Dog Guidance Blog

Pet apparel is available for the discerning and protection concerned pet owner, an array of fashionable raiment is available for your much loved puppy.

Signs of the times are apparent when considering what type of pet apparel your pet needs. There is fashionista apparel that is made for fancy dressing, usually coordinating a pets outfit with the owner’s. These are the kinds you see when celebrities have in tow their fashion accessory pet.

Then there is theme inspired pet apparel which can be fun to do for your dog especially during the Christmas season or for dress up parties during Halloween.

Most pet apparel cost a little more than regular pet clothes and accessories since these are made of the finest material and have been designed and tailored to snuggly fit your pooch.

The use of pet apparel is not only for decorative or celebratory purposes only. Another reason for pet apparel being widely bought is because it was designed and researched for your pets’ utmost comfort.

Pet apparel also encompasses protective gear for your pets.

This area of clothing apparel includes jackets, rompers, coats made to protect your pet from the elements.

Footwear is also available to protect your pets paws in snow, water, hot road or sand surfaces as well as protecting household flooring from damage caused by paw traffic through the home.

Fleece and water resistant fabrics are popular for cold weather protection.
Vets even advise on the use of UV protective goggles & sun caps that make it easier to let your pooch tag along in the hottest or coolest of places.

There are those who may scoff at the idea of investing in pet apparel, but who can place a value on enjoying all that unconditional love, and spoiling them is a way in which a lot of dog owners are able to express their love and care.

Note that  swankyd.com provided the photo above for the toy poodle section. Thanks for that. 🙂

For more information about dog fashion, please visit www.swankyd.com

Have you  ever thought about building a dog house for your dog? If you do intend to make one, then it may pay to look at some of the tips that Douglas has mentioned below as there is little point in making one if your dog will not use it.

10 Tips For Building a Great Dog House 

You don’t want to invest a lot of time, effort and money into building a dog house only to find that your dog won’t use it. So, here are some tips for building a great dog house that you dog will love and will use.

1. Most of us like houses where there is at least two feet of air above our heads – in order to avoid feelings of claustrophobia. This comfort zone translates into about 1/3 of our standing height. You should allow your dog the same amount of airiness. Figure out how tall the dog is (or will be when fully grown) and then make sure the dog house roof is at least 1/3 taller than this.

2. The dog house should be raised a few inches off the ground to allow water and air to flow under it. Also, be sure there is adequate ventilation. You can ensure this by drilling few nickel-sized holes in the walls under the eaves.

3. Install a wind block inside the house so the dog can use its own heat to warm things up when it is cold or windy.

4. When evaluating dog house plans, look for one that either includes a partial wall or is large enough that you can add a partial wall. This is so that the dog can escape the elements as necessary. If the weather is bad, the dog can choose to either sleep in the entry room or go around the inner wall into its “inner sanctum.”

5. Slant the dog house just a bit toward the door. This helps ensure that if any rain enters via the ventilation holes or doorway, it will drain out the door. Also, make sure you slant the roof to ensure proper run-off.

7. Build the dog house so the door faces away from storms. Good dog houses are usually built facing east as most storms come from the north or west.

8. Put hinges on the roof for easy cleaning. When you clean the dog, make sure you also clean the dog house and bedding. After all, you would not want to sleep in a room that hasn’t been cleaned for months or a bed where the sheets haven’t been changed for weeks.

9. When choosing a site for the dog house, make sure it is not in an area that drains poorly, or where rain frequently accumulates. The dog house should not be sited near a river or stream where it (and your dog) could be swept away by a flood. Also, do not put the dog house on an unstable ledge where erosion or a seismic effect could cause trouble.

10. Also, be sure to consider your dog’s habits. Some dogs like to sit on top of their house. If this if true of your dog, don’t put roll roofing or shingles on the top of the dog house since they can get very hot in the summer.

Do you want your dog to be famous? If your dog’s photo is suitable you may be able to have it displayed on this site. Wouldn’t that be great to show your family and friends? Of course, you would be recognized for providing the photo too.

As many of the readers here would know, dogguidance.com provides some information about different breeds of dogs. They are categorized into small dogs and big dogs. Along with the written content of particular breeds of dogs, there has been an attempt to provide some pictures or photos of the particular breed of dog. However, there are still plenty of breeds that do not have any photos next to their written description.

Recently, Gloria has been kind enough to give a photograph of her miniature poodle “Mirabell” and we have placed this picture on the miniature poodle breed page as well as just below.

So if you have a photo of your dog that you would like to share, please contact us and we shall give you the recognition that you deserve. Even if there is already a picture of the type of dog that you  have, it may still be included on the dog breed page and/or this blog.

When training a dog to stop barking, you must consider the reasons that the dog is a chronic barker. Some dogs seem to bark at anything and everything, even after the initial reason for the barking is gone.

Initially, puppies bark to attract attention. To a dog, all attention is good, so even negative attention can teach a dog that barking will get them the human attention they desire. Some dogs will take this to the extreme, barking anytime they are bored or lonely.

So, how do we train a dog to stop barking?

Well, a hundred different trainers will give you a hundred different answers, but here we will discuss only two methods. Both will give you the results you desire, and do no emotional damage to the dog. You must realize, however, that when training a dog to stop barking, that you, as the master, must invest the time, patience, and, above all, the consistency required to make the dog understand what you want. Remember, the dog wants to please you, and will behave as you wish, once he understands what you want.

The best way to train a dog to stop barking is to make barking unpleasant for the dog. You can do this easily and stress free in two ways…

1. When the dog begins to bark, and I mean EVERY TIME the dog starts to bark, make a loud noise that will startle the pooch. This will immediately take the dog’s attention away from whatever he’s barking at, and make him pay attention to you. When he stops barking, praise him for his good behavior with a “good dog” or “atta boy”. It is extremely important that you do this EVERY TIME the barking starts. Soon, the dog will begin to realize that barking causes unpleasant noises, while not barking results in praise and positive attention. I have found that placing a few marbles or coins in a tin can and giving them a vigorous shake is a good noise to use, as most dogs find this very unpleasant. A loud hand clap will also work, as will any noise that startles the dog.

2. You can also train a dog not to bark by using a bark collar. These collars are worn just like regular collars, but have a sensor that monitors the dog’s vocal chords. When the sensor detects a bark, the collar will perform an action that the dog will find unpleasant. Some will emit an odor that the dog hates, such as citronella, while others may cause a small electric shock. I call this the “lazy man’s way to train a dig not to bark” because the master has no direct interaction in the correction process. My personal opinion is that, in the long run, it is far better if the human is involved, as this will help the dog to understand what his master wants.

One word of caution…NEVER use hitting or spanking as a negative reinforcement method! While you may, indeed, get the results you want, it can, and usually will, have long term emotional consequences for the dog.

As you can see, training a dog to stop barking is not difficult. It takes patience, love, and consistency. While you may think that it takes too much time, isn’t it worth it to have a best friend for life?

Is the Bassett Hound the right breed for you? Following is a brief standard on Bassett Hounds. Their history, their physical and mental makeup and how to best care for them.

History: The Basset Hounds, a down line of St. Hubert’s Hound, were of French lineage. They were popular with the Friars of medieval France who wanted a breed of dog that could follow a scent during hunting, which was a classic sport at the time. Originally they were used to hunt hare and rabbits but were later taken in as serious hunting dogs. They found tremendous popularity during the rule of Napoleon II. These actually are one of the two breeds Basset Artesian Norman- the one that is straight legged so that its speed would not be hindered, identified in 1911.

Type of Work the Breed Does: Once popularly used for hunting rabbits and hares, Basset Hounds are now used for hunting foxes, after hare-hunting was declared illegal. They mostly hunt in packs and as members of hunting clubs. The hunt troop not only consists of huntsmen but also of Whipper-Ins who are responsible for the discipline of the pack. They are good for sniffing out the prey from under thick bushes and dense forests. What the Basset lacks in speed it more than makes up for it in sheer courage, keenness and tenacity.

Physical Representation: Basset Hounds typically have smooth-haired coats though rough-haired coats are sometimes also seen. Bassets generally are of a tricolor, open red and white, closed red and white and shades of lemon or white. There are some grey and blue specimens as well but they are both rare and considered undesirable. An over- abundance of loose skin results in the trademark wrinkles that make Bassets so endearing. Their long ears point downwards and their long, tapering tails are capable of staying surprisingly upright.

Personality and Temperament: Bassets are a generally calm and friendly breed and make good companions for children. Traditionally pack dogs; they dislike it if they are left alone all day and tend to get irritable. A Basset Hound will usually murmur in a bid to get your attention and whine when he wants something to eat. Growling and barking is a sign that the dog senses that something is amiss. Though they are often difficult to train, they respond rather well if promised a reward

Care: Watch out for Gastric Dilation Volvulus, which can be fatal and needs immediate veterinary attention for the dog to survive. Bassets do have a tendency to put on weight, which can lead to associated musculoskeletal issues because of the rather short legs as compared to the long body. The long ears need to be cleaned regularly to avoid infection. The eyes tend to feel dry and irritated when they dry up.

Living environment: Basset Hounds like to be surrounded by company and hate the thought of being left alone. They love long hikes and hunting as it allows them to use their nose.

At a glance:

• Breed Group: Hunting Dogs
• Height: 13- 15 inches
• Weight: 25- 35 lbs
• Color: Tricolor (black, white and tan), open red and white (white fur with red spots), closed red and white (white feet and tail on a solid red),
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• Average litter size: 8

What a personality they have! Remember Mighty Dog? He was a Jack Russell Terrier! Celebrity status for these little guys too…wow!

Firstly, the Parson Russell Terrier, the Australian Jack Russell Terrier and the Russell Terrier ARE NOT the Jack Russell Terrier. These are not working breeds. They are companions and show dogs.

The Parson is a breed that was created by further narrowing of the breed. The Australian and the Russell are newer breeds still and were only recognized in parts of the world in 2001. The claim there is that they were bred from dogs out of England. The name “Jack Russell” has been used to describe a wide array of little white terriers, but it is now most commonly used to describe the working variety.

These little guys are fox hunters. They help hunters by scaring out the foxes from their dens, and other animals from their burrows.

When judging the Jack Russell Terrier, what is the most important physical attribute is their chest size, not their coloring, expression or the way they walk, unlike many other breeds. Basically, in shows, dogs are judged by how well they meet their standards set for the breed. This always relates directly to what kind of dog they are, and what they were bred to do. If a Jack Russell Terrier has a large chest, they are not able to fulfill their duties as a hunting aid, since they would be unable to enter a den or dig into a burrow…They simply don’t fit!

Red Fox are their main targets in hunting. It’s chest can be no larger than the animal it’s pursuing. Red fox make their dens in a huge variety of interesting places: old rabbit holes, badger settes, crawl spaces, drain pipes, groundhog dens, under tree roots, etc. The size of a red fox can vary, but on average they weight approximately 6.4 kg and have a chest circumference of 30-36 cm.

There are 3 types of Jack Russell Terrier coat:

1. Smooth coated

2. Rough coated

3. Broken coated.

Jack’s are predominantly colored white (at least 51%), and can have black, tan or tricolor markings on the head and the base of the tail. They have a scissor bite and small V-shaped ears that ideally flop forward. Their tails are usually docked to the length of a hand grip, and are straight and help high.

JRTs are high-energy and super intelligent. This means that a 1st time dog owner should think through getting a JRT as a companion. They need to be exercised and have their minds stimulated on an ongoing, daily basis. They need intensive training, as they can get into a lot of mischief otherwise. JRTs are prone to digging in the yard, incessant barking (as they want to hunt anything furry or anything they see that moves outside), escaping and exploring.

They are certainly not a typical “lap dog” even though they are small. They are always on the go. If you have other little animals in the home, such as guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, cats, lizards, etc., it would be a good idea to rethink adopting a JRT. They will want to hunt these little pets…That’s what they are bred for!

Mirrorpix Posters Prints – 5 Jack Russell Puppies That were Abandoned on Christmas Eve, January 2001 Art Photographic Print – Artist: Mirrorpix – Poster Size: 4JRTs really think they are tough and have a “little man syndrome”. In their heads, they are big dogs. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that they be on a leash when around other dogs, especially large dogs, as they will be fearless and either try to bark at them or instigate a fight.

With great care, a JRT can live between 14-21 yrs. This is a wonderful blessing!

Love your terrier!

For More information Of Jack Russell Terriers, including a picture, visit Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed

Phil has written an article that provides his top 10 costumes for dogs to wear during the upcoming Halloween. Why not get your dog involved into the spirit of Halloween this year? 

Top 10 Dog Halloween Costumes
By Phil Sikes

At Halloween, kids aren’t the only ones who get to dress up and enjoy treats. Hundreds of dog lovers get their pets into the act with dog Halloween costumes. The following are the top 10 costumes for dogs this Halloween.

1. Jailbird

The jailbird outfit with the classic black & white stripes will bring a smile to any dog lover’s face. Make sure you get a funny hat to complete the look.

2. Angel

How cute would your little pooch be with a halo and a pair of silk wings? After all, aren’t they all little angels?

3. Devil

Okay, maybe they’re not all little angels. The bright red color of most devil costume is really eye-catching. Add a red cape or bow tie and a pair of horns and you’ve got the perfect little devil.

4. Superman

Or should that be Superdog? Put him in the red & blue tights with the big “S” on the chest and you’ll have a dog of steel. Top it off with red boots or footies.

5. Bride & Groom

If you’ve got two dogs, bride and groom costumes are a great way to include them both. The groom costume is especially effective with a breed such as the Bulldog, which often looks a little unsettled anyway.

6. Pirate

Pirate costumes are popular right now with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and your dog can help you complete your outfit. A bandana and an eye patch will give your dog the necessary look, and he can replace the parrot as your trusty sidekick.

7. Clown

If you’re lucky enough to have a dog that will accept a clown nose for more than two seconds, this is the perfect costume for you. Even without the nose, you can get a pretty good looking clown with a crazy wig and some bright, colorful duds.

8. King or Queen

Your dog probably already gets treated like royalty, so why not complete the effect? Velvet robes, crowns and jewel-studded collars will make your pet into a regal figure.

9. Animals

Maybe your dog would like to spend a day in your cat’s shoes? Why not try dressing him up as a different animal even – pigs, cows, bunny rabbits and frogs are just a few of your options.

10. Flowers

If your dog is willing to put up with a hat for the night, there are lots of cute flower costumes you can get. Even if they won’t go for the hat, you can get some costumes that have neck pieces made to look like petals or leaves.

Whatever costume you decide on, just make sure you try it on a few times before Halloween night so your dog gets used to it. The last thing you want is having the costume torn up when he’s thrashing around trying to get out of it!

By Marcus Peterson 

Hunting is an exciting sport for many people. The hunted animals are called game animals. Hunting dogs are used to assist human beings in hunting. Dogs are trained rather easily, and this trait makes them good companions for a hunter.

Some breeds are specially developed and trained for the purpose of hunting. In addition to a good weapon set, a hunting dog is a prerequisite for hunting most types of game. Dogs are extremely helpful for hunting because of their acute sense of smell and sound. There are several categories of hunting dogs. Some of the major categories include hounds, gundogs and terriers.

The hound is a category of hunting dogs that is efficient in tracking or chasing a game animal. Sight hounds and scent hounds are the two main types of hounds. Sight hounds follow a prey and keep them in sight whereas scent hounds follow the animal by tracking its scent. The Whippet is an example of a popular hunting hound.

Gundogs are commonly known as “bird dogs”. These dogs assist hunters by identifying the location of the prey or by retrieving the prey. There are several types of gundogs in the United States.

The Terrier is a type of dog breed that is useful for hunting and killing vermin. They are commonly used for hunting foxes. Beagles are especially useful for rabbit hunting. Airedale Terriers, Alpine Dachsbrackes, American Water Spaniels, Basset Hounds and Beagles are some popular breeds of hunting dogs.

Training for hunting begins when a pup is ten to twelve weeks old. They are taught various hunting skills that make use of their animal instincts. They are taught to stand motionless when required to avoid alerting the game animal. Highly energetic and active dogs need highly nutritious food to increase their stamina. Trainers recommend a high protein diet for these dogs. It is important to follow a strict training schedule to develop a dog into a sharp hunter dog. Special trainers can be hired specifically to train dogs for hunting.

By Hillary Kuenn 

Naming the family puppy can be a difficult task. There are many resources to help out with ideas and brainstorming, but in the end, a name that really fits your dog is hard to find in a book. The Internet provides a wide variety of searchable databases with thousands of names for dogs and some even allow you to purchase products such as nametags directly through their site.

Internet websites providing lists of names for dogs can be very particular. There are amazing amounts of websites that have names for dogs that only would be suitable for a small number of dogs. For example, I have found sites that list only aristocratic names for dogs, Celtic names for dogs, French names for dogs, Japanese names for dogs, Irish names for dogs, and Native American names for dogs. The most common names for dogs are usually non-gender names. Websites listing names for dogs pertaining to male or female gender, as well as non-gender names are also very abundant. The Pet Net Bookstore offers a wide assortment of names for dogs and you can purchase books, etc, directly from their site.

There are several people who want to help out with this difficult family task, and they have created their own personal websites in an attempt to help you brainstorm. These sites are usually just a comprehensive list of names for dogs, but these can still be very helpful suggestions. Try surfing through geocities.com to find this type of website.

There are professional sites that have lots of suggestions too.

www.dog-names.com is a free and searchable database list of over 6000 popular names for dogs and their meaning. www.petnamesworld.com is a really cool site listing a lot of names of dogs- including ethnic names for dogs and puppies.

www.doggynames.com displays thousands of names for dogs and puppies in a searchable database that provides the meanings of the names as well.

www.puppy-names.com has lots of good suggestions for naming your new puppy.

Before going out to buy a cute pug puppy, you may want to look at what was written in the “London Free Press” recently.

Pug rescuers across Canada and the United States have been busy for the past few years caring either for strays or others from shelters where they faced being put to death.

Several pug lovers say the problem dates back to the popularity of the dogs after the release of the Men in Black films, especially Men in Black II in 2002, in which a pug named Frank played a leading role.

When the Pugalug Club began in 2001, it had 10 members. Today, about 250 people belong, and there are about 500 casual associates, said St. Aubin. In a 2006 survey of member breeders, the Canadian Kennel Club found that pugs ranked 15th on a list of the top breeds in Canada.

Blanche Axton, who owns three pugs and volunteers to look after others for Pugalug, says some people with non-neutered pugs quickly cashed in on their popularity.

Puppy mills “cranked up production” to meet this impulsive demand of the public, she says.

“People are now getting pugs without doing any research on the breed (or) on where they’re getting them.”

A purebred dog, pugs can have problems if they’re bred by people who don’t know what they’re doing, she said.

Dogs from puppy mills tend to have more health problems than dogs from a reputable breeder, Axton said, noting that two of the dogs she has from such a mill are blind.

Rescue organizations, such as Pugalug, “are drowning because people find they weren’t prepared for the breed,” said Axton.

The most common reason for giving up a pug is cost, she said. People often surrender them to rescuers as soon as “they get their first veterinary bill.”

Besides birth defects, a pug’s protruding eyes are easily injured, causing corneal ulcers. Corrective surgery can cost as much as $2,000.

Hilary Dorricott, who lives in Trenton, near Kingston, volunteers for Pugalug and tracks rescues by the club.

“When we started out, we had eight pugs come in in the first six months,” she said.

“(Now) we’re up to something like 70. It’s been snowballing.”

She said the breed is “cute, cuddly and loving,” but there are some real issues for owners. Besides the high cost for medical care, shedding is a terrible problem.

People interested in having a pug need to be prepared to commit for the lifetime of the dog, she said. And that could be 15 years or so.