Should I Micro-chip My Dog?

By. Dee Gerrish

Many pet owners are encouraged to micro-chip their pet

to help recover them in the event they become lost or stolen. As a breeder for 11+ years, we always encourage pet owners to have their puppies micro-chipped. However, some states are now mandating mandatory micro-chipping. I had never heard of this until the other day when I came across a website that seemed to be written by a canine activist. Their website seemed to be geared towards canine politics, if you will, but I found it interesting all the same. The site goes on to say they believed that mandatory microchipping was an invasion to the privacy and civil liberties of all dog owners and that such laws would have a great impact on the lives of everyday pet owners, especially those with targeted breeds like the Pitbull, Rottweiler, Doberman, etc.

The article goes on to say they believed that mandatory microchipping laws would force dog owners to chip their dogs. That this would allow the local government to track and monitor dogs and their owners. Honestly, I don't see what the problem is but maybe I'm just not a very political person and I have nothing to hide. Personally speaking, it seems that every time one hears about a child or person being attacked by a dog, nine times out of ten, it was caused by a Pitbull. Too many people are using Pitbulls and Rottweilers as fighting dogs and it's a known fact gangs use such dogs to protect their property because they also have illegal things going on. Of course the issue isn't just a problem with the dogs mentioned. It is the violence and the type of people who own these dogs that are causing the problems.

The other issue politically charged animal rights activists say are problems with the micro-chip is that the chips themselves cause cancer in the dogs who have been chipped. I don't know if they are only basing this theory on one article but supposedly a 9-year-old male French Bulldog was examined by a veterinarian for a subcutaneous mass located at the site of a microchip implant. Cytologic examination of the mass was suggestive of a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm. The lymphoid cells were positive for CD18 and CD3. No aluminum deposits were detected by the aurintricarboxylic acid method. A diagnosis of fibrosarcoma morphologically similar to feline postinjection sarcomas was made after conducting many tests. Fibrosarcomas at the site of injections have been reported in dogs and ferrets. Furthermore, neoplastic growth at the site of microchip implant in dog and laboratory rodents has been described. But who is to say that indeed this cancer was caused by the chip? Sure it seems suspicious, but how many other dogs and cats were found to have the same type of cancer after having a micro-chip implanted? Enough to convince me that we should now stop micro-chipping our pets? Should we all have to worry that micro-chipping our family pets will somehow give the government more access into our lives?

Or are these fears just suggested by paranoid activists who believe we should be concerned about why states are now making it a law to micro-chip our family pets? Is there a difference between a sex offender and a dog owner? Not according to those rallying a petition to stop states from making micro-chipping your pet mandatory! While I disagree with this notion, many have the same beliefs that its nothing more than the government stepping further into our lives by keeping pet owner information stored in their government databases. Called "spy chips" by most activists, mandatory micro-chipping of breeding dogs and family pets have been passed by Florida and Texas. Other states are proposing the same laws be passed, including New York.

Over all, I have to say that I believe having your family pet as well as breeding dogs micro-chipped is a good thing. For one, its helps the breeder identify their breeding dogs if they have dogs who are nearly identical in appearance and size, to include the same gender. It helps identify the dog if a pet owner's dog should be lost or stolen. A micro-chip will help the pet find its way back home if he or she somehow gets away from its home and is picked up by animal control or a humane society or some other service that has micro-chip scanning devices. I personally own a micro-chip scanning device and use it if I find a dog wandering the streets. Collars can be removed but a micro-chip is forever! A micro-chip will actually outlast the life of the dog and the capsule is very, very small. About the size of a grain of rice. Many breeders and dog owners micro-chip their dogs and cats voluntarily. I don't think we should become so paranoid as to believe that the government is now going to watch over us through our pets. Micro-chipping is becoming very popular not only with animals, but for credit cards and humans alike. The following article was written about the plans of American Express:

" The top brass at American Express, chagrined at the discovery of its people tracking plans, met with CASPIAN (Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering) last week to discuss the issue. One outcome of the meeting was a promise by American Express to review its entire patent portfolio and ensure that any people-tracking plans be accompanied by language requiring consumer notice and consent. The meeting was organized after CASPIAN called attention to one of the company's more troublesome patent applications. That patent application, titled "Method and System for Facilitating a Shopping Experience," describes a Minority Report style blueprint for monitoring consumers through RFID-enabled objects, like the American Express Blue Card.

According to the patent, RFID readers called "consumer trackers" would be placed in store shelving to pick up "consumer identification signals" emitted by RFID-embedded objects carried by shoppers. These would be used to identify people, track their movements, and observe their behavior."

The article goes on to discuss further about the issues of using such tracking devices and while some were indifferent to the idea, some were greatly opposed. Just another method of big brother stepping in? The VeriChip implant is a glass encapsulated RFID tag that is injected into the flesh to uniquely number and identify individuals, or pets for that matter. The tag can be read by radio waves (scanners) from a few inches away. The highly controversial device is being marketed as a way to access secure areas, link to medical records, and serve as a payment instrument when associated with a credit card or pre-paid account. But is this all hyped up worry like what we saw when the "bar code" was introduced? Many people opposed the bar code on items we purchase in supermarkets and stores, but we seem to have now embraced the bar codes, not giving them a second thought any more. I think after all the fuss dies down, the same will be said about the micro-chip implant. Once something of the future, the micro-chip is finding its way into the market for all sorts of useful reasons.

Bad Dog? The Rottweiler Reputation

The modern day Rottweiler dog breed developed in Rottweil, Germany and is named for that city. The breed had experienced a decline in popularity in the 1800s so much that only one Rottweiler was shown in the Heilbronn, Germany dog show in 1882. In 1901, a Rottweiler Club was formed in Germany and by 1935 the breed had been recognized by the American Kennel Club as a purebred member of the working dog group.

The Rottweiler has an illustrious though unconfirmed history. The breed is thought have descended from Roman mastiff dogs almost two thousand years ago. These dogs were a viable part of the conquering Roman army. They were used to herd cattle to feed the army and also as watchdogs. By 700 A.D., the Romans had been ousted from the city of "das Rote Wil" (the red tile) but ancestors of their dogs remained and were used as beasts of burden and for herding in the city, which later became Rottweil, Germany.

The Rottweiler was once the most popular family dog in America. Currently, they are in the top five but reports of bad behavior have made many potential owners wary of the breed. Tales of aggressive and even violent behavior are due in large part to bad owners, not bad dogs. Rottweilers have inherent personality traits that can manifest in negative behavior if they do not receive proper care and training from an early age.

Surprisingly, the American Kennel Club, which judges purebred dogs on not just physical traits but also behavioral characteristics, defines the breed standard for Rottweilers as calm, confident, and courageous. Rottweilers are actually known more for their laid-back nature than aggression. Problems in behavior may stem from Rottweiler dogs' natural tendency to protect their owners and families. These dogs can become aggressive with other dogs and that is also recognized in the breed standard. However, aggression becomes violence when Rottweilers feel that they or their families are being threatened.

Potential for violence is enhanced if their owners either early in life or as adults mistreat dogs and also when no training has been completed.Potential Rottweiler dog buyers should research the breed before buying. Rottweilers are large, strong, active dogs and they require adequate room to run, loving discipline, and the opportunity to be put to work. Rottweiler buyers should also research Rottweiler breeders. Buying a purebred dog of any kind is a tricky business and there are many unethical breeders in the market to make money. There are several signs to look for in a good Rottweiler dog breeder. All good breeders should maintain a clean, adequate kennel, allow visits so potential buyers can see the environment where puppies are raised, interview the buyer to determine whether puppy and buyer are a good match, provide pedigree and other registration papers, provide medical records, have puppies and parents evaluated for genetic disorders common to the breed. Breeders should also be willing to provide advice, Rottweiler information, and training tips and will have buyer sign a contract to give the dog back to the breeder if the buyer cannot keep the dog

Great Family Pets

5 Reasons Rottweiler Puppies Make Great Family Pets

By: Kathleen Chester

When you’re thinking about getting a family pet you might not consider Rottweiler puppies to be the kind of puppies that you would bring into a family situation. There has been some bad press about Rottweiler dogs in the past and some people think because of this that Rottweiler puppies aren’t good family pets. That is not true. Rottweiler puppies can be great family pets, for the right family. Here are 5 reasons why Rottweiler puppies can be great family pets:



1. Rottweiler digs are great watchdogs – If you want to get a dog that will protect your family and your property as well as be a loving addition to your family then you should definitely consider getting a Rottweiler puppies. Rottweilers are known to be fiercely protective of their property and their families and are vigilant about protecting what they love.



2. Rottweiler puppies are drawn to children - It’s a breed characteristic that Rottweilers are drawn to children and usually develop a special bond with the children in their family. Children and all breeds of dogs can have conflicts based on individual personality and should not be left alone together unsupervised but as a breed Rottweilers usually bond very strongly to children.



3. Rottweiler puppies are very intelligent – Because the breed is known for intelligence the puppies are usually very easy to train and can take commands well. However proper socialization is extremely important for the breed so formal training or puppy classes are highly recommended by most breeders.



4. Rottweilers are very active – Rottweilers are working dogs, and they need to be busy and active in order to be happy. Being part of a loving, active family is a great situation for Rottweilers. If they are not given work to do or kept busy Rottweilers will get bored and can be destructive so make sure that your Rottweiler gets lots of exercise.



5. Rottweilers need minimal grooming – In a family setting a dog that high maintenance grooming needs often gets neglected until the dog’s fur becomes a problem. Rottweilers have short coats that require only minimal brushing to stay healthy and shiny.

Rottweiler Rescue

Get a Loyal Loving Friend Through Rottweiler Rescue

By Sharon Davies

Rottweiler rescue organizations provide a valuable service by serving as an alternative to the dog pound for owners of purebred Rottweiler dogs that, for a variety of reasons, must give up their dog. The owner may have gotten the Rottweilers with good intentions, planning to keep the dog for its entire life. Then something happens. Many purebred Rottweiler dogs end up homeless because of death, marriage, eviction or new children.

The Rottweiler is an excellent watchdog, and some owners get their Rottweilers for the purpose of guarding property. When the property changes hands, the watchdog may not be needed any longer needed. Instead of easing the Rottweiler into retirement as a house pet, some owners prefer to give their dogs away.

A Rottweiler dog owner who can no longer keep his or her Rottweiler can surrender the dog to a Rottweiler rescue organization. However, owners should be absolutely certain they are being forced to give up their dog before they turn the Rottweiler over to a Rottweiler rescue organization. Luckily for the dogs, Rottweiler rescue organizations are eventually able to find homes for most Rottweilers. Remember, no one should get any dog thinking that they can turn it over to a rescue group if things don't work out.

Anyone who wants to adopt a Rottweiler rescue dog should carefully consider the decision and be absolutely sure before they make a move to adopt a dog. A commitment to a dog should last the dog's entire lifetime.

Rottweilers are big dogs, weighing eighty to one hundred thirty-five pounds, and they have great strength. It is essential that such a strong, confident dog be properly trained, for the safety of the dog and the people around it. Obedience training for Rottweiler puppies should begin at an early age, preferably eight to ten weeks. With a rescue Rottweiler, though, you can't be sure what kind of training the dog has already had. Owners of rescue dogs should be prepared to go through obedience training with their dogs, to correct any problems with the dog's behavior and to introduce the dog to the structure and authority Rottweilers crave.

Confidence is a trait of most Rottweilers' personalities, but the Rottweiler longs for a pack leader. A rescue dog owner should provide the Rottweiler with enough exercise to fulfill the dog's need for vigorous recreation and with enough discipline to establish the owner as the leader of the pack.

Rottweiler rescue groups will only accept Rottweiler dogs that are in good health, with current vaccinations. Each dog that is accepted as a rescue dog undergoes a health and temperament evaluation by a veterinarian, and the owner who turns the dog over is required to pay a nominal fee to cover intake expenses. The fee is also meant to discourage owners from dumping dogs on the rescue groups, and encourages owners to think long and hard before surrendering their dog.

If you are interested in adopting a rescue dog, contact a Rottweiler rescue organization near you. Most organizations will require that you be at least 21 years old and that you have the permission and consent of all adults in your household. If you don't own your own home, you will be required to provide written permission from the owner for you to adopt a Rottweiler. If you are discouraged by these requirements, please remember that they are designed to reduce the possibility of an irresponsible owner having to return a rescue dog and to make sure prospective owners understand the commitment required to adopt a Rottweiler.

If your application is approved, you will be paired up with a rescue dog and asked to foster the dog for a temporary trial period. The result is worth the wait because your Rottweiler rescue dog will be a faithful companion for the rest of its life.

Sharon Davies hopes that by explaining some of the history behind the Rottweiler that more and more people will come to feel connected to the dog instead of fearing it. When thinking of getting a Rottweiler as a guard dog, remember that there is much more to them then just a scary looking dog. A lot of Rottweiler information can be found in different books or just by talking with your vet.

A suitable dog bed

Why you have to think about giving your dog a suitable dog bed

Your Upscale Pup deserves their very own little place of heaven in your home- a luxury bed that will give them lots of sweet dreams, after a long day of playing outdoors. It is really very important to get one that will be right for them. Some of the dog beds are so stylish and comfortable; you’ll be wondering why there isn’t a larger version available for you! You can buy dog beds for your fashionable pup from a variety of wonderful brands, patterns, shapes, sizes, and color choices that will please even the most discriminating pet parent. Your Pup deserves their very own little place of heaven in your home- a luxury bed that will give them lots of sweet dreams

When you want to buy dog bed one of the first things you need to do is measure your dog so you can be sure to get a bed that is the right size for your pet. First measure them from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail and then measure from their head to the floor. This will give you the approximate length and width you need in a dog bed. If you are looking at a bed with a mattress add 12 inches to your measurements.

Once you have zeroed the size you have to select from the various styles that are available. To select a bed from the various styles that are available in the market you need to closely observe their sleeping habits. Where is your dog’s favorite resting place? What is position you dog like to sleep in? Does your dog head straight for a soft cushioned spot after a day outdoors? If so he may need a bed with extra support to cushion his tired joints after a long day at play. Maybe at the end of the day you always find your dog lying on his back on your bed snoozing. If this is the case your pooch may like a soft, roomy place to crash like a lounging bed. If you usually find your dog curled up while sleep your best bet would be a nestling bed. Soft and plush with higher walls or sides for support help your dog feel safe and protected.

Seeing that your dog gets older you perhaps will have to think of the several orthopedic styles dog beds given that they will offer extra support for those old painful bones. A lot of these options have memory foam that adjusts to the requirements of your dog. Dog beds come in an array of styles as well and it is up to you as to the style you select. Several of the styles you will find, include dog couches, the traditional round beds, and donut style and slipper versions.

Once you have found out the perfect size and style of bed for your dog you need to consider just a few more things. Will this bed be used outside? Do you need one for travel? Dog beds come in styles that will stand up to the elements and fold compactly for portability. Next choose what type of filling you want in the bed based on the amount of support your dog needs. Once you have checked with all the above you can check out with the prices. When investing in a dog bed it is important to get one made with quality that will fit your dog and actually be used by your dog. And if you shop for dog beds online you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the prices you can find. It’s the same as with so many products now. Low overheads mean that sellers can sell cheaply online, and still make a profit. You can easily see what is available in the world of dog beds. Whom would have even thought whether there was so much variety?

Finally you can choose the pattern of the covering of your dog bed to add final, fun touch and match your décor. Some companies even offer the option of adding your pet’s name to the bed. While shopping for dog beds like Italian Iron Palace Luxury Pet Bed it is important to take everything into consideration to find the perfect bed that your dog will love. After all you want your best friend to be well rested for another day of romping fun tomorrow.

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