Special to the Star-Herald
When you go looking for a dog, it is important to educate yourself as to what the breed or mix of breeds was bred to do. The American Kennel Club lists breeds by groups, as to what they are bred to do. In working with dogs, it helps to know what their inborn instincts may be before choosing a dog. For instance, beagles are darling, especially as puppies, but they were born to hunt, so you know that they will have a tendency to follow their noses; whereas pit bulls have been bred for thousands of years to be people friendly yet dog aggressive. This does not mean that every beagle will follow his nose or every pit bull will want to fight other dogs. Just be aware of the breed characteristics when you are looking for a dog.
If you have ever watched a dog show, you will see breeds broken into groups. These groups are: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. I would like to discuss the working breeds. Some examples of this group include the Akita, Anatolian Shepherd, Boxer, Bull Mastiff, Great Dane and Siberian Husky (this is not a complete list). “Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained.” (American Kennel Club).
When considering a dog from this group, consider that they need a job to do, they were bred to work and, for the most part, they want to work. A job could be pulling the garden cart, hauling firewood in a cart, guarding the sheep, or playing water games. These dogs are mostly self-thinkers and if they do not have a job to do, they will find one; it may not be one that you want (such as being over protective). Education is the key to finding harmony with the dog of your choice. We encourage adopters to do their research before adoption.
The weather is getting warmer and we all worry about the comfort of our dogs. You look outside to see your golden retriever or malamute (double coated dogs) panting, so you automatically think “SHAVE IT.” That is so not wise. Longhaired or double-coated dogs typically do not need to be shaved any more than we need to shave our own heads in the summer. The guard hairs on the top of the coat do not shed out and provide protection from the sun and actually insulate the dog from the heat. So leave that coat, have your dog groomed to remove the under coat, but do not shave it. When you have your dog shaved, sometimes the beautiful coat grows back and sometimes it doesn’t. Bottom line, dogs’ coats protect them from the cold and from the hot, do not shave your double coated dog; it is not healthy for them. Talk to your groomer or your veterinarian. Of course, there are variables with each individual dog, for example, hot spots, etc., so be sure to get your veterinarian’s and your groomer’s opinion. They are both professionals and will know what is best for your dog.
Remember is it “ILLEGAL” for your dog to ride unrestrained in the back of your truck. If you witness this happening, call your local ACO or police department. It is not only dangerous for the dog to be unrestrained, but also for fellow drivers on the streets.
Do not leave your dog in a hot vehicle!
If you have items you would like to donate to the Central Aroostook Humane Society for their yard sale during the Paws for the Cause walk June 7, please drop off items at 26 Cross St., Presque Isle or give us a call at 764-3441. Get your pledge sheets for the annual Paws for the Cause walk at the Central Aroostook Humane Society or e-mail CAHS@localnet.com.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
