Dogs did not contribute in any way to the economic affairs of mankind in the manner that the cow or the horse did. Cattle provided wealth and were a means to trade. The horse was a way to travel fast and was used to skillfully wage war to gain power and riches.

How economically important was cattle and the horse to man is clearly and distinctively shown on coins that man manufactured early. The image of the horse on the coins depicts him as a hunter, a war horse and sometimes like a god.

As man became rich and gained more independence, the importance of the dog diminished. Therefore, man no longer needed him to obtain food. The wealthy now used the dog as a household pet and to track wild game for sport.

The dog was now a close companion to ordinary people who used him to herd, as a watchdog and for anything else that the dog was capable of doing.

Even though the dog is very dedicated to his owner and dutifully does his work, he was completely ignored from appearing on coins until most recently. In 1930 the dog appeared on a Bulgarian ten leva coin along with a horse and a lion.

The design on the Bulgarian coins displays a typical hunting scene of a dog and a hunter with a lion being cornered. The same design is displayed on the Bulgarian five leva coin that was issued that same year.

The only work of art that has ever been displayed of a dog on a coin is that of a hunter. The dog’s greatest quality, which is that of a friendly companion, is yet to be portrayed on a coin.

The number of modern coins that depicts a dog is very small. In addition to Bulgaria, Ireland and Norway have also depicted dogs on their coins. In total there are now three different coins that feature dogs on their coins with three different designs.

The Irish coin has the profile of an Irish Wolfhound standing majestically looking fully alert as though searching for its quarry. The Irish Wolfhound was bred as a hunting dog. The nobility at that time, with very little to do but to engage in merry making throughout the countryside, preferred this dog. In 1928 the Irish coin depicting the Irish Wolfhound appeared in Ireland for the first time. It was the six penny value of a full set that featured animals that were important to the Irish people like the bull, the chicken, the horse and the pig.

Photo courtesy of alantankenghoe.

Once you have made up your mind to own a dog, you need to know which kennel you will buy the puppy from and the breed of dog that you want. Thereafter, it is very important that you choose a dog that you believe will be the right one for you. Choose a dog that will have a strong character to enable it to live in the city and one that would meet your needs.

Puppies are so cute and so friendly that you may have a hard time choosing the right one from a litter. As you watch the puppies, your heart may go all out for one of them because of the way it looks or because of how it plays with your hand. It is important that you examine each puppy for any physical problems to ensure that the puppy you choose is in good health.

Observing the Puppy That You Want to Purchase

In choosing your dog, you cannot just push aside the lazy, shy and nervous puppies. You also need to observe their character before deciding which one from the litter best suit your needs.

As you sit on the ground in the middle of a litter, the puppy that you pick up may seem cute to you because of the way it moves about and nips at your hand. As the dog grows up, you may realize that it is not the right dog to have around a family that has small children or for an elderly person. Also, it is not the right dog to have living in the city where so many people pass by every day.

When you pick up a puppy and it becomes quiet and gets comfortable, it may be the one that will play rough with children. It may also be the dog that will accept the hustle and bustle of life in the city. Senior citizens will love their gentle behavior and the way they accept authority. These puppies will be easy to train.

It is regrettable that most people prefer to get a dog that pushes its way through the litter as though challenging the other puppies. Because most of these dogs cannot get along well with the children or the senior people in the family, they end up at the Humane Society Shelter.

A puppy that is six weeks old and shows signs of being independent from the rest of the litter and ignores praise and petting will be very difficult to train. This is the type of dog that is always picking fights. This dog would chase behind an unknown dog that dares to roam inside its territory and would likely get run over by a car. This type of dog is not necessarily a dominant dog. Every litter has dogs that are bullies and dogs that are shy.

The bully type of dog very seldom responds to scolding. This dog would be a real problem in a home with the wrong environment because he will always want to be the leader of the pack. However, he would be a fine dog in a good home with an owner that can control him. This may not be the same case with the shy one of the litter.

Photo courtesy of 23am.com.

Choosing a Family Dog

The best thing to do when getting a dog is to try to get a puppy that would have a character that matches your personality and your lifestyle. A married couple, who leads a very active life, may have needs that are different than those of a retired couple or a family that have children who are very noisy. Regardless of who they are, there will always be a puppy for different people with different environments.

When you choose a dog that is best suited to your personality, depending on the puppy’s character, we can go back and ask the question as to which breed of dog is best suited to live in the city. As far as the dog is concerned, it doesn’t make a difference. A big dog or a small dog, whether they have long hair or short hair, will always have a healthy and happy life if you both have similar personalities. But you will need to give your dog the proper training at the appropriate time.

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Dog

There are a few questions to ask yourself before you decide to get a dog. Do you really need a big dog to protect you and if so, can you afford to feed it? Remember that the price of food in the city is very expensive and to own a dog is just like adding a new member to the family. So the decision is really up to you as to what type of dog you want.

You also have to consider exercise for your dog. The farmer who lives a life that is very active gets plenty of exercise from the type of work he does. But his life expectancy is no more than the businessman who sits behind a desk and the only exercise that he gets is on weekends. A dog can easily adapt to the lifestyle of its owner. So walking your dog every day and allowing it to play will keep it strong and healthy.

The Best Breed of Dog to have in the City

When you want to know what type of dog is best to have in the city, take a walk through Central Park on a balmy spring evening. There, if you stroll long enough, you will see different breeds of dogs.

Similarly, if you walk down Fifth Avenue, you will see different models of cars with different colors. People will choose what they want and no one car is better than the other. This is also true when you go to choose the right breed of dog to live with you in the city. Therefore, it all comes down to the character of the individual dog that you choose.

Photo courtesy of Takinguparmsjc1.

Choosing the Right Veterinarian for Your Dog

It is very important that you find a good veterinarian for your pet, something that many people forget to do. Make sure that you take the puppy to the veterinarian for a checkup within the first two days of bringing it home. This is to make sure that your dog is strong and healthy and that it starts to get the necessary vaccinations. Thereafter, the veterinarian will set up regular routine checkups for your pet.

Look for a clinic that is within your immediate area. Ask your family and friends to help you look for one or perhaps recommend a good one. You can also call several clinics and make an appointment to go and look over the place and satisfy yourself that it is the appropriate one for your pet.

Medical Expenses for Your Dog

You will not have any difficulty in finding a good veterinarian for your pet. But you need to know that veterinary care for your dog can be very costly. A visit to the veterinarian for a routine checkup or a yearly vaccination can be expensive. When an illness or a severe injury occurs, dog owners end up paying a lot of money out of their pocket to the veterinarian clinic.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you buy insurance for your pet as soon as possible. This will help you to lower the cost of your visits to your veterinarian.

By having insurance for your dog, you are making sure that your puppy gets the best health care possible. It is a good way to lower your veterinary expenses such as routine care, accidents or injuries. Your pet insurance also covers the expenses for minor surgeries, major surgeries, treatments for illnesses and diseases and other medical procedures such as neutering or spaying.

You can search the yellow pages to find the right insurance for your dog, one that is affordable. You can also search online  for the insurance that you want.  Most insurance companies offer you a plan with a monthly premium that is cheaper than your cable bill.

How embarrassing is it then when your dog does something that makes you want to crawl into a hole? You’ve been telling people how smart, how cute, how wonderful your dog is and as soon as they see your dog he does something you hate.

Jumping on People

One of the embarrassing things some dogs do is jumping on people. Whether you’re out for a walk or your dog jumps on people when they walk in your door, this is embarrassing behavior. It’s a clear sign that your overly-enthusiastic dog seems to be out of control.

What can you do to stop the jumping behavior?

One of the best things you can do to head off jumping behavior is teach your dog the Sit command when she is preparing to jump. It’s best to practice this in a confined area at first. Practice when it’s just you and your dog. Make sure she already knows Sit. When she starts to jump on you tell her to Sit.

Depending on how excited she is it may take a few tries to get this right but it will work. Make sure you praise her and give her a reward she really enjoys, whether it’s dog treats, a favorite dog toy or lots of petting and attention.

Once your dog is reliably sitting when she starts to jump on you, you can practice having a friend or family member ring your doorbell or knock on your door. Your dog may get very excited again and prepared to jump on them when they enter. Practice having her sit before opening the door. Again, this may take some practice but your dog should get the idea that she is supposed to sit instead of jump. If nothing else, she should be responding to your command to Sit.

Eventually you will move on to the hardest part — teaching your dog to politely sit when she has the urge to jump up on someone she meets in the street or elsewhere. This is an uncontrolled situation so you should always have your dog leashed when you’re out. Make sure that your dog gives you a perfect Sit at home when she has the urge to jump before you try this outside your home.

Lunging at Dogs

It’s very embarrassing, not to mention rather dangerous, to have your dog lunging at other dogs when you’re out for a walk. The best way to prevent this problem is by making sure that you socialize any puppy well from an early age. However, if you have a dog that is already lunging at other dogs or people, it’s a little late for socialization. You need to take steps to keep your dog from hurting anyone. You may want to consider whether you should be walking your dog in public and whether you are able to control him.

You should consider whether your dog could have any kind of veterinary condition causing him to lunge or behave aggressively toward others. Your vet may be able to find a physical cause for your dog’s behavior. If not, then you need to consider possible behavioral problems. If your dog lunges at other dogs (or people) on an ongoing basis then you may wish to ask your vet to recommend a dog behaviorist. They may be able to work with your dog and find the problem.

There are some things you can do yourself if your dog lunges at other dogs. Consider a properly fitted muzzle or head collar. A head collar such as a Halti training collar or Gentle Leader is not a good choice for every dog but it does give added control over dogs that lunge and pull their owners. You should be careful about possible neck injuries to your dog when he’s wearing a head collar.

Avoid walking where there may be loose or stray dogs. Your lunging dog doesn’t need an added reason to pull on the leash.

Walk your dog in quiet neighborhoods and more controlled settings.

Constant Barking

One thing that frequently embarrasses people with their neighbors is a dog that barks constantly. If your dog is a nuisance barker and you’re outside yelling at him to shut up, the neighbors can become annoyed with both of you very quickly, especially when they’re trying to sleep.

Dogs often bark because they are bored, lonely or frustrated. But there are some dogs that seem to bark to hear the sound of their own voice.

The best advice to deal with barking dogs is to make sure that all of their needs are being met on a regular basis. Take away their reasons to bark.

• Make sure that your dog gets lots of exercise — tired dogs take naps.
• Make sure that your dog has plenty of fun toys.
• And, very importantly, spend time training your dog.

Obedience training can help keep a dog mentally fit — the opposite of boredom. Spending time training your dog also means that you’re spending time together. When your dog is having all of his needs met he will, hopefully, have less to bark about.

If your dog still stands in the backyard and barks at least he will have had a little obedience training. When you tell him to “Come!” you have a better chance of him actually obeying you and coming inside where he will be quiet.

Our dogs depend on us to keep them safe. Having a good emergency plan can help to ensure that you, your family, and your pets will remain safe. The best time to think about this is before a disaster strikes. Proper planning is the key to keeping your dog safe when a disaster occurs.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a disaster.

Plan for both yourself and your dog.

Prepare for two different possibilities:

• having to stay in your home for several days without help
• having to evacuate with your dog

Both plans should include supplies, food, and medications. Know where the safest parts of your home are. Create an evacuation plan to include several escape routes if you need to get out of the house and leave.

Do your research.

Choose multiple destinations and plan several escape routes leading to those destinations. You never know when a particular route will become impassable. It is always a good idea to practice those routes whenever you can so you know exactly what to do if you need to find a detour.

Have a backup plan.

Designate someone who can go to your house and get your dogs in the event that you are away when a disaster strikes.

Practice emergency situations with your dog.

Have practice drills for the types of emergencies that could occur in your area. Include your dog and try to work on doing things quickly. Include home drills, such as taking cover in a protected area of your home.

Stock up on supplies.

Keep a disaster supply kit for your dog in a convenient location in your home. Supplies should include:

• a readable map (highlight your evacuation routes)
• waterproof containers (for food and medications)
• plenty of water
• bowls
• leashes
• collapsible carriers or crates
• a good first aid kit

Check supplies regularly.

Check expiration dates on medications and food. Remember that certain medications can become ineffective or toxic after they expire. Food can spoil, and even water may need to be replaced. Check your supplies and replace anything that needs to be replaced.

Review your preparation plans regularly.

You may need to update your destinations and your escape routes. Your maps may also need to change to reflect these updates.

Maintain your vehicle.

Follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and keep up with necessary repairs. Always try to keep gas in your vehicle so your are ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Maintain contact with local authorities.

Stay up to date with your local emergency management office and local dog clubs. In times of emergency, these local authorities will be in charge. They will be the ones to make decisions and emergency plans, and will be responsible for informing people. It is also a good idea to keep in touch with local dog clubs since they will usually have emergency information relevant to dog owners.

Crate train your dog.

This is one of the best things you can do for your dog. In case of an emergency or a disaster, you should be able to put your dog in her crate right away, and without any trouble.

Know where to take your dog.

Find out ahead of time, where you will be taking your dog during and after the disaster until you can return safely home.

Make sure your dog has identification.

Your dog should have an ID tag fastened to her collar. It should have your cell phone number since you will have that with you at all times. You will also want to have a copy of your dog’s insurance information, if you have any. Keeping a copy of proof of registration or ownership is also recommended. So is a photo and description of your dog, should you become separated.

Leave your house promptly.

As soon you have know that you have to evacuate, leave your house! Do not wait until the last minute to get out. Be absolutely sure that you and your pets will be safe before returning home.

One good thing to note is that following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS). It was signed into law in 2006. Now, any state seeking assistance from FEMA must have a plan to accommodate pets and service animals in their evacuation procedures.

Remember, be prepared.

Best,

Omar Reyes

You should read our article, Can Dogs Sense Earthquakes, to learn more about this hot topic.

From a scientific perspective, the evidence is inconclusive about whether or not a dog can sense and predict earthquakes and other natural disasters, but some people believe that dogs and other animals are good at predicting such dangers and are able to warn us minutes before before an earthquake is about to occur.

For hundreds of years people have believed that dogs, cats, and other animals have abilities to predict earthquakes. And that trend has continued today.

In 2003, a doctor from Japan,  Kiyoshi Shimamura, claimed that public health records indicated an unusual increase in dog barking just before the 1995 earthquake hit Kobe. However, seismologists are reluctant to accept behaviors like that as conclusive evidence that dogs are able to make predictions about natural disasters. Especially since several studies have already been attempted to understand the behavior of dogs before an earthquake.

In another example, some people claim that earthquakes can be predicted by looking for an increase in the number of missing pet ads in areas prone to earthquakes. The theory suggests that dogs and others pets will leave an area before an earthquake hits, resulting in an increased number of missing pets. Once again, research studies have show that there is no correlation to support these claims.

On the other hand, many people have commented on a surprising lack of animal carcasses after the tsunami hit Indonesia. They suggest that the animals somehow sensed the coming disaster and left the area before the tsunami hit. One theory for this reaction is that animals can sense vibrations and tremors underground prior to a natural disaster occurring, so they up and leave.

However, I think this would more be an extension of a dog’s normal senses rather than some sort of magical sixth sense able to predict an impending natural disaster.

It must be said that dogs do have some senses that are more sensitive than human senses. So, it is possible that they may be able to detect smells, sounds, and vibrations before we are able to tell that something is happening. It is also true that dogs can predict certain things, like that a seizure is about to occur. However, in examples like these, the dogs seem to be detecting certain physical and chemical signs before they can be picked up by humans.

Dogs also seem to be able to use their senses in other unusual and often extraordinary ways as well. There are countless stories of dogs finding their way home after traveling hundred of miles. So it seems possible that dogs may indeed be able to use some combination of natural survival instincts and their senses to tell that we are about to experience some type of natural disaster.

Whether or not you agree that dogs can sense earthquakes and other natural disasters, there is one important truth to be told. Dogs play a crucial role in many search and rescue missions in the aftermath of a natural disaster. They are also used to locate the bodies of loved ones so that they can be laid to rest. Without the keen senses of these wonderful and highly skilled dogs, the job would be much more difficult.

So hats off to both dogs and handlers who work tirelessly in these natural disasters to save who they can, and recover those that they can’t.

Remember, one of the best things you can do is to make proper disaster preparations before they occur.

How about you, do you think dogs can sense earthquakes and other disasters?

Best,

Omar Reyes

While we are on the topic of natural disasters, do you have a first aid kit ready for your dog in case something happens? You can get a good one here – http://dogcarejourney.com/first-aid-kit

The AKC Canine Partners Listing Program

Mixed breed dogs are now eligible to participate in these events as part of the AKC Canine Partners Listing Program. As a requirement, all dogs listing in the program must be spayed or neutered.

Note: Wolf hybrids are not eligible to participate.

You can enroll your dog in the program at the AKC website or download an application and mail it in – Click Here (the application will open in a new window).

AKC clubs will offer these events on a voluntary basis. Each club decides whether or not they want to offer events that will allow mixed breeds to enter. Before submitting an entry, check with the club first to see if they are accepting entries for mixed breed dogs.

The Debate

Of course, this new development has led to some debate among current AKC competitors about accepting mixed breed dogs to compete in these events. Most of the debate is based on the fact that many of these events accept only a limited number of entries. This is usually because of the size of the facilities and the number of available judges.

These events can fill up pretty fast. So the argument is that by adding mixed breed dogs into the mix (no pun intended), some current participants may be locked out of the event as a result of the increased number of dogs trying to enter. That seems like a valid concern.

On the other hand, many people are happy that mixed breeds can now compete in these events. They point out that opening participation to other dogs will increase overall interest in Agility, Obedience, and Rally events. This in turn can lead to additional events and increased revenue for clubs – usually a good thing.

How To Participate

As I mentioned, participation in any of these events requires enrollment in the AKC Canine Partners program. Find a club that offer training classes in your local area. To find a club, go to the AKC events page, from there you should be able to find one in your area.

A good starting point is to work with your dog to earn an AKC Good Citizen certificate.

If your dog has already been competing in similar events then you just need to register your dog with AKC Canine Partners to get an AKC number. After that start entering events that are accepting entries from mixed breed dogs.

If you will be competing in Agility competitions then you will need an AKC Agility Height Card. Contact your local AKC club for a measuring clinic schedule. You can also have your dog measured at the first event you attend.

Where To Find Events

To find events accepting mixed breed dogs, go to the AKC event search page. Click on the “Obedience, Agility, AKC Rally” tab and then check the box for “Mix Breeds” to narrow your search further.

Remember that the AKC Canine Partners Program is a new program so things may still change as they grow and become more established. However, the good news is that mixed breed dogs can now compete in AKC events in Agility, Obedience, and Rally. 

Both dogs and dog owners benefit when they are able to compete in a wider variety of events. So this is certainly a positive step in the right direction, especially considering that mixed breed dogs are given their due. They can compete just as hard as any pure breed dog.

What do you think?

The price to get a new puppy can also vary depending on where you live, and what time of the year you are looking for a new puppy. If you are shopping for a new dog during the holiday season, the price can actually be higher than purchasing a dog at other times of the year – because there is an increase in demand around the holidays.

It will also depend on whether you are getting a pet quality pup or a show quality dog. The price difference can be as much as $500 for an eight week old pet quality puppy, to around $3000 for a show dog prospect of the same breed. The higher price tag is usually because that puppy came from a line of pedigree dogs and probably has a history of champions as well.

If you are considering a more mature puppy, about eight months to a year old, then the price can be significantly higher than $3000. Of course, these figures are for illustration only to show the huge difference between pets and show dogs – at least when it comes to price.

Are Smaller Purebred Puppies Less Expensive?

The price of a puppy really has nothing to do with its size. Many small breeds and toy breeds are quite expensive, usually because they are popular and in high demand. In many cases, because a breed is so popular, you have to put your name on a waiting list to reserve a puppy. Sometimes, a breeder has sold all their puppies before the litter is even born.

What About Male Versus Female Purebred Puppies?

In general, female puppies are less expensive than their male siblings. Unless she exhibits the potential to be a great show dog – then sorry brothers . This is because such a female puppy would be used as foundation stock for future breeding.

Many people mistakenly stay away from female dogs because they feel that they would have to deal with potential of caring for a litter of new born puppies. Growing up, that is the way my parents felt about dogs. As I grew older and started doing my own research, I realized this was simply not the case.

Since I advocate spaying and neutering as a part of responsible dog ownership, this is not a problem at all. So all my dogs have been females. As far as being good pets and companions, there is really no difference between male or female dogs.

Beware of Unscrupulous Breeders of Purebred Puppies

No matter what business you think of, there will always be people who are in it only to make money. Nothing else matters, and they will make money at all costs. The world of dog breeding is no different. These are the people you want to stay away from.

In deciding which type of puppy you want to purchase, take your time and do your research. Find a reputable breeder, and even then, do not rush and buy the first puppy you fall in love with. Remember, you are buying a dog who will hopefully spend the rest of her life with you.

And please do not forget about the mixed breed dogs out there. Especially those in shelters, just waiting for someone to take them home and love them.

There is nothing wrong with purebred puppies, if you are getting one for all the right reasons. But if adopting a mutt is in your future, hey, you will be saving some nice change .

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, Raising Two Puppies, or go back to the previous article, Mixed Breed Dogs or a Purebred Puppy.

All the dogs I had growing up were mutts. They held no pedigrees, no registration papers, but they were my dogs and they held a special place in my heart.

Mixed Breed Dogs – Healthier or Smarter?

Whether the mixed breed dog is healthier or more intelligent than their purebred cousins is  certainly up for debate. But the mutt definitely suffers her share of illnesses and diseases that are common among all dogs.

However, there are some who claim that mixed breed dogs are generally healthier. The belief is that when dog breeds are mixed or crossed, their offspring will be less likely to exhibit extreme characteristics. For example, extreme characteristics such as the snub nose of an English Bulldog, or the long, narrow heads and bulging eyes of some other dog breeds, are lessened in mixed breed offspring.

Others point out that when you are crossing two purebred dogs, the offspring has the possibility of developing any characteristics, conditions, or disease that is common to either parent.

According to Wikipedia, the theory of hybrid vigor suggests that as a group, dogs of varied ancestry will be healthier than their purebred counterparts.

Rather than trying to debate the theory of hybrid vigor here, I think this article does an excellent job – The Myth of the Myth of Hybrid Vigor.

Mixed Breed Dogs Are One Of A Kind

There are some people whose preference is to own a purebred dog, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, for those who just love their family mutt, remember that your dog is one of kind . Even from the same litter, many of the pups will look differently since they can inherit characteristics from any of the breeds they are mixed with.

I think that makes a mixed breed dog truly special and unique.

Another thing to consider is that there are so many excellent mutts or mixed breed dogs just waiting for a home at your local animal shelter. They will love you no less than a purebred would, I promise.

So, does it really matter? I think not.

As always, it comes down to doing your research and making sure that whatever dog you decide on you are prepared to love them, care for them, train them, for the duration of their lifetime.

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, Purebred Puppies and Their Oh So High Price Tags, or go back to the previous article, Dogs for Seniors.