Adult Dog Feeding Guide

If you are planning on adding an adult dog to your home
you need to get an idea of the adult dog feeding guidelines
that you will need to follow. Our canine friends come in
many shapes and sizes. The levels of activity can vary
greatly among pets and is an important consideration
in determining energy needs. Sufficient nutrients are
necessary to meet energy needs and to facilitate the
repair and maintenance of body tissue.
There are a number of methods you can use to feed your
dog dependent on your particular schedule and needs.
One method is to provide two meals in a day preferably
served in the morning and evening. This method employs
giving equal portions for both meals and helps to monitor
an animals caloric intake and thus maintain a desired weight.
Another method is designed to make food available
through out the day. This method benefits owners who may
be away for long periods during the course of a day. This
method runs the risk of your dog consuming excess calories
which leads to weight gain. Dry food is best used for this method as dry food is less likely to spoil when left out all day long.

Another method for feeding your dog involves
feeding your dog for a specified time period say thirty minutes
and then removing the food. Again this can be used if your
dog has a weight problem and you want to control how many
calories she is consuming. For practical purposes it is advised
that you feed your dog twice daily.

Activity level is an important consideration in determining
how much food your dog will need. If your dog is a normal
house dog he should receive a maintenance level of energy.
If you have a less active dog you should reduce by 10 percent
the maintenance level of energy. If you have an extremely
active outdoor dog you should increase the maintenance
level of energy provided by 20 to 40 percent.
Get the advise of your veterinarian for the best type of food products
and feeding schedule for your particular dog. Additionally an animal
that is ill or recovering from surgery will have differing dietary needs.
Consult your veterinarian for proper guidelines in this instance.

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Chesapeake Bay Retriever information

Overview:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is originally from the United States, and often referred to as the "Cheese". These dogs are enthusiastic hunters of fowls on both land and water. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was the first retriever to be documented by the American Kennel Club. Even though they are not as well known today as the Golden or Labrador Retrievers, the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are wonderful family and field companion dogs.

Description: 

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a muscular dog with a lot of power. The head is broad. We see the muzzle is the same length as the skull. This breed has small ears that are high set and hang loosely. They have wide set eyes which are amber and yellowish colour. Their teeth meet in a scissor or level bite. Their height is between 21 and 26 inches, dependant on sex of your dog. Their weight is in the range to 65 to 80 pounds, for the male dog, with bitches, 55 to 70 pounds. The body is muscular and is in keeping with a working dog. The tail is medium in length and is rather thick at the base.

This breed has webbed toes, which helps them when swimming. Their coat is short, with a slight wave to the fur, the coat is oily, which enables the dog to dry off quicker and swim in colder waters than other breeds. Coat colours include light tan, red, brown and sedge, occasionally, we see small white spots upon the breast, toes and back of the feet and also on their tummy. They live for about 12 years. This breed does have an odour.

History: 

of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever: An English ship was wrecked on the coast of Maryland, in the winter of 1807. Everybody was successfully rescued including two dogs that were given to a family of dog lovers; these were Newfoundland dogs, and the start of this breeds of dog. The Newfoundland dogs were mated with the flat coated retrievers, curly coated retrievers and the English otter hounds.

We see in this breed, the outstanding abilities of the retriever, the enthusiasm from the Newfoundland, combined with all these breeds love of water and the webbed feet from the Newfoundland. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has received some wonderful skills from their ancestors. Some of the talents we see are retrieving, hunting, guarding and more recently, competitive obedience, field sports and schutzhund.

Temperament: 

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed is highly trainable, willing and able to please. Training can be slow sometimes on learning new training commands. Here we have a dog that is great with children, and is a very friendly dog. This breed has a lifelong passion for water.

Care:

These dogs should be brushed about once during the week to remove the dead hair. It is vital for these dogs not to be groomed too much as this will harm the coat. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever should only be bathed when it is really necessary in order to protect the integrity the coat. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an average shedding dog.

Training:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is very clever dog an intelligent dog that is very precise and devoted to their family when socialized and trained correctly. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not quite as fast to learn as some of the other breeds, and will require a tolerant trainer that will offer plenty of repetition. This breed should only be taught by one person until they have learned the command, otherwise they might become confused.

Health problems:

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a rather healthy breed. They are however prone to bloat, and it is therefore advised that they rather have a number of small meals rather than one large meal. These dogs should also not exercise directly after eating. Hip dysplasia is a minor concern with these dogs, and progressive retinal atrophy and entropion are eye conditions that are also seen with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Labrador Retriever Information

In 1903, the English Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever breed, then later in 1917 by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Today, it is listed as the number one registered dog breed with the AKC and is popular with dog lovers all around.

Labrador Retrievers are a type of gun dog that are naturally friendly, loyal, playful, and trainable. Because of this, it is no wonder that in 1991, it was voted as the most popular dog breed. Even children are drawn to Labradors.

This very active dog is highly trainable and it enjoys learning anything that would please its owner or audience. Other than retrieving, this dog enjoys, playing frisbee, running, swimming, and just about anything that entails play.

Labrador Retrievers can be very gentle too and if they want to, they can carry an egg in their mouth without breaking it.

With their natural curiosity and trainable characteristic, Labradors are often employed in police work for detection and retrieval assistance.

Dog Care

Since the Labrador Retriever is an active dog, dog owners are advised to allow play time on a daily basis. This breed needs to be able to swim, run or just be outside and play. Engage your dog in games that will stimulate him physically and mentally.

Although Labradors can withstand all types of weather, it still would prefer to be indoors where the temperature is constant and is in the company of family. So keep your Labrador safe inside the home where it could be comfortable.

Upkeep must be fairly active on a daily basis. Labrador retrievers must have daily exercise in the form of running and swimming. Retrieving, however, is at the top of the list of fun games that Labs really enjoy, especially through water such as the beach or even a large outdoor swimming pool.

Health

In general, the Labrador Retriever can live anywhere from ten to twelve years if cared for properly. Annual checkup is advised since this breed has major health problems like OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder, CHD or coronary heart disease, elbow dysplasia, obesity, and patellar luxation. Dog owners should be on the lookout of other health concerns such as diabetes, distichiasis, muscular dystrophy, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and even collapse due to over-activity.

Dog owners are advised to give the Labrador Retriever a diet best for its size and activities so that it can reach its full potential and keep it healthy and strong.

How To Feed A Puppy

It is Important to look after our dogs to the best of our ability, and feeding a puppy correctly is important to give it the very best start in life. For optimal growth and health, a balanced diet is necessary. This means the diet includes the right amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals, in the right proportions.

Puppies need to take in proportionally more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs do, because they need more energy to grow. Commercial puppy foods take this into account. It is very calorie dense, which means that it includes more calories per bowl, compared to adult dog food.

Since puppies have little stomachs, they should be fed small meals regularly. This means three small meals a day up to twelve weeks of age, then reducing frequency to two meals a day. You can keep feeding your dog two meals a day throughout adulthood, or further reduce to one meal when he's around 12 months old and close to fully grown.

You should feed your puppy according to the guidelines on the food packet. Overfeeding puppies can make them overweight. This can predispose to orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia, and may lead to obesity later in life. It is undoubtedly easier to prevent your dog from getting overweight in the first place than it is to get rid of the excess weight later in life.

It is a good idea to base your puppy's diet on quality commercial dog food, and then add extra things such as rice, pasta and raw bones. Remember to never feed your dog cooked bones, as these are dangerous and may splinter, damaging the gastrointestinal tract. When choosing a dog food, take a close look at the ingredient list. The top two or three ingredients on the list should be meat or meat protein. Dog foods which may be less expensive are higher in cereal, and therefore not as good for your pet.

Home cooked diets are possible, but it can be very hard to maintain nutritional balance. One of the best examples is calcium. A predominantly meat based diet can contain too little calcium, leading to poor bone density and increased risk of fractures. Conversely, adding too much calcium supplement to a diet can also lead to developmental orthopedic disease. It is very important to get the balance just right.

It is also important to choose a commercial dog food which is appropriate for the breed. For example, giant breed puppy food allows for slow steady growth. This helps to avoid orthopedic problems in your dog such as osteochondrosis dissecans which is often associated with rapid growth in large breeds of dog.

As puppies get older, their growth rate slows, and they can be switched to adult food when they're close to maturity. This is usually around twelve months for most breeds, and eighteen months for giant breeds.
It is very important to choose the right dog food for your puppy, as the effects of poor nutrition can last a lifetime. Make sure that the food is both of high quality, nutritionally balanced and appropriate for the breed.

dog food feeding tips

Maintain a regular feeding schedule, twice a day or three times a day depending on your schedule and your animal.  Due to the fact that puppies have smaller stomachs, they will need to eat at least three times a day.  By the fifth month your puppy can be fed twice a day.  Don’t let your pet eat when he/she feel like it.

Measure out the food that your pet should eat in one sitting.  Dog foods packaging will have a serving suggestion based on the weight of your dog.  But also consider the energy of your pet.  The best rule of feeding is first start with the amount of food he/she eats within a 15-minute period, which will be what he/she needs per feeding time.  Adjust the amount of food being fed based on the weight gain or loss of your pet.  Soon you will have just the right amount of food.

Each dog should have his or her own dog food dish.  Supervise that one of the dogs is not taking the other dogs’ food.  Using this method will allow you to notice if one of them has lost their appetite indicating a health problem.

Feed your pet in various places--inside, outside, in the kitchen, or anywhere that works for you.  This will come in handy when you have to travel with your dog or if he/she has to be placed in a kennel that will have its own way of feeding them.

Don’t change dog food brands and types on a regular basis.  Change of food can cause upset stomach and possibly diarrhea.  A good quality dog food will provide everything your pet will need in nutrition.

If you do have to change dog food, change it gradually.  Start making the transition by mixing a little bit of the new dog food with your dog's current dog food.  Over days increase the new food and start phasing out the old food.

Wash the dog food bowls and water dish regularly.

Don’t leave food and water outside while your pet is inside overnight.  Unwanted critters can come along to freely eat out of your dog’s food and water bowl putting your pet at risk of catching disease or illnesses.

Store the dog food in a container that you can close to protect it from getting stale.  The older the food gets the more nutrients it will lose.  Don’t purchase more than a months worth of dog food that your pet can eat.

Expecting mothers will need more protein and calcium added to their deit .  Change her food over to puppy type dog food and mix it with cottage cheese.

Raw Dog Food: Transitioning Your Dog From Dry Food

Raw Food and Your Dog

Dog lovers know that no two dogs are the same, and because of this, there isn't a single answer when it comes to weaning your dog off of dry kibble and into a natural, raw diet. You can still employ some basic techniques which can get you moving in the right direction, though.

1. Stay positive. Your pets can be extremely perceptive, and they'll know if you have any doubts about this transition to a raw food diet. If you are confident, your pets will feel more certain about this alteration of their usual diet.

2. If you have an older dog who has been eating the same food for a long time, it will take more time to establish this raw diet.

3. It's important to employ variety when introducing a meat-based, raw deit to your dog, but it's usually best to use only one kind of meat to begin your transitioning with - usually the type of meat which is already in your dog's kibble. By doing this, your dog's digestion will be made simpler.

4. Don't feed your dog prior to beginning this change. If your dog is hungry, it will be far more interested in what's in their bowl, and it will also provide some down time for their digestive system.

5. As this transition is happening, don't give your dog too many treats. This will prime your dog's appetite for its new food.

6. Give your dog lots of clean, filtered water to drink.

Raw Diets for Puppies

A puppy will usually be able to make this dietary transition in just a couple of days, as their digestive systems are able to process new foods with greater ease than older dogs might. To begin, switch out a quarter of your dog's food with Darwin's. As time goes on, increase the amount of Darwin's and decrease the amount of kibble, until all that's left is the new, raw diet.

Healthy, Young Dogs & the Raw Diet

Younger dogs will have a simpler, more rapid transition when compared to older dogs, or dogs who might be unhealthy. Transitioning within a week is generally possible, providing that your dog doesn't show symptoms of being sick, such as vomiting, constipation or loose stools. By making this transition slowly, your dog's digestive tract will have more flexibility to adjust to new foods.

1. Start out by switching out 1/8th of your dogs usual meal with raw food.

2. Once your dog has eaten three times, try switching out 1/4 of your dog's food.

3. Repeat this again after three meals, introducing a mixture which is half kibble and half raw food.

4. Finally, after three more meals, give your dog a completely raw meal. Ideally, your dog will not show any signs of distress. If your dog seems okay, you've successfully made the switch!

Old Dogs & Choosy Eaters

Dogs who have old habits might not accept the texture or scent of a raw diet. This is not uncommon, especially with smaller breeds of dogs. There are a few simple steps that you can take.

1. During the change, don't allow your dog to have treats.

2. Don't feed your dog prior to switching their food.

3. Raw meals can be lightly cooked in order to activate their flavors and smells. Be sure to only cook these slightly. A quick poach on the stove or a pass through your toaster oven should do the trick.

4. Present this meal in a way which will make your dog comfortable, such as a secluded spot in your home or kitchen.

5. By adding extra flavor to their meals, like egg yolks, cheese or garlic powder, most dogs will give in and try out their new food without much trouble!

German Shorthaired Pointer

Description :

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium sized hunting dog with a slender, athletic build. The dog is 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder with the bitch 2 inches less. This dog ranges in weight from 45 to 70 pounds. The German Short haired Pointer has a short coat with a rough texture. The coat of this dog is liver (dark brown) and white, liver, or liver roan. The tail is generally docked. The German Short haired Pointer has a life span of 12 to 15 years. It is used as both a hunting dog and as a companion.





History:

 It is likely that the arrival of the Spanish Pointer in Germany during the 17th century led to the development of the German Shorthaired Pointer. The details regarding the exact breeds used is not available, but it is thought that the Foxhound, Hounds of St. Hubert, and even the English Pointer were used with the foundation stock. The search was for a dog that could hunt over most terrains, but would also serve as a reliable and good-natured companion. The AKC recognized the German Short haired Pointer in 1930.

Temperament :

The German Shorthaired Pointer is renowned for its good disposition. It is intelligent and can be trained easily. This dog wants to be close to its human family and is very affectionate and loyal to them. The German Short haired Pointer is fine around children, but because of its active nature would probably be better suited for older children. It is protective of those it loves and is a very good companion dog.

Health Issues:

 The German Shorthaired Pointer is basically a healthy, sturdy dog, but can suffer from some hereditary problems. The most serious is Von Willebrand's Disease (a form of hemophilia) and bloat, which must be treated immediately by a veterinarian. Hip dysplasia can also occur as can entropion of the eye. Epilepsy can sometimes be present in this dog. The German Short haired Pointer can rarely suffer from heart problems.

Grooming:

 As the German Shorthaired Pointer has a short, smooth coat, grooming this breed is easy. An occasional brushing will suffice, but care should be taken to examine its feet for injuries when it has been outside. The pendant ears will increase susceptibility to ear infections, so they should be kept clean and dry. If the German Short haired Pointer has been hunting, it should be examined for ticks or other parasites, and dried off if it has become wet.

Living Conditions:

 While the German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly and loving dog, it is probably happiest with an active family. This dog should not be kept in an apartment, it is simply too energetic to be content there. The owner should be aware that the German Short haired Pointer will be able to jump over a 6' fence, so even a large, fenced yard may not be secure. Involving the dog with family activities such as jogging, bicycling, or hunting is a good way to keep it happy and healthy.

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Italian Greyhound information

Description:

 The Italian Greyhound is a very small sighthound. This is a lightly built, graceful little dog that will be 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 7 and 14 pounds. The long, narrow head, long neck, deep chest, and long legs all mark this as a dog in the Greyhound family. The coat of this dog is short and comes in a variety of colors including cream, red, black, fawn, or grey, sometimes with white added. The Italian Greyhound will live for 12 to 15 years on average. It is also called the IG or Piccolo Levrieve Italiani.

History:

Mummies from Ancient Egypt have been found that contain a dog very similar to the Italian Greyhound. The Italian Greyhound was also known in Ancient Rome and was very popular during the Renaissance in Italy. This dog has been used in hunting, often in collaboration with falcons. When early breeders tried to make the Italian Greyhound even smaller than it is, the results were extremely bad, with many deformed dogs being born. The breed almost died out, but was rescued by dedicated breeders who restored the dog.

Temperament:

The character of the Italian Greyhound is excellent for a companion dog. This dog is very affectionate and desirous of attention and wants to be around its humans at all times. Unless it is socialized with other people and animals while it is young, however, it can be somewhat timid. The Italian Greyhound does very well with children, but because of the dog's fragile build, it is probably advisable to keep very small children away from it so that they do not inadvertently injure it. This is a hunting dog, and it will chase small game if given the chance.

Health Issues:

One of the biggest problems with the Italian Greyhound is that the puppies are quite delicate and fragile. Even jumping off furniture can sometimes break a leg. Extra care must be taken to protect the young dog from harm, but once the dog is about 18 months old it will be more sturdy. This breed can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy. The kneecap can slip, also. The IG is not able to tolerate cold, so should be warmly dressed when taken outside in cooler weather.

Grooming:

The Italian Greyhound does not need to have its short coat groomed intensively. An occasional brushing or wiping with a chamois cloth will keep the dog looking good. If a bath is absolutely necessary, be sure to dry and warm the dog afterwards so that it does not catch a chill. The IG does not shed very much, and could be considered hypoallergenic.

Living Condition: 

This is a purely indoor dog. The Italian Greyhound will be fine in an apartment, but will definitely appreciate a walk every day. It will want to be around its human friends as much as possible and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. If possible, let the IG have an unrestricted gallop from time to time, a chance to really stretch out its legs and body. Just make sure that the spot chosen for this is safe, a fenced yard probably being the best.

German Shepherd Care Tips

German Shepherd dog is a very healthy breed Offen that is capable to living an average of 12 to 16 years. For those with a well-bred German Shepherd it is unlikely that they will have any major health problems. However, all German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions. This includes Canine Hip Dysphasia or CHD in which the skeleton has a developmental problem and the femur doesn't sit correctly within the hip socket. Another condition is Von Willebrand's Disease, which is a blood disease that affects the ability to the dog's blood to form clots. Without proper care and regular baths a German Shepherd can also develop skin allergies.

An important part of caring for your German Shepherd's health is a balanced diet. You need to give them fresh food in order for them to have a long and happy life. Fresh meats such a turkey, chicken and beef are okay. Although you should also mix in some vegetables, rice and eggs for a balanced diet.

By feeding a good and healthy diet, brushing the teeth as often as possible, regular grooming and providing plenty of exercise and attention you can make sure you keep your German Shepherd in excellent health. In order to spot any common German Shepherd health conditions before they become serious it is a good idea to perform a weekly home health exam. This can also help you to easily detect any changes that can occur due to injury, disease or dog related emergencies because you will be aware of your dog's body.

Taking your dog to the veterinarian on a regular basis is the best way to care for your German Shepherd. All vaccinations should be current and you should have a regular physical and health exam done. It is best to choose a veterinarian that is familiar with the health problems specific to a German Shepherd and can deal with any specific hereditary disease of the breed.

Maintaining good German Shepherd health relies greatly on diet. An adult German Shepherd can eat at least forty pounds of dry food a month, although this amount can change for a dog with a higher metabolism or a dog with an increased activity level. For example, a younger dog that is more active will require more fuel in the form of food than an older dog or one that is more inactive.

Most owners choose to feed a high quality commercial food and then supplement it two to three times a week with a little bit of meat. Again the amount of food you feed depends on the dog's activity level but most will take two cups of food a day and you should take away any uneaten portions after thirty minutes.

You want a food that will be high in protein so it should focus on lamb, fish or chicken rather than wheat, rice or corn. Meat based foods will benefit your German Shepherd in the long run even though they are more expensive. It is also best to avoid feeding your dog anything that has additives if possible.

Pharaoh Hound Dog Description, History and Temperament

Description:

The Pharaoh Hound has a short smooth coat of a rich tan colour, which is not sufficient to protect them from cold weather. Standing some 21-25 inches high and weighing approximately 54-55 pounds, they're classed as a medium-sized dog. They are an elegant looking dog, with very distinctive ears and a long muscular neck. They are energetic and agile with a good turn of speed, also being fairly independent in nature. They have an intuitive intelligence, which can be seen in their stance. Although they are independent in nature, they mix well as a family pet, seeing the family as their group or pack. The engendered intelligence of this animal makes them respond well to training.

History.

The Pharaoh hound begins its history in ancient Egypt. Although there are myths and Legends surrounding the breed, mummified and skeletal remains have been found in Egyptian tombs that strongly resemble the modern Pharaoh. Some 3,000-4,000 years ago they were introduced to Malta by the Phoenician traders, who colonised the island. At some point the traders abandoned the islands leaving the dogs behind, where they continued to breed and forage for themselves for approximately 2000 years. This may explain how this dog so closely resembles its ancestors, as there were no other breeds of dog upon the island, at that time. Whereas in Egypt with the variety of dogs in the country this breed all but disappeared, thereby attributing them to Malta. Having been originally bred as Pharaohs hunt dogs, and subsequently left alone to fend for themselves for 2000 years, may explain why their hunting instinct is so deep and apparently inbred.

Temperament.


As mentioned the Pharaoh hound is an instinctive hunter, this has the implication that, unless they are introduced as a puppy to other household pets, they may view some of them as fare game, to be hunted. They are very active and require a good level of exercise. This is a breed which should be walked on a leash, and only allowed independent exercise in a well fenced area as, once they have the scent, they are very difficult to call off the hunt. Even after extensive training this instinct can still be a problem. They are independent in their own thinking and actions, but they do interact with families well and enjoy playing, but remember they may be stronger than they look. Care should be taken around small children as they may get knocked over in play, it will undoubtedly be an accident as, whilst these dogs are accomplished hunters, they are not malicious in nature.

Training

An independent-minded by trainable Pharaoh Hound requires positive training methods. This breed is sensitive, and will respond poorly when physical punishment is used. Training should start while they are young to get the best out of this hound. This breed can be stubborn, but it is important to always use positive reinforcement, rewarding their good deeds and ignoring the bad ones. Remember, this breed has been developed to take care of himself, so he tends to operate on his own. Being firm but gentle will make training easier for Pharaoh Hounds.


Care

This short coated breed is easy to groom. Basically, the Pharaoh Hound only requires a weekly rub with a rough cloth, oftentimes called a hound cloth. They won't even need that much combing. However, they do enjoy being rubbed with a brush, and massaged to remove dead hair monthly. This breed should be trimmed properly, and should never be done quickly. Often, these dogs are brought to the groomer or vet for a professional treatment.

The Benefits of Buying Dry Dog Food

If you own a dog, you have been presented with the decision in the type of food that you should feed your animal. With options of both wet and dry food available, how do you decide which one will be best for the dog and your lifestyle? Read the following information on the benefits of choosing dry food. Dry dog food just may have more benefits that you may think.

Dry dog food can save you time. If you are constantly on the go, this benefit should catch your eye. Choosing to feed your dried food can save you time during the day. You do not have to worry about opening cans or cleaning out bowls from previous feedings. There are also automatic feeders that can schedule feedings for your do throughout the day. This ensures that your dog will get fed even if you cannot be there to feed him.

Dry dog food can save you money. If you are looking for the best price, dried food is the cheaper alternative. You get more for your money when you choose to purchase this type of food over wet dog food products. If you are on a budget, dry food is the way to go with your pet. Buying the food in bulk will increase your savings.

You do not have to sacrifice nutrition. Contrary to what you may think, there are many high quality dry dog foods that can give your dog the proper nutrition that he needs to be a healthy, active, and energetic dog. While there are some foods that do not offer adequate nutrition, there are countless others who do provide it. Be choosy when buying this type of food so that your pet gets the best nutrition possible. As with anything, do the proper research and ask for opinions from others before deciding on the right food.

With so many options available, you are sure to find one that your dog will enjoy. There are many different brands of dog foods that offer a wide variety of flavor. From meaty flavors to combination vegetable options, finding the perfect flavor should be easy. If your first attempt at giving your dog dry dog food fails, choose a different flavor. You may even find a combination of foods that your dog will enjoy. It is okay to switch it up every now and then. In fact, your dog will probably enjoy the selection.

Dry dog food has many benefits. Analyze your lifestyle and see if choosing dry food will work best for you. If you find that you are busy more than not, choosing this food will more than likely fit your lifestyle. Dried food can save you both time and money and also provide your dog with the nutrition that he needs. When choosing a dog food , be sure to choose something that your dog will enjoy. Through trial and error you will be able to find a flavor that works best for your pet.

Best information about dogs feeding you can find it here

Borzoi Dog Breed information

Description:

At first look, the Borzoi dog is similar to a greyhound. It has a narrow slightly domed head. The long muzzle is slightly arched. They have a level or scissor bite. They have a large nose, being black in colour. With dark eyes that have a slight slant. They spot their pray by sight rather than by the smell. Their ears are small and laid-back on the head. This dog has a long and slender neck. The chest is narrow and deep, the back line is arched slightly upwards. They have a low set tail with a sweeping curve. This is a large dog that is tall. This breed has silky, long, flat or wavy coat. Hair is to be found longer on the tail, neck and hindquarters. This breed can come in any colour combination, mostly all solid colours.


History:

This breed comes from Russia. For hundreds of years, belong to the Russian nobility. They were developed from the Russian wolfhounds and Arabian greyhound. This breed was called the Russian wolfhound, in America until 1936. When the name was changed, to what it is called today. This dog is a hunting dog. For hundreds of years this dog has been used for hunting, hare, Fox, and even wolves on the plains of Russia. It is now more a companion dog, and to match that, his temperament is more docile than its ancestors.

Temperament:

This breed is intelligent and very kind. This dog showing extreme loyalty, to their family. Showing great affection to people they know well. They are freethinking, less willing to satisfy their human owners than some breeds, in regard to obedience. Gentle and firm training works best with this breed, with clear rules of the home. This breed likes to keep themselves clean, and can appear catlike in grooming themselves. This dog rarely barks. Due to the extreme speed, and lack of any territorial instincts, it is a dog that is not safe off the lead. As with many breeds from the hunting dogs, this dog is not recommended to be left with any non-canine pets. Socialising this dog is a must with any cats or other pets, you have in the home from a young age is best. They are by nature sensitive, so will not like rough handling.


Health issues:

This breed is prone to bloat, so should have several meals throughout the day, fairly small in size. This breed needs high nutritional diets, particularly when they are growing.



Grooming:
 Although this breed has a long silky coat, it is easily groomed. This dog will require brushing regularly, and the occasional use of the dry shampoo. This is a seasonally heavy shedder.


Living conditions:
 With the right amount of exercise. This dog can live in an apartment. When outside, they need plenty of space to walk and run so a medium-sized garden is required. This dog is better living in the countryside, due to the fact it loves to run and is just not safety conscious.

Dutch Shepherd history and information

Dutch Shepherds have been distinguished from the other varieties of working line shepherds in a relatively short period of time, a little over a hundred years. Originally used by human shepherds to herd, guard and defend flocks of sheep on the flat fields of Holland, they were prized for their workability and guard drive.

The Dutch Shepherd dog is fairly rare in North America, and is also limited in their local country, Holland. This breed is greatly admired for their fast reflexes and capabilities.

The late nineteenth century brought a reduction in the amount of sheep herds in Holland and therefore a loss of work for shepherds and their Dutch Shepherd dogs alike. Interest started to develop in owning and showing these highly intelligent dogs and the Nederlandse Herdershonden Club (Dutch Shepherd Dog Club) was formed as a result. Early members included founders of the K.N.P.V.

Attention started to be paid toward creating standards for the breed, including color, coat length, bone density and size. Formal breeding practices evolved to produce dogs that met the criteria. "Undesirable" traits, especially pertaining to coloration, were bred out as much as possible. As a result, Dutch Shepherds became more common in appearance.

Traits that have always been a part of the Dutch Shepherds' genetic makeup include a high degree of intelligence, adaptability, courage and natural born guard drive. With the proper training foundation, they make excellent protection dogs. In fact, one of my clients insists that her Dutch Shepherds are better protectors than her human bodyguards.  Also great with children, they love to socialize and especially exercise with their handler. 

Versatile, beautiful and most of all protective, Dutch Shepherds have proven themselves to be among the best of the working line shepherds.

Temperament

The Dutch Shepherd is one of the most competent shepherd dogs there is, and does very well at jobs such as catch, obedience competitions, guard work, herding and field trailing. This breed is very fond of its territory and a very keen worker. These dogs are warm, content, clear-headed and very faithful to their families. Being friendly, affectionate, good-humoured and highly energetic these dogs are in general very happy and smart. The Dutch Shepherd can be good friends with children if they give them some time to be alone. These dogs will greet friend and family excitedly, but will b hostile toward unwanted visitors. This breed will get along with other animals, but also enjoys the company of their own kind. Owners will find these dogs to be clever, easy to train in obedience train and very keen on learning. The Dutch Shepherd makes excellent watch and guard dogs and is always alert.

Care

Both the long and short-haired Dutch Shepherd dogs are very high maintenance when it comes to grooming. They should be brushed often to remove any dead and loose hairs. The short-haired coats should be trimmed by professionals two times a year. It recommended that the surplus hair on the ears should be removed. The wire-haired variety should not be brushed ever, but they can be combed once in a while. This breed has an all-weather coat that should be bathed only when it is really necessary otherwise the natural oils on the skin will be removed.

Training

The Dutch Shepherd will need a dominant trainer but at the same time they also learn very quickly. It is important that their training sessions are varied; otherwise they will loose interest quickly. They do extremely well in obedience, police work, military work and guarding. The training environment for the Dutch Shepherd should be firm, fair and consistent.

Health problems

There are no recorded health issues for the Dutch Shepherd, and they will typically live for 12 to 14 years.

Belgian Tervuren training information

The Belgian Tervuren is a proud looking, agile breed that is born for the show ring. Primarily bred by dog fanciers, this breed is not all beauty. As with other sheepdogs, this breed is protective of their territories. With height ranging between 22-26 inches, and weight averaging 65-70 pounds, this medium-sized breed is muscular without looking heavy.

Coat

The Belgian Tervuren has a thick double coat in mahogany color with various degrees of black cover, together with a black mask. Small white patch may appear on the chest, and toes with white tips. Tervurens with sable or gray color is also accepted.

Activity

The Belgian Tervuren is a highly energetic and very active breed of dog, requiring a lot of exercise. Tervurens are used to being outdoors working, and could do with a space to run and play off-leash. This breed is known to love retrieving things, and this is an excellent form of exercise. To prevent them from getting bored and resorting to vicious behavior, owners should give them enough activity to tire them out.

Due to their predisposition to get lazy and obese if overfed, it is important that they get the proper exercise regimen to prevent that.

Temperament

The Belgian Tervurens are protective, attentive, highly active, and reserved. As with other breeds of Belgian Sheepdogs, this breed makes great family companion when properly trained. They usually develop strong bonding relationships with a family member or two. They are energetic, and would be happiest if given a job or task to do. The Belgian Tervuren is affectionate, very loyal, and thrives on the love and attention of the family.

Overview

The Belgian Tervuren belongs to the herding group with high intelligence, excellent temperament, and trainability. Due to the popularity of show rings, breeders created a breed that maintained the original attributes, with elegance and charm.

Care

The Belgian Tervuren requires brushing daily, and mats that form should be clipped. Extra care must be given to the back of the legs, and on the ruff, as mats are likely to form there. Hair should be trimmed around the outer ears, and between the toes. This breed is a constant shedder, with heavy shedding twice a year.

Training

Training the Belgian Tervuren is imperative, as they are active, intelligent, and highly energetic breed that needs constant exercise and activity. This breed is easier to work with as puppies. They thrive on pleasing their trainers, and will be responsive to positive reinforcement. Since they are highly sensitive to change in the environment, consistent training is a must.

This breed needs a firm but loving treatment especially during training. They have to know that you are in authority without using a negative tone. It is important for the families wanting to purchase this breed that constant training is crucial. Owners may need professional assistance if they do not have the time to do the training in a regular basis.

DOG FITNESS

 A FEW GOOD DOG-EXERCISE TIPS



Fetch is a fantastic way to give your dog aerobic exercise. Get an
old tennis racket to get some real distance on those tennis balls.
Jogging is another way to get canine hearts pumping. If you don't
jog and your dog is well-behaved on his leash, you may have a
friend or neighbor who'd welcome the company and the added
security. Swimming is a natural for retriever types, and if you're
lucky enough to be near an off-leash dog park, play with other dogs
is a first-rate exercise option.
Bicycling is another great exercise, and three products are on the
market designed to help you bicycle safely. They attach to the
bicycle and so allow you to keep both of your hands on the
handlebars - a much safer plan than holding onto a leash with one
hand and the bike with the other. The three products on the market
are the Springer, the Bicycle Dog Leash, and the K9 Cruiser.
Roadwork such as jogging or tagging alongside a bicycle can be good
for dogs, but remember to pace your dog properly: A brisk trot is
ideal.
Thinking of inventing an indoor dog exerciser? A treadmill for
dogs? Don't bother: They've been around for years. One such product
is The Trotter, a variable-speed treadmill used by show-dog
handlers to keep dogs in top condition for the ring. The Trotter
can be yours for a mere $1,000 or more so keep that high price in
mind.
Or you can just buy a regular treadmill down at your local Sears...
and it even comes with a warranty!
A few caveats about exercise, especially roadwork:
Have your veterinarian sign off on any exercise program, making
sure that your dog hasn't any joint problems that rule out any
particular kind of exercise. Make sure that you build up slowly,
especially if your dog is overweight. Let your dog set the pace,
and check the bottoms of his feet (the smooth parts are called
pads) often for tears or cuts.
Exercise when the weather is cool - dogs aren't as efficient at
lowering their body temperature as we are - carry water, always,
and know the signs of heat stress: glassy eyes, frantic panting. If
your dog gets in trouble, get him wet and call your veterinarian
immediately.
Do not force puppies to sustain a pounding pace, especially on
pavement, lest you injure their developing bones. That means no
jogging or bicycling until they're through adolescence - one year
old is a good ballpark figure, but check with your veterinarian.

Facts about rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a very special dog breed who has many incredible characteristics and personality traits. However these very same wonderful characteristics are what can get you into some decent trouble down the road if you don't undergo proper Rottweiler training. Before you start training you're Rottweiler, you have to understand their specific traits and personality, so that you can properly stimulate them.

- The Rottweiler is a very loyal dog that needs to always be close to their family. Like most German breeds, they seem to become closer to one particular member within the family more then others. The individual who becomes closest (the "master") to their Rottweiler should be the one that is engaged in training most heavily.

- Because the Rottweiler is so loyal and family oriented, it is always very eager to please its owner/s. This makes Rottweiler training far easier then many other breeds, and the owner can take advantage of this trait and increase the success rate of the training.

- The Rottweiler is a breed that can be very aggressive and dominate if it does not undergo proper Rottweiler training. Rottweiler's by nature are dominate dogs and need to be put in place (never by force) by a dominate and assertive owner. This breed is not recommended for timid individuals.

- The Rottweiler is very protective of its family and home, and it's because of this trait that if not trained properly it can become far too protective, aggressive and wary of any people other then family in its home or even on walks. It is very important that this breed be properly socialized at a young age and it taken out into public settings often. It should also be mentioned that if you don't usually have guests in your home and socialize your Rottweiler among them, they may be okay with outside the home, but within it.

Like any other breed of dog the Rottweiler needs to undergo specific Rottweiler training to ensure that it grows up to be a great family pet and well mannered dog. Too often throughout my career as a trainer and breeder have I seen many people try to train their Rottweiler's like their Labs, and of course pay the price in the long run. Make sure that you are armed with the proper knowledge and resources to make sure that this doesn't happen to you during you're Rottweiler training.

How to Care for Your Bulldog

If you're considering a new pet,you might want to consider the bulldog. Bulldogs do well with small living spaces and tend to stay put when they are indoors. They're especially good for apartment dwellers because they usually do not need a yard. However, Bulldogs still need some exercise, as they need to use up the energy that they store while they are indoors. Most bulldogs will stay healthy with Just a few minutes of jogging or walking. They won't want to do much more than that because they're fairly lazy. For this reason, it is important to regulate food intake. The Bulldog has to maintain a fairly strict diet and it is important not to overfeed it. This ensures that the Bulldog will keep its stocky stature and continue to be healthy. Overfeeding may lead to obesity because of its lack of desire to exercise, which is highly common to this breed.

Maintenance and grooming for the bulldog is also fairly easy. Because its fur is very short and smooth, all it needs is daily brushing with a bristle brush. Its short hair allows air to reach its skin and this is why it usually does not need regular bathing. It is recommended, however, that Bulldogs are wiped with a damp cloth regularly as it can accumulate odor-emitting dirt between the folds of its skin. Bad breath is also not a very common problem. While some dogs have mouths that need to be brushed very often, Bulldogs do not have a tendency to have bad breath. It is nothing that intermittent brushing and dog chews cannot fix. This, however, usually differs depending on the type of food that the dog takes.

When it comes to keeping the Bulldog comfortable, it is important that it is kept in the right temperature. It does not adapt quickly to changes in temperature. While it finds difficulty in keeping warm in cold weather, it also finds it hard to adjust to the heat when it gets too warm. Cases of heat stroke are common with this breed and it is not the type of dog that one can leave in the car or out in the yard under the heat of the sun. Times of warm weather are usually when the Bulldog is laziest. It usually lies on the floor with minimal movement. Because of this, it sometimes gets heat rashes on its belly. For this reason, it is recommended that it is given a cold surface to lie on. When it gets pretty warm, it is important to remember that this breed needs to be powdered in order to cope with the temperature. Powdering needs to be done especially within its skin folds and tail.

Although Bulldogs have some health issues, it is nothing that will be detrimental to being a good house pet. One of the more common health issues of this breed pertains to its respiratory system. This breed has some breathing problems because of the size of its windpipes so it is important to give it good ventilation.