💪 MIDDAY MOTIVATION 💪
Ever notice that when people volunteer their time and energy, they seem to be happy doing it? This is because the act of selflessness and serving others is fulfilling.
When you help others, not only do you learn about yourself in the process, but also come to realize the core values of hard work, commitment and passion. Further, volunteering your time and energy will benefit your mental and physical well-being.
Have you volunteered? If not, give it a try. You may come to love it!
❤ BREED OF THE WEEK ❤
🐾 Meet the English Foxhound, whose origins date back to the late 16th century. In England, fox hunting was more than just a sport; it was a social event that played a significant role in rural communities. These dogs were central to these gatherings, symbolizing tradition, and camaraderie. These hunts were often large, organized events that contributed to the breed's prominence and prestige in society. Today, the English Foxhound continues to participate in field trials and foxhound shows, preserving its legacy for future generations. The English Foxhound was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1909.
🐾 English Foxhounds are known for their unique and melodious bark. Their coat is short and dense, which provides protection against harsh weather conditions, and come in a combination of colours, including black, white, and tan, often in a tricolor pattern. They are also known for their friendly and sociable disposition and thrive in environments where they can interact with other dogs and people.
🐾 Training an English Foxhound requires patience and consistency, due to their independent nature and strong hunting instincts. Having a strong drive to follow scents, they may become easily distracted by interesting smells, so it’s recommended that training is done in a controlled environment. They respond best to handler who is calm and loving, but also firm. Once the basic commands are established, advance training like agility, tracking, or field trials to channel their energy and instincts positively will be highly beneficial.
🐾 English Foxhounds require at least 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise each day. This can include long walks, runs, or hikes in safe areas where they can explore new scents and terrain. Given their endurance, they make excellent jogging partners. They thrive on long runs, which help channel their energy and keep them in peak condition. As pack animals, they thrive in environments with other
🥂 Have fun and be safe! 🥂
See you next year! 😜
❤ BREED OF THE WEEK ❤
🐾 Meet the Bergamasco Sheepdog. Originating in the
rugged and mountainous regions of Bergamo Italy, this
breed was developed to support shepherds in
managing and protecting flocks of sheep in the
challenging terrain of the Alps. Their roots can be
traced back to the Middle Eastern region, where they
were believed to have accompanied nomadic tribes
migrating to Europe. As these tribes settled in the Alps,
they required dogs that could withstand harsh climates
and navigate difficult landscapes, leading to the
development of the Bergamasco’s unique coat and
robust physique. They were recognized as a breed by
the American Kennel Club in 2015.
🐾 The Bergamasco's most notable feature is its coat,
which naturally forms into dreadlocks, known as
"flocks." This coat consists of three types of hair: a
fine, dense undercoat, a rough "goat hair" middle layer,
and a woolly outer layer. They can come in black, grey,
or a silvery combination of the two. Since their coat
helps protect them from harsh weather and predators, it
should never be shaved down. They are an excellent
choice for families as they are calm, patient, and are
particularly good with children and other animals.
🐾 While Bergamascos are quick learners, their
independent nature means they may occasionally test
boundaries. That said, it’s important their handler is
confident and consistent, which will help in maintaining
their respect and attention. Due to their gentle nature
and strong bond with humans, they often make
excellent therapy dogs, providing comfort and support
to those in need.
🐾 Bergamasco Sheepdogs are active and energetic
and enjoy all sorts of activities, such as brisk walks,
going on hikes, running, or playing fetch. They
particularly enjoy running around in open spaces; just
make sure its in a fenced area. Since their thick coat
can make them susceptible to overheating in hot
weather, it’s recommended to exercise during cooler
parts of the day and ens
❤ BREED OF THE WEEK ❤
🐾 Meet the American Foxhound, whose ancestry traces back to the late 17th century when European settlers brought foxhunting hounds to America. These settlers carried with them various hound breeds from England, Ireland, and France, which were integral to their hunting lifestyle. Once in America, these European hounds were bred with local dogs to adapt to the new environment and hunting conditions. Over time, through selective breeding, these hounds evolved into a distinct breed that was well-suited for tracking and hunting foxes across the American countryside. They were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1886.
🐾 American Foxhounds are known for their unique, melodic howl, where their voices can carry over long distances, enabling them to communicate with hunters and other dogs. Further, they are known for their speed, agility, and their incredible sense of smell, enabling them to track scents on a trail for miles. While they are commonly seen in the classic tricolor pattern, they can come in a variety of colors, including red, black, and white. These dogs are gentle and affectionate, making them wonderful family pets.
🐾 When training an American Foxhound, they can be quite independent, so consistency and patience are vital. To help them understand expectations, it’s important to establish a routine and stick to it, using the same commands and rewarding desired behaviors consistently. Since they are driven by their strong hunting instincts, leash training is essential to ensure safety and success.
🐾 Since Foxhounds were bred specifically to spend hours chasing prey, they have a natural predisposition for physical activity, requiring a solid 1-2 hours of exercise per day. Failure to meet those needs can result in boredom-induced behaviours like chewing or excessive barking. They thrive in canine sports such as rally, tracking, scent work and agility courses. If you are an active person who enjo
Having fun on a Thursday 🤩
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❤ BREED OF THE WEEK ❤
🐾 Meet the Cesky Terrier, whose fascinating history dates to the mid-20th century. This breed was developed by František Horák, a Czech breeder who aimed to create a versatile hunting dog that could also be a loving family pet. In 1948, Horák embarked on this mission by crossing the Scottish Terrier with the Sealyham Terrier. His goal was to produce a dog that possessed the hunting capabilities of its parent breeds but with a more manageable size and coat for the dense forests of Czechoslovakia. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2011.
🐾 These dogs are recognized for their distinctive long, silky, and wavy coat, which comes in gray colour, ranging from charcoal to platinum. In addition, their coat is often described as saddle-shaped, a distinctive trait that adds to its charm. They make great family dogs and are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, often following their owners around the house.
🐾 Due to their intelligence and eagerness to learn, this breed can be easier to train than some other terrier breeds. They benefit from consistent, positive reinforcement training, as they tend to shut down if treated harshly or negatively. They are extremely sensible and are excellent candidates for dog sports, scent work, and agility courses.
🐾 Despite their small size, they are energetic and playful dogs that require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy their daily walks, going on hikes, and playtime such as fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek. Incorporating mental stimulation by having them engage in puzzle toys and interactive games, will help in challenging their intelligence and prevent boredom. Consider you're fortunate if you’re able to find one of these extremely rare breeds.
❤ BREED OF THE WEEK ❤
🐾 Meet the Finnish Spitz. This ancient breed is believed to have descended from ancient spitz-type dogs that accompanied the Finno-Ugric tribes as they travelled from Central Russia to Finland over 3,000 years ago. Using its keen sense of smell and distinct barking pattern ("yodel bark,"), they were primarily used for hunting game birds and small mammals. They almost faced the threat of extinction due to crossbreeding with other dogs, but thanks to Finish devotees Hugo Roos and Hugo Sandberg, they restored the breed's purity. The Finnish Spitz was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1991.
🐾 This breed is known for its beautiful golden-red color double coat, which consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a long, harsh outer coat. Their coat is reminiscent of a fox and requires regular grooming to maintain its luster. To add, their coat sheds heavily twice a year, and during this time, more frequent grooming is necessary to manage the shedding. They are also known for their loyalty, and are protective of their loved ones. Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs, as they are always aware of their surroundings and eager to alert their family to any unusual activity.
🐾 While these dogs are intelligent, their independent nature means they may not always respond immediately, so patience and firmness are needed to guide them. To maintain their interest and avoid frustration, it is recommended to keep training sessions short and engaging. Since they are naturally vocal, teaching them the "quiet" command can help manage excessive barking; rewarding them when they stop barking on command will go a long way.
🐾 The Finnish Spitz is a high-energy breed that thrives on regular physical activity. They should have at least 60 min of exercise each day. This can be broken down into several shorter sessions or a combination of walks, playtimes, and other activities. It’s important to note that a fenced yard is a must