Shih Tzu Show Dog Judging: The Head, Body, and Hindquarters

The Head:

The show dog judge will ask you to place your Shih Tzu show dog on the table. The Shih Tzu show dog judge will then get the first close look at your Shih Tzu’s expression. He will be looking for proper shape and dark eyes. He will check the length of your Shih Tzu’s nose. He will look for the “correct” slightly-undershot bite. The Shih Tzu show dog judge will evaluate the shape of the top of your Shih Tzu’s head. He will check to see that the hair pulled up in the topknot does not alter the set and placement of the ears (all these things must be exact to the AKC standard for a Shih Tzu show dog to pass). One thing in particular the Shih Tzu show dog judge will not want to see in your Shih Tzu is any sign of fear, or if your Shih Tzu turns its head away. The expressions of fear or turning the head away would indicate “shyness.” “Shyness” would be considered a fault of the AKC show Dog Shih Tzu standard.

The Shih Tzu show dog judge will look at the ear leather. He may raise the ears to check the length and thickness of the neck and to see if the neck is well placed on the shoulders. These are areas also that must be in compliance with the AKC standards of a Shih Tzu show dog. The Shih Tzu show dog judge may trace the angulation of the shoulders with his hands and the placement of the front legs beneath the body is checked. A Shih Tzu show dog judge may lift the dog up gently and let it down to see how well the Shih Tzu lands on its feet. He may check the thickness of the pads of the feet as well.

The Body:

The Shih Tzu show dog judge will check to see if the Shih Tzu is in good weight, not to thin or too fat. The weight is measured on a scale of 9 to 16 pounds as being appropriate for the Shih Tzu show dog. Under or over this weight would be a fault.

The Hindquarters:

The Shih Txu show dog judge will check your Shih Tzu’s tail to see if it is set properly according to the AKC standard for tail set. The tail must be carried over the body to the correct degree. Angulation of hind legs is checked and a check for the strength of the hindquarters is also made at this time. An indication of weakness when the hocks are lightly “twanged” or evidence of cow hocks would be noted as a fault in your Shih Tzu. The hocks should be strong when moved gently back and forth. If your Shih Tzu is a male, this is the point in which the judge will count testicles. There must be two testicles present or the male Shih Tzu will be disqualified.

There are strict standards of correct conformation of the head, body and hindquarters, as well as other aspects of the Shih Tzu that must be met during the Shih Tzu show dog judge’s evaluation. Further information regarding these requirements can be obtained from the American Kennel Club either by writing to them directly or from the AKC official website.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Beginner Tips For Dog Training

1. What age should I start using the prong collar?

[Adam replies: ] Generally speaking, at about four months of age… when you see the adult teeth begin to come in.

2. What should I be teaching, obedience wise, with 8 month puppy?

[Adam replies: ] At eight months of age, there really isn’t ANYTHING you can’t teach the dog, obedience-wise.

3. When you say pop, when teaching the down command,do you mean I should pop the prong collar? So for example if the dog gets up from down/stay position and walk away, you said to say NO, pop the leash, then say
NO all the way back to manhole, then pop the leash again? Do you mean to pop the prong or to guide him
into down/stay position?

[Adam replies: ] When I say “pop” I mean to tug on the leash. Make sure you’re starting and ending with slack. So, you say, “No!” then go to the dog and give a pop on the leash, then walk him back to the spot and reissue the “down” command… and then “pop” downward (or to the side) on the leash and put him back into the down position.

5. What’s the difference between obedience training and sport training (i.e. Schutzhund)? Why do they say you shouldn’t train your dog in obedience if you want him to be in Schutzhund? (I just want to know for my own knowledge)

[Adam replies: ] Schutzhund is a dog sport the incorporates an obedience routine, as well as a protection and tracking routine. The obedience exercises are mostly route exercises, and are not trained in a street-smart context. As for why you supposedly shouldn’t train your dog in obedience if you want him to be in Schutzhund… this is a myth. Some macho types will consistently over-correct their dog in the obedience phase… and this will kill drive. But anyone with even a shred of common sense will avoid this predicament.

6. What do you think of raw diets for dogs? Worth it??

[Adam replies: ] Not worth it. Feed the dog a high quality dog food and your dog will be fine.

7. What order should I teach the dog the commands?(first sit, then down then come?? How should I do it?)

[Adam replies: ] I like to teach the “Walk on a loose leash” exercise first, followed by the curb/street/boundary training, as this teaches the dog what a correction is (if he doesn’t know already). Then you can teach exercises in any order you wish. To be honest, the order of basic exercises is largely irrelevant. It DOES become relevant in later training, when you begin chaining behaviors together, such as “Go to the fridge, open door, retrieve beer, then close door.”

8. To teach the dog to not run out of the house, when I slam the door I’m afraid it is going slam on him too hard and hurt him. How do I go about doing it? Do I shut it softly or will he be fast enough to stop?

[Adam replies: ] You’re thinking too much. Just slam the door shut. Assuming it’s not a toy breed, it’s not going to kill him. If it is a toy breed, keep your hand on the door and guide it shut. The idea is that the door slams on the dog… not to injure the dog, but to be uncomfortable so that he waits and watches you for the “release“ command before walking through. You are the alpha dog. You walk through first. It is your job to make sure it‘s safe for him to leave the property, and he needs to look to you for the “It‘s Okay“ cue. If you don’t give the “A-okay” cue… then bad things could happen. Like the door suddenly slamming shut. Ever sit on a dirty chair and ruin a clean pair of slacks? Once it happens to you, you’ll always check first. It’s the same concept with the dog.

To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click below): http://tinyurl.com/4efaq
Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!

About the Author

Author, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!“ which you can read more about at:
http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

How Do I help My Dog Lose Weight?

http://www.DogDayPets.com

Much like their owners, more and more dogs worldwide are showing signs of obesity. Besides limiting their enjoyment of life as a dog, extra body weight can lead to to joint and heart problems, shorter lives, and sometimes behavioural issues.

The easiest way to tell whether or not your dog is obese is to examine his body. Try the following:

• Have him stand up, then stand above him. Does his body slope inward at the waist?
• Run your hands over his sides from front to back legs. Can you feel his ribs fairly easily?
• Feel the base of his tail. Are the bones easily detectable?
• Look at him from the side. Does his tummy slope upward as it gets closer to his tail?

If you answered no to any of the questions, your pup is probably overweight. If you answered “What waist/ribs/tail bones?” and “Upward? Really?,” your pup is probably obese.

The methods for treating obesity in dogs is fairly simple: eat less, exercise more.

Eat less

• If your dog has a constant supply of food, remove it.
• Buy a food scoop with measuring lines and portion his food based on the charts on your food labels.
• Create a feeding schedule and stick to it. Whether you split the amount among two feedings or one larger meal, stay with the routine and he’ll adjust to it.

Be forewarned, though. Dogs are survival eaters and don’t react well when their food supply is threatened. She may suddenly, start raiding the trash or taking food off of the counter.

Exercise more

It won’t take any convincing to get your dog to exercise more, just get the leash and head out for a walk.

Plan to spend an hour total every day walking. I realize that it’s hard these days to find the time. If you have kids, drag them away from the TV and go for a family walk after dinner. If you work out yourself, figure out a way to incorporate your dog into your routine.

On the weekends, head to the park with a tennis ball or a Frisbee.

Think of it this way:

Would you rather see your dog running, tongue out, tail wagging for 10 years, or that he lay around the house for five?

How many people get to have a to-do list that includes “Play with Dog”?

The right diet and exercise can make your dog more social, more obedient, and more dedicated to you due to the extra time you spend together.

Wasn’t that the whole reason you decided to get a dog in the first place?

About The Author

Russ Richer is a Dog Lover who has done extensive research to care for his own Dog. You can get additional information on Dog Health Care by visiting http://www.DogDayPets.com where you will find free articles, downloads, and newsletter.

You may use this article in your newsletter or on your website as long as you use it in its entirety, including this resource box, and keep all links active.

Bringing Home a Puppy — Be Prepared!

So you just loved that sweet little puppy that you found in the pet shop. It will keep you company, and give you kisses, and guard your valuables. But what do you need to care for the lovable little thing and ensure it is happy and healthy?

Basic Needs — All puppies will need a water bowl, a food bowl, and a place to sleep. Some pet owners get automatic feeders and water dispensers for the convenience. For sleeping, there are various sized doggie beds and crates. Many people crate train their dogs for sleeping and while the owner is away from home.

Play Time — Pets need exercise. You should walk your dog once a day if possible. You will need a collar, a leash, and some disposable plastic bags to take with you to clean up any unsightly messes. A good leash to use is the retractable type. Also included in play time are toys, toys, and more toys. A good game of fetch is a great way to get exercise.

Health — All new puppies need to be taken to a good vet. They need shots and heartworm medicine.

Training — A good way to train your dog is to get a good book on the subject. Also needed are small treats that you can keep in a pocket while training. Dogs live for treats!

A puppy can be a lot of fun and will give you a ton of love over time. So be sure to have on hand all the things you'll need for your puppy to be happy healthy, and secure in its surroundings.

Copyright © 2005 Susan Daniel and Debbie Overstreet

About Susan and Debbie: Susan and Debbie are internet marketers. You can review more articles and Web sites on dogs and dog accessories by visiting http://www.adoggiesworld.com.

Scottish Terrier Rescue - For the Love of Scotties

Purebred dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters, and volunteers can be found in every state to seek them out. Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and even breeds considered rare, all pass through shelters every year. Those who perform Scottish Terrier rescue are committed to matching homeless terriers with loving new owners.

Dog owners give up their pets for a variety of reasons, and many of them have nothing to do with the animal’s temperament or behavior. Perfectly loving, well-behaved Scottish Terriers are rescued every year because their owners have died, moved into retirement homes, or are suffering from ill health. Other dogs find their way into shelters because of allergies, divorce, or new babies.

Scottish Terrier rescue organizations do find strays, dogs with behavioral problems, and dogs who have not been housebroken. A dog that has lost its owner, for whatever reason, will probably grieve, so it is crucial that adopted terriers be matched with the very best new owner. Rescuers will want to determine that the home the terrier is destined for is loving, secure, and committed to keeping the dog permanently.

If you wish to perform your own Scottish Terrier rescue, a good place to start is the breed’s national and local clubs. The Scottish Terrier Club of America has its own National Rescue Coordinators, and keeps lists of participating organizations, state by state. There are also general purebred dog rescue organizations that handle all breeds, but have representatives that specialize in individual ones, like Scottish Terriers or Westies.

These are usually found in major metropolitan areas around the country. Your local Humane Society can often refer you to purebred dog rescue groups, as can their national organization, The Humane Society of the United States. Try looking in your local paper for dog rescue groups, or on the internet.

When you find your Scottish Terrier rescue organization, expect to go through an application process before you can get a dog. There may be adoption fees for your terrier, and most organizations will expect you to immediately spay or neuter the dog if it has not already been. Some breed representatives have waiting lists, but if you are patient, there should be a Scottish Terrier for you to rescue.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

Jeff Cuckson

webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
**************************************
Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW! http://www.madaboutwesties.com
**************************************

About the Author

By Jeff Cuckson

Author of….

”Mad About Westies!” .. How You Can Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of!

“101 Kind and Positive Thoughts For Westie Owners On Rough Days!” - How to put a ray of sunshine into a Westie Owner’s dull grey day

”100 Top Westie Sites!”

”115 Travel Tips For Having a Successful Trip With Your Westie!”

Are You Ready for a Pet Dog?

The decision to buy or to adopt a dog is not one that should be
taken lightly. It is a serious commitment and there are several
factors to consider. Are you really ready to have a dog? As fun
as a dog can be, it is a serious decision. You are planning to
take responsibility for a living creature that is completely
dependent on you. Dogs require food, shelter, health care,
exercise, attention, love, time and money. If you’re not
completely prepared to provide all of these things, you’re not
yet ready to own a dog.

Your lifestyle should be probably one of the biggest factors to
consider when planning to get a dog. All dogs require attention,
but some need much more than others. If left alone, these dogs
will not do so well and are more likely to destroy items in your
home. The same can be said for exercise. Some dogs require much
more time to run around, while others can get by with less
physical activity. If you’re the type of person who is away from
home more often than not, you should choose a dog that will
manage well in your absence - independent breeds like
Dachshunds, Mastiffs, or the Yorkshire Terrier.

Everyone loves puppies. They’re adorable. But how adorable will
you think your puppy is when you find him in the middle of a
mess that used to be your favorite pair of shoes. Puppies, like
babies, require an enormous amount of attention and effort -
from housebreaking and socializing to teaching acceptable
manners. If you don’t have the time to keep a steady training
schedule, perhaps you should look into getting an adult dog.
However, adult dogs come with their own “baggage.” Some adult
dogs have been abused or neglected. As a result, these dogs have
acquired some less-than-ideal behaviors of their own.

Once you’ve got an idea of what you want, there are generally
two options you can take to get your new puppy or adult dog. You
can buy a dog from a reputable breeder, or you can adopt or
rescue a dog from an animal shelter. Unless you’re looking for a
purebred dog that you possibly plan to breed in the future,
adoption from a shelter is one of the best ways to go. Adopting
a pet from a shelter is not as expensive as buying a pet from a
breeder.

Animals from a shelter are usually screened for health and
temperament, so you can be sure that while you’re giving an
animal in need a home, it’s the right animal for your home.
However, if you’re looking for a specific breed, a breeder (or a
specific breed rescue) is the way to go. Ask for references from
your breeder, and ask about how many times of year they breed. A
good breeder generally only produces one to three litters a year
and will guarantee their dogs against most major health defects.

Pet stores offering puppies are not good options, as they tend
to purchase their puppies from “puppy mills” - breeders that
produce many litters a year with no apparent concern for the
health and well being of their dogs. These puppies tend to be
more likely to have strong health concerns due to neglect. When
chosen for all the right reasons, the ownership of a dog can be
wholly rewarding and a very satisfying experience.

Horse Training Techniques From The 1800's - What's O

Was he the world’s greatest horse trainer of all time? Would his picture be in the horse trainer’s Hall Of Fame? Perhaps.

His name was Jesse Beery. Before he was twenty he became a world class horse trainer. He was so well known, there were more people who heard of him than didn’t.

Jesse Beery learned how to train horses almost entirely on his own because there were few people who knew how to train a horse.

Beery’s parents discouraged horse training as a career but later okay’d his passion. From then on there was no stopping Beery from achieving greatness.

Beery’s first inclination to train horses happened when he drove a horse and buggy to a friend’s house. As Beery exited the buggy the horse spooked and ran home. During that long walk home Beery was determined to make his horse stay put.

As he worked with his horse he discovered ways to get a horse to do what he wanted. Although nearly killed in training incidents and laughed at from friends and neighbors, Beery soon became THE authority on horse training.

Beery’s methods solved numerous problems with horses that seemed unsolvable. If a horse was hard to shoe, ran away, pulled while tied, spooky, and more…Beery knew how to fix it.

As if his accomplishments weren’t enough to keep him busy, Beery wrote a Horse Training manual describing how to do what he did. Unfortunately, few copies exist today and those that do may be hard to read due to the poor condition of these very old books.

Beery’s book may be available in used book stores if one is motivated to search. Be prepared for a time consuming search - but if a Beery book is found in good condition, be ready to pay a handsome price.

There may be an alternative. Beery’s book was recently revived by horse trainer Andy Curry. Curry discovered Beery’s book in a used book store by accident.

Curry says, “This is one of the most amazing books I’ve EVER read about horse training. Beery explains his methods so clearly it’s like he’s there with you…holding your hand…showing what to do. Every responsible horse owner should have a copy of this book - period!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andy Curry is a nationally known horse trainer and author
of several best selling horse training and horse care books.
For information visit his website at www.horsetrainingandtips.com.
He is also the leading expert on Jesse Beery’s horse training
methods which can be seen at www.horsetrainingandtips.com/Jesse_Beerya.

Build Your Horse Business with Top of the Mind Awareness

One of the large challenges you face as an equine marketer is
achieving what marketing professionals call “top of the mind
awareness” of your horses and business.

What is Top of the Mind Awareness?

Top of the Mind Awareness, or “TOMA,” is being the first
supplier a prospective customer thinks of when they think about
the horses, equine products, or horse-related services that you
offer. Increasing your level of TOMA in your prospects’ minds
impacts your current sales of horses and services as well as
your future sales.

Here are some examples of TOMA at work: Example 1: You have TOMA
of products with which you are familiar.

If someone asks you about farriers, the image or name that pops
into your mind is probably that of your own farrier. You are
most familiar with your own farrier, so he is on “top of your
mind.” Your awareness may be so strong that when you hear the
general word “farrier,” you picture your own farrier’s face!

Most people maintain their own status quo–when they find their
service providers to be satisfactory, they are in a comfortable
position than selecting another and venturing into the unknown.
You are a current customer of your farrier and, as long as you
are otherwise satisfied, that familiarity helps to keep you a
current customer.

Example 2: You have TOMA for products that you have never used!

Think about a type of product that you haven’t tried. For
example, the first time you think you might try feeding a joint
health supplement, do any names come to mind? Cosequin,
Corta-Flx, or another brand?

Even though you don’t have first-hand familiarity with the
product, you probably can think of one or more specific brands.
The reason those brands come to the top of your mind is that
effective marketing has put them there! You have seen an ad for
the brand, or the product package, or heard its name in
conjunction with the product’s purpose. Odds are, you have been
exposed to information about the product in several ways and
many times. Your mind has associated that brand with the idea of
“joint supplement,” and stored it away in your memory.

How to Build Your Horse Business by Building TOMA:

Familiarity builds positive associations. In one psychological
study, each subject was shown a random squiggly line. When the
person was later presented with a set of squiggly line patterns
and asked which they liked the best, most chose the line that
they had seen before.

It works for squiggly lines, for products, and for business and
brand names: The more familiarity, the more likely that
something is preferred.

Think of ways to create TOMA with your prospective customers,
put those strategies into practice, and become your prospects’
instinctive first choice!

Top 5 Best Gifts For Your Pets

Most individuals or families view their pets as a member of the family as well. That said there is no reason why they should not be included in birthdays, Christmas or any other holiday for that matter. It’s a special day for them as well and it should be celebrated. So what are you going to get for your feline friend on their birthday? Why not consider some of these popular ideas which are sure to excite your pet on their special day:

1. Pet Carrier – Your pet will love this gift! A pet carrier is a bag large enough to allow room for you pet. Your pet then sits in the carrier while you tote them around town. Imagine how excited they would be to go everywhere and never have to walk a step. These items can cost anywhere from $20 to thousands of dollars depending on the style, make and size of the bag.

2. Pet Clothes – Just as humans like clothes for the birthdays, pets do as well. They like dressing up and they also like sweaters to keep them warm in the winter. There are many places to buy clothing for your pet and they can cost as little as $10 or as much as thousands depending on your preferences and the amount of money you are willing to spend.

3. Tasty Treats – Every pet will love the gift of food. Their favorite treats are sure to make them feel special on their birthday (or other occasion) and this can end up being a very inexpensive, yet effective, gift.

4. Pet ID Tags – These items can be personalized with their favorite designs or characters but what’s most beneficial about these gifts is that if they get lost they will be brought back to you. That would probably be the best gift they could wish for.

5. Manicure/Pedicure – I know this sounds crazy but it really isn’t. Think about how much walking your pets do on their paws. Just like we like manicures and pedicures, your pets will appreciate the special treatment as well. Keep in mind this will only work for animals with paws and most likely is only best for those of female nature.

There are many other great gift ideas for your pets. It’s up to you to decide which is best for them but also within your budget. Many individuals spend unreasonable amounts on gifts for their pets but you really don’t need anything extravagant, just something small to let them know you care. In the end it’s the thought that counts…not the price tag.

About The Author

Christine Arbor is a pet lover who works as a contributing writer for http://www.topsellingpetsupplies.com – a site that offers information on buying pet supplies such as pet meds, dog food and more.

Dog Health Advice for 6 Common Emergencies

Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid. But do you know what to do in a dog health emergency?

Approaching Dog Health Emergencies: Two Steps

1. In any dog health emergency, stay calm and think.
2. Approach the dog cautiously. The dog may become aggressive because of fear or pain. You can’t help the dog if you’re hurt yourself.

Dog Emergency 1: Traffic Accident:

1. If possible, do not to move the dog.
2. Call the nearest Humane Society or ASPCA office.
3. If the animal workers can’t or won’t come and you must move the dog, slide a blanket under the animal. Lift the animal to safety with the help of another person.
4. Check for a heartbeat and bleeding. Try to stop the excessive loss of blood by holding a clean cloth or pad over the wound and securing it tightly with a makeshift bandage.
5. Take the dog to the nearest vet, calling ahead to prepare them for the emergency.

Dog Heathcare Emergency 2: Burns

1. Immerse the burned body part in cold running water for as long as possible.
2. If the burn is from a caustic substance, wash it off.
3. Call the vet.

Canine Health Emergency 3: Heat stroke

Warning signs: The dog is overheated and without sufficient air. The dog might be panting, vomiting, frothing at the mouth, or already collapsed.

1. Remove the froth,
2. Place or douse the dog with cold water to lower body temperature.
3. Take the dog immediately to the veterinarian for treatment. Treatment usually consists of more cold water, drugs and observation.

Emergency 4: Dog Poisoning

Warning signs: Look for muscular twitching, vomiting, bleeding, convulsion or collapse.

1. Have someone call the vet.
2. Follow the vet’s advice. Different poisoning cases sometimes have to be treated differently.
4. If you know what the poison is, take some of it with you to the vet’s office.

Emergency 5: Dog Choking

1. Open the dog’s mouth carefully and try to see what is causing the problem. It could be anything: a small ball, bone, stick, meat wrapping.
2. Pump the chest by pressing down on the ribs and releasing immediately at 5-second intervals.
3. If this doesn’t dislodge the object within a few moments, rush the dog to the nearest animal hospital to have the foreign object removed under anesthetic.

Dog Emergency 6: Drowning

1. Remove the dog from the water.
2. Try to get the water out of the dog’s lungs as soon as possible by pumping the chest as for choking (see above).
3. Take the dog to the vet to be checked out.

Hopefully, you will never have to handle any of these emergencies. But if you do, you have the dog health advice that you need.

About the Author

About the author: You can read more of Joel Walsh’s articles on dog issues such as Dog Health Advice at: http://www.i-love-dogs.com

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