Pet Training and Care

pic

And what about numbers are not be studied or reported?

29 million dog owners traveling with their dogs – since many dog owners have more than one dog, that number does not reflect the actual number of dogs riding in cars and trucks.

But for statistical purposes, let’s use that figure of 29 million. Only 20% – 5,800,000 – of those dogs are restrained while traveling. That leaves 23,200,000 running loose in the vehicle while their owner is driving.

The 30,000 people willing to admit that their dog caused their accident are all insured by AAA. Imagine if every auto insurer conducted the same survey with their insured drivers as the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Think of all of the auto insurance carriers – All State, State Farm, Travelers, Farmers, Mercury, Nationwide, Progressive, Geico, AARP, Safeco and more. A survey of their clients may yield different numbers than those obtained by AAA, but you can be sure that the dog owners insured by AAA are not the only owners who have had accidents because their dog was not using a dog seat belt or dog car harness.

We will never know the true number of accidents caused by dogs jumping around the vehicle unrestrained. But we can imagine from the above study and survey results that the numbers are too high.

Thankfully, 20% of dog owners do use dog seat belts and dog car harnesses. Won’t you join them?

---=

he Bark Buckle UP Campaign is a nationwide pet safety program that teaches and promotes pet safety while traveling with pets. Founder Christina Shelter believes that educating people about pet safety in and around automobiles will save the lives of pets and humans and make the jobs of Rescue Workers jobs easier and safer.

Christina buckles up her dog, Betty, every time she rides in the car, even if she’s just driving to the supermarket. Asked why she responds, for using seat belt “Seat belts protect lots of people every day. In the event of an accident, an extravagant pet can escape and be hit by another car, cause another collision or attack emergency crews trying to reach an injured party. It only takes a few minutes to safeguard your pet and, by properly securing your pet, you are protecting yourself, your passengers and your pets from injury, not to mention protecting other drivers and strangers trying to help.”

As a part of their national program, the Bark Buckle UP campaign educates pet parents about the importance of securing their pet safely for travel. They also give lessons on how to put on and take off dog seat belts, dog car harnesses and seat belt attachments correctly.

We encourage you and your dog to attend one of their events. For more information, visit Bark Buckle UP.

And when you register, you will receive a free Pet Safety Kit that includes:

Tag

dog car harness,  dog car safety, Dog Car Seat, dog car seat belt, dog harness car seat belt, dog leash seat belt, dog obedience training, Dog Restraint, Dog Safety, dogs car safety, dog seatbelt, Dog Seat Belt, dog seat belt, dog seat belt attachment, dog seat belt clip, dog seat belt harness, dog seat belt harnesses, dog seat belt restraint, dog seatbelts, dog seat belts, dogs seat belt , dogs training, Dog Training, dog training methods, pet car seat, pet dog training, puppy dog training, seat belt for dog, seat belt harness , small dog seat belt,

-----=

Dogs Using Dog Seat Belts

Once you have decided that a dog seat belt is one of the dog car accessories that you must have, you need to know which one to choose. You want the dog car seat belt you choose to be easy to put on and comfortable for your dog to wear. And it must be the right size and style for the weight of your dog.

Dog seat belts and harnesses are ordered by size (small, medium, large or extra large) or by your dog’s weight. Most are adjustable in order to ensure your pets comfort and to be sure it conforms to you dogs specific bodily proportions. Have your dog’s weight and rib cage circumference in hand before picking the right sized dog restraint.

All styles of dog seat belts and harnesses work with your existing auto seat belts. Note that this is not true for zip lines that connect to the passenger handles on either side of the vehicle, and then clip to your dog’s harness.

In their simplest form, a dog seat belt is a buckle that clips to your dog’s collar and then into the auto seat belt clip.

A more comprehensive restraining device is the dog seat belt that is made of adjustable straps that fit your dog and then clip into the seat belt.

And finally, there are dog car harnesses that look like a vest. These have a strap that attaches to the harness and then clips into the seat belt of the vehicle.

An additional feature of both canine seat belts and harnesses is that you can attach your dog leash when out of the car so they eliminate the need for an extra walking harness.

For a minimal amount of money, you can buy a dog seat belt or dog car harness and keep your dog, you and your passengers safe while riding in your car or truck.

English bulldogs are descendants of the ancient Asiatic mastiff and originated from the British Isles. In 15th century literature the original spelling of the term "Bulldog" was Bondogge or Bolddogge. It wasn't until the 1630's that the modern spelling of the word appears. A 1631 letter by Preswick Eaton writes "procuer mee two good Bulldogs, and let them be sent by ye first ship".

The term "bull" was applied to this breed because of their use in the sport of bull baiting. In the century, Bulldogs were used to bait either bulls or bears. It was a gambling or wager sport where trained Bulldogs attacked a bull tied to a post. The Bulldog would usually attack by latching onto the animal's snout in an attempt to suffocate the bull. They were aggressive, courageous and at times ferocious. However modern day bulldogs have a very different temperament from their fighting ancestors.

In New York during that same time period Bulldogs were also used to round up wild bulls, a city wide effort led by governor Richard Nicolis. Wild bulls were considered very dangerous. The Bulldogs were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be fasted around its neck. Bulldogs were also sometimes abused in dog fights. However by 1835 dog fighting was banned in the United Kingdom by the Cruelty to Animals Act.

Eventually the original old English bulldog was crossed with the pug and the new breed of Bulldog was promoted as a house pet. As a result of the genetic mixing, the puppies were shorter and wider with a brachycephalic skull. Even though bulldogs today appear tough and strong, they can no longer perform the job they were originally created for. Not only would they no longer survive being thrown form a bull, but they would also fail at gripping with such a short muzzle.

The Bulldog Club (England 1878) is the oldest single breed specialty club. Members of the club would meet often at the Blue Post pub on Oxford Street in London; where they determined the first standard of perfection for the breed. In 1891, top Bulldogs, Orry and Dockleaf, competed against each other in a walking competition. Orry closely resembled the older original Bulldogs, whereas Dockleaf was small and heavier, similar to the modern day Bulldog. Dockleaf was declared the winner of the competition. Even though many people disagreed and believed Orry was more physically fit, Dockleaf's looks won over the fans of the breed.

According to the American Kennel Club a Bulldog's "disposition should be equable and kind, resolute and courageous (not vicious or aggressive), and demeanor should be pacific and dignified. These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behavior."

Don't let the English bulldog's intimidating appearance deceive you; they are actually extremely gentle. Even still you can rely on an English bulldog to scare away any intruder, not many individuals are willing to bait a bull. Their inherent courage makes them excellent guard dogs. Usually bulldogs are very dependable. They are also generally affectionate and gentle with children. Bulldogs will often seek out human attention and one on one time. A fair amount of attention is required to ensure a bulldogs happiness.

Bulldogs are very persistent; they do not give up on a task easily. Some English Bulldogs can also exhibit dominating behavior. Bulldogs that display guarding behaviors, or are continually aggressive, do not have parents who are acting like a pack leader. This type of dominating behavior only happens if it is allowed by the pet owner. They will need an owner who understands alpha behavior and can display strong leadership to control the bulldog. Bulldogs are generally more content and happy in a home where there is a strong dominant human leader. It actually causes unnecessary stress for your pet if they feel they are the leader of the house and are responsible for the human pack. Most bulldogs however, understand their place in a human home and are nice and reliable with people. In fact some bulldogs become so attached to their home and family they will not venture out into the yard without a human companion.

Breeders have worked to breed aggression completely out of the English bulldog and because of this bulldogs are usually of a good temperament. However some bulldogs, particularly males, may not get along with visiting humans or foreign dogs. While bulldogs make great family dogs, you have to be careful with stranger canine's interacting with your pet. Your bulldog may feel threatened and as a result show dominance to prevent becoming a submissive follower to the other canine. If your bulldog is raised alongside another dog, they should develop a healthy relationship with each other. But again, adult males in particular tend to exhibit aggression towards other males. It is important to socialize your bulldog as early as possible to prevent this aggression later in adulthood. Despite their general laidback attitude Bulldogs also sometimes exhibit food aggression. Bulldogs are generally very protective over their food; they love to eat and do not want anyone to disturb their meal time. Children should be taught to always stay away from their Bulldog during meal times.

Bulldogs will have endless patience with children who consistently hug and climb on them. They are one of the most agreeable breeds, which make the English bulldog a great pet for a family with children. While puppies are almost always spirited and overly enthusiastic, adult Bulldogs mellow out quickly and prefer to spend the afternoon sleeping opposed to a long walk around the park. They often

snore very loudly. They are also known for having excess drool and slobber, which makes them messy eaters. Don't let their grumpy looking wrinkles fool you; English bulldogs are usually docile and obedient with pleasant temperaments. Overall bulldogs are social and extraverted, but occasionally willful. The popular saying "stubborn as a Bulldog" may have come about from observing a frustrated Bulldog.

Exercise/Living Conditions

Bulldogs do not require a lot of daily exercise. In fact, too much exercise in hot weather can become dangerous to a bulldogs health. Despite their love of relaxation, bulldogs should be walked regularly to keep them in shape. Obesity can become a problem for bulldogs that do not exercise often. Regular scheduled walks help keep their mind and body active. While walking a bulldog, be sure to walk in front of the bulldog, because in a dog's mind the leader of the pack is always out in front. Along those same lines, teach the bulldog to enter and exit all doors and gateways after people have gone through.

A lot of house space is not required to make a Bulldog happy. Apartments and condos will do just fine as long as there is a nice place for the Bulldog to rest and sleep. The size of the indoor space is not an issue because bulldogs are very inactive while indoors. Bulldogs are indoor pets and should not be kept outside for long periods of time. A temperate climate best suits a bulldog. They have trouble cooling themselves off in the heat and they chill easily in the cold. Healthy active English Bulldogs are able to move very quickly for short intervals of time, making playtime fun and exciting.

Grooming your English bulldog puppy

English bulldogs have very fine, smooth, short hair, making their coat easy to groom. Comb their coat with a firm bristle brush to keep it healthy and clean. Do not bathe your English bulldog too often, only bathe them when necessary. However, you should wipe their face with a damp cloth every day to keep their wrinkled skin clean. English bulldogs shed an average amount in comparison to other breeds.

Please share your personal experiences with Bulldogs by leaving a comment

Bulldog breed clubs place the average life span of English Bulldogs at eight to twelve years. However, a UK survey places the average life span at six and a half years. Twenty percent of the deaths in the survey were cardiac related, 18 percent because of cancer, and 9 percent were due to old age. The English Bulldogs that died of old age in the survey had an average lifespan of ten to eleven years.

In the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Statistics report (1979-2009), 73.9% of English bulldog's were affected by hip dysplasia, a higher percentage than any other breed. The study lasted thirty six years and around 467 Bulldogs contributed to the statistics report. The English bulldog also recorded the worst score in the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia scoring scheme. Patellar luxation is another condition which can affect Bulldogs. Around 6.2% of Bulldogs are inflicted.

Some English bulldogs are prone to inter-digital cysts, which are cysts that form in between their toes. The cysts can cause the dog some discomfort, but can be treated by a vet or an experience pet owner. Other problems that may occur include cherry eye, a protrusion of the inner eyelid. Fortunately, this can be corrected by a veterinarian. Allergies and respiratory issues are also common in English bulldogs.

English bulldog puppies are delivered by Cesarean section quite frequently. The bulldogs' characteristically large heads are often too big to fit through the mother's birth canal; this occurs in over 80% of bulldog litters. However, plenty of bulldogs are birthed naturally with success.

Infections can also arise on a Bulldog's face inside their many folds of skin. The pet owner should clean inside the creases daily to prevent moisture accumulation. Some bulldogs' tails are naturally curled so tightly to the body that this area also requires regular cleaning and ointment application.

Daily exercise can help prevent your pet from becoming overweight. Obesity in English bulldogs can lead to heart and lung problems, as well as joint pains. Be sure your bulldog is eating a healthy diet; too much human food can lead to obesity along with excess flatulence.

Bulldogs are generally sensitive to extremes in temperature. Take extra caution with your pet during the warm summer months. Be sure your pet is given plenty of shade and water. Air condition or good ventilation is essential to keep your pet healthy. Bulldogs mostly sweat through the pads on their feet, which is why bulldogs generally prefer cool tile or cement floors. Like all brachycephalic or "short- faced" breeds, bulldogs can easily get overheated or die from hyperthermia. Slight airway obstruction is commonly found in bulldogs causing them to breathe heavy and snore loudly. Being aware of your pets' health and the climate outside can help ensure your bulldogs safety.

In order to address some of these health concerns, the Kennel Club revised breed standards for the British Bulldog (2009). Even though it was opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, the press speculated that the changes would lead to fewer skin folds, a smaller head, a taller posture and a longer muzzle in an attempt to eradicate the breeds' common respiratory problems.

Bulldogs are inherently stubborn so they can sometimes be a challenge to train. Positive reinforcement or food rewards are the only two acceptable methods to train this breed. A heavy hand will not be a successful method and may damage your bulldog physically and emotionally. English bulldogs rank 78th out of 80 in Stanley Corens', The Intelligence of Dogs, placing them amongst the lowest degree in working and obedience intelligence.

Medical:

Our puppies will come to their new home having had their tail docked, their dew claws removed and fully up to date on their puppy shots (which are given at eight, twelve and sixteen weeks).  They also will have been on a deworming schedule.  A health certificate of all vaccines & deworming doses administered will be provided for their new family to give to their new Veterinarian. They will need their first rabies vaccine between sixteen weeks and six months of age.  We recommend neutering or spaying prior to six months or as suggested by your Veterinarian.  It is also a good idea to start your puppy on heart worm prevention by five months of age.  We also strongly advise having your Veterinarian microchip your puppy as soon as possible.  All of our Standard Poodle puppies are examined by our Veterinarian before leaving us, however, we suggest the new owner takes the puppy to their own Veterinarian soon after they arrive in their new home.

Grooming:

It is important to brush a Standard Poodle's coat several times a week to prevent their hair from matting.  Poodles typically need a hair cut every 6 - 8 weeks and bathing them as needed.  It is also important to keep their nails trimmed and their ear canals free from hair.

Exercising:

The Standard Poodle puppy requires daily exercise to ensure good health. Taking walks, running in the yard, throwing a ball around - anything to get them up and moving (without over doing it) will benefit the puppies health as well as helping to prevent behavioral problems.

Feeding:

The puppies need to be fed 3 or 4 times a day.  The puppy food we would recommend using is actually the Kirkland Signature Super Premium Puppy: Chicken, Rice and Vegetable; purchased at Costco.  This is a very affordable, healthy, dry dog food that we have been quite pleased with.

Socializing:

 Exposing your puppy to different settings & people is a very important part of their overall mental and behavioral health.  Take them to the park, the pet store or on a walk through town.  Praise them for accepting petting from friendly strangers and for behaving calmly around other dogs.  The more your puppy learns of the world around them, the more comfortable they will be in it.

Training:

When house training your puppy whether it is crate training or paper training, you need to be consistent.  Accidents will happen, so be patient.  Take the puppy outside frequently to relieve themselves, especially after eating or napping.  Praise them often.

Teaching your puppy basic commands will not only make your life easier, but will also fill your puppies desire to learn and please you.  Puppy obedience classes are often fun for the owners and are beneficial for the puppies as they socialize with other dogs.  

If you are looking for the perfect family dog, the Standard Poodle is one of the top choices. They are clean, well-mannered, intelligent, non-shedding and affectionate.  These wonderful dogs make excellent family pets that adore children.  They generally stand between 22 - 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 45 - 70 pounds.  The breed is a member of the water dog family;closely related to the Portuguese Water Dog.  It is thought to have originated in either Russia or Germany - and then later popularized in France where it is known as the "Caniche" (from the French word for "duck").  The name Poodle actually comes from the German word "Pudel" which means "to splash in water".

 Like all intelligent affectionate dogs, Standard Poodles thrive on human companionship and are extremely eager to please their owners.  They excel in obedience, conformation, agility, hunting, tracking, service and in their favorite past time - as cherished family pets.  Standard Poodles will announce the arrival of visitors, but are generally friendly toward them.  They are highly adaptable and make good watchdogs as well.

 The Standard Poodle is highly intelligent, making training a fairly simple process.  They quickly understand what is expected of them and can learn a wide variety of tricks and games.  Standard Poodles are likely to enjoy the training process.  Any effort put into training the Standard will reap large rewards.

 Poodles require regular brushing & grooming to keep their dense coat tangle free.  The poodle should be trimmed every 6 weeks or so.  Standards need plenty of daily outdoor exercise such as long walks, running, swimming, retrieving or playing catch.