"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." - Robert Benchley
A lifetime of companionship, long walks and occasional dog treats!
Dogs can be a great addition to any home and family. Follow these pointers and you and your pet will enjoy a lifetime of love and companionship together.
Proper “Dog” Stewardship Guidelines
Responsibilities of Dog stewardship include the following:
Spay or neuter your dog
On top of preventing unwanted litters, sterilization will reduce the risk of reproductive cancer, false pregnancies and roaming.
Ensure that your dog is licensed
Make sure to keep the License up to date & please consider a Microchip placement. Your Pet’s identification tags let’s people know they aren’t a stray & will help if they happen to get lost.
Have a veterinarian examine your dog annually
Keep your dog's vaccinations up to date. Proper veterinary care will mean a longer and healthier life for your dog.
Provide adequate exercise for your dog
Dogs that don't get enough exercise tend to be overweight, bored and at greater risk of experiencing health problems. They can also develop behavioral problems (such as destructive behavior). Dogs should be taken out for exercise a minimum of twice daily.
Provide quality food, water and shelter
Neglect in these areas makes for an extremely unhealthy, unhappy dog with a shortened lifespan.
Provide basic obedience training
A well-trained dog will not be a nuisance to you, your family, your neighbors or your community.
Poop and Scoop
Clean up after your dog when nature calls. Excrement left in parks or on sidewalks is not only unsightly, but can transmit disease and parasites.
Proper Grooming
Grooming allows the skin to breathe and is an important health as well as aesthetic factor. It also provides the opportunity look out for fleas and other problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
We promised that we had you covered in the major aspects of Pet Care, Pet Health & all of the latest training techniques!
Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer
Advice about pet behavioral issues from the Dog Whisperer
Known for his uncanny ability to rescue & rehabilitate dogs from a wide range of extreme behavior issues - anything from insecurity to severe 'red zone' aggression, Cesar Milan, star of TV's The Dog Whisperer, is one of the best-known dog behavior experts in the country.
Are You Ready For The Responsibility of a Dog?
Dogs truly are man’s best friend. They have served us for centuries as companions, assistants and protectors. Dogs love us unconditionally, without regard to our appearance or how much material wealth we possess.
Owning a dog can bring great benefits into our lives, but also carries a great deal of responsibility that we must be willing to accept.
Before you decide to add a dog to your family, consider your reasons for doing so and the effect owning a dog will have on your lifestyle. Ask yourself these questions about dog ownership:
Do you have time to take care of a dog?
Dogs are happiest living with their families Being pack animals, they desire companionship and leadership. A dog is not a toy that you can just play with when the mood strikes you.
It is a living, feeling being that needs to spend lots of time with you. Chaining a dog out in the yard, alone, for long periods of time will ruin a good dog. The dog will become overly territorial and aggressive, and can be a dangerous threat to a child or stranger who comes within reach of the tether. Left alone in the house too long, a bored dog can become anxious, destructive, and a nuisance barker.
Do you have the patience to train your dog properly?
Like human infants, puppies are a clean slate waiting for you to teach them appropriate behavior. And just like with kids, it can take much patience and persistence before you can get the behavior you desire from them. Patience, gentle (but firm) handling and positive reinforcement are the keys to success when raising dogs or kids!
Do your children treat dogs with respect?
If they don’t, they should be taught to, for their own safety. Children should be taught not to pull on their dog’s tail or ears, or tease it, and to leave the dog alone when it is eating or sleeping. If your children have been known to mistreat the dogs of other family members or friends, don’t get a dog until the kids learn how to behave properly around them.
What characteristics would you like your dog to have?
Do you want a dog who is content to sit on your lap, or one who would prefer to be out hunting with you? Would you like to participate in dog sports with your dog?
Do you want a dog who is friendly toward strangers, or one who will keep them away from your home?
Should your dog be an independent spirit, or do you want a dog who is more submissive and willing to do what he’s told?
Research the general characteristics of the various breeds to find one that will fulfill your requirements.
How much time do you want to spend grooming your dog?
Some dog owners love to spend time brushing their dogs’ hair to make them the most attractive. Most dog breeds shed their hair and may require frequent (or even daily) grooming to keep the amount of hair down in the house and off of your clothing. Some breeds require professional clipping. Other breeds shed very little and require only occasional brushing and combing. Good grooming is essential to a dog’s health as well as its appearance, so you must be willing to do this chore as needed.
Do you have other pets in the family?
Some dog breeds will not get along with other dogs or will terrorize cats, while other breeds are easy-going and get along with everyone and everything. Hunting dogs, especially, can be a threat to rodent pets. Consider the welfare of other family pets before adding a dog to the mix.
Have you researched the various breeds?
Choosing a dog breed just because it’s currently popular is a poor decision. Understand the general characteristics of “fad” dog breeds so you know what to expect in terms of temperament and behavior. Too many Dalmations had to find new homes several years ago when owners discovered too late that they weren’t the best choice for family pets. Decide what general characteristics you want from your dog, and research the various breeds to find one that suits your needs. However, keep in mind that dogs are individuals within a breed, and the dog you choose won’t necessarily have all those fine qualities you desire.
As in our human relationships, sometimes just we have to love them for their good qualities and learn to deal with the bad ones!
Where to get your dog
Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to own a dog, take care when buying or adopting one. Avoid pet store puppies, which usually come from puppy mills and may be of inferior quality. Potential genetic defects may not appear until the dog becomes an adult, and you could be facing astronomical vet bills to keep your dog in good health. Buy your dog from a reputable breeder who screens his breeding stock for inheritable diseases and conditions, and is known to produce dogs of sound health and even temperament.
Amateur breeders may, or may not, produce quality dogs. When “backyard breeders” treat their dogs as a money-making enterprise the odds are against you.
Ask any breeder, pro or amateur, if their breeding stock has been tested for genetic conditions common to that particular breed. If not, you would be wise to look elsewhere. You may decide that a particular puppy is just too adorable to pass up.
Many great dogs are available for adoption from animal shelters, even pure breeds. Many of these dogs have been placed there by owners who think their dog has a “behavior problem” when the real truth is often that the owner just did not have the time or inclination to train his dog properly. A little bit of love, patience and retraining can create a wonderful and grateful family companion from these abandoned dogs.
"Ever consider what Dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we are the greatest hunters on earth!" -Anne Tyler
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Here is a closer look at ten of the top dog breeds typically recommended for families choosing a new dog
1. Golden Retrievers.
2. Labrador Retrievers.
3. Irish Setter.
4. Beagle.
5. Shiba Inu.
6. Australian Shepherd.
7. Pug.
8. Newfoundland.
9. Poodle.
10. Collie.
In terms of ownership, the most popular dogs in the world are:
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Yorkshire Terrier
Dachshunds
The most expensive dog breeds in the world include:
The Samoyed
English Bulldog or British Bulldog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Top Guard Dog Breeds
Rottweiler
Bullmastiff
Doberman Pinscher
Rhodesian Ridgeback
German Shepherd (aka Alsatian)
Top 10 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds
#1. Border Collie
Topping off the list is the Border Collie. This dog lives to work, literally. Though it may seem only us humans have a lifetime full of hard work, this breed of dog needs something to do to be happy. The Border Collie is used as a herding dog and has since grown to be used as a sporting dog as well. The breed is known for its agility, speed, and obedience. It is also known for it’s ability to learn new tricks quickly.
#2. Poodle
Surprised? You probably aren’t the only one. This breed of dog is absolutely brilliant. Though you have probably never seen it, Poodles are used as hunting dogs as well as watch and rescue dogs. Poodles come in all sizes, but even the Toy Poodle can be used to hunt birds.
#3. German Shepherd
This is the one breed of dog that you can say actually looks tough and mean. Looks are most definitely deceiving because the German Shepherd is one of the most lovable breed of dog you will ever come across. Today, these dogs are usually trained to be police dogs, rescue dogs, and some are even able to work with the military. These dogs are so bright that the Army and Marines have allowed them to be used in overseas activity. German Shepherds are very obedient dogs as well as protective.
#4. Golden Retriever
Often confused with the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retrievers are also very popular dogs that seem to be perfect for a family. In the past up to today, these dogs are man’s companion, especially for those who hunt. This breed can be easily trained to find and bring back waterfowl or game that has been shot. Aside from being a hunting dog, Golden Retrievers can be used as rescue dogs, drug sniffing dogs, and guide dogs. This breed is very patient, which makes it that much easier to train.
#5. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is another German breed to make the list. In the past, these dogs were trained to be police dogs, watch dogs, and guard dogs. In the 1800s, men were looking for a dog that was loving and loyal as well as tough and ferocious when necessary. This is exactly where the Doberman Pinscher fits in. Even though they can be trained to be ferocious, many of these dogs are very gentle and docile. Some have even been used in hospitals to help patients that are undergoing therapy.
#6. Shetland Sheepdog
Though not one of the most popular dogs around, the Shetland Sheepdog is a very smart dog. Some owners of this breed of dog claim that they are just as smart as a human is. Shelties originated out of Scotland. Since the breed can be both big and small in size, some of these dogs are used to keep pests and smaller animals out of gardens. Shetland Sheepdog’s are generally very hyper, but they have a great sense of hearing. If anyone ever shows up at your door or a car pulls into the driveway, you can expect to hear a bark from this dog.
#7. Labrador Retriever
This is one of the most intelligent as well as one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world. The Labrador Retriever is an amazing breed of dog that offer many different services. The breed originates from Newfoundland and was trained to hunt waterfowl. As time has passed, Labs have been introduced to more and more jobs. Many of these dogs are used in the police force as bomb sniffing, drug sniffing dogs or rescue dogs. Many are trained to help the disabled, especially the blind. Labs can be trained to lead a human around while ignoring any type of distraction. The Labrador Retriever is a loving, obedient, and patient dog that can be trained to do almost anything
#8. Papillon
This breed of dog is probably one of the cutest and smartest you’ll find. Papillons can weigh up to 11lbs and can weigh as little as 3lbs. These dogs are very charming and have always been a symbol of elegance. During the Renaissance, these dogs were adored by royal courts and the aristocrats of the time. They have always proved to be good watch dogs because of their keen sense of hearing.
#9. Rottweiler
Rottweilers can be mis-trained to be vicious, mean dogs that can easily take down a human as Rottweilers can weigh up to 110lbs. The breed itself originates out of Germany, but was used in the Roman Empire as attack dogs. If you’re looking to train a dog to protect you and all of your (precious) belongings, the Rottie is definitely the way to go.
#10. Australian Cattle Dog
These dogs generally grow to be 30-50lbs. Australian Cattle Dog’s are known for their intelligence, Australian Cattle Dogs have been herding cattle since the 19th century and today, they still do just that. Interestingly the dogs are trained to bite cattle (not too hard) to keep them moving. Australian Cattle Dogs are very active and love having a task at hand.
The following is a list of the top 10 least intelligent dog breeds:
#1. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest breeds of dogs known today. They were around during ancient times and their personalities haven’t changed much. They are affectionate and love being around their owners. They are also extremely sensitive and don’t have a high dominance level but they do have an extremely low obedience level. You may need to call for your Afghan Hound a few times before it comes back inside of the house. Many say that the personality of the breed makes up for its lack of intelligence.
#2. Basenji
The Basenji is known for its bark. It is so unique in the fact that it sometimes can sound like a human being either laughing or crying. These dogs can spend hours grooming themselves, much like cats. After grooming, you can probably find a Basenji looking out the window, watching everything outside. These dogs have proven to be very temperamental as well as independent. This is what makes the Basenji a hard breed of dog to train.
#3. Bulldogs
These dogs are very dependable, but it’s getting past the training part that becomes a hassle. Bulldogs are extremely great dogs when it comes to guarding the home. If you’ve ever seen a Bulldog, you’ve probably noticed that its face isn’t the prettiest one around. Who would want to mess with a dog with a face that looks like this breed's mug. Bulldogs are one of the most gentle and affectionate breed of dog that you will ever come into contact with. The Bulldog is a very courageous dog that sometimes seems to have a mind of its own. Fact is, while Bulldogs are very affectionate, they are also extremely time consuming, especially in terms of any type of dog training.
#4. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are generally small indoor dogs with a yappy bark. They are a very jealous breed of dog and like to be at the center of everything. Any owner who has a Chow Chow must be firm and strong-willed. This breed of dog, though small, is very dominant and can easily take charge of its owner if the owner isn’t firm enough. Again, this dog isn’t stupid, it has proven to be very hard to train because of the nature and personality of the dog.
#5. Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound)
If you have ever had a pet cat, you can relate to owning a Borzoi. This breed of dog is extremely cat-like, especially when it comes to the independent and free-thinking nature of the dog. Though not an extremely popular dog, many people enjoy this breed because of the affection they bring. Again, as with many of the other breeds on this list, the Borzoi is a very loyal affectionate dog.
#6. Bloodhound
This may come as a surprise. The Bloodhound is #6 on the list. If you’ve heard anything about this breed of dog, you have probably heard about how great it's sense of smell is. Fact is, Bloodhounds can track any scent it needs to because these dogs are able to trace and follow a scent trail which is hundreds of hours old. When it comes to training the Bloodhound, an owner must be firm & extremely patient because they are a very independent breed.
#7. Pekingese
Training a Pekingese can be like training a very stubborn child. In order to successfully train this breed of dog, you have to be firm and you have to be consistent because they are very independent and dominating. Though ranging from a small to medium sized dog, the Pekingese has always been a great breed to have as a watch dog. They are extremely loyal to their owners, but stubborn at the same time.
#8. Mastiff
The Mastiff is one of the biggest dog breeds available, but they have proven to be extremely stubborn. The Mastiff can weigh up to 130lbs. & they are protective of their owners, so they rank very high on the short list of exceptional guard dogs but, again extremely low on the doggie candidates for PHD lists.
#9. Beagle
Another breed of dog that has been proven very challenging to train is the Beagle. Beagles are generally small to medium sized dogs and are great with children and other breeds of dogs, but, not cats.
Although Beagles are not considered stupid dogs, they are very independent, which makes training much harder than it is with many other breeds of dog.
#10. Basset Hound
At the top of the list is the Basset Hound. You can find this breed sporting droopy eyes and long ears that drag on the floor when it walks. These dogs have a very keen sense of smell and can pick up odors most dogs can’t. Though this breed of dog lacks intelligence, they are very gentle dogs and are devoted to their owners. Basset Hounds are perfect for an owner looking for a well behaved, if somewhat one card short of a deck dog.