Category Archives for "Breeds"

How to train a Border collie with positive reinforcement.

By Sally Gutteridge | Breeds , Posts , Training

The Border collie

The Border collie is used regularly as a working dog within livestock farming. Trials and competitions are carried out where the dogs are tested on their working ability. Originally bred for sheep and cattle control, many still carry a herding instinct even within a pet home.

Known for its intelligence and obedient nature the Border collie is a popular breed choice in dog training circles. Agility, flyball and competitive obedience all fulfill the collies need to work and stay active in mind and body.

Many Border Collies end up in rescue centers. Because they are attractive and popular, collies are often purchased as puppies to be family dogs. If the family group then has little idea of how to train a border collie, then its behavior can get out of control.

Highly intelligent and with the energy levels of a working dog, the Border collie will not cope with minimal exercise. This breed of dog needs to be mentally stimulated and provided with a lot of opportunity for training and physical exercise.

Training your Border collie

If trained correctly and in a kind positive manner the Border collie will thrive in its home environment. This breed of dog is biddable and handler focused. Anyone that is thinking of offering a home to a dog of this breed despite its age will need to research in detail how to train a border collie.

A collie will learn extremely quickly. Positive reinforcement training is a must with this breed.

How to train a Border collie with a clicker.

Clicker training is an easy and enjoyable activity with all dogs. Clicker training works by association of a sound with a reward which is usually food. First the dog must be trained to expect his reward when he hears the sound. When the association is established the sound is used to pinpoint specific desirable behaviors.

Bear in mind with clicker training that a Border collie can be sound sensitive.  If your dog is looking unhappy or worried when being tuned into the sound it may we worth wrapping the clicker in a towel or seeking a smaller less intense clicking device.

How to train a border collie to live as a family pet.

Often seen rounding up a group of dogs and people at the local park, the Border collie which is also a family pet needs plenty of exercise. Generally he will retrieve a tennis ball all day if the activity is offered. Your dog will often need no guidelines on bringing a ball back in retrieve games. If he has difficulty giving the toy back then swapping for a second ball is how to train a border collie and any other dog to drop his possession.

A vocal breed, the collie will certainly demand attention if his needs are not met. Learning quickly, he will work out that barking will command your interest and use the sound to his advantage. If excessive barking is a problem with your dog then teach him to bark on command using a cue word and positive reinforcement. How to train a border collie to stop barking is straightforward. Teach him to bark on command then add a suitable cue word to reinforce quiet behavior then use the established cue word when needed to achieve the required silence. This technique can also be used during travel as many collies will bark when in a moving vehicle.

Research and knowledge of how to train a border collie will be of little use if the dog does not receive regular and sufficient exercise. No dog can be expected to settle without first having used up his mental and physical energy. The collie has higher energy levels than many other breeds of dog.

Chase instinct.

Instinctively and being a visual dog a collie will chase. Be aware that joggers, bicycles, cars and any other moving target may trigger this instinct at any point during your dog’s life. It may be wise to research how to train a Border collie not to chase with positive reinforcement if you are the proud owner of this breed.

Your Border collie and other dogs.

The collie is a reactive breed. They can easily develop a snappy manner with other dogs. Socialization is paramount for this breed as their fear can cause instant reaction to stimulus. The female of the breed can be particularly shy and easily intimidated. Care must be taken to ensure that your dog is not put into a situation where they feel they must react with a fear response.

A well socialized Border collie will live and play happily with other animals.

How Hunting Dogs Hunt in the Wild

By Sally Gutteridge | Breeds , Posts

Hunting dogs have 25 times more smell receptors than humans do and can smell odors at concentrations that are 100 million times lower than what we can. This great sense of smell is what enables hunting dogs to hunt very well in the wild. We all know that domesticated dogs get their food from their owners, but how do hunting dogs in the wild hunt for their food?

There are many types of hunting dogs that hunt naturally in the wild, and they all have different hunting techniques. However, most of them follow a general hunting procedure of hunting in a pack. One of the most avid hunting dogs would be the wolves. Understanding how wolves hunt in the wild will provide insight on how other dogs hunt also.

Not only do wolves have a great sense of smell, they’re physically built for hunting in the wild. They have strong, long legs that can outrun the fastest prey and tough jaws to chew up their victim. Their fur also blends into the background making them invisible to their unwitting prey. Besides all that, wolves also have three layers of fur making water run off their fur like they’re waterproof. Not even a group of hunters could out hunt a single wolf.

Even with all this equipment for hunting in the wild, wolves never hunt alone. Instead, they hunt in packs led by the alpha dog or leader of the pack. The alpha dog is the strongest of them all and is like the king. All the other wolves must listen to the alpha during a hunt.

Before a hunt initiates, the pack howls together to warn other packs to stay off their territory. The pack will then search for prey until they find a good victim. Once they find a good meal, the pack then moves in from the opposite direction the wind is blowing. This way the animal will not smell the wolves advancing on it. Once they get close enough to the prey, the chase initiates. A lot of the times the wolves will travel in a single-file.

If the hunt is successful, the wolves will then weaken it by biting the sides of the animal. When the animal is weak enough, the final blow will be given by delivering a strike the throat. Then the wolves feast on their catch. If the hunt is unsuccessful, the pack will then search for another animal. Contrary to popular belief, wolves can go without food for weeks at a time.

Besides wolves, there are many domesticated dogs can be hunting dogs and become an asset to hunters. Some popular breeds that aide hunters include: Terriers, Retrievers, and Spaniels. With the right training, your dog can help you during your hunting expeditions.

A Closer Look At The Mini Husky

By Sally Gutteridge | Breeds , Posts

The Mini Husky has emerged on the scene in recent years as a smaller companion sized version of the Siberian husky. The Mini Husky has been well received by dog owners as a more feasible alternative to their standard sized counterparts. However the debut of this diminutive little dog has not been without controversy.

The biggest topic of discussion surrounding the Mini Husky is their very existence. Some people believe that there is no such thing as a Mini Husky and that a smaller sized Siberian Husky shouldn’t be classified on its own as a Mini Husky.

My research has determined that a Mini Husky is not a new and separate breed. They are instead a smaller version of its standard sized counterpart the Siberian husky. Temperament, health, and looks all remain the same while only the weight and height is different. Some Mini Husky enthusiasts state that by decreasing the size of the Siberian Husky, the dog’s lifespan is increased and incidents of hip dysplasia decreases. This could make the Mini Husky a more suitable companion for families living in smaller quarters or families that must abide by weight limits enforced by homeowners or condo associations.

Mini Husky owners that have owned the standard sized dogs previously have found that with the decreased size of the dogs they have less problems with separation anxiety simply due to the fact that the dog is more easily transported and remains with the family instead of staying at home. Mini Husky owners have also noticed that since the dogs are shorter they are not able to scale their fences and there have been less issues with dogs escaping. Like all huskies the Mini Husky does possess the affinity for running but would probably not be suitable for pulling sleds.

Due to the lovely temperament of Siberian Huskies, they are usually easily rehomed if an owner is no longer able to care for the dog. Most Mini Husky breeders will accept a dog that they’ve bred back into their homes at any point in their lives. The group maintains a huge waiting list of individuals who desire an adult dog rather than a puppy.

The Mini Husky was originally developed by Bree Normandin in the late 1990s. The dogs weren’t made publicly available until December of 2004 when for the very first time a puppy was placed with a new owner via the internet.

The Mini Husky is still very rare with only a handful of authorized breeders involved with the dog’s continued development. Breeders are reporting having to utilize a waiting list because the demand for the dogs exceeds the current supply.

Interested in Labradors or looking for Lab Puppies?

By Jean Cote | Breeds , Posts , Puppies

So, you think that you may be interested in the Labrador breed or looking for lab puppies? In this article you will find more information about this great breed and whether or not it is the right breed for you.

To give you a better understanding of the Labrador breed, it is necessary to learn the origins of this breed. Labradors are originally from Newfoundland and named after the Labrador Sea. They were bred to work with fishermen to retrieve fishnets and other tasks involving swimming in the sea. A unique trait of Labradors is their webbed paws; they allow them to swim faster and easier than most other breeds.

Young lab puppies are one of the friendliest breeds to have as a family dog. They are easy to train and you don’t need to be an expert trainer to train them. All you have to do is put in your time and efforts and your Labrador will do his best to please you.

Labradors need lots of activity and exercise, so if you have very long work hours this energetic breed might not be the best for you. They strive if you have an active lifestyle and want to bring your dog with you. For example, your lab will love you if you bring him hiking, biking, camping, swimming in a lake, or anything that involves exercise.

Lab puppies come in three different colors; there is the black lab which is the most common amongst Labradors. There is also the yellow lab which is a more common color with service dogs and law enforcement. Then there is the chocolate lab which is the rarest of three. A litter of lab puppies may have all three colors, so the colors of the parents do not reflect the colors of the litter.

It is important to try to get lab puppies from reputable breeders. Even if you don’t plan on participating in dog shows or training your Labrador to be a service dog, a reputable breeder will ensure that the puppy is raised properly and has all of the proper nutrition and care provided. Someone selling lab puppies in the newspaper may be much cheaper but they may not know the small details of raising a litter that an expert breeder would.

One thing to be concerned about raising lab puppies is that they are very mouthy. They are known for biting / nipping at a young age so it is important to start training them as early on as possible. If you can afford it, I highly recommend that you look for a local puppy training class that will teach you exactly how to deal with puppy hood.

Golden Retrievers … The Perfect Family Dogs!

By Sally Gutteridge | Breeds , Posts

So, you are looking for a Golden Retriever? I’ve written some important facts about Golden Retrievers that you should read to get a better understanding about this great family dog.

Golden Retrievers make excellent family dogs. They are very easy to train and have a willingness to please their owner, so if you are planning on bringing your Goldie to obedience school, be prepared to be in the top of your class.

Golden Retrievers love to play with his owner and especially loves to fetch. Since they are natural retrievers, it is a breeze to get them to retrieve almost anything. This makes it extremely easy to give Golden Retrievers exercise, since you can simply go to the park and throw the ball a dozen of time.

When choosing a Golden Retriever, especially a young puppy, the color of their coat will change over time and will usually darken once they become adults. A trick is to look at the color of the ears and it should give an approximation of the adult coat color.

Golden Retrievers are big dogs and need quite a bit of activity to stay healthy. They are great for bringing anywhere you go. You can bring them camping, hiking, biking, swimming, etc. And since they are one of the lowest barking breeds, they are excellent for bringing to work with you (if your boss allows it).

If you choose to get a Golden Retriever, you will need to groom him regularly. Their coat requires a lot of attention so that knots are taken out before they become problematic. You will need to set aside at least an hour per week just on grooming requirements.

One of the most important decisions to make when getting a Golden Retriever is where you will get him from. It is very important to research the line from which Golden Retrievers come from and to make sure that there is no history of aggressive behavior or biting.

Golden Retrievers are not guard dogs by any means. They are very friendly to strangers, kids, and anyone that they meet. So if you want a dog to warn you or to protect you from robbers then you may want to look into getting another breed.

If you choose to get a Golden Retriever puppy, it is important that you start the obedience training as soon as possible. Since they are eager to learn anyways, the training will be fun for the both of you and it will save you headaches down the road.

To summarize, Golden Retrievers make one of the best family dogs ever. But you must be prepared to have a large dog in your house and to give him an hour or more a day for mental stimulation and physical activity.

Four of the Largest Dog in the World!

By Jean Cote | Breeds , Posts

As a dog owner who loves dogs I just had to write a blog post about this incredible Great Dane who is undoubtedly the largest dog that I have ever seen in my life. George as they call him is 7 feet long and weighs 245 pounds. That is incredible considering my dog is only 65 pounds and everyone thinks she is a big dog.

George the largest dog used to be a tiny puppy, as you can see from the picture. He has been featured on various TV networks and shows like Oprah and has been awarded two titles in the Guinness world records book. They are #1 “tallest dog ever” and #2 “tallest living dog”.

As I began researching George the largest dog, I began to see that there are other dogs that are even bigger than him. There is an English Mastiff named Hercules who has a 38 inch neck and weighs 282 pounds. He was awarded the “largest dog” in the world by Guinness world records in 2001.

Hercules’s new fame brought him a new life, him and his owner are now booking birthday parties for kids so that they can take pictures with the dog and admire how big this largest dog is.

Another Great Dane named Gibson measures 42.2 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. It’s not quite as much as the other two largest dog example, but by looking at the picture above you can tell that he is definitely intimidating, I would certainly never even consider robbing a house that would have this largest dog in the front yard.

The heaviest and largest dog that I could find is Zorba, an English Mastiff dog who weighed 343 pounds. That is just incredible! From my point of view, I just can’t think how everyday life must be living with such a large dog.

This is definitely an interesting subject, I’ve only met one dog this big in my life, and he’s definitely was the largest dog I’ve ever seen. He was a Great Dane and his owner had trained him to do agility! It was very interesting to see him perform all of the obstacles like the other dogs, even weave poles! Obviously he would do it a little slower but you could see that some of the obstacles were so challenging to him.

So before you think about getting that cute little Great Dane puppy, make sure that you consider the possibly of it being the largest dog in the world and potentiality getting into the Guinness world records.

My Personal Story about Huskies

By Jean Cote | Breeds , Personal , Posts

Huskies are one of the most beautiful dogs that I have ever seen. I’ve owned one for the past seven years and every one that meets her, compliments me on how beautiful she is. In this blog, I will talk about the pros and cons of owning Huskies.

Huskies are a medium size breed that can weigh from 50 to 65 pounds depending on the gender and level of activity. To me, this is the perfect size as I can go on hikes with her and she fits nicely on one side of the couch.

The experts always say that Huskies are a high activity breed. I’ve personally not found this to be the case as my husky is extremely lazy, but when I do go hiking or sledding then yes, I would agree that huskies are able to burn quite a bit of energy.

Huskies are very clean dogs, or at least mine is. She will not step in a puddle or walk on wet grass unless she really has to. I guess she was brought up as a little Princess. The only inconvenience in owning a husky is the huge amount of shedding that occurs. Every week I can find fur balls that have accumulated over the week in areas of high traffic. Of course this is not a problem as I own a very powerful vacuum cleaner, but if you are thinking of getting a husky, then you must be prepared to have hair everywhere and on pretty much all of your clothes.

I’ve always been told that Huskies loves the cold and that they strive in the cold. Well once again, mine is definitely not that. In the summer when it’s about 35°C, she will go outside and lie down in the sun for an hour or two until she’s too hot. And in the winter, instead of ravishing the cold, she instead barely goes out to pee, then scratch the door to get back in. I find it ironic how a winter dog loves the heat and hates the cold.

Huskies are extremely smart. I trained my husky to do all of the obedience skills, to do agility competitions and a whole bunch of tricks. She is extremely agile and loves doing it. My only complaint, if you call it that, is that she loves other dogs so much and always wants to play with them. So whenever my husky would get off leash she would suddenly have a “hearing problem” and decide to go play with the other dogs. Although I’ve managed to train her to be responsive in an off leash situation, I am still a little weary about letting her off leash in an area where there are cars.

If you are thinking of getting a husky … then I recommend that you do your homework, and that you are prepared to train him. Do you best to read the most about huskies in books and online, then be ready to bring her to a local obedience school, or at the very least buy a training course online that will teach you how to properly train huskies.

Huskies in general are very loving dogs and they are eager to please. I wish you good luck and leave a comment below if you want to share your experiences with huskies.

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