Pet Lover for Life

Originally from Belgium, the Bouvier des Flandres is a versatile working dog. These large, powerful and imposing dogs were created by crossing the Beauceron to various Griffon breeds. Typically they were used by cattle farmers for herding, or by butchers for guarding. The name “Bouvier” in fact, means “butcher”.

No breed standard existed in the early days and the name Bouvier was applied based on a dog’s attitude and appetite for hard work, rather than on any physical characteristics.

During World War I they were used extensively for delivering messages, and as a result their numbers declined to a point where the breed almost became extinct.Fortunately, a group of breeders took it on themselves to save the breed, at the same time defining a breed standard and developing the dog we know today. The Bouvier is a multi-talented dog, and excels at all kinds of work, including guarding, search and rescue, police and military work.

The Bouvier is a heavy, well-muscled dog that gives the impression of power. The build is squarish, with a strong muzzle and a bushy eyebrows. The coat is rugged and can be a number of colors including black, blonde, brindle, fawn, grey, and salt-and-pepper.

The Bouvier looks intimidating, but is actually a friendly, balanced dog. However, this is not a dog to be trifled with, the Bouvier has strong guarding instincts and is fiercely protective of its family. In general though, they are obedient and well-behaved with a playfulness that extends well into adulthood. They are intelligent dogs, and take well to training.

A Bouvier that has been trained and socialized makes an excellent pet, that gets on well with children, other dogs and non canine pets. And training is most definitely required. Not that this is an aggressive breed, but any dog this big will be difficult to control if it hasn’t been trained.

These are tough, healthy dogs that suffer from few congenital diseases. As with most large breeds, hip dysplasia can be a problem, while various eye disorders also occur. The Bouvier has a high pain threshold, so be alert for any signs that the dog may be unwell.

Grooming is a serious consideration with this breed. The rough, heavy coat requires daily brushing, and cutting at least three times a year.

As a working breed, the Bouvier requires daily exercise to keep him happy. A long, daily walk is a must, while these playful dogs will also appreciate a game of tag or fetch. The Bouvier can adapt to living in an apartment, but a house with large garden is definitely preferred.

If you’re looking for a name for your Bouvier des Flandres, the best advice is to visit a dog names, website. The one that I recommend is Puppy Names HQ, which has a huge database of excellent dog names including 1000s of boy dog names.

The Brittany, or Epagneul Breton to give it its French name, is an exceptional hunting dog that is also popular as a family pet, due to its friendly, out-going nature. The name comes from the French province of Brittany where the breed originated. Unfortunately, much of the early breed records no longer exist, but what is clear is that the Brittany has always been used as a retriever and pointer by bird hunters.

The Brittany made its debut at the Paris Dog Show in 1900, and the first of these dogs was imported into the US in 1920, with AKC accreditation following in 1934.These are medium-sized dogs, with long legs and pendant ears. The tailed is sometimes naturally short, or may be docked (in countries where this is allowed). The coat can be orange and white coat, liver and white, orange roan, liver roan, or black and white. The AKC does not accept black and white coats, although all other registries do.

These are active, intelligent, and obedient dogs who form close bonds with their owners and are very eager to please. They are good-natured, and get on with everyone. They are known to be excellent with children.They are highly intelligent dogs, which makes training very easy. They are however, quite sensitive and don’t respond well to harsh words or rough treatment.

They are known to build a strong bond with one particular person, but generally they love everyone. They also get on well with other dogs and non-canine pets if socialized with them.

This is a healthy breed that suffers from few of the problems that typically affect purebred dogs, although epilepsy, hip dyslpasia and ear infections do occur. Median lifespan is between 12 and 14 years. Grooming is easy, requiring only a brush down a few times per week to keep the coat looking its best. Dogs that spend time in open fields will need to be checked regularly for ticks, and you’ll also have to remove, grass seeds, burrs and mats from the coat.

These dogs shed very minimally, and may be suitable for people with mild allergies.

As a dog bred for field work, the Brittany requires a great deal of exercise and is best suited to an active, outdoor individual or family. Apartment living is not ideal, although it can work if the dog gets enough outdoor exercise. A house with large garden will be a much better option though. An under-exercised, under-stimulated dog is always likely to develop behavior problems, and this will almost certainly be the case with the Brittany. But for someone prepared to provide exercise, and interact with the dog, this may just be the perfect pet.

If you’re looking for puppy names, for your Brittany, I’d recommend Puppy Names HQ, a site with an extensive database of dog names, including thousands of cool dog names.

Many dogs enjoy munching on grass, in fact some make a habit of eating it and show few ill effects. Yet this canine behavior is worrying to a lot of dog owners.

If you are one of those worried by this, read on and we’ll try to find out what dog behavior experts have to say on the subject.

Do Dogs Really Need Greens In Their Diet?

Dogs are omnivores, so they need nutrients from a variety of sources, including meat and vegetables. As grass is plentiful, it has always formed an important part of the diet of wolves and other canine species. It may even be of medicinal value to them.

You’ve probably noticed how your dog heads for the nearest patch of grass when he’s feeling under the weather. The experts can’t agree as to why this is. Some believe they eat the grass to force themselves to throw up, others think that throwing up is a consequence of eating grass.

Will Eating Grass Harm Your Dog?

If this is your concern, you’re not alone, especially if your dog throws up after chewing grass. Eating grass is common canine behavior, wild dogs do it too and without any signs of lasting health problems.

In fact, a recent study discovered that approximately 8 out of 10 dogs regularly eat grass and that eating grass has no ill effects on the dog’s general health or physical condition.

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?Most dogs that eat grass show no outward symptoms of being ill before they do so. In fact, the dog owners surveyed reported that in 90% of cases their dogs were not ill before eating grass. And another common myth – that dogs eat grass to make themselves throw up – also appears to be false. Less than 25% of dog owners reported their dogs vomiting after eating grass.

What is quite possible is that grass provides dogs with much needed fiber. In fact, many dog owners report that once they add a fiber supplement to their dog’s food, the dog stops eating grass altogether.

Does A Dog Get Any Health Benefit From Grass? So if eating grass isn’t harmful, does it have any health benefits for a dog?

Grass is low in nutritional value and animals that rely on it for nutrition have to spend most of their time grazing just to get a sufficient intake of nutrients.

It is doubtful whether the small amount a dog eats has significant nutritional value. But, as omnivores, dogs do need to consume vegetable matter, so it is likely that grass offers at least some benefit.

So if grass is good for dogs why does it sometimes make them throw up? Even the experts don’t agree on that one. What they do tell us though is that it is not harmful for a dog to eat grass.

Want to learn more about why do dogs eat grass, dog care, types of dogs and other useful dog advice? Drop in at http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com

For some conditions, nothing can replace professional the mobile vet. There is a lot of information on this subject and many time-tested, effective treatments. Sometimes professional diagnosis and treatment are required, of course, but many routine things that vets do can easily be taken care of by owners.

For many centuries, there were no veterinarians. People took care of their animals themselves, or occasionally appealed to the local wise woman or herbal healer, the same one they visited themselves when ill. Many of the time-tested folk remedies that work on humans also work on animals.

There are many books on the subject of animal care, as well as a rich store of information on the Internet. It is important to check several sources before following any advice you find. If there is information in one place that you find nowhere else, you should look for an alternative or at the very least proceed with extreme caution.

Second in importance is a foundational knowledge of the principles of health care. It is easy to find information on traditional herbal medicine, on homeopathy, on vitamin and mineral therapy, and on elementary first aid. Knowing that Aloe Vera gel is good for cuts as well as burns and that natural Vitamin E has antibacterial and healing properties means that you can confidently treat superficial cuts and abrasions. The homeopathic tissue salt Calc Phos, which relieves human leg cramps, will ease a horse that is ‘tied up’.

Home health tips include using flour or cornstarch to staunch bleeding, like when you clip a toenail too short. A ripped nail can be protected with duct tape. Routine worming can be done with diatomaceous earth (powdered fossilized plankton) for dogs and farm animals like goats, sheep, and chickens. Garlic oil is a good parasite treatment for humans but not for dogs, although they may be able to tolerate some kinds of powdered garlic.

A holiday with your dog can be a really fun time for both of you. But it requires foresight and a bit of planning to make it so.

You can start by doing your homework into what is required to take your dog to the countries you plan to visit. For some countries, these restrictions are severe. The UK for example enforces a 6 month quarantine on animals that are not on the PETS scheme.

But all countries, even pet-friendly ones, have importation laws you’ll have to comply with.

You will also have to find out about accommodation. If you prefer to stay at a hotel, you will have to find one at your destination that accepts dogs.

The good news is that more and more hotels are accepting pets these days.

And then there are the travel arrangements. Traveling with a pet by air or rail can be quite a challenge, so use a specialized pet travel company to make the arrangements for you. This will ensure that you avoid costly, and possibly even tragic mistakes.

You may however, be planning a road trip with your dog, in which case there are a number of things you need to consider and a great deal of planning to be done.

Start by deciding how you are going to restrain your dog in the car – either with a dog crate, or a specialized seat belt. This is actually a legal requirement in some countries, but even if it isn’t required by law, it just makes good sense.

It is also important to remember that dogs become dehydrated quite easily. Take a water bowl and plenty of water along, and never leave your dog in a parked car, especially in warm weather.

In addition to the water bowl, remember your dog’s “luggage” – leash, collar, harness, id tags, toys, blanket etc.You’ll also need to do some planning as to where you’ll stop overnight, and find dog friendly accommodation there. And plan for regular stops so that your dog can stretch his legs and relieve himself.

And it doesn’t stop there. Once you reach your destination make sure that your dog wears an id tag, with your local phone number, at all times. For international trips you will have to have your dog micro-chipped, but it never hurts to have extra security.

It also makes sense to have a recent photo of your dog with you, just in case he decides to wander off.

Make sure you know where the local vet or animal hospital is. In an emergency you don’t want to have to waste time searching for it.

Obey all local animal regulations and laws. This will normally mean that you have to pick up after your dog, as well as keeping on a leash in public places. It is just good manners to do this anyway, even if the law doesn’t require it.

By now you’re probably wondering if all of this is worth the trouble. Well, ask yourself how much a trouble free, unforgettable trip with your dog is worth. The likely answer is, priceless!

Click here to read more about dog travel, dog care, dog training tips and other interesting dog advice at www.dogsanddogtraining.com

The relationship between humans and dogs goes back to the dawn of civilization. These incredible animals have been our hunting partners, our protectors, our friends and our loyal servants for over 15 000 years.

But I wonder how many people truly appreciate just how incredible our best friends really are.Read on and prepare to be amazed!

1. Incredible Hearing – Human ears can hear sounds at 20, 000 vibrations per second. By comparison, a dog picks up sounds at 35, 000 vibrations per second – a 75% improvement on our puny hearing capacity.

2. A Dog’s Life – Unfortunately, dogs live relatively short lives. Ask people about a dog’s lifespan and most would guess in the 10 – 15 year range. However, if is not unknown for a dog to live 20 years or longer. In fact, the longest canine lifespan on record is 29 years and 5 months.

3. Night Vision- A common myth is that dogs cannot see color – they can, albeit to a limited degree. Moreover, dogs have better night vision than us due to special reflective layers in their eyes.

4. Fighting Dogs – Dogs are powerful, trainable, and extremely loyal. So it is not surprising that they have served as soldiers for thousands of years. From the Romans right down to current military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, dogs have served with valor, honor, and distinction.

5. Dog Bite – Most predators have the use of both fangs and claws but dogs rely almost solely on their powerful jaws. And awesome weapons they are too, a dog’s jaws can apply an impressive 200 pounds of pressure per square inch.

6. Nose Prints – A dog’s nose produces a print that is as unique as a human fingerprint.

7. Canine Anatomy – Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so it seems extraordinary that their anatomy is almost identical. All dogs have 321 bones and 42 permanent teeth – although there are obviously variations to the size and shape of bones.

8. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie – A Puppy sleeps approximately 90% of the day during the first few of weeks of its life.

9. Tuning In – A dog’s ears have twice as many muscles as humans giving them the ability to swivel their ears to better capture sounds.

10. The Ever Popular Dog – Nearly 35% of homes in the US have a pet dog, and millions of dogs are born in America each year.So there you have it, some amazing facts about out amazing canine friends.

There’s lots more about facts about dogs, dog care, dog breeds a-z and other helpful dog advice at dogsanddogtraining.com

Dogs just love to play and some high-energy dogs will keep you busy all day if you’ll let them. But there will be times when you’re not around, or you’re just too busy and you need something to keep your dog amused.

For these occasions, there are dog toys, and with the dizzying array of choices available these days, you’re sure to find something that your dog will love.

Here are some cool doy toys that I came across. Pick a few for your dog. He’ll love you for it.

Kong Toys – If you have a dog that loves to chew, then a Kong toy is the answer. These rubberized toys and virtually indestructible, so even your Pitbull can chew away for hours and not make much of an impact.

A cool feature of these toys is that they have a hollow center that you can stuff treats into. The dog then has to try and get the treat out, so it’s great for working his problem solving abilities.

Tug-a-War Toys – Dogs love to pull, but beware of cheap rope toys that fray and can be swallowed by your dog.

Once again Kong comes to the rescue. Their pulling toy is basically a pair of rubber balls wrapped in canvas with a canvas cord at the end. Like all Kong toys they’re tough, and nigh on impossible to break. Plus, the balls also squeak, which most dogs love.

Frisbees – Many dogs love this game, but the plastic disc many people use can actually be dangerous, as they can shatter when bitten, and cause serious cuts.

The best disc to use for dog games is the Frost Bite Frisbee which is made of a soft, pliable plastic that punctures when the dog bites it rather than shattering. It flies pretty good too!

Puzzles – No, I don’t mean jigsaws, or crosswords. Puzzles for dogs come in all shapes and sizes and challenge your dog to work something out in order to get a treat.

One rather clever contraption is the Squirrel Plushy. This is a soft toy, with other toys hidden inside it. The dog has to figure out how to get the small toys out.

Nylabones – Another chew toy with the durability to withstand months, even years of gnawing – the must-have toy for a dog that loves chewing.

Tuffies – These are stuffed toys made specifically with dogs in mind. They are strong and durable, and even come with “toughness” ratings. So you can get one to suit your Pomeranian or even one that your Bull Terrier will have a hard time breaking.

Squirrel Dude – A clever little rubber toy with a timer that dispenses treats at regular intervals – sort of like a vending machine for dogs!

Whatever your dog enjoys doing you’re bound to find something on this list they he will love. And if you don’t, shop around, the dog toy market has literally exploded in recent years, so there’s plenty of choice available.

There’s lots more about dog toys, dog care, dog behavior and other helpful dog info at www.dogsanddogtraining.com

Dogs communicate using a complex “language”, based on physical cues. Learn to understand this language and you’ll develop a much better understanding of your dog’s needs, wants, and moods. You’ll also give your dog training efforts a serious boost, as you’ll be communicating on a level your dog readily understands.

Unfortunately the “English to Dog Language” dictionary has yet to be invented. However, following the pointers below will give you a solid framework for understanding dog language.

Here are some of the most common dog language cues you’ll need to know.

Standing Still – When a dog suddenly stops moving and stands very still, he’s indicating to you that he wants to be left alone. He may also do this if he’s standing guard over some or other possession. You may also see this behavior if a dog is given a treat while there are other dogs around.

Flashing the Teeth – This is normally the first warning a dog will give to tell you to back off. If you have a dog that tends to be aggressive, or if it’s a dog you don’t know, it is safer to comply.

Growling – Showing the teeth will often be accompanied by a low, rumbling growl. If that doesn’t work the dog make well bite.Many people scold or punish the dog for growling or showing its teeth. This is dangerous because if the dog is not allowed to give a warning he may escalate straight to an attack.

Raising the Hackles – The hackles refer to a ridge of hair that runs down the center of the back. A dog that is frightened will often raise his hackles to try and make himself look bigger. Be aware that there is often more risk of a bite from a frightened dog, than from an aggressive one.

Tail between the legs – Typically, this indicates, timidity, fear or anxiety. There may be a number of causes for the behavior, such as separation anxiety, or being introduced to an unfamiliar person or dog. Often the behavior will be accompanied by submissive urination.

Putting the head down – Depending on the context this could be a attempt by a submissive dog to avoid eye contact. Or it could be a playful gesture.

Raised Paw -A raised paw is a playful gesture, which means, “ let’s be friends”.

Wagging The Tail – The tail is a very important tool for dog language, but a wagging tail is often misinterpreted. Many people think it means that the dog is happy, but this is only true if the tail is being wagged in a relaxed motion.A tail that is flicked side to side in short rigid movements suggests agitation. And if the tail is tucked between the legs and wagging slightly, the dog is insecure and fearful.

In the canine world, body language will always carry more weight than words. Yes, a dog may learn voice commands, but they will always be secondary to posture and movement.

Even a basic knowledge of dog language will be of huge benefit in understanding your dog.

Click here to read more about dog training tips, dog care, dog obedience training and other informative dog info at www.dogsanddogtraining.com

The Brussels Griffon is a small breed of dog with a rather comical look and a personality to match. They have been described as resembling an Ewok from the Star Wars movies, and it’s not difficult to see why. With its large domed head, short muzzle, large, slightly protruding eyes, over-bite, and a tongue that often sticks out, its easy to see why people make the Ewok comparison. The Brussels also sports a dense red or brown coat and black face markings to complete the picture.

As you might have guessed from the name, the Brussels Griffon hails from the Belgian capital city of Belgium. They were very popular with drivers of horse drawn cabs, who used them to control rodents in their stables. The breeds debut as a show dog was in 1880, when it appeared at the Brussels Expo.

Later the intelligence and affectionate nature of the breed saw them gain popularity as companion dogs. The Brussels Griffon is a happy-go-lucky little character that loves interacting with people and also enjoys the company of other dogs, and even cats they’ve been raised with.

These dogs will keep you amused for hours with their antics. The seem to have a knack for comedy, and love performing tricks. But they are also brave little dogs who are very protective, and make good watch dogs. A Griffon is not afraid to take on a much bigger adversary.

This trait can unfortunately lead to dominant behaviors, if the dog is not taught his place in the pack structure. Griffons require a firm, but gentle, hand to keep them in check, and if you do not provide leadership, your dog is likely to develop problem behaviors, like barking, biting and aggressively protecting food and other possessions.This scenario is easy to avoid though, just give your dog enough exercise plus socialization and obedience training, and you’ll have a wonderfully balanced pet.

The Brussels is a healthy breed with few of the congenital defects often found in pure bred dogs. Eye and respiratory problems can occur, and the dog is also sensitive to heat. Median lifespan for the breed is between 12 and 15 years.

Grooming does take a bit of time, particularly in the rough coated variety. The dog will need to be brushed every day, to keep it in good condition. The upside is that these dogs shed very little.

These are energetic dogs who, despite their small size, need lots of exercise. The Griffon will need a walk every day and will also enjoy games like tag and fetch. They can live in an apartment provided their exercise needs are met.One other thing you should be aware of is that they love to climb, and can injury themselves falling from a bookshelf or cupboard. For the same reason they may be an escape risk if you have trees close to the boundary fence in your garden or back-yard.

If you’re stuck for dog names, for your Brussels Griffon, I’d recommend that you check out Puppy Names HQ, an online database that has thousands of excellent dog names including a huge list of cute dog names.

The Bichon Frise is a delightful little dog with a cheerful and merry personality. Developed exclusively as a companion dog, the Bichon has a rich and illustrious history.

The breed is believed to have originated in Spain, the result of cross breeding the Poodle and the Barbet Water Spaniel. As far back as the 13th century, Spanish sailors were using these little dogs as an item of barter, and as a result the breed spread across western Europe. Many ended up in France, and by the 1500s, the Bichon was a firm favorite of French royalty.

The Bichon has always had an unsurpassed ability for learning tricks, and for this reason has always been a popular performing dog with circuses and other entertainment troupes.

The Bichon Frise is a small dog that is classified in the Toy or Companion Group by most registries. They are sturdy little dogs, weighing up to 12 pounds and standing between 9 and 12 inches tall. The coat is soft and silky and is considered hypoallergenic, making the Bichon an ideal pet for someone with allergies. Coat color is always white, although there may be apricot or cream shading on the ears.

Given their history as companion dogs it is no surprise that these little guys are renowned for their winning personalities. They form close bonds with their people and are known to be excellent with children. They also generally get on well with other pets in the household.

These intelligent and attentive little dogs are easy to train, except in one area – they can be a real hassle to housetrain.

This is a relatively healthy breed, although not immune to the conditions typically present in purebred dogs. Cancer, epilepsy, cataracts and fleabite allergies are among the health issues that afflict the breed, while liver shunts, a condition requiring surgery, is also known to occur. Despite this, the Bichon is a long-lived breed, with a lifespan often exceeding 15 years.

Grooming a Bichon Frise is a labor intensive task requiring daily brushing as well as regular clipping to keep the coat in shape. The dog can be bathed in required, but don’t do this more than once a month as the skin is quite sensitive. Always use a mild dog shampoo, never a human shampoo.

As a companion dog, the Bichon Frise is suitable for indoor living. They should not however be left alone for long periods as they are very attached to their family and are quite prone to separation anxiety. They are energetic and playful dogs and much of their exercise needs can be met with indoor games. Outdoor games and walks are still appreciated though, but keep these short and take care not to over-exert the dog.

If you’re stuck for puppy names, for your Bichon Frise, I’d recommend that you check out Puppy Names HQ, an online database that has thousands of excellent dog names including a huge list of girl dog names.