Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from Brandykegs!

Dogs & Chocolate

Tomorrow is Halloween, so be sure to keep the chocolate candy away from your dog.  Chocolate even in very small amounts causes vomiting and diarrhea.  If a dog eats more than that, seizures, respiratory failures, and cardiac arrest can occur.  If your dogs needs a treat then give him a dog biscuit not a piece of chocolate.

Fall Colors Of Michigan

Have you ever seen fall colors like this?

Old Dog Food Ad With Saint Bernard

Do you remember this ad?  Saint Bernards have often been used in advertisements, it is probably because the breed is so widely recognized.

Waterfall & Fall Leaves

How many bags of leaves have you raked this year?

Multiple Saint Bernards In Your Home

(continued from yesterday)

Unless you have a strong relationship in your family, I do not recommend taking on a problem like this.  Our first instinct was to return the younger female to the breeder.  The breeder said we were getting rid of the wrong female; he felt this one had great potential for the show ring.  So we kept both and tried to make the best of it.

On down the road, the female with the great potential did not develop in the show ring; so the handler/breeder stopped showing her.  The problem with the two females only worsened.  So what do we have to show for all our effort to work through this problem?  We have three dogs that we love individually.

I do not recommend that you ever try to keep large breed dogs in your home that do not get along.  If you have a kennel that would be different;  that is an environment that can accommodate these sort of problems.  Trust your instincts on dealing with a serious problem like this.  We should have returned the younger female, it would have saved us so much stress and grief. 

Multiple Saint Bernards In Your Home

You often hear from Saint Bernard fanciers that one is never enough.  I know we went from just one, to two, and then to three.  We had a wonderful experience with just one and even two Saint Bernards in our home.  The same was not true when we jumped to three.  The three consisted of one male and two females.  The two females got to the point where they could not be kept together.

This was a very hard adjustment for us.  We wanted all three and we wanted them to be together and get along.  It meant changing our entire family life to keep the two females separate and safe.  You find out that it is not at all unusual for females to not get along; but that does not make dealing with this problem any easier.  Of course, it didn’t help when initially the breeder tells you that you caused the problem.  There is some truth in this statement but it isn’t your fault and you did not cause the problem.  It actually goes to the dynamics of dogs trying to figure out where they belong in a pack.  Think about it, two females and one male, both females will want top billing.  

Contracts With Breeders - continues

Some contracts with breeders are about co-ownership of the dog.  There are many reasons why a breeder will request you sign this type of contract.  It could be the breeder wants to show the dog, like in the Bred-By-Exhibitor Class.  The breeder may also want control regarding the breeding, such as; when, who, and where. It may also be a matter of economics, sharing the expenses of showing and breeding a dog.

I would caution anyone with the co-ownership contracts.  There are so many unforeseen events that can come up and they won't be written into that original agreement.  With these types of contracts, it is not usually a 50/50 level of ownership and responsibility; this can cause problems.

Don't ever agree to an oral contract with a breeder regarding co-ownership, spay/neuter policies, dog sold only as a pet or the opposite sold only as a show dog.  If a breeder is requesting any of this; then get it in writing.  Save yourself heartache and money on down the road.

Contracts With Breeders

You may be asked to sign a contract with the breeder when you purchase a purebred dog.  Make sure you read the entire contract and understand it, before you sign it.  If something is unclear or simply hard to understand, ask questions.  If the answers you receive clear things up and you feel comfortable with the conditions of the contract then proceed; otherwise have a lawyer look at the contract or simply walk away.

A spay/neuter requirement by a certain age, may be a contract requirement by the breeder.  Breeders want to insure that only certain dogs are used in breeding.  The reputable breeder knows what dogs are show quality and which are pets.  If you have the attitude that spay/neuter policy is up to you personally; then don't buy from someone requesting this in a contract.

Recognized Colors & Markings For Saint Bernards

Did you know that there a nine different recognized colors for Saint Bernards from AKC?  Well there are and here is the list along with the code used by AKC.

1. Brindle & White - Code 059
2. Brown & White - Code 063
3. Mahogany & White - Code 130
4. Orange & White - Code 134
5. Red & White - Code 146
6. Rust & White - Code 162
7. White & Brown - Code 204
8. White & Orange - Code 213
9. White & Red - Code 214

The AKC recognized marking for Saint Bernards is the Black Mask, Code 004.

Training Your Saint Bernard - continues

Barking can quickly become a nuisance.  If you let it become a nuisance then you are not being a good neighbor.  Some dogs bark constantly when their owners are not at home.  Dogs that bark that much should not be left outdoors; they are a huge nuisance for any of your neighbors who are at home. Try using a bark collar with a static discharge.  The static discharge needs to be sufficient enough to get your dog’s attention but not so strong that injury is caused.  In most cases people are not using a strong enough static discharge, so the dog is not responding and the barking continues.  Debarking a dog should be considered when you become aware that your dog is a real nuisance in the neighborhood.

Training Your Saint Bernard - (cont.)

Housebreaking a puppy is another very important part of training.  It is pretty predictable when a puppy is going to need a potty break; so be proactive and take them outdoors.  Once a puppy has eaten, take them outdoors and be sure to praise them each and every time they do their business outdoors.  If you have some playtime with your puppy, afterward take them outdoors.  When they wake up from a nap, first thing in the morning and last thing at night; take them outdoors.  Repetition will teach them to go outdoors to relieve themselves.  Continual praise when they go outdoors is so very important as well.  If people are not consistent with housebreaking, their solution is simply to keep the dog outdoors.

Training Your Saint Bernard - continues

Training a puppy to walk on a leash without pulling requires a lot of time and patience.  I think it is something people give up on very early.  The way people deal with this problem is they stop walking their dogs, especially once they become large.  I think another way people deal with this is using dog parks; dogs are off leash in this environment, so the owner is not being dragged down the sidewalk and their dog is getting exercise.   There are many things you can use for leash training, head harnesses, chest harnesses, choke collars, choke collars with prongs, shorter leashes to name a few.  Techniques to use while walking, change directions, stop and don’t move till your puppy returns to your side and stops pulling, sharp yank on the leash when they are pulling to catch their attention.  It is not a onetime thing; success is achieved only with repetition and consistency.

Training Your Saint Bernard

Until you have had a very unruly and difficult Saint Bernard; you probably have not given much thought to training.  We fall in love with the adorable Saint Bernard puppy and end up making some very big mistakes during that first year.  Early and continual training is necessary.  It is part of being a responsible pet owner.  Enrolling in a puppy class can be beneficial to your puppy and you.  If pet ownership is new to you these classes point you in the right direction.  Of course, you actually have to go to these classes and practice at home what you learn during class time.

Some people send their puppies to boot camp.  Their puppy may get trained at camp but will they be trained for their owner?  Training requires that the owner be actively involved with the process.  There are no shortcuts with training.  It is very easy to become frustrated with the training process, success is not immediate.  Training is time consuming; we should all try to be responsible pet owners and training our puppies and dogs is fundamental.

Three Types Of Dog Shows - continues

The third type of dog show are the Specialty Shows; these shows are for a specific AKC recognized breed.  The Specialty Shows are held by individual breed clubs.  The national breed club, state breed clubs, or an area breed club (ex. northwest) host specialty shows.  In some states where there are more than one club for a specific breed, a cluster of specialty shows may be offered.  Sometimes specialty shows are held in conjunction with an all breed show;  in hard economic times many specialty clubs do this as it saves the club money.

At the specialty shows more dogs for a specific breed are entered than at most all breed events. Exhibitors like the specialty shows because the competition usually allows for major points to be awarded to the winners.   At many of the all breed shows there are not enough dogs entered for a specific breed; so only minor points are  awarded.  

Three Type Of Dog Shows - cont.

Group dog shows are for the AKC recognized breeds that are part of one of the seven groups.  For example at a Working Group Dog Show the following breeds would compete: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Black Russian Terrier, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Doberman Pinscher, Dogue de Bordeaux, German Pinscher, Giant Schnauzer, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Komondor, Kuvasz, Leonberger, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Portuguese Water Dog, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Standard Schnauzer, and Tibetan Mastiff.

There would be competitions for each of the separate breeds that are part of a group first.  The Best of Breed winners for each breed would be eligible to then compete in the group placement for first through fourth place.

(more later)

Three Types Of Dog Shows

The picture that comes to mind for most people when we think of a dog show are the all breed dog shows.  There are actually three types of dog shows, the all breed shows, the group shows, and the specialty shows.

The all breed dog shows are conformation shows consisting of breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club; in some cases additional breeds are allowed to compete and this would be noted in the premium list.  The seven groups (Working, Sporting, Terrier, Herding, Hound, Toy, and Non-Sporting) are part of the all breed shows.  The first place winners from the seven groups compete for the coveted Best In Show.

The show begins with an individual competition for each breed that is entered for the show.   Then all of the Best of Breed winners are eligible to compete in their group competition.  First through fourth place awards are handed out;  a group placement win is highly valued.  The Best In Show competition is for the very top dogs, consisting of the first place winners from the seven groups.

(more later)

Saint Bernard Specialty Show in Texas

The North Texas St. Bernard Club will host a Specialty Show today, Friday, October 14, 2011. The show will be held at Arbors I, II, III, Flea Market Road, Canton, Texas. This show is being held in conjunction with all breed shows hosted by Tyler Texas Kennel Club. The all breed shows will be held on Saturday, October 15th, and Sunday, October 16, 2011. Brandykegs wishes all the exhibitors good luck!

Working Group

The Working Group of dog consists of dogs that were bred to do a job; in other words work.  Some of the tasks the dogs were bred to do are pulling carts, guarding property, and search and rescue work.  The Saint Bernard is part of the Working Group.

Other breeds that are part of the Working Group are:

• Akita
• Alaskan Malamute
• Anatolian Shepherd Dog
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Black Russian Terrier
• Boxer
• Bull Mastiff
• Cane Corso
• Doberman Pinscher
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• German Pinscher
• Giant Schnauzer
• Great Dane
• Great Pyrennees
• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
• Komondor
• Kuvasz
• Leonberger
• Mastiff
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Newfoundland
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Rottweiler
• Samoyed
• Siberian Husky
• Standard Schnauzer
• Tibetan Mastiff

Types Of Conformation Shows

There are three types of conformation dog shows:

1. All-breed Shows - these shows offer competition events for the registered and different varieties of AKC recognized breeds.
2. Specialty Shows - these shows are for a specific breed or variety of a specific breed.  
3. Group Shows - these shows are for the dogs that are part of specific group.  There are seven Dog Groups:  Working, Herding, Hound, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting.  

A Little Background Info On AKC

The American Kennel Club (AKC) was started back in 1884.  From the beginning AKC was established to promote exhibiting, breeding, study, and advancement of the pure bred dog.  In the United States today it is the largest not for profit dog registry.

AKC consists of many member clubs and affiliated clubs.  These clubs do more than just put on a dog show.  They are active parts of their communities with involvement in:

• public education at schools
• fairs
• shelters
• libraries
• hospitals
• rescue leagues
• scouting and 4-H
• training classes
• health clinics (just to name a few)

AKC is responsible for the maintenance and approval for all the sanctioned and licensed events put on each year.

Columbus Day

Columbus Day celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas on October 12, 1492.

Saint Bernard Specialty Shows in New Jersey

The Northern New Jersey St. Bernard Club will host two Specialty Shows today, Sunday, October 9th, 2011. The show will be held at Overpeck County Park, Picnic Area, Ft. Lee Road, Leonia, New Jersey. There will be a morning and afternoon show. Good luck to all exhibitors from Brandykegs!

Top Ten AKC Registered Dogs For 2010 - concludes

The ninth position of most registered breeds with AKC for 2010 are Poodles; they held the same position in 2009.

Finally the tenth position of most registered breeds with AKC for 2010 is the Shih Tzu; in 2009 they held the same position.

Just in case you are wondering where the Saint Bernard breed fell into the list of registered breeds; it was number 45 held in 2010 and 2009.

Top Ten AKC Registered Dogs For 2010 - continues

Dachshunds hold the number eight position for the most registered breed with AKC in 2010; in 2009 they held this same position.

(9th & 10th positions tomorrow)

Top Ten AKC Registered Dogs For 2010 - cont.

The seventh position in the top ten registered breeds with AKC for 2010 is the Boxer; this breed held the sixth position for 2009.

(more tomorrow)

Halloween Products At Brandykegs

Scary skull and spooky sign to hang on your wall for Halloween.  To purchase go to Brandykegs Store.  Free USPS shipping.

Halloween Products At Brandykegs

Purple/orange tissue box cover with pumpkins, witches, and ghosts on the sides to scare away that cold.  Box of tissue included; free USPS shipping.  Visit our store for details.

Halloween Products At Brandykegs

Set of two ghosts and bats with Boo at the top of the group.  Visit our store to purchase.  Free USPS shipping.

Halloween Hand-Crafted Items

Orange/Black tissue box cover with ghosts, pumpkins and witches.  Cute way to hide that scary box of plain tissues.  Visit our store to purchase.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Halloween Hand-Crafted Items

Set of two happy faced pumpkins hanging danglers for your home.  Visit Brandykegs Store to purchase.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.