Labrador Training

Belgian Tervuren - An Energetic Worker
One of four Belgian Sheepdogs, the Belgian Tervuren is often mistaken for a German Shepherd because they closely resemble each other in size, coat and color. It is pronounced Ter-VER-en. The Belgian Tervuren is recognized as its own breed by the AKC, but many countries consider all four Belgian Sheepdogs to be one breed even though there are noticeable differences in everything from coat to size to color.

Also known as a "Terv" by their owners, the Belgian Tervuren is named for the Belgian village of Tervuren. They were traditionally used as cattle and sheep herding dogs. They have also been used as police dogs and in narcotics detection, bomb detection, search and rescue and as therapy dogs. While two of the Belgian Sheepdogs are still used more as working dogs, the Belgian Tervuren and Belgian Groenendael are both seen more as companion dogs today.

They are a medium to medium large breed. They weigh between 45-75 pounds and are anywhere from 22" to 27" in height. They are an energetic, powerful breed that enjoys exercise and play. Because of their high energy and size, they are not ideal apartment dogs but are perfect for families with large yards or those who have access to parks or fields where they can run.

Their coat color is recognized by the AKC in the colors of a mahogany or fawn base with black tips, mask and ears. A small amount of white on nose, chest and chin is permissible. The long, straight, thick and harsh outer coat and soft dense undercoat needs daily grooming to prevent matting and knots. They shed throughout the year, but it is typically light shedding.

As a guard dog or family dog, the Belgian Tervuren is protective, loyal and highly intelligent. They are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and activity whether they are working on the farm or kept mainly as a companion dog. They need to be socialized and trained from an early age. The earlier they are introduced to children, dogs and other pets, the better they will do. They might be dominant towards other dogs. It is important to research a Belgian Tervuren's history before making a purchase to ensure that there is no aggression found in their lineage. Give your Belgian Tervuren plenty to do and they will be happy. A bored Belgian Tervuren can be a bit destructive as they will find a way to fill their time.

If you are an energetic family looking for a dog that will enjoy activity and outside play, then the Belgian Tervuren is a perfect breed for you. They will match you step for step in running or walking. They will be protective of you and your home and make awesome watchdogs. If you are looking for a farm dog and family companion all rolled into one, any of the Belgian Sheepdogs including the Belgian Tervuren will be ideal for you.

Learn more about the <a href="http://www.deardoggy.com/dog_breeds/belgian_tervuren/">Belgian Tervuren</a> or discuss <a href="http://www.deardoggy.com/">Dogs</a> with other dog lovers at <a href="http://www.deardoggy.com/">www.deardoggy.com</a>

Great Tips For Breeding Your Dog
Choosing to breed your dog is a big decision and it?s natural to feel a little uneasy about the process. These dog breeding tips will help things go smoothly and help you enjoy the entire process.

One of the most important steps is choosing the right mate for your dog. The mate you choose should possess the qualities you want to see carried on in the puppies. Both male and female should be healthy and possess no genetic faults that could jeopardize the health of the puppies.

You also want to make sure the female is very healthy so that her pregnancy and birth are easier. You?ll want to support her prior to breeding with excellent nutrition and supplements. Of course she should always have excellent nutrition, but a boost will help her energy and help her stay healthy during her pregnancy.

Good record keeping on both the male and female can help increase your breeding success, but it is especially important with the female. You should keep a history folder on your female which records important dates such as when you first see signs of the bitch going into heat, any changes in behavior, and any medical issues.

You should also have a good working relationship with your veterinarian who can be a very helpful resource throughout the breeding process, during the pregnancy, during labor and of course once the pups are born.

Male dogs have less reproductive problems than female dogs but they can be more difficult to correct. Anatomical defects, low sperm, and infection of the reproductive organs are the most common problems to watch for in a male dog. Hypothyroidism, arthritis of the spine, and Brucellosis should also be checked for in males that show no interest in breeding.

With the female, the main reason for failed breeding is wrong timing. Because of the length of time a female is in heat, without hormone tests it can be difficult to tell when the ?right? time really is. Your vet has a variety of ways to test hormone levels to try to narrow down the best breading time, but at the end of the day it still really is hit and miss.

Female dogs usually go into heat every 6 months starting at around the age of one year. It?s important to allow your female to become full-grown and developed before you decide to breed her as she is more likely to have a pregnancy with fewer complications. In some of the larger breeds this doesn?t occur until the age of 2.

At around 10 to 12 days after going into heat the bitch will be ready to stand and hold. You start to count the days at the first signs of blood discharge. Each dog is different so you?ll need to get to know your dog, how she acts, changes in temperament, and the amount of discharge because day one might actually be day three. You?ll know your timing is right by the willingness of the bitch. When the bitch is ready the discharge will often change from a dark red to more of a tan color so you can watch for this signal as well. Try to place the bitch and stud together several days and several times throughout the heat period up to about the tenth day.

If you want to be safe then put the bitch and the stud together early and try and try again. It?s better than being late because you?ll have to wait another 6 months.

If impregnation occurs your vet will be able to tell around the 22nd day after breeding. Now?s the time to start calling those parents to be, congratulating them, and letting them know their new bundle of joy will arrive in a couple of months.

The act of breeding is rather a natural one that requires little intervention from you other than placing the male and female in a safe and secure environment together. If the time is right you will be the proud owner of a beautiful litter of pups in no time at all. If the timing is wrong you?ll need to wait for the female to go into heat again in about 6 months.

These breeding tips should help you find success in breeding your dog.

Gray Rollins is a writer for CreatingDogs.com. Visit us to learn about <a href="http://www.creatingdogs.com/raredogbreeds/">rare dog breeds</a> and the <a href="http://www.creatingdogs.com/bestdogbreeds/">best dog breeds</a>. Come check us out if you love dogs.

Dog Crates Transportation & Vacation 15 Tips for Travel
Taking your dog along can make the family vacation more fun, plan carefully. Here are some tips (Print check off list) to make traveling with your dog more enjoyable. Health and Safety Check off list: 1: Bring your dog to the vet for a check up before going on a long trip or transporting to another county. Make sure all his vaccinations are up to date. Also take vaccination records with you. Health certifications are required for Dog-crates transportation airline rules and regulation. 2 To keep your dog healthy as you travel, bring along a supply of his regular food and some local, or bottled, water. 3 Bring any medications your dog needs. These have to be prescribed by your vet. 4 Folding plastic dog crate or soft carry on crate is an excellent way to keep your dog safe in the car and is required for airline travel. 5 Choosing a top-Dog-crates, some feature to consider when purchasing: - Large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn and lie down, shouldn’t have space for the dog to put there paws through for safety when traveling. 6 Top-dog-crates must be Strong, with handles and grips, free of interior protrusions. Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material. 7 Ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow. 8 Water proof label, arrows upright, with owner’s name, address and phone number water proof sharpie maker. 9 Stock the crate with a comfortable mat, your dog’s favorite toy, and a water bottle. 10 (optional) Consider a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip ID this is something that you should do whether you travel or not. So many things can happen to separate your dog from his identification tags. Microchips and tattoos are always there. The cost is relatively low. 11 For Lodging: No 11: - Find out in advance which hotels or motels at your destination allow dogs or a kennel nearby. Many do not, or have size or breed restrictions. If your dog is allowed to stay at a hotel, respect other guests, staff and the property (keep dog in crate if the dog is going to stay alone). turn on the TV. 12 Keep your dog quiet as possible, blanket cover is recommended. 13 Prepare For Health Problems that are Common to Most Travelers: 14 Constipation can plague traveling pets. It can be caused by lack of exercise or water, infrequent stops or anxiety about strange new territories. Temporary constipation is not a serious problem and will usually clear up before long. For a dog, you can prepare a useful preventive with figs, prunes and raisins as well as fresh berries or other fruits in season. Bran or phylum husks are also helpful. 15 Nausea grips some animals when they ride in a car or plane, and they will either vomit or salivate excessively. The B-complex supplementation will help prevent nausea. Also, encourage your dog to lie down on the floor of the car as a preventive. (Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of your dog or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.) for more reports Top-Dog-Crates Training, Your Puppy in Crates, Relocating pets, Crate Puppy Training, Travel tips puppies, Pet Travel, Transportation Dog Crates, dog crate training, Dog-Crates, Dog-Crates Travel tips, Travel tips dogs, Travel tips puppy

Derby Owns Top-Dog-Crates which help people learn about training and transport<a href="http://www.top-dog-crates.com" title="top-dog-crates">top-dog-crates and Training </a>

Petsafe Dog Fence
As we see healthy and lovely dogs around, it really seemed so exciting and so much fun getting in-love to have one. It was really nice feelings to have a loyal companion and friend that's always there to cheer you up. But before you decide what kind of dog want to be with, it is always better to be well-prepared and make best decisions to ensure a good quality of life for you and your pet. There are thousands and millions of dogs suffering and being euthanized around and it is really hearth-breaking, so instead of becoming part of a problem, let us be a part of solution. Be responsible enough and equip ourselves with good information and education. A dog is a part of the family for a dozen or more years; the commitment to feed, shelter, and nurture a family friend for that amount of time should be based on rigorous analysis of an appropriate breed for the family circumstances. Here are some points to consider when choosing a dog that's perfect for you. First is the size, a large dog is not suitable for an apartment, for elderly owners, or for mild-mannered women because of their strength and incredible energy and exercise need. Large, agile dogs adapt well to apartment or condo living as long as they get a daily walk, and some are gentle enough that anyone with a firm voice and manner can easily handle them, they are good for house with children. Small dogs may be unsuitable for families with active children or elderly or infirm relatives who could trip over a small, bouncy critter. Some dogs are lethargic and others are very energetic and needs enough exercise a day to let these energy settle down. Those who fail to give enough exercise for very energetic dog, dogs tend to bored and divert it on unnecessary behavior like being too destructive, aggressive and many other behavior problems. Active families would be happier with a pet that can jog, hike, and play ball, and more sedate folks would most likely prefer a quieter animal. Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Corgis are not jogging companions, and Airedales, German Shepherds, and Border Collies are not typical couch potatoes, they love to walking and usually likes to perform agilities around. All dogs need some exercise to stay healthy. Most adult dogs will not exercise themselves, so time for walks and other activities is important. Some breeds are fairly easy to train, and some are quite difficult. If you lack time and patience to deal with a dog that is difficult to train, then an older dog from a rescue service may fit your bill as well as a pup of a breed that is traditionally easier to train. Intelligence is not necessarily an indicator of trainability; smart dogs often have their own agenda and require firmness of purpose on the part of their owners. Smart dogs bored easily, specially on activities that are repeated, have some different routines and activities to do, or a higher level of training like on agility training class where they can show what really they got. As a rule, terriers, hounds, and northern dogs are tough to train because of their intelligence and independent natures, and sporting and herding dogs are easier to train. The sharpest-working obedience breeds are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs, breeds that developed to closely with humans. Dog barks, they range from a lovely small bark of a puppy into annoying barks that are so embarrassing and might turn into hating neighborhood, too much barking can lead to noise laws or even pet limit laws. Terriers and scent hounds use their voices to broadcast their progress in chasing prey animals. Shelties and Collies bark to tell the sheep to git back to the barn. Canaan Dogs bark to alert their families to potential intruders. Barking dogs do not endear owners to their neighbors in apartments, condominiums, and close-knit suburbs. Dogs bark if they are too bored so ensure you have enough time and ability to train, walk and have playtime with your pet. There are some special collars available to deter barking dogs and some training methods that can help in some cases, but if potential owners take the noise factor into consideration, problems are more likely to be minimized. Owner's capabilities and commitment always have a dog with good behavior and temperament. Breed and group temperament can be described, but there is latitude within that description for individuality. Thus Akitas are declared to be tough animals, loyal, aloof, dominant, aggressive to other animals, and often challenging. However, many Akitas are sweet and cuddly, love small critters, will climb in laps if allowed, and are anything but aloof and dominant. Terriers are scrappy, yappy, tough, and independent, but Airedale Terriers bond very closely to their humans and are somewhat protective. Hounds follow their eyes or noses and are often oblivious to human presence, but Dachshunds bond closely with their families and Greyhounds and Whippets are sweet, gentle pets. Meticulous housekeepers and folks with little or no time for grooming will be happier with dogs that don't accessorize the living room with dog-hair dust bunnies a couple of times a year. Double-coated dogs may also have longer, stiffer guard hairs that can penetrate bare feet like splinters. Long-coated and double-coated dogs shed, shed, and shed some more, leaving tufts of hair to float about the house and land everywhere. Dogs with oily outer coats can develop a doggy odor that can be unpleasant, dogs with heavy coats may suffer in southern climes, and dogs with short coats may shiver in the north. Brushing is needed to remove the dead hair from wire-coated terriers, poodles, and poodle relatives, and professional grooming is necessary to maintain texture and color in wirehaired terriers. These breeds are generally better than heavily shedding breeds for owners with allergies. Your environment, dogs can be destructive to gardens, lawns, and landscape plantings. Common problems such as urinating on lawns or shrubs, roll in flowers, chomp on vegetables and branches, dig holes, and generally cause havoc unless they are restrained from doing so. Sturdy fences will keep dogs from entering gardens if they are tall enough so dog owners use underground radio fences or wireless fences. On health, have good knowledge on what to feed for your dog. Ask or look for some comments or testimonials about certain dog food before giving it to your dog. Dogs in the wild naturally eat raw food, it was natural, healthy and cheap so consider them, ask your vet about it. A good vet will say about dog raw food, if they always recommend those process food then look for a new vet that could suggest. Although purebred dogs are sometimes denigrated as harboring all sorts of genetic abnormalities and mixed breed dogs are sometimes claimed to be healthier than their purebred cousins, the truth is that all dog have the same range of health problems. Some of these problems are genetic, some result from exposure to disease or parasites, and some are the result of non-inherited birth defects or injuries. Joint problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia and loose kneecaps; eye problems; cancers; skin diseases; heart and other organ diseases; and more affect canines of every size and background. Some dogs have additional problems caused by short muzzles, long backs, giant or diminutive size, or other physical features. When you finally decide on what kind of breed, research everything about this breed. Make sure you get the dog on the right place, visit first rescue or shelter house where then can study if the dog will be perfect for your lifestyle. Also make sure you are getting the dog on true responsible breeder, they should have all the papers and required shots, etc.

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The Characteristics Of The Curly Coated Retrievers
Sponsored by:- John Holmes www.healthier-dogs.com The curly-coated Retriever is commonly believed to be of earlier origin than his flat-coated relative, and he is of less pure descent. He probably owes ancestral tribute to the Poodle. Such a cross may conceivably have been resorted to by the early Retriever breeders, and there was little to lose from a merely sporting point of view from this alien introduction, for the Poodle is well known to be by nature, if not by systematic training, an excellent water dog, capable of being taught anything that the canine mind can comprehend. During the early years of the nineteenth century the Poodle was fairly plentiful in England, and we had no other curly-coated dog of similar size and type apart from the Irish Water Spaniel, who may himself lay claim to Poodle relationship; while as to the Retriever, either curly or flat coated, he can in no sense be assigned to any country outside of Great Britain. The presumption is strong that the "gentleman from France" was largely instrumental in the manufacture of the variety, but whatever the origin of the curly-coated Retriever he is a beautiful dog, and one is gratified to note that the old prejudice against him, and the old indictment as to his hard mouth, are fast giving place to praise of his intelligence and admiration of his working abilities. Speaking generally, it seems to be accepted that he is slightly inferior in nose to his flat-coated cousin, and not quite so easy to break, but there are many keepers and handlers who have discovered in individual specimens extraordinary merit in the field combined with great endurance. It is not certain that any great improvement has been effected in the variety during recent years, but there are particular dogs to-day who are decidedly better than any that existed a dozen years or more ago, when such celebrities as True, Old Sam, King Koffee, Ben Wonder, Doden Ben, Lad and Una, were prominent, and there is no doubt that the curly coats attained show form in advance of the flat-coated variety. The coat of the curly Retriever plays a very important part in his value and personality. There are many kinds of coat, but the only true and proper one is the close-fitting "nigger curl," of which each knot is solid and inseparable. A coat of this quality is not capable of improvement by any method of grooming, for the simple reason that its natural condition is in itself perfect. The little locks should be so close together as to be impervious to water, and all parts of the body should be evenly covered with them, including the tail and legs. A bad class of coat, and one which readily yields to the faker's art, is the thin open curl which by careful manipulation can be greatly improved. Another bad quality of coat is one in which, upon the withers and over the loins in particular, the curls do not tighten up naturally, but are large, loose, and soft to the feel. Regarding the dog as a whole, the following may be taken as an all-round description:- GENERAL APPEARANCE… That of a smart, active, clean-cut and alert dog, full of go and fire--a sportsman from stem to stern. HEAD…Long and not weedy in the muzzle, nor thick and coarse in the skull, but tapering down and finishing with a stout broad muzzle. SKULL…Should be flat and moderately broad between the ears, which are rather small, and well covered with hair. EARS…Should lie close to the side of the head, but not dead in their carriage. FACE…The face should be smooth, and any indication of a forelock should be penalised. EYE…The eye should in all cases be dark and not too deeply set. NECK…Well placed in the shoulders and nicely arched, of moderate length and yet powerful and free from throatiness. SHOULDERS…Well laid back and as free from massiveness as possible, though there is a decided tendency in this variety to such a fault. LEGS…Straight and well covered with coat. The bone should show quality and yet be fairly abundant. FEET…Compact and hound-like. BODY…Should show great power, with deep, well-rounded ribs. As little cut-up in the flank as possible. TAIL…Strong at the base, set on in a line with the back and tapering to a point, the size of the curls upon it diminishing gradually to the end. HIND-QUARTERS…Should show great development of muscle, with bent hocks, the lower leg being strong and the hind feet compact. Any suspicion of cow hocks should be heavily penalised. COLOUR…Mostly a dull black. Some liver-coloured dogs are seen with very good coats and bodies, but their heads are generally thick and coarse, and the colour of their eyes does not always match, as it should do, with the colour of the coat. A few dogs of this colour have achieved distinction on the show bench. Sponsored by:- John Holmes http://www.healthier-dogs.com

John Holmes has been involved with helping dogs with arthritis for over 10years

Caring for Your Dog in the Summer
Caring for Your Dog in the Summer





With summer just around the corner, it's important to know how to best care for your dog.



As the weather becomes increasingly warmer, many dogs like to lie in the sun, swim or play freely with their owners. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunburns can be common and can become very serious - very quickly.



Heat and Hydration



Pay special attention to your dog's food and drink during the summer. On hot days, when dogs lose more moisture through panting, dogs may drink more than usual so keep checking that your pet has fresh, clean water. It's probably a good idea to put an extra bowl of water outside if your dog spends time in the yard. Remember, water will evaporate more quickly from bowls when the weather is hot, so always check to be sure there's plenty of water and that it's changed frequently.



When you take your dog for a walk in the summer, and particularly when the weather is hot, carry some extra water for your dog, and a bowl. Stop frequently to allow your pet to have a drink. Wrapping a cool pad or wet bandana around your dog's neck before heading outside can help her stay cooler and avoid heat exhaustion.



Never leave a dog in the car when it is hot, even with a window open. Don't be fooled by thinking you can quickly pop into a store or a shop with your dog and he will be fine in the car. In the summer, parked cars, even if they are in the shade, can heat up like ovens in a very short time. Panting is not efficient enough to cool the dog. Dogs can quickly suffer from heat exhaustion if they are exposed to extreme heat for too long.



Strenuous exercise in hot, humid weather can also cause heat stroke. The symptoms are obvious — restlessness, panting excessively and drooling. Dehydration is another severe condition if not treated immediately. Dogs suffering from dehydration may have a loss of skin elasticity and their mouths may become dry and tacky and saliva is thick. If the dog is not treated immediately it will become a very serious condition.



If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, lower its temperature by bathing it in cool - not cold - water and wrap a damp towel around the dog. This is a serious medical emergency and you must seek veterinary attention immediately.



Sunscreen



Other dogs need special care in the summer months, particularly white, shorthaired dogs or dogs with pale ears or noses like Boston or Bull Terriers. If your dog is white or has a pale nose or ears, buy some sunblock for your pet. Apply it to vulnerable spots every day. Because dogs have a natural inclination to lick off anything that is applied to their fur and skin, use a sunscreen that is known to be non-toxic to dogs. Your vet will be able to advise you if you unsure of which product to buy.



Swimming



Many dogs love the water. If your dog has never been swimming, try slowly introducing him to a lake, a pond or a pool. Get in the water with your dog as he builds confidence. Throw a toy or a stick a small distance away from you and encourage him to retrieve it. Or, bring another dog with you who loves the water and watch as your pet learns to swim by trying to keep up with his friend. If you want to be even more comfortable, purchase a life vest made especially for pets. The vest has handles to help you lift your dog into and out of the water. Finally, don't forget to rinse your dog with clean, fresh water after he's been swimming to be sure to get off any chemicals or bacteria.



By following these simple guidelines, you and your pet will surely have a more fun and safe summer!

Angela Wilcox is owner and operator of Leashrly Life. Leashrly Life offers professional obedience training services for dogs. You can reach Angela directly by calling 781-241-2083. For more information on obedience training, pet walking and pet sitting services please visit Leashrly Life's website at www.leashrlylife.com.

protecting our pets
Protecting Our Dogs People seem to marvel at small dogs wearing clothing. They are just so cute you want to hug them! Not only are they cute but clothing can be functional too! Short haired dogs benefit from sweaters or coats in cold weather. Long haired dogs that live in the house really benefit from a rain slicker in wet weather keeping the wet dog smell down. Hunting dogs benefit from leather boots to protect their feet from sharp rocks. Rubber boots help protect the feet from tracking mud into the house. Insulated boots help with the frost factor in some of the areas that have lots of freezing weather. Antifreeze chemicals used in deicing streets in cold weather states hurt dogs paws, the animals may start licking them and end up ingesting the toxins. Ingested antifreeze toxins can shut down your dogs kidneys. To prevent this, it is necessary to wash the dogs” paws in warm water immediately. An Article in the Moscow News “Dogs need to go for daily walks-and because Moscow’s sub-zero temperatures and sidewalks may be covered in ice or harmful chemicals to melt it, warm clothing and even shoes for dogs become not only practical but also humane.” “In temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius or below, it is imperative to put coats on dogs.” Said Valeria Shishmaryova, a veterinarian at the Movet Clinic in western Moscow. When the weather is not that cold, Shishmaryova said, dog owners should take two factors into account: breed and age. Because of the companionship, entertainment and unconditional love dogs give us it stands that we humans are willing to care for mans best friend by spending millions to protect, dress and entertain them.

About the Author Judi Burns lives on a small horse ranch where she breeds and trains horses. She has three constant companions Libby (Border collie), Red and Wendy (Aussies). Libby is a retired Search and Rescue dog. Judi and three of her horses are certified and active in Mounted Search and Rescue. Judi also sells on-line dog apparel. <a href="http://www.primpmypet.com">dog apparel</a>

The AKC Parent Club of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever Club is the AKC Parent Club of the Labrador Retriever. Browse information about the LRC, the breed standard, our breeders directory, upcoming events ...

The Characteristics Of The Greyhound
The Characteristics Of The Greyhound Sponsored by:- John Holmes who has helped dogs with arthritis for over ten years. http://www.healthier-dogs.com The Greyhound is the oldest and most conservative of all dogs, and his type has altered singularly little during the seven thousand years in which he is known to have been cherished for his speed, and keptby men for running down the gazelle or coursing the hare. The earliest references to him are far back in the primitive ages, long before he was beautifully depicted by Assyrian artists, straining at the leash or racing after his prey across the desert sands. The Egyptians loved him and appreciated him centuries before the pyramids were built. In those days he wore a feathered tail, and his ears were heavy with a silken fringe of hair. Various opinions have been advanced as to the best size and weight for a Greyhound. Like horses, Greyhounds run in all forms, and there is no doubt that a really good big one will always have an advantage over the little ones; but it is so difficult to find the former, and most of the chief winners of the Waterloo Cup have been comparatively small. HEAD… Long and narrow, slightly wider in skull, allowing for plenty of brain room; lips tight, without any flew, and eyes bright and intelligent and dark in colour. EARS… Small and fine in texture, and semi-pricked. TEETH… Very strong and level, and not decayed or cankered. NECK…Lengthy, without any throatiness, but muscular. SHOULDERS… Placed well back in the body, and fairly muscular, without being loaded. FORE-LEGS… Perfectly straight, set well into the shoulders, with strong pasterns and toes set well up and close together. BODY… Chest very deep, with fairly well-sprung ribs; muscular back and loins, and well cut up in the flanks. HIND-QUARTERS… Wide and well let down, with hocks well bent and close to the ground, with very muscular haunches, showing great propelling power, and tail long and fine and tapering with a slight upward curve. COAT… Fairly fine in texture. WEIGHT…The ideal weight of a dog is from 60 pounds to 65 pounds, of a bitch from 55 pounds to 60 pounds. http://www.healthier-dogs.com Sponsored by:- John Holmes who has helped dogs with arthritis for over ten years.

Sponsored by:- John Holmes who has helped dogs with arthritis for over ten years. http://www.healthier-dogs.com

Osteochondritis Dissecans: Dog Bones Disorder

In any joint in the body, two bones come together and movement is allowed between them, there is an exceptionally smooth area of cartilage covers in surface of each bone which acts as a cushion and protects the underlying bone. If anything disrupts this smooth cartilage surface, movement of the joint becomes painful, this is called Osteochondritis Dissecans. OCD usually affects shoulder, ankle, elbow and knee joints, and primarily seen in human, horse and dog. In dogs, OCD mainly strikes large dog breeds, and is fairly common in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards. Not all big breeds are vulnerable: OCD is less likely to affect Doberman Pinschers, Collies, and Siberian Huskies.

This disorder seems to be spontaneous and not so easy to predict. OCD often cause of rapid bone developments and usually found in puppies between ages four to eight months of age. OCD also occassionally found in older dogs and small dog breeds, and the male dogs are more often affected almost five times than female dogs. OCD can be hereditary from any or both parents who had the condition. Other common cause of OCD are; too much stress on dogs young bones also, restricted blood flow to the cartilage, overweight problems, trauma, developed cracks on growing bones and weight bearing bones, or poor diet and nutrition. Proper petsafe is needed to ensure good health and wellness of dogs.

Every time this dog would move the joint or bear weight on it, the flap would irritate the underlying tissue and create pain and discomfort. That's why a dog limps with this condition. Injury to the surface cartilage may lead to the separation of the cartilage from the bone or cause a decrease in blood supply that leads to cartilage flap formation. Common signs of OCD are; limping dog leg, favoring one paw or leg while walking or even when lying down, swelling at the shoulder or, more rarely, the elbows and knees, pain and discomfort when trying to extend a swollen joint.

Osteochondritis Dissecans can be treated, one treatment method called "conservative treatment" requires the dog to be confined to pens or dog crates for number of weeks where activity and jumping will be kept to a minimum. After four to ten weeks of confinement there is about a sixty percent chance that the cartilage defect on the humeral head will heal and the dog will return to normal activity. The most direct approach and the one that returns the pup to normal activity the soonest is the surgical approach. In surgery the veterinarian makes an incision over the shoulder and accesses the shoulder joint. Opening the joint space the surgeon inspects for any loose cartilage pieces and rotates the humerus to expose the back side of the head of the humerus where the defect comes into view. For growing puppies, it has been recommended that animals that are susceptible to the disease be fed a diet that is lower in protein and fat, or that they are fed in a limited manner to allow steady even growth during the first year of life. This theory may have merits, but more specific studies need to be done before any general recommendations can be made. Some people believe that an overweight growing dog will be more likely to develop OCD, but there isn't much evidence yet. Protect a young pup's limbs from unnecessary physical impact, such as repeated jumps off a deck or out of a car. Proper diet certainly play a role, choose healthy, natural and balanced puppy diet that promote healthy bone growth and may reduce your dog's odds of getting OCD.

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