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Saturday, January 19, 2019

Hunting with the Wounded Warriors

This is Bonsai, one of the stud dogs we use, as well as Reno, a Rose x Chrome female.  Enjoy a lot of bird  action that day.  Thanks to Mike Okamura, handling, training, owner.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bmApu5lDFdeqp65dVFa6cAUYNEajz_fB/view?fbclid=IwAR258p6NWChdaxczlStsypN-ZnUkwkO-2qse24NealY6U0k73lFNe73_cCc
Bonsai

Saturday, January 12, 2019

The story of the SAles Man and the Griffs

So all the Griffons were out running about the yard.  Our Main UPS driver brings treats all the time, so the dogs are particularly excited when a Van pulls up.  So it was roughly 11 AM and I was doing normal chores inside, when I hear the doorbell.  I dont have a fancy doorbell at the gate, it is attached to the house as most are.  I was amazed, because the dogs had not barked, so I hustled to the door... to see a cheerful Vacuum salesman.  A gentleman roughly 60 or so, I would guess.  I welcomed him and his paraphernalia inside the house.  And there we stopped.  I congratulated him for making the journey to the door, and said that any sales person who passed the 7 adult Griffon test had certainly earned a bit of my time.  He said he can tell good dogs from their eyes and demeanor.
I did not however buy a vacuum, that said I invite visitors, I love to show the gang off. 

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Crate Training

Here is a link to an article about crate training.  At our place I use the crate as a safe place.  The dogs all have their own crate. I have inside and outside crates depending on the weather.  They love them. At anytime I can yell.....haha say kennel and all dogs head to their crate.  Thus no matter what they are doing mischievous or not, they head to their spot.  This helps when the unexpected neighbor passes in and she doesnt really love dogs. 
At night I say time for bed, well then everyone lines up to go to their personal bed kennel.  If I leave them outside too long, they look in the window asking to be put in their bedroom.  The same kennels are used for travel,  some of the gang can be trusted at home alone, but some are best crated for their own safety if I go to town. 
The puppies are started very early in crates.  There is always a gateless crate left in with them so they get used to sleeping in  a crate from a young age.  http://info.drsophiayin.com/crate-training-handout

Friday, January 4, 2019

Too much Calcium can be bad for a puppy

http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/02/confused-about-what-to-feed-your-large-breed-puppy-new-rules-may-help/
When Chrome was little and his mature weight is about 68 #s.  The Veterinarian warned me his joints were potentially outgrowing his body.  Ultimately this can cause looser joints at maturity.  I would prescribe to the thought that a large breed puppy is a puppy that matures at 50#s.  As I always council, keep your puppy thinner rather than fat, and use an appropriate diet for your large breed puppy. 
Tufts also has several articles about grain free foods.  Apparently some of these foods lack adequate Taurine, which has been linked to DCM and dogs.  Food For Thought!!!