The Modern Bark | Dog Training Tips

Between 6000-8000 dogs in the United States receive treatment for Osteosarcoma each year.  Typically a disease of large breed dogs, Osteosarcoma can affect breeds of all sizes.  As the disease progresses, it reshapes normal healthy bone tissue and changes it to tumorous bone.  In dogs as in people, this remodeling process becomes increasingly more painful as the disease progresses, impacting activity levels and quality of life. Dr. Vladimir Osipov Sarcomaimages.com The Dorothy Cimino Brown, DVM and Kimberly Agnello DVM University of Pennsylvania Study Seventy dogs suffering from Osteosarcoma participated in this study.  A variety of breeds were represented including Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrieves and various mixed breeds. The average size of the dogs in the study was 90 pounds, and the average age fell between 8 and 9 years.  The study was conducted by splitting the group in half and treating both groups with standard care, while the...

This year the AKC has recognized 3 new dog breeds that will be eligible to compete at the AKC Eukanuba National Championship in 2013 and at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in February 2014.  Another 15 breeds are waiting on deck in the miscellaneous class to become full-fledged AKC recognized dog breeds and eligible to compete in one of the seven groups (working, sporting, non-sporting, hound, terrier, toy and herding). Meet the New Breeds Couretsy of AKC.org http://www.akc.org/breeds/chinook/index.cfm The first of our new AKC recognized breeds is the home grown sled dog, the Chinook .  This breed was developed in 1900 in New Hampshire by the Polar explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden.  The name, Chinook, is derived from an Inuit word which means warm winter wind. Seeking to create a powerful draft dog with intelligence, trainability, speed and agility, the breed was developed by crossing mastiffs (draft dogs) with the Greenland Husky and the Belgian and Germ...

A fenced yard or dog run makes life with our canine companions much easier, especially when we are running short on time to get to work, and a pet potty is due.  Dogs enjoy spending time outdoors sniffing the air and taking up the neighborhood news, even when we can't be there to enjoy it with them.  And just like people, dogs need sunshine daily to help metabolize certain nutrients as well as maintain proper nose and ear pigment. Fencing in a back yard can be an expensive proposition often obstructing beautiful views. Portable dog runs allow dog owners to let their dogs outdoors to romp in safe confinement, or to let them roam around in a confined area of the house. With these solutions you can create a stable 100 square foot run and configure it in a variety of layouts for less than $200.00 . Considering a traditional dog kennel of similar size will cost $900 or more, these enclosures have been gaining in popularity. Available at Wags and Whiskers Gifts Starting at $6...

Dog whistles have been used since the late 1850’s  for long distance control of dogs for  obedience,  hunting and retrieval as well as the herding of stock.   Whistle commands are used when working  dogs outdoors over long distances, where  verbal and visual commands are impractical.   Typically these whistle commands are taught after the dog has mastered the related visual or voice commands in close proximity to their trainer.  A variety of styles of whistles are in production, and each has its advantages based on the type of work the dog is performing and environmental conditions.   In this review we will discuss which model whistles are appropriate for herding dog training along with video tutorials of whistle training basics for this venue. Herding Dog Whistles Compared If you are adept at whistling, scroll on down for the video on traditional herding whistle commands. For those of us that have a hard time makin...

Intact male dogs tend to live longer healthier lives Image: Courtesy of PublicDomainImages.net Images of frightened, discarded cats and dogs in shelters tug at our hearts and serve to encourage the public to embrace the spaying and neutering of pets as a way to reduce the unwanted pet population.  The burgeoning population of abandoned cats and dogs has increased in tough economic times. A growing trend in the animal welfare and rescue community has been to spay and neuter cats and dogs prior to releasing their charges to their new adoptive families.   In the case of young kittens and puppies, some of the more zealous of these organizations have begun spaying and neutering puppies as early as 6 -8 weeks of age.   Research regarding the long term benefits and risks that such early intervention may have on the physical development of the adult dog is many years away. However we can look to existing research for the effects on the health of dogs spay...

Courtesy of Public Domain Images Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer found almost exclusively in dogs. A relatively common canine cancer (6-8% of all canine cancers) it is estimated that 2 million of 73 million dogs currently alive in the United States will develop the disease and ultimately die from it. At this time, it is considered incurable, as it remains symptomless until the advanced stages of the disease.  The current standard of care, surgery and chemotherapy, have proven to extend the life to the affected dog a mere median of 180 days, with surgery alone, and an additionally 180 days with chemotherapy added to surgical intervention. In the wake of these poor treatment outcomes, research has focused on early detection of the disease as well as a new, very promising alternative medical approach. Hemangiosarcoma Hemangiosarcoma is an indolent cancer, meaning it initially develops very slowly, asymptomatically and painlessly.  The most common primary sites ...

A dog’s diet should consist of 20 percent vegetables consumed on a daily basis. With these 3 easy home cooked recipes you can add that much needed vitamin and mineral fix to your dog’s diet with a minimum of effort.  Better yet, these dog treats store in the freezer from 2-4 months.  So with a little bit of effort, you can serve Fido healthy snacks for months to come as easy as 1-2-3! 1 - Fast, Simple and Healthy Dog Apple Crisp Treats These dog treats are simple to make (you’ll be done in 45 minutes start to finish) and are super nutritious.  Smear them with a little peanut butter for an extra tasty treat! Ingredients: 2 apples pealed, cored and sliced into 3/8” slices 2 Tablespoons Lemon juice 1 cup water 1 tsp cinnamon Instructions: 1.      Preheat oven to 350° F 2.      Combine the lemon juice and water in a small bowl. 3.      Place a...