They say that dogs are not just for Christmas, though this applies to all animals, especially those little white fluffy balls called Angoras who need love and care long after the Christmas wrappings have all been packed away, and Christmas forgotten about.  Dog wardens all over the country are preparing for another festive season of finding  pets new homes and reminding people that dogs are for life, not just for Christmas.   If you’re thinking of getting a dog why not wait a while.  There will be plenty looking for a new home soon, and they, together with the dog charities that rescue them will be extremely grateful that you can help.   If you already have a dog, try to keep things as normal as possible over Christmas.  Too many visitors, rowdiness or noise etc. can unsettle many pets.  So why not let your pet enjoy Christmas too,  by buying a new toy to keep him or her occupied, possibly in a quieter area of the house.  Get some  ideas here.

1/ Akita is a breed of large dog that originated in Japan.  Akita is the original home of the Akita dog (Akita inu), the famously loyal dog of Hachiko fame.  The breed  is said to be a very well-mannered and dignified breed. The Akita is a very balanced looking dog, being only slightly longer than it is tall. 

2/ The Akita is a very ancient breed, tracing its history in Japan back more than 2500 years.  They are very intelligent and learn quickly, even as an adult dog. 

3/ The Akita dog is a large and strong breed  that has short to medium length of fur that can be quite fluffy.  Akita dogs do not need to be trimmed or shaved.  Akitas  that live indoors or cooler climates typically shed less.  The Akita has a double coat, the outer coat composed of straight  coarse hair, and the undercoat soft and dense. They are very well suited to the coldest of climates, and while it might not enjoy hot weather, its coat does lighten considerably in the warmer months to compensate for the heat. 

4/ Although the Akita is a large, powerful dog, with some males weighing over 100 pounds, they are usually docile, quiet, and need only a moderate amount of exercise and are considered a good  watchdog.  Akitas actually enjoy being an only dog and like most canines, they sleep when you’re not home. When you are home the typical pet Akita will follow you from room to room, yet has the uncanny ability not to be under foot. 

A large Powerful Dog

5/ Although the breed may tolerate and be good with children from his own family, if you do not teach this dog he is below all humans in the pack order he may not accept other children and if teased, Akitas may bite.  Any child that is allowed to run wild is an indication the family is not suitable for an Akita which needs firm rules and control.  A confident and consistent approach is required to train an Akita, but they do not respond well to harsh methods of training. 

6/ An Akita is not likely to show affection for  someone that is not a member of his family or a close friend that he sees often.  Also they are often  intolerant of other dogs, particularly of the same sex. 

7/ An Akita is an ideal hiking or walking dog and they are large and sturdy enough to handle even very difficult and challenging terrain.  Akitas usually take well to weight-pulling and sledding, though as a breed they are not highly represented in such activities.  The Akita’s soft mouth makes it possible for him to work as a waterfowl retrieval dog. 

8/ Although Akitas are generally healthy dogs they can be prone to skin problems and eye disease.  They  should be given a bath, only when absolutely necessary, with a mild shampoo to prevent stripping the coat of the natural oils, as frequent bathing removes the natural waterproofing of the coat.  Also they’re prone to developing thyroid or skin problems.  Hip dysplasia is a known problem and screening of the parents before breeding is a must.

9/ Twice daily feeding throughout their adult lives is recommended to lessen the chance of bloat .

10/ Akitas tend to be somewhat messy drinkers.

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Dog Toys are among the best gifts you are able to buy  your dog, it keeps them happy and fit at the same time, whilst at the same time some toys can be unbelievably good  fun for the owner themselves too.

Dog playthings are able to keep a dog happy, mentally stimulated and also help burn up excess energy.  Dogs love to play and squeaky dog toys are hugely popular with many dogs. Interactive dog toys are astonishing learning toys for dogs, which can mentally stimulate your pet in an amusing and creative way. Squeaky dog toys are a great way to hold their interest rather than them chewing up the furniture.

Dog toys are actually more than just playthings, and are more beneficial than you may suppose.  However they’re not safe if small pieces can be chewed or pulled off as these could be swallowed by the dog. The toy should also be adequate for the dog, taking into consideration their size and activity levels.

Chewing toys are also very important for teething puppies or adult dogs who simply like to chew. If a dog does not have a chew toy, he may use your shoes or other possessions instead. Chewing is necessary for your dog to maintain healthy teeth and jaws. It’s also a very useful distraction from boredom and a means of focusing their concentration and superfluous energy.

Kong Dog Toys are one of the toughest, most hard-wearing solid rubber dog toys available. The Kong range of natural rubber dog toys are irresistible to dogs and provide hours of fun. Their design causes it to bounce unpredictably in every direction. Your dog will love his this sort of  toy  just as it comes  or filled with a special treat.  You are able to stuff the hollow end with kibble, treats, peanut butter, dog food, cheese etc.

Rope dog toys are also great playthings for your older pet while you’re away, as it gives them something to play with, without shredding your things. Rope chew toys are known for being beneficial in helping keep teeth clean, and they are a must for any teething puppy.

Warm enough to play outside today!

I know this blog is primarily about dogs, but I know a lot of you are keen on horses and riding too.  If that is you then please don’t miss out on this soon to be released DVD by Jenny Rolfe.  It’s called Ride From the Heart – The Art of Communication.  You can see a preview of it at the link below. (Not an affiliate link!)

http://www.spanishdressagehorses.co.uk/movie/delfin_dancing.php

  How can you help them?

It might be possible for small animals in cages or hutches to be taken indoors.  If so, the cage should ideally be placed with the most open side to the wall and not facing a window where the flashes outside would be too easily seen.  Cats should be kept indoors.  Of course all animals deserve our consideration at this time of year, but I am mainly concerned here about dogs.

When scared by flashes and bangs almost any animal might escape and run off.  Therefore it is essential that your dog has an identity tag with your contact details on it at the very least.  Microchipping is always ideal.

If your dog is frightened by fireworks you should take it seriously, as in many cases if you handle the situation badly it can lead to a kind of phobia.  If that happens then long lasting behavioural problems can ensue.

So don’t shout or chastise your frightened dog.  That makes as much sense as shouting at a human who is suffering a panic attack.  It will only worsen the situation.   Praise the animal when it is calm, but don’t overdo it.  Avoid picking your dog up or making too much fuss when it is distressed, as as this could give your dog the impression that you are scared too.  Probably your best course of action is to allow your pet to settle in a den of it’s own choosing and maintain the atmosphere as near normal as possible.

There are many products available from pet shops and vets that can help stress and anxiety in dogs.  These include tablets, Pheromones, homeopathic remedies and more, so take some advice from suppliers or other dog owners and stock up soon.

Dog Information

You're not going to light those things are you?