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Training Tips

Grooming Noted expert, Eve Adamson, says if you want a dog who likes to be groomed (bathing, brushing and toe nails) start with a happy tone, bowl of treats and special area. She suggests five rules that make the grooming experience fun for the dog.

1. Act happy and sound happy before and during the grooming process.
2. Always have a bowl of small treats handy so your pup will associate treats and your happy attitude when being groomed.
3. Use an area to groom where nothing bad happens (bathroom, porch, sink, grooming table etc.). In this place use only an animated voice.
4. If for some reason things do not go well, stop. You can always return later. It may be that after just one toe nail, or the beginning of the brushing. When you stop, sound happy.
5. Do not let your pup see you upset when grooming. You are in charge and the leader. Keep that position with your attitude and voice tone.

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

The Morris Animal Foundation will manage the largest study to date. A 10-year, $25 million study to identify risk factors for cancer, allergic dermatitis, obesity and every other common condition that affect not only Golden Retrievers, but all dogs. This study will follow 3,000 Golden Retrievers through extensive owner questionnaires and annual examinations. The study is designed to know everything that goes on around these animals and then link genetic, nutritional and environmental factors to their health conditions. There are currently more than 1,000 dogs and owners enrolled, but 2,000 more are still needed. For more information about the study and requirements for enrolling animals, go to morrisanimalfoundation.org or call Morris Animal Foundation at 1-800-243-2345.

Dog Writers

The annual dog writer’s competition banquet was held in New York City. More than 50 winners received the Maxwell Medallion. Winners and the winning articles are listed here

Continuing Education

This free Newsletter is subscribed to by more than 13,000 dog lovers. More than 40 articles and newsletters plus seminars are available. If you do not see a seminar near your residence, ask your club to host one. They meet AKC’s annual education requirement.

Health & Genetics

The following information is intended to raise awareness levels, not to prescribe medical treatment or offer self diagnosis. Responsible breeders should be aware of these health concerns and try to eliminate them.

Dreaded Diseases

Every breed has one or more of the dreaded diseases. These are the disorders that: kill cripple, cause early death or blindness. Bloat affects many breeds. The study about the risk factors is available here.

Long-Term Health Risks Associated with Spay/Neuter

A new report unravels the complexities of this subject. More than 50 peer-reviewed papers were examined to assess the health issues of spay & neutered dogs. Research shows that there are many risks. Here’s the article.

Socialization and Enrichment for Military and TSA Puppies

The DOD program begins at 7-10 weeks of age when pups are placed with families who rise then until 7 months of age. Instructions and guidelines focus on basic manners training. Formal training is not required. Volunteer families are asked to kennel pups at night and at other times to get the pups comfortable with kenneling. Pups are returned to Lakeland Air force Base for routine veterinary care and assessments monthly (stay overnight in kennels on the base). Successful candidates begin pre-training at 7 months and formal training at 12 months.

The TSA puppy program uses a similar puppy rearing program, except that the TSA monthly kenneling is more formalized, and the pups are not back permanently until about 12 months of age. Both programs use enrichment experiences as part of puppy development. They include changes in routines, new experiences and regularly being touched by strangers. Priority is given to new and different places, people, strange sounds and smells. Vocabulary is used to control movement and behavior. New Dog Laws The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a revised regulation regarding "Retail Pet Stores and Licensing Exemptions". The rule requires USDA licensing of breeders who maintain more than four "breeding females" and who sell animals as pets to buyers sight unseen. Visit AKC’s online Regulations Resource page for the latest information. The new requirements went into effect on November 18, 2013.

Articles

Articles about breeding methods, pedigree analysis, puppies and the Super Dog program have been added to our website. See the list of articles.

Seminars

Making the Super Dog, a new seminar that incorporates research, technology, pedigree analysis, nutrition and management has been added to our list of seminars.

DVD

Choosing the Best Puppy DVD. An unpublished study of many breeds shows that over 60% of the best dogs in most breeds are not owned by their breeder. Reason ... lack of breeder skill and knowledge. Order the DVD.

War Dogs Documentary - Free

The producer awarded our website with a supply of this movie for distribution. It is narrated by Martin Sheen and depicts the amazing saga of the heroic dogs who served in the Vietnam War. You pay only shipping and postage. Click here.