Perfectly Bred Breeds: Westminster 2011 Picks

News from the past worth noting!

The prestigious Westminster 2011 Dog Show was held on February 14th and 15th at Madison Square Garden. 2011 marked the 135th year of the show, which was started by a group of men who began meeting at The Westminster Hotel to share their love of dogs. The original show took place in May 1887 and was primarily for hunting and gun dogs. Currently, the show evaluates dogs in seven categories, and dogs are judged based on how closely they mirror the standard characteristics of their breed. Some characteristics judges evaluate include facial features, overall body structure and the ability of the breed to do its intended job.

Four groups were judged on Monday, February 14, 2011. Judges selected winners in the hound, toy, herding, and non-sporting groups. Hounds are known for their unique howl, calm temperament, and ability to track by either sight or their excellent sense of smell. Foxcliffe Hickory, a female Scottish Deerhound, won first place in the Hound Group.
Toy dogs are smaller dogs that are usually under 22 pounds and less than 16 inches long. Frank Sabella judged the Toy Group and selected PalaceGarden Malachy, a Pekingese, as the winner. Mr. Sabella indicated that her narrow waist and shape made her exceptional for the breed’s standards.

The Herding Group, which was originally incorporated into the Working Group, has had its own category for many years. Mrs. Lynette Saltzman judged the Herding Group and selected Tolkein Raintree Mister Baggins, a Bearded Collie as the winner.

The Non-sporting Group is a very diverse selection of dogs in temperament, appearance and size. Mr. Everett Dean, Jr. selected Miss Jayne Hathaway, a Chinese Shar-pei as the first place winner. Born in 2007, Miss Jayne is owned by breeders Vicki and Jeff Mauk,

On Tuesday, February 15, 2011 winners were announced in the Sporting and Working Groups. Sporting dogs actively enjoy hunting. James Reynolds awarded first place to Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction, a black Cocker Spaniel.

Dorothy Collier judged the Working Group, which features dogs that can be trained to perform a variety of functions including drug detection, seeing-eye work, rescue guard work, or other jobs. Aviators Luck Be a Lady, a Portuguese Water Dog, won first place.

Terriers are known for their spirited attitudes and energy. Mr. Ed Bivins selected Slyfox Sneak’s a Peek, a Smooth Fox Terrier, as the winner.

When the winners competed for Best of Show, Scottish Deerhound Foxcliffe Hickory Wind won the coveted award. Hickory is owned by breeders Cecelia and R Scott Dove together with Sally Swealt.

Essenti offers variety of wholesale pet products to train your top dog.  We offer eco friendly, floating rubber dog toys such as fetchers, tugs, balls, rings and many more. We also offer comfortable dog beds and wonderful, colorful dog clothing.

Preparing Your Dog for Visitors

You have probably been in the situation where you prepare your house for company, anticipate a relaxing evening with friends and then are frustrated when your dog is noisily barking while you are trying to mingle with guests. Although your dog’s behavior may be undesirable, you can make him more relaxed around company by using pet products.

Be careful to avoid neglecting your dog before your gathering. By the time your visitors arrive, he may feel threatened by unknown people in his home or your dog may want attention. Plan some quality time with your dog before the company arrives so he is content or tired by the time visitors appear at your door.

Use a retractable or standard leash to take your dog for a walk before company arrives. Grab some dog toys and let him romp in the park or play fetch in your back yard. The exercise and fresh air may make him ready to relax later.

When you return, fill your dog’s bowl with fresh water and food. Make sure you use a dog bowl that does not slip or slide. Even if he is not hungry or thirsty, his dog bowl will have a beverage and food available when he wants it. If you put him in a separate room after guests arrive, leave some pet toys with him. If he can entertain himself and his needs are met, he is less likely to disturb your guests.

Essenti has retractable leashes, pet bowls, and scented floating rubber dog toys that will help prepare your dog for guests. Our rings, balls, discs and other toys can help make your pet tired before your guests arrive. Our non-skid pet bowls are washable and convenient.

Training Temporary Pets to Help the Disabled

The Otisville Correctional Center in New York has a new program that teaches inmates responsibility while helping them perform a service for others. Qualifying inmates can help train puppies for people with disabilities. The puppies live with the inmates for approximately 20 months. During that time, inmates are responsible for feeding, grooming, and teaching the dogs the necessary commands for them to help the disabled.

Once the dogs are sufficiently trained, they are picked up by a non-profit agency that unites the dogs with a disabled person. The dog and the special needs individual work together until the dog can satisfy their needs.
When raising guide dogs, puppy raisers will need leashes, pet bowls, and toys to care for the dogs and train them.

The trainers use tugs, balls, and other toys to teach commands and how to socialize. Leashes are instrumental when training and caring for the dogs because the dogs must be constantly exposed to people. Furthermore, owners rely on their guide dogs because they are unable to see, so the dogs must be very well-trained.

Although using inmates to train dogs is a new program, law-abiding civilians can also enjoy the experience of training dogs for the disabled. Guiding Eyes for Blind and the Eye Dog Foundation are two non-profit organizations that provide puppies and support for people who are willing to raise guide dogs.

Most non-profit organizations that supply and oversee the training of guide dogs require participants to live a reasonable distance from the organization, but there are organizations in many geographic locations.

Training a guide dog can be a wonderful way to contribute to the community. Nevertheless, it is also important to remember that caring for a guide dog is a temporary job and returning the dog to the organization can be traumatic when you have developed a strong bond.

Essenti Enterprises, LLC offers products, has a full line of sturdy pet bowls, retractable leashes, and floating rubber dog toys that are well-suited for training guide dogs. Our online selection is readily accessible and perfect for your training needs.

Getting Your Dog ready to be a Therapy Dog

Therapy dogs and their handlers may visit the elderly, students, or people with disabilities. Therapy dogs must take and pass a test for the volunteer work they do. The dogs need to have excellent temperaments by acting calmly and comfortably around strangers. Not every dog is suitable to become a therapy dog, but there are activities you can do with your dog so that his personality may be more suited to this type of work.

Take your dog to crowded markets or shopping areas. Your dog needs to be comfortable around strangers to be a successful therapy dog. If he seems anxious around strangers, he is unlikely to pass the test. When tested, therapy dogs need to be comfortable when they are left alone with the test evaluator.

When walking your dog, teach him to follow on a loose lead, so it is obvious that he respects your control. If you use a retractable leash, you can gradually loosen the lead as your dog becomes more comfortable.

Play with your dog in public areas, where there are children. Your dog should be comfortable and well-behaved around adults and children. Teach him not to jump, sniff or act anxiously. Let him get used to being touched by strangers, so he reacts well with everyone.

Essenti Enterprises, LLC pet products can help you train your dog, so he obtains certification to become a therapy dog. Our scented dog toys are perfect for play at a park or public area.  We also have a wide variety of retractable leashes that are available for any size dog. Look at our selection, and use them to help your dog get qualified to assist others feel happy and comfortable. Let Essenti products help you and your dog bring joy to others.