There are many methods to teach dogs how to weave. Having attended a variety of agility camps and agility seminars, I’ve seen quite a few of the top handlers present their preferred method of weave training. Their training techniques vary,but the one thing they do have in common, the end result, their dogs all weave fast and efficiently.
The Weave Chute is one method of training weaves. The Weave Chute is a structure where the weave poles pull apart and the dog runs down the middle channel. The weave poles are setup on a base either PVC or metal, the even number poles pull back to the same side and the odd numbered poles pull apart to the same side. The poles are brought closer together, training a chain of sessions, until the weave poles are in a straight line.
To start, the weave poles are about 3 feet apart. Set your dog on a Stay (Sit, Down, or Stand). Leave your dog and go to the other end of the chute or channel. Call your dog, allow them to run as fast as they can through the chute, when they get near you through a toy straight ahead or between your legs. You want them to keep moving past you and not slow up as they get near you.
Move the weaves closer together, try 2 feet for a few sessions, then 1 foot apart for a few sessions. When the weaves are about 1 foot apart your dog will begin to actually begin the weaving behavior, depending on the size of your dog of course. This is the stage to add guide wires. The guide wires help the dog stay on path through the weaves. Your dogs speed will most likely slow a little in this stage. This is all right, he is thinking more and feeling the weaves against him for the first time.
You are still using your Stay at one end of the weaves, leaving your dog and going to the other end of the weaves and calling him through. Make sure your dog is successfully coming to you through the weave path, not jumping over the guide wires and running to you. If this happens replace him. If it happens again, go back and open the weave chute a little more. Practice until he can come to you down the weave chute with 70% to 80% accuracy, not many of us are 100% right in everything we try. Begin moving the weave poles closer together in inches now. Most dogs do well even if the weaves are off set by one inch , but somehow when they are setup in a line, they must look different and training sessions may seem stalled for awhile. Be patient, practice with your weaves offset by one inch then in a straight line, if you encounter problems, go back to the one inch offset. Your dog will soon realize he can weave when the poles are in a straight line.
The next transition is taking off the guide wires. With 12 poles, you use 10 guide wires. The first guide wires I remove are from the middle. The last ones to be removed are the entry and exit guide wires. Weaving is mentally challenging to you and your dog, so be patient with your dog and yourself. Be prepared to put in a few long months of training to get those fast and efficient weaves.
Read more about maltese training and dog biscuit recipes issues and claim your FREE “Dog Training Tips” report by visiting http://www.MyOnlineDogTrainingTips.com/
Pets are one of the most unselfish beings in anyone’s household. So treating them when any problem arises is one of the most important things to do by any pet owner.
- When your Pet gets Stung
• If your pet is stung remove the stinger with tweezers, this increases his/her chances of survival with the removal of the venomous stinger.
• The stung area can get some relief with the use baking soda and water solution.
• To reduce the swelling apply ice pack covered with a thin towel over the affected area. Do it within every five minutes.
- For Skin Irritation
• If your pet has suffered insect bites, hot spots or other skin problems you can dab some milk of magnesia to soothe and calm the irritated skin.
• Apply aloe vera gel over the affected area. If you have aloe vera plant you can cut the leaf and use it as a soothing gel.
• Apply organic apple cider vinegar over the irritated skin.
• For hot spots you can use witch hazel for a continuous period of time.
• For itchy skin and paws you can bathe your pet in Epsom salt solution. In 2 cups of warm water mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt.
• You can make a home-made spray to treat any skin problems. Use 3 capsules of sage, 1/4 teaspoon of Epsom salt and 2 cups of water. Boil this solution and let it cool. After straining, store this solution in spray bottle and keep it in the refrigerator.
- Other Problems
• Emu oil is can be used for many problems such as ringworms, flea bites, bee stings, rashes, hot spots and laceration.
• If your pet has been poisoned notify the vet immediately.
• If the pet has swallowed any toxic substance except for caustic substances, getting him to vomit, this would reduce the danger.
• If the pet has ingested alkaline substance such as cleanser or kerosene, vomiting would not be a good solution. Instead give 3 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice diluted in equal amounts of water.
• If a battery has been ingested which is acidic, 1 tsp milk of magnesia, per 5 Lbs. of pet.
• If your pup has diarrhea and adult dog suffers with soft stool problem you can add canned pumpkin in their diet.
• A very common problem in pets is loss of vision caused mainly due to cataract. A very useful flower called cineraria has been known to reduce the size of cataract as well as minimize its existence. With the help of tincture, dilute 1/2 saline (to be purchased) and 1/2 cineraria to make eye drops. A daily dosage of 2 drops for 3 months can help to solve this problem.
• If your pet has lost his or her sense of smell, a nutritious meal can just be the right motivator. Feed your pet a rich and nutritious diet which improves the keen sense of smell. Warm canned food without salt, but with a dash of garlic powder is a good way to improve that smell.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Read more about rottweiler training and beagle training issues and claim your FREE “Dog Training Tips” report by visiting http://www.MyOnlineDogTrainingTips.com/
Breeding dogs can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. Of course it’s not as simple as deciding to breed and starting. There are some important things you need to ask, and honestly answer before you can breed with a clear conscience.
With so many unwanted puppies you need to be sure you can find good homes for all the puppies. There are far too many unwanted pets in the world. If you are wanting to breed because you feel you have a lot of time, resources and love to give – rather consider adopting one of the many millions of homeless pets and giving your love in this way.
You will need to have your bitch thoroughly checked by the veterinarian before thinking about allowing your bitch to become pregnant. Lingering and chronic medical conditions must be identified and sorted out before pregnancy. If something is found that would indicate that pregnancy is dangerous for your bitch (for example Daschunds have severe back problems which can be exacerbated by pregnancy) the problem needs to be sorted out.
While at the vet you will also need to ask many questions. Doing your homework helps here too – if you are going to do this there are a great deal of things you will need to know about. And many unforeseen circumstances you might find yourself in. You must know a great deal about all aspects of your bitches reproduction before you go ahead.
Caring for puppies also takes significant resources. You will need to commit to a great deal of extra time on your part. Caring for a pregnant, whelping and lactating bitch is time consuming enough, not to mention caring for the puppies.
Financially you will need to prepare for the added veterinarian costs, both for your bitch and the necessary vaccines for the puppies. If you cannot afford the medical costs then under no circumstances should you breed with your bitch.
A litter can be as large as 12 puppies which will place an enormous financial strain on you. Unless both dogs are of very good breeding you might not see any return on your investment.
Emotionally the process can also have its ups and downs for you and your family. Are you prepared for the possibility of sick, deformed or even dead puppies? How will your children react? How will you deal with these kinds of issues?
Examine your motives carefully. Don’t breed because you think you will be able to make some profit for yourself. This is both false and selfish. Don’t’ breed only because you think it will be a joyous experience for your children. If something goes wrong it won’t be quite as joyful. Lastly if you are clinging to false fantasies about cute puppies and no other work then think again.
Remember – every puppy you create is your responsibility and that can be quite a monumental thing. This means if owners of the puppies cannot care for them anymore you will need to take them back.
It’s hard, messy work and there is an endless list of things that can go wrong.
This said, allowing your bitch to mate can be a very rewarding experience. If you are sure you have considered all the aspects, are well read and sure you have enough love, time and money to go round – then enjoy the experience. It’s amazing to watch the miracle of life unfold before you. If you have children it will be both educational and memorable experience.
At its best; breeding should be a careful blend between science and art. Are you really prepared for all the responsibility that comes with breeding?
Read more about stop a dog barking and dog biting issues and claim your FREE “Dog Training Tips” report by visiting http://www.MyOnlineDogTrainingTips.com/
Playing, training or working your dog is incredibly rewarding. Dogs are generally friendly, responsive, and quick-to-learn. Agility training is a healthy sport for both canine and owner, as it gets you outside and active building your bond in the fresh air. We see dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds (including mixed breeds) come into their own when presented with a bit of agility training. This really is a great way to keep you and your dog fit, physically and mentally. The experience of being out of doors, working with “Prince,” “Rover,” or “Rex” is stimulating, and lets you experience the immense capacity that dogs have for fun and challenge.
Agility is a fun team sport that you and your dog can enjoy together. Agility is a combination of Advanced off-leash obedience, Directional commands, and Obstacle familiarization. In order for your dog to have off-leash control to run around a 100’ x 100’ ring, you first want to develop that control on leash. Control behaviors that are beneficial for your dog to have are “Come”, “Sit”, “Down”, and “Stay”. Your dog does not have to be perfect at these commands, but the better he is the more you can accomplish with the actual running and playing of agility. The formal obedience “Heel” on the left side is not necessary for agility because you will be working with your dog on both your left and right sides. You can develop these behaviors from your own training or taking classes. There are a multitude of books on the market on obedience training.
The main Directional Commands we teach are “Come”, “Go” and “Back”. Come means approaching and moving to you. Go means you and the dog are facing and moving in the same direction and the dog moves out ahead of you and keeps going until other wise directed. Back means the dog turns away from you. This can occur when he is facing you and turns away or when he is at either your left or right side, and turns away from you. We teach Directional Commands using a table. For training we use 12” high agility tables for all dog sizes. First the dog must be comfortable jumping up on the table. Once he is comfortable on the table, use his Sit-stay or Down-stays on the table. Develop your distance away from him slowly. Release your dog to you with Come.
Place your dog in a Sit-Stay about 3’ from the table, facing it. Leave your dog in a sit, walk to the other side of the table, call your dog, “Come Table”. When he gets on the table step toward him and praise him. This will help prevent him from jumping off the table to come to you. Build your dog’s distance from the table, move him away from the table in increments, 4’, 6’, 8’, and so on. As your dog is comfortable coming to you and sitting on the table, the next step is for you to build your distance from the table as you call him to the table. Build your distance also in increments. Have your dog sitting 10’ from the table, you walk to the other side of the table about 6’ away from the table, call your dog, “Come Table”. Build your distance slowly so that your dog can succeed at staying on the table.
Starting from about 3’ from the table, with your dog on leash, you are both facing the table, send your dog to the table by saying, “Go Table”. You may need to extend your arm, point or step to toward the table. Practice this until your dog is able to go to the table without you having to place him on the table. Practice with the dog on both your left and right side. When the dog is on your left side use your left arm to point to the table, and when the dog is on your right side point with your right arm. Develop your distance so that you can send your dog easily from 30’.
Now, its time to teach the next Directional Command, “Back”. Have your dog on leash again, and start from 3’ away from the table, but this time your dog is sitting on the ground facing you with the table behind him. From your dog sitting tell him, “Back Table”. Extend your arm pointing to the table and guide him with the leash if necessary until he understands the new word. Practice sending your dog to the table several times using your Left arm, “Back Table”, extending your left arm. Then practice with your Right arm pointing to the table, “Back Table”. When your dog is turning to go to the table then start building your distance from the table. These are three very versatile commands that you can use and develop on all obstacles and throughout an agility run.
Read more about maltese dog training and make dog biscuits issues and claim your FREE “Dog Training Tips” report by visiting http://www.MyOnlineDogTrainingTips.com/
It can be very rewarding to train your pet rats to do tricks and learn obstacle courses. Since they tend to be highly intelligent creatures, rats can actually learn a lot (and get bored if they have nothing to do).
Furthermore, because they’re people-pleasers, rats enjoy the challenge of striving for your reward and praise.
However, before you begin training, you may be interested to know the main pitfalls of pet rat training. That way, you can get started on the right foot and make the most of training time. Here are the top three mistakes that novice rat-trainers will often make:
1. Neglecting to create a stimulating living environment for their rats.
Sometimes trainers make the mistake of thinking that their ratties’ living environment doesn’t need to be interesting or fun to be in. They seem to think that an hour of play time or training time is enough to stimulate their little minds.
This is untrue.
Rats are constantly problem-solving, 24/7. Giving them a stimulating and challenging living environment will ensure that their minds stay sharp for learning tricks.
- Buy or build a large caged enclosure complete with shelves, ramps, ladders, cubby holes, bins, hammocks, exercise wheels, tunnels, hidey holes, baskets and ropes strung across.
- Occasionally, treat them to a game of “hide n’ seek” with sunflower seeds. Hide them in hard-to-reach places so they really have to think hard about how to get to them.
- Be sure to adjust and rearrange the furniture and food locations. Always keep ‘em guessing.
- Make playtime games challenging as well with swimming pools, sand boxes and tunnel-mazes.
2. Being too “results oriented” about training.
One major pitfall a rat owner can fall into is to be too demanding about what is to be accomplished during training. This approach to rat-training will only end in frustration and neglect.
Never forget that training is just an extension of play time and that repetition, along with positive reinforcement, is the key to success.
3. Forgetting to reinforce old tricks.
As the saying goes “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” The first-time rat trainer will often teach his rats a few basic tricks, move on to other ones for several weeks, only to discover that his rats have forgotten the first tricks!
Just because a rat learns a trick, it does not mean that the little guy will remember it later. Reinforcement is everything. This is why, when teaching a rat to run an obstacle course, the trainer must tack a new obstacle onto the one(s) that were previously learned. Otherwise, the rat will fail to remember the first obstacles learned.
So, remember: keep their lives full of challenges at all times; try to be patient and not to get too attached to results and accomplishments; and don’t take it for granted that they will remember those first tricks they learned… because they won’t. Repeat and reinforce their learning at all times!
Knowing about these three major pitfalls will go a long way in helping you to make the most of your rats’ intelligences and abilities; and as long as you are together, you will look forward to training time every single day.
Read more about dog kong and potty training for dogs issues and claim your FREE “Dog Training Tips” report by visiting http://www.MyOnlineDogTrainingTips.com/
Dog is man’s best friend, but sometimes we don’t treat dogs like friends. Instead, many dogs are either cooped up in inadequate spaces or they’re let to run loose in unsafe environments. Likewise, while some dogs can be left unattended others require a confined environment until their owner returns. There is a very simple and economical solution to this and that is a chain link dog run kennel.
What is a chain link dog kennel? It is a freestanding outdoor enclosure that has a galvanized steel frame and durable chain link wire mesh. It is portable and can be set in less than half an hour with no tools other than a set of pliers. Once assembled, it provides a secure outdoor containment area where dogs can play and enjoy the fresh air.
How big is a portable dog run? That varies. Kennels for small dogs or for use on a pickup truck bed may be four by four feet and four feet high. Kennels used in backyards or other open areas may be as large as ten by six feet and six feet high while still remaining portable. Even a large animal cage only weighs between 100 and 150 pounds and can easily be disassembled and moved elsewhere.
One potential problem with a smaller dog exercise pen is exposure to the sun. If a kennel is set up in the shade that’s generally not an issue, but just to be safe it’s best to use a cover. Most of the leading kennel products come with some sort of flexible cover. Covers should be UV-treated and offer good sun block protection so that dogs are kept cool and comfortable. Dog kennel covers are usually made of polypropylene, polyethylene or some other durable fabric and held in place with simple cable ties. If wind or other side exposure is an issue, covers can also be used for sidewalls.
Another thing to keep in mind is that portable dog kennels are meant to be a convenience for both dogs and dog owners, but they are not prisons. So always make sure that the kennel is large enough for your dog and the intended purpose. Also, while portable kennels are well made and sturdy, some training may be required to accustom the animal to the kennel and keep it from potentially harmful escape attempts. Likewise, portable kennels are not designed to contain aggressive dogs. If stability is an issue, there are anchor kits that can keep a kennel in place, or it can be installed on a specially constructed base.
The use of these chain link-type enclosures is not limited to dogs. They can also be used for other animals, including birds and poultry, or as an enclosure for whatever it is you want to keep safe from young children or roaming animals. Potential uses are endless, and the modularity and ease of assembly make chain link dog kennels a flexible solution for any number of projects.
So whether you want to keep your dog from digging up your herb garden, provide safe transportation, or simply want to provide your canine companion with a convenient open-air environment while you are away, portable chain link dog run kennels are an inexpensive and practical solution.
Read more about tough dog toys and dog kong issues and claim your FREE “Dog Training Tips” report by visiting http://www.MyOnlineDogTrainingTips.com/
Sometimes dog owners are faced with a dilemma regarding what type pf dog food to provide their dogs. Dogs themselves tend to prefer the moist, canned types of food. They are more aromatic and naturally tempting to the dog’s palate than the dry kibble that comes in a bag. A dog’s dental health, however, relies on the dog being able to chew hard and crunchy items and dry kibble foods serve this purpose well. What’s an owner to do?
Some owners make a two pronged approach when selecting dog food for their furry friends. They will mix a portion of dry food with canned, effectively giving their dog the “best of both worlds.” If you are feeding canned food to your dog, you’ll definitely want to supplement it in some way with something that the dog can chew and crunch. Chew toys and dog biscuits or treats can help to serve this purpose.
Remember that a dog’s health depends greatly on the nutritional value of its food. A dog is only as healthy as the food that it eats, in many respects. The food you buy for your dog should meet its nutritional needs as best as possible, whether it is dry or moist. Unfortunately when it comes to dog food you get what you pay for. Store brands and generics tend to be made with cheaper ingredients and lots of fillers. They’ll feed your dog, but they may not be the best choices for it. The more expensive brands like Science Diet and Eukanuba which advertise that they are “specially formulated” really, to a certain extent, are. They will have higher quality ingredients and are better suited to meet your dog’s needs.
Truly, as long as you are providing a good method for your dog to work out its choppers on a regular basis, it doesn’t matter whether you’re using dry food or moist. During regular veterinary checkups your vet will examine the dog’s teeth and will warn you if there’s any issue that needs to be corrected by providing a different type of food or some dietary supplement.
The reason that dogs need to be able to chew on hard materials is twofold. It strengthens their teeth and works out the muscles of their jaw, keeping the teeth strong and the jaws powerful. It also provides a form of dental care. Owners should brush their dogs’ teeth at least twice a week. If this is not possible, however, crunchy foods like kibble and biscuits act as a sort of natural toothbrush for the dog, loosening plaque and tartar and cleaning the teeth.
Choosing the right food for your dog is important, both for the pooch’s nutritional needs and its good dental health. If you prefer to provide your dog the tastier soft, moist foods that come in a can that’s fine, just make sure you’re also providing something for Rover to really sink his teeth into.
Read more about stop a dog barking and dog biting issues and claim your FREE “Dog Training Tips” report by visiting http://www.MyOnlineDogTrainingTips.com/
When it comes to the sport of hunting – the gundog is definitely a hunter’s best friend. Gundogs have been used to assist man since the days when survival crucially depended on hunting skills, not only for food to eat, but for clothing and shelter provided by the hides of the hunted animals and to this day bird dogs still play an important role in hunting for sport.
Originally bred with the intention of assisting game bird hunting, the characteristics of gundogs have, over the years, been strengthened by further breeding with animals already displaying the necessary traits for hunting. Gundogs (also known as hunting dogs or bird dogs) are intelligent, active and alert breeds, easily trained for a variety of sporting uses such as hunting game birds and waterfowl, showing the hunter where the game birds are
located, startling the birds into the open for the hunter and retrieving the shot or injured birds and taking them back to the hunter. These hunting dogs love being around humans, and they require a great deal of attention and strenuous exercise. Some hunting dogs are used specifically to work in water, some only on land, whilst others are capable of working in both of these environments.
Gundogs can be divided into three categories, the retriever, the pointer and setter, and the flusher dog and listed below are the roles played by each of these types of dog.
The Retriever Dog
Ideally equipped with their water-repellant coat and webbed feet, the Retriever, as its name would suggest, will find the bird and take it back to the hunter. The Retriever is particularly suited to work in water. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels are popular breeds for the Retriever category.
The Pointer and Setter Dogs
These two types of dogs are used where game is distributed over a wide area, for example on moors. They operate quite a distance away from their handlers and upon locating the game birds will wait for the hunter to get close enough to shoot. In order to let the hunter know they have located the game, and without actually causing any disturbance which may alert the game, the dog will remain still and rigid, in effect pointing in the direction of the game. When the hunter arrives on the scene, he will command the dog to flush the game, thus presenting his sporting target. Once shot, the dog will be expected to retrieve the game and deliver it to the hunter. English and Irish setters and English Pointers are the main breeds in this category.
The Flusher Dog
The flusher will not actually capture his prey but will creep around the undergrowth to hunt and then when he has found his quarry he will crouch in front, in a guarding manner, so there is little or no chance of escape, allowing the hunter to take his quarry. Examples of dog breeds in this category are Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels and Field Spaniels.
Read more about dog treats and healthy dog food issues and claim your FREE “Dog Training Tips” report by visiting http://www.MyOnlineDogTrainingTips.com/
There was a small dog named Fifi; she was a Maltese and also extremely spoiled. Fifi was purchased by her owner, Judy, five years ago and spent a delightful half-decade with her. They spent a lot of time together, the owner was a consultant and worked from home so she could spend a lot of time with Fifi, and in fact they had never spent a single day apart since Judy brought the tiny puppy home. Even when it was necessary for Judy to travel she would take Fifi with her everywhere, after all she was such a small dog it was easier to carry her in the special bag they bought or if need be in a little carrier for the airplane. They had formed an incredibly close relationship over the first three years they spent together, and then Judy’s husband entered the picture.
At first, Fifi was downright unhappy with the presence of a new man in her house and she was even more upset when one night Judy actually made her get off the bed and would not allow Fifi to sleep there. This was an outrage to Fifi as she had never been banished from the bed until this man showed up and started taking Judy out all of the time, leaving Fifi to be alone in the house, something that previously had rarely happened.
Eventually Fifi adjusted to Judy’s new husband and it turned out that he was usually a pretty decent guy, although he clearly lacked the appreciation that Judy had for Maltese. Fifi could live with that though as she realized she had a lot more in common with female humans anyway, rather than gritty, rough, males whose hands were not nearly as soft as Judy’s. All of that work and adjustment to make room for Judy’s husband was nothing compared to what Fifi had to face now and she had no idea just how hard it was going to be.
Fifi had noticed Judy’s belly getting much bigger over the last several months and she wondered why her owner had let herself go so quickly after getting married. Then one night Judy was gone for the night and then the next. Fifi was freaked out because she had never spent a night away from Judy before, but then on the third day, her loyal owner returned only she had a tiny human that was screaming in her arms. Fifi ran to Judy to be lifted up and adored after the separation they had just endured and the owner actually shooed her away and refused to pick her up. A slap in the face like this would not be taken well by anyone, let alone a pampered, spoiled Maltese named Fifi.
People must be aware when making any significant changes in their lives how it can affect their spouse, kids, friends or even pets. Animals are far more in tune with human emotions than a lot of people give them credit for and they can respond a great deal to certain changes in their surroundings, especially dogs. One of the most difficult adjustments dogs have to make is the addition of a new baby to a family. A common sequence of events is for an adult to get a dog after college or once they are “settled down” and in need of some companionship but not ready for marriage yet. The dog is their best friend in the whole wide world and that relationship becomes very special to both the owner and the dog. Eventually the owner finds that special someone they have been looking for, only this time it is a human and they get married.
Now the relationship with the dog is a lesser priority to that owner because their spouse naturally becomes the primary focus. Some dogs go through a lot of adjustment in these stages but most do all right. While dating it is wise to make sure your potential future mate loves your dog.
This is all too common with families who have major adjustments. Usually the four legged family member has to go. Needless to say, poor Fifi suffered tremendously as the new baby took over every element of the house and Judy. Eventually Fifi went to live with Judy’s mother, which was better than staying in the baby house but not the same as the life she had once shared with her beloved owner Judy.
So when deciding to add a four legged one to your family please consider all the factors before bringing a puppy home. Buying a new puppy should be a commitment for life.
Read more about dog treat recipes and dog biscuits issues and claim your FREE “Dog Training Tips” report by visiting http://www.MyOnlineDogTrainingTips.com/
Although the concept is by no means new; many people are discovering that some of the latest breeds of super dogs are not as great as their breeders would have you believe.
Of the “designer dog club” the ‘Labradoodle’ is probably the most well known. The ‘Labradoodle’ was originally bred for sight impaired individuals who had severe reactions to dog’s fur. This new hybrid aimed to combine the intelligence of the Labrador with a non-shedding poodle. However you may or may not have a puppy that will be non-shedding. Labradoodles have been around for over 20 years and are gaining recognition.
But the term ‘designer mutts’ can be used to describe any number of endless combinations of dogs who have been bred for particular valued qualities. Ever thought about owning a Dorgi? That’s a cross between a Corgi and a Dachshund. How about a Puggle? That’s a cross between a Beagle and a Puggle. There are many variations on breeds with poodles now too. This often results in comical names – the Corgi Poo; or the Shih Poo, the variations are endless.
Hypoallergenic, intelligent and some say healthier than average – these dogs are becoming popular throughout the world.
Yet the American Kennel Club refuses to accept these new breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 153 breeds at present; and says that these dogs don’t meet their criteria.
The American Hybrid Club seems to be the answer for the breeders who are rallying to have their new combinations recognized. They argue that in fact all dog breeds exist as a result of some kind of experimentation with mixing breeds.
There are many inherent dangers associated with mixing breeds that would never have bred naturally. The main problem is that you never really know exactly what you will be getting. Most often you can learn a great deal about a dog by the look and temperament of their parents – but with these dogs there is no way to tell if you will end up with a mouse sized dog – or a dog the size of a small donkey.
And it’s not just looks. You might be unpleasantly surprised to find that your new puppy has the temperament of a hostile dictator; or worse is very aggressive. These are serious faults; especially if you intend to introduce your cute new ‘Schnoodle’ (a mixture of a Schnauzer and a poodle) to your kids you never know what might happen.
Is that really a chance you want to take?
Also, these new breeds are by no means considered cheap. You could get an equivalent mix at a shelter for free. But some breeders are charging thousands of dollars for dogs they cannot personally guarantee.
They claim these dogs take the best of both breeds. But there is an equal risk that the dog can end up with the worst from breeds. This seems like a staggering chance to take.
In an attempt to create super dog these breeders are using breeding techniques that seem strangely unnatural. Certain Bulldog combinations always require artificial insemination for successful mating to occur. And you can’t count on Caesar section.
Many of the crossbreeds are bred for profit. Unscrupulous practices which lead to fashion item dogs will create a host of problems for future generations.
If you have your heart set on a designer dog bear in mind you might end up paying more in vet bills. Your puppy will need a vast array of tests.
There are many well-established variations. Purebred dogs have a proven track record. You can say with greater certainty what your Labrador will look like. You will also have a greater idea of what kinds of health problems to expect in your Dachshund.
You can also find adult crossbreeds in a number of places. Adult dogs are often a good choice for families who have children or who need to be sure of the dog’s temperament. And of course giving a loving home to a homeless dog is always a good thing.
If you have your heart set on one of the new crossbreeds; try to learn what you can before deciding on the particular dog or cross.
Read more about stop dog from barking and how to stop a dog biting issues and claim your FREE “Dog Training Tips” report by visiting http://www.MyOnlineDogTrainingTips.com/
RSS FEED