Lab Puppy Miles

Miles (10 weeks), a Labrador Retriever, with his Sister Ella (German Shepherd) and brother Louis (Shepherd mix).

New puppy: Miles

Clients of mine just got a new puppy.  His name is Miles.  He a purebred Labrador Retriever and is 8 weeks old.  He is beyond adorable!

Check out his adorable little puppy growl.

China

While on vacation in California I got to meet and hang out with this awesome dog, China.

She was a fun dog to get to hang out with!

Breed of the Month--Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Colors:  Black, yellow, chocolate
Height:  Males: 22-24.5 inches/  Females:  21.5-23.5 inches
Weight:  Males:  60-80 lbs/  Females:  55-70 lbs
Life span:  10-14 years

Breed health concerns:  hip dysplasia, retinal dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hereditary myopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Coat:  Double coat with a dense, short, straight outer coat and a water-resistant, soft undercoat.
Country of Origin:  England

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

This breed became very popular in the 1800s.  The English marveled at this dogs abilities:  able to work in icy waters and retrieve whatever necessary, these dogs were noted for their weather resistance and responsiveness.  The first actual kennel for Labradors was founded by the second Earl of Marlesbury, and by the late 1800s the English had begun using these dogs to develop the Flat-Coat Retriever and the breed known today as the Labrador Retriever.

Today in both the United States and England, the Labrador Retriever has become a very popular dog.  Today there are considered to be two types of Labs:  the show type and the field type.  The show type is shorter and stockier, whereas the field type is more energetic and skinnier.

Personality:
The Labrador Retriever is willing to please, even-tempered, intelligent, affectionate, and sensible.  Labs seem to understand that children need to be treated with an extra gentle touch, but are willing to play with anyone.  Labs can be kept happy for hours with a tennis ball or toy, and are generally exceptional swimmers.  These dogs are a large breed dog.

Exercise:
Labrador Retrievers are very high energy dogs and must get plenty of regular exercise.  A 10 minute walk around the block will most definitely not keep this breed happy.  The Lab must get several hours of mentally stimulating exercise daily.

Grooming:
Labs must be brushed frequently; they are considered moderate to heavy shedders.  With this breeds love of swimming, it is important to keep the dogs ears clean and dry to help prevent infection.

Training:
The Lab is one of the most highly trainable breeds.  Labs love to please and are attentive to work for their owners.  Training ability along with an excellent temperament makes this breed highly popular is the use of service dogs, police dogs, and drug-detection dogs.  Labs make excellent hunting dogs with their keen sense of smell.  Many Labs are also big stars in the dog show world and arenas of agility, tracking, flyable, and obedience.  This breed tends to love to do anything his owner is willing to participate in.

Breed of the Month--Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Colors:  Black, yellow, chocolate
Height:  Males: 22-24.5 inches/  Females:  21.5-23.5 inches
Weight:  Males:  60-80 lbs/  Females:  55-70 lbs
Life span:  10-14 years

Breed health concerns:  hip dysplasia, retinal dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hereditary myopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Coat:  Double coat with a dense, short, straight outer coat and a water-resistant, soft undercoat.
Country of Origin:  England

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

This breed became very popular in the 1800s.  The English marveled at this dog's abilities:  able to work in icy waters and retrieve whatever necessary, these dogs were noted for their weather resistance and responsiveness.  The first actual kennel for Labradors was founded by the second Earl of Marlesbury, and by the late 1800s the English had begun using these dogs to develop the Flat-Coat Retriever and the breed known today as the Labrador Retriever.

Today in both the United States and England, the Labrador Retriever has become a very popular dog.  Today there are considered to be two types of Labs:  the show type and the field type.  The show type is shorter and stockier, whereas the field type is more energetic and skinnier.

Personality:
The Labrador Retriever is willing to please, even-tempered, intelligent, affectionate, and sensible.  Labs seem to understand that children need to be treated with an extra gentle touch, but are willing to play with anyone.  Labs can be kept happy for hours with a tennis ball or toy, and are generally exceptional swimmers.  These dogs are a large breed dog.  Labs and Lab-mixes are one of the most popular breeds in the United States.

Exercise:
Labrador Retrievers are very high energy dogs and must get plenty of regular exercise.  A 10 minute walk around the block will most definitely NOT keep this breed happy.  The Lab must get several hours of mentally stimulating exercise daily.

Grooming:
Labs must be brushed frequently; they are considered moderate to heavy shedders.  With this breeds love of swimming, it is important to keep the dog's ears clean and dry to help prevent infection.

Training:
The Lab is one of the most highly trainable breeds.  Labs love to please and are attentive to work for their owners.  Training ability along with an excellent temperament makes this breed highly popular is the use of service dogs, police dogs, and drug-detection dogs.  Labs make excellent hunting dogs with their keen sense of smell.  Many Labs are also big stars in the dog show world and arenas of agility, tracking, flyball, and obedience.  This breed tends to love to do anything his owner is willing to participate in.

Two of our three dogs are Lab mixes.  Both love to play fetch and run.  They are high-energy dogs but as stated above, are exceptionally trainable.  As long as our dogs get their regular exercise, they are happy and content.

Athena with Caravaggio (a Great Dane, German Shepherd, Lab mix)

& Nekita (a Springer Spaniel, Lab mix).

Breed of the Month--Most Popular Dog Breeds

For this month's Breed of the Month, I would like to do a blog on the most popular breeds in the United States, and a few other places around the world.

Most Popular Dog Breeds

Oddly enough, the Top 5 most popular dog breeds in the United States were the same for both 2012 and 2013.  Below is the list of the Top Five.

Top 5 Dog Breeds in the US

#5  Bulldog

The Bulldog makes an excellent watchdog and although he does have strong protective instincts, he is one of the most gentle breeds.  Today's Bulldog is extremely affectionate and happy to be around other people and pets when properly socialized.  The Bulldog can be very stubborn and requires a firm, but patient owner.
(See Breed of the Month--Bulldog for more information.)



#4  Beagle
The Beagle's small size and charming personality has made the breed very popular.  A great size for apartment living, many city-dwelling pet owners love the breed.  Properly training and socializing your Beagle from day one is important.  Beagles do not generally like being left alone and can make some very loud objections to your absence; something to keep in mind if you are considering this breed.
(See Breed of the Month--Beagle for more information.)


#3  Golden Retriever
Smart, sociable, and always wanting to please their human, Golden Retrievers are a great breed.  Easy-going and lovable, the Golden gets along well with other dogs, other animals, and children of all ages.  Golden's are easily trainable using positive reinforcement, making them well sought after by service dog organizations all over the United States.
(See Breed of the Month--Golden Retriever for more information.)


#2  German Shepherd
The German Shepherd dog is one of my most favorite breeds.  The German Shepherd is adaptable, intelligent, and trainable.  It is one of the most recognized breeds in the world and is aptly used for police work, army work, search and rescue, scent discrimination, and as guide and assistance dogs.  German Shepherds are extremely loyal, intelligent, and brave.  Shepherds bond very closely with their family and have an instinct to protect them.  German Shepherds are quick learners, but require an owner using consistent positive reinforcement training.
(See Breed of the Month--German Shepherd.)


#1  Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is intelligent, affectionate, and willing to please.  Labs seem to understand that children need to be treated with an extra gentle touch.  Labs are generally high-energy and need lots of regular exercise, but just about any activity will do.  Labs are great with other dogs, other animals, and children of all ages.  Labs love to please and enjoy working for their owners.  Their excellent temperament and training ability not only makes them the most popular dog breed for owners, but also makes them highly popular in the use of police and service dogs.  Labs enjoy most any activity including:  fetch, swimming, hunting, agility, tracking, and obedience.  Many mixed-breed dogs have Lab in them.
(See Breed of the Month--Labrador Retriever.)



Top Breeds Around the World

Along with the United States, several other countries rank the Labrador Retriever as the number one dog breed.  They include:
Great Britain
Brazil
Israel
Sweden




Ranked #2 in the United States, the German Shepherd takes the top spot for most popular dog in both Germany and France.




Ranked #5 on the U.S. list, the Bulldog ranks the number one spot for South Africa.





Not gracing the Top 5 for the U.S. most popular breed, the American Staffordshire Terrier is rated most popular for Russia.  The AmStaff has an affectionate nature and loyalty for his family.  The AmStaff is adept at guarding, hunting, herding, and weight pulling.  It is vitally important to socialize and train this breed from day one, as they can become aggressive towards other dogs is not done so.  This is a very powerful breed that requires an owner willing to put in the time and training required.  I do not recommend this breed for a first-time dog owner.  This breed (along with other Pitbull-type breeds) are steadily gaining popularity in the United States.
(See Breed of the Month--American Staffordshire Terrier.)


Also missing the Top 5 list for the United States, the Doberman Pinscher is rated the number 2 dog in Israel.  The Doberman Pinscher excels in many activities including:  police work, therapy, search and rescue, and protection.  The breed is very intelligent and graceful, yet powerful and intimidating.  This breed is often used for home protection.  As with any powerful breed, the Doberman Pinscher is not necessarily a breed I would recommend for a first-time dog owner.
(See Breed of the Month--Doberman Pinscher.)

Remember, just because a breed is considered the most popular, does not mean its the right breed for you.  If you are truly considering adding a new dog to your family, please do your research.  If you have a breed in mind, look them up on-line and see if the aspects of the breed actually match your lifestyle.  Please do NOT get a dog breed based on looks alone.  Each breed has characteristic about it that are unique.  Properly choosing an appropriate dog breed for your lifestyle, family, and energy level, will ensure a happy life for your entire family.

Need help choosing the right dog breed for you?  Check out this previous post.

Doberman Ears

I am currently working with two different Doberman Pinschers.  One owner has chose to crop the Doberman's ears, and one has not.  It is interesting to see the drastically different look in the two dogs.  Generally, when most people think of a Doberman, they think of the dog with cropped ears and a short cropped tail.  Left natural, a Doberman's ears are more flat and flipped forward, like a Labrador Retriever.  Proponents of the crop ear Dobies mark many reasons for having the procedure done including:  less risk of ear infection, being able to better pin point sound, and having the dog recognizable as a Doberman.  Many people train Doberman Pinschers to be guard dogs and crop the ears and tail so that would-be attackers have nothing to grab onto.  Ear cropping is usually done between 7 and 9 weeks of age.  The ear training process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the dog and style of ear crop. There are three different types of ear crops:
1) The military crop.  This is the smallest crop, with a short length and wide base.
2) The medium crop.  Slightly longer length and smaller base.
3) The show crop.  The longest length, with the smallest base.

Duke, 4 months old.

Duke must have his ears re-taped about one a week.

Duke's ear taking a breather...

what a cutie!

Dobermans with cropped ears.

Boomer, 8 months old.

Boomer's ears have not been cropped.

The non-cropped Doberman ears are flat and floppy.

Puppy loves water

So I was extra excited to come to work at Hot Dog Walking for doggie daycare recently.  A cute little puppy had joined us for the day.  I was never told his breed, but he's a Labrador Retriever is I ever saw one.  True to his breed, this little guy, named Bosco, was very excited about water.  He stayed rather close to the dog's drinking water all afternoon, even while napping.  What a wonderful, cute little guy!  I very much enjoyed watching him have a good time.

I really like water!

This is puppy Bosco playing one of my favorite, well-mannered regular dogs, Meeko.

Christy

Christy, Shepard/ Yellow Lab Mix

Christy lives in a very big family with 2 parents and 6 kids.  The problem that Christy is having is that no one in her household is being consistent.  I worked with the mom and 5 of kids and each person went through training on how to do each command properly.  They all took turns, it was very sweet.  They were amazed at Christy's quick progress.  Christy's (and the family's) most difficult new challenge will be learning to stay out of the kitchen.  The family had a real problem with there stealing food off the table and out of the trash.  To simplify the problem with such a big household it was easiest to teach them how to keep her out of the kitchen all together.  It will be difficult at first, but she will eventually fall into line.  She picked up training very quickly and easily.  I encouraged the family to make a chart (fun art project for the little kids) with commands and Do's and Don't for the dog.  The were excited to do so.  This will help keep the family consistent, and Christy will do very well.

Christy may have a dog aggression problem however.  The family had mentioned that she had "attacked" their neighbor dog.  I asked the family to show me what happens when the dogs meet (in a safe way) and Christy aggressed towards the other dog.  The family does, however, have another neighbor with a male (instead of female) dog that Christy gets along with fine.  The family will need further help with this problem in the future, and further training to curb this problem ASAP!  Until that time, the family was advised not to greet other dogs.

Foster--Petie, Day 2

Petie was a lot of fun to work with.  He is a very excited Lab Mix that just wants to something...anything.  Petie picked up training very quickly and very well.  He learned the "Down" cue in just two tries, which his fosters could not get him to do.  Petie is another great dog that just needs a little more training and a LOT of exercise.  Petie's biggest problem is jumping.  He has made great progress in learning not to jump when someone turns their back.  When we first started training with jumping he would grab onto your back and hold on.  He has since improved from that greatly.  Once you get Petie properly focused on you, he will do anything you ask.

Foster--Petie, Day 1

Nothing like being jumped up and have a dog tongue directly in your face the second you walk in the door.  Hello Petie, Lab/ Retriever Mix.

Yet another bouncy lab mix.  What a cutie, almost all white fur, but not really.  I really enjoyed this pup!  However, I do not enjoy not only being jumped on, but being held onto with paws and claws when I try and turn my back.  First things first...DO YOU WALK YOUR DOG?

It was obvious right away that Petie was not getting enough exercise.  Petie's foster family and I went over the proper way to train your dog to Loose Leash Walk so that he can get more exercise without choking himself, wow do we like to pull.

Next, the biggest problem Petie has...I want to jump all over you.  After showing the fosters the basic, turn your back, and in Petie's case, walk away from the dog so he can't latch on, we went into teaching some more basic obedience commands.  Petie is VERY food motivated and picked up things right away.  We worked on Come when called and Auto-Sit (as opposed to Mega-Jump) when greeting guests.  Dogs as food motivated as Petie learn quickly, and he did.

Playtime with Nemo

So a co-worker of mine adopted a little Pug puppy recently.  Of course being the insane dog lover that I am, I offered to puppy sit for a night.  The little Pug puppy, Nemo, came over and played with my two dogs (Caravaggio & Nekita).  Nemo had a fabulous time and got a head start on some potty training and basic manners by staying at my place.  I don't care what your dog might get away with around you or at your house, but my house has rules that ALL dogs will follow.  It's funny how much better behaved my friend's dogs are after spending a day or two with me.  People are always amazed how well positive reinforcement training works...that's why we use it :)

Oh yes, I will chase you!

Playing is hard work you know.

Wisconsin Dogs

Went to visit some family in Wisconsin and ended up having a little dog get-together as well.  Of course these dogs all know each other.  I guess you could say they are my dog's cousin dogs, if that makes any sense.

Its always fun to get your dog(s) together with as many other dogs as often as possible (provided everything is done safely).  Teaching a dog proper socialization skills is one of the most important things you can do for the safety and happiness of your pet.

Can you get yours and all your family's dogs to pose together?

Caravaggio (my boy), Buddy, Cody, Nekita (my girl), and Laddie.

Tail Blanket

My dogs seem to cuddle more than you would think any dogs ever would.

Today's cuddling question:  Will your tail help keep me warm?

Homework Dog

Our dogs generally want to hang out with us no matter what we might be doing.  Today Nekita decided my boyfriend needed some help with his homework, although she doesn't seem to find math very interesting.