The Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise, whose name means “curly lap dog”, takes his job as a companion very seriously. Both attentive to his owner as well as demanding of attention, he loves people above all else! In turn, many people have fallen in love with the happy nature and silly antics of this white cotton ball. Bichons are affectionate, gentle and playful. Many love to go new places and meet new people. They are equally good with children as well as the elderly. They are also long-lived – many will live to the age of 16 or older!

Because of their trusting nature and adorable looks, the Bichon is occasionally a target for dog-napping. This is one reason why an electric fence is not recommended for this breed, and a “real” physical fence is safer. Not only will a real fence keep out possible dog-nappers, but it will also keep out larger dogs who might wander into a yard and hurt a Bichon. While this breed normally gets along just fine with other dogs, they must be supervised around dogs much larger than them for their own safety.

As might be guessed from his extensive white coat, the Bichon is considered to be a high maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Daily brushing is often required because the coat is curly – this means that dead hair will not always fall out, instead it will get caught in the rest of the hair and start to form mats. These mats must be worked out, and the quicker they are handled the easier the job will be. While it is possible to wait a week or so to brush out the coat, you will find yourself with a lot more work to do than if you had handled it on a daily basis! The coat should be bathed every 2-4 weeks, and it must be expertly scissored in order to get the typical “Bichon look”. Regular bathing is important since white dogs get dirty faster! Finally, the teeth should be brushed on a very regular basis as many Bichons are prone to tooth loss.

Although most Bichons have fantastic temperaments – friendly, enthusiastic and happy – there are some members of the breed that have problems with shyness. occasionally a Bichon will be so skittish and anxious that he may turn into a fear biter. This is a particular type of aggression that is based on major insecurities. For would-be-owners of this breed, it is vital to buy your dog from a reputable breeder who takes temperament into account! Bichons from pet shops (and therefore puppy mills) are often the individuals who will end up with temperament issues. While good genetics are absolutely vital, it is also important to socialize your Bichon as a young puppy. Well-bred and well-socialized puppies have a much better chance of becoming great members of society (and family).

The Bichon is an intelligent dog and is usually obedient and easy to train. This is one reason why they are such a great breed for novice owners! Many love to learn tricks, and will often offer these behaviors when they want to make their owner smile (or they want a cookie). While tricks are great, we always recommend obedience training as well, in order to build a bond with the dog while establishing rules and structure.

Bichons are energetic little dogs who do need regular exercise, but they can still do well living in apartments. Their tiny size makes the daily walk an easy chore, as they won’t need to go as far as a dog with longer legs! Their playful nature means that they enjoy playing fetch or other games with their owners, but they won’t be as intense in these games as some of the more serious working breeds. Their attitude is one of a happy-go-lucky outlook.

Separation anxiety is one common problem that many Bichons are prone to. While training can certainly help with this issue, it is best to consider whether or not the Bichon is the right breed for you if you are away from the house frequently. Because they love people so much, it isn’t entirely fair to keep them alone and lonely throughout the day. Bichons who experience separation anxiety often bark and howl quite a bit – which also may not be fair for your neighbors! Here at The Academic Hound, we have experience with the Bichon Frise. If you live in Austin or the surrounding areas and are looking for a dog trainer, give us a call!

Photo By Heike Andres

The Miniature Bull Terrier

The Miniature Bull Terrier is a happy, sturdy little dog that provides delight to everyone they meet! Their typical temperament is enthusiastic, clownish, and up-for-anything. Not a serious breed by any means, the Mini Bull (as they are affectionately known) wants to play and make their people laugh! They love their owners and enjoy spending time as the center of attention.

These little guys are very active and definitely need activities to fill their time. In fact, they have been labeled “toddlers in dog suits” by those who know them. Prospective owners need to ask themselves if they have as much time to dedicate to their dog as they might dedicate to a 3-year-old. If not, this breed will quickly wear on their patience! The same thing could be said for people who work long hours – if they don’t have enough time to be home with the dog, the Mini Bull is not the breed for them. A Mini Bull can quickly become bored and destructive if they aren’t given the attention they need. This destruction can include chewing up objects as well as furniture! Mini Bulls can also be prone to axiety-related compulsions if they are left home alone for long hours. Obsessive tail-chasing, non-stop barking, and other OCD-type behaviors can develop. Many people have also discovered that unfulfilled Mini Bulls can be very difficult, if not impossible, to housebreak.

The Miniature Bull Terrier, although small, can be possessive of his owners. This makes him a good guard dog, but problematic when it comes to him “defending” his owners from non-threats, such as friends and visitors. Some Mini Bulls have a hard time distinguishing friend from foe. Furthermore, an innocent game of rough play among children might trigger his protective instincts, sending him flying in to “save the day” when such a thing is not needed. Mini Bulls take their protective duties very seriously.

Generally, however, the Mini Bull is very good with kids. They will often play outside with children for hours and be right in the middle of the action! Because of their activity level, they do better with kids that aren’t too young or frail. That said, the Mini Bull is not a pushover and will not tolerate abuse from a child. It is very important that children be taught how to play fairly with a dog, and never be allowed to tease.

A lot of Mini Bulls get along well with other dogs, with the exception of intact males. While an intact male may be just fine with a female or a neutered male, may are not ok with another male who is intact. It is important to socialize a Mini Bull with as many dogs as possible in early puppyhood to increase the likelihood of appropriate dog-to-dog interaction.

In young dogs up to a year, it is not unheard of for the Miniature Bull Terrier to suddenly become lame. This usually happens when the dog has been racing and jumping around and either lands wrong or twists in a weird way. Because of the heavily muscled way this breed is built, a combination of high activity, rapid muscle growth, and joints not being “set” yet can occasionally cause this lameness. It may be best to not allow young Mini Bulls to play in such a way that could hurt them – supervision is required.

When it comes to training, the Mini Bull can be stubborn, pushy and determined to get their way! Some simply try to turn obedience training sessions into a game. This, combined with their independent nature can lead many people to lose patience and give up. The best way to train a Miniature Bull Terrier is to find ways to pique their curiosity and hold their interest. This may include using toys or treats. The breed does not do well with heavy-handed techniques, and will often shut down if those techniques are used on them. Either way, however, it is important to realize that Mini Bulls were not bred to work with people as with other breeds, and therefore do not naturally excel in continuously following repetitive commands. This said, the Miniature Bull Terrier IS trainable for those who have the patience and understanding to do so. In fact, trained Mini Bulls participate all over the country in earthdog events, therapy work, tracking, CGC, obedience and agility!

The Mini Bull, like all purebreds and mixed breeds, can be prone to health problems. Kidney problems, allergies, hearing defects and lens luxation (a condition of the eye) are all known in the breed. It is important to only buy from a responsible breeder who does health checks on all of their dogs. Do you own a Miniature Bull Terrier? Are you looking for a dog trainer in Travis or Hays county, TX? Call us today and tell us about your dog!

Photo By Томасина

The Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is currently the most popular dog in the United States, and for good reason! Labs are incredibly versatile dogs – great with families, hunters, and single owners alike. Many are used as service dogs and guide dogs for the blind. As long as they are purchased from reputable breeders, from a bloodline that would suite each individual’s preference (hunting strain vs show strain, for example), this breed can fit well into many lifestyles. This is not to say that Labs can work for everyone, however. There are a few particulars that a would-be owner should be aware of before acquiring a puppy.

Because Labradors were originally bred as hunting retrievers, they generally have a lot of energy. Furthermore, if the dog is from field lines, expect that energy to be particularly high! Some people are surprised at just how much energy the Labrador has, particularly if it is a young dog. Several long jogs may be required every day, mixed in with some ball or frisbee retrieval. People who are couch potatoes might be better off rescuing an older dog with an already-established calm temperament but even still, all Labs need to have some exercise. It is not fair (even for an older Lab) if they are kept inside all day and not given a daily walk (at very least).

Labs also need mental stimulation in the form of regular training and other activities that encourage them to use their brains. Labradors that are not given these things can sometimes cause trouble around the house out of sheer boredom. Puppies and younger dogs are the normal culprits of these types of mischief, while more mature members of the breed are more considerate of your home and possessions. Either way, however, a Lab should never be kept in a crate or other confined space all day with nothing to do.

One of the breed’s hallmarks is their happy, outgoing personality. Their popularity today has a lot to do with how friendly, sociable and even-tempered the breed is. Many are considered “bomb-proof” meaning that it takes a lot to frighten or shake them. Because of this, they are usually excellent with young children. Most Labs are also great with other dogs – aggression is not often seen. Their paramount temperament is one reason why the Labrador is often recommended for novice owners. Labrador-Retriever-Austin

Despite their friendly temperaments, many young Labs are so boisterous that they require firm, consistent training to keep them from leaping up on people and greeting people rudely. Many also need early leash training because they tend to pull excitedly when out for a walk. Their large size and bulky muscle means that they are very strong dogs – most people agree that trained Labs are much easier to live with than untrained ones! Luckily, training Labradors is generally a breeze! These dogs are very intelligent, have a strong focus, and often love to learn new things. They pick up commands quickly and are almost always ready to practice.

Labs love to retrieve, but they also love just holding objects in their mouths. Carrying things around from room to room is a common pastime, often without even causing damage to the object, as they were bred to have a “soft mouth”. However, some Labs take their oral fixations too far and will chew things up, especially puppies. This should be trained out of them as soon as possible. There are also many Labs who try to take advantage at feeding time, insisting that they are still hungry despite being fed normal rations. When left unchecked, Labs can become overweight quickly!

This breed is not generally a nuisance barker, although most will bark when someone comes to the door. Their large size and often-deep bark is usually enough of a deterrent for a would-be burglar, which is good because the Lab is definitely not a guard dog! This breed is far too trusting of strangers for that type of job, and many would greet an intruder with licks, tail wags and happy greetings! Here at The Academic Hound, we have experience with Labrador Retrievers. If you live in the Austin, TX area and are looking for a dog trainer, give us a call!

The German Pinscher

The German Pinscher is not a small Doberman, nor an oversized Miniature Pinscher. Unlike the three sizes of Poodles – where every size is still considered a Poodle – each of the three Pinschers is a distinct and separate breed. Of the trio of Pinscher breeds, the German has the strongest prey drive because he was bred to hunt vermin in horse stables. He was also originally used as a guard of the house and the farm. While he gets along fantastically with horses, he can be understandably dangerous to small pets such as hamsters or guinea pigs!

The German Pinscher is recommended for experienced dog owners, rather than novices. This mid-sized working dog has an assertive personality and will take control if no one else takes the reigns. Rules and boundaries are definitely needed from the very start, as well as firm, structured obedience training. Furthermore, as a breed they are suspicious of strangers and can make pretty good guard dogs to boot – both traits make them less than ideal for the novice owner.

German Pinschers are alert, high energy dogs that want to interact with their owners much of the time. They enjoy taking part in whatever endeavor the family is currently involved in, whether at home or elsewhere. Curious and up for anything, the breed exudes a certain confidence at all times. Prospective owners must be prepared for both the exercise needs, as well as the time commitment, that this breed calls for. A couple of long walks a day are a must, combined with a good run in a securely fenced yard and plenty of interaction throughout the day. This is not the breed for people who work long hours.

Often clown-like, the German Pinscher lives to entertain! Many keep their puppy antics long after they’ve physically matured. As this breed can live for quite a long time, owners will get many years of fun! Throughout all life stages, German Pinschers are affectionate and loving. Although they are good with older children, they are not recommended for young children as many do not have the patience or tolerance for childhood teasing. They also may not do best in homes with cats unless they are raised with them from puppyhood.

Devoted and loyal, they can be protective of their owners and their properties. The breed should never behave aggressively for no reason, but if a real threat were to ensue a German Pinscher would undoubtably react. Although they are on the smaller side for a guard dog, they would absolutely defend their owner if someone were to break-in. Additionally, their bark makes them sound bigger than what they are, so a possible burglar might skip the house with a German Pinscher in it from the sound alone!

Training is a must for this breed! Naturally assertive, they benefit greatly from the structure and “rules” of obedience training. German Pinschers are known to be very intelligent, however they can also be independent. Those that do well in obedience competitions and other dog sports often have trainers who can work through the wilfulness of these dogs. Some German Pinschers excel in manipulation tactics and require their trainers to be at least as smart as they are! For those owners who are up for it, German Pinschers are actually incredibly trainable dogs once one gets past their sometimes stubborn, occasional willful personalities. The breed competes successfully in agility, obedience, conformation, rally, coursing, barn hunt, tracking, CGC, and nose work.

German Pinschers aren’t known for being excessive barkers, however many of them have the bad habit of jumping up on people. A good number of them are also quite adept at destroying plush and squeaky toys. Finally, those individuals who haven’t been properly exercised can become destructive when bored. A combination of training, exercise, and proper management (along with time) are essential.

Photo By Me

The Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is an unassuming dog in appearance, but what he lacks in pizzazz he makes up for in personality. Loving and affectionate with adults and children alike, he generally loves to please. With strangers he is bouncy and enthusiastic. In contrast, when he is working (hunting), he is courageous and without fear. This duality in temperament is prized by those who own the breed.

Unlike many other terriers, the Border is generally not aggressive to other dogs. This has to do with his history of hunting in packs, particularly with Foxhounds. Hunters needed to be assured that a dog fight would not break loose during a hunt, and so Borders were bred to be amiable with other dogs. This separates the breed from many other terriers, and makes him much easier to own for those with multiple dogs. He also gets along with indoor-only cats (outdoor cats might trigger his prey drive). Smaller pets, like birds or small rodents, will need to be kept clear of the Border Terrier’s reach.

When it comes to ease of training, the Border is considered moderate overall, although easier than most terriers. This has to do with his love of people and his willingness to please. A trainer should realize that the Border is often a sensitive breed and should never use overly harsh corrections – instead, should focus on building him up. Treats work great but watch the calories – Borders can gain weight quickly! When trained properly, this breed is quite smart and very observant. As a trainer, it’s important to watch the cues you are giving to this breed because he might just pick up subtle details – whether you want him to or not – and create his own variation of the commands! Furthermore, he must be trained extensively in distraction-work, as distractions will often get the best of him.

The Border Terrier is an active little dog who needs both regular exercise as well as plenty of interaction with his owner. For a breed that loves people so much, he shouldn’t be owned by those who are never home. Nonetheless, he is not overly needy either, often content just to lay at your side – provided that he is at least 2-3 years old. Puppies and young adolescents have more energy than mature adults and will demand more attention. Mature adults are hardly lethargic, but are able to have calm time interspersed with active time.

A fenced yard is a must for this breed, and since many Borders are escape artists the fence must be secure. Like other terriers, they are fantastic diggers and can be out of their yards in a short period of time. Running fence underground can help with this problem, as can supervising him closely when outside. Similarly, this breed should be kept on leash whenever being taken for a walk – especially if they have not had off-leash training.

Unless he is given little to no stimulation, the Border doesn’t bark constantly and for no reason. However, he might find reason to alert his owner about any change in the environment – from a car driving by to someone at the door. Because of this, his range of barking often depends on the type of home he is living in. A quiet place in the country might elicit less sound from him than if he were living in a busy city environment.

Perhaps more than other dogs, Border Terriers like to chew. Many will tear apart stuffed toys in wild abandon and therefore require one of the more indestructible toys on the market. Some Borders are more destructive than others and will also go after their owner’s furniture and possessions. If you don’t have the time to devote to training, a crate is an almost definite necessity (although training will yield a much happier life with your dog).

This is a healthy and generally long-lived breed, many living upwards of 15 years. If considering owning a Border, make sure you can commit to this long period! Looking for a dog trainer for your Border Terrier? If you are in Travis or Hays county, TX give us a call today!

“Border terrier whiskey” by Multimotyl

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small ancient scenthound from France. In order to say his name in a reasonable amount of time, he is given the nickname “PBGV”, which is what he is most often referred to as. This breed does best with owners who are experienced with dogs, particularly hounds or other stubborn breeds. They are not as easy to raise as a Golden or a Lab, but then again… that is part of their appeal.

Despite their occasional stubbornness, this breed is endlessly happy, friendly and sociable. They love to meet new people and they get excited easily. PBGVs are always moving, always exploring, and sometimes getting in trouble for it! The mixture of curiosity and fearlessness lends itself well to troublemaking. They do also love attention and affection from their owner… but not until they have fully explored and satisfied all of their curiosity first. Although independent, the PBGV does need attention from his owner as well as enough mental and physical stimulation to keep him from becoming bored. A bored dog will sometimes become destructive.

PBGVs are not the first breed most people think of when they picture obedient dogs. This is not to say that the breed isn’t trainable, it just means that they are independent creatures and prefer doing things their own way. The trick is to make obedience training enjoyable! For intelligent dogs such as these, a trainer must always be mixing things up in order to keep things interesting. PBGVs, like most dogs, learn best when their brains are challenged. For the owner whose intelligence matches that of their dog, they will often find that this breed is, in fact, very trainable. They might just have to go about the process differently than with another breed! Trained PBGVs can compete in events such as tracking, conformation, CGC, obedience, and agility. Some owners go so far as to work their dogs in Search and Rescue!

Like many scenthounds, the PBGV has a voice and he is not afraid to use it. For such a small dog, his howl can rival that of much larger breeds. PBGVs will bark, sing and howl for all sorts of reasons and is therefore not the best choice for someone living in an apartment or with close neighbors. For those who have more than one, a pack of PBGVs will sing together! This can be either annoying or beautiful, it depends on the person. Despite their short-legged appearance, this breed does need regular exercise. These are athletic hunting hounds, bred for running in the fields all day, chasing rabbits! As such they are not content to just lay around the house, nor do they make good lap dogs. They require an energetic owner who is responsible enough to give them the exercise they need. Letting a PBGV out to romp in the yard is certainly not enough. Not only is it not a good enough workout, but without a secure fence most PBGVs will be gone within minutes. Their high prey drive can compel them to leave the safety of their yard in search of hunting opportunities. It can also motivate them to climb over, or dig under, a fence.

The PBGV is generally very friendly with other dogs. This is not surprising as they were bred to hunt in packs. Many will greet another dog vocally and enthusiastically. The breed is also exceptional with children, although it must always be repeated that the child should be taught how to interact fairly with the dog. In fact, this breed is so friendly with everyone he meets (dogs, children, friends and strangers) that he is a natural therapy dog. Getting your PBGV certified to practice this skill is often beneficial both to owner as well as dog! One exception to the above rule (friendliness) has to do with cats. PBGVs with exceptionally high prey drives may not be able to live peacefully with cats. Others will be fine as long as they are introduced to the cat early on. Still others will get along with cats in the house, yet chase them outside.

Do you own a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen? Are you looking for a dog trainer in the Austin, TX area? Call us today and tell us about your dog!

“Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen MWPR Katowice 2008 002” by Lilly Mreal name: Małgorzata Miłaszewska

The Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful, French mastiff-type breed. Although a fantastic choice for select owners, this breed is certainly not for everybody. Admirers of the breed should be aware of what it takes to own one before they seek out a Dogue for themselves, lest they find themselves in over their heads. This is not a dog for novice owners!

To start with, the Dogue can end up being more expensive than other breeds to take care of. As a very large breed, food costs alone can be considerable. Unfortunately, the breed also has a number of health issues. Getting a puppy from a responsible breeder who performs health tests can help your chances, however it is always best (for any dog) to be prepared for the worst. Allergies, for example, are a common issue and may result in an owner spending more on specialized diets.

Despite having the appearance of a “tough dog”, the Dogue craves attention from his owner. This is definitely not a breed to just throw outside without much human contact. He needs engagement from his owner, whether it be in the form of working, exercising or just plain affection (preferably all three). A Dogue left outside to “fend for himself” may soon become fearful or aggressive and his temperament could quickly become a liability. Raised correctly however, this breed should never show aggression. A Dogue with a proper temperament is loyal and friendly, especially to his family.

The Dogue is known to have a stubborn temperament. This, combined with his size, means that it is vital that he is taught rules and boundaries from an early age, before he gets so big and hard to control. When training in obedience, patience is often required. Although he should never be handled roughly, he does need firm (yet fair) discipline. This is one of the primary reasons why he should be owned by experienced dog owners.

When it comes to children, the Dogue generally gets along with them quite well. That said, the child must be taught to respect the dog and the dog should ideally be socialized to children when he is young. It should also go without saying that, with very small children, their interaction should always be supervised. This is due to the Dogue’s large size. Although gentle, it is easy for him to accidentally injure a child in play. Common sense should always be applied. DogueDeBordeaux

Dog-to-dog aggression is not uncommon in the Dogue de Bordeaux, particularly between males. Although it is possible to raise the chances that a Dogue will get along with another dog by socializing extensively from puppyhood, this does not always work. Once they reach adulthood, many will show signs of hostility toward other dogs. Whether or not a Dogue likes to be around other dogs, it is still important that he be trained to behave civilly around them, such as at the vet or on a walk.

His exercise needs are fairly low compared to other breeds, however this is not to say that he doesn’t need any at all. At the very least, he should be taken on a walk once or twice a day. A fenced yard in which he can romp is great as well, but is not a substitute for a walk. A Dogue whose exercise needs haven’t been fulfilled may become destructive in the home.

As might be ascertained by his distinctive, loose-lipped face, the Dogue is a drooler! At worst, an owner may find drool on their clothes, belongings, furniture… and even walls! What he lacks in hygiene, however, he makes up for by being quiet and calm in the house. This is not a loud or yappy breed. The one exception to this rule is that he will normally bark when someone comes onto the property.

One last word about the Dogue de Bordeaux for those still interested in acquiring one. The average lifespan of the breed is unfortunately short, 6-7 years being typical. For people who own and love them, however, that short time is worth it. If you have a Dogue de Bordeaux and are looking for a dog trainer in Austin or the surrounding areas, call us today!

The Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier is one of the long-legged terrier breeds, always marked with a black and tan coat and always sporting a fiery personality! At first glance he may appear to be a small Airedale Terrier, although his temperament and traits are much different. He usually has less of a “working” personality and more of a hunting persona. Many also have more of an independent nature than the Airedale. That said, they love people and are very outgoing, even with strangers.

Welsh Terriers are known for generally having stable temperaments and are not known for being overly hyper, although they are still terriers and thus should be evaluated as such. They are often considered fearless when compared to other breeds as very little will phase them. Curious and inquisitive, they are often the first to inspect a strange sound or a new object. For this reason, fences are recommended, less they decide to wander right off your property in search of the next interesting thing! They have been known to climb fences and dig out of yards (or even just dig craters in yards), so securing the backyard is a must.

Because they were bred to hunt vermin such as rats (and even larger animals such as badgers), most Welsh Terriers have very high prey drives. Many cannot be trusted around cats for this reason. Additionally, dog-to-dog aggression is not uncommon with this breed. The Welsh Terrier generally does best as the only pet in the household, although they might play and act nice with other dogs outside of their property (as long as they have been socialized extensively). As far as children go, they can make great companions for kids… as long as the kid is not very young. It is best to wait until your child is past the toddler stage before considering adding this breed to your household.

The exercise needs of the Welsh Terrier are generally low, although they are usually up for the challenge if their owner feels like taking them on a long jog or hike! As such, they can do well with all manner of activity levels, as long as they are getting at least some exercise. At home, they are normally happy to lie on the couch or on your bed. Whether or not you want to allow that behavior is up to you, but as dog trainers, we normally advise to curb against letting dogs up on furniture, especially if there are any dominance problems or other behavior issues. In particular, if your Welsh Terrier shows signs of guarding food or toys (another trait of the breed), it is best to establish household rules and boundaries. Welsh-Terrier-Travis-county

The Welsh Terrier has often been called stubborn, but can also easily be called naturally dominant. Many have a “strong character” that can turn into something more if the dog is allowed to get away with whatever they want. Training is recommended for all dogs, but especially important for strong-willed breeds such as the Welsh Terrier. It is important to be firm, yet fair, when training this breed. Consistency is key, as well as making sure that you are training with a confident demeanor.

The Welsh Terrier, as an adult, does not shed. This makes him a great choice for the fastidiously clean. However, the dead undercoat will need to be pulled out by brush and/or by stripping the coat regularly.

This breed can make a very good watchdog, alerting to the first sign of a person at the door. For some owners, however, they may bark just a little too much… Overall, this breed is a favorite among his followers but most of them will be quick to point out that it takes a certain type of person to own a Welsh Terrier. For those who are up for the challenge, however, they may find that they have stumbled upon the best dog they have ever owned. Looking for a dog trainer for your Welsh Terrier? If you are in Travis or Hays county, TX give us a call today!

The English Setter

The English Setter is one of four breeds from the setter family. Setters are essentially pointing breeds, bred to work with hunters whose quarry is birds. Besides being beautiful, intelligent and great companions for hunting, English Setters are also terrific family dogs. Loyal beyond compare, the breed is completely devoted to their owners.

When it comes to strangers, most are very friendly. Level-headed and dependable, they are also excellent with children. Lastly, the breed standard calls for them to be gentle in temperament at all times. Because they are such good-natured dogs, the English Setter is probably not the first choice for someone searching for a protection dog. They will bark when someone comes to the door, and then normally quiet down once they get the “ok” from their owner that the stranger is welcome. This said, if someone were to break in and threaten their owner, the English Setter might react more aggressively although this would only happen in the most dire of circumstances.

Most English Setters are fairly easy to train, although the more complex commands you teach, the more the difficulty will rise. Although the breed is very smart and learns many things quickly, they are also somewhat independent. They were bred to work with people… but also to make their own decisions while out in the field. This conflict will start to show (in some dogs) when simple commands start turning into more intricate commands. The English Setter has a sensitive nature and should never be trained with unnecessarily harsh techniques. It should be mentioned that males often are more willing to please, while females are more likely to test their owners.

This is not a noisy breed, in fact they are very quiet and mellow in the house. Since English Setters do best inside the house anyway (they are not good kennel dogs or outside-only dogs), this is ideal for most owners as well. The best situation for this breed is to be a house dog with access to a fenced yard (and plenty of time with their owners). It is possible to keep an English Setter in an apartment, but they will need even more exercise in this situation. Whenever out, they need to be kept on-leash because their high prey drive may send them running to the first scampering rodent or flying bird.

When it comes to exercise, like most of the hunting breeds the English Setter does require somewhat vigorous daily “work outs”. A short walk is not enough, this breed needs a minimum of 30 minutes a day of running, jogging, hiking, or any other energetic activity. Think of this breed as an athlete that needs to be regularly conditioned, and you might have an idea of the exercise requirements. A well-exercised and well-trained English Setter can also participate in many different dog activities such as hunting, therapy, obedience, conformation, agility, rally, tracking, and CGC.

The coat of the English Setter does need a lot of care in order to keep it looking nice and free of mats. Coats should be brushed 3-4 times a week, and bathed anywhere from every 2-6 weeks. It is also worth noting that the beautiful patterning of the coat is not completely natural, and will need trimming in order to maintain the “look”. It is also important to keep nails trimmed, teeth cleaned, and ears free of dirt and debris (their ears can be prone to infections if not taken care of properly).

Normally, both male and female English Setters get along well with other dogs. In fact, because they don’t like to be alone it is recommended that they live with another dog if their owner is often at work. While most English Setters would prefer human companionship above all else, another dog can be a good substitute. This breed can also live in harmony with cats and other small pets, but only if the other animals live inside (so as not to trigger their prey drive).

Perhaps their biggest fault is the fact that English Setters like to eat, as well as to chew. They are very orally fixated! The breed can become master counter-surfers, as well as champion trash-diggers, if they think they can get at food. On a different, but related, note they may also chew up small items left around the house. This is where training will come into play! Establish the rules of the house from an early age and this won’t be as much of an issue. Do you own an English Setter? Are you looking for a dog trainer in the Austin, TX area? Call us today and tell us about your dog!

“Engelse setter”. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog was created from the (English) Bulldog to become a small companion. His main purpose was to be a lap dog, in contrast to other “bull breeds” created to fight. He does his job so well, in fact, that his popularity has been slowly growing. The Frenchie has become a favorite among people who prefer small, easygoing dogs that are simple to take care of. Frenchies generally have very stable personalities and are not normally timid nor aggressive. Many are well-mannered, even with very little training. They are happy, affectionate little creatures that provide much entertainment.

It should be noted, however, that French Bulldogs are known to have a variety of health issues. Von Willebrand’s Disease, thyroid disease, elongated soft palate, spinal diseases, and allergies are but a few of the potential health defects seen in the breed. It is vital to purchase a Frenchie from a breeder who does as much health testing as possible, while at the same time knowing that you still may end up spending more money at the vet hospital than with another breed.

Frenchies can be fairly active, but are never overly exuberant. In fact, they are quiet and unassuming in the house (aside from their tendency to snore). Their tiny size means that they do not need a lot of space in order to thrive, which means they can definitely live in apartments. While it is always recommended to take your dog for regular walks, Frenchies hardly require much exercise. A romp around the yard and the occasional walk is usually all that is needed to keep a French Bulldog from becoming fat.

Some Frenchies get along well with other dogs while some do not. Same-sex aggression in particular can be a problem. This is highly dependent upon the dog, but if it is very important that your Frenchie coexists with another dog, choose a puppy from a breeder that selects for this trait. The same can be said for cats. While dog-to-dog aggression is variable, however, all French Bulldogs love humans! They get along well with people of all ages, and most enjoy meeting new folks. The only caveat is that in some cases, Frenchies can be territorial with strangers in their homes. French-Bulldog

Their short coats do not require very much grooming. A quick one-minute brush down a few times a week is all that is needed. Trimming nails, cleaning ears, and cleaning the wrinkles from their faces are also easy chores that will not take very long. Even bathing a Frenchie is a short, easy process! Yet another reason why this breed is preferred by those who have busier lifestyles or otherwise just want a dog that doesn’t require a lot of work.

Many owners of French Bulldogs find that fences are absolutely necessary, and warn that this breed should always be kept on a leash when not in a fenced area to keep them from running away. Furthermore, when Frenchies are in their fenced backyards, it is vital to make sure they are never outside for long periods during adverse weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions can mean extreme heat as well as extreme cold. Texas summers are far too hot for this breed! Keep them inside the air-conditioned house when temperatures begin to rise!

As with other bully breeds, Frenchies should never be left alone near water. They cannot swim and can quickly drown if no one is there to fish them back out of a pool or a lake.

New owners of French Bulldogs often find that their dogs will destroy most dog toys within minutes. Their jaws are extremely strong and Frenchies are masters at dismantling toys. Instead, look for dog toys that are made specifically for heavy chewers! Luckily, this breed is not generally destructive otherwise and probably will not chew up your sofa or kitchen table, but it is important that they be provided with something to keep them busy.

Many Frenchies are enthusiastic about learning new things, while at the same time they can be sensitive and stubborn. This means that training may be easy or difficult depending on how well you are able to “read the dog” and react accordingly. Luckily, this breed loves to please so oftentimes they key to training comes in finding each dog’s individual drives and motivation. There are many Frenchies competing in dog events around the world such as rally, tracking, obedience, agility… even unconventional events (for Frenchies) such as herding or coursing! A well-trained French Bulldog is an exceptional companion who is a joy to live and compete with! If you have a French Bulldog and are looking for a dog trainer in Austin or the surrounding areas, call us today!