All About the Papillon Dog Breed

Papillons are are intelligent lively dogs with an unique, yet elegant appearance. The popularity of the papillon has jumped over the past several years, making this once rare breed more recognizable. It's hard not to want a papillon once you see one, but it's important to know what you are getting yourself into. Papillons do have some unique needs and personality traits that should be examined before deciding to get one.

Papillons make wonderful companion dogs. They love their owners and are very devoted little dogs. Papillons tend to favor one person above everyone else. They are very protective and make excellent watch dogs. A papillon will alert its owner to just about every noise it hears, so be prepared for barking. Papillons are active dogs who enjoy walks and love to play. The papillon is highly athletic and quite agile, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular in the the sport of dog agility. The papillon is also consider one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are highly trainable and can be taught an array of tricks. Papillons can be temperamental little dogs. Often they can be weary of strangers and sometimes even fuss about going out in poor weather.

The papillons coat is white with colored markings. Typically, they are tri-colored with black and brown markings. However, they can be just black and white as well. The ears are what truly makes the papillon stand out. The papillon has large ears that are typically upright and resemble a butterfly, which is how they got their name, because papillon means butterfly french. Another variety of papillon called the phalene has dropped ears, but they are still over sized in appearance. Papillons have a mask that covers their face and should have a strip of white down their nose. Their coat is dense and extravagant, with fringe coming off the ears, legs and belly. Papillons also have a lush tail that curls over with a large plume of long fur. Typically, the papillon is a small dog weighing about 6-10 pounds and is about 8 to 11 inches in height.

Papillons do require grooming for their long and beautiful coats, but typically their maintenance is minimal. The papillon must be brushed daily, but can bathed on an as needed basis, because they don't typically have an odor. Special attention must be paid to the papillons feet when grooming. Their nails need to be trimmed about every two weeks and the over growth of hair between their foot pads needs to trimmed regularly to prevent splaying. Some papillons may require eye care for excessive tearing. Using a moistened cotton swab to clean under their eyes daily will prevent crust build and possible hair loss. Owners must brush their papillons teeth often to prevent tarter build up, that can result in tooth loss later in life. Although papillons are hearty little dogs , they are small and it is essential that owners watch them carefully around younger children who may unintentionally injure them.

When cared for properly a papillon can live to up to 16 years of age. Papillons are relatively healthy when cared for properly. Keeping up with veterinarian care, daily maintenance and dietary needs will ensure this hearty little dog a long and happy life.


By Hillary Marshall

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All About Doggie Yoga

In Washington State I have read that there is a class for canines through the Seattle/King County Humane Society. It is a 40 minute class of Doggie Yoga.

Yoga has been around since 2500 to 1500 B.C.E. Religious groups practiced it in very early recorded parchments and it is still actively participated in today. This exercise has existed for this long amount of time into this modern era. Men and women and even children practice yoga across the land.

It is said that the dogs react to the calming energy and all tend to become calmer. This activity has begun to catch on in New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Folks bring their canine companions and while staying in contact physically they go through the postures.

There is gentle stretching and dog massage, most often through though the dogs are used like yoga props. Props are things such as the mat, pillow, ball, bolsters, neck pillow, blocks, and towels. These poses are modified for the humans of different sizes and abilities as well as the dog's sizes and abilities.

Not all dogs fall into poses - you need to include them as they become adjusted to your gentle and composed movements. You may be pleased to feel your pooch begin to relax when he finds it as relaxing and connecting as you do.

Thee classes are designed for owners to spend more time with their dogs in a new way. In our busy lives we often neglect our pooches and in the city where we are all indoors more, often a trip to the Yogic Center would be a benefit to both of you. In fact, some dogs have been known to hurry to the mat as soon as their owners unroll it. That should be encouragement for you to attend to your yoga schedule of relaxation.

Once you learn in a classroom setting you can easily incorporate it into your home life. During times of harsh weather or to save a bit of money, at least you could continue to connect with your pet and keep toned and fit through Yoga.
On a final note, music plays a part in yoga. There are several sources for such calming and enhancing music to use during your yoga movements. It is all about achieving balance and the time and effort involved would certainly make it totally worthwhile.

I wish you much joy in discovering this old and yet new way to exercise and include you canine friend





By Rebecca Haughn

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How to Stop Your Dog's Behavior Problems

Do you have a well-behaved dog? If so, then you are a fortunate dog owner. If the answer is no, then you probably have dog behavior problems that you want to stop. Dog behavior problems include excessive whining, biting, barking, aggression, and general disobedience. If any of these sound like your dog, then there is something you can about it.

Dog behavior problems can be solved with obedience training. Obedience training is training your dog to perform certain acceptable behaviors while teaching them to stop unacceptable behaviors. Dogs are generally intelligent creatures and learn very quickly. The most important points to remember before embarking on the process of training your dog are that you must provide patience and consistency.

Professional dog trainers are always an option open to you when training your dog. Consulting one may be worth the fee involved. If you choose this route, interview the trainer and ask for a course curriculum. The trainer is going to teach you how to train your dog. Dog-training techniques vary from trainer to trainer. A reputable trainer will never teach you to use techniques that frighten or harm your dog. Be sure and ask for references.

Learning to communicate with your dog in a way it understands is probably the hardest part. Start with one-word or two-word commands. Dogs will quickly pick up on the sound of the command and associate it with the desired behavior. Most trainers recommend using treats and praise when the dog demonstrates the desired behavior.

The use of a collar and leash are usually recommended when training a dog. This simple technique will allow you to gently correct the dog. For example, if you are working on teaching your dog to unlearn the habit of jumping up on people, you can say down and then gently jerk on the leash and speak the command again until he performs the correct behavior. Again, it is important to never physically punish the dog if it doesn't get it right away. Dogs are smart and will eventually get it if you are patient and consistent.

As stated before, use one-word or two-word commands. Respond commands (getting the dog to perform the correct behavior) include sit, stay, go, and come here. Correction commands include o, out, off, and leave it. Again, just be consistent.

Treats or other positive reinforcers can be anything the dog likes. Most dogs have treats they particularly enjoy. If they anticipate receiving a treat, they will be more likely to perform the desired behavior. This is followed by praise. Most trainers recommend hiding the treat until the dog has performed the correct behavior. Dogs will usually not perform the command if they see the treat before hand. It is also important not to give a treat every time. You eventually want your dog to behave to commands without the treats.

Dogs are generally sensitive to the tone of their owner's voice. They can tell when we are upset or happy with them. This will work in your favor when you are training your dog. Just make sure that the tone is consistent each time you give a command. Some trainers recommend using the name of the dog before giving the command. This teaches the dog that a command is coming.

When you have learned how to stop your dog's behavior problems and taught it to be obedient, you will have an enjoyable member of your family.

By CJWriter

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