Breed Of The Week: Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a strong and purposeful history. In the mid 17th century, African Khoi dogs were the common dogs for hunting and used for herding and protecting cattle from animals such as lions and leopards. Through selective breeding and years of refining a dog who could endure the African bush, thrive in spite of extreme temperatures and limited water, and yet would be a brave and cunning hunter and loyal family dog. 

Today, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is South Africa's national dog and is known as an intelligent and focused hound. With the vigor to ward off lions, this dog can tend to be domineering and may not be the best fit for a family looking for their first household pet. 

They must be guided from a young age with a firm sense of clarity and rules, and are therefore require a great deal of patience and understanding to raise into happy and healthy dogs with a job and purpose. I highly recommend consulting a breeder to discover whether or not this breed would be a good fit for you. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are incredibly affectionate, but also determined hunters and leaders and are therefore not the best fit for everyone. 

Dog Training 411: Spotlight on Bruno

Bruno is a Shepherd and Lab mix who is doing such a fabulous job with the bike and backpack! His owners contacted me for training as they saw a few concerning behaviors such as spatial unawareness and the beginning stages of separation anxiety. 

They have done a great job of applying my methods of 1) exercise, 2) discipline, 3) affection (in that order) and have seen great strides of improvement in Bruno's behavior. Every dog needs a job, and I helped them discover that Bruno's job could be carrying water bottles on their daily walks. 

While Bruno's in home manners are still a work in progress, his owners continue to work with him regularly to instill a sense of respect and purpose to his coming and going in the house, and I believe he is on an excellent track to be free of separation anxiety soon. 

Photography: Oliver

Bark Avenue is a beautiful dog grooming boutique and playcare business run by Amy Neiman! From the first moment I met Amy, I recognized that she was such a professional person who had so many great things to contribute to the world. Her boutique is stunning, her skills with both dogs and people are so impressive, and her little right hand man is a charmer! 

Amy had me take staff pictures for her and her business, and I had the pleasure of grabbing this shot of her and Oliver. With a sad heart, I've been informed that Oliver passed away recently, and he will be missed terribly by all who enter Amy's Bark Avenue. This shot was taken at Bark Avenue using window light only, and Oliver wasn't the easiest dog to photograph, but I'm so glad that they have this photo to cherish. 

Breed Of The Week: Puli

The Puli is a fascinating and beautiful sheep herding dog from Hungary, though its similarities in appearance to the Tibetan Terrier have made some believe it could originally be from China. They have a stunning coat, consisting of two layers that matte as they age, depending on how it is groomed and cared for.

A loyal family dog who is always looking for a job, the Puli can be skeptical of strangers and has a more naturally dominant disposition. While they fit into smaller homes and suburbia life due to their medium size, this dog is most ideal for the farm. 

They can become over protective and take a dominant role in the household if not given clear rules, boundaries and limitations. I would highly recommend consulting a breed specialist who can inform you more fully on whether or not the Puli would be a good fit for your household. 

They make fabulous pets, but the time and dedication it takes simply to maintain their coat is above and beyond what most family dog owners are looking for. The Puli is truly a unique and stunning breed, and they are fabulous at sheep herding!