Euro Puppy BLOG

Even though the dog has been domesticated, they are still animals with instincts that are brought down from their ancestors in the wild. Sometimes, their instincts override all the training that a human can possibly give. An example that I remember was when a pregnant dog lashed out at me for getting too close. She was well brought up, so she didn't bite - her mouth was closed all the time - but it was a reminder to me that dogs are not humans.



It's important that your dog learns to respect you and give you precedence. Not doing so can encourage bullying behavior like growling, or pushiness while coming to food. Such a dog can be a ticking time bomb and for it's own sake, he/she must be taught that humans, and especially you, are superior to them.

You must always keep the idea in the back of your mind, that you are superior. This should manifest itself when your dog is on the leash, when you share food with your dog, and in all other circumstances where your dog's interests might clash even slightly with your own. Your dog must realize that it's interests are secondary to yours. In other words, you must be the alpha member of the pack.

This is neither cruel, nor disrespectful. It is a necessary part of a dog's upbringing for their own sake. Society will not tolerate a dog that goes beyond it's limits, and it is your responsibility to ensure that those limits are never crossed.

We learned last week about some basic house training for your puppy, and this week, we're going to explore a very popular technique called paper training.

It basically involves designating a certain area in your house by marking it with waster paper. That area will be used by your puppy for potty training.

When you notice that your puppy is going to poop (yes you have to keep a close watch, or else it's a no go) you must pick her up place her on the sheets so that she does her business on the paper.

After you clean up, cover the area again with fresh paper, and keep a slightly soiled piece in the area so that she will associate the smell of that area with her potty routine. Soon she will go there of her own accord when she needs to poop. As your puppy learns each time that she is to go to the designated area, keep reducing the area of the paper so that it reaches a consistent size.

Reinforce the fact that potty is only to be done in the marked area by immediately cleaning up accidental drops in the wrong place with diluted vinegar. This will remove the smell and will prevent the dog from associating that area with her potty again.



With a little bit of praise and encouragement, your dog is set!

Techniques for House training your puppy can vary depending on your lifestyle. Some people have their own garden where they let their dogs poop, which becomes manure after a while, so you don't need to be present to pick it up after them.

In this case, the only requirement is that you train you dog to poop outside. The key to doing this is to have a regular schedule. If your puppy knows that he/she is going to be let out of the house at a particular time, chances are that they will time their potty. If you have several dogs already, then the puppies pick up the pattern from them.



Initially when your pups are young, try and have a separate place for them to poop. The place should be far away from the sleeping area and when you observe them getting ready to let go (Sniffing around, moving in circles), pick them up and place them there. Ideal is a piece of news paper also referred to as paper training.

I understand that this requires constant care and supervision, but hey, that's what a puppy's all about!

Training your dog requires patience and time. It is a very important step in keeping a dog, and not only makes your life together more enjoyable, it also establishes the hierarchy in the family.



It is important to remember that dogs read our faces and feelings much more accurately than an adult human. This means that if you're getting frustrated or pissed off during training, your dog will sense it. When this happens, he or she will come to associate training time with unpleasant emotions and a stressful atmosphere, and this will make them difficult to train.

For this reasons, training your dog by providing an incentive to do well is much more effective than punishing them. If you find yourself trying too hard and getting frustrated, don't try and hide it and continue. You can't hide from a dog. Take a break and relax for a while. Then try again when you're fresh.

More so with this breed than others, there is a vast difference in quality, and unfortunately there are a lot of not so good looking Bulldogs out there. To help your important decision, we’ve complied this guide.

WHO IS SUITED TO THIS BREED?

The English bulldog, the pride and symbol of Brittan. Nowadays, a great companion with a gentle/docile demeanour, but a few centuries ago it was bred for Bull baiting and a very rugged and tough customer indeed. This aggressiveness has thankfully now been bred out, and the Bulldog has become more appealing on the eye, especially for the show ring. Unfortunately, this breeding has caused health problems, which makes it not an easy nor cheap breed to own and always some money is needed to be set aside for vet consultations (cherry eye, skin problems, dysplasia issues, patella luxations...). What I am saying here is that it is probably not suited to those on a tight budget. Bulldogs do not need a great deal of exercise especially as they get older (they can be very playful as pups), so suited to lazy indoor coach potato lifestyle such as in an apartment. Elderly people like them for this and may just take them for one leisurely stroll once a day around the block or let them play in a small yard for a bit. A little downside to this inside living is that they can be messy eaters and snore. With considerate kids Bulldogs are great, so make excellent family companions. Bulldogs are best suited to temperate climates and not very hot/humid weather where they can overheat fast, especially if expected to run or walk in it. If looking for a “lifetime companion” you should note that this breed on average lives til only 7-10 years. Bullies range from 600 – 6000 USD upwards. We do suggest you go for quality and not price as what you save in price at the beginning, you may make up for in vet visits later if you catch my drift (we do not suggest to go under 1500 USD for your Bully). This is one breed you must truly have a passion for to appreciate it and spend quality time with. It thrives on human attention.

MALE OR FEMALE

Usually, this breed gets on well with other dogs whether male or female. Sometimes can be a little scrappy with strange dogs, but the secret here is good early socialization in the puppy hood. Males are going to be bigger/grander and will show the true Bulldog traits more, which is a big draw card for some. On the other hand, females are likely to be a little more relaxed and cleaner as they do not mark their territory with sent everywhere.



COLOUR AND SIZE

- Brindle
- White (can be patched/pied with this list of colours too as the adult above)
- Light fawn through to a rich red (can have white markings as the below pictured pup)
- Black (not usually kennel club accepted, but people like it because it is rare and unique)

The average size for a Bulldog adult is around 23–27 kg (50-60 lbs). Although not so high of the ground (31-36 cm) it should be classed as a medium sized breed, so if you wanted a small dog, it might not be the one for you. It’s not a bad idea to keep around the average and make sure you at least see photos and know the weights of the parents before your purchase. There is also a new hype called the Miniature Bulldog (same look, just bred smaller but not mixed) and the weight is ranging from 11–18 kg (25-40 lbs).

CONFORMATION OVER COLOUR!

Conformation (shape) is sadly often overlooked and colour/markings takes precedence, which is wrong and should only play a part if 2 dogs are similar in build and you have to choose between them! On the contrary to the bow legged cartoon Bulldog in Tom and Jerry, the legs should be straight and set wide apart by the chest and shoulders. Facial wrinkles are great but can mean more health issues as cherry eye and extra work cleaning between them to avoid skin irritations. These furrows are not always favoured by show judges either. A flat/squashed nose with one big thick hotdog nose rope is a real trademark of the breed, along with a massive square head. The body should be stocky, with a low to the ground profile, supported by dense bones (fore and hind legs) as thick as tree trunks so to speak. Also look for some loose folds of skin as easily seen on the gorgeous puppy below. A short bun-looking tail is usually preferred, to a longer one as Bulldogs often can have. A useful tip to judge conformation is to start at the head and work your way along the body. Although a young puppy is changing fast, these are early traits to look for, as likely to be carried through.



It’s worth noting that there is a tendency that the best ones come from Europe and from European lines. Please feel free to contact Euro Puppy to ask us questions and check out our quality English Bulldog puppies for sale.

Do feel free to leave any comments and your thoughts on this article? Since there is so much to write about this breed, a 2nd part is coming soon.

So many people feel that a dog belongs on a leash. They either don't have the time, or patience to keep up with a young dog that's running around all over the place, so they make the dog stay in the backyard on a leash.

That is just not right. A dog wasn't made for people to tie up permanently. They were meant to run wild, be free, and explore.



Keep in mind that tying up your dog for extended periods of time, or as a habit is a sure way to ruin the dog's temper. They're not healthy, both mentally and physically. They are likely to get aggressive and bolt at the first opportunity - Wouldn't you?

Having a dog is a responsibility. If you've bought a dog by mistake and realize too late that you don't have the ability to care for him or her, then at least try and find a good home that will take care of them properly. It's no shame to you. Everyone makes mistakes. But you must take responsibility to correct those mistakes.

All too often, choices of what dog to buy are based on seeing a puppy picture. The puppy wins over your heart, and your hand steals to your wallet.

But wait! Remember that ALL puppies are cute, and while puppies are a delight to be with, remember that when they grow up, they will lose all their puppy qualities and take over the mantle of the breed they belong to. The puppy you are about to buy will resemble to one or both of the parents. If that is what you want GO FOR IT!



Your choice of dog should depend on many factors including what sort of dog you finally want - large, hairy, playful, aggressive, and whether or not you are ready for one.

Look at your house, your surrounding, your family and your future plans before deciding to commit to a dog which is no less of a responsibility than a baby.

For puppy and adult photos please visit Euro Puppy USA.

Hundreds of years ago cropping (surgically changing the shape of the ears) was done for practical purposes. For example, to stop the ears being snagged in rough territory and being injured while hunting or working. For dogs that were bred for fighting it gave less for an opponent to grip on to rip off and sure gave a real “don’t mess with me” look. For guarding breeds, it made them look very alert and in tune with everything around them. Some of those purposes have carried on through to today and it’s an important part of the breed’s feature for many people, for aesthetical reasons (they like the look). It can be looked at as a breed’s trademark so to speak and has been said to have even given the upper hand in the show ring on more than the odd occasion. However, nowadays, I must mention that it is becoming less and less popular generally with an ever-growing resistance and controversy to it and even banned in some countries, especially in Europe such as Germany. This is rather interesting, as many of the breeds that typically have the ears cropped, originate from there. In Great Brittan, dogs with cropped ears are actually barred from entering shows.

Types of Crops?
Long Crop: skinny and tapered at the end and here are some typical breeds that experience it. Usually taping, splinting and bandaging will occur with this crop and it is not always guaranteed to hold that perfect erect posture, especially if done poorly of course.

- Doberman (pictured)
- Great Dane
- Schnauzer (Giant – Miniature)
- Boxer
- Miniature Pinscher



Short Crop: Cut rather short and no taping required, but may need a support moulded inside the ear for a while. Even with this cut there is a difference between being good or bad and show judges will look for perfect crop true to set breed standards.

- Cane Corso (pictured)
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Caucasian Mountain Dog
- Canary Dog
- Dogo Argentino



By whom and when should it be done?

You will hear various different ages for various different breeds. For this reason, it is better to seek good advice from experienced breeders and specialist veterinarians that actually do perform crops on the breed you are considering as they will shed the best light on the subject. Many vets will actually not go near cropping for various reasons. A couple being, awkward after treatments such as infections or complaints about the look. Early puppyhood most will agree on to get the surgery done and let’s say between the tender age of 7-12 weeks old typically to give you an idea. Ear cartilage sets early in dogs so this explains one reason why needed so soon. The puppy goes under general anaesthesia during the surgery (made to sleep), which always poses a risk of the puppy not waking up!

Taping your dog's ears will be required after the long crop (for Dobermans, Great Danes, Schnauzer, Boxer and Miniature Pinscher). Here is a great blog post on "How to actually tape your dog’s ears!"

Many of you may have seen the the sloppy star of an American film named Turner and Hooch, which had Tom Hanks in it. Well, I can tell you that not until this film came out, did this breed attain much recognition outside of France where it originated from many centuries ago (hence its other name, French Mastiff and the region it’s from, Bordeaux). The below information is a guide to help you make an informed decision if seriously contemplating owning this breed.

Who is suited to this breed?

This breed was first used guarding and believe it or not, game hunting, dog fighting and animal baiting. Today this breed is still used for guarding, but more so companionship as is extremely loyal, patient and devoted to those that are close. It does not need so much exercise (A daily walk and a bit of light play is usually sufficient as it’s a heavy breed) and not so athletic, but its messy eating manners, drooling and large size make it a difficult, but not impossible dog to keep inside a home. Ideally a small yard is better suited to it and non-extreme hot and cold weather conditions. A Dogue de Bordeaux can posses formidable traits, such as relentless strength, wariness of strangers and an inclination to intimidate unknown people. This makes it a first class watchdog and has natural instinct from a young age. It is suited to an owner that is prepared to spend plenty of quality time, and has a real enthusiasm for this large, fast learning and impressive looking breed. It is often said for good reason, that this breed is best in the hands of an experienced owner.

Male or female?

This breed can be aggressive to other dogs especially males. A dominant alpha male can be a hard nut to crack. Neutering can settle it down somewhat but may not solve all problems. The French Mastiff needs early socialization and obedience training is recommended whether male or female to alleviate future problems. This is very important! A shy or reserved Mastiff due to lack of socialization could be a big mistake. Many owners will find a female DDB cleaner (not marking its territory on every available occasion) and easier to handle with a more relaxed/submissive disposition. This would make for a possible better family choice, while the male as a courageous guardian. The male being noticeably bigger as a rule, highlights better the true DDB traits, which is a big draw card for some. Some males may even get up to 75kg (165 lbs) as big, lion-hearted and looking Carlo below!



Colors

French Mastiffs come in several shades of fawn from light to dark. They can often be described as red and rust, and the deeper, richer the color, the most desired usually. However, some people prefer light fawn, and this shade should not be overlooked if other traits are positive. Solid color is popular, but there can be white on the tips of their toes and a patch on the chest, nowhere else. Many people like this also, so it’s just a matter of personal preference of course.

Conformation

Often conformation (shape) is overlooked and color and markings take preference. However, conformation is very important and here are some traits to notice when buying your puppy (Although changing fast at a young age, these early traits are likely to be carried through). Good puppies usually have plenty of facial wrinkle on a large proportioned head and some loose skin on the body. A downside to this wrinkle is that more care and cleaning is required by the owner as it can lead to problems such as skin infection. A short, furrowed muzzle on a puppy is an important factor to look for along with a dense/thick bone structure and deep chest. Being a large breed, it should take a rectangular shape, but not to be as long as a train so to speak. Many people look for large feet as an omen for big things to come. Early large size can also have a downside as too much weight on the legs and hips at this important growing stage can lead to problems such as dysplacia later (HD/ED). Seeing both parents (dam and especially sire) is beneficial as they will give good foresight to how your puppy will look fully grown. Below is a pup that illustrates many of the important characteristics to look for. As a guide, Just start at the head and then work your way over the bone structure.



People will buy this breed to show, guard, breed or just as a family pet. Regardless of purpose, it pays to get a Dogue de Bordeaux true to the breed standards and attractive. This is one breed where there is a vast difference between top and bottom shelf and there is no shortage of not so good looking dogs out there unfortunately. It is neither a cheap dog to buy (1800 USD upwards usually) nor care for. There is a tendency that the best ones come from Europe or have strong European heritage.

I hope this helps your decision? If still unsure, have questions or ready to get your dog, contact an expert at Euro Puppy and check out our Dogue de Bordeaux puppies for sale!

A lot of people I have seen have an inability to properly make their dogs understand when something is bad. If a dog has done something wrong and you've found out about it after a while, there is absolutely no good in disciplining them at that time since their brain is such that they don't understand what they did wrong.

For example, if you come home and find that your dog has chewed up all the papers in the house, and you yell at him, he will not understand why you are angry. Only that you are angry.



In order to effectively make your dog change their behavior, you need to catch them in the act. Either that, or just as they are about to make their move so that it's crystal clear what is happening.