What You Should Know About The Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is part of the mastiff breed native to Italy. Although this is a powerful breed, it has several special needs that potential owners should be aware of. One of the first things that potential owners should know is that this dog can get very large. It is not uncommon to see a Cane Corso weighing 120 pounds. This dog was bred to protect their owner's property and to hunt large game.

This breed of dog has a massive head and a large body that is rectangular in shape. The coat on this dog is short and comes in several colors including red, gray and black.

Experienced Owners

This breed is not suitable for a new owner, or an owner that does not have a lot of experience. People who have always owned small breeds or gentle breeds such as retrievers or toy breeds should not get a Cane Corso. This dog is not only smart and powerful, but it is also very headstrong and stubborn at times.

 

A Cane Corso will need an owner who can be a leader. The perfect owner would be someone who is able to guide with firmness and be consistent at the same time without being mean or harsh. Although the Cane Corso will love and protect his family, you should not expect him to display many signs of affection. You will notice that he wants to frequently be near you, but you do not have to lavish him with lots of attention.

Socialization

It is critical that your Cane Corso is socialized at an early age. Be sure to get your dog from a breeder who has raised the puppy in the home. This will ensure that your dog will be familiar with common household noises, smells and sights. Continue the socialization skills by enrolling your puppy in an obedience class.

You can then begin to introduce him to other family members, neighbors and friends. Take him with you when you go on an errand. This way, he will learn to understand who and what are a part of your life, and the situations that should be considered threats.

However, it is important to remember that no amount of socialization will make him extremely friendly with any people outside of the family circle. These dogs are very protective, and guarding you will be his first priority.

A Cane Corso is an extremely protective dog. Although these dogs have an intimidating appearance, they will not display this aggression unless they are not properly trained and socialized.

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5 Facts About Ear Mites That Cat And Dog Owners Should Know

The mites that inhabit our cats and dogs ears can be a troublesome irritant but knowing a little about ear mites in our pets can help us understand and treat the problem more effectively.

Here is a compilation of facts that may well help to understand how the mites operate and their effect on your pet.

The Same Mite Can Effect Cats And Dogs

The most common mite found in cats and dogs is an eight-legged parasite known as otodectes cynotes. These tiny mites feed off the oil and wax in a pets ear canal and left untreated will multiply very fast and cause inflammation and irritation in your pets inner and external ear canal.

How Can I Detect Ear Mites In My Pet?

You may have seen your pet constantly scratching their ear, and although this may well indicate an ear mite infestation, you can determine whether your pet has mites by shining a flashlight into the ear. The mites prefer darkness and bright light will make them scurry around.

The mite infestation will have also left a residue that visually looks similar to ground coffee and has a strong unpleasant odor.

Are Ear Mites Very Infectious?

Yes they are. If you have other pets in the household then you should treat them at the same time. It is worth mentioning that although it is in theory, possible for ear mites to pass to humans, we make a very poor host and mites do not survive for very long on us. The pet to human transfer is so inhospitable for the ear mite that transmission is not generally considered to be an issue.

How Should An Ear Mite Infection Be Treated?

A trip to your veterinarian is in order. Your vet will prescribe a proprietary treatment that is most effective according to your cat or dogs condition. The reason for this is that your pet may need to have their ears cleansed, have medication placed inside or outside of the ear dependent on the stage of inflammation and, should the infection be advanced, ear drops or antibiotics may potentially have to be administered.

How Long Will It Take To Rid My Pet Of Ear Mites?

The mites develop from egg to adulthood over an approximate three-week cycle which means to effectively kill off the mites and any subsequent offspring, treatment should be carried out for at least a month.

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Tibetan Spaniel - Companion And Watchdog

This breed looks a little like a miniature lion, a prized animal to the Buddist Monks that propagated the breed. Tibetan Spaniels love to interact with people and watch over their kingdom from high perches. They are very cat-like in this aspect and like to lay on tables, the back of the couch, or any location where they can be elevated and watch. Tibbies do well in agility trials due to their athletic abilities. This breed is very alert and watchful, friendly with family members, but aloof to strangers. These highly intelligent dogs are easily trained; however, they do can also be stubborn. At times, they will not follow a command, simply because they think you really don't mean it or it is not what they want to do at the time. Tibetan Spaniels are very intuitive and sensitive. Training them requires positive reinforcement and rewards. They are very affectionate toward family members and prefer to be with a person at all time. Tibbies do not do well if left alone for long periods of time. They will love and protect children, but playing with children could result in injury to the dog. They also accept other pets and dogs well, so this is a good choice for the multi-pet family.

Tibetan Spaniels shed all year, so brushing the dog weekly or more frequently is recommended. While they have a double coat, and have long fur, they do not shed excessively. Occasionally a bath is needed, but no more frequently than every couple month. Tibbies are healthy dogs that live about 12 to 15 years. Because of their protruding eyes, they do have a tendency to get tear stains. This is mostly cosmetic and not a health problem. These are true house dogs, they do not tolerate cold or hot weather, and prefer to cuddle on the couch with you. Typically, Tibetan Spaniels are about 10 inches tall and weigh about 9 to 15 pounds. They make good apartment dogs; however, they do bark. Training your dog not to bark may or may not be successful, so if you live where noise is not tolerated, this breed could be a problem. These little dogs are very affectionate and will display this by jumping up in your lap and licking your face. Fortunately, they are small! Exercise requirements for the breed are minimal. Taking the dog for a walk, on a leash, once a day is usually sufficient. Also, plan on playing some indoor games, this will also help with the activity level. Playing with the dog is a great way to interact with the animal and have some fun at the same time.

Tibbies personality is assertive, but not aggressive. They are very watchful and alert to their surroundings, which makes them a good watchdog. As with many watchdogs, they will alert you to potential threats by barking. This can become an annoying trait, so it is best to teach the dog to be quiet after you have acknowledged the alert. This may or may not work, as your Tibetan Spaniel may decide that you really need to know about this threat. Remember they are assertive! Remember that the breed likes to watch from higher locations, so plan your furniture arrangements accordingly. Making sure the nails of the Tibbie are short enough not to damage furniture is very important. Interaction and contact with humans is one of the primary goals of the breed, so be prepared to have a constant companion and a dog that will be on your chairs and couch with you.

Tibetan Spaniels make great family pets if noise restrictions are not needed. They get along well with other animals and children and enjoy being part of a family. These athletic dogs like to watch from higher locations, so be prepared for them to climb on things. While they have long fur, grooming needs are minimal, though they do shed year around. Tibbies are small dogs that are relatively healthy and will live for 10 to 15 years.

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Top 10 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds

There are three types of dog intelligence according to Stanley Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs". Adaptive intelligence has the learning and problem-solving ability, instructive intelligence is only specific to the individual animal and Working/Obedience Intelligence is dependent on the breed. I have listed the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world that are easy to train and help humans doing various works directed to them much more like giving them Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Tenth on the list is the Australian Cattle Dog, a herding breed. This breed is courageous and a tireless worker, they are very active and needs regular exercise both mentally and physically. They are very protective of their property as well as their masters. This was developed in Australia for herding cattle. They are easy to train, groom and maintain. Provide them with nutritional foods such as that Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food and it is on the go.

9. Rottweiler

Rottweilers have a reputation as a fearsome dog. This is a great family pet, they are intelligent and reliable, and they are also one of the best guard dogs. They are used in search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind and police dogs.

8. Papillion

Papillions will confuse you of a very cute dog but don't underestimate their cuteness, these are supposed to be scary and tough. A continental toy spaniel, one of the oldest of the toy spaniels, derived their name from its characteristic butterfly-like ears. They are cute, possessive, a little moody and aggressive because they are considered as the most affectionate dogs. They are very easy to train and one of the most intelligent dogs.

7. Labrador Retriever

This is the most popular breed in the world; they are also popular as a family pet because of their loving, affectionate and patient characteristics. Labradors love to swim, play catch and retrieve games and are very good with young children. They are commonly used to aid in hunting, tracking and detecting, assisting humans with disabilities, carting and therapy work.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

This dog as many dog owners would say has the same level of intelligence as men. They breed to become a shepherd to hundreds of sheep, because of their herding dog temperament. They are very vocal and have a lot of energy to please their masters. They are a hard worker. Just provide them with enough Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food, they will definitely not let you down. "Shelties" as commonly called by owners, were one of the brightest dogs, they could understand a new command in less than 5 repetitions and would obey a command give the first time 95% of the time or better.

5. Doberman Pinscher

This is most commonly used as a guard dog or a police dog, because of its characteristics being loyal, forceful and feared. They have excellent stamina and loved working. You can rely on the Doberman because of his protective tendencies to their master and its family. Doberman is one of the most trainable breeds of dogs.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are most commonly owned by millions of people because of its loyalty, gentleness and are very close to children. This dog's intelligence and versatility suit for a variety of roles including guide dog for the blind, hunting dog, illegal drug detection dog, search and rescue and hearing guide for deaf people. This breed is also used in water and life-saving rescue and is in the top 4 of the most intelligent dogs in the world.

3. German Shepherd

One of the smartest dogs, it is also brave and has a strong protective instinct. They are a breed of herding dogs and was originally used to protect flocks of sheep and now they are trained to be police dogs and search dogs. This breed if trained in obedience at an early age will become a great loving family dog and excellent with children.

2. Poodle

The poodle is ranked number to on the top ten because of their intelligence and they are one of the easiest breeds to train. They originated in Germany as a water retriever. They love to be around humans and hated to be left alone. Poodles can also be used as a hunting dog despite their cute appearance.

1. Border Collie

This dog is a breed of herding dog in Great Britain. Collies are used on farms to assist with the herding of livestock. They are energetic, athletic and often being competed in dog sports, also in sheepdog trials. They make an excellent search and rescue dogs because they have been trained in air-scenting and as cadaver dogs.

Whatever dog breed it is, it is very important to provide them with their daily needs such as shelter, love and good food.

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How to Select a New Dog for Your Family

When selecting a new dog to take home there are many things to think about and to take into consideration. For instance, the biggest question to ask yourself is why you want a dog? Do you have children who have been begging you for one, or have you decided you need a dog outside to warn of intruders? Maybe you had one as a child and miss the companionship the dog gave you. For whatever reason, dogs can bring families closer and leave you with a sense of fulfillment-however you should know that not all dogs are good for every situation.

If you are selecting a new dog for your children, think about starting with a puppy. Puppies are more sociable and adaptable, and you will get to train them according to your needs. In addition, there's nothing quite as satisfying as watching your new puppy grow up alongside your kids.

Next, you will need to decide on male or female when selecting your new dog. Remember that males tend to be bigger in stature than females, who stay relatively more petite. Males are also more dominant and aggressive in certain breeds.

Temperament should also be checked when selecting a new dog. To do this, simply hold the dog in your arms and tip him on his back (if size allows). If he struggles consistently, this may mean he will take more patience in training. If he lays there, genuinely calm, you can be rest assured he is mild tempered and will be easy to work with. In addition, clap your hands, or make other loud or sudden movements. A mild tempered dog will look curiously at you, while a shy or nervous dog will be startled or shy away.

It's important to always research the breeds you are looking at when selecting a new dog. Make sure you are going to have time to care for whichever one you choose. Depending on the breed, he may need more exercise, training or special climate. For example, a cocker spaniel will take a lot of grooming time and expense because of his luxurious coat.

Although selecting a new dog may seem like a no-brainer, you need to carefully consider the place that you will purchase your dog from. If dealing with a breeder, be sure that he/or she is respectable and dedicated to the standard of breeding itself, and not just in it for the money. Some breeders truly care about their dogs, while others simply don't, and that means that the puppy may not be socialized or might have been treated roughly or poorly. If you are going to buy a dog from the pet store, it's a good idea to ask around or make phone calls to other families who have bought from the same pet store.

Whether you are looking for a big dog or small dog for your family, if you include thought and common sense in selecting your new dog, you should be able to find the perfect one for you. Your new dog will offer you a lasting, loving relationship that is sure to be fulfilling for all of you.

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Maintaining Your Puppy

The key to keeping your puppy fit throughout his life is to never delay any required medical treatment.

From puppy vaccinations to grooming and treatments, here's all you'll need to know about puppy care.

Vaccinations

Before vaccinating your puppy, two things need to be done to ensure your puppy's medical visit goes smoothly:

1) Carry out a complete medical examination. 

2) Deworming, eight days before the vaccination is given.

It is mandatory to vaccinate your puppy at the right time. You have to wait till your puppy is at least 2 months old for him to be vaccinated. If the vaccine were given any time before, it would be of no use, as the maternal antibodies will neutralize the vaccine.

The best age for the first vaccination is when your puppy is eight weeks old. Since it is the first time, two injections need to be given, with a gap of 3 or 5 weeks apart.

The next round of shots begins only a year after the first vaccination. These are known as Booster shots and they need to be renewed regularly according to the vaccine used, the puppy's age and the current law.

Hygiene

Eyes

Clean your puppy's eyes and ears regularly. Use puppy-cleaning products such as an ocular solution for eyes and lotion meant for cleaning ears. Follow the instructions of the cleaning procedure carefully for best results.

Teeth

Protect your puppy's teeth from the formation of dental plaque, by brushing his teeth regularly. This will help prevent gum inflammation and foul breath. A natural remedy is kibble, when your puppy crunches on kibble it has a natural brushing effect.

Coat

Brushing your puppy's coat regularly will get rid of any unwanted parasites. Use shampoos adapted to your puppy's skin only. Human shampoo must not be used on puppies as it causes the skin to itch. Special puppy shampoos are now available in the market. These shampoos have a low acid content and do not cause your puppy's skin to itch. When you use soap, made for humans, on puppies you remove a protective oily layer, which protects your puppy from the cold and rain.

Bathing

How often you bathe your pup depends entirely on his lifestyle. Active puppies need to bathe more often to remove dirt, ticks and fleas since they are exposed to pest more than other pups that stay indoors. Use anti-tick and anti-flea shampoos to remove ticks and fleas.

Treatments

Measure can be taken to prevent transmission of internal and external parasites. While internal parasites are those which are found in soil and meat, can be transmitted from the mother to the puppy by simple contact between two pups, external parasites such as ticks and fleas are found outdoors and capable of transmitting diseases from one puppy to another.

Deworming

Deworming should be done every 6 months for a puppy. Monthly deworming until the age of 6 months should be done. Ask your vet for the best advice on the latest products and treatments available for puppy care.

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A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Train Your Puppy

There are 5 crucial lessons your puppy needs to learn before it becomes an adult dog. This way the lessons learnt, as a pup will remain embedded in his memory for life. This article is a step-by-step guide of 'how to train your puppy'.

1) Learning his name.

For your puppy to respond to your call, you need to teach your puppy his name. The shorter the name, the easier it is to learn. Encourage this training by doing something nice with your puppy before starting. Teaching your puppy his name should be done in two simple steps as given below:

1) Say your puppy's name slowly and clearly to catch his attention. 

2) When your puppy responds to his name, reward him and pat his head. If your he doesn't come straight away, don't tell him off or he will be even slower next time.

2) Knowing the "No".

The next word your puppy needs to learn is "No". From the very beginning he should understand that "No" means something is forbidden.

Be sure your commands are consistent, what is "No' to one day should not be allowed the next, either by you or anyone else in the family.

You need to have command over this word; so that no matter where and when you use it, your puppy will know what he is doing is something he shouldn't.

3) House training your puppy.

Once your puppy has learnt two basic lessons, it's time to move on to house training. There are three simple steps to successfully train your puppy.

1) Take him out every two hours during the day, ideally on waking up, after every meal and after playtime. 

2) If you notice your puppy going round in circles, pick him up and take him outside. When he has finished his business, praise your puppy. 

3) Don't tell your puppy off if he has an accident indoors! Scolding will only stress your puppy out.

4) Sit, Lie down, Stay.

The next few commands your puppy needs to learn should be taught in the order specified.

1) "Sit": While giving this command, push your puppy on his haunches with one hand. Keep his head up with the other hand. 

2) "Lie Down": Ask your puppy to sit, and then gently pull his paws forward while saying "lie down". 

3) Stay: Make your puppy sit and add "stay" while moving away from him. If your he gets up and follows, say "No".

Teaching your puppy meal manners.

Mealtimes should be fixed and your puppy's food bowl must be in the same place, far away from his sleeping area. Tidbits or table scraps should not be given, as it will upset the nutritional balance of the food that you're feeding your puppy currently.

Remember to give your puppy lots of love and praise every time he obeys. This will encourage good behavior.

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