Our star pupil, Trenton Thunder bat dog Derby, made his first-ever school appearance at the Parker Elementary School in Trenton today.
Our friend Eric at the Trenton Thunder says:
[Derby’s dad] Chase has been doing this for 10 years, but we wanted Derby to start taking over the job. He couldn’t have done it without you.
We think Derby handled it like a pro! Here he is in action:
Developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the Bullenbeisser (now extinct) and bulldog, the boxer was originally used for dogfighting and hunting game like wild boar and bison. During WWI the Boxer was adopted by the military and used as a reliable messenger dog, attack dog and guard dog. After WWII, boxers gained popularity when they were taken home by returning soldiers.
Known for the way he stands on his hind legs and bats his front paws like a boxer while playing, it’s more than likely this is how he got his name.
Loves Company
The boxer loves to have company whether it be human
or another dog. Companionship keeps him happy and he is great with children- he shows excellent patience with them and becomes attached easily. He is very loyal and affectionate.
Playful, Eager and High-Energy
The boxer is in constant motion, loving to get his exercise and always up for playing. He’s forever batting his paws at everything from his toys, to other dogs, to you! But it’s all in good fun.
Loyal and Smart
Boxers are very intuitive and learn at a faster pace than many other breeds. This can make training them fun, and having them as house pets an easy task (if you’d even call it a task).
They love their owners and families, and are protective of them. They become your best friend very quickly and stand on guard if they sense anybody trying to hurt you.
Proper Exercise
Special care should be taken with boxer pups because they will run themselves ragged and if they overdo it, it can cause damage to their growing bones. As they get older they require daily exercise and are the perfect jogging companions. Just be sure to be careful in hot and humid weather, they tend to overheat easily.
Easy Cleaning
Their short hair makes them easy to clean. Taking the occasional brush to them just to be sure their coat is staying smooth is a good idea, and you only need to bathe them when you really think they need it. Fortunately, boxers are very clean and sometimes groom themselves the same way a cat might, although when they’re playing outside they don’t mind rolling around in the mud one bit.
Boxers are powerful dogs that love to play and love their family. While they may have been used in the past for hunting and attacking prey, they are not aggressive by nature, and would rather be playing fetch with the family than hunting wild animals.
HistoryHaving originated in the British Isles, the bulldog’s name stems from its connection with “bull-baiting,” a popular sport in England where dogs were set on bulls and wages were placed as to which dog would take the bull down. The bulldog was picked because of its courageousness, ferociousness and resistance to pain. The Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 outlawed the sport, along with bear-baiting and cockfighting, leading to dealers training the dogs to be more domesticated so they could be household pets. Today’s bulldogs are some of the sweetest dogs you will ever meet.
Gentle and Child-Friendly
The bulldog may wear an intimidating mug on his face but it’s all for show. The bulldog is known to be very friendly and good with children as well as other dogs. He’s affectionate and patient with others.
Protective and Brave
The bulldog loves his owners and family and will protect them if he feels he has to. He’s named for his bull-fighting ability after all and will not take kindly to intruders.
A Little Bit of a Slob
Eating can get a little messy for these guys and they have a tendency to drool and snore. Their short noses and huge jaws (with an occasional under bite) make them prone to it. They don’t mean to be rude though.
Dignified
Despite their little bit of sloppiness, the bulldog always stands with a dignified demeanor. He looks so dignified that one, Handsome Dan, was the original mascot for Yale University.
A Little Bit of Exercise Every Day
Bulldogs don’t need a ton of exercise. They’re indoor dogs and make great pets in urban areas. But they do need to get out for at least one big walk a day. They like to wander and need to get enough of a workout so they don’t get overweight.
Grooming Made Easy
The Bulldog has very short, fine hair and can be brushed with a firm bristled brush as needed. Their faces should be washed once a day with a damp washcloth to keep their wrinkles clean.
They Can’t Stand the Heat
Bulldogs can overheat easily so special care should be given to them during the hotter months. They need a lot of shade and water, as well as an air-conditioned home if possible.
The bulldog’s an easy pup to get along with. While he may get a bad rep for chasing down Tom in the old Tom & Jerry cartoons, all he really wants is love and affection.
HistoryThe Yorkshire terrier originated in Yorkshire, England in the 19th century, and was used to catch rats in clothing mills. The breeds that make up the Yorkie are unknown, but it’s believed that the Skye terrier, Maltese, black and tan Manchester terrier, Leeds terrier (now extinct) and the Dandie Dinmont terrier are all possible forebears.
In the late 1860s, a Yorkshire terrier named Huddersfield Ben was seen at many dog shows throughout Great Britain, and in 1870 would be the dog that defined what a Yorkshire terrier was.
Friendly, Feisty and Fearless
The Yorkie is a friendly, lovable dog with a heart of gold and unmatched loyalty. They have a loud bark, which makes them perfect watchdogs despite their small size (they never grow over 7 lbs). Because of their protective nature, they’ll sound off when strangers approach. Their barking can be tamed with a little training if needed.
Adapt Well and Travel Easily
Because of their small size Yorkshire terriers tend to travel easily. They also make good pets for all types of homes and adapt to their surroundings easily. As long as they are given the attention and love they deserve, they can live almost anywhere.
Independent but Love Attention
Yorkies are easily trainable because by nature they are independent dogs that adapt to their surroundings quickly, usually without human help. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want love. Yorkies are cute and they know it, and they want you to know it too. They need to be showered with attention, and they love to interact with people.
Brush That Hair
The Yorkie wears a long coat of hair and needs to be brushed and combed on a daily basis to prevent tangles. It’ll also grow a little shag over its eyes and some owners will clip it or comb it, but either way make sure to keep it out of your Yorkie’s line of vision.
Take Them Everywhere
The Yorkshire terrier gets its exercise by following its owner everywhere. Whether it’s to the yard to do some yard work, the basement to do laundry, or the corner store for a coffee, bring your Yorkie everywhere. They may not require as much exercise as bigger dogs, but they are energetic and love to run around town.
Keep Those Teeth Sparkling
The Yorkshire is prone to teeth problems but as long as their teeth are cleaned frequently they should continue to have a nice set of chompers.
Give Them Treats
Training a Yorkie is fairly easy but requires positive reinforcement. While they can be a bit stubborn at times, keeping their lessons simple, giving them rewards and repeating often will have them trained in no time.
Energetic, loveable, protective and tiny, Yorkies prove that good dogs can come in small packages.
HistoryThe golden retriever is the 4th most popular dog in the United States today.
Originating in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s, when Lord Tweedmouth crossbred his “yellow retriever” with a tweed water spaniel (now extinct) found on his land, they were primarily used for hunting waterfowl and other game.
Referred to at first as “golden flat coats,” it wasn’t until the 1920s that they were called golden retrievers.
Smart and Eager to Please
Golden retrievers are fast learners and always up for anything. Whether at home playing fetch in the backyard or being trained as a seeing-eye dog for the blind, they exhibit a profound understanding of what’s expected of them.
Plays Well With Others
Man, woman, child or cat, the golden retriever is just looking for friends. While this might make them terrible candidates for guard dogs, it does make them the perfect family dog. They are patient with others and amicable with strangers and friends alike.
Fun-Loving and Hardworking
While golden retrievers love to play and exercise to their full potential, they also will work themselves until they collapse. During a hunt they will sit and wait quietly for hours while in a chase they’ll run until their legs won’t go anymore. There’s never a need to overtrain these guys.
Calm and Confident
Golden retrievers are never nervous and are always aware of their unique abilities. They have no problem exhibiting friendliness towards others immediately and are never shy in the face of any task. They are very social dogs.
Exercise
Golden retrievers are exceptionally active dogs, and while they’ll have no qualms about sitting on the couch watching TV with you for hours, they are, by nature, energetic and need an outlet for that energy. Playing some kind of sport or taking them for long runs is highly recommended.
Daily Grooming
While flaunting the most beautiful golden coat, the golden retriever does shed a lot and needs to be brushed on a daily basis. It has a water-repellent double-coat that must be kept clean of any mud, mats or tangles. Brush, brush, brush!
And don’t forget to clean his ears regularly, to avoid disease and/or infection.
Training
While golden retrievers excel in intelligence and fitness they should still be treated with the same amount of patience and concern as any other canine. They function best with positive reinforcement and friendliness.
The golden retriever’s intelligence makes them one of the most versatile breeds of dogs. They are often used as guide dogs for the blind, rescue dogs, drug-detecting dogs, and hearing dogs for the deaf. Their friendliness and loyalty make them one of the most popular pets on the planet.
Green Leaf swim instructor Erica Etchason talks all about them in this interview with Annie Brody on “The Dog Connection.” Canine water sports are all about people and dogs working together in the water. Learn about team swimming, submersion work, tow work, nautical nosework, boatwork and more!
The Green Leaf’s own Erica Etchason shared some holiday travel tips with Pet Advocate recently, including what to look for in a pet hotel or resort:
She advises pet owners to ask to see where their dogs will be sleeping and spending most of their time. A good resort should also accommodate almost anything to make your pet’s stay as comfortable as possible. Clients usually bring their pets’ food, beds and toys. The resort should record all of these items at check-in so they are returned to the owner at the end of the visit, she says.
For more tips from Erica and others, check out the full article!
Our next beginners group obedience class is starting up soon – Dec 15th! Space is limited, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible. More details below:
Continue reading “Beginners Group Obedience!”
In the 1500s, beagles were bred to be rabbit-hunting dogs by English gentry, while larger hounds went after deer. Aside from their remarkable hunting ability, the beagle’s steady temperament, charming personality, and handy size makes them one of America’s most popular dogs. Snoopy is a beagle, and he’s one of the coolest dogs of all time!
Good-Natured and Social
You can always depend on a beagle to greet everyone, excitedly, with a wagging tail. They’re sweet companions and devoted friends that love being around people. Playful and gentle, especially with kids, they’re a great addition to the family. They enjoy the company of other dogs, too.
Beagles are a happy breed, overall.
Curious/Nosy
Beagles (like bloodhounds) have one of the best developed senses of smell of all dogs, and because of their hunter nature, they tend to follow their noses… which sometimes leads them astray, or to mischief. Once they pick up a scent, only The Search matters to them. So when you’re calling them and it seems they don’t hear you—it’s because they’re in the zone. Make sure they don’t wander off too far.
Intelligent
Because of their acute sense of smell and tracking skills, beagles are often employed as detection dogs for prohibited agriculture imports and food in quarantine around the world.
Adaptable and Versatile
Beagles adjust easily to different lifestyles and environments.
They are:
Cute and Compact
Not too big, not too small—beagles are a compatible size for almost all households. The breed has two height varieties, 13 inches and 15 inches.
Their adorable faces, big pleading eyes, and charming personality make them hard to resist.
Energetic & Healthy
Beagles are active, with plenty of stamina. They love the great outdoors. Beagles have a low risk of health problems, but it always pays to be on the lookout for epilepsy, eye, back, or heart issues.
Regular Mental and Physical Exercise
Because beagles are highly energetic, they require daily exercise—mental and physical—to keep them calm. Take them on a brisk walk and let them run around the yard. Even though they’re small they still need space!
Keep their minds and olfactory systems stimulated by playing tracking games with different scents. This will satisfy their hunting instincts.
Train and Socialize as a Pup
Begin obedience training at puppyhood. Though beagles are fast learners, their strong-willed personality can sometimes translate to stubbornness during training sessions. Tip: They respond well to positive methods that rely on repetition and rewards, rather than intimidation and punishment.
Because they’re easily distracted, constantly switching their attention from one thing to the next, they need consistent and firm handling.
Socialize beagles with non-canine animals (cats and other household pets) in puppyhood as well. Otherwise, they won’t learn to control their hunting instincts, and can’t be trusted around them.
Keep Them Close
A fenced-in yard and a leash while on walks or unfenced areas will keep beagles from straying when they pick up an irresistible scent. Remember, these little guys can be mischievous.
Easy Grooming
Beagles aren’t high-maintenance in the grooming department. Their short, dense, waterproof coat is easy to manage, especially since they usually keep themselves clean. But a daily brushing to control their average shedding is recommended. Any dog with long, floppy ears is prone to infections, so clean their ears every day.
Beagles are more than tenacious hunters. They’re trusted companions, fun friends, and low-maintenance pets.
Thankfully, our facility was undamaged by Sandy. We know many of you weren’t as lucky, and we want you to know we’re here to board and care for your dog if you need help as you rebuild.
We’re also accepting donations for the American Red Cross in our lobby; we will match a portion of all donations.