Congratulations to the organization of the event, that matches the official ones and I hope the raised money will be enough to help the animal associations.
The 10th Scruffts Dog Show taking place at FATACIL in Lagoa, Algarve on Sunday the 20th September 2009, is sponsored this year by Albuferia based pet food and supplies company “Paws4Pets.”
“We are delighted,” says Julie Pickering Sales Director of Paws4Pets, “to be the main sponsor of this years show and we will supply the prizes for all judging classes and the agility winners.”
The judge for 2009 will be the Vice President of the Portuguese Kennel Club Snr Pedro Albergaria. In addition to the normal judging classes there will be demonstrations by the AHCTA Search and Rescue Team from Faro and also obedience displays. Local company “Dogsbodies” have also announced that they will offer as a raffle prize a commissioned hand painted pet portrait. The painting will be done by local artist and “Dogsbodies” partner Karyn Real and be presented after completion by APAA President Alan Camplin-Smith to the winner of the raffle.
Another feature of the show will be personalised seminars by international dog trainer, Yolande Bosman with particular regard to clicker training for puppies and older dogs.
For those bringing their dogs to the show are reminded that Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture permission is that all dogs attending Scruffts must be micro chipped and have their vaccinations papers.
Entrance to the show is 1 euro with children free, whilst class entry fees are 3 euros per class per dog.
For more information please e.mail scruffts2009@yahoo.co.uk
The 10th Scruffts Dog Show taking place on Sunday 20th September at the FATACIL Pavilion in Lagoa, will welcome for the first time the Association for Guide Dogs for the Blind (Associação e Escola Cães Guia da Mortagua) who have only been established here in Portugal for a few years. The show will give the guide dogs and their handlers an opportunity to mingle and interact with those visiting the show and increase public awareness of what here in Portugal is a fairly recent but worthy cause.
In addition to the guide dogs, Faro based AHCTA Search and Rescue Team will show a number of simulated “emergency response” demonstrations. Besides the 17 pedigree and non pedigree judging classes there will another opportunity for dogs and their owners to try the Agility Course organised by Margaret Gobby and also learn about “Clicker” training with Yolande Bosman.
Says APAA President Alan Camplin-Smith “We are delighted that Paws4Pets - the well known Albufeira based pet food and supplies company - has agreed to be our main sponsor; they are providing all the prizes for the 19 judging classes. There has been an excellent response from individuals and businesses such that all individual judging classes have now been sponsored, as well as there being over 25 trade stands booked for the event. With lots of entertainment planned, and plenty of food outlets, this is a day out for all the family.”
Further clarification has now been obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture on those bringing their dogs to the show. All dogs entering any of the judging classes need up-to-date vaccination papers (and these must be available for inspection by the Vets at the Show); additionally, dogs born after 1st January 2008 - and all dangerous breeds - must have microchips.
This week I decided to write a post about a very asked question. “Do you believe in Dogs Love ?”
Maybe because I am a single mom with a few bad relations with humans in my history, I simple do believe in dogs love.
Yes I could write dozens of stories that I read and experience from my dogs to prove that, but I think that the belief comes from our heart and our daily live experience with our dogs.
I do have dogs, because I love to have then. They really make my day and they really helped me over and over again in bad moments and to become a better person.
A few professional dog trainers told me repeatedly that if I wanted to have a super champion obedient dog, I would have to keep my dog in a box and just take him out when was training time or owner-attention time. But doing that to my friend ? Ok ! Now I seam the guy from Marley and Me that feels bad for neuter the dog, because he is his friend.
Well, what can I say … I just love to pet my dog that sleeps with me, the way he seems to feel so happy when I do that. I love the way my dogs lay down around the table when I heat. The way they give without asking nothing in return. The simple way they become happy or anxious to be their turn when I brush their hair. The exited reaction when is training time. The craziness when is walking time. The way they ask to be pet and attention. Even the way they speak and dance with me.
So maybe … just maybe isn’t true love … but for sure it feels like true love.
For me Obedience Competition has the huge big advantage of time and location training. You don’t need any big expensive items, you definitely don’t need a short period to teach your dog and you don’t need a huge proper space.
Patience, a learning open mind and a calm spirit, are the 3 major bases in this sport. For someone experience in this sport, maybe takes little time to pass each class, but for others, I believe that calm and patience in passing each class, just give more experience and knowledge in such a sport.
I see my competition life in long term … a very long term, since I expect to still going to competitions, workshops and seminars with my 14-15-… year old dog. So if it takes me 2 years to pass a class, that is fine by me.
Also, I think it is a social event to go to a seminar, workshop and competition trial. I believe that we all should make the most of each event, know new people, exchange ideas, learn new techniques and learn with each other experience. Take a too competitive spirit or old discussions, just spoils the trip and the idea of a good dog day, spent between people with the same passion and love for dogs and dog sport.
Come on, where else we are seen as normal ?
So, after give you my idea and why I love Obedience Competition, I take you in a trip for International Obedience exercises,
EXERCISES IN THE INTERNATIONAL OBEDIENCE CLASS
Rules and instructions for the performance and judging of the exercises
EXERCISE 1 – Sitting in a group for 2 minutes.
Commands: “Sit”, “Stay”
Performance: The dogs are sitting in heel position in a row at approx. 3 metres distance from each other. When told, the handlers leave the dogs and walk out of sight of the dogs and stay hidden for 2 minutes. When 2 minutes have elapsed, the handlers are instructed to walk back into the ring and take a standing position inside the ring. The handlers are then told to walk up beside their dog so that the dog is in heel position. There should be at least three dogs in a group, but not more than six.
Directions: A dog that stands up, lies down or moves/creeps more than its own body length gets 0 points. All moving reduces points. If the dog barks 1-2 times, 1-2 points are withdrawn; if it barks most of the time, the exercise is failed (0 points). Restlessness, such as shifting weight from one side or one foot to another, should be penalised. The dog is allowed to turn its head and look around, and it is allowed to show interest if there is distraction or noise inside or outside the ring. This, however, should not give an appearance of restlessness or anxiety. If the dog lies down or stands up after the two-minute period is over and the handler has already reached the inside of the ring, not more than 5 points can be awarded. If a dog stands up and goes close to another dog, so that there is fear for a fight, the exercise must be stopped and then resumed for all dogs except the dog that caused the disturbance.
It is recommended that the area outside the ring in front of the dogs is a closed area (no outsiders besides personnel are allowed) during this exercise. In the EW and WW competitions this arrangement is obligatory.
Coeff. : 3 Max. points 30
EXERCISE 2 – Lying in a group for 4 minutes with distractions
Commands: “Down”, “Stay”, “Sit”
Performance: The dogs are sitting in heel position in a row at approx. 3 metres distance from each other. The lying down on command from heel position is performed one by one. The dogs should be commanded to lie down from left to right and to sit up from right to left so that the first to lie down is the last to sit up and vice versa. The steward tells when to give the command. The handlers walk out of sight of the dogs together and stay hidden for 4 minutes. The dogs stay lying down and are subjected to distractions, for example a person weaving between the dogs. When 4 minutes has elapsed, the handlers are instructed to walk together back into the ring and take a standing position approx. 3 metres behind their dog. The handlers are then instructed to walk up beside their dog and told, one by one, to command their dog to heel position. There should be at least three dogs in a group but not more than six.
Directions: A dog that stands or sits while the handlers are out of sight or crawls more than its own body length fails the exercise (0 points). All movement should clearly reduce points. If the dog barks 1-2 times, 1-2 points are deducted; if it barks most of the time, the exercise is failed (0 points). Restlessness, such as shifting weight from one side to another, should be penalised. The dog is allowed to turn its head and look around, and it is allowed to show interest if there is distraction or noise inside or outside the ring. This must not give an appearance of restlessness or anxiety, however. If a dog stands up and goes close to another dog, so that there is fear for a fight, the exercise must be stopped and then resumed for all dogs except the dog that caused the disturbance.
No more than 7 points can be awarded if a dog lies on its side (flank).
If the dog sits or stands up after the four-minute period is over and the handler has already reached the inside of the ring, not more than 5 points can be awarded.
It is recommended that the area outside the ring in front of the dogs is a closed area (only personnel are allowed) during this exercise. In the EW and WW competitions this arrangement is obligatory.
Coeff. : 2 Max. points 20
EXERCISE 3 – Heelwork
Command: “Heel”
Performance: Heelwork is tested at different speeds in conjunction with directions, turns and turnabouts. The unleashed dog should willingly follow the handler, walking on the handler’s left side, with the shoulder level with the handler’s left knee and following the handler in a parallel line. The handler should move his arms in a natural way during the exercise.
Heelwork shall be tested in normal, slow and quick pace together with turns, turnabouts and halts. The handler can choose to do the turnabouts to the left or the right. The “German turnabout” is equally acceptable, i.e., the dog is allowed to circle around the handler on the right side, but very tightly. The dog must also be tested when the handler moves two or three steps in different directions from standing position, and when the handler makes turns and turnabouts from the standing position.
All dogs in one test or competition should do the heelwork according to the same scheme.
The heel command may be given at every start, when changing speed, when taking steps in different directions from standing position and at turns and turnabouts from the standing position. When the handler stops, the dog shall take the heel position immediately and without command.
Directions: A dog that leaves the handler or follows the handler at a distance of more than half a metre during the major part of the exercise is failed. If the dog moves slowly, only 6-7 points should be given. Lack of contact and extra commands are mistakes. An imperfect direction (not parallel) of the heel position should result in loss of about 2 points.
Performance: The exercise is performed under march around a 8 m x 8 m square counter-clockwise, so that left turns will be taken at the corners. Under the march the handler commands, on instruction of the steward, the dog to a standing, sitting and down position. Cones in the corner mark the square.
The starting point for the march is in the middle of one of the sides of the square (the first side). The steward will instruct the handler to command the dog to a standing position when they have reached the middle (approximately) of the next (second) side while the handler continues his walk around the square. Upon reaching the dog again, the handler gives the heel command under march. The exercise continues so that correspondingly the handler commands the dog to sit in the middle of the third side and to down position in the middle of the fourth side. The exercise will end when they reach the starting point once more.
The stand, sit and down positions should be parallel to the imaginary lines of the square and ca. 0,5 m from the imaginary lines taking the size of the dog into consideration. The corners should be 90o, not rounded off.
Directions: If the dog stops once in a wrong position (e.g., sitting instead of down), not more than 7 points can be awarded. If the dog misses one position (does not stop at all), not more that 6 points can be awarded.
To get any points for a given position the dog should not move more than one body length after the command, and take the commanded position (stand, sit, down) before the handler has passed the next corner of square. To get points for the exercise, at least two positions must be performed. In judging, attention should also be paid to the heelwork. Moving slowly, bad heelwork and rounded corners are mistakes.
Coeff. : 3 Max. points : 30
EXERCISE 5 – Recall with stand and down
Commands: “Down”, “Stay”, “Come” (3 times), “Stand”, “Down” OR hand signals.
Performance: The dog is placed in down position and the handler walks approx. 30 – 35 m in the indicated direction. On permission from the steward, the handler recalls the dog. The handler orders the dog to stand when the dog has covered approx. one third of the distance. When told, the handler recalls the dog again. Having covered approx. two thirds of the distance, the dog is ordered to lie down. After the second stop and on permission from the steward, the handler calls the dog to heel position. The steward tells the handler only when to recall the dog. The handler gives the stop commands independently at the markers (cones). Oral commands and hand signals may be mixed so that an oral command may be used at one position and a hand signal at another, but not simultaneously. The dog’s name may be combined with the first recall command, but name and command must be well combined together and may not give the impression of two separate commands.
Directions: It is important that the dog responds willingly to all recall commands. The dog should move at good speed and keep its pace, at least a fast trot. Slow movement is a mistake. The breed should be taken into consideration in judging the speed. The dog should at once, on command, begin its stop. When evaluating the stop, the speed of the dog should also be considered. There can be some tolerance on the actual stopping for fast dogs, but not for slow dogs. To get full points (for a stop) not more that one body length can be exceeded from the time of command to the stop. To obtain any points (for a stop) not more than 3 body lengths can be exceeded. If more than 3 recall commands are given, the highest score is 6. A third recall on a single position results in failure of the exercise.
If the dog misses one position (i.e., does not stop within the limit) no more than 6 points can be awarded. If there is no attempt to stop at one of the positions, not more than 5 points can be awarded. If the dog fails to stop at both positions, or takes the positions in an opposite order, the exercise is failed. If the dog stops once in a wrong position not more than 7 points can be awarded. If the dog sits or stands up before the first recall command, not more than 7 points can be given. If the dog moves more than one body length before the first recall command, the exercise is failed.
Coeff. : 4 Max. points : 40
EXERCISE 6 - Send away with directions, down and recall
Commands: “Forward”, “Stand”, “Right/Left” and/or arm signal (“Stop”), “Down”, “Come”.
Performance: The dog is sent to a cone (small, preferably a half sphere) approx. 10 m from the starting point and is commanded to stand by the cone. The dog should take its stand position within a circle of 2-meter radius drawn about the cone. After approximately 3 seconds, the handler is told to direct the dog to a 3 m x 3 m square at approx. 25 metres from the starting point.
The square should be situated approx. 3 – 5 meters from the ringside border. Cones mark the square at each corner. Visible lines (e.g., tape, chalk lines) should connect the cones on their outer side. When the dog reaches the square, the handler commands the dog down. When told, the handler walks towards the dog. Approximately 2 m from the dog, the handler is told to turn, and after approx. 10 m to turn again and walk towards the starting point. After another 10 m the handler is told to recall the dog while continuing to walk towards the starting point.
The dog should move in a straight line to the cone and to the square and should enter the square from the front. The angle between the connecting lines of the starting point and the cone, and between the cone and the middle of the square should be 90°.
See Figure in Chapter VI.
Directions: The dog’s willingness to follow directions and commands, the dog’s tempo and straight routes should be emphasised. To get 10 points, the handler should not use more than 6 commands during this exercise, the sixth command being a stop command in the square. The dog must follow the commands (e.g., if a stand command is given in the square). An option is to use only the down command when the dog has entered the square and thus use only five commands.
If the dog acts on his own, this is penalised. This means that for example the “stand” command by the cone and “down” command in the square have to be given. If the handler moves forward (takes steps in any direction) while giving the commands, the exercise is failed (0 points). If there is excess action (body language) from the handler, not more then 8 points should be given. The dog should have all four feet within the circle before the handler is told to direct the dog to the square. A dog that takes a sitting or down position by the cone should not be awarded more then 8 points. If the dog sits or lies down outside the circle or if the dog lies down outside the square the exercise is failed. If the dog is already down, no redirecting command is allowed. To get points, the dog’s whole body, except for the tail, must be in the square.
The exercise is failed if the dog rises to sit or stand before the handler’s second turn. Not more than 5 points can be awarded if the dog rises (to sit or stand) after the handler’s second turn before it is recalled. If the dog moves in the square without rising, not more than 7 points can be awarded. If it moves and crosses the border before recall, the exercise is failed. If the dog moves very slowly, only about 6 points should be given.
A second recall, stop or down command is penalised (- 2 points/command). The exercise is failed if even one these commands has to be given a third time. The penalty for extra directing commands depends on their strength and the dog’s willingness to obey the commands.
It is not allowed to show the dog directions at the starting point or to show the square to the dog before the exercise. These lead to failing the exercise.
Coeff. : 4 Max. points : 40
EXERCISE 7 – Directed retrieve
Command: “Forward”, “Stand”, “Right/left” and/or arm signal, “Retrieve”, “Release”
Performance: Three wooden dumbbells of the same size are placed in a row approx. 5 m apart from each other so that they are easily seen. The starting point is approx. 20 m from the central dumbbell. The dog is sent to a cone situated approx.10 m from the starting point. The dog is commanded to stand at the cone, within about 2 m distance from it. After about 3 seconds, the handler is told to direct the dog to either the right or the left dumbbell, determined by draw, and the dog should retrieve and deliver it correctly.
The steward places the three dumbbells after it has been determined by draw, which one is to be retrieved. (The central dumbbell is never drawn.) The dumbbell that is drawn (left or right) is always set down first. During this procedure the handler and the dog stand at the starting point facing the central dumbbell at a distance of approx. 20 m.
Three sizes of dumbbells should be available (max. about 450g), suitable for different breeds. The size of the dumbbell should be in relation to the size of the dog but the handler is free to choose the size.
Directions: Emphasis should be on the dog’s willingness to follow the directive commands, the dog’s tempo and its taking the shortest way to the correct dumbbell. Showing the dog directions at the starting point will be judged as touching the dog and lead to failing of the exercise. To obtain points for this exercise, the dog should stand at the cone within a circle of a radius of 2 m drawn about the cone. A dog that lies down or sits at the cone, can not get more than 8 points.
Chewing or biting on the dumbbell must be penalised by a reduction in points to 7 or less. If chewing is extensive not more than 5 points should be awarded. Very extensive chewing or breaking the dumbbell results in failing the exercise (0 points). No penalty should be given, however, if the dog once takes a better grip on the dumbbell.
If the dog picks up the wrong dumbbell, the exercise is failed (0 points).
Dropping the dumbbell: If the dog drops the dumbbell but picks it up on its own initiative, not more than 7 points can be awarded. If an extra “retrieve” command has to be given, the maximum is 5 points. If the dog drops the dumbbell beside the handler and the handler picks it up without taking a step, 5 points can be awarded.
The penalty for extra directing commands depends on their strength and the dog’s willingness to obey the commands. The penalty for other extra commands should be congruent with the general directions and with exercise 6.
Coeff. : 3 Max. points : 30
EXERCISE 8 – Jumping a hurdle and retrieving a metal object
Command: “Jump”, “Retrieve” and “Release”. Performance: The handler is placed in front of a hurdle at approx. 3 m from the hurdle, with the dog in heel position. The handler throws a metal dumbbell over the hurdle. When instructed, the handler commands the dog to jump over the hurdle, retrieve the dumbbell and jump back. Three different sizes (and weights) of metal dumbbells must be available, in proportion to the sizes of the dogs. The maximum weight of the largest dumbbell is approx. 200 g. It is, however, the handler’s choice which dumbbell he or she selects, regardless of the size the dog. The hurdle should be 1 m. wide and approximately as high as the dog at the withers, rounded up to the closest 10 cm. It should never be more than 1 m high.
Directions: The “retrieve” command should not be given later than when the dog starts its jump. If the dog touches the hurdle even slightly when jumping, the maximum score is 8 points. If the dog supports itself on the hurdle or if it does not jump back, the exercise is failed.
Dropping the article: If the dog drops the article but picks it up on its own initiative, not more than 7 points can be awarded. If an extra “retrieve” command has to be given, the maximum is 5 points. If the dog drops the article beside the handler and the handler picks it up without taking a step, 5 points can be awarded.
Chewing or biting on the article is penalised by a reduction in points to 7 or less. If chewing is extensive not more than 5 points can be awarded. Very extensive chewing or breaking the article results in failing the exercise (0 points). No penalty should be given, however, if the dog once takes a better grip on the article.
Coeff. : 3 Max. points : 30
EXERCISE 9 - Scent and retrieve
Commands: “Seek/retrieve”, “Release”
Performance: Just before the start of this exercise the steward gives the handler a wooden retrieve article (10 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm), which the handler marks with his or her start number. The handler can keep the marked article in his/her hand for approx. 5 s. The dog is not allowed to touch or scent the article at this stage. The steward tells the handler to turn around and the handler then hands over the article to the steward. The handler decides whether the dog does or does not see when the objects are positioned. The steward walks to place the handler’s article, without touching it, together with 5 similar articles on the ground or floor at a distance of about 10 metres from the handler. The steward touches the other five articles and places them by hand. The articles are placed in a circle or horizontal line at a distance of approx. 25 cm from each other. The handler is then told to turn around and command the dog to retrieve the marked article. The dog should find the handler’s article, retrieve it and deliver it to the handler in accordance with the general directions. The articles should be placed in the same pattern for all competitors, but the position of the handler’s article may vary. In case of a horizontal line the handler’s article should not be in an outside position, however.
The dog should be allowed to work approximately half a minute if the working is active and goal driven. There should be six new articles for each competitor.
Directions: Emphasis should be on the dog’s willingness to work and its speed. The exercise is also failed, if the dog is allowed to scent or touch the article before it is handed back to the steward, if commands are given when the dog is at the articles, or if the dog picks up the wrong article.
Chewing or biting on the article is penalised by a reduction in points to 7 or less. If chewing is extensive not more than 5 points can be awarded. Very extensive chewing or breaking the article results in failing the exercise (0 points). No penalty should be given, however, if the dog once takes a better grip on the article.
Dropping the article: If the dog drops the article, but picks it up on its own initiative, not more than 7 points can be awarded. If an extra “retrieve” command has to be given, the maximum is 5 points. If the dog drops the article beside the handler and the handler picks it up without taking a step, 5 points can be awarded.
Coeff. : 3 Max. points : 30
EXERCISE 10 – Distant control
Commands: “Down” “stay”, “Sit”, “Stand”, “Down” and /or hand signals.
Performance : The dog is set in down position at a predetermined place. When instructed, the handler leaves the dog and moves to an assigned place approx. 15 m from the dog. The dog should change positions 6 times (stand/sit/down) and remain in its original place. The order of taking the positions can vary, but should be the same for all competitors. Each position should be done twice and the last command for changing position should be “down”. The steward shows the handler, with written signs, in which order the dog should change position. The steward should not be able to see the dog when displaying the instructions. The steward should change the sign about every 3 seconds. The handler may use both voice commands and hand signals, but they must be short and used simultaneously. A boundary is marked in front or back of the dog by an imaginary line connecting two markers.
Directions : Emphasis should be on how much the dog moves, the speed at which positions are changed, the clearness of the positions and how well the positions are held. To get any points, the dog should not move in total more than its body length from the starting point (in any direction). Back and forth movements are summed. If the dog misses one position of the six, not more than 7 points should be given. However, if the dog jumps over one position and takes the next position, the exercise is failed.
The dog has to change position at least 5 times to get points. If the dog sits up before the handler returns, not more then 8 points should be given. Extensive use of voice and exaggerated or continuous hand signals are penalised.
Coeff. : 4 Max. points : 40
For more information about trials and regulations in Portugal just click on http://obediencia.cpc.pt/
Finally, take a few minutes to watch the world champion, Mads Möller, working,
What is DockDogs? Sport for dogs with there family's DockDogs is a fun, dock jumping & dock diving, performance sports for dogs. Most DockDogs Competitions are comprised of four contests; BIG AIR, EXTREME VERTICAL and SPEED RETRIEVE and the new sport IRON DOG which is now held at National Competitions. What is Big Air (BA)? Judging for distance, this competition judges how far your dog can jump from the edge of the dock into the pool. The dog can start by running the length of the dock in order to generate momentum. Distance is calculated from the edge of the dock to where the base of the dogs tail hits the water. There are many different divisions, so all dogs with different jumping distances can join in the fun and have success.
What is Extreme Vertical (EV)? This is the HIGH JUMP for dogs. When competing in Extreme Vertical (EV), dogs jump upwards from the dock in order to retrieve a bumper, landing in the water.
What is Speed Retrieve (SR)? DockDogs Speed Retrieve involves a run...jump...swim environment. The clock starts when the dog leaves the starting line on the dock, and stops when the dog swims to the end of the pool and retrieves the duck.
What is Iron Dog (ID)? DockDogs Iron Dog competition is the newest DockDogs Sport. It combines all of the above three competitions and your dog competes for points. The best Iron Dogs are the dogs that are consistent and do well in all three sports.
You kind of wonder, if this wasn’t a very good sport to do in our sunny lands …
Ok, now a few grate photos of Australian Shepherd and other dogs in Dock Dogs (with authorization of Angie Claussen Sioux- A-CH Tejas Dog Name Sioux Darwalk (Aussie) CGC NAJ HT PT/ O-NAC NCC S-NJC O-TN-N TG-N / JS-O GS-N RS-O Dev- Navrock's Unshakable Devotion (Aussie) CGC Saber- (Siberian Husky) CGC Semper- (Border Collie) CGC Moni- (Mini Dachshund) In Agility Training)
In a trip to the beach I saw a women playing with her dogs, she seemed lonely ? or crazy ? or even bored ?
That is what we would ask ourselves looking to such a scene.
But amazing or not, we feel quite happy and a smile comes to our lips when in front of such joy and freedom … when do we have the chance to enjoy and be wild like this dogs are.
So, enjoy the movies and with a open mind look at the lady with a smile … because maybe, just maybe she has the secret of what it takes to be happy and free.
Finally, the eye exams, available in a reasonable price is something also to be classified has excellent and hopefully will continue to exist in the following years. I personally took two of my Australian Shepherds, Cookie and Teco, and was very happy of all clear result.
On this weekend I took my dogs to a relaxing activity by the sea with two of our friends, the Portuguese Water Dog from Casa da Buba.
The intention was of course to have a nice playing time and dog socialization, but also to provide to my two puppies, a 8 months Golden Retriever and a 6 months Portuguese Water Dog, a additional motivation to start swimming in the water.
As you can see on the pictures and movie below, the training was a success and in the end all six dogs were swimming and having a wonderful time.
I am from the time were giving dry food was something like an luxury and therefore dogs were feed with our food.
So when people say that we must not give any of our food to the dogs, I wonder why not.
So, after some research I found some interesting articles that focus this topic and report in a consistent way what really should be excluded from the dog food.
I thing as general rule, dogs should eat their proper dry food that is given in a pre-defined schedule. For several reasons dry food has evolved and they are very complete. But like any owner, I like to give some snacks and rewards to my dogs.
In general rice, meat without bones, fruit and vegetables not tempered are a very safe food. Next is a list of not safe food,
Alcoholic beverages: For me is quite upsetting thinking that someone can even considerer to give alcoholic beverages to dogs. If in humans causes intoxication, liver issues, neurological problems, seizures, coma and death, imagine on your dog.
Apple seeds: Apples is a treat that I normally give to my dogs and only the seeds are dangerous since they contain cyanide.
Avocados: They are mentioned as being toxic
Caffeine: Once more one of those things that doesn’t makes sense to give to a dog. Like with humans in too much quantities, it can cause increased breathing, bleeding and heart arrhythmias.
Chocolate: Everyone already heard about this one and so I mention again, chocolate is toxic.
Garlic and onions:: In large amounts, can make a dog anemic.
Grapes and raisins: I didn’t knew about this one, but it seems that dogs can choke on grapes.
Mustard seeds: Gastroenteritis can be caused by this seeds.
Nutmeg: Ingestion can lead to tremors, seizures and death.
Potato and tomato leaves and stems: Can cause serious stomach issues.
Rhubarb leaves: These are particularly dangerous, causing organ failure.
Salt: Excessive salt can cause swelling and fluid retention in the brain.
Xylitol: Ingesting this artificial sweetener can cause a dramatic drop in blood sugar.
Yeast dough: It will expand in your dog's stomach just like it would in an oven. Also, the fermentation of the yeast is toxic to the animal.
Bones: Big enough for then not to swallow in one bite and not to splint.
I hope this list can help you clear some doubts about what can be given to a dog. I can add that rewards and treats should never been given at the table or from the kitchen balcony.
Today we dedicate our blog weekly topic to the Search and Rescue Teams with dogs of Portugal that so much personal effort and sacrifice makes to take training and know more.
On this weekend a group of fireman had an accident in Spain when returning of a search and rescue with dogs training in Barcelona.
It is a great national lost, since we don’t have many with this dedication and sacrifice.
On this weekend there were in Lagos, Algarve, the dog show and water trials for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Like is of common knowledge, the Portuguese Water Dog is considered one of the oldest breeds of Europe, were its working capabilities, morphology and personalities are unique and typical of this breed.
Being considered one of the most rare breeds several efforts have been made to show and divulge this dog and their unique character.
This Sunday, 7 of June, the City Council of Lagos is organizing the II Competition of the Breed Portuguese Water Dog and II Water Trial of Portuguese Water Dog, in front of the Castle Wall Gardens, in front of Lagos fortress.
This weekend was the Algarve Dog Show that we went to visit and participate with two Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, and with an Portuguese Water Dog on his first big out, Figo.
It was pity that the majority of the visitors were other nationalities then Portuguese, but maybe because of the lack of divulge and information among the Algarve residents. In my case I just knew because I received the information by email from friends.
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