Musings from Bark Twain AKA a Big Dog Named Bruin

By Bruin, canine guest blogger

Dear Fans:

For those of you who are not already aware, for the last 2½ months I have been on a diet.  My parents and my weight loss warden, Dr. Brooks, keep telling me I should not think of it as a diet but rather as a healthier way of eating.  I think they forget sometimes that though I display an inordinate amount of brain cells, I am, after all a dog and find that concept disconcerting and unreasonable.

I do remember vaguely back in the day when my family would ask if I’d like a “treat” and then turn around and give me a dog bone.  I felt like Hannibal Lector since only he would want to eat the bones of other dogs.  (Please don’t tell Mom and Dad because I’m not allowed to watch those kinds of things but when they leave the room, I “accidentally” roll over on the remote and change the channel.)

Dr. Brooks also suggested that I keep a food diary because little items seem to add up so quickly calorie-wise.  You’d think with all the examinations he’s given me, he would have noticed I don’t have any thumbs but thank goodness, at least I do have access to a computer.  My having to “watch my weight” bothers my Mom and Dad so much more than me because like so many others, they equate love with food. When I go in periodically to get weighed, they always hold their breath and advise me to only stand on one paw.

My much older (counting in dog years) two-legged siblings are actually quite jealous and insist they were never regarded with the same devotion afforded me.  They must think that cooking for me daily and serving my water chilled is not an entitlement.  The nerve of them to count the number of times I go to the vet and compare it to the number of times they were taken to the pediatrician! Not for publication is also the fact that my Mom carries around pictures of me and none of her children/grandchildren.

Everybody thinks theyre being so original when they tell my folks they really should put a saddle on me and keep me in a stable. Speaking of everybody, my Dad who doesn’t like to go out much, now enjoys it because he considers me quite the chick magnet.  I’m not worried about the stability of my home though, because dogs chase cars all the time but they wouldn’t know what to do with it if they actually caught one.  That’s my good old Dad!

I know there isn’t one of you out there who has not tried every new weight loss measure that comes around on a monthly basis.  My last hope was the macaroni and cheese ex-lax one that had me parked in the backyard for nine hours straight.  Even though I’m extremely well-trained, I wasn’t able to obey the command to “sit” for at least four days.  Now, my four-legged friends, I am delighted to say I have found one that not only works, but actually tastes good.  Of course, I’m speaking about CANIDAE Platinum dog food.  As a devotee, I now walk around the house singing my new anthem “Oh CANIDAE, Oh CANIDAE.”

The glucosamine chondroitin in the CANIDAE really keeps me hopping, as well as the carrots that are now my “treats.” Not only have I lost 10 lbs. in just under three months, but I’ve also been able to throw away my glasses.  The greatest thing is that my pecs have stayed the same but my butt appears to be quite a bit smaller.  I’m hoping that when Colliewood comes calling, Al Poochino can play me and, perhaps, Kibble Shepherd can be his leading lady.  Al may think she’s a little long in the tooth at this point, but we all know the miracles of botox.

Since I’m not supposed to think about eating so much, you’d think that when I’m left at home my folks wouldn’t turn the TV to the Food Network.  I know they keep hoping they’ll come home and find that I’ve fixed a nice dinner for them, but watching all that stuff just makes me hungry.  Then again, if you don’t have thumbs, it’s difficult to turn a nice rib-eye.

Even though I love the taste of CANIDAE Platinum, my ultimate goal is to get my mind off of food and think of other things.  Perhaps next time you’d like to hear about my neutering experience.  Now that story is a real cut-up!

Love & Licks,
Bruin (the Stud low-cal muffin)

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Why Do Small Dogs Pick Fights with Big Dogs

By Linda Cole

I wasnt expecting to adopt another dog until one day my neighbor came over with a tiny puppy tucked under her arm. As she explained why she was there, the pup stared at me, her bright eyes sparkling with personality that would have melted any dog lovers heart. Before I knew it, the pup was nestled in my arms, giving me kisses. Riley is a Rat Terrier/Chihuahua mix, and shes the smallest one in my pack of much larger dogs, but her attitude is definitely “Dont mess with me.” One would think a small dog would show a little respect to a dog towering over her, but that would be ignoring the tenacity of most little dogs. So why do some small dogs pick fights with larger dogs?

One theory posed by vets is that a lot of small dogs tend to spend more time in their owners arms, giving them a higher position where they can view a larger dog from above. We have a tendency to be more protective of a small dog, especially if there are larger dogs in the family. To prevent small dog syndrome, I treat Riley just like my other dogs, and I don’t let her get away with doing things I wouldnt allow the bigger dogs to do. We dont pick her up and carry her around, and we let the dogs resolve minor disagreements themselves. The alpha dog in a pack isnt always the biggest dog; sometimes it is the smallest one.

Like larger dog breeds, small breeds were bred to do a specific job. Some were developed to be companion dogs, happy to lounge away their days in the lap of the one they love. But most small breeds were created to hunt vermin or prey. These little canines had to be feisty, tenacious, brave and independent. They needed a fierce attitude to stand up to sometimes larger prey, with an equal amount of attitude. As far as the little dog goes, his size has nothing to do with it. Its his super sized willingness to fight thats important.

Some small dogs were bred to be watchdogs and warn their owner of strangers or wild animals. Tibetan Spaniels, tipping the scale at 15 pounds, would lounge around on top of monastery walls where they could see vast distances with their keen eyesight. If they saw someone approaching or wild animals roaming about, they sent out an alarm to the monks below. Regardless of their size, all dogs take their job seriously.

Smaller dogs can also be a bit more nervous, and may feel scared around much larger dogs, which causes them to overreact in a defensive manner. After all, a dog is still a dog no matter how big or small he is. If we found ourselves around giants capable of pushing us around or trampling on our toes, wed be nervous and defensive, too.

Poor socialization skills add to a defensive attitude. When any size dog doesnt know how to greet another dog in a calm and respectful way, it can quickly escalate into a fight. If the dog is little, hes more likely to be the one that ends up needing to see the vet. Its important to make sure your small dog is introduced to all kinds of environments, people and other dogs or cats, so they can learn how to properly deal with situations that may arise.

A canine with small dog syndrome is sending a signal to his owner that hes nervous, scared, not sure how to react and not sure who his leader is. He does whats natural to him and lashes out with aggression, thinking hes on his own and has to take care of himself. The best solution for avoiding problems with small dog syndrome is to treat a little dog as if hes the size of a Great Dane.

Its important to understand what small dog syndrome is – it has nothing to do with being jealous or protective. If your small dog sits on your lap snapping at other people or pets, is constantly jumping up on your legs, or whines and barks to get your attention, those are signs of small dog syndrome.

One of the best ways to protect your small dog and keep him from picking fights with larger dogs is to make sure he sees you as his leader, and follows your commands. Teaching your dog basic commands, and rewarding him with his favorite CANIDAE treat, will strengthen the bond between you. Positive reinforcement also builds trust and respect. Most dogs, regardless of size, just want to be a dog, without the responsibility of leadership.

Photos by Out.of.Focus

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Terrier Dog Breeds Big Attitudes in Small Bodies

Airedale Terrier

By Linda Cole

The terrier group of dog breeds is an interesting mix of canines, bred to do a variety of jobs from hunting prey to keeping rats at bay. They are feisty, energetic and small enough to fit into any home. This is a group with a variety of distinct personalities, but all have a “big attitude in a small body.” Digging is common in terriers because they were bred to go underground after their prey. Terra is the Latin word for “earth,” and terriers are certainly “earth dogs.” The American Kennel Club recognizes 29 different terrier breeds. Here is brief information on nine of them:

The Airedale Terrier holds the “King of Terriers” crown; they are the largest and most robust of the group. The Airedale is considered an all purpose dog, and was used during wartime as a guard dog, to run messages, control rodents, and as a hunting dog. Hypoallergenic; they stand 22-24 inches and weigh 40-64 pounds.

The Australian Terrier was the first breed recognized in 1868 as native to Australia. His job was to work alongside his owner in the Australian Outback to keep vermin and snakes in check. He was also a watchdog, and helped with livestock. Hypoallergenic; they stand 9-11 inches and weigh 12-16 pounds.

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier could easily be mistaken for a lamb because of his woolly, curly coat. The breed was developed in a mining shire in Northumberland, England, and thats where its name comes from. The miners used the Bedlington to control vermin, and because they had excellent speed and endurance, miners also raced them. Hypoallergenic; they stand 15-18 inches and weigh 17-23 pounds.

The Border Terrier can get into most any size hole, and can race across different types of terrain after his main prey, the fox. The Border was bred as a working dog and protector of his owners livestock. In the old days living on a farm, this little dog had to be a good hunter because he had to hunt down his own supper. Hypoallergenic; they stand 11-16 inches and weigh 11-16 pounds.

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier takes its name from rock dens called “cairn” where fox and badger live in the Scottish Highlands. The breed originated in the highlands and the Isle of Skye. Toto, Dorothys little dog in “The Wizard of Oz” was a Cairn Terrier. One of the oldest of the terrier breeds, the Cairn was bred to control vermin. Hypoallergenic; they stand 9-13 inches and weigh 13-18 pounds.

The Cesky Terrier originated in the Czech Republic, and is considered one of the countrys national breeds. The Cesky (pronounced chess - key) was bred to work in packs to hunt fox, ducks, pheasants, rabbits and wild boar. This breed is so revered in its native homeland that it has been featured on postage stamps, TV, in books and in a movie. Hypoallergenic; they stand 10-13 inches and weigh 16-22 pounds.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier definitely has a big dog attitude packed inside his low and long body. This breed was recorded as a distinct breed as far back as 1700, and made his home with rich people and gypsies. Bred to hunt otter and badger, he has a reputation as a skilled hunter, able to go to ground after his prey. The breed was named after a character in a Sir Walter Scott 1814 novel, “Guy Mannering.” Hypoallergenic; they stand 8-11 inches and weigh 18-24 pounds.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is native to Ireland, bred to control vermin on farms, and hunt fox and badger. This breed has remained pretty much the same today as it was 100 years ago. This dog was also designed to do a rather unique job: they were used to turn a large wheel called a turnspit. As the dog paddled the wheel, it turned a spit over a fire, earning them the nickname of “turnspit dogs.” They stand 12 ½ inches and weigh around 35 pounds.

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is an all purpose working dog, bred in County Kerry, Ireland in the 1700s. Their name comes from the area they were bred in, and their coat color. They were used to hunt small game and birds and retrieve them from water and land. The dog also herded cattle and sheep, guarded homes and did police work. Peasants used the Kerry to hunt silently within a noblemans hunting grounds. The Kerry Blue is born black, and his blue coat doesnt appear until hes between 9 months to 2 years old. Hypoallergenic; they stand 17-20 inches and weigh 33-40 pounds.

The rest of the terrier group includes the American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Irish Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Skye Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier.

Airedale Terrier by Lulu Hoeller
Bedlington Terrier by Pets Adviser  
Cairn Terrier by Living in Monrovia
Kerry Blue Terrier by pw95

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Kansas and Pennsylvania are big deer hunting states where tracking dogs are still illegal

It is great to see some good articles being published in the states, where the use of blood tracking is still illegal.

• To read "Tracking dogs can sometimes help recover deer", but not in Kansas by Michael Pearce, The Wichita Eagle click here
• And in Pennsylvania the fight for legalization continues - read "Dogs could be useful in deer hunts" by clicking here

This picture shows Darren Dorans young dachshund Theo who recovered this deer in New Jersey yesterday. In New Jersey tracking is done on a special permit only. This was Theos 16th recovery this season (out of 36 calls that Darren has taken).

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Canidae Large Breed Dog Food – Its a Big Deal!

The sponsor of this blog, Canidae Natural Pet Foods, announced its new Large Breed formulas for adults and puppies just last month. They report that the response from both large breed pet owners and retailers across the country has been tremendous. In fact, Frank Hon, the companys Vice President of Global Sales (and large breed dog owner) said, "It may be the most successful new formula we have ever launched!"

What is all the fuss about? Well, there are several things that make Canidaes new large breed formulas different from anything else out there – features that really hit home for large breed dog owners. Lets take a look.

First, the Canidae Large Breed dry formula for adults and Large Breed dry formula for puppies both feature delicious duck meal. Whats so special about that? Duck has higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids compared to chicken alone. (Chicken is the primary protein in most other large breed formulas on the market.) These high levels of Omega 3 play an important role in reducing inflammation within the body, including within the joints. Good joint health is very important when it comes to these large breeds.

These formulas also contain yummy lentils! Lentils are a great non-grain source of carbs which help satisfy the big appetites of large breeds who sometimes want to eat too much. Lentils are so satisfying because they are low-glycemic, releasing energy into your dogs body more slowly than some other ingredients. This "slower release" helps to satiate big appetites and provide healthy all-day energy.

Proper weight control is important for large breed dogs, which is why Canidae made their formulas with low protein and fat levels. This helps large breeds achieve and maintain optimal weight and appropriate growth.

But Canidae didnt stop there.

These new foods also have the right calcium and phosphorous levels, along with vital amino acids from duck meal, to support the ideal development of bones and joints – especially critical for large breed puppies.

What about glucosamine and chondroitin? These are important for adult large breed dogs joint health, which is why Canidae included high levels of both in its adult formula.

Have you ever heard of L-Carnitine? Canidae includes that too, because it helps large breed dogs burn fat for energy. Combined with the great amino acid profile found in duck meal, these formulas help build fit and lean muscles.

Did you know large breed puppies have special nutritional needs when it comes to cognitive development? Its been shown that DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) – which is a special type of Omega 3 – when present in the diet of large breed puppies helps them develop key cognitive capabilities, getting them off to the right start in life. Its brain food!

And of course, like all of Canidaes dry foods, these new Canidae Life Stages Large Breed formulas have HealthPLUS Solutions in Every Bite™ – a powerful trio of nutrition Canidae adds to every kibble after cooking to ensure potency. This trio includes: Probiotics (like those found in some yogurts) for healthy digestion, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and of course Omega 6 and 3 for a beautiful skin and coat.

Canidae also created matching canned formulas to go with these great dry foods which feature chicken, duck, lentils and brown rice.

Several of the Canidae office staff have large breed dogs, including a couple of beautiful adult Bernese Mountain Dogs who love getting the dry formula for breakfast and dinner, with a can of the wet food for a mid-day snack!

Most Canidae retailers across the U.S. and Canada are receiving their first deliveries now, so be sure to ask your local retailer for yours today.

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