Dog Getting Old

Changes In Your Aging Dog

Aging dogs are less adaptable to, and more adversely affected by, stress and change. Yet so many dog owners do not take this into consideration when making plans involving their older dog. For example, for years you and your dog enjoyed those races through the woods or around the playground. You may still enjoy it now, but your older dog possibly finds it difficult to keep up with you.

What used to be lots of fun may now make him a bit grouchy and force him to breathe abnormally hard. You have just redecorated the house, and what used to be your dog's favorite spot to relax in, is now occupied by a piece of furniture. Your dog becomes restless, temperamental, may even urinate or defecate in the house or right on that piece of furniture, and you cannot understand why.

It is not necessary to baby or spoil a dog just because he is aging. In fact, this should be carefully avoided, as it is a trap into which many dog owners readily fall. You should encourage your older dog to take part in family life as always, but you must be alert to avoid undue stresses or unnecessary changes.

That piece of new furniture does not have to stand on the exact spot where he has snoozed for more than ten years. In his mind that spot is his personal territory. Even in his youth such a loss would have been upsetting, but he would soon find another acceptable location. The older dog finds it more difficult to adjust and can develop undesirable behavior as a result.

A dog is both a dependent and an independent animal in his relationship with you. In youth he will follow your every footstep even to the point of getting underfoot. His greatest joy is to be with you everywhere, and there are few times he wants to be by himself.

As he gets older, however, this will often change, and he may seek solitude much more of the time. He loves you still but, depending on his physical state, he just prefers to be by himself. He will play with you and be your companion, but do not expect necessarily the same kind of response you got from him when he was a lot younger.

Take care not to "kill him with kindness" by offering what you consider tasty morsels of human food such as cake, ice cream, bacon, or liver pate. Such sudden changes in diet can produce serious stomach and intestinal upset, resulting in profuse vomiting or diarrhea. It may also encourage your dog to refuse his normal food and hold out for the "goodies” which in time can cause severe nutritional imbalance.

Lowchen

Lowchen Dog Breed

The Lowchen is a member of the Bichon family and shares the title of “the little lion dog” with the imperial Pekingese. He has been well known and popular in Europe for several centuries. The little lion dog came from the practice of clipping the breed in the traditional poodle exhibition cut, the lion clip, which, complete with mane and tufted tail, gives him the look of a miniature lion. Though he may appear to be delicate, the Lowchen is a robust dog that is full of energy. He is an affectionate, intelligent, healthy small dog with a happy disposition and makes for a good show dog.

Size: A healthy adult Lowchen stands at about 10-13in and weighs between 4-9lb.

History: This breed is believed to be a French dog. He is registered with the FCI as of native origin under the title “petit chien lion.” He has definitely been well known in both France and Spain from the late 1500s and is believed to have been a favorite by the charming Duchess of Alba. In fact, a dog that possesses a strong similarity to the Lowchen appears in a portrait of the Duchess painted by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya (1746-1828). The Lowchen was said to have evolved in the Mediterranean area about the same time as the Bichon Frise, the Bichon Bolognese, and the Maltese. Nowadays, this breed is steadily becoming a frequent contender in the show ring in many countries.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Lowchen is 1/3 -1/2 can of high quality meat product (13.30z size) with added biscuit of equal amount in volume or 1-1 ½ cupfuls of a complete dry food. Just like all breeds, make sure that he is getting unlimited supply of drinking water.

Exercise: This breed is suitable for country as well as town living. He requires regular exercise such as a brisk walk or a good run in the park.

Grooming: Daily brushing is necessary in order to maintain the breed’s coat in good condition. Most owners prefer to take this dog to a professional groomer to get the ideal clipping, especially for show dogs.

Teach Your Dog to Sit and Stay

Teaching your Pit Bull to sit and stay

Now that your Pit Bull has learned to follow the command “come,” he is ready for his next trick. Another very useful behavior that you can teach your dog is to learn how to “sit.” “Sit” is one of the simplest tricks to teach. Learning this behavior is vital because it is an effective way to control your dog and also help you set the foundation for other training to follow.

It is very easy to teach your Pit Bull how to “”sit.” Stand right in front of him while holding a treat slightly above his eye level. Say “sit” and then move the treat closer to him until it is just above his eyes. You may have to put your other hand on his rump to prevent him from jumping up.

If he takes a step back instead of sitting down, place his rear against a wall. When he begins to look up and bend his hind legs, say “good” and then give him the treat. Repeat this process again. Have him bend his legs more and more this time until he is in a full “sit” position before saying “good” and giving him the treat.

Once your Pit Bull knows how to “sit,” he then needs to learn how to remain in the sitting position for as long as necessary. The way to do this is to teach him to “stay,” which is another very useful command that you can teach your dog.

Dogs have a dangerous habit of running off through open doors, whether from the house or from a car. It is very important to teach your dog to sit and stay until you give him the signal that it is ok to get back up. Only then can he walk through the door or exit the car.

Get your dog to sit and then say “stay” in a calm and soothing voice. If he tries to get up or lie down, immediately gently place him back into position. Have him maintain the position for a few seconds and then give the release word “ok.” Do not forget to praise and give him his favorite treat for doing a great job.

Repeat the process again, gradually increasing the amount of time that he has to sit and stay. However, do not ask your Pit Bull puppy to stay longer than 30 seconds. The goal is to let your pet succeed, not push him to the limit. Remember to be patient and to increase time and distance in small increments.

Avoid staring into your dog’s eyes if you think that it will help him to focus his attention on you. Doing so only creates the opposite effect. Your dog will sense the staring as a threat and can be intimidating.