Building a Better World of Breeders

Dear Reader

The over whelming support from breeders about this newsletter and our website has been gratifying. Longtime supporters like you know that the information we share is intended for those whose interest is in "breeding better dogs". Forward this newsletter on to your friends. 

Health and Genetics

The following is intended to raise awareness levels, not to prescribe treatment.  

Four Surprising Signs your Dog May Need a Vet

1. Bad breath:  Generally a sign of bacteria buildup of plaque which can affect the heart. Regular brushing helps.
2. Changes in Behavior. Accidents or a gentle growl at the kids and potty accidents are symptoms of urinary tract or kidney issues.
3. Dandruff: Dry, dull or flaky coat could mean diet problems or underactive thyroid.
4. Drinking more water: Unless it’s especially hot, check for kidney problems, diabetes or hyperthyroidism.

Stick Dog Pedigree Software

Try this new pedigree software. It produces three pedigrees:

1. The Traditional pedigree with names and titles
2. The Stick Dog Pedigree which codes each ancestor for seven structural traits of conformation.
3. The Symbols Pedigree which codes ancestors for health, dreaded diseases and special traits of interest.

A User Manual provides step by step instructions.

Choosing the Best Puppy

This skill continues to be the most important of the eight breeder skills. One study showed that over 60% of the top-winning dogs in most breeds were not owned by their breeders. This suggests a lack of skill and know-how. The best ways to choose puppies and reduce errors in now available in a DVD format.

Pesticides

Honeybees are the critical pollinators for much of the world’s food crops. They are dying at an alarming rate. Nearly 1/3 of our food supply is in danger which includes nuts, fruits and vegetables. Pollinators make possible an astounding 35% of global food production and contribute more than $24 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Unfortunately the number honeybee colonies in the United States has declined from 6 million (1940) to 2.5 million in 2014. The USDA reported that U.S. beekeepers lost over 42% of their colonies between April 2014 and April 2015 and only a few of the major retailers have removed these pesticides from their store shelves. More than 20 states have passed measures to limit or ban neonicotinoids. Breeders, kennel owners and shelters that spray pesticides need to check to see if they are using bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides. The science underlying this problem is now clear: Neonicotinoid pesticides are the leading contributor behind the bee colony collapse.

New Seminars

Two new seminars now available; “Structure, Movement and Pedigree Analysis” and the “Making of a Super Dog”. The former focuses on learning how to recognize good structure and movement and how to teach your hands to see what your eyes can’t. The latter focuses on how to produce outstanding dogs that are smarter and more trainable than others with stronger heart beats, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. Both seminars include the uses of nutrition, improvements in the maternal influence, record keeping and management.

Genetically Modified Foods

Dog owners and the public need to know about HR 1599 which will soon be voted on by your US Senators. This law specifically states that foods and products containing GMO do not have to be labeled.  According to the legislators you will no longer have the right to know what you, your children or your dog will be eating.  Unfortunately, this law makes it impossible for natural food producers to label their foods "non-GMO". This legislation affects all foods including infant foods, baby formulas and dog foods. The bill removes the rights of the states to regulate any of these matters. The bill is called "HR 1599". It was introduced by Mike Pompeo, from the State of Kansas.  You can find out how your State Representative voted by going to: govtrack.us/congress/votes/114-2015/h462. There is more about this bill at the web site is: Organic Cconsumers. Contact your US Senator and ask them to vote NO for HR 1599.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is known to occur in only one hip (unilateral) in some breeds. In man, the left hip is reported to be involved more frequently than the right at a ratio of 10:1. Unilateral dysplasia in dogs follows a similar pattern but the predominate affected side is breed dependent. It occurs more frequently in the left hip of the Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland, Akita, and Golden Retriever, but more frequently in the right hip of the Rottweiler. The German Shepherd Dog does not appear to have a side (left or right) predilection.

War Dog - Documentary

 Free video narrated by Martin Sheen. This program depicts the amazing saga of the heroic dogs who served in the Vietnam War. You pay only shipping and postage.