Today's Tips on Pets

   

11 Most Stubborn Dog Breeds

By vetstreet.com | Pets

By Laura Cross and Shayna Meliker | vetstreet.com

Pigheaded, headstrong, determined and willful are words that easily apply to these 11 breeds. These dogs are all very independent and as the United States celebrates its independence this month we thought we would spotlight dog breeds that exemplify what independence really is. But independence in dogs is not always ideal. In fact, a dog with a mind of his own can be stubborn and hard to train.
 

Many breeds were developed to do work that required them to act independently. Those dogs tend to be smart, but as family pets, they may need more leadership and training than others. Ultimately, though, they're worth it.

 

Akita

             

                                                
                                       

 

The bold and powerful Akita isn't known for barking, but he is still an excellent watchdog. Many Akitas are protective of their families, especially children, and they require lots of socialization to help them distinguish between what is a threat and what is normal.

 

Chinese Shar-Pei

 

                                              
                                    

 

The Chinese Shar-Pei's wrinkly face may make you want to give him a squeeze, but that's probably not what he wants. The strong-willed guard dogs are highly territorial and can be distrustful of strangers, making them a poor choice for first-time dog owners who haven't had experience in firm, steadfast training.

 

Jack Russell Terrier

                                              
                            

 

If you look up the word "tenacious" in the dictionary, you may see a picture of the Jack Russell Terrier. Bred to eradicate pesky vermin from farms, the breed has an impressive drive to work and dig. She can be difficult to live with if you're not able to channel that energy and single-mindedness into dog sports that she enjoys, like earthdog trials, agility or terrier races.

 

Chihuahua 

 
                                              
                            

 

Don't let the Chihuahua's teeny frame fool you. If the little dogs have a reputation for being spoiled and untrainable, it's probably because their owners have let them get away with things that wouldn't be tolerated in larger dogs. The good news is that Chihuahuas are intelligent, and many respond well to consistent rules and structure - if you're smart enough to give that to them.

 

Miniature Pinscher
                                           
                            

There's a good reason people call the Miniature Pinscher the King of the Toys. This willful canine enjoys hobbies such as digging, barking and chasing anything that moves - and he doesn't particularly care if you don't share his interests. With the Min Pin, it's important not to let him get away with bad behaviors or they could become habits that are almost impossible to break.

 

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

                                                  

                                   
 

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has worked as a herding and flock-guarding dog since the 15th century, and like many of her herding dog cousins, she needs activities to keep her physically and mentally occupied. She sometimes has a possessive temperament and is prone to stealing and stashing household items that you'll probably spend hours searching for.

 

Tibetan Mastiff
 

                                       

As a breed that's guarded people for more than 2,000 years, the Tibetan Mastiff can come across as strong-willed and overprotective. His protective nature combined with his independent mindset mean his attitude is "my way or the highway" - especially if he thinks it's for your safety. Early and frequent training helps this breed be better-behaved and less wary of strangers.

 

Beagle
  

                                             
                            

If there's one thing you need to know about Beagles, it's this: They are ruled by their noses. The breed's powerful sense of smell can lead them to escape from the yard or break into the dog food bag. Another thing you should know: They have selective hearing. Beagles are skilled at ignoring commands and wandering off. They are highly motivated by food. So if you want your Beagle to listen to you (and not his nose), command his attention with treats. 

 

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
 

                                  

The personality of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is said to be somewhere between a Golden Retriever's and a terrier's - meaning that the breed is smart, outgoing and easy to train, but he likes to do things his own way. Keep him in check by establishing firm rules and challenging him mentally.

 

Lhasa Apso
 

                                      

Lhasa Apsos are smart dogs, but they can be manipulative, mischievous and stubborn. They were bred by Tibetan monks to protect people, not to please them. The keys to training the breed are consistency, firmness and short, fun training sessions.

 

Collie

                                                             

 

 Collies are eager to please and love people, but they can be a bit stubborn. As a herding breed, they learned to make decisions without human input. They also are known for trying to herd humans by nipping at their heels. It's up to you to train and socialize your Collie so his independence works for you - not against you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Secrets of Dogs Revealed

Today's Tips on Pets

                                                

 

6 Secrets of Dogs Revealed

By vetstreet.com |

By Dr. Marty Becker | vetstreet.com

 

                                                        Thinkstock 

It's no surprise that I love animals. They've always been a part of my life as a farm kid and as a veterinarian, and I was fortunate to marry a woman who feels the same way. We've always had pets as part of our family, and we simply can't imagine our Almost Heaven Ranch without the cats, dogs, horses, wild animals (elk, turkeys, wolves - yes, wolves!) and many more who share our land.

With our own animals, we have certainly learned to laugh at living with them. They probably think we're pretty funny, too, sometimes: The dogs laugh with us, and the cats laugh at us!

Since I previously wrote about "The Secret Life of Cats," I thought I'd do the same about dogs. Here's what I came up with:

 

1. Bedroom Secrets Revealed: In the sack, dogs have it made. They get their choice of where to sleep and how long to sleep. In the classic paintings, dogs are shown asleep, a contented crescent of fur at their master's feet. Not so today! Dogs stretch out on the bed with their body trapping the human occupants on a narrow strip of real estate, their feet acting like tension springs to hold away other bodies; I call this fur-nomenon "furban sprawl." They also get to be dog-breathed alarm clocks, as they wake you up to eat or go outside and do their business, even on days you can sleep in otherwise. Dogs know better than to sleep in - carpe diem is their motto, or should that be carpe canem?

 

2. A Little Privacy, Please? When dog owners go into the bathroom, their pets don't care that this should be "alone time." As you sit on the john, they move into position at your feet to get petted. How many arms do they think you have? If you stop petting to attend to other business, they get impatient, running their faces up through the leg holes of your underwear into areas you want left alone. How would they like it if when they started sniffing and circling, we suddenly rushed over and stuck our noses you-know-where?

 

3. Flexibility Is So Much Fun: You see your dog stop in midwalk or wake up from a nap and lick himself in hard-to-reach places for what seems like forever. Sure, he has an itch, but licking for five minutes? That's just showing off! Then, after using his tongue as toilet paper, he wants to give you a great big slurpy kiss...and we let our dogs do this! And while fun is fun, be sure to report any excessive or persistent licking to your veterinarian - especially if you see red areas or other abnormalities.

 

4. What's in the Box? Speaking of the things dogs will get their mouth on if you let them … those of you who have both dogs and cats know the grossest dog treat ever. As a veterinarian, I understand why dogs dig through the litter box for "treats" if you give them a chance - it's the protein left in the poop. But as a human being, all I can say is … YUCK!

 

5. Trick of the Treats: We need to have our dogs negotiate for hostage releases. Why? Because they can get anything they want every time they want it. The veterinarian has told you that your dog is overweight and that you need to cut back on the treats you're giving. But then you get home, and your dog stands by the drawer or cabinet that holds the treats and looks at you, then at the drawer, then at you again, his eyes like molten caramels oozing out a plea for just one, please, mama? You give in, and one becomes "won" as he does the furry tap dance and you enjoy his lip-smacking, tail-wagging pleasure. Next time at the veterinarian, you'll fear the scale.

 

6. Rake Crisis Center: You're eating, watching TV or trying to go to sleep, and your dog insists on some heavy petting. You try to take a bite, change channels or adjust a pillow, and your pet panics the instant your hand leaves her body. The pleasure-pig roots you with her snout or rakes you with extended claws on her paw and pulls your hand back to her body. To your dog, this daily massage translates to "There's no place like (h)ommmmmm(e)."

Five Out-of-Fashion Dog Breeds This Vet Misses

Today's Tips on Pets

 

                                                  

Five Out-of-Fashion Dog Breeds This Vet Misses

By Dr. Marty Becker

http://www.vetstreet.com

The popularity of a dog breed can change faster than you can say “Yo quiero Taco Bell.” One day Chihuahuas are feisty, fun little dogs you’d see only occasionally; the next day (or so it seems), you have three of them back-to-back on your appointment calendar, and your local shelter is running a special on Chihuahua adoptions because there are so many looking for homes.

I see a lot of Chihuahuas over the exam room table these days, along with Labradoodles, Pit Bulls, Bulldogs and the eternally popular Labrador Retriever. I love them all, but I have to admit I do miss seeing some of the dogs who used to be in my waiting room, pets I rarely see now that they’ve lost the cachet they once enjoyed.

 

Five Breeds That Used to Be More Popular

Here’s my list of five dog breeds I used to see a lot of, and miss seeing now.

1. Irish Setters: I used to see a lot of these bouncy red dogs in my practice. I know the rub is that they’re too energetic and not the brightest bulb on the light string, but the ones I used to know were great family dogs who loved to be around people and really wanted to please. I miss their smiling faces and the feathered tails that never stop wagging.

2. Scottish Terriers: These stylish, strong-minded dogs can be difficult to handle, since they are terriers through and through. In my family we’ve loved a lot of terriers, including our forever-missed Wire-Haired Fox Terrier, Scooter, so I understand some of the challenges. These days I’m more likely to see a Scottie on a Monopoly board than on an exam table. Too bad, because these high-style pups really know how to make an entrance.

3. Collies: When Lassie is in, so are Collies. Otherwise, their size and the challenges of their massive, beautiful coat no doubt put many people off. And that’s a shame, because a good Collie, while not likely to be saving Timmy from the well every day, is a great family dog — smart, loving and always keeping an eye on his flock.

4. Brittanys: I suspect that as hunting has become less common as a sport, the breeds so closely associated with the pursuit have fallen out favor. And that’s unfortunate, because the Brittany is a dog that can do more than just hunt. The Brittany's compact size makes him a good match for an active family, and he's a natural at modern-day canine sporting events such as agility.

5. Cocker Spaniels: These little bird dogs were top of the heap for decades, the most sought-after of all purebred dogs. Their reign at the top of the American Kennel Club rankings finally ended with a wave of Poodles. I still see a fair number of Poodles — and even more Poodle-oodle mixes — but Cockers are relatively rare. And that’s a shame, because like the Irish Setter, these dogs are sweet, beautiful and full of fun.

Make no mistake: I love all the dogs — and cats — I see whether on the street or over the exam room table, and I live to help them all be healthier and happier. But I do miss some of the dogs who used to be so popular. I know, however, that they’re only one hit TV show, movie or commercial away from being popular again.

Doggie Language

Today's Tips on Pets

Doggie Language

Today's Tips on Pets

The 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds - Part 1

by Cheryl Lock

http://www.petside.com

We totally get you: once you've gotten it in your mind that you want to take home an adorable, amazing, furry friend (aka a dog), nothing's going to stop you. Not that annoying landlord who's suddenly telling you dogs aren't allowed in your used-to-be-awesome apartment. Not the fact that you kind of/sort of/maybe might have been allergic when you were younger (You're pretty sure it went away, anyway.) Not the fact that--oops--the breed you had your eye on happens to be a bit more money than you had originally planned on spending. Although most dog breeds are totally reasonable when it comes to how much they cost (and, of course, there's always adopting!), it can be eye-opening to discover that others might end up costing you a pretty pooch penny. We did a bit of digging to find 10 dog breeds that have been known to cost more than your average amount for purchasing a dog. We aren't saying you can't ever find these dogs for cheaper than these price tags, but it's not uncommon to find them going for this much ... or even more. Take a gander ...

 English Bulldog

pennuja

Price tag: $2,500-$9,000

Don't be fooled by the English Bulldogs intimidating appearance--they actually happen to be one of the gentlest breeds out there. These dogs get along swimmingly with kids and are renowned for their guardian abilities.

Fun Fact: Brigitte, the French Bulldog known as Stella on Modern Family, was the first bulldog to win a Golden Collar award.

 

Tibetan Mastiff

Kjunstorm

Price Tag: $2,200 – $7,000

Although massive in size, the Tibetan Mastiff is actually a loyal, calm and good-natured breed. If you're looking into purchasing one of these beautiful dogs, you might want to make sure you have enough space--they love running around in wide open areas.

Fun Fact: A Tibetan Mastiff might even bring you a little bit of luck--the breed certainly did for this couple, who wed at Westminster after their dog, Major, won best of breed.

How To Clean Up Your Canine

Today's Tips on Pets

How To Clean Up Your Canine

http://howto.menshealth.com

Create a Dog Spa

Train your dog to accept or even enjoy being washed by establishing a bathing routine—same time, same location. Using a tub or sink works best because he can't easily run away. If he's fidgety, consider leashing him to the tub faucet. Praise him often in order to reinforce good behavior. And keep dog toys out of the tub—Sir Barkley will confuse bath time with playtime.

Wash With Care

Unless your veterinarian prescribes a shampoo, use an organic dog soap that has a natural scent—it's less likely to cause rashes. Apply quarter-size drops one at a time, massaging the shampoo into the skin. Rinse from the roots of the hair outward to break up dirt and bacteria and remove dead fur. Clean the collar too, where ticks and fleas can hide.

Spot-Clean

Wash your pooch's head from the top down so you don't clog his ears with water. To clean inside the ears, wrap your finger in a washcloth and use the same kind of gentle pressure you would to dust furniture. For paws, gently lift the leg and use the washcloth's tip to clean between the toes.

Dry the Wet Fur Coat

Before you let Sir Barkley shake, wrap him in a towel for 3 minutes. Use another towel to pat him dry. If he's thick-coated, use a blow dryer after toweling. Hot air is fine as long as the dryer is 6 to 12 inches away—you don't want to burn him.

No Time to Wash?

Spritz on an alcohol-free spray, such as 8 in 1 Perfect Coat Studio Freshening Spray. $8, petco.com

Sources: David Fitzpatrick, co-owner of Malachy, a Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show's 2012 Best in Show dog; Joe Bartges, D.V.M., Ph.D., professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Tennessee

Dogs

The Average Guy and His Dog

 

2: Number of pooches the average dog-owning guy has 

$24,084: Amount he'll spend on both of them (food, vet bills, and training) 

#1 Reason the average guy doesn't choose a cat for a pet instead: Cats don't worship their owners. 

21: Percentage of men who have tried to teach their dogs how to fetch the newspaper 

Average Guy's Favorite Breed: Labrador 

85: Percentage of men who consider their dogs part of the family

1 in 3: If it came down to their dog or the woman they love, the number who'd choose the dog 

Average Guy's Favorite TV Dog: Eddie (from Frasier) 

1 in 5: Number of men who see a dog chasing its tail and relate on a philosophical level 

71: Percentage of men who think their dog can understand them in some telepathic way 

20 Most Popular Dog Breeds

Dogs

20 Most Popular Dog Breeds

 from men's health  

Are you a dog lover? Care to know what are the more popular dog breeds according to the American kennel Association? Watch these slides... just click on this link :  20 Most Popular Dog Breeds:

Teach Your Dog to...

Dogs

Teach Your Dog to...
 
http://www.menshealth.com

 
Tricks not only help you teach your dog patience and discipline, they also make for mentally stimulated—and generally happier—pets

Bark on Command
 
Level of Difficulty: Low

"This is a great trick because it comes naturally to most dogs," says dog trainer Rick Martin, host of the traveling Tricky Dogs Show. Start out by encouraging happy barking when your dog is excited, like when you come home or are getting ready to take him for a walk. Next, figure out a hand signal and verbal command to signal when you want him to bark. (Martin points at the dog and says, "Sing!") Keep treats handy so that you can reward him when he is successful. After your pooch connects the hand signal, verbal command, and action of barking, the opportunities are endless. Martin's dogs, for example, sing along to "Who Let the Dogs Out?" Another popular trick is to use a raised eyebrow to cue the barking so that your dog can appear to do math. Just ask him to add one plus one, and then raise your eyebrows twice.

Dance

Level of Difficulty: Medium

"It takes a lot to build the leg muscles for this trick, and it should not be attempted with a young dog because it can damage growth," cautions dog trainer Rick Martin, host of the traveling Tricky Dogs Show. Start with your (full-grown) dog in a seated position and hold a treat just above his reach. Verbally praise the dog for any effort to reach the treat, but give the food reward only when the dog's front legs are off the ground. Again, attach verbal and physical commands to the action of standing. If the dog jumps for the treat, ignore him and start again. Once he gets the hang of standing, you can add the command "Dance!" by moving the treat and teaching the dog to walk after it. Because this trick is strenuous, keep practice sessions short. At the outset, a 3-second stand should be soundly praised and rewarded.

Ride a Skateboard

 
Level of Difficulty: High

 
Put a board in the grass where it won't roll. Have the dog stand with his right legs on the board. Attach the command "Mount up!" to this position. Next add "Get on!"—meaning all four paws on the board. (This stage alone may take several weeks.) Now find a flat surface and have the dog mount up. Hold the treat just out of the dog's reach and say, "Roll." Reward any effort the dog makes to reach the treat by moving the board. If he climbs off the board, have him start over. Once he's rolling consistently, it's time to put the show on the road—literally. In quick succession, have him mount up and roll until the board starts moving. Then have him get on. If your dog is scared, calm him down before trying again. You can also help him get used to rolling by towing him around slowly while giving him treats.

Why Does My Dog... Stare at Me?

 Today's Tips on Pets

  

iStockphoto

Why Does My Dog... Stare at Me?

By Dr. Patty Khuly 

http://www.vetstreet.com/ 

 

It’s not hard to imagine why a loyal dog might stare devotedly at his master. It’s the stuff of Old Yeller, White Fang and Lassie –– starers, all. But some dogs take staring to extremes, following their owners around with baleful eyes as if expecting links of sausage to fly from their human’s fingertips.

Let’s face it: Dogs love their owners, but when they stare expectantly, it’s not usually because they’re trapped in a reverie of devotion. Rather, it’s because they’re thinking they might get something. And usually, that “something” involves a tasty snack.

But dogs can—and do—stare at their owners for plenty of non-food issues, too. Indeed, anything a dog might want that a human can provide could be the source of the staring behavior, from a fun game of fetch to a ride in the car or a long run.

Then there’s the possibility that a dog is simply seeking attention in any form, or perhaps she’s merely waiting for praise or direction. Some dogs may just be trying to read an emotion in our human 

facial expressions.

In any case, staring is typically considered to be a good thing. In fact, most trainers encourage dogs to stare at their owners while awaiting their cues. And if you’ve never done it, gazing deeply into a dog’s eyes can be a highly rewarding pastime.

Before you try it, be aware that staring directly into a dog’s eyes can be considered a direct challenge. That’s why mutual staring is an activity that’s only to be encouraged within the context of a healthy dog-human relationship unsullied by any taint of aggression or behavioral abnormalities.

 

This article was written by a Veterinarian.

8 Tips to Reduce Pet Allergy Symptoms

Today's Tips on Pets 

 

8 Tips to Reduce Pet Allergy Symptoms

This content is under the sole editorial control of HealthCommunities.com.

1. Choose a turtle, a lizard or fish instead of a furry pet.

Fewer people are allergic to fish, turtles and lizards than to cats, dogs and other pets with hair. Despite popular belief, animal hair doesn’t provoke allergy symptoms. Rather, proteins in pet skin (dander), saliva and urine are to blame. 

2. Don’t rely on “hypoallergenic” claims.

There’s no such thing as an 100% hypoallergenic dog, so don’t count on visiting the pet store and bringing one home. Even if you keep your pet in the yard, you may experience symptoms upon contact. Dander also sticks to clothing. That said, some individuals may react less to one dog breed than another. 

3. Keep your pet out of the bedroom.

If you already have a Kitty or Fido at home, keep your pet away from the bedroom. It’s where you spend 8 hours a day, so making it a pet-free zone will reduce your exposure to allergens. 

4. Keep your pet off the furniture.

If you allow your pet to come indoors or ride in the car, train it to stay off the seats or have it ride in a carrier. Alternately, you can cover upholstered seating with towels and sheets to trap animal dander. Wash these coverings regularly. 

5. Have someone brush and bathe your pet.

Daily brushing and a weekly bath will help remove excess dander. Have someone besides the allergic person handle those tasks. Urine is the source of allergens from rabbits, hamsters, mice and guinea pigs – so ask a non-allergic family member to clean the animal's cage.

6. Clean carpeting frequently.

Carpets trap dander, so even when a pet is no longer in the room, you may start sneezing. If you need carpeting, choose carpets with low pile and steam clean them often. Also use a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter and wear a dust mask when vacuuming. Your best bet: Remove carpets altogether, and install wood, tile or linoleum flooring.

7. Use a HEPA air cleaner.

Pet dander can float in the air, so running a HEPA air cleaner attached to central heating and cooling may help. Run the filter for at least 4 hours a day. 

8. See your allergist.

Despite these measures, some people with animal allergies will still experience troublesome symptoms. Visit the allergist to learn about helpful treatments.