A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Australian Shepherd to consider for puppy training.

The exact origin of the Australian Shepherd is not known. The breed that is cherished and loved today was developed exclusively in the United States. The Australian Shepherd has an innate versatility that makes them useful on ranches and farms as a herding dog, retriever, and watchdog. They are typically referred to as “The Aussie”.

The Australian Shepherds most identifiable characteristic is the natural or docked bobtail. Their eyes are one of this breeds most commented on feature. Their eyes come in a variety of colors or color combinations and include blue, amber, hazel, and all shades of brown. The Aussie is a vigorous and athletic dog breed.

The Australian Shepherd has a striking and varied coat. It is of moderate length, straight to wavy, and weather resistant. The under coat is shed twice a year; with moderate shedding between these periods. The coat comes in four accepted colors: black, blue merle, red, and red merle. A variety of white and tan markings may appear on the face, chest, front, and rear legs.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, delightful, and loyal. They are highly energetic and thrive on being given something to do. The Aussie has a high degree of intensity and a “no-quit” attitude. Their herding instinct may be problematic or annoying to their family, as this breed will often attempt to perform this task on everyone or anything that moves. They are reserved and cautious with strangers until the Aussie decides about them. They are confident and protective. Human companionship is crucial to this breed. They get along well with active, considerate older children. The Aussie is not typically aggressive to other dogs.

The Australian Shepherd requires minimal grooming. An occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush will suffice. It is important to do more in depth grooming when they are going through their seasonal shedding. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. The Aussie is susceptible to a myriad of health issues and concerns. Their merle coloration carries a blind/deaf factor. Natural bobtails may have serious spinal defects. They are also prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and cataracts.

Australian Shepherds are easy to train. They benefit from early socialization and very basic obedience. It is important that they know who the master is or they will attempt to take control. The Australian Shepherd requires firm, fair, consistent, and effective direction. Their high intelligence and keen learning ability make repetitive training boring.

The Australian Shepherd requires an inordinate amount of exercise. A mere walk is not sufficient. They thrive on running, herding, playing, and all family activities. They are at their best when they are given a great deal of social interaction and a task to do. Australian Shepherds are not recommended for apartment dwelling. They are moderately active indoors and require a non-sedentary owner and a large securely fenced yard or safe open area.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Australian Terrier to consider for puppy training.

Classified as one of the smallest working terriers, this dog breed was developed in Australia. They were bred for a variety of uses such as watchdog, shepherd, vermin hunter, guard dog and companion. Australian Terriers hold the unique distinction of being the first native-bred Australian dog to be shown and the first to be recognized in other countries.

The Australian Terrier is low-set, sturdy, and small in stature. However, their small size belies their exhibition of a strong and true terrier nature. This breed is proud, hardy, alert and confident. They are bold, fearless, and charming. They are an excellent choice for a variety of lifestyles and make lovely companions.

The Australian Terrier is a double coat breed. The outer coat is straight, harsh, and rough in texture. The under coat is soft, dense, and short. This breeds weatherproof coat is longer on the body than the hair on the tail, rear legs, and feet. There is a protective ruff of softer hair at the neck, which blends into an apron. The forelegs have light feathering and there is a topknot of soft and fine hair, which covers only the top of the head. The color of the coat comes in dark blue, silvery blue with tan markings on the legs and head, solid red, and sandy. This breed sheds little to no hair.

This breed displays the bravery and courage of much larger dogs. The Australian Terrier is extremely affectionate with their family, loyal, and highly intelligent. They are exceedingly amusing, spirited, and curious. This breed does best in a home with older considerate children. They get along with other dogs and household pets, but do have a propensity for chasing the family cat as well as small outdoor animals such as squirrel and rabbit. They thrive on human interaction and do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. The Australian Terrier has acute hearing as well as keen eyesight and makes an excellent watchdog. They are wary of strangers but are not aggressive unless provoked.

This breed requires brushing several times a week. They also need the coat plucked every three months Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo to preserve the integrity of the coat. Trimming around the eyes and ears should be done as needed. The Australian Terrier is a relatively healthy breed. However, they may be prone to patella luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, diabetes, epilepsy, skin allergies, and thyroid disorders.

The Australian Terrier is quick to learn but is easily bored by repetition. Early socialization and obedience training is a must. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. This breed does best when trained with consistency, firmness, fairness, praise, and motivation. They are very adept in the areas of agility, tracking, earthdog, and obedience.

This breed requires exercise on a regular basis to keep them physically and mentally fit. If they become bored they will become destructive. The Australian Terrier enjoys securely leashed walks, family play sessions, and a romp in a safe area.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Bearded Collie to consider for puppy training.

This dog breed is commonly referred to as the “Beardie”. They are a medium-sized agile herding dog that is an ancestor of the Old English Sheepdog. Originating in Scotland, this breed was used for centuries to herd flocks of sheep and cattle. They were developed to be independent workers and made decisions concerning their charges without human guidance. The Bearded Collie nearly disappeared in the early part of the 20th century, but were saved from extinction in 1944. They are still fairly rare in the United States today, but their popularity is growing.

The Bearded Collie is hardy and active. This unspoiled and natural breed has strength, is a hard worker, and makes a devoted companion. They possess self-confidence and are never shy or aggressive. The Bearded Collie is bouncy, bright, reliable, and trustworthy. They are suited equally for being a household pet, as well as working in any weather condition on any terrain.

The Bearded Collie has a shaggy coat that covers the entire body, even under the chin. The weatherproof outer coat is long and dense. The under coat is soft and thick. Their coat color changes several times over their life-span. The Bearded Collie puppies are generally born black, brown, blue, or fawn. The puppy coat then fades to cream or light gray. Once they reach maturity they darken again to their adult coat of brown, fawn, blue, or black. Bearded Collies are average shedders.

An enthusiastic, affectionate, and loving breed, the Bearded Collie thrives on family, fun, and being given a task to perform. They are sweet and easy-going, as well as bold and rowdy. This breed is excellent with children and other family pets. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time with nothing to do. Since they are herding dogs, this breed may attempt to perform the task with everyone and everything that moves. The Bearded Collie is not an excessive barker, but will bark to announce visitors, show their excitement, or if they are bored.

The Bearded Collie requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. The coat must be misted with a conditioning spray prior to brushing. Professional clipping can be done every two months. Dry shampooing or bathing should be done as needed. This breed is prone to allergies, hip dysplasia, eye problems, hypothyroidism, and auto-immune disease.

As independent thinkers, the Bearded Collie will occasionally decide that they know best. Some are easier to housetrain than others. This breed is highly trainable for various activities. Obedience training is a must as they have a tendency to be headstrong. They excel in tracking, agility, herding, performing tricks, and competitive obedience. They respond best to firm, fair, consistent, and loving methods of training.

A highly active breed, the Bearded Collie requires an inordinate amount of exercise. They are not recommended for apartment dwelling, as they prefer to have free run. Fairly active indoors, they do best with a large yard or on a farm. Bearded Collies do not like to be confined and enjoy being outdoors with their family playing or performing a task.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Bedlington Terrier to consider for puppy training.

Originating in England during the 18th century, this dog breed was used by gypsies as a vermin hunter and small game retriever. They are often affectionately referred to as the “gypsy dog”. The Bedlington Terrier is often described as a dog with the heart of a lion and the head of a lamb due to their unique appearance and assertive demeanor.

This well-balanced breed is mild and gentle, never shy or nervous. They have immense energy, courage, and endurance. The Bedlington Terrier is full of confidence, is spirited, and quite muscular. They have strong sporting instincts and also make an intelligent and amiable companion.

The Bedlington Terrier is a very distinctive breed. The coat is an interesting and unusual mixture of both soft and hard hair. The body coat is curly, crisp, and lint-like in texture. There is a fringe of silky hair on the tips of the ears. This thick double coat breed comes in blue, sandy, or liver. They are non-shedding.

Bedlington Terriers have an affectionate personality. They are cheerful, playful, lively, and loyal. This breed is deeply devoted to their family, and loving with considerate and well-behaved children. They will get along with cats and other animals they have been raised with, but will not tolerate dominating or threatening behavior. Despite their gentle appearance it is important to remember that the Bedlington Terrier is a terrier breed. If they are challenged they are ferocious and terrifying fighters. They are fairly friendly with strangers. They make excellent watchdogs as they are extremely protective of their family and will alert them to danger and visitors.

This is a high maintenance breed. They require professional specialized clipping every six weeks. They must be brushed and combed on a daily basis. Dog bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. The Bedlington Terrier is prone to a serious inherited liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease. They also have a tendency for such health issues as thyroid problems, cataracts, and kidney disease.

The Bedlington Terrier can be independent, skittish, and quite difficult to train. They benefit from early socialization, particularly with cats and other pets. Intensive obedience training is crucial as this breed has a tendency to be destructive and bark excessively. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training. The Bedlington Terrier thrives on human companionship and is trained best with firm, loving and consistent guidance. They excel in agility, obedience, and flyball.

Bedlington Terriers are an exceedingly active breed that requires a great deal of exercise and stimulation. They are fairly active indoors and benefit from family play sessions. They are excellent walking companions provided they are securely leashed. They enjoy outdoor play provided the yard is securely fenced and they are supervised. This breed is highly prone to digging. The Bedlington Terrier will do okay in an apartment if they are given sufficient exercise.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Beauceron to consider for puppy training.

Developed in France during the 1500’s, the Beauceron is a large sheepdog used by farmers to protect cattle, sheep, and family. This dog breed was used as messengers by the French army during World Wars I and II where they were prized for their abilities in detecting mines, following trails, and following directions. Today, the Beauceron continues to be used as military and police dogs and are fine companions.

The Beauceron breed is a powerful, solid, and well-balanced breed, the Beauceron is tireless and intelligent. Their movement and gait is effortless, fluid, and gives an impression of gliding.

The double coat of the Beauceron breed is naturally weather resistant. The undercoat is fluffy and wooly in texture. The outercoat is harsh, straight, and of medium length. The tail is fringed.

Beauceron’s are well known for loyalty and devotion. The Beauceron is gentle, calm, brave, and intelligent. They are not recommended for homes with small children due to their herding instinct. Beauceron’s do best in a home with older considerate children. A protective breed, they make outstanding guard dogs, as they are wary of strangers. They do not get along with strange dogs. However, they will accept other animals they have been raised with. The Beauceron does not do well if left alone for extended periods of time.

The Beauceron requires brushing twice a week; more during times of shedding. Dog bathing should be done when necessary. Health concerns of this breed are CHD and gastric torsion.

The Beauceron breed requires early obedience and socialization. Training must be done with fairness, firmness, and consistency. It is important that owners of this breed prevent the Beauceron from attempting to become the boss.

The Beauceron thrives on physical and mental stimulation. If they become bored they will become destructive. Due to their loyalty and devotion to the family, this breed does not do well as an outside pet. Daily exercise and activity are crucial. They enjoy free play in safe areas and long walks. The Beauceron will do okay in an apartment provided they are sufficiently and stimulated, although a large fenced yard is preferable.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Beaglier to consider for puppy training.

The Beaglier was created by the crossing of two dog breeds: Beagle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are often referred to as a “designer dog”. They are particularly popular in Australia.

Small to medium in size, the Beaglier typically has the shorter muzle of the Cavalier. They do, however, retain the Beagle’s Scent Hound ability. Both breeds are avid hunters. Beaglier’s have large, expressive eyes, are lively, and athletic.

The coat of the Beaglier may be of medium length, close and hard. It may also be slightly wavy and silky.

The Beaglier is playful, good natured, gentle, and curious. They are affectionate, calm, and outgoing. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. The Beaglier does best with older, considerate children. They do well with other dogs, but are not recommended for homes with non-canine pets. They make good watchdogs as they will bark to alert their family to visitors or out of the ordinary sounds.

Regular brushing is recommended to remove loose and dead hair of the Beaglier. Bathing should be done when necessary. The ears should be checked often and kept clean. They may be prone to epilepsy, ear infection, heart disease, and patella luxation.

The Beaglier has a tendency to be stubborn. Early socialization and obedience is recommended. Beaglier’s will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency.

The Beaglier will do okay in an apartment provided they are sufficiently exercised and properly trained. They are very energetic and require secure ample space to romp and run. They enjoy securely leashed walks and family activities. Due to their hunting tendencies they should never be off-lead in an unsecured area.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Azawakh  to consider for puppy training.

Originating in Africa, this sighthound was bred by nomadic tribes for guarding, hunting, and companionship. They are exceedingly fast when running and are able to reach and sustain speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Azawakh’s are quite adept at hunting both hare and gazelle. This dog breed is extremely rare in North America.

The Azawakh is elegant, slender, and athletic in appearance. This breed is swift, aloof, ever-watchful, and resilient.

The coat of the Azawakh is silky, short, and close. This breed is an average shedder.

A true pack dog, the Azawakh does well with other dogs they have been raised with. They are not recommended for first time dog owners or homes with non-canine pets. The Azawakh will do well with respectful and considerate children although they should never be unsupervised. This breed is highly protective of their family, home, and territory. They are wary and suspicious of strangers, but are loyal, gentle, affectionate, and devoted to family and those they know. The Azawakh is a regal and noble breed with incredible endurance.

The Azawakh breed requires occasional brushing. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo. Dry shampooing will suffice. It is important to regularly check the ears and paw pads. This breed is prone to such health issues as seizures, myositis, spondylosis, and auto-immune problems. Azawakh’s do not do well in colder climates.

Early socialization and structured obedience training are recommended. The Azawakh breed does not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. They do best with motivation, respect, fairness, and firmness.

The Azawakh is a highly active breed that requires a highly active owner. This breed is not recommended for apartment living. They do best with a large securely fenced yard or rural setting with ample opportunity to run. They excel in field hunting, lure coursing, and agility. Azawakh’s enjoy free-play, family activities, hiking, jogging, and swimming.

Training Your Puppy

When it comes to training your new puppy, one of the most important issues is puppy feeding. If you brought your puppy home from a breeder or kennel, it is always good to stick with the food that puppy was eating before you attempt to switch foods.

You should choose a dry food intended specifically for puppies. Try to avoid generic foods and those that sell for unusually low prices. Buy brand name puppy food because it is impossible to distinguish good dog food from poor dog food simply by looking at the ingredient list on the label. Many things that owners look for, such as high protein levels and extra vitamins, are as likely to be harmful than helpful. For example, overfeeding and over supplementation are factors contributing to hip dysplasia.   

You should present food to young puppies three times a day. If your puppy isn’t hungry that often, reduce the frequency. After ten or twelve weeks of age, try to feed twice a day and even adult dogs should have their food split into morning and evening feedings. When fed once a day dogs become overly hungry and are more likely to overeat at mealtime.

Once the food is put down, let your puppy eat as much as she wants in fifteen minutes and then pick up the food dish. Having food continually available encourages overeating, and chubby puppies are more likely to have hip dysplasia and weight problems later in life. Also, because free-fed puppies never get very hungry, they don’t enjoy their food unless given special treats. The combination of special treats and freely available food encourages them to become bored, overweight and picky.

Please, do not give your puppy people food. If you start with a balanced diet and add goodies from the table, you won’t have a balanced diet anymore, and your puppy will have more digestive trouble. Treats that are reasonably balanced, such as Milk Bone Biscuits are sufficient, but since they are not really all that great nutritionally, don’t let them become an important part of the diet. Canned puppy food is perfectly all right, but try feeding your new pet dry food because it is cheaper, easier to use, and better for the teeth.

A List Of Quality Dog Foods for Puppies:

* Artemis

* California Natural

* Canidae

 * Eagle Pack Holistic Selects

* EVO

* Fromm

* Innova

* Merrick

* Nature’s Variety

* Orijen

* Solid Gold

* Taste of the Wild

* Timberwolf Organics

* Wellness

Some More Words About Feeding and Puppy Training

Higher quality food may seem more expensive at first, but it evens out. The higher quality the food, the less fillers eaten (and therefore the less poop comes out the other end). Your dog eats more of a low-quality food to try to get the nutrition it needs, and most of the food just passes right on through. Also, higher-quality food will make your animals healthier, so you save money on vet bills in the long run.

Stay away from grocery stores brands. They are low-quality foods chalk full of fillers, preservatives, dyes, etc.. (Grocery store foods are those like Beneful, Old Roy, Alpo, Pedigree, etc.)

Beware “premium” dog foods. “Premium” does not always mean good nutritionally, and is not a nutritionally high quality food. Most of these foods have the same types of ingredients as grocery store foods, just a bit better quality of those not-so-good ingredients.  

Another thing to be wary of is that a lot of vets will recommend what they sell in their office. They get profit from the brands they keep on their shelves, that’s why they push it. Truth is, vet schools don’t focus a lot on nutrition. It’s not saying that a vet is a bad vet because he recommends those foods, a lot of vets just are told “this is good food”, so they pass the message along without proper nutrition knowledge. Also, some dog food brands (like Hills) support vet schools, so vets have heard of it from the time they start college, which makes them think it’s good as well.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Australian Kelpie to consider for puppy training.

Developed in Australia in 1870, the Australian Kelpie is an outstanding breed noted for their strong natural guarding and herding instincts. They are capable of working poultry, goats, sheep, cattle, and reindeer. They are the most popular dog breed in their native Australia and are revered in several other countries as well.

This breed possesses keen senses and an alert expression. Australian Kelpie’s are extremely agile and have an inexhaustible supply of energy. The Australian Kelpie is considered to be the best performing medium-sized sheepdog. Despite their size and their compact and muscular body, they are versatile, capable, and without limitation.

The Australian Kelpie is a double coat breed. The outer coat is straight, hard, and weather-resistant. The under coat is dense and short. This breed is an average shedder.

The Australian Kelpie is a loyal companion. They are mild mannered at home and intense when at work. This breed is rarely affectionate and typically bonds to one person. They are highly devoted and friendly to their master. Australian Kelpie’s do well with children they have been raised with and will herd other dogs, pets, and animals. The Australian Kelpie is not aggressive but will guard and protect his family and territory regardless of any risk to themselves.

The Australian Kelpie breed requires occasional brushing. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary to prevent damage to the coat and skin. Dental hygiene is essential. This breed is prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

The Australian Kelpie is independent and highly intelligent. Early socialization is recommended. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training should be done with firmness, fairness, and consistency.

Australian Kelpie’s are not suited to apartment or city dwelling. They require a rural setting in an active environment. The Australian Kelpie thrives on an inordinate amount of exercise and a job to do. If they become bored they become destructive.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Australian Cattle Dog to consider for puppy training.

Originating in Australia during the 19th century, the Australian Cattle Dog was bred for endurance, herding abilities, and toughness. Often referred to as Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, and Queensland Heeler, this breed is considered to be one of the three most popular dog breeds in Australia.

The Australian Cattle Dog is compact, strong, alert, and agile. This breed is trustworthy, courageous, and is exceedingly devoted to the duties they are given. A member of the working and herding group, the Australian Cattle Dog is a combination of substance, balance, power, and hard muscular condition.

The Australian Cattle Dog has a weather resistant double coat. The outer coat is flat, hard, straight, and close. The under coat is dense and short. The color of the coat comes in blue, red speckle, blue speckle, or blue-mottled. The blue coat has markings of black, blue, or tan. Puppies are born white. However, adult coat color is visible in the pads of the paws. This breed is a seasonal shedder.

An extremely intelligent, loyal, and affectionate breed, the Australian Cattle Dog is protective of their family, home, and territory. They thrive on human interaction and activity but are easily bored which can lead to serious behavior issues. This breed is generally not good with children they have not been raised with. They are typically suspicious of strangers and may be aggressive to dogs they do not know. They do not get along well with other household pets or cats. This breed will attempt to herd and nip at the heels of anything and everything that moves. The Australian Cattle Dog has a high level of dominance and is not recommended for the novice, sedentary, or apathetic dog owner.

The Australian Cattle Dog needs weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush. Extra attention should be given to the coat during seasonal shedding. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo. This breed is prone to such health issues as PRA, deafness, and hip dysplasia.

Early intense socialization and obedience are crucial for the Australian Cattle Dog. This breed is extremely obedient. Australian Cattle Dogs do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, praise, consistency, and patience. They are very talented in such areas as herding, agility, retrieving, guarding, competitive obedience, and in learning tricks.

The Australian Cattle Dog has an inordinate amount of stamina and requires a great deal of exercise. This breed will become destructive if not sufficiently stimulated. They are not recommended for apartment or city dwelling but do best in a rural setting or in a home with a large securely fenced yard.