Bitch or a dog?

Decisions, decisions... Now you've chosen your breed, now the next question. Do I choose a bitch or a dog? Both sexes have their advantages and disadvantages. In some breeds the difference between the sexes aren't big, and in others it's a huge difference. Keep in mind that some breeds are known for being same-sex aggressive, so if you've a breed that's known for it, it's better to be precautionary if you've a dog already. To sum up:

Dog:

A dog are most of the time larger and stronger than bitches of the same breed. Usually smell more of dog odor than bitches. Likes to dig the nose into it all and be «gone» for awhile during walks. Can be a little stressed if there's bitches in heat nearby. Also some dogs may run off to get to them. Some may say the dogs are more honest, and are more even in the mood and temper. More tolerant. The males can be harder to train, but when it's there, it's stuck.The males usually have more fur. However, the dogs don't shed as much, since bitches shed in some times through their cycles.

Bitch:

A bitch's in heat twice a year, and a heat lasts for about 3 weeks. After being in heat some bitches gets false pregnancies, which's very stressful for the dog. They usually are milder than the males. After a heat period they shed. They can adopt toys. Some tend also to be more whiny.

What breed should I choose?

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A question everyone is asking before getting a dog. A dog that's cute doesn't always fit your lifestyle. The choice should be well considered. What kind of breed fits me and my needs? It's a hard question, since it depends on a lot of factors. A dog should fit you to start with, and not you trying to fit your dog afterwards. Many dog owners choose a dog that's too active or demanding for their lifestyle. Of course you'll say that you'll get more active and do that and this, but often, that never ends up well. Start with a dog that's right about your activity level, and if you change and improve, the dog a lot of times manages to follow your lead. I feel devastated when I see an high active dog ending up with couch potatoes as owners. The dog gets frustrated because it doesn't get their needs, and behavior issues starts to occur. Sadly, often this ends in either adoption or to the vets office to get the shot. There are things to consider when choosing a breed. How much time do you have to train and walk your dog? Be honest. Some breeds are satisfied with just running around, others needs to use their brain to be happy. If you don't like playing mind games with your dog, but instead like jogging or running, a dog that just likes to run a good choice.

Do you have any plans to start sports events with your dog? Some dogs are more suitable for competitions, others you've to be a lucky guy to even get them to sit when being told to.

How about the coat? Can you handle long silky coat or do you have to have a dog with little demanding on fur treatment? Personally, I love working with fur, so I don't think I would be as happy with a coat that doesn't require regular grooming.
How do you plan to keep your dog? Indoors with the family
or out in the cold? Will the dog spend most of the day alone? Do you have any experience with training dogs previously? Do you have any other dogs? How do you like them when it comes to activity and will to learn?
Do you have any interest to go far with your dog? Is everyday obedience enough for you or do you want a dog that do what every you want as soon as you want?
When you have answered all this questions, you'll start to get a picture of what kind of dog you need to fill your home and heart. Ask breeders for advice if it's a new breed you're considering. All dogs should get a minimum of 1,5 hour activity and work a day. Over that there's categories. Keep in mind that some of the dogs in the high active list needs more brain work than others, and some of them are just satisfied with running around in the woods.


very high active dogs - Alaskan malamute, Alaskan husky,

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Dalmatian, Portuguese pointer, Perdiguero de burgos, Kooikerhond, Treeing walker coonhound, Sloughi, Schiller, Saluki, Porcelaine, Petit griffon de gascogne, Petit bleu de gascogne, Petit basset griffon vendeen, Niederlaufhunde, Otterhound, Lurcher, Irish wolfhound, Podenco ibicenco, Griffon fauve de bretagne, Griffon nivernais, Grand griffon vendeen, Grand blue de gascogne, Grand anglo-fracais, Grand basset griffon vendeen, Dunker, English coonhound, Drever, Scotish deer hound, Briquet griffon vendeen, Borzoi, Black and tan coonhound, Beagle Harrier, Beagle, Ariegeois, Azawakh, American foxhound, Anglo-francais de petite venerie, Afghan hound, Plummer terrier, Parson russell terrier, American eskimo, Border collie, Bouvier des ardennes, Catahoula leopard dog,  Holland shepherd, German shepherd, New zealand huntaway, Polish owczarek nizinny, Pumi, Collie (long coated.), Shiloh shepherd, Collie (rough hair.), Tornjak, Azores cattle dog, Beauceron, Norwegian elkhound, Chinook, Bordeaux dogge, Lagotto romagnolo, New guineas singing dog, Norrbottenspets, Portuguese water dog, Pyreneer, Rottweiler, Shikoku, Siberian husky, Spanish waterdog, Thai ridgeback dog, Tibetan kyi apso, Tibetan mastiff, Tosa.


Middle to high active dogs - Wetterhoun, Shar pei, Shiba, Schipperke, Samojed, St bernhard, Russian European laika, Saarloos wolfhond, Rhodesian ridgeback, Poodle, Perro dogo allorquin, Norwegian lundhund, Landseeer, Leonberger, Keeshond, Hovawart, Kai, Grosser schweizer sennen, Grand danois, Riesenschnauzer, English mastiff, Serra da estrela, Eastern siberian laika, Dobermann, Czechoslovakian wolfhound, Chow chow, Carolinadog, Cane corso italiano, Canarian fighting dog, Bullmastiff, Kanaan, Broholmer, Fila brasileiro, Boxer, Russian black terrier, Berner sennen
Austrian pinscher, Australian cattledog, Australian kelpie, Argentinian dogge, Appenzeller sennen, American eskimo, Akita, Aidi, Akbash, White shepherd, Polski owczarek podhalanski, South russian ovtcharka, Shetland sheepdog, Schapendoes, Sarplaninac, Roanian mioritic shepherd dog, Romanian carpathian shepherd dog, Puli, Norwegian buhund, Mudi, Lancashire heeler, Maremma, Karst shepherd, Komondor, Entelbucher sennen, Central asian ovrcharka, Briard, Bouvier des flandres, Bergamasco,Groenendael, Malinois, Tevuer, Lakenois, Bearded collie, Australian shepherd, Welsh springer spaniel, Vorsteh, Weimaraner, Stabyhound, Sussex spaniel, Kleiner münsterländer, Braque st-germain, Nova scotia duck tolling retriver, Grosser münsterländer, Labrador retriever, Bracco italiano, Irish setter, Irish waterdog, Hungarian vizsla, Gordon setter, Golden retriever, Wachtel, Frence spaniel, Braque francais gascogne, Braque francais pyrenees, Field spaniel, Flat coated retriever, English setter, English springer spaniel,
Pointer, Drentsche patrijshond, Cocker spaniel, Curly coated retriever, Chesapeake bay retriever, Clumber spaniel, Breton, Blue picardie spaniel, Boykin spaniel, Braque de lariege, Barbet, American cocker spaniel, American water spaniel, Whippet, Jämt, Rampur greyhound, Podengo portugues, Faraodog, Italian spinone, Istarski, Hygenhond, Harrier, German bracke, Dachs, Artois, Etna, Polish hound, Blood hound, Basset hound, Basset bleu de gascogne, Basset fauve de bretagne, Basenji, Basset artesien normand, Fox terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, Welsh terrier, Irish soft-coated wheaten terrier, Skye terrier, Scotish terrier, Sealyham terrier, Patterdale terrier, Norfolk terrier, Norwich terrier, Manchester terrier, Miniature pinscher, Lakeland terrier, Lucas terrier, Kerry blue terrier, Irish glen of imaal terrier, Irish terrier,
German hunting terrier, Dandie dinmont terrier, Smoushond, Bull terrier, Border terrier, Bedlington terrier, American pit bull terrier, American staffordshire terrier, Airedale terrier, Kromfohrländer, Miniature australian shepherd.



Low to middle active dogs - Silky terrier, Bichon frise, Bolognese, Cavalier king charles spaniel, Chihuahua, Chinese crested, Coton de tulear, Frence bulldog, German spitz, Bichon havanais, Inca hairless, Italian hound, Japanese chin, King charles spaniel, Lhasa apso, Maltese, Mexican hairless, Papillon, Pekingeser,
Phalene, Pomeranian, Miniature poodle, Pug, Shih tzu, Tibetan terrier, Tibetan spaniel, Volpino italiano, Affenpincher, American toy terrier, Australian terrier, griffon bruxellois, Boston terrier, Brasilian terrier, cairn terrier, Cesky terrier, English toy terrier, Jack russel terrier, Russian toy terrier, West highland white terrier, Yorkshire terrier, Greyhound, Hungarian hound, Spanish galgo, Old english sheepdog, Welsh corgi, Bulldog, Eurasier, Neapolitan mastiff.

Remember all breeds need a regular run-out and mental activity. Also keep in mind there's individuals within the breed, some are more active than the standard. I'll try to write a profile for each breed, but it may take some time. Ask other dog owners about their advices and recommandations. Ask yourself if you can handle a puppy or if you want a shelter dog. Shelter dogs are a safe way to go, since you know what kind of a dog it became. With a puppy you never know, you just have to try to shape it into the right fit. There's always a dog that needs help. Do you have any favorite breed? Share and tell :)

The Pumi

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The Pumi is a lovely herding dog. The characteristics of the breed are the happy, delightful ears that makes the koala bear appearance. A tail rolled up on the back are wanted in shows and breeding. A easy going breed that are suitable for a lot of dog sports, especial agility and obedience. Very intelligent breed that needs to be worked with to be satisfied. In some areas of the world, the breed is exotic since its not many individuals. They love to work and satisfy their owners, I think it's hard to give the dog too much to do. If you're able to, you're pretty good. Grooming is easy, just need a shearing from time to time. The coat needs to be combed with a metal comb when the coat's dry. Just as the poodle the ears shall be plucked. The ideal height for a Pumi is between 40-45 cm, depending on the sex. The breed comes in all whole colours between white and black.  

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What's a good dog-life?

Everyone likes a happy dog and everyone would try to give the dog the most suitable life. I know I do. But what's a good dog life? Sometimes I feel like I don't always give my dog everything he needs, and it makes me feel bad. A dog needs to use its body and mind to be happy, some more than others. Can a dog in a household get a good life? I try to give my dog as much freedom as possible. He get to run loose per day, some areas I've him in a flexi, since it sometimes comes people and I don't have as good call-in as I would like to. People loving dog, it explains it all. I see how he lights up every time I let him out to do his doggy stuff, it does seems kind of pointless for humans, but the dog loves to explore and play around in the grass. For me, I would never had a dog if I couldn't let the dog go as he like, at least a couple times a week. I believe the dog would be kind of miserable going the same route every day, not get to sniff on stuff that he want to. But I can't help myself than to ask if a human really can make a dog happy and fulfill all his/hers need. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for owning a dog and to keep them as pets. I would be a miserable woman if I couldn't have dogs by my side. To get them to work with me and to be part of their herd. Most of todays dog wouldn't survive on their own either, so it's not a good idea to release them.

What does a dog really need? Would some dogs move away from their natural behavior just to stay with their humans? Can a dog be happy with just plenty of exercise and no or little contact with their people? How do you define a good dog life? Is their really a set formula for the perfect dog life? Tell me what you think, I would like to hear your side of the matter. A little brainstorming a thursday evening.

A day at the farm

Today I went to my aunts farm for delivering Christmas gifts. Man, how much I missed that place, I haven't been there for ages and it's just like I remember it. It's a pretty big farm with cattle, horses and many fields and much ground. They've a lovely border collie and alaskan husky mix there named Tara. She's kind of hyperactive, but she's only 2 years old, so maybe she'll settle down soon.

Beethoven loved being able to run freely on the fields and the farmyard to keep things in order. Unfortunate, I live in the city, so I don't have as much opportunities to let him out as much as I would like. He was a happy little ball of fur. He looked like a little fox. I never thought that the dog could run that fast, but I was wrong. Made me think about trying him in agility sometime, would be fun.

He and Tara didn't go very well to begin with. Tara isn't well socialized with other dogs, so she isn't very reliable. She's kind of... crisp. Had to have her in a cage for some time. After a couple of walks together the dogs were getting to know each other. Next time, maybe they're able to play together.

The day at the farm got me thinking about a lot of things. I've a goal of saving for a farm, the visit made me so much more motivated to save the money that's needed. Cutting out all the stuff that isn't needed. Also, it made me realize I had some more work do to on the socialize part on Beethoven. He's getting well along with small dogs, and dogs that isn't too forward, so to say. But he still needs to learn how to deal with dogs that's at a little higher pace than him. Maybe, if he just gets older, that may come by itself.

I'm so proud of my boy. He didn't bite or jump on anyone today, normally he's so over excited about meeting new people, but today he handled it good and well. I saw some of his teethes

are growing out in the wrong spot, so I'm hoping it will get better by itself and not having the vet involved. I'm sorry about the quality of the pictures. They were taken by my mobile phone, so they're not very good. I forgot to bring my camera to the farm.

Hoping everyone's having a safe celebration. Happy holidays.

Weekly breed: Shetland Sheepdog.

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Trying to make a weekly thing, that I'll write about one breed. Today I want to write about my highly beloved breed, the Shetland Sheepdog, also known as «Sheltie» in the dog world.

The breed standard indicated that the Sheltie should be a friendly looking dog that is affectionate and have attention to their owner. As I a sheltie owner, I can say that the dog is guilty on all points. A big dog in a small package. The sheltie's a working dog, have to be in activity to be a happy and well functional dog. It should also be using its brain a lot. I feel bad every time I see a sheltie who doesn't get to think and figure out solutions. Such a waste of a beautiful mind. There's not a coincidence that the breed's always on top in competitions and lists over most intelligent dogs.

If you don't teach the dog something useful, he would learn by him own, and that would not always be pleased for their owner. My dog can turn on the DVD player, stereo, TV, unlock some doors, turn on all my gaming consoles, he even turns off my desktop if he thinks I should spend more time with him! If my films weren't out of his reach, I'm pretty sure he would watch a movie anytime I'm leaving the home.

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It's not hard to figure why this breed has gone so popular. Smart, charming, affectionate and a workaholic. I wouldn't say it's a easy breed to handle, as many people say. If it doesn't get what it needs, it can be catastrophic. However, if you know what a dog needs, it's relatively easy to handle compared to other breeds, since it got a mild temper. The breed works best in small families or for singles, since the dog usually just bond to one person. Herding's still pretty set in the breed, so you've to watch it, so it doesn't herd children, cars, bicks, rabbits... anything that moves, and even things that doesn't move.

They're also quite vocal, not necessary barking, but they got a huge range of sounds and expressions. You'll know what your sheltie needs, since he will tell you, all the ways he can. They like to take a little patrol loop, checking in on everyone in the household. Follow people around the house. Some also like to keep their people together,in a room so a lightly herding also there.

Grooming's easy on these dogs. Even though they got a thick, long coat, it's easy to maintain. Brush through the coat a couple days a week, and you are good. The thin coat around the ears needs a brush through about everyday, since it easily tangles. If you gonna use the dog for shows, or just like the dog to look good, the paws and ears needs to be maintained with a shear. There's a lot of great instructions on the internet how to groom. I'll post in some of my favorites. The loose fur is suitable for making yarn, for anyone who would be interested of doing so.

http://www.sheltieplanet.com/grooming-shelties.php

Next up; The Pumi.  

Goals for 2014

With 2014 right around the corner, I'll list my goals for this year when it comes to dogs.

• Get better bond with Mr B.
• Look for another dog, most likely another shepherd (Border collie or sheltie.) Hoping for a young shelter dog.
• Get all the 19 ground skills in stimulus control for Beethoven. He's already pretty skilled in all of them, but not in stimulus control yet.
• Bond with the new dog.
• Start class 1 in obedience.
• Work as hard as I can to get to class 2.
• Go instructor classes in clicker training.
• Sign in for obedience, track and agility class. Most likely with Beethoven.
• Take the dogs on a hiking trip for 3 days. Not sure yet where.
• Always take time for a good walk in the woods or mountain.
• Enjoy being a dog owner and trainer.   
  
  
  Happy holidays all. Take care of your beloved pets on the New Years Eve. 
  
  
  
  
  

Cost of owning a dog

This is something I get asked a lot. "How much does it cost to own and keep a dog?" It's a tricky question, since each dog is as different as each human. The dog needs food, insurance, equipment, vet care and so on. If it's also a working dog or a sport dog, it may also need a fee to enter competitions.

A dog needs a collar, maybe a harness, leash, food bowl, water bowl and bed. That's the minimum of required equipment for a dog. These are reasonable cheap, if not choosing from the high end. If it's a puppy, you may also want to invest in some chewing toys for the sake of your furniture. 

When it comes to food, the key word is to get a good food from the start, so you don't have to pay the price you saved in buying cheap food in vet bills. Consult with your vet or a professional within the dog community to find a affordable food which also is good for your furry friend. There's a lot of fill-in food on the marked, which's not ideal for a dog. 

Insurance are a tricky bit. All dogs should be insured to make sure you don't sit there with a bill higher than you can afford. It's still a risk however, but with an insurance is more likely to get help if it gets to overwhelming. The price of insurance are variable, so you have to compare each offer to find a insurance that fits your pocket and dog. Some insurance companies make their prices after what kind of breed/mix the dog is. For instance a sheltie are more likely to get a cheaper insurance than a english bull dog. Be careful to read through the conditions of the contract, or else you may get it thrown back at you when you need to use it.

So to vet care. A dog needs to get vaccinated multiple times through out their lives. How often and how many depends on where you live and the regulations in the country. Contact your vet to find out what kind of vaccines your dog need and how often he needs shots. Dogs get easily hurt during play and work, therefore a buffer each month are something to consider. What to expect in vet bills depends on what sex the dog is and what breed. Some breeds are more frequently to the vet than others. Keep in mind that a dog may get allergies, joint problems or similar, which's expensive to treat and last for a long time. You also may consider if you gonna castrate your dog. Castration cost, but it may prevent illness such as pyometra, cancer, infection in the reproduce organs. Be aware that some countries such as Norway forbid castration unless there's a medical condition involved.

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Vet visit today.

My poor little baby has been sick a couple days. Went to the vet today and he said it was most likely to be gastroenteritis. Will have to wait until Friday to see if he have gone better. No fun at all having a little puppy with obviously signs that he's in pain. He don't want to go out on walks, no play, no nothing. He just lay on the floor, being too weak to do anything else, since he can't hold his food at all. He got a shot of nausea derogatory, so hopefully that will help soon. Have to feed him one tablespoon an hour of his new diet. He seems so like it. Probably since it's so soft compared to his kibble, which in the end, he couldn't eat at all. Fingers crossed for him to get a fast recovery, and go back to being my lovely troublemaker.

The Joys of Puppyhood

Owning a puppy is wonderful. You always have a little furry friend around your feet. One to chew on your toes whenever you're about to move, where ever you're going. Jumping on you, just when you're picking up a pen. Or when you forget to take that cup of coffee you've been longing for the whole morning and at times even after noon, and you don't wanna fight your way back to the kitchen for getting it. When you do, and you go back to your seat, he put his front paws on your lap and lick your hands, thigh, belly... whatever he can reach. All with a waging tail and cute eyes that tells «play with me, pet me, love me.» Those eyes are really hard to resist.

Being waked up at 3 am by a howling puppy that woke up by people coming home from the city, why he's howling? He wants to greet them of course. And again at 5 am because he has to go out! And there's only a matter of seconds before he sits down in your bed and pee. Afterwards he rolls up next to you and want you to rub his little belly. Licking his mouth in pure joy, while he's rubbing his back in your bed, making it furry since you forgot to groom him that one day. Ah those puppy joys.

I remember a time when Beethoven was 9 weeks old. He was cute, charming perhaps, and he always opened my wardrobe to get my panties and socks. It continued for weeks till I put on a lock on it. Now he stands up on his back-legs and begs for me to open it, when ever he wants to go in there. What he's gonna do with them, I've no idea, but he really loves them. I guess it's because they smell like me.

I kind of miss the days when I had to go out with Beethoven in the middle of the night. He runs out, doing his business and come back. Then he wants to play, so he runs around in circles, kind of jumpily on the way back in. When we're indoors, he roll up on the doormat and fell asleep instantly.

It's things like these who seems so frustrating at that point, but when you look back at it, it's so cozy and enjoyable. I guess it's all the awake nights and the extra cleaning that makes it hard to see. I personally wouldn't changed these months with anything else. The days go way too fast, and without warning your little pup has hit puberty and starts out as a young dog. A young dog with his new needs and desires. Soon enough, he isn't as independent of you, and find other dogs and people more interesting at periods. But deep within, he's still your little puppy that you spend awaken nights with. Comforting him when he thought things were a little too scary. Giving him all love and attention when he needed it the most. You were there when he first dared to walk down the stairs, all by him self, for the very first time. You were the one that he followed like glued when he was a tiny pup and thought the world was big and scary. It's all good memories that's worth keeping. Enjoy your puppy time, it's over before you know it.

5 Fun tricks for a rainy day

Winter's coming, the day gets shorter and it's long between days that are enjoyable for long walks. Why not fill the day with some fun tricks? Good for your dog and it's bonding. So get out your clicker or voice and some tasty treats or fun toys.

1. Close the door.

In «Close the door» there's 3 elements or 4. Walk up to the door. Step on mark. Push the door. The last one's optional and that's the dog returning to you. This trick require targeting. Most dogs find targeting easy and fun. The target should be removable, like a light glued sticker or a post it note. You can choose between putting it directly on the door or start by putting it on the floor. If you haven't used target with your dog before, that would most likely be the easiest road. After the dog gets confident in the door target, you can gradually remove it, till there's no target left. Beethoven learned this trick after just 2 or 3 minutes, but he's floating with targeting and we have done a lot with it already.

2. Roll up in a blanket.

A little more advanced trick, but it could be practical too in a rainy day if you teach the dog to roll up in a towel. I don't know about you, but my pup find it very fun to play around while I'm trying to dry him off with a towel. Running around with dirty paws and rubbing himself up against everything. After I thought him this, it has been less of a play time and more for bonding. (less washing for me as well...)

There's many elements to this trick, so it may not be suitable as one of the first. The dog needs to walk up to the blanket/towel. Lay down on top of it. Bite the blanket. Hold the blanket. Roll over. Roll over while holding the blanket in his mouth. To be able to teach your dog how to do it, you've to be familiar with the backwards chaining method. All 6 steps needs to be floating before putting it together in one trick. Be aware it may take long to teach it. Remember patience are the keyword for all kinds of training.

3. Lick the mouth.
   One silly trick which isn't useful in any other way than charming viewers. But hey, it's important to charming, right? There's many ways to teach this trick. One way could be to put something on the dogs muzzle to make him lick his mouth. Another's to catch him in the act. Dogs lick their mouth a lot, some more than other. Keep your clicker ready to click for any type of tongue or mouth movement. The more you click, the more the dog will try to figure it out. For some dogs, such small things as licking can be ignored as a reward giving behavior, so be patient. When the dog are confident and conscious on the behavior, add the word «Lick» or what ever you want to call it, every time he does the behavior. Soon the dog will do it automatically when you say the command.
   
   
4. Jump up on thigh.
   To teach this trick you could use the shaping method. Start with sitting with your feet underneath you. Click when the dog steps on top of your lap. Gradually increase the requirements and change position till you are sitting like a proposal. If your dog isn't that in favor of walking on top of you, try starting out with some targeting. When your dog are confident in the behavior, you can add a command if you like.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Name the toy(s).
   This is a naming game, sorta. Could be used for further training like put his toys back in the basket after use. Very simple to teach. Every time the pup picks up a toy, say the name you want to call it and click. After some time you'll see that the pup will be able to pick out the toy with only the command. That's simply it, and it could be practical if used correctly.

Do you have any fun tricks to share? Comment if you like and tell us about them. :)