Sep 26

I have adopted a 3 month old female cattle dog to keep my 18 month old male kelpie X company. Everything is going really well and the play all the time. However there have been times when there have been issues, usually around feeding time. The older one often does not allow the younger one near the food bowls. I have not intervened because I understand that they have to work it out for themselves but I am wondering under what circumstances do I step in. What behaviour is considered normal?

i had a similar situation the difference being that the second dog was brought in as a rescue.the rescue had food issues only because she was half starved and wasn’t sure if each meal was her last,literally.
things have since calmed down,but i still stay in the room while they eat and if one finishes before the other and the one who did not finish walks away i pick the dish up.
i never let them eat out of one anothers dish.
as far as interfering,there will be a time of adjustment while dominance is established,but you should not let it escalate into out and out fighting.
if both your canine babies have been"fixed" it will make things go alot better as males seem to always want to dominate the females.
they both need to understand that you are the "pack leader" and that you will set boundaries for them both.
hope this helps you.
it will take some work to establish boundaries and ground rules but since you cared enough to ask the question i’m sure you are up to it.
good luck

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Sep 24

Anti-itch shampoos for dogs typically contains the active ingredient hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone drug. While the use of hydrocortisone on animals is not approved by the FDA, veterinarians can prescribe its use legally as well as administer it to animals suffering from conditions that require hydrocortisone.

Hydrocortisone has anti-itching properties that help your dog stop itching by reducing inflammation. In addition to hydrocortisone, most dog shampoos have aloe vera that soothes the dog’s skin. Combined, hydrocortisone and aloe vera in dog shampoo provides soothing relief to your dog.

Dog shampoos with hydrocortisone and alove vera are readily available over the counter. However, take care not to purchase an anti-itch dog shampoo that is simply an imitation of a well known brand. Most of the time, these cheap imitations have chemicals that irritate your dog’s skin further and can be harmful to your dog’s overall health. It is best to go with an anti-itch dog shampoo that’s manufactured by a reputable company. It may cost a bit more than the imitation, but you can be assured that your dog will be safe.

Aside from hydrocortisone dog shampoos, there are also hydrocortisone dog sprays that can provide itch relief to dogs. Corti-Care Hydrocortisone Spray consists of 0.5% hydrocortisone and aloe vera. If your dog’s skin is irritated and your dog is itching, you can use a hydrocortisone spray on the itchy areas. The spray stops your dog from scratching or licking at the itchy areas, which means the affected skin will be able to repair itself faster. Before applying the hydrocortisone spray, give your dog a bath using hydrocortisone dog shampoo.

The hydrocortisone found in dog shampoos contain milder dosage of the drug, but dog owners must take care to avoid their dogs from ingesting hydrocortisone. Also, hydrocortisone dog shampoos should never be used in place of regular dog shampoos. Hydrocortisone dog shampoos should only be used when your dog needs relief from itching.

Evelyn Dayag
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/hydrocortisone-dog-shampoo-itch-relief-for-your-pet-125008.html

Sep 17

The fact that the Boston Bull terrier is a compact and muscular breed of dog is not at all surprising, considering the fact that they was originally bred to participate in dog fights. The Boston terriers aggressive history might repel many people. They might even feel that due its past, the Boston terrier might not be suitable as a pet. However, you might be surprised to learn that this dog can be quite gentle.

The Boston’s Nature

Owners of Boston terriers are aware of how important it is to train them. Your experience of owning this terrier becomes enjoyable not only for you but also for the pet, provided that you have trained the animal well.

The Boston terrier has a lively nature; it enjoys playing. Pet owners claim that the dog has an excellent sense of fun. Yet another feature of this breed that often delights people is its natural inquisitiveness and love to learn new things.

Owners of Boston terriers have noted that this breed of dog is very sensitive a person’s tone of voice. In other words, it is very talented at detecting a person’s emotions and can determine your exact your feelings. Therefore, while training your terrier, you have to exercise extra care. You cannot let anger or frustration show in your voice; otherwise your dog might misunderstand you.

Boston terriers are relatively quiet, which makes them excellent watchdogs. Your dog won’t wake you at midnight just because it spotted a moth. Some Boston terriers don’t bark at all.

Caring for Your Boston Terrier

Your Boston terrier adapts well to apartment life. As long as you give your dog regular exercise, he or she won’t need a yard. You should be aware, however, that they are as sensitive to extreme climates as they are to the tone of your voice. You should house your Boston terrier in a suitable place that have just the right temparature.

Keeping your Boston terrier indoors is not a very good idea because it could shed its fur all over the floor. It does not shed fur as much as the other terriers, though. However, your floors could get quite messy.

Boston terriers are susceptible to a variety of health disorders. Since they are sensitive to extremes of cold and heat, exposure to extreme conditions could give them breathing disorders. This breed commonly contracts subcutaneous tumors and heart disorders. Your dog, therefore, requires regular visits to the vet.

When you purchase your pet, take care that it does not have any defects in its skull. Badly bred Boston terriers often develop bone defects that could hinder the normal growth of its brain. If you are not careful, you could end up with a mentally retarded terrier.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/boston-bull-terrier-interesting-facts-about-an-interesting-dog-753437.html

Sep 12
Dog Behavior?
icon1 admin | icon2 dog behavior | icon4 09 12th, 2009| icon32 Comments »

I have two dogs, one a Golden Retriever 5yrs, named Leo and an Alaskan/Golden mix 3yrs, named Eddie. Everytime someone comes home both dogs say "hi" and greet whom ever enters. While Leo( the Golden Retriever) is saying "hi", Eddie(Alaskan/Golden mix) starts nipping and biting at Leo. Also, when I’m getting ready to get take Leo outside Eddie starts licking or biting ( I can’t tell) at Leo’s testes. Eddie is a good dog and loyal companion, but occassionally he gets out of control. I treat both Leo and Eddie the same, favouring none over the other. Both Leo and Eddie grew up together and have good chemistry together. I myself think it’s a little jealously, but I can’t be sure. Does anyone have any explanations for this kind of behavior or have any suggestions what I can do to stop this?

Animals can definately get jealous. Ignore them when you enter and exit the house. Correct the one doing the bad behavior. Do it as soon as he thinks about doing it. Timing is key! Don’t wait for him to make contact with the other dog – correct him just as he begins to make the motion that he is going to do it. Have a zero tolerance for it and they will eventually learn that it wont fly in your house.

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Sep 10

The Manchester Terrier is a lively, intelligent dog, fast to learn and easy to train. They can be kept in an apartment as they are active indoors and can get by with frequent long walks. A properly fenced in yard is always best for exercise. Keep the Manchester under control or she may chase almost anything that moves. She should be extensively socialized with children, kids and pets at a young age. She was originally bred as a ratter so beware of her with small pets. She can do ok with older, behaved children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

* Approximate Adult Size. There are two sizes of the Manchester Terrier, Toy and Standard. The Toy size is 10 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 6 to 8 pounds. The Standard size is 15 to 16 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 17 to 18 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Manchester Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for Von Willebrands disease (a problem with blood clotting), over eating, lens luxation and Glaucoma. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Manchester Terrier has a short black and tan coat which is shiny and easy care. She should be brushed and rubbed down with a cloth regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Manchester Terrier can live between 14 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Manchester Terrier comes from Great Britain where they were used as companion dogs and ratters. They are thought to be a combination of the Whippet, other terriers and possibly the Greyhound. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1886.

Some Registries:
*American Manchester Terrier Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 10 Belgian Sheepdog puppies

Category: Terrier

Terms To Describe: Muscular, agility, powerful, friendly, intelligent

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Fast learner.
The toy variety sheds very little.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Makes an ok guard dog.

*Other Names Known By: Black and Tan Terrier,

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/manchester-terrier-puppy-and-dog-information-89163.html

Sep 3

When it comes to unusual dogs, the Chinese Crested is probably one of the most unusual you will see as it almost looks like a tiny pony. This dog originates from Africa where it is called the “African Hairless Terrier” and were often used as ratters on board the trading ships. this strange looking greed is becoming quite popular and we’re seeing it more and more in rare breed dog shows.

Part of the toy group, the Chinese Crested was first registered to the American kennel club (AKC) in 1991. According to breed standards, this dog must not weigh more than 10 pounds and stands about 12 inches tall. The breed actually has two varieties – one which is hairlesss except for the feet, head and tail and another variety which is referred to as the powder puff and has a long soft coat that resembles hair. the dog has use that stand erect, dark eyes and a long muzzle on a broad skull. Pretty much every color is allowed and they can be either solid, spotted or mixed.

The Chinese Crested is a dog that needs to be with his family and can become very attached to his owner. If you have a lot of time to spend with your pet, though, he is an excellent dog and is very cuddly, playful and sweet. These dogs are very intelligent and alert and can perform many tricks. They are good with other paths and do not bark a lot unlike many other toy dogs. be forewarned, however, that they do like to dig holes and climb.

Because of the hairless nature of the dogs the skin does require special care to prevent skin problems. in fact, their skin should be treated almost like human skin and they will need to have sunscreen put on if they are going to be outdoors in the sun or they will get a sunburn! They also can have problems with their teeth like a lot of other small dogs and you should get in the habit of brushing them every couple of days. these dogs me as much food as you give them, so you should take care not to overfeed them or they will become obese.

The Chinese crested does not need excessive exercise in where it does not bark much it can be a great dog for Apartment living. That being said, like all dogs this dog will need to be taken out for walks and get daily exercise. For cold climates, some sort of sweater or coat will be needed outdoors and if you keep your house cool may be needed indoors as well.

The hairless version of the Chinese Crested doesn’t really need it much grooming as it doesn’t have any hair. you will find a stock to be very clean with no doggy smell, fleas or texts. The powder puff version should be brushed daily. You can be a hairlesss frequently and you may even want to massage some oil or cream into his skin. This dog does not shed much.

Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/if-you-want-an-unusual-looking-dog-than-the-chinese-crested-may-be-for-you-96487.html