4 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dog Breed

 4 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dog Breed 

Bringing a pet into your life requires more planning than many people think. It doesn't matter whether you need a pet for companionship or specialized tasks; you want to make sure you choose a suitable breed for your environment and lifestyle. It is important to prepare your home before bringing in your new friend, and choosing the right breed is vital for building a harmonious relationship with fewer risks of trouble in the future. Here are four factors to help you find the right dog breed. 

1. Size matters 

Image Credit

When choosing a dog breed, the size of your living area is one of the most important elements to consider. Do you live in a house or a modest apartment? Do you have enough room for a huge dog, or will your living space only be big enough for a tiny dog? Depending on the breed, it is convenient to have a backyard where your dog can go outside and relieve themselves. Additionally, large breeds such as the Great Danes have other physical concerns. Smaller dogs such as the Chihuahuas may be more susceptible to mishaps or cooler temperatures than larger breeds. 

2. Breed 

Different breeds have unique characteristics. According to the American Kennel Club, seven dog breed groups are herding, hound, working, sporting, non-sporting, terrier, and toy. Every breed has its traits, so it is crucial to determine if they are compatible with yours. For instance, a hypoallergenic dog breed can be a good fit if you are allergic to animal fur. However, you want to ensure their characteristics match the ones you are looking for. Usually, mixed-breed dogs, like an Australian Cobberdog, are supposed to be better versions of their parents due to the combination of desirable characteristics. However, there's no assurance they will have all of the desirable characteristics and no negative ones. You will have to learn what an Australian Cobberdog is and how ideal it can be for you if you are looking for an ideal breed.

3. Costs 

Regardless of size, temperament, or breed, every dog needs various supplies. This may include bedding, food and water bowls, periodic vaccination, crates for traveling, and other grooming supplies. Other potential costs include professional grooming, boarding fees, and licenses. While large breeds may require more feeding expenses, particular breeds may need extensive medical attention, so you want to factor in the financial commitments that come with picking a particular breed before deciding.

 

4. Present lifestyle 

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Taking care of a dog is similar to taking care of a child, particularly if you have a puppy. Some breeds, regardless of age, require time to play and exercise to manage any destructive behaviors. Meanwhile, your occupation may be keeping you away from home for long periods. How much time you spend with your dog is essential for pet care. However, this shouldn't be a biggie if you have other people who can care for your dog in your absence. You must ensure these caretakers are responsible enough for the job. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding a new dog. What matters is that you find the correct dog for you. Whether you want to adopt or buy a dog from a breeder, you should look for a breed that fits your lifestyle and living arrangements.

In Honor of Veterans and War Dogs of the World

On this 100th anniversary of the end of World War One I would like to first

Thank all the current Troops, Veterans and K9's of the USA and UK for your service and for keeping us safe in our times of need. To your families, as well, for standing by and supporting you.

I would like to introduce you to the Prepper Broadcasting Radio show who today at 3pm PT is having a show to honor our War Dogs today.

Please tune in and support the show, chat with others and share....

Click to GO To Listen to the Radio online

I would also like to give honor to my late SAR DOGS and all the puppies who went to service in 14 US States, Canada and South America to aid in the search for missing persons. They served the country well although only as volunteers.

These are my law enforcement certified Search Dogs-Bloodhound Mantrailers and AKC registered. 1998-2015

These are southern working Bloodhounds bred for the nose not the show dog looks and you could not fool them, they always made the find. 

Rea Valleys Incredible Sue

K9 Officer Blue Boy "Homer" served with the sheriff department K9 unit under his breeder and  master trainer (my mentor) human officers for 6 years found 26 missing persons and 1 Lion then retired to us for volunteer SAR work and foundation stud.

We also raised 4 generations of German Shepherd Dogs from 1989-2015

K9 Tactics and Tracking Certified German Shepherd Dog and my daughter

Akelia Brunswick of Warrior Creek Mountain with the hounds

Miss Daisy Mayham who's pups went to serve as search dogs and who was the first Family Disaster Dog.

 Daisy's pup served in Oklahoma USA with many finds to his credit

God Bless the USA !

Thank you everyone for your support and service ! OORAH !

Stay Calm and Carry On!

Look for us on FB and Twitter!

Gathering Scent Articles 4 Your Dog 2 Find You !

Gathering Scent Articles 

Items to use to find your family members with a dog

It's best to fully understand how a dog uses its nose.

The author asking a Bloodhound pup to "smell" the bag
with the Scent Article of who to look for (more below)

To a dog, A Scent is a Scent !

Therefore, the fastest and surest way to teach or ask a dog to find a person is to use the person's scent to show the dog who we want to find. This makes the job easier for the dog because no two people smell alike.

To teach your dog to search for a lost or missing family member or friend, you have to prepare first by gathering the "scent article". This is easy to do but care must be taken.

It is wise to keep these scent articles stored as directed below in case an actual search ever occurs.

Gathering Scent Articles
It's best to gather one dirty sock from each person you can think of who you might ever have to look for before you start training your family pet.

Each sock should be handled and stored as outlined below for later emergency use. In case you ever have to call officials in with search dogs tell them you have a scent article which will save valuable time.

For now and for training; you should...

Place one dirty sock from each family member in a freezer bag after reading below.


Warning: IMPORTANT


DO NOT touch the sock yourself, have the person drop the sock from their foot to a new brown paper bag (lunch bag size) or into a new plastic freezer bag.


( new brown paper put in a zip lock natural non chemical bag is best )


You will learn more about scent article use during lessons.


The most important part of using a search dog is;


Do Not Contaminate that sock.


Do not touch it.



Do Not Put 2 socks from different people together, each sock gets its own bags.


Store socks in the freezer until a few minutes before use.


This is the so-called "Scent Article"


The “Scent Article” tells your dog who they are looking for.


Handle with Care.


Keep one for each family member for use if a disaster ever strikes.


When gathering "Scent Articles" of missing people during an incident, you will follow the same rule of Do Not Contaminate the article or location.A scent article can be any item or object the missing person is known to of touched recently, such as a piece of clothing, bath items, pillow case, smoking items include butts of cigars or cigarette, hankie, tissue paper, a cup or glass or steering wheel in the car and the seat or bed the person was last in.


Preservation and Collection of the item is critical to avoid another person's scent from getting on the item and contaminating it. the dog will disregard its handlers scent but it is still wise for the handler to take special care when handling the scent article.


Always try to pick up and deposit the scent article into a clean bag by using a stick laying nearby or coat hanger from the subjects home to keep the item clean of other scents.


Ask the family who touched what and do not use any item others have touched if possible. If the missing person and others have touched everything then ask the people to stand by when you start the dog to look for the missing person.


For instance, if a person is missing from a parked car where other people had been in the car with them, ask these people to stand by and take your dog to the car where the lost person sat and ask your dog to smell the seat then find the person.


Your dog will use a missing member search technique of eliminating the people who are on the scent article (the car) and go to the people who are standing by then set off looking for the missing person. But if the people are not there for your dog to eliminate them then your dog will look for all the people in the car.


This is why it is important to find out before you start your dog who touched what that the missing person touched and where was the person last standing,laying or sitting.


Who was with them and how long have they been missing are also critical to a successful search because of possible contamination of the scent article.


A contaminated scent article will lead you on a wild goose chase, take care.


Only you, your dog and the person who is missing should come in contact with the item or location used as the scent article or starting point.

Family Disaster Dogs author and Bloodhound pup Bo

Amber and Bloodhound pup Bo getting ready to train how to Trail a Lost Person.

Bo was 5 months old at the time of this picture in 2001.

He later went to volunteer with sheriff depts in California and then Georgia with his half sister Samathia (Sam)

Sign up for the newsletters and new articles at familydisasterdogs.com

Go there to Get The Family Disaster Dogs Book for all the lessons and lists of needed items so you can be prepared !

Click the link under the book cover to see a free preview or buy 

Amazon USA or UK

Family Disaster Dogs Book

Coming soon "My Puppy Can Find Me" picture book will teach your children, you and dog how to work together if they are ever separated from you ! 

Follow me on Twitter @URDogCanFindU

See a free preview and get my new book below

Dog Bug-out Go-Bag List-cats too

Dog Bug-Out Go-Bag List

Evacuate with your Dog and Pets

Willie ready to bug-out

Hi everyone, 

2019 update click to The Bug Out Bag Evacuate Page for updates to the below list but please read this whole post first too!

For those of you who haven't heard of a Bug-out bag, it is a carry bag, backpack or in a dog's case, saddlebag that you pack with emergency survival gear to last a certain amount of time, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours. 

It's also called a go-bag, ready pack, grab-bag or 72 hour pack and it is meant to hold what you need to survive in the event of a disaster or emergency.

When you go away from home and leave food plus necessities behind this bag holds what you and your dog need to survive no matter where you are or what happens. 

To be ready for emergencies every household should have a 72 hour Bug-out bag for each person and pet packed ready at all times. 

This bag is meant to be a grab and go-to for food, water and first aid. You either carry it to a safe place when evacuating or have the bag with you when needed if something happens no matter where you are.

The basic needs to survive are food, water and first aid but other items can make the journey or stay away from home much more enjoyable or productive and safe. 

Like packing a simple fish hook and line in the bag because that small item can feed you for days after an earthquake or hurricane and long after the food in the Bug-out bag runs out. 

While doing search and rescue work we were required to carry at all times a 72 hour backpack or pack no matter what we were engaged in or how many other people were with us, we each had to be able to take care of and provide for ourselves.

In an actually disaster or emergency, you will have to take care of your needs too. Each person will have to take care of themselves for a little while until help arrives. This can be minutes or days depending on the situation and location.

Willie G and Miss Daisy ready to "bug-out" 2014

This go-bag or bug-out list is made up from items I actually used during search incidents and also includes what is recommended by FEMA and other agencies. 

Each person and pet should have a bag of it's own.

One of the first things I realized when I started writing the family disaster dog lessons was that most dogs could carry some of our survival gear or extra first aid supplies or food along with their own pet supplies. 

Then I wondered why didn't somebody else think of this :) Why didn't my Bloodhound carry my 72 hour bag way back then, oh the backache I could of saved myself today. I actually fitted Daisy and Willie up with bags as we wrote the first article and they both loved being so much help, they were excited and wanted to wear the bags everywhere. 

Daisy pictured below was a big girl, she even had a frying pan hanging on her pack for us to cook supper with. She was 12 years old and Willie was older when he started bug-out bagging, we had fun with it.

When I looked online, I found out that all of the dog or pet bug-out bags (emergency survival bag) recommendations or lists follow a general rule of suggestions that usually contain only basic pet items. 

Not many people had thought of including the dog owner's emergency preparedness items in a dog saddlebag, along with the dog's food for disaster or evacuation purposes. 

I did find a few campers and hikers that use dogs for carrying items but no specific dog bug-out bag for people. Which is my idea if anybody wants to produce them, let me know, I'm working on putting them together and if you do not wish to make your own, I can also put one together for you at cost of items and shipping. email me 

I do sell packed Family Disaster Dog Bags at events I do...here is "Dumpster" dog getting one..

His new bag is still being adjusted when this picture was taken

I thought this was a great idea because the dog can be included in being prepared for an emergency and instead of us trying to save the dog during a flood or tornado, the dog is helping us save the family or ourselves. 

Teach just one of my training lessons to any dog and you may save a life. 

The dog doesn't need to learn all the lessons. Like people every dog is different and has abilities they can use to help themselves and others in some way.

This concept of having the dog rescue us puts the dog into disaster planning where the dog will not end up lost, left behind or in a shelter. 

The dog has a purpose to stay with the family and help too. Why not use the dog's natural age old assistance they are always willing and ready to give us? 

Everyone I talk to agrees that the dog carrying the bag is a great helpful idea.  Our dogs are proud to carry extra things we might need and this gives the dog a job so they know what to do too, instead of being scared and in distress of the unexpected.

You can teach your dog to get the saddlebags and bring them to you too which saves valuable time as you get other people and things ready to evacuate. I have the lesson in the Family Disaster Dogs book and up on the lesson page above in the menu bar, you'll find the link.

Also, I have a lesson that teaches how your dog can wake you and family members in an emergency, like when tornado or storm sirens go off. You can send the dog to wake the children while you get the car ready. 

A well planned family could have a dog that helped load the car by waking up the children and fetching the gear to the car then all you do is open the doors.

The dog carrying a backpack can save valuable time and energy, this could be especially helpful for families with young children who can't carry much weight over long foot travel or an elderly person who can't carry much. 

You or other people would have to carry twice the load in that case, if there isn't a dog to help with the load.

I think it’s a good idea to evaluate the list below based on your own experience, location and then add items to it that might be useful for you and your family's environment.  

The list below looks large but it is meant to be lightweight and take up less space so you and your dog can carry food, water and a change of clothes in your backpacks. You may have to travel several miles on foot and the weight of a backpack can become a critical aspect when you have a long way to walk.

The 72 hour Go-Bag or Ready Bag that is recommended by FEMA and emergency management directors worldwide is designed for you to carry so you can walk to a safe location and survive for 3 days.

Note:

Unless you have a very small dog or pet, such as a bird, don’t worry about having a dog crate/cage to evacuate with unless you want to drag it along with you as you walk or if you are going to a human shelter which requires dog crates. 

(You can click the photo below to see more styles of cages on amazon and each purchase will help support the free lessons and work here. thank you)
A crate is important once you get to your bug out place or safe house. 

It is a good idea to have a crate waiting for you at your evacuation destination.

A leash is more important to have with your dog along with basic obedience training, in case a leash is not available.

A pillow case is handy to hold cats or other small mammals during extremely frightening times because the animal cannot see what is going on, they can breath and the material is comforting like a nest.

Birds can be slipped into a sock with the head out of a hole or gently covered so they do not see and get upset. Most animals can become very scared when people get excited or traumatized. It is safer to crate them or put them in a quite area away from the excitement, if at all possible.

If left on their own, most animals will seek shelter and come out after the excitement calms down and they will stay close to home unless they are scared away, and then most will return to a familiar location in a day or two.

Family Disaster Dog Bag ( basic)

Animal Rescue Shelters Recommendations

If you must leave your pets behind 

Inform animal rescue workers of your pets’ status by Writing On your front door or in a highly visible window, use chalk, paint or marker to write the number and types of pets in your residence. Include their location in your home and the date that you evacuated. 

Leave plenty of water in a large, open container that cannot be tipped over.

Leave plenty of food in timed feeders to prevent your pet from overeating.

Do not tie or cage up your pet in your home. If the house floods or collapses with windows breaking, the pet can escape if not confined in a cage or tied.

If you have any ideas you would like to share with others, please use the contact page to leave me a comment or idea to include on this site or share with others.




Dog or Pet 72 hour Ready Bag

Dog Go-Bag and People Bug-Out Bag..........List of Items

The Blue print are my recommendations. The black print is the usual list everyone tells us

These items are the survival supplies recommended for you to carry in bug-out bags.

A current color photograph of you and your pet together (in case you are separated)

Food, water – 3-day supply for each pet and person (Tie water bottles on outside of packs and use empty water bottles to store instant oatmeal, powered soups, instant rice, potatoes, powered milk, snacks and dog food)

Bowls -with lids, you can pack small items in these to fit in the space of dog backpack, can be used as cups too

Collar and leash -for dogs and cats too

Muzzle ( This is in case the dog is hurt and snapping from pain or fear)

Poop Scoop Baggies

Treats, toy

Blanket, towel, or newspaper for warmth

ID tag should always be on pet

Extra name tag

License number

Pet carrier or crate for each pet labeled with pet and owner’s information (keep near your bag).

Contact Lists Should be

Place in Pet’s backpack or rescue coat

Be aware that some shelters will only allow service animals. In a large-scale disaster, animal shelters will be set up when possible. Many of these facilities will be closed to the public in order to be able to deal with the rescues going in through other channels. The case load will be to large to take care of everyone which is why people should learn all they can about surviving without help.

1. Name, address and phone number of veterinarian, animal control and shelters in the  area. 

2. People to contact to take care of the animal 

This is a good idea if you are in a situation away from home so your animal can be taken care of. 

3. Be sure you leave a note with a friend about your pet being left at a kennel or day care in case something happens to you so they can get your pet. Kennels or day care facilities are often left with abandon dogs whose owners have disappeared.

If you are in a disaster, unless you have direct contact to a person, do not count on anybody to be able to help you because they might be in the same situation and need help themselves.

4. Vaccination and medical records

5. Allergy or other special instructions

Most first Aid Kits Recommend These Items

Scissors-other pocket knife

Gauze pads

Wipes

Instant cold pack (to big to carry-cold mud works in a pinch)

Adhesive tape

Tweezers

Soap

Antiseptic cream

Eye drops

Family Disaster Dogs recommends adding 

these items to your dog’s Go-Bag or Bug Out Bag

A compass and a map of your area

A Scent Article from each family member packed individually and secured in a plastic bag. Even if your dog is not trained they can be given a scent and they will seek the scent if you pay close attention you can read the dog, for instance, the nose may point in the person's direction while the dog remains sitting.

A couple of small flashlights with extra batteries or another light source

Water Purification Tablets

12 Hour Emergency Bright Sticks

16 Hour Hand Warmer

2 Mylar Emergency Blanket

Extra Collar & Leash Set

Reflective Dog Vest (cats too)

Life Jacket swim float vest for dog and cats

Pet Rain Coat and Boots will give your pet some protection in a nuclear fall out as will a full

Body rain suit for your self-extra shoes can hang on outside of bag

Tie-Out leash or chain 10-15 ft long

Powder Gatorade or electrolytes

Large Tea Bags (stops bleeding on dog or you, wet tea bag -hold on wound)

Candles and matches in a waterproof baggie.

Fire-starter (can buy in hunting section of stores)

Silverware, cup and bowl for yourself

Vet Wrap 

Toothbrush, hair brush and personal items to make yourself feel better, a favorite picture, toy or blanket,food item or comfort item always helps too

A book to read, like the family disaster dog book. Get a paperback copy or Get the Ebook for your device to read as you bug-out.

click the links to learn more, purchase and help support this site! Thanks.

Nutri-Cal is Concentrated Dog Food source used for sick animals that cannot eat. 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs body weight will keep your dog alive after you run out of dog food. This is a good standby to have.

Bandanna or scarf for muzzling, bandaging or using to hold your dog if you lose your other equipment. This should be hung on your dog’s pack as a flag for visibility by you at night. A bandanna is one of my favorite pieces of equipment because of their many uses. 

Plastic baggies to waterproof everything in the backpack. All of these items can be rolled or folded small to fit.

A couple of large garbage bags have many uses, as a tent, a rain coat, a sleeping bag or to carry items you find to eat.

A small waterproof container that can hold 10 Q-tips, a few cotton balls, matches, a foot or two of small twine, a razor blade, needle and thread.

Your dog should carry a couple days of food and water for you also, along with a small first aid kit in addition to what you carry in your own bug-out bag survival backpack in case one bag is lost. Click for Emergency Pet Food

There are many great brands of lightweight dehydrated human and pet food in the hunting section of large retailers, like Walmart or Amazon.

Extra light weight clothing can be hung over the dog's backpack in a plastic garbage bag to stay clean and dry.

Thanks for reading and I hope none of you ever have to Bug-out! 

Amber

Great News ! 

I have the Family Disaster Dog book available again ! July 2017

Self-published this time at a lower price without the middle man publisher too ! (The publisher was arrested for fraud and went out of business ) 

My edition is only $3.49 and you get all the lessons plus this page and more sent to your reading device or computer. (163 pages)

Get The Ebook Here on Amazon

Now available from Waldorf Publishing my children's book that shows your child how to ask your dog for help to find you and what a child can do when they find themselves lost ! 

Click to see "My Puppy Can Find Me" by Amber Higgins. I have a great illustrator in the UK who did the cartoons too! 

Sign up for the newsletter at the links on the sidebar to the right.

Suggested Bug-out bags to shop for:

Urban Survival Bug Out Bag, Choose from 2 or 4 Person Emergency Disaster Kit, 72-hour, Emergency Zone Brand (4 Person)

PREPPER'S FAVORITE: Emergency Get Home Bag with First Aid Kit, Water Filter, Food, Fire, Tools and Shelter. Ideal Compact Bug Out Bag, Earthquake Kit, EDC or 72 Hr Kit. Tactical Shoulder Bag Model


BE CALM & CARRY ON !

Follow That Dog !

The goal of this Blog is to Provide Free Search Dog Training to Families and Their Dogs

The goal of this Blog is to Provide Free 

Search Dog Training to Families and Their Dogs 

Which will enable each family to respond 
and do something while waiting for help to arrive

during neighborhood emergency and disaster incidents, 
extreme weather, war and terrorist attacks. 

Good Luck and Be Safe !

The dogs say Be Ready ! 

Go to the Lesson Page button above to find lessons.

Read the "Dog Bug-Out Bag" Lesson  ! 
in sidebar >>>>>>

Share this blog and follow or like it so others can be ready too !

Visit here for more info and pictures of my dogs

Thank You !

What is Family Disaster Dogs?

Welcome

The Family Disaster Dog book shows you how to train your family dog to rescue you in disasters and emergencies; like floods,earthquakes and tornadoes; how to find a lost family member or friend with your dog and many other skills, along with how to Shelter-in-Place, pack a bug out bag and evacuate.

This is where you will find  

Free Dog Training Lessons Based on

The Family Disaster Dog Book by Amber Higgins
(This book was first published under Tate Publishing 2015-2016 who went out of business and left us all hanging. The book was published again summer 2017 on Amazon from the author ) as a ebook.
Email the author for a signed original hard copy

2018 the children book 

(2021 update no longer available from Waldorf Publishing)

"My Puppy Can Save Me"
with UK cartoonist  "Scotty"  illustrations !

Ask me for a copy!

In the UK and other countries look on Amazon for
 "Family Disaster Dogs" by Amber Higgins
to get your preview and copies! 

Check out the many articles at the links of this page menu and links on the right side of web page.

Note:

Phone users who are viewing this site from a phone may not be able to see the side bar and other parts of this page, due to formatting on phones.

So...This page is best viewed in a web view format which is at the bottom of the page on phones and all devices. You have to Click the web view button on your phone for more articles and lessons. 

Keep Scrolling for more

Wrinkledpups Daisy Mayham

Check out the many pages above in the menu to learn more

Feel free to email me a comment or ask a dog question

and share these sites so others may learn ! 

 

  Based on 40 years of Professional Dog experience 

All Areas of the Pet Industry Consulting
 All Breeds Show & Pet Grooming, Training, Boarding
Pet Salon Business Owner (retired)
Wrinkledpups Bloodhound kennel and Redi K9Services
Breeder (retired)
1997-2006 German Shepherd Tracking Dogs, SAR K9
and AKC Mantrailing Bloodhounds
1980-90's weight pulling and show T.A's APBT 

Why should we prepare for Emergencies and Disasters ?

By preparing for the worst

You learn what to do 

With practice your actions become habits

And turn the worst into steps you walk to survive

Fear is replaced with the knowledge of knowing what to do

Confidence is restored

Especially when you have a partner, you can count on…

Like your dog

Read on Amazon worldwide
or get a hard copy via contact page
ask for the The Family Disaster Dog Book

.

The Family Disaster Dog book shows you how to train your family dog to rescue you in disasters and emergencies; like floods, earthquakes and tornadoes; how to find a lost family member or friend with your dog and many other skills, along with how to Shelter-in-Place, pack a bug out bag and evacuate.

Family Disaster Dogs Go-Bags are dog backpacks full of human and pet survival items to bug-out with when emergencies, disasters or evacuation hit home.

Thanks for passing this info on and stay safe everyone!

If you would like a signed copy.. email me

Feel free to ask a dog training question !

Look for these books of mine:

1. Family Disaster Dogs by Amber Higgins
2. How-to Evacuate with Pets-Dog Bug-out Bag by Amber Higgins
3. A Squirrel Planted an Acorn by Amber Higgins
4. Mantrailing Book coming out in 2021

Start at the book below for a free preview and remember to rate or review !