It is essential to feed your puppy on a good quality balanced diet. We all want to do the very best to ensure that the pup grows up to be a strong healthy and fit specimen of its breed. Animal science has advanced enormously with the nutritional needs of the young dog being catered for with a tremendous variety of manufactured dog foods. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements and many of us choose the easy option of a complete food in kibble form that supplies all the nutrients a puppy needs without having to add anything other than water.

Puppies’ needs are very different to the nutritional needs of an adult dog. They will need more protein, as will the lactating bitch, to fuel the growth and proportionally will eat more than a fully grown dog. They cannot take on enough food in one or two sittings and at eight weeks will need four meals spread throughout the day. There must always be water available. Choose a good quality complete food if that is what suits you but remember that manufactured dog food is highly competitive multi million pound industry. If you prefer you can put together your own diet from a variety of raw meat, raw bones, lightly cooked or liquidised vegetables and fruit and a selection of grains processed so that the dog can digest them. There is a wealth of information on the internet showing you how to achieve a natural balanced diet that has the advantage of being virtually unprocessed and therefore much more in line with what the dog’s stomach has evolved to digest. One look at a wild life documentary will show you that wild dogs will feast first on the contents of the stomach and innards rather on the muscle meat as the partially digested vegetation offers valuable nutrients not normally available to the canine.

Whatever method of feeding you choose there is a few pit falls to avoid.

1.      Do not allow your pup to get obese. A little puppy fat is fine and helps to keep him looking healthy even after a few days of a stomach upset.

2.      A weaned puppy does not need milk though it will inevitably enjoy it.

3.      Do not add nutritional supplements to complete foods. It is suspected that over supplementation causes skeletal problems such as OCD in the rapidly growing puppy especially large and heavy breeds. There is an expression “killing with kindness” and this is very true. Grow your puppy slowly and evenly – fast is not best and can led to problems.

4.      If using a complete food go for quality and avoid artificial additives as much as possible. A dog does not care what colour its food is!

5.      A balanced diet does not mean that pup has to have the same every day. The balance can be achieved over the week.

6.      Put his dish down and remove it after twenty minutes. If he doesn’t eat it straight away don’t try tempting him with something different. Dogs and children learn this trick very quickly and they soon realise that if what’s on offer is not to their liking something better will come along as an alternative. It’s called spoiling!

7.      When food is regularly left it may be time to drop down to three meals then two etc

8.      Make sure something hard is provided to gnaw on to keep teeth and gums healthy.

9.      If you decide to change foods do it slowly to avoid upsets.

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Throughout your training session you must have your own way. In the world of dogs there is always a leader – is it you?

• Dog training is a partnership and you are the senior member.
• How long you train is not important – how well you train is VITAL!
• Training does not just happen, it is planned. It starts before you take the dog out and finishes sometime after you have returned. Continually work to improve your weaknesses – your strengths will improve themselves.
• Think like a dog and anticipate. You must anticipate problems and prevent them happening. Training a dog is an active, thinking, and involved process.
• A dog is like a baby growing into a young child. It needs development.
• Talk, explain consolidate and develop. When things go wrong examine your training first and the dog second.
• Training need to be regular, repetitious and consistent.
• Remember to reward, whether it is through praise, a treat, a toy or even a new fluffy dog bed everyone likes to feel they are making progress.
• Avoid boredom – repetition in small doses and in different locations.
• Avoid pressure. It is a sign that training may be too advanced. Be prepared to take a step back.
• Understand your problems to find your answers. At the end of a session analyse your performance. Aim to consolidate your strengths but look carefully at the weaknesses and pay particular attention to basic control i.e. unfailing response to SIT and RECALL signals.

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It may surprise you to see the number of food related names we have here. Some are just silly but some people have silly dogs and prefer to name them appropriately. Some are for more serious dogs. See if any of these fit well with your puppy or dog.

APPLE
BASIL
BISCUIT
BOSCO: A brand of chocolate syrup
BRIE: A type of cheese
BROWNIE
BUTTERCUP
CHALUPA: A Mexican recipe
CHEDDAR
CHEETO
COCOA
COOKIE
CUPCAKE
GINGER
HONEY
KIWI
MANGO
MEATBALL
MUFFIN
NACHO
OLIVE
OREO
PEACHES
PEPPER
PICKLES
PINTO
PRINGLE
PUMPKIN
SAGE
SUGAR
TACO
TAFFY
TATER

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BARON
CHIEF
COLONEL
DEAN
DUCHESS
DUKE
EARL
KHAN
KING
LADY
MAJOR
PASHA
PRINCE
PRINCESS
QUEEN/QUEENIE
REX
SERGEANT
SHAH
SHOGUN

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Angelic Dog

BOAZ: Ruth’s second husband to whom shoe bore a son named Obed.

CALEB: Moses’ spy who reported on the Canaanites’ strength.

CYRUS: The founder of the Persian Empire who released the Jews and told them to return to Jerusalem.

DINAH: A daughter of Jacob and Leah.

DRUSILLA: A daughter of Herod Agrippa I.

ELI: The priest at Shiloh. Hannah brought her son Samuel to him.

ESTHER: A Hebrew orphan girl who married Ahasuerus, the King of Persia, and consequently was able to save her people from persecution.

EVE: As in Adam and Eve.

EZRA: A Hebrew priest and scholar.

FELIX: The Roman procurator who tried Paul.

GIDEON: One of the great judges of Israel, whom God chose to free the Children of Israel from the threat of hostile tribes.

GOLIATH: The giant whom David killed.

HAGAR: Sarah’s handmaid. She was the mother of Ishmael, who is regarded as the ancestor of the Arabs.

HANNAH: The mother of Samuel, the judge and prophet.

JONAH: The Hebrew prophet who was swallowed by a whale.

JUDE: The son of Mary and Joseph.

LUKE: An early Christian who accompanied Paul on two of his missionary journeys.

MOSES: The Hebrew prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt and who received the Ten Commandments from God.

NAOMI: The mother-in-law of Ruth.

RAVAN: The Hindu demon king.

REUBEN: Jacob’s first son who founded one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

SAMSON: The strongest man in the Bible who received his strength from his long hair.

SHEBA: The wealthy queen who visited King Solomon.

TITUS: Paul’s Greek Assistant and companion, who was converted by him.

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Coolest Dog Names Home >>> List of Medium Dog Breeds >>> Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Female:
Average Height: 10.5-12.5″
Weight: 25-34 lb

Life Span is 12-14 years

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was one of the earliest breeds to come to the British Isles. It is felt that this breed was influenced by the extinct English turn-spit dog, which was a short-legged dog used to turn spits in kitchens.

The Corgi was originally used primarily as a protector for families and helped out in the hunting. Eventually, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was found to be talented in driving herds of cattle. This was found to valuable to farmers who had scattered, far ranging stock. These dogs would nip at the cattle’s heels but still manage to avoid getting kicked or trampled. As time passed, this dog breed was also used as a guard dog and family pet but eventually came close to extinction.

The first Cardigans came to the states in 1931 and was recognized by the AKC in 1935 but it never gained more than modest popularity.

Temperament

This dog breed is very easy going and is devoted to the family and makes for an amusing addition to any household. They are fun loving and very spirited. When it is in the house, it is well mannered but enjoys a hardy rump and is very agile and tireless. It has an inclination to bark and can be a bit aggressive with other dogs.

Upkeep and Health

Most small to medium size dogs are fine with minimum exercise but the Cardigan Welsh Corgi needs a surprising amount of exercise to satisfy it’s needs. Ideally they should be exercise with herding sessions but giving them a vigorous play session or a moderate walk will usually suffice. It can exist outside in moderately cool weather but does best when it can live with the family.
It should be brushed weekly to remove dead hair.

Major health concerns include: CHD. Minor health concerns include: degenerative myelopathy.

Glossary of Canine Medical Terms

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Coolest Dog Names Home >>> List of Large Dog Breeds >>> Collie

Collie

Female:
Average Height: 22-24″
Weight: 50-65 lb

Life span is 8-12 years

The origination of the Collie is a little obscure. One theory is that this breed was derived from the same roots as the Border Collie. The name was derived from a Gaelic word meaning useful. These dogs were useful on farms and used as stock dogs and were highly valued by the Celts. Evidence of the Collie breed dates from about 1800. At that time, there existed a rough-coated versions as well as a smooth-coated Collie. The smooth-coated were chosen as drovers and the rough-coated dogs stayed with the flock in all types of weather.

In 1860 Queen Victoria added her first Collie to her kennel which helped accelerate the popularity of the Collie with the upper class and dog fanciers. Settlers brought the Collie breed to America initially to work for shepherds in the New World.

Their popularity surged after the television show Lassie helped to endear this breed to the public.

Collies

Temperament

Overall, this breed has a gentle, mild-mannered spirit. It is sensitive, intelligent, devoted, and willing to please. It comes with a working background so must receive adequate physical and mental stimulation to be at their best. Without enough attention the breed tends to become frustrated. At times it can be stubborn and some have a tendency to bark a lot.

Upkeep and Health

The Collie needs a good daily walk on a leach or at least a play session in the yard. They love to herd and herding is an excellent form of exercise for them. It is a family oriented dog and it should be kept inside with the family.
The coat needs weekly brushing to remove the dead hair.

There are no major health concerns. Minor health concerns include CEA, PRA, gastric torsion, and demodicosis.

Glossary of Canine Medical Terms

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Coolest Dog Names Home >>> List of Medium Dog Breeds >>> Border Collie

Border Collie Ready to Take Orders

Female:
Average Height: 18-21″
Weight: 30-40 lb

Life Span is 10-14 years

The Border Collie is well known for it’s intense work ethic. The Border Collie was a result of intentional functional breeding. Back in England, in the late 1800s, there existed a variety of sheep herding dogs used by farmers. Eventually sheep dog trials were held to determine the best sheep herding dogs. Based on those trials, the Border Collie breed came to be.

The biggest problems with the dogs being used to herd sheep was that they tended to be noisy and used nipping and barking to get the job done. There was a certain dog that distinguished itself from the other dogs in the competition by accomplishing it’s tasks by staring at the sheep and intimidating them into movement rather than using aggressive means. Using that particular dog to sire many puppies, the Border Collie evolved from his line.

An interesting tidbit – the breed was referred to as sheepdog until 1915 when the first recording of the name Border Collie came to be. Once the Border Collie arrived in the states the breed was a hit with shepherds who were impressed with it’s obedience and herding capabilities.
They are known to be one of the most intelligent of dog breeds. It was recognized by the AKC in 1995.

Temperament

An Attentive Border Collie

The natural intelligence and physical energy that abounds in a Border Collie requires a healthy outlet. It can make for a disastrous house dog if it is not given adequate mental and physical outlets. Without a job, Border Collies can be destructive and develop harmful, compulsive habits. But if it is given adequate exercise, it can become a dependable and loyal companion.

It has a natural tendency to chase and herd other small animals and sometimes small children. It can be reserved toward strangers.

Upkeep and Health

The Border Collie is one of the hardest working dog breeds and it is essential for it’s physical and mental state to supply the dog with ample exercise and activity. It’s able to survive outdoors in cool climates but it fits best with a family environment.

This is not a good dog for apartment living. Ready access to a yard works best for an active breed like the Border Collie.

Its long coat should be brushed or combed twice a week.

Major health concerns include: CHD.

Minor health concerns include: PRA, lens luxation, CEA, PDA, OCD, deafness, and hypothyroidism.

Glossary of Canine Medical Terms

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Coolest Dog Names Home >>> List of Small Dog Breeds >>>Schipperke

Schipperke

Female:
Average Height: 10-12″
Weight: 10-14 lb

Life span is 13-15 years

There are a couple of theories regarding the origin of the Schipperke. The first is that the breed originated with the boatmen traveling between Brussels and Antwerp. The Flemish word for boat is schip so they thought the name could mean little boatman. The other theory is the breed was came from a desire for a canine that was a small watchdog and a ratter. Evidence of the Schipperke was not documented until 1690.

It’s popularity has run a roller coaster ride over the years. In the 19th century the Schipperke became the most popular house dog in Belgium and was acknowledged as the national dog. In 1885 Queen Henriette acquired a Schipperke and it caused great interest in the breed from people of all classes. Eventually people in Belgium regarded the Schipperke as a common breed and their tastes began to run towards the more exotic breeds. When the Schipperke first arrived in America it aroused very little interest. But since that time it has acquired a modest yet loyal following.

Temperament

Schipperke Breed

This breed usually has a bold personality and can be headstrong at times. It likes to be busy and is curious and always on the lookout for adventure. It can make a very good watchdog and this inbred tendency causes the dog to act reserved with strangers.

The Schipperke can be a very good family house dog but it still requires daily exercise.

Upkeep and Health

The Schipperke is basically a working dog and as such requires mental and physical exercise. Because it is such a small breed it makes the exercise requirement easy to achieve. Activity games in the yard or a moderate walk on a leash will usually be all that’s required to meet the Schipperke’s needs. This breed should not live outdoors even know it may enjoy a spending the day playing out the yard.

The double coat on the Schipperke should be brushed weekly and even more frequently when the dog is shedding.

Major health concern is MPS IIIB. Minor health concerns include epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and Legg-Perthes.

Glossary of Canine Medical Terms

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Coolest Dog Names Home >>> List of Large Dog Breeds >>> Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog

Male:
Average Height: 21-22″
At least Weight: 70-90 lb

Female:
Average Height: 20-21″
Weight: 65-80 lb

Life span is 10-12 years

The Old English Sheepdog originated from England and was utilized for defending the flocks and herds from wolves. By the time of middle of the 19th century they were use primarily to drive cattle and sheep to market. Their tails were docked to prove they were working dogs because as a working dog there were no dog taxes to pay. This practice led to their nickname – “Bobtail”.

In the early 1900s they became a popular breed with the dog show circuit and was recognized by the AKC in 1905. Interesting fact – in the early years, their coat was brown, but later the AKC restricted them to just gray and white. It’s real popularity grew when it was the star of 1970s tv shows. Its cute and friendly look endeared the breed to viewers. It’s numbers have declined since the 70s but is not primarily used as a show dog or family pet.

Temperament

This breeds demeanor totally matches the goofy, friendly appearance. They are gentle and jolly dogs. It usually can be easily trained to be a well behaved family pet. It thrives in family life and is a real homebody. They think of the children as flock members and are devoted and protective but yet are generally friendly to strangers.

Upkeep and Health

The Old English Sheepdog should receive daily exercise with a moderate walk or yard play. It is a natural herder. It should live inside with the family as it craves human companionship. The coat needs daily brushing because mats form easily with the hair. It also has a tendency to pick up debris it brushes against so a cursory inspection should be done to keep the dog fairly clean.

Major health concerns include CHD. Minor health concerns include PRA, cerebellar ataxia, cataract, gastric torsion, otitis externa, and deafness.

Glossary of Canine Medical Terms

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