The Gigantic Noble Rescuer Of The Alps, St. Bernard

By Troy Richardson

The St. Bernard is a well-known large dog breed around the world because of its valiant ways and adorably massive frame. This breed has been the search and rescue dog of the Swiss Alps for many centuries and many heroic stories can prove to this dog's long search and rescue history. Today, however, more than a rescue dog in the Alps, this dog is very popular among families as a dependable and loyal pet.

The St. Bernard's ancestors are said to be the Molossoid dog breeds of the ancient Roman soldiers and the Sennenhunds, which are known as the great Swiss Mountain Dogs or Swiss Cattle Dogs. The present St. Bernard, however, is just an inexact remnant of the classic St. Bernard. Most of the original St. Bernards got killed in avalanches trying to rescue humans and so to preserve their breed, Newfoundland dogs were used but this did not quite preserve the outstanding characteristics of the original St. Bernard.

The name St. Bernard came from the hospice at St. Bernard Pass in the Western Alps, a region between Switzerland and Italy. This pass is dangerous and travelers often seek shelter with the monks in this hospice. The dogs of this community, which are used for search and rescue, were named after the pass and this pass was named after Bernard of Menthon, an 11th century monk who founded the place.

Before being called St. Bernard, this dog was known as Saint Dog, Noble Steed, Alpenmastiff and Barry dog. Additionally, a St. Bernard named Barry became very famous when he rescued 40 to 100 people from certain death. Because of this, he was founded a monument at the Cimetiere des Chiens and his body was preserved and displayed at the National History Museum at Berne.

The St. Bernard is a heavy and gigantic breed of dog that weighs as much as 160 to 260 pounds and stands 27 1/2 to 35 1/2 inches at the withers. The tail of this dog is usually long, heavy and low set but turns up slightly. The eyes are innately tight lid and the face and ears are usually shaded in black.

The St. Bernard's coat can be smooth or rough. The smooth one is flat and fits fairly to the body while the rough one is flat and dense especially around the neck and legs. The common colors of the coat are red with white and mahogany brindle with white.

The St. Bernard as a family pet is very hardworking, dependable and obedient. It is patient and permissive with children and can be the same with smaller animals so long as it was socialized at an early age. This dog is also quite easy to train because it is bright and eager to please.

This dog, although large, is not as energetic but instead gentle and affable. It does not need a wide space to live on and so an apartment and a small yard would suffice him. Daily exercise for this dog is only comprised of a long walk and this will make him stay healthy mentally and physically.

About the Author:

Troy Richardson is a leading breeder of Saint Bernard dog breed. Drop by his website and learn articles such as Saint Bernard puppies, Saint Bernards for sale, Barry and more.

Meet the American Bandogge Mastiff

By Eric Salson

The American Bandogge Mastiff is one of the newer breeds. It's been around for less than 50 years but has already managed to make a lot of friends. These dogs were first bred by veterinarian John Swinford, who bred an American pit bull terrier with a Neapolitan mastiff; and the rest is history in the making.

There are a few variations on this breed, with one of the more common being a cross of the American pit bull and the English mastiff. Those dogs whose parents are certified purebreds are the most attractive and healthy of the American Bandogge Mastiffs - known as a very attractive breed in their own right. They are muscular animals as you'd expect from their pit bull heritage. They also display the brindled patterns in their fur typical of the pit bull. Black brindle is the most common, but red, blue and tawny colors are also sometimes seen.

With their quiet nature, they also tend to have separation anxiety. They get lonely quickly and do not like for their owners to be out of their sight. Despite the lack of barking at intruders as they come about, these gentle giants will howl when their owners are absent. Just like most dogs, if they are raised from a puppy around other animals, even kittens, they can get along with them just fine, despite their large build.

Bandogges are very friendly and sociable, meaning that they tend to get lonely easily when their human family isn't around and are known to need some coaxing to get over their separation anxiety. These imposing but loving and loveable animals may not do a lot of barking, but they might howl when they miss you. Like any other dog, they can get along with other dogs, cats or any animals if they're introduced while young.

The American Bandog is also very easy to groom and maintain. They tend to have a little bit of dry skin. However, they are easy to take care of as far as brushing, for the most part. They have a short coat that is easy to maintain.

These dogs have a long list of good qualities to recommend them. They're loyal and will protect children and other pets as if they were their own, they're very intelligent and easy to train, playful and loving, large and fierce looking dogs who love and gentle by nature. All this and easy to groom too! The American Bandogge Mastiff may be a new breed, but they are one which is certain to stick around they live up to the title of man's best friend like few other breeds.

About the Author:

Eric Salsons info portal on the mastiff breeds is here click here now! , if you love the mastiff dog breed then there is no choice why you will not.

Examples Of Natural Dog Food Recipes

By Moses Wright

Many dog owners are moving towards natural diets for their dogs. Even dog food manufacturers are making more foods with natural dog food recipes. Some dog owners make their own dog food to ensure that their dogs are getting the best quality food.

Amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can be found in natural dog food recipes of some commercial dog foods. Many dog food manufacturers advertise that they use natural ingredients such as lamb and vegetables. The dog owner may want to check the list of ingredients or information on the manufacturers websites when choosing a healthy commercial dog food.

While some dog owners are content with selecting one of the healthier commercial dog foods, other dog owners choose to make homemade dog food. Many dog owners make cooked homemade dog food similar to food made for people while others use a raw food diet for their dogs.

There are numerous resources for natural dog food recipes on the Internet. Some natural dog food recipes utilize fresh vegetables and meats.

Some natural dog food recipes emphasize convenience and use ingredients that may already be present in the home such as meats and canned, fresh, or frozen vegetables. Some raw food diet recipes call for specialty ingredients like bone meal that the dog owner would have to order from a specialized company.

A basic beef and rice dinner is an example of a natural food recipe. The dog owner chooses a ground meat to use. Any ground meat can be used.

This natural food recipe includes one cup of vegetables. The dog owner can use one half cup of two vegetables if they prefer. Potatoes, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach are some examples of vegetables that many dogs like.

Three to four cups of rice are included in the recipe. The ingredients are boiled together until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The dog owner may want to cook the ground meat first to make sure it is thoroughly cooked.

About the Author:

We discuss about the top 10 best dog food and how to make homemade dry dog food at our food for healthy dogs website. It is free to read and you will definitely benefit from the articles written by dog specialists.

Lhasa Poo - Important Need to Know Facts!

By Fabian Melton

Dear fellow Lhasa Apso lover,

Probably of the the most challenging aspects of working with nipping and biting in the Lhasa Apso is that it quite often starts when the Lhasa Apso is a puppy.

The behavior, when the puppy is small, is often considered cute.

Lhasa Apso Pups Video

A tiny Lhasa Apso puppy growling ferociously or chasing and nipping may appear to be almost comical but once the Lhasa Apso is full grown, the nipping is no longer funny and the cute growling has turned taking the dog out in public into an embarrassing and stressful event.

Controlling a dog's aggressive behavior is challenging for most people. It is further complicated by the fact that some dogs are more dominant than their owners, or a least more dominant than some family members.

Thankfully even young children can be taught to properly respond to aggressive behaviors with the family pet and the dog will quickly learn to change their negative behavior into something more positive and acceptable.

Why Do Dog's Nip and Bite?

Well, that a great question.

Dogs nip and bite for a variety of reasons.

In interactions between dogs nipping and biting is a way to for one dog or puppy to indicate they don't like what is going on.

It is a way for puppies and dogs to say "Stop" to each other.

As dogs mature they may nip for other reasons including demanding attention, avoiding something they don't want to do, or becoming excited or frightened.

Each type of nipping and biting will require a different type of correction and understanding why your dog is nipping is a starting point.

Think about the times that your dog has nipped, then answer the following questions:

1. What was your Lhasa Apso doing at the time ? 2. What was I doing (or the person that was nipped)? 3. Was the dog in a new environment or with new people? 4. How did I respond to the nipping? 5. How did the Lhasa Apso respond? 6. What happened after the dog nipped?

Biting for Attention or in Play

Dogs and puppies may have learned that biting or nipping gets them attention or that is all part of the game.

Some owners may try to pay additional attention to a dog that nips to keep it from nipping or biting them again. In this situation the dog has trained the human, not the other way around.

Depending on how long the dog or puppy has engaged in biting or nipping, the corrective training may be very short or it may take longer.

Usually attention and play type biting is more prevalent with puppies that are learning how to interact with humans.

How Do You Go About Stopping The Nipping Then?

To play nipping & biting follow these guidelines:

* Give a sharp, high pitched "Ouch", "Stop" or "Ow" then "No Bite" in a lower tone, without yelling or verbally intimidating the dog or puppy

* Immediately leave the puppy or dog alone, don't speak to them or touch them.

* If your Lhasa Apso continues to try to bite after you give the verbal "No Bite" try putting a few pennies or marbles in a clean tin can. Shake the can at your Lhasa Apso immediately after the "No Bite" command. This usually startles the dog or puppy and reinforces the verbal instruction.

* If the bite or nip occurred during a game immediately stop the game and do not continue until the dog is calm and in control.

* When they are calm, immediately provide attention and praise.

Most Lhasa Apsos will respond to this training when they realize that they get attention and fun when they are not biting or are practicing what dog trainers call "bite inhibition".

Biting For Fear or Anxiety

If your Lhasa Apso bites or nips when in new places or when new people are present it is likely a nervous or fearful dog.

How to stop your Lhasa Apso from biting that is behaving aggressively out of fear is very different from the technique used for the attention seeking or nipping dog.

Dogs that are nervous or fearful need more socialization, not isolation or being ignored.

Ideally socialization should mostly occur in the first few months of a puppy's life and continue throughout the dog's life.

Lhasa Apsos that are kept isolated from other dogs, animals, people and new environments are understandably more fearful and self-protective when they are exposed to new things.

For the most success with lhasa apso pups; it is recommended you take the time to do a little online research.

A dog's natural defense is to bite or run so when you are out with your dog on a leash the only option the dog has to protect itself is to bite.

One of the best ways to work with a dog that bites from fear or anxiety is to take him or her to an obedience class.

It is very important that you speak to the trainer ahead of time and follow the instructions that they provide for bringing your dog into the class.

Try taking your dog to as many new places as possible, but watch for signs that he or she is becoming upset, agitated or fearful. Nervous behaviors such as the following should be monitored:

* Tail low or tucked between the hind legs * Whining or growling * Pacing * Excessive panting

When your Lhasa Apso starts exhibiting these symptoms immediately remove him or her from the environment and place him/her somewhere comfortable such as the vehicle or their crate.

Praise them and pay special attention to them as they gradually become more comfortable in new situations. You may also wish to consider one of the halter type leads that attach over the muzzle area to prevent any possibility of biting during the socialization period.

The key is to work with the dog's level of trust and comfort and gradually extend your time out as the dog becomes more confident and socialized.

I hope this short outline introduction to Managing Nipping and Biting has been helpful to you.

About the Author:

For more information, advice and help on lhasa apso dogs, please visit us today. We also offer a free dog care and training newsletter. We love dogs!

Cavaliers - All You Must Know!

By Robby Gross

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sweet-natured and even-tempered dog that enjoys bringing affection and spirited fun to a household.

King Charles Puppies Video

General Appearance and Description

These spirited dogs are not called "King" for nothing. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is friendly, eager to please and always a crowd pleaser, thanks to its sweet and elegant looks.

The Cavalier Spaniel usually has dark and expressive eyes that are large. They don't dominate the face, but always get attention. They have a wavy silky coat that's usually black and tan.

Basic Temperament

The King Charles Cavalier is outgoing and affectionate. He will always want to please you and is intelligent enough to know what you need from him.

The Cavalier King Charles is descended from hunting dogs, so he loves to run around in the great outdoors. It's important, then, that the Cavalier Spaniel is kept on a leash and in a fenced background. Their desire to hunt and explore sometimes causes harm.

Like all small dogs, this dog needs to know who the boss is. Make sure you establish yourself as the pack leader so he doesn't think he needs to take that role for himself.

Care Required

This dog has a good amount of fur to manage, so brush him often and bathe or shampoo him as needed. The hair on the ears, which is long, can tangle and mat, so the ears should be brushed often. Even the hair between the pads on the feet should be looked after.

Not an ideal dog for those with allergies, as this dog sheds at an average rate.

For the most success with cavapoo puppies; it is suggested you take the time to do a little online research.

Exercise Requirements

Give your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a regular walk, and give him plenty of playtime. The Cavalier Spaniel dogs do well in apartments and home environments that don't give them much of an outdoor area as long as they get that regular walk.

Take care in extreme conditions, as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be sensitive to heat and cold.

Training

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively easy to train, thanks to their intelligence and desire to please. They are intuitive, so they will understand what you want and will be able to perform as you wish through the use of this intuitive nature.

These dogs are capable of learning complicated obedience tricks and do well in competitive competitions.

Height and Weight

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will be about 12 to 13 inches high in adulthood and should weigh somewhere between 10 and 18 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Cavalier Spaniel dogs are prone to a number of different health issues. Some of these problems include kneecaps that dislocate, ear infections, hearing trouble, and back problems. They also often suffer from hereditary eye diseases.

Unfortunately, many dogs will also carry a hereditary tendency toward heart problems, which can be fatal. For this reason, many canine experts suggest choosing a dog whose medical history can be checked going back several generations.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also gain weight easily so their diet needs to be carefully monitored.

Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will live from 9 to 14 years.

Suitability

These dogs are excellent hunting dogs and are often introduced into homes with this intention. King Charles Cavalier dogs don't necessarily enjoy being in a home with children. Most experts suggest that this dog be placed in a home with only older children.

The Cavalier Spaniel does get along well with other dogs and other non-canine pets, however.

About the Author:

For more information, advice and help on king charles spaniel dog, please visit us today. We also offer a free dog care and training newsletter. We love dogs!

Different Dog Breeds Can Be Really Alike

By Daniel Varena

A Dachshund is very different from a Golden Retriever and the variety between all breeds is impressive.

Estimates about the number of breeds are as high as 800 in Western countries alone. Even given the fact that the difference from one breed to another can be carried to absurd extremes, the variety is astonishing from a human perspective, who have, perhaps, only a dozen 'breeds'.

The predecessor of the domestic dog is the wolf. Dogs began their domestication some 10,000 years ago. From an evolutionary point of view that is a short time frame and so it is not surprising that between breeds, some behaviors are very similar. Next I go in to 2 of those traits.

Predatory behavior:

Of course this doesn't mean that your dog will hunt down every animal that passes by, but it is very much part of their instinct. They have very well developed ears and they can hear much better than humans. They are very good at distinguishing a wide array of sounds and can locate it very accurately.

Their vision is in black and white, but the angle of vision is much wider. Dogs can perceive angels as wide as 270 degrees, where humans only see up to 150 degrees. This is a huge advantage for hunters, because they can scan the field much better.

And, of course, they're famous for their sense of smell. They have 25 times more scent-receptor cells and they are able to perceive scents a 100 million times smaller than humans.

Golden Retrievers, for example, can smell gophers through two feet of packed snow and a foot of frozen earth. And, they'll dig through it to get to the gopher. That's predatory behavior.

The second trait I want to discuss today is their social character.

We all know that dogs are social animals, because that is the reason why we have them in the first place, but sadly, in practice, owners don't always take that in to account. Many times ignorant owners will leave the dog alone for periods up to 10 hours, isolating the dog too much. Dogs need social interaction with other animals and human beings. If not they can develop anxiety or can get aggressive. In order to stay mentally healthy your dog needs company.

Isolating a dog for brief periods can be a useful training technique. Expulsion from the pack is an effective way of letting the dog know when he was behaving improperly. He should never be expelled for more than 5 minutes.

Your dog needs social contact and if he lacks it you'll pay the price. All dogs, even guard dogs, need to be around their pack or family, because if not how do they know who is welcome and who should be chased away?

About the Author:

About the author: Daniel Varena is an expert on dogtraining and on his website i-perros.com you can read a lot more articles. You can also get lots of accessories to make training your dog easy in his shop tienda animales

The Multiple Advantages Of Employing A Professional Dog Sitter

By Jimmy Edlison

Having pets around is like being with a friend or a family. They should be loved and cared for just like anybody else. Some people treat their pets as a part of their lives, while some are too busy to look out for them. Luckily when this happen there is always a pet sitter available to do the job for you.

Pet sitter is a service provider who takes care of pets in the comforts of their own homes. They devote their time and effort to make sure that your pets are well look out for. These pet sitters are trained to do their jobs well. There are a lot of advantages for you and your animal friend when acquiring the services of a pet sitter.

These are several benefits and services attainable for hiring a pet sitter:

- When pets are taken care of at their own homes they benefit from the familiar environment. The confusion and the population of the kennel may be harmful for your pets.

- You will save more time for travelling your pet from your home to the kennel or pet resort. The pet will also not undergo stressful trips from one place to another.

- Your pet will be taken care of by a recognizable person. The pet sitter will also provide certain needs of the animal.

- The activities of your pet and the sitter will make your home more protected and secured from burglary while youre away for work or a trip.

- Some additional services like picking your mail and taking care of plants can be offered by the pet sitter.

- The pets are kept away from specific sickness and parasites from other animals in the kennel.

- Relatives, neighbors, and friends are not compelled to look out for your pet.

- The change of environment in the kennel will not confuse your pet and will have a common daily habit.

- Required vaccinations from kennel will be avoided.

- Activates like walking and exercising can be acquainted to the animal. And will be helpful for the growth of your pet.

- Giving the preferred foods and snacks for the pets.

- Other pet sitters can train your animals with attentiveness. These are services that can be provided by a professional pet sitter

- They can also provide you with pooper scooper services in your home or yard so you wont have to clean up your animals droppings from time to time.

These are the many positive advantages when getting the help of a pet sitter. And this is probably the best and effective way to prove and establish more love, affection, care, and concern to your animal friend while you are away.

Nowadays, pet sitters are getting more and more popular in the market. The demand for these kinds of services is increasing. You can acquire the services of a pet sitter from your neighborhood or from the internet.

Being too busy for work can really affect your responsibility for your pet, and obtaining the services of a pet sitter will certainly assist in this task. So that when you finally to get home, your pet will be waiting happily for you.

About the Author:

Vacations aren't joyful...for family pets! Your pets Miss your presence and need a family friend to be there to tend to their requirements when you are on vacation with the family. Consultants like pet sitter seaford are the solution to such problems. Leave your four legged friend in the capable and professional hands of a qualified and professional pet sitter long island to handle this.