Pets And Dogs On Boats

Taking a dog on a boat requires some forethought. A dog that adapts to a marine environment is a wonderful companion and an extra playmate for the kids, adding to the fun of going out on the boat. If your dog has never been out on a boat, don't assume the dog and the boat will be a good mix.

Not all dogs will be comfortable on a boat.

Dogs, and animals in general, prefer stable surfaces and many are fearful of water. If your pet trembles at the sight of water, don't force or stress it. Before taking your dog boating, allow it to get acquainted with the boat while it's on the trailer or at dock.

Get your dog accustomed to wearing its own PFD.

People aren't the only beings who should wear a PFD (personal flotation device or life jacket) while boating. Make sure the PFD fits your dog securely; if possible, allow your dog to practice swimming while wearing it. If your pet has never worn a PFD, it may resist at first.

A sudden dunk in the water may frighten and panic your pet.

Don't assume all dogs can swim, because they can't, or may not be great swimmers. Any dog or cat on a boat can tumble overboard when you're not looking. Most dogs can naturally "doggie paddle" but not indefinitely! Hypothermia or a blow to the head can make their "swim" life-threatening. Dogs with short legs such as toy breeds will struggle more to stay afloat, and large dogs will be harder to pull out of the water. A harness or flotation vest with a lifting strap is recommended.

The next step is to start the engine. The noise of the engine may be unfamiliar to your dog and may make it crazy. Your dog's hearing is much more sensitive to engine noises than your own.

The dog's first trip on the boat should be short, to introduce it to the boat's motion when underway. Dogs can get seasick, as people can. While your canine is onboard, look for any signs of fatigue, clumsiness or disorientation.

Some dogs take naturally to boats and water.

Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Newfoundlands and web-footed Portuguese Water Dogs seem to thrive around water and often make good dogs with boats, evident from centuries of breeding to retrieve waterfowl, pull fish nets, tow dinghies and even rescue the drowning.

People and dogs on a boat face risks not encountered on land, so precaution is recommended.

Pets and dogs need fresh drinking water at least three times a day, more if the weather is hot. Bouncing boats may not be the most practical place for a dog bowl. An alternative is a dog sports bottle, which is less messy and you can squirt water right into the dog's mouth. Don't be afraid to force your dog to drink water. A boat for a dog can become sweltering. Watercraft surfaces, such as fiberglass, can get extremely hot in the sun. Dogs absorb heat through the pads on their feet so be sure to protect them. Dogs and cats do not sweat, and panting is the primary means to rid excess heat for dogs.

Providing a shaded area on the boat for your pet is a good idea.

Heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are real dangers for dogs on boats, especially for overweight animals. Again, a dog on the boat needs plenty of water. Excessive panting, drooling, and abnormally rapid pulse are danger signals that your pet may be suffering from heat stroke. You could save your pet's life by immediately immersing it in water, allowing it to cool down.

A dog ladder/ramp is designed to provide a ramp approach to your watercraft, attaching securely to the ladder of most any boat, boat platform, dock, or swimming pool. It allows dogs of any size and weight to safely and easily climb out of the water. The dog ladder/ramp can support the biggest and heaviest breeds of dogs.

Some breeds can get sunburned, especially those with light colored noses or muzzles. Eyelids can sunburn, and dogs can suffer eye damage from too much sun exposure. Keep on board some topical antibiotic ointments for cuts and scrapes, and regular "people" eye wash.

Make sure your canine's nails are trimmed so not to get caught in deck hardware. Your pet should be walked ashore at least twice a day. Some dogs can be trained to "poop" on the deck in a certain area, so have a washdown bucket on hand. With a little common sense, you and your furry companion can have a great time boating.

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Independent or Dependent - Which Breed Would Be Right for You?

If you are the type of person who loves attention, needs lots of people around you and hates to be alone, an independent breed of puppy or dog probably wouldn't be your best choice. On the other hand, if you were a person who prefers private time, and doesn't appreciate demands for your attention, a clingy, velcro dog would be extremely annoying and stressful.

So, how do you know which breed is best suited for your personality? Do your homework! Research breeds that can peacefully co-exist with your character and lifestyle!

Not all dogs in a breed classified as independent are independent, and vice-verse. However, you'll be knowledgeable on which breed or mix, might be the best one for you.

Independent Breeds

An independent puppy or dog doesn't mean it's not an affectionate or a wonderful companion. It simply means they are exceptionally content with their own company, and don't need to be constantly entertained by you. Most tightly bond with their person, and are very loyal and affectionate. Yet, like you, they appreciate their alone time. In most cases, the time you share is special, and is a higher quality of time spent interacting.

West Highland Terrier

Akita

Bull Mastiff

Many dogs in the Working category fit the independent profile. Independent dogs come in all shapes and sizes. They include, West Highland Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Akita, German Pinscher, Bull Mastiff, Shiba Inu, Chow-Chow, Neapolitan Mastiff, Akita Japanese Chin, plus many more.

Chow-Chow

Dependent Breeds

Shih Tzus

It's not just people who like to be the center of attention... all the time! There are breeds that thrive on nonstop human interaction. Some are over-the-edge loving. Others live for the sole purpose of amusing their people.

Boxer

Collie

Great Dane

Australian Shepherd

Typically, they are puppies or dogs that want to cling to you like Velcro. As ridiculous as it sounds, "out of sight, out of mind" is what they fear most! To them, there are no boundaries. They will faithfully and tirelessly follow you from room-to-room; not even drawing a line at the bathroom door.

Havanese

Maltese

If you don't mind a zillion interruptions, like being shadowed and adored, here are a few breeds you may want to consider. They include Boxers, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Great Danes, Australian Shepherd, Collies, American and English Mastiffs, Maltese, Havanese, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, plus several more.

Labrador Retriever

Bottom line: Each animal is unique!

Labrador Retriever

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Socialization is important for both types. There is no guarantee the puppies or dogs listed above fit the independent or dependent categorization, but it is a reasonable guide. To be fair to your pet and to yourself, do your homework to find the perfect one.

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How To Choose The Right Dog Breed For Your Family

At some point or another, most kids will beg their parents for a dog. Those who have had a dog before or have always wanted one may be considering giving in to their child's plea. However, before parents make any decisions, they should think about which breeds are best suited for their family.

Why is Choosing the Right Breed Important?

Like children, dogs are a lot of work. They require care, attention and exercise. If they do not get these things, they could wind up being sick or unhappy.

Because dogs rely on their owner to provide them with a good life, families should not take on dogs that they cannot handle. Choosing the wrong breed could mean that the dog and/or the family do not get their needs met.

How to Find Information on Dog Breeds

The simplest way to get information on dog breeds is to look on the AKC website. This website lists every dog breed and talks about issues such as:

Jack Russell 

- Exercise requirements. High energy dogs such as Jack Russell terriers should not be adopted unless the family has time to walk them every day.

- Grooming requirements. Some breeds require more grooming than other dogs. For instance,

Maltese terrier

Maltese terriers need to have their fur trimmed regularly. If this is not done, their hair may mat.

Labrador

- Temperament. While all dogs can sweet with the proper training, some of them have a milder temperament than others. Labradors are known for being good with children while terriers have a reputation for being "nippy" and loud.

Border Collie

- Trainability. When a dog is easily trained, life becomes much easier for the dog owner. Untrained dogs tend to misbehave more often.

Are Some Breeds Better for Children Than Others?

Highly trainable breeds are great with children as they are eager to please. Some examples of these breeds are Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Breeds like German Shepherds and Border Collies are also highly trainable.

Although, some parents would rather not get specific breeds, all breeds are good with children if they are trained and socialized properly. The size of the animal should also be considered.

Great Dane

Many people (especially men) have never imagined themselves owning a small dog. While this is fine, dogs that are too large may not be suitable for certain conditions. Large dogs require a lot of space and this could be a problem if they are living indoors. They also eat a lot more food.

Chihuahua

Small dogs such as the Chihuahua are nervous around small children. This is because smaller children tend to play more roughly than adults. A pull on a tail could lead to the dog feeling threatened and reacting aggressively.

Bichon

Finally, health problems need to be assessed. If a breed is known for having certain health problems, parents may not want to adopt the dog. Illnesses and medical problems can result in high vet bills. If anyone is allergic to dogs, a dog that does not shed much should be chosen.

Taking a little bit of time to choose the right dog is important and can make for a happy household.

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3 Things You Will Love About A Labrador Retriever

OK, let's be honest what isn't there to like about a lab. If you've ever owned a lab you know what fantastic pets they make and if you haven't owned a lab previously I hope this article will help you decide to choose a lab for your next pet.

 

I think one of the things I like best about labs is their friendly nature to people and other dogs as well. Now don't get me wrong just like with every puppy it needs to be socialized so it stays friendly as it gets older. So if you socialize your dog properly at a young age you should have a dog that's wonderful with children, strange environments, other dogs and other people. It just seems like they love everybody and everything. 

A Labrador is perfect for the active family. Whether you're the type of person that likes to go for long walks or hikes in the woods this dog is for you. If you and your family spend a lot of time on the water your dog will love to be with you because labs love the water. 

Now don't get me wrong a lab requires a lot of exercise. In fact if you pick up a good book it might suggest that your lab needs to run 3 miles a day. Not everybody can pull that one off but for the jogger he's the perfect animal for the household. 

Training a lab is usually really easy. It just seems like they were made for obedience and of course they make great working dogs including hunting and any type of detection work including drugs and arson. The Labrador retriever is a dog that wants to please. 

If you want to compete in AKC obedience trials this just might be the perfect dog for you because of their willing nature to perform the obedience exercises. 

In fact if you've ever gone to the county fair you may have seen the dogs doing the dock jumping where they actually jump off of the dock and into the water. They are judged on the distance the dog can jump. If you enjoyed that your lab may be the perfect candidate to get you involved in that type of competition. 

Credit 

Now don't get me wrong a lab puppy can be a handful in fact I tell people that it will be a pup until it's about 2 ½ to 3 years old. However, once it matures you will have a faithful companion that will always want to be at your side. 

Don't let the book or the movie about Marley the lab scare you away, even though he was a complete handful he still had his wonderful moments and most labs are like that. So go out and make that next dog a lab, you'll love it.

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A Look At The Labrador Retriever Dog Breed

One of the most popular dog breeds in the world is none other than the Labrador retriever. Whether you're looking to purchase or adopt one of the many Labrador retriever dog breed options out there, you'll want to know a little bit about them. They have specific temperaments, coats, health issues, and lifespans of up to 13 years. Whether you want to adopt a puppy or an older dog, you'll want to focus on a few notes in regards to this amazing dog.

A Look At Temperament

First and foremost, let's consider that the Labrador has a very unique temperament. It's pleasant, outgoing, and very nice. When trained, you'll find that they are very obedient. However, they can be a bit rambunctious in youth. They are kind to others, and children, and have been labeled as some of the best family dogs to have around. They aren't big on barking, they aren't mean, but they can be trained for hunting, and other jobs. They like to chew on things, but can be trained to be stoic. They love exploring, sniffing around, and have been used as working dogs in the past. They are known for their sense of sight and smell.

Health and Wellness

The average life expectancy of this breed is upwards of 12 years. They can be brought home young, as little as 8 weeks old, and are usually good dogs to have around family. However, they do have some issues that are known in regards to their overall health. They are prone to dysplasia of the hip and elbow, as well as patellar injuries. They have eye issues, and can suffer from collapse over time due to over exertion. Taken care of with proper diet, vet visits, and a watchful eye, these are not detrimental at all. It's important that you brush up on tips for taking care of Labrador, so that you are able to adhere to the specific care routine that they need overall.

Working and Pets

One of the interesting things about Labradors is that you will find that they are the premier breed for working. Working dogs of this breed are found in the military, government buildings, and help with those that are blind, those that need help with hearing and more. Labradors are easy to train for work, and are amidst the most iconic of dogs used in several different areas. From bomb sniffing to law enforcement, you may find that these are clever animals that have earned medals for their service time and time again.

In regards to Labrador Retriever dog breed information, and whether or not they are good pets, you'll find that they are quite popular. Their easy-going nature, and training ease make them a great choice to have around small children, elderly individuals, as well as single-family homes. You'll find that their coats come in various colors, they can grow to various sizes, and are quality dogs to have. You'll see that many famous Labradors are in media, pop culture, and pets to some of the wealthiest and established members of society, as well as government officials.

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