Guide to Sporting Dogs

Hunting and Sporting dogs include many breeds of dogs. Sporting dogs are gun dogs that were originally developed to go hunting with the hunter and assist in the hunt . Pointers and Setters point and label game. Spaniels flush birds. Retrievers recover the game from water and land. Because Sporting Dogs are naturally active and alert, potential owners should be aware that the dogs require regular, invigorating exercise. Entertaining Sporting dogs have high energy and stable likable temperaments Sporting dogs make great companions in the hunting field and at home with the family.

For people who are considering bringing a companion dog into their home, it is a good idea to research the breed to make sure it is compatible with their lifestyle. Hunting and Sporting dogs make great family pets, well well as companions in the hunting field. The dogs are piquant and need to hasten and exercise, so these dogs do best with room to run, such as on a farm.

The American Kennel Club and Westminster Kennel Club each have information on their websites about this large group of dogs and the breeds that comprise it. If you go to a dog expose, you may see all of these breeds competing with each other, as well as within their own breed. Following is a list of the various Sporting Dogs along with a brief description of their characteristics and temperament.

Brittany: The Brittany is a compact, medium sized dog with long legs. This is a rugged dog that is quick and agile. The Brittany should weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. The Brittany’s coat is dense and wavy and is usually either orange and white or liver and white. The Brittany is a happy, alert dog that is neither mean nor shy.

Pointer: The Pointer is bred primarily as a sporting dog in the field. This dog is an alert, agile hunting dog with stamina and courage. The Pointer’s even temperament and alertness makes a good companion in the field and home. Pointers are about 23 to 28 inches high and 44 to 75 pounds in weight, with the bitches being smaller overall.

German Short haired Pointer: The German Short haired Pointer is an agile, active dog, advantageous of hunting in the field and water.The German Pointer’s appearance is aristocratic and well balanced.The coat is short and thick, colored either solid liver or liver and white. The medium sized dog is friendly, knowing and willing to please, with keen enthusiasm.

German Wire haired Pointer: The German Short haired Pointer is an agile, active dog, worthy of hunting in the field and water.The German Pointer’s appearance is aristocratic and well balanced.The coat is dense and weather resistant and is colored liver roan or liver and white. The medium sized dog is friendly, intelligent and eager to please, and enthusiastic to learn.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a proficient hunter on land and water. Bred to hunt in adverse conditions, The Chesapeake is a rugged, strong, powerfully built dog of moderate size and medium length. This active dog is valued for its knowing, happy disposition. Chesapeake’s are intelligent and have a protective, affectionate nature.

Curly Coated Retriever: The Curly Coated Retriever is a multi purpose hunter retriever is recognized by most canine historians as one of the oldest retrieving breeds. The “Curly” was developed in England to hunt game in the field. The Curly is strong, robust, agile and able to work all day.The coat is a distinguishing characteristic which is quite different from any other breed. Their thick mass of minute, tight, crisp curls are close to the skin and water resistant. A smart dog that is highly trainable, The Curly is a cherished loyal companion at home or in the field.

Flat Coated Retriever: The Flat-Coated Retriever is a versatile hunter and family companion with a happy, active demeanor. The Flat-Coat has a long, strong, clean “one share” head, which is current to the breed. This breeds coat is of moderate length, density and fullness, with a high luster. The ideal coat is straight and lies flat. The Flat-Coats color is solid black or solid liver. The Flat-Coat is a cheerful, devoted companion who loves living, and being a member of the family.

Golden Retriever: The Golden Retriever is one of the most current breeds. The Golden is primarily a hunting dog with a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Golden Retriever have rich lustrous golden coats of various shades. The Golden is a beneficial, reliable, trustworthy dog that gets along well with people and other dogs.

Labrador Retriever: The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed since 1992. The strongly built, energetic dog is a sound hunter and a great family companion. Labrador’s have short, straight, dense coats that are black, yellow or chocolate in color. The Labrador Retriever has an even, kindly disposition with an outgoing nature. Labrador’s are gentle, intelligent and adaptable making them ideal family dogs.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: This Retriever was b red to toll, lure and retrieve waterfowl. The medium sized dog is powerful and compact. The smallest of the retriever’s coat is any shade of red. The Toller is highly intelligent, alert, outgoing and ready for action. The dog is affectionate and loving with family members.

English Setter: The English Setter is an pretty dog with the ideal blend of strength, stamina, grace and style. their flat coat is white intermingled with darker hairs. Their temperament is gentle, affectionate and friendly.

Irish Setter: This breed is an active, aristocratic bird dog which is rich red in color. The dog has a straight, radiant, glossy coat. The Irish Setter is a swift moving hunter in the field and a sweet natured, trainable companion at home. /The Irish Setter has an outgoing, stable temperament.

American Water Spaniel: The American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States as an all around hunting dog. This breed is active and muscular, medium sized and with a marcel to curly coat. Their demeanor is incandescent, eager to please, and friendly.

Clumber Spaniel: The Clumber Spaniel is a long, low, substantial dog with a heavy brow and deep chest. The white coat is visible to the hunter as he works within gun range.
The Clumber is a gentle, loyal, affectionate dog.

Cocker Spaniel: The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Sporting group, at a height of 14 to 15 inches at the withers. The dog has a sturdy, compact body and is capable of great speed. The Cocker Spaniel may be unlit, brown, cream, tan or multi-colored.

English Cocker Spaniel: This breed is an active, merry sporting dog that is alive with energy. The English Cocker Spaniel is a faithful and engaging companion.

English Springer Spaniel: The medium sized Spaniel has a moderately long coat and compact body. The typical Spaniel is salubrious, eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey

Field Spaniel: The Field Spaniel is a combination of beauty and utility with a noble carriage and docile attitude.

Irish Water Spaniel: The Irish Water Spaniel is a strongly built sporting dog with great intelligence and rugged endurance. this breed has a topknot of long, loose curls and a body covered with dense, curly, liver colored hair. Their temperament is alert, inquisitive and stable.

Sussex Spaniel: The Sussex Spaniel originated in Sussex. england in the 1800′s and was used as a hunting companion. The dog has a sturdy build with short legs and long body. This breed is friendly and has a cheerful disposition.

Welsh Springer Spaniel: This attractive dog is medium sized with a compact perform. This breed may be reserved with strangers, but is a loyal and affectionate dog. This Spaniel is a devoted family dog as well as a great hunting companion.

Vizsla: The Vizsla is a medium sized, short coated hunter with a strong, lean appearance. The coat is usually solid golden rust. The Vizsla is a natural hunter with a good nose and above average ability to take training. They are animated, gentle mannered, affectionate, sensitive and protective.

Weimaraner: Weimaraners are medium sized gray dogs with fine aristocratic features. This breed has great accelerate and agility and is able to work hard. This dog has a friendly, fearless, alert and obedient temperament.

Wire haired Pointing Griffon: This is a medium sized dog with a hard course coat that excels as a field pointer or water retriever. The Griffon is quick and luminous and is easily trained. The Griffon makes an safe family dog as well as a terrific hunting companion.

A breed from the Sports Group of Dogs makes amiable, involving pets and great hunting companions.

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Toilet Training Dogs Successfully

After breeding Labrador Retrievers for close to fifteen years, I have managed to learn a few golden tips on how to
overcome some of the not-so-pleasant aspects of owning that new puppy. So many times I have new owners call me in absolute despair wanting to know how on earth they can get their newest family member to pee or poop ANYWHERE except on the floor of their home. For me, it is a devastating statistic that the number one reason puppies find themselves in shelters is due to house training issues. This is such a simple hindrance to overcome, so long as you know how. So, how do we keep you and your pup from any more accidents that may be starting to stretch your friendship?

House training puppies can be a monumental task if the owner is unaware of what specifically is needed to have their pup behaving in an acceptable manner. Think of it for a moment from the pups perspective…They have just approach from a litter where their mother has fed, cleaned and disciplined them. Life was fine simple there, they could play with their siblings and pee or poop wherever they liked AND (within the first two weeks of being born) mother would clean the mess up! Your pups mother would also lick and groom the pup clean of anything that stuck to their miniature body.

Then, you came along. You and your pup have arrived home…Minus the other litter mates and mother. Suddenly, the setting has changed, the social circle has changed and the rules are SO different to what your pup was used to. Your life has also changed now. You have a itsy-bitsy body that needs guidance and boundaries for it to understand what is needed in order to live harmoniously within your home.

The only truly unbeaten way to teach your pup how to be house trained is (drum-roll please…) for YOU to be trained! Nope, I don’t mean that we have to declare you to go potty and I’m positive you are house trained by now…However, if you feel you need a refresher on your own house breaking needs feel free to apply it to yourself :)

Pups and dogs in general are creatures of habit..A little like you and me. They thrive on regularity and flourish with repetitive actions. If you wanted to mumble your dog the command to sit, you would use that command every time you requested it of him. Using one term over and over will allow your dog to learn faster and with more success. The same is true for toilet training your pup or dog. If your pup learns that you are clear, consistent and easy to understand this will pave the way for everything your pup needs to know. If, however, he finds that you are repulsive, excited and inconsistent you may seek forward to a life with a dog that has no certain direction or boundaries on behaviour, and certainly no success at house training him or her.

Knowing the proper commands and having the correct setting for your pup to go potty is well-known to your pup or dog learning for life. If you are able to learn some proper techniques to consume, pick up on the signals your pup gives you and most of all…BE CONSISTENT, your pup will most certainly thrive under your care.

Remember, every oversight teaches your puppy the cross habit. Knowing what tools you must have for successful training will have your battle already half won. I constantly refer my unusual puppy owners to my website below for a fast and inexpensive guaranteed fire way to combat the potty accidents, and to achieve a rewarding and satisfying relationship with your pup up for life. I wish you years of enjoyment and puppy potty training success!

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The Best Guard Dog Breeds for Families

The term “guard dog” often brings to mind a dog who is vicious, dangerous, and may even maim and end. This is a misconception, since guard dog training falls into one of three categories: personal protection, sentry, or attack dog.

Personal protection dogs, or alarm dogs, will alert the owner when there is an intruder or something suspicious is happening. Their loud, aggressive bark signals the owner that the situation needs attention. They are trained to protect their family and territory in a defensive way, and may jump, whisper, recall (hold without biting), or chase. It is not part of their training to bite, maim, or ruin, although they may choose to do so on their own if the owner is physically threatened.

Sentry dogs are trained to patrol and defend a fenced area or empty building without a handler. They are often employed in shipyards and warehouses. These dogs are trained to take action when they glance an intruder and will attack indiscriminately.

Attack dogs are often used by military forces or the police. They are trained to respond to physical aggression or a sudden movement and are potential killers. Attack guard dogs should only be handled by experts and must never be family pets. Owning a dog for protection who will attack will put the owner and his family in danger, since attack dogs may turn on their own family. Even innocent gestures may cause them to attack. The owner is also subject to lawsuits or arrest if his dog attacks another person.

Some breeds of dogs have shown exceptional ability as guard dogs for family protection. Large dogs with intimidating reputations and appearances, they make excellent protection dogs and family pets when properly and professionally trained. Dogs bred for their guarding instincts tend to have dominant personalities and need owners who will provide strong leadership.

German Shepherds are often trained as K-9 attack dogs by the police and military which has given them a reputation as mean, aggressive killers. With proper socialization and personal protection training, they make excellent family pets. They are alert, intelligent, and good with children. Many dog trainers judge the German Shepherd one of the best guard dog breeds.

Doberman Pinschers have a strong natural instinct to protect their “pack” family and territory, but this breed is not for everybody. This breed needs an owner who is not afraid of him and all family members need to learn how to handle the dog properly. Dobermans need thorough, consistent training from an early age, and should be with their families, not left alone in the serve yard. A well-trained Doberman Pinscher can be a gentle, loving family pet that will aggressively defend his family when necessary.

Chow Chows are usually well-mannered dogs, but have a strong protective instinct. They often become “one-person” dogs but will get along well with children and other household animals if raised with them from an early age. Often stubborn, independent and willful, they need firm, early obedience training. Breeders have been attempting to produce a more “family-friendly” temperament in this breed, and a well-bred and well-trained Chow can make a substantial family pet.

Boxers are clownish, people loving dogs that seem to possess the ability to read people’s character. They may welcome strangers who seem non-threatening, but will defend their owners and territory if they feel the need. High-spirited dogs that need to be trained not to jump on everyone, they do well with older children. They are likely to knock down small children with their rowdy play.

Giant Schnauzers are not as well-liked in the United States as some other breeds, but have proven themselves as first-rate guard dogs in European countries. Giant, noteworthy dogs with dominant personalities, Giant Schnauzers can be high-spirited. They require obedience training from an early age and are not suited for homes with pre-teen children.

Rottweilers are massive, powerful dogs. Calm, courageous, and protective of their families, they will fiercely defend their owners. Rotts need careful training as puppies so they do not become overly aggressive. Obedience training for this breed should begin at three months of age; if the Rott is allowed to become the pack leader in the family there may be tragic consequences. This breed is among the top of the list of dog bite fatalities. Do not choose this breed if you have pre-teen children in the home.

Although not traditionally bred as working dogs, Great Danes make marvelous guard dogs simply by virtue of their imposing appearance. They are one of the gentlest of dog breeds. Playful and patient with children, Gigantic Danes savor people and want to be around them. They will bark when important but only become aggressive if the situation calls for it. They are good with other dogs when raised around them. This breed needs obedience training at an early age so the owner can control this giant dog when he reaches full size.

The owner should never try to verbalize a personal protection guard dog himself. Improper technique may result in a dangerous dog. Give the dog basic obedience training for control as a young puppy, using positive reinforcement as a reward. Discourage overly rough or aggressive play, and never leave any dog alone with young children. Even innocent play can be dangerous with a large dog who doesn’t know his own strength. When the dog is about six months of age, enroll him in a personal protection obedience program with a trained professional who excels in this field.

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Need the best weight loss tips for your fat dog? Victoria Stilwell stars on Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog. But she also does a show, It’s Me or the Tubby Dog. In a particular episode on dog weight loss, dog training expert Victoria Stilwell visited three people who had very chunky dogs. According to the veterinarian, these dogs were double their normal weight.

Victoria Stilwell explained that despite what the dog owners feel is an act of love, overfeeding a dog is an act of cruelty in its maintain unique way. If you have an overweight dog, its life span is being prick dramatically short. If your dog is overweight and you aren’t feeding it much, you can bet that your fat dog is finding food on its own, such as the case with obese dog Hattie.

But maybe you deliberately feed your obese dog, such as the case with Gizmo. And then Jess’s owner seemed to provide much of the feeding without even realizing it, continually putting handfuls of food to the animal’s mouth while going about her business.

Hattie lives in a house with a woman and two young girls. The beagle, which was being fed just once a day in the a.m., was caught on videotape raiding food in the kitchen. This canine also has ripped open the girls’ lunch bags that were left on chairs. Solution? Keep food out of the dog’s arrive, and feed the pet controlled portions once in the morning and then again in the evening so that the animal doesn’t feel deprived.

To get her point across, Victoria Stilwell establish a large bowl of candy before the girls, then said they couldn’t have any. She then began eating brownies before the kids and offered them some, then pulled it away at the last moment, explaining that this temptation is what Hattie goes through every day when food is left within advance. The video showed Hattie getting its paws atop a kitchen counter and retrieving leftover food.

In the case of Gizmo the Chihuahua, Victoria Stilwell explained that the chocolate that Gizmo was getting was toxic. Furthermore, this was the only dog of the owners’ six total canines that never got any exercise. Gizmo was also routinely being fed arresting Indian food.

Victoria Stilwell showed Jess’s owner the equivalent, in human consumption, of what this dog was being fed every week. Laid out on a table were platefuls of food, enough to feed a football team. The owner was stunned.

Victoria Stilwell then began explaining the importance of adding vegetables and fruit to a dog’s diet.

These paunchy dogs were weighed about five months later. Jess and Hattie still had significant weight problems. Victoria had Jess’s owner walk around wearing an 11-pound sack on her back so that she could feel the strain that her 11-pound-overweight dog felt.

Hattie was sent to a “dog fat farm” for five weeks and came back a little slimmer, proving to her owner that this dog indeed can lose weight. But even after that, Hattie remained overweight. Victoria Stilwell then presented Hattie’s owner with blown-up photos of her two daughters’ faces — as they’d behold if the girls were fat. The girls thought it was hilarious, but their mother was moved to tears.

The demonstrate concluded with the kids and Victoria Stilwell on scooters (the kind where you propel with your feet while in a standing position), with a leashed Hattie in tow: Exercising your fat canine can be a fun activity.

So for anybody who has a fat dog and thinks nothing can be done about it, tune in to the next episode of It’s Me or the Stout Dog.

Click for more great doggie articles including best family dog, fat loss tips for a fat pooch, leashing, crating, etc.

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Bringing a modern dog into your household is very noteworthy like bringing a new child into the family. Like a child, a dog needs a great deal of structure and guidance initially. One tried and true method for accomplishing this is to utilize the crate training method. This is the process of providing your German shepherd with their own personal space by giving them a crate that they can spend time in. The crate has a door that you can shut which allows you to keep your dog in his crate (and out of trouble) during those times when you are not able to give him adequate supervision.

Benefits of Crate Training:

- Allows you to contain control over the dog’s environment including unsupervised access to certain parts of the house.
- Assists in housebreaking.
- Provides an easy plan to transport your dog in an environment that he is comfortable with.
- Provides your dog with a place of his own, which resembles the natural den dwellings canines use in the wild.

There is a variety of crates to choose from. You may select a hard plastic crate that provides more privacy and security. You may resolve to purchase a more open metal crate that allows you to crate your German shepherd without making him feel secluded. You can even find fabric crates that offer a cozier feel. All of these crates have their strong points. It is always a good idea to research the different crates available to you and recall the one that best meets the needs of you and your dog.

Make sure that the crate you choose has enough room for your dog to stand and turn around in, but for training purposes you don’t want to glean a crate that is much larger than that. The time needed for training can vary based on your dog’s age and adaptability. You will have much better success if you have exiguous training goals that provide your dog with many opportunities to make a training session successful.

Tips for building a bond between your German shepherd and his crate:

- Place the crate in a room where the humans of the house spend most of their time.
- Line the bottom of the crate with a towel or blanket that the dog can snuggle in.
- When placing your dog in the crate, always sing in a very cheerful voice.
- Entice him to enter the crate by himself with praise and treats. (Never force the dog to enter the crate!)
- Place a toy that your dog loves inside the crate.
- Feed your dog close to the crate.

Once your dog no longer seems disturbed when entering the crate, you are ready to start feeding him inside the crate. Start by placing his food just inside the crate. At each feeding, move the bowl further inside. When he seems comfortable eating his meals inside the crate, try shutting the door while he’s eating. In the beginning, let him out as soon as he has finished his meal. Then start gradually increasing the time he remains in the crate by a minute or two longer. It is well-known to originate sure he is happy during this time. He is still learning to like the crate, so you do not want him to feel trapped. However, if he does start crying you need to talk to him and calm him down, but don’t let him come out of the crate until he stops. If you immediately let him out as soon as he starts whining, he will learn that all he has to do is cry if he wants out of the crate.

Next you will start to condition your dog to start spending some non-meal time in the crate. Remember not to accelerate this or you will undo all of your hard work. Start by training him to enter the crate when asked to. You can do this by consistently using the same command and offering treats when done correctly. Initially you should consume most of your time sitting quietly reach the crate. Then start spending part of the training time in another room.
The key to success with this training method is patience and consistency. During each training session, start spending more time out of your dog’s site. Always start and waste the training session by remaining near the crate for a few minutes. And remember to only let your dog out of the crate while he is not whining or crying. When you feel like he will be fine in the crate for longer periods, you are ready to start leaving your dog in the crate when he sleeps at night or while you leave the house for short periods of time.

Tips for leaving your dog in his crate while you are away:

- Make sure he has plenty of drinking water
- Put a toy in the crate to keep him company.
- Do not construct your leaving an emotional affair. The longer your goodbye, the more he’ll dread it.
- When you return home, calmly let him out of the crate.
- So that the dog does not associate the entering the crate with your leaving, continue to put him in the crate periodically while you are home.

If you decide to crate your dog at night, it is a good idea to place the crate in your room so that he doesn’t feel completely isolated. Although this is also true for older dogs, it is especially important if your dog is less than six months old. Not only do they need the comfort of knowing that you are close by, but they also need to be able to let you know when they need to go outside. If your adult dog seems completely comfortable with sleeping in his crate, you can depart the crate to another station in your house if needed.

Although a crate can provide many amazing benefits to both you and your, make sure that you do not confine your dog too often. The crate is a small space and your dog may begin to feel trapped if he is not allowed plenty non-crate time. In other words, you shouldn’t crate your dog all day while you work and then again all night while you sleep. He needs more than just a few hours of freedom a day. Puppies should not be kept in crates for more than a few hours at any given time. And always make sure that you recall your dog outside when needed.
Crate training is just one of many methods you can use to train your dog, but many people have found that it is the diagram that works best for them and their canine friend. As long as you make the crate a trusted station that the dog is fond of, you will find that the crate can keep your dog safe and give you peace of mind while you are away. Training definitely takes time and energy, but if you are patient, consistent, and always remain positive, you will have a jubilant, great best friend.

Note: If your dog has separation dread, confining him to a crate is not a solution and is likely to aggravate the status. You can find alternative methods for working with separation anxiety from your veterinarian or through additional research.

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