Cynologist
Cynology: Puppies Dogs
May 9th, 2010
Sensory Abilities: Audition
The dog's ear is composed of an outer ear (pinna), auditory canal, and various structures designed to convert sound waves into auditory information. The pinna gathers and directs sound into the auditory canal, where it is carried to the tympanic membrane or eardrum. The eardrum is an extremely sensitive and elastic membrane reacting to the slightest vibrations on its surface: movement of less than one-tenth the diameter of a hydrogen atom can produce an audible sensation. The vibrations caused by the pressure of sound waves on the eardrum are mechanically conducted to the cochlea through the mediation of three tiny bones or ossicles: the malleus, the incus, and the stapes. The cochlea is a snail-like tubular structure that is innervated by the auditory nerve. Sound vibrations are passed into the cochlea at the oval window. These vibrations cause a fluid wave in the cochlear fluid, which causes a rippling effect against the surrounding basilar membrane. The vibratory displacement of the basilar membrane stimulates auditory receptors (called hair cells) to bend rhythmically, thereby evoking a nerve potential that is carried by individual fibers into the auditory nerve. Different sounds are distinguished by the specific Read more [...]
March 16th, 2010
The Dalmatian
The Dalmatian or Coach-Dog.
(The Illustrated Book of the Dog (1881) by Vero Shaw, B. A.)
In spite of the meagreness, in point of numbers, of the entries in the Dalmatian classes at most shows, few breeds attract more attention, simply we believe on account of the peculiarity of the markings, which are indispensable to success on the bench. It is so seldom that a really well-marked dog is seen following a carriage, that those unacquainted with the few really good ones which appear at shows invariably express great surprise and admiration at the regularity and brilliancy of their colouring. Of the antecedents of the Dalmatian it is extremely hard to speak with certainty, but it appears that the breed has altered but little since it was first illustrated in Bewick's book on natural history, for in it appears an engraving of a dog who would be able to hold his own in high-class competition in the present day, and whose markings are sufficiently well developed to satisfy the most exacting of judges. Indeed, the almost geometrical exactness with which the spots are represented by Bewick impresses us with the idea that imagination greatly assisted nature in producing what he thought ought to be; his ideal, however exaggerated, Read more [...]
March 16th, 2010
Basic Training: SIT and STAY Commands
"Sit" and "stay" should be taught at the same time. We assume "no" has already been drummed into his head. Then teach the command "come," as he should know this as early as possible, and only then "lie down" and "heel." All these commands should be taught in this order, either on a leash or in a confined area, until perfect control is shown. Then, after you have perfect control of the basic commands both by voice and hand, you can teach your dog to come to you outside and to heel off a leash.
Your first investments should be a collar and training leash. They aren't absolutely indispensable for training work, at least not at first, but they do help even the most obedient dog understand much quicker that you're boss. You will definitely need a leash and collar for later training, and for going outside. If you have any doubts about controlling your dog during a training session, the leash will eliminate them. Get the problem of adjusting him to a lead over with, so you can devote your full attention to having him obey.
I see no justification for the spiked training collars that are frequently sold, which bite into the dog's neck at the slightest tug of the leash. I have only one, which I removed from a clients dog who Read more [...]
February 19th, 2010
The faults and defects of the breeds: Non-Sporting Dogs
American Eskimo Dogs
Hip dysplasia
Bichons Frises
Patella luxation
Boston Terriers
Neoplasias; Patella luxation, either medial or lateral; Swimmers syndrome, the inability to stand at four to six weeks; Vertebral abnormalities
Bulldogs
Spina bifida, caused by ununited neural arches; Neoplausa; Swimmers syndrome, the inability to stand at four to six weeks; Hip dysplasia; Elbow dysplasia; Flaccid shoulder joints; Thyroid disorders; Vertebral abnormalites
Chinese Shar-Peis
Patella luxation; Hip dysplasia; Elbow dysplasia; Swollen hock syndrome
Chow Chows
Hip dysplasia; Elbow dysplasia
Dalmatians
Muscular dystrophy
Finnish Spitz
Patella luxation
French Bulldogs
Hemivertebrae, which is the asymmetric abnormal development of vertebrae, resulting in scoliosis and crowding of one half of the body, producing a wedge-shape. It often results in neonatal death or spinal cord compression in older puppies.
Keeshonds
Thyroid and other endocrine disorders, primary hyperparathyroidism in older dogs; Patella luxation; Hip dysplasia; Neoplasias
Lhasa Apsos
Patella luxation, either medial or lateral; Hip dysplasia
Poodles (Miniature)
Dwarfism; Hypoplasia of dens; Atypical pannus; Patella luxation; Shoulder luxation; Read more [...]