To some, a dog may just seem the same as the other one, they eat, they play, they sleep, and they leave a mess, could it get more complicated than that. Well, basically they do have the same needs, but there are still some distinct differences in every breed which can require some special attention. Sure they all need to exercise, but there are some differences as well. So if you own a French Bulldog, or is planning to own one, then you need to know what this differences are to ensure that you will have a happy French Bulldog and a healthy one at that.

In this article, there is a vital list of the basic things that any French Bulldog owner should know. This list will not only help you become a responsible owner, but also help those that are thinking about buying a French Bulldog to decide whether they are ready to own one today. Here is the list of those instructions in no particular order:

Cool area in their home or in their garden – French Bulldogs find heat as their waterloo. Because of their oddly shaped head, French Bulldogs find it difficult to dispel heat. They also have trouble breathing when it’s too warm and when they are tired. Make sure that if you live in an area with a warm climate, an air-conditioned room should be available for them. Also, your garden should have areas where shades are available where they can lunge around in not too warm days. Providing your pet with a good shelter makes him feel important and valued.

Have water accessible – Water will help them dispel heat. French Bulldogs tend to overheat so they need to rehydrate often. Even with just a small time spent exercising, they will soon become thirsty and panting, so have a water bowl ready inside and outside your home.

Exercise your French Bulldog – Unlike other dogs though, French Bulldogs cannot be kept active for a prolonged period of time. They tire easily and needs short breaks from time to time. Walking and exercising is necessary for strength development of the dog, so dog owners usually do it twice a day. This also helps them to dispel waste outside your home. Plus, prevent your French Bulldog from overheating when walking him by doing your exercises at dawn and at night time where the sun can’t bet down hard on your pet.

Well balanced diet – Quality dog food should be the norm. A healthy diet will help keep your dog strong to ward off any health conditions. It will also keep your dog looking good with its coat shiny and vibrant.

Respect your dog – treat it humanely and as part of the family. Provide it with the attention it needs and spend quality time with it. French Bulldogs in particular need more human attention than other dogs. Try to spend also on dog products like chew toys and treats. A good collar will not only keep it nearby with a leash, but also help it find its way home if it gets lost.

And finally, keep some time and money for vet visits. Your vet is your best friend and ally in keeping your French Bulldog healthy and happy.

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Hunting Dog Training – Some Things to Consider

Men rely on hunting dogs to retrieve their kills. Without them, the hunter will have to do all the work with no the assurance that they will be bringing something home at the end of the day. To make the work easier, the hunter requires the help of a well–trained hunting dog.

However, not all dog breeds could be adapted to hunting works and only specific trainings that promote hunting capabilities would bring out the best in a hunting dog.

But hunting dogs are not garden varieties that you could have whenever you want. They are trained and trained well for the demands of hunting. And oftentimes, training for the hunting dog breeds is a tedious and extensive process that requires knowledge and patience from the trainer and appropriate attributes from the dog.

What is the right breed?

As said earlier, not all dogs are fit for dog hunting. There are actually dog breeds specializing in this work and have long history of the particular service for men. In short, they are well adapted to the kind of works usually needed in hunting.

A hunting dog which will respond best to training are breeds like retrievers, spaniels and pointers- each of which have capacities that are unique to their breeds. It is up to the trainer to hone their capacities and use them for their right purposes.

In general, hunting dogs have excellent sense of smell for tracking purposes. Also, hunting dogs should be fit for outdoor activities and could easily be conditioned for training. The best candidate for dog training on hunting is a dog that has all of the said characteristics. The most common choices as hunting dogs are Labradors, Beagles, Bloodhounds and Dachshunds.

What dog to get?

One just can’t get a full grown dog and expect him to respond well to training. The best choice is a puppy since it has just started forming its behavior. Also, you need a dog that has affinity to his handler. This would not develop on its own. So you have to personally train your dog or at least train alongside your dog with a professional trainer.

What tasks are usually involved in the training?

There are six basic tasks that a good hunting dog should master. These are as follows:

a) Retrieving
b) Marking
c) Quartering
d) Shaking
e) Following hand signals
f) Steadying

What about gun fire and scent?

There are dogs that are sensitive or scared at hearing gun fires. So it has to get acclimatized through training. Typically, this is accomplished by conditioning the dog through a procedural way of introducing gunfire along with game birds.

This training will let the dog associate gun fire with game. If the gunfire is heard, the dog will know that there is a game. After retrieving the game, the dog will expect the next gunfire.

On the other hand, tracking is based on following the scent. There are as much scent as there are games so be sure to train your dog on a particular scent. If you want him to hunt deer you should get him used to deer scent.

Dog training for hunting is much harder than other forms of dog training. However, if your passion is hunting you would undoubtedly require the services of a well-trained hunting dog.

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Dealing With Feeding and Fevers

“Feeding” is a misnomer in this connection as one of the most important points to remember when considering the diet of a sick dog is that an animal with a temperature of over 103°F. should not be fed with normal solid food. The less work the digestive organs have to do, the better, and the lack of appetite usually present is nature’s way of pointing out that food is not required as long as fever is present. In fact, excessive feeding can prolong the illness and increase its severity.

Fluids are absolutely essential, however, and if the dog will not take them voluntarily they must be given frequently like medicine, a tablespoonful or so at a time. Glucose and boiled water is excellent for this purpose, but not milk as this, although a liquid, is definitely a food. When the temperature has returned to normal a very light fluid diet can be begun, such as milk, beaten-up egg in milk, etc., but any rise in temperature should be a signal for a return to glucose and water. Nervous complications in the virus diseases such as hard-pad are far less likely if this method is adopted, and the animal will recover more quickly as he is not being called upon to deal with quantities of food when unable to profit from them. The fluid intake will help very considerably in elimination of waste products—always very important in feverish illnesses.

Separating Dog Fights

Occasionally one has the misfortune to have one’s dog attacked by (or even for it to attack!) another dog. Usually, a few well-chosen words, and a sharp tap on the rump with the lead or stick, will divert the aggressor’s attention. However, when animals really start fighting it is not a simple matter to stop them. Do not try to separate them with your hands if a stick or lead is available. A walking-stick is ideal; the handle placed through the collar of the attacker and then twisted so that the collar tightens on the throat will make him release his grip, and when separated he is still well under control. A lead, used as a noose, can also be used for this but is not so effective.
Douching with cold water is also a fairly effective method of temporarily separating fighting animals, although it is not always possible to have a supply of cold water to hand!

Giving An Enema

Giving an enema is not a task for the light hearted and should be thought out carefully. Use this as a last resort and if possible by a vet and not yourself unless you absolutely know how to do the procedure. This is one method of giving an enema.

An enema is not often needed but is sometimes used in constipation and in illnesses where it is inadvisable to give an aperient or purgative by mouth.

To give an enema, place the dog on a table—with large dogs, preferably in a yard—and have a jug containing the fluid at a higher level. Fill the syringe, making sure it is full as an injection of air can be very painful. Vaseline the bone point and insert into the rectum for its whole length (about seven inches). Give the injection slowly, then remove the syringe with a quick, smooth movement. Press the dog’s flanks together for a few moments to give the enema a chance to act.

After use, wash the enema syringe in warm, soapy water and rinse in a solution of Dettol and water. It should be hung in a cool place to dry.

An enema consists of an injection of fluid into the bowel, by means of a syringe. For small dogs a straight glass syringe can be used, but for general use the ordinary Higginson’s type of rubber apparatus is preferable. For simple constipation only a small injection is needed—for a toy, half a teaspoonful of glycerine mixed with two tablespoonfuls of warm water. For medium-sized dogs double the quantity, and for collie size four times. Soapy water (made from pure soap flakes or Castile soap) can be used instead of glycerine. In the case of a real obstruction —that is, not simple constipation—double the quantity can be given and the enema repeated three or four times.

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Hypoallergenic Hunting Dogs Make Great Pets Too

With dogs like Afghans and Basenjis, dog owners must possess a strong personality or presence for these types of dogs. Patience is a must and so is a strong personality. But if you don’t mind the challenges these dogs present you can have a good friend, companion and hunter all in one.

Hunting dogs, though traditionally used for hunting small game including foxes, rabbits, and others, have become household pets to many. Intelligent, graceful, and energetic, these dogs can bring joy and comfort to any home. Hypoallergenic hunting dogs are available for those who have problems with dog allergies. Three popular breeds include the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Afghan Hound, and the Basenji.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is still used for hunting purposes today, it is also considered a good choice for the family dog. The dog has a short coat that can be brushed easily. A short coat will not shed as much as longer coats and will not hold as much dander either. This is why the German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies. Long and lean, these dogs are very friendly and enjoy getting their exercise. Not much extra care is needed as the dogs do not have to be groomed often and they should only be bathed when they are extremely dirty.

A cross between a German Pointer and an English Pointer, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a good dog to have when on a hunt. The dog responds to noise and movement very quickly and is a loyal companion to have when outdoors.

The Afghan Hound may not look like a hypoallergenic dog with its long hair, but since the hair is similar to human hair, the dogs do not shed as frequently, which cause fewer allergy issues for owners and those who visit. While this dog was once used to hunt foxes, wolves, and deer, it is no longer used today. Instead, it is kept as a pet or as a show dog.

The Afghan hound is a pleasant dog, but it does not take to obeying commands as often as it should. Unlike other hypoallergenic breeds, this dog will ignore commands made by its owner on occasion as it tries to maintain its independence. If you are looking for a dog that is easy to control, the Afghan Hound may not be the one for you.

The Basenji is one of the few breeds of hypoallergenic dog that does not bark. It will imitate sounds heard in its environment, but it does not bark on its own. Instead, the dog will yelp once or twice, but otherwise, it is a very quiet breed. If you live in an apartment, this dog is a good choice. They are a small dogs that originated in Africa and the Basenji is no longer used for hunting. The dog has short hair and does not shed very much. This is another reason why it is a popular hypoallergenic breed.

The Basenji, like the Afghan Hound does not take to obeying commands too often from its owners. The dog is quiet, but likes to explore new places. This dog has been compared to a cat in terms of its behavior and temperament. While you may be able to train the dog to perform certain tasks, many times the Basenji will not want to obey.

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With so many people advertising in the field of professional dog training today, trying to determine who’s truly qualified to look after your dog can be overwhelming. What to look for when choosing a professional to help you with dog training :

1) A good reputation, ask around and get recommendations from your vet, other dog owners, or local kennel clubs.

2) Experience – Inquire about their background, i.e. number of years experience.

3) A genuine love of and devotion to dogs.

4) Extensive and up to date knowledge. Dedicated trainers keep themselves updated by attending dog training and animal behavior courses, conferences, seminars and workshops.

5) Their training methodology and handling skills. A good trainers first concern should be the dogs well being.

6) Memberships with reputable associations, organizations and training clubs.

Once you find and choose a professional trainer you will need one or two items and a few tips before you start. Here are some things that you should do and have before you begin with your professional trainer.

General Dog Obedience Tips

Training should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog or puppy. If you are not in the right mood for training, don’t even begin.

Always reward your dog for obeying your commands promptly! A reward is anything that your dog wants and is willing to work for. Treats are an obvious reward but other rewards could be verbal praise and toys.

Several shorter sessions are usually better than one long one. Training should not involve any negative components or punishment . There should be no shouting, no hitting or smacking, no chain jerking on choke chains or collars, and absolutely no electric shocking! Each training session should be enjoyable and positive with rewards for jobs well done.

Training With Head Collars

Pulling on the lead is one of the few unpleasant experiences of bringing up a new puppy or dog. Using a head collar for dog training has become very popular over the last few years. Training with a head collar does have some advantages over the traditional training collar. Although very simple to use, it is important that head collars are fitted correctly and your dog properly introduced to the collar. Head collars are generally more intuitive to use than a traditional training collar. Head collars are very effective when controlling dogs in difficult situations.

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Aging is something that happens to every living thing. This includes your beloved four-legged friends, your dogs. For these beloved friends there are natural ways to improve your pet’s life. Give it a better quality of life.

Your Dog’s Life Span

Depending on the size of your dog the average life span is about 12.8 years.. Large dogs like Great Danes have a life span of about 9 years, whereas a small dog like Jack Russels can live as long as 12-13 years or longer if their health is good. If they are large dog they reach their senior years about 5 years of age, whereas a small dog is about
8 years of age.

For Starters

• Antioxidants – these protect the body against the adverse effects of substances that can increase aging. Some of these antioxidants are vitamins A, C and E also selenium and can be found in many herbs and vegetables. Ask your local vet which ones are best for your dogs.

• Exercise – this is always the best remedy you can do for your dog. It’s the best ‘remedy’ for staying trim and in shape, because it keeps the heart strong, the joints limber and the lungs healthy. The older dog should walk everyday for at least 20 minutes.

• Good Quality Food – good quality food should have organic ingredients like mostly meat, no artificial coloring or flavors. Preservatives in foods can be harmful. Homemade is best, there are lots of recipes out there. Be aware that your dog is a senior and calorie intake should be low. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils, flax-seed oil and other sources. They are amazing for the body especially in a senior canine.

• Excessive Vaccines, Antibiotics and Steroids – avoid these as much as possible. Older dogs bodies don’t detoxify drugs very well. Natural remedies are best. Check with your holistic vet if you are unsure of what to do.

Dogs Health Problems

Arthritis:
This is something that is common in most animals. If your dog has arthritis it is very likely that they will not be as active as before. It is most likely that they are sore and may resent being touched.

There are natural remedies/supplements that you can use. Natural Supplements include glucosemine, chondroitin and MSM. Omega-3, vitamin C and other supplements may also be helpful. Acupuncture and Chiropractic are great for easing pain and helping to restore normal function, One treatment may help but as a dog ages visits can be more frequent. Herbal Remedies They can be of great help and are often less expensive than synthetic drugs. Willow bark, meadowsweet and St. John’s Wart are great for treating pain caused by arthritis. You can also use cayenne, wild yam, devil’s claw and yucca.

Cataracts:
Like people, dogs especially older dogs, can also get cataracts, You can try eyebright, it may help prevent cataracts from progressing. It can be given like eye drops or can be taken orally.

The Dreaded Weight Problem

Like with people, over eating and eating the wrong foods can lead to obesity. Like with people obesity can lead to other problems with their health. Calorie intake should be at least 20% lower in older dogs. The best thing you can do for them is give them a proper diet and plenty of exercise.

Avoiding Dogs Depression

Good nutrition with adequate exercise is most important. Dogs, like people, need to be able to stimulate their minds. Gingko can help a lot but make sure you check with your holistic vet on ANY herbals you use to help your best bud.

The Crotchety Old Dog

Well, what can I say. We all know an old guy that is just like that. Dogs can get that way too. OK females can get that way also. We, the female are not immune as much as we hate to admit it. Flower Essence (Bach Flower) can help with the emotions, clematis may restore alertness and Mustard can restore serenity.

Deteriorating Senses

Like anything to do with aging, the senses start to go. Hearing, sight, smell and a sense of direction all get diminished as they age just like us. Gingko can help increase
the blood flow to the brain and enhance the senses. To help improve the general quality of life stimulating herbs like ginger, cayenne and ginseng might help.

Aging is an unavoidable event in all mammals. Fortunately for our dogs, our best buds, many natural remedies are available out there, Again I will say and I can’t say this enough when choosing to use natural herbs and remedies ALWAYS, ALWAYS const consult with your Holistic Vet and/or Veterinary Practitioner.

Life is Great and we want our dogs, our best buddies, to be around for as long as possible.

©2010 Teri Champigny. All Rights Reserved

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As a rule, agility training should start while the pet is still a puppy. However, owners can still facilitate training with older dogs. The question “when is the dog considered old for agility training” is central to choosing when to start training the dog.

Being “old” greatly varies from dog to dog, from the extent of a dog’s experience to the innate and natural tendencies it has. In short, there is no specific age at which the dog should be restrained from training.

However it is always far easier to start training with much younger dogs since their learned behaviors are still not rooted into their habits.

For choosing old dogs for training, the handler should not create the impression that the dog would no longer learn so there’s no need to waste time. The attitude of the dog as much as that of the trainer is both highly essential to faster learning. The more dedicated and patient the owner is the faster the dog learns.

There are several approaches to starting training for agility. A few of which are discussed here briefly:

Physical exercise

The introduction to agility training should start with physical exercises. If the handler has enough interest to dedicate on training the dog, the age will no longer matter for it is the condition that will rule over. Simple exercises like jumping or hopping may agitate the dog and encourage him to move a little bit. For puppies, these exercises are much easier to do since they have enough energy to use.

Let him play around

Like teaching little children, the easiest approach to agility training for younger puppies is to turn the exercises into a series of games. The majority of puppies are capable of passing through tunnels and chutes so take advantage of this chance and introduce the tunnels, obstacles and the training area itself as huge play ground.

This approach will create positive impressions on him which will also prepare him for future training.

Promote his agility

If you don’t have a sufficient area for setting up obstacle courses, it is best to use certain games that also encourage agility. Simple equipment like improvised tunnels or walls could be made to augment training.

Keep it short

Dogs don’t experience passion when it comes to activities but they have the innate desire to please their owners. This means that they don’t get devoted unless they are rewarded for good actions they have made and that you show your favor for their actions. Their attention span is also very limited so they could not continue training for extended hours.

If you want to start training your dog for agility, establish the rule that you should keep each training session and each lesson as short as possible. You don’t have to finish everything in one sitting. You should divide each exercise into sections that the dog could easily understand. Also never end with a negative note. Always ensure that the dog finishes each exercise with praise.

Training your dog for agility does not lie on how old or young he is, it lies in the foundation of responsiveness, independence, drive to work alone and to follow the command, and your desire to work with him with enough patience and knowledge of his capacities.

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Dog lovers who use the Apple iPhone will find some new help for dog owners including dog training, dog health and other great aids to help with your puppies, thanks to some of the new apps that have come out.

In watching for the best information I can get you to help you enjoy your dogs more, I came across a great post by Amy-Mae Elliot on the Mashable Blog entitled 10 Best iPhone Apps for Dog Lovers. This is a great list of really helpful apps from the likes of Cesar Millan, Eukanuba and the like, and shouldn’t be missed!

If you have an iPhone, be sure to check out her post and start using the new technologies for dog training, improved dog health and just plain fun with your dogs today!

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Some people choose a career in dog training simply because it is a popular choice however there are those who are really passionate about canines that their life’s direction has led them towards loving dogs even more.

Do you fall in the category of people who pursue career in dog training just because someone said you are great with dogs and should look into a career with working with dogs. Or have fallen so in love with dogs that you are left with no option but to fall even deeper and must work with them?

Back to basic principles…

Dog training is more than a love for dogs; it also requires knowledge and skills in handling and disciplining them and knowing the basics of their behaviors. Dog trainers usually have long history of experience with dogs and interaction with many dog owners and handlers and their pets.

What is your “dog division”?

There are two types of careers in the dog world- the pet service training and the dog training. Both have relatively high demands in the market but there are a lot more opportunities in pet dog training than service training.

The pet dog training usually involve dogs that function merely as pets and as companions for outdoor activities therefore, the usual training involved are obedience training, agility training, potty training and training to eliminate unwanted behaviors like barking and biting.

Service training, on the other hand, involves specified training on services required by people with disabilities and those undergoing therapy. Another division of service dogs are involved in chasing criminals, drug and bomb sniffing, search and rescue dogs and hunting dogs.

These are highly intensive trainings and require the handler to get sufficient preparation to lead the dog in employing its specialized functions.

Understanding of canine psychology

What do you really know about dogs – their thinking, their behaviors and their reaction to stimulus? Training adheres to conditioning the thinking of the dog to make specific responses. You should also know well the fundamentals of associative conditioning.

What about dog training education?

A dog training career requires that you have basic skills in dog training and handling. There are no degrees in dog training yet for there are no colleges and universities offering such. However, there are dog “academies” or “schools” that could provide basic training. However, the best dog trainers are often self taught and have natural inclination to dog handling.

Some have apprenticed with excellent dog trainers while others simply have the knack in training dogs. There are also a number of dog training organizations that could supplement latest information on dog training.

Comparison of working attitude with people and dogs

Dog training involves training the handlers of the dogs as well. Therefore if you are pursuing a career in this field, it is very important that you have good people skills and that you can tolerate all types of people.

There are impatient owners who expect fast learning from their dogs without taking advices openly while there are those who relatively open to suggestions. You need to cater both types of dog handlers and everyone in between. In short, career in dog training is not only limited to dog training but also an experience of people training as well.

Miscellaneous

Dog training is not limited to “training” alone; there are also certain aspects that you should be knowledgeable of like maintenance of proper dog hygiene, nutrition and grooming.

You should also have good knowledge on dog competitions, accessories and training aids. You should also be able to distinguish different dog breeds and their fundamental differences.

You don’t have to be a guru in dog training to be an excellent trainer; you only have to develop certain skills necessary in handling dogs and their trainers and to have sufficient knowledge on theories and the capacity to put them into practical application.

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You’ve picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on the internet, researching the right breed for you and your family. Then you went from breeder to breeder or humane society to humane society, meeting and greeting pups until you find just the right match.

Now what? He needs a name!

Over the course of its life, you will use your dog’s name more than 35,000 times. So be sure you’re picking a name you can live with and love.

With these seven simple steps, the key to finding the perfect puppy name is at your fingertips!

• Dogs understand short commands. Easy names with two or fewer syllables work well.

• Your puppy’s name shouldn’t sound like any commands. “Stacy” and “stay” are too close for comfort. Such a name will only confuse the issue.

• Remember, you’ll be using your pup’s name in public. “Stinky” may be cute among your fellow fraternity or family members, but it won’t go over well at the veterinarian.

• Make your kids part of the decision process. Kids like it simple, too, so if calling your Champion Cavalier King Spaniel “Bootsie” works for them, consider keeping the registered pedigree name strictly for AKC/CKC purposes.

• You may think it’s an honor to name your pup after you’re favorite Uncle Norbert but the person in question might not like the idea.

• If you’re bringing home an older dog, ideally, stick with the name it already owns. Don’t’ like the name “Barney” then pick one that sounds familiar when choosing a new dog name. “Barney” morphs into “Farley” easily.

• Once you’ve chosen a name, try it out for a day or so. You’ll know right away whether it’s a keeper. If not, there’s always more puppy names on your list!

Take a look around you. Everywhere you are, you’ll find a variety of terrific ideas on what to name your pooch.

At first glance, a couple things will stand out about your new puppy. Enjoy him or her for a day or two and take these into consideration.

Appearance: What’s your dog look like? His color, size, and personal style inspires a variety of name choices. “Stubbs” would be a great name for a dachshund pup. Or you may call a cream colored cock-a-poo “Buffy.”

Personality: Given a couple of days, your new dog’s personality will really shine through. Try “Cuddles” for the sweet little guy who loves to get cozy or “Puddles” for the pooch who can’t seem to find the doggie door.

If you want to go beyond the basics, many famous dog names or foreign dog names can fit the bill. Consider these favorite puppy names when making your decision.

• Celebrity puppy names. Today, pooches have more celebrity following than their famous owners. Chew on “Lola,” a name used by both Hilary Duff and the Osbournes.

• TV dogs. “Scooby” and “Astro” come to mind if you want to honor a famous TV pup.

• Movie dogs. Cool movies and cool dog names seem to go hand in hand. Cool Hand Luke’s “Blue” would be a fitting label for a variety of dogs.

• Comic dogs. “Snoopy” will always be a favorite, but also consider “Daisy” or “Odie.”

• German dog names. For starters, try out “Fritz” or “Kaiser.”

• Irish dog names. “Finn” fits well for any pup, as does “Murphy,” which just happens to mean “hound of the sea.”

• French puppy names. “Pierre” and “Gigi” are top contenders for any dog, especially those with a little oo-la-la in their genes.

A book of puppy names can always come in handy:

The Big Book Of Puppy Names

The choices are endless. However, with these simple tips and some thought, before long, you’ll have found the perfect puppy name!

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