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Best Dog Training Techniques – Getting Results That Count

by Pet Care on February 4, 2012


When you really think about it, dog training techniques is something that can have a huge impact depending on the situation.

Using proven techniques, you will be able to get the most out of your dog training efforts. A short while, after implementing dog training tactics that really work, you will see some results from your efforts. To help train your dog, we have written this article with proven strategies that will help you achieve the success you have always dreamed of in regard to dog training.

Positive reinforcement is one of the most basic dog training principles of all, and its something that’s used by almost all trainers. Positive reinforcement is not the only strategy you can use. Discipline is very necessary, but as far as getting lifelong results, positive reinforcement usually trumps discipline every time. This technique will work with just about every dog. Dogs, for example, who have a tendency to be aggressive are sometimes made worse by a harsh method that involves punishment.

Almost all dogs respond to positive input, so when they do something good, reward them! If you really want to train your dog properly, only reward them once they have done something nice. If you’re too generous with the treats, he won’t get the message. One lesson that is difficult to convey to a dog is teaching it how to “stay”. Here’s what you need to do. First of all, your dog’s natural inclination should be to follow you wherever you go. You shouldn’t try to teach him this command until he already knows how to sit. After dog is sitting, quickly walk away, and from that point, you can teach it to remain in one spot. If your dog is successful, praise him and give it a treat. It is important to not punish your dog if he is not successful. Just start over. If you’re lucky, it may only take a few sessions to get your dog to “stay” on command.

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It is up utmost importance that you become the “pack leader” in the relationship between you and your dog. This is also known as being the alpha dog. Your dog might think that they are in charge if they believe they are the alpha dog. Basic actions should be taken right away, especially if you want to be in control. One of these is to never feed your dog until you are finished eating. Your dog should never sit where you sit. You have your place, and they have theirs. Always lead when you are leaving your house. If you don’t do this, the dog will think it is leading you! Begging is not allowed, nor is whining for anything. And you should never give it anything if it does. Dog training is a process that anyone can do, but it demands a steady and consistent approach for it to succeed. It does no good to only train a dog occasionally, as the dog won’t retain the information if it’s spaced apart too widely. Dog training is well worth the effort when you consider how much it will improve your relationship with your dog.

Ultimate Doggy Choosing Check List For First-Time Puppy Shoppers

by Pet Care on February 4, 2012


Most people agree that dogs are the best pets to keep. Not only are they loyal but they are also very helpful in various ways. I’ve met dog owners that use their dogs as running partners, security guards, hunting assistants, and even disability enablers.

Though being great companions, dogs are not good in grooming themselves. You can expect your dog to be a good hunter, but he can’t certainly make a nice meal. Buying a dog means responsibility: you have to keep your dog in good condition. All of this is work, but don’t be discouraged, it is well worth the effort.

A dog flea treatment what you should think of first before you get a dog. You do not want to bring home a dog with fleas. Worm medicine and other vaccinations should also be given to the dog before you even bring him or her home with you. Your dog will live longer and be more happy if he is healthy.

The next thing that you should consider is a leash and a fence in your yard area. However, you won’t be able to have a fenced yard if you live in a big city apartment. Dogs need exercise, fresh air, and a toilet to use. You can provide these to your humble canine with the help of the outdoors.

The leash you buy should be sturdy enough to hold your dog even if he decides to pull. While we want to make sure we train our dog to obediently walk with us, we must be prepared to deal with him if he doesn’t. You won’t be happy if your dog accidentally broke his leash and went straight into a truck.

Food items should be next on your list. Though dogs like to eat garbage, you should try to prevent them from doing so. Specially made dog food will be much easier on a dog’s stomach and when you clean up their poop you’ll be grateful that it is.

What you will need next are containers for the food and water of your dog. Make sure you buy two separate dog bowls for him to choose from. The bowls should be large enough that you don’t have to fill them up every hour. However, make sure you clean the dog’s water at least once a day. You can expect dirt and dog hair to get in your dog’s water bowl so it is up to you to remove them.

What You Need To Do If Your Dog Is Throwing Up

by Pet Care on February 3, 2012


Dogs throw up quite often. This is just natural canine behavior, and can have a number of underlying reasons.

So before you grab your car keys to rush the dog off to the vet, stop awhile! In most cases, there is no need for concern. Vomiting is just a natural way in which dogs remove unwanted matter from the body.

Of course, I’m not suggesting that you ignore it completely, because sometimes vomiting does suggest a more serious problem. But you’ll need to observe the dog for other symptoms, for example, If the vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, loss of appetite and general listlessness.

If these symptoms are present, get your dog to the vet right away, even though in most instances, it’s probably nothing to be concerned about.

Here are some common reasons why a dog may throw up;

Eating too fast – Many dogs tend to woof their food down, a throw back to the days when they could be attacked while eating. Feeding 3 to 4 smaller meals rather than one large meal may sort out the problem and will also protect against bloat, a potentially deadly condition.

Eating Grass – Dogs frequently eat grass and the jury is still out as to whether they consume it to induce vomiting, or if consuming it causes them to vomit. Whatever, if your dog eats a lot of grass, he’ll normally throw up soon after.

Eating the wrong foods – A dog will eat just about anything, so it’s up to you to ensure that your dog gets a healthy diet. Dogs that live on junk food and table scraps are always going to throw up. Ditto, dogs that make a habit of raiding the trash.

When should I be worried?

Although vomiting is usually nothing serious, it should not be ignored completely. An isolated instance is okay, but if you notice your dog vomiting more than once a day, make an appointment with your vet.

Also look out for other symptoms, like those mentioned earlier, as well as other unusual signs. Be particularly watchful for blood in the vomit or any strange coloration. If you see this, get your dog to the vet right away.

There may also be a more immediate cause behind your dog’s vomiting. For example, the dog may have eaten a poisonous plant, a household poison, or even a large amount of chocolate. If you think this make be the case, get the dog to your vet immediately.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Throwing Up

If you have a dog that throws up on a regular basis, there are a number of commonsense measures that you can put in place to reduce it.

Start by feeding your dog a healthy diet. Cut out all table scraps and junk foods and ensure that your dog cannot get into the trashcan. Feed your dog more frequent, smaller meals and add a fiber supplement, so the dog is less inclined to eat grass.

These steps should be enough to reduce dog vomiting, but if not, it is advisable to speak to your vet.

Read more about dog vomiting, dogs 101, dog health and other interesting dog information at www.dogsanddogtraining.com.

Need Help Training Your Dog? Here Are Some Tips!

by Pet Care on February 3, 2012


Are you thinking of getting a dog and don’t know where to begin training it? Have a dog and want to quell some undesirable behaviors? Well, then this article is for you! Read on to find simple, easy tips for training a dog to truly be man’s best friend. Click here to know more about guide dog training today.

A great dog training tip is to get everyone on the same page. If you’re trying to correct certain behavior, you don’t want a family member enabling that bad behavior. By having everyone on the same page, your dog will be much more likely to respond to training.

The “watch” command is extremely useful and should be taught to your dog early. The process is simple: hold a treat between your eyes and use the command. When the dog gets this idea, start moving your hand parallel to your face. Naturally, your dogs eyes should follow the treat. The moment he looks back at you, as if to say, “Aren’t you going to give me that?” reward him. Pretty soon, he’ll learn that looking you in the eyes is the best way to get what he wants. This technique is valuable for helping your dog to focus on you during distracting situations.

If your dog tends to chew on your shoes or other household items, you can stop this behavior by giving the dog a yummy substitute, such as a raw hide bone, to chew. The dog will likely abandon your shoes in favor of the raw hide, as the only reason he or she is chewing your shoes is that he or she is bored and needs something to do.

When training your dog, it is best to use one word commands so as not to confuse your pet. For example, say “sit” instead of “sit down”, “stay” instead of “don’t move.” This way there is no chance of your canine misinterpreting what you are asking it to do. Use a firm voice when giving commands, but do not yell and frighten your animal.

Never punish your puppy for bad behavior. A puppy doesn’t know when it’s behaving badly – it’s up to you to let it know. But never use punishment, as this can cause the puppy to become fearful and resentful of you. Instead, firmly tell your puppy when they have misbehaved, and only react strongly to positive actions by giving a lot of praise or maybe a small treat for good behavior.

Take a class on training or study books and websites regarding the topic before starting to train your dog. It seems easy to train a dog but a lot of things that make sense to us won’t make sense to a dog. Learning the proper way to train and studying how to run a good training session will be beneficial for you both during this process.

To ensure a well-trained four-legged friend from the start, make sure you practice consistency in all you do once you bring your new canine companion home. This means discussing all aspects of the dog’s care, needs and training with all members of your household. A dog that is getting yelled at by one family member for urinating in the house while another family member just quietly cleans up the mess serves only to confuse and frustrate the puppy. If all members of the family treat the dog uniformly, whether admonishing it or showering it with praise, the dog will learn more quickly, and all family members will have the ability to successfully command the dog with ease.

If your dog urinates from excitement upon your coming home or meeting new people, limit affection until the pooch calms down. This should reduce the excitement she feels and stop inappropriate peeing before it starts. If she does urinate, clean it up silently before taking her out. Do not end the walk until she does some business outside, and praise excessively. Stick to this, and she will learn that new people are not such a big deal, after all.

A good dog training tip is to start training your dog while it’s young. Younger dogs are more impressionable, and far more responsive to training than older dogs. Older dogs tend to be stubborn because they already have experience and behaviors that they’ve become used to for a while.

As you train your dog, it is important to remember that everything you do with your pet is an opportunity for them to learn. Without realizing it, you may be rewarding undesirable behaviors throughout the day. Keep in mind that whether you are actively training or not, your actions are still having a large impact on your dog’s behavior.

Crate training is something that is accomplished over time. First, you should only expect your dog to stay in the crate for short periods of time. As your dog grows older you can gradually extend this confinement, which can eventually stretch out to much longer periods of time without any ill effect on your pet.

When training your dog, try to use positive reinforcement. Instead of harshly scolding the animal when it does something wrong, reward it with a small treat when it behaves how you want it to. Soon enough, your puppy will learn to only do the behaviors that earn treats, becoming perfectly trained in no time.

Your dog should have appropriate boundaries when you’re not able to keep an eye on him. This is doubly important for dogs still working through their initial training, because they are less likely to remember the rules of your household intuitively. This warning is doubly important for leaving untrained dogs outside unattended, as there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to call him home successfully!

After reading this article you should be a little more prepared to tackle the task of training your dog. Take the tips and tricks you have learned from this article and apply them to a basic routine that is the same every time you work with your dog. Although it may not be the easiest task in the world, training your dog is of great benefit to him, everyone he comes in contact with and more importantly it will really enable you to enjoy life more too! If you want to know more about the secret to dog training, then read up more about how to train your dog to sit today.

A Breed Apart: Bullmastiff

by Pet Care on February 2, 2012


Originally bred to combat poachers in 18th century England, the Bullmastiff is a massive, muscular, and powerful dog. During the latter part of the 18th century, poachers were the bane of English country estates, and a dog was sought to assist gamekeepers in apprehending them. Unfortunately, the dogs of the day were either too vicious, or too slow, so a new breed was created by crossing the Bulldog and the Mastiff. The resulting dog was fierce, powerful, but pinned the poacher down, rather than mauling him.

The Bullmastiff was big enough, fast enough, and agile enough to excel at this job. And the dog seldom had to resort to force because even the bravest poacher was quickly frightened into submission.

And it’s easy to see why, because this is a very impressive dog. Standing 27 inches at the withers and weighing as much as 130 pounds, the Bullmastiff suggests both strength and quickness. It has a large head with and undershot jaw, and a dark face mask. The coat is short and can be tan, red or brindle.

Like many mastiff breeds though, the Bullmastiff is a gentle, loyal and affectionate dog, that bonds very strongly with its human family. They are known to be particularly good with children, provided play is supervised as a dog this big can accidentally knock a child over.

Obedience training is a must with this breed, as is early socialization and strong consistent leadership. The Bullmastiff is generally an obedient dog, but does tend towards dominance, especially if there is a lack of rules and boundaries. Male Bullmastiffs for example, can be highly territorial, and will often not accept another male dog in the household.

Bullmastiffs live a relatively short lifespan of less than 10 years. They are prone to a number of inherited diseases including canine cancers, entropion and progressive retinal atrophy. They also suffer from two conditions common in large dogs, hip dysplasia and bloat.

As many as 25% of Bullmastiffs will develop hip dysplasia, but a more serious problem is gastric torsion, or bloat. This results from a twisting of the stomach and is almost always fatal unless treated immediately. You can mitigate the risk by feeding several small meals during the day, rather than a single large meal.

The Bullmastiff is easy to groom. The short coat requires only a good brush down a few times per week to keep it in top condition.

Bullmastiffs may look tough, but they don’t enjoy being kept apart from their human family. They are also quite sensitive to extremes of heat and cold, so they are not really suited to outdoor living.

Fortunately, they are no problem indoors, and are so quiet, calm and well behaved that they are even suitable for apartment living. The proviso is that they will need to get out every day for a long walk.

Picking a name for your Bullmastiff can be a challenge. The best advice is to visit some of the many dog names, sites online. My recommendation is puppy-names-hq.com, which has a huge database, including thousands of boy dog names.

The best way to Correctly Introduce Your Dog for Bird Hunting To Water Entries

by Pet Care on February 2, 2012


Most retrievers love water, especially the Golden Retriever. But introducing your new puppy to water might be tricky. You might find that your puppy can be a small hesitant about going in to the water. Bear in thoughts that this is a new knowledge for your puppy and it will take him a whilst to acquire utilized for the notion of water.

You’re far better off to introduce your puppy to water as a puppy. The sooner he gets utilized for the water, the far better off he are going to be as well as the simpler he are going to be to train as a puppy. Remember that that you are introducing your puppy to water and not expecting him to execute great feats.

The most effective technique to introduce your puppy to water is always to do so slowly. You could get started using a game of catch. Toss a ball or other plaything for the puppy close for the water. You could continue playing this game together with your puppy, acquiring closer and closer for the water. Sooner or later, your puppy will venture in to the water. He may well jump back when he reaches this substance that he is unfamiliar with, but do not get discouraged. Continue the game outside of the water, teaching him gradually to move closer for the water.

In lots of instances, the breeder will have currently introduced the puppy to water. If the breeder has not currently completed this, it will be up to you. Start off slowly and continue with this type of training, gradually acquiring your puppy utilized for the water.

Once your puppy gets to be about four months old and is still shying away from the water, it is possible to get started taking him in to the water with you. It is actually vital that the water is just not too cold. The water must be no less than 60 degrees to ensure that your puppy doesn’t get too cold. Once you take the puppy in to the water with you, enable him to acquire utilized for the water in waist deep water. You could location him down and enable him to swim. Probably, he will almost certainly swim proper to shore. The extra which you do this, the extra he will get utilized for the water. Once again, it is best to not get impatient together with your puppy if he takes a whilst to acquire utilized to wading in water. A lot of pet dogs who’re afraid of water once they are young turn out to be incredibly fantastic swimmers and water pet dogs.

Once your puppy is utilized for the water, it is possible to then get started launching dummy birds in to the water to ensure that your puppy will go out and retrieve them. The objective of acquiring your puppy acclimated to water is always to get him to be able to retrieve birds from water. Finding your puppy utilized for the water by a slow introduction will be the to begin with step in this endeavor.

Recall to have patience together with your puppy and get started him out slowly when introducing him to water. You can find that by becoming patient together with your puppy and continuing these practice workout routines, your puppy will not only find out to retrieve in water, but will basically find out to like it. This may make for an fantastic bird dog that retrieves water fowl for you for the duration of your hunting trips.

Choosing the proper hunting dog supplies is extremely vital. Check out http://www.gundogsonline.com for a lot more information and facts on Peltor Work Tunes and Pro Ears Gold Series Ear Protection.

Having A Dog And Looking After It

by Pet Care on February 1, 2012


Having a family pet could be a fantastic thing specifically if its a dog, man’s best friend so they state. Having a doggie though is a lifetime dedication, they may appear all cuddly and sweet when they are a new puppy, and they soon mature and have undesirable habits, just as bad as an little one.

In a few circumstances sadly, pet owners just can not manage having a new dog, as a result of the behavior, or even their own working hrs are getting in the way, and occasionally the price. Not many people consider the price involved with having this kind of a family pet, the very first lot of jabs necessary the month to month worming and flea treatment, insurance coverages, and food. Nevertheless for those who’re dedicated and comprehend that there’re going to be problems to overcome it could be a pleasure.

When a new puppy is removed from its mother, that must be after 8 weeks and not before, and put into a new residence they are going to be extremely confused. Not only have they been removed from their mother and littermates, but there can be new sounds and odors to cope with as well. Allowing the new puppy to explore the house first is important, you need to be ready for small puddles and possibly a poo or even two. They will not have a lot of energy to explore for very long, so making sure that a specific area with a bed is already been made up for them, so they can sleep.

The first couple of evenings may be a lttle bit of a challenge, as they do have a tendency to weep quite a lot, they’ve never been left on it’s own previously. Many people use dog crates in the first couple of months for the puppy to sleep in, and it may be a good idea to place this inside a bed room, exactly where the puppy can still see that someone is there. Over time the pet crate could be moved further and further away until its inside the preferred place which you wish the puppy to remain, for example the conservatory or the kitchen utility room.

It is crucial to start teaching the puppy exactly where to go to the toilet. If the breeder where you purchased the puppy from was great, they would have actually started this procedure of taking them outdoors. Ensure you are taking them out often and praise when they do their own business. It may be best not to wash away what they’ve done right away, because it will leave a scent for them, so they recognize exactly where to go next time. It may be best to obtain a doggy door set up. Show the puppy how to go inside and out of it, with doggie snacks and a lot of compliments.

Having a doggie door set up is excellent for if you must leave the dog to go to work, or if you’re going shopping. They can allow themselves out to the yard, play as well as do their business, with out doing it all over your flooring. There are numerous varieties of doggie doors obtainable to accommodate any type of door or even dog you could possess.

By coaching a puppy you can ensure that they’ll grow to be an excellent dog and a life long friend.

Immiticide Treatment Solution For Dogs Afflicted By Heartworm

by Pet Care on February 1, 2012


Immiticide stands out as the single medicine that has got authorization from the FDA with regards to the treatment of heartworm in your dog. An alternative term for this medicine would be Melarsomine. This medicine must not be confused with the heartworm preventive medications prescribed to dogs. It is solely powerful to fight adult parasites, it does not affect the immature larvae which can be killed with the protective prescription drugs also it has to be administered by your vet.

Despite the fact this treatment is a prescription drug based upon the poison, arsenic, it is actually much, much better than the prior treatments using arsenic and unlike earlier treatment options, won’t induce toxicosis (and that is simply one more way of stating that it does not induce health issues as a result of poisoning). However, the medicine is certainly not permitted for any other creature than canines and is certainly not permitted with regards to human use.

Even though, as stated in this article, this kind of medicine is a good deal better than its predecessors, it actually does have some adverse reactions, the most typical of which may be the obstruction of blood vessels caused by dead worms being moved around inside the dog’s bloodstream. A blockage of this type is known as a thromboembolus and whenever a few are produced, they’re known as thromboemboli. On account of where the adult heartworms lodge, in the heart as well as the arterial blood vessels close to it, these kinds of thromboemboli may very well form within the lungs (pulmonary thromboemboli) because dead worms end up getting carried away from the heart – and can prove fatal.

Additional side effects tend to be not so serious and will include discomfort and inflammation where the injection of the medicine was administered, general malaise as well as fever and lethargy, losing desire for food as well as a cough. To find out more concerning immiticide cost, check out this post.

The common means of giving the medication for canines that don’t have a very large load of worms is actually by way of a single injection and then another injection after twenty-four hours. In dogs in which a very large worm burden has been diagnosed, a single injection will probably be used and then after 30 days another single injection followed in twenty-four hours by another, as previously mentioned.

A result of the risk of dead worms being transported into the lungs and creating an embolus, the dog will need to be kept extremely quiet as well as caged. After the initial few days the dog will likely be allowed out of the crate and will not be allowed to run or even play for several weeks. Once your pet dog is examined following treatment using Immiticide, Ivermectin (a heartworm preventive medicine) is going to be supplied to actually destroy juvenile larvae and your dog really should remain on the heartworm prevention program throughout its life.

Just lately, Immiticide shortages have had a lot of publicity, with pet dogs going on the waiting list to get treatment. To learn more about the shortage and cost of heart worm treatment, visit http://heartwormtreatment-fordogs.com now.

What A Dog Guardian Has To Know About Lymphoma in Dogs

by Pet Care on January 31, 2012


Lymphoma is a very serious disease, a cancer that targets the lymph tissue. As this tissue occurs in just about every major organ, the disease can spread rapidly and, if it is not treated, almost always results in death. It is the most common form of cancer affecting dogs.

Symptoms of Canine Lymphoma

Symptoms depend largely on which systems the cancer attacks. The most common forms of the disease affect the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system. In the case of the former, the dog may show loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. In the latter case, you may notice that the dog has shortness of breath and a muffled heart beat. Lymphoma can also attack the heart, bone marrow, eyes, skin, and the central nervous system.

Diagnosing Lymphoma

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should get your dog to the vet as soon as you possibly can.The vet will run a series of tests, starting with a biopsy of the affected nodes and organs. He may also do further test to determine how far the cancer has spread. These can include x-rays, ultrasound, blood analysis and a bone marrow biopsy.

Most dogs diagnosed with the disease die within two months if not treated, so it is vital to start treatment immediately, if the dog is to be given a fighting chance.

Treatment of Canine Lymphoma

As with human cancers, lymphoma in dogs is treated primarily by chemotherapy. Be forewarned that dog’s suffer from similar side effects to humans, including severe nausea and infections. In rare cases, the dog may even need to be hospitalized during treatment. If the disease is first detected at an advanced late stage, then chemotherapy may be ineffective, and the focus needs to be on making the dog’s remaining time as comfortable as possible.

There is a belief that consuming the fatty acids contained in fish oil may retard the growth of cancerous cells, but there are no documented clinical trials to support this view.

However, recent studies into canine lymphoma have produced some interesting findings. These studies suggest that it is not lymphoma that causes death but rather the failure of the dogs liver and kidneys. Changing the dog’s diet may therefore help to prolong life while the dog receives other treatment, such as chemo.

Chances of a Dog Surviving Lymphoma

Can a dog survive lymphoma? A lot will depend on how early the disease is detected. If it is caught early enough and treatment starts right away, then the dog may well survive.

Unfortunately, though, lymphoma is a disease with a high rate of recurrence. In these cases, a second round of chemotherapy may be administered, but you should be aware that it will not be as effective as the initial dose.

Bear in mind also that chemotherapy treatment can be very expensive, especially if you don’t have dog health insurance. Even though the chances of your dog getting lymphoma are very slight, pet insurance is always a wise investment.

Read more about lymphoma in dogs, information on dogs, dog health and other interesting dog info at dogsanddogtraining.com.

Dog Breeds: American Staffordshire Terrie

by Pet Care on January 31, 2012


An incredibly powerful and muscular dog, the American Staffordshire Terrier, descends from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, although it is taller, and more heavily built.

The Am Staff, as it is commonly called, stands 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder and is bigger than its cousin, the American Pit Bull Terrier. The dog gives and overall impression of power and is heavy boned, with a large head and immensely strong jaws. The ears are sometimes cropped, although uncropped ears are more popular. The coat is short and glossy, and can be any solid or patched color.

The Am Staff traces its history back to Staffordshire, England, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These dogs had been created by crossing the Bulldog with various terrier breeds, but when they arrived in America, local breeders decided they wanted a larger dog, suitable for dog fighting.

Dog fighting was officially banned in the early 1900s, but continued to operate underground. This saw a split in the Am Staff breed. The American Pit Bull Terrier continued to be used in the illegal dog pits, while the American Staffordshire Terrier took to the show ring.

The Am Staff may look fierce an intimidating, but it is actually an affectionate, friendly and outgoing dog. They make excellent pets and are known to be very good with kids. You will have to watch them around young kids though as they tend to be quite boisterous.

The Am Staff is very protective of those it loves. Not that these dogs usually need to resort to aggression. Few would be stupid enough to challenge them.

Training, socialization and consistent pack leadership are essential with this breed. Not so much because of their, largely undeserved, reputation for aggression, but because an untrained dog this powerful in virtually impossible to control.

Finding good dog names for your Am Staff is easy when you know where to look. Try Puppy Names HQ and pick from 1000s of categorized dogs names including a huge database of male dog names.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is generally a sound breed, but like all purebred dogs, suffers from a number of inherited diseases. These include hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease, tumors, cataracts, skin allergies, and thyroid problems. Average lifespan for the breed is 12 to 16 years.

The Am Staff is an easy dog to maintain, needing only a weekly brush down to keep it looking its best. Don’t bathe the dog too often or you’ll strip essential oils from the coat and skin.

This breed is fairly adaptable in terms of living conditions, a house and garden is best but it can adapt to an apartment, provided it gets sufficient exercise. A long daily walk on the leash should take care of the dog’s exercise needs.

These dogs love being close to those they love, and are therefore better suited to living indoors.