First Coast Pet

Posts Tagged ‘Innotek 1000’

“Awww, he’s so cute!”  Have you ever thought this about a puppy and wanted to bring him home immediately?  Most people have.  Choosing the right breed of dog should not be done on a whim, however.  Your lifestyle and needs should be considered carefully before you bring a puppy or dog home.  Your contentment and the dog’s should be your top priority so that both of you are happy and healthy.  First, ask yourself why you want to get a dog and how your life will be changed by owning and caring for a dog.  The answer to this and the following questions will help you to start to narrow down your breed choices.

If you have children in your home, how old are they?

The reason that this question is so important is that some breeds simply are not ideal around children. Dogs that are going to be around children need patience and they need to be sturdy.  Remember, a toy breed (or small dog) can be easily injured by pick-up and drops by children. 

How much space do you have?

All dogs love to play and need exercise, the question is, how much space do they need?  Typically, larger breeds of dogs need lots of space and smaller dogs are content with less space.  But all dogs are unique and sometimes the opposite is true.  Be realistic about how large your home is and what its limits are.

What is your activity level?

Dogs need exercise – that is a fact of life.  While you might think that getting a dog will make you more active, chances are that is not really the case.  Remember, your dog is going to want to spend at least 15-20 minutes walking – and they may want to do this several times a day.  This is especially true of you do not have a yard that is suitable for letting them run either free or on a run. 

How much time do you have?

Dogs enjoy people as much as people enjoy dogs.  Make sure the breed of dog you choose will fit in with the activities you like to do.  If you live a very hectic life with a schedule full of work and outside interests, then a dog probably is not right for you.  If you like to spend your spare time relaxing with a good book, then a quiet lap dog would suit you.  If you jog, swim, bike, hike, or explore, a large breed dog may be perfect for you.  Choosing a breed that is as active as you are is very important.

After you have answered all these questions, you should have a good idea of your limitations and expectations.  Narrowing down to the right dog breed for you will be easier.  The last two considerations, adult dog size and grooming, should eliminate more possibilities and get you down to one or two options.

Full Grown Dogs

Once you’ve determined what your lifestyle is like using the questions above, you should know what size dog you can have.  But also consider other physical aspects of owning a dog.  For instance, the body structure and weight of the dog.  Dogs like bulldogs and bassett hounds do not appear large, but they can weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, and may have trouble with going up and down stairs or jumping into and out of cars.  Do you have the strength to lift such a dog?  Also, will you be able to handle the physical problems that can come with certain breeds, such as hip dysplasia in large breeds?  Families with children and semi-active adults are usually best off with a mid-sized dog that won’t knock over furniture and children easily.

Grooming

Whether you believe it or not this should be a major consideration for all potential dog owners.  Longer hair breeds require regular brushing and in some cases will require frequent bathing.  Even short hair dogs who shed will mean that you have got to vacuum your carpets and furniture more regularly.  If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, they are liable to require more frequent baths and brushing.  Before you purchase a dog take this into consideration – you want your dog to stay healthy looking and this means proper grooming.  Your house will be over-run with dog hairs if you do not pick a breed that works for your cleaning habits

You might not think so, but making the decision to get a dog is like the decision to have a baby. They both entail a lifelong commitment.  A dog that fits into your lifestyle will become not only a best friend and companion but you will get the added benefit of unconditional love in return for the care you give your dog.

Hunting dogs are a lot of fun and great pets, but you have to make sure you have all the proper training supplies. Some great products out on the market include Garmin Atro 220 Tracking Collars and Innotek 1000 Dog Collars

Purely for the love of the breed!  This is the primary reason that people become breeders.  Though most purebred dogs do fetch a good price, the breeders aren’t in it for the money.  For any breed of dog, breeding requires years of commitment, a wealth of resources, and a great deal of research.  Hunting dogs have specific needs that other breeds may not have.

While a show quality dog should have certain physical characteristics like a head that is in proportion to their body or a straight tail, a good hunting dog also has characteristics that are important – they have a certain temperament that allows them to be trained, are suited for hunting and they are not jumpy or nervous around gunshots.  Everyone understands that a dog that is bred as a ‘pet’ really needs only one quality – the willingness to play well with others. Hunting dogs do not always make good pets, though certainly most hunting dogs are good pets as they love being around people. 

Show-quality dogs are hard to come by.  In a litter of pups where both parents are of show-quality, you may get one or two that are also show-quality.  In a litter where the parents are not quite show-quality, only one of the pups may be show-quality if you’re very lucky.  The only certainty is that all of the pups will make great pets, and some of them will be excellent hunters too. 

{Because show-quality dogs are so rare, it is important that their pedigree be kept in order.  If your dogs do not have papers, you’re not going to get the same price for them as you would if they were.  If you are a good trainer as well as a breeder, you may be able to get a high price either way.  Fine-tuned instincts, fearlessness, a sense of adventure, and a desire to please are all traits of a prized hunter.}

A clear pedigree is not the only requirement.  Both parents must have all the qualities you want in your pups.  If you own a bitch, be sure the father has everything you’re looking for.  If he is difficult to find, artificial insemination and many breeding services can offer alternatives.  But however it happens, the big day will arrive when the puppies are born.

While it is unlikely that you will have any problems, it is always a good idea to have a vet on call or even another dog handler who has had experience in the birthing process.  Typically, the mom is likely to take care of herself – you on the other hand may need some reassurance or even some assistance.  If the bitch does not begin caring for her pups immediately, you may have to take action and it is helpful to have someone who is knowledgeable on hand.

All puppies should be fully weaned before they are sold. Most feel that the ideal time is about eight weeks, and of course at that time they should also have begun having their shots. Since the ideal time for training a hunting dog is about four months old, you want to make sure that they have found their human companion by this time.  Almost all hunting dogs are fully trained by the time they are a year old.

As a breeder, you reap the rewards of the happiness and love you get from your dogs and this does not change even if you must sell them.  If you are a breeder who is considering selling a dog you have bred remember that you are under no obligation to sell the dog.  Make sure that your dog has a good home – just because someone has the money to purchase, a dog does not make them an ideal owner.  Deny anyone who you feel is not an appropriate companion for your dogs.   It is not only your right, but it is your responsibility to ensure that the pups are in a good, safe and welcoming home.

Hunting dogs are a lot of fun and great pets, but you have to make sure you have all the proper training supplies. some great products out there, include Garmin Astro 220 tracking collars and Innotek ADV Dog Training Collars.

Breeders of hunting dogs are seldom in the breeding business for money. More likely, they are interested in the dogs and that is how they got involved in breeding.  Most hunting dogs are purebred, though they have many certain needs that must be met that are not inherent to breeding other dogs. Many overlook the difference between a dog that is “pet-quality” versus “show-quality” and this is often significant.  Good hunting dogs require training and trainers are looking for certain characteristics in their hunting dogs.

The first thing you should do is learn everything you can about the dogs.  You need to know which traits are prized, what trainers look for in a good hunter, and especially the difference between show-quality and pet-quality dogs.  Show-quality dogs have special qualities in their appearance, for instance a straight tail, a proportionate head, and certain coloration or markings.  People who wish for a show dog will know just what to look for in a hunting breed.  Good hunters are prized for their intelligence and temperament rather than their appearance.  Pet-quality dogs only need to be able to play nice and socialize well. 

Show quality dogs are not the norm. In fact, in many litters, you are often going to have only one pup that is considered to be show quality, if you even get one!  Even with show quality dogs that are bred from show quality parents, you are not likely to get more than two in a breed.  However, in spite of this, almost every litter will breed pups that will be effective hunters or quality family pets. 

Because show-quality dogs are so rare, it is important that their pedigree be kept in order.  If your dogs do not have papers, you’re not going to get the same price for them as you would if they were.  If you are a good trainer as well as a breeder, you may be able to get a high price either way.  Fine-tuned instincts, fearlessness, a sense of adventure, and a desire to please are all traits of a prized hunter.

A clear pedigree is not the only requirement.  Both parents must have all the qualities you want in your pups.  If you own a bitch, be sure the father has everything you’re looking for.  If he is difficult to find, artificial insemination and many breeding services can offer alternatives.  But however it happens, the big day will arrive when the puppies are born.

Being well-prepared in advance can help insure the safe birth of healthy puppies.  Have a veterinarian on call as well as another dog handler who has had experience, in case of any emergencies.  Natural instinct has prepared your bitch to be able to handle the birth herself, but you may need to offer reassurance or help, especially if it is her first litter.  She should be compelled to take care of the puppies as soon as they’re born.  If not, there may be a problem and you will need expert advice.

All puppies should be fully weaned before they are sold. Most feel that the ideal time is about eight weeks, and of course at that time they should also have begun having their shots. Since the ideal time for training a hunting dog is about four months old, you want to make sure that they have found their human companion by this time.  Almost all hunting dogs are fully trained by the time they are a year old.

It is easy to become attached to the dogs you have bred, but it’s not always easy to sell them.  Who you sell them to is your business.  You have every right to deny a sale for whatever the reason.  Every dog deserves a good home, even if it’s not show-quality or won’t make a good hunter.  The love you have for the breed is the reason you decided to become a breeder in the first place.

Hunting dogs are a lot of fun and great pets, but you have to make sure you have all the proper training supplies. some great products out there, include Garmin Astro 220 tracking collars and Innotek 1000 Dog Training Collars.

Even though dental care for dogs is a rather new notion for many of us, it is hurriedly becoming a significantly growing field of medicine.  This is due to the fact that people are beginning to recognize the value of giving their beloved pets longer—and healthier—lives. If you are inexperienced with dental care for your dog, or if you are a new dog owner, then it will benefit you to have a broad understanding of canine dental care. 

Dogs are not like us by any stretch of the imagination, but we do have a very few things in common.  You acknowledge that brushing your teeth often, going to the dentist now and then, and daily oral care are essential parts of your mouth’s health.  Dogs’ mouths require the same dedication, on a daily basis just like ours.

Just like ours, if a dog’s teeth are uncared for, over time, they will begin to deteriorate.  Again like us, poor dental care will cause pain, discomfort, and even illness for a dog.  This generally occurs in three distinct stages:

 Plaque accumulates on the teeth.

This is basically the breakdown of sugars and other food particles on the teeth/gums, and it produces bacteria.  This is occurring continuously, but is decreased somewhat by eating particular foods, chewing, and drinking water.     

Plaque hardens into tartar. 

Tartar is an extremely hard, mineralized material that attaches to the teeth.  The tartar build-up ultimately brings about gingivitis, a disease recognizable by red or inflamed gums, terrible breath, and infrequently bleeding gums.        

Periodontal disease sets in. 

When tartar reaches a certain level, it begins a slow spread under the gums, forming pockets between the teeth and gums.  These pockets are prime environments for bacterial reproduction.  The damage done from periodontal disease cannot be undone, and normally includes abscesses, infections, and even tooth loss.                 

The most significant danger from periodontal disease is the capability for bacteria to invade the bloodstream.  If and/or when this happens, the dog could suffer infections in the cardiovascular system and kidneys.  The age of the dog becomes a factor here, as the older the dog is, the worse and more dangerous this situation becomes.  It is so serious that it can cause fatality if the condition is not treated.  This is another reason that proper dental care for your dog is so important.

Your dog’s dental healthcare should, of course, begin at home.  You must give your dog daily oral exams if at all possible, especially active dogs or dogs who chew a great deal.  Carefully watch for symptoms of disease or injury: discolored or bleeding gums, chipped or broken teeth, irritated lips or gums, and so on.  Anything unusual should be mentioned to your veterinarian as soon as possible.  Next, brush your dog’s teeth each day.  You can find what you need to do this at any pet store, online, or by asking your veterinarian.  Offer your dog toys and food that support tartar prevention, particularly snack food such as dog bones/treats.

Besides frequent home exams and care, your dog needs annual or bi-annual vet visits.  Your vet will undertake routine dental cleanings, which will include the following:

An oral exam.  More thorough than the daily one we can do from home.  

X-rays that are designed to ensure that the teeth can handle an intense cleaning and screen for abnormalities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Ultrasonic or manual cleaning, depending on the vet. Your dog will sleep through this due to anesthesia, but it is vital toward removing the tartar that builds up on the teeth.

Tools with rotary brushing heads remove scratches and similar surface imperfections that are ideal bacterial breeding grounds.

By being responsible to care for your dog’s dental health care, your pet is given a longer, healthier, and happier life in the long run.  Dental insurance is even offered for your dog in order to support dog owners in the fight against tooth decay, tooth loss, and periodontal disease.  Get a quote from your current health or dental insurance provider, or simply type “Pet Health Insurance” into your chosen search engine to find out more details.  Most importantly, don’t disregard those daily brushings; your dog will thank you for them!

Make sure you have all the correct supplies for your dog including Garmin Astro 220 Tracking Collar and Innotek ADV Dog Collar.