AWESOME AUSSIES

DOGS CAN EAT A VARITY OF STRANGE THINGS.SOME DOGS HAVE ABNORMAl DESIRES TO INGEST NONEDIBLE SUBSTANCES, INLUDING WOOD, FABRIC, OR SOIL. TALK TO YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT POSSIBLE HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THESE SPECIFIC HUNGERS, AND ABOUT POSSIBLE PROBLEMS THAT COULD RESULT FROM EATING THESE ITEMS. THE MOST COMMON AND SEEMINGLY APALLING NON- FOOD ITEM EATEN BY DOGS IS THEIR OWN FECES. THIS HABIT, CALLED COPROPHAGIA, HAS BEEN BLAMED ON BOREDOM, STRESS, HUNGER, POOR NUTRITION, AND EXCESSIVELY RICH NUTRITION, BUT NONE OF THESE HAS PROVED A COMPLETELY SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION. FOOD ADDITIVES ARE AVAILABLE THAT MAKE THE STOOL LESS SAVORY, AND YOU CAN ALSO TRY ADDING HOT PEPPER TO IT, BUT A DETERMINED DOG WILL NOT BE DETERRED AND THE BEST CURE IS IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF ALL FECES. MANY PUPPIES EXPERIMENT WITH STOOL EATING BUT GROW OUT OF IT.

IF YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE AN OLD AUSSIE, YOU STILL MUST ACCEPT THAT AN END WILL COME. HEART DISEASE, KIDNEY FAILURE, AND CANCER EVENTUALLY CLAIM MOST OF THESE SENIOR CITIZENS. EARLY DETECTION CAN HELP DELAY THEIR EFFECTS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY CAN SELDOM PREVENT THEM ULTIMATETLY.

DESPITE THE BEST OF CARE, A TIME WILL COME WHEN NEITHER YOU OR YOUR VETERINARIAN CAN PREVENT YOUR CHERISHED PET FROM SUCCUMBING TO OLD AGE OR AN INCURRABLE ILLNESS. IT SEEMS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO SAY GOOD-BYE TO SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN SUCH A FOCAL POINT OF YOUR LIFE, A REAL MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY.

YOU SHOULD REALIZE THAT BOTH OF YOU HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE SHARED SO MANY GOOD TIMES, BUT MAKE SURE THAT YOUR AUSSIES REMAINING TIME IS STILL PLEASURABLE. MANY TERMINAL ILLNESSES MAKE YOUR DOG FEEL VERY ILL, AND THERE COMES A POINT WHERE YOUR DESIRE TO KEEP YOUR FRIEND WITH YOU AS LONG AS POSSIBLE MY NOT BE THE KINDEST THING FOR EITHER OF YOU. IF YOUR DOG NO LONGER EATS ITS DINNER OR TREATS, THIS IS A SIGN THAT IT DOES NOT FEEL WELL AND YOU MUST FACE THE PROSPECT OF DOING WHAT IS BEST OFR YOUR BELOVED FRIEND.

EUTHENANSIA IS A DIFFICULT AND PERSONAL DECISION THAT NO ONE WISHES TO MAKE, AND THAT NO ONE CAN MAKE FOR YOU. ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN IF THERE IS A RESONABLE CHANCE OF YOUR DOG GETTING BETTER, AND IF IT LIKELY THAT YOUR DOG IS SUFFERING. ASK YOURSELF IF YOUR DOG IS GETTING PLEASURE OUT OF LIFE, AND IF IT ENJOYS MOST OF ITS DAYS. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS CAN BE A FACTOR IF IT MEANS GOING INTO DEBT IN EXCHANGE FOR JUST A LITTLE WHILE LONGER. YOUR OWN EMOTIONAL STATE MUST ALSO BE CONSIDERED.

IF YOU DO DECIDE THAT EUTHENANSIA IS THE KINDEST FAREWELL GESTURE FOR YOUR BELOVED FRIEND, DISCUSS WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFOREHAND WHAT WILL HAPPEN. EUTHENANSIA IS PAINLESS AND INVOLVES GIVING AN OVERDOSE OF ANESTHETIC. IF YOUR DOG IS SCARED OF THE VETERINARIAN CLINIC, YOU  MIGHT FEEL BETTER HAVING THE DR MEET YOU AT HOME OR COME OUT TO YOUR CAR. ALTHOUGH IT WON'T BE EASY, TRY TO REMAIN WITH YOUR DOG SO THAT ITS LAST MOMENTS WILL BE FILLED WITH YOUR LOVE.GATHER YOUR MEMORIES OF YOUR AUSSIE AND PEN THEM IN YOUR HEART FOREVER. WHEN IT IS TIME TO LET GO, THANK YOUR AUSSIE FOR A JOB WELL DONE, AND GIVE IT THE FINAL RELEASE. THAT'LL DO.

HARSH CORRECTIONS ONLY MAKE MATTERS WORSE.

DOGS LIVE IN THE PRESENT AND CANNOT MAKE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THEIR EALIER MISDEEDS AND LATER PUNISHMENT.

DOGS REPEAT ACTIONS THAT BRING IMMEDIATE REWARDS.

DOGS DON'T UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF MAKING AN EZCEPTION "JUST THIS ONCE."

DOGS HEAR WHAT YOU SAY, NOT WHAT YOU MEAN TO SAY. BE CONSISTENT WITH COMMANDS.

DRUGS

CHOCOLATE (ESPECIALLY BAKERS CHOCOLATE)

RODENT , SNAIL,AND INSECT BAITS

ANTIFREEZE

HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS

PAINT THINNER

TOILET FRESHNERS

NUTS, BOLTS, PENNIES, WHICH CAN DISSOLVE IN THE STOMACH AND CAUSE ZINC TOXICITY

PINS AND NEEDLES, AND ANYTHING IN A SEWING BASKET

CHICKEN BONES OR ANY BONE THAT COULD BE SWALLOWED OR COULD SPLINTER

SPONGES AND SPONGE RUBBER BALLS

ANY OTHER SMALL ITEM THAT A PUP COULD SWLLOW, WHICH CAN CAUSE INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE

Crate Training and "Potty" Training Remember that repetition is necessary. Your puppy will not understand what you want unless you repeatedly show him/her the desired behavior MANY times. Keep in mind also that your puppy does not know what is expected and must be shown the proper place to eliminate, and when. Your best potty training friend is your crate. When you cannot watch your puppy, use a crate. Think of the crate the same way you think of a playpen for a human child. Even if you are only leaving the room for a "minute," either take the puppy with you or use the crate. After all, you would not leave a toddler in the house alone "for just a minute" would you? Crate training can be fun for the puppy if you make it a POSITIVE experience. The DEN is an integral part of the wild dogs upbringing and safety zone. The same thing applies to the "crate". Giving the pupspecial "treats" is a great way to introduce him to his crate. The only time the puppy receives these special treats is when he is in the crate; the treats become associated with the crate. Use the crate wisely. Don't crate only when you are leaving the house. Place the puppy in the crate while you are home as well. Use it as a "safe" zone, or for "time outs".(thus keeping your sanity) By crating when you are home AND while you are gone, the puppy becomes comfortable in the crate and not worried that you will not return, orthat you are leaving him/her alone. This helps to eliminate separation anxiety later in life. Most puppies will not soil their "den." The first couple of tries you might have some accidents, but don't be discouraged. An easy way to avoid accidents in the night for the first few weeks is by following this routine:

1. set your alarm for about 3 hrs after your normal bed time. When the alarm goes off, get up immediately, go to the crate and CARRY the pup outside . Place him on the ground and encourage him to eliminate.PRAISE when he does, and bring him back to the crate. Go back to bed.

2. Set your alarm for another 3 hrs, and get back to sleep. When the alarm goes off repeat part 1.

3. After about a week of the above routine, IF it has been successful (no crate messing) then you can set the alarm for * way through your sleep time. Follow the remainder of part 1. When you arise in the morning, TAKE the pup outside BEFORE you do anything else. Feed the pup and then crate. Follow your regular waking routine, then walk thepup one more time before going off to work. 4. Repeat the feeding, walking and crating at lunch time. Pups from the ages of 2 to 4 months CANNOT control their elimination for much more than 4 hours, so if you cannot return home at lunch time, arrange for someone to do this for you at lunch. If the CRATE is too large, the pup can easily soil on one side and sleep on the other. The way to prevent this is to buy a crate that will accommodate your pet when it is fully grown. Then get a box tha twill fit inside the back of the crate. The box should be large enough that there is only room for the puppy to stand and lie down comfortably.

Here is a general schedule for"puppy shots" to give your puppy a healthy start. Please check with your veterinarian for more specific guidelines.  

Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Dogs

Distemper…..  an airborne viral disease of the lungs, intestines and brain

Hepatitis…..   a viral disease of the liver

Leptospirosis…  a bacterial disease of the urinary tract

Parainfluenza… infectious bronchitis

Parvovirus…..  a viral disease of the intestines

Rabies…..   a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals

Corona…..   a viral disease of the intestines

Bordatella…  a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory system (kennel

cough)

Puppies (6 weeks to 1 year)

6 – 8 weeks………. first puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona

11 –12 weeks……. second puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona

15-16 weeks……… third puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona

over 4 months…… Rabies ( repeat 1 year later)

7-9 months……… first heartworm test

Adult Dogs (after 1 year)

DHLPP……   Yearly

Heartworm Test……Yearly

Rabies…….  Every three years (after 2nd shot)

Bordatella….. Yearly

When you think of insecticides, you typically consider lawn and garden chemicals designed to keep tiny pests away from your vegetables and grass. However, this category also includes flea and tick killers specifically designed to treat your pets. Used incorrectly, such asapplying too large of a dose or using a medication meant for a dog totreat a cat, these medications can be deadly. Even though your dog willnot likely be eating the insecticide in a flea and tick medication, hecan become ill because it soaks in through his skin.

And, of course, the insecticides meant for your lawn and garden should be kept locked up, and any spills should be cleaned up immediately. After you apply fertilizers or other insecticides to your grass, water them in or wait until after it rains before you let yourdog into the area. If this is not possible, be sure to wash your dog's feet after he comes inside so he doesn't try to lick off the poison.

The arrival of a new puppy is an exciting time for any household.Your cute and cuddly little fluff ball will immediately command center stage from the whole family. Before long though, it becomes very clear that the new arrival means there's lots for you to do, and even more for him/her to learn.

Your young puppy is totally reliant and dependent on youto help him habituate and fit into our human, domesticated world. Your guidance and leadership will determine what path his life takes and what type of dog he will become. During puppyhood you play the lead role and are responsible for shaping the character, temperament and behavior habits that your dog will carry throughout his life. Your puppy's future is in your capable hands...

Will your puppy become a well adjusted and trusted member of society or a social outcast?

How To Train A Puppy - It's Not All Fun And Games! It shocks some new puppy owners when their puppy acts like, well a puppy. The little critter is a pooping machine who chews, barks, digs, cries and much more! But we still love them anyway - we just need to provide them with some direction and boundaries to follow.

If you're anything like me you probably just want to get your puppy off to the best possible start in life, and also set them up to thrive as adult dogs. Early puppy socialization and puppy training are the keys to your success as a dog owner.

Bringing a young pup into our lives is a big responsibility and commitment to fulfill. Our puppies have a long list of requirements and deadlines that must be met for their well-being and longevity. Tasks like puppy house training, crate training, puppy socialization, leash training and basic obedience need to be addressed right from the very start.

How To Train A Puppy - The Positive Non Violent Way It's important with all dog training but especially with young puppies to use lots of encouragement, praise and rewards (positive reinforcement) in your training. Start your puppy training sessions as soon as your little puppy arrives at your home - it's never too early. Set your puppy up to succeed, concentrate ondeveloping desirable habits in your puppy and preventing undesirable behavior. It's much a better alternative to put your puppy on the right path from the start, rather than trying to correct established problem behaviors later on.Keep your training sessions short, consistent and always have fun.The key to shaping your puppy's behavior is to start out with very easy commands, continue to build on these successes and apply heaps of repetition. Base your training sessions around trust and mutual respect rather than old school methods based on punishment, avoidance and harsh corrections. In this environment you will find that your puppy loveshis training sessions and his confidence will grow with each and everysession.

Always remember that you are dealing with a very immature young animal. Be realistic, flexible, patient and always fairduring puppy training sessions. Your puppy doesn't just automatically know this stuff! It's all new to him and he is bound to have the odd slip up and mistake along the way. Don't worry about these mistakes, just move on and do your best to prevent them in the future.

Enjoy this fantastic time in your dog's life. His puppyhood is the time where you will lay the foundation for your puppy's life. It's also where you will develop, build and strengthen the special bond you will share with your dog for life.

          Unfortunately, there are health risks associated with fertilizers,which many dog owners sometimes overlook. Dogs tend to chew on lawngrass and when they do that, the chemicals can pose a risk to theirhealth.  So, if you really want to know whether lawn fertilize is safe for dogs, the answer is no. However, it is chemical based lawnfertilizers that you should be wary of.

         We all want a green and disease-free lawn and this can bedone by implementing proper lawn maintenance that uses fertilizers,mowing, water and drainage. However, using excessive fertilizer is alsoharmful for your lawn and not just your dog.

          If you want to protect your dogs from the ill-effects offertilizers, it is best to make a shift towards organic fertilizers.These are made from bone meal, kelp, dried blood and/or sea weed. Theystimulate the soil biomass and promote healthy root and plant growth.It can be said without a doubt that chemical fertilizers are not ableto provide essential nutrients that organic fertilizer can.

Description: The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a well balanced, athletic, and alert breed. The breed is sensitive, easily trained, a good guardian, confident, and devoted to their families. North American Miniature Australian Shepherds make fine companions and will also enjoy working small stock. They are used in search and rescue and as therapy dogs. They also have a playful side, and love to be around children. Mini Aussies are an exact replica of their larger counterpart, the Australian Shepherd, except for size. Some people consider the Australian Shepherd to have three separate sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy. Other consider the Toy and Miniature to be in the same category. Regardless, they are all identical save for size. Mini Aussies have sturdy bodies with medium length covering the entire body, with markings and colors of blue merle, black, red, merle, totally red with or without white, with or without tan points. They are compact, quaint dogs with triangular drop ears. Their eyes can be of several different colors, including brown, blue, amber, or any combination of the three. Friendly, fun loving and hard working, the Miniature Australian Shepherd makes an excellent companion and friend.

Height : 13-18 in

Weight :15-30 lb

Colors: Blue merle, black, liver, red (liver) merle and all red with or without white markings and/or tan points.

Coat: Double coat is medium length and straight to slightly wavy. It can be moderately harsh, with a dense undercoat.

Temperament: Miniature Australian Shepherd are highly trainable, and a versatile family dog and companion. They are wary with strangers but never aggressive. Mini Aussies are very playful and affectionate with their owners, and get along well with children. They have a high prey drive, however, and are not trustworthy with smaller animals. They do, however, get along well with other dogs. They are very intelligent, with a strong instinct to herd and guard. They have high problem solving abilities, and are very obedient when trained. They actually enjoy obedience classes. Mini Aussies are enthusiastic dogs.

With Children: Yes, gentle and playful with children.

With Pets: Yes, good with other same-sized-or-bigger animals and with dogs. They are not trustworthy with smaller animals as they have a high prey drive.

Special Skills: Working dog and family pet.

Watch-dog: High. They are very alert and will bark to alert their owners of anything unusual.

Guard-dog: Medium. Although alert and wary with strangers, they should not ever be aggressive.

Care and Exercise: Regular brushing once or twice a week will help to minimize shedding of the North American Miniature Australian Shepherds' coat and keep the skin and coat healthy. As with any herding dog exercise is essential to maintain a healthy, well-balanced dog. Daily walks, obedience training or giving them a job to do is excellent exercise for this breed.

Training: An intelligent breed, they enjoy obedience training. Obedience should come easily. Early socialization is a must, however.

Learning Rate: High. Obedience - High. This breed loves to learn. Problem Solving - High. Mini Aussies love a challenge and do well to figure them out on their own.

Activity: High. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a working dog with enthusiasm and spunk.

Special Needs: Exercise and a job or activity to do.

Living Environment: A home with a fenced yard is essential. They would do better in a rural environment as they were bred to herd and guard the flock. The best owner for this breed would be an active individual or family who live in a rural environment. These are not apartment dogs.

Health Issues: Eye disorders such as Collie Eye Anomaly and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), hip dysplasia, and allergies. Other than these, they are a relatively healthy breed.

Life Span: 12 - 13 years.

Litter Size: 2 - 7 puppies.

Country of Origin: United States

History: Australian Shepherds are not, in fact, Australian at all! They are believed to have been brought to America by the Basques who, on their routes, stopped by Australia and picked up good herding dogs on their way to America. The Australian Shepherd arrived in the United States by the late 19th century where the dogs’ qualities became recognized by local ranchers, who used the dogs to work cattle, sheep and other livestock. The breed is well-believed to have come from the Berger des Pyréneés, as well as Smithfield, Collie and Border Collie. The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd was developed in 1968, when two small Australian Shepherds were bred. They were a scaled down version of the Australian Shepherd. The goal was to develop a small herder and guardian who had the qualities of the larger Australian Shepherd but was smaller in size. In recent years, the Toy Australian Shepherd has been considered separately, even though they are still born from Miniature Australian Shepherds. If they are under 13 inches tall and under 20 lbs., they are known as Toy Australian Shepherds. The Australian Shepherd has gone on to be accepted by the AKC and several other major kennel clubs, but the Mini and Toy are still relatively new and have not been accepted by the AKC as a separate breed, and are not even on the Foundation Stock Service list, a list of breeds that are not yet eligible for the AKC but are waiting on eventual acceptance. Either way, the breed continues to be popular among Americans, and the Toy size has had a small

but growing following.

Class: Herding