For the Love of Dogs, Horses, and Fitness!

"That smilin' dog," my husband's uncle said. "Just look at that smilin' dog." Tango, our Doberman, had greeted our uncle at a family barbeque.

Tango does truly smile. There may be conflicting evidence about whether dogs smile or not, or even have emotions like humans do ... Tango definitely smiles. In fact, she has the prettiest smile of any dog I've ever seen.

 We met Tango in April 2008. Admirers of black-and-tan breeds, my husband and I had set out to find two dogs to provide some security and companionship on our 10-acre property. Our choices for black-and-tans were Rottweiler, Doberman, or Manchester Terrier. We found a listing for Dobermans and decided to give one a try, having researched the breed's characteristics and needs.

 Tango's breeder brought her to a local park for us to meet her. She showed us Tango's skills at obedience and socialization (she asked passers-by to pet her dog), and let us get to know her. When my husband knelt down to greet Tango, she put her head in his lap; an instant friend. It took very little time for us to decide that she was the perfect dog for our family. We also chose an unrelated Doberman male from one of the breeder's associates nearby. 

 We had the dogs we wanted. But one little option did present itself before we had left the park. The breeder, as a suggestion, asked if we would be interested in breeding Tango. She wanted to keep the dog in her own program, but had too many to deal with at the time. Tango's papers were left "open" for registered litters, so it was an option for us. We had not previously considered breeding. However, this dog was worth it. She had correct confirmation, temperament, and personality. A tribute to the Doberman breed. The breeder even offered to help us place the puppies.

 As Tango was only six months old at the time, we had some work to do. We immediately began obedience and agility training, then worked towards an AKC CGC certification. CGC is a test that measures obedience, socialization, and manners. Dogs who pass the exam receive a certificate of completion. If both parent dogs are CGC, the puppies are easier to place. Both our dogs passed the CGC easily. We also began calendar-watching for Tango's heat cycle. She came into heat on June 25, 2008 ... her first birthday. As we planned to breed on the third cycle, we watched how her cycle progressed into December, when she came in on December 1, 2008. We noted body changes, attitude, and behavior towards our male (he was neutered, of course). By the time the third cycle arrived, we'd have some data to work from. Tango would also be mature enough for motherhood.

 On May 13, 2009, we began to see signs (spotting) that the third heat cycle was underway. I contacted Tango's breeder to let her know the cycle had started. She gave us a date to bring Tango to her facility. She had a newly acquired male that would be a perfect match. Thus on May 25, Tango met her first suitor, Rambo. The breeder reported two successful "ties," where the dogs make the connection correctly. Once again we noted our calendars and embarked upon a new waiting game: "Is she or isn't she?"

 It normally takes five weeks, depending on the dog and breed, to know if there are puppies on the way. At 45 days, an x-ray can determine if there are puppies, and how many. At one month, we are still at wait-and-see. According to the breeder, it is rare to not have a pregnancy if there are successful ties at the right time of the cycle. After a year and a half of planning, saving funds, and working with the dogs, we are hopeful that a lovely little bunch of pups will arrive in 2-3 more weeks. It has been an interesting, and educational, experience ... and it has potential to be even more so very soon! My biggest hope is that the pups will inherit Tango's winning smile.

Bonnie Cox and her husband have owned family dogs since childhood. The regularly work their two dogs, Tango and Odie, in obedience and agility. This is their first foray into breeding a dog, though they have had breeding programs for other animals (sheep, cattle, horses) in the past. Bonnie Cox plans to write an e-book about her dog's entire pregnancy when the puppies are weaned and placed with new homes (the puppy list already has 5 names). http://www.antlerhollowmillville.com; http://millvillegrammarcop.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Joy_Cox

After a few years of searching, we finally have found our Manchester Terrier. Tipping the scales at a whopping 4 pounds on arrival,  "Millville's Flying Ace" landed in San Francisco in late August. He is a hilarious addition to our Dobie pack -- plays with our dogs in staunch defiance of his size.  Ace is actually a foundation breed for our beloved Dobermans; Louis Doberman himself combined the breed with Rottweilers and greyhounds to produce the Doberman we know today. In public places, Ace could easily be labeled a Chihuahua, a Miniature Pinscher, or a cross thereof. Oddly enough, passers-by usually say, 'That's the tiniest Doberman I've ever seen!" And they are right. In fact, Dobermans are really just giant Manchesters.

Originally called the Black and Tan terrier, the Manchester Terrier gained popularity in the English region of its name because the dogs were such excellent vermin-killers. The dogs curbed the overpopulation of mice and rats, then quickly became popular as pit-fighters (later banned in the district) with rats often larger than they.  With the quashing of the pit-fighting trend, Inns kept kennels of the dogs to help fight their ever-present rat problem. Foxhunting groups who rode to hounds also carried the terriers in special "slings" (as the little dogs lacked the speed to keep up with the foxhounds) so that if the quarry went into a hole in the ground, the little black-and-tan powerhouse would go in after it with ferocity. Common carriers of the "big dog syndrome," Manchesters do not realize their size. Matched with a Doberman, they will wrestle and play regardless of being 1/10th the larger dog's size.

True to his lineage, our little Ace is the biggest little dog in the neighborhood.  He enjoys running with the pack (including our resident human 10k runner) and playing with the family dogs.  He's truly a blast from the past!

All dog experts will agree on one fundamental dog care rule: walk your dog. It’s that simple. A leash and some walking shoes are your principal tools.  Amazingly, this simple daily task, when done correctly, can help a myriad of problems, both human and canine alike.  Is your dog bored and/or hyperactive? Could your cardiovascular health (within physician’s advice) be improved? Before your dog chews up your walking shoes, simply put them on, leash up, and go.

Professional dog trainers and canine experts can’t stress enough how valuable the “pack exercise” in your dog’s life can be.  Continually throughout the days, months, weeks, and years of dog ownership, the human must reinforce the pack order and hierarchy. The walk can be the cornerstone of this relationship between leader and follower.  On leash, a dog dragging a human along is simply establishing that pack order as he sees fit. Off leash, a dog who jumps up and claws at her human’s knees is doing the same.  In most cases, the dog is bored, or burning off a cauldron of energy that’s been bubbling all day, or even frustrated at being alone for so long. Weak pack authority simply channels this extra energy into the dog taking the captain’s seat by hook or by crook. Read the invaluable literature available from the experts. Most will agree on this.  Dogs need leaders. Obedience. Exercise. Pack order. A job.

Depending on breed or type, a great job for your dog is furry exercise partner.  Even if you’re ambling along with a cane, a dog will go with you. Some long-distance runners train with leash-trained dogs for conditioning. The dogs do not tire as quickly (provided they are at a good fitness level), and rarely will “downshift” up hills as we humans usally have to do. The walk (or run) is so beneficial to both canine and human, but so often overlooked for its value. Both human and dog get exercise and fresh air. The dog can learn good leash manners. In public situations, the dog can meet and see other people, dogs, cars, buses, or any other distraction. At the end of the day, the dog is curled up and snoring on his bed, paws twitching in dreams about the day’s adventures.  Hopefully, the human is doing the same.  Weight-loss products and sleep aids are no match for a great walk or run with a dog!

One of the greatest dangers to dogs in a human-run world is being hit by cars. An equally great danger to humans in a world that includes dogs is bite injury from loose dogs. The solution for both of these problems is simple: fence the dog safely and securely.

Too many dog owners assume that inadequate conditions will suffice for dog housing. A front yard, a front porch, or a little back stoop should be fine, right? Besides, a fence is too expensive, too much work to maintain, and it takes too much time to open and close when driving through the gate. To simply keep the dog in the house, then "hope it hangs around" when outside is not only irresponsible, it is a liability.

Passing cars, always tempting to chase, can severely injure or kill a dog in a matter of seconds. If the driver tries to avoid the dog, he or she may swerve into a dangerous situation that causes injury or death. Passing children who simply want to pet the dog can be bitten -- and face the risk of infection, disease, or serious injury. Up the ante by having another dog owner pass by with his dog on a leash ... another disastrous equation. Prevent all of these issues. Provide a fence to protect both dog and neighborhood.

In rural areas, allowing dogs to roam freely is even more prevalent. "They won't bother anyone, we live in the country" is a common excuse. However, country settings also come with country environments: coyotes, mountain lions, and even raccoons can be dog predators. Leaving the dog out to "fend for itself" is simply unfair to the dog, and prompts the posting of "lost dog" signs on local telephone poles. If a dog scents or sees a deer, for instance, the chase is on. In most cases, the dog gets lost. If it is fortunate, it finds its way home. If it is not, one more poster finds its way to that telephone pole.

Simply put, a responsible dog owner will provide all of the dog's needs: food, water, exercise, play, shelter, and a good, safe fence.

"That smilin' dog," my husband's uncle said. "Just look at that smilin' dog." Tango, our Doberman, had greeted our uncle at a family barbeque.

Tango does truly smile. There may be conflicting evidence about whether dogs smile or not, or even have emotions like humans do ... Tango definitely smiles. In fact, she has the prettiest smile of any dog I've ever seen.

 We met Tango in April 2008. Admirers of black-and-tan breeds, my husband and I had set out to find two dogs to provide some security and companionship on our 10-acre property. Our choices for black-and-tans were Rottweiler, Doberman, or Manchester Terrier. We found a listing for Dobermans and decided to give one a try, having researched the breed's characteristics and needs.

 Tango's breeder brought her to a local park for us to meet her. She showed us Tango's skills at obedience and socialization (she asked passers-by to pet her dog), and let us get to know her. When my husband knelt down to greet Tango, she put her head in his lap; an instant friend. It took very little time for us to decide that she was the perfect dog for our family. We also chose an unrelated Doberman male from one of the breeder's associates nearby. 

 We had the dogs we wanted. But one little option did present itself before we had left the park. The breeder, as a suggestion, asked if we would be interested in breeding Tango. She wanted to keep the dog in her own program, but had too many to deal with at the time. Tango's papers were left "open" for registered litters, so it was an option for us. We had not previously considered breeding. However, this dog was worth it. She had correct confirmation, temperament, and personality. A tribute to the Doberman breed. The breeder even offered to help us place the puppies.

 As Tango was only six months old at the time, we had some work to do. We immediately began obedience and agility training, then worked towards an AKC CGC certification. CGC is a test that measures obedience, socialization, and manners. Dogs who pass the exam receive a certificate of completion. If both parent dogs are CGC, the puppies are easier to place. Both our dogs passed the CGC easily. We also began calendar-watching for Tango's heat cycle. She came into heat on June 25, 2008 ... her first birthday. As we planned to breed on the third cycle, we watched how her cycle progressed into December, when she came in on December 1, 2008. We noted body changes, attitude, and behavior towards our male (he was neutered, of course). By the time the third cycle arrived, we'd have some data to work from. Tango would also be mature enough for motherhood.

 On May 13, 2009, we began to see signs (spotting) that the third heat cycle was underway. I contacted Tango's breeder to let her know the cycle had started. She gave us a date to bring Tango to her facility. She had a newly acquired male that would be a perfect match. Thus on May 25, Tango met her first suitor, Rambo. The breeder reported two successful "ties," where the dogs make the connection correctly. Once again we noted our calendars and embarked upon a new waiting game: "Is she or isn't she?"

 It normally takes five weeks, depending on the dog and breed, to know if there are puppies on the way. At 45 days, an x-ray can determine if there are puppies, and how many. At one month, we are still at wait-and-see. According to the breeder, it is rare to not have a pregnancy if there are successful ties at the right time of the cycle. After a year and a half of planning, saving funds, and working with the dogs, we are hopeful that a lovely little bunch of pups will arrive in 2-3 more weeks. It has been an interesting, and educational, experience ... and it has potential to be even more so very soon! My biggest hope is that the pups will inherit Tango's winning smile.

Whether you're running, trotting, jogging, or ambling along at an easy lope, why not add a companion to the activity? Though more of us have dogs than horses, the exercise potential from owning one or both animals can be far-reaching. The benefits are almost endless: stronger cardiovascular systems and endurance (human, equine, canine), tighter core muscles (human, equine), mental stimulation, and good, old-fashioned fresh air activity are all just waiting to be enjoyed.

Both dogs and horses are wired to live in group settings. Interaction within the group (especially with the leader of the group) is not only beneficial, it is vital. Time spent at least a few days per week doing activities such as walking, riding, obstacles, or obedience can work wonders on the animal's state of mind. Barking, cribbing, digging, pawing, weaving, pacing, or other undesirable behaviors usually stem from the lack of time spent on more constructive activities. It can also be an antidote for the human's daily stress level. It's been proven that the simple act of petting or grooming an animal can lower blood pressure. Add some cardiovascular exercise, and you have a winning fitness combination for both mind and body!

If one walks a dog, then rides a horse on the same day, the whole body gets both cardiovascular and strength-training benefits. Walking or running with a dog obviously fits in the aerobic category -- this is heightened by the fact that a reasonably fit dog won't tire at the same rate as a human, so the dog can encourage the human to work at a slightly higher level than if that human were to walk or run alone. Add a ride on a horse, and you have the best core-strengthening exercise available. To balance the entire upper body on a moving animal takes every back, abdominal, seat, and leg muscle available. Keep the horse moving, and the legs get even more work when directing the way of travel. Anyone who has never ridden, or has not ridden a horse recently will tell you where every muscle is -- the day after the ride. Ride more, the soreness improves. Ride even more, strength builds.

Make your human, canine, and equine world a better place -- each day, if you can. Do yourself, and your dog and/or horse a favor -- walk or ride! It's a win-win-win situation for all species involved!

Living in the country has its good points and bad points, its ups and downs, its recreation and chores. Quiet, peaceful days are only punctuated by the chirps and songs of birds; nights are silent save for the occasional horse sneeze. The country is beautiful, the views breathtaking to see - but the upkeep of country property can be a challenge.

The biggest challenge (and I dare anyone to find a bigger one) is springtime weeds. Not those odd offenders who sprout up amidst a well-kept lawn (we don't have a lawn); real weeds. The obstinate, aggressive, vengeful type. The kingpin of weeds is wild barley, or foxtail, where we live. You poison it, it grows back. You cut it down, three grow back in its place. You hit it with a weed trimmer - it takes revenge.

The foxtail's primary weapon is its seed heads or awns. They transport the seed into fur, wool, socks, hair, tires, noses, toes, or any other vehicle the foxtail chooses. The barbed fibers in the seed head act like tiny fish hooks, driving the seed head further into the soil, skin, or hair. It is quite common for veterinarians to remove foxtails from the ears, noses, toes, and body tissues of animals (mostly dogs and cats). It can be an expensive procedure - and is almost always very unpleasant for the animal involved.

The best defense against this weedy menace is prevention. Cut or mow the weeds (or hire goats ... we're not kidding). Early in the spring, when the wild barley appears as innocent and tasty grass for horses and goats, the plant is harmless. Allowed to progress to seed stage, it will sprout green awns that are still rather harmless. However, if the weed is allowed to dry out to its dreaded golden state, the awn becomes a tiny missile launcher; brush by it with new socks on, and you'll have foxtails in the terry cloth until the socks are worn and done. The firing action is what also lobs the seed heads into the ears of dogs and cats - to nestle there against an eardrum until the veterinarian's probe and forceps remove it.

Mind you, the offensive arsenal of weed poison (not popular if one has animals in residence) and weed trimmers is only partially effective. Cut the plants down, more grow in their place, with more awns than before. Sometimes the foxtails will fly up into the trimmer operator's ears and nose. It goes without saying that sturdy pants and smooth boots are mandatory. Those seeds fly off of a trimmer's head and stick to anything in firing range.

The coup de gras for high expense regarding this nasty weed is its final vengeance: weed trimmers tend to hit and launch rocks. A broken window here and there in the house seems to have the foxtails laughing. In one reported household, foxtails have run up a $1,000.00 bill due to vet bills for foxtails in dogs' ears, and (so far - spring isn't over yet) one broken window. Yes, indeed. The foxtails are laughing.

Attack dogs. Devil dogs. Mean dogs. If someone mentions the words "Doberman Pinscher" in casual conversation, these terms sometimes come to mind. Dobermans are Hollywood's bad boys: they chase the good guy off of the bad guy's property. They guard seedy back-alley residences. They appear to be the hit-men of the dog world. It is a commonly recognized fact that Dobermans are somehow meaner or more dangerous than other dogs. Why?

A handler recently had her dog at a park where there was a crowd of event onlookers. A young boy came over and asked to pet the dog. Consent was granted, and the boy proceeded to pet the dog, pull the dog's ears, ask questions about the dog, and generally make friends. "Do you know what kind of dog he is?" the handler asked. "No," the boy replied. "A Doberman," the handler said. The boy, without a word, turned and walked away. He must have been fooled by the long ears. Yes, some Dobermans have long, floppy ears. But why was that name the deal-breaker for an otherwise enjoyable encounter?

The Doberman is a very old, historic breed of dog. Around 1890, Louis Dobermann, a tax-collector, sought to breed a dog suitable for both protection and companionship. His job at the time could prove dangerous, as he carried money with him on his rounds. By crossing several breeds including the Rottweiler, greyhound, and Manchester terrier, Dobermann achieved his goal: a medium-sized, powerfully built, obedient guard dog. The dog gained popularity as a protector and companion. After Dobermann's death in 1894, the Germans named the breed after Louis Dobermann (the second "n" was dropped later on); Otto Goeller continued to refine the dog's breeding to create the dog we see today. The German word for terrier, "pinscher," was also later dropped, as "terrier" no longer described the dog in general.

The Doberman's primary working-dog role is guard and protector of property. Back in 1945, the breed served in World War II, helping U.S. Marines in their patrols on Guam. By the end of the war, 25 Marine Doberman dogs had given their lives to protect the U.S. soldiers by detecting land mines, sniffing out enemy forces in heavy cover, carrying information communiques to different areas, and providing protection in foxholes so that the soldiers could rest. A few of these dogs were nicknamed "Devil Dogs" by the Marines for their fierceness in battle. Of course, the pointy, cropped ears helped complete the picture. The dogs' ears and tails were cropped to minimize the ability of the enemy to grab the dogs if the opportunity arose. The cropped ears are still popular today, but are no longer necessary for any practical reason other than appearance.

Recent breeding programs and education about the Doberman have improved the breed dramatically. No longer bred for aggression, Dobermans are family-oriented, loving dogs. Their high intelligence and boundless energy require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation such as obedience and agility, but in their minds, they are indeed Man's Best Friend. Perhaps in the years to come the Devil Dog persona can fade into history, yet never be forgotten.