Dog Training Tip of the Month

• Breed Spotlight – The Shih Tzu - March 2009

  The Shih Tzu
  
  According to the AKC “Dog Registration Statistics,” the compact-sized Shih Tzu was the 10th most popular dog breed in the United States in 2008. Best recognized by its abundant, flowing, elegant coat comprised of long hair lined with a wool-like undercoat, the Shih Tzu can be of many colors, all of which are accepted by the AKC. However, your dog trainer will tell you that show judges prefer white on the forehead and tip of the tail. The Shih Tzu’s sturdy, upright body posture, with its head held high, eyes wide-set, and its perky tail curled over to its back, gives off an air of conceit and pride that is fitting for a breed whose name translates to “lion” in Chinese Mandarin. Weighing in between 9 and 16 pounds and standing only 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder, this little dog has wiggled its way into the hearts of Americans and other dog lovers all over the world.
  
  The Shih Tzu is of Chinese heritage and is believed to be a descendent of the Lhasa Apso, Tibetan mountain dog and/or Pekingese. During the 16th century Ming Dynasty, the Shih Tzu was a popular and well-respected pet in the Imperial Chinese court. The breed was so highly revered that the Chinese refused to sell or share them, even after they had begun trading with the Western world. It was not until World War II when English soldiers discovered this fluffy companion, and not until 1930 when the first pair was imported to England. The feisty little dog, which belongs to the toy group, was first officially recognized by Britain in 1949 and has been an AKC-recognized breed in the United States since 1969. Their huge personality, gentle nature, and overabundance of character are endearing qualities that have contributed to their popularity. Their particular sensitivity to heat due to their thick coats and their ability to cope within a small housing situation with or without an outdoor area makes them good choices for those living in apartments.
  
  The Shih Tzu certainly lives up to the “small dog, big attitude” quality that is common to dogs of small stature. Because of this, your dog trainer will advise you to set clear boundaries and limitations regarding leadership and house rules in order to establish yourself as the pack leader of your household. In regards to the Shih Tzu’s personality, you and your dog trainer will find their apt intelligence, eagerness to please, playfulness, liveliness, energetic nature, alertness, courageousness, and friendly attitude to be helpful characteristics. However, depending on their level of dog training, the Shih Tzu can easily become aggressive, biting, growling, snapping, and excessively barking at anybody they lack respect for or in an attempt to gain what they want. Separation anxiety is also a common trait of this cute canine, as with many dogs in the toy group. They can also be difficult during housebreaking and are sometimes poor choices for children’s dogs due to the level of leadership they require. All of these undesirable traits can be prevented via consistent, focused dog training from a professional animal trainer, as long as the dog’s owner is consistent with all dog training instructions. A consistent exercise routine including daily walks to burn their mental and physical energy is highly recommended.
  
  If you’re looking for a cute, cuddly companion with the bravery and personality of a much larger dog, the Shih Tzu is for you. Always consult your animal trainer prior to adopting or purchasing a dog of any breed to ensure that you know what’s in store.
  
  References:
  http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shihtzu.htm

• Breed Spotlight - The Poodle - April 2009

  The Poodle
  
  According to the AKC “Dog Registration Statistics,” the Poodle was the 9th most popular breed in the United States in 2008. The Poodle comes in three size varieties, and a variety of colors, including white, black apricot, and grey but never parti-colored. Poodles are elegant in appearance, very active and intelligent. The Poodle is well-proportioned in its body stature. The sizes of the official AKC recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not weight. The Toy Poodle stands at 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, also known as the withers. The Miniature Poodle can stand anywhere over 10 inches and up to 15 inches at the withers. Lastly, the Standard Poodle will stand anywhere over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. The various sizes and colors may be some of the reasons why the Poodle was chosen as one of the most popular breeds in 2008. You can find many colors and sizes of Poodles at a breed-specific dog rescue near you.
  
  Poodles have been known throughout Western Europe over the last 400 years. The origin of the breed has been controversial over the years. According to breed historians the Poodle originated in Germany with some influence from Russia, not France like many believe. Poodles were not recognized by England until 1874, when The Kennel Club of England registered its first Poodle. The Poodle was used as a water retriever by hunters, who were known to train dogs to help them retrieve their game. The "Poodle clip," also known as the “Lion-Style” or the “Continental Clip,” was designed by hunters to help the dogs move more efficiently through the water. The patches of hair left on the body are meant to protect vital organs and joints which are susceptible to cold. The Poodle is one of the only breeds of dog with a hypo-allergenic coat. This makes them very popular for individuals that have an allergy to dogs. When properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity particular to himself.
  
  A professional dog trainer will give you more insight into the breed’s distinctive character and how to properly motivate them. The Poodle belongs to the non-sporting group; breeds in this category are usually hard to motivate. The Poodle also has some common characteristics of the sporting group. This is why it is important to consult a professional when readying your Poodle for dog obedience. Your dog trainer will be able to fully assess and evaluate what drives and motivates your Poodle. Some are very hyper and distractible while others are very calm and docile. If you are looking for a versatile dog with a vast history that is well-suited for both those living in apartments as well as those with acres to spare, the Poodle could be the dog for you. While the Poodle requires frequent grooming, focused dog training, and daily exercise, he has been a popular companion dog for centuries.
  
  References:
  http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/

• Breed Spotlight - The Bulldog - May 2009

  The Bulldog
  
  
  According to the AKC "Dog Registration Statistics," The Bulldog was the 8th most popular breed of 2008 in the United States. Bulldogs have a gentle and loveable disposition. They tend to form strong bonds with children, making them great family pets. The Bulldog needs minimal exercise and grooming. This dog belongs to the non-sporting group. When you train dogs, you will learn that dogs in this category may be difficult to motivate. This is primarily because dogs in the non-sporting group are bred for companionship as opposed to labor intensive jobs like herding livestock.
  
  The Bulldog can be white, red, fawn, fallow, brindle or piebald in color. The perfect Bulldog should be medium in stature with a smooth coat. Bulldogs have no undercoat allowing only minimal shedding. The dog should have wide shoulders and a low-swung, thick-set body. The males should be 50 pounds and the females 40 pounds. There is no height specification, however when showing, the shorter the bulldog the more prized he will be. Generally the Bulldog will stand anywhere from 12-16 inches in height. The circumference of the dog’s head should measure at least the height of the dog at the withers. You measure the circumference of the skull from in front of the ears. The shoulders should be widespread and muscular. Your Bulldog’s forelegs should be short, stout, and also set wide apart, whereas the hindquarters should be longer, in order to elevate his loin higher than the shoulders. The front feet may be straight or slightly turned outwards and the hind legs must be pointed outward. When getting a Bulldog from a dog rescue, you should be careful in your selection. Because of the brachycephalic also known as short nose, some Bulldogs have breathing problems that may require costly surgeries. There may be some hip or joint problems as well, depending on the breeding of the dog.
  
  The Bulldog originated in the British Isles. Owners would train dogs to guard, control or bait Bulls. During these times, beef that was not baited was thought to be improper for consumption. The name Bulldog comes from the animal’s connection to bull baiting. The original Bulldog needed to be insensitive to pain, with a courageous and ferocious temperament. In 1835, as an Act of Parliament, there was a law put into effect called the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835. This law forbade owners from keeping any house, pit, or other place for fighting or baiting of a bull, bear, dog or other animal. When this happened, Bulldog enthusiasts set out to preserve the breed by removing its fierce characteristics. A few generations later, we have the typical companion Bulldog we all love and know.
  
  The Bulldog is the perfect dog for you if you desire a dog who is an affectionate companion or if you live in an apartment and require a dog with minimal exercise requirements and good manners. Keep in mind that every dog needs dog training, and the Bulldog is no exception. With their tendency to be stubborn and bull-headed, dog obedience training will keep our pooch eager to please and willing to obey all of your requests. Your local dog trainer can educate you on how to be the leader of your pack in order to maintain an orderly household.
  
  
  References:
  http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/

• Breed Spotlight - The Dachshund - June 2009

  The Dachshund
  
  According to the AKC “Dog Registration Statistics,” the Dachshund was the 7th most popular breed in the United States in 2008. The Dachshund comes in two sizes, standard which can weigh 16-32 lbs. and miniature which is 11 lbs. or under. The Dachshund also comes in three different coat varieties. The coat types are smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. The Dachshund has a multitude of acceptable colors and markings. The Dachshund can have the following types of markings: brindle, dapple, sable, brindle piebald, double dapple, or piebald. The following colors are acceptable for all types of Dachshund’s: black and cream, black and tan, blue and cream, blue and tan, chocolate and cream, chocolate and tan, cream, fawn and cream, fawn and tan, red, Wheaton, wild boar, black, chocolate, and fawn. The Dachshund has a low, long body with short legs which makes him well suited for ground work.
  
  The Dachshund originated in Germany over 300 years ago. You can find this breed in historical documents dating back to the 15th century. Early in the 17th century, the name Dachshund, meaning “badger-dog” became the title of the breed type with longhaired and smooth coats. The wirehaired variety was added in 1890. The Dachshund was originally bred to hunt badgers. The standard Dachshund, which is the larger of the breed, was used for hunting animals like wild boars as well as badgers, whereas the miniature Dachshund was used to hunt smaller game like foxes and rabbits. They excel in both above and below-ground hunting. A dog trainer will tell you that the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Group. As a member of the Hound Group, you will see that your Dachshund is easily distracted by scents and movement. Members of the Hound Group are also bred to work independently. In dog training, you will learn that this means the dog will have a lesser pack drive than most other breeds. Therefore he will not have the desire to please his owner like most other dogs. Therefore, you will need to include a “no free lunch policy” and work with rewards that increase the dog’s natural drives, like a scented ball or a Buster Cube to motivate your Dachshund.
  
  If you are looking for a companion suitable for urban or rural living, the Dachshund is an adaptable pet. He will be happy chasing a ball in your apartment or a rat in the barn. With appropriate supervision he is a playful and friendly companion for your children. He has a friendly and courageous temperament. The Dachshund has moderate exercise needs and, depending on his coat, he may need regular grooming. Keep in mind that regular dog obedience is the key to maintaining a happy, dog-friendly household. The Dachshund has been and will continue to be a popular companion for many individuals.
  
  
  References:
  http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/

• Breed Spotlight - The Boxer - July 2009

  The Boxer
  
  According to the AKC Registration Statistics, the Boxer was the 6th most popular dog breed in the United States in 2008. Boxers seek affection from their owners, especially children, making them great family dogs. Not only are they good companions but they also make great guard dogs because of their protective nature. The Boxer is a part of the Working Group. Your dog trainer will tell you that the dogs in this group are generally dominant in character. This is due to the type of work they are bred to do; the dogs in the Working Group are bred for guarding or protection purposes.
  
  The Boxer was developed in Germany for dog fighting and to run down large animals in hunting work in the early 19th century. The Boxer was imported to America after World War I. The Boxer comes in two colors—fawn and brindle. According to the AKC, “The ideal Boxer is a medium-sized, square-built dog…” The male Boxer should be 23-25 inches at the withers, and the female Boxer should be 21 ½-23 ½ inches at the withers. Customarily, owners will dock the tail and ears of a Boxer. When showing your Boxer, it is acceptable to have uncropped ears; however, an uncropped tail will be severely penalized. If the ears are uncropped, they should be thin and should lay flat and close to the cheeks, falling forward with a definite crease when alert. The lower jaw should protrude further than the upper jaw, curving upward. The size of the head will be based upon the proportion of the muzzle to the skull. The muzzle should be one third the length of the head and two thirds the width of the skull. When in competition, the Boxer is first judged on general appearance and overall balance, then individual body structure with special attention to the head.
  
  In dog training, you will learn that the Boxer is often labeled as stubborn. This is due to the independent nature of the breed. Some owners may even suggest that their Boxers are dominant or possessive. In dog obedience, you will need to explain to your clients that they need to demonstrate fair and consistent leadership with this breed. If they do not the dog may take over the household. The Boxer should never show signs of a fearful or timid temperament. This is something you should review when choosing your pup, especially when adopting at your local dog rescue. Oftentimes, if a Boxer does not have a diligent leader, he will acquire bad behaviors like food or toy guarding. In general, the Boxer has a playful and friendly disposition; he is often seeking attention and approval from his human companions. This makes positive reinforcement the ideal type of training for Boxers. By using food and praise as rewards for your Boxer he will be more willing to work for his place in the home.
  
  If you are looking for a companion who is both affectionate and protective, the Boxer is the dog for you. The Boxer requires minimal grooming and daily exercise. He would be best fit in a home environment with a yard. However, apartment living will suit a Boxer who is exercised regularly. If you are a new dog owner, keep in mind that you will need to be a strong leader in the household with this breed. The Boxer is a good family dog as they are and have been protective playmates for children for decades.
  
  References:
  http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/
  

• Breed Spotlight - The Beagle - August 2009

  The Beagle
  
  According to the AKC Registration Statistics, the Beagle was the 5th most popular dog breed in the United States in 2008. The Beagle is a hardy, squarely built, small hound. They make great family pets due to their friendly and curious dispositions. The Beagle is also favored for his compact size. The Beagle belongs to the Hound Group, which means he will be easily distracted by his surroundings. Your Beagle will benefit from regular dog obedience training.
  
  The Beagle originated in England as a hunting dog. Beagles were used to hunt small game like rabbits and quail. They hunted in packs, pairs, and individually. The Beagle was one of the more popular hunting hounds due to his willingness and sweet temperament. Today you can find Beagles doing scent work for police and narcotics units. There is some controversy over where the name originated. Some think it came from the French word “be’geule,” meaning “gape throat,” which refers to “the baying voice of the hounds when in pursuit of game.” Some think the name originated from the small stature of the dog. The name could have been derived from the Old English word, “begele”, or the French term, “beigh,” or possibly even the Celtic word “beag” all of which mean “small”. The Beagle comes in two acceptable sizes, 13 inches and 15 inches. The Beagle also comes in a variety of colors, including tri-color, red and white, and lemon. Typically, any true hound coloring is acceptable. The Beagle enjoys the company of humans and other dogs, because he has lived in a pack for hundreds of years.
  
  Your local dog trainer will advise you to be a strong leader with your Beagle. Since the Beagle is a member of the Hound Group, he will have an independent nature about him. Hounds are bred to work independently, making their drive to please much lower than other dogs. Even though the Beagle is a friendly companion, he may become easily bored with little activity and get into trouble. Always make sure to provide your Beagle with daily physical and mental stimulation. Because the Beagle bark can be somewhat irksome to neighbors and family members, remember to reward your pooch for an alternate good behavior. It is necessary to begin obedience training at an early age. You can work on teaching your Beagle scent games to keep him entertained. One book you may want to check out is “Fun Nose Work for Dogs” by Roy Hunter.
  
  If you are looking for a friendly family companion, the Beagle is the dog for you. The Beagle requires daily exercise and minimal grooming. The Beagle is best suited with a small yard, however if he is walked daily, he will be well-suited to apartment living as well. The Beagle has been a favored companion for hundreds of years and will continue to be for many more.
  
  
  References:
  http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/
  

• Breed Spotlight - The Golden Retriever - September 2009

  The Golden Retriever
  
  According to the AKC Registration Statistics, the Golden Retriever was the 4th most popular dog breed in the United States in 2008. The Golden Retriever is self confident, friendly and energetic. This breed is ideal for working in search and rescue, as well as assistance work due to his eager to please attitude. The Golden Retriever is a member of the Sporting Group, which means he may have a high distractibility, making some training exercises more difficult.
  
  The Golden Retriever originated in the late 1800’s in the Scottish Highlands. He was mostly used for hunting purposes. The Golden Retriever was developed by Lord Tweedmouth. He was trying to create a breed well suited to the Scottish climate and terrain. In his efforts he also brought about later integrations of the Bloodhound, the Irish Setter, the original Yellow Retriever, and the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel.
  
  The Golden Retriever has a feathered, medium-length coat. It can be golden of various shades. The feathering may be lighter than the rest of the coat. His coat is water-repellent with a rich undercoat. This makes him a great hunting companion on land and in the water. The coat may be straight or wavy. There should be moderate feathering on the underbody as well as the back of the forelegs. There should be heavier feathering on the chest, the underside of his tail and on the back of the thighs.
  
  The Golden Retriever is a highly active dog. He requires daily physical and mental activity. Your local dog trainer will tell you that you need to display good leadership skills. Without this, your pooch may become high strung, ill-behaved, or overly exuberant. His eagerness to please will allow him to be trained easily. However, since the Golden Retriever belongs to the Sporting Group, he may have a hard time focusing during training. This may make it difficult for him to perform such tasks as a sit-stay. The Golden Retriever is also known to be insensitive, which makes them more difficult to correct. This also makes them better companions for children. It is necessary to begin obedience training at an early age in order to keep your pooch happy and healthy.
  
  If you are looking for a friendly companion with a fun-loving and energetic attitude, the Golden Retriever is the dog for you. The Golden Retriever is a great family dog suitable for most any living condition. He requires daily exercise and regular grooming. He has been a favorite breed for centuries and will continue to be for many more.
  
  References:
  http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/

• Breed Spotlight - The German Shepherd Dog - October 2009

  The German Shepherd Dog
  
  
  According to the AKC Registration Statistics, the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) was the 3rd most popular dog breed in the United States in 2008. The German Shepherd Dog is an energetic and fun loving companion. The GSD is one of the most well- known and beloved breeds. He is the worlds leading guard, police and military canine. The German Shepherd Dog is a consistently popular breed in the U.S.
  
  The German Shepherd Dog originated at Karlsruhe in Germany in 1899. Captain Max von Stephanitz and other dedicated breeders were responsible for producing the first German Shepherd Dog. In April of 1899, Captain von Stephanitz registered a dog named Horan as the first Deutsche Schäferhunde, which means German Shepherd Dog. The first GSD exhibited in America was in 1907.
  
  The German Shepherd Dog belongs to the Herding Group. This means that he will most likely have a high prey or chase drive. Since herding dogs are bred to work closely with humans, they are easier to train. This is due to the fact that a herding dog is highly sensitive to his master’s every move and command. However, this can also cause problems like separation anxiety in certain circumstances. This will happen when the dog becomes overly-attached to his master.
  
  The German Shepherd Dog is a great family pet. Once they have established a bond with children, they are perfect guard dogs and will have a protective relationship with them. Your GSD will also require a high level of physical and mental activity in order to maintain his obedience and not to become overly bored.
  
  Your local dog trainer will tell you that your German Shepherd Dog should be given a job to keep him mentally active. There are many dog rescue organizations that specialize in finding homes for German Shepherds. If you are looking for a loyal companion, the German Shepherd Dog is for you. He is best-suited in a home with a yard; however, if properly maintained with daily physical and mental activity, the GSD is suitable in any home. He requires regular grooming, and once dog training is established, maintaining his dog obedience will be simple. The German Shepherd Dog has been a loveable family pet and working companion for many years and will be for many to come.
  
  
  References:
  http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/

• Breed Spotlight - The Yorkshire Terrier - November 2009

  According to the AKC Registration Statistics, the Yorkshire Terrier was the 2nd most popular dog breed in the United States in 2008. The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie, is an energetic, friendly and determined companion. Although the Yorkie now belongs to the Toy group, he is a terrier by nature. He was originally used for catching rats in clothing mills in the nineteenth century. The Yorkie is well known for his big personality in a small package attitude.
  
  The Yorkshire Terrier was named after the city of Yorkshire in England, where he originated. In the early years of the breed the Yorkie belonged to the Working Dog Group. Eventually the breed left the workforce and became a popular companion to families in European high society. Now we know the breed to be recognized in the Toy Group. The Yorkshire Terrier was first recognized by the AKC in 1885.
  
  The Yorkshire Terrier is most known for his long silky coat. It was often times said that his coat was a product of the looms. This derived from Yorkies working in the clothing mills in the nineteenth century. In order to keep your Yorkie’s coat in good condition, it needs to be brushed regularly to avoid matting. You may even want to trim his hair if it drags on the floor to avoid any foreign items getting tangled in the coat. The Yorkshire Terrier coat should be fine and silky. It should be straight and not wavy. The Yorkie should be black and tan in color; however blue and tan is also acceptable.
  
  An animal trainer may express that the Yorkshire Terrier can be both difficult and easy to train. Due to the dogs small size many owners let their Yorkies get away with bad behaviors other dogs would never be allowed to do. Some Yorkies will become demanding and overly confident, often times they will develop jealous or possessive behaviors with toys and food. They will even become overly protective of their owners. Some refer to this as small dog syndrome. If the owners do not give these small pooches boundaries and limitations they can become very stubborn, making it difficult to train in the long run. It is important, especially with a small breed, to keep up with regular dog obedience in order to ensure a happy life for you and your Yorkie.
  
  If you are looking for a small dog with a big attitude and lots of heart, the Yorkshire Terrier is the dog for you. He requires minimal exercise and daily grooming. The Yorkie is well suited to many different living quarters because of his small size. The Yorkshire Terrier is a favored companion and will continue to be for years to come.

• Breed Spotlight - The Labrador Retriever  - December 2009

  According to the AKC Registration Statistics, the Labrador Retriever continues to be the most popular breed in the United States. He is commonly and affectionately referred to as a “Lab”, and is known for his energy, loyalty, patience, and friendly disposition. Due to his outgoing and good-natured attitude, he is the ideal dog for an active family.
  
  Labrador Retrievers originated from Newfoundland, and were bred in order to retrieve game. Initially, he acted as an assistant to fishermen, and was trained to help pull in the fishing nets. He is well-known for his water-loving antics, and is always up for a swim. Energetic and eager to please, Labs are active participants in a variety of activities that go beyond just hunting. He also serves as an excellent guide dog for disabled people, a search and rescue dog, a police dog, and as a participant in agility training.
  
  Labrador Retrievers have short coats that are stiff to the touch, and relatively easy to maintain. He sheds seasonally, so he should be groomed regularly with a stiff-bristled dog brush, and bathed periodically. His coat is water-resistant, and beneath his top coat of fur is a soft undercoat, which protects him from harsh weather conditions. The most common colors for the Lab are black, yellow, and brown; however, combination's of these colors are infrequent in his breed.
  
  The Labrador Retriever is described as highly trainable, as both a family dog, and a sporting dog. It is important to train him in his youth, as he will become incredibly strong in adulthood and is resistant to being obedient if his leader is not 100% in charge. Teaching him dog obedience is vital to the success and happiness of a Lab. He should also be socialized at an early age, as he can become reserved or wary around strangers if he is not accustomed to their presence. His breed needs a strong pack leader, and he can become destructive or restless if he is not regularly exercised, so it is important to provide him with mental and physical activities in order to keep him happy and well-occupied. In order to effectively manage and train your Lab, consult your local dog trainer.
  
  If you are looking for a family oriented, easily trained dog, the Labrador Retriever is the breed for you. He is capable of adjusting to apartment life, as long as his owner has a comprehensive grasp of animal behavior, and enough free time to frequently exercise him. The Lab is a well-known and widely loved breed who will serve as a loyal companion to anyone who adopts him.
  
  References:
  http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/
  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/
  

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