AKC Announces New Program for Mixed Breeds April 20, 2009

Source: AKC.org, April 14, 2009

New York, NY – For the past 125 years, the American Kennel Club® has been the nation’s premier advocate for dogs and the people who love them. The AKC’s Board of Directors has voted unanimously to proceed with a program for mixed breed dogs which will allow it to act even more broadly and effectively as the dog’s champion. The creation of this program ushers in new opportunities for AKC’s constituents and clubs and will allow the organization to grow and flourish.

“Our goal in creating a program specifically designed for mixed breeds is to share our passion for dogs and our sport,” said AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung. “AKC will broaden its legislative influence by representing more dog owners and achieve greater exposure for our responsible dog ownership messaging. But ultimately, the positive developments that this program creates will benefit dogs the most, and this is what we value above all.”

The mixed breeds program will be implemented in three phases. As of October 1, 2009 owners can begin enrolling their pets and receive an AKC ID number. Then beginning April 1, 2010 enrolled dogs will be eligible to compete in mixed breed classes at stand-alone AKC Agility, Obedience and Rally events. Soon after they will have access to benefits such as discounted AKC Companion Animal Recovery Lost and Found service, a free AKC Canine Good Citizen® certificate for dogs passing the CGC test, a free initial veterinary visit, a trial offer of pet health insurance and discounted coupons for dog supplies.

The third phase will offer a dedicated Web site where dog owners can interact via an online community with discussion forums and access dog care video downloads, advice from experts and the most up-to-date news on canine health and welfare. The site will be continually enhanced with new features and benefits in order to respond to the changing needs of pet owners.

This new AKC initiative is the first designed to specifically benefit mixed breed dogs and their dog owners, however the AKC has long included mixed breeds in programs such as AKC Canine Good Citizen®, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppysm, AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day and the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund’s disaster relief efforts. In addition, AKC has always actively advocated for the rights of all dog owners and the welfare of dogs through its Government Relations efforts and serves dog owners through its affiliate organizations such as the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation and AKC Companion Animal Recovery.

For more information about the AKC’s mixed breeds program, visit www.akc.org/mixedbreeds.

Most aggressive dog breed….? January 27, 2009

Source: NBC News

They may not look as threatening as some of the larger canine, but research revealed that the dachshund is the most aggressive breed of dog.

Citing a study published by Applied Animal Behavior Science, the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph reported that one in five dachshunds has bitten or tried to bite strangers, and one in 12 has shown aggression toward its owners.

The study involved researchers from the University of Pennsylvania. About 6,000 dog owners were questioned about their dogs’ behavior. Thirty-three breeds were ranked on their aggression.

Ranking below the dachshund was an even smaller dog, the Chihuahua. According to the newspaper, research found that the tiny breed often snaps at most beings it encounters — including its owners, strangers and other dogs.

The Jack Russell terrier was third, followed by the Akita and the Australian cattle dog. The pit bull was sixth, followed by the beagle, the English springer spaniel, the border collie and the German shepherd.

The Telegraph reported that researchers said previous studies on canine aggression could have been misleading as most bites from smaller dogs were not reported. According to the researchers, bites from larger dogs were more likely to require medical attention than those from smaller dogs.

According to the Telegraph, the Rottweiler, which is widely believed to be an aggressive dog, scored average to below average ratings for its hostility toward strangers.

The newspaper reported that some of the lowest scoring breeds for aggression included the Basset hound, golden retriever, Labradors, Siberian huskies and greyhounds.

Search Dog Foundation gets $1 million, CA January 27, 2009

Source: Ventura County Star, By Gareth W. Dodd, Correspondent, Monday, January 26, 2009

The Ojai-based National Disaster Search Dog Foundation has received a $1 million grant from the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation to help create a national training center on 125 acres of land in Santa Paula.

The grant comes on the heels of a $1.6 million award from the Frank McGrath Jr. family, which was used to make a down payment on the ranch site in Santa Paula. During the next three years, the Search Dog Foundation hopes to raise $14 million more to take ownership of the land, build a training center and establish an endowment fund for its maintenance.

The foundation pairs dogs — usually Labradors, golden retrievers or border collies found in animal shelters — with firefighters to create skilled search teams. The dogs are trained to find victims during natural or man-made disasters.

The group’s “proven ability to deliver highly trained teams at no cost to fire departments is especially important as emergency service budgets are cut and resources are strained to their limit,” Lauren Dachs, the Bechtel foundation president, wrote in a statement. “The economic crisis in our country challenges grant makers to fund projects which will have an important, lasting impact on society — and the creation of a national training center will help achieve that goal.”

Capt. Matt Garrett of the Ventura County Fire Department said establishing a training center in Santa Paula would save him time and money. He travels once a month to the group’s current training center in Gilroy, where he puts Gabby, a 2-year-old black Labrador, through her paces for two days.

The team also trains twice a week at several facilities in Southern California, said Garrett, who bears the expense of training, housing and feeding Gabby.

“It’s amazing what these dogs will do with positive reinforcement,” said Garrett. “She’s a working dog; she has a job. She’s not a pet that lounges around the house.”

The dogs are trained to find a scent and locate a victim under piles of rubble, no matter how long it takes.

“Their job is to make sure no one is left behind,” said Garrett.

“They find a scent, trace it to its source and get rewarded with love and play. Their payday is play day. We’ve been together since August, and she’s progressing well.”

Once used primarily for wilderness or avalanche searches, the dogs became more popular following their use to sniff out victims of the 1996 Oklahoma City bombing. The need took on a new urgency after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The search teams have been deployed to Hurricane Katrina, La Conchita mudslide and the Chatsworth Metrolink train crash last year, said Janet Reineck, the group’s development director.

Reineck said the United States needs more than 400 canine-firefighter search teams to handle all the disasters. Currently it has about 200, and teams are retiring every year.

The group has trained 85 search teams since its founding in 1996, including 61 that are currently active. It receives no government funding, relying on support from individuals, private foundations and companies, officials said.

Winners of the 5th Annual Top Ten Dog Products of the Year Awards Were Officially Announced Today by PupLife.com January 13, 2009

Source: PRWeb.com

Each year, PupLife.com honors the top ten dog products of the year. PupLife.com prides itself on offering only the finest dog supplies available. Safe, healthy and unique, PupLife.com features the highest quality dog products for pets and their people. Now celebrating its fifth year, PupLife.com’s Annual Top Ten Dog Products of the Year gives special recognition to the best of the best.

Fennville, MI (PRWEB) January 13, 2009 — Winners of the 5th Annual Top Ten Dog Products of the Year were officially announced today by PupLife.com. Now celebrating its fifth year, PupLife.com’s much anticipated Top Ten Dog Products of the Year gives special recognition to the best of the best. PupLife.com selected its Top Ten Dog Products for 2008 based on a number of factors including customer feeback, product consistency and performance, innovative design and overall sales.

PupLife.com President, Eric Houtkooper said, “PupLife.com prides itself on the fact that we only carry the finest dog supplies available. We search far and wide for the healthiest, safest, highest quality dog products and only the best are selected for inclusion on the site. For every item that we add to our selection, hundreds are turned down. For a dog product to make the cut, we think it has to be pretty special.”

PupLife.com prides itself on the fact that we only carry the finest dog supplies available. We search far and wide for the healthiest, safest, highest quality dog products and only the best are selected for inclusion on the site. For every item that we add to our selection, hundreds are turned down. For a dog product to make the cut, we think it has to be pretty special.

And now, here are PupLife.com’s 5th Annual Top Ten Dog Products of the Year:

Lupine Dog Collars
Lupine® dog collars are stylish, functional and extremely durable. In fact, Lupine collars are guaranteed for life – even if chewed. If your pooch destroys a Lupine collar, simply mail it back to Lupine’s headquarters and they will send you a free replacement! Matching Lupine Dog Leashes and Dog Harnesses are available for all Lupine patterns, and Lupine even makes wonderful Martingale Collars for Greyhounds and other dogs that can back out of regular collars.

Manners Minder Remote Dog Training System
We love the Manners Minder Remote Reward Training System developed by world renown behaviorist, Dr. Sophia Yin. The Manners Minder Remote Reward Training System can help you train your dog to behave appropriately — not with punishment but with positive reinforcement!

Nina Ottosson’s Puzzle Toys for Dogs
Nina Ottosson’s interactive puzzle toys enhance canine problem solving skills and provide stimulating activity for dogs of all ages. These unique wooden puzzles are designed to enrich your dog’s mind and foster a stronger bond between you and your pet. Nina Ottosson’s puzzle toys for dogs (The Brick, The Tornado & Dog Smart) will revolutionize the way you play with your pet and provide a positive outlet for your dog’s energy and intellect.

West Paw Eco Slumber Dog Bed
The West Paw Eco Slumber Dog Bed is the ultimate in earth-friendly design. Your pooch will sleep in eco heaven in this super comfy, earth-friendly pet bed. The Eco Slumber dog bed combines eco fabric, made with 85% recycled IntelliLoft™ fibers and then filled with our 100% recycled IntelliLoft™ fiber fill.

Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Raw Dog Food – Keen
A nutritious raw dog food diet can be wonderful for your pet’s health and well-being. Honest Kitchen’s line of dehydrated raw dog foods offer the performance of raw dog food without all of the preparation hassles. Specially formulated for gluten-senstive dogs, Keen combines the wholesomeness of a home made diet with the convenience of an easy-to-prepare, scientifically balanced blend.

Red Dingo Stainless Steel Dog ID Tags
Attaching dog tags to your pet’s favorite collars is the best protection you have against losing your pet. Red Dingo Dog Tags are made from durable enamel and stainless steel, so you can trust them to protect your pet when you need them. These designer inspired dog tags come in a variety of fun patterns and colors. Plus, custom engraving is FREE!

Tazlab Joshua Tree Healing Pet Salve
Developed by rock climbers in the Mojave Desert, this healing salve contains a potent blend of antibiotic and healing herbs in a beeswax base. 100% organic and petroleum free. This unique formula effectively treats your pet’s cracked paw pads, abraded pads caused by urban dwelling, dermatitis, pink ear, pruritus. It is wonderful!

Stella & Chewy’s All Natural Dog Treats – Carnivore Kisses
These delicious freeze-dried treats can be given whole as a training reward, or crumbled over food at mealtimes for added flavor and nutrition. These all-natural, all-meat treats contain no preservatives, no dyes or colorings, and no sugar or salt. Carnivore Kisses are perfect for travel or training. They come in a screw-top plastic jar for easy storage and should be kept in a cool, dry place. Available in four awesome flavors: Turkey Tidbits, Angus Beef, White Meat Chicken or Grass-Fed Bison.

New York Dog Carriers
New York Dog makes luxurious dog carriers that are simply charming. With a multitude of styles and patterns to choose from, New York Dog certainly has the perfect carrier for your precious pet. Our favorites include their glamorous Hollywood Dog Carrier, the versatile faux suede Croco Dog Carrier and the popular Westport Dog Carrier. A PupLife.com favorite!

Dynamic Accents Dog Gates
Dynamic Accents’ beautiful hardwood gate construction is top notch and the hands only operation means no tools are required. They are gorgeous, durable and they fold away for easy storage when not in use. They also make amazing dog toy boxes!

A list of the winners along with pictures and descriptions can be found online at
PupLife.com.

All products are available for purchase. For more information, contact Leslie Hayes-Houtkooper at 773-620-0050 or visit PupLife.com.

Test reveals dogs’ jealous side December 8, 2008

Source: BBC News

Scientists in Austria say they have found a basic form of jealousy in dogs.

The Vienna-based researchers showed that dogs will stop doing a simple task when not rewarded if another dog, which continues to be rewarded, is present.

Writing in the journal PNAS, the scientists say this shows a sensitivity in dogs that was only previously found in primates.

The researchers now plan to extend their experiments to look at co-operative behaviour in wolves.

The experiment consisted of taking pairs of dogs and getting them to present a paw for a reward. On giving this “handshake” the dogs received a piece of food.

One of the dogs was then asked to shake hands, but received no food. The other dog continued to get the food when it was asked to perform the task.

Reward value

The dog without the reward quickly stopped doing the task, and showed signs of annoyance or stress when its partner was rewarded.

To make sure that the experiment was really showing the interaction between the dogs rather than just the frustration of not being rewarded, a similar experiment was conducted where the dogs performed the task without the partner. Here they continued to present the paw for much longer.

The dog sees its partner rewarded

Dr Frederike Range from the department of neurobiology and cognition research at the University of Vienna, says this shows that it was the presence of the rewarded partner which was the greater influence on their behaviour.

“The only difference is one gets food and the other doesn’t, they are responding to being unequally rewarded.” she said.

The researchers say this kind of behaviour, where one animal gets frustrated with what is happening with another, has only been observed in primates before.

Studies with various types of monkeys and chimpanzees show they react not only to seeing their partners receiving rewards when they are not, but also to the type of reward.

The dog study also looked at whether the type of reward made a difference. Dogs were given either bread or sausage, but seemed to react equally to either. Dr Range says this may be because they have been trained.

“It’s through the fact they have to work for the reward, this confers it with a higher value,” she said.

Evolution

The researchers say this behaviour, reacting to others receiving rewards, may represent an earlier stage in the evolution of co-operative behaviours seen in human and primates.

“I think it’s a precursor, simpler than in humans, it’s a selfish behaviour, they don’t react to seeing others treated unfairly. With humans they react, say it’s unfair, we can’t see anything like that in the dogs,” said Dr Range.

The dog soon refuses to raise a paw

The researchers say the type of behaviour exhibited in the experiment is probably due to the dog’s close association with humans. Dr Range says other animals need to be studied to really show how animals naturally exhibit jealousies or cooperate.

“I’m sure that it’s not something that evolved with the dogs, we will have to test it in wolves and other cooperating species,” she said.

Dr Range is currently rearing wolf cubs in order to perform similar experiments. She says the wolves will be able to do the paw test, but that it is really the wrong experiment. She regards this as something unnatural, that dogs are taught by their owners.

“They can give the paw, but it’s not the right test. We must take the human out of the equation, then we can compare directly wolves with dogs.”

Top 5 tips to keep your dog from biting November 20, 2008

Source: Houston Chronicle, Nov 20, 2008

No matter his size or breed, any dog will bite under the right circumstances, so it’s up to owners to take steps to keep their dog under control.  Some tips, from the American Kennel Association.

1. Research dog breeds before you bring one into your home. Some need considerable training and exercise if you’re going to keep them under control. Do you have the time and commitment they’ll require?

2. Don’t let your dog run free. Keep your dog on a leash when in public. Keep him behind a secure fence at home. Sure, an electronic fence might keep your dog in your yard, but how will you keep people and their pets away?

3. Socialize your dog. Start socializing him from Day One so he’s not uneasy with strangers. Even loving dogs may bite when they feel threatened.

4. Train your dog. He needs to respond to basic commands like  “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “heel,” and “come.” He needs to drop toys on command so you don’t have to reach into his mouth to get a toy. Play non-aggressive games like fetch rather than with games that will teach him bad habits like tug-of-war.

5. Do not set your dog up for failure. Be cautious when introducing your dog to new situations, avoid situations where he might be teased, and remove him if there are signs he’s uncomfortable.

Dog-greeting tips to help avoid a bite November 20, 2008

Source; Newsday, by Denice Flam, Animal House, November 20, 2008

It made for a lot of cute jokes about being “biting mad” over everything from his master’s imminent departure to liberal media bias. But there’s nothing funny about the bite that Barney, President George W. Bush‘s Scottish terrier, gave a Reuters reporter recently.

Had Barney been a Rottweiler or – heaven forfend! – a pit bull, nobody would be laughing.

(And it turns out Barney is an unrepentant recidivist: In September, he chomped Boston Celtics PR rep Heather Walker when the team visited the White House, and there is a standing order that tour-takers are not permitted in the Rose Garden if Barney is meandering outside. Ankles, watch out!)

Barney took responsibility for the Reuters incident, issuing an apology to political reporter Joe Decker on his own letterhead.

The First Dog’s transgressions seem a timely prompt for some dog-greeting tips:

Get permission Decker did ask Barney’s handler if he could pet the dog, but many passersby do not. The verbal exchange also lets the dog know that his owner knows and accepts you, and so he should, too.

But actually wait to hear the answer: No means no.

Approach obliquely In polite canine society, approaching head-on is a serious faux pas, and one that can trigger defensiveness. Instead, approach from an angle, always making sure, though, that the dog can see you.

No staring contests Similarly, making direct eye contact – and, worse, maintaining it – communicates a significant challenge in canine body language. Instead, use signals that communicate calm and friendliness: eye-blinking, offering your profile (more of that oblique stuff), even yawning. Don’t hold your breath.

Learn to read a dog Though seemingly subtle to humans, canine body language expresses precisely what a dog is feeling. A wagging body, loose lips, relaxed ears and “soft” eyes mean “come hither.” In turn, a tensed body, braced legs, stiffly wagging tail and flattened ears are not welcoming.

No aerial assaults “Never, ever swoop down over a dog. No dog, no matter its size, likes that,” admonishes Darlene Arden, author of “Rover, Get Off Her Leg: Pet Etiquette for the Dog who Pees on Your Rug, Steals the Roast and Poops in Improper Places” (Health Communications, $14.95). Indeed, Decker’s approach to Barney was lightning fast and, from the dog’s perspective, totally unanticipated.

No head pats “Never immediately bring your hand down on the dog’s head,” Arden warns. “From the dog’s perspective, this looks like he’s about to be hit or have something land on him. And he is going to have something land on him – your hand!”

Be underhanded The safest and least provocative “hello” you can give a dog is offering your knuckles to sniff, with a closed fist, “so you don’t risk losing fingers,” Arden recommends.

After the dog has sniffed your knuckles, “you can start to slowly scratch the dog under the chin,” she continues. “Be gentle and move slowly. If the dog accepts this, then you can slowly move your hand around to scratch behind the ears.”

Slow and steady Dogs do not like quick, jerky movements. Try to approximate the fluid movements of your hands underwater. Be gentle, but not hesitant or unsure: This is just as worrying to an insecure dog.

No kidding Small children, with their sharp, birdlike movements, can be unsettling to dogs; watch the canine body language carefully. Also, be prepared to quickly pre-empt any hugging or hanging around the neck: Though this is a natural expression of affection for humans, it is a common aggression trigger in dogs.

Think calm This is tough to do if you are nervous, but dogs can pick up on your body English, breathing patterns, even the pheromones you emit, and respond accordingly. If you are not comfortable with the idea of petting a dog – any dog – then don’t.

Bark Busters Offers Tips for Safely Bringing Home a Shelter Dog October 27, 2008

World’s largest dog training company offers tips for people bringing home a shelter dog

Source: Englewood, Colo. (PRWEB) October 27, 2008 — From dogs evacuated during hurricanes and abandoned to shelters, to the thousands of racing greyhounds disposed of every year, shelters are overflowing with dogs waiting to be rescued. Shelter dogs come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and it is important to know how to help a dog make the transition from a shelter to a new home. To help families who are willing to rescue a shelter dog, Bark Busters – the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company – provides guidelines to better manage the adoption.

“Dogs need order and leadership,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “They are pack animals, so you must be the ‘pack leader’ to ensure that your dog knows that you’re the boss. Dog owners may not know the temperament of their shelter dog, but they can make the transition from shelter to home easier, faster and more rewarding by having a set of house rules.

The following tips can help ensure a smooth transition:

Before You Bring Your New Dog Home:
Hold a family meeting to create rules about caring for the dog. Will he be allowed on the couch, the bed, and in all rooms of the house? Where will he sleep and eat? Who will be responsible for feeding? Who will walk him and clean up after him? As a family, you must all be consistent with your decisions or you will confuse the dog, typically resulting in the dog making his own rules and causing unnecessary tension, which can lead to undesirable behavior.

Have the necessary items your dog will need from the start: ID tags, a collar and a 6 foot leash, food and water bowls, food, dog toys, a crate and bedding, and basic grooming tools.

Plan to bring your new dog home on a weekend or when you can be home for a few days. You will want that time to get to know each other and to establish rules and a trusting relationship.

Just before you bring your dog into the home, take him for a walk to tire him out a little. Walks are not only good exercise, but they also serve as a training tool and an opportunity to establish yourself as the pack leader.

Establish Ground Rules in the First Days:
At first, limit your dog to one room or area. Allow him time to familiarize himself with the smells and sounds of his new home. Try to limit your time away from home those first days; your spending time with him will help him to become more comfortable in his new home.

Keep your dog on leash for the first few weeks so you can immediately teach him what behaviors are and are not acceptable.

Expect housetraining accidents. Your dog is in a new territory and is establishing a new routine, so accidents probably will happen. Review housetraining information available from the shelter, your veterinarian or your local Bark Busters trainer. The key is to be consistent and maintain a routine.

Dogs instinctively like to den, and a crate makes the ideal place for your dog to sleep and get away from household hubbub. A crate also makes housetraining and training easier, but limit the amount of time the dog is crated. The crate should be roomy enough to allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. An alternative to a crate is to confine him in a dog-proofed part of your home, such as a laundry or mud room. You can use a baby gate or dog gate to block off the area from the rest of the house.

Most shelter dogs have been given basic vaccinations and many have already been spayed/neutered. It is important that your dog is examined by a veterinarian within a week after adoption for a health check.

For the first few days, limit guest visits to allow your dog to get comfortable with his new family. When you do have guests, ask their help in training your dog by instructing them to not pay attention to him until he has calmed down. One way to communicate this request is to post a sign on your front door informing visitors that you have a new dog in training.

A Trained Dog Makes for a Happy Human-Canine Bond:
Get guidance for training your dog. A well-trained dog is a happier dog and a joy to have around.

Dogs need a pack leader. If they don’t have one, then they try to become the leader, which can create numerous behavioral problems. Thus, you–and all people in your home (other than children under 12)–need to be the pack leader. Practice obedience training, set rules and apply them calmly and consistently, and praise your dog’s good behavior. He will see you as his pack leader and will bond more quickly to you.

It is amazing how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable and what is not. Dogs have a language of their own, and once we understand it, we can communicate better what we expect of them.

A Bright Future:
Hats off to you for bringing home a shelter dog! Your patience and training will help to create a bond that will reward you both for years to come. With the right balance of discipline, understanding and affection, your shelter dog will become a loyal, grateful and loving companion.

Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists, such as Liam Crowe, are renowned authorities in understanding, correcting and managing dog behavior. The Bark Busters training system can successfully train any dog, including a puppy. The company’s natural training technique leverages the same communications methods–body language and voice control–that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality. All training takes place right in the home where most problems generally occur. In every market where Bark Busters is established, a majority of veterinarians familiar with the technique recommend the company’s services.

About Bark Busters:
Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, nearly 400,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 250+ franchised offices in 42 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs’ behavior.

Contact: Lauren Rerucha 303-921-1155 laurenrerucha@barkbusters.com