1. “He’s a boy, so he doesn’t need a bow. Only girls wear bows.”
Wrong, oh so wrong.

2. “Do you always have to make it a photo op?” 
There’s never not a prime time for a photo op when you have a Maltese.

3. “You can’t take them into a snow pile, you’ll lose them.” 
Sure they’re white as snow, but you won’t lose them in it. P.S. They LOVE IT.

4. “How much upkeep can a dog possibly need?” 
A lot–that beautiful mane needs to be kept in check.

5. “A Maltese is a Maltese when they take a bath.” 
Not really. During a bath they magically transform into a Chihuahua.

6. “You can’t take your Maltese everywhere with you!” 
You can and you should. Simply pack them in a cute bag, and go, go go!

7. “They don’t like Starbucks.” 
Clearly wrong—-they all have drink preferences.

8. “Having a Maltese is not like having a baby.” 
You’re right, it’s much better  Make sure to brush their teeth before bedtime.

9. “They’re not as athletic as other pooches.” 
Not true. These beauties love to play and run like cheetahs. In fact, they look better because their hair flows and bounces when they run.

10. “They can’t fit in a coffee cup.” 
Why yes, a teacup Maltese pup can!

11. “They can’t speak, they bark.” 
Maltese’s speak to you with their eyes, and they’re saying they love you!

12. “They’re not the most affectionate dogs.” 
Clearly wrong.

13. “They don’t know how to twin.” 
Uh, twinning!

14. “They don’t know how to hold their own on the red carpet.” 
Ooooh yes they can. And they look cute doing it.

15. “They’re not the cutest dogs in the world.” 
Wrong. Yes, they are! Look at this pupper in the eyes and say it’s not cute. We dare you.

The post 15 Things You Should Never Say To A Maltese Owner appeared first on Lovely Animals World.

Us Shar Pei people (Sharpeople) like to say “there’s a little peccadillo tucked inside every wrinkle,”* . My six years with our Shar Pei, Ducky was far too short, but in that time, I came to understand these curious creatures inside and out. As with all breeds, each pooch is different, but here’s what I know:

*This is a lie. No one says that.

1. There’s a reason you see their wrinkly mugs all over ads, magazines, and on the cover doggy calendars.

They are the cutest puppies in the world….especially if you like things that straddle the line of devastatingly adorable and completely bizarre looking. They grow up to become equally unique looking adults, too, kind of a manatee-walrus-hippo hybrid with a curly-cue tail. My friend used to call Ducky a “butterface,” and I’ll be the first to admit that he did have a killer bod

2. They’re stubborn AF

So when you try and teach one a new trick, the shade they throw at you will probably make you embarrassed for ever thinking it was cool.

3. They’re goofy AF.

With a face like that it’s impossible not to have a sense of humor. Whether it’s a backward butt shuffle, a potentially psychotic aversion to feet, or mooing like a cow, each Shar Pingus comes with their own hilariously unique quirks.

4. They have seriously crazy grills

Shar Peis have blue and black tongues. Let’s start with that. At least once a day, I’d find myself with my entire fist in Ducky’s mouth (at his insistence), and it has to be one of the craziest orifices on earth.

His jowls were like two very thick portobello mushrooms, and once inside, you weren’t sure what to make of anything—there were wet parts, dry parts, smooth surfaces, rough patches, and the roof of his mouth was as heavily ridged as a snow tire. If you ever get the chance to explore one of these dogs’ humid caves, do it. Just don’t be surprised by how much you like it.

5. Their table manners could use some work

Because of this thick-lipped hippopotamus mouth, they have a liiiiiittle trouble eating and drinking. About 85% of the water in their bowl ends up on the floor because they use their mouths kind of like a plunger…just kind of go in there and hope for the best.

There will also be plenty dripping from their portobellos, of which they will be completely and adorably unaware. They also inhale their food, not how most dogs do by simply devouring it, but by basically huffing it into their mouths. Ducky would lose pieces of sweet potato in his jowls to be retrieved hours, even days later, often during a nap. And I was always jealous.

6. They have a, shall we say, small manufacturing defect

Next to Alfred Neuman or Dobby, Shar Peis have the most poorly constructed ears on the planet. You couldn’t fit a popcorn kernel in there with a pair of tweezers. Their tight ear canals make them very susceptible to ear infections, which you’ll be able to see andsmell coming a mile away. You’ll notice them scratching their ears a lot, and shaking their heads. The best thing to do to prevent these incidents is clean their ears with a cleaning solution about once a week, making sure not to add to any inflammation.

7. They’re neat freaks!

Shar Peis like to keep themselves and their living quarters quite clean. Ducky basically potty trained himself. He’d judge my husband for spitting in the sink and I swear he’d look at me differently when I had mustard stains on my face shirt.

8. They almost went extinct!

Shar Pei’s originally hail from China. In 1966 to 1976, during China’s Cultural Revolution, Shar Pei’s were seen as symbol of the bourgeois, and sadly, almost went extinct. A Chinese business man named Matgo Law is credited for being the reason the breed wasn’t eradicated completely. In 1973, Law wrote to the editor of a popular dog magazine in America explaining the Shar Pei plight. He eclosed pictures of his own Shar Peis and asked oversea dog lovers to help him save the breed.

Most Americans had never seen a Shar Pei, but when they did – it was love at first sight. Law smuggled around 200 Shar Peis into America, and by 1979 the breed was so popular in America, a Shar Pei puppy graced the cover of LIFE magazine.

9. They’re the most loyal friends you’ll ever have

Most Shar Peis aren’t lap dogs, but they are incredibly loving and fiercely loyal in their own way. They’re also very protective of their families, especially the kids. Ducky would instinctively “guard” every baby he met. In our building elevator, he’d position himself between the stroller and the door, creating a roadblock of sorts to oncoming passengers, and then usher the child out to the lobby. They’re incredibly gentle creatures with huge hearts. I like to think of them as “old souls.”

10. This happened.

The post 10 Things Only Shar Pei Owners Would Know appeared first on Lovely Animals World.

Meet the Cute and Cuddly Cavapoo Puppies!

A rose by any other name—the Cavapoo is also known as Cavoodle, Cavipoo, Cavadoodle, or Cavapoodle. No matter the name, these designer dogs always have a ready smile, whether for a beloved family member or a stranger. To the Cavapoo pup, a stranger is only a friend who is yet to be met.  If you’re looking for a watchdog, this is certainly not the right choice! You cannot go wrong with this lovable crossbreed if it’s a family dog you’re after, though.

The Cavapoo comes with much the same controversy as any crossbreed. You never quite know what you might get. It is essential to be aware that you are as likely to get both the best and worst characteristics of either of the two breeds in the progeny.

A Brief History of these Poodle Mix Puppies!

Cavapoos are among the first designer or hybrid dogs to come from mixing two dog breeds. The Cavapoo is a result of experimentation by breeders to create a hypoallergenic dog, especially for dog-loving allergy sufferers. The breeders bred the Poodle with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to produce a hybrid with characteristics of both breeds. The Cavalier and the Poodle were both considered less likely to trigger allergies.

Crossbreeding began in the 1950s in America, and the loving and docile designer dogs soon grew in popularity. Responsible Cavapoo breeders prefer the Miniature Poodle to the Toy Poodle since it is regarded as having a lower propensity to genetic health problems.

Although a definite timeline is not in place for the evolution of this happy hybrid, we can get an idea of the history of the Cavapoo by looking at the two breeds from which this hybrid originated, namely the Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1995. It is fitting that this regal breed of pup gets its name from the British monarchs King Charles I and his son Charles II, both of whom were devoted fans of black and tan toy spaniels. So devoted in fact that King Charles II was said to be more loyal to his dogs than to his country.

English Toy Spaniels have been popular among European nobility since the time of the Renaissance. By the late 1700s, the crossbreeding of Spaniels with such Asian toy breeds as the Japanese Chin and the Pug had gained political favor. The result was a spaniel with a domed skull and flatter face.

This led to the original spaniel favored by the house of Stuart becoming much less common, and as a result, a revival of the Royal breed ensued. British breeders were offered a cash incentive in the 1920s to revive the earliest style of King Charles Spaniel.

This is when the Cavalier King Charles breed and the original King Charles Spaniel (or English Toy Spaniel) parted ways. The name is derived from the Cavaliers who were a political party which supported the monarchy of King Charles I and II.

No less significant is the other breed which is responsible for the designer Cavapoodle, the Poodle. More appropriately – the Miniature Poodle. This breed is synonymous with the former royal courts of Europe, but predominantly France, but its origin is rooted in Germany. Poodles are in fact retrievers and were initially used for duck hunting in Germany.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) were established in the 19th century, and both classified the poodle as a retriever.

The AKC later recategorized the breed into the non-sporting group, and in 1938 when CKC recognized the toy poodle, both sizes were also relegated to the non-sporting group. The United Kennel Club (UKC) have retained the poodle as a sporting breed.

Miniature Poodles were eventually bred as a smaller dog to the Standard Poodle, and in the 20th century, the Toy made its appearance in America as a companion for city folk.

Appearance and Personality of the Sweet and Playful Cavapoos!

Typical of designer dogs, the Cavapoodle cannot be limited to a certain standard when it comes to looks. Your Cavapoo may have the long, straight coat of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the curly coat of a Poodle.

Regardless,  bank on Cavapoos presenting that sweet expression and sturdy body. Their coat comes in parti-color patterns: a color together with white, or in a great many varieties of solid colors.

Crossbreeding by nature means either of the two breeds’ characteristics may present in the pups. When it comes to personality, use both parents as your guide. You can, however, rest assured that the Cavapoo will have a playful and friendly disposition. These are not aggressive dogs and make the perfect family pet and companion dog.

These are a small breed dog and as such get along very well with even very small children. You would be well advised to train your Cavapoo puppy, though.

They need to be socialized, being intelligent animals, and should not be left to their own devices if you want to be assured of the perfect pet. Cavapoodles are remarkably easy to train and make an ideal first pet.

Expect your pup to live to 12 to 15 years of age.

These Puppers Get their Pawesome Personality from the Poodle and King Charles Spaniel!

Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle have darling personalities, so you really can’t go wrong with the Cavapoo.

The poodle is pretty, pompous, and proud. Apart from being incredibly sweet and loving, these teddy-bear dogs do have very distinct personalities.

They’re the perfect pet for children and can happily play with them for endless hours. They are as happy chasing a ball in the yard as they are displaying their water dog origins playing fetch on the beach.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is playful, sweet-tempered, and gentle. They love to cuddle and will be more than happy just being in a comfortable lap. They can also, however, be a runner and chaser and should always be restrained behind a fence or on a leash when out the yard.

Both breeds need a fair bit of exercise, or they may grow fat and sluggish. Neither of the two breeds appreciates being left alone. They have a tendency towards separation anxiety and may bark or become destructive if left unattended for long periods.

A Cavapoo Full Grown can Look like a Teddy Bear!

A small, manageable sized teddy bear! Take into consideration the size and weight of the parents to get a good idea of what to expect from the pup. Cavaliers usually stand no more than 12 to 13 inches high.

As a toy breed, the Cavalier weighs between 13 and18 pounds. Miniature Poodles stand at about 10 to 15 inches and weigh between 10 and15 pounds.

5 Facts You Didn’t Know About this Poodle mix

1. The Cavapoo’s long ears are among their most distinctive features
2. Cavapoos respond best to training which is light-hearted and as fun as possible
3. They have a very high prey drive and will give chase unless properly trained early in life
4. Cavapoo is highly adaptable and fits in with most lifestyles
5. Cavapoodles will be either low to non-shedding depending on whether the coat is inherited from the Cavalier side or the Poodle side

Is the Cavapoo Dog a Healthy Breed? Here’s What Vets Say

Research proves crossing breeds can have a healthier, longer life and the chance of exacerbating breed-specific diseases is lowered. Not all Cockapoos will get any or all of these diseases, but they are susceptible as a breed:

• Cataracts
• Patellar Luxation is when the knee joint slides in and out of place, causing pain
• Hip Dysplasia
• Allergies
• Liver Disease
• Ear Infections

Ready to Get one? Cavapoo Puppies for Sale!

l Cavapoos are available from reputable breeders, shelters and rescue organizations. Budget around $1000 and upwards for Non-KC Registered pups.

Make sure you Search forResponsible Cavapoo Breeders

Breeders should have performed all health checks and have raised the pups in a social environment. Be very wary of cheaper puppies and breeders who do not ask questions to ascertain which pups would suit your particular requirements.

Save a Life and Visit a Cavapoo Rescue

These sweet natured pups will rescue you right back if you are lucky enough to be in a position to offer one a ‘furever’ home and a second chance.

Cavapoo Pictures

The post Meet the Cute and Cuddly Cavapoo Puppies! appeared first on Lovely Animals World.

Dogs are gentle beings. They know how to comfort their humans and they know how to give the best hugs. Dogs are quite entertaining as well. With their odd behaviours and their tendency to act weird in front of their favourite foods, they can make anyone laugh easily.

Today, we’re planning to do the same thing. With this collection of funny dog memes, we’re hoping to make you laugh at all your problems away. Enjoy!

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Don’t forget to share it!

The post 24 Funny Dog Memes That’ll Capture Your Heart appeared first on Lovely Animals World.

Poochons are a crossed between a pedigree Bichon Frise and a pure bred Miniature Poodle, although sometimes a Toy Poodle may be used in a breeding programme. Since these little dogs first appeared on the scene back in the nineties, they have become one of the most popular modern cross breeds to have appeared on the scene and for good reason. The Poochon has inherited the intelligence of their parent breeds and they have also inherited their charming looks and loyal, affectionate natures too which in short, means they make wonderful companions and family pets in household where the children are slightly older.

Poochons are also very social little dogs and they tend to get on with other animals and being so smart and eager to please, in the right hands and environment they are easy to train and learn new things very quickly. They love being entertained and to entertain their owners which is why they have become such popular companions and family pets in the UK and elsewhere in the world.

Key Breed Facts

Breed Highlights

Positives

• Affectionate and loving dogs by nature
• Poochons have low shedding coats
• Very adaptable to apartment living providing they are given enough daily exercise
• Poochons are very playful and outgoing by nature
• Highly intelligent and easy to train, Poochons learn things very quickly
• A well-bred Poochon gets on with everybody
• Good choice for first time dog owners

Negatives

• Can suffer from separation anxiety if left on their own for too long
• High maintenance on the grooming front
• For small dogs, they need lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation
• Not the best choice for families with very young children
• Poochons are not good guard dogs although some love to bark when it pleases them
• They can suffer from “small dog syndrome” if too spoilt

History

The Poochon first appeared on the scene in Australia during the late 1990’s when breeders wanted to produce a robust, low shedding dog suitable for people who suffered from pet allergies. They also wanted to create an affectionate dog and one that would behave nicely around children. They are a cross between two pedigree dogs being the Bichon Frise and either a Toy or Miniature Poodle.

First generation Poochons are a cross between two pedigree breeds, namely the Bichon Frise and either a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Over the years, these charming little dogs have found their way into the hearts and homes of many people throughout the world thanks to their adorable looks and the fact they boast being highly intelligent and fun-loving little dogs. Another reason why Poochons have become so popular is because they have low shedding coats which makes them the perfect choice for house proud people and anyone who suffers from allergies.

For the moment, Poochons are not recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club or other international breed clubs around the world, but they are recognised by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club as well as the International Designer Canine Registry. Many local breed clubs have also been established in the UK to ensure that breeders continue to produce healthy and robust dogs that boast affectionate, kind and loyal natures.

Interesting facts about the breed

• Is the Poochon a vulnerable breed? No, they are among the most popular hybrid/designer dogs not only in the UK, but elsewhere in the world too
• First generation Poochons are generally healthier than their parent breeds, but second-generation dogs are more prone to inheriting the disorders known to affect the Bichon and the Toy or Miniature Poodle and their temperaments are not as stable either
• Being low to non-shedders, Poochons are a good choice for people who suffer from allergies

Appearance

Height at the withers: Males 22.86 – 35.56 cm, Females 22.86 – 35.56 cm

Average weight: Males 2.72 – 8.16 kg, Females 2.72 – 8.16 kg

Poochons can vary quite a bit when it comes to their looks because it depends on which of their parent breeds they have thrown to. Puppies in the same litter can be quite different with some dogs having tight curly coats whereas other have wavier, looser coats, but the majority of Poochons boast having nicely proportioned heads with clearly defined stops. However, some dogs can have shorter muzzles than others and their ears can be shorter in length too. They usually inherit lovely, round and dark coloured eyes which are set nicely apart on a dog’s face adding to their endearing looks.

Noses are usually black or brown in colour and Poochons have strong jaws with a perfect scissor bite where their upper teeth neatly overlap their lower ones. Their necks are moderately long and slightly arched. Shoulders are well laid and chests are wide with dogs having straight, strong front legs. They have straight, strong backs and nicely rounded loins with their bellies being moderately tucked up.

Hindquarters are usually strong and well-muscled with dogs having strong back legs. Their feet are round, compact and well covered in hair. Paw pads are firm and nails are strong. Their tails are set high which dogs carry gaily when excited or alert and lower when resting or relaxed.

When it comes to their coat, Poochons generally have curly, soft coats thanks to their Poodle ancestry and having low to non-shedding coats, they are hypoallergenic too. With this said, Poochons have moderately long coats that can be quite coarse or soft in texture with the one consistent being that their coats are profuse. The most commonly seen colours include the following:

• White
• Apricot
• Black
• Blue

Gait/movement

When Poochons move they do so with in a jaunty, energetic way. They always give the impression of being alert and eager to please.

Faults

Prospective Poochon owners should be wary of any puppies or dogs that show any sort of exaggeration whether in their looks or conformation and that extra-small Poochons often come with many health issues so they are best avoided. A responsible breeder would always ensure that puppies they produce are of a good size and conformation and would avoid breeding extra small dogs for these reasons. Males should have both testicles fully descended into their scrotums.

Temperament

The Poochon is a lively, energetic and highly intelligent dog and one that is always ready and eager to please. They are also incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong ties with their families which although very endearing can often lead to dogs suffering from separation anxiety when they are left on their own for too long. As such, these charming and clever dogs are best suited to families where at least one person stays at home when everyone else is out of the house. They are a good choice for first time owners providing they have the time to dedicate to such intelligent and lively dogs.

They can be a little boisterous at times especially when still young which is a trait they have picked up from both the Poodle and the Bichon Frise. They are also known to like the sound of their own voices a little too much which is something that needs to be gently curbed when dogs are still young to prevent any excessive barking becoming a real problem later in a dog’s life. Because they are always so alert, Poochons are quick to let an owner know when there are strangers about and when something strange is happening in their environment.

It’s very important for these dogs to be well socialised from a young age so they grow up to be confident, outgoing mature dogs. Their socialisation must include introducing them to lots of new situations, noises, people, other animals and dogs once they have been fully vaccinated. It’s also crucial for their training to start early too and it must be consistent throughout a dog’s life. A Poochon is never happier than when they know their place in the pack and who they can look to for direction and guidance. If they don’t know who is the alpha dog in a household, they may quickly take on the role of a dominant dog which can make them harder to live with and handle.

If dogs are allowed to “rule the roost”, a Poochon could quickly develop a condition known as “Small Dog Syndrome” which sees dogs becoming neurotic and stressed out most of the time which can make life difficult for both dog and owner.

Are they a good choice for first time owners?

Poochons are the perfect choice for first time dog owners because they are so amenable and people-oriented, loving nothing more than to please and to entertain their families. They are particularly good with slightly older children and older people too although playtime can get a bit boisterous at times. Care should however, be taken when they are around toddlers and very young children.

What about prey drive?

Poochons are very social by nature and even though they have working and hunting dogs in their lineage, they do not have a very high prey drive. However, this is not to say that a dog would not give chase to a smaller animal when the mood takes them and this includes squirrels and the cat from next door whenever they get the chance.

What about playfulness?

Poochons have a very playful side to their natures and love to entertain and be entertained. They are known to be a little mischievous when the mood takes them and being so clever, a Poochon quickly learns how to wind an owner round their little paws which often sees them get away with things and being so intelligent, Poochons like to test the limits and boundaries from time to time.

What about adaptability?

Poochons are highly adaptable little dogs being just as happy living in an apartment in town as they would be living in a house in the country providing they are given enough physical daily exercise combined with lots of mental stimulation to prevent boredom from setting in, bearing in mind they are energetic, active and highly intelligent little dogs.

What about separation anxiety?

As previously mentioned, Poochons form extremely strong ties with their owners and as such they do suffer from separation anxiety when left on their own for any length of time which is why they are better suited to people who either work from home or in households where one person stays at home when everyone else is out so they are never alone for any length of time which could see a dog suffering from separation anxiety. This can lead to them being destructive around the home which is a dog’s way of relieving any stress they are feeling and a way to keep themselves entertained.

What about excessive barking?

Poochons are known to like the sound of their own voices a little too much which should make them great watchdogs, but they tend to bark for the sake of it and greet everyone they meet because they are so social by nature. Excessive barking is something that needs to be gently nipped in the bud when a dog is still young being careful not to frighten them before it turns into a real problem with dogs barking at the slightest thing whether real or imaginary.

Do Poochons like water?

Most Poochons love swimming and will take to the water whenever they can more especially when the weather is hot. However, if anyone who owns a dog that does not like water should never force them to go in because it would just end up scaring them. With this said, care should always be taken when walking a Poochon off the lead anywhere near more dangerous watercourses just in case a dog decides to leap in and then needs rescuing.

Are Poochons good watchdogs?

Poochons are not natural watchdogs although as previously mentioned their love of “barking” for the sake of it can often mean a dog often cries “wolf” a little too often which is why barking and yapping for the sake of it should be gently but firmly nipped in the bud when dogs are still young.

Intelligence / Trainability

The Poochon is a very smart dog having so much Poodle in their DNA. They are quick learners and love nothing more than to please. However, the downside to this is they are just as quick to pick up bad habits as they are the good which is why their training must begin early and it has to be very consistent and always fair throughout a dog’s life so they understand what’s expected of them. Poochons are never happier than when they are given something to do which is why they are so amenable to learning new things. They excel at many canine sports which include activities like flyball, agility and obedience because they thrive on the attention they are given during their training and the one-to-one contact they have with their owners when they are competing.

The key to successfully training a Poochon is to make their training as interesting as possible and to avoid too much repetition. It’s also a good idea to keep training sessions that much shorter which helps keep a dog more focused on what they are being asked to do bearing in mind that the more intelligent a dog is, the faster they get bored. They do not answer well to harsh correction or any sort of heavy-handed training methods, but they do respond extremely well to positive reinforcement which always brings the best out of these intelligent and quick-witted dogs, especially when there are high-value rewards involved making sure that a dog is never given too many to prevent too much weight gain.

Poochons puppies will always test the limits and boundaries often just for the fun of it which is why their education and socialisation must start early and it should always be consistent and fair. The first commands a puppy should be taught right from the word to are the following:

• Come
• Sit
• Stay
• Quiet
• Leave it
• Down
• Bed

Children and Other Pets

Poochon is known to be good around children, but they are best suited to families where the children are older and who therefore know how to behave around smaller and very lively dogs. As such any interaction between toddlers and a dog should always be well supervised by an adult to make sure playtime does not get too boisterous which could end up with a dog being injured.

When dogs have been well socialised from a young enough age, they generally get on well with other dogs they meet and if they have grown up with a family cat in a household, they usually get on well together too. However, a Poochon would think nothing of chasing off any other cats they encounter because they would see them as fair game. Care has to be taken when they are around any smaller animals and pets just in case. As such any contact is best avoided.

Poochon Health

The average life expectancy of a Poochon is between 12 and 15 years when properly cared for and fed an appropriate good quality diet to suit their ages.

As previously mentioned, first-generation Poochons tend to be the healthiest and are therefore less prone to inheriting any congenital or hereditary disorders that are known to affect the Toy and Miniature Poodle and the Bichon. Second generation and further generations tend to be more predisposed to suffering from the health issues that affect their parent breeds. Bichons are known to suffer from the following conditions:

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – stud dogs should be eye tested before being used in a breeding programme – Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle & Bichon Frise
• Hip dysplasia – BVA/KC hip scoring – Toy Poodle & Miniature Poodle
• Sebaceous adenitis – Breed club test – Toy Poodle & Miniature Poodle
• Von Willebrand Disease – DNA test – Toy Poodle & Miniature Poodle
• Patellar Luxation
• Allergies

What about vaccinations?

Poochon puppies would have been given their initial vaccinations before being sold, but it is up to their new owners to make sure they have their follow-up shots in a timely manner with the vaccination schedule for puppies being as follows:

• 10 -12 weeks old, bearing in mind that a puppy would not have full protection straight away, but would be fully protected 2 weeks after they have had their second vaccination

There has been a lot of discussion about the need for dogs to have boosters. As such, it’s best to talk to a vet before making a final decision on whether a dog should continue to have annual vaccinations which are known as boosters.

What about spaying and neutering?

A lot of vets these days recommend waiting until dogs are slightly older before spaying and neutering them which means they are more mature before undergoing the procedures. As such they advise neutering males and spaying females when they are between the ages of 6 to 9 months old. Other vets recommend spaying and neutering dogs when they are 6 months old, but never any earlier unless for medical reasons.

What about obesity problems?

Some Poochons can gain weight after they have been spayed or neutered and it’s important to keep an eye on a dog’s waistline just in case they do. If a dog starts to put on weight it’s important to adjust their daily calorie intake and to up the amount of exercise they are given. Older Poochons too are more prone to gaining weight and again it’s essential they be fed and exercised accordingly because obesity can shorten a dog’s life by several years. The reason is that it puts a lot of extra strain on a dog’s internal organs including the heart.

What about allergies?

Poochons are prone to suffering from allergies and sebaceous adenitis so it’s important for a dog to see a vet sooner rather than later if there’s a flare-up. Allergies can be notoriously hard to clear up and finding the triggers can be challenging. With this said, a vet would be able to make a dog with an allergy more comfortable while they try to find out the triggers which could include the following:

• Certain foods
• Airborne pollens
• Dust Mites
• Environment
• Flea and tick bites
• Chemicals found in everyday household cleaning products

Participating in health schemes

All responsible Poochon breeders would ensure that their stud dogs are tested for known hereditary and congenital health issues known to affect the breed by using the following schemes:

For Toy Poodles, the recommended tests are:

• DNA test – prcd-PRA, BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
• BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
• Breed Club test – Sebaceous adenitis
• DNA test – vWD

For the Miniature Poodle, the recommended health tests are:

• DNA test – prcd-PRA
• BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
• Hip scoring for hip dysplasia
• DNA test for Von Willebrand’s disease

For the Bichon Frise, the recommended tests are:

• BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme

What about breed specific breeding restrictions?

Poochons are not Kennel Club registered (September 2017), as such there are no breed specific breeding restrictions in place, but prospective owners should always make sure puppies have been well bred and that parent dogs were Kennel Club registered and tested for known hereditary and congenital health issues.

What about Assured Breeder Requirements?

There are no Kennel Club Assured Breeders for the Poochon because they are not a KC recognised breed.

Caring for a Poochon

As with any other breed, Poochons need to be groomed on a regular basis to make sure their coats and skin are kept in top condition, bearing in mind that some dogs are prone to suffering from a condition known as sebaceous adenitis and allergies. They also need to be given regular daily exercise to ensure they remain fit and healthy. On top of this, dogs need to be fed good quality food that meets all their nutritional needs throughout their lives.

Caring for a Poochon puppy

Poochon puppies are boisterous and full of life which means it’s essential for homes and gardens to be puppy-proofed well in advance of their arrival. A responsible breeder would have well socialised their puppies which always leads to more outgoing, confident and friendly dogs right from the word go. With this said, any puppy is going to feel vulnerable when they leave their mother and littermates which must be taken into account. The longer a puppy can remain with their mother, the better although it should never be for too long either.

It’s best to arrange to pick a puppy up when people in the home are going to be around for the first week or so which is the time needed for a puppy to settle in. Puppy-proofing the home and garden mean putting away any tools and other implements that a boisterous puppy might injure themselves on. Electric wires and cables must be put out of their reach because puppies love chewing on things. Toxic plants should be removed from flowerbeds and the home too.

Puppies need to sleep a lot to grow and develop as they should which means setting up a quiet area that’s not too out of the way means they can retreat to it when they want to nap and it’s important not to disturb them when they are sleeping. It’s also a good idea to keep “playtime” nice and calm inside the house and to have a more active “playtime” outside in the garden which means puppies quickly learn to be less boisterous when they are inside.

The documentation a breeder provides for a puppy must have all the details of their worming date and the product used as well as the information relating to their microchip. It is essential for puppies to be wormed again keeping to a schedule which is as follows:

• Puppies should be wormed at 6 months old
• They need to be wormed again when they are 8 months old
• Puppies should be wormed when they are 10 months old
• They need to be wormed when they are 12 months old

Things you’ll need for your puppy

There are certain items that new owners need to already have in the home prior to bringing a new puppy home. It’s often a good idea to restrict how much space a puppy plays in more especially when you can’t keep an eye on what they get up to bearing in mind that puppies are often quite boisterous which means investing in puppy gates or a large enough playpen that allows a Poochon puppy the room to express themselves while keeping them safe too. The items needed are, therefore, as follows:

• Good quality puppy or baby gates to fit on doors
• A good well-made playpen that’s large enough for a  puppy to play in so they can really express themselves as puppies like to do
• Lots of well-made toys which must include good quality chews suitable for puppies to gnaw on, bearing in mind that a puppy will start teething anything from when they are 3 to 8 months old
• Good quality feed and water bowls which ideally should be ceramic rather than plastic or metal
• A grooming glove
• A slicker brush or soft bristle brush
• Dog specific toothpaste and a toothbrush
• Scissors with rounded ends
• Nail clippers
• Puppy shampoo and conditioner which must be specifically formulated for use on dogs
• A well-made dog collar or harness
• A couple of strong dog leads
• A well-made dog bed that’s not too small or too big
• A well-made dog crate for use in the car and in the home, that’s large enough for a  puppy to move around in
• Baby blankets to put in your puppy’s crate and in their beds for when they want to nap or go to sleep at night

Keeping the noise down

All puppies are sensitive to noise including Poochon puppies. It’s important to keep the noise levels down when a new puppy arrives in the home. TVs and music should not be played too loud which could end up stressing a small puppy out.

Keeping vet appointments

As previously mentioned, Poochon puppies would have been given their first vaccinations by the breeders, but they must have their follow up shots which is up to their new owners to organise. The vaccination schedule for puppies is as follows:

• 10 -12 weeks old, bearing in mind that a puppy would not have full protection straight away, but would only be fully protected 2 weeks after they have had their second vaccination

When it comes to boosters, it’s best to discuss these with a vet because there is a lot of debate about whether a dog really needs them after a certain time. However, if a dog ever needed to go into kennels, their vaccinations would need to be

What about older Poochon when they reach their senior years?

Older Poochons need lots of special care because as they reach their golden years, they are more at risk of developing certain health concerns. Physically, a Poochon will start to have a greying muzzle, but there will be other noticeable changes too which includes the following:

• Coats become coarser
• A loss of muscle tone
• Poochons can either become overweight or underweight
• They have reduced strength and stamina
• Older dogs have difficulty regulating their body temperature
• They often develop arthritis
• Immune systems do not work as efficiently as they once did which means dogs are more susceptible to infections

Older dogs change mentally too which means their response time tends to be slower as such they develop the following:

• They respond less to external stimuli due to impaired vision or hearing
• They tend to be a little pickier about their food
• They have a lower pain threshold
• Become intolerant of any change
• Often an older dog can feel disorientated

Living with a Poochon in their golden years means taking on a few more responsibilities, but these are easily managed and should include taking a look at their diet, the amount of exercise they are given, how often their dog beds need changing and keeping an eye on the condition of their teeth.

Older Poochons need to be fed a good quality diet that meets their needs at this stage of their lives all the while keeping a close eye on a dog’s weight. A rough feeding guide for older Poochons is as follows bearing in mind they should be fed highly digestible food that does not contain any additives:

• Protein content should be anything from 14 – 21%
• Fat content should be less than 10%
• Fibre content should be less than 4%
• Calcium content should be 0.5 – 0.8%
• Phosphorous content should be 0.4 – 0.7%
• Sodium content should be 0.2 – 0.4%

Older Poochons don’t need to be given the same amount of daily exercise as a younger dog, but they still need the right amount of physical activity to maintain muscle tone and to prevent a dog from putting on too much weight. All dogs need access to fresh clean water and this is especially true of older dogs when they reach their golden years because they are more at risk of developing kidney disorders.

Grooming

Poochons can have soft, curly coats which they have inherited from the Poodle or they can have slightly coarser, longer coarser coats too. They are also low shedding which makes them a good choice for people who suffer from pet allergies although it’s worth bearing in mind that it’s the dander a dog sheds that can also trigger an allergic reaction. They are quite high maintenance when it comes to keeping their coats looking good and tidy. As such they need to be groomed several times a week and they also need to be professionally clipped or trimmed several times a year with the good news being it makes it easier to keep their coats looking good in between visits to a grooming parlour.

Because they have quite profuse whiskers and beards, their muzzles need to be cleaned after a dog has eaten to remove any food that may have got stuck in the longer hair around their muzzles. It’s a good idea to wipe a dog’s eyes to remove any tear stains which tend to show up a lot more on lighter coloured dogs. It’s also important to check a dog’s ears on a regular basis and to clean them when necessary. If too much wax builds up in a dog’s ears, it can lead to a painful infection which can be hard to clear up. In short, prevention is often easier than cure with ear infections.

Exercise

The Poochon is a high energy, intelligent dog and as such, they need to be given the right amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation for them to be truly happy well-rounded dogs. They need anything from 20 to 40 minutes exercise a day with as much off the lead time as possible. If they are not given the right amount of mental stimulation and exercise every day, a Poochon would quickly get bored and could even begin to show some destructive behaviours around the home which is their way of relieving any stress they are feeling and not necessarily because they are being naughty.

A shorter walk in the morning would be fine, but a longer more interesting one in the afternoon is a must with as much off the lead time as possible. These dogs also like to be able to roam around a back garden so they can really let off steam. However, the fencing has to be extremely secure to keep these lively dogs in because if they find a weakness in the fence, they will soon escape and could get into all sorts of trouble.

With this said, Poochon puppies should not be over exercised because their joints and bones are still growing. This includes not letting a dog jump up and down from furniture or going up or down the stairs. Too much pressure placed on their joints and spines at an early age could result in a dog developing serious problems later in their lives.

Feeding

If you get a Poochon puppy from a breeder, they would give you a feeding schedule and it’s important to stick to the same routine, feeding the same puppy food to avoid any tummy upsets. You can change a puppy’s diet, but this needs to be done very gradually always making sure they don’t develop any digestive upsets and if they do, it’s best to put them back on their original diet and to discuss things with the vet before attempting to change it again.

Older dogs are not known to be fussy eaters, but this does not mean they can be given a lower quality diet. It’s best to feed a mature dog twice a day, once in the morning and then again in the evening, making sure it’s good quality food that meets all their nutritional requirements. It’s also important that dogs be given the right amount of exercise so they burn off any excess calories or they might gain too much weight which can lead to all sorts of health issues. Obesity can shorten a dog’s life by several years so it’s important to keep an eye on their waistline from the word go.

Feeding guide for a Poochon puppy

Puppies need to be fed a highly nutritious, good quality diet for them to develop and grow as they should. As a rough guide, a Poochon puppy can be fed the following amount

ts every day making sure their meals are evenly spread out throughout the day and it’s best to feed them 3 or 4 times a day:

• 2 months old   – 48g to 125g depending on puppy’s build
• 3 months old –  54g to 150g depending on puppy’s build
• 4 months old –  55g to 161g depending on puppy’s build
• 5 months old –  55g to 164g depending on puppy’s build
• 6 months old –  47g to 163g depending on puppy’s build
• 7 months old –  40g to 146g depending on puppy’s build
• 8 months old –  39g to 128g depending on puppy’s build
• 9 months old –  39g to 111g depending on puppy’s build
• 10 months old –  39g to 112g depending on puppy’s build

Once a puppy is 11 months old they can be fed adult dog food.

Feeding guide for an adult Poochon

Once fully mature, an adult Poochon must be fed a good quality diet to ensure their continued good health. As a rough guide, an adult Poochon can be fed the following amounts every day:

• Dogs weighing 3 kg can be fed 55g to 63g depending on activity
• Dogs weighing 5 kg can be fed 80g to 93g depending on activity
• Dogs weighing 6 kg can be fed 92g to 106g depending on activity
• Dogs weighing 7 kg can be fed 103g to 119g depending on activity
• Dogs weighing 8 kg can be fed 114g to 132g depending on activity

Average Cost to keep/care for a Poochon

If you are looking to buy a Poochon, you would need to pay anything from £300 to over £500 for a well-bred pedigree puppy. The cost of insuring a male 3-year-old Poochon in northern England would be £22.60 a month for basic cover but for a lifetime policy, this would set you back £47.41 a month (quote as of September 2017). When insurance companies calculate a pet’s premium, they factor in several things which includes where you live in the UK, a dog’s age and whether they have been neutered or spayed among other things.

When it comes to food costs, you need to buy the best quality food whether wet or dry making sure it suits the different stages of a dog’s life. This would set you back between £20 – £30 a month. On top of this, you need to factor in veterinary costs if you want to share your home with a Poochon and this includes their initial vaccinations, their annual boosters, the cost of neutering or spaying a dog when the time is right and their yearly health checks, all of which quickly adds up to over £800 a year.

As a rough guide, the average cost to keep and care for a Poochon would be between £50 to £80 a month depending on the level of insurance cover you opt to buy for your dog, but this does not include the initial cost of buying a well-bred, healthy Poochon puppy.

Poochon Buying Advice

When visiting and buying any puppy or dog, there are many important things to consider and questions to ask of the breeder/seller.

Poochons are an extremely popular breed both in the UK and elsewhere in the world which means that well-bred puppies command a lot of money. As such, with Poochons there is specific advice, questions and protocols to follow when buying a puppy which is as follows:

• Beware of online scams and how to avoid them.  You may see online and other adverts by scammers showing images of beautiful Poochon puppies for sale at very low prices. However, the sellers ask buyers for money up front before agreeing to deliver a puppy to a new home. Potential buyers should never buy a puppy unseen and should never pay a deposit or any other money online to a seller.  You should always visit the pet at the sellers home to confirm they are genuine and make a note of their address.
• As previously touched upon, Poochon is among the most popular breeds in the UK. As such, there are many amateur breeders/people who breed from parent dogs far too often so they can make a quick profit without caring for the welfare of the puppies, their dam or the breed in general. Under Kennel Club rules, a dam can only produce 4 litters and she must be between a certain age to do so. Anyone wishing to buy a Poochon puppy should think very carefully about who they purchase their puppy from and should always ask to see the relevant paperwork pertaining to a puppy’s lineage, their vaccinations and their microchipping

• Prospective Poochon owners should be very careful when considering buying an extra small puppy because all too often they suffer from very serious health issues and no responsible breeder would purposefully breed dogs so they are too small
• It is very hard to tell the difference between a first or second generation Poochon on looks alone. As such, it is extremely important that potential owners see a puppy’s lineage to ensure they are first generation dogs which all reputable Poochon breeders would more than happy to provide as proof that both parent breeds are Kennel Club registered pure breeds

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They have characteristics in common to jackals and Huskies, with a large body, almond-shaped eyes with piercing looks, a large and round head with pointed, triangular ears and a long muzzle. The shoulder and chest region is broad while the waist part is relatively thin. The legs are slim, much like the jackals, but firm. Their tails are long, thick and bushy.

Quick Description

History & Development

In 1975, the jackal-dog was created from a hybrid between two Lapponian Herder dogs and two golden jackals. It gets its name from Klim Sulimov, a Russian scientist, who created this breed for the security purposes of Aeroflot, the largest airline in Russia. The process of breeding involved fostering of male jackal puppies by a female Lapponian Herder to imprint the jackal instincts on a dog psychologically.

However, since it was not easy to train the resultant half-bred newborn canids, they were bred back to Husky dogs, thus giving birth to the next line of quarter-bred pups that were not only trainable but also possessed strong olfaction. It was this set of puppies that were named as the Sulimov dogs.

With an attempt to improve the levels of trainability, the blood of a Reindeer Herding Hound, a Fox Terrier, and a Spitz was also introduced into this line. Finally, to establish these new dogs as a breed, they were further bred together for seven more generations, and the result was a success.

Presently, there are a total of 40 of these dogs that belong to the Aeroflot Services. The dogs would take the initiative of searching explosives by themselves and have mainly been trained to distinguish between 12 components of bombs.

Temperament and Behavior

Nothing much is known about the personality of this breed in the world outside Russia; however, they are said to be agile, obedient and eager to please. Such traits have also made them quite trainable. They have lots of energy and are very active in general, and can withstand temperature extremities at ease. It is said that, like a jackal, this hardy breed can tolerate high temperatures of about 40°C, and quite like a reindeer, they can withstand cold temperatures of up to -70°C.

Care

• Exercise

Like other large, active breeds, the Sulimovs need vigorous exercises on a daily basis. Take your dog out for a long walk for at least a couple of hours every day. An open yard is recommended where your dog can play freely without its leash on. The area should be enclosed.

• Grooming

Sulimov dogs have long, dense hair all over its body. Use a thick brush to clean its coat at least twice a week.

• Health Problems

As a new breed, very little is known about its health history. However, they are hardy in general.

Training

As mentioned earlier, the Sulimov Dogs were bred especially for security purposes in customs and airports, mostly to sniff and find out bombs and drugs, since they are known for their acute sense of smell.

Presently, they are not as popular as house pets. However, if you happen to have one of these pups at home, you should first opt for socialization. Take your puppy out to different places where it can meet other people and experience new things like moving cars, flying birds, other dogs, and so on. Call this the first step to teach your puppy to refrain from indulging its olfactory.

Similarly, obedience training is also urgent, since displaying obstinacy at times is also not uncommon for them. However, this dog deserves your patience. You should be authoritative and firm, but gentle, and define your own set of rules. Begin with training them to obey and understand the first basic commands thoroughly so as to efficiently gain control over your dog’s possible intentions of following its nose too much.

Diet/Feeding

A general dog diet, consisting of dry kibbles, raw meat, fish, etc., is recommended for this medium to large breed.

Interesting Facts

• Presently, Sulimov Dogs are exclusively trained from a very young age to differentiate between twelve components of explosives.

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The Leonberger takes his name from his hometown of Leonberg, Germany, where he first emerged during the 1800s. In the beginning he worked as a family and work dog, but the breed got so much attention from German artists that they often traded in these mundane tasks for the glamorous life of art models. Many parts of Europe embraced the trend and the Loenberger’s face wound up on several stamps of that time period.

The Leonberger was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010.

Sizing up

• Weight: 120 to 170 lbs.
• Height: 25.5 to 31.5 inches
• Coat: Double coat, medium to long in length
• Color: Lion yellow and golden or reddish-brown
• Life expectancy: 6 to 9 years

What’s the Leonberger like?

The Leonberger, while possibly intimidating, is very sweet. He is loyal, loveable, and very active. He will need plenty of daily exercise whether it’s going hiking or for a nice, long walk. But just because he enjoys the outdoors doesn’t mean he likes to be left alone out there—or anywhere. The Leo is extremely infatuated with his family and does not like to be away from them for long periods of time.

Training your Leo should begin right away if you want him to have the gentle traits that his breed is so well known for. Otherwise, he can be quite the handful. Socialization at an early age is also very important. You’ll need to be firm and consistent throughout all of it because he will test you when you let him. Make sure he knows you’re the alpha. Using positive reinforcements and food rewards will be integral to the process. If you follow this advice, your Leo will make a great friend for children.

The massive Leonberger has a lot of furs, so he will shed more frequently than your average dog. You’ll need to give him a very thorough brushing to remove any dead hairs before they end up on your furniture. He loves getting dirty so keeping up with regular baths will help his coat look extra shiny and beautiful.

Health

Larger breeds, like the Leonberger, are at a greater risk for several conditions.

Hip Dysplasia

• One of the most common diseases seen in dogs, with larger breeds being the most affected. It is ultimately a malfunction of the hip joints

Elbow Dysplasia

• The development of arthritis in the elbow joint

Hypothyroidism

• A disease caused by a decrease in metabolism due to an under-active thyroid hormone

Gastric Torsion/Bloat

• A condition in which a dog’s stomach rotates and twists; in some cases it can lead to cellular damage or organ death

Panosteitis

• A condition common to medium or large sized dogs that affects the bones in their legs causing a painful limping. Usually seen around 5 to 18 months of age

Osteosarcoma

• The most common bone tumor found in dogs. It is usually seen in larger breeds and can spread rapidly throughout the dog’s body

Leonberger Training

The Leonberger does not respond to harsh training methods; positive reinforcement is best. Patience is required. Early socialization and obedience training is highly recommended.

Leonberger Names

Takeaway points

• The Leonberger would make a great hiking companion.
• The Leonberger is an excellent watchdog.
• The Leonberger can be great with children as long as they’re respectful.
• The Leonberger tends to shed a lot.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian — they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

9 Impressive Facts About the Leonberger

These cuddly dogs were bred to resemble lions, but they really look more like teddy bears. Learn more about these impressively large canines.

1. THEY HAIL FROM GERMANY.

Heinrich Essig, a noted politician, is generally credited with the creation of the Leonberger. The avid dog lover was known to trade somewhere between 200 and 300 dogs a year. A resident of Leonberg, Germany, he hoped to create a dog that resembled the lion on the town’s crest. In 1846, Essig announced that he had developed a new dog by crossing a Landseer Newfoundland with a Saint Bernard, and then a Pyrenean mountain dog. He named the new breed after his beloved hometown. He then left to promote the dog while his niece, Marie, bred and trained the dogs at home.

Essig claimed that his lion-like dogs only came from those three breeds, but today’s experts are skeptical. Many believe that the dog must have been made using a wider range of types to achieve its unusual looks.

2. THEY WERE LOVED BY THE RICH AND FAMOUS.

Essig was an amazing salesman who was able to smooth-talk his way into the homes of royalty and celebrities around the world. He also used his position on the town council to promote both his town and the dogs that shared the town’s name. Leonbergers were soon owned by Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Prince of Wales, King Umberto of Italy, and the Czar of Russia.

3. WORLD WAR I ALMOST WIPED THEM OUT.

As with many other breeds, war threatened to wipe out the Leonberger. In an effort to save them from extinction, two breeders named Karl Stadelmann and Otto Josenhans rounded up the last 25. Only five of the remaining dogs were fit to breed; still, Stadelmann and Josenhans managed to reinvigorate the line. In 1922, a group of seven people came together to start a formal breeding program, and by 1926, they had 360 Leonbergers.

4. YOU CAN TELL THE SEXES APART.

Leos are dimorphic, meaning that the female and male dogs are noticeably different. Males are bred to be more “masculine” and generally heftier dogs; on average they weigh about 132 pounds, while females weigh an average of 105 pounds.

5. THEIR LITTERS ARE (USUALLY) AVERAGE-SIZED.

Typically, Leos don’t produce very many puppies at a time; litters have six puppies on average. In 2009, one Leonberger surprised its owners by giving birth to 18 puppies. Thought to be a breed record in the United States, the impressive number of pups kept their family very busy. The mother, named Ariel, had previously given birth to a litter of four puppies. Before she delivered her second, considerably larger litter, her owners were unable to tell how many puppies would be delivered, even with an ultrasound. “We knew it was at least 10,” they said.

6. THEY’RE IN TUNE WITH YOUR EMOTIONS.

Leonbergers are known to be a sensitive breed. It’s said that the kind dogs get visibly distressed when their family argues or otherwise expresses anger or sadness. Leos are bred as companion dogs, and enjoy being in the company of their owners. They don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time.

7. THEIR SENSITIVITY MAKES THEM GREAT THERAPY DOGS.

These gentle giants have excellent bedside manner. They are great with children and the elderly, showing an amazing amount of gentleness for a dog of their size. (Their stature also makes it easy for them to be petted from a hospital bed.) In 2002, the Leonberger Club of America started an award program to celebrate Leos and their owners for taking time to participate in therapy programs.

8. THEY SHED A LOT.

Leonbergers have a thick double coat that gives them their lion-like appearance. The coat can come in many different colors, such as yellow, sand, brown, and red, usually tipped with black. Even the texture of their coats can have variety. Thanks to their mane-like appearance, owners of the dog are likely to find a lot of hair around their homes. Frequent brushing is a must unless you want your house overrun with hairballs.

9. THEY MAKE GREAT SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS.

It takes a special kind of dog—ideally, one with a powerful nose—to become a search and rescue dog. Leos are agile, well coordinated, and eager to please. In Canada, Germany, and other parts of Europe, the dogs are often used to find missing people. Thanks to their webbed feet, they’re great swimmers, which makes them perfect for water missions.

The post The Leonberger: A Large and Friendly Pet Dog Breed appeared first on Lovely Animals World.

Online sources are a pet-savior. There are two reliable websites that deal with these kinds of situations: TrustedHousesitters and MindMyHouse. The idea is that people are staying rent-free in places around the world in exchange for keeping an eye on homes, gardens and pets. Not only is this a brilliant way to travel, but it is the answer to our problem.

Set up profiles requesting assistance, and cross your fingers. Within mere hours you should have offers flowing in from people all over the world.

How to Post a Request for a Housesitter

Include a few recent photos of your clean and tidy home, pets, and yard (if lawn or garden maintenance will be required). Include in your bio on why your home would be a nice, comfortable place to stay.

This is very attractive to the many “digital nomads,” bloggers and remote tech workers that are drawn to housesitting, as well as regular travelers that want a comfortable place to keep in touch and research their upcoming adventures.

Include an honest description of your location and why it would be an interesting place to visit. Think about your place from a traveler’s perspective and the things they would want to know.

How to Choose a Housesitter

This is important. Review applicant bios, response emails for thoroughness and feeling of authenticity. Read reviews and contact references. Review police reports and/or do your own online sleuthing. Trustedhousesitters has a feature that allows potential sitters to volunteer their police records or you can do other online research to see if their stories match up.

Don’t be concerned with sounding paranoid, do whatever you need to make yourself comfortable with whether the applicants are who they say they are and have good intentions. If possible, ask to meet them in person before deciding.

And of course, last but not least, ask them if they like dogs. If not, for us dog-lovers that might be a deal-barker. Oops, sorry, a deal-breaker.

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It doesn’t matter if a canine is wild and domestic, all dogs are prone to spending hours chewing bones for this activity helps them keep their jaws strong and their mouth and teeth clean.

However, in most cases merely giving your pooch the right things to chew on might not be enough to prevent destructive chewing.

Our doggos need to learn early in life that some things are not okay to chew, and we need to be gentle and humane while teaching them this. In that name, here are 3 tips on how to reduce and prevent your pooch’s inappropriate chewing.

1. Dog-Proof Your Home

First things first! Make sure you put all your valuable objects away until you are sure your dog’s chewing behavior is managed i.e. restricted only to appropriate items. Make sure you keep your shoes and pieces of clothing in a secured closest, your books high on shelves, your cables hidden, etc…

2. Chewing Toys

In order to prevent your furry-friend from chewing on everything in your home, you must provide him/her with plenty of his own toys, edible and inedible chew bones.

According to aspca.org:

“Pay attention to the types of toys that keep him chewing for long periods of time and continue to offer those. It’s ideal to introduce something new or rotate your dog’s chew toys every couple of days so that he doesn’t get bored with the same old toys.”

Check Out This Bacon Flavored Pro Action Bone Dog Chew Toy

3. Chewing Deterrents

You can discourage your dog’s destructive and inappropriate chewing habits by spraying the items with chewing deterrents.

Here we have 4 easy-to make DIY sprays to prevent your pooch from chewing.

Do your best to supervise your dog during all waking hours until you feel confident that his chewing behavior is under control.

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Apple Cider & Vinegar

Canines just hate the flavor and smell of vinegar and biter apples.

Yes, there are great commercial bitter apple sprays available, but you can always make one yourself.

Simply combine two parts apple cider vinegar with one part regular white vinegar, put in a spray bottle, shake well, and voilà – you have a highly effective and safe dog deterrent.

Lemon Juice & Vinegar

A great alternative to the one above is lemon juice and vinegar combination. Simply replace the two parts apple cider vinegar with two parts lemon juice and off you go.

Click here to buy Spray Bottles on Amazon

This combination will also make your home smell lemony fresh. Quite a combo!

Simple Citrus

Since our canine friends aren’t very fond of the sharp smell of citrus, it is excellent for making your dog stop chewing on your favorite chair. Put 2 cups of citrus peels in 4 cups of boiled water, and wait until it cools off.

Cayenne Pepper Spray

If previous 3 mixtures don’t work on your pooch, try cayenne pepper spray. Add 1/2 cup of fresh cayenne peppers to a cup of boiled water and wait until it cools off. Be careful though, pepper spray liquids can irritate their eyes and nose.

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