Dog Training

Hi, I want to own a personnel protection security dog but not sure where to start looking, i am after a dog that i can socialize with people but will also attack on command, guard and protect. After many hours of searching the internet from what i can make out it takes a dog with special characteristics to take on such a roll.
Hence the reason i don’t want to buy a puppy and find out later on the it cannot achieve what i am looking for.
Buying a ready trained dog is an option however i would like to have a relationship with the dog after all it will be a big part of my life, My ideal situation would be to work along side a trainer with my new friend as i would also like to learn.
Finding a trainer that tells you what they have to offer and pricing seams to be damn near impossible.
If you are a trainer and believe you can help i am situated in the uk (east midlands) Any advice would be greatly appreciated, i have considered training the dog my self but i feel due to the danger of such training it should be left to someone who nos what they are doing.

Please note i am a responsible adult who is looking to invest in a pet as well as security and i do not intend on using an animal as a weapon of any kind.

My cousin works in security as a dog handler they are not trained to attack you must be thinking of police dogs

From what i know of protection dogs you need to get a professional to help you but unless its a police dog they should not attack people and police dogs are trained to be with 1 handler and you don’t socialize the dog with people or you end up being bitten they will bite any one apart from there handler police dogs are dangerous

My brother is a dog handler in the metropolitan police and his dog can only be handled by him

Maids perform typical domestic chores such as cooking, ironing, washing, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, walking the family dog, and taking care of children. In some countries, maids take on the role of a nurse in taking care of the elderly and people with disabilities. Maids are often expected to work at least fifteen hours per day.

Many maids are required by their employers to wear a uniform. Today the maid may be the only domestic worker that upper and even middle-income households can afford. In the Western world, comparatively few households can afford live-in domestic help, usually compromising on periodic cleaners. In less developed nations, fewer educated women and limited opportunities for working women ensures a labour source for domestic work.

Young girls working as scullery maids fell to the bottom of the servant hierarchy which meant they were mocked and ridiculed by upper servants and completely ignored by members of the household despite the fact that they slaved away each day at their work. The scullery maid reported (through the kitchen maid) to the cook or chef.

A between maid (also called hall girl, particularly in the United States) is a female junior servant in a large household with many staff. The position is largely defunct in the 21st century, as few households can afford great retinues of servants with the elaborate hierarchy of the past.

The term hall girl came from her chief duty, which was waitressing in the Servants’ Hall. She was required to set the table and remove the dishes, as well as waiting at table. She may also have carried meals up to the head housekeeper, if, for example, that head of staff had breakfast or afternoon tea in her room(s).

The term between maid came from the fact that her duties came under the area of responsibilites of the housekeeper, butler and cook; if these individuals did not like one another the job of the between maid was a very difficult one.

In developed countries most families can no longer afford live-in help. In nations where there is still a ready supply of inexpensive labour the middle classes may still be able to afford servants. For these households, the remnant of the once grand position of head housekeeper is often a cook-housekeeper. The modern cook-housekeeper performs cooking and cleaning duties.

A maid service, also known as a residential cleaning service or home cleaning service is a business which provides cleaning services as a convenience to homeowners who do not have (or do not wish to spend) the time to clean their own homes. Maid services have become more common over the last 20 years or so, partly because of the rise in two-income families.

Although a maid service may be more expensive than simply hiring a part-time maid, it offers a number of advantages. First, a service will provide not only someone to do the cleaning, but also all of the necessary supplies. Second, in the United States, if you hire a maid directly, you are responsible for withholding social security taxes. Third, a maid service is, or should be, insured, and can be held accountable if something is stolen, whereas a private individual may be difficult to track down.

There are several large maid service franchises in the United States, such as MaidPro, Molly Maid and Merry Maids. There are also thousands of independent perators around the country. They are also becoming more prevalent in England, Australia, South Africa and elsewhere. There are also numerous companies supplying useful services to maid service companies, like training, marketing help and supplying management software.

There are now thousands of residential cleaning businesses throughout the United States and Canada. More spring up every year. Maid services are becoming more popular in other countries, too – perhaps a sign of a relatively well-off population, or perhaps these businesses have sprung up just as the two-earner household has become the norm.

Way back, it was traditionally a woman’s role to clean the home, but as more and more women have joined the work force, the time pressure on families with children has grown immeasurably, so paying someone to do the cleaning makes sense to time-pressured couples where both work, and are making a reasonable income.

A maid service is a relatively easy sort of business to start, because one needs little more than a phone and one or two workers to get started. However, to make the business really successful, one must plan appropriately and have sufficient capital for start-up costs and marketing, and be prepared to go through some relatively lean times at first, while you build up a clientele.

Men working in the cleaning profession are usually called janitors. A janitor is a person who takes care of a building, such as a school, office building, or apartment block. They are responsible primarily for cleaning, and often (though not always) some maintenance and security. A female janitor is called a janitrix, although this term is rarely used. The title custodian is sometimes given to janitors as a term of higher respect. In some settings janitors are called housekeepers or housekeeping staff. Janitors have also come up with a number of alternative job titles.

Domestic workers perform typical domestic chores such as cooking, ironing, washing, cleaning the house, buying foods and drinks, accompanying the female head of the household for grocery shopping, taking the family dog for a walk, and taking care of the children. In some countries, maids replace the role of a nurse in taking care of the elderly and people with disabilities.

Domestic service, or the employment of people for wages in their employer’s residence, is also sometimes simply called “service.” It evolved into a hierarchical system in various countries at various times.

Prior to the labour reforms of the 20th Century, servants had no protection in law. The only real advantage that service provided was the provision of meals and accommodation in addition to the modest wage. Also, service was an apprentice system; there was room for advancement through the ranks. However, it was also perilous, particularly for females, as there was no protection from unscrupulous employers or members of the family. Many employers require their domestic workers to be in a uniform.

Josh Stone
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/starting-a-career-in-the-cleaning-service-industry-maids-and-janitors-86690.html

The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful dog that excels at watch dog and guard dog duties. Just seeing one of these dogs should put anyone up to no good on notice. They can live in an apartment because they can be fairly lazy and laid back. They train easily, need to be socialized with other pets and do well with older children.

Good With Children?

Will generally tolerate children. May tend to knock toddlers over as a clumsy puppy. As a reminder, never leave young children unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Good With Other Pets?

They need to be socialized with other pets early on.

Temperament

Docile yet fearless. She is a dependable family protector.

Trainability

She is sensitive to voice tones, intelligent, and does well in training.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male bullmastiff is 25 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 110 to 130 pounds. The female ranges from 24 to 26 inches to the withers and 100 to 120 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Bullmastiff is no exception. Be on the look out for canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), gastric torsion, bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this).

Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat. Also look out for cancer, eyelid problems and possibly hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain).This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Bullmastiff has a short, dense, somewhat coarse coat, great for weather protection. She sheds little but should be brushed regularly to help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

She was developed in England to guard against poachers The Bullmastiff can live between 6 and 10 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Bullmastiff is a cross between a Mastiff and Bulldog. They were developed in England around 1924 to help guard against poachers. They were trained to find and hold poachers, not kill them. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1934.

John Williams
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-bullmastiff-essential-information-and-facts-451385.html

The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful dog that excels at watch dog and guard dog duties. Just seeing one of these dogs should put anyone up to no good on notice. They can live in an apartment because they can be fairly lazy and laid back. They train easily, need to be socialized with other pets and do well with older children.

Good With Children?

Will generally tolerate children. May tend to knock toddlers over as a clumsy puppy. As a reminder, never leave young children unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Good With Other Pets?

They need to be socialized with other pets early on.

Temperament

Docile yet fearless. She is a dependable family protector.

Trainability

She is sensitive to voice tones, intelligent, and does well in training.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male bullmastiff is 25 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 110 to 130 pounds. The female ranges from 24 to 26 inches to the withers and 100 to 120 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Bullmastiff is no exception. Be on the look out for canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), gastric torsion, bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this).

Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat. Also look out for cancer, eyelid problems and possibly hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain).This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Bullmastiff has a short, dense, somewhat coarse coat, great for weather protection. She sheds little but should be brushed regularly to help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

She was developed in England to guard against poachers The Bullmastiff can live between 6 and 10 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Bullmastiff is a cross between a Mastiff and Bulldog. They were developed in England around 1924 to help guard against poachers. They were trained to find and hold poachers, not kill them. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1934.

John Williams
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-bullmastiff-essential-information-and-facts-451385.html

I would like to train our next dog in personal protection, however there are no trainers in our area who specialize in this type of training. I don’t want stranger to say "how cute" when they see our dog. I would rather it be a family pet who can also be used a deterrent.
I am against getting an agressive dog and keeping him that way so I am looking for some advice (from someone who knows what they are talking about!) on training a dog to both bark, and show agression on command but to also stop on command.
perhaps i am being misunderstood, in my opinion a dog who barks to prevent a person from entering the property is not agressive. My WHOLE goal here is NOT to have a mean agressive dog.
Might I also add that an alarm system only works once someone is inside…
I am planning on getting another dog for this purpose. We are leaning towards a rottie (for the reputation) or Saint. (for the impressive size)
Randee, you are missing the point.

Please ignore people that tell you to not have a protection dog…some breeds were meant to do protection since the time they were conceived!
I have no idea what type of dog you have, how old, where it came from, and what type of temperament?
The dog needs to be evaluated by a qualified trainer that understands what a personal protection dog is and does and then he can be trained for it, if he has what it takes.
The biggest thing that I need you to pay attention to here is that you do NOT want a "bluff" dog…someone one day WILL call his bluff and you will be the one that will pay for it!
Hope I helped!!

ADD: Randee, yes, I feel comfortable with every family having a dog that is FORMALLY trained in protection and I really believe that they would all benefit from having one.
A family protection dog is NOT a monster, waiting behind the bushes, hoping there will be an innocent victim for him to assault. A properly selected anfd trained family protection dog is just a dog, like yours and mine, til he is told to protect.
He can go to the beach, on vacation, camping, etc, with his family and be completely safe.
As far as a bullet, well, if YOU were to break into a house, you would NOT want any noise, never mind shooting a gun.
And reality says that if you do shoot a dog you will wake me up and then have to deal with me….not a good idea!!!

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the Poodle:

The Poodle is considered one of the smartest dogs in the world. In addition, this breed is exceptionally easy to train. What many people do not know is that the Poodle has been around for centuries, originally being a large dog used for hunting. The exact origin is controversial, some historians believing this breed comes from Germany while others believe it comes from Denmark, France, or even Piedmont. Regardless, the French are now considered the official claim to fame regarding this breed, which is why sometimes the dog is referred to as the “French Poodle”.

The Poodle, being a descent of the Hungarian Water Hound and Barbet, loves water. Therefore, the actual name is a derivative of the German word “Pudel, which translates to “one who plays in water.” With exceptional swimming and retrieving skills, this breed was at one time used to fetch waterfowl. To keep the dog from becoming waterlogged, giving it more flexibility to swim, the hunters would clip the coat, leaving only hair around the legs as protection from the environment. Today, we still see the Poodle clipped in this traditional fashion.

Realizing just how smart the Poodle was, the French began using the breed to perform in the circus, which led even further to popularity. The large, Standard Poodle was eventually bred down to what we see more of today as the Miniature and Toy Poodle. Keep in mind that the Standard variety is still available although not as widely chosen for a pet. In addition to excellent family additions, the Poodle is a great show dog and performer. When showing, all three varieties are scored the same.

The Standard Poodle is the largest of the three varieties, followed by the Miniature version and then the Toy version. All three are graceful, lively, and elegant. The Poodle is also shaped much the same, only different according to size. This breed is also a part of many hybrids to include Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle) and the latest, the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever and Poodle).

Physical Appearance

All poodles have long ears that are flat and wide. The eyes are almond-shaped and the face generally has an alert expression. On this particular breed, you would find the head to be slightly rounded and the teeth have a scissor type bite. The Poodle’s feet are oval and webbed, making it a powerful swimmer. Depending on the owner, some will have the tail docked and dew claws removed.

A great benefit to owning a Poodle is that this dog does not shed. Therefore, people with allergies, respiratory problems, or even people with a disability that would find cleaning up after a dog difficult would love owning this breed. The hair of the Poodle is another important aspect. The hair is curly and therefore, must be brushed and clipped on regular schedules.

Typically, a Poodle would be one color such as brown, black, white, blue, apricot, or gray but you will also find parti-colors, sometimes referred to as “phantom colors”, which means black and red markings. While the hair on the Poodle’s body is tightly curled, you may find your dog’s ears curly or straight. When visiting a dog groomer, you will find there to be many different cut options. However, for show purposes, just three cuts are acceptable. These include:

1. Puppy Clip
2. Continental (Lion Clip)
3. English Saddle Clip

If you plan to use your Poodle as a working dog and not a show dog, then you could go with any clip you like. However, most often, the hair would be kept short as a means of reducing tangles and water remaining on the animal if used for fishing or hunting. Unfortunately, if a Poodle is not properly clipped, the hair can cause serious problems. As the hair grows, it begins to cord. When this happens, it can pull on the skin, causing lesions, sores, infection, and so on. At this point, the only solution is to have the coat completely shaven off.

To give you an idea as to size, the original Standard Poodle would measure more an 15 inches at the withers, the Miniature Poodle 11 to 14 inches, and the Toy, less than 11 inches. Additionally, a Toy Poodle must be 10 pounds or less to qualify for this class. Keep in mind that the FCI and AKC have slightly different regulations so you would need to follow closely to the one you wanted to use for show.

Temperament and Personality

The Poodle is an exceptionally bright dog. The breed is active and alert, loving, and loyal. In addition, the Poodle does very well with children if socialized when young and in most cases, handles other animals quite well. This particular breed will often go to great lengths to please its master and many times, is a one-person type dog. Although the Poodle is typically mellow, they can become bored and mischievous. Therefore, it is important to exercise your pet and spend some quality time playing.

You will also find the Poodle to be a sensitive dog. In fact, when caught chewing on something or getting into something he or she is not supposed to be in, you may even notice slight embarrassment. This breed is comical and makes a great watchdog. The one thing to remember is that if you find your particular Poodle is a little on the high-strung side, proper training, and socialization will reduce the risk of sapping dramatically. Then, if you have smaller children, they would need to be taught how to respect this breed, meaning no sitting on the dog, and no pulling of the ears or tail, etc.

Health

Poodles will often have hyperactive tear ducts, meaning they have streaks of brown running down the eye area. Sometimes, keeping the eye clean with a cotton ball dampened with water is enough but if you find the problem to be constant, your veterinarian may prefer to check for a clog, which can be corrected. Then as mentioned, it is imperative that a Poodle have proper grooming. When buying this breed, the expense and time associated with grooming should be considered.

Most Poodles will live to around 14 to 16 years of age. Although typically a healthy breed, you should know that some health risks exist, which vary depending on the variety. For instance, things such as Entropion, Cataracts, Intervertebral Disc Degeneration, Epilepsy, Legg-Perthes, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Luxating Patella, Urolithiasis, and Trichiasis are all possibilities for the Miniature and Toy Poodle.

Then for the Standard Poodle, the above-mentioned risks exist along with small potential for Canine Hip Dysplasia, Addison’s Disease, Gastric Torsion, Sebaceous Adenitis, and Von Willebrand’s Disease, a hereditary protein deficiency. In addition, all varieties of the breed are predisposed for mammary tumors. With good care and regular checkups, a Poodle should live a long, healthy life.

Dan Stevens
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/getting-to-know-the-poodle-87281.html

Some dogs are prone to bite. At least, that’s what many in the media would have your believe. The top 3 breeds that seem to not only get bad publicity but also are involved in biting are the Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers and German Shepherd Dogs.

Now on the surface, this may seem to many to suggest that these three dog breeds are dangerous. At least, this is what the media would like you to believe. While there’s no denying that these breeds have been known to bite, the sensationalism and hype by the media has sometimes generated almost hysteria like fervor in the general public against these breeds.

While the media prefers to focus on the fact that a dog has bitten someone, they neglect to develop other important aspects of a dog biting story. For example:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention document that a chained dog is 2.8 times more likely to bite than an unchained dog.

Or how about this:

25% of all fatal attacks were inflicted by chained dogs

At issue here is the knee-jerk cry from the politicians and some of the public that these dogs are well secured in their own yard. As you can see by the two facts above, this demand actually can INCREASE the risk of a dog bite.

The problem here is that politicians need to be viewed as “doing something” especially on those issues where the media has whipped up public hysteria. This isn’t to say that a dog bite shouldn’t be taken seriously. But doing something and doing the right thing are often times two different things.

At issue here is not a specific dog breed the owner who has neglected to properly or adequately socialize the animal. Lack of socialization can make a dog, fearful of new situations and exhibit aggressive behavior. Dogs that aren’t socialized with children, will often see them as a threat. This helps explain why 79% of all dog bite related fatalities are children under the age of 12. Use the link below to get a free report on how to effectively crate train your pet

The Rottweiler and German Shepherd are large dogs that are used in many working situations. There’s a reason why the majority of police officer K-9 units use German shepherds. This fact alone should indicate that biting is not a breed specific problem. You would also feel extraordinarily secure in the presence of a Rottweiler trained to the schutzhund 3 level of protection training.

Let’s not condemn a breed of dog for the lack of proper training and etiquette They received from their owners. While the media may continue their hype, and politicians overreact, let’s remember that many of our large dog breeds are a benefit to their owners and society.

Abigail Franks
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-you-should-know-about-dogs-that-bite-114900.html

You got your new pet almost a week ago. In that time, the little beast has eaten three pairs of shoes, four of your favorite Stephen King novels ( He left Cujo alone – Maybe he is a fan too? ), gnawed the trim around the bathroom doorway, chewed thru the power cord of your laptop and, just this morning, you found him gleefully chewing up your wallet with a side order of your credit cards. This is getting expensive really fast and starting to get dangerous for the pup also. Maybe it is time we intervened?

So how do we handle this situation? Once again, we want to be sure our young charge is healthy to begin, so off to the vets office if you have not been recently. There is a medical condition that can cause chewing in pups aside from the normal tendencies they have of chewing to explore their world. This illness is called Pica and causes your pet to eat non-food items in an attempt to deal with nausea. So please visit your veterinarian and make sure your animal has a clean bill of health.

The next step involves understanding that, while chewing is a normal and healthy part of any pup’s development, it has acceptable and unacceptable outlets. Puppies learn about their world thru chewing much the same as human children. They use their senses to explore the new world, which lies before them and their tactile sense, and sense of taste is brought into play as they chew on various objects. Much like human children, pups also need our protection from the dangers that lurk in their explorations. Electrical cords, needles, poisonous houseplants and household chemicals, even chocolate, all pose very real threats to your pet. It is your duty to protect the animal from these dangers.

Consistent training with the NO command can do this. No is a word your dog should learn early and respond to instantly. This one word has saved many dogs from many horrible fates. The pup is trained by repeatedly using the NO command every time a situation occurs. If you pet is caught chewing on your shoes, say NO in an affirmative tone and take the item from the animal. Do not let it become a game of tug-o-war. Rather, remove the item quickly or back up your NO with a spray from a water bottle, a loud clapping of the hands or a light but convincing tap on the nose. This little diversion is usually enough to make a dog lose interest in whatever they may have been chewing on.

Also, do not give chase to an animal chewing on an undesirable selection of chew toy. The will interpret this action to be a game and they will be most happy to play for hours on end. Instead, calmly work your way towards the animal and then remove the object. For items that are habitually mistreated, a chemical additive such as Bitter Apple may be in order to impart a foul taste to the item and make it unpalatable for the animal to chew on. Crate Training is also effective to stop chewing behavior and we shall discuss this course at length in later articles.

You do not want to completely destroy your dogs urge to chew however as this habit is healthy for them when exercised correctly. Instead, offer them suitable objects for their chewing pleasure. Perhaps a dog toy ( For quieter households, remove any squeakers from the toy. ) Rope toys and crunchy dog biscuits provide good outlets for a dog’s destructive behavior and also help to keep up the oral hygiene of your pet.

Also be aware that all animals are different. Your dog may react differently than another dog in a given situation. Some dogs develop aggressive stances upon attempts to remove an object from their possession. If your dog becomes aggressive and territorial, then professional assistance is highly recommended to avoid further problems or biting.

With these simple suggestions, you can ensure your pups good health and the well being of your book collection. You might even find the time to spend some quality time reading Cujo again with your new best friend.

Paul P. Duxbury
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-stop-your-puppy-chewing-92582.html

Buying a new pet, especially a dog can be very exciting. It is worth considering your lifestyle choices and those who live with you before choosing a dog breed. Choosing any family pet may depend on several factors which must be taken into account. Perhaps the most important question is: are you prepared to take good care of the animal and treat it accordingly?

If the answer to the above question is yes, the next step is to decide the reason you would like a dog. There can be many reasons such as protection, as a pet for a child, as a show dog or simply for the sake of companionship. This is an important factor in choosing the correct breed.

After that you should consider your living circumstances as many of the other decisions will depend on this. You should consider the area in which you live: do you live in the town or countryside? This can limit how often and where you can take a dog for walks. Next you should consider the size of your house: do you have ample space for the new dog to cohabit with the owners and any existing pets? Does your house have a garden where the creature can play or rest? It is also worth thinking about how often the pet will be left alone each day. If you are going for an expensive rare breed this will obviously have to be very limited; however on the flipside if you decide to choose a big energetic dog then you still may not be able to leave it alone for extended periods.

Another side of lifestyle considerations is the associated costs with raising a pet. Ideally you should have a budget for basic needs such as foods and cleaning products. You should also take into account the possibility of other events happening. For example a situation may arise where you will need to leave the dog with somebody for an extended period of time on a paid basis. You should also think about health costs and possible veterinary services. A limited budget also means that your ability in choosing specially bred dogs may be more limited. However this should not stop you from being able to find a good pet.

Pets like human beings require attention and care. To many people their dog is a normal member of the household. Dogs must be given regular exercise and training to keep them active and in a healthy state. They must have necessarily health checks and be given essential vaccinations. Taking the dog down to the park for a walk is something you should fit into your weekly schedule.

Once you have acknowledged the extent of your lifestyle and your ability in raising a pet, it is time to decide the type of breed. The first thing to think about is the size. Make sure to discuss this with other members of the family as this is a big limitation on what breed of dog you may choose. Do you really have enough space for a German Shepard? Or are you prepared to deal with small Chihuahuas running around the house and having to look for them from time to time?

Perhaps one of the most underestimated things about any pet is the aging of the animal. Animals have a different lifespan to human beings. The reason that this is important is as important as buying the pet in the first place. Considering many people buy dogs for company, a family can very easily become attached to the animal. The pet becomes a ‘member’ of the family. For many people loosing a pet can be as shocking as loosing a very close relative.

Once you have planned and taken into account all factors, its time to make the exciting trip down the pet store or going to see a few dogs with other family members. Then you can hopefully make a decision as to who you would like to welcome to your house as new member.

Dave Markel
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/choosing-a-dog-breed-3878.html

To begin we take a look at some facts about this breed then move onto a more indepth perspective on the breed.

Breed group: Mastiff

Weight: 154-200 pounds

Height: males 25-28 inches, female 23-25.5 inches

Overview

The Boerboel has been successfully developed in South Africa, and the breed is still in the process of refinement. The origins of this breed are not entirely sure, but it can be traced back to ancient times. Many agree that the breed developed from the Bullenbijter which was brought to South Africa from Europe by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652, and also the Africa dog of the native people.

Temperament

African Boerboels have been specially bred to be protectors. They have a very even nature and also a friendly character. These dogs are able to sense when you feel anxious about a specific individual – and then they will definitely make their presence felt to give you the required protection. The African Boerboel is a very dependable, submissive and bright dog. They also have very strong watchdog instincts. This breed is very confident and without fear. African Boerboels are fond of playing with their families and they also show a lot of affection toward them. Seeing that these dogs are natural protectors, they can be aggressive toward people they do not know. The African Boerboel will put their life on the line in order to protect their property, friends and family.

Care

When it comes to grooming, the African Boerboel does not require a lot of work. These dogs will be fine if they are brushed occasionally – and bathed once a month. The African Boerboel is an average shedding dog, and will therefore work for someone suffering from allergies.

Training

African Boerboels are very intelligent dogs. This breed is always eager to work with their trainers. It should be known that they will attempt to dominate, and owners should therefore be in command from the start. Due to the size of the African Boerboel they should be under control at all times. A Boerboel can be a threat to people and animals around him if he is not trained properly – and they should also be fenced in. It is advised that these dogs get training in obedience from a very early age onwards. The African Boerboel is not suited to someone with no previous experience in dog ownership.

Health problems

Because this bread has been naturally selected, they are very healthy. But like most large dogs, the African Boerboel also suffers from hip and elbow dysplasia. It is important to check the hip dysplasia status of the parents before taking your puppy. Your Boerboel puppy should be safe if both his parents are free from hip dysplasia.

John Williams
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