ASK THE VET: Dog Breed Choices that Minimize Allergies

© reader S.C. photo copyright on file, all rights reserved

Trevor and Flo: Lovable, but...

Not Your Best Allergy Choices

Hello Dr. Jacki:

My son has some allergies, but our family wants to adopt a dog. We have heard about some that are better than others for allergies, but would like to get some advice. Can you recommend a few breeds that are less likely to cause him problems? We could visit a breeder to see how he reacts to the animals there. Is that a good strategy?

Thanks, DG

_______________________________________

Dear DG,

There are some breeds that seem to cause less allergic reaction in people.  These breeds would be Poodles and some terriers, Maltese, Boxers, Pugs and Bichon Frise just to name a few…..

People are not allergic to the hair of the dog but instead to a protein from the dog’s saliva (that is usually on the coat from grooming themselves).  So bathing a dog once a week or every other week really cuts down on the allergy issue. 

With that being said, it is also important to keep any dog well groomed.  Dogs can carry pollens on their coats from outside and they can bring them inside. 

While it is possible to get a response from your son if you take him to the breeder, it doesn’t always work that way.  Your son may be allergic to tree pollen that is on the dog’s coat and that is why he is sneezing.  It is tough to say.  It  may help to talk to an allergist as well.  Good luck!

Dr. Jacki, D.V.M.

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For more information on Dr. Jacki and her practice, you may find her at 4 Paws House Calls. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog and your specific questions.
Dr. Jacki's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.

Check out my latest guest post at Dog Care Journey, The Canine Good Citizen: More than Just a Certificate.

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Thanks to S.C. for sharing her beautiful Golden Retriever, Trevor, and her Sheltie, Flo, as today's 'cover dogs'. 

ASK THE DOG TRAINER: Why Test My Mixed-Breed Dog's DNA?

by Carrie Boyko

© reader BH copyright on file, all rights reserved
Churchill's Mix is
English Springer Spaniel/English Setter

Dear Trainer:

I've been hearing about tests that can tell the owners of mixed-breed dogs what their dog's mix is. I don't know exactly how much these tests cost, but I am interested to know what benefit there might be, from a training standpoint, in learning what my mixed breed dog's parents (and perhaps grandparents) were. My particular dog is a truly a Heinz 57. So undistinguishable are his characteristics that my vet has not wished to venture any guess. My curiosity is peaked. What can you tell me might be the benefit of testing my dog?

Thank you for any help you can give,

Mr. Creighton

-------------------------------------

Dear Mr. C:

Own a mixed breed dog?  He’s a good looking guy but you have no idea what kind of dog he is.  And, wouldn’t you like to know why he chases butterflies, or exhibits specific instinctive behaviors like digging and herding your children.  He doesn’t look like a terrier or a sheep dog.   He drools too.  Where’s that coming from?  

Well, now you can learn your dog’s breed ancestry with DNA testing.   Sold in kits, these tests can be purchased online.  Blood, saliva or other swab samples from your dog are mailed to a laboratory with results within a few weeks.  There are many kits to choose from with prices ranging from $30.00 to over $100.00 per test. 

Is this something you should consider doing?  What are the benefits gained from testing?  Knowing your dog’s breed ancestry can help explain certain behaviors, howling, herding, retrieving, chasing birds, as all of these can be attributed to particular breed groups.  Your pup’s approximate size and weight at maturity can be determined, allowing you to provide a diet appropriate for his early physical development and growth.  Exercise requirements can be fulfilled - important as he could be a couch potato, or long distance runner.  For training, realistic expectations can be established knowing specific traits and instinctive behaviors characteristic of his breed makeup, and allow the use of techniques that best motivate him to perform:  sight, smell, sound, touch or taste.  One of the most important benefits is health related, as genetic diseases (blindness, deafness, hip dysplasia, cancer, and epilepsy) are more common in some breeds than others.

The question of whether testing is necessary and/or worth the cost can only be answered by you, his owner.   Using his breed makeup to provide him an appropriate “job” or to expand his activities, i.e. providing swimming and retrieving opportunities to your Labrador mix, could prove beneficial to his overall well being.

Do you really need to know his ancestry?  No, of course you don’t.  You love him whatever he is.  Do you want to know his ancestry?  Yes, of course you do.  What mixed breed owner doesn’t?  Remember, breed mixtures can yield any combination of multiple behavioral, physical and personality characteristics, so if you decide to go ahead with DNA testing, make sure to get your dog breed reference books ready, as the results just may surprise you.

Here are a few you can purchase here, if you like:  

The AKC Complete Dog Book

The Complete Encyclopedia of Pedigree Dogs

The Original Dog Bible

Good luck,

Judy

ASK THE DOG TRAINER Columnist

Judith Joseph, DOI

Write to me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com

For more information on Judith Joseph and her training, you may find her at TCDOA Dog Training. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.

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Thanks to Churchill for being our model today. He is a perfect example of how handsome a mix can be. Thanks BH!

ASK THE DOG TRAINER: Training the Intelligent German Shepherd

by Judith Joseph, D.O.I.
 

© Judith Joseph, all rights reserved

German Shepherds are Highly Trainable
Focus on the Basics to Get Control

Hi Judy, I noticed you have a German Shepherd, so you may be able to help me with my shepherd's need to be mouthy. I have tried all the suggested tricks: holding the lower jaw, giving him a toy...but he still does it.  My GS is under a year old, but he tends to get mouthy if you pet him, when he is trying to get attention or just walking beside you. I've tried various things, but can't seem to break him of this bad habit, which I want to get rid of before he gets much older and becomes a bigger problem. I have two older dogs and they correct him when he gets too mouthy with them. But, he it still doing it. He barks when we walk up to new dogs. I take him to dog parks, Petsmart..etc. Sometimes he is fine, then suddenly he starts barking when we go to greet a new dog(s). He is fine if he gets to meet and play with them, but if you pull him away or if the owner of the other dog does not want to let the dogs meet (he is a big , black Shepherd) then he acts out. He does seem to do it more when he is on-leash. I don't think it is aggressive, because he is really sweet. But, he is scaring off other dogs and owners.  What do you think? Vic ---------------------------------------------- Dear Vic: The German Shepherd Dog (GSD), developed to be loyal, sturdy, fearless, protective, and sometimes all knowing, is highly intelligent and easily trained.  Did I mention they talk back; they just have to have the last word.  GSDs take themselves way too seriously, flaunting their AKC character standards like an Olympic gold medal.  These proud dogs love to work and seem to never tire.   Being pushy, assertive, and mouthy when young is part of the breed’s herding and protecting instincts.  Teaching him how and when is his owner’s responsibility. By 12 months, the GSD should know and obey sit, stay, down, come, leave it, loose leash walking, here/recall, heel, off, and many other commands like wait, find it, drop it, pick it up, speak and quiet.  The GSD is so intelligent and eager to learn, showing him what you want and rewarding the right behavior a few times usually results in him mastering yet another command.  Unwanted behaviors (nipping, chewing, jumping, barking), should be under control by this age too.  A clearly visible line of who’s the boss should be drawn in the sand; that way you can re-draw it when necessary.  And it will be necessary with a GSD. When your older pup nips, you must teach him manners (“sit” and “stay”) and to respect you (“leave it”).  Teach sit using plenty of tasty treats.  Wait for him to sit.  As he does, say sit and offer a treat.  If he stands he doesn’t get the treat.  Wait patiently letting him sniff your hand.  He’ll soon sit, and as his bottom touches the floor, command “sit” and release the treat.  Walk 3 steps away.  Repeat.  If he does not sit after 10 – 15 seconds put the treat away and leave the room.  Wait 5 minutes and start again.  Once he sits reliably, delay his treat 10 seconds, then 20, building up to 1 minute.  Tell him ‘stay’ as he waits.  When he stays for 20 seconds, take 4-5 steps back.  Keep him in position repeating “stay”.  If he gets up, correct him with “eh eh”, and return him to the same spot.  Slowly add time and distance.  Always return to him. ‘Leave it’ helps with self control.  Place a tasty treat in your hand keeping it tightly closed.  Extend your hand for him to sniff without releasing the treat.  The instant he moves his nose away, or turns his head away say “leave it”, and give him a treat that was hidden in your other hand.  Repeat many times.   When he understands he must move away to receive a treat, command “leave it” before he moves.  When he responds correctly, use the “leave it” command to stop his nipping.  Do not move your hand from his mouth.  Firmly say “NO, leave it”.  Remember, he must move away.  Be patient and always reward your GSD’s correct responses. Good luck, Judy Need additional training information?  Visit Total Control Dog Owner Assistance.

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Calling all Newfoundland Lovers

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(c) copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Tanner is Calling Newfie Lovers

While playing hopscotch on the web this morning I found a blog that offers a screensaver for your computer with Newfoundland images. This particular blogger is a big fan of Newfies and writes much about hers, and about search and rescue dogs, which Newfies are often trained for. If you are interested, you can learn more at 4 Paws Blog.  Having a beautiful dog of your particular passion looking at you every day can be very inspiring.

Each day when I sign on to All Things Dog Blog, I see Oliver's cute little photo and melt. And my desktop computer has a fab photo of Tanner in a great big, goofy smile. That's it up there; I certainly do enjoy this.

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Our Adopted Cousin Jacque Makes an Appearance

This is Jacque, my mother's Papillon. When my daughter adopted Oliver, it didn't take long for my mom to fall in love. We had been urging her to bring a puppy home for a companion for years. I guess she just needed to find the right size and energy for her comfort level. Oliver did a good job of showing her what she needed.

We were thrilled to find Jacque available for adoption, when his first owner was unable to keep him. I hope they know he has a comfortable home and a loving owner. Adoption is a wonderful feeling.

This photo was taken during the holidays when it was chilly. Jacque is wearing one of Oliver's jackets, although he has now outgrown it and is bigger than Oliver, by 3 pounds. An 11 pound Papillon is at the top of its weight range, so mom is now monitoring his food and snack intake more carefully. He's still in obedience training so he is getting extra training treats, and that may be the source of those extra pounds.

The next time I post a photo of Jacque he will probably have sprouted into manhood and gotten his plumage, or fluffy tail and mane. I get the impression that my mom can hardly wait. She is so cute when she shows visitors the difference between Oliver's appearance and Jacque's puppy coat. It won't be long, though, til Jacque sprouts his feathers and will look much like Oliver. I particularly love his little white spot on his nose. It may not be considered a beauty mark by breeders, but it is endearing to me.

I'll be back one day with a grown up photo of Jacque, so you can see his new outfit. Meanwhile, I'd love to hear from you. Comments are welcome and encouraged.