Proper Feeding Of Dogs

Nutrition of dogs was approached in my last article; now the knowledge will be put to use. Knowing dogs need a protein, fats, carbohydrate, minerals, and enzymes to function and have a healthy life. DON’T ASSUME that all dog food companies are making healthy diets. Not only are the ingredients important, but the ratio of those ingredients AND from where they came, as well as other food or chemical additives.

Reading labels on dog foods(as well as human foods) can be tricky. The FDA does establish animal feeds for name and address of manufacturer, proper ingredient listing, net quantity, and proper identification of the product. This does not appear to cover any quality issues. Some states also  enforce a labeling agency, AAFCO, Association of American Feed Control Officials. They over-see and the food product name, guaranteed food analysis, adequacy, calorie statements and feeding directions. This still seems minimal for our beloved friends. AAFCO does go further than the FDA, but their object is to clarify the ingredients, content analysis, nutrition “adequacy statement”. None of these make a clear statement of the dog food quality. AAFCO requires only 8 dogs to run a study, and only 6 have to finish a 26 week test trial.

 After understanding that there are major regulations on dog food, it is up the the dog owners to fathom out the nutritional factors. As with human foods, the order listed on the ingredient panel is in order of weight in the food, before processing. For instance, if whole chicken is listed first, that was before the moisture was cooked out of the meat. Generally, that moisture may reach up to 80% of the chicken, making it a much less dense part of the ingredients. Appealing to the human consumer, whole meat sounds more appealing, but chicken meal has up to 300% more protein since it is weighed in a meal form, with little moisture to add as useless weight. If the “meal” is specified as “meat”, rather than WHAT type of meal, that should be avoided. As the meat is not designated, it could be any mixture, and as difficult as it is to say, some of these meat mixtures include animals that died for unknown reasons, and the worse is euthanized pets from shelters and clinics. This is not only a chilling concept, but these animals have drugs injected into them before death.

Corn is frequently a major component in dog food manufacturing.Corn not only is not easily digestible, but corn is one the most frequent vegetables genetically modified. GM food stuffs should be avoided for our pets and ourselves.

Rice, if whole grain, is a fine ingredient; if it is brewers rice or rice midlings, these products are basically the residual rice parts left over from brewing, or scraps left over from other purposes. Needless to say, the value is minimal at best.

Fats are an essential part of your dog’s diet, but again the fat should be designated, such as chicken, salmon, etc. Generic labeling of products should put up a caution flag.

Most of us are aware of the high allergen factor in gluten’s, whether it be corn, wheat, etc. They should be avoided.

Carbohydrates are a necessity, as we know. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, kale, berries(especially blueberries, a great antioxidant, are a few of the better carbs.These also add to the fiber intake, keeping the dog happy and healthy.

Preservatives in the product should be natural( such as vitamin E). You will see, however a additive of BHA. BHA has been indicated in cancer development, so much so it is not allowed in human foodstuffs. Another health hazard often in dog food are dyes. First, do we really think the dogs need colorful foods? Of course not! Dyes are unsafe, especially red dye #40, and are being used to appeal to the human.

Here are a few words on packaging, we, the humans, go to the store to buy food, wet or dry, for our dogs. Marketing has dictated that dog food bags or cans must look like a meal WE would like to eat. Colorful products, pictures of happy dogs, all sell the product to unknowing humans. Names we know, in which we feel confident, lead us to the checkout register. Grocery stores carry Purina in all sorts,Alpo, Little Caesar, Beneful, Bil-jack, even Iams. None of these food get even three stars on the dog nutrition scale. Science Diet, Eukanuba, Natures Balance, Diamond, Life’s Abundance, and many more are considered upscale foods, yet reach only a three to three and a half stars.

The products must be spectacular, they look good enough for US to eat!!   Keep in mind the views of fast food burgers one TV commercials, have you ever seen a burger that looks that good in their establishment? And the health factor in these”meals” is close to zero. Good marketing does not equate to good nutrition.

One other form of dog feeding can be of great benefit if approached wisely.  Raw diets are gaining momentum in the dog world. There has been numerous dog food recalls, and dog food related illnesses and even deaths due to ingredients in some dog foods and treats. I do STRONGLY recommend no chicken treats. Almost all chicken treats come from China and have brought bacteria and foreign substances causing more deaths and illnesses than I care to mention. Raw diets consist of uncooked meats,vegetables, berries. Vitamins may also be added. This diet is natural for dogs, with no loss of vitamins during a cooking process. It must be created with all the proper nutritional values that were outlined in the previous article on nutrition. Preparation is time consuming, but the benefits ca outweigh the negatives. Keep in mind to buy fresh meats and and fruits and veggies. .The other information that needs to be mentioned regarding fresh chicken and bones, bones do not become brittle unless the are cooked. Raw chicken with bones are a good protein source and calcium, with the tooth cleaning benefit off the bone. Be cautious of genetically modified foods and all foods are quality. Meat bones should be given once a day, for the natural basic chew, the benefit of the minerals and marrow. Ground turkey burger, chicken burger, buffalo burger, venison, pork, lamb, make a great base for “raw balls”.  In the ground meats, add peas, sweet potato, vitamins, berries, carrots bits,kale(chopped) organ meats, green tripe, and salmon oil(wild caught, only). This mix can be formed into meat- balls in appropriate sizes according to your dog. For time utility, make a large batch and separate into plastic bags or containers in meal size portions, freezing them to thaw out daily.  Adding eggs or egg white protein powder is of great benefit also. This is a process that takes some regimentation and practice creating balanced meals, and working out the budget , but this could be the food style for your dog.

                There is so much to discuss on the subject of Proper Feeding Of Dogs keep in mind that wild animals fed on  natural and healthy diets,  are virtually free of cancer and have a strong immune system. Do the best for your dog, which starts at nutrition, “you are what you eat” .

 If you have suggestions or questions, please leave a comment.

CAROL PENTZ
HeartAndSol American Bulldogs
heartandsolab@comcast.net
www,heartandsolab.com

A Day in a Dogs Life

My day starts when the human’s alarm clock goes off!!  I run upstairs, take a flying leap and land right between my humans- most mornings- this one I’m a little off and end up on top of my dad, he wakes up with me staring at him- I just scared the buggers out of him!    Oh well, he’s awake now.   Mom reaches over to pet me saying “good boy, good morning buddy!”  Not sure if she knows what I just did or not. 

The humans go through their morning ritual and I take a quick inspection of the backyard making sure all my stuff is still there and no surprises.  Back inside the house, I have my belly rubbed while mom is having breakfast.  Dad’s playing some silly game on the computer.   I nudge him away after he’s taken his last spoonful of cereal to take me on my morning walk.

He thinks the walk is for me to do my business but it’s really to make him exercise.   He tries to keep up so I walk faster, he walks faster, I go into high speed mode and he quickly slows down- hasn’t learned by now… but I know he’s trying to keep healthy so I let it go. 

My humans head for work, so I head upstairs to their bed for a quick nap and to let them get down the road.   They should be out of sight by now, er, my nap is over, so the fun is about to begin!   I walk through the house and around the front and backyard making sure everything looks alright.  Now, to find the car keys. 

I grab a picnic basket, blanket, some toys and the keys to Dad’s Forester, (and he wonders why there is dog hair in the front seat), and head on out to the Gourmet Dog Food Store!  I grab some cookies and pastries and a bottle of their finest doggie cider.   Then it’s off to pick up the lady!

I get to my girlfriends house and find her patiently waiting by the street.   She’s all sweetened up by a groomer yesterday – ah, such a beautiful creature and it’s spring and it’s…. ooopss… sorry… she gets in the car and we  head on to our favorite spot.   You know, people sure give us a funny look when we drive by – not sure why – we both look so good!

We find our spot by the lake and spread out the blanket and picnic basket.   We run off and play in the field.  We jump. We run. We wrestle.  We chase dinner, a herd of deer came to close, we take a swim in the lake.  We eat some more and take a nap.

UH OH!!!  My human’s are due home in 10 minutes- you can’t get anywhere in 10 minutes around here but I’ve got to try.  We throw our stuff in the Forester and drive fast.  Amazingly people are pulling over and getting out of our way- RUFF!!!!!  I wonder why though, hmmmm, guess you don’t see many dogs driving these days-  I drop off my girlfriend and get home in 5 minutes. 

I jump on the couch, curl up and pretend to be asleep just as my humans walk in.  I overhear them talking “Odd.  I know I closed the Forester windows last night- I never leave one cracked….. I wonder why there’s mud on the tires too?  I don’t remember driving through mud…”  (Ooops! Ssshhh!!!) a day in a dogs life …..

By Allen Pearson
Dog Photographer and Blogger
www.allenpearsonsphotos.com

Dog Park Pictures

I’m a huge photography enthusiast and an even bigger fan of our dogs. Sydney and Rodrigo are the light of my life and I love capturing every adorable look. I think my collection of images can rival that of any new mother. We’re regulars at the Strawberry Fields dog park and every now and then I see a fellow photography enthusiast and it makes me smile to know that others want to capture those moments too.

If you’ve been considering taking pictures at the dog park, there’s no time like the present. I shoot with a Sony Alpha 550, but you don’t need a DSLR camera to take pictures. Any point and shoot (or camera phone) will do, you just need a few tips to get you started.  Here are my 3 favorite tips for taking pictures at the dog park.

Remain Standing I prefer to get low to the ground (or on the ground) when taking pictures of our dogs and cats. I think capturing them at their perspective makes for an interesting shot. I would recommend that you do not do this at the dog park, because whenever a human goes to the ground, nearly every dog will come over to investigate. All that drool cannot be good for the camera.

If you are brave enough to get low, drop down, take the picture, and stand right back up like I did in the below shot.

Use a Fast Shutter Speed: DSLR cameras allow us to adjust our shutter speed and the faster you go, the easier it’ll be to freeze the moment. Our dogs are running all over the place and I want pictures of dogs, not black blurs. Keep in mind that the higher you increase your shutter speed, the less light will reach your camera’s sensor – so you might also want to increase your ISO too. Take a few test shots when you get there to see which settings work best.

If you shoot with a point and shoot that doesn’t allow you to adjust your shutter speed, then I suggest that you put your camera in Action mode. This will allow you to capture and freeze the moment too.

Pan Your Camera With Your Dog: Another thing that I quickly learned is that when I point my lens towards my dog, which is running around like a mad-pooch, I end up with shots of his tail or back legs, because my dog is running faster than my camera can take the shot. The way to keep your dog in the shot is to pan along with your camera. Just follow along, stay a little ahead, and then when you take the shot, your dog will be in the frame instead of leaving it.

There are many great pet photography tips. I share one weekly on the Keep the Tail Wagging newsletter, so pop on over there to sign up. It’s free!

Canine Nutrition

We have been raised in the belief that dog food companies have the best interest of our canines in their best interest. As with our nutritional needs, corporations tend to make dog foods visually appealing to humans, not always with dog’s health coming secondary to profits. More on canine nutrition ….

Let’s delve into the factual information we all need to recognize beyond the fancy and appealing packaging. Many of the FDA regulations have minor, if any, affect on nutritional or safety for our unconditional best friends.

Of great importance, we must grasp the reality of the evolution of dogs. Derived from wolves, nature originally instilled some changes for ease of life for the future of dogs. At that point humans took over the designing of breeds to suit their needs. No matter how severe the newly created breeds became, the nutritional requirements remained the same.

Dogs are considered carnivores, however the entire animal of which the hunted, was consumed including the vegetation the prey has ingested. When discussing the nutritional needs of dogs, this must be kept in our minds.

Firstly, and of grave importance is the issue and primary requirements of protein and amino acids. Often the percentage of protein is displayed, but the necessity escapes the layman. In our early school years, we were taught “the building blocks” needed to live. Protein is composed of amino acids and dogs cannot create these on their own. These 10 essential amino acids are an extremely important to create proper growth, bodily functions, as well as giving the carbon chains to produce glucose for energy. Thus you can see the invaluable need for easily assimilated protein. In the wild, dogs innately know when certain amino acids are lacking and eat accordingly. Instincts run strong, but now our domesticated dogs depend solely on their owners to fill requirements for a healthy existence.

Dietary fats and essential fatty acids are important to give energy and cell structure and function. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are needed for proper skin, coat development, joint movement and development. Vision, learning ability and physiological effects are also created by essential fatty acids.  These cannot be synthesized by the body.  Without these dietary fats and essential fatty acids, there will be learning and brain dysfunction and the inability to absorb fat soluble vitamins.

(Illustration by Drs foster and smith)

Here, one can see a dog’s digestive tract, fairly simple but very effective. Dissimilar to a human system, there is little digestion initiated before the small intestines. The stomach starts the process with enzymes and liquefying the food. The small intestine is the area of absorption and breakdown of foodstuffs, reaping the benefits of proteins, amino acids and fats, plus vitamins and minerals. The small intestine is a mere one and a half times the length of the dog, a majorly difference to the digestive tract of humans. The small intestine widen into the large intestine which absorbs the fluids from the waste to hydrate the body. The large intestine is at best, eighteen inches long. As you can see, dogs need proper and assimilative nutrition. In the wild, dogs eat what their systems need; again the domestic dog is at the will of humans to provide a balanced diet. Knowing humans eat poorly, this ill behavior passes on to our pets.

When we discuss energy, these are the calories needed to produce that energy. The components of these calories consist of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are found in the digestive tracts of food animals, and the ingestion of fruits, berries, and grasses. These digestible “carbs” are broken down in the small intestine by enzymes. There are also fermentable carbs. Starches and fiber pass through the system with little nutrient assets, becoming fermented by microbes changing into short chained fatty acids and gas. As the canine has evolved throughout history, we need to consider the dog breed, activity level, age, and particular physical requirements. Puppies, pregnant or lactating females need the highest calorie AND protein level.

Vitamins and minerals are an area that are lacking in many diets. In the wild, the vitamins and minerals were balanced in the natural raw foods they ingested. Dog food, dry or wet has been cooked, diminishing the nutritional value of the food. Vitamins and minerals are depleted during cooking and processing. Another factor in relation to vitamin assimilation is the lack of sunshine and fresh air, with so many pets indoors for most of their lives. Vitamins A, D, E, K, and all of the B vitamins are essential for good health. There are at least one dozen minerals that would naturally be found in a dog’s natural diet which needs to be added to the making of their prepared foods. The quality and composition of any component in prepared foods must be questioned.

Loving our dogs, large, small, and in between; goes well beyond a pat on the head and a bag of food. We are their keepers and must be certain to give them the best nutrition. Remember, they give us an unconditional love, selflessly.

Carol Pentz
www.heartandsolab.com
Dog food evaluation will be coming soon. How does your dog food rate?

How to Keep Dogs from Digging Holes

Many dogs have a natural tendency to dig, causing frustration to owners everywhere. Dogs dig holes for many reasons, from a way to escape to just plain boredom. Similar to the way that wild dog relatives, like wolves and foxes, dig dens to raise their young, pet dogs often share the desire to get warm or stay cool in an in-ground dwelling. Whether innocent or not, digging holes can destroy landscaping and gardening efforts. Owners can learn how to keep dogs from digging holes with these simple to execute techniques.

Alleviate Boredom

Keeping your dog in a yard for extended periods of time will leave him looking for something to do. Provide your canine friend with plenty of toys to play with and bones to chew. Food dispensing toys, such as Buster Cubes, are ideal as owners can put food into the center and the dog can spend hours trying to lick it out. Give your dog a job to do while you’re away. Hide toys and treats around the yard to allow the dog to play hide and seek to earn a reward.

Cure Loneliness

If you work long hours and don’t have much time to spend with your dog, consider alternative ways to fend off loneliness. Dogs are pack animals and crave attention. Finding your dog a canine friend is one option, but be sure that the dogs get along well before leaving them alone together. Hire a professional dog walker to take your dog for one or two walks per day. This will help burn off excess energy that could have been used for digging holes in the yard.

Provide Shelter

Many dogs dig holes to keep out of the harsh elements. Whether it’s cold, hot, sunny, rainy, or snowing – not all dogs enjoy the outdoor weather. Ensure that the dog has a place that will shelter him from extreme temperatures. Consider a dog house, a shady area to lie, and a wading pool for those hot summer days. Be sure to always keep fresh water available to prevent dehydration.

Remember that a lack of exercise is the leading cause of most bad dog behaviors. Leaving your dog outdoors for short periods of time is generally okay, but dogs need to spend the majority of time indoors with the family for proper social interaction and training. If your dog is a dedicated digger, consider setting aside a small area in the yard to allow him to dig, such as a patch of unused land or a child’s-size sandbox. Be sure to stay consistent with discipline and interrupt the dog’s bad behavior when digging in non designated areas in the yard.

Clean Up After Your Pet

The neighborhood is a planned community of mansion-style homes, nice townhouses, condos and apartments.  The streets are tree-lined with mailboxes the same style and color to create uniformity. Yards have flower gardens with beautiful bushes.  The local church, office buildings, community center, and shopping center are designed to follow the architectural theme of the community.  A beautiful design.

But, who knew behind all this beautiful facade was an awful blight!  A blight that is unknown to the casual drive through the neighborhood and possibly not noticed by some humans walking through- but that’s hard to believe.

Other humans around have dogs and they get walked at least daily, if not more, throughout the neighborhood.  My human walks me before and after work.  We try to do a mile every day so we get great exercise.

However, as a dog, I am getting more and more frustrated and unhappy with my fellow dogs and other humans.  As we walked, I began sniffing something odd- did my human have some flatulence issues I don’t know about?  SNIFF!! SNIFF!!! SNNNNNNNIFFFFFFFFFFFF!!! Nope. Not him.  Didn’t think so to start with- he’s got more manners.   I check his shoes- just to be sure – and, not him.  Then, I see one.  Right there on the sidewalk!  And, then another, small, but it is there!! I do not believe this- so I walk my human away from it.

We go further and walk by an area of open space…. then I see it…. Messes everywhere!!  It’s on the sidewalk, on the curb, on the grass, and by the fire hydrant. Disgusting!  I maneuver my human away from these items as I don’t want him to see what the other dogs are doing and the humans aren’t responsible.  Makes me wonder what type of manners the humans and dogs have at their own home.

Yet, down the trail a bit is a doggy dooty baggy dispenser and we passed one on our walk!  All someone would have to do is go get a bag, pick the mess up, and place it in the trashcan placed there for it.  My human, goes to the pet store and buys bags and sometimes he uses plastic grocery bags –he calls it recycling.  But, he always picks it up, “not bad or disgusting, when it’s my dog,” my human says.  But, “I don’t like picking up or seeing others messes left there for someone to step or fall in,” he reminds me.

Now, humans, you’ve heard it over and over and over, please take action!  Pick up after your dog!   The more messes you leave behind, the more opportunity you are giving others to deny dog’s access to places like school grounds and some parks because of the unhealthy issues humans are creating by not picking it up.  Not to mention children who may step in it and track in homes or their school bus or wherever.  It only takes a minute and it’s easy to do!   A final note, running out of or forgetting to take bags with you is no excuse- I’ve seen my humans go home to get them and return!!

Take the time- keep the neighborhood beautiful.  And clean!

___________________________

Allen Pearson
Dog, Cat, and Garden Photographer/Artist and Blogger
www.allenpearsonsphotos.com

Dog Weight Chart

Is your dog’s weight balanced?
A balanced weight is not only important in humans, your dog’s weight can tell you if he is properly fed and is getting enough nutrients. We don’t want our dogs to be under weight or overweight; the way to balance your dog’s weight is by considering the dog’s breed and body type as well as age. Consider these weights according to age and breed size as guidelines to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Adjust your dog’s diet to meet his nutritional needs, and incorporate exercise into your dog’s daily routine.

Small toy Dogs Weight Chart :

4 weeks of Age > 7 oz
8 weeks of Age > 11 oz
12 weeks of Age > 15 oz
4 months old > 1 lb 5 oz
5 months old > 1 lb 9 oz
6 months old > 1 lb 13 oz
7 months old > 1 lb 13 oz
8 months old > 1 lb 14 oz
9 months old > 1 lb 14 oz
10 months old > 1 lb 15 oz
11 months old > 1 lb 15 oz
12 months old > > 2 lb
18 months old and
Mature Dogs > 2 lb

Medium toy Dogs Weight Chart:

4 weeks of Age > 13 oz
8 weeks of Age > 21.5 oz
12 weeks of Age > 30 oz
4 months old > 2 lb 9 oz
5 months old > 3 lb 1 oz
6 months old > 3 lb 5 oz
7 months old > 3 lb 8oz
8 months old > 3 lb 10oz
9 months old > 3 lb 12 oz
10 months old > 3 lb 13 oz
11 months old > 3 lb 14 oz
12 months old > 3 lb 15 oz
18 months old and
Mature Dogs > 4 lb

Larger toy Dogs Weight Chart :

4 weeks of Age > 21 oz
8 weeks of Age > 33 oz
12 weeks of Age > 2 lb 13 oz
4 months old > 3 lb 14 oz
5 months old > 4 lb 11 oz
6 months old > 5 lb
7 months old > 5 lb 5oz
8 months old > 5 lb 9oz
9 months old > 5 lb 11oz
10 months old > 5 lb 13 oz
11 months old > 5 lb 14 oz
12 months old > 5 lb 15 oz
18 months old and
Mature Dogs > 6 lb

Very small dog Weight Chart:

4 weeks of Age > -
8 weeks of Age > 35.2 oz
12 weeks of Age > 4 lb 3 oz
4 months old > 4 lb 13 oz
5 months old > 5 lb 2oz
6 months old > 5 lb 8 oz
7 months old > 6 lb 8 oz
8 months old > 7 lb
9 months old > 7 lb 10oz
10 months old > 8 lb 2oz
11 months old > 8 lb 14 oz
12 months old > 9 lb 12oz
18 months old and
Mature Dogs > 10 lb

Small Dogs Weight Chart :

4 weeks of Age > – 8 weeks of Age > 5 lb
12 weeks of Age > 7 lb 8 oz
4 months old > 10 lb 8 oz
5 months old > 13 lb
6 months old > 14 lb
7 months old > 15 lb 8 oz
8 months old > 17 lb
9 months old > 18 lb 4 oz
10 months old > 19 lb
11 months old > 19 lb 10oz
12 months old > 20 lb
18 months old and
Mature Dogs > 20 lb

Medium Dogs Weight Chart :

4 weeks of Age > 7 lb
8 weeks of Age > 17 lb
12 weeks of Age > 27 lb
4 months old > 36 lb
5 months old > 44 lb
6 months old > 50 lb
7 months old > 54 lb
8 months old > 57 lb
9 months old > 60 lb
10 months old > 62 lb
11 months old > 63 lb
12 months old > 64 lb
18 months old and
Mature Dogs > 68 lb

Larger Dogs Weight Chart:

4 weeks of Age > -
8 weeks of Age > 17 lb
12 weeks of Age > 29 lb
4 months old > 37 lb
5 months old > 44 lb
6 months old > 48 lb
7 months old > 53 lb
8 months old > 57 lb
9 months old > 62 lb
10 months old > 66 lb
11 months old > 70 lb
12 months old > 75 lb
18 months old and
Mature Dogs > 80 lb

Giant Dogs Weight Chart :

4 weeks of Age > -
8 weeks of Age > 30 lb
12 weeks of Age > 57 lb
4 months old > 64 lb
5 months old > 75 lb
6 months old > 85 lb
7 months old > 100 lb
8 months old > 110 lb
9 months old > 116 lb
10 months old > 120 lb
11 months old > 125 lb
12 months old > 130 lb
18 months old and
Mature Dogs > 135 lb

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Why Dogs Eat Poop and What you can do about it

There are several reasons why some dogs like to eat their poop. Some dog owners report that their dogs have a habit of eating feces and they don’t know what to do to stop the habit. Actually, this condition is known as Coprophagia, It is a condition where the dog likes to eat his own feces or the feces of other animals. This can be due to certain medical conditions, or for dietary reasons. Your dog can instinctually develop such habits due to insufficient nutritional intake or when giving your dog food that is not suitable for them especially if they have a medical condition. Other reasons can include the onset of stress, in dogs that are often chained and are less interactive with other dogs, in the case when dogs are not walked frequent enough and are not allowed to play with other dogs.

So if you think your dog is stressed or unsatisfied with his food, not getting enough nutrients for his body size, this may be the reason why he is driven instinctually to eat feces, resulting in Coprophagia. Eating their own feces or other animal feces is an attempt to meet their nutritional needs or ease stress. Dogs can scent nutrients in feces when their bodies are not absorbing all the nutrients in the food that they eat. Unabsorbed nutrients can be found in their feces or in the feces of other animals.

So what can we do about this? Pay attention to your dog! Is the amount and type of food that you are providing adequate for him? Consider the amount of food you are providing in relation to his size and nutritional needs, as well as the best type of food for him. Your vet can help you figure this out if your observations are not sufficient. Does your dog often look restless? Does he seem to enjoy his food? These are some of the things to observe for. These are topics you should bring up on your next visit with your vet.

Eating feces can be harmful in certain cases, especially when eating the feces of other animals because it can lead to contamination of pathogens and infections, but this is not always the case. Check with your vet to rule out any medical condition that may be causing Coprophagia, and to get nutritional advice. Once medical conditions have been ruled out and you have corrected your dog’s diet, if the habit persists, you may seek behavioral interventions for Coprophagia. There are also herbal treatments as well as medications available to treat Coprophagia, but these are to be carefully considered as they may carry more risks than benefits.

So what are other things you can do for your dog to stop this habit? Do not ignore or neglect your dog! Be observant of his behavior, try not to chain your dog as often, if it’s not absolutely necessary, pick up your dog’s feces from the floor right away if you’re around when he poops, take your dog to the dog park where he can play with other dogs; loving human interaction is great but it does not replace the need for interaction with other dogs.

American Bulldogs

 When the word Bulldog is said, usually the vision of a short, stubby, flat faced, snorting dog. That breed was originally termed, English Bulldog, which later was shortened to Bulldog.

When researching the history of Bulldogs, it is much more likely to find pictures and photos of a thick dog, with a slightly shortened snout, and longer legs. Keeping in mind, the purpose of these dogs were bull baiters, and hunters of large animals, this of course, seems a more rational size and mobility.

Looking at these dogs may make one to wonder, what happened to these dogs after the English Bulldog overtook the favor of humans. In Europe, they essentially disappeared. However, in the United States, two men were bent on bringing back to popularity the original bulldog type. Thus, the American Bulldog began evolving. They two men, Johnson and Scott, were aiming for a dog of strength, versatility, and temperament. Johnson was breeding for a more muscular and thick dog to be more towards working. Scott, however, was looking for a large but more athletic dog for hunting, protection, endurance.

The brindle and white dog is a more standard or Scott line, which is Misha Double heart. The red and white is a classic or Johnson line. He is Sol keeper. His head is larger, not only because he is male, but that indicates the classic.

The differences are more visible in a standing position. Misha has a super nose, perfect for hunting, longer legs and longer snout, all advantageous for hunting and endurance. Sol, on the other hand, is more bulky, short back and shorter in height. His head is massive and is built for grabbing and holding, weight pulling and protection.

Mackenzie is a pup from the breeding of Sol and Misha. He is what is called a hybrid of the two lines. He is not filled out yet, but he is taller than Sol already, but he is thickening up. American Bulldogs take about two and a half years to fill out completely.

LunaHaze is a classic female. Very loving and gentle as is the breed in general. A beautiful girl, she is mistaken for a male, due to her denseness and large head. Luna is perfect specimen of a female classic.

Chocolate Isis Dream is extremely dense a well muscled. This female has a very short snout and can overheat if worked too hard. She is exquisite with her chocolate brindle coloration.

The American Bulldog was said to be America’s best kept secret in the dog world until the movie “Homeward Bound” hit the theaters. The story of two dogs and a cat trying to find their human family, initiated the new flow of attention for “chance” the American Bulldog. His amazing personality exhibited the wonderful traits indicative of the American Bulldog breed.

Innately protective of their family, sweet and gentle in nature, sensitive to feelings and your health, this is a breed that fills all aspects of your life (excluding a small size, if that is your wish).

An American Bulldog show is not like a show you see on TV. Conformation is only a part of the competition. Obedience is a major part of most events; walking off lead through distractions, weight pulling, protection events, and “Hang Time”. Hang time tests the length of time a dog can hang on a rope by sheer jaw strength. An amazing sight for anyone to see.

This is an event called hardest hitting. By the way, the thing the man has in his hand is rubber wrapped with tape; he hits his leg with it, not the dog. The dog is geared up by its owner, and then released to “attack” the man with the jute sleeve. The dog that hits him the hardest on the first “bite” gets the most points. His full protection suit can be seen in the photo’s foreground.  This dog in this picture was the sweetest and well mannered dog I have seen in a long time.

This is a breed that fulfills the needs of many. Perfect as a service or therapy dog, or protection dog; but American Bulldogs are always your best friend.

CAROL PENTZ
www.heartandsolab.com

Finding a Responsible Breeder

What is a responsible breeder?  The definition of a reputable dog breeder is one who has the best interests of the breed at heart!  Reputable dog breeders protect and defend their breed, and will want to know about you, a potential buyer.  Reputable breeders provide optimal care and conditions for the mother and her puppies, in a safe, clean, home environment.  They will enforce a requirement that the puppies they sell will be spayed or neutered. They will provide a health guarantee. They make a life-long commitment to their pups, and will take them back if that becomes necessary.  Contrary to what is said on the web, a reputable breeder may be hesitant to allow visitors, especially casual ones, until their puppies have had all their first vaccinations.

How do you find them?  A good start is online,  look up the breed in which you are interested, and then find the information about the National Breed club.  The breed club will have breeders listed whose ethics and behavior have placed them in good standing.  Dedicated breeders have a tight network and should be able to refer you to a reputable breeder in your area.  If not, contact the national secretary of that breed club with your requests.

When you talk to a breeder for the first time, ask these questions:  (1) Tell me about your particular line of dogs, and (2) Tell me about the three top health concerns of this breed.  It is unlikely that a puppy mill breeder will be able to answer those questions.  However, you will still want to get references!  (3) Ask for several names of people to whom they have sold puppies.  (4) Ask for the name of their vet, so that you can speak with him.  Responsible breeders will be more than happy to provide this information for you.

Sounds like too much trouble?  The joy of seeing a happy, healthy puppy grow into a happy, healthy adult companion will be worth every bit of research and effort you put into finding him!  Make it into an adventure for you and your children.  What you learn along the way will serve you well for any future purchases.  You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you have not helped to support a puppy mill, with all its cruelty.

Instant gratification from buying that adorable puppy pictured online, which could be a stock photo, could result in ongoing expense and heartache. The effort you put into due diligence will pay for itself.

by Joyce N. Lewis