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26 July, 2010	Puppy Gender Selection Tips
	Your guide to selecting the right puppy gender for you and your family. So you’ve decided to invite a new member into the family. You’ve decided on a breed and can visualise yourself walking proudly through the streets with your new best friend. One more thing to decide: which is better – a boy or a girl? This is a difficult question to answer because to a large extent, the behaviour of the dog is determined by the training and discipline they receive from their owner. One thing I can say is that it’s important to understand that an unaltered (not spayed or neutered) dog will behave differently than an altered dog regardless of gender. Here are just a few tips to keep in mind when choosing between a male or female dog. Marking: Perhaps the most obvious trait of a male companion is their obsession with marking their territory. No matter what you do – you cannot change this inherent characteristic, although neutering can help to some extent. Female dogs can also do this particularly when they feel threatened, but as a general rule – males are notorious for this. Mounting: Not a great deal to say on this matter, but neutering should help to curb their enthusiasm! Pre-Madonnas: Some unaltered (not spayed) female dogs can behave like little pre Madonnas! They have a mind of their own and can come across as being spoilt or even snobbish, plus they can be very stubborn when it comes to being house trained. Heat: Female dogs tend to come on heat every 6-10 months if left unaltered. Introducing a new puppy: If you already have a dog and want to introduce a new friend into the pack, it’s always better to get a new puppy of the opposite gender. If you have several dogs, it may be best to choose a gender of the least domineering of your existing dogs. If however, your existing dog(s) have a history of aggression you may need to talk to your local dog trainer about having some lessons in how to introduce the puppy into the pack. As a final tip: Be mindful that older dogs and little puppies may not be suitable because their temperaments are very different and the puppy’s desire to play may be overstimulating for your dog’s stage in life. About the author: Following a successful career in corporate training, Shiraz turned her love of dogs into a thriving pet fashion boutique. Using her skills as an adult educator, Shiraz provides practical guidance in bite-size pieces to pet owners who are keen to expand their knowledge on all things dog. The author invites you to visit: Brandog.com.au – Luxury Pet Fashion Boutique
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23 March, 2010	Tips for Finding The Paw-fect Match!
	Some of us know with absolute certainty which dog breed we are going to buy. For example, in my family – we are big lovers of the Border Collie, so this will always have our home graced by these handsome beasts. Unfortunately, there is no RSVP dating site for finding your ideal companion so you will need to do a little bit of research on the various breeds before getting down on bended knee... But what if this is your first dog? How do you possibly go about deciding which of the 400 registered dog breeds are most suitable for you? This article will give you some practical tips on selecting a dog based on their typical characteristics so you can maximise your chances of living happily ever after... THE TERRIERS These guys are as highly vocal as they are tough and robust. They were bred to hunt down and kill small mammals and ironically, are considered to be good with children! They make great watch dogs and are energetic so needs lots of space to play and socialise. Examples: Jack Russell, Airedale, English Fox, Norfolk and Norwich. Warning Aggression can develop towards people and other dogs. THE COMPANIONS These little darlings are ideal for first time buyers and are bred for friendship and comfort. They make excellent family pets and thrive on human interaction and affection. Examples: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Maltese, Pug, Mini Schnauzer, Toy Poodle, Tibetan Terrier. Warning High maintenance in terms of attention. THE HERDERS These fellows are bred to assist farmers in moving live stock. They are easy to train (which is why the farmers love them) and are require above average physical activities. They are suitable for experienced dog owners who have the time and experience to meet their often demanding needs. Examples: Corgis, German Shepherd, Kelpie, Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, Collies. Warning Tendency to nip – may confuse small children with sheep... THE HAULERS These guys are mighty strong and can resist extremely cold temperature. They’re bred to pull heavy loads and can work practically all day long. They love human interaction and at the same time are fairly independent. Examples: Alaskan Malamute, Eskimo Dog, Husky, St Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog. Warning Domestic dogs have a tendency to pull on lead. GUARD DOGS These guys were originally bred as herding and were later used as entertainment for fighting with bulls and bears. These guys need assertive owners who can keep them on the straight and narrow. They have a tendency to dominate and make excellent guard dogs. The very sight of them is enough to deter would-be intruders! They are moderately easy to train but need to be handled by an experienced owner. Examples: Boxer, Rottweiler, Doberman, Giant Schnauzer, Bullmastiff, Bull Dog, Great Dane. Warning Can be aggressive towards people and dogs. SCENT HUNTERS These chaps are bred to use their natural talent for smell to track down prey. Today we use them at airports and in during police operations. They have a tendency to bark and howl when they’ve found a trail and tend to work in groups. They are independent thinkers which can make them difficult to train, although they are still considered to be suitable for first time owners. Only a fraction of these dogs will make it into the police force. Examples: Beagle, Bassett Hound, Foxhound, Dachshund, Dalmatian. Warning Excessive drooling in certain breeds, ear infections if not regularly groomed. Ok – so now that you’ve been introduced to the top 6 breeds, it’s time to start weighing up the pros and cons. You can do this by process of elimination. Once you have narrowed down your selection to perhaps 2 or 3, it may be time to start reading up specifically on these breeds. Look at what their likely medical needs will be and talk to friends and family who have similar breeds. Visit dog parks like and observe how your top 3 breeds interact and hopefully you will be able to make the most informed decision as possible. Remember that there is no such thing as a perfect breed. Each has their own talents and limitations just as us humans do. The key is to understand your dog as much as possible so you can learn to adapt your communication style to meet their needs. Happy dog hunting! Shiraz
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19 March, 2010	7 Steps for House Training Your New Puppy!
	I’m often asked what the fastest way to house train a puppy is. My response is always this: consistency and repetition are key when teaching a puppy new skills. Let me explain: I could give you maybe a dozen techniques for house training your puppy, and I bet you would be tempted to then try them all out until something works! But all you are doing is confusing your puppy by chopping and changing i.e. moving the goal posts. Puppys need time to understand how we want them to behave, and then they need even more time to practice. Think about how you learned to ride a bike. It was most likely to be mum or dad who taught you. They would have guided you with patience (hopefully!) and encouraged you to get back on your bike each time you fell. They would not have given up until you learned to ride. The same goes for your puppy. You are teaching them a new skill and it needs to be done sensitively, encouragingly and consistently in order for it to become habitual. Follow these simple steps and let me know how you go! Step 1: Decide on an appropriate potty place within your home. You can nominate a tiled area, paper covered flooring or pet loo with artificial grass. Whatever you do – select one and stick to it. Step 2: Establish a “break time” routine. Ideally this would be first thing in the morning, immediately after food, and finally after any play or physical activity. This helps your puppy to draw connections between certain activities/times of day and break time. Step 3: Practice word-association. Whenever you want your puppy to pee, try and say exactly the same words e.g. “Do your wee wee”. Your puppy will soon begin to associate words with actions which reinforces their memory and behaviour. This works a treat on my Brando! In fact he now thinks it's fun to go outside and pee (under the neighbours tree albeit!) Step 4: Tune in to your puppy. Most dogs give some sort of indication before they are about to go. This may be circling in a tight space, walking slowly against furniture and walls or stopping randomly to have a sniff. Tune into these signs and direct your puppy to their special spot before they make a mistake. Puppy will then start to associate the circling motions with potty time. Step 5: Reward your pup. Immediately after your puppy has completed their business, reward them with their favourite treat and say something like “good wee wee’s”. If your puppy does not pee in the designated area, avoid making a fuss. Simply clean up the area and ignore them. The idea is only to give attention when they do the right thing. Step 6: No potty no play. Avoid the temptation to play with your puppy until they have done their business. Step 7: Correct their mistakes immediately. If you catch your puppy peeing in the wrong place, immediately take them to the designated area. Do not rub their nose into their mess as this could contribute to fear aggression – positive reinforcement is what is required here. Above all, remember that training a puppy should be a fun experience for both of you. Make it fun and your puppy will want to “play”. Be consistent and use positive language and treats to reinforce good behaviours – ignore the rest. Puppy’s don’t like to be ignored, so they will soon learn that in order to receive attention, they need to behave and do as they are told – a bit like kids! x Shiraz
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28 January, 2010	I'll Let You Sniff Mine If You Let Me Sniff Yours
	The oddities of the canine greeting It wasn't until I became a pet owner that I discovered a whole new world of "inappropriate" behaviour. I can remember the embarrassment I felt when my Border Collie "Brando" started sniffing another dog's bottom at the park. I had never seen such a thing in my life. I would crack a little grin to other pet owners and apologise whilst tugging on Brando's leash. I was gobsmacked when a passerby told me "it's ok" and that "they all do it". I soon learned that it was a dog's way of saying hello! Funnily enough, like humans - some dogs are not comfortable with this and will tuck their tail between their legs and offer their nose for inspection instead. The scent glands of a dog are tucked away down south; so sniffing another dog is their way of gaining information about the other dog such as their sex, health, age and what they usually eat. These glands carry a distinct scent - like DNA - which is unique to each dog. Once the dogs have established identity and trust, they will decide whether to stop and play or walk away. When Brando meets a new dog, I often cringe during the sniffing phase because I know the greeting can only go 1 of 2 ways: (1) If it's a bitch, Brando will be on his best behaviour and (2) If it's a male, Brando's tail shoots for the sky and the dominance challenge begins! Finally, when a dog is familiar with another pooch, you will notice that they only have a quick sniff before getting on with things. This quick sniff is just to confirm that "yes - we know each other and I'll now be on my way!"
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30 November, 2009	The Bare Bones Truth: 5 Things You Must Know Before Buying a Dog
	The Bare Bones Truth of Dog Ownership: 5 Things You Must Consider Before Buying a Dog Welcoming a new dog into the family home can be an exciting time for everyone. But buying a dog is not like buying the latest household gadget; dogs are living beings that require your love and attention. Training a new puppy can be very frustrating and caring for a dog can be very costly over their lifespan. Responsible pet ownership starts before you take your new dog home. Reading articles such as this is a great place to start your research. In addition to selecting an appropriate breed, here are the top 5 things you must consider before welcoming Fido home: 1. Do you live in a rented premises? If so, does your landlord allow for pets? If you live in a unit and work full time, a dog is probably not the best choice of pet for you. Consider a cat because they are independent creatures who don't rely on you for interaction. Dogs become bored very quickly and when confined to small spaces, can develop behavioural problems. 2. You also need to consider your employment situation. Will someone be home to care for your new puppy? Puppies need a lot of time and attention and cannot be left unattended. Does your work require you to travel? If so, what arrangements would you make for your dog? Do you have enough time to exercise your dog and provide them opportunities to socialise in public places? Dogs crave interaction and if you don't provide this, they can become destructive and develop social disorders which are very difficult to correct. 3. Do you have children? Talk to your local vet about which dogs make the best pets for small children. Base your decision on breed and temperament - not on "cuteness". Small breeds such as Pugs and Maltese Terriers make great family pets because they are patient with children and can handle a bit of rough and tumble. 4. Consider who will be the primary care taker. New puppies require a lot of work and attention - you can never underestimate this. Agree upfront who will be responsible for each aspect of the dogs welfare e.g. grooming, feeding, exercising, house training etc. For example, you can teach children valuable lessons in responsibility by getting them to feed the dog. Ensure that they continue this responsibility even when the honeymoon is over! 5. Can you realistically afford to pay for expensive vet bills? The price of a dog is relatively cheap compared to the medical expenses you can expect to pay over their lifetime. Certain dogs are predisposed to certain conditions, so ensure that you research the breed from a medical perspective before you make your purchase. As a rule of thumb, large dogs generate higher bills not just at the vet, but also in terms of their food and accessories such as collars and leads. Consider Pet Insurance to safeguard you against hefty medical bills. So before you buy a dog, make sure you do your research and talk to other pet owners who would only be more than happy to share their tips and advice with you.
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20 October, 2009	The Culture Clash Part 1
	Lady Shiraz is at it again! Reading up on how to "handle" me better. Her current book is called "The Culture Clash", by Jean Donaldson. A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs. Controversial but still hard to ignore. The Culture Clash barks on about how us dogs are inherently different to the human species, and should therefore be treated like animals, and not children - or something like that. The first chapter really got Lady thinking. The hard facts and truth about the psychological makeup of us canines was unfolding right before her very eyes. It challenged her every belief that dogs (in particular the Border Collie variety like me) was considered intelligent. Bitter Truth #1: Apparently dogs are not all that intelligent after all. Jean says that humans are setting unrealistic behavioural standards on us canines which represents the first "Culture Clash". Sure we can catch a ball or sit on command, but Jean sees right through this - there is just no fooling her. Jean explores intelligence from the canine's perspective. You see, like our 2 legged counterparts, we too can learn through operant and classical conditioning (just a fancy way of saying "to learn by association"). We are "smart" in that we are able to discriminate extremely fine differences in our environment and we can deal with complex social environments. But it stops right there. Whilst 2-leggeds are able to learn through observation and insight, dog's cannot. *So what does all this gibberish mean?* In short, it means that humans have learned to place unrealistic behavioural standards on dogs which are based on the "Disney" myth of intelligence. Somewhere along the line, humans have somehow managed to link the value of a dog to their level of apparent intelligence. The smart dogs are praised - everyone wants to have one. This "Hollywood fluff" about dogs creates great media interest which in turn provides misleading education for both pet owners, breeders and trainers. Jean just wants everyone to see us for what we really are, and not for what you want us to be. To let dogs be dogs, whether they are "smart" or not. Have to go herd the birds now, stay tuned for Bitter Truth #2 in my next blog. X Brando
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20 October, 2009	Brando's Tips for Teaching Your Hound 3 Basic Commands
	1. Come when called If our two legged counterparts want us to come, all we ask is that you give us some form of incentive. I cannot resist the temptation of a tasty treat, so I will come when Lady Shiraz can deliver the treat. Now here's the trick: as I commence my little journey towards the treat (uh...sorry I meant Lady Shiraz), I need to be praised and encouraged to make my efforts worth my while. This will also provide me incentive to repeat this action when called at a later time, because I can count on (a) receiving a treat and (b) receiving undue praise and attention. 2. Sit on command So let's face it, I'm a Border Collie and intelligent by nature. Whilst other hounds may have trouble following the basic command of sitting, I picked it up in no time at all - again due to my inherent brilliance. Lady Shiraz taught me to sit by coupling this oral request with a physical hand action. (it is also funny to see her eyes bulge when giving me this command!) In no time at all, I understood what was required of me. Of course I milked this so called "training" opportunity for me, and I "trained" Lady to accompany the request with a treat! So on approach, I would pause as though to consider the request. Lady would hold a treat above my nose, which provided great incentive to sit, not to mention the adrenalin rush I received from the pure anticipation of getting my treat. 3. Sit and remain seated So you've got us to sit. That's easy enough. But what next? When Lady Shiraz would make me sit, there was always uncertainty as to how long she wanted me for. All sorts of terrible nasties would go through my mind; "am I in trouble"? "did she find the landmine in the backyard?", "does she want my paw? - how about a lick?" Lady taught me to stay by uttering the words "Stay. Stay Brando" and pointing her longest finger at me towards the floor. Of course I would oblige. But then what? How long could this game go on for? Using my initiative, I would slowly rise to my feet, only to hear a sharp "ah. Stay" and that pointy finger again. This stopped me dead in my tracks. Again out of courtesy I would offer my paw, but it seemed Lady Shiraz was more interested in asserting her "dominance" over me than in playing with me. We did this over and over again, until I finally gave in and let her win! Try my tips and let me know how you go with your canine. Remember - practice makes paw-fect!
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Brandog Blog

Welcome to Brando�s Blog. This Blog is designed to give you quick tips in bite sized pieces to all your dog related questions. If you would like us to write on a particular subject, please email your request to shiraz@brandog.com.au Enjoy!