Dog Badge

September 27th, 2010 by admin

Awesome, that’s just one word to describe the French bulldog. It’s no wonder why so many people today are buying French bulldogs and making them their pets. Here are more adjectives to describe the French bulldog, they are very loyal, intelligent, playful, and has a personality that will be able to match with any person. The price you pay for such a creature comes back a thousand fold when you discover that it’s such a good companion.

But, that companionship may not last a long time if you discover that the French bulldog pup that you just bought has health concerns. It’s not only the money, but also the emotional investment that you have given. As a matter of fact, a French bulldog is a breed that has the potential to suffer from many different health issues, some of them are even considered serious. Knowing this now, it’s imperative that any person, or families, that is considering buying a French bulldog should know about these health concerns and learn how to properly buy a French bulldog that is healthy so as not to waste not only their time, but also their financial and emotional investment.

The first thing that you should do, like in any kind of purchase, is to do your research. Learn more about the different health concerns that can plague the French bulldog breed. This way, you will be able to ask significant questions to the breeders. You can make sure that the health concerns are not present in the puppy or in their lineage. Always be prepared, French bulldogs don’t come cheap, and because they are so lovable, you my just buy one without asking about any health concerns. In the long run, you will incur more expenses for their vet bills. Plus, if they die young, you may just get a broken heart.

Go only to reputable breeders who do health tests on their French bulldog puppies. Well, every good breeder should do so. Reputable breeder should know that any breed, and any creature, has health problems. It is imperative that they should do health tests to ensure that their kennel would have a good track record. Don’t get easily impressed by their awards, it may just be a cover up, they may only show you their good breeds, but eventually, somewhere along the line, a puppy may develop health issues. And it may be your bad luck to pick that dog.

Make sure that the breeder provides you with a written guarantee or warranty. This warranty should assure you that the French bulldog you just bought is healthy and upon a certain period of time will refund you or replace your dog with another dog of your choice if any health issues arise.

Admittedly, there is no one hundred percent assurance that you will get a French bulldog that wont get any health problems. But at least, you have made the steps to ensure that the chances are slim that they will develop major health concerns.

September 12th, 2010 by admin

Nipping medical conditions in the bud is easier if you know what’s causing the condition in the first place. Going to a vet is always the best solution, but sometimes, the condition can be very simple and a costly vet visit can be avoided. An example would be conditions that are caused by allergies. But don’t just look at allergies as minor conditions, there are allergies that can be harsh and can result to the demise of your pet. So, the best solution to this predicament is knowing what allergies your dog may suffer so you can determine if a visit to a vet is required. And if you own a French Bulldog, with its size, its highly likely that it too can encounter some allergy problems.

In the canine world, light colored dogs that are small in stature and frame are more likely to get allergies than otherwise. French bulldogs, even in their adult stage easily fits the bill, and more so when they are just puppies. Allergies can mostly come from two factors, environmental and from the food they eat. If you don’t know which one is causing the allergic reactions then you will find it very difficult to treat it.

Because French Bulldogs are very close to the ground with their short legs, they can easily encounter allergic reactions due to the fact that they are closer to the ground, and can easily brush against many irritants such as pollen and grass. And because they have fine, short fur, these irritants can easily gain access to their skin, allowing them to penetrate easily. And the more they go up against these irritants, the more they are likely to feel the effects and become agitated, causing more problems.

If your French bulldog appears to be constantly rubbing its face and body against any surface such as the carpeting, furniture, or the walls, chances are it has an environmental allergy, also known as atopic dermatitis. Other symptoms include constant chewing of the pads, legs, and their feet. This means that the irritants are causing your dog to feel itchy and he is scratching his skin to alleviate the condition.

When this happens, what you need to do is to wipe the affected area with a damp cloth firmly and repeatedly. The rubbing motion and the rough surface of the cloth will help remove the irritants and the cool water in the towel will help soothe the itchy skin of your French bulldog.

Another problem that may be caused by allergies is a recurrent ear infection. Because the ears of the French bulldog are bat-like, it can easily get clogged by irritants and dirt. It is best though to consult a vet to determine first what the cause of the infection is. If it is due to an allergic reaction, then your vet will most likely recommend using an ear rinse or wash which can be easily bought from a pet store.

If the symptoms persist though, never hesitate to consult your vet, these home remedies should not be your last line of defense against French bulldog allergies.

August 28th, 2010 by admin

There is nothing wrong with mixed breed dogs, they can be as loyal and a great companion as any other dogs. But if you’re out in the market for something that you can be sure about in terms of temperament, health concerns, and the precise look of the dog when it grows up, then you should definitely go for purebred. And if you also would like to join dog shows, then you should know that only purebreds are allowed to join. And if you’re like the thousands of Americans today, then you would most likely would want to have a French bulldog as your pet.

Purebred French Bulldogs can be quite expensive. So if you’re going to spend a lot of money to have a great looking, loyal, and playful dog, then you have to be sure that it comes from a good breeder. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you a French bulldog that is very beautiful, but a dog that you know will be able to give you the true experience of owning a French bulldog. But first things first, how do you know if a breeder is trustworthy?

Many breeders have become such because they love their dogs. It is a source of income for many of them but mostly, it’s all about their love for that particular breed or several breeds. So, you need to see or discover for yourself whether a breeder is in it just for the money, meaning he skimps on whatever he can to make a profit, or is in the breeding game for the love of dogs. Here are some ways to help you learn this.

Be doubtful of breeders that advertise their puppies. Advertising cost money, so they are probably skimping on other costs, like maybe important health tests. And when the ads declare that their puppies are from champion lines or are sired from dog show champion parents without showing which pedigree it is, then be wary about that breeder. Do not be persuaded either by ads of breeders that boast of certification from the American Kennel Club.

And if you’re in the market for a pure bred French bulldog because you may want to enter it into a competition, then don’t go to a breeder that sells puppies with a rare color. Although it may be enticing to have a unique French bulldog, rarely are they qualified for competitions. Also, extreme sizes, either too small or bigger than normal, should not be bred, they can throw off the balance of the purebred line.

Reputable breeders share all information about their dogs, they even show it in their website. All photos and pedigrees are posted and all health concerns are shown as well. In fact, reputable breeders oftentimes enter competitions to show their dogs. This means that the dogs are very well cared for and they have great concern in maintaining the integrity of the breed.

And finally, but definitely not the last aspect in defining a reputable breeder, a breeder should always have tests for the health of their litter. They should let you know of the line has any recurring health concerns and should provide a guarantee or warranty that your French bulldog is healthy.

August 13th, 2010 by admin

Owning a pet dog has more highs than lows. Millions of American homes know this and more are buying or adopting dogs nowadays. In fact, many of the dogs that are getting new homes presently are French bulldogs. It’s easy to see why, although some would find its face a bit odd, it’s still very lovable to a good number of people. But, owning a dog can also become a stress, especially if you’re not ready yet to own a dog, or, if your dog has fleas.

Dog fleas are the eternal bane to being a dog owner. Sadly though, it’s virtually impossible to avoid this problem. But, that doesn’t mean that you should just give up and surrender to this fact. If you take the proper precautions, then the chances of your dog getting fleas can be slimmed down dramatically.

The first thing that you should consider is to nip this problem in the bud. Don’t wait until the problem has full blown. Besides making it easier for you to address the problem, it will also spare your French bulldog from having to cope with the many complications and discomfort that fleas may provide.

Here are some of the steps that you can undergo not only to help rid your French bulldog of fleas, but to also prevent it from coming back.

First, there is no better choice than to check with your veterinarian. This may sound too obvious, but for French bulldogs, it is the perfect decision. Why? Because French bulldogs have many allergies and are more susceptible to health conditions than other dogs. While there are many home remedies that are indeed effective, checking with your vet first will help eliminate the chances of further compounding the problem.

Depending on the severity of the flea infestation, your vet will recommended or prescribe ointments, sprays, or any other flea products and give the instructions on their application. Just make sure to follow the directions to the T. You will soon notice that the fleas will be gone.

As soon as the flea problem is being addressed you should now look towards your house or any other places that your dog frequents in your property. Its a sure thing that when your French bulldog had fleas, it would also leave some of them in the places he frequents, like your furniture. The fact alone that you use your furniture and it has fleas in it will surely make you want to get rid of them fast. Failure to do so would lead to re-infestation of your dog by the fleas. Vacuum your house well, yes it cn be a large effort especially if you have a large home, but this is well worth the effort.

If your flea problem was severe, then there is a good chance that there may be eggs or larvae of the flea in your home. So don’t spare any change, if you can afford to get professionals to clean your home, do so. Be diligent, that is the key to this situation. If your dog frequents your closets, then maybe you should consider taking your clothes to the cleaners, or washing them with hot water.

Being a French bulldog owner, it is your responsibility to take care of your dog. It may sound a bit tedious, but it’s all worth it, especially with a dog like the French bulldog.

July 29th, 2010 by admin

Dogs bark for many different reasons. Some of these reasons are good while some can just be downright annoying. So if you have had many countless sleepless nights, constant visit from the cops because of complaints from your neighbors or if you have simply had enough of all the barking making your home stressful instead of a relaxing solitude, then it’s high time that you do something that will make the excessive barking stop. And although the French Bulldog is generally known to be a quiet breed that barks only when needed, there will be times that they too will bark excessively.

French bulldogs are known to be great companions; they are very loyal but can be impatient. They will bark only when they demand attention from you, or when they play or if there are intruders in the house. But even then, they won’t really bark excessively, by that I mean that when you have given in to what they want, they will stop barking already. Some French bulldogs will go on to bark though, when this happens, you will surely become, disappointed, frustrated, annoyed, embarrassed, and this will cause an emotional strain and put a dent on your relationship.

The first step in stopping your French bulldog from excessively barking is to fully understand the cause as to why it is doing so. By determining the root cause, you can develop a training that will laser target the root cause of the problem. Remember though, if the dog is barking because it’s hungry, or there is an intruder in the house, don’t reprimand your dog, this will take away their natural instincts of being a good watchdog and companion. A dog should only bark because of the situation they are in, if the situation has changed they should stop. If not, then you have a dilemma, either the situation hasn’t been fully resolved, or they have a psychological or emotional problem, or a physical discomfort.

For the latter, a visit to a veterinarian will solve the problem. For the first problems, you need to have a good training program not only to instill in your French bulldog the proper traits, but also to create a solid emotional bond between you and your pet. There are numerous techniques one can use to stop excessive barking in French bulldogs. Some will choose to use the reward system where they provide a treat after the dog follows their command; this reinforces the notion that they have done good. Just make sure to use a firm voice and never shout at them. Be sure to also have lots of patience. It takes time to train a dog. Also, remember not to hit your dog.

Some though would use electronic gadgets to help stop excessive barking, like a laser pointer or a collar specifically designed to stop excessive barking. This though would not help in creating a bond between you and your French bulldog.

July 20th, 2010 by admin

Anybody who owns a security dog understands that in order to raise it well and in the way they want, it needs to be trained. Many people think that the only reason why dogs are trained is to get them to obey their masters and do whatever they are commanded to do. However, this could not be further from the truth mainly because security dogs are trained in order to strengthen the bond between the owner and his guard and ensure that the dog offers security as it is meant to. Dogs are also trained to ensure that they can communicate easily with their owners and to ensure that they understand what they owner expects from them in terms of security. Training a security dog also improves the way the owner communicates with his guard and therefore makes it easier for the dog to understand what they are allowed to do and what is off limits. Therefore, security dogs should be trained to ensure that they understand the roles in the life of the people they are supposed to be protecting.

When training a security dog, it is important to ensure that it understands whatever lessons are being taught. Puppies are definitely easier to train because they do not have any defined characters yet and they are therefore more receptive. If the dog being trained is an adult, then different techniques and training methods would have to be used. An adult dog already knows how to react and trying to get it to stop is difficult. Regardless of the size and age of the dog, the first training technique is teaching the dog how to obey whatever it is told. This very important lesson is called obedience training and it lays the foundation by learning commands such as recognizing its name and when and how to respond to it. Other phases of obedience training such as recognizing danger and how to react to it can then gradually be introduced after this first phase.

Other dog training steps will follow gradually after the dog understands the obedience part, which is said to be the most important lesson. A trained dog that has passed the obedience stage is more likely to obey commands and therefore offer protection to its owner if required to. After the training, dogs also understand that they should not attack people unless they sense danger and they are therefore trained how to tell what is dangerous and what is not. Owners of security dogs such as police officers or property guards should be keener on their dogs because they are solely for security purposes.

July 14th, 2010 by admin

Having a family with kids can be more delightful with a puppy. But puppies grow to become adult dogs and they grow at a faster rate than humans do. So, sometimes a dog can become too large for a kid and can be a hassle and a burdensome companion. But with French bulldogs, you don’t have to go through this predicament. They are relatively small in size even in their adulthood. Plus, if you have 2 French bulldogs and one is a male and the other is a female, you can be rest assured that even if they develop their own family, you won’t get stuck with a pile of dogs.

A French bulldog’s litter is relatively small. Most commonly, a female French bulldog would give birth to a litter with only 3 to 4 pups. Plus, many dog breeders would agree that breeding French bulldogs are very difficult, and that’s the reason why they are pricey and there are not really much of them around. So this means that it is very unlikely that French bulldogs owners will have problems with many of this active canine overwhelming their homes.

This is especially good for smaller homes. Plus, a small home with too much inhabitants can have a warmer environment, and if you live in an area where the weather is predominantly hot, your French bulldog may develop several health conditions. French bulldogs are more accustomed to colder areas, so as much as possible keep them cool at all times. If left in a warm environment, your French bulldog may develop heatstroke, breathing problems and certain skin conditions. Aside from what has just been mentioned, caring for a French bulldog is relatively easy. Even your kids can help you raise a French bulldog.

Another way to care for your French bulldog’s health and appearance Is by ensuring tht its clean and well groomed. A French bulldog’s coat is short and brilliant, it is also smooth and fine, and doesn’t over shed. Regular brushing will help maintain the brilliance of their coat and keeps dirt away, avoiding instances where the hair will be matted.

Other care required would be the same that are required for other dogs such as brushing the teeth with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush twice a week, occasionally checking and clipping their toenails, and taking them to their veterinarian for their regular checkup.

As discussed at the start, French bulldogs don’t grow too large for kids. They usually grow to about 12 inches from their highest point and are relatively light. There are two weight classes for this sociable dog breed with the lower weight class averaging 19 to 22 pounds and the higher with 23 to 28 pounds.

And there you go. There’s nothing quite like a well rounded family home with a dog or two by the side, and there’s nothing quite like a French bulldog as a family companion, friend, watchdog, and a family member.

July 6th, 2010 by admin

Even though you may want your dog to stay home most of the time and don’t plan on entering it in contests or competitions it’s important to train the dog properly. House dogs need at least the most basic obedience training. You want to have a dog that’s a joy to be around and not one that you’re constantly having to discipline. These are a few of the simplest and yet most important home dog training tips that should be taught to your dog.

One of the most basic and yet important home dog training tips is to make sure that the dog is properly housetrained. An important home dog training tip for housetraining is to remember to have patience with puppies and take them out more often than you probably do. Puppies are unable to fully control their bowels until they are about six months old, so don’t get too mad at them if they’re not toilet trained by this age. Puppies need to be taken out at least four to five times a day whereas with adults two will often suffice.

One helpful home dog training tip that helps with housetraining is to make it an enjoyable experience for your dog to go outside to the bathroom. If you’re angry at them for having to go outside or are constantly rushing them, they are going to be worried and not want to go outside. Another helpful home dog training tip involves learning how to stop your dog from barking constantly. If they’re barking at night to protect you and your family from intruders that’s a good thing but otherwise it can just be a pain and nuisance to you and your neighbors.

The best home dog training tip for stopping dogs from barking incessantly is to pay attention to the dog and how they’re acting in general, to determine what the problem is. It’s not always the same reason from one dog to the next and so one solution is not always going to work. There are a few different possible reasons why the dog may be barking including for attention or because they’re in pain. Try telling the dog to be quiet in a stern voice to begin with as they may just be acting out and letting them know that you’re the one in charge is the best first step to take.

If you find that this isn’t working the next step would be to try taking the dog outside when they start barking again. If nothing’s working the best idea is to bring them into the veterinarian because they may have bowel related or other problems that are causing them pain. These are just a few of the most basic home dog training tips. Training your dog to be well behaved is important so you can enjoy going out with them, bring them out to public places and have a great life together.

June 29th, 2010 by admin

The French Bulldog, no matter how odd it may seem to some people, has been the choice for many celebrities. Their stocky and muscular, yet diminutive frame has been seen strolling with high profile people not only because of their peculiar looks, yet also because of their demeanor. Martha Stewart, Reese Witherspoon, musician Brandon Boyd, and Nat and Alex Wolff, are just some of the celebrities which own a French bulldog.

Many have attested to their being the perfect pet, but to maintain their good looks and to ensure their health, you have to know how to properly groom your French bulldog. Don’t worry, with their small bodies, French bulldogs won’t need much of your time for grooming. In fact, you only have to give them full grooming every two months or so. But, you still have to see to it that they are kept clean all the time.

Prepare the things you need first before getting your French bulldog, this will ensure that once you get started, you will be able to continue without having to keep on standing up to look for the things you need. Basically, what you will need is a tub filled with warm water, not hot, but about room temperature, cold water may shock the dog. You will also need some scissors, special dog shampoo and conditioner, a dog brush and a rubber brush, some baby wipes, and a towel.

Before bathing, decide whether you want to keep the whiskers on your French bulldog. Some owners prefer it off, while some likes it on, it’s your preference. Then, using the baby wipes, clean out the folds on the face of your dog. The folds may contain some grime and dirt. You can then bathe your pet with the dog shampoo. You may use a rubber brush while bathing the dog, this will help spread the shampoo and also remove dead hair from the body.

After bathing, dry the dog with a towel rubbing vigorously yet gently. The continuous rubbing will also help in removing more dead hair. This is not only healthy for your dog, but also, it will help keep shedding minimal, this means you won’t get much dog hair on your furniture. Its not necessary to use a dryer at this stage. A dog brush will then be used after the towel to smoothen and flatten the coat of your French bulldog.

To help absorb the moisture left after the bath, apply some baby powder on the facial folds of your dog. This will eliminate infections and itchiness plus odor. Then check the hair on your dog’s ears, excess hair can be trimmed to get a clean and even edge. To make the coat of your French bulldog even shinier, a coat conditioner can be applied. With a brush, you can spread a small amount all over its body and flatten the hair at the same time.

Now you have a French bulldog ready for the silver screen!

June 22nd, 2010 by admin

Teaching a dog search and rescue skills can be incredibly rewarding. Even for owners who don’t plan on getting their dog into this field as a career should still at least consider helping their dog to learn these skills. Whatever the case may be, there are important search and rescue dog training techniques that need to be included. The first step is to work on your dog’s personality and make sure they have all the basic characteristics that make a good search and rescue dog.

The first step is to work on your dog’s personality. Large breed dogs are always best for search and rescue, because of course a Chihuahua is not going to be exactly helpful when you’re trying to find someone and have them rescued. There are a few different search and rescue skills that a dog can learn. Or you could choose to have them work on all areas of search and rescue.

To become an air scent dog dogs must learn how to track people down just by sniffing the air. These dogs search for people hidden and trapped under piles of snow as a result of an avalanche. One of the best search and rescue dog training techniques is to hold the dog on a leash and have someone else walk ahead of the dog by a few feet holding a treat or toy. The best search and rescue dog training technique to get a dog started with these skills is to hold them a few feet away from another person who is holding a toy or treat.

Make sure that the dog’s not struggling or trying to force their way out of your grip and towards the object. This can be especially challenging when you’re using treats because at first most dogs are going to chow it down before you can stop them. This teaches the dog to retrieve and not just attack without getting a command. This technique can certainly take a bit of time to work on but with practice the dog will learn to understand.

You can also make it a bit more challenging and bury the object under a pile of grass or snow and see how long it takes the dog to retrieve it. This is someone who has experience training dogs and who will get you the results you want for a price. Especially if you plan on getting the dog into this field professionally, their skills need to be concrete. Whether you hire a trainer or take the task on yourself, search and rescue dog training is an incredible skill to teach to your dog.