Genetic Diversity

 There is infinite diversity in nature.  This infinite diversity is being artificially channelled into very specific lines by pedigree breeders.  A particular set of criteria is laid down as being the pinnacle of breed purity and any diversion from this blueprint is seen as undesireable.  Just look at this gorgeous long haired Rottweiler who happens to have inherited the gene for longer hair.  The guidance for breeders and judges in the pedigree world is as follows, "If a dog possesses a feature , characteristic or colour described as undesirable or highly undesirable it is strongly recommended that it should not be rewarded in the show ring."    So what happens if a slightly different puppy appears in a litter?

 So once in a blue moon a puppy is born different, like this silver coloured Labrador.  It is NOT a crossbreed, but has  just inherited a rare genetic marker for the silver colour. Unfortunately people have thought it would be interesting to find a male and female silver Labrador and try to breed a new coloured dog.  Such a narrow gene pool is fraught with danger.

And every so often a red coloured Rottweiler is born in this way.  The official advice is, "Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect on the health and welfare of the dog."
Nature is wonderful, its infinite diversity is wonderful.  Yes occasionally a person gives birth to someone who grows to the height of 7ft and plays basketball for their country. They are not crossbreed humans, they are just different and wonderful.  The sad fact is that some dogs  do not come up to the high standards of pedigree breeders.  Is this bigotry or racism?

Border Collies

 You might think that you know what a Border Collie looks like.   I have been looking at the breed for a couple of years now and there is such a huge range of colours, shapes, sizes and coats that it is amazing that they are all considered the same breed.

 Until 1915 it did not have a name, it was just known as a Collie which may be an old Anglo-Saxon word for the colour black, or the Gaelic word for 'useful'.

 A formidable working dog with strong herding instincts, found on working farms all over the world now.  Originally black and white, but as you see from the pictures here it now comes in such a wide range of forms.

 Grey Merle, Tricolour Merle, Brown Merle.. the list goes on...

 Tri Colour long coats,

 Black and white long coats.. the list is extensive. Because this has always been a working dog it is no surprise to learn that it did not aquire a Kennel Club breed standard until 1976.

 Even some golden colours appear from time to time.  This golden Collie appeared in a litter of all sorts of different colours.

 Sable collies are another colour form within the breed. (I like this one the most!)

The Kennel Club breed standard states that a variety of colours are permissable but white should never predominate. Coats can be either moderately long or smooth.  What wonderful variety!

Diva Dogs Day - Sunday 30th September

 What do you think about dogs dressing up?  Quite a contentious issue in some circles. Is it a bit of harmless fun at dog shows, or do you feel the need to express yourself through your dog by buying him or her expensive outfits?

 
 Whatever your feelings on the subject lots and lots of people enjoy entering their dogs in fancy dress competitions!  Well, next Sunday 30th September you can certainly have fun at Diva Dogs Day at Brook Farm Training Centre, Stapleford Abbots, Essex RM4 1EG. Here they are making a Guinness World Record Attempt at the most number of dogs in fancy dress. You can join in too if you come along and help break the record!

 If it is just a bit of fun at the weekend, and the costume comes off at the end of it then I think it is great fun.

Make sure your dog is comfortable and happy at all times. Just because you like it, it doesn't mean that your dog is having fun as well. Think of your dog's welfare first at all times, but have fun!

Window of Opportunity

There is an absolutely critical period in a dog's social development when its experiences are absolutely vital to the rest of its life.  This window of opportunity is called 'The Critical Period'. This period varies from breed to breed but basically it refers to the first few weeks of its life when it goes out and explores the world.  For some breeds like German Shepherd, it starts to feel fear at seeing new experiences as early as 5 weeks old. For other breeds such as the Labrador, this fear period does not start until it is 10 weeks old.  For most breeds this window of opportunity shuts at about 15 weeks old.
Therefore, it is critical to get your dog socialised to the outside world before it starts to feel fear. This is the time to take it out and show it the world. Cars, people, trains, pavements, traffic, cats, children... absolutely everything.  If you miss this opportunity then the dog will never fully become confident around the experience that it has missed.
The most common problem is that your vet will probably advise you not to take your puppy outdoors until it has had its second set of injections at 15weeks. By that time it is too late! You must think of creative ways of introducing your puppy to the outside world as much as possible. Carry it around your local garden centre, put it in a push chair, go for a car ride, make every opportunity you can to introduce your puppy to life before 15 weeks. 
 In one awful case I heard of recently, a breeder recommended that a giant breed should not leave its house and back garden for 6 months until the bones had a chance to develop fully. This dog will never get over this start in life and will lead a fearful life. There is no repairing the damage done.
You must take a calculated risk as to whether you think there is any likelihood of catching these doggy diseases if for instance, you take it for a walk to your local shops. You must weigh up the risks of catching these diseases, with having a well socialised and fear-free dog for the next 15 years or more.

Ice Cream for Dogs!

 I was visiting a fundog show in Hampshire last week when I came across a trade stand selling ice cream for dogs!  What a brilliant idea!  Actually it is a really healthy dog-friendly iced treat in a tub which contains pure, raw fruit and vegetable puree, aloe vera juice and flaxseed oil. These are great ingredients and this one is made by www.billyandmargot.com but why not trying to make your own at home?

 

Dogs will love the variety of textures and temperatures in a frozen treat when it gets hot.  You can make their favourite KONG and stuff it with wet food and keep it in the freezer, or why not freeze some vegetables or tiny chicken pieces into some water or home made chicken stock (not stock cubes these are much too salty). Think of your dog in this heat, experiment, give them an iced treat!

Why Reward Based Training Really Works!

Why is there a picture of a Nectar Rewards card on this post?  Well, you may be thinking there is a relevance to the word 'Reward' appearing here when we are talking about dog training and behaviour. You would be right in thinking that, it is the same psychology at work here.
Let me tell you, that I regularly seek out a BP Garage to buy my petrol. Why? because I know that I will be rewarded with Nectar points every time I fill up at a BP Garage.  Even more exciting.. sometimes they run special promotions whereby you might even win a million nectar points if you are really lucky! Jackpot!  I go voluntarily, no one threatens me if I go to a Texaco garage or a Shell garage.  I willingly and happily go to a BP Garage to fill my car up with petrol.  I am rewarded for doing so.

So why is there now a picture of a motorway speed enforcement sign here?  Well, why do I observe the speed limit? Because there is a threat of punishment if I do not.  The evil CCTV camera sign is reminding me that if I do not obey the 40mph speed limit I will be punished with a speeding ticket, points on my driving licence and an expensive fine to pay as well.  How do I feel while I am under this threat? Do I obey? yes I do obey the command to drive at 40mph but I don't feel good about it. What happens when the speed restriction has finished?  I go back up to 70mph (OK sometimes it is a bit faster I admit) and I feel relief when these threats of punishment have ended. Phew!

Are you beginning to see the relevance here with how dogs are trained?  Using reward based methods of training makes your dog feel good when you ask him to do something. He knows a reward is coming when he does it right, and he does it willingly. A whole lot of brain chemicals are produced which makes him feel grrrreat! He feels good, he anticipates a pleasurable experience and he wants to obey your every word! (no really!).  Every so often there might even be an extra special 'Jackpot' reward coming to me but you never know when that might be.

So if I threaten or punish my dog with a painful choke collar, frighten him with loud noises, spray cans, vibrating collars, shout at him threaten him... well yes he is going to obey your commands because he is anticipating punishment if he doesn't. Brain chemicals are produced which make him feel anxious and fearful. When the threats and punishment are not present, he will revert back to his old behaviour, feeling great relief that the threat of punishment is over. 

So if you are looking for a behaviourist or trainer, look for someone who belongs to an accredited body of trained professionals who subscribe to a kind, fair and effective code of conduct.  Reward based training methods are the only way to go. They are not airey-fairy, namby-pamby methods. They Work!

All About Dogs - Essex

Next weekend 12th & 13th May I will be at the All About Dogs show in Brentwood, Essex.  
I will be with my Blackdog DNA trade stand looking out for mixed breed dogs.   This show will also be one of the National Heats for the Kennel Club Scruffts competition. A Nationwide dog show specifically for mixed breed dogs.
Another highlight for me will be the Dock Dogs.  What an amazing sport, I took this picture at the Newbury show a couple of weeks ago.  Way to go Digger!