Adopting a Rescue Dog

Animals bring something special to your life. If you are looking for a dog why not consider a rescue dog? Here are some things to know about adopting one.

There are advantages to a rescue dog. First, you are saving a life. For whatever reason, this dog has been taken to the pound. Sometimes owners get more than they bargain for but it is their pet that pays the ultimate price.

Second you are giving a dog a loving home. Dogs are some of the most loving creatures on earth. Even if you treat them in an unkind way they will remain loyal, giving you chance after chance to make it right. Abused dogs need someone who will return that love and you are now it.

Third, you are getting a great bargain. It doesn’t cost as much to adopt a shelter dog so you can secure a canine companion without too much of an initial cash layout.

What to Know about a Rescue Dog

It is a good thing to give a home to a dog that needs one, but know what you are getting into before you make that decision. One reason is that you could do the animal more harm than good. Pets that are returned to the shelter over and over don’t have a very long life expectancy there. They are labeled troublesome and usually the first to be put down.

These dogs could have physical problems. The shelter or rescue group will do their best to identify any physical issues resulting from the abuse. But there is a chance that these things won’t show up for months or years to come.

Rescue dogs can have emotional problems. With the cycle of abuse or abandonment, can come a fear of humans. It may take some time to get this under control but you can do it with the help of a dog trainer and some TLC.

You probably won’t get any pedigree papers. These dogs can be of any breed or mix. So, be ready for the unexpected. They might be small now but grow to become a medium or large size dog.

Taking your Dog Home

Allow your new dog to smell and get to know you first. Don’t put fingers through the bars of the cage. Stand to the side, avoiding direct eye contact and then hold your hand in front so they can sniff it at will and see that you are not a threat.

Then, take them for a long walk. This dog has been caged for a long time and needs to burn off some energy. If not, they won’t be able to focus and obey when you get them home. Try walking around your neighborhood so they can become familiar with the area of their new home.

Teach him to heel on the leash from the beginning. Your dog is looking for you to be their pack leader. Don’t allow them to walk in front of you even when exercising. Keep them at your side or behind you, demonstrating that you are the alpha.

It may take a few weeks for your dog to learn their place in the order of your home. Be patient with your rescue animal and you will have a true companion for life.

Feeding your Dog Properly

We may treat our dogs like humans at times but that doesn’t mean that they need to be fed like them. Feeding your dog properly is important to their overall health and well-being. Here are some pointers about feeding them in the right way.

Dogs are not people. They have a different diet and have different nutritional requirements. For instance, dogs are pack animals. They are descended from wolves which are pack animals. In the wild, animals eat what they have in their surroundings and that doesn’t include certain foods that we have at our disposal in the domesticated environment. To understand your dog, take a good look at him or her and learn about their needs versus what we think they should have.

The Puppy Years

It is unwise to take a pup from its mother before it is eight weeks of age. Just like human babies, pups get proper nourishment and immunity from their mother’s milk. Weaning them too soon can lead to health issues.

Puppies need to be fed three or four times a day. After about four weeks this can consist of mother’s milk and also some solid food. After eight weeks, the puppy can eat solid food with very little milk. This begins the weaning period. And, it is safe to take them from their moms when they are more interested in your company than their mother’s.

As the puppy gets older, feed them less frequently, about twice a day. For dogs that are prone to weight problems, you don’t want to start a bad habit at a young age. Also, feeding them at regular intervals makes it easier to housebreak them.

A Few Food Facts

If you have ever looked in a dog’s mouth, you will notice that they have sharp incisors. Humans have a couple of them too but dogs have a whole mouth of them. They are used for ripping and tearing meat.

Dogs need a lot of protein in their diet but very little, if any, grains. Many commercial dog foods contain grain products as filler in their dry foods. Avoid these as much as possible.

Dogs do not have the proper teeth to grind up and digest grains. All they will do is eliminate it from their system. Feeding too much grain can leave your dog hungry and undernourished.

Read the labels. Be sure that the ingredients say “meat meal” (chicken, pork, beef, turkey, etc) as the first ingredient so you know that in the concentrated dry food, you are getting more meat by weight than if it read “meat” alone. Watch out if it names a grain as the second or third ingredient as that means that there are a lot of non-nutritive fillers involved. Mix wet with dry food so that your dog gets that crunch and a lot of needed protein.

Feeding your dog properly leads to a long happy life with very few health and developmental problems.

Dog Breeds: The Cocker Spaniel

Want a medium sized to small dog that has long luxurious hair? You would probably like a Cocker Spaniel. It is good for more than just looking beautiful though.

Origin

The American Cocker Spaniel, which we are talking about here, is originally of the English Spaniel breed. If you looked at an English Spaniel you would notice many differences. For one, the American was bred to be a smaller dog with a shorter muzzle.

Both Spaniels are gun dogs. They are known for flushing out game on a hunt and bringing it back to its owner. It is named after the woodcock, a bird that it was commonly known to flush out. Traditionally they are not only retrievers, but watchdogs and trackers known for their obedience and agility. They were first recognized by the AKC in the 1870s.

Temperament

This dog is great as a gun dog and also a household pet. As long as they are socialized well and trained from an early age they are good with children. They have average intelligence and are very trustworthy and charming to be around.

This dog loves to work. As they are used to being outside, this dog can perform tasks on dry or wet ground with ease. If not socialized well they are likely to become shy.

Some people have problems with Cocker Spaniels. They are thought to be discipline problems. That is usually the case when the pack order has not been established in the family. It is where most owners go wrong.

Avoid the small dog syndrome. This is the belief that small dogs are cute and do not need the same rules as bigger dogs. It is important for all dogs to establish a pack order. The human family is the dog’s new pack. They must know that all humans in the house are higher in the order than they are to avoid any type of discipline problems.

Temperament will stay social and gentle as long as you give your dog what he needs. That includes a daily long walk. This burns off nervous energy and satisfies their mental need to migrate. You don’t need a large yard. A small one will do or access to a park where you can properly exercise your dog each day.

When pack leadership is not established, your dog may engage in various unsavory behaviors. These include:

- Viciousness brought on by fear and dominant behavior
- Submissive urinating
- Obsessive barking

Care

This dog has a medium length coat that is flat and wavy. It is shorter on the head. The ears, abdomen and legs have feathering. Some will cut the coat short so that it is better managed on a daily basis. He will need regular brushing, being careful not to pull out the silky hairs underneath. For showing, they can have any solid color coat.

Cocker Spaniels are prone to many different health problems. Regular visits to the vet can head off any issues that could be a problem. Regular feedings of highly nutritious foods can avoid weight problems.

Training

These dogs are relatively easy to train but can become a problem when pack order is not established. Housebreaking will be more of a challenge. With a gentle positive feedback system, they will learn and become good dogs for your home and outdoor life.

The Cocker Spaniel is pretty, intelligent, and trustworthy. For the total package, think about bringing home a Cocker Spaniel.

A Dogs Life in Luxury

Author: Liam Condit
Company: dogbeds.co.uk

For us, beds are an important and comforting entity that we just couldn’t live without, and the same goes for dogs. Besides food and water, a dog bed is a necessity for the life and well-being of your pet. Not only do they provide security and private space for the dog, but also a good dog bed can provide elderly dogs with support for their joints and bones, especially those that may have arthritis. Dog beds are also a very useful tool for keeping your house clean, with all the hair being concentrated in one place. What’s important is that although every dog needs a bed, it should also the right bed for your dog.

Danish Design Rambla Bed Nest

This dog bed serves as the king of dog beds, with its classic horseshoe shape, and luxuriously padded cushioning, it is a dog bed fit for royalty. After a hard days walk or a day in the field, the nest offers your pet the maximum possible amount of comfort and relaxation. Available either in a chic lime design for the most fashionable of dog, or a classic beige design for a dog with traditional tastes, this is a dog bed that is not to be missed.

Premium Memory Foam Dog Mattress

Shaped like a regular mattress, the bed offers an unbeatable experience every time your dog goes to sleep. Quite often used for medicinal purposes, memory foam is great for circulation and joints, keeping the body properly supported, prioritizing not one part of the body over another. This means that the Premium Memory Foam Dog Mattress is an excellent choice for elderly dogs and those who suffer from arthritis. The lining of the bed is also waterproof meaning that those occasional accidents aren’t a problem, with the lining being fully machine washable. The bed is also available in light and dark tan, making it a perfect bed for a dog of any breed or age.

Premium Oval Faux Suede Softee Bed

With 360 degrees of cushioning, the oval bed provides your furry friend the perfect armchair experience, all from his own private bed space. Hard-wearing and practical, the bed also offers a luxurious memory foam base, perfect for the dog that is looking for that ultimate nights sleep. Available in a range of different sizes and two different colours, the bed is the perfect product for a dog who takes nothing less than the best.

Rectangular Heavy Duty Basket Weave Softee Bed

With its ultra soft walled covering, the Soft bed is probably the best dog bed available for under £100. The intricately crafted material ensures that the bed is one of the strongest and most durable within its range, whilst at the same time, offering your dog the highest possible comfort and quality that necessitates a good nights sleep. The thick yet superbly soft base offers your dog the cushioning that it needs, whilst being machine washable and offering the long lasting protection that you need. Like all the others, the bed is available in a variety of sizes and two different colours, suiting not only your dog, but also the home in which your dog lives.

Rectangular Faux Suede Softee Bed

Similar to the Basket Weave Softee bed, the Faux Suede Softee Bed is a product designed primarily for making your pet happy and comfortable. With its thickly cushioned walls and brilliantly soft base, the bed is a high quality product that is made to last night after night with your dog. Also, the entirety of the bed can be machine washed, making hygiene a top priority for you and your dog.

Dog Breeds: The Basset Hound

Want a small dog that also has a superior sense of smell? You could be in the market for that dog breed that represents fine shoes everywhere. We are talking about a Basset Hound.

Origin

Though they are short in stature, this dog has been highly prized on the European continent. It is related to the bloodhound which is known for its hunting ability and better than average sniffer. This dog was bred early as a hunting dog. Some wanted it to be used as a companion dog. There was a big argument amongst breeders who wanted one but not all of these traits for their dogs.

When the Basset Hound finally came to America, breeders decided that it could be a show dog, a companion dog and a hunting dog all in one. In fact, as a hunting dog, it was a better retriever for those who were on foot since it was slower than dogs with longer legs. Even President George Washington owned Basset Hounds.

Temperament

This small dog has a sweet disposition and is generally well-behaved. If you ever encounter a Basset Hound that is vicious with you or others, it could be a sign of a problem at home. Basset Hounds are pack dogs like many other breeds. It is important for them to know who the pack leader in the home is. When the pack leader is not clearly defined, this can lead the dog to try and assume the position.

Basset Hounds are stubborn. Housebreaking is often difficult with them. When they latch onto a smell, especially of a small animal, it is hard to refocus them to the task at hand. Early on, teach them the rules of the house. Offer positive reinforcement for good behavior and a proper training environment.

They are quite affectionate when they feel that things are as they should be in the home. Sometimes they do tricks for food.

Care

You have seen these dogs on shoe boxes and in commercials for years. They have a low body that is short and heavy. They are prone to bloat and also weight gain that can lead to problems with their hips and legs.

Their features remind you of a sad puppy dog. Their eyes are large and sunken in a rounded well-proportioned skull. Ears are soft and hang almost to the ground. Skin is loose on their body. They have large paws and a well rounded body. In show, there are no real rules on color. Most Basset Hounds are white, red, white and chestnut, black or tan.

Their coat is dense and shiny. Regular brushing will keep it under control. Only wash the dog if it is warranted. Wipe the ears and trim claws regularly.

Training

Basset Hounds are stubborn. A firm but gentle hand is needed. To satisfy their migratory instinct, take him on long daily walks. You don’t need a big yard or even a yard at all for this. You can use the park so that he can get rid of nervous energy.

Want a loving dog that is both companion and hunter? Think about owning a Basset Hound.

Are You Ready for Dog Ownership?

Dogs are said to be man’s best friend but they are also good for the rest of the human race. Dogs can raise your spirits, help with health recovery and display a fierce loyalty that can save your life. With these good points can come a downside. Are you really ready for a dog in your life?

Many people are in love with the idea of dog ownership. They see them on television or in another persons home and think that they want the same thing. What they don’t see is what goes on behind the scenes so that the dog is well behaved, well fed, beautiful and an integral part of the family unit.

It is sad but true that many owners buy dogs and then give them back, often to the pound. What are the reasons? Mostly, the owner got in over their head and then couldn’t care for the dog as it needed to be cared for. So, a pet loses their home and then has to endure the threat of being put to sleep. Worse still is putting them on the street where they have to learn to fend for themselves and contribute to pet overpopulation.

You can avoid this issue by evaluating how ready you are for dog ownership. It is not a crime to accept that you won’t ever be a pet owner, or at least not a dog owner. Someone who is better suited will take them home.

What to Know before Buying a Dog

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before making a purchase or commitment.

1. What breed is right for me? – All dogs are not the same. Some need more exercise and instruction than others. Small dogs don’t need as much outdoor room to run, but may crave more play time each day. Try to choose a dog that has a similar temperament to yours for a better match.

2. Do I have the time to care for a dog? – Dogs need structure especially when they are young. Here is when you crate train, housebreak them, teach them discipline and establish a pack order with them. It can take time to get a schedule and deal with issues. If you don’t have this time you could end up with a dog that is nippy and misunderstood.

3. Is my family okay with the dog? – Check to be sure that family members do not have pet dander allergies before committing to dog ownership. It could be that a short-haired dog is better suited because they don’t shed as much if at all.

4. What will I spend on my dog? – Pets count on their owners for everything. It can take a lot of dough to feed, house, groom and take care of the health of your dog. Some dog owners spend upwards of a couple thousand dollars a year. This doesn’t include the cost if you buy a purebred dog or if there are any health problems present.

There is no shame in not owning a dog. Learn here if you are ready and the right person to become man’s best friend.

Dog Breeds: The Labrador Retriever

Very few dogs are as lovable as a Labrador Retriever. If you are an outdoor person who loves the company of a four-legged companion, then this dog may be for you.

History

Before we begin, know that there are two types of Labrador: the American and the English. The breed as a whole originated in Newfoundland but was taken to England in the 1800s. It worked side by side with fishermen, helping them to bring in their catch. As a service dog, the Labrador Retriever has enjoyed a long history in a variety of services: police dog, watchdog, hunting, disability services, search and rescue, competition and field training. It is one of the oldest and most popular canine pets.

Temperament

This dog is well-balanced both in body proportion and temperament. He is a friendly outgoing dog who loves to be loved by his owners. If you own an American breed, then your dog is tall and lanky. The English version is bred more for hunting and retrieving.

Labradors are great companions who are good with children and adults. They are friendly and love any opportunity to show their masters that they can do the job you give them. They love to swim and play games with their human family.

Intelligent and devoted, they crave the attention of their family. This dog has the potential to become quite destructive without human contact. Be sure that you have enough time to devote to play and recreation each day or you will have a problem. Socializing them well can put an end to this problem.

Care

Labradors have a double coat. the under coat is weather-resistant and soft. It helps to insulate the dog from the cold. The shorter outer coat is water-resistant and very dense. This dog is an average shedder. Regular brushing with a firm brush is needed to keep from forming mats and tangles. Coat colors are usually chocolate, yellow or black. Bathe your dog when needed. Dry shampooing is preferred but only when necessary.

This dog can be prone to a few health issues. Be aware that they can develop hip or elbow dysplasia and eye disorders. Exercise them well to keep their weight in check.

Exercise is also essential to fulfill their migration instinct. Apartment dwellers can own this type of dog as long as they are walked briskly on a daily basis.

Training

This dog is not hard to train. In fact they enjoy it most when you give them a job to do. Labradors also subscribe to the “pack” mentality. This means that they need to know that their human master is the pack leader to feel comfortable. When walking them, be sure that they stay behind you or at your side. When you stop, the dog should heel behind you. This prevents them from bounding out of doors and tackling people.

Labrador Retrievers are loyal, loving, energetic and responsible. If you have the time and space (they get quite large), try this dog.

Dog Breeds: The Chihuahua

This cute little dog has been featured in movies and fast food commercials. But, how is he as a pet in your home? Keep reading to find out the information you are looking for about the Chihuahua.

History

This is the smallest of all dog breeds. It originates in the Chihuahua region of Mexico. These dogs were highly prized as companions of the royal and the wealthy. In the late 19th century, the dog made its way to Europe. Because of its unique features it is believed that the Chihuahua was descended from the Fennec Fox.

Temperament

As a companion dog, the Chihuahua is aces. If you’ve ever seen one, then you know they are rambunctious, courageous and affectionate. But, they can also become strong-willed if not socialized well.

They are loyal to their owners, even licking their faces at times. People mistakenly treat them as if they were little toys instead of dogs. Giving them preferential treatment because they are small could turn your treasured pet into a spoiled brat who doesn’t know how to behave with the family or other people.

Care

For a toy sized dog, the Chihuahua has a well rounded head and large pointy ears. Often, they are born with a soft spot in their head called the “molera.” It usually closes over by adulthood but in some it does not which can lead to injuries. They have large wide set eyes.

Chihuahuas can have short or long coats. The colors they come in include: black, white, chestnut, black and tan, white, sable, silver, fawn and sand to name a few. The long coat requires daily brushing to keep it manageable. The short coat only requires an occasional wiping with a damp cloth. Bathe them once a month or as needed. Keep the ears clean and the nails trimmed regularly.

There are a few conditions to be aware of that might affect your dog. They are prone to rheumatism, gum problems, corneal dryness, glaucoma, colds and fractures. Corneal dryness is often due to their protruding eyeballs. Fractures can occur during birth as most are born by cesarean due to the large head.

For a small dog, he is prone to obesity. Watch his diet to prevent him from gaining too much weight. Also be aware of toxic products that can kill him. Avoid chocolate and fertilizer in places where your pet can get at them.

Training

Even though he is small, a Chihuahua very much has the “pack” mentality. It is important to teach him early that his human master is the pack leader. If not, this can cause stress on your pet as they try to fulfill that role. Allowing him to get away with behaviors because he is small can lead to nipping, biting and aggression.

Don’t forget to walk him. Exercise is good for the mind, satisfying their migration instinct. Like the pack leader, walk your dog behind you so he knows who the boss is.

Want a small dog that is good with the entire family? Try a Chihuahua.

Dog Breeds: The Weimaraner

The dog with the funny name is anything but. Weimaraners are a breed built for spending time with their masters on the hunt. If you like the great outdoors, then this may be the dog for you.

History

This breed got its start in Germany. It has always been a noble hunting dog, chasing rabbits, birds, foxes and the like. Their sleek features make them perfect for running fast and exhibiting stealth when necessary. Over the years, this dog has been bred for hunting under the strict guidance of the German Weimaraner club.

The breed came to America when a sportsman from Rhode Island applied and was accepted into membership at the now exclusive German Weimaraner club. He successfully bred females with a puppy that was sent to him.

Temperament

This dog is loyal, obedient and intelligent when trained properly. As a pup it is important to teach them that you are the leader. This dog loves to run. They are happiest when they are living indoors and outdoors. They can be headstrong and stubborn if cooped up in the house and not given a chance to exercise extensively outdoors.

They work best with children who are well behaved. A Weimaraner will seek out their master or other human family members who are most like it – dominant and in control. Socialization works well with other dogs but not with cats. They are not weak dogs and have no tolerance for weak people. This personality trait has helped them to become excellent watchdogs and family protectors.

Care

Once called the “gray ghost”, its coat is short and close to the body. What makes this dog stand out is the shiny gray color of its coat, ranging from silver gray to a blue gray tint. He has a light eye color which complements his coat. He requires very little grooming beyond a weekly brushing and a monthly bathing to stay clean. As long as enough protein is provided in the diet, his coat will stay shiny.

Regular visits to the vet are recommended. This dog is prone to bloating so feed him a couple of small meals as opposed to one large meal or a full bowl that he can graze on throughout the day. Regular exercise can also help reduce this. Weimaraners are prone to hip dysplasia as well. Otherwise, they are rather healthy.

Training

Dogs need to know who is boss. Their instincts tell them that if there is not a dominant personality in the group then they must step up. To keep this dog from becoming the dominant personality, it is important to establish that the human owner is the leader from the puppy stage.

The Weimaraner responds well to firm training. They do not do well with harshness or yelling. Once they become weary of certain training techniques, they will not respond.

Weimaraners are excellent companions for sportsmen and those who love the outdoors. Read up on these dogs on Animal-World’s Weimaraner page.

Animal-World’s Featured Pet of the Week – The Australian Shepherd

Animal-World’s Featured Pet for this week is: The Australian Shepherd!

If you want a very high-energy, playful, and fun dog around, Australian Shepherds meet all of those parameters and more! They are popular as ranch dogs because of how much energy they have and can be very useful as herding dogs and just plain fun to have around. My main experience with Australian Shepherds was during college. I met a friend there who had a ‘mini’ ranch with several horses and other animals, including a couple Australian Shepherds. I would often go out to go horseback riding with her and her two dogs would always tag along with us on the rides – running along beside us and exploring as we went. They were very friendly dogs and loved when I would come over.

The name “Australian Shepherd” is a little misleading because these dogs are not from Australia! They were actually developed completely in the United States in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. There is variation in why people believe it has the name it has. It could be because of their blue merle coloring common to Aussies, the possibility that their lineage comes from Australia, or maybe because many Australian ranchers who came over to the U.S. took them in as ranch dogs. It is not sure exactly what breeds were used to develop the Australian Shepherd, but it is thought to be from other sheepdogs and collies.

Because of how friendly, energetic, and playful these dogs are, training is usually pretty easy! They love to please! This makes training fun for you as the owner and helps create a bond between you. They can learn to do just about anything you want them to, including many sports activities. Ideally, you should provide them with “work” to do that keeps them busy and gives them plenty of exercise. At the very least, make sure that you provide them with daily walks and plenty of room to play while not on the leash. This makes them a good pet when you have a large backyard or lots of acreage. They are not generally recommended as apartment dogs.

They are easy enough to care for, as long as you are a dedicated dog owner. They can have coats that are either wavy or straight and is short everywhere except on the backs of the forelegs and around it’s head. They only need moderate grooming to keep their hair from becoming matted. They do shed, so if they are kept indoors regularly, vacuuming will most likely be needed often. They also only need occasional baths. Make sure to feed them a good quality dog food that is meant for Australian Shepherds, or feed them a diet consisting of oats, wheat, potatoes, lamb and poultry.

There are a few health problems that these dogs are prone to. The most common problem is Collie eye anomaly and cataracts. Dogs that are bred irresponsibly can be blind. When purchasing an Australian Shepherd, make sure that you are obtaining your dog from a reputable breeder and that two dogs containing the merle genes were not bred together, as this gene combination is much more likely to produce offspring with health problems. Other health problems occurring in these dogs are hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, and Pelger-Huet syndrome.

These dogs often run from $300 to $600 and are found almost anywhere in the United States.

If you are looking for a fun and energetic dog, be sure to check out Animal-World’s page on Australian Shepherds!

Jasmine is a team member at Animal-World and has contributed many articles and write-ups.

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