Chazhound Dog Forum

Chazhound Dog Forum - Blogs http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/ Dog Forum. This is a discussion forum for dogs and dog people. en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:20:38 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.chazhound.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Chazhound Dog Forum - Blogs http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/ Sled Dog Cruelty Cases http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/lakotasong-9448/sled-dog-cruelty-cases-187/ Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:50:23 GMT Ever wonder if the authorities catch up with abusive sled dog mushers? Now you can find out and follow the cases. *Cruelty Cases Involving Sled Dogs (http://lakotasong.com/sleddogs/1752.html)* Below are a few case photos... The third dog died on his chain. Image:...

Ever wonder if the authorities catch up with abusive sled dog mushers?
Now you can find out and follow the cases.

Cruelty Cases Involving Sled Dogs

Below are a few case photos... The third dog died on his chain.

]]> lakotasong http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/lakotasong-9448/sled-dog-cruelty-cases-187/ Update April 2009 http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/melissacato-7857/update-april-2009-182/ Fri, 08 May 2009 12:24:59 GMT Granduer is 28 months old now. :D Image: http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z184/CatoUSA/011.jpg Image: http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z184/CatoUSA/0g1.jpg Granduer is 28 months old now. :D

]]> MelissaCato http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/melissacato-7857/update-april-2009-182/ Misc. Blog http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/melissacato-7857/misc-blog-181/ Fri, 08 May 2009 12:23:05 GMT Here are some pix .... His final boxing match for the youth golden gloves, his competition was 20 pounds over. Image: http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z184/CatoUSA/00-1.jpg Thanksgiving 2008. All the kids showed up to see the new club house. Image:... Here are some pix ....

His final boxing match for the youth golden gloves, his competition was 20 pounds over.

Thanksgiving 2008. All the kids showed up to see the new club house.

His best catch first day of trout this year.

We cut down the trees down around the outhouse to have a view ...

]]> MelissaCato http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/melissacato-7857/misc-blog-181/ .... http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/iwantmypup-15383/a-166/ Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:11:20 GMT you think you know them. But you don't. ]]> iwantmypup http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/iwantmypup-15383/a-166/ The Borzoi Dog Breed http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/bordercollie22-16885/borzoi-dog-breed-165/ Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:00:27 GMT The Borzoi is considered to be in the hound breed group. They were originally called a Russian Wolfhound, but later the name was changed. Origins have found that the Borzoi was prized by the Czar and they would generally be given as gifts to the nobles and aristocracy in Russia during the time. ... The Borzoi is considered to be in the hound breed group. They were originally called a Russian Wolfhound, but later the name was changed. Origins have found that the Borzoi was prized by the Czar and they would generally be given as gifts to the nobles and aristocracy in Russia during the time. The Borzoi is a very tall, but sleek animal. They usually weight 60 to 105 pounds and have a height of 26 to 28 inches. The coat of the Borzoi is very unique. Generally you will find the fur to be rather sleek and plush. In certain areas such as the neck, tail and hind legs the hair will be longer. Usually this part of the coat is going to be more difficult to groom because the hair is longer. You will find the coat is usually white, golden, tan, and gray with black markings.

For grooming purposes it is important to note that the hair usually sheds dirt and will not mat; however they are heaving shedders, which means that grooming is important. They need to be brushed on a daily basis in order to remove all of the dead or loose hair. Since they don’t tend to mat the brushing should be fairly easy. You can dry shampoo them when it is needed, but you should be careful. They also have issues with splaying on the pads of their feet, so trimming the hair in that area is very important. The Borzoi has a few health issues that can be a concern for owners. Some of these issues are progressive retinal atrophy, bloating, and a low tolerance to anesthetic.

The Borzoi is very proud, affectionate and alert. You will find that loyalty is another wonderful characteristic that makes them a great pet for your family. Most often they are going to be aloof to strangers, but for those they know in the family and friends they will be very affectionate. You will find the Borzoi rarely barks, is well behaved, and silent. When you are thinking about adopting a Borzoi you should also know that they are not recommended for homes with small pets or children. They do well with larger pets that they have been raised with. Their temperament is protective and loyal, which means they also like to have respect from those they love. Children that are young tend to be a little rowdy for their tastes. You will also find the Borzoi offers intelligence, independence, and sensitivity.

For training you may find that socialization and obedience are a little tough, but a firm and consistent hand is often the best. They are sight-hounds, which mean they like to work and be in charge. They also demand respect. You will find that training should start when they are puppies to help them adapt to their new environment more quickly. Exercise is very important for all dogs and the Borzoi is no different. They need a lot of exercise; therefore they don’t do well in apartments or small homes. They should be in a fairly large home with a yard. You will also want to make sure you exercise them for about two hours a day. They love to run or jog so having a bike for you may be the best option. They are best for households that can spend a lot of time with them. The amount of exercise they need and the care it is best to have at least one person they can see most of the day. ]]> bordercollie22 http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/bordercollie22-16885/borzoi-dog-breed-165/ Photo 12.19.08 http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/melissacato-7857/photo-12-19-08-160/ Sat, 20 Dec 2008 03:28:19 GMT

Just Sharin'

]]> MelissaCato http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/melissacato-7857/photo-12-19-08-160/ December 2008 Blooms http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/melissacato-7857/december-2008-blooms-159/ Sat, 20 Dec 2008 03:06:13 GMT *Hello, here are a few pictures of my December Blooms. These two below are Parent Plants.* Image: http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z184/CatoUSA/MelissaCato4.jpg Image: http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z184/CatoUSA/MelissaCato3.jpg *These two below are the Seedlings of 2007 IxVx(Sx4)...

Hello, here are a few pictures of my December Blooms. These two below are Parent Plants.

These two below are the Seedlings of 2007 IxVx(Sx4) I mentioned in my other Blog entry.

]]> MelissaCato http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/melissacato-7857/december-2008-blooms-159/ <![CDATA[Rocky's status]]> http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/jltracy-20559/rockys-status-157/ Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:07:48 GMT Well, Rocky is doing quite well at our place now. He's eating just fine, and has only had a couple of accidents in our home. Other than that, he's been good about going outside only. The only things I think we need to now help him out with are:

~Barking/growling at new people that come into our home
~Sitting nicely on the seat during car rides instead of straining for every minute to get onto my lap ... dangerous!
~Getting along with Chloe. I guess this is more Chloe than Rocky, since Rocky gets along fine with Diego, in fact, they rub against each other now! ]]> jltracy http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/jltracy-20559/rockys-status-157/ What is Heartworm Disease? http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/bordercollie22-16885/what-heartworm-disease-156/ Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:16:27 GMT Heartworms are parasites that can be transmitted by mosquitoes. A mosquito will usually bite a dog and transfer the parasites into the bloodstream of the dog. Most often a dog will come into contact with mosquitoes during the warmer seasons. Typically April through September there are more cases... Heartworms are parasites that can be transmitted by mosquitoes. A mosquito will usually bite a dog and transfer the parasites into the bloodstream of the dog. Most often a dog will come into contact with mosquitoes during the warmer seasons. Typically April through September there are more cases of heartworms. When you live in moist climates your dog is generally more susceptible to the disease. When the dog is infected with heartworms they travel in the blood until they reach the heart cavity. There are several stages to heartworms and it is important to understand those stages.

First you have stage one with baby heartworms. They will grow to become adults through the second and third stage. Once they have reached adulthood they are now going to become an extreme problem for your dog. They are a tubular worm that will grow to be quite long. Usually the female heartworm is 30 cm in length and the males are 23 cm in length. This means that they can block the arteries in the heart and stop the blood from flowing properly. In most cases when heartworms are left untreated they will cause congestive heart failure. A dog is usually injected with more than one heartworm when they become infected. This means that it is not just one long tube cluttering up things, but actually several. They will also continue to reproduce.

Signs and symptoms of the infection will generally take six months to appear. This means the dog can be infected without you knowing it until they become really sick. There are certain tests that can be performed, but it usually takes time before the antigens will appear in the blood stream. Most often the heart worm must become an adult first. Some of the symptoms you will begin to see include issues with the eyes, brain, arteries in the legs, which can cause blindness, seizures, and lameness. You will find that the degree of infection will vary for each dog. In some dogs the lungs, kidneys, and liver can be affected by the worms. You will find that dogs that are more active will show signs earlier of the infection and they will begin to cough during exercise. In some cases with dogs you will find weight loss, fainting, coughing up blood, and then the heart failure.

Prevention of heartworms is fairly simple. In most cases there are medicines the vet will recommend for during the summer season or throughout the entire year depending on where you live. The medicine is usually a monthly pill that will kill any infection before it can mature. Some of the typical medicines are ivermectin or Heartgard, Interceptor, and Proheart. When you administer the drugs you will find that they are 99 percent effective in most dogs.

Treatment if an infection has been found will depend on the stage of the infection. It is usually highly effective. Most often the organ must be tested for any deficiencies that may have been caused prior to the infection or as a result of the infection. Once those have been treated properly treatment can then begin to kill the worms. An arsenic based compound is administered in safe doses to kill the worms. Because arsenic can be detrimental to any life the organs must first be functioning properly are they can kill the dog with the administration of the arsenic. The body will absorb the dead worms and then excrete them without any effects. It will usually take a few weeks of rest for the worms to be excreted. ]]> bordercollie22 http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/bordercollie22-16885/what-heartworm-disease-156/ Dog Vaccinations http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/bordercollie22-16885/dog-vaccinations-155/ Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:42:45 GMT Our dogs need us to care for them. This care includes vaccinations, proper food, and exercise. The article is going to talk about the vaccinations dogs are usually given. In some cases with new dog owners or owners that have listened to vets we don’t really know what the vaccinations are that... Our dogs need us to care for them. This care includes vaccinations, proper food, and exercise. The article is going to talk about the vaccinations dogs are usually given. In some cases with new dog owners or owners that have listened to vets we don’t really know what the vaccinations are that are required or given throughout their lives. It is important to know what each vaccination is supposed to do and whether your dog really needs it. Most of the time we just listen to the vet, but there is some evidence that over vaccinating your dog can be more harmful. You may also find that there are certain schedules your vet keeps your dog on. Below you will find a list of some of the common vaccinations to make sure your dog is getting what they need and not being overly vaccinated.

The first vaccination that is usually given to our dogs is the distemper. The distemper shot prevents a fatal disease that often shows signs of respiratory distress before causing seizures and death. The disease is also called distemper and it is a virus that will affect the dog. The fact is distemper can continue to reappear, which makes it important that your dog receive a shot through various stages in their lives to prevent the disease. Often times this is disease is marked by loss of appetite, discharge in the eyes and nose, vomiting, fever, lethargy, and paralysis of the limbs before death sets in.

Kennel Cough viruses are another type of disease you need to have vaccinated. This type of disease affects the bronchi and trachea of the dog giving them a loud, dry cough. It is not a fatal disease to contract, so the vaccination is usually optional and the disease can be treated after infection. You may consider not having this vaccination for your dog, unless you are in an area where there is a high rate of the disease as it is very infectious.

Leptospirosis is a serious disease that is usually vaccinated for on a schedule throughout the dog’s life. It affects the liver and kidneys of dogs. Larger dogs are typically going to be more susceptible to the disease so you will have an option of not including it in their regiment of vaccinations. It is also a very uncommon disease. When the vaccination is given it is usually in combination with other vaccines.

Parvovirus causes serious dehydration, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. It can result in death. The virus affects the white blood cells in the dog causing a compromise in the immune system. Some breeds are more susceptible to this virus and therefore veterinarians recommend it for those breeds. Two of the most common breeds are the Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler. Again the vaccination can be subjective for need. It is recommended that any dog breed more susceptible to the disease have the vaccination on the usual schedule supplied by the veterinarian.

Lyme Disease is another disease that most dogs are vaccinated for on a specific case. Lyme disease is more prevalent in certain areas, such as the warmer climates; therefore any dog that lives in a warm, humid climate or is traveling to one may need to have the vaccination. Lyme disease is serious arthritis and lethargy in a dog. There can be repeats of the disease once a dog has been infected. It is not fatal and usually antibiotics will help the dog get over the disease, but as a precaution certain areas were the disease is more prevalent require the vaccination. ]]> bordercollie22 http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/bordercollie22-16885/dog-vaccinations-155/ Puppies First Year http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/bordercollie22-16885/puppies-first-year-154/ Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:37:03 GMT It is important for any puppy or dog to have training. The amount of training is going to be determined by what you want to accomplish. Most of us just want a fun loving companion that can be taught a few commands and fit into our homes. There are several things to consider in the puppy’s first... It is important for any puppy or dog to have training. The amount of training is going to be determined by what you want to accomplish. Most of us just want a fun loving companion that can be taught a few commands and fit into our homes. There are several things to consider in the puppy’s first year regarding training and how some things should be handled.

First we will look at punishment for a little bit. Punishment must be effective. You have to have some type of punishment that will not degrade the dog or be disrespectful, but that will make your point. This is where learning certain commands can come into play when training your puppy. First of all any punishment should be delivered at the first offense. A puppy that is startled with a no or rattling is not always going to work. The best option you may have is going to be in remote correction. In other words you have to make sure the puppy understands that you are correcting their behaviour rather than just yelling out a word. The correction needs to be something they can associate with the behaviour they just had. This can be calling their name and using a startling device, but you have to make sure they know that you are correcting them. It must be something that you can walk up and stop the behaviour and then help them associate the issue as bad behaviour.

You puppy is going to be full of life. This means they are going to start out with some instinctual behaviour. When they want attention they are probably going to jump or even paw at you or at the thing they want. In order to have them associate this with bad behaviour you must make them understand that they cannot jump on you. You must not reward the behaviour, but acknowledge it and punish the behaviour. You can also train them how to come to you for attention and affection. This means that you should turn your response to the jumping and pawing into a negative response and reward them for the proper behaviour. If they sit, and nudge you with their head and this is what behaviour you want you can praise the dog and give them a treat or a pat on the head.

During training it is best not to associate all training with treats. If they always get a treat for a good behaviour they will continue to expect it even if you don’t have a treat. They will also find this to be something bad if you don’t have a treat and they may not proceed with the good behaviour. Help the puppy associate good behaviour with several different rewards.

Rough play is a behaviour that most of us do not want to see. You can train your dog when the behaviour is appropriate if at all. You need to teach the dog that there are certain limitations to the rough play. They can get excited and bite. This is not good especially if they think your child’s arm is a toy. It is best to show them what they can play with, and that certain biting and force is not going to be acceptable. Again this is about rewarding the good behaviour over the bad. You must make sure that the dog or puppy is aware of the bad behaviour by a negative reinforcement reaction from you. ]]> bordercollie22 http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/bordercollie22-16885/puppies-first-year-154/ Angry with my work http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/jltracy-20559/angry-my-work-152/ Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:40:19 GMT Hi all,

I can't belive my schedule for this week and last. 730am-1130am school, drive 40 min to work at 12:15ish, there til 5, then go downstairs immediately from 5-830pm for training for our merge. When the hell can I eat or have any kind of appointment?! But of course, I can't say **** because we are in a recession and I can't be out of a job. I know, I know, you are thinking "pack a lunch" yeah, but I am living paycheck to paycheck and don't have groceries until Thursday. /sigh

Ok, my rant is over... ]]> jltracy http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/jltracy-20559/angry-my-work-152/ Rocky and his food http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/jltracy-20559/rocky-his-food-148/ Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:44:23 GMT /sigh Rocky isn't eating as much as I would like to see. The rescue we got him from fed him Iams and said he was fine with that. They sent a bag home with me of it but he wouldnt' touch it. I just switched to Purina yesterday and he only picks at it. I'm really worried! :confused: ]]> jltracy http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/jltracy-20559/rocky-his-food-148/ Rocky http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/jltracy-20559/rocky-147/ Mon, 06 Oct 2008 03:38:15 GMT Well, Rockey the dog is settling at our home nicely. Even the kitties are already getting used to him. YAY! Well, Rockey the dog is settling at our home nicely. Even the kitties are already getting used to him. YAY! ]]> jltracy http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/jltracy-20559/rocky-147/ Locating a Veterinarian http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/bordercollie22-16885/locating-veterinarian-146/ Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:57:38 GMT When you own a dog or are thinking about adopting a dog you are usually concerned with several factors. One of those factors is going to be the proper health care for your dog. There are many veterinarians to choose from when you live in a city, and most often you have one or two choices in a... When you own a dog or are thinking about adopting a dog you are usually concerned with several factors. One of those factors is going to be the proper health care for your dog. There are many veterinarians to choose from when you live in a city, and most often you have one or two choices in a rural area or small town. When you are adopting a pet it is important to seek a qualified, licensed vet to help you care for your dog. In this article you will find some tips for choosing a veterinarian for the proper care of your dog.

First you want to make sure that you speak with a couple of vet offices in your area. You may even want to speak with coworkers or friends who have dogs to get a suggestion. You may find they have the best vet in town.

Most often we seek a vet that is close to our neighborhood to save gas and in case of emergencies. Remember that proper dog care is finding the right person to help you care for them and not necessarily the savings you can find in various areas.

You will want to compare the cost of vet visits for the clinics you research. Some vets are just out there to make money offer of procedures, and don’t care as much for the owners and dogs as they should. These are rare, but it does happen. When you compare the cost of the visits you can usually find someone who is willing to take proper care for the right cost.

You will also want to check their credentials. Ask the vet questions about their education background, where they went, and where their staff may have gone. These questions can help you feel more comfortable about providing the proper care for your dog.

You will also want to ask about proper vaccinations schedules. In some cases you may find that there are two many vaccinations given to dogs. It is important to ask what the vet thinks and do a little research to make sure you aren’t giving too many or too little to your dog. You should also check with your state or community because they set some of the vaccination schedules.

Ask the vets during the interview process what procedures they may perform at the clinic. Some dog breeds tend to have genetic diseases or other diseases they are prone to. If you know your vet is qualified then they can help suggest the proper diet and care for the dog. For instance Old English Sheepdogs are prone to hip dysplasia and most vets recommend shortening the tail to a nub. This procedure can go wrong and then you end up with more problems. It is best to know what the vet has been qualified to do and specializes in.

You will also want to know about their emergency procedures and whether you have to find an emergency hospital for dogs. It is best to stay with one person if you can, especially if the dog becomes hurt. They will recognize the person and feel more comfortable.

Part of dog care is dental hygiene. You may want to find a place that incorporates dental work, grooming, and regular vet visits into one location for the convenience and to make your dog feel more comfortable. ]]> bordercollie22 http://www.chazhound.com/forums/blogs/bordercollie22-16885/locating-veterinarian-146/