However the truth of the matter is that dogs have a propensity to be light sleepers, they often wake up and then return to sleep. The amount of sleep needed is relying upon dog type , a working dog will sleep less than an inside dog and older dogs have a tendency to sleep more than younger ones.

Kinds of Pet Beds

The environment you create for your dog will also impact his sleep. Providing your dog with a mat, blanket or bed and a quiet, secure area will help them in getting the right sleep they need.

There are tons of dog bed types available on the market, but most can be split into one of the following classes:

Bolster bed : Bolster beds frequently feature a high back which helps make your dog feel relaxed and secure. This is superb for dogs that are from a breed that are simply spooked when approached from behind.

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Orthopedic bed : Older dogs need additional comfort to ease the stress on their joints. Orthopedic beds provide additional soft and conforming cushions and many times are heated.

Nesting / Pillow bed : Most nesting beds are round and wonderful for dogs that enjoy burrowing or nesting. The great majority of pillow beds are mechanically cleanable too.

Cot-style bed : Cot-style beds are excellent if your pet spends a large quantity of time outside. These raised beds help to keep your dog cool in the summertime and above cold floors in winter. Most cot beds are weather proof and made with mold resistant fabrics.

Heated dog bed : These beds are perfect if you live in some place that is cold. They can also help dogs who are getting over a sickness or surgery.

Cooling dog bed : Keeping your dog cool on hot days is important and a cooling bed will get the job done.

Dog house / Crate pad : there are lots of styles of dog house and crate pads available. Having a pad in your dog crate or dog house is vital when you’re transporting your dog or if your dog just likes to sleep in their dog house.

The Right Bed for Your Dog

With so many dog bed options available you are most likely wondering which bed is the best one for your dog. The correct type depends highly on the dimensions of your dog and their age and health condition :

1. How big is he? Measure your dog while he is lying down then add twelve inches to ensure that you buy the correctly sized bed.

2. Your dog’s weight will help to establish what sort of fabric is best. Heavier dogs will generally require more robust fabrics than lighter dogs.

3. Your dog’s age will determine if an orthopedic bed is imperative. Older dogs should be more relaxed with an orthopedic bed.

4. The environment your dog lives in will also be a component in your choice of dog bed. Do you need a heated or cooling bed or both? Do you need a cot style or raised bed?

Dogs spend a large part of their time sleeping. Furnishing them with the correct bed will help them maintain correct sleep and eventually better health.
Mike is an avid pet lover, has two dogs and writes about dog supplies and dog healthcare. http://www.kvsupply.com
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Do not overlook your pets this year; let them enjoy the fun of the holiday season. Our dogs love opening their own presents and are even neat about it.  One of them will take his present into a different room, open it and bring it back.

Aren’t sure what to get your dog for Christmas? Here are some ideas your dog is sure to love!

As far as your dog is concerned a stuffed dog toy is the best! This is probably why there are so many stuffed dog toys available today. Skinneez brand is one of my favorite “stuffed dog toys” because they come without stuffing. Our dogs love them and I don’t have to worry about my dogs eating the stuffing or picking it up from the floor any more. If you are looking for a holiday theme stuffed dog toys, you can find a large variety of toys shaped like Santa, Reindeer or other Christmas items.

What about toys to play fetch or tug with? There are several toys on the market for this purpose. There are tug toys made of fleece, some made of rope and others made with a combination of parts. There are balls, Frisbees and other pet toys for fetching. Some toys can be used for both purposes.

Do not forget the healthy pet treats! Dogs like pet treats just as much we do! From Nylabones to healthy dog treats, biscuits to training treats, the options are endless. You can even buy stockings full of pet treats made especially for your pet. You will have to be careful though, as with our children, our dogs will overindulge on pet treats if allowed. Make sure to supervise them with any chew toys you may buy for them.

Our dogs bring such joy to our lives throughout the year, don’t’ forget to include him in your holiday festivities this year.  He will enjoy it as much as you do and they deserve it!

Happy Shopping!

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It’s that time of year again! Time to go Christmas shopping for your puppies. Your pets understand that something is different; the just don’t realize that the holidays have arrived. They observe the commotion in the house. The get a whiff of all the amazing smells of the holiday food cooking, and they discover there is something intriguing underneath the tree that just grew in the family room. Then, on Christmas Day, they see the other family members laughing and giggling, ripping objects open and finding toys and treats! Our pets are usually left out! They don’t understand why they are being ignored.

Do not overlook your pets this year; let them enjoy the fun of the holiday season. Our dogs love opening their own presents and are even neat about it. One of them will take his present into a different room, open it and bring it back.

Aren’t sure what to get your dog for Christmas? Here are some ideas your dog is sure to love!

As far as your dog is concerned a stuffed dog toy is the best! This is probably why there are so many stuffed dog toys available today. Skinneez brand is one of my favorite “stuffed dog toys” because they come without stuffing. Our dogs love them and I don’t have to worry about my dogs eating the stuffing or picking it up from the floor any more. If you are looking for a holiday theme stuffed dog toys, you can find a large variety of toys shaped like Santa, Reindeer or other Christmas items.

What about toys to play fetch or tug with? There are several toys on the market for this purpose. There are tug toys made of fleece, some made of rope and others made with a combination of parts. There are balls, Frisbees and other pet toys for fetching. Some toys can be used for both purposes.

Do not forget the healthy pet treats! Dogs like pet treats just as much we do! From Nylabones to healthy dog treats, biscuits to training treats, the options are endless. You can even buy stockings full of pet treats made especially for your pet. You will have to be careful though, as with our children, our dogs will overindulge on pet treats if allowed. Make sure to supervise them with any chew toys you may buy for them.

Our dogs bring such joy to our lives throughout the year, don’t’ forget to include him in your holiday festivities this year. He will enjoy it as much as you do and they deserve it!

Happy Shopping!

It’s that time of year again! Time to go Christmas shopping for your puppies. Your pets understand that something is different; the just don’t realize that the holidays have arrived. They observe the commotion in the house. The get a whiff of all the amazing smells of the holiday food cooking, and they discover there is something intriguing underneath the tree that just grew in the family room. Then, on Christmas Day, they see the other family members laughing and giggling, ripping objects open and finding toys and treats! Our pets are usually left out! They don’t understand why they are being ignored.

Do not overlook your pets this year; let them enjoy the fun of the holiday season. Our dogs love opening their own presents and are even neat about it.  One of them will take his present into a different room, open it and bring it back.

Aren’t sure what to get your dog for Christmas? Here are some ideas your dog is sure to love!

As far as your dog is concerned a stuffed dog toy is the best! This is probably why there are so many stuffed dog toys available today. Skinneez brand is one of my favorite “stuffed dog toys” because they come without stuffing. Our dogs love them and I don’t have to worry about my dogs eating the stuffing or picking it up from the floor any more. If you are looking for a holiday theme stuffed dog toys, you can find a large variety of toys shaped like Santa, Reindeer or other Christmas items.

What about toys to play fetch or tug with? There are several toys on the market for this purpose. There are tug toys made of fleece, some made of rope and others made with a combination of parts. There are balls, Frisbees and other pet toys for fetching. Some toys can be used for both purposes.

Do not forget the healthy pet treats! Dogs like pet treats just as much we do! From Nylabones to healthy dog treats, biscuits to training treats, the options are endless. You can even buy stockings full of pet treats made especially for your pet. You will have to be careful though, as with our children, our dogs will overindulge on pet treats if allowed. Make sure to supervise them with any chew toys you may buy for them.

Our dogs bring such joy to our lives throughout the year, don’t’ forget to include him in your holiday festivities this year.  He will enjoy it as much as you do and they deserve it!

Happy Shopping!

Rick Touhey is a professional dog trainer with expertise in obedience training, dog behavior and pet products.  He earned his certification through Animal Behavior College. His education and experience have provided him the skills required to effectively and humanely train your dog while keeping alive that special bond that makes your dog so special to you.  For information on trainer recommended products, visit http://www.petcollarshop.com 
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Education and training for the entire family is key to dog bite prevention.  We need to train the two legged and four legged members of our families about communication and how to act appropriately. Around thirty-nine percent of the US population owns at least one dog, so even if you don’t have a dog, chances are you know someone who does, and you will spend some time around dogs.  Please make yourself familiar with these dog bite prevention tips and teach your children the basics of dog bite prevention.   

Dog bite prevention tips for dog owners:

Consult with a professional (reputable dog breeder, veterinarian) about you household and what dog breeds might be best suited for you.

If you are planning on adding a new dog to your family, spend some time with that dog if possible before you make a final decision.

Properly socialize and train any dog living in your household starting when they are puppies, if possible. 

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If your dog develops aggressive behavior seek advice from a professional (veterinarian, reputable breeder, animal behaviorists, etc.). 

Keep your dog healthy by getting him regular vaccinations and check-ups. How your dog feels directly affects how it behaves, so make sure he is feeling good! 

Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.

Half of all children have been bitten by a dog by the time they reach 12 years of age. Most of the time these bites are by the family dog or another dog known by the child and many can be prevented through training and education. Teach your children to read dog body language and how to act around dogs.  Remind your children of the following dog bite prevention tips on a regular basis. 

Dog bite prevention tips for kids:

Never approach a dog you don’t know. If an unfamiliar dog approaches you act like a tree – this means to stay still, keep your arms down and don’t make eye contact.

Never run from a dog or scream when a dog approaches you.

Do not make direct eye contact with a dog.

Before you pet a dog, let him check you out – sniff your hand, take a good look at you – and then ask the dog’s owner if it is okay for you to pet the dog.  

If you see a dog acting strange immediately find an adult to tell about it.

Never play with a dog when an adult is not around.

Never bother a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.

If a dog knocks you over, curl into a ball with your hands on tops of your head and lie still.

Don’t wrestle or play aggressive games like tug-of-war with any dog.  He could get too excited and bite you. 

There are two keys to dog bite prevention. One is teaching children how to read dog body language and act accordingly, the other is socializing our puppies and dogs. When parents come to me looking for Anatolian Shepherd or Border Collie puppies for sale  to add to their families, I find it is the perfect opportunity to educate them about dog bite prevention.  The preceding tips are a great start to teaching the whole family how to respect dogs at home and around the neighborhood. Continue to remind yourself and your family about these important tips for dog bite prevention!   

Harriet Pittman is the owner of Shadewood Farm and Kennel. If you are looking for Anatolian Shepherd for sale or Border Collie puppies for sale for sale in Virginia, give Shadewood Farm a call. For more information about dog bite prevention please visit her blog at www.ShadewoodFarm.com
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So if you are considering getting an older dog from perhaps a dogs home or refuge, yes you will be able to train him with perhaps just a little more effort and understanding on your part. One thing that must be born in mind when training dogs, and older dogs are no exception, is that any form of negative reinforcement whilst training, like shouting or physically hitting your dog will be counterproductive.

Dogs discover something totally new every single day, therefore teaching your more mature dog doesn’t need to be ay harder than for example teaching a young puppy.  However it is dependent on your dog, the undesirable behavior your dog has acquired before you acquired him as well as his attitude with regards to being taught.

A very important factor for one to keep in mind is that your older dog may possibly already have a few difficulties with vision as well as hearing which will need to be taken into account whilst training.  Ensure that you give any instructions loud and clear and make certain that your dog can easily see any hand signals.  If perhaps you are a long way away from your dog and you call him but your dog does not respond, it may possibly be due to the fact that your dog cannot hear you and not always due to the fact that your dog is disobeying your instruction.

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Furthermore, more mature dogs will not have the same amounts of energy as a young puppy therefore you may possibly decide to make the training periods not as physically demanding as well as for a shorter duration.  However it is obviously dependant on the age of your dog.  A more senior dog will probably have significantly less stamina than for example a dog which is 3 or 4 years old.

Taking on the responsibility of training an older dog is often very enjoyable, but your dog may possibly come along with a few undesirable habits that sometimes can be challenging to rid him of.  However don’t give up on training your mature dog because it can be achieved.  You will need to keep in mind that some of those undesirable habits you have noticed,  probably have previously been embedded in your dog for perhaps several years and therefore it may take some determination on your part in order to change them.

One very important factor which can genuinely assist any dog to be attentive as well as open to being trained is to make certain that your dog receives the correct diet.  Make sure you provide your dog with a good quality commercial food or make home made meals for him.  In either case, you need to make sure that the bulk of his food comes from meat.  If purchasing commercial dog food make certain you purchase a top quality product which lists meat as the main ingredient and doesn’t list “by products” on the label. 

Training an older dog can often be a little more challenging however it can typically be extremely satisfying.  Remember, your dog is a pack animal and by applying the appropriate training you’ll be able to become established as the alpha dog within your little pack.  Training any dog correctly will help him to become well behaved as well as being a delight to be with. So dog training is not just for the young puppies so don’t delay any longer, start training your mature dog now.

Training an older dog is very rewarding and by following the training advice given in my Dog Training Academy it is achievable. Learn many skills associated with the training of your four legged friend and train your dog to be a pleasure to be with. Click Here for more information.
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Chain slip collars, also called “choke collars” can be used to teach a dog to walk on a leash and heel. The do have limitations as an effective training tool.  If your dog pulls constantly on the leash, the choke collar will tighten and could damage your dog’s neck and trachea.  To properly use this collar, hold both ends of the collar by the two large rings at either end.  Slide the chain through one of the large rings until the large rings are touching.  Place your hand through the loop in the chain and pull downward on the empty ring, making sure the chain looks like the letter P.  This is the correct way to put the collar on your dog.  Attach a leash to the empty ring.  The collar is being worn correctly if the collar tightens when you pull the leash and loosens when you release it. When you need to correct your dog, simply give a quick pull on the collar. This makes a zip sound which tightens the collar and gets your dog’s attention.  Patience is key in training and your dog will soon learn not to pull against the collar causing him to choke.  Chain slip collars should be used with caution and never be left on your dog when unattended, as they pose a strangulation hazard.

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For large dogs with thick-necks, you could use a metal prong collar, also called a pinch collar. The prong collar does not work well for dogs that constantly pull on the leash.  The prong collar works in basically the same manner as the choke collar. but provides more control during training.  Although the prong collar looks like it could hurt your dog, it is safe to use for training.  The prongs are not sharp and do not punture the skin. Like the chain slip collars, metal prong collars should be used with caution and should not be left on your dog when unattended.

Improvements in head collars or head halters make these a good choice for your dog. Although they resemble muzzles, they do not prevent a dog from eating, drinking or barking.  Head collars have one loop that covers the dog’s muzzle and a second loop that fits around the dog’s neck.  This collar is an excellent training tool as it limits head movement and discourages pulling.  When your dog pulls on the leash, the halter causes the head to turn. Because this is uncomfortable, the dog learns to not do this.  The head collar controls the dog by effectively controlling his nose. Where the nose goes,the dog is sure to follow.  Head halters should not be left on unattended dogs or dogs on a long lead.

Dog collars are a necessity for training purposes and identification.  In today’s world, dog collars also represent the personality and tastes of dog owners.  Collars and leashes have evolved from plain functional items to objects of delight for both dogs and owners.  Designer dog collars and leashes come in a vast variety of materials and an almost unlimited choice of colors, shapes and sizes.  Some collars are reflective or are lighted for visibility at night.  Dog collars can be functional, practical and decorative, all at the same time.

With the all the various choices of designer dog collars in the dog accessory industry, one basic rule of thumb has remained constant. The perfect collar for your dog is the one that is not too loose on the neck and not too tight to the point of choking your dog. Always make sure that the distance between your dog’s neck and the collar is approximately as wide as two fingers. The fit of your dog’s collar is important, but today your dog can also make a fashion statement.

Dorothy Loll is an internet marketing entrepreneur and reviews online products.  To learn more about dog collars and leashes visit www.Dog-Collars-and-Leashes.com.
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By Dennis Fisher.

As someone who has a been a specialist German shepherd Dog for many years, this is a question I have been asked many times – especially  by  people who have only recently become interested in the breed.

What I have always found quite amusing is that they often hope to receive a very short answer of no more than ten sentences!

It is possible to give a brief answer that covers the main features of the breed.   But in order to provide useful information for people, seriously interested in the breed, who would like to becoming involved in the Show scene, it will be necessary to go into much greater detail.

Although there is some  variation in the methods used by different German Shepherd Judges, especially those living in different parts of the world, there is far more uniformity now than there used to be some years ago.

Of course the individual  preferences of  judges and the emphasis  they place on certain features will influence their final placings to some extent, but ,generally speaking,  present-day German Shepherd  Dog judges all over the world  adop[t a very similar approach.

When German Shepherd Dog  Judges, enter the  show ring and   are presented with the entries,- even before the dogs are required to gait -  there is one feature they immediately look.  And that is symmetry, correct proportions and balance.

Ever since the  first German Shepherd Dog bred  by  von Stephanitz in Germany and registered in 1899, the emphasis has always been on the German Sheherd dog's  working abilities

Because of this, the structure of the dog has been designed to provide the maximum efficiency of movement and the physical characteristics necessary  to carry out the  work for which it was intended. 

This can only be achieved if the dog is well-proportioned and balanced.  Only then can will move in the most efficient manner.

This emphasis on the mechancis  of movement is a unique feature of the German Shepherd.  No other breed attaches as much importance to this as the German Shepherd.

The breed standards of other breeds are largely based on aesthetic requirements and  personal interpretation of what constitutes "beauty".   The standard of the German Shepherd Dog however, is based, to a very large extent on the concept of "utility"

Because of this, when Judges are presented with a large number of dogs as they enter the Show ring, the most important feature they look for is for balanced proportions.

Even before the dogs are required to start moving and gaiting in the ring, the judges will take a quick glance over all the dogs and immediately form an opinion with regard to  their proportions

The Judges will  cast an eye over all the dogs, as they walk , and make an asessment and  with regard to  the balance of their  structure and their proportions.   Do they posess the correct front angulation and rear angulation as laid down by the standard? 

 In some ways judging German Shepherd Dogs can be compared to the judging process in a Mr.  Universe or a Miss  Universe contest. This  may appear to be a ridiculous comparison.  But there are definitely certain similarities.

 Even though there are going to be huge variations in the opinions of the Judges in  a human contest because of individual preferences; because of national preferences and  because there is no such things as written  standards, the question of balance, proportions and symmetry nevertheless still  play an important role.

To take an  exaggeratedly simple example, in  a Mr. Universe contest, if the contestant's legs are  clearly not as well-developed as the rest of his body, the balance and the symmetry are  not going to be as visually attractive and appealing as those of a well-proportioned, well-balanced, symmetrical, athletically built  contestant.

This applies equally to a Miss Universe Contest.

In a German Shepherd Dog conformation show, the judge immediately looks for balanced proportions, even while  the dogs are standing and certainly while walking.

What are balanced proportions in a German Shepherd Dog?   There must be a harmony and balance between the front angulation and the hind angulation – as laid down by the standard.

There is a sound practical, mechanical reasons for this – not merely based on individual interpretations of aesthetic, but on mechanical considerations.

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If the front angulation and the rear angulation of the dog approximates the written standard as nearly as possible., the animals is SHOULD be able to move with the maximum efficiency – with the greatest economy of movement.

The word SHOULD has been highlighted for a reason. 

Theoretically,  the well-balanced dog that presents a beautiful well-balanced picture when standing, should be able to move  easily and effortless.  But this is not always the case. 

Very often once the dog starts to move and gait – as is required by the Judge – a softness in back becomes obvious; or the hocks are very loose, and as a result of loose ligaments, or there is insufficient front reach and lack of rear thrust  because of  weakness of ligaments; or simply lack of condition.

All  specialist German Shepherd Dog Judges – no matter in which part of the world they  are judging -  regard movement as the most important aspect in their judging.  The dog that is correctly constructed from the point of view of angulation, that also moves with the greatest fluidity and balance, is going to be placed over others that do not able to move as well.

This is the general principles and this is the easiest feature for the novice to recognize. It is comparatively simple for even the novice to recognize a really top quality show specimen.

The dog will stand out and will quite clearly  be better balanced that most of the others in the class.

Anyone who has ever attended an important German Shepherd Dog will be aware of this.

As an example, at the annual German National Show for Shepherds, the annual Sieger Show in 2008 and 2009, one dog Vegas du Haut Mansard,  was co clearly superior in movement to the others in the Open classes, he was the obvious choice as Grand Champion in both years and corned  the “Sieger”, on both occasions..

It’s relatively easy, even for the novice, to recognize an almost faultless dog.  Where the difficulty arises is in the judging of dogs that have faults – which all dogs have – even “Vegas”!

This is where there is a variation in the opinions of even the most experienced judges.  This is where there are fairly wide differences in opinions, based on individual emphasis on different features.

Even though the standard lists faults very clearly; and some faults are so serious they are regarded as disqualifying faults, there are such a wide range of minor faults, there is no established ways  of weighting the relative importance  these faults. 

These faults can range of faults such as slightly loose elbows, when  the dog is viewed coming towards you; to slight looseness of hocks when the dogs moves away;  slight softness of pasterns, ear carriage  that is good but not 100% perfect, a croup that is slightly steep and not angled at 23 degrees which is the desired angle as laid down by the standard;  a shoulder that is fairly well-angulated but with an upper-arm that could be a little longer by not as perfect as one wish; an eye that is not quite as  dark as it should be; a slight fading in colour.

It is difficult to establish to what degree the dog should be ;enalised because of these faults and whether the minor fault in one dog is as serious as the minor fault in another.  How should this influence the final placing of these dogs? .

The Judge is called upon not only to notice these faults, but also to make an individual assessment of how important these minor faults are in comparison with the minor faults of other dogs in the class.

I can recall quite clearly an incident in which I was involved in which my judging was at variance with that of three experienced German judges.  The reason for this was because my assessment of the fault shown by dog that I judged was different to theirs.

The incident happened, some years ago, when I was the only non-German invited to a judge a series of four Shows that took place over a long week-end.  Three of the others Judges were well-known, highly regarded experienced German judges who judged the first three Shows.  I had been invitged to judge the fourth Show.

In the open bitch class that I judge, there was a very beautiful, well-balanced top quality bitch that immediately took my eye. Although she was somewhat over-angulated with a very long stifle, she was quite clearly an excellent animal.

In side gait she was outstanding, with very good forward reach and excellent hind thrust.  But when I move the animals away from me I noticed the hocks were so loose, she actually crossed over.

My  marshalling steward, who happened to be an all-breed judge, was in the ring with me while I judged.  I was very amused at the comment he made as the animal was asked to move way from me. “Goodness, if her hocks were flints  she would catch alight!

I knew that the three German judges, who had judged the bitch on previous days, had placed her first.  But in all honesty I couldn’t bring myself to do so, and I placed her fourth. a relatively good position because it was a very large.

In my opinion, if utility and working ability was to be an important fact in judging, a bitch who moved in this way would tire easily and could not  be expected to continue  working with the maximum degree of efficiency as an animal with more sound movement.

The German Judges obviously, did not regard the fault as seriously as I had and paid more attention to her pther excellent qualities.

The breeder and owner  was obviously very unhappy with my decisions: But years later I felt I was vindicated. Almost every one of this bitch’s progeny exhibited this same serious fault of very loose, unsound hocks.

Although there are general principles  which all specialist German Shepherd Dogs will adhere to, there are abound to be instances where personal preferences are going to play  a part. Especially when it comes to the assessment of faults.

Obviously, the assessment of faults should not be on top of ones agenda in the judging process, and one should not place undue importance to this aspect,  but they are factors that should not be ignored.

The questions of a dog’s condition is also an important aspect of judging.  In many instances an animal that is clearly of absolute top quality does not do as well as expected because towards the end of the extended gaiting the animal flagged and did not display the enthusiasm and drive one would like to see.

This is an aspect of Judging that a number of judged frequently make use of  when they are unsure how to place animals..   They insist on continuous gaiting until one anima displays  less enthusiasm than the others and this justifies their decision.

One final point with regard to Judging the German Shepherd.

 Although it is of the greatest importance to  know every feature of the standard, there is nothing that can replace the  experienced Judge’s ability to use his or her “eye” to assess the quality of the animal  This is something that can only come with experience.

The Standard is open to  a wide range of different interpretations.  If one has to read the written standard that was accepted as the official standard of the German Shepherd Dog many years ago, and compare the written standard as it appears to day, one will notice very little changes.  

But if one has to make a point of looking at the top quality winning dogs today and compare them with the top winning dogs of say twenty or thirty  years ago, the difference is striking.
 But the judging was done according to vitually the same standard!

Obvious it is not the standard itself that is of primary importance but one’s interpretation of the standard.

As an exercise make a point of looking at photographs of the German Siegers of recent years, and compare them with photographs of the German Siegers of twenty and thirty years ago,.  The difference is striking.   This is made even more remarkable  when one consider that  the written standard was virtually the same as it is today.

You’ll find photographs of all the Siegers in recent years and photographs of past Siegers  on my website.

Make a point of having a look at these photographs. You’ll be amazed at the differences. of .  You’ll find  photographs of the recent  top winning dogsand also photographs of the “Siegers”  going back to the beginning of the breed.

You’ll find these photographs on this website: http://www.allaboutgermanshepherddogs.com  and also a wide variety of  other articles about the German Shepherd Dog that you’ll find of interest.

Dennis Fisher has been a German Shepherd Dog enthusiast since his school days and has retained his interest, without a break until the present day.  He is still very active in the showing and training his own Shepherds and breeding an occasional litter from stock that he imports from Germany. He has judged the breed in many parts of the world and has written articles about  the breed that have appeared in specialist German Shepherd Dog magazines in many countries. Some years ago, as a service to German Shepherd Dog enthisiasts, he set up a website with a great deal of information about the breed.with articles of interest to both the show dog fraternity and also people interested in the working side. You are invited to visit his website http://www.allaboutgermanshepherdogs.com 
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It is impossible not go into talking about breeding when you want to cure your dog separation anxiety.  If you do not have a dog yet or even if you have your darling already today we start with getting your dog and some matters to consider.

Consider for your pet, when buying:

1) Gender, size and hair – Gender, male or female, will you breed the dog?  - A large or a small dog? – Considered size and weight of the puppy when it becomes an adult. – Long-haired dog versus a short-haired one grooming.

2) Veterinary Care – Pet needs regular veterinary care.- Some breeds have specific benefits or problems.

3) Time- How much free time do you have? – Consider that you alone have the responsibility

4) Dog Role In Your Family:- My son/daughter/children. Trust me; this will be YOUR dog! – Protection. Protection is in professional or agricultural, ok, when the owner/trainer is humane and knowledgeable of dog behavior and dominant dog training/handling.- To breed puppies. The breeding of dogs is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.

5) Buying Strategy- Do not buy a puppy on the first visit instead, leave, and think about the decision. Avoid the temptation of buying at once. – A single puppy will bond to its owner better and will be easier to train.- Purchase a puppy when it is between 7-9 weeks of age and have the puppy examined by a veterinarian before you purchase it.

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Good temperament

Very important is good temperament when it comes to dog breeding. I say and according to all expert breeders that I know of, it’s not a good idea to breed dogs with temperament problems because it causes the degeneration of the general temperament of a particular dog breed. This should be an important consideration when you’re dealing with Rottweiler, Doberman Pinschers, and many other dog breeds.

Observe your dog closely

Try to observe the dog (your dog to come) closely. If you’re dog is a fear-biter, excitable, aggressive to humans, and untrustworthy especially in the presence of people, forget about buying a pet form that breeding.

Submissive and shy dogs

It is not good to be the owner of submissive and shy dogs. Go for dogs that are confident, happy, and obedient. When you decide to buy a special breed, you should always research thoroughly that breed to know that the temperament requirements seems to be perfect in every dog in that particular breed.Why not visiting your new dog’s parents that can be a positive experience. State that their dog is a purebred and let them show you that they have papers as proof of this

Recreate a relationship Do not try to recreate a relationship with a dog in your childhood or youth. You may be tempted to think that all dogs of a particular breed are exactly the same. You can avoid disappointment by realizing that every dog is an individual, just like people. Your new dog’s personality and needs may be much different from the dog you had before, even if he is the same breed.

Reserve your copy and get our private secret course

In addition to those tips, I’d like to share something else with you that I think you will find particularly valuable as you seek to cure your dog separation anxiety. I encourage you to take a look at this ebook, audio today and see what you think.  The fact that you “listened to” all of my tips shows you are committed to cure your dog separation anxiety. I think you have the potential now to ensure it is possible to achieve.I wish you all the best and wonderful times ahead with your pet!

Anders Jacobsson

PS. Cure Your Dog Separation Anxiety Instantly

Anders to pet lovers: www.CureYourDogSeparationAnxiety.comAnders “talks to animals” and he is frequently asked to attend exhibitions and shows.Anders grew up out in the countryside of Sweden. Dogs, cats, cows, pigs and all kinds of animals were around him every day.Anders Jacobsson is also a Business Manager and software developer.Anders is in addition a Rev at BPI, Berkeley Psychic Institute, Foundation for Spiritual Freedom, Berkeley and Energifokus, Stockholm. Free report at: Cure_Your_Dog_Separation_Anxiety-The_Report
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I love my dog.  He is a 2 year old dopey golden retriever who is my protector and my buddy.  I love the greetings I get from him when I walk in the door.  I love the fact that when he wags his tail, his whole body shakes back and forth.  I spoil my dog and to be honest I never gave much thought to what I was feeding him, or even how important it was. My whole life I have had dogs.  You would think that I know all about their diet and how important it is for them to have a good diet.

Well I don’t, or at least I didn’t up until a short while ago.   I was one of those dog owners who didn’t give my dogs diet a second thought.   I bought whatever dog food was on sale that week and never read the ingredients.  I listened to my vet advertise brands of dog food and sometimes took his advice but other times didn’t because I knew he was being paid to promote the food.   I could tell because of all the free samples he was trying to get rid of. 

I wasn’t however, one of those people who fed their dogs leftovers from the dinner table.  Those are the people who fall for the puppy dog eyes that our dogs seem to have mastered.   That is not to say I didn’t toss him a taste every now and then, but for the most part, I never fed him.   Some of the food we eat can be toxic for a dog, and greasy foods, or fried food, forget it.  Have fun cleaning up after him after that mess!

It wasn’t until I noticed my dog’s coat not looking as shiny as it once did.   Other dog owners have said it wasn’t until their dogs began scratching themselves silly or not have much energy that they noticed something was the matter.  One person said it wasn’t until their dog’s stomach grew so much from him being overweight did they realize there might have been a problem with the food.

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Dogs are mammals, just like us.  If we eat too much and don’t exercise enough we are going to get as fat as our dogs.    If we eat food that is not good for us, we tend to feel lethargic afterwards and do not want to move.   Eating unhealthy for us can cause a whole slew of problems from heart disease to diabetes.   We can make our skin and hair look unhealthy and when we go to bathroom – well let us just say that it can be a pretty ugly sight.

Dogs are no different.   If they eat too much and get no exercise they become overweight.   If they eat food that is not good for them, they too can feel lethargic and have no energy.   What they eat can affect their coat and their skin.   Dogs can get most of the same diseases we do.  They can get cancer, they can get heart disease, and have heart attacks.   They can even get diabetes. 

This is why it is so important to understand why your dog’s diet is so important to their lives.  Just like with us, dogs are what they eat.    Unfortunately though a dog cannot tell you when something doesn’t feel right with them, or when they have a stomach ache from the food they eat.    Most of us watch what we eat because of the health benefits that come with the effort, and it is the same thing with our dogs. 

  A dog’s diet needs are not that different from our own.  They require the same vitamins and minerals as we do, just not in the same quantity.  They require protein, carbohydrates and fats just like we do.  Their stomachs work similar to ours.  There are only a few differences.  If we eat too much and don’t exercise enough, we get overweight.   Overweight can bring on a whole slew of problems for us.   For a dog, it is no different.   If they eat too much and do not get enough exercise, they too will become overweight and they too will deal with a whole slew of problems.  The food we put into our body can affect our skin and our hair.   The food we put on a dogs body affects their skin and their hair.   Why do some dog owners think otherwise?   We eat certain foods to give us the nutrition we need to keep us healthy.   The same is true for dogs.   While they cannot eat the same foods we do, careful attention should be paid to the ingredients in dog food to make sure they are getting a healthy and nutritious meal. 

Poor diet in dogs could mean many things.  Dogs with a poor diet do not have high energy levels, they may develop health problems down the line, and they can be overweight or underweight.  They can have teeth problems, bad breath or infections.  The list goes on and on.  An unbalanced diet for your dog could mean a shorter lifespan that your dog has.

Just as important as a good diet is, it is just as important to keep your dog on a feeding schedule.   Free feeding your dog is almost like an invitation to obesity for some dogs.  They can just graze all day.   Getting your dog on a set schedule will help his diet in the long run and also his potty and business breaks outside.

Most dog owners consider their dog part of their family.  Keeping a dog on a good diet has tons of benefits.  You could be preventing a number of diseases, stomach issues and even be preventing cancer in some dogs.  Just like us, dogs can get cancer, they can get diabetes and they can even suffer from high blood pressure.  What does your doctor tell you to do if this were to happen to you?  Your doctor would tell you to change your diet.

You could keep allergies at bay if you make the smart choices for dog food.  You could help prevent arthritis in your dog as they age.  There are so many more reasons why you should make sure your dog is getting the best food available.  With the proper diet, you could be looking at added years together.

More information can be found in “Dieting Your Dog” eBook available at:

http://www.rickol-publications.co.uk/info2.cfm?info_id=144189

Published by Rikol Publications and edited by Richard Dembizky
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Phoenix Dog Training Expert & Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorist Bill Glatzel, M.S., came to the canine’s rescue. After spending time with Shotzie’s owner, Glatzel started a behavior modification program where he slowly introduced new people to the anxious golden and conditioned Shotzie to respond with behaviors other than growling or snapping. He encouraged the dog to sit or offer a paw and rewarded her with a treat for doing so. Glatel, the Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorist also recommended a psychiatric medication, similar to human medications such as Prozac, for the stressed-out pooch to help her get accustomed to busy streets and loud noises.

“It’s really hard to predict the triggers, and you can’t prevent the anxiety,” Glatzel says. “So we talked to the owner about teaching him another behavior the dog could do besides becoming startled or running away, such as sitting.” He adds, “The medication helped speed up the process. Rather than months or years, it only took a few weeks.”

This type of “dog whisperer” is becoming more common for dealing with canine behavioral woes — and for good reason.

Increasingly, pet owners, behaviorists, veterinarians and the research community have come to believe that many canine behavioral problems, such as aggressive behavior or biting, destructive chewing and elimination troubles, have their roots in the emotional health of dogs. When that emotional health is unwell, your dog may need the help of a human psychiatrist equivalent. That’s where applied clinical animal behaviorists and veterinary behaviorists step in.

What Applied Animal Behaviorists Do

Q: What is an Applied Animal Behaviorist?

A: The term “Behaviorist” is misused in many situations. Some professionals refer to themselves as behaviorists but they are using the term inappropriately. Professionals without an upper level degree that specializes in behavior should rightly be classified as counselors. An Animal Behaviorist has upper level degrees (MS or PhD.) In most cases this is over six to eight years of formal education specializing in psychology, ethology, biology, zoology, endocrinology, neurobiology, physical anatomy, canine physiology and kinesthetics, advanced training in the normal and abnormal behaviors of animals, the underlying disease states that may contribute to behavioral changes, the psychology of learning and in therapeutic behavioral medicines. An Animal Behaviorist can evaluate a pet’s behavioral problems, can work with your pet’s Veterinarian to help potentially diagnose medical problems that may be contributing to these behavioral problems and can recommend therapeutic medicines that may benefit these animals. An Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorist will often time work very closely with your pet’s Veterinarian to treat and help the “whole” animal. A Behaviorist is qualified to develop and help you implement a behavior modification protocol and treatment plan for your pet.

Q: What is the difference between an Animal Behaviorist like yourselves and a Veterinarian Behaviorist?

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A: Veterinarian Behaviorists have nothing to do with any actual training of dogs. A Veterinarian who has a specialty in Behavioral Medicine concerns themselves primarily with medicine, and has only as little as one year of behavioral training with the emphasis on psychotropic medicines. This is also a very new field in its infancy that has only been around for as little as 4 years. On the other hand, An Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorist, like those employed by TLC K9 Academy have had much more extensive education and training that takes at least 6 to 8 years in ALL aspects of behavior, not just behavioral medicine. The Profession of Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorists is not a new field. This type of real behaviorist has been around for many decades, and is considered THE definitive choice for expert behavioral help, treatment and advice for you and your pet. TLC K9 Academy Behaviorists are also Master Certified Dog Trainers with many additional years of education, training, and experience, giving you and your pet the absolute best of both worlds.

Q: What is your “success rate” and do you guarantee results?

A: A pet owner should be cautious of any person who states that they “guarantee” fixing your pets behavior problems. Animal behavior is complex and results from a combination of genetics, prior experiences and learning, and the current environmental situation that the animal is placed in. There are many behaviors that we can modify and improve, some that we can learn how to work with, manage and control and/or prevent, and some that we can fully resolve. The results we see can vary depending on the severity of the particular animal/behavioral problem, the owner’s ability to dedicate the time and effort into behavioral modifications and the motivational state of the pet. So, in short, success is not guaranteed, but always our goal. Most problems are helped and in remission in 1 or 2 appointments, some need additional follow up.

Q: Are behavioral problems simply training issues?

A: There are some pets that would benefit largely from some simple training, but many behavior problems require much more than that. Dog Trainers are not Animal Behaviorists with Advanced Training and Upper Level Degrees, (MS or PhD.) There are no requirements to be a dog trainer, and in Arizona anyone can call himself or herself a dog trainer with no training, education or experience. Animals, like people can develop a number of fears, anxieties, phobias, obsessive compulsive behaviors and many types of aggression that require an in-depth history and actual behavioral modifications (not training) to help resolve them. Sometimes trainers will employ aversive or punishment methods in attempts at resolving some of these behavioral problems which may actually aggravate the problem further. Training can however be an integral part of behavioral modifications, and often a good trainer will be employed or recommended to help the owner work with behavior modification techniques once they have been prescribed and explained in the initial consult. TLC K9 Academy is the only training company that has a REAL Behaviorist on staff. Many trainers wrongly call themselves a behaviorist without the proper training and are really just simple dog trainers who often make serious mistakes with your pet’s well being and with your pet’s behavior. Bill Glatzel is a Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorist and specialist in difficult and severe behavioral problems in pets, such as fears, anxieties, phobias, obsessive-compulsive behaviors along with various types and severity levels of aggression.

Glatzel says that applied clinical animal behaviorists are the dog world’s equivalent to psychiatrists for humans. But since our dogs can’t talk, it’s usually the pet owners who meet first with the “shrink” and provide a history of the dog’s behaviors. Applied Clinical Animal behaviorists use this information, medical records, what they know of the animal’s behavior in the wild and how the species communicates with other animals or humans to make a diagnosis.

Once the diagnosis is made, the behaviorist lays out the options for treatment. “Every home situation is different. Every dog is different,” says Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorist Bill Glatzel, M.S., who practices in Phoenix, Arizona. “What is done with one family isn’t necessarily done with another. You have to tailor your approach to situations and people. You have to get the whole family involved.”

Problems Behaviorists Treat: There are several common problems that cause dog owners to seek out an Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorist. The referrals sometimes come from their dog’s general veterinarian or other dog training or behavior professionals.

Aggression The most common issue Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorists deal with is aggression in dogs, Glatzel says. Some aggression in dogs is natural, such as territorial aggression in canines that are allowed the run of the house or the yard. But aggression that is fear- or anxiety-based is an individual temperament issue, usually caused by a flawed system of transmitting nerve impulses within the dog. “The messages don’t get from one to the other part of the brain,” Glatzel says, who has specialized postgraduate training in Canine Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychobiology.  In cases where fear and anxiety are the result of a chemical imbalance, medication may be part of the solution in addition to behavior modification and training he says.
Separation anxiety This tends to be the second most common issue Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorists treat in dogs, Glatzel says. Separation anxiety is often a situation in which a dog becomes anxious or nervous in instances where they are separated from their primary attachment figure — typically an owner. Separation anxiety often results in destructive behavior. Dogs will sometimes chew or scratch at furniture or doors, or may even destroy items left in the home. Glatzel says Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorists try to desensitize the dog to being left alone by decreasing how much the owner interacts with the dog in the house and teaching the owner to be low-key when they leave and return. Sometimes medication is needed.
Elimination disorders These include elimination of waste inside the house and territorial marking. Behaviorists have to get to the root of the problem. Sometimes it can be as simple as a bad habit that the dog has formed and needs to break. Other times, marking, in particular, can be caused by aggression between multiple dogs in a house.

FDA-approved Medications Recommending psychiatric meds for dogs is a last resort, Glatzel says, and is only considered after other forms of behavior modification have failed. The behavior modification techniques often include desensitization of the dog to a certain trigger and then counter-conditioning the pet to react with different behavior. These methods are similar to teaching humans how to overcome their fears — such as a fear of flying.

When medications are called for, we have three types of psychiatric medications approved for behavioral uses in dogs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These three medications are as follows:

Fluoxetine, a generic form of Prozac, has been approved to treat separation anxiety and aggression in dogs.
Clomicalm, aka clomipramine hydrochloride, has also been approved to treat separation anxiety and aggression in dogs.
Selegiline (sold as Anipryl for veterinary usage) has been approved for treating cognitive dysfunction in dogs — akin to Alzheimer’s disease in older dogs.

Glatzel says that early intervention is the key to solving your dog’s behavior problems. “Behavior problems are just like any other habit. The more we’re allowed to practice bad behavior, the better we get at it,” he says. “For the dog’s well-being — as well as the owner’s — you need to catch it early.”

Bill Glatzel, M.S., Applied Clinical Animal Behaviorist is the Executive Director & Head of Research for (ACCBS) Arizona Center for Canine Behavioral Studies), and is the Founder and Director of TLC K9 Academy, a National Dog Training Company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Specializing in Difficult and Severe Behavior Disorders in Dogs.  Glatzel also heads up a Team of Professionals who teaches and certifies trainers throughout the world in the latest Science Based Dog Training and Behavior Modification Methods for helping dogs today.  For more information contact Bill Glatzel toll free at 1-888-502-DOGS (3647) or email info@tlck9.com 
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Dogs are born with natural instincts of self-preservation, chasing, biting, being territorial or protective, and a need to be part of a social group. From the Chihuahua puppy you picked out at the breeders to the older Great Dane you rescued, all have specific needs and drives. Depending on the breed of dog, some of these needs may be more intense. They communicate with their body and mouth. All dogs have teeth and are born knowing how to use them. Puppies use their teeth often with their brothers and sisters (litter mates) to let them know if they are playing too hard or have something they don’t want taken away. Dogs lick to show submission, to groom, or to get another dog to regurgitate their food. Dogs hug each other to show who’s more dominant, wrestle to show who’s bigger and stronger, and chase to hone hunting skills. Dogs communicate differently than we do.

We, as humans, are very physical, too. Children are taught to hug and kiss to show affection. They wrestle to play, squeal to show excitement and run to release all the energy pent up in those tiny bodies. When a child runs, it activates a dog’s need to chase and bite.. Children want to hug or kiss on their dogs to show affection and don’t realize they may be making their dog uncomfortable. When children are too rough and hurt us, we stop them and tell them why. Dogs lack the verbal skills to explain and reason with a child. Therefore, teaching both dog and child how to interact accordingly is important! Owning a “safe” dog is more about how the dog is raised (nurtured) and “trained” than the breed.

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Dogs and children are not natural buddies. Dogs and puppies view children in their household as lesser pack mates. Children motivate a dog or puppy to bite or nip them by wrestling, squealing, or playing mouthy games. Children do not understand the old adage, “Let sleeping dogs lie.” Children don’t understand a dog’s need for personal space and are unable to pick up on the subtle cues that the dog is uncomfortable. Dogs are just being dogs and reacting the only way they know how. The owner of the dog has the responsibility to keep both children and the dog safe.

Biting statistics are scary! Did you know that most bites that are reported are children 14 years and under. The majority of those children are between the ages of 5 to 9 years, with boys being bitten most often. The scariest statistic is that it’s not the neighbor’s dog biting these children, it’s their household pet.

Training is the answer to making your dog safe around your family and friends? In short, it is time, money, and effort. Having a dog is a responsibility and a privilege. Once again, dogs and children have their similarities, having either is a privilege but both are a responsibility. Depending on the breed of dog, that privilege/responsibility could last from 8-20 years. Dogs need time with their pack/family. They are born with a need to be part of a family unit. Your dog wants nothing more than to spend time with you. Time spent can vary from playing games, to training sessions, to just sitting on the couch with Fido at your feet.

Money is the daily expense of dog ownership. A lot goes into owning a dog, much more than just buying food. There are usually additional vet bills, remodeling bills, or even lawyer fees, added if you decide to skip the training step…

Effort is a little trickier. Webster’s definition of effort is “a vigorous or determined attempt”. Dogs want a leader to set rules for them to follow. Dogs do not think like we do. They are reactionary animals. We take away and change their sense of security and balance when we are always change the “rules” by not being consistent. Training is a very important part of the positive interactions between your family and your dog. Simply engaging in training starts your family and new puppy or dog on the right road to co-existing happily, this begins to help establish rules and boundaries putting you in a leadership position for your dog.

Children and dogs are similar in so many ways. They both need rules, structure and boundaries to keep them safe. They both require constant supervision. Both need to learn how to properly interact with each so that everyone can live happily ever after.

Talk Dog Training and Coaching is a professional people and dog training service. We specialize at In-Home training. Coming into your home, getting the whole family involved to address all behavioral issues in the dogs’ enviroment. We give you the tools and knowledge to have a well behaved friend for life.
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