanks to the hard work and dedication of the world's leading English Bulldog breeders who are keen to educate people about this wonderful breed, and to show people what wonderful pets they make. For people who are considering buying an English Bulldog puppy, the first step is to read as much about the breed as possible. This will ensure you understand the history of the breed, the nature of these dogs and what they will need in order to be well cared for and loved.

It's always best to find an excellent breeder who has a reputation for breeding dogs with a fine lineage and excellent pedigree which is documented. They should be registered breeders and be able to demonstrate high levels of knowledge and experience with this breed. Don't be tempted to buy an English Bulldog puppy from an unofficial source or form a dis-reputable breeder. To find out what the best breeders are you can search online for a breeder in your area, or contact an official Dog Breeder Association. They will be able to recommend the best local breeders for you.

You can also speak to someone who owns an English Bulldog, in fact it is a good idea if you do. They will tell you all about this charming breed. It will not take you long to learn that when they are trained well and loved these dogs make perfect family pets, full of life and character that the entire family will love.

Only purchase a puppy that has the correct Pedigree certification. The breeder must be a member of the right organisations and they must be able to show you their high levels of knowledge, experience and commitment to the breed. If you are in any doubt about the lineage of the puppy, or the authenticity of the breeder then do not purchase the dog. One way to tell is to consider how the breeder acts and how they approach the sale of a puppy.

The best breeders will be concerned to ensure the puppy is going to the right home and the right family. They will be much more interested in ensuring the new owners are appropriate, than they will be in selling you a puppy. This is a good sign - it shows a high level of respect and love for the breed, and for the puppies.

Bulldogs are popular because they make such loving and charming pets. They are perfect for young families and because they are small, they are wonderful pets for more modern homes and apartments where space can be a premium. If you train and love your Bulldog, and care for it, you will have a loyal and loving pet for its whole life with you and your family.

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Mixed Breed Dogs Can Compete In AKC Obedience

The American Kennel Club recently announced that mixed breed dogs will be allowed to list their dogs and participate in AKC Agility, Obedience and Rally events starting April 1, 2010. This means that mixed breeds will be able to compete in the same classes and earn the same titles as their purebred counterparts.

Mixed breed dogs are eligible to compete in these events as part of the AKC Canine Partners Listing Program. All dogs in the Canine Partners program must be spayed or neutered and wolf hybrids are not eligible. Owners of eligible dogs can enroll in the program on the AKC web site.

These events will still be offered on a voluntary basis by AKC clubs. That means that it's up to each individual local club whether or not they will offer classes that accept mixed breed dogs. Before you submit your entries for an event you should check with the club to make sure they are accepting mixed breed dogs for the event.

There is some debate among current AKC performance people about accepting these dogs for these events. Most of the debate centers around the fact that many events only accept a limited number of entries due to the size of facilities and the number of judges. The events can fill up quickly. If mixed dogs are added to these events it will probably keep some of the current participants from taking part in some events. You can understand why there is some concern about adding more dogs.

However, many people welcome the addition of mixed dogs to these performance events. They believe that it will increase interest in Agility, Obedience and Rally at events and may lead to more events and more income for clubs, which is always welcome.

If you would like to participate in these events you must enroll your dog in the AKC Canine Partners program. Find a club that offers training classes in your area. You can go to the AKC events page  to find an AKC club that offers training classes in your area. Many people get started by helping their dog earn an AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate.

If you and your dog are already experienced in events then you simply need to list your dog with AKC Canine Partners to get your AKC number and enter events which will be accepting mixed breed entries. If you will be competing in Agility then you'll need an AKC Agility Height Card. You can contact your local AKC club for a measuring clinic schedule or have your dog measured at the first trial you attend.

Please keep in mind that the AKC Canine Partners Program is a new program and it may still be undergoing some changes. However, mixed breeds can now compete in AKC performance events such as Obedience trials. It's good for dogs and dog owners whenever more kinds of competition opens up for them so this should be seen as a positive step.

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