Choosing the Right Dog Kennel

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Choosing the right size and style dog kennel and run is important for the contentment of your dog.  Unless your dog is going to be an indoor dog, you will most likely want to build or buy outdoor housing, a kennel, for your dog.  Even if your dog is primarily an indoor dog, you may still want to have a kennel outdoors as there are times when you may want your dog outdoors such as when you have visitors who are allergic to dogs, or if you'll be away all day and don't want to leave your dog inside while you are gone.

Primary considerations when deciding on your dog kennel

The two main factors, when deciding on what type of dog kennel you need are:

• The size of your yard


• The size of your dog

The size of your yard:  Obviously, if you do not have a large yard you wouldn't want the entire yard taken up by a dog kennel and run.  However, if you do have a decent sized yard, and your dog will be primarily an outdoor dog, it is best to at least provide a good sized run for your dog.  A dog that is cooped up all day may become very bored.  Bored dogs tend to have behavioral problems such as incessant barking, digging, whining or other destructive behavior. I have seen a dog tear apart their wooden dog kennel piece by piece when left tied up too long. (It was a Golden Retriever and they are notorious chewers!)

The size of your dog:  It goes without saying that a smaller dog does not need a gigantic run.  In fact, oftentimes smaller dogs are indoor dogs and in that case you would only need to build or buy a kennel, there would be no real need for a run.

The Kennel and Run

The kennel is a house for your dog, where they can go in and find shelter from the weather (either the heat and sun, or the rain and cold) and safety and security.  It should be large enough for your dog to turn around in, and to lay stretched out in comfortably. It should also be deep enough to provide shelter and safety.  Ideally, it should be high enough for your dog to stand up in without him having to lower his head below his shoulders.

The kennel should be weather proof, and that any metal parts are rust proof.

A run is attached to a kennel, and not always weatherproofed, often there is no ceiling to the run.  They are usually, made from heavy mesh attached to the kennel.  The floor of the run can be cemented although it doesn't have to be.  Of course, if your run is not cemented chances are that the ground will get muddy and the grass will die after some time.  There's also the possibility of your dog digging out under the mesh perimeter too, if your dog is a good digger.  Cement floors are easier to clean, but you may want to cover it with a sealant as normal paint can peel and look ugly after a while.

Whatever you decide for your dog, remember that a happily housed dog is a content dog and content dogs generally behave much better than bored, or uncomfortably housed dogs.  Don't be afraid to invest well in your dog's kennel and run, as the investment will pay off.

Susan Westingham, dog lover and owner, has had many years of experience in exhibiting dogs in Dog Shows and is an expert in dog obedience training. She has written numerous articles on dog care, dog training aids and obedience training. Read more information on the dog kennel and run and training aids such as the anti bark collar

Should You Show Your Dog

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Sometimes you run into the pet owner who is so proud of his dog that he has their pictures in his wallet as if they were his children. In fact, some pet owners think of their dogs as their fur children. For this extremely proud pet owner, maybe it would make sense to funnel some of that pride into showing their dog competitively. But how does one get started showing one's dog, and what kind of competitions are there for dogs these days? For pet owners there are many options for showing off your dog's talents, all you need to do is look in the right place.
Conformation Show

When people think of a dog show, this is generally what comes to mind. The Westminster, for example, is a conformation show. These types of shows judge the dog based on its conformation to the breed standard, which is determined by the breed organization. This organization is in turn headed by a parent organization, such as the American Kennel Club in the US. For this type of show your dog must be pure bred with AKC papers to be shown. He or she must also be whole (not spayed or neutered). This narrows the candidates quite a bit, but for people with a passion for a singular breed, this is a great arena of competition.
Obedience Trial

This type of competition tests the ability of a dog to obey the handler's commands. This includes commands such as sit, stay, and come along with more complex commands. Obedience trials are held by the AKC, which allows only pure bred dogs, but also by other organizations such as the American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry. This means that even if your dog is not pure bred he or she can still compete. Depending on the level of performance, the dog can earn a title ranging from "CD" (Companion Dog) to "OTCh" (Obedience Trial Champion).
Dog Agility

One of the most fun competitions for both dog and owner, agility tests the ability of a dog to negotiate an obstacle course quickly and accurately. Dogs run through tunnels, soar over jumps, and balance on teeter-tots like circus performers. Handlers cannot touch the dog or course, only motion and give commands. Many organizations allow dogs of any breed to enter, as long as the dog is healthy. Dogs are matched by size, and judging is based on accuracy and quickness. These shows are great fun just to watch. Expect the border collies to take the cake almost every time.
Herding Trials

These competitions test the abilities of herding dogs to direct sheep. A flock is set on unfenced land, and the dog has to herd the sheep through several test elements before herding them into a pen. The handler uses voice commands, but much of the burden is on the dog. Scoring is based on pints given for each test element and for time. Some organizations allow any dog that has been trained to herd to enter, while others allow only herding breeds. This is a great competition to show of the skills of a working dog.
Field Trials

These competitions test the abilities of hunting dogs in the field. Dogs are usually divided into four sub-groups depending on function including: Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels, Sporting Spaniels, Pointers and Setters, Breeds that Hunt, Point, and Retrieve. Game is shot live in the field, and points are given for how well the dog performs its specific function. Some trials are hosted by gun clubs, while others are hosted by dog clubs. For a well trained working dog, these competitions can be greatly stimulating.

There are many options for you if you want to show your dog, and all are a great way to become closer to your canine companion. Take the process with a light heart, and remember that if he doesn't win, your dog does not take the verdict personally. He's just happy to be close to you.

Puppies For Sale NY Visit Worldwide Puppies and Kittens in Bellmore, New York, or call them at 516-679-7880 for more information. Their website is www.WorldwidePups.com. No matter what your lifestyle, Worldwide Puppies and Kittens will ensure that you will find the perfect puppy or kitten with the perfect size and temperament to match it.

History of the Neapolitan Mastiff

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The Neapolitan mastiff has been recognized as a breed in the modern world only since 1949. However through bas reliefs, paintings and statues dating from 3000 years before Christ, we can trace his roots to the giant war dogs of Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia, and Asia. Even as historical a figure as Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.) was instrumental in creating the Neapolitan Mastiff. Alexander is known to have crossed the giant Macedonian and Epirian war dogs with the short-haired "Indian" dogs to create the Molossus. The Molossus was a dog characterized by having a wide, short muzzle and a heavy dewlap and was used to fight tigers, lions, elephants, and men in battle. This animal is easily recognized as the great forefather of the Neapolitan Mastiff.

When the Romans conquered Greece, they adopted the Molossus dogs and also used them in battle, in the hunt, and in the arena. The Roman invasion of England gave them access to the even larger giant Mastiff dogs there which the Romans crossed with their own now formidable war beasts. The several different breeds that are descended from these dogs have many traits in common: they are large powerful animals, are devoted to their masters, and are superior defenders of person and property.

Over the centuries, breeders of the mastino in the Neapolitan area of southern Italy, focused on breeding guards for the homes and estate. They created a breed which retained the giant size, heavy, loose skin and dewlap. This was an animal which was a stay-at-home type, and was good with the family but was bred to detect unwanted intruders and to deter them from the property under their care. Indeed, many say that the Neapolitan Mastiff's serious looks alone are enough to deter any intruder.

After the second World War, several Italians began to organize and promote the breed. The first exhibition was held in Naples in 1946, with six Neapolitan Mastiff being presented. The standard was first codified in 1948 by Dr. Piero Scanziani and the breed was recognized by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) in 1949. The standard was rewritten again for greater precision in 1971.

By the early 1970's the breed had representatives in most other European countries and had acquired significant footholds in Germany and the USA, where a few fanciers became fascinated by the art of breeding this uniquely looking and moving dog.

And we say art because the breeding of the Neapolitan Mastiff is truly an art. To quote Giusseppe Alessandra, president of the A.T.I.M.A.N.A., (the International Association of the Neapolitan Mastiff), "there are three important and equal aspects to the Neapolitan Mastiff: its type, its size, and its soundness".

The Mastino's type, its unique appearance, was created in the Neapolitan countryside by years of inbreeding. As a result, the traits that make the Neo an unusual dog: its wrinkles, dewlap, loose skin, enormous bone, and distinct lumbering gait, are created by an accumulation of recessive genes. To breed a sound dog with these attributes is truly an art...and a challenge.

In those countries where the Neapolitan Mastiff has achieved a steady population, the breeders have tended to focus on that aspect of the breed which adheres to cultural ideals. For instance, in Italy, the focus is on type over size and soundness. In Germany, the focus tends to be on size first, then type then soundness. In the United States, the focus has been on soundness, then size, then type. Only in the last five years have US breeders regularly been able to produce formidable dogs of the splendid type that amazes and awes true Neapolitan Mastiff fans world-wide.

http://printertoner.ws/

Peter Mangano

The Breed - Hound Dog - Your Hunting Buddy And Companion

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The hound dog is known to be quite the useful companion for hunters. Hound dogs have the ability to track and chase down the targeted animal. The breed uses their sight and smell to find their prey. This differs slightly from gun dogs and retrievers, both of which are also used in hunting. The gun dog directs hunters to the location of potential prey while the retriever recovers quarry that has been shot and left for dead. Sight Hounds, like the Greyhound, Saluki and Afghan, display amazing speed that they use to catch and kill their game. The Scent Hound is usually a slower breed like Bassets, Beagles and Bloodhounds, who track down prey from scent.

The Beagle is perhaps the oldest hound. This Scent Hound has quite the nose and will constantly follow scents around. Despite a stubbornness that makes them difficult to train for obedience, this small dog makes a great pet. They get along fabulously with children and other dogs and have a generally calm demeanor.

Dachshunds are another breed dog type that may present some difficulty with housebreaking and obedience training. they are usually independent and stubborn but always good hearted. A Dachshund is playful, fun and able to handle non aggressive kids. You can get them in either a Miniature or Standard size. They also have three different coat varieties - shorthair, longhair and wirehair.

Basset Hounds are friendly, trustworthy and gentle hounds. This dog is extremely loyal and will literally worship their master. Basset Hounds are easy-going and get along fine with children, animals and strangers. This Scent Hound will have their nose to the ground quite a bit. In fact, the only time they may lack obedience is when they are investigating a new scent.

A very large, intimidating and powerful breed is the Bloodhound. Despite this dog's tough strong exterior, they are usually affectionate teddy bears with family and children. The negatives? You'll have quite the droller on your hands and they can show some temper when it comes to possessiveness of their toys and food.

A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a hound with a very distinguishing ridge of hair that runs the opposite direction to the rest of the dog's coat. The dog is very dignified, intelligent, trustworthy and loyal. They can be a little overly protective of family and wary of strangers and other animals. A younger Ridgeback is also too hyper for toddlers and small children. Breeders are gradually phasing this breed dog hound out by spaying and neutering offspring so they are no longer bred.

The Whippet is a quiet and gentle breed. The dog is quite energetic and playful, with superb athletic skills, but many of these dogs are confined to small spaces since their size makes them apartment friendly. They are sometimes content to spend a good portion of their day sleeping. Some of these dogs experience a condition called "excessive greeting disorder", an overly excited ritual of greeting their owners, even when only separated momentarily. These episodes include howling, barking, jumping, running in circles, humping and trying to throw you off balance.

Other popular hound dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club, include the Basenji, Irish Wolfhound, Borzoi and Afghan Hound. All of these dogs provide a great form of companionship that extends well beyond your home.

Scott Jackson has been in the Pet Industry for over ten years. He has managed large Pet Specialty Retail stores and has worked as a distributor rep in the pet industry. He is a pet owner and lover who has extensive knowledge in pet nutrition and care. He runs a website http://www.coloradopetresources.com and http://www.dogandcatarticles.com where he gives information on pet care, location of Colorado independent pet retailers, vets, breeders and a general meeting place for pet lovers.

Visit http://www.coloradopetresources.com and find the information you need.

Sunny - The 11-week old English pointer

January 2010 - Westminster, MD Warrior's Mark is one of the nearly 200 exhibitors here at the Great American Hunting and Outdoor Show at the Carroll County Agriculture Center in Maryland. The Wingshooting Lodge and Kennel is based in the Appalachian Mointains of Central Pennsylvania and features more than 2700 acres of prime hunting and shooting grounds. With them is this pup, the last of her litter. "We breed six different kinds of hunting dogs," a Warrior's Mark's rep told us: English pointers, labs, Brittanys, German shorthair, English setters, and pointers. (Look here for more info on their available pups.) NRAblog is willing to bet this one, an 11-week-old, female English pointer, will be sold by the end of this weekend's show. At only $600, we may buy her! Warrior's Mark also offers dog training seminars, training and shooting grounds, and 3D archery.

Armstrong and Miller - What's my job?

Sketch about 2 businessman who discuss their travel on a plane. One of the businessman has no idea what his job is; he simply attends meetings and discusses golf... shout "Alexander Armstrong" "Ben Miller" "armstrong and miller" funny comedy sketch show hilarious comic silly cat dog lol amazing unbelievable stupid joke standup "thearmstrongandmillershow" compilation howler bloopers TV television BBC comico viral mistake "the armstrong and miller show" "retarded policeman" "times online" "Brabbins and Fyffe" origami "susan boyle" hendrix "jimmy kemmel" "trick daddy" "telephone lady gaga" dusseldorf new york no idea meeting golf handicaps breast plane php residual solutions baker fireman supermodel astronaut bullfighter special needs scottish plastic work job

AKC/Eukanuba 02.12.2007 alaskan malamute

alaskan malamute AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, Long Beach, CA forum.am-lb.ru video from Karina. AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Results Displayed for the December 2007 Show Held in Long Beach, CA judged by Mrs. Wendy G. Willhauck Best of Breed (ЛПП) кобель CH SILVERICE'S NO MORE MR.ICE GUY Birthdate: 5/3/2003 Sire: Ch Silverice's The Bottom Line Dam: Ch Snoklassic Only On The Sundae' Breeder(s): Alisa Syar Owner(s): Mike Stone & Alisa Syar