What Is Prey Drive in Dogs? Prey drive is a fascinating instinct that lies at the heart of a dog's genetic heritage. This intricate blend of biology and environment fuels their natural hunting behavior. While most dogs instinctively possess this drive, our understanding of it—especially in breeds that are particularly high-energy—can be a bit of a challenge. The intensity of prey drive varies widely from one dog to another. Some may show just a mild curiosity toward moving ob

You know you want a purebred dog. And you want one from a breeder who is contributing to the future of the breed and doing all the right things – proving their dogs at the show ring, in health and temperament, preserving their breed for the future using genetic diversity, and one that provides a pleasant living environment and nourishing environment for their puppies and also for their adult dogs! When considering a visit to a breeder, it's essential to do your homework first

Temperament is a widely used term that refers to the behavioral traits of dogs. Grasping the concept of dog temperament is essential for potential dog owners, breeders, and organizations involved with working dogs. It plays a significant role in determining which type of dog will best suit someone's needs, whether as a companion or for work purposes. When people are choosing a pet or training a working dog, temperament is a major factor that influences their decision. Moreove

People often make promises like, “I assure you, they’ll have a good loving home.” However, what this means to me as a breeder is profoundly deeper than what many might initially consider. A “good home” isn’t merely about having a pretty and spacious house. It's not quantified by square footage or the presence of a nicely landscaped yard where a dog can frolic, nor does it hinge on matching bowls or trendy accessories for the pet. Instead, a "good home" encapsulates an emotion

Sadly, zinc deficiency in Arctic and northern spits breeds is relatively common yet can go undiagnosed. So are you and your vet constantly chasing symptoms in your dog, but your vet can never quite manage to solve the medical mystery of what is wrong with your furry friend? While you should always consult and work with your vet, your vet may only know about zinc deficiencies in northern breeds if he has specialised knowledge of those breeds. Zinc deficiency in northern breeds

Do I Need a Pen When Bringing Home My New Dog? Having a designated area where your new family member feels safe while you can’t keep an eye on them is essential for maintaining your sanity during those first few weeks. As your puppy learns what they can and cannot chew on, and as they improve their potty training, you can gradually give them more freedom. However, starting with a playpen provides a much-needed breather, ensuring they are safely contained while you attend to o

For dog owners, selecting a high-quality dog harness is one of the most important investments for your pet. A harness is crucial as it ensures your dog’s safety, control, and comfort during walks and various activities. If you're in the market for a dependable harness for your dog, this guide will help you find the best option tailored to your pup’s needs. As a proud dog owner, you’ve likely experienced the sheer delight of embarking on outdoor adventures with your furry frie

Have you ever wondered how we find the perfect match between our puppies and their future families? It’s not a matter of luck; it’s about using a well-structured approach to ensure each puppy fits the ideal criteria based on your preferences outlined in the questionnaire. At the heart of our process is the Volhard-developed Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) , which is remarkably effective in predicting the inherited behavioral traits of the puppies and how they’re likely to develop a

You’ve just welcomed your new puppy into your home, and the excitement of that first walk fills you with joy. You’ve envisioned this special moment for so long. As you gently fasten the leash and open the door, your heart swells with anticipation. But then, you notice your puppy just won’t budge. You gently tug on the leash, thinking she just needs a little encouragement to get started. But instead of following your lead, she stands her ground, her little legs firmly planted.

When it comes to walking your adorable new puppy, the duration really depends on her age. For little ones around 8 weeks old, aim for short strolls of just five to ten minutes. It’s not just about the time—it’s about letting your puppy set the pace and choosing when to take breaks. If she starts to tire out, scoop her up and carry her home; she’ll appreciate the ride! As your furry friend grows and reaches around 12 weeks, you can gradually extend those walks to 15 to 20 minu

Dogs are constantly learning how to ask for what they want. No matter what we do, they find ways to communicate with us using...

SOCIALIZATION IN THE NATAL ENVIRONMENT: 3-5 WEEKS All Puppies thrive best in environments that are rich in social and physical...

"Black and white, brown and white, as well as pure white and white with slight lemon markings" were the first words on colour. A study of the early dogs reveals that both black, like Mrs. Cammack's Pedro, and the "deep biscuit" - read, dark brown - Sabarka, were used at stud. Sabarka, the original import brought to England by Mr Kilburn Scott in 1889. His colour was described as ‘deep biscuit’’

Here's your quick tip for the day! I have posted on this before, but many people remain uninformed about how to select a dog trainer. For...

Living with multiple dogs can be a wonderful experience, but it often requires careful management. In most cases, households with several...

I need to address some crucial behaviour “problems” that people often mention regarding their dogs, which they want to resolve. I find...

As pet owners, we all face a common issue - mixed messages that we tend to give to our furry friends. This is especially concerning if...

“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling the emptiness we didn’t ever know we had.” - Thom Jones Owning and...

Shiba Inus are known for their gorgeous coats. Shiba Inus are also known for blowing their gorgeous coats as any other double-coated dogs...

Ok, so I have been procrastinating on this post for the last month 😅 but with the amount of annual spring shedding and grooming tips...