Our New Pack Member: A Manchester Terrier!

After a few years of searching, we finally have found our Manchester Terrier. Tipping the scales at a whopping 4 pounds on arrival, "Millville's Flying Ace" landed in San Francisco in late August. (The closest available Manchester we could find -- he flew in from Indiana!) He is a hilarious addition to our Dobie pack -- plays with our dogs in staunch defiance of his size. Ace is actually a foundation breed for our beloved Dobermans; Louis Doberman himself combined the breed with Rottweilers and greyhounds to produce the Doberman we know today. In public places, Ace could easily be labeled a Chihuahua, a Miniature Pinscher, or a cross thereof. Oddly enough, passers-by usually say, 'That's the tiniest Doberman I've ever seen!" And they are right. In fact, Dobermans are really just giant Manchesters.

Originally called the Black and Tan terrier, the Manchester Terrier gained popularity in the English region of its name because the dogs were such excellent vermin-killers. The dogs curbed the overpopulation of mice and rats, then quickly became popular as pit-fighters (later banned in the district) with rats often larger than they. With the quashing of the pit-fighting trend, Inns kept kennels of the dogs to help fight their ever-present rat problem. Foxhunting groups who rode to hounds also carried the terriers in special "slings" (as the little dogs lacked the speed to keep up with the foxhounds) so that if the quarry went into a hole in the ground, the little black-and-tan powerhouse would go in after it with ferocity. Common carriers of the "big dog syndrome," Manchesters do not realize their size. Matched with a Doberman, they will wrestle and play regardless of being 1/10th the larger dog's size.

True to his lineage, our little Ace is the biggest little dog in the neighborhood. He enjoys running with the pack (including our resident human 10k runner) and playing with the family Dobermans. He's truly a blast from the past!

Needless to say, Ace's tiny size was a bit of a concern for us at first. Dobies as a rule will play hard (and sometimes can appear to be overbearing), but generally reserve viciousness for intruders of the two-legged persuasion. However, true to his terrier roots, Ace at 4 pounds stood his ground and refused to be an expensive squeak toy for the Dobies. A few weeks after his arrival, we allowed supervised play time. Ace added weight very quickly -- in a couple of months he had doubled in weight and strength. High-quality puppy food and plenty of exercise (running/playing on 10 acres, plus daily 2-mile walks with the DobiePack) allowed him to grow like a little black and tan weed. Ace's above-average intelligence also had him leash-trained and sit/stay trained almost immediately. And while it took the Dobies several days upon arrival in our home to master the large-breed dog doors we had installed, Ace mastered them in a day: kicking and struggling to climb through, the magnetized flaps and long drops to the other side did not daunt his determination.

It is rather a wonder that this breed of dog is relatively rare in the common household setting. Where one sees plenty of Min-Pins, Chihuahuas, rat terriers, and Jack Russells, the Manchester Terrier is almost a novelty. Ace turns heads and piques interest whenever we take him to parks or softball games. Perhaps the Manchester's small litter size (3-4 pups is common) and higher price prevents them from becoming household regulars. Some may label them as "hyper," "unsuited to small households," "yippy," "nippy," or "unsuitable for households with cats," but truth be told, any dog can bear these problems if not properly cared for. Ace is even-mannered, obedient, generally quiet, and has yet to attack anything other than his Dobie siblings. The experts all agree -- regular walks, a good balance of work/play/discipline, and pack order will produce champion manners in any dog. Raised amongst Champion-line Dobermans, Ace is a little champion in his own right!

Circuit Training Workouts: Let Your Favorite Music Be Your Trainer

For most people, weight loss and management is an ongoing, unforgiving, and challenging part of life. Eat like a rabbit for a month, exercise religiously, forgo sweet or fatty foods, and most of us can tip the scales in our favor. However, it seems that only a few indiscretions like a bowl of ice cream or a few missed workouts will reverse the process post haste; the battle is uphill and constant. Due diligence is the only way to win the day. The good news is, the battle won't be so hard to fight if we get creative with the ways that we use the forces on our side: food choice and exercise.

There is a myriad of weight loss plans, potions, pills, and promises out there. Some preach food combinations, others forbid certain foods, and even more sources promise everything the customer wants: weight loss without deprivation or strenuous exercise. The truth is, there is no magic pill to pop or wand to wave over yourself to get the results you're after. The fine print always says, "Use with enclosed diet and exercise plan." The only way we achieve a physique that includes more muscle mass and tone with less fat is to find a balance of activity and food choice that we can live with.

Of course, developing a healthy friendship with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is essential to replacing "inert" fatty tissue with its lean muscular counterpart. Choose the ones that you like, eat them daily, and find new ways to prepare them that will keep you interested. But what about exercise? How can we keep workouts from becoming repetitive, boring, or downright tedious? Let music be your trainer. Choose a variety of exercises to go with it. Call it circuit training, "boot camp" philosophy, muscle confusion, or exercise grab-bag if you wish. Working all of your muscle groups, each for a few minutes at a time, for five to six "blocks," will keep your workouts fun and different each time. You will look forward to exercise for a change.

First, choose five or six songs in a few different sets that you like the most. This is your "set" for the day (do these workouts every other day for best results). Invest in some hand weights, power bands, and leg weights. Find a cardiovascular exercise that you like (a treadmill is best, but you can use your neighborhood block or local school track): fast walking or running, aerobic dancing, kickboxing, or even a stationary bike works well. For your music player, MP3s or even cassette tapes in a portable player is fine. The key is to have your song queue ready, your equipment near to hand, and a half-hour to work. Research some exercises for arms, legs, and abdominal muscles. Get your plan mapped out in the way that you are comfortable.

Start your circuit workout with a light cardio warm-up for one song. Then move on to leg exercises (with weights if you like): do lifts, kicks, and circles. Alternate legs and types of moves for this song. During the next song, do some more cardio work. When the song switches again, move on to abdominal exercises. More cardio for the song following. After that song, work on arms and upper body with your weights or power bands. Finish off with a light cardio cool-down. After your half-hour of changing up targeted areas, you will have challenged all possible muscle groups.

This workout is easy to modify to your own fitness level and ability. It changes every few minutes to something new. You can choose different songs at varying speeds to keep it fun. A bonus that comes with using MP3 players is the shuffle button, which switches the songs around so you don't know which one will be next. The music itself can train you because it provides a subtle structure and intensity that you may not follow when working out in silence or to television. Best of all, you may just look forward to this workout because of its variety -- and the way it makes you feel. Using all muscle groups in stages brings fresh oxygen to your whole body. There may be no "free rides" to successful weight loss, but there are ways to make the ride much more enjoyable ... and effective!

Breeding Our Doberman - A Journal of Events Leading to Whelping

"That smilin' dog," my husband's uncle said. "Just look at that smilin' dog." Tango, our Doberman, had greeted our uncle at a family barbeque.

Tango does truly smile. There may be conflicting evidence about whether dogs smile or not, or even have emotions like humans do ... Tango definitely smiles. In fact, she has the prettiest smile of any dog I've ever seen.

We met Tango in April 2008. Admirers of black-and-tan breeds, my husband and I had set out to find two dogs to provide some security and companionship on our 10-acre property. Our choices for black-and-tans were Rottweiler, Doberman, or Manchester Terrier. We found a listing for Dobermans and decided to give one a try, having researched the breed's characteristics and needs.

Tango's breeder brought her to a local park for us to meet her. She showed us Tango's skills at obedience and socialization (she asked passers-by to pet her dog), and let us get to know her. When my husband knelt down to greet Tango, she put her head in his lap; an instant friend. It took very little time for us to decide that she was the perfect dog for our family. We also chose an unrelated Doberman male from one of the breeder's associates nearby.

We had the dogs we wanted. But one little option did present itself before we had left the park. The breeder, as a suggestion, asked if we would be interested in breeding Tango. She wanted to keep the dog in her own program, but had too many to deal with at the time. Tango's papers were left "open" for registered litters, so it was an option for us. We had not previously considered breeding. However, this dog was worth it. She had correct confirmation, temperament, and personality. A tribute to the Doberman breed. The breeder even offered to help us place the puppies.

As Tango was only six months old at the time, we had some work to do. We immediately began obedience and agility training, then worked towards an AKC CGC certification. CGC is a test that measures obedience, socialization, and manners. Dogs who pass the exam receive a certificate of completion. If both parent dogs are CGC, the puppies are easier to place. Both our dogs passed the CGC easily. We also began calendar-watching for Tango's heat cycle. She came into heat on June 25, 2008 ... her first birthday. As we planned to breed on the third cycle, we watched how her cycle progressed into December, when she came in on December 1, 2008. We noted body changes, attitude, and behavior towards our male (he was neutered, of course). By the time the third cycle arrived, we'd have some data to work from. Tango would also be mature enough for motherhood.

On May 13, 2009, we began to see signs (spotting) that the third heat cycle was underway. I contacted Tango's breeder to let her know the cycle had started. She gave us a date to bring Tango to her facility. She had a newly acquired male that would be a perfect match. Thus on May 25, Tango met her first suitor, Rambo. The breeder reported two successful "ties," where the dogs make the connection correctly. Once again we noted our calendars and embarked upon a new waiting game: "Is she or isn't she?"

It normally takes five weeks, depending on the dog and breed, to know if there are puppies on the way. At 45 days, an x-ray can determine if there are puppies, and how many. At one month, we are still at wait-and-see. According to the breeder, it is rare to not have a pregnancy if there are successful ties at the right time of the cycle. After a year and a half of planning, saving funds, and working with the dogs, we are hopeful that a lovely little bunch of pups will arrive in 2-3 more weeks. It has been an interesting, and educational, experience ... and it has potential to be even more so very soon! My biggest hope is that the pups will inherit Tango's winning smile.

Bonnie Cox and her husband have owned family dogs since childhood. The regularly work their two dogs, Tango and Odie, in obedience and agility. This is their first foray into breeding a dog, though they have had breeding programs for other animals (sheep, cattle, horses) in the past. Bonnie Cox plans to write an e-book about her dog's entire pregnancy when the puppies are weaned and placed with new homes (the puppy list already has 5 names). http://www.antlerhollowmillville.com; http://millvillegrammarcop.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Joy_Cox

Good Colon Maintenance Can Improve Overall Health

If we could look at individual organs or systems to show overall body health, a study of the colon would be a good start. The last portion of the gastrointestinal tract, the colon finishes the job that the digestive process starts: to get all of the body’s necessary nutrients from the foods we eat. Diseases of the colon range from the mild and easily treatable to more serious – simple dietary habits can prevent most, if not all, colon ailments. Usually, a well-maintained, healthy colon will reflect a healthy body in general. The colon absorbs water, nutrients, and electrolytes, which in turn benefit all organ systems.

The colon is a U-shaped organ that begins at the cecum, where the small and large intestines meet. At the colon’s first turn at the right lower abdomen, the appendix juts from the exterior wall. This mysterious organ, generally accepted as a vestigial (no longer vital to body function) and troublesome spectator to the digestive process, is commonly removed due to infection, inflammation, or rupture. Just past the appendix, the colon turns due north towards the liver, then makes a right-angle turn across the top of the abdomen. Near the pancreas, the colon again makes a 90-degree turn to head due south to the rectum. The food we eat travels this path before it leaves the body; it is important to maintain a smooth, regular timeline for the movement of waste through the ascending, transverse, and descending colon. Delays, impaction at turns, and detours can cause a buildup of toxins and negatively affect the health of other organ systems. Just as the colon absorbs water and electrolytes to balance the body's fluid levels, it can also absorb toxins and distribute them, as well.

The mischievous appendix, as previously mentioned, is a hot-spot for infection and inflammation. If waste does not move through the cecum past the appendix effectively, bacteria can collect in its pouch-like cul-de-sac and cause pain, fever, vomiting, and, in severe cases, rupture. A ruptured appendix can be life-threatening if not treated immediately by a surgeon. Akin to the appendix, yet perhaps not as notorious, are diverticula, or small swellings or bulges in the colon wall. These are caused by pressure exerted on weak spots within the colon. The formation of these bulges is called diverticulosis. If these bulges become inflamed, it is called diverticulitis. With diverticulosis, most patients do not show symptoms. Over time, however, infections can develop and cause abdominal pain and fever.

Another unwelcome addition to the colon wall is the polyp, or a small cluster of cells that forms on the colon lining. Polyps can be rather common, as up to 30% of middle-aged adults have them. Most polyps are harmless, but they can become cancerous over a period of time. Poor diet, obesity, smoking, or family history of colon cancer can increase this risk. If they are found in their early stages, polyps can be removed easily. A colonoscopy is the best way to check for polyps. The colonoscopy is also valuable for detecting diverticula or other colon problems.

Colon health can be at its best if a good dietary and exercise plan is maintained. Plenty of fiber from whole grains and fruits will keep the colon running smoothly. Bacteria in the colon feed on dietary fiber, which breaks nutrients down to be absorbed by cells in the intestinal lining. Adequate fiber will also make waste move easily through the colon walls, “cleansing” them and eliminating pressure points that cause weak spots.

Exercise is also a great way to keep the colon running smoothly. Activities that exercise the body’s core muscles also benefit peristaltic action, or the smooth-muscle process that contracts the colon walls to move waste through. It is estimated that regular exercise can cut colon cancer risk as much as 40%.

Some individuals choose a “colon cleansing” regimen to flush out any impacted waste that may have gathered in the colon’s walls. High-fiber foods, which provide 20-30 grams of fiber per day, are a mainstay. Sufficient water is also needed; a good goal is to drink 1/2 of one’s body weight in ounces of water per day (i.e. 75 ounces, or 9 cups of water for a 150-pound person). This will both provide beneficial bacterial action in the colon while flushing toxins from the body.

Good colon maintenance is not only beneficial to the whole body – it is essential for continued overall health over the years. The prevention of colon ailments, through simple dietary and exercise plans, can prevent more serious diseases. It also helps us get the most out of life!

Resting Metabolic Rate: Raise it for Weight Loss Results

Everyone’s body “idles” at its own RPM – some of us have higher Revolutions Per Minute than others, which is why weight loss has to be customized to personal needs. Trainers who pay attention to a client’s family history, habits, medical history, and dietary habits are invaluable because they focus on the biggest factor in weight loss: metabolism. One person may burn 1,400 calories per day just to exist. Another can easily burn 2,500. It’s all in the genetic, activity, and dietary details.

Metabolism, especially our Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), is affected by a myriad of influences. To begin with, family history and genetics can provide helpful clues to an individual’s metabolic type. Perhaps obesity and diabetes are common health factors in a person’s family tree; this does not mean that person is destined to be overweight. It simply means that steps need to be taken to boost that metabolic rate effectively. Healthy habits like proper dietary choices and an interest in active sports can combat a genetically-based slow metabolism. Of course, this individual will probably not be able to boast that “I can eat all the burgers and fries that I want … I simply never gain weight.” Though we cannot change the boilerplate value of what our genetics have provided for us, we certainly can build on that value to obtain the RMR that we want. Like a motorcycle mumbling along when sitting still, the more we turn the handle and “rev it up,” the faster our engine will run.

Revving up the metabolic engine happens at both micro- and macro-levels. People who exercise regularly tend to have more mitochondria (my-to-kond-ree-ah) in their cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell – they convert food energy into “get up and move” energy. The more we exercise, the more mitochondria we can have on our side. Drinking a cold glass of water (preferably 6-8 of them per day) will prompt the body to warm itself from the inside out. This also burns calories. Eating fiber-rich, water-dense foods like oranges, watermelon, raw leafy vegetables, celery, carrots, apples, and pears will provide a double benefit: water to help flush the system, and fiber for digestive health. It also makes the body work just a little bit harder when processing these foods. If we eat regularly, providing a steady amount of calories every 3-4 hours, our metabolism will respond by remaining elevated. We need not only to eat to survive; eating for performance, or providing quality building blocks for our bodies, is essential.

Muscles are also metabolic energy bandits. A pound of muscle burns 6 calories per day just to exist. A pound of fat only requires 2 calories per day. Weight training will build muscle mass. It will also improve bone and cardiovascular health. High-quality protein in the diet will not only help build muscle mass, it will require more energy than simple carbohydrates for the body to digest. Also, as the body ages, it loses its muscle mass by 3-5 % per decade after age 25. Weight training will help prevent this loss.

Aerobic activity is the biggest RMR-builder of all. Not only do we burn up to 800 calories per hour with high-energy activities such as running, cross-country skiing, and fast cycling, that high-burst burn will continue beyond the exercise session. The best fat-burning, metabolism-building activity is a workout that mixes both resistance training and aerobics. Boot camps, or programs that incorporate exercises such as high-speed treadmill work with power bands or weights, are the king of metabolism boosters. Combined with eating for performance, any high-energy workout program will keep your metabolic RPM spinning at high speed, and burning fat, effectively.

Knee Maintenance and Care for Runners: Go Easy!

The human “second gear” is perhaps the most natural, simple, and effective form of exercise for our species. Walking, of course, is an excellent way to improve heart, respiratory, joint, muscular, and digestive health. Running simply pushes this benefit to a higher level. The whole body clicks into overdrive: it is the flight response used for centuries by our ancestors. Add some adrenaline to our run, and we leave our pursuers in a cloud of dust. These days, we mostly have a “personal best time” as our adversary. Yet we must also be careful; other adversaries exist that cannot be ignored.

One of the main complaints of both first-time runners and their seasoned counterparts is knee pain. Running puts considerable strain on the knee joint. If a runner is new to the sport, it is easy to over-train at the beginning. Take it slow, build your leg and joint strength. Establish a base of knee stability to prevent injury down the road. Experienced runners who are working on adding mileage for a new race distance should also take care: 10-kilometer conditioning and strength needs to be carefully modified if a 26-mile marathon is the goal. Knees will adapt to this new challenge if given the stability to do so. If two miles of moderate running cause pain at first, back off and rest. Give the knees time to stabilize.

Stability is essential to keep the knee working properly. Correct leg muscle development, obtained through gradual increase of mileage and intensity, will create stability. The quadriceps (on the front of the thighs) and hamstrings (on the back of the thighs) work in conjunction with each other, pulling on different areas of the knee at the same time. If these muscles are developed correctly, the knee joint will glide over and under itself without undue strain. Let’s not forget the tiny, yet indispensible patella, as well. This engineering marvel glides over the front of the knee, adding stability and providing a liaison between thigh and lower leg bones. Thus the knee has been described by medical literature as being three articulations in one: draw a circle in the air with your toe, and you get the idea.

If more than a casual couple of miles per week are the runner’s goal, it is mandatory that he or she invest in correct running shoes. People come in all shapes and sizes. Some people pronate, or roll the weight of their body to the inside edge of the foot. Others supinate, or roll the weight to the outside edge. Men and women even have different angles from hip to knee. This is why there are specific running shoes by gender. The best way to be fitted for running shoes is to visit a store that provides treadmill analysis. A shoe fitter will watch, or even video, the runner’s heel strike to determine what kind of shoe is best to support the customer’s body and running style. Yes, these shoes will probably be twice as expensive as the bargain-rack pair. However, to a runner, healthy, pain-free knees are well worth the price.

What Kind of Rider are You?

Like any other skill or ability, horseback riders come in a large spectrum of types and experience levels. Some riders rode a pony as a child, never to try it again. Others begged their parents relentlessly through their childhood years, only to wind up empty-handed – pretending their bicycles were galloping chargers. The fortunate few did indeed win that pony from worn-down parents. They rode the shaggy beast until outgrown, then moved up to a larger horse, all the while allowing their developing motor skills to include the feel of four feet beneath them. For these riders, using those four feet is as familiar to them as the original biped mechanism of walking or running. Each rider is unique, because each rider has an individual base of learning. How the rider builds upon that base makes all the difference in riding ability.

The range of horse enthusiasts stretches from the pure recreational to the ancient art form. Some simply see the horse as a living dirt bike, charging around hills or dunes, whooping like maniacs. To them, the gears are go, stop. Add a little bit of care and sensibility and you have a car driver: start, stop, turn, low, high gears, even reverse. Go a step further to the airplane pilot: start, stop, turn, take-off, landing, adjustment for balance. Watch a Grand Prix or Spanish Riding School Dressage rider and you will see a helicopter pilot: Forward, backward, spin, hover, roll, pitch, yaw. This artist in horseflesh can balance himself and his horse on two rear hooves in suspended animation. A quantum leap from the dirt bike rider, to be sure.

Most riders exist in the middle of the plane. The sensible continuously strive to improve their strength and balance – to move closer to helicopter pilot status. As a rider adds hours in the saddle, nuances emerge that echo the beauty of the art form: shifts in weight, opening or closing of strides, and the period of suspension between beats of the canter. How the horse carries his ears or swishes his tail suddenly means something. Even riding a turn can be done in worlds-apart fashions: the dirt-bike rider usually treats a turn like a NASCAR bank, throwing balance to the wind. Yet done properly, a turn can become an upright, balanced ballet move where the horse flexes his body through the ribcage and molds to the curve. To the untrained eye, this is very difficult to see. It has to be felt in the seat and hands to be appreciated fully.

Most of us have been “horseback riding” at one time or another. The next time you give it a try, pay attention to your style. Few of us can achieve helicopter pilot perfection, but at least we should strive to appreciate the grandeur of those four feet beneath us.