How Big Dogs Have Gotten a Bad Name

Any dog can be considered dangerous. The breed and size of the dog doesn't actually matter; all dogs have their own personality and traits, which, like us, are often subject to the nature/nurture debate. According to the records, however, there do seem to be some dog breeds that are more aggressive and attack more often than others. In the UK, the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 (amended 1997) prohibited owning four types of dogs - the type being a key defining factor - which are listed below:

Pit Bull Terrier - They are usually medium sized, and have a solid muscular build and a short coat. They have a broad flat skull and a wide deep muzzle. They are powerful and athletic and come in a wide range of solid and mixed colours. The head of this dog is unique and a key element of the breed type. It is large and broad but is proportionate to the size of its body. Originally bred for fighting and baiting, these dogs need consistent training, lots of exercise and stimulation in order to prevent them from becoming destructive and aggressive - a lack of which has given them a reputation for being dangerous.

Japanese Tosa - These massive dogs are athletic and agile. They have a large head with a broad skull and a long square muzzle. Originally bred for fighting, they have powerful jaws and a strong neck which has a dewlap. Their coats are rough, dense and short. They come in a variety of colours including solid red, yellow or black and also in brindle and multi-coloured. They are loyal and affectionate as well as calm and patient, and can make good family dogs as long as the owner is a dominant "pack leader" who can keep this large and powerful animal under control.

Dogo Argentino - These are also called Argentinean Mastiffs and are very muscular with strong jaws. They have a short sleek, thick, glossy coat which is always white. They are large dogs that were originally developed as pack dogs to hunt other animals and can be dominant or aggressive by nature. Despite this, lovers of the breed will describe them as loyal, intelligent and affectionate dogs which crave attention through play and masses of structured exercise.

Fila Brasileiro - Also called Brazilian Mastiffs, they are very large, powerful dogs with large bones and loose skin. Their coat is smooth and short. They are known to be distrustful of strangers and can show aggression toward other animals. As a pet they will remain fiercely loyal and protective, caring and even submissive towards their owners and immediate family.

The restrictions and prohibitions also apply to any mixed breed that is crossed with any of the above mentioned dogs. It is the physical and behavioural characteristics of the dog and not the actual breed name which is important, and which can lead to a misinterpretation by some owners. The reason these four breeds mentioned above were put on the dangerous dog list is because they were considered to have been bred specifically to be either fighting or hunting dogs, and thus have a certain element of "natural" aggression.

The legislation surrounding these types of dogs is complex, and involves a series of amendments including an Index of Exempted dogs: so in fact owning one of these particular types of dog may not be deemed illegal as long as it has been authorized and recorded by a court of law. What could also be confusing is the inclusion of the offence of any type or breed of dog under the original act which is "dangerously out of control" - drawing much-needed attention to the fact of the matter which is that it is not the dog which is dangerous, but rather the owner who puts the dog in a situation where there is potential for harm. Much more emphasis has recently been placed on dog owners to ensure their dogs are handled responsibly and restrained where appropriate. This shift has been welcomed by organisations such as the RSPCA who have been known to speak up against certain out-dated aspects of the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991). More important information on the laws surrounding prohibited dogs can be found by visiting defra's website.

However outdated, and despite recent amendments and inclusions, the act does still have an astounding influence on our perception of large dogs in society in general. So much so, in fact, that the above prohibited breeds are routinely excluded from a UK pet insurance policy on the grounds of increased risk and having been deemed as dangerous by said legislation. This is the case in spite of any individual court ruling that a registered dog of the above types poses no general threat. It would be fair to suggest, therefore, that unless you have unlimited access to funds which would cover the cost of veterinary treatment, or even legal action against you if your dog were to bite someone, you should not even consider keeping any of these types of dog, registered or otherwise.

Two other breeds of dogs that have often been considered "dangerous" or intimidating are the Rottweiler and German Shepherd. This common misconception is often due more to the lack of appropriate training and respect given to dogs of this size than any specific breed characteristic.

Rottweiler - These are large muscular dogs that are used by Police forces all over the world. They are also used as border guards and guide dogs. The breed originated in Germany as war and herding dogs. They are black in colour with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings. They are a powerful breed and can be aggressive if not trained correctly. This said a "Rotty" - as they are sometimes affectionately referred to by their owners - can make a superb family pet, as the natural temperament of this beautiful dog is one of loyalty and calmness, along with courage and playfulness.

German Shepherd - Also a large dog that originated from Germany and was bred for herding sheep. They are often used by the police and customs agencies. They come in a variety of colours with the most common being tan and black and red and black. Again, with the correct training, these loving and protective dogs can make fantastic pets. They will enjoy playing energetic games, and their keen intelligence makes them fast learners who will respond well to training challenges.

The increasingly well-publicised problem with so-called dangerous dogs seems to be getting worse every year, if the mass media are to be believed. Research shows that the top five dogs reported for biting people are: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Japanese Akitas and Huskies. The key point to emphasise here is that large dogs require an enormous commitment to training and discipline - not to mention a great deal of exercise, love and attention - in order for them to become the perfect canine companion of your dreams. To blame or punish a dog that has not been properly trained is like smacking a baby for wetting his nappy, which is exactly why the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) has typically been surrounded by so much controversy.

If you are ever confronted by a dog you think could pose a danger to you there are a few things you can do to try to diffuse a potential situation. You should make no sudden movements and stand still with your hands in your pockets. Do not make eye contact and slowly back away, but do not run. It is unwise to turn your back on a dog of whose temperament you are unsure. This applies to all breeds of dog, not just the ones detailed above.

Today, with things such as the cost of medical treatment for your pets at its highest and still increasing, a smart move is to buy pet insurance. It is also a good idea to do some research into your chosen breed before purchasing a pet dog; if he falls into an excluded category when it comes to buying pet insurance you could run into financial difficulties in the future.

Pet insurance exists to give you peace of mind and the ability to take care of your four legged family members in case of a medical emergency or injury. A good dog insurance policy will also provide third party liability cover. This will cover you financially in the event that your dog does happen to injure someone or cause an accident - even a well-trained dog can be provoked into an uncharacteristic response if he feels threatened. You will find that for just a few pounds a month you will be able to provide the best medical treatment for your pets to ensure a long and happy life together.

Tips on Housebreaking Your Puppy

You have just brought the newest member of your family home, which is a cute adorable puppy, and now the fun begins. Now you are the loving caretaker of this tiny puppy and part of your responsibilities is to make sure your puppy becomes housebroken. You may think that this will be a long-drawn out process but actually it won't be hard as you think

You should always have your new puppy seen by a veterinarian before you set up your housebreaking schedule. They can guide you on when your type of breed of dog needs to be fed and how many times a day. They will also be able to tell you if your pup is healthy and ready to be housebroken.

The most important thing to establish is a routine. A routine will reduce the amount of accidents and will also let you and your pup knows when it's time to go outside. There is a general rule that says: for every month a puppy is old, it can wait one hour to go outside. This means that if your puppy is three months old, he should be able to wait three hours before having to go outside.

That is a general rule and all puppies are different. For the first couple of days you should try to take him or her out every two hours. If you set up a regular schedule and follow some of the tips described below; your new puppy will be housebroken in no time.

Watch for the signs that your pup needs to go outside and relieve themselves. Observe the puppy's behavior and actions and soon you will be able to tell when they need to go to the bathroom. Some of the signs to watch for are: the pup is sniffing at the door, turning in circles while sniffing, and scratching, standing or barking at the door. These are all signs that they are looking for a place to do their business.

You should always take your new puppy outside the first thing in the morning before anything else and the last thing you do be fore you retire to bed. Most young puppies are not able to go all night without have to go to the bathroom. While they are in the toilet training process you should have a small room or area which they can sleep and be contained when you are not there or at night when you are asleep.

Make sure that it is a place that you can clean up easily, such as a tiled bathroom floor. You can lay down newspaper or purchase special puppy pads which are absorbent. Never scold or hit your puppy when they have an accident. When they go outside and relieve themselves make sure you praise them and tell them what a good puppy they are.

You should also try to remember never to leave your pup unattended in the house or outside. If the pup can't be under your watchful eyes they should be contained in their designated room or penned up in an outside area. Any place in your home that your pup has messed in needs to be thoroughly cleaned. You should use something that will take away the odor. Dogs and puppies will usually mess again in an area if they can smell the lingering odor of their last accident.

Try to set up a regular feeding schedule and take away any food or water about two hours before putting them up for the night. This will decrease accidents and make it easier for the pup to last through the night. Always take the pup outside after they have finished eating.

Another way that people have found to train their puppy to be housebroken is to use a method called "crate training". To use this method you would put your pup in a dog crate or dog kennel which is especially made for animals. You would put the pup in their crate at night and when you were going to be away for a short period of time.

Most dogs won't mess in the area where they sleep and the crate gives them the feeling of being in a small cave or home. Using a crate is a good way to help your new pup to become housebroken. Dogs and puppies usually like crates because it gives them a special place to be alone and feel secure.

Just remember to have some patience and understanding. The newest member of your family is just learning all the rules and wants to please you more than anything. If you set up a routine and a regular feeding time everything will run smoother and the pup will understand and quickly become housebroken.

Soon all the extra time and effort used to help your pup become housebroken will pay off and you will have many years ahead of you to enjoy their company. It is always a good thing to look into buying dog insurance for your new puppy. This will help you be prepared incase your pet does develops a disease or has an unexpected accident. Pet insurance can give you peace of mind and also help pay for unexpected veterinarian bills.

Visit Animal Friends Insurance to buy pet insurance onlinequickly and easily. They have a variety of policies to suit all needs.

Fish4Dogs...and Cats - Available at Pet Shop 247

Fish4Dogs are one of the UK’s fastest growing manufacturers of pet food. Based in Worcestershire, Fish4Dogs are specialists in fish-based dog food and dog treats; though the name may fool you into thinking they only make food for dogs, they do have a big range of cat food and cat treats too.

Fish4Dogs began life back in 2004 with Robert and Jill Angell as the founders. Robert and Jill began researching the values and benefits of feeding fish to dogs (starting with their own pets) and were astounded by the results. The initial testing involved using fish off-cuts that were surplus to requirements at the major supermarkets chains, but ideal for the Angell’s needs. The first treats were made at their own home using their Aga cooker, and they went down a treat with pet Great Danes and the fish oils provided them with healthy and glossy coats.

Locals were impressed with how healthy, active and robust the dogs were as well as how good they looked and they began asking if the Angells would be able to provide them with some of these great treats for their dogs. Then the local pet shops got in on the deal and began to stock and sell them and it wasn’t long after that Fish4Dogs was born.

The biggest boon and praise for their treats came when vets began recommending the Sea Jerky product as a healthy natural dental treat for dogs. Their hard work had paid off and as the demand grew, so did the business and soon new premises and more staff were required. Today Fish4Dogs sell their range of pet food and treats across the UK and even abroad, not bad for such a small and initially simple idea.

Over time the basic premise of Fish4Dogs – which was literally fish for dogs – grew to include fish based treats and food for cats as well. This was a no-brainer really and the cat range is just as popular as the dog range, though renamed Fish4Cats to stop confusion.

Fish4Dogs are always researching new an improved products, recipes and ingredients for all their products, with the emphasis on providing the nutritional and diet based benefits of feeding fish to dogs and cats. However it hasn’t stopped their and they have moved onto research into the values of feeding fish to other pets as well, with each success providing more great products to help your pets remain healthy and strong.

Since its inception, Fish4Dogs have received a variety of accolades, awards and accreditations for its products, something the company is very proud of.

Here at Pet Shop 247 we are very impressed with the Fish4Dogs brand and have had some very impressive feedback about their products from our customers. So we are proud to stock a large selection of Fish4Dogs and Fish4cats products including complete dog food, complete cat food, salmon oil for cats and for dogs and of course the highly recommended Sea Jerky dental treats.

To see our full range of Fish4Dogs and Fish4Cats products, visit www.petshop247.co.uk or simply click here.

A Home Away From Home – Dog Kennels at Pet Shop 247

“Personally my dog is an indoor dog; he spends most of his time curled up on my bed or his (and occasionally on the sofa. He loves to go out for a walk, run around, chase balls and then come in and get comfy and warm. That’s how it has been for nearly 10 years and it’s just how it is.

So when I see a dog kennel, I see a place where a dog is shoved into to keep them out of the house and out of the way. The thing is that is because I have a one sided view of it and there is nothing proving I am right, and since my sister got her dog, I’m starting to see the benefits a kennel can provide.

So what has changed my view? Well the thing is she has a large dog, a Rottweiler to be precise. He’s a lovable friendly dog, but very young and full of energy he loves play fighting, running around throwing toys and jumping about. Now the thing is my sister has quite a small house for such a big dog, but she has a big back yard, very big as a matter of fact. Now her dog absolutely loves being outside, where he has the room to run around and go nuts; it doesn’t matter if it is raining or cold he just loves being outdoors - especially when it gets a bit too warm inside due to central heating being on, or he can’t pounce about in the living room as there is no space. If its pouring with rain he’ll get let out for a quick toilet break and then get called back in, but he doesn’t want to come in, he wants to run about until he’s bored. Of course by then he’s soaking wet and the kerfuffle of bringing him in, drying him of and so on begins.

Now if he had a kennel to dive into between his bouts of running around like a loon, he’d not have the hassle of being called in, can lie in the dry kennel when he’s bored and head out whenever he wishes. Basically it would be a temporary shelter that he can use for quick breaks from playing, without having to be let in and out of the house when his owners decide to spoil his fun. So seeing this type of dog, suddenly kennels make more sense. Many dogs love being outside, rather than stuck indoors, especially larger dog breeds, and the option of a warm dry place for them to retreat too when they need it makes a lot of sense.

Ironically as a child our family pet was a German Shepherd and he loved being outside as well, he didn’t have a kennel, but would lie in the shed in our garden without a care in the world. He was still welcome in the house but just wasn’t that interested if he could be running free outside taking respites into the half open shed if necessary.

On the other side of the coin my dog is a small Staffordshire Terrier/Jack Russell cross breed. He’s 9 years old and set in his ways, he loves his creature comforts and only braves the rain for a walk (though if it’s for a walk he’s fairly content, otherwise forget it). But what is right for my dog is not necessarily right for others, and I’ve come to realise a kennel isn’t a dog prison, but a little refuge for those who prefer being outdoors to in.”

For a great selection of dog kennels visit www.petshop247.co.uk.

One of our top sellers are our range of Europet traditional styled dog kennels with lockable doors (ideal for those times a workman might need to use the garden for repairs, or the window cleaner). Coated with a water resistant and non-toxic wood stain, these kennels come in 3 sizes for differing dog breeds and have a tough green mineral felt roof.

We stock many more dog kennel styles from branded names so pop by our website and pick up a bargain.

Nutram Dog Food now at Pet Shop 247

Nutram, Canada’s leading dry pet food has arrived at Pet Shop 247. Though at the moment we only stock Nutram dog food, we do hope to add the cat food range in the near future. With that in mind we have a fantastic selection of Nutram dry dog food from puppy food through to senior dog food and plenty in between.

So who are Nutram? Well they are a Canadian company, 100% owned and operated in Canada (something they are proud of) and providers of quality dry pet food around the globe and have gained renown in over 30 countries.

The core mission statement of Nutram is the delivery of nutritional pet food with premium quality ingredients to customers around the globe. Below is an excerpt from their website;

“...our emphasis is on nutrition and premium quality ingredients. We firmly believe in the science behind our food formulations and that our premium quality ingredients help pets live long, healthy lives. We manufacture in small batches to ensure that our ingredients are fresh. Our Nutritionist and Quality Assurance staff are dedicated to providing pets with food that is properly balanced, beneficial to good health and palatable. We pride ourselves in building strong relationships with customers through consistent quality and freshness. We look to continually improve, keeping pace with developments in quality management and pet food manufacturing technology. We take quality seriously. We truly understand that you love your pet just as much as we love ours.”

We love the fact that Nutram take so much pride in what they offer, and that’s one of the reasons we decided to stock it at Pet Shop 247. They also offer a 100% money back guarantee, they are that convinced of the products reputation and quality.

The dog food range includes sizes from 3kg, 7kg and 15kg bags, which include standard adult dog, puppy and senior dog food, and covers food for skin and coat care, oral hygiene, sensitive stomachs, allergy care and more. For large dog breeds the bags come in 7kg and 15 kg and active dogs come in 15kg only (of course larger dogs have much more food and thus smaller bags are fairly pointless, the same is true of active dogs which eat more due to the extra calories they burn each day).

For the full range of Nutram dog food we stock visit our website www.petshop247.co.uk, and let us know your thoughts on Nutram and we’ll keep you up to date on when we will stock a larger range, including Nutram cat food.

Sick of Sharing your Bed or Sofa with Your Dog?

Dogs love our furniture, it’s a generalised truth. Whether it’s our comfy sofas or our cosy beds, they want to be just as comfortable as us given half the chance.

Now if like me you’re a soft touch, you’ll let them jump onto your bed or sofa without too much fuss (unless my dog is wet or has dirty paws in which case all the cute looks in the world won’t matter), but let’s face it letting your dog onto your best furniture just to make him or her more snug isn’t probably the best idea in the world. However for many of us it’s just not in our nature to say “down” or “no” when it comes to our pet pooches.

So what are the solutions? Well the correct and most sensible approach would be just that, be firm and let the dog know it where it’s place is, which isn’t on the furniture. Or you can do the more defeatist, but kinder (in our own eyes at least) route which means getting the dog its own furniture. Now that may seem extreme but many people treat their dog in a similar vein to a child, and look upon it as so; after all your dog is loyal and loving unconditionally, and that not something you can get anywhere.

So if you have gone down this path (like I would) then what is out there to tempt your dog away from that new leather sofa or king size bed? Well Wallace and Jones have the solution in their range of dog beds.

Now I say dog beds but these are a combination of dog bed and dog sofa and they look absolutely amazing. The range includes the Windsor and the Oxford, which are both leather look dog beds styled like sofas, with the Windsor sporting a more angular and modern look, and the Oxford having a curved and more traditional styling.

The Windsor Dog Bed comes in either a black and slate or brown and cream leather-effect finish on a strong wooden frame with wipe down contrasting inset and metallic feet. It is stain resistant and easy to clean, you simply wipe it down and it comes in 3 sizes depending on the needs of your dog. The angular style, metal feet and contemporary looks mean it would fit in better with a more modern designed room, but the brown and cream finish does have a feel and look in line with more traditional furniture.

The Oxford dog bed actually comes in 2 different styles simply know as the Oxford I and the Oxford II (1 and 2). The Oxford I resembles a tub sofa or chair (dependant on the size chosen), whereas the Oxford 2 is more reminiscent of a traditional dog bed, open fronted, low though mounted on small feet to raise it off the ground. Both are finished in either black and slate or brown (chestnut), with the Oxford I having a wipe down exterior and the Oxford II having a removable base cushion and scatter cushion.

Regardless of which range you choose both are stylish and comfortable, easy to clean and the epitome of luxury. Yes they are pricey, but then again they cost a lot less than your living room or bedroom furniture did and should either tempt your furry friend away from your lovely sofa and bed, or make you feel a lot less guilty about telling them “NO” when they try to jump up and get comfy in your space; after all they have their own little bit of comfy heaven of their own now.

So if you fancy giving your dog a very luxurious treat and place to rest his or her weary bones, why not try one of the dog beds from Wallace and Jones, and whether you go for the Windsor or either or the Oxford Dog beds, you know they will be happy and comfortable just like you will.

Pet Shop 247 have a section of Wallace and Jones dog beds including the Windsor and Oxford ranges at great prices.

DIY Dog Grooming

I have a black cocker spaniel called Lizzie who likes to roll around in horse poo – and eat it. She loves chasing and eating spiders and waits outside the bathroom door for you in the hope that you made a smell. She is lovely and friendly, but you never let her lick you! Her doggie companion, Jasper does not roll in horse poo, although he merrily trots through muddle puddles and habitually licks his genitalia at every opportunity. If he sneezes, he licks himself. If you pat him on the head, he licks himself. You get the idea!

Dogs don’t understand the consequences of their actions, in that if they get dirty, they need to be cleaned. It isn’t practical to be forever taking your dog to the groomer. Firstly, it is costly and secondly, taking your dog to the groomers is a stressful experience for them. Is this really something you can do from home?

Yes! Petshop 24/7 has decided to start stocking professional dog grooming products for pet owners. If you are finding the cost of grooming your pet hard to meet then we have a huge selection of products that will suit your budget. From dog brushes to dog shampoo, clippers and thinners, we are also introducing dental care for your pets.

If your dog is of a nervous disposition, how can you train it to be more receptive to grooming? The trick is to reward good behaviour with positive attention. Get them used to being touched and handled.

If your pet doesn’t like you touching their paws then it certainly won’t take too kindly to having its nails clipped. Start by getting your dog used to touching its paws. When you tickle his or her tummy, try shaking their paw or stroking the fur on their feet so they become accustomed to having their feet touched.

Over time, you will find that the initial costs of the products you purchase will soon be forgotten. Grooming charges will be a thing of the past and your pet will no longer become anxious and stressed on visits to the groomer as he or she will be comfortable and happy in their own home with a groomer they trust – you.

These professional dog grooming products will be added over the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled and we'll keep you up to date.