Dog Collars

Dog Bark Collars Issue Mild Stimuli

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Dog Bark Collars Issue Mild Stimuli

Puppies have some little yips and yaps, but adult dogs bark, and some of them bark loud. Now he is full-grown and barks at every little sound or movement, especially at night. The constant barking of your dog will disturb and annoy you and your neighbors too. They will complain to you and they can also report these incidents to the authorities. Such disturbing behavior needs to be corrected, or you will be forced to give up to your dog. Telling your dog “No!” has not worked and neither has anything else you have tried. If you want to keep your dog, you should buy and have your dog wear one of the many types of Dog Bark Collars.

Some people would say these collars hurt dogs, but no dog owner ever complained that his dog was upset. The intensity of the shocks delivered by these devices cannot be so high to injure the dog. They produce rather mild intensity shocks, just enough to make your dog feel unpleasant when it barks. A major duty of your dog is to warn you about intruders or other dangerous situations, and you should allow your dog to bark at those times. When you use one of these collars, put it on him only during times that he should not be barking. Soon he will learn that when the collar is on, he is not to bark.

Owners can also set the intensity of the barking sound that triggers the dog bark collars, so this electronic device will deliver the shock to the dog only if it detects sounds over a specified level. The dog will soon understand that barking is accompanied by those unpleasant stimuli and will shut up. We cannot consider these shocks are inhumane or cruel as we have all felt shocks of static electricity of higher intensity. It is certainly better to teach your dog not to bark using a collar than to subject him to being put in a shelter where he may end up being put to sleep.

The quality of both your lives will improve when your dog will learn when it is allowed to bark and when not. Just be sure the collar is put on when barking is not to be allowed and taken off when your dog is allowed to bark. You will have the benefit of a peaceful evening and a restful night. Your neighbors will benefit too.

Select the appropriate size of collar for your pet All breeds of dogs can benefit of a specific size of collars. No matter how small they are. The smaller the breed, the higher the barking. You can adjust the collar until it fits around the dog neck. Fit properly, the collar will be comfortable.

Many people try the Dog Bark Collars before buying them and having their dogs wear them. You will see that they are not harmful at all. The collar is much safer than an irritated neighbor who throws different things at your disturbing dog. Get one today and the whole neighbourhood will be sleeping through the night again soon.

Have your dog wear a type of Dog Bark Collars. The intensity of the shocks cannot be so high to injure the dog. Dog owners use to try the Dog Bark Collars before using them on their dogs.

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Maltese Dogs

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Introduction:

Maltese Terriers are pure white. If they have colour in them they are probably cross bred with something else which seems to be a very popular trend today.

They are classed as a small dog 2.5-5 kg in weight.

They were breed to hunt and love to dig.

They are very good with children and love attention.

FEEDING:

Dog are carnivores – meat eaters. It is possible to bring up a dog vegetarian but you must start from when it is a puppy and make sure it has a balanced diet.

We used to spend a lot of money of can dog food, but it can be high in salt and bad for their teeth. Now we feed them a large bowl of dried dog food, with smacko’s cut up and mixed in. We also have a large bowl of water. This way the dogs can have access to the food whenever they want. We find they don’t overeat. They love treats from our table. Whenever we have chicken, steak, or roasts they love the scraps. If you trim your meat in food preparation don’t throw it in the bin, give it to the dogs. We even give them spaghetti and vegetables, so long as it has meat mixed in they will eat it.

Make sure to provide bones for their teeth and worm them regularly as per manufacturers instructions.

Maltese bitches tend to come into season twice a year. It is recommended by breeders that you give the bitch a rest and not breed her all the time or she will lose condition.

PUPPIES:

There are few things in life as much fun and as playful as puppies. Cute, adorable and sometimes troublemakers.

Puppies are born quite small, but they are feeding machines. After a week they begin to open their eyes first with a small hole then slowly opening more and more. After two weeks they begin to change shape from ‘fat rats’ to a more dog like appearance. By five weeks they can be fully weaned and will do fine in a good home, but six to seven weeks is probably the more ideal time to introduce them into a new home. Some people would leave it longer, but for the sake of the new owner, the sooner the better so a young puppy can settle into the routine of a new home, the older the dog is,the harder it becomes to adapt.

HEALTH ISSUES:

It isn’t too hard to keep the average dog healthy.

Keep it regularly wormed, vaccinated, provide good food, water and bones.

Like most small dogs Malteses due to their coat can be a home for fleas. To control this we recommend using frontline. In Queensland, Australia you have to beware of the paralysis tick and frontline takes care of that as well.

Also in Queensland heartworm can be a problem. Another problem most people miss is heat exhaustion. Due to the high temperatures we can experience in Qld. over 30 C degrees plusm, dogs with thick coats can literally overheat and die. In summer I recommend cutting the dogs coats quite short to avoid this. Max once overheated and we had to run a hose on him for 30 minutes and used a child’s syringe to make sure he swallowed some cool water. Prevention like most things with dogs is better than cure.

Like poodles, maltese often get brown muck in the corner of their eyes, if left there it will stain the surrounding fur. Regular cleaning, combing and brushing will avoid this and also keep their coats looking great.

BREEDING:

You can tell your bitch is in season when she starts to have blood in the vagina and it swells up in size. From the first sign of blood the cycle is 3 weeks long with the prime time mating is between the 11th and 15th days.

Once pregnant the gestation period is 63 to 64 days. About a week before the bitch is due make sure you have a bitching box where the new mother will feel is a safe place to have puppies. If you have your dogs outside most of the time, this is one of the times you need to bring her inside.

If you believe at anytime the bitch is having difficulties during labour ring your local vet for advice.
Try to be there when the bitch is having the puppies to assist. Ensure the sack is broken so the newborn puppies can breath, if the mother doesn’t do this herself. With Jess we found that once she had one or two puppies already she would be too busy with them to concentrate on another delivery. So we help out. The mother will normally stay close by her puppies for the first week.

Malteses tend to have litters between 3-5 puppies on average. Jess seems to have 4 every time. We have had a still born puppy which can be very sad, but it is one of things you must be prepared to accept if you choose to breed.

We breed as a hobby because children love to play with puppies. For us it is not a money making venture. One litter a year doesn’t really become a money earner. We sell the puppies up to $500. You can sell to your local pet shop who pay between $250-$300. By the time you vaccinate, worm, the cost of feeding a dog and bitch for a year, the returns are not financial but for love.

This article is the property of Alastair HARRIS and his immediate family. It may be freely republished over the internet but must include original links.
Love dogs – we breed Golden Retrievers in Queensland – visit http://www.earngdimoney.ws – our Golden Retriever site built using a GDI website builder.

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The Morkie: More About the Maltese-Yorkie Designer Dog

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Morkies, or the very popular cross of purebred Yorkshire Terrier with a purebred Maltese dog, are small, affectionate, loyal dogs that make ideal family companions.

Both breeds — the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese — are ideally bred to be under 10 pounds, often 5 to 7 pounds.

Their coats can be clipped in a cute puppy cut or left long if you like combing your little dog. Even with a long coat, the Yorkie, Maltese and Morkie are all low-allergy pets. Although technically there is no such thing as a non- or truly hypo-allergenic animal, since all shed some dander, but the Morkie comes very close.

What makes them low allergen pets?

Instead of a double layer of fur, Morkies have a single layer or coat that is hair, much like humans. Each hair grows from a follicle, which eventually dies and the hair drops off. Fur on the other hand, has an overcoat of strong guard hairs as well as a soft, fluffy undercoat, that sheds continually or at certain times of the year, in significant amounts.

Morkie colour and coat

Speaking of hair, the Morkie’s coat can be any colour combination of black, brown, white or beige, since Yorkies are black with “steel-blue” and brown highlights, and Maltese are pure white. One of the most enjoyable parts of the Morkie is their delightful and unique coat. It can be a solid colour, often beige, or show markings of all the colours.

Exercise and care

Being such small dogs, Morkies don’t need a lot of exercise, although all dogs are better behaved and more healthy if they have at least one walk a day. Keep your Morkie close on a good leash and collar or harness, however; their small size can attract larger, less-than-friendly dogs and the Morkie doesn’t back down – his Yorkie heritage coming through!

A good-quality dry food is ideal for the Morkie, since these dogs can have the same dental problems of tartar build up, as their Maltese and Yorkie parents. If you keep your Morkie at an appropriate weight for their size, you’ll find their overall heath much better. A quick way to check the weight is to take an overhead view of the adult dog – you should see a definite “waist” looking overhead (the Morkie may have to be wet to really see beyond the fluff!). You should be able to feel their ribs when you run your hands along their sides.

Great family dogs

Because Morkies are not as frail-boned as Yorkshire Terriers, thanks to mixing in the Maltese, they’re good for children who have been taught to be very careful with animals.

With a good healthy diet, exercise and regular vet care, you can expect your Morkie to live a good long life; anywhere between 12 and 15 years or even more!

Learn more about MORKIES from Deb Gray, a self-taught expert and confessed lover of Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese and their crossbreed, Morkies. Find out how to make these dogs your perfect animal companions at Deb’s sites Should you get a Morkie? and Cute Morkie Puppies You’ll find practical advice, hints and down-to-earth tips; resources; forums and unique sources for gifts, equipment and more.

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The Lovable Maltese Terrier

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

The Maltese Terrier is one of the many breeds related to the Bichon Frise, and it is one of the older of the breeds of European toy dogs. It is a compact and small dog, with long, silky white hair. You will need to brush your Maltese every day, to keep his long hair from becoming matted. You must take care to be very gentle with his hair.

The origin of the Maltese Terrier is near the Isle of Malta, in Europe. The life expectancy of the breed is between nine and eleven years. The color must be white, per American Kennel Club standards. The coat type is very long, with a silky texture, and straight hair.

The average size of the Maltese Terrier is between eight and ten inches, again, set as standard by the American Kennel Club. Their average weight is from four to six pounds. Maltese are generally hardy dogs, although they can suffer from eye ailments and staining of the fur from tear runoff.

The lovely Maltese needs only moderate room for exercise. Since he is so small, he can get plenty of exercise in an apartment or a small yard. These dogs are spirited and playful, and they need lots of personal attention. They can be shy with strangers, but they are also very protective of their home and their family. They are better suited to live with adults rather than children, if only because they desire to be the child of the family.

The Maltese Terrier is good with children but not if the children are overly rough or abusive. They don’t mix well with other animals, since they like to be the center of attention. They make a great dog for elderly persons who have plenty of time to devote to them. They are fairly quiet, unless they feel someone is infringing on their territory or threatening their owners. Then they may bark, and may even bite if provoked.

Their grooming needs are very time-consuming, but this will not be a chore for you if you have the time to devote to your Maltese. They should be shampooed every week, and you must brush them every day. Pay special attention to the eyes, and keep them clean, or the tears will stain their white fur.

The Maltese is a beautiful dog when properly taken care of. Their owners often like to use tiny ribbons or bows in their hair or around their ears, but this is a matter of personal taste, as the dog certainly doesn’t require “dressing up”. He will enjoy the extra attention, though. The time you spend with your Maltese terrier will be some of the most contented hours you can spend, as he blossoms under your special care.

Information on chihuahua training can be found at the Small Breed Dogs site.

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How to Approach Your Neighbor About Their Dog Barking Too Much?

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

A bark collar is an effective way to help with the problem of any dog barking in your neighborhood. Even though you might not have a loud dog, any dog in the neighborhood can disturb your sleep. Dogs may bark from all kinds of reasons, and sometimes they make noise out of boredom. There are means you can use to solve this problem.

Bark collars are one solution to the problem that can be used easily alongside training to ensure the dog is better behaved. When the neighbor’s dog barks all the time, it can create distance among people in the neighborhood. Even though you are probably a dog lover, that does not mean you can stand the neighbor’s dog barking all the time. If your relationship with the dog owner is good, it should be no problem for you to suggest him a bark collar for their pet.

There’s a high chance that your neighbor does not even know bark collars exist, so it’s best that you take initiative. Or maybe he’s not aware that his pet is such a problem for people living in the neighborhood. Although there are other devices that you can have in your boundary to help stop the barking ultimately it is the responsibility of the owner to find a solution. Sensors and electronic devices can all omit a sound that will distract the dog, and hopefully help with their barking. These items can cost a lot and it’s not your responsibility to purchase them.

But still, you need to tell your neighbor about the problem and let him take a decision. What you can do is try to help him find out why his dog barks so often. Dogs bark when they are scared, bored, hungry, or when they simply want attention. Only your neighbor knows the pet well and can find out quickly what the problem is. Maybe the dog is only barking when they go out to work, or when a loud noise occurs in the street. Anyway, if you let your neighbor know that his dog is really stressing out everyone, he will have to think about purchasing a bark collar.

These devices are really efficient and can be used alone or together with dog training. If dog training is based on rewards, the dog will be willing to cooperate. Bark collars come in more types and models, with different prices and styles. None of them is dangerous to the pet. Dogs must be taught it’s not all right to bark all the time and that they need to stop this behavior. There are types of abrk collars that produce a mild shock that annoys the dog whenever it barks.

Once it understands that the shock is only caused from their barking they will soon begin to behave better. They are intelligent creatures and training them this way won’t be a problem. Hopefully, with a friendly word from you, and a bark collar the neighbors can begin to understand the problem they have. Many people are simply too busy to notice their pet is upseting so many people.

Before considering an anti-barking solution, you need to determine the reason why the dog barks so much. If the neighbor’s dog is the culprit, you can recommend your neighbor to purchase a bark collar. If you want to find out more about dog barking solutions and types of bark collar, click here.

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Yorkshire Terriers – Choosing the Breed of Dog That’s Right for You

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

When choosing a dog, it’s important to choose the breed that’s right for you. In order to do that, you need to know the characteristics and temperament of the breed you’re thinking about adopting or purchasing before you do so. The Yorkshire terrier is just one breed among many to choose from.

It is believed that the Yorkshire terrier was developed by breeding the Clydesdale terrier or Paisley terrier with other types of terrier such as the English Black and Tan toy terrier and the Skye terrier. It is also thought that the Maltese terrier may have been crossed with these breeds to help produce the long coat. The Yorkshire terrier was initially larger than it is today and was bred in the 19th century in a city in north England called Yorkshire, hence the name Yorkshire terrier. These dogs were bred to catch rats in clothing mills and, in the beginning, belonged to the working class, especially the weavers. Eventually, they became companions to the European high society.

Yorkshire terriers, also known as Yorkies, are usually playful, very friendly, brave, determined, investigative, highly energetic, loyal and clever. They are easily adaptable to all surroundings and travel well. They require limited exercise but need daily interaction with people and daily walks or may display behavior problems. They are eager for adventure and easy to train, although they can be stubborn if not given proper boundaries.

When owners display pack leadership, Yorkies are very sweet and loving and can be trusted with children; however, problems arise when owners allow them to “take over” the house because they are cute and small. They are affectionate with their masters but may become suspicious of strangers and aggressive to strange dogs and small animals and can become “yappy” if not given pack leadership by their owners.

Yorkies eat very little but can be difficult to housebreak. They think they are larger than they are and will defend their territory. They make excellent watch dogs because they have an acute sense of hearing and will alert their owners to signs of intruders. Yorkshire terriers do not like to be ignored and require more human companionship and attention than any other breed. The more attention they get, the better. They are lap dogs that prefer to be held on their owners’ laps all day.

A Yorkshire terrier’s coat is ultra long, fine and silky, usually steel blue on body and tail and tan elsewhere. They are born black, gradually attaining blue and tan coloration. Tail is usually docked to half its length. If dogs are not for showing, owners usually go for the shaggy look. A Yorkie has an abundant amount of hair on its head, which must either be trimmed short or kept out of the eyes with a band. Its hair keeps growing and has to be trimmed. Most owners have the coats trimmed short or shaved for convenience and hygiene. The Yorkshire terrier has no undercoat, which is desirable for some people with allergies, and sheds little to no hair. The Yorkie’s height is 6 to 7 inches, and weight is around 7 pounds.

The life expectancy of a Yorkie is about 12 to 15 years, but health problems that can occur include early tooth decay, poor tolerance to anesthesia and delicate digestion. They are also prone to bronchitis and can sometimes suffer paralysis in the hindquarters, caused by herniated disks and other spine problems. Fall or knocks can cause fractures. Females often have trouble delivering.

Congenital/hereditary defects can occur if not bred properly. These include patella subluxation, open fontanels, Perthe’s disease and smaller incidence of elongated soft palate and tendency to collapsed trachea.

Grooming for Yorkshire terriers consists of daily to weekly combing and brushing. Ears and eyes should be cleaned daily, and teeth should be cleaned regularly.

Yorkies are good dogs for apartment life. They are very active indoors and do okay without a yard. They are sensitive to the cold and prefer warm climates.

Yorkshire terriers are small in body but big in personality. They make great companions but require lots of human interaction and attention to grooming, so it’s best to determine if you have the extra time for this breed before choosing it.

Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.

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Cintronella Bark Collar, a Humane Solution to Hush Pets

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

Cintronella spray anti bark collars are a very efficient device you can purchase when you look for an alternative to stop your dog’s continuous barking.

The Principle Behind citronella bark collar

The working rationale of the Cintronella collar is based on a sound sensor, which is sensitive to the vibrations of the dog’s vocal chord. Once your dog starts barking, the sensor will activate and will spurt scented oil under the dog’s chin. Being strong scented, cintronella surprizes the dog and controls its tendency to bark relentlessly.

Choose Among The Versions of Cintronella Bark Collars

citronella anti bark collar comes in two different versions – one that is sensitive to sound and another one that can be controlled by a remote.

The remote citrus collar allows the owner of the dog to control the spraying via clicking a button, while the collar provided with sound sensors automatically releases the spray. The remote control model is very useful to prevent the dog from getting involved in unwanted behaviors like chewing the footgear, hollowing in the yard, jumping into a stranger and the like.

Irrespective of the model used, in the long run, the dog learns that its act of barking endlessly or involvement in unwanted behaviors subjects it to the strong scent. The device was created in such a manner that it does not hurt the animal.

Advantages of Cintronella Bark Collars

1. Citrus collars help the dog owners correct their animals’ behavior without resorting to more aggressive approaches.

2. Spray refills are very much available and accessible any of the pet stores nearby.

3. Even though the citrus strong smell disturbs your dog, it has no other harmful effect on either you or your pet.

4. Moreover, when the spray pulverizes, it will go unnoticed by the people around.

In short: The article aims to explain the dog owners all necessary details about cintronella spray collars. Pet owners can expect to get the basics related to this type of anti bark collar from this article. The principle of working, types and advantages of the cintronella anti bark collar has been discussed here in detail.  

citronella bark collar is a good alternative to other methods of controlling a dog’s barking. Moreover, the remote version allows the dog owner to inhibit various other annoying dog behaviors, such as chewing objects or attacking strangers. Click here to find more information on the citronella anti bark collar.

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The Dog Owner’s Guide to the Maltese Terrier

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

The Maltese Terrier is a gorgeous, energetic and loving breed of dog. People who have been stricken by their beautiful appearance and loyal demeanor have made this one of the most popular breeds of dogs in recent years. Like any other dog, it’s good to know as much about your Maltese Terrier as possible. A smart, informed dog owner is a more capable, loving dog owner. You might be surprised by some of the things that you learn about your dog over the years, as they are inquisitive, loyal and generally happy little dogs that seem to be full of fun little surprises.

Coat Care

You can’t look at a Maltese dog without noticing how beautiful their coats are. These dogs are highly sought after all over the world because they are simply stunning to look at. Looking that good, takes work, though. So your job as a Maltese Terrier owner will include regular grooming. While you should probably take your dog to a professional groomer every month, there are daily tasks that you’ll want to perform to keep your Maltese Terrier looking great.

Daily Brushing

Set aside a few minutes every day to brush your pet. Their long, silky coats can easily become matted, so daily brushing is a requirement. Since these dogs are small, the daily brushing shouldn’t take longer than 5 to 10 minutes, and it will keep your dog’s coat looking silky and luxurious. Plus, it gives you some great time to bond with your Maltese Terrier on a regular basis, as they generally enjoy being groomed.

Loyal Personalities

You’ll quickly notice that your Maltese is a loyal dog. These dogs are very affectionate, and they quickly bond with their owners. They are very particular, though, and tend to bond with only one or two people. This means that you have to make sure that they are used to the people that you regularly spend time with. Since they are one or two-person dogs, they make ideal pets for older people who do not have large families living at home. They can get along well with lots of people, but they may need time to adjust to new people first.

Keep these Maltese Terrier facts in mind if you plan on making one of these lovely little dogs a pet. You’ll love your new little friend, and you’re sure to enjoy many years together, since they make such loving little pets.

For more information about the adorable dogs called Maltese Terriers, visit The Maltese Terrier Website.

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Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

Can’t decide which toy dog to get? How about a combination – the adorable Morkie puppy. Now you don’t have to decide, because two of today’s most popular toy dog breeds — the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese — are being cross-bred to create an adorable toy dog: the Morkie or Yorktese.

What’s a Morkie all about?

Both Maltese and Yorkies have their pros and cons, so the Morkie is a gamble that the best of both will shine through in the tiny toy Morkie. To find out if one is right for you, take a close look at the two breeds that combine to come up with a Morkie puppy, and then you can decide if this designer dog is right for you.

Meet the Yorkshire Terrier

The most popular toy dog around….This fave features a straight-flowing silky body coat of bright shiny lustrous steel blue and clear-shaded golden tan.

The hair is parted on the muzzle and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail. Square and well proportioned, the Yorkie holds its head high and has a very alert expression.

The Yorkie is a confident, sparkling and vigorous little dog. It shouldn’t exceed 7 lb. (3 kg)

What’s the downside with a Yorkie?

- They can be territorial and like to have their space respected.

- Yorkies require more human companionship and attention than any other breed.

- That confidence? It can become willful in which case training of any kind can become difficult.

And here’s the Maltese!

An elegant, glamorous pup

Like the Yorkie, the Maltese features a beautiful, flowing coat – but in pure white… no other colours allowed! That hair must be perfectly straight, and the longer the better. In a show dog, the hair hangs to the ground. Black lips, dark brown eyes and a black nose complete the little Maltese – which shouldn’t exceed 7 lbs (3 kgs)

The Maltese, first bred as a household pet, is among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs. They are intelligent, vigorous, very affectionate and at times they seem fearless.

What’s the downside with a Maltese?

- they will tolerate other pets, but are not suitable for inconsiderate or ill-behaved children

- Maltese do not do well when left alone for extended periods of time.

- Sometimes over-protective of their owner, family, and territory, Maltese may bark or bite if they perceive a threat

- Maltese can be finicky eaters and suffer indigestion

- And… they may be difficult to housebreak

Just one famous Maltese: Elizabeth Taylor’s Sugar

When Sugar, whom La Liz often brought with her to public events, including an appearance on Larry King’s talk show, died in 2005, the actress welcomed another Maltese, Daisy, into her life. Taylor often said that Sugar lasted much longer than any of her 8 husbands because the dog was more affectionate and easier to train!

MORE MALTESE OR MORE YORKIE?

Chances are your Morkie will have both good and not-so-good features of mom and dad! So do your homework on the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese and be sure their “flaws” or downsides can fit with your household.

Being a mix of Yorkie and Maltese, little Morkies can be black, tan, white, black and tan; may be solid, sable, or distinctively marked. In fact, the colour combination is nearly limitless – you’ll rarely find Morkies with the same colouring. Just check out pictures online to see the many variations of coats of morkie puppies.

The Morkie or Yorktese requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Your dog really shouldn’t be trimmed or get a haircut – both Yorkies and Maltese are renowned for their long, luxurious coats, so enjoy it, don’t cut it!

Morkie temperament

Like Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers, Morkies are affectionate, loyal, devoted, and loving

First off, Morkies are not recommended for homes with very small children. Little tykes can play a bit too rough and hurt the Morkie without meaning to. Like Yorkies, Morkie bones are delicate.

They do well with dogs and non-canine pets they have been raised with. They bond closely to their family and so do not do well if ignored or left alone for extended periods of time. Boredom and loneliness will lead to destructive behavior and incessant barking.

The Yorktese may be stubborn and difficult to housebreak. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency.

Breaking news!

The American Kennel Club has just announced a new program for mixed breeds – designed to encourage responsible dog ownership. This is great news. For more information check with the American Kennel Club (AKC) at http://www.akc.org

Since the Morkie isn’t recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club or the Canadian version, you won’t find registered breeders – always the best way to go for a happy, healthy and cruelty free pet.

So where do you find one?

More casual breeders will offer Morkies – but just be VERY SURE their pups have been raised by them — you don’t want a puppy mill dog. That’s 10 years or more of heartbreak!

Check your LOCAL newspaper or find a Morkie breeder online. Be sure to ask to visit their kennel, and see the other Morkies and dogs they have. Otherwise, you could be buying blind.

To be sure you’re not buying from a puppy mill, research buying morkie puppies from reputable breeders and avoid buying online!

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Top Four Hereditary Health Problems in Yorkshire Terriers

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

Yorkshire Terriers are incredibly popular little dogs – in fact they ranked #3 overall among all registered dogs in the U.S.A. in 2009 and #6 in Canada.

But they’re not without their health problems.  

Like all purebred dogs, Yorkies have hereditary issues that are a result of years and years of breeding to produce the tiny terrier we all love. You may have heard about hip dysplasia problems with Golden Retrievers or that Scottish Terriers have a greater chance of developing some cancers than other purebreds. Sadly every dog breed has its own list of hereditary health concerns and conditions, and Yorkies are no exception. However by choosing your dog breeder very carefully and following some common sense rules, you can help minimize some of these problems.  

The “big four” hereditary Yorkie health problems they can inherit are:

1. Patellar Luxation – or “floating” kneecaps. The kneecap or patella, actually slips in and out of place. 

2. Collapsing Trachea – ever heard a really wheezy old terrier? Likely his trachea has started to collapse. The cartilage rings that normally hold the windpipe round, begin to deteriorate.

3. Portosystemic Shunts (PSS) – also known as a liver shunt, can occur while the pup is still in its mother’s womb. Development is abnormal and the result is, blood from the intestines goes only partly through the liver, and the rest mixes into general circulation. So normal toxins aren’t fully cleared by the liver, and your dog becomes ill.

4. Cushing’s disease – Canine Cushing’s is a serious threat and unfortunately Yorkies are high on the list of susceptible breeds. 

Minimizing the impact of these hereditary diseases

First and foremost, find a reputable breeder who is screening his breeding stock for inherited diseases. Don’t be afraid to ask a breeder what’s being done to trace health problems in the line and to prevent them. A responsible breeder who loves her dogs won’t be offended and will be happy to explain. 

Here are ways some of the other common inherited health problems can be minimized.

The problem of “floating” kneecaps, where you can actually hear the kneecap slipping in and out of place, can be greatly improved by keeping your Yorkshire Terrier’s weight within recommended ranges for his size (your Vet can tell you more) and by trying to reduce how many times your pup jumps down off furniture. I say, “try to reduce” because being a Yorkie lover myself, I know that these little sprites love to bounce all over the room and are independent, curious dogs who’ll suddenly take it into their heads to go and explore. However the more you can stop those jarring jumps, the better.  

Don’t wait until your Yorkie starts wheezing before addressing Collapsing Trachea problems – use a harness instead of a collar, and be aware of any pressure on her neck and throat area at all times.

Liver shunt or PPS is very difficult to predict or control but again, a sensible diet and weight and regular exercise, all go a long way in keeping your dog healthier, longer. If your dog is affected, your Vet may recommend a low protein diet and possibly surgery. 

Cushing’s Disease occurs when the normal hormonal feedback loop goes crazy — and too much cortisone, a natural steroid hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands. It’s a common condition in older dogs, often mistaken for the aging process itself — because the dog will gain weight, lose hair, pee in the house and so on. Typical symptoms include increased thirst and urination, panting, hair loss (usually on the body) and weakness. The good news is your vet can prescribe medication to greatly reduce these problems. Since that medication can be rather expensive, and is on-going, it’s a good reason to look in to pet health insurance as soon as you get your Yorkie puppy.

With your love and care, and the help of your Veterinarian, your Yorkshire Terrier can have a very long and health life, despite some common hereditary health problems. 

Deb Gray is a self-taught expert and confessed lover of Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese and their crossbreed, Morkies. Learn more about making these dogs your perfect animal companions at Deb’s sites http://www.growingupyorkie.com and http://www.yorkie-maltesemix.com You’ll find practical advice, hints and down-to-earth tips; resources; forums and unique sources for gifts, equipment and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deb_Gray
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-Four-Hereditary-Health-Problems-in-Yorkshire-Terriers&id=5307393

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