Why I Love the Labrador Retriever Part 1

I get a ton of emails asking why I love the Labrador retriever. Today's video is the first in a series devoted to answering that question. If you are thinking about getting a Labrador Retriever puppy, or are simply a fan of the breed, be sure to follow along and contribute your own opinions in the comments section!

I hope you guys enjoy!

Extract from an article published by the Labrador Retriever Club USA: “Within the Labrador Retriever breed type there are variations in body style which have evolved to suit the use of the dog, as well as the preferences of individual breeders and owners. In the United States the general public has begun to label these variations mistakenly as "English or "American" style. Perhaps a better description for variations in style is "show/conformation" or "working/field" styles. The working/field or "American" style of dog is the label often attached to a Labrador possessing lighter bone structure and exhibiting more length of leg, a less dense coat, and a narrower head with more length of muzzle. The conformation/show or "English" style Labrador Retriever is generally thought of as a stockier dog, heavier of bone and shorter on leg and with a denser coat, and having a head often described as "square or blocky." However, working/field variations occur in England as well, so this description is not necessarily suitable.”

The first Labradors in the United States were imported from England in 1911.

If you would like more information about my services, heres a link to my website: http://kentuckycanine.com/

If you would like to see some cool photos, here's a link to my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonniedennis/

This channel is devoted to providing a window into the life of professional dog trainer, Stonnie Dennis. I talk about dog training, boarding, health, equipment, and all the things that go into owning and running a successful dog training and boarding kennel.

At our kennel we place special emphasis on helping dogs reach their full potential through the use of physically and mentally demanding activities. Our primary goal is to help families raise happy, healthy, well socialized, canine companions. We especially love training Labrador Retrievers, so don't be surprised when you see Labs of every age, size, shape, and color!!!

If you would like to see some cool photos, here's a link to my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonniedennis/

#englishlabradorretriever #englishlab #americanlab #showlab #fieldlab

Protect Your Puppy From Drowning Part 1

Today I demonstrate a simple puppy training exercise we use to teach puppies how to stay safe when swimming, boating, exploring, or being involved in an accident. This video also contains a short bonus scene, with a Jack Russell Terrier puppy, about using a positive reinforcement puppy training technique, called targeting, to help folks with a bad back or or other condition train their puppies comfortably and effectively. I hope you guys enjoy!

If you would like to see some cool photos, here's a link to my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonniedennis/

#puppy #puppytraining #jackrussellterrier #aussiedoodle #puppyswimming

German Shorthaired Pointer - How Much Exercise Does a GSP Really Need?

Today we are taking a couple of young German Shorthaired Pointers on a farm adventure training session. We thought this would be a good chance to provide a little insight into the the GSP's naturally high levels of energy, endurance, and natural inquisitiveness.

If you are thinking about purchasing a German Shorthair Pointer, make sure you understand that you are purchasing a dog that is bred to hunt and run all day long, with very little rest. These dogs are very rewarding companions, but one must be realistic about the effort level required to help them be successful in a suburban environment.

For more information, visit the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America:

http://www.gspca.org/Breed/All-About/... The breed is considered medium in size with the males slightly larger than the females. One should be able to determine the sex of the dog based on general appearance, i.e. males should look masculine and females should look feminine. A fairly healthy breed but the first time buyer should always inquire about health clearances of the sire and dam when looking for a puppy. Breeders should have no problem discussing or answering any health issues being asked. The following are considered as a minimum to ask about: OFA or PennHip - hip dysplasia; Cardiac-echocardiogram for congenital cardiac; CERF - current eye clearance of PRA done each year until age 6 every two years afterward; CD - DNA test for carrier status for cone degeneration (may be cleared by both Parents DNA test indicating "normal" a non-carrier.) Read more about health clearances.

It is important to remember this is primarily a hunting dog, bred for a purpose, and as such will have a high level of activity and/or energy that needs to be channeled. Just like people not all are created equal and while some will learn a task quickly others may take more time and patience. GSPs tend to be eager to please and willing to learn at relatively young ages if the training sessions are not forced and kept short and simple. Even though some may appear physically mature by the time they are six months old their brain may not be engaged until they reach two years of age. Thus you may have an adult size dog with a "teenage" brain. The coat of a GSP is short but not thin and when one runs their hand across a dog the hair should not feel soft to the touch with exception of the hair found on the head and ears. The GSP head is shaped differently than that found on a Lab or Pointer and its ear is slightly larger and longer, not pointed at the end but slightly rounded. To prevent field injuries the tail is docked, not short like a Boxer or Doberman but should be at least 6 to 8 inches long with some a bit longer and with dewclaws removed.

Often confused by some as a Dalmatian because some of the coat patterns of the GSP are bright white with small markings referred to as "ticking" or with Labs because of the solid liver or black versions. Yet if compared side by side it would be readily apparent that none of them look alike.

If interested in a GSP is it important to find a breeder you feel comfortable asking questions or to talk with about health issues, training or any thing that might come to mind.I hope you guys enjoy!

Never Give Up On Your Puppy! | Puppy Strangles (Juvenile Cellulitis)

Today, I'm taking my little buddy Vito on one last adventure before he heads back to North Carolina. I'm so thankful that I had the chance to help Vito overcome early life difficulties and set the stage for a whole lifetime of puppy sized adventures with his family! Vitos's Condition - Puppy Strangles Juvenile cellulitis, also known as puppy strangles or juvenile pyoderma, is an uncommon disease of dogs. Symptoms include dermatitis, lethargy, depression and lameness. When puppies are first presented with what appears to be staphylococcal pyoderma, juvenile cellulitis, a relatively rare condition, may not be considered. The first symptom is a sudden onset of swelling of the face, which develops within two days into papules and pustules on the lips, nose, and around the eyes. These pustules release a purulent discharge, causing a crust to form on the skin. There is also lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes) in the main lymph nodes of the head.[3] The feet, body, prepuce or perianal area may be affected. Pustular otitis externa can occur, with the pinnae (ear flaps) becoming thickened by edema. Affected areas are painful but not itchy. Approximately half of affected puppies have lethargy and depression. Less common symptoms include pyrexia, anorexia, and joint pain caused by sterile suppurative arthritis. I hope you guys enjoy!

Is This The Best Puppy In the World?

Today we are talking about how I think one should frame issue of being happy with puppies, or in other words, how to have the best puppy in the world!!!

All too often, novice dog trainers get caught up comparing their skill level and their puppy's progress to profession dog trainers on social media. Well I'm here to tell you that is not the way to be happy. The key to happiness is simply setting appropriate short and long terms goals and making the choice to be happy as one works towards the accomplishment of those goals! Since "the best" is a subjective term, there's no reason we can't all have the best puppy in the world.

A few notes concerning the star of this video:

The English Mastiff is a breed of large dog. National kennel clubs, including the United Kingdom's Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club, refer to the breed as simply the Mastiff. They perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae, with a significant input from the Alpine Mastiff in the 19th century. Distinguished by its enormous size, massive head, short coat in a limited range of colours, and always displaying a black mask, the Mastiff is noted for its gentle and loving nature. The lineage of modern dogs can be traced back to the early 19th century, but the modern type was stabilised in the 1880s and refined since.

Following a period of sharp decline, the Mastiff has increased its worldwide popularity. Throughout its history the Mastiff has contributed to the development of a number of dog breeds, some generally known as mastiff-type dogs, or, confusingly, just as "mastiffs" With a massive body, broad skull and head of generally square appearance, it is the largest dog breed in terms of mass. It is on average slightly heavier than the Saint Bernard, although there is a considerable mass overlap between these two breeds. Though the Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane can be more than six inches taller, they are not nearly as robust.

The body is large with great depth and breadth, especially between the forelegs—which causes these to be set wide apart. The length of the body taken from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock is greater than the height at the withers. The AKC standard height (per their website) for this breed is 30 inches (76 cm) at the shoulder for males and 27.5 inches (70 cm) (minimum) at the shoulder for females. A typical male can weigh 150–250 pounds (68–113 kg), a typical female can weigh 120–200 pounds (54–91 kg), with very large individuals reaching 300 pounds (140 kg) or more.

I hope you guys enjoy! If you would like more information about my services, heres a link to my website: http://kentuckycanine.com/

If you would like to see some cool photos, here's a link to my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonniedennis/

#puppytraining #puppy #mastiff #englishmastiff #dogtrainer