Everything Outdoors – Hunting, Fishing and Hiking

Archive for the ‘Hunting Dogs’ Category

Dog breeds in general have similar characteristics. Some dog breeds are more likely to kill than others and some breeds are more protective of their masters and physical surrounding than others. There has been a 20 year study to determine which dog breeds are more likely to actually kill human beings. This United States study was done for the years 1979 through 1998.

This study tracks 238 human deaths from dog attacks during a 20 year period. 24% of these attacks involved unrestrained dogs off their owners property. 58% of the deaths involved unrestrained dogs on their owners property. 17% involved restrained dogs on their owners property and less than 1% involved a restrained dog off the owners property.

Some of the conclusions of the study are not suprising. Yes, certain breeds are more likely to kill than others. Yes, deaths from dog attack are quite rare. Also it is sometimes difficult to determine the actual breed of a dog. Communities who try to ban specific dog breeds for public safety will find it difficult to define the parameters of what constitutes that breed.

Several factors interact with the dog to enhance the possibility of a human being attacked by a dog besides the breed of the dog. These factors include heredity, sex, early experience, socialization, training, health, reprodcutive status, quality of ownership and victum behavior. Additionally, this study did not look at intervening variable such as was the dog protecting his owner from serious harm or death or was the dog actually protecting himself from serious harm or death.

Male dogs are 6.2 times more likely to bite then female dogs. Sexually intact dogs,both male and female, are 2.6 more times likely to bite than neutered dogs and chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite then unchained dogs.

One suprising conclusion of several studies is the fact that many varieties of dogs have been involved in a fatal human attack for one reason or another. Topping the list of deaths by dog in a twenty year period is the Pit Bull and Pit Bull mix at 66 human deaths. The Rottweiler and Rottweiler mix was responsibe for 39 human deaths. The German Shepherd dog and mix were responsible for 17 human deaths. The Husky type dog was responsible for 15 human deaths as was the Malamute responsible for 12 human deaths. The Chow Chow was responsible for 8 deaths while the Doberman was responsible for 9 human deaths. The Saint Bernard was responsible for 7 human deaths and the Great Dane was also responsible for 7 deaths. The Akita killed 4 people, the Bulldog 2, the Mastiff 2, the Boxer 2 and believe it or not the Labrador Retriever was responsible for 1 death while Lab mixes were responsible for 4 deaths. The following dogs were responsible for killing one human each during these twenty years: The Bullmastiff, Cheasapeake Bay Retriever, West Highland Terrier, Japanese Hunting Dog, Newfoundland, Coonhound, Sheepdog, Rhodesian Ridgeback and cocker Spaniel.

The conclusion that I make from this study is that almost any dog of size can be dangerous, particularly to children. Dogs must be properly trained, supervised, and care must be taken when choosing a breed with the propensity to be aggressive. Most important, keep young children away from male, sexually intact, chained dogs.

Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-prevent-a-dog-bite-65368.html

One of the very first dog breeds that I photographed for my Animal Antics series was a miniature poodle.  We shot him for the cheer leading poodles image.  You could tell he was smart…and certainly was a bit of a trickster.  He would race around the studio checking on what everyone was doing…until it came time to shoot him.  Each time we started to shoot he would suddenly come up with a limp and could hardly walk.  As soon as we would finish our session off he would race with no sign of difficulty!

The poodle is truly a wonderful breed of dog with some outstanding qualities. The breed is generally recognized as coming in three sizes, standard, miniature and toy…though teacup poodles are also available. They have hair rather than fur…so they are, in effect, hypoallergenic and don’t shed.

Poodles are extremely intelligent and take well to training.  They learn quickly…but because they also forget slowly an owner must be consistent or risk resentment. Poodles are a sturdy breed and live between 10 and 18 years and in some cases up to 21 years. They are, however, susceptible to a number of genetic health problems. Like most large dog breeds, Standard poodles need a good amount of exercise but are comfortable in pretty much any size of home. Of the three sizes, standard, miniature and toy, standards are considered the most adaptable.

The breed is an ancient one…there are likeness of Poodle-like dogs on Roman coins and Egyptian carvings.  There are references to Poodles as far back as the fifteenth century in France, Holland and Italy. The first reference to Poodles being good swimmers was in 1642 (the Poodle was originally bread as a water retriever).  The “Poodle Clip” was originated to help reduce resistance in the water.  The patches of hair left covering the vital organs and joints were left to help protect those areas. In France the Poodle is the national breed and is used for truffle hunting as well as the more expected duck Hunting.

The standard poodle is a truly a versatile breed and in addition to being excellent water retrievers they have served as guide dogs, in law enforcement…and even competed in the Alaskan Iditarod Sled dog race!  Miniature poodles are sometimes thought of as “one person” dogs, but are obedient, can be a child’s best friend and make good trial dogs.  They do tend to think they are bigger than they really are and one has to be careful of their protective   tendency…particularly around other dogs.  Toy poodles make great companions and are especially good when quarters are tight.

Poodles are too intelligent to be “part time” pets…but need to be a regular and consistent part of their owner’s lives.  Poodle’s coats need to be kept well groomed or their coats could become unpleasant to be around, and in extreme cases it can be a health hazard.  Poodles have a great disposition…are cheerful and confident and can make a truly great companion.

John M. Lund
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/poodle-breeds-have-some-outstanding-qualities-673562.html

While most hunters tend to think the biggest bucks are to be found in the farthest reaches of the wilderness areas, many are realizing that the deer they were after might have been right there at home all along.

Of course it is true that unhunted places harboring really big bucks do exist in some of the less accessible, out-country areas. These places become less and less of a haven each season as the motorized hunter enters the wilderness.

Many a buck has crouched low to watch the ATV go by and gone back to the normal routine after the noisy intrusion passed by.

A stand of pines, a blackberry thicket, or a honeysuckle thicket right behind a house which is cut off from the rest of the woodlands by a cow field or other fields is ideal for deer.

You might find big bucks next to urban areas in the most unexpected places. These bucks have chosen these places to hide from hunters. There are fewer natural predators here also. Here they feel safer. The sounds of farm activity intrigue them. They like to keep tabs on the enemy. Regular activity is unalarming. Some like music and will take up residence near a regularly-played radio. Although dogs can be a formidable enemy to deer, deer might feel more at ease bedded down near dogs they know won’t bother them. These dogs will keep other dogs away.

Campfire stories at any deer camp will eventually include some story about a deer being encountered in an unsuspected, nearby place. An example is one I heard about a farmer who headed off in early morning to the wilderness in search of a buck. When he returned worn-out and empty-handed, his wife said, “You should have stayed at home; that old buck got his horns stuck in the cow feeder.”

WATERHOLES

During periods of drought, watering places are choice places to hunt. They are not the best selection when water is plentiful. Wounded or sick deer will go to water often, but healthy deer can do without it awhile, finding needed moisture in vegetation or snow.

Deer have definite water preferences and are quite choosy about what they drink when they can be. A mineral spring is the choice type of water source. A valley spring is ideal for a stand. The minerals found in these sources make the antlers large and firm, a fact which the bucks seem to instinctively know. Big bucks will frequent such places just as body builders go for protein supplements to health-food stores. Deer prefer sulphurous water to clear water. Water can be quite dingy in appearance yet be delightful to deer.

Deer do not hang around ponds, lakes, streams, or waterholes long because of the steady animal traffic to these locations. Does searching for bucks or vice-versa may prove an exception to this rule, but if they do hang around they will be concealed and on the alert with choice escape routes handy. Generally they just drink and leave. All the predators frequent the water, so any deer here exhibit an unmistakable wariness. Their ears move endlessly, and they spend several minutes waiting, looking, and scenting the air before each drink. In groups, one will drink and then the other.

Swimming deer are easy prey for boaters. Harassing swimming deer is strictly forbidden by law. Taking a swimming deer is subject to a strict penalty. The hunter can, however, position himself on land and harvest a deer which has reached land fully. This method of Hunting is productive at some larger lakes and on rivers of larger size. The hunter positions himself across river from prime deer habitat which is certain to be invaded with hunters on opening day. This prime deer habitat is usually the low-lying side of the river, the flood plain. The hunter takes a vantage point on the high bank opposite and glasses the water for deer. When spotting his prey he plots a possible landing point for the deer and while disguising his movement positions himself for a telescopic shot.

A 200-pound live-weight deer will drink two to three quarts of water daily at average weather temperatures.

A deer which has drowned does not make good eating. Drowning can be avoided by allowing the deer to fully clear the bank before shooting.

A deer disease commonly called “blue tongue” dehydrates deer and sends them to water continuously. When deer are affected by this disease, it is usually publicized by state officials. The tongue of such a deer will be swollen and blue. These thirsty deer are discovered drowned as they died while attempting to quench their thirst. It is said that the meat of such an animal is still consumable, but I suggest that no diseased deer of any kind be eaten unless you are desperate.

Islands are good places to find deer, for they are isolated from dog packs and have fewer predators. Often island deer seem to have a generally happier attitude about things and roam more freely as a result. Islands with agricultural crops bordered by tree-lines or other cover on the banks are particularly productive. Willow thickets are great food in themselves. Farmers who take advantage of the fertile flood-plain silt soils carry their machinery by ferry to such places.

Deer are excellent swimmers. A big river or lake is no obstacle, but rather a pleasure for them to swim. Deer have been known to cross considerable distances in the water, such as the Great Lakes. The hollow hair makes them buoyant, as when a person swims with a life preserver strapped around his chest. Nature’s equipment for the deer allows it to exert minimal effort to stay afloat and transfer its energy to movement. Deer can swim at a speed of 13 MPH.

When hunting pressure hits, large concentrations may flee to island retreats. Big bucks particularly favor islands for security. There are islands which are traditionally used for the rut that generations of deer instinctively head to for breeding.

Deer like to cut off their scent paths by crossing water and placing a barrier between themselves and their predators. Of course, islands are not fool-proof protection from coyotes and dogs since these animals can swim also, but they will swim reluctantly. For all these reasons, islands are good places to find deer which other hunters cannot reach. Predators do sometimes invade island herds and chase them away, but this is the exception and not generally true.

Islands in the Atlantic Ocean have sub-species of deer which are found nowhere else. These islands are generally fairly far from the mainland, making commuting by deer unlikely.

Remember that rifle bullets can travel long distances when glancing across the water in ricochet unobstructedly.

Albie Berk
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/backyard-bucks-and-waterholes-699408.html

A lot of Shih Tzu likes to go on adventures, which makes travel attractive for them. This is their natural Hunting instincts making them want to meet new people and explore new places. However, it may pose as a problem since taking a Shih Tzu along during your travels may be inconvenient. Quite a few people are frightened of dogs and the mess that dogs make while you’re traveling can be very troublesome. It should also be noted that many lodgings and transportation services don’t cater to pets such as dogs and cats.

Having your Shih Tzu watched over by a professional pet handler may be needed to take care of your Shih Tzu during the trip. You also have the option of having your pet stay with a managed kennel. When checking around for a place for your Shih Tzu to live while you’re away, make sure it is comfortable and clean. The dogs staying there should also look content and well-taken care of. A few of these dog kennels allow for you to provide your Shih Tzu’s own sleeping blanket, toy and his favorite foods for while you’re away. Make sure, though, that your Shih Tzu has had its immunization since it is a regular requirement for your dog’s stay in such places.

Though, if you really insist on your Shih Tzu’s company when traveling, here are a few tips:

- A clean bill of health from your veterinarian. Your vet should also be able to provide you a certificate for this.

- Buy a sturdy dog carrier. This is a must since you’d rather not lose your Shih Tzu en route to your destination. A few airlines have dog carriers available for sale though they can be quite expensive. Also, remember that some airlines prefer having your pet in the compartment for luggage. If you really can’t part with your beloved, get a reservation from an airline that allows pets to remain with you during the flight.

- Your Shih Tzu needs good ventilation to keep him cool. Try to get air-conditioned cars when traveling cross-country. This is also true if you are traveling in trains.

- Don’t let your Shih Tzu hang his head out the window while the car is moving. It may be tempting to let your pet play around, but the risks of falling out or getting hit are still there.

- Leaving your Shih Tzu inside the car or under the sun is risky. Heat stroke is a serious danger to your pet and can even be fatal.

- Never leave your Shih Tzu unattended, especially when he is in his carrier. He may get stolen or kidnapped. This also goes for when he’s wandering around. Sometimes, Shih Tzu can be too adventurous and may end up in trouble, or worse, getting you in trouble.

- Fast pulse, rapid panting, red eyes and gums, excessive slobbering, feverish temperature or vomiting, means that your Shih Tzu needs to see a vet quickly. Have cool towels placed on your Shih Tzu and get to the closest pet clinic as soon as possible.

- Some countries have specific rules about pet travel. Try to familiarize yourself with them and try to follow them to avoid legal troubles later.

- A certificate for rabies vaccination and a notarized local language certificate from the closest embassy or consulate are sometimes required, so get one just in case. Better safe than sorry.

- In preparing for a long trip on the road, ready identification for your Shih Tzu. A collar with the Shih Tzu’s name, your name and a handy contact number can save you from a lot of trouble.

- First-aid kits for your Shih Tzu can be easily fixed up. Remember that some emergencies are special to dogs. A flea or tick powder is a good addition to this.

- Have a ready supply of your Shih Tzu’s favorite doggy treats during the trip. Make sure to bring more than enough to last the entire trip to be safe.

- Pack the essentials: clean water, dishes, favorite dog toys, leash, brush, plastic bags and towels, anything than can help your Shih Tzu stay happy during the trip.

- Your Shih Tzu should be given the chance to answer the call of nature every two to three hours so it won’t make any embarrassing messes.

Hopefully, these tips will help you have a better time with traveling with your Shih Tzu.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Connie Limon
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/travelling-with-your-shih-tzu-137577.html

Throughout history most of a veterinarian’s clientele was farm livestock (large animals). Dogs, cats and other household pets made up such a small amount of their daily business there was very little reason to study up on it. Even the beloved European veterinarian, James Herriott, counted on the Yorkshire farmers for a majority of his country clinics business. In 1884 that began to change when the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary school opened the United States very first clinic specializing in the veterinary needs of dogs. In 2001 the United States of America had over 28,000 veterinarians who specialize in small animals.

It is fitting that Pennsylvania opened the very first vet clinic that specialized in the veterinary needs of dogs, the state has had a long running bond with the canine population, starting with the states founders, William Penn’s, Great Dane. A portrait of this Great Dane standing beside his master can be seen hanging in the governor’s reception room of the governor’s mansion in Harrisburg Pennsylvania.      Pennsylvania considers the Great Dane the state dog. Owners of Great Dane’s appreciate the breed’s faithfulness, intelligence, beauty, courage, and tolerance. Great Danes stand approximately 30-34 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 120-200 pounds, people who have Great Danes believe that the larger the dog the better. Because of their large size Great Danes are not an exceptionally long lived dog; their bodies simply aren’t designed to last very long. Many Great Danes suffer from heart problems, bloat, twisted intestines, and tail injuries. Some Great Danes have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Great Dane owners are not advised to take their Great Danes jogging until the puppy is at least one year old. Dogs featured in ancient Greek art work bear a strong resemblance to today’s Great Dane. German hunters were especially impressed with the dog’s ability at Hunting bears and wild boars and bred the best great Danes to the best Greyhounds which helped create a leaner more agile breed.

Dog owners in the state of Pennsylvania are more then eligible to purchase pet health insurance for their dogs from the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel club estimates that the average pet owner who purchases an essential pet health care insurance plan (the essential health insurance plan is the name of the AKC’s lowest health insurance policy) through them will only pay approximately sixty-eight cents per day. Pet owners who purchase pet health insurance through the American Kennel Club have four different types of health insurance plans to choose from. The American Kennel Club Insurance company is happy to include cats into its health care insurance program. The American Kennel club is so confident that pet owners will love the benefits of purchasing pet health care insurance through them that they proudly offer owners the opportunity to test drive their insurance policy free for sixty days. Pet owners who insure their pets with pet health care insurance offered by the American Kennel Club are allowed to decide if they would like to receive a monthly statement in the mail or if they would rather pay for the an entire years worth of insurance in one lump sum and then not have to worry about it for twelve months.

Joan Shine
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/health-insurance-for-pets-in-pennsylvania-703882.html

Dogs come in many shapes and sizes. They are one of the varied species on the planet. All these different kinds of dog originated from the wolf. It is almost impossible to believe it but the Pekinese is more closely related to the wolf than is the German Shepherd.

This great variety of dogs results from selective breeding over millenia. For centuries human beings have been chosing those characteristics in dogs that they found desirable for some reason. Dogs have been selected for their small size so that they fit down badger hole or make lap dogs. They have been selected for their large size so that they can act as guard dogs and shepherd dogs. They have been selected for thick coats in cold climates or to be almost hairless.

The dog is one of the oldest of domesticated animals and over the many centuries that they have lived and worked with humans they have played many roles. Consequently, there are innumerable breeds of dog. They have been bred to meet the requirements of different occupations and to meet the aesthetic standards of different societies.

Often toy breeds have been developed from working dogs. The Affenpinscher is an example of this. It is a toy version of the pinscher and schnauzer family. It makes a good family pet because of its affectionate nature. This is a highly intelligent dog that is highly trainable. The coat is wiry and ususally dark in color.

The Anatolian Shepherd is less well known than the familar German Shepherd. But its strong build and courageous nature makes it an ideal security or Hunting dog.

The Basenji or African Hunting Dog is a silent dog. It has been bred to have no bark so that it does not disturb game. It is not a particularly affectionate animal but will become accustomed to people if handled from an early age.

A very different kind of dog is the Bouvier des Flandres. This dog was bred as a herd dog in France. It looks somewhat like a terrier. But it has a placed nature. The coat is rough and usually dark in color. They are often used in police work or as a guide dog for the visually impaired. They are intelligent and respond well to training.

The Ovtcharka from Central Asia is a large dog that has been used for herding. It has a fearless nature and is very brave. They ususally have their ears and tails docked when they are puppies.

From Poland comes the Owczarek Nizinny which is a medium sized dog. Its coat is long and often covers its eyes. They make excellent pets but hate to be left alone for long as they are very social.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-breeds-6-rare-precious-breed-on-hold-753305.html

Everybody has heard of the basset hound or the beagle. This type
of dogs has proved to have many qualities or has been advertised
a lot. The influence plays also an important role:if one of my
friends. to whom I compete has just bought a pitbull, I should
definitely bring about a Tossain. How about the Polish Owczarek
Nizinny? i know nothing about it so this shouldn’t be my choice.
There are many breeds of dogs left on this planet which prove to
have more qualities, yet, are unpopular. This article will
present you some of these breeds.

The affenpinscher

This is the smallest dog in the breed which also presented us
the schnauzers. The affenpinscher is thought to be the most
suitable for a family pet as it is very intelligent, easy to
train of a good demeanor. They have a dark fur and have always
shown affection to human beings.

The anatolian Shepherd

This dog breed is of a medium size and has proved to be very
courageous. This breed is very powerful and loyal and it is used
in U.S.A especially for military and hunting purposes.

The basenji

The dogs from this breed are medium sized muscular dogs and are
also named the Africa Barkless Dogs. What is funny is that they
ever bark because they don’t want to do so as researches have
shown they are not mute.They are extremely known in Africa for
their Hunting skills.They are not suitable as family pets but
their aversion to humans can be diminished if they are handled
properly from an early age.

The Bouvier des Flandres

This small and steady dog breed is somewhat similar to the
terrier one . Their fur is generally in dark shades and they
have proved to be very calm. At the beginning they were bred as
herders in France but nowadays they are used for police and
military purposes, as well as guidance for blind persons.

The central Asian Ovtcharka

The Central Asian Ovtcharka includes only large and muscular
dogs. They appear to be very loyal and fearless dogs with strong
protective instincts which makes them being used as watchdogs.
As any other large dog they have their ears and tail cut from an
early age.

The Polish Owczarek Nizinny

This dog is of a medium size muscular dog with a long fur which
covers its eyes. It can be used as a family pet, being very
loyal, yet they shouldn’t be left alone because they are
notorious for the ‘disasters’

they cause in this situation.

All in all what we do know is that many dog breeds are not so
famous but they prove to have some qualities which cannot be
surpassed. They may be great hunters or family pets; the idea is
that we should pay much attention to them as they are really
fantastic.

For great information about dog breeders, dog breeds, dog books,
dogs for sale, stud dogs, dog names, dog rescue, dogs wanted and
missing dogs just visit us at http://www.Doggies.ca

Andrew Mills
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/6-different-dog-breeds-you-dont-know-3387.html

If you don’t already own a dog, it is important to choose the right breed for your family. Deciding on getting a pet, much less what type of pet, is a very tough decision. Once you and your family decide on getting a dog, it is important that you find the right dog that fits your family’s lifestyle. For those that have young children, you need to find a dog that is suitable and one you can trust. To help with your search, listed is information on five types of dogs that are the most suitable for having around young children.

1. Retrievers

This category consists of both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Both dogs are loyal and devoted family members and can be easily trained. These dogs love the outdoors and will play very well with your young kids. Kids usually tend to have more patience with the dogs than adults, which will help the bond between the dog and the child and help to train the dog to behave properly. Retrievers make great companions for kids of all ages.

2. Poodles

Poodles come in a variation of sizes, which gives you the choice of what size of poodle would best suit your family. This breed can work with the best of them – hunting, swimming and retrieving! They are also extremely intelligent and do well in all dog sports. Their affectionate and patient nature makes them a great choice for families. Another plus with this breed is the lack of shedding.

3. Pug

Pugs are a smaller breed, yet have the personality of a big loyal dog. These stocky little wrinkled dogs have been described by breed experts using the Latin term “multum in parvo” (”much in little”). This breed is incredibly sociable, preferring the company of humans over other dogs or pets (though they usually do get along with them). They seem to have a special bond with children and love to play.

4. Irish Setter

This is a larger breed of dog, yet they are calm and love to be within a family. They are loyal and enjoy watching over young kids. These dogs are eager to please, so they are easily trained to follow commands and day-to-day behavior. Originally, these dogs were bred for Hunting, but they also make a great family pet.

5. Bichon Frise

The bichon frise is a smaller breed that looks like a big cuddly white fluff ball. They have happy-go-lucky spirits and are faithful and obedient. This breed stands out from other small dog breeds because of their lovable personality. The bichon does however require regular grooming, but because of its small stature does not have the hip problems like larger dog breeds.

All of the above listed breeds are proven to be great family pets, especially those with small children. These breeds range from large to small in size, yet all of them have the best qualities that you can find in a dog. I’m sure that any of these would be great additions to a family with children.

Mary Hickman
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/5-top-dog-breeds-for-young-children-680818.html