While choosing an animal friend for yourself, it is important to consider various factors before zeroing in on the breed that you want. Your living space, the money that you can spend, the time that you can avail for the dog, etc are some very important considerations when you choose on out of the numerous dog breeds available.

It may depend on your choice as well whether you want a small one, a hunting pet, a toy dog, mixed breed, or a larger variety. If you have a small apartment or an even smaller living space then getting a toy dog or a small dog is the best option for you. This pet will act as a friend and a companion for you, play with you, accompany you while watching TV etc. You can get this dog without spending too much as well. Also, the small dogs and toy dogs mix very well with the children of the house.

Larger breeds of dogs require much more care and attention than the smaller ones. German Shepherds, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinschers, Greyhounds, Golden Retrievers are some varieties which are very strong and also very intelligent. They are a great help in the time of crisis. But their habits, foods, training, etc are all different which require some time and money to be spent on them.

If you are passionate enough to look for and take care, then you can go in for the rare dog breeds as well. Getting them is slightly difficult but online researching can help you get in touch with dealers who are selling these breeds.

If you are a regular at hunting and want an accomplice, then what is better than a dog? You can go in for the hunting dogs that are available which provide you protection in the wilderness as they have been trained and also have great senses. Sighthounds, Scent hounds and Lurchers are some of the varieties.

You can order for the variety that you like through the online mode. There are also pictures available online which can guide you to the breed if you have any in mind. From all the dog breeds that are available, you can choose whichever is suitable for you according to your living space and finances available.

Giving your dog the right kind of toys to play with can produce many benefits for both them and you.

There is a common misconception that dogs’ toys are only designed to help relieve their boredom, but this is not their only use.

Dogs toys in general are excellent for relieving their boredom and particularly good where you may find yourself having to leave your dog on it’s own at certain times, but, for your dogs sake, there are plenty of reasons why you should think about buying your dog some toys.

Several toys for dogs are designed to boost their intelligence. For example, the kind that they will only get rewarded for after they have successfully completed certain tasks.

These toys can be a very effective method of training your dog, as it’s seen as being fun for your dog as well as a means to teaching them.

There are some toys on the market that can help your dog to understand what they can and cannot chew and in buying these you can save yourself a lot of expense by not having to replace costly household items that may be damaged by your pet dog chewing them.

Toys that help your dog strengthen and keep their teeth clean and toys that help teach your dog with retrieval training, both have their purpose.

What you ideally need to decide, before buying the toys, is what you want the toys for. It is also a good idea to take into account the kind of personality your dog has to enable you to get the right sort of toys for their temperament and level of intelligence.

Some dogs’ toys are only designed to last a short time, after which they are to be replaced by new alternative ones, and these replacement ones can often be the chewing kind.

Some toys that are designed to be chewed are flavoured so you may need to check what ingredients they have used for the flavouring or you might end up buying a toy for your dog that they are allergic to.

These flavoured toys have occasionally some or many preservatives in them, so beware, and read the ingredients label carefully before buying them.

With the market for dogs’ toys being so vast these days there is bound to be plenty of choice for your dog to help keep their lives entertained and happy.

Buying the right kind of toys for your dog has got to be in your, and ultimately your dogs, best interest.

Try not to take your new puppy to the vet the very first day you bring him home. Allow your new toy puppy to get acquainted with its new family, home and surroundings. Do take your toy puppy to the vet within 48 to 72 hours and begin to establish a rapport between the vet and your new puppy.

You will want to make sure you’ve purchased a healthy puppy. If your vet finds disease or a defect the breeder was not aware of your health guarantee may warrant a return of the puppy for a full refund or exchange within a certain amount of time.

It is important to spend time with your new toy puppy during the first week in his new home. Exercise will be important. Make sure you are also having fun and building a bond of trust. Play games together. Puppies love to run after toys you toss and bring them back to you. The more your new toy puppy focuses on you, the easier it will be to train him later.

Have a collar and leash ready to put on your new toy puppy for times you take him out. Toy dogs can be accidentally injured or killed by children or adults who might drop them, or step on them. Provide adequate supervision for the toy puppy at all times.

Expose your toy puppy to all the normal day-to-day noises in your household such as television, radio, the telephone ringing. Introduce your toy puppy to the rest of canine household. You want your new toy puppy to be accepted as a new family member. Do not bring your toy puppy inside to invade your other dog’s turf until they have been properly introduced on neutral ground (belonging to neither of them at the moment). If you have more than one other canine to introduce to the new member, introduce them all one on one, to each of the others one at a time. Just as you would give lots of attention to your first-born when brining home a new baby, be sure to give lots of praise to your other dogs when in the presence of a new puppy. Pat the dog. Pat the puppy.

When the older dog or dogs show a caring, gentle reaction to the new toy puppy, praise them for their good behavior. Don’t let anyone feel left out at anytime. You want to create one big happy family. Let them spend time together in the beginning under your close supervision.

Depending on the season you bring your new toy puppy home, have on hand all his special clothes. For example, if it is spring or summer, have lightweight, cotton t shirts, shirts or dresses. If it is cold weather have coats hats, sweaters and fleece t shirts readily available for inside and outside. Dressing your toy puppy can help create a healthy bond between you and your new toy puppy. Consider having several stylish collars, leashes and accessories.

Bringing Your New Dog Home

 

You’ve probably noticed that taking care of a dog requires a little bit of planning and preparation. When making the decision to bring a dog into your home, it is important to have a good idea of what to expect and how to handle any potential problems that will arise.

 

Before You Pick-up Your Dog

 

Before you leave to get your new dog, take a look around the house. Make sure that objects you do not want him to chew are safely stored or have been sprayed with a bitter spray that is non-toxic and which discourages chewing. Identify the rooms that he will have immediate access to and close the rest of the residence off using doors and dog gates. These two steps are vital to preventing errors. By putting away the items he cannot chew and only giving him access to safe rooms at the start you prevent him from making mistakes. Set-up the area that will be his space. Most dogs enjoy resting in their own crate. The crate should be large enough for the dog to be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. If bringing home a puppy, purchase a crate with dividers that allow you to make it bigger as he grows. Set the divider so that he has enough room to move but not enough space to eliminate in one area and retreat to the other side. Add clean water and a chew toy with kibble and stuffing (peanut butter is popular) to his area.

 

Your Mindset

 

It is vital that you project the right leadership at the start. When you meet your new dog, be sure that you are calm and confident. Allow your dog to sniff at you and check you out before you make eye contact or touch him. Project a warm, authoritative energy that says to him that you are in control of things and that you will make sure he has a good life. Do not worry or even think about your dog’s circumstances up this point in life (especially if he is a rescue and you feel bad for him). Instead meet him with the right attitude - that you are a good, strong person who is committed to his well being and who will provide him with the things he needs to be healthy and happy.

 

Put on Your Sneakers

 

When getting a puppy you have to be extra careful until his vaccinations are complete. You may want to consider carrying your puppy from the car to the residence to avoid the risk of him stepping in doggy wastes that other dogs may have left in the yard. Take him directly to his area and set him down, giving him room to explore his space. Welcome him with attention and treats. If he knows a basic command or two, have him perform and give him the reward. If you’re adopting an older dog, then before you bring him inside, hit the road and welcome him with a long walk. Bond with him as you join him in exploring the neighborhood. Walk him for as long as you can (45-60 minutes would be great!) and then bring him home and into his new space. Provide him with the fresh water you’ve previously prepared and let him rest.

 

Shots, Tags, and other fun items

 

If you haven’t ordered one already, now’s the time to get him a nametag with his name, phone number, and address on it. In addition, you should take him to the vet to get a general evaluation as well as any shots he needs. Be aware that he might have picked up something at the shelter, so if you have other pets make sure they are up to date on their shots before you bring him home. If your new dog isn’t spayed or neutered then you should have this done, unless you have specific plans for breeding your dog. Evidence suggests that spaying or neutering can have beneficial impacts on the dog’s health and attitude as well as helping reduce the pet overpopulation problem. A proper diet is also important. Your vet can advise you on the best dog food for your dog and on his nutritional needs. Stick to this advice as eating a balanced diet is helpful toward proper growth and ongoing health.

 

House Rules

 

Begin a training program at home to make sure you are teaching him the house rules. Set him up with appropriate items to chew, show him the right place to eliminate, and provide him with guidance about what behavior is acceptable. Keep in mind that telling him he cannot do something will not lead to him generalizing the behavior to other things that are similar in your mind but not necessarily in his. He may well learn to avoid chewing on your shoes, but what has he learned about chewing on your wallet? So make sure that you are showing him what to do.

 

House Training

 

Keep your dog in his area at the start. An easy to clean room - such as the kitchen or laundry room - is ideal. Keep your dog in his crate when you aren’t able to supervise him. Establish a schedule for taking your dog out to eliminate. Young puppies will need to go out once an hour. If they don’t eliminate at that time, bring them in and put them in their area. Check back in 30 minutes. When the dog is outside, encourage them to do their business. As soon as they do, reward lavishly (wait until they’re done). Once they’ve gone, give them a moment to play outside and then bring them inside for more play. Since you know they are empty, allow them into the previously forbidden rooms for a few minutes of fun. Repeating this process, especially the treats for eliminating, will quickly show your dog what you want and that ample rewards accompany that action.

 

Dog Training

 

It is important to enroll in a training program that will teach you and your dog. A good training program will provide you with the information you need about dog behavior and dog psychology while your dog is learning obedience cues and some fun tricks. Training is important for establishing lines of communication between you two as well as instilling discipline.

 

Get the Sneakers Back Out

 

Dogs need daily exercise. The level of activity needed varies depending on breed and age but all dogs need to get out and about. Take him for daily walks and spend time playing games with him.

 

Checklist

 

Supplies you will need to have on hand. Collar Leash Food dish Water Bowl Food Name Tag Toys (interactive toys) Crate/Dog Gate Dog mat Dog brush Is the House Ready? Shoes put away. Chewable items at his level put away. Power cards wrapped up or sprayed with bitter spray. His area prepared with crate and dog bed plus water and toy. Dog gates up to limit access to areas of house he can’t be in yet. Puppy pads (if brining home a puppy). Am I ready? Calm and confident Eager but ready to stay level when meeting the dog Ready to be in the moment, not worrying about his past (especially if he has a sad story that would make you feel bad - no need for that since his life is good now). Sneakers on for a big walk.

 Dog marking is an instinctive behavior so it’s a normal thing they must do. A dog leaves its scent in urine to tell other dogs a message; it could be about whose territory it is or is about the dog’s social order or advertising mating availability. Dogs also use urine marking to show their dominance or to claim something as belonging to them. Some dogs feel the need to lift their leg and pee on all new things that enter your house, shopping bags, visitor’s belongings, new furniture, children’s toys etc. Dogs with feelings of insecurity or who have separation anxiety may also mark, as territory marking builds the dog’s confidence and petsafe.

 

Marking is definitely different from peeing. Dogs deposit smaller amount of urine. Marking in the house is usually done to an upright surface such as a doorway, table leg or piece of furniture or new and unfamiliar objects like visitor belongings. Many of these dogs are lacking in confidence and by marking new objects it makes them feel more secure having deposited their own scent on these objects. Dog urine marking is not a toilet training issue but rather an issue concerning a whole range of instinctive behaviors. Although male dogs are more likely to mark urine than females it is not unknown for a female dog to scent mark too. Often a female dog coming into heat or during it will mark to advertise her availability. A dominant female will also mark while smaller breeds tend to pee in the house more than larger dogs. Also two or more dogs living together in the same house who regard each other as the competition are more prone to urine marking. Urine marking can be a dominance issue.

 

First, prevention is better than cure, neutering and spaying dogs at early age is the most reliable and effective way to stop them from marking, but not infallible. Fixing them will reduce the body’s natural chemicals and hormones that risen by sexual heat. If you have an adult dog neutered, it may take a full year for the male hormones to subside and stop controlling his behavior.

 

Interrupting and breaking this habit is also an effective way to stop and control. Give a close supervision to stop his/her marking behavior. It may take some days and weeks to at least minimize this behavior and really need intense supervision.

Also loud noise can startle and interrupt him from what he was doing. A can or a plastic bottle with coins inside could help divert his attention, when you see he is sniffing and circling around a place or an object and then he start to raise his legs, get his attention immediately followed by giving him command in stern voice like “no pee”. Just be constant on interrupting and supervising him, just do not rant or give punishment that will make his insecure feeling more insecure. Regular reinforcing the normal housebreaking routine will help those dogs who sudden marking, praising him when he do his business on right place. Bring him to his regular pee place whenever he starts marking.

 

If you see the problem is a newcomer, build the friendship between your dog and the newcomer. Let the newcomer try to give him treats or feed him, let them also have some time to play together. For new baby or new pet, have some fun with your dog while newcomer is around, create positive event between them.

 

Thoroughly cleaning his marking area inside the house is a must. Dog may pee and pee all over again on that area so you must remove the evidence of the crime completely. Use cleaners with enzyme contents or 50/50 water and vinegar solutions to wash the area, just avoid ammonia based products.

 

Also make his favorite marking place unattractive to him. Place his eating bowl right on the place where he marks. Let his respected things placed on that area so he will not mess it with his marking. Belly bands are also effective solution to control his peeing.

 

Some severe marking problems are fixed with drug therapy. Dogs with high level of stress or been on bad past like being abused or other similar circumstances, drugs are proven to help. Be sure to ask professional vets and learn everything about drug alternatives and possible side effects before letting your dog in medication.

It is really challenging as well as exciting to teach the basic obedience skills to your dog when teaching is avoid of any type of punishment or humiliation. Your endurance will surely make you a good teacher and your dog a good learner.

Dogs generally get distracted pretty easily because of their short attention spans. Therefore select of a place that is free of other distractions such as other pets, children or loud noises for training is important. Remember not to exceed your training period more than 30 minutes because the dog gets restless and easily distracted. Paying attention to your commands will be the beginning of your first lesson in obedience. Start calling your dog by his name and then follow using a keyword like “watch” or “look” after your dog gets acquainted with his name. Once you find your dog going well with your commands you get the signal to step forward for the next step of your teaching. Doing some attention exercises for a short length of time will help your dog to be able to pay attention to your commands. For this you need to hold a toy or dog treat in near your mouth and then give him the keyword command. Praise him, for each time he takes the time to watch because this will encourage him to increase the time of paying attention to you. Try getting him to watch for at least a minute. Let him know that he is doing a good job by rewarding him. Dogs learn best this way.

To make your dog pleasant to be around you need to teach him the basic obedience commands that begins with the word “sit”. Help him to understand your command by gently pushing his backside down. Next basic obedience command will be “down.” this command will stop them from pouncing or jumping which they usually do to express their excitement which may be not liked by some people around. Help him to understand your command by placing their legs down if required. Next is the command of “stay” which is especially over-ruly dog. Putting something desirable on the ground and commanding to “Stay’ when you see your dog approaching toward it. Once he begins to become obedient in this area, do the same exercise by moving farther away from him and if he tries to breach the rules then tell him “stay” which will convey that even though you are moving away you expect him to continue to obey.

Frustration can lead you to cause pain to your dog if you find your dog not learning properly but remember animals are like children. They also need time, love and care to learn.

Pug dogs are great all around dog breeds, distinguished canine and the cutuest, most lovable dog out there! Pug Dogs are small sized “Toy” Dog, tiny little-built and sweet-natured breed that are so named because of its habit of staring in the air looking clueless even for it’s pug owners.

 

By nature, Pugs are companion dogs, which is suitable for family and safe with children. Throughout history pugs are commonly known as:

 

- natural theraphy dog

- companion dog

- stubborn dog

- house dog

 

Pugs are definitely not trained for as:

 

- hunting dog

- police dog

- seeing-eye dog for the blind

- fighting dog in the once popular sport of dog fighting.

 

Pugs are clasified similar to Pekingese, Japanese Spaniels and Toy Poodles. Pugs are also known as Chinese Pug, Mops, Puggu, Carli and Dutch Bulldog.

 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorizes dogs into 7 groups of herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting, terrier, toy and working. And the largest sized registered in the Toy category is the Pug.

 

No doubt the Pug Dogs make for great utility dog but the greatest advantage to owning one is that Pug Dogs can be your most outstanding companion on four legs and great source of personal fulfillment.

 

By the way, the AKC registered over 150 different breeds totaling nearly one million dogs. To put that in perspective, the animal shelters in America rescue up to 12 million homeless dogs and cats every year and 25% of these are purebreds.

 

Devoted and glad owners of Pug Dogs have come up with a long list of attributes and traits of their favorite pet that include:

 

Even-Tempered

Stuborn

Strong and stable

Sturdy built (although small-sized)

Delicate (but not as delicate as other “Toy” dog)

Loyal

Expressive

Extremely Affectionate

Charming

Lively

Boundless energy

Brave

Canine clown

Drive owners to distraction

Easy going

Compliant

Courageous

Devoted

Family dog

Friendly

Intelligent

Intuitive

Keen judge of character

Loving

Loyal Patient with children

People dog

Easy going

Playfulness

Self-assured

Smart

Soulful

Spirited

People dog

Good natured dog

Wonderful pet

 

And you can add to the list…

 

The Pug Dog’s history could be traced back to the Shang Dynasty in East China, where it was solely kept by monks. That probably explained why Pug is a natural therapy dog. Pugs were then spread over to Tibet, Japan and finally Europe. Pug breeds only reaches United States in the 19th century and recognised by the AKC in 1885. Since then, pugs were widely accepted at home and show ring.  The Pug Dogs as we know it today is a large round headed face in proportion to its body sized. When stand up with its four very strong, straight moderate length leg, it stays firmly on the ground with poise. It’s muzzle is short and wringkle expressed around its face. Its usually available in fawn or black coloured.

 

Natural Therapy Pug dog: Within the canine world, Pug Dogs are small-sized dog standing at less than kneecap height for a full-grown pugs, and weighs some 14 to 18 pounds.

 

It has a striking charming playful look with its short muzzle, big gigantic round eyes, short neck and muscled body, make pugs a very sturdy yet expressive silhouette. Also because of this, pugs often breath through its mouth, as much as through their nose.

 

The ears are cropped, and they are not shy from barking to get their owners attention. This specialy human kind of dog, perform what normal human being do, which includes snoring, grunting, growling, whinning, woofing and farthing!!

 

The shortened muzzle makes pug panting for breath any may cause health problem for the Pug Dogs.

 

The coat is short, shinny and smooth, and possesses a natural sheen that can be enhanced with rubdowns with a chamois cloth (especially after a bath).

 

Despite short coat, pug couldn’t protect him well from extreme elements of the weather and thus Pug Dogs should definitely not be kept outdoors. It is a housedog, sensitive to extreme temperature, and does not enjoy the summer heat or excessive exercises.

 

Pug Dogs come in attractive basic colors of fawn and black. The fawn coloured pug is usually chosen by pug lovers because of it enables pug lovers to distinguish its wrinkled faced with its coat color. Though, less known, the only Pug to earn Utility Dog Excellent degree from the AKC is a black Pug.

 

If you your home is dull and boring, you will be assured that the presence of pug will definitely stirred up the environment and bring happiness to your home with pug’s playfullness and their devotion to its owner. It can changed the moods of its master and adopting one could bring you 9 to 11 years of joyful companionship. In exceptional cases the Pug can live up to 15 years.

 

Pug Dogs As Pet

 

Pug Dogs although low-maintenance (because of small consumption of food compared to other breeds), it requires your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obedience training and lots of love. You cannot leave them to their own design for too long or they get separation anxiety, lonely, bored and into trouble.

 

Although being a small but sturdy dog, as well as a highly intelligent one, Pug Dogs need both physical and mental stimulations to keep them even-tempered while still keeping their affections and loyalty in tact.

 

All the best!!!

 

Warm regards,

Ken Tan

A Pugs Enthusiast

Dogs are just dogs right? If they still lived in the wild and weren’t domesticated they wouldn’t have dog toys would they?

Well actually it’s because they are domesticated that our dogs need toys to replace activities or replicate in part, the lifestyle they would have experienced as wild animals.

The toys we provide our dogs meet these needs and help our dogs remain fit, well adjusted animals.

I like to categorise dog’s toys into four types:

1. Chewing Toys

Dogs need to chew, for a number of different reasons throughout their life stages. So, give your dogs items they are allowed to chew, and don’t leave them to pick on your prized possessions.

Puppies chew in order to ease tension, soothe their gums and to loosen puppy teeth to make way for their new teeth.

Adult dogs Chew to help maintain their jaw muscles, dogs also use chewing to pass time when on their own or ease boredom.

In senior dogs chewing the right things as well as helping ease boredom, also helps to avoid gum disease and tooth problems

2. Activity Toys

Activity dog toys help to keep domestic dogs fit and in addition to a healthy diet help to keep our pet dogs, in good shape, burning off calories that would otherwise be unused. Used wisely activity toys will also help to strengthen a dog’s muscles, which along with diet, reinforces good bone structure.

Regular interaction with constructive play will help build good relations with your dog these activities can be used to encourage good behaviour in your pet. For example the throwing of a favourite retrieval toy can be used as a reward for sitting or staying.

The choice of activity dog toys these days is huge, with the traditional Balls, Frisbees and Fetch toys coming in a bewildering number of varieties and materials.

When not sleeping, puppies go through periods in the day when they have a huge amount of energy to burn. Care should be taken not to over exercise, but plenty of varied play will help build bonds with owners and avoid destructive tendencies showing.

Adult dogs need exercise to keep muscles, bones and organs working in top order. The right amount of active play will also help to avoid periods of boredom in a normal healthy adult. This will help to reduce the risk of destructive or attention seeking tendencies manifesting themselves in your pet.

Regular but reduced amounts of activity will help maintain healthy joints in a senior dog.

3. Reward Toys

As wild animals it would be rare for dogs to spend time on their alone, but as domestic pets most will spend time on their own at some stage. Because boredom can lead to destructive behaviour, it is essential that you provide your dog with appropriate toys that fight monotony and offer enticing play, sometimes this may be met with a reward such as carefully hidden treat.

Apart from having chew toys available, your puppy will react well to having toys that reward him by reacting with sound, movement or giving treats. This is another way of avoiding destructive behaviour.

Many adult dogs respond well to having a toy that will help them to stay alert or be challenged when left on their own.

4. Soothing or Comfort Toys

These toys are not necessarily needed by all types of dogs, however there may be many times in a dog’s life when the need to soothe and calm is required. Travel, trips to the vet, illness or noisy periods are all times when aid in calming and soothing could be beneficial.

A comfort toy can ease the separation from a mother or smooth the transition from being a litter member

In addition providing comfort toys are usually tough enough to allow adult dogs to carry them around, often adult or maturing dogs will occupy themselves with a mock kill game.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a energetic, playful always on the go barking dog. They can be quarrelsome and actually pick fights with other dogs, even larger ones. They should not be trusted with other pets. They may take to older children, especially if extensively socialized when young. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Smooth Fox Terrier is 14 to 16 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 15 to 20 pounds. The female ranges from 13 to 15 inches to the withers and 13 to 18 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Smooth Fox Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for deafness, congenital heart disease, glaucoma, skin allergies and shoulder dislocation. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a smooth, hard, flat and dense coat that is easy to care for. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Smooth Fox Terrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Smooth Fox Terrier comes from England where they were used to hunt vermin. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1885.

Some Registries:

*American Fox Terrier Club

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 3 to 6 Smooth Fox Terrier puppies

Category: Terrier

Terms To Describe: Active, lively, playful, energetic, quarrelsome, scrappy,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

Easy to care for coat.

Generally very healthy.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Poor guard dog.

This dog is a barker.

May be a digger.

Will leave on adventures.

Can be a biter.

May be possessive with their toys.

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

It’s certainly the case that for some dogs and particular breeds learn to fetch allot faster than other breeds. If you wan to teach any dog to fetch then follow these steps and it shouldn’t be a problem.

Tip 1 - Stage 1

 

Make sure you use something that your dog has familiarity with and enjoys. I taught my first dog to fetch by using his favorite furry teddy (with a squeak). I used this because my dog already enjoyed playing with this toy so it made the training process easier right from the start. The reason that I used a squeaky toy was it instantly focused his attention when I threw it. Although ropes and tug toys maybe one of your dog’s favorite toys -don’t use it when training to fetch as your dog is more accustomed to tug-of-war, and will want to play this with you instead of learning to fetch.

 

Tip 2 - Stage 2

 

In this stage you need to place your dog on a leash. You need to use a relatively long leash, something about 10 foot or slightly longer is perfect. The reason behind using a leash is that you don’t want to be chasing after your dog and trying to retrieve him. The longer the leash the better as it will enable your dog to run to fetch his toy but with you still having an element of control.

 

Tip 3 - Stage 3

 

I always use treats when I am training any dog to fetch - this keep and holds their attention. This stage is possibly the most difficult as you want to keep your dog your dog’s attention on the toy, the treats and on you. If you are starting the fetch training with a puppy - do the fetch training over a period of about a week - keep practicing this stage by trying to hold your puppies attention. When fetch training a puppy - make sure you end the training before he loses his attention - this will keep your puppy interested every time you restart the fetch training process.

 

Tip 4 - Stage 4 - Fetch

 

Right here we go…

 

Now you have your dog on a leash, a toy, your dog’s undivided attention, and a treat - You are now ready to to start the fetch training process. Hold your dog/puppy quite tightly on the leash and keeping his attention - wave the toy in front of him and the throw it away - only a few feet - you want it to be in your dog’s eye line. As you throw it say in a firm voice ‘fetch’ and let your dog run after the toy. When your dog has got the toy in his mouth gently draw the dog back in with your leash. When he is within reach, offer the treat and say ‘give’ and take the toy from your dog’s mouth. Make sure you aren’t pulling and tugging for the toy-this isn’t a game and your dog needs to understand that. Now it’s time to praise your dog - make a really big deal of it make your dog realize that you are thrilled. Repeat ‘good dog’ and pat and pet him. Continue to repeat stages 4 and 5 until you feel he is getting bored or losing his attention

 

If you repeat this over the course of a week - any dog even the most stubborn breed will learn to fetch