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.

Bone Health – When Concussion is a Good Thing

Our bones are the framework of our lives. Face it – without our bones, we would be little more than puddles on the ground. Our bones not only frame our bodies, they provide an essential factory for bone marrow. They are a calcium store for our bodies to tap when the mineral is needed by the muscles. They protect our vital organs from injury. They even provide a root base for our teeth.

Maintaining our bones is vital to our good health and survival. Like many other healthy habits, caring for our bones wisely has many other “tangent” benefits. Exercise is perhaps the biggest boon to bone health; cardiovascular, muscular, and digestive health are also boosted by exercise. But for bones, exercise can sway a “make or break” scenario. Astronauts in zero gravity must do resistance exercise daily to keep osteoporosis (demineralization, or weakening of bones) at bay. Why? Because bones need concussion.

Both aerobic and weight-training exercises help to improve bone health by providing concussion. Concussion produces periosteal bone activation – in other words, the microscopic compromise to bone structure will cause the bone matrix to “mineralize,” making the bones stronger. Bone minerals consist of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, and magnesium phosphate. Intermixed with these minerals is a more flexible structure of collagen, or white, fibrous tissue. A good balance of minerals in bone will produce both strength and the correct amount of flexibility. However, upset this balance with poor diet (lack of adequate dietary minerals) and the bones become brittle, spongy, or, in the case of the disease rickets, bent or curved. Lack of minerals will leave only the collagen structure to support the body – even the muscles can pull the bones out of shape. The framework can’t stand without minerals!

It is important to get plenty of calcium and other minerals from food. If the body is lacking in calcium, it will “borrow” it from the bones. Adequate intake of calcium can prevent this. Dietary minerals, especially calcium, are readily found in a variety of foods. Dairy products, green, leafy vegetables, peas, salmon, and beans are good sources. Even an orange can provide calcium – and vitamin C, as well. Supplements also can provide calcium to the body, but should not be the sole source for the mineral. Vitamin D goes hand in hand with calcium absorption into the bones, so food or supplements that include vitamin D are a good choice. Add a good exercise program, with both aerobic and strength training, and you have a recipe for excellent bone health.

The Unit -- A Great Show -- We will miss you!

We are saddened -- but not surprised -- at the loss of this series. The Unit was such a sharp, hard-hitting look at the lives of special forces members and the families who strengthen their souls. Perhaps it was too good of a show to continue; bumping shoulders with today's popular programs is certainly a challenge. "Who wants intellect when you can watch jackass?" I own seasons 1-3 on DVD and await Season 4 with anticipation. To bounce a show around its time slot the way CBS did -- a crime. Do that with a useless reality show, not this one. The Unit deserved at least a quid pro quo response for its incredible expense of time, effort, and brilliant writing/casting. I too will miss Snake Doc, Dirt Diver, Betty Blue, Cool Breeze ... and Hammerhead. Though I typically wait for DVD release (commercials aren't worth the wait), this was one show that I did at least mute ads for (TiVo deficient, I'm afraid). If the network does indeed realize their mistake in years to come, I will be one of the stalwart fans who will tune in and applaud this show's return.

Unfenced Dogs Create Hazards for All

One of the greatest dangers to dogs in a human-run world is being hit by cars. An equally great danger to humans in a world that includes dogs is bite injury from loose dogs. The solution for both of these problems is simple: fence the dog safely and securely.

Too many dog owners assume that inadequate conditions will suffice for dog housing. A front yard, a front porch, or a little back stoop should be fine, right? Besides, a fence is too expensive, too much work to maintain, and it takes too much time to open and close when driving through the gate. To simply keep the dog in the house, then "hope it hangs around" when outside is not only irresponsible, it is a liability. Passing cars, always tempting to chase, can severely injure or kill a dog in a matter of seconds. If the driver tries to avoid the dog, he or she may swerve into a dangerous situation that causes injury or death. Passing children who simply want to pet the dog can be bitten -- and face the risk of infection, disease, or serious injury. Up the ante by having another dog owner pass by with his dog on a leash ... another disastrous equation. Prevent all of these issues. Provide a fence to protect both dog and neighborhood.

In rural areas, allowing dogs to roam freely is even more prevalent. "They won't bother anyone, we live in the country" is a common excuse. However, country settings also come with country environments: coyotes, mountain lions, and even raccoons can be dog predators. Leaving the dog out to "fend for itself" is simply unfair to the dog, and prompts the posting of "lost dog" signs on local telephone poles. If a dog scents or sees a deer, for instance, the chase is on. In most cases, the dog gets lost. If it is fortunate, it finds its way home. If it is not, one more poster finds its way to that telephone pole.

Simply put, a responsible dog owner will provide all of the dog's needs: food, water, exercise, play, shelter, and a good, safe fence.

A "Two-species" Duathlon

Maximizing walking or riding sessions

Whether you're running, trotting, jogging, or ambling along at an easy lope, why not add a companion to the activity? Though more of us have dogs than horses, the exercise potential from owning one or both animals can be far-reaching. The benefits are almost endless: stronger cardiovascular systems and endurance (human, equine, canine), tighter core muscles (human, equine), mental stimulation, and good, old-fashioned fresh air activity are all just waiting to be enjoyed.

Both dogs and horses are wired to live in group settings. Interaction within the group (especially with the leader of the group) is not only beneficial, it is vital. Time spent at least a few days per week doing activities such as walking, riding, obstacles, or obedience can work wonders on the animal's state of mind. Barking, cribbing, digging, pawing, weaving, pacing, or other undesirable behaviors usually stem from the lack of time spent on more constructive activities. It can also be an antidote for the human's daily stress level. It's been proven that the simple act of petting or grooming an animal can lower blood pressure. Add some cardiovascular exercise, and you have a winning fitness combination for both mind and body!

If one walks a dog, then rides a horse on the same day, the whole body gets both cardiovascular and strength-training benefits. Walking or running with a dog obviously fits in the aerobic category -- this is heightened by the fact that a reasonably fit dog won't tire at the same rate as a human, so the dog can encourage the human to work at a slightly higher level than if that human were to walk or run alone. Add a ride on a horse, and you have the best core-strengthening exercise available. To balance the entire upper body on a moving animal takes every back, abdominal, seat, and leg muscle available. Keep the horse moving, and the legs get even more work when directing the way of travel. Anyone who has never ridden, or has not ridden a horse recently will tell you where every muscle is -- the day after the ride. Ride more, the soreness improves. Ride even more, strength builds.

Make your human, canine, and equine world a better place -- each day, if you can. Do yourself, and your dog and/or horse a favor -- walk or ride! It's a win-win-win situation for all species involved!