Companion show in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Dont forget our show this coming Sunday at Roseisle Village Hall.  Entries will be taken from 11am and judging starts at noon in three rings.  £2.50 for first entry per dog and 50p for subsequent entires with the same dog.

There are lots of classes on offer - something for everyone!

Pedigree Classes                    Judge:  Pamela Hughes

1.             AV Puppy (6-12 months)

2.             AV Junior (12 – 18 months)

3.             AV Hound

4.             AV Terrier

5.             AV Gundog

6.             AV Working

7.             AV Pastoral

8.             AV Toy

9.             AV Utility

10.          AV Open

Novelty Classes          Judge:  Susan Stott

11.          A V Golden Oldie (any dog over 7 years)

12.          AV Special Beginners (first time at a show for dog & handler)

13.          AV Crossbreed

14.          Dog in best condition

15.          Junior handling

16.          Handsomest dog

17.          Prettiest bitch

18.          Dog with the waggiest tail

19.          Dog with the most appealing eyes

20.          Dog most like its owner

21.          Dog the judge would most like to take home

22.          The Odd Couple (any combination of two dogs)

 Triers,  Highers and Fliers obedience classes will be judged by Steve Hirst.

The kitchen will be open for the usual refreshments and we will be holding a raffle.  Any donations for the raffle will be most appreciated.

Everyone is welcome so come along for a great day out with your dog in a lovely setting.

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Frustration in Training

All dog owners who are actively training their dog go through frustrations. I know I have and more so recently as our dog has been slipping in its behaviors lately. Our dog Cola knows very well where her bathroom spot is in the house but sometimes she will forget or choose to go somewhere else.

It has been cold lately in the house and I think she prefers to stand on the warm carpet to relieve herself. Her bathroom spot is in the kitchen where there is no carpet and the floor is colder, especially in the morning. One of the ways we have been reminding her to go in her spot is by blocking off the living room in the morning so that she does not have access to the warm carpet until after she has gone. This has been working very well as part of our re-training her.

I wonder if others of you have experienced similar slips in behavior with your dogs?

For more dog training tips be sure to check out the SitStayFetch program

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Dog Training Success!

Wayne, a user of the SitStayFetch dog training program recently wrote in to the programs author and had this to say "SitStayFetchs training methods are very positive and very proactive. Sumo, our pup, is doing great". Another dog owner Lori wrote in and stated "I am so relieved to report to everyone that I now have a program that works".

To experience your own success with this dog training program go to ws.dogobey

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Companion Show in Elgin

Dont forget the show being held in aid of Moray Friends of Archie this Sunday, 19th, in Moray College car park.

Entries will be taken from 11am with judging starting at 12 noon. Pedigree classes will be judged by Pat Dempster (Benreeda) and Novelty by Linda Younie. £2 first entry and £1 for further classes with the same dog.

There will also be a burger van, face painting and a raffle.

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Protecting Your Cats and Dogs in Winter

By Elyse Grau

While your dog might enjoy chasing snowballs and the cat may enjoy snoozing by the fire, winter can bring hazards for pets. Follow the advice given here for a safe and cozy winter experience

The easiest, safest way to keep your pets warm is to keep them indoors, especially overnight. Older dogs, puppies, and dogs with certain diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney problems should never be kept outside. All cats should remain indoors.

Some dogs tolerate cold weather better than others. Some dogs can take cold better than others, such as Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies. Short -haired and toy dogs will have a particularly hard time in the cold.

Snow and ice can pose problems for dogs. Snow can get packed between dogs toes and freeze, causing pain and discomfort. To avoid this problem, keep the hair between the toes cut short.

Keeping nails cut short also helps. Shorter nails allow for better traction. If a dog is slipping on ice it tends to splay the toes, which causes more snow to pack between them.

If you are walking your dog on sidewalks or streets that have been salted to melt ice, be sure to wash his paws when you return. The salt can be drying and irritating to the paws.

If a dog must be kept outside during the day, be sure to provide proper shelter. An oversized dog house or shed will not retain enough heat. The house should be just large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around.

Do not use blankets for bedding. These will just get wet and freeze. Clean straw or hay is preferable.

Position the house on the south or east side of the house if possible, out of the wind. Putting it on a raised platform will also keep it a little warmer.

Remember that the dogs water may freeze if left outside. Putting the water in a deep container helps keep it from freezing. Also plastic is a better choice in this case, as metal conducts the cold quicker. Dark colors will absorb more heat and therefore freeze slower than lighter colors. Be sure to break up any ice on the surface of the water each morning.

Are you aware of the dangers of antifreeze? Ethylene glycol based antifreeze is deadly to cats and dogs! Be sure to keep containers tightly capped and out of reach. Wipe up any spills immediately. For the safest bet, use one of the alternative products made with propylene glycol instead.

Outdoor cats will look for warm spots to curl up. Some cats have learned that cars and trucks offer nice warm nooks. They will crawl up into the wheel-wells or engine compartments. Banging on the hood before you get in your car is a good idea in case you have a stowaway.

Indoors, pets will often curl up next to heaters or under wood stoves. Watch out for tails and fur getting too close to heating elements! Make sure your cat does not overheat.

Some extra vigilance may be needed if you will have a Christmas tree. Anchoring the tree to the wall is a good precaution. Tinsel can be dangerous to pets if ingested, so either dont use it, or place it well out of reach of cats and dogs. Start hanging decorations a few feet from the bottom of the tree.

You might want to rethink placing gifts under the tree if you have a puppy. Dont use string or dangling ribbons on packages if you have a cat. Cover the base of the tree to keep animals from drinking the water.

There is debate over the toxicity of Poinsettias. Even if they are not deadly, the sap is an irritant and will probably make the animal sick. Holly and mistletoe berries are poisonous; so keep them out of reach of pets.

Elyse Grau is an herbalist and a long-time pet owner, well-versed in pet nutrition and feeding. She is the author of Pet Health Resource, your web guide to a healthy, happy dog or cat. The website strives to answer your holistic pet health questions through a large collection of articles.http://www.pethealthresource.com

Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com

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Dental Care For Dogs

By David Beart

It’s often been said that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than ahuman’s. That’s never been proven, but the fact remains thatdogs put their mouths places humans would never dare to (or beable to, for that matter). Dogs don’t think twice about siftingthrough garbage, digging in the yard and licking themselveswherever they can reach. They also use their mouths to carrytoys as well as dirty “treasures” from the yard. With theirmouths working overtime, good dental care for dogs should be apriority for any dog owner.

A dog’s teeth can be a good indication of overall health. Butas important as good dental hygiene is for dogs, many dog ownersoverlook it. Just like in humans, it’s important to practiceroutine oral maintenance on your dog. Not only can it help itsteeth stay healthy now, but it can also protect against moreserious issues later.

If bacteria are allowed to grow in a dog’s mouth, plaque canaccumulate on the teeth. If it’s not addressed, it can escalateto more serious concerns. Since a dog’s mouth is used to playand eat, among other things, it’s important to keep it in topshape. The best way to do this is through maintenance andprevention.

Believe it or not, most dogs three years of age and older havesome form of gum disease. If a dog’s teeth are neglected, plaquecan form, setting the stage for advanced oral diseases. Plaquecan bind with minerals in a dog’s saliva and create tartar,which attaches to the teeth and can cause irritation to thegums, or gingivitis. Left untreated, tartar can get under thegum line and dissolve the bones that hold the teeth in place,causing the teeth to become loose and possibly fall out.Periodontal disease, as it’s called, is treatable, but once yourdog’s teeth fall out, there’s little to be done. The best lineof defense is regular brushing and check-ups.

Home care is important, but it’s also critical to have yourdog’s teeth examined regularly by a professional. A simplevisual exam can be done in an office visit, but morecomprehensive care, such as x-rays and tartar removal, has to bedone while the dog is under sedation. It’s safer for both thedog and the medical staff, and it gives the vet an opportunityto do a more thorough exam. Some vets even specialize in dentalcare for dogs, so it’s worthwhile to investigate your options.

It may take time before your dog is comfortable having itsteeth cleaned. If you use a toothbrush, be sure to get your petfamiliar with it, so he’s more likely to allow you to use it. Atoothbrush allows you to reach teeth more effectively, but afinger brush may be easier to maneuver. Just be sure it fitswell, so it won’t fall off in your dog’s mouth. Find atoothpaste formulated for dogs. Human toothpaste is made to bespit out, while a dog will swallow it, so don’t use humanproducts, just to be on the safe side. Many dog toothpastes haveadded flavors that are attractive to dogs, such as beef, chickenor vanilla.

While brushing your dog’s teeth, take this opportunity toexamine its mouth for any signs of disease. Bad breath (thatwhich is out of the ordinary for your dog), yellowing or crustat the gum line, swelling, or pain when you touch your dog’sgums should be noted. These could be signs of infection andshould be addressed immediately. Not doing so could result intooth loss for your dog.

Another important consideration for healthy teeth is your dog’stoys. Excessive chewing on hard surfaces can lead to a dog’steeth being damaged. If this occurs, bacteria can get into thetooth and cause infection. Bones can splinter and lodge betweenteeth, rocks can break teeth and toys can cause bleeding gums ifa dog chews too aggressively. Be sure to monitor your dog duringplay time, and only give it toys that are appropriate for yourpet’s size and activity level.

Your dog’s food and treats can be a good tool for treatingplaque. Dry food can help attack plaque, while there are dogtreats on the market that are especially formulated to addressthe issue of plaque and oral care.

Dental care for dogs consists of relatively simple maintenance.Following these tips can keep your dog healthy for a lifetime.

About the Author: David Beart is owner of the http://www.professorshouse.com , a site dedicated to family,relationships, dog health, and household issues.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=220888&ca=Pets

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Dog Treats How Safe Are They

By Keith Londrie

When your dog is performing a nice trick or behaves good during training or a certain event you feel like giving him a nice dog treat. But are you sure that every dog treat is healthy for your pet?

Dogs basic nutrition is almost the same as the human nutrition; our pets need fats, carbohydrates and protein too, but in other ratios and prepared differently.

People can chose to feed their pets with raw food or special dog food in stores. There is a big controversy between some groups of pets about the way we should feed our animals regarding raw food and commercialized food; some believe that raw food has been used for centuries and its better for animals while others think that using special dog food assures the optimal nutrition.

Dog treats which are found in stores are usually biscuits made with meat products, milk and wheat but they also contain more fats than normal dog food. Think about dog treats like fast food or chips for humans.

In the last years commercialized dog food including dog treats was found to be poisonous for most dogs. Some of the ingredients contained by dog treats which are known to cause problems are: wheat gluten, onion and garlic products, dairy products in large quantities, large quantities of liver, salt, chocolate etc. These products can cause: diarrhea, kidney failure, heart diseases, obesity, etc.

If you arent sure of the dog treats you buy, you can try making some in your home, there are a lot of recipes on the internet and in special pet magazines. All you have to do is to make sure you avoid the products listed above and others which you know that affect your pet.

Other important nutrients which must be assured daily are vitamins. If you feed your dog raw food you might find it hard to calculate if he gets enough vitamins so you might need some supplements; there are a lot of brands which commercialize products that assure the daily vitamin need. If you feed your dog with commercialized dog food, you will know that the daily dose written on the package contains the vitamins your little buddy needs.

Some dog treats contain vitamins too but they are also very tasty for your dog so be careful! If you feed your dog too many dog treats you should cut down the food you give them in meals to avoid obesity and digestion problems. If you bake your dog treats at home try to calculate the amount of nutrients; you can find a lot of nutrient lists on the internet and calculate the optimum amount of food for your dog.

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of http://www.about-bird-houses.info/ A website that specializes in providing information on bird houses that you can research on the internet. Visit http://www.about-bird-houses.info/ now!

Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com

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Keep dog in practice

There are many different things a dog can be trained to do. While certain dogs are trained for hunting or protection, others are just trained for their owners convenience. Dogs love to make their owners happy. This is one of reasons they are known as mans best friend. This article will help you with effective ways to train your dog whatever the reason.

The best way to teach a dog good behavior is to never let poor behavior take hold. Dogs find it much harder to break existing bad habits than to learn new, positive ones. For instance, a dog that is never fed table scraps is less likely to beg at the table.



 Dogs should always feel safe and secure while training them. When a dog is insecure about their safety, they could lash out with bad behavior. So this doesnt happen, make sure your dog is always safe.

 Stay with the training, so that he doesnt forget the lessons that he learned. Keep him in practice. A lot of times owners thing training is a one time event. You can encourage your dog to adopt good habits. That is why it is vital to ensure your dog maintains a strict rule system.

 Make sure your dog feels safe to train them properly. If a dog feels unsafe, they are likely to show bad behavior. To prevent this from happening, always make sure your dog is in a comfortable, safe area.

 Communication is one essential thing to consider when training your dog. You must give consistent and clear signals when you training your dog. This includes not only using the same commands, but also maintaining consistent body language and keeping rewards and corrections the same. Pay attention to your dogs communication towards you, too. Pay attention to these signals because hes trying to tell you that everything is either going well or not so well.

 You do not want to use wee-wee pads when potty training your dog. The pads eventually leak; leaked waste marks certain areas in the house as "potty areas". Wee-wee pads can also train your dog to think that other items that are the same shape are a potty area as well. The best way to housebreak a dog is not to allow them to use the bathroom in the house; there is really no alternative.

 Depending on the personalities of your dogs, it may not be possible to train them at the same time. Dogs have the tendency to distract each other. If you find this happening it is likely best to separate them.

 Keep count of the number of treats you feed your dog because you do not want him or her to get fat. It is easy to forget about treats when you consider how much you are feeding your dog. This can happen especially when you are training him.

 When training a dog, watch that you do not overdo giving the dog treats. Too many treats can really plump a dog up. It is easy to forget about treats when you consider how much you are feeding your dog. This can happen especially when you are training him.

 Using wee-wee pads is actually counter productive when you are potty training your new puppy. The problem with the wee-wee pads is that they leak and leave enzymes from urine and feces behind. Potty pads can also mislead your dog into thinking that similarly shaped items throughout your home, like rugs, are appropriate places to go. The best option is to toilet train your dog outdoors.

 Give them chew toys for pain relief while teething, and keep everything else out of reach. Immediately replace the object with one of the intended chew toys. If your puppy needs to chew because he is teething, try a frozen washcloth.

 Try not to take your stress out on your dog by yelling at it because of your bad day or bad mood. Unless your dog has done something that warrants scolding, you should always take on a positive tone during your interactions.

 When your dog reaches six months, make sure that your dog is spayed or neutered. This should coincide with the beginning of obedience classes. A dog that has been spayed or neutered will be a more obedient dog. You and your pet will enjoy a longer and happier life together.

 Try to ensure that your animal feels safe. If dogs feel unsafe, they will likely lash out in some type of bad behavior. To prevent any aggressive behaviors, ensure you dog is in surroundings and situations where he feels safe.

 Over-training your puppy will expose it to too much at once, rendering the training less effective. Brief, simple, positive training sessions are well-suited to the limited supply of energy and attention a pup has to work with. If you try to do too much, the puppy will probably not remember much except that it was an unpleasant experience, and that will make it more difficult when the time comes for the next training session.

 Limit the duration of training sessions. It is possible that your dog will lose interest if it is made to do the same thing over and over. Do not spend more than 10 minutes on each session.

 If your puppy is caught chewing on something unacceptable, stop him immediately. This will help your puppy understand what is acceptable and what is off limits.

 Do not tie a couple of dogs closely together. The dogs could get wrapped up and they may be injured. If one dog happens to be much larger than the other, the small dog could get tangled to the point that it could choke to death.

 A clicker works well when training most dogs. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Try using this technique right away, doing it frequently over a span of a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 You need to understand the way your dog thinks and reacts before you can really comprehend why they are doing certain things. If your dog doesnt understand you, then how can he learn from you? One can provide your dog with better training now that one knows more about their dog..

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Top title two years in a row for Benson

For the second year running Benson was declared the Northern Newfoundland Clubs Open Show Dog Of The Year. He was also Top Winning Black, Champ shows and Open shows.

Congratulations June and Benson!

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Inter club match

Thanks to everyone who attended our match today and to all those who worked hard to make it an enjoyable day.

Particular thanks to our judge, Helen Moir, for coming all the way from Inverness and doing a sterling job.  Helens choice for Best In Match was Morags Stanley and Reserve Best in Match was Ritas Magic.  Best Puppy was Linda and Rons Eva (?), Best Veteran Jenny Taylors Kelsey, Best of the Rest Caitlins Solo and Best Junior Handler Jodi Buchanan.

Well done to everyone!

 BIM, judge Helen Moir, RBIM

BV & BP

 

 Best of the Rest

Best JH

 Stanley

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