Welcome to The January 2010 Newsletter

Tell a Friend

Enjoying this newsletter? Great! Forward it on to your other dog lover friends! They can sign up for it here.

Do you have a DOG QUESTIONS or an answer to one that is posted on our interactive Q&A page. Help and be helped or Ask the Expert.

Happy New Year Fellow Dog Lovers,

Welcome to the January 2010 Issue of The Dog Scoop Newsletter - The ezine your dog knows has his best interests at heart and wants you to read. We at dog-beds-n-beyond.com would like to thank you for your support throughout 2009 and with your continued support, we plan to continue to supply quality content and help for you and your best friends in 2010. If you have any requests, ideas or suggestions to improve your experience on our site, please let us know and we will do our best to comply.

• 1. Pitbull Breeds
• 2. Training Tips
• 3. Featured Product
• 4. Fun Dog Facts
• 5. The Chic Dog
• 6. Recipe of the Month
• 7. Dogs in the News

A question from a visitor to our site and the controversy over Pit bull ownership prompted me to write this article.

Finding accommodations when you own a Pit Bull or a Pit Bull mix can be a challenge. If you or anyone you know has had any experience with this and/or have suggestions for Mi, who asked for suggestions on this issue, please leave a comment on the Lab/Pit Mixes page, thank you.

First just a little history on the Pit Bull type dog. American Pit Bull Terriers were originally bred from a variety of bulldogs and terriers, in England, Ireland, and Scotland and arrived in the US with immigrants of these countries. They were used for many purposes, including hunting, family companions and for driving cattle. Some, unfortunately, were bred selectively for fighting and eventually replaced the Bull Terrier as the dog of choice for dog fighting in the US which still goes on today even though it is illegal.

Contrary to popular belief, Pit Bulls love people, but do have a higher tendency of aggression towards other dogs. As well as being used for illegal dog fighting in the US they are used for other nefarious purposes - guarding illegal narcotics operations, personal protection and use against the police and as weapons.

An American Pit Bull or any breed that shows unprovoked human aggression has a bad temperament and should not be bred. This is one of the main reasons this breed faces so much negativity and breed specific legislation in todays world. Responsible ownership is the key here. With media hysteria, owners of Pit Bulls are constantly defending this breed. Every negative story in the headlines damages these dogs even further. Irresponsible and ignorant owners have done almost as much damage to this breed as dog fighters have.

The Pit Bull is an exceptional breed that requires exceptional dedication and ownership. The survival and reputation of Pits depends on new owners knowing what they are getting into, and require all owners to be more responsible, intelligent and careful than the average dog owner. Because of negative media image, everything you or your Pit do will affect all members of the breed and their families.

The Pits need positive and strong leadership, a structured environment and extra vigilance. They make excellent partners for active, and caring owners and being a powerful dog, they will require sufficient and adequate control.

They are certainly not the right pet for everyone. Some prospective elderly owners or children will not be able to supply that control and for people who don't have a lot of experience with dog ownership, this may not be a good choice.

They make great companion, police, service and therapy dogs. Additionally, Pit Bulls are very loving, affectionate, eager to please and devoted to their families and most owners will tell you they would never own any other breed. Pit bulls are also energetic, agile, strong, very resourceful, determined and driven. Pits need early socialization with other dogs as well as enrollment in obedience class as early as possible. It is important to choose a trainer that has experience with this breed and/or a good understanding of their nature. A well trained Pit Bull will produce a tranquil and obedient family pet and a well behaved pit bull is the best ambassador for the breed and prevent the kind of headlines that make responsible Pit owners cringe.

It is also a good idea to have your Pit neutered, if you are not breeding, as this can reduce aggression in all male dog breeds.

Facts...

- The Pit Bull is susceptible to parvovirus, so it is important that they receive all their vaccinations before coming into contact with other dogs.

- They do very well each year when temperament testing evaluation is done. As of 2008 they passed with 85.5% while the overall rate of all breeds was 81.6%.

Pit bulls are wonderful, loving animals and deserve to have a good life. Choose Your Pit from a responsible breeder and make sure the pup is properly socialized and handled.

Would love to hear your opinions on this topic...contact us

Establish Dominance - this is probably the most important of all dog training tips. You must establish firm boundaries that you do not allow your pet to cross, right from day one, and there will be no confusion as to what is and what is not acceptable behavior.

Use Simple Commands - your dog should learn certain one or two word commands such as "No", "Sit", "Stay", "Drop it"...

Be Consistent- the behavior expectations for your pet should be consistent and you need to be diligent. This will speed the entire training process.

Praise - the praise and reward system works well because dogs thrive on positive attention. When your pet does the right thing reward him with praise and a special food treat.

Be Humane - never hit, yell or abuse your dog in any way for making mistakes. You need to build trust and a companionable relationship.

ON SALE!

DNA Test Kit

Would you like to know the ancestry of your dog? Knowing the breed of your dog is important for health and behavioral reasons.

There is a testing kit to do just that. Perform a simple cheek swab test with the DNA kit. Submit this sample to the lab for testing and within 2 weeks you will receive a record of your dogs DNA that determine the breeds that makeup the characteristics of your pet.

- The Labrador Retriever is the #1 favorite breed in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
- Obesity is the #1 health problem among dogs.
- An estimated 1 million dogs in the U.S. have been named as the primary beneficiaries in their owner's will.
- 70% of people sign their pet's name on greeting and holiday cards
- 58% put pets in family and holiday portraits.
- The average city dog lives 3 years longer than a country dog.
- Newfoundlands are great swimmers because of their webbed feet.
- Basset Hounds cannot swim.
- Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on earth, with speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

Great Deals on Dog Clothes!

Please check out the DOG COUPON PAGE for more SALES, SPECIALS & CLEARANCE ITEMS for the entire family!

Canine Stew

1 cup cooked chicked, chopped
½ cup cooked brown rice
½ cup cooked mixed vegetables
4 Tbsp unsalted chicken broth

Stir together and serve at room temperature. Unused portions can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator or frozen if left after 3 days.

Food Assistance for Pets

ANIMAL shelters have reported a steep rise in the number of cats and dogs being surrendered as owners face unemployment, home foreclosures, evictions and other financial...Read more