You’ve probably heard about raw dog food and wondered what all the hub-bub is about and if you should feed it to your dog. The truth is that a raw food diet is very good for your dog. This is because their natural diet in the wild was mainly raw meat.

Even when they were domesticated by man to be companions and working dogs, they thrived on healthy scraps that usually included raw off cuts and bones. As our modern diet has deteriorated to be a high sugar, high fat and high processed food diet, so, too, have the diets of our animals. It should therefore be no surprise that the diseases that increasingly afflict us have also spiraled to near epidemic levels in dogs.

Canine diabetes is one such example of a modern illness that has seriously impacted dogs. The incidence of cancer in dogs is even higher. Domestic pets are dependent upon their owners to feed them and care for them and the majority of dog owners have blithely trusted modern marketing and modern thinking and fed their animals a diabetes inducing diet. Combined with lack of exercise, this modern, processed diet has led to our dog’s sharing in our illnesses. Feeding your dog raw dog food along with vegetable scraps, crushed egg shells, sardines for the essential fatty acids and the occasional cooked whole grains (complex carbohydrates) sets your dog up for the best possible health.

Here are three good reasons to feed your pet raw dog food:

1. Dogs thrive on a raw dog food diet. Scientific studies have been conducted to show the difference in health between dogs given a raw dog food diet with some healthful additions and those fed cooked meat as well as the same nutritional additions. These studies were not even comparing commercial dog foods with a raw dog food diet. The studies found that dogs on a raw dog food diet had stronger immune systems, did not experience illness, were less likely to be infected by worms and parasites and had lower incidence of fleas. Some of these results were surprising to say the least. However, they indicate the benefit of sticking to a natural diet for dogs as much as possible.

2. Three are no harmful additives. We live in a sea of chemicals. We breathe them, we drink them and we eat them. The more processed our diet, the more chemicals we ingest and this is the same for our pets. We can’t do much as individuals about the air we breathe or even the water we drink, unless we buy a high quality purifier or trust suppliers of pure water, but we can certainly reduce our exposure to chemicals in our diets. Commercial dog foods rely on preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and flavor enhancers such as sodium. By giving our dogs a raw dog food diet, we are protecting them against harmful chemicals as best we can.

3. Raw dog food is environmentally friendly. A raw dog food diet is a part of the natural process and ends up back in the ground to rot. Every time we use a can of commercial dog food, we are adding to the global non-biodegradable waste problem. Commercial manufacturing is ruining the earth in the quest for markets and profits. Commercial dog food is one unnecessary market and the product is not the best food for dogs. If enough people made the simple decision to feed their dogs a raw dog food diet, the benefits would be significant, not only for their pet but also for the wider community.

Our dogs are very dependent upon us to make the best decisions for them. We need to use wisdom and not just follow the common wisdom. After all, this common wisdom isn’t really very wise.

Lee Dobbins writes for dogbreeds123.com Dog Breeds 123 where you can learn more about different dog breeds and their care including more about different types of dogbreeds123.com/dogfood/dogfoodarticles.html dog food.

Related posts

• Homemade Dog Food - What You Need to Know (0)
• Why You Should Feed Your Dog Organic Dog Food (0)
• Why Dry Dog Food Might Not Be Best For Your Dog (0)
• What Your Dog Truly Needs (0)
• What You Should Know About Dog Health Care (0)

Tags: dog breed, dog breeds, dog food, parasites

Other names the Chinese Crested is known as are:

• Chinese Edible Dog
• Chinese Ship Dog
• Chinese Hairless
• Chinese Royal Hairless
• Pyramid or Giza Hairless
• South African Hairless
• Turkish Hairless

The “crest” in its name refers to a copious shock of silky hair that graces the dog’s head.

The Chinese Crested is found everywhere, but has never reached great popularity. It has often been exhibited in circuses and carnivals as a “freak.” However, this little dog has many assets that go unrecognized.

There are two types of the Chinese Crested:

• Hairless
• With a full coat, which is called the Powderpuff

The Powderpuff is just about identical to the hairless except for the coat. The two are interbred and shown together. If you breed a hairless to a hairless or a Powderpuff to a hairless you can end up with either type or both types of puppies. Breeding a Powderpuff to a Powderpuff will always produce the Powderpuff type puppies.

Some authors claim the origin of the Chinese Crested is Africa. Others find its origin in Mexico or any of several other warm countries. The Chinese Crested is known to have been carried by trading ships from and to many different ports where it was bought and sold. Therefore, its origin is shrouded by sea tales.

The date of origin of the Chinese Crested is considered to be during the thirteenth century. Oriental countries concentrated on breeding miniaturized dogs, so the Chinese Crested ancestors probably include some of these small, hairless mutations.

The Chinese Crested originally enjoyed a pampered life with few duties except those associated with being a good companion. Very early in the development of the Chinese Crested breed it was probably used as a ratter on trading ships and was even sometimes eaten by human residents of these trading ships (how horribly awful to think of eating such a beautiful creature).

Personality

The Chinese Crested is said to be “a nimble and cunning playmate.” He is a vigilant and sensitive house dog. The Chinese Crested is a loving and obedient pet. He socializes well with other pets and is only a little cautious of strangers. The Chinese Crested is lively and active, but is rarely seen in agility contests. He is easily trained and should do well in obedience work.

Appearance

The Chinese Crested is fine-boned and graceful. He stands about 11 to 13 inches tall and weighs 5 to 12 pounds. He is athletic-looking and well muscled. The legs of a Chinese Crested are straight and strong. The Chinese Crested has a copious shock of silky hair that graces his head. Hair is absent over much of the remainder of its body except for tufts of hair on the tail and feet.

The Powderpuff has a flowing double coat of silky hair that covers its entire body. It is seen in any coat color or combination of colors.

Exercise Requirements

As with most toy breeds the Chinese Crested needs a minimal amount of exercise which can be obtained in your backyard.

Grooming

The Chinese Crested needs to be kept clean with frequent baths using a good shampoo followed by a moisturizer like baby oil or baby lotion. This routine is especially true for the hairless type.

The Powderpuff requires regular brushing and combing. The teeth need cleaning regularly.

You will need a good-quality bristle brush and a safety razor (to shave the face) for the Hairless variety. For the Powderpuff coat you will need a good-quality bristle brush, a wide-toothed comb and clippers.

The skin of the Hairless type responds well to frequent oiling by massaging baby oil or Nivea face cream into the hairless parts. This helps to keep the skin on the Chinese Crested Hairless type smooth and nicely moisturized.

The Powderpuff puppy requires frequent brushing with a bristle or pin brush particularly when the puppy coat changes to the adult coat, at which time daily grooming may be needed. The coat of a Powderpuff Chinese Crested should be brushed in layers with the lie of the coat.

After bathing, grooming and blow-drying, the face should be shaved using clippers (10 mm blade). Take a line from the outer corner of the eye to the ear and in a gentle curve from the ear down to the “Adam’s apple.” This cut is similar to the face of a Poodle. In the U.S. the Powderpuff face is not shaved. Finish off the entire body with a wide-toothed comb if desired. The comb will find any remaining tangles in the coat. Of note in the Chinese Crested is that the dog’s nails should be moderately long.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at abouttoydogs.com www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, and advertising in our newsletters for one year at the rate of $25 per year.

Related posts

• Working Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Training Your Dog For A Happy Healthy Life (0)
• Toy Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Toy and Small Dog Clothes (0)
• The Royal Pug (0)

Tags: dog breed, dog breeds, dog training, groom

You have researched dog breeds and know what kind of dog you want. Now, how do you go about finding your dog?

Please do not buy your dog in a pet store. This is asking for trouble, both with health problems and psychological problems. Pet stores are notorious for getting their puppies from puppy mills, which just churn out puppies with no regard to their health or psychological well-being.

I would suggest these as the best three ways to find a dog:

1) Get your dog from a reputable breeder. If you want a purebred dog, this is a good option. A good breeder is concerned about the dogs they breed, and will make sure the dog is a good match for you. They will do their best to make sure the puppy is healthy and well-adjusted. They will give you advice on how to raise and take care of your dog.

How do you find a good breeder? One way is to check around in your community for recommendations. Ask vets or other dog professionals for their recommendations. You can also check a dog breeder directory on the internet. You can usually select the breed you are looking for and your geographic location, and you will get a list of breeders in your area. Just type “dog breeder directory” into your search engine to find one.

2) Get your dog from a dog rescue organization. These groups find homes for unwanted or abandoned dogs of a particular breed. There is usually an organization for each breed. The American Kennel Club has a list of dog rescue groups on its website.

3) Adopt your dog from a shelter. This is a good option if you don’t care about having a purebred dog. Shelters have a wide variety of dogs available. I got my dog at a Humane Society shelter. They do a good job of talking with you to find out what kind of dog would be best suited to your needs.

It is very rewarding to adopt a dog from a shelter and give it a good home. Also, I like adopting a shelter dog because you can adopt a dog who is already past the housebreaking stage, if you want to. If you don’t find the dog you want there right away, they can keep an eye out for you, or you can keep returning until you “fall in love” with one of the dogs.

Pat Doyle is the creator of the popular website doggiewoggie.com Doggiewoggie - All About Dogs. Find more dog info at thedogdaily.com/doggiewoggie/home.html The Dog Daily.

This article may be republished as long as you keep the full text, author’s name, and website link with the article.

Related posts

• Yorkshire Terrier Care (0)
• Yo Quiero Chihuahuas: the Tiny Lap Dog with the Big Personality (0)
• Worried About Which Breed of Dog is Best for Your Family? Find Some Answers Here (0)
• Working With & Training Sporting Dog Breeds (0)
• Working Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)

Tags: dog breed, dog breeds

The English Setter dog breed originated initially in France with the crossing of the Spanish and French pointers nearly 500 years ago. Brought to England in the 1600s, the English Setter was further modified with the addition of the Water Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel. The dog has been used successfully as a hunting dog, primarily for game birds, for several hundred years since and is one of the oldest gun dog breeds. The name “Setter” derives from the unique position the dog assumes when it has found its prey as the dog crouches low to the ground, setting his quarry.

The English Setter that we know today was fully developed by the work of two men, Edward Laverack and R. Purcell Llewellin. Laverack began a project of methodical inbreeding in the mid to late 1800s. He was able to obtain two English Setters that had been owned by a reverend who had kept his dogs “pure” for some 35 years. Laverack’s dogs became famous for their beauty and refinement, and they are really the foundation stock for many of the top show dogs in English Setter history. Further changes to the English Setter breed came about through the work of Llewellin. His work developed a strain in the breed used primarily for hunting in the field rather than show. This line of field Setter is oftentimes called “Llewellin Setters”, but they are actually not a separate breed but simply a field-bred English Setter.
English Setter Breed History

The English Setter has been used as a hunting dog since it inception and the breed history shows that it is one of the most proficient bird dogs among hunting breeds. Additionally, through the work of Laverack, the English Setter has become a formidable and accomplished show dog. First shown in England in 1859, the dog became popular immediately as a show and field dog. The English Setter was brought to the United States soon thereafter and the American Kennel Club recognized this large breed dog in 1878, one of the first pure breeds to be accepted by the AKC. There is a statue in Pittsburgh at the Carnegie Museum of Count Noble, the famous field English Setter from the 1870s that is the very foundation of the American Llewellin strain of the breed. The English Setter breed continues to serve as a dual-purpose dog today as it is used as both a field and show dog.

For more information pertaining to large dog breeds and large dog specific training tips visit us at largedogbreedz.com

For more largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-breed-directory/english-setter/ english setter dog breed specific information, largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-training-articles/dog-behavior-training/ dog training tips, and dog health care information, visit us at largedogbreedz.com large dog breeds .com.

Related posts

• Working Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Winning The Battle of the Leash (0)
• Who is Taking Care of Your Italian Greyhound While You Are Away? (0)
• What Your Dog Truly Needs (0)
• What Supplies Will You Need for a Dog? (0)

Tags: dog breed, dog breeds, dog training

Dog agility is one of the fast growing sports today. Many dogs and their
handlers or partners (thats you) have tried running the agility course and
found its more than just training and preparation, its fun fun and fun! Its
amazing how your dog reacts to you, they observe you and test you out. If
you as a handler or trainer show lots of enthusiasim and have
a fun attitude with your dog running over, under, and through the agility
equipment, your dog will too. They will never cease to amaze you,
their expectations can far exceed your expectation. Incredible, isn’t it!

A simple method of staying in shape is guiding or training your dog through
the agility equipment, great exercise for your dog, exercise that is very
benefitial for you also. Running and training your dog is the same amount
of
energy you would put in if working out at a gym or doing an aerobic exercise
of some type. The more training and running with your dog, the
better shape for both of you. You and your dog will develop more
flexibility in your body, stronger heart, and yes lose weight and gain some
muscles.

It is vitally important to be patient with your dog when starting on the
agility equipment. Your dog might hesitate at first, but once you develop a
team relationship and know each other better, your dog will trust you and
gladly perfom for you. The key to a successful relationship with your dog
is understand its strength and weakness, its abilities and limitations. For
instance, a border collie may weave blasting through the poles without
working up a sweat whereas your dog might just walk timidly through the
poles. Every dog breed is built differently, so there are some limiatioins.
If your dog performs up to the best of its ability and you both have a
healthy relationship, then , there you go, you both are winners! Focus on
your
dog’s abilities, not whether your dog is better, faster, and smarter than
others, its more of a relationship that you want to build and cherish for a
long time.

Confidence starts with you as a traineer or handler. As stated in a
previous paragraph, your dog has great ears and eyes, and observes every
movement of your body. A healthy positive confident trainer will have lots
of success with their dog, because confidence is contagious and the dog will
feel the effect and do likewise. Thats what teamwork is all about, to build
each other up. Hence, the more confident you become as a trainer, the more
confidence you instill in your dog to run,jump, and fly.

Any type of exercise feeds the mind, body, and soul. No matter how well,
how fast, or how smart your dog is, as long as you and your dog run together
through the agility equipment, both of you will benefit from the exercise.
It takes quick thinking as a handler leading your dog from one obstacle to
another without running off course. Timing and working
together as a team takes lots of repititions and practice, and yes lots of
praise. Excercise with a positive mind feeds the body and soul, enabling
both you and your dog to perform well on the course, or just for fun in your
own backyard, or a fun club/group activities.

These are five simple reasons why your dog can run and jump the agility
equipment. Observe what your dog can or can’t do. Start out with fun games
such as a frisbee, tennis ball, or tug toy and find which one your dog likes
best, then use them as a reward for performing a task, such as jumping over
a bar or going through the weaves successfully.

Brad Carlson is a dog trainer at Agility by Carlson. For more training details, visit our website at carlson-agility.com/ carlson-agility.com/.

Related posts

• No related posts.

Tags: dog breed