Showing posts with label Mutt. Show all posts

Here's a great video story that I thought I would pass on...hope touches your heart like it did mine! –Kim

One Eyed Jack

Follow Jack’s journey from Death Row to "Champion" status, after he spends more than a year in shelters, waiting for the right family to come along. This was surprisingly moving, and to say that Jack is inspiring would be an understatement.

There are so many quality dogs in shelters, waiting for someone to give them a chance to prove their worth. This year, give a homeless dog a loving home. Visit your local shelter and save him or her from life in a cage or, perhaps, impending death. You CAN make a difference!

Source: http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2010/11/one-eyed-jack/

Here's a very interesting article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it fascinating! –Kim

By Sharon L. Peters, Special for USA TODAY
6/25/2008

Through the marvels of DNA testing, some of the greatest mysteries of Mutt-dom are being revealed.

Dogs of vague or unrecognizable ancestry — whether fluffy white mongrels with Chihuahua ears and beagle-like voices or massive hounds that resemble nothing previously seen in nature — are being exposed for what they really are, genetically speaking.

The first test was unveiled not long ago. Now, consumer interest is growing so fast that more companies are jumping into the doggie-identification business, websites are being enhanced, and additional breeds are being added to testing databases.

"Pure curiosity, getting the answer" is the reason most owners seek out the testing, says Neale Fretwell, head geneticist for Mars Veterinary, maker of the Wisdom Panel MX Mixed Breed Analysis. The analysis can can determine which of 134 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club composes a dog's genetic makeup.

And some of the answers are real stunners, not only for the owners but also for the veterinarians who have made their best guesses, Fretwell says.The procedure requires an appointment with a veterinarian to draw a blood sample, and when analysis is completed in two or three weeks, a follow-up visit to discuss the findings. The pricing is set by individual veterinarians, $135 to $170.

Another reason owners go the testing route is to uncover possible explanations for behaviors that might be inherited, such as herding people and other pets or rooting around in chipmunk or mole holes.

Other owners want to know whether their dogs have a high proportion of a breed predisposed to a particular ailment or frailty, although experts caution that it's impossible to know which traits, including propensity for disease or medical problems, a mongrel might inherit from any particular breed.No one offering such tests suggests a mongrel assumes some sort of elevated status upon learning a purebred bloodhound or dachshund entered his ancestry generations ago.

Indeed, the companies celebrate the characteristics of mixed breeds, and some experts applaud "hybrid vigor," the belief that mixing unrelated breeds can create a stronger, healthier dog than purebreds, which can pass on genetic conditions found in specific breeds.

Many clients are "very surprised" upon receiving word of what breeds populate their dog's background, Fretwell says.

Meg Retinger, chief administrative officer of BioPet Vet Lab in Knoxville, Tenn., says: "Some people say, 'That's just exactly what I thought.'" Others "have such preconceived notions about what their pet is, they just won't accept the results."

In January, the lab began marketing its $59.95 DNA Breed Identification kit, which tests for 61 AKC breeds using cheek cells scraped by the owner.

But the signature appearance characteristics of a particular breed don't always materialize, even when there's a high proportion of that breed in a dog, Fretwell says.

A mongrel with a German shepherd parent or grandparent, for example, might not have the black and tan coloring, the saddle pattern on its back or even the long muzzle. Some could not show any shepherd characteristics.

Size, color and a host of physical features such as ear and muzzle shape and tail type are influenced by genetics, and when several breeds meld in one dog, it's tough for even experts to eyeball a mutt and accurately assess what lies within.

Connie Steele of Colorado Springs learned that. This year she adopted a black-and-white dog that shelter personnel thought was mostly border collie and about 1½ years old. She soon discovered from her veterinarian that Ellie was still a puppy, probably less border collie than believed and almost certain to grow a lot more.

Steele had Ellie tested because, she jokes, she wanted "a bit of warning if I'm going to need to plan ahead for a larger house to accommodate a 2-year-old pony-sized dog."

Upon receiving Ellie's results, Steele did not begin house-shopping, though she was surprised by the breeds found in her background. Steele believes the information she now has about Ellie and also Kayla, another recently adopted shelter dog, offers clues about how to approach their training.

Most DNA tests show three or four different breeds in the mixed breeds' ancestries, and many show five or six, experts say. Several more probably are in the mix, but the amounts have been so dissipated over the generations, they are merely weak traces, unlikely to influence a dog's appearance or behavior.

And, yes, a few dogs comprise so many disparate breeds, the experts and their tests just can't solve the puzzle."Even the best test can't answer every question of biology," says Dennis Fantin, chief of operations for MetaMorphix, a company in Beltsville, Md., that has done testing for the AKC for years. The company now offers a $119.95 mixed-breed cheek-swab kit. The Canine Heritage XL Breed Test can detect 108 breeds.

Sometimes, any pure DNA has become "so diluted" by encounters with mixed breeds over the generations that no answers emerge, Fantin says.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2008-06-24-dna-dog_N.htm
Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Here's a fun quiz-game that I thought you might enjoy...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

Can You Match the Mutt to the Right Family Tree?

Various companies are now offering to perform genetic testing to determine what breeds are in your pup. Test your knowledge by dragging each dog's photo to its genetic analysis. Click any dog's photo below to take this fun quiz....

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2008-06-24-dog-dna-quiz_N.htm
Copyright 2009 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Here's a great story that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it inspiring! –Kim

Saved By Grace

Knock on Grace Acosta's door at her home in Miami, and you are likely to get a friendly greeting from a medley of canines. Five pooches are rescue mixes, one is a Rottweiler rescue, and six are Rottweilers from her own breeding.

Nearly every dog that goes into the Gulfstream Guardian Angel Rottweiler Rescue makes a stop at Grace's home. "We have very few foster homes," explains the assistant high school principal. "It hurts the rescue group because we end up paying boarding fees at a veterinary clinic."

Growing Up Rescuing Dogs

Grace's love for dogs and her desire to rescue homeless ones started early. "I've been involved in rescue since I was 3 years old," she says. "My first dog was a mix, a mutt that was roaming the streets of my neighborhood."

When she was a teenager, Grace and her family came to the United States from Cuba. She remembers telling her father she was not leaving without her three dogs. "I had rescued them from the streets," she says. "When we arrived in Miami, my dogs came with me."

Many years later, she fell in love with Rottweilers and became a breeder. In 1986, Grace joined other people who breed, show and love Rottweilers to form the Gulfstream Rottweiler Club. Since then, the club has grown to over 100 members.

Grace's love for the breed and dogs in general prompted her to start taking in Rottweilers that needed homes. As president of Gulfstream Rottweiler Club, she encouraged other members to do the same. Over time the club's rescue efforts grew until they formed a separate organization dedicated solely to Rottweiler rescue.

In 2002, Gulfstream Guardian Angel Rottweiler Rescue (GGARR) became a recognized nonprofit organization. Between July and December 2004, the group helped place more than 70 Rottweilers and Rottie mixes.

The majority of dogs placed by GGARR are strays, and others come from the Miami-Dade County Animal Shelter. "I have a very good rapport with the Miami-Dade County Animal Services," Grace says. "When they have a Rottweiler that is going to be put down because no one is adopting the dog, they call me. If an owner calls asking for help in rehoming their dog, we offer help, too. The dog must be neutered and spayed before we place his or her picture on our Web site and on Petfinder.com. We have found homes for over 100 dogs that were owner surrendered."

Twenty Years & Counting

Her involvement doesn't stop there. Besides taking in virtually every dog that goes into GGARR – at least for a short period – Grace works personally behind the scenes to make sure a rescued dog has the best possible chance to be placed in a loving home. She has many stories of rescue dogs from the 20 years she has been working in Rottweiler rescue.

GGARR has two veterinary clinics that it works with extensively, both of which offer their services, including boarding, at a discount. But the costs are still high, which means that Grace may have as many as six or seven rescue dogs temporarily in her home at one time.

Grace suspects that people's biggest fear about fostering rescue dogs is that they will end up with the dog. The concern is unfounded: Every purebred Rottweiler taken in by GGARR has been placed in a permanent home.

Mixed breeds aren't as lucky though. The organization works hard to place mixed-breed dogs, although they are much more difficult to home. Many people who adopt through GGARR are familiar with the breed; they like everything about the breed, from temperament to looks, she says.

Temporary homes for rescued dogs are one of GGARR's top needs, but as Grace says, rescue involves more than "housing" a dog. Helping transport dogs is a need that is filled by the Rottweiler Rescue Railroad, a network of volunteers from rescue organizations around the country working together to get Rottweilers to their new homes.

In addition, transportation is needed for dogs from the shelter to a veterinary clinic or foster homes. Donations are also valuable to GGARR. In addition to money, donations of food, medicine, blankets, beds, crates, bowls and other dog supplies help keep the dogs in foster homes until permanent homes can be found.

A large number of club members volunteer their time helping to make phone calls and organize the Canine Oktoberfest and silent auction events put on by the organization each year. Most of the money raised by the rescue group is through these annual events. The Oktoberfest is held in Broward County and has been running for 11 years. The silent auction is held in conjunction with the breed club's back-to-back specialty shows in December.

If You Don't Rescue

As a breeder of Rottweilers, Grace's dogs compete in conformation and obedience, and some are therapy dogs. She also is licensed by the American Kennel Club to judge the breed. She strongly believes that all breeders should rescue and the mantra "If you don't rescue, don't breed" is on both her and the Gulfstream Rottweiler Club's Web sites.

"We place the blame for so many homeless animals on irresponsible owners," Grace says. "I think it's important for breeders to make sure dogs end up with responsible and loving owners. Should circumstances ever change, breeders should be willing to take back their dogs."

Beyond this, Grace encourages people to not only be accountable for dogs from their own breeding, but for the breed and dogs in general. All of the work and emotional strain can take its toll, and every so often Grace feels overwhelmed and wants to quit.

Inevitably within a day or two, she'll get a call about a couple of dogs that need homes or they'll be euthanized. Knowing that with her help and the help of the rescue organization, one more dog will live and potentially go to a good home keeps her going. Grace recognizes that doing rescue work isn't for everyone.

"It's a calling," she says, adding "I just wish more people were called!"

Source: Rally to Rescue^® Magazine
http://www.rallytorescue.org/articles/article.aspx?articleId=101

Here's a great series that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

Basic Breed Information – Part 8

Maltese

The Maltese dog is one of the smaller breeds of dogs. This cute looking dog makes for a great pet. It has a naturally long fur coat (although, many owners trim them shorter), and is usually white in color. This breed is also highly intelligent and adorable. Like the Chihuahua, the Maltese dog is generally seen amongst the rich and the powerful. The Maltese dog is small and sturdy, and usually weighs between 6 and 7 pounds. The small size of this breed makes it vulnerable to attacks and injuries. The dog is believed to be in existence for centuries, and evidence suggests that this breed was first seen in China. The Maltese dog is believed to be the favored pet of the Ming dynasty.

This particular breed of dog is very convenient to keep as a pet for people who live in flats and small apartments. This dog is also a very good at socializing. However, the small size makes it very vulnerable to injuries, particularly from children. Due to its diminutive size, children tend to play with it and sometimes even fall on it, which can lead to major injuries. Therefore, the owner must be very careful while keeping the Maltese as a pet.

The Maltese is a small dog, which makes it ideal as an escort dog. The long fluffy single coat of hair makes the dog adorable. The hair does not fall (i.e., no shedding), and this aspect endears the breed to a wide range of owners. People with allergies can keep this dog safely as a pet. The dog is quite intelligent and picks up basic commands very easily. The long white fur needs regular care and cleaning. Use shampoo to keep the fur clean and healthy. A shampoo specially designed for use on white hair is ideal.

The Maltese dog likes to play a lot. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the dog outdoors for some time every day. The dog also enjoys the sun a lot, so keep all this in mind before choosing your pet. The Maltese dog should not be left alone in the outdoors, as larger dogs could maul it.

Like with all pets, the Maltese dog also loves a lot of attention and company. This small dog is a great hit among people and particularly at dog shows and exhibitions. When you bring it home, you can be sure it is a wonderful pet and a source of constant joy and entertainment.

For more in-depth Maltese training info, check out: Maltese Training Secrets or Secrets to Dog Training.

Venkata Ramana is a maltese dog lover since childhood. Visit his Boxer Dog Web site and discover how you can make your boxer dog the happiest, healthiest loving dog alive.

Mastiff

Mastiff dogs are wonderful creatures and are very great to have as company. But sometimes, you want your Mastiff to be active, and training him is something that can help. Below, I will show you how to treat a dog – when you should be giving it rewards and when you should discourage your Mastiff.

Training your Mastiff can be frustrating at times; just remember to stay calm, and take a break, if needed. Always provide positive energy for your Mastiff; never hit, punch, kick or scream at your Mastiff. This would give you the opposite effect and possible a broken toe!

Classical Conditioning: Some time ago, in biology class, I learned about classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is where you give a good response to a dog when he does something good, or a bad response when he does something bad. For example a scientists once rang a bell for his dog, and with that bell he held a piece of meat. The dog would come and its mouth would begin to drool. He did this over several months. Eventually, he could ring the bell and the dog would come with its mouth drooling. However, there was no meat anymore. The scientist proved that if you do something enough, the dog will become used to it, and will continue to do the same thing he has done over and over.

You can use classical conditioning with your Mastiff. Every time they do something good, hand them a treat. Do this over and over in till he does good things without you having to treat him every time. This will cause your Mastiff to being easily trained, and you will being satisfied with the results.

For more in-depth Mastiff training info, check out: Mastiff Master Training Guide or Secrets to Dog Training.

If you're tired of your Mastiff not listening to your commands, learn Mastiff Training Tips.

Miniature Pinscher

Many people who are shopping for a small dog do not want a purse dog, or a dog that is carried around and pampered. Perhaps, you are seeking a small dog because you have a small home; yet, you want a dog with some spunk. If you are looking for a little dog with a big attitude, then a Miniature Pinscher (or Mini Pin) might be the right kind of dog for you. As with any breed, however, you should know something about these dogs before you acquire one.

No matter how cute they are, Mini Pins are not for everyone! First, many people mistakenly assume that the Miniature Pinscher is a small version of a Doberman Pinscher. While these dogs do resemble tiny Dobermans, they are not the same breed.

These dogs are called Pinschers simply because of the way they hunt. In German, "pinscher" means biter, and these little dogs will jump on and bite their prey when hunting. Of course, if the dogs are not well trained, you might just become their prey. Which brings up another interesting point about the breed. Mini Pins require disciplined training, if they are going to become good pets. These dogs have an inherently large supply of energy and can be ferocious when provoked.

Miniature Pinschers are best trained through firm, persistent and calm training methods. The most important things to teach your new dog are (a) how to come when called, (b) how to walk on a leash, and (c) how to stand still on a table, as they will need to do this at the vet's office. Part of what makes it so essential to train these dogs is the breed's temperament. The breed standard describes the temperament as having a fearless animation, complete self-possession and spirited presence. This sounds quite engaging, but to those who do not know the dog's temperament, this definition can lead to disaster.

Many people purchase small dogs because they want a lap dog. But, the Mini Pin is no lap dog. In fact, if you pamper these pooches, they will become domineering tyrants in your home. These dogs are amazing escape artists! They can get out of just about any confined space, so it is essential that the owner has a room in the home where the dog can be confined when not under supervision. This room should be free of small objects on which the dog could choke. They should not be allowed outside without supervision, as they can easily escape from just about any fenced yard. Mini Pins may seem like a good dog for children because of their small size, but they cannot withstand the roughness that small children tend to dish out. The breed is particularly hardy, but these dogs have tiny bones that can fracture if they are handled too roughly.

They usually get along fine with older children, however. Beyond that, though, the dogs have few inherited psychical problems. The Mini Pin's coat requires little care, and the dog should not be bathed too often as this can dry the skin. Yes, Mini Pins can be a handful to care for and train, but most owners will say that the joy they receive from their tiny dogs far outweighs any inconvenience that comes from the high energy levels. These dogs are natural comedians. If you want a companion that will constantly entertain you with his interactions with the world around him, give serious consideration to owning a Mini Pin. These dogs are incredibly curious and need plenty of activity in their lives.

If you do not keep them active, they will find a way to stay active, often to the degradation of your favorite plant, socks or piece of furniture. However, if you live an active life and have time for a fun-loving little dog, then a Miniature Pinscher is a good option for you!

For more in-depth Mini Pin training info, check out: Miniature Pinscher Training or Secrets to Dog Training.

Sig Kabai is a proud Miniature Pinscher owner, he researches the internet for various information related to Mini Pins and helps people find great resources for these little dynamite dogs. Visit his Web site at http://miniature-pinscher-dog.blogspot.com to find out more.

Mutt

Dog owners are sometimes faced with a behavior problem and don't know how to deal with it. In my book, The Amazing Dog Training Man, I came up with an acronym that anyone can use as a tool to understand and deal with any behavior problem. Here is how you can use The M.U.T.T. Method to deal with any behavior problem.

M – Manage. The first step in dealing with any behavior problem is to properly manage the behavior. Management of behavior will not fix the problem; it will just help contain the problem. For instance, house training will not be fixed by using a crate, but it will definitely help manage the behavior. A muzzle can help manage a dog that is being aggressive towards other dogs. So, the first step is to think about managing the behavior.

U – Underlying. Every behavior problem has an underlying reason. You need to figure out what the underlying reason is. Say your dog has a digging problem. Why is the dog digging? Is it frustration, boredom, breed specific, etc. Let's say you are having a house training problem. Is your dog stressed for some reason, is there a health problem, and so on. Once you figure out the underlying problem, you can move on to the next part of the M.U.T.T. Method....

T – Train. Now that we have the behavior managed and we have figured out the underlying problem, we can start to train the dog. Let's go back to the digging for a moment. If the dog is digging because of frustration, we can remove the frustration and give the dog some other activities. If the dog is digging because it's breed specific (terriers live to dig), then we can teach the dog to dig in a designated area, and so on.

T – Time. Once we have started to train a new behavior, we need to be patient and give it some time. The behavior experts say that it takes at least 21 days to learn a new behavior. So, as you're going through the process, be patient and stick to the plan. Behavior problems can be difficult at times. When you understand why the behavior is happening and what you can do about it, the problem is much easier to handle.

For more in-depth Mutt training info, check out: Sit-Stay-Fetch or Secrets to Dog Training.

Eric Letendre, the author of The Amazing Dog Training Man, invites you to visit http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com for leading edge dog training tips, instructional video clips and articles that will help you train and understand your dog. You can also get free dog training updates with his free Smart Dog Newsletter subscription.