Information on the Effects of Spaying & Neutering
We used to encourage people to spay or neuter their pups by 9 months, if they did not intend to breed them. However there have been several studies that have made us rethink that recommendation.
If you plan to spay or neuter your dog, we now ask that you wait until your pup's bone growth is complete. With large breeds, this is normally between 18 and 24 months of age.
Spaying & Neutering Links
The Damaging Effects of Spaying and Neutering
Exploring mechanisms of sex differences in longevity: lifetime ovary exposure and exceptional longevity in dogs
Ovaries & Longevity
Effect of gonadectomy on subsequent development of age-related cognitive impairment in dogs.
Golden retriever study suggests neutering affects dog health
Reproductive Capability Is Associated with Lifespan and Cause of Death in Companion Dogs
Early Neurological Stimulation
We use this method with all our puppies and have had great results.
Link to an article on Early Neuro
Livestock Guardian Dog Info
Links and books
What is a LGD?
The Rise of Livestock Guardian Dogs
Article on LGD myths from Mother Earth News._
Books on LGDs
· Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care and Training
· Livestock Guardians: Using Dogs, Donkeys, and Llamas to Protect Your Herd (Storey's Working Animals)
Great All Breed Dog Info
Recommended by a friend of ours, that is a brilliant K9 behaviorist.
For Puppy raising and/or general training
i. Puppy Start Right – By Kenneth and Debbie Martin
ii. Grisha Stewart – Give Your Puppy A Choice [DVD]
iii. Puppy Primer – Brenda Scidmore and Patricia McConnell [I like this book quite a bit but I find the book by Ken & Debbie Martin to be more eloquent, with better examples, etc]
iv. Grisha Stewart – The Official Ahimsa Dog Training Manual: A Practical, force-free guide to problem solving and manners, 4th Ed
v. Puppy Culture - A great website for training and socialization information
On body language & behavior
i. Brenda Aloff – Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide
ii. Barabara Handleman - Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Guide
iii. Stress in Dogs - by Martina Scholz & Clarissa von Reinhardt
iv. Carol Byrnes – What is my Dog Saying [Powerpoint on CD]
v. Turid Rugaas – On Talking Terms with Dogs Calming Signals 2nd Ed {DVD}
For dealing with Fear, Reactivity [aggression]
i. Grisha Stewart – Behavior Adjustment Training for Fear, Frustration and Aggression [BOOK]
ii. Grisha Stewart – Organic Socialization DVD [BAT in Action]
iii. Grisha Stewart – Bating 1000 DVD [this is a 2-day seminar covering all things BAT.
iv. Suzanne Clothier – Arousal, Anxiety and Fear: Empathy, understanding & options for anxious or fearful dogs [DVD]