Dog of the Day – Eurasier

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In the 1960s, Julius Wipfel, a breeder from Germany started blending Chow Chows with Spitz dogs and Samoyeds. Over a few generations, he created what we know today at the Eurasier. The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the Eurasian in 1996. Even though these dogs enjoy popularity in Germany and Switzerland, they are less well known in the United States. There are only about 9,000 Eurasier dogs in the entire world. Their popularity is growing as more people discover the breed and the dogs’ appeal as family companions.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently lists the Eurasier as a Foundation Stock Service breed. The Eurasier is a large- to medium-sized breed. Most weigh 40 to 70 pounds and range in height between 20 and 24 inches. The Eurasier is a calm and even-tempered, pack oriented dog. They are very family-oriented. They are wary with strangers and will protect their family if need be but they are not usually aggressive towards others. Since they are family-oriented dogs they like having someone with them most of the time.  They do great with children they are raised with. They tend to be mellow and enjoy and environment where they are constantly with someone so they can be prone to separation anxiety. The Eurasier’

s activity level is medium to fair. They enjoy daily walks but are not excessively energetic. They can do fine in an apartment. They’re intelligent and obedient which makes them easy to train.

Eurasiers have double coats, with the under layer being short, soft, and thick, and the top layer being more fluffy, rough, and of a medium length. They have longer fur on the belly, tail and rump, back of their front legs, on the back of their head and neck, which gives the appearance of a mane. Eurasiers are known to be fairly allergy friendly. They are easy to groom, and though they have thick fur, are easy to brush. As with any Spitz type dog, Eurasiers shed a lot. At least once or twice a year they go through heavy shedding that lasts about three weeks. They need to be brushed and bathed regularly. Check their ears for debris.

Eurasiers can get along just fine with children, other dogs, and cats. It really comes down to training, socialization, and proper breeding.

Dog of the Day – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavaliers have a long and fascinating history. They are descended from the same toy spaniels depicted in many 16th, 17th, and 18th century paintings by famous artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough. The spaniels in those paintings had flat heads, high-set ears, and longish noses. Royals slept with these dogs in their beds to attract fleas.

These little spaniels were great favorites of royal and noble families in England. Mary, Queen of Scots had a toy spaniel who accompanied her as she walked to her beheading, and her grandson, Charles I, and great-grandson, Charles II — who gave their name to the breed — loved the little dogs as well. It’s said that King Charles II, who reigned from 1660 to 1685, never went anywhere without at least two or three of these little spaniels. He even decreed that the spaniels should be allowed in any public place, including the Houses of Parliament. It’s claimed that the decree is still in effect today in England, although no one has tested it recently to see if it’s true.

After Charles II’s death, the King Charles Spaniels’ popularity waned, and Pugs and other short-faced breeds became the new royal favorites. The King Charles Spaniels were bred with these dogs and eventually developed many of their features.

Since there was no standard for the breed and no dog shows yet, the type and size of the toy spaniels bred by the Dukes of Marlborough varied. In the mid-19th century, however, English breeders started holding dog shows and trying to refine different dog breeds. By that time, the toy spaniel was accepted as having a flat face, undershot jaw, domed skull and large, round, front-facing eyes. The King Charles Spaniels depicted in paintings from earlier centuries were almost extinct.

In the 1920s, an American named Roswell Eldridge started searching in England for toy spaniels that resembled those in the old paintings. He searched for more than five years, even taking his search to the Crufts Dog Show, where he persuaded the Kennel Club (England’s equivalent to the American Kennel Club) to allow him to offer 25 pounds sterling for the best pair of dogs seen in King Charles II’s reign. He offered this prize for five years.

In 1928, Miss Mostyn Walker presented a dog named Ann’s Son for evaluation and was awarded the 25-pound prize. Roswell Eldridge didn’t live to see the prize claimed, as he had died just one month before Crufts. Interest in the breed revived, and a breed club was formed. The name Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was chosen to differentiate the breed from the flat-faced King Charles Spaniel (known as the English Toy Spaniel in the United States).

The club held its first meeting on the second day of Crufts in 1928 and drew up a breed standard, a written description of how the breed should look. Ann’s Son was presented as an example of the breed, and club members gathered up all of the copies of pictures of the old paintings that had little dogs of this type in them. One thing that all club members agreed upon from the start was that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels would be kept as natural as possible and trimming and shaping of the dog for the show ring would be discouraged.

The Kennel Club was reluctant to recognize the new breed, but finally, in 1945, after years of work by the breeders, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed.

In the 1940s, two male Cavaliers were imported into the U.S. from England — Robrull of Veren and Bertie of Rookerynook. It wasn’t until 1952, however, that Cavaliers had their true beginnings in the U.S. In that year, Mrs. (Sally) Lyons Brown of Kentucky was given a black and tan bitch puppy named Psyche of Eyeworth by her English friend, Lady Mary Forwood. She fell in love with the breed and imported more.

When she found that she couldn’t register her dogs with the American Kennel Club, she started contacting people in the U.S. that had Cavaliers. At that time, there were fewer than a dozen. In 1954, she founded the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA (CKCSC, USA), the official breed club and only registering body for Cavaliers in the United States for more than fifty years.

During these years, the members of the CKCSC, USA decided against pushing for full recognition of the breed, feeling that the club’s strict code of ethics prevented the breed from being commercially bred. They feared that too much recognition of the breed would lead to it becoming too popular and therefore too attractive for breeders who wouldn’t maintain the standards they had established. Mostly, they kept the AKC Miscellaneous status so that members who wanted to show their dogs in obedience could do so.

In 1992, the AKC invited the CKCSC, USA to become the parent club for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The membership said no. A small group of CKCSC, USA members formed the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (ACKCSC) and applied to the AKC for parent-club status. This was granted, and the AKC officially recognized the breed was in March 1995.

The CKCSC, USA is still an independent breed registry, but the ACKCSC is the parent club for the breed within the AKC.

Cavaliers have a wonderful temperament. They are nicknamed the love-sponge of dog. They make an excellent companion for almost any dog lover and they are excellent with children. They can live happily in any environment and do fine in an apartment. They need a daily walk. They are extremely easy to train and will retain the information long term. They are prone to separation anxiety. They are a very sensitive dog and should be trained using only positive reinforcement. They are eager to please and will often respond to positive feedback, pets, and affection as opposed to just treats.

They live on average 9-14 years. They are generally healthy, but they are prone to Mitral-Valve Heart disease which can lead to congestive heart failure. They have a 20x higher chance of inheriting this issue than any other breed. It is important to ensure that they are well bred and the parents are health tested. Time to time medical checkups are important.

They need regular brushing and bathing but are fairly easy to groom.

Dog of the Day – French Spaniel

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Some believe French Spaniels were developed in France as hunting dogs in the 14th century. During the Middle Ages the French Spaniel was a popular pet among royalty though they nearly became extinct during the turn of the 20th century. A French priest by the name of Father Fournier eventually saved the breed. The first standard was written in 1891 by James de Connick and revised several times. The breed was imported into Canada in the 1970s and into the United Stated in the 1990s. Though rich in history, they are a rare breed, even in France.

The United Kennel Club recognized the French Spaniel in 1996. They are also recognized as a part of the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service, the first step in gaining official AKC recognition.

These dogs are extremely athletic and agile and need constant stimulation. They are not a good dog for an apartment, as they need ample space to run. They need early, consistent training.

These pups were bred to hunt so they make excellent retrievers and can be very attentive. They are highly intelligent dogs and eager to listen to their humans. They get along with children of all ages and other pets in the house. If you are an active person with time to take them out for exercise, this dog may be for you!

These are generally healthy dogs though they can be prone to Hip Dysplasia and skin issues. They adapt well to weather conditions and will do fine in both heat and cold.

Dog of the Day – Bouvier Des Flandres

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The Bouvier des Flandres originates from the European region of Flandres, and the name means either “cow herder” or “ox herder from Flandres.” The Bouvier was bred by Belgian monks and used to herd cattle, guard the herd, pull carts, and help the farmer and his family in a multitude of tasks. The development of the working Bouvier seemed to be a matter of practicality. His exact ancestry is unknown, but he may be descended from early Sheepdogs, the Dutch Griffon, and the Barbet. The Bouvier worked as a service dog during both World Wars, and was also used as a messenger, a sentry in United States military, and a search dog to locate ammunition and mines.

Adolf Hitler had a particular distaste for the breed. Allegedly, when Hitler was looking for an official guard dog, the Bouvier was presented as an option. When Hitler met the dog, it promptly bit his hand. Hitler ordered the breed to be wiped out, but the Bouvier des Flandres still flourishes to this day. However, there was a time when there was only 17 Bouvier’s registered in the United States over an 8 year period.

The first standard for the Bouvier was developed in 1912 by the vice president of the Club St. Hubert du Nord in Europe. The Bouvier came to the United States in the 1920s, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1929.

The breed’s working heritage is highly prized. In Belgium, a Bouvier cannot win the title of conformation champion unless he has also proven himself as a working dog.

The breed was owned by Ronald Reagan, Jackie Kennedy, Goldie Hawn, Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, and more.

These dogs are working dogs. They need training and they need a job or they can get destructive and be difficult to manage. If they are not given a job, they will create one. They are not a good apartment dog. They are prone to separation anxiety and will not do well if left alone for long periods of time. They must be socialized well from the time they are young to prevent guarding behaviors. The Bouvier is a wonderful family dog who is devoted and protective with his family, including children. He may wish to herd his children with nudges and barks. To best teach him to get along with kids, he should be raised with them or, if he doesn’t live with them, he should be exposed to children as he grows up.

They require significant grooming. His Dutch nickname, Vuilbaard, means “dirty beard,” and like all dogs with a fluffy coat, the Bouvier gets grubby fairly easily. Expect muddy paws, leaves or burrs, feces on the hindquarters, or a wet, dirty beard.

The Bouvier’s thick coat needs to be brushed several times a week, and it’s a great idea to check the coat for burrs, ticks, or weeds every day. He should be bathed every six to eight weeks and his coat trimmed every few months. Many owners hire a professional to groom their Bouvier, though you still need to brush thoroughly on a very regular basis. If you are considering the Bouvier, consider the time and/or expense required for his upkeep.

Unfortunately they must be health tested as they are prone to a  number of significant issues.

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but others don’t display outward signs of discomfort. (X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem.) Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred — so if you’re buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems.
  • Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. It’s believed to be caused by abnormal growth and development, which results in a malformed and weakned joint. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simpy develop arthritis, or he could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication.
  • Cataracts
  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • Entropion: This is the inward rolling of the eyelid, usually the lower one, and found in both eyes. It causes vision loss and irritation, and generally occurs before a dog turns a year old. Corrective surgery when the dog reaches adulthood is an effective treatment.
  • Ectropion: Another eye condition, Ectropion is the rolling out or sagging of the eyelid, leaving the eye exposed and prone to irritations and infection. If severe, surgery is required, but in mild cases, no treatment is necessary.
  • Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It’s thought to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin conditions. It is treated with medication and diet.
  • Epilepsy
  • Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This is a heart problem is caused by an abnormally narrow connection between the left ventricle and the aorta. Fainting is the main symptom, eventually leading to heart failure and death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment.
  • Gastric Torsion: Also called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs such as Bouviers. This is especially true if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists (torsion). The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. It’s important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you see these signs.
  • Addison’s Disease: Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, this is an extremely serious condition caused by an insufficient production of adrenal hormones by the adrenal gland. Symptoms include vomiting, a poor appetite, and lethargy. Because these signs are vague and can be mistaken for other conditions, it’s easy to misdiagnose until it reaches more advanced stages. More severe symptoms occur when a dog is stressed or when potassium levels get high enough to interfere with heart function, causing severe shock and death. If Addison’s is suspected, your vet may perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Cushing’s Disease: Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, this condition sets in when the body produces too much cortisol, sometimes due to an imbalance of the pituitary or adrenal gland. Common signs are excessive drinking and urination. If your Bouvier exhibits these two symptoms, take him to the veterinarian. Treatments include surgery and medication.

 

Dog of the Day – Doberman Pinscher

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Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann was a tax collector in the late 1800s who was the first breeder of Doberman Pinscher. He started the creation of this dog breed in the town of Apolda, in the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach around 1890, following the Franco-Prussian War. 

Dobermann was a local tax collector who also ran the Apolda dog pound. With access to dogs of many breeds, he aimed to create a breed that would be ideal for protecting him during his collections, which took him through many dangerous areas. He set out to breed a new type of dog that would be the perfect combination of strength, loyalty, intelligence, and ferocity. Later, Otto Goeller and Philip Gruening continued to develop the breed following Dobermann’s death in 1894. They helped to breed a variety of dogs, including the Rottweiler, into the lines and create what we know today as the Doberman Pinscher.

The Germans named the breed Dobermann-pinscher in Dobermann’s honor honor, but a half century later dropped the “pinscher” on the grounds that this German word for terrier was no longer appropriate.

The originally dogs were bred to be aggressive protection dogs, and for quite sometime the dog’s had a rather sour reputation. As the breed continued, however, more and more people took notice of the dog’s intelligence and ease of training. The breed quickly became a popular military and police dog.

Around 1908, the Dobie was brought to the United States. Legend says one of the first Dobies brought to Amercia was shown in conformation and won “Best in Show” honors at three consecutive shows before any judge dared to open the dog’s mouth to check his teeth.

In 1921 the Doberman Pinscher club or America was founded. Today, the dog is in the top of all breeds registered.

In his home country of Germany, Louis Dobermann has not been forgotten. A bronze statue of three playing Dobermanns has been erected in Apolda. In addition, a street has been named after him and his birthplace is marked with a plaque – a salute to the son of Apolda whose name became known worldwide.

The dog is currently ranked as the 5th most intelligent dog in the world. Their sense of smell is similar to that of a scenthound. They are excellent trackers and can make a wonderful hunting dog. They are unfortunately ranked as one of the most dangerous dogs as well. They have a particular type of bite known as a scissor bite that allows them to bite several times in a row, tearing up their prey very rapidly. They have a keen eye for danger and are generally untrusting with strangers. They are listed as the 2nd best guard dog worldwide. When bred, raised, and socialized correctly, these dogs will do their job without presenting risk to humans and can make a wonderful house pet.

They need significant exercise. They are a high energy breed and should be able to run for at least an hour a day in a back yard, otherwise they will need a good one hour walk. They have a smooth, short coat which requires very little grooming. They are very sensitive to cold and will not do well in harsh weather. They would need

They are prone to several significant health issues.

  • Von Willebrand’s Disease: An inherited blood disorder, this condition interferes with the blood’s ability to clot. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Most dogs with von Willebrand’s disease can lead normal lives, however. A vet can test your dog for the condition; dogs with this condition should not be bred.
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but others don’t display outward signs of discomfort. (X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem.) Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same.
  • Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland that’s thought to cause conditions such as epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, dark patches on the skin, and other skin conditions. It’s treated with medication and diet.
  • Wobbler’s Syndrome: Suspected to be an inherited condition in Dobermans, affected dogs suffer from spinal cord compression caused by cervical vertebral instability or from a malformed spinal canal. Extreme symptoms are neck pain and paralysis of the legs. Surgical therapy is hotly debated, because in some cases the condition can recur even after such treatment.
  • Cardiomyopathy: This is a disease of the heart muscle, which becomes thin and weak. It’s characterized by an expansion or widening (dilatation) of the heart chambers, resulting in an abnormally large heart. This disease eventually results in heart failure, since the damaged heart muscle is too weak to efficiently pump blood to the rest of the body. Treatment varies but includes oxygen, fluid therapy, and medication that improves heart function.
  • Albinoism: Albinoism is a genetic condition that affects the Doberman Pinscher. An albino is not just a white dog but a dog with pink skin and nose, and blue or light eyes. Albinos are sensitive to sunlight and can suffer from a variety of health conditions, including cancer and eye problems. Albino dogs should not be bred.
  • Color Mutant Alopecia: This is a condition of the coat associated with blue or fawn coat colors. It affects blue and occasionally red Dobies. Most dogs who develop this condition are born with normal coats; symptoms generally start to show up at four months to three years of age. As the dog grows and matures, they develop brittle hair, followed by patchy hair loss. Only the blue portions of the coat are affected. Secondary infection and inflammation is common. The condition is incurable, although medicated shampoos may help reduce scaling and itching.
  • Narcolepsy: This is a neurological disorder caused by the brain’s inability to regulate wake-sleep patterns. A dog with narcolepsy may suddenly become sleepy and in fact fall asleep. Research for treatment is underway.
  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Also called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs such as Doberman Pinschers. This is especially true if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists (torsion). The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. They also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. It’s important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you see these signs.

 

Dog of the Day – Boxer

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Boxers can be traced to the ancient Assyrians, as long ago as 2000 B.C. They were powerful, brave dogs, often used in war. These dogs were named for the ancient city of Molossis. For centuries, a boxer type dog was used as a hunting dog for wild boar, bear, and deer and spread all over Europe. These dogs can be seen as early as the 16th century in art. Later, the Bullenbeisser was established in Belgium and is believed to be the direct ancestor of the modern Boxer. However, it was in Germany that the breed’s development led to the lovable dog we know today. The Boxer, as we know it, was first brought to the U.S. after World War I, but didn’t begin to become popular until the late 1930s.

Four dogs, in particular, are considered the foundation of the American Boxer. They’ve even been nicknamed “The Four Horsemen of Boxerdom.” The first was Sigurd, born in Germany in 1929. Ten of his puppies were imported to America and became champions or were the progenitors of champions. The next two were Lustig and Utz, and each sired dozens of champions. Lustig sired 41 American champions, and Utz sired 35. The last of the four was Dorian, and he won the Working Group at Westminster in 1937.

According to AKC statistics, Boxers are now the tenth most popular breed in the country. The breed has won Best in Show at Westminster four times, in 1947, 1949, 1951, and 1970.

 

boxer_headshot

Boxers are extremely intelligent and excel in obedience and dog sports. They are easily trainable and love to perform. Boxers are often used as guide dogs, seizure alert dogs, therapy dogs, and other forms of working dogs. Overall, they have a tremendous love for their humans and a need to be loved in return. A Boxer is happiest when he’s with his family. They do very well with children.

They are known for jumping up and down in excitement and knocking people over. In they excitement, they are known to dance. They must be trained to keep four paws on the floor.

Boxers are great family companions, as long as you provide them with the physical exercise and mental stimulation they need. If you’re willing and able to provide them with adequate exercise in the form of walks or runs, they can even adapt to apartment living, so long as they are able to be close to their beloved people. They often are distrustful of strangers at first, but will not be aggressive unless they perceive a threat to their families. Boxers are so loving that they often think they are lapdogs and try to lie as close to you as possible. Because of their strength and courage, Boxers have a wide use in the military and the police, as well as search-and-rescue work. When specifically trained for guard work, Boxers are excellent watchdogs and will restrain an intruder in the same manner as a Mastiff.

Boxers should not be left outdoors for extended periods of time. Their short nose doesn’t cool hot air efficiently in the summer, and their short coat doesn’t keep them warm in the winter.

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were both boxer lovers. They received their first Boxer, Harvey, as a wedding gift, and he appeared in many of their publicity photos. They acquired two more Boxers, Baby and George, as well.

Boxers are prone to certain health conditions. Not all Boxers will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

Here are a few conditions you and your vet should keep an eye out for:

Boxers are especially prone to the developing mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. White Boxers and Boxers with excessive white markings can be sunburned and may even develop skin cancer. If your Boxer is light-colored, apply sunscreen on their ears, nose, and coat when they go outdoors.

Aortic stenosis/sub-aortic stenosis (AS/SAS) is one of the most common heart defects found in Boxers. The aorta narrows below the aortic valve, forcing the heart to work harder to supply blood to the body. This condition can cause fainting and even sudden death. It’s an inherited condition, but its mode of transmission isn’t known at this time. Typically, a veterinary cardiologist diagnoses this condition after a heart murmur has been detected. Dogs with this condition should not be bred.

Boxer cardiomyopathy (BCM), also called Boxer Arrythmic Cardiomyopathy (BAC), Familial Ventricular Arrhythmia (FVA) and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). BCM is an inherited condition. The dog’ heart sometimes beats erratically (arrhythmia) due to an electrical conduction disorder. This can cause weakness, collapse, or sudden death. Because it is difficult to detect this condition, it can cause an unexpected death. Boxers who show signs of this condition should not be bred.

Hip Dysplasia is a heritable condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can also be triggered by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Treatment ranges from supplements that support joint function to total hip replacement.

Hypothyroidism is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone and may produce signs that include infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. The dog’s fur may become coarse and brittle and begin to fall out, while the skin becomes tough and dark. Hypothyroidism can be managed very well with a thyroid replacement pill daily. Medication must continue throughout the dog’s life.

Corneal Dystrophy refers to several diseases of the eye that are non-inflammatory and inherited. One or more layers of the cornea in both eyes are usually affected, although not necessarily symmetrically. In most breeds, corneal dystrophy appears as an opaque area in the center of the cornea or close to the periphery. This usually isn’t painful unless corneal ulcers develop

Bloat or Torsion is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs like Boxers, especially if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Some think that raised feeding dishes and type of food might be additional factors. It is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists (torsion). The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. They also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. It’s important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. There is some indication that a tendency toward GDV is inherited, so it’s recommended that dogs that develop this condition should be neutered or spayed.

Boxers are prone to allergies, both environmental allergies and food-related allergies. If you notice that your Boxer has itchy, scaly skin, have them checked out by your vet.

White Boxers are especially susceptible to deafness. About 20 percent of white Boxers are deaf, and white Boxers should not be bred because the genes that cause deafness in white Boxers can be inherited. Additionally, Boxers who carry the extreme white spotting gene can increase the incidence of deafness in the breed.

 

 

Emotions in Dogs: A 3 day conference in affective dog behavior

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Affective Dog Behavior is new – it’s educational – it’s engaging for humans and dogs alike and best of all it’s a relationship game changer. Scott Stauffer, behavior consultant from San Francisco and creator of the Affective Dog Behavior program will be leading this conference.

Whether you are a trainer, owner, rescue partner or just a dog lover everyone can benefit from this conference.

ADB is not based on force and it is not reliant on treats. ADB is not a technique. It will not replace the training techniques you already know. ADB is based on science that goes beyond Pavlov and Skinner – all the way to the brain to explain:

-How the primary emotional systems and neurochemicals affect behavior
-How moderate non-chronic stress can actually be beneficial
-Why social and emotional connections aren’t just something we fancy but something we literally need to survive and thrive; and how these connections apply to inter-species relationships
-How learning and memories are built and shape the brain

*Of course everyone’s safety, during this year of the great pandemic, is our biggest concern. Social distancing will be in effect during the conference if you choose to attend in person. Masks, hand sanitizer, and temperature checks will be provided. You can also choose to attend this conference online via zoom. Seating is limited. Should you be experiencing any flu-like symptoms we advise you to join us via zoom.

Friday November 13th
Saturday November 14th
Sunday November 15th

1 day only $125
All 3 days $299

Scott will be available for two hour private in-home sessions, for anyone who attended the conference, for $150 the following week. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity as the new ADB program kicks off across America.

*Because the conference is held at the doggy daycare, our system will require you to register with a dog. You can bring one of your own dogs if you like, though we recommend not bringing a dog until the 3rd day. To sign up, create an account at www.dakotahsdoggydaycare.com than click on Book Now. Select a dog, and scroll down to the bottom of the classes menu and you will see the option for the Emotions in Dogs conference.

Why most dogs can’t walk on a leash (and how to fix it)

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We’ve all experienced that dog. You’re ready to go, you put the leash on, and the second the leash clicks Fido is talking you for a walk. He determines where you go, what he will sniff, who he will say hello to (or scare away), and you’re dragging along behind him wondering who is walking who here?

Teaching a dog to walk nicely on a leash is a challenge and it takes work. A lot of work. Many people opt to buy devices such as pinch, prong, and choke collars to help them find solutions. But by using these short cut devices you may actually be doing more harm than good.

If we want to treat a behavior, we have to ask why the behavior is happening. When you slap a device on a behavior it doesn’t address the why. We often find these behaviors, such as pulling, suppressed but suppression is not training. And suppression often leads to the development of other problem behaviors – such as aggression and reactivity – as a means of coping.

Dogs pull for a variety of reasons. They pull out of excitement, they pull because they haven’t been taught any other way, they pull because they naturally walk faster than us. Whatever the reason, the solution is always to use positive reinforcement for teach an alternate behavior to pulling and make walking a partnership activity between the two of you.

The first mistake most people make when they are trying to learn how to walk a dog is expecting the dog to learn when they are already outside the house. Training works in stages. And in the first stage of learning, the environment must be quiet and distraction free.

To train a dog to walk on a leash I start without the leash on in my living room. I begin by teaching the dog to follow my hand. I extend my pointer and middle finger (of my left hand) out toward the dog’s nose and I wait. The dog will naturally come toward me and when the dog’s nose, or muzzle, makes contact with my hand I say “yes” and treat. I repeat this several times, each time taking a step backwards to allow the dog to come toward me. And I eventually increase to three or four steps back. Each time the dog touches his nose to my fingers I mark it with that word, “yes” and I treat. When this behavior is consistent, I switch up the game on my dog. This time I extend my two fing

ers out toward him and when he comes toward me I turn my back on him so that my two fingers are next to my side. When the dog now comes to my side I mark it with that word, “yes” and I treat. I take a step forward. The dog will follow my hand. Again, I say, “yes” and treat. When the dog begins to follow me, I can start to mark it with the words “with me” or “walk with me”. As the dog continues to follow that cue and follows me around the room I increase the amount of steps I take in between when I give the treat.

Now add the leash.

As we begin to walk on the leash I am now going to start rewarding the dog for what I call “automatic check ins”. Each time the dog looks up at me and makes eye contact I will say “yes” and reward. When the dog is consistently walking with me on a leash in the living room I can move to the back yard, or the driveway.

Now comes the difficult part. Getting out the door.

Loose leash walking involves many steps and many different cues. If you have not trained your dog to “leave it” I would recommend checking out the Zak George version of this cue (here) and take a moment to teach your dog how to leave things alone.

Once you get outside the house your dog will be inclined to immediately pull forward in anticipation of the walk. It is important in this moment that you do nothing. Don’t walk forward, don’t yell at the dog, don’t pull. They can pull against you, but it is important that you never be the one doing the pulling. If they pull, you turn into a statue. Let your dog stand there and pull against you all day if they want. You just don’t move.

Eventually your dog will look at you. It will happen for half a second, you might miss it so watch closely. When your dog looks back at you it is critical that you catch it and say “yes” and reward. They will probably start pulling again. That’s ok. Just wait. When they look back at you again say “yes” and reward. You are building connection with your dogs in these moments and encouraging your dog to stick close to you. Just keep doing it.

When your dog continues to look at you, keep rewarding. Eventually your dog will ignore what is out there and refocus on you. Don’t walk yet. Just keep encouraging your dog to hang out with you and make eye contact with you. Too often we think of a walk as a long exercise session and we expect the dog to do 100% of the work when in reality dog walking is an engagement activity between the two of you and the work is 50/50. Your dog engages with you, and you engage back and reward.

Now you can begin to walk. Use the cue “with me” here, and reward immediately when your dog begins to walk with you. If your dog pulls ahead, freeze and wait. Begin the “automatic check in” exercise again and continue encouraging them to refocus on you.

This kind of training takes significant time. It is critical that your dog never be allowed to pull you on walks or they will continue doing so. If you are also having problems with your dog reacting and barking at people, neighbors, and other dogs on the walk it may be helpful to you to contact a behavior consultant about setting up a private session.

For large breed dogs that already have intense pulling issues, I occasionally use a gentle leader – or face harness. I recommend the gentle leader and not the halti. The gentle leader does not tighten around the dog’s muzzle or cause pain, unlike the Halti. A gentle leader will not teach a dog to walk nicely on a leash but it will discourage them from dragging you across the ice and down the street. It will make it difficult for the dog to pull if you have a dog who enjoys pulling you and knows their own strength because they naturally have less strength in their head and neck. I’ve found this helpful with Great Danes, Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. If you choose to use a gentle leader, do so with the help of a qualified trainer because there is an adjustment period for the dog and if it isn’t introduced carefully and acclimated the dog may learn to resent it which can make walking miserable. We never want a dog to feel forced and suppressed in training. Training and learning should always be safe, fun, and positive reinforcement based.

On your first few walks out of the house, don’t expect to walk far. 10-15 feet, maybe to the end of the block. The goal here is to get your dog engaging with you and keeping that leash walk. As your dog gets better at walking with you in the driveway and up and down the sidewalk in front of the house

If you are looking for help learning to walk your dog ask about our loose leash walking classes. We also work a lot of these skills in levels 2 and 3 obedience class.

To learn more about your training options, call our trainer at Dakotah’s today – 612-564-3165

 

Dog of the Day – Tibetan Spaniel

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The Tibetan Spaniel is one of the oldest dogs on the planet. Depictions of them date back to the 12th century in China and Tibet. It’s believed that Buddhist monks, known as lamas, bred the little dogs to alert them of anyone approaching the monastery. The dogs were said to resemble little lions. In Buddhism, lions represent Buddha’s triumph over violence and aggression. So the dogs were revered as spiritual beings.

The dogs were frequently given as gifts to foreign diplomats and dignitaries, with dogs from those countries being received in return. Through this, the Tibetan dogs made their way to China and Japan, where they no doubt interbred with other small Asian dogs such as the Japanese Chin and the Pekingese.

During the late 19th century, the first Tibetan Spaniel was brought to England. The breed gained some popularity, but during World War II the breed nearly became extinct. In 1947, after several successful breeding programs, the breed began to recover in England. In 1958, The Tibetan Spaniel Association was formed and in 1960 England’s Kennel Club recognized the breed. The first known litter in the United States was born in 1965.  The Tibetan Spaniel Club of America was founded in 1971. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1984.

Despite his charm, the Tibetan Spaniel is still pretty rare, ranking 101st in popularity among the breeds and varieties registered by the American Kennel Club. Today, the Tibetan Spaniel retains the watchfulness bred into him centuries ago and can be aloof toward strangers. Nicknamed Tibbies, they are active enough to enjoy dog sports but don’t need a tremendous amount of exercise and will do fine in an apartment as long as they have plenty of quality time with their humans. They are catlike and like to perch up high where they can observe the action around them.

These dogs are highly intelligent and take well to training. They do well in therapy. They are sensitive to the moods and needs of their families.

Trusting and affectionate toward family members, Tibetan Spaniels may be aloof toward strangers. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert you of anything that seems unusual. They’re independent thinkers and won’t always obey, especially if they think they know better or don’t see any good reason to do as you ask.

Tibetan Spaniels need early socialization.

Tibetan Spaniels are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can get certain conditions. If you’re buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. In Tibetan Spaniels, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for patellas (knees) and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that the eyes are normal.

Look for a breeder who doesn’t breed her dogs until they’re two or three years old. These dogs can be prone to retinal atrophy and patellar luxation.

Tibbies are housedogs. They thrive on spending time with their people. They have a mind of their own and will ignore commands if they don’t feel like obeying. For best results, begin training early and be consistent. Some Tibetan Spaniels are yappy but they’ll generally bark when someone comes to the door or when they hear or see anyone or anything unusual. You can teach them to stop barking after they’ve briefly sounded the alarm. If you live in an apartment with noise restrictions, however, this may not be the breed for you.

Tibetan Spaniels are affectionate and generally good with children but they’re small and can be injured easily by rough handling, so they’re best suited to homes with children who are at least 6 years old. As with any dog, always teach children how to approach and touch your Tibetan Spaniel, and supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear pulling from either party.

Tibetan Spaniels usually get along well with other dogs and cats.

The alarm barker: How to bring an end to stranger danger

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Can you imagine the audacity of that neighbor? Standing on the lawn or in the window screaming at all the passerby’s and the mailman and… oh wait! That’s the dog. And that’s exactly what he is doing! He’s yelling.

There is nothing worse than a dog that does this. The canine screaming machine.

I have both good and bad news for you. The good news is that a majority of the time we can fix it. The bad news about this one is that is will take quite a bit of work.

As with any behavior issue, it all starts with the why. Why do dogs bark at strangers?

When our dogs bark at strangers, there can be dozens of reasons. But of the most common we have dogs that bark out of territory aggression, dogs that bark out of excitement, and dogs that bark out of fear.

Sometimes dogs can feel extremely protective of their home and their humans. Dogs may see strangers as a threat to their territory, causing them to bark at unfamiliar faces. If your dog only barks at others when they approach their home or come close to you on your walks, they are likely to be territorial.

And some dogs bark because they are rude! That’s right, you read that correctly. Dogs that were not socialized properly from early puppyhood often just lack manners.

What about Bark Collars?

There are a host of issues associated with a bark collar and you won’t find a good trainer out there who advocates for the use of them. Barking isn’t the issue – the trigger that the dog is responding to is the issue. And the problem with a bark collar is that while we expect the zap to be associated with the barking it is often associated with the thing the dog is barking at. So we end up with a dog that learns that every time a dog walks by his house, or the mailman comes to the door, or the neighbor visits, he gets zapped and he learns to hate those things. In addition to that, many bark collars go off not only when a dog is barking but when any other dog barks and sometimes even when other sounds trigger them such as a door slamming or a loud noise. The use of a bark collar more often than not leads to the development of aggression and anxiety disorders which are much harder in the long run to treat than the barking itself.

So what can we do to fix it?

In this scenario the dog will be called “Max”.

This is for the dog that barks at the doorbell, people walking by on the street, passing dogs, etc.

You need to set up a scenario that will cause your dog to bark. Ring the doorbell, knock on a wall, have a friend visit, ask a neighbor to walk their dog past – whatever will set your dog off. Get yourself ready with a lot of very yummy, high value treats such as rotisserie chicken or bacon. When the dog begins to bark, acknowledge it. Say, “Max, alert” and give a treat. The dog will continue barking. Say, “Max, Alert” and give a treat. Do this several times.

When you have done this several times, put a yummy treat directly under the dog’s nose. It is impossible for a dog to bark and sniff at the same time. When the dog quiets down, wait 2-3 seconds minimum and say, “quiet”. Practice this controlled scenario with several different triggers.

Now apply it to every day. Once you have practiced it several times over a few weeks, it should be much easier for your dog to respond when you say, “quiet”. You do not need to say “alert”. Just quiet. If the dog does not respond, return to controlled scenarios and continue the work.

Once your dog has learned this quiet cue, you can begin to test this out in every scenario – on a walk, with stranger danger, when they bark at other dogs.

Remember that two of the most important things to take into account in training are the d’s – distance and duration. Dogs work on a threshold. So when our dog training isn’t working are we too close to the trigger? Are we expecting too much of our dog? Our we waiting too long before we reward which sets the dog up for failure? Are we training too long and the dog is getting overwhelmed? If dog training isn’t working, it is always the result of human error. It’s never the dog.

For fear based behaviors in which a dog will not take treats the treatment should be tailored to the situation. It is important in these situations to bring in a certified animal behavior consultant who can help you.

If you are looking for help with your chronic barker, give our trainer Heidi a call today at Dakotah’s. 612-564-3165