5 of the Best Guard Dogs

by

Hiltder

If you re planning to get a dog to help make sure your family and home are safe, then you want to pick out a breed that s known for their courage, loyalty and bravery. There are a few breeds to choose from and it can be a bit difficult. Below are the most common guard dog breeds to help you make up your mind.

German Shepherds

One of the ultimate breeds designed for protection and loyalty, German Shepherds have long been used as working dogs. Today, these dogs are used by the police and the military as a K9 unit, sniffing bombs and drugs out, saving people and working in the force. These dogs are intelligent, easy to train and are low maintenance. However, they are prone to degenerative myelopathy when they become older, so watch their diet and make sure they re getting a good amount of vitamin B.

Rottweiler

This dog has had a long history of aggression, but once you get to know this breed a bit better, you ll find out that they re actually fun loving and relaxed dogs. The Rottweiler has been around since the Roman Empire, used as labor and protection dogs by normal citizens and soldiers. It has a massive jaw and a bite stronger than pit bulls. This dog is easy to train but socializing them should be given heavy importance while they re still young.

Doberman Pinscher

This dog basically looks like a taller, slimmer version of a Rottweiler, but it actually comes from a very specific line of selective breeding from different types of European guard dogs. The Doberman Pinscher is one of the most intelligent dogs and are easily trained to restrain strangers but not do any serious damage to them. As puppies, their ears are usually clipped to become pointy and their tails are docked.

Caucasian Shepherd

A massive dog that will do a wonderful job watching over a big lawn or back yard, the Caucasian Shepherd looks more like a bear then a dog. Like most large dog breeds, these dogs are more prone to developing degenerative myelopathy. These dogs are also known for their slight harsh temper, but a well-trained Caucasian Shepherd will gladly take a bullet for you.

Argentinian Mastiff

This medium sized dog works well with kids since it has a high tolerance to pain. They resemble pit bulls but are usually white in color. They are protective of their territory so intruders and strangers may need to be watchful of this dog.

However, they are prone to

degenerative myelopathy

when they become older, so watch their diet and make sure they re getting a good amount of vitamin B.

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Submitted by: Zachery Stalley

In the past, medical trends for canine nutrition have begun to revolutionize the traditional ideas about feeding dogs. Vets have begun to bring up points that have people thinking about what they give their four-legged friends. This is because recent discoveries have brought to light the major benefits of this type of food for your dogs. These benefits are more numerous than have previously been believed, and many people are consulting vets to sound out this option. Let us tell you about the benefits of raw food diet for dogs.

Raw food diets for these pets usually involve meats, bones, or organs. The idea is that this is what your pet’s ancestors have eaten, and they still have the genetics in their body to respond better to that kind of nutrition. This method was traditionally exclusive to animals that were in need of special types of nutrition due to illnesses and allergies, such as an allergy to corn. But today, vets have proposed the statement that if these materials worked great for special cases, maybe they would improve the health of all types of canines.

The first major part of the benefits of such nutrition in your pets is internal. The vitamins and nutrients found in meats, etc. Are good for your pet’s heart – even more so than the brands found in the store that are known for being good for the heart. The real thing is often the best option. Real materials are a lot easier to digest, especially if they don’t have all the fillers that store-bought creations tend to have. This has a long list of positive effects on your pet’s digestive system. Your pet will even have more energy and just feel better.

The external effects of this kind of diet for these pets are nearly as numerous as the internal ones, and can be seen as soon as just a couple weeks after the meal switch is made. Their teeth will be whiter and their breath will smell better.

This is because the natural products won’t cause as much plaque as food with all the fillers, etc. Also, your pet’s skin and coat will be greatly improved. Both will be much healthier because of vitamins and nutrients.

The other major benefit if a raw food diet for your dog doesn’t really affect your pet at all. It is more of an added bonus for you. Many types of canines, such as pit bulls, need certain amounts of food and nutrition to keep up muscle and energy so they can maintain their weight.

These can be quite costly. Meats and organs will make your animal build muscle better and feel fuller with a fraction of the cost. Your wallet will thank you.

Raw food diets for dogs have traditionally been used only for special circumstances, but this method is becoming more and more of an idea being adopted for all canines. Although there are still drawbacks for some kinds of dogs, people are flocking to their vets to see if this method would be more advantageous for them and their four-legged friends.

About the Author: Daniel writes on all sorts of different topics, ranging from technology to kitchen appliances. It’s like reaching into a grab-bag! Fun, right? Jamie is a dog health professional who specializes in

darwinspet.com

. .

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Shedding Light on the Raw Dog Food Diet

by

jamielansley

Raw dog food diet has been clouded over in so much controversy these days. Experts on both sides of the coin seem to either support or aim to discourage this method of feeding pets. But what is it about raw dog food diet that people see and disapprove of?

Knowing the Effects of Raw Diet

The belief on feeding raw food to dogs stemmed from the fact that these pets, way before they have become domesticated, typically hunt for prey. As soon as they catch their food, they no longer cook them but instead end up eating them raw. With this in mind, experts say that our dogs these days don\’t lack for the capacity to still follow their natural instincts when it comes to food.

But those who support the claims of raw dog food diet counter that domesticated pets may not have the capacity to digest raw food. They might have yet to have the enzymes necessary to break down this kind of food. It has also been argued that raw food is still fresh with bacteria that can harm the internal organs of dogs. Cooking kills these parasites effectively.

Another point being struck against raw food diet is that if dogs are given bones instead of kibble, they may run the risk of crunching dangerous splinters. These splinters would pass through their digestive track and might be more harmful that healthy in the long run.

How To Implement Eating Raw for Pets

As experts take into consideration the many attacks being thrown the raw dog food diet, a number of pointers are now being introduced. Among them is the transition into eating raw. Since dogs who have been used to eating processed food might find the taste and texture of raw different, transition should happen within 5 to 7 days. The age of the dog is also taken into consideration, keeping the older dogs free to keep their current diet and puppies as the most promising litter to feed raw food to.

When it comes to meat, pork is also highly discouraged. It is also advised that dog owners who would like to try feeding raw meat to their dogs should keep the said meat in the freezer and should also by meats that are actually human grade. This way, owners can be sure that they are feeding healthy stuff to their canines.

Fruits are also advised instead of vegetables, though the latter can still be fed. Dogs are carnivores and as such, their teeth may lack the capacity to feed on vegetables. Owners can either puree or chop up the vegetables to even finer or smaller pieces to be mixed in their dog\’s meal to make sure that these veggie can be digested by their pets who are being fed with raw dog food.

Jamie is a pet health guru who specializes in

natural pet food

. .

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Submitted by: Ben Anton

Hope for the opposite as we may, humans dont enter this world on an even playing field. Even excluding complex socioeconomic issues, inequality lurks in our medical charts: some of us are genetically predisposed for medical issues such as heart disease and certain cancers. A study from Harvards School of Public health suggests that our genes even make some of us more likely to be obese*.

The genetic injustice doesnt stop with homo sapiens. Our canine companions can be genetically fated for certain disorders as well due to breeding practices. Over countless generations, dog enthusiasts created the various breeds by selecting and breeding only dogs that displayed certain desired traits, such as certain coat colors and face shapes. This selective breeding for appealing qualities depleted genetic diversity, leaving weaknesses in individual dogs genetic maps.

For instance, the intense breeding required to produce the Dalmatians stunning spots also brought their genetic predisposition for ailments such as kidney stones and deafness. Along the same lines, poodles are well-loved around the world for their gorgeous, hypo-allergenic fur and intelligence. Unfortunately, rigorous breeding to satisfy demand for these popular pooches has also made poodles the breed most predisposed to disease: they have been linked to 145 genetically-influenced disorders.

Obesity is no exception. In many cases, the causes of obesity are self-evident: as in humans, when a dog eats too much, and exercises too little, he or she is likely to become overweight. Additionally, low-quality, low-protein dog foods may encourage overeating, as dogs need to eat more to feel satiated. The majority of canine obesity cases are rooted in these causes.

However, certain dog breeds are more likely to gain excessive weight, for the reasons listed below. If youre feeling worried because your adorable puppys breed is listed, take heart: weve also listed techniques for preventing weight gain, or, if its too late for prevention, helping your dog shed those extra pounds.

Chow Hounds: Breeds Likely to Eat Quickly

A quick review of the history of the canine species explains why some dogs practically inhale their food. Many experts believe that dogs broke off into separate species 15,000 years ago, when certain wolves opted to step into a new human-created niche, living near the easy food supplies of waste dumps. In this circumstance, it made sense for dogs to eat quickly, so they could ingest as much food as possible before the appearance of rival dogs or predators.

Today, the original utility of rapid consumption has been replaced with the problems of obesity and dog bloat. Obesity results when owners often assume that their chow hound is still hungry, leading to over-feeding. Gastric tortion, or dog bloat, is a much more immediately severe disorder in which the dog sucks up air with their food, causing the stomach to twist in on itself, blocking exits, even as digestion continues to release more gas. The deep, narrow chests of breeds such as the Collies and the St. Bernard make them more likely to suffer dog bloat. Other fast eaters include large breeds such as Labrador retrievers, Basset Hounds, Rottweilers and any dog that had to worry about having its food taken away as a puppy. Keep in mind that any breed may eat too quickly; monitor your dogs eating habits to determine if he or she is overeating food.

How to Slow your Chow Hound Down

? Set a consistent feeding schedule, and stick to it. Many vets suggest two daily feedings, in the morning and evening. Record how much you typically feed your dog each day, and check with your vet to see if this is an appropriate amount. Avoid giving your dog table scraps and other people treats.

? Create an obstacle in your dogs bowl. Some owners and vets recommend placing a tennis ball or large rock in your dogs bowl to slow eating. Other, more aesthetically-pleasing solutions, like the DogPause Bowl, uses the same principal to simply but effectively slow down a dogs eating pattern. These bowls have half-cup divisions in the bowl that create an obstacle for your puppy to work around in order to get to its meal.

Canine Energy: Breeds that Need Lots of Exercise

Some dogs were specifically bred for work. Shepherds were bred to run around all day herding sheep, for instance. Its no surprise, then, that work dogs like German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Beagles put on extra weight when they dont get daily exercise.

How to Get Your Four-Legged Friend Back to a Healthy Weight:

? Get out there and play. A half hour of exercise is a good idea for all dogs, regardless of size. Your dog may need more – some vets recommend that you walk your dog one city block for every ten pounds of weight. Talk to your vet about the recommended amount of exercise for your puppy to see if his or her breed may require a little extra time running around to stay in shape.

~Ben Anton, 2008

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Dog Pause Food Bowls

: Don’t let your dog overeat. Find out how you can

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Popular dog breeds

by

Britney Simpson

Dogs will always remain mens best friends regardless of age, sex and nationality. Nowadays there are various dog breeds available and it is quite hard to tell which of them the most popular ones are. People and dogs are simply drawn to each other, these pets being wonderful companions for individuals worldwide. Furthermore, people who have pets are more emotionally stable than those who dont have any and having a dog will teach you many things about empathy, responsibility, patience, trust and compassion. Dogs are also great for reducing stress, anxiety and hostility in people.

There are many dogs that make great pets but here are some of the most popular dog breeds. First of all, we should mention the Labrador retriever is highly popular due to its good nature, intelligence and loyalty, having impressive energy levels, being gentle and tolerant of children and used frequently as service dogs. Labrador retrievers are loving, affectionate, patient, highly intelligent, loyal and active. These pets simply love to play and especially to swim as much as they can. They need to feel that they belong to a family, they are easily trained, well socialized and they are great watch dogs.

Next, there are the Yorkshire Terriers which are known for their small size and great nature. They are perfect for children, courageous and great watch dogs. Yorkshires are highly energetic, clever and affectionate, although they can be very aggressive if they are provoked. One of the most beautiful dog breeds is represented by the Golden retrieves, known also as Goldies, which are intelligent, well-mannered, easy to train and eager to please. This breed makes great family dogs being very friendly and having very little guarding instincts. In order to be happy, these animals must always be surrounded by people who enjoy the role of leadership.

The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds, being respected and admired throughout the world. This breed is versatile, intelligent and beloved for the devotion German Shepherd dogs show to their owners. Dogs belonging to this breed are used frequently by police officers and the military, as guide for blind people and as search and rescue dogs. These animals are renown for their self-confidence and nobility, making an excellent companion. German Shepherds dont need to be aggressive in order to protect their home and their family and they can be trained easily by competent instructors. However, if you buy such a dog, professional training is a must. The colors of this dog breed are versatile: black and tan, black and red, black and silver, black and cream, solid black, sable and even white.

The Beagle is a sweet, curious, sociable, calm and loving pet, being excellent companions for children and good with other dogs. Because they have a strong personality, they need firm training and they love exploring places. As you can see, these are just some of the most popular dog breeds and you can understand how difficult it can be to select a dog from a variety of possibilities. In order to be satisfied with your decision, you need to look beyond the dogs physical aspect and take into consideration his temperament and personality.

The diversity of

dogs

you can choose for your family is simply overwhelming but getting to know as much as possible about mens best friends will enable you to make the best choice. These

dog breeds

are beautiful and its up to you to decide who you want to take home.

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