OutWest Kennels raises quality Labrador retriever puppies and started gun dogs in western Colorado Gary Hubbell
12/18/2024
Remember no one is arguing the need for sterilization, it's the surgical technique that should be reevaluated. Hysterectomy and vasectomy achieve the same goal but leave important hormones intact according to science.
"The association between gonadectomy and timing of gonadectomy, and the risk of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Objective - To determine if gonadectomy in dogs is associated with the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease (CrCLD) and to quantify the magnitude of the association.
Study design - Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Sample population - Comparative studies with gonadectomized and entire dogs, with CrCLD as an outcome measure.
Methods - A systematic search of the primary and gray literature was performed. The effect size of the outcome measure was defined as the OR and 95% CI. Subgroup analysis was performed with s*x, breed, and age at gonadectomy. A pooled OR (95% CI) was generated from meta-analysis of relevant studies. Certainty in the body of evidence was rated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.
Results - The literature search yielded 1398 results and 24 relevant studies were included for synthesis. Gonadectomized female (pooled OR = 2.293, 95% CI = 1.768–2.945) and male (pooled OR = 2.117, 95% CI = 1.665–2.691) dogs were both at increased odds of developing CrCLD in comparison with entire female and male dogs, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that gonadectomy at 1 year or less was consistently associated with an increase in odds of developing CrCLD in both s*xes. Overall certainty in the evidence was rated as moderate. All included studies were observational and no controlled trials were available.
Conclusion - In data with moderate certainty, gonadectomy is associated with increased odds of developing CrCLD in both s*xes, particularly in dogs gonadectomized at 1 year of age or less.
Clinical significance - This study provides an estimate of the true effect size of gonadectomy on the odds of developing CrCLD, which may be useful for clinical decision making surrounding gonadectomy and the timing of gonadectomy."
12/07/2024
Incorporating eye health supplements and antioxidant-rich foods into your pet's diet can help support long-term vision and even enhance eye health over time.
Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to conditions that can lead to age-related vision loss, including blindness. While vision loss tends to progress gradually, you can slow down this process by adding supplements and foods that promote eye health.
Consider rotating eye supplements into your pet’s routine and offering antioxidant-rich foods like spinach, pumpkin, carrots, and summer squash to help protect against genetic or age-related eye degeneration.
These simple dietary changes can help preserve their vision for longer.
To learn more on protecting your pet’s eye health, check out our recent Inside Scoop episode - Anti-Aging and Stress-Relieving Supplements - where we also discuss diabetes, early-spay urinary incontinence, anxiety and more!
Comment SCOOPERS and we'll message you the link to join Inside Scoop, a Planet Paws monthly subscription group. Join us every Sunday at 12pm ET for our Live podcast plus get access to over 5 years of content including: past live podcasts, interviews, ebook downloads, and more!
11/05/2024
In this episode of The BK Petcast, we sit down with The Forever Dog Life authors, Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker DVM, to explore why vets recommend kibble...
Two of our puppies went to their new homes yesterday. Poor little Josie, she got a little carsick on the way home, but she's doing great now. James sent us a report on his beautiful yellow female: "She’s the smartest puppy I’ve ever seen, already asks to go outside. Had a great night's sleep, only had to go out once." The way we raise our pups, they have an interior kennel and two dog doors to go outside. By the time they're 4 or 5 weeks old, they're already going outside to do their business, so they're almost house broke already. James' pup is only 7 1/2 weeks old and made it through the first night with no problems.
OutWest Kennels-Grandview Ranch, LLC
10/04/2024
09/18/2024
Our pups are 2 weeks old— rehome in 6 weeks 😊
08/17/2024
Dewclaws! They are IMPORTANT! Many dog breeders routinely, and without much thought, amputate puppies' front dewclaws when the pups are 3-5 days of age. Why? The thought is to prevent potential injuries, such as tears of the digit, later in life. BUT do you realize that the dewclaw is a FUNCTIONAL, IMPORTANT digit? I am thankful that my own dog's breeder did not amputate Dunkin's front dewclaws. Do you also know that with appropriate exercises, the muscles of the dewclaw can be strengthened to help promote and maintain appropriate function and close apposition of the dewclaw to the side of the paw? Below is an article by a friend and colleague, Dr. Chris Zink, that explains the importance, anatomy, and function of the front dewclaw.
"Do the Dew(claws)?
by Chris Zink, DVM PhD DACVSMR
As a veterinary sports medicine specialist, I work extensively with canine athletes, developing rehabilitation programs for injured dogs or dogs that required surgery due to performance-related injuries. I have seen many dogs, especially field trial/hunt test and agility dogs, that have chronic carpal arthritis, frequently so severe that they must be retired or at least carefully managed for the rest of their careers. I noticed that very few of those dogs had dewclaws and began to wonder whether these appendages might, in fact, protect a dog from injuries. What I learned might surprise you.
The Anatomy of Dewclaws
Miller's Guide to the Anatomy of the Dog, a veterinary anatomy text, has an excellent figure depicting the muscular anatomy of the distal forelimb. There are 2 functional muscles, the extensor pollicis longus et indicis proprius and flexor digitorum profundus, which are attached to the front dewclaw by 4 tendons (references in blog). Each of those muscle/tendon units has a different function in movement. That means that if you cut off the dew claws, you are preventing the muscles that were attached to the dewclaws from functioning.
In contrast, rear limb dewclaws do not have muscle/tendon attachments, so their removal might be appropriate, except in the breeds such as Briards and Beauceron in which they should be retained.
Dewclaws Do Have Functions
If there are muscles and tendons attached to the dewclaws, then they most likely have a function. Broadly speaking, dewclaws have at least two different functions:
1. Grasp the ground when the dog is turning to prevent torque on the forelimb. Each time the front foot lands on the ground, particularly when the dog is cantering or galloping (see Figure 2), the dewclaw is in touch with the ground. If the dog then needs to turn, the dewclaw actively digs into the ground to stabilize the lower leg and prevent torque. In Figure 3 you can clearly see the dewclaw of a Corgi herding a sheep extended, ready to grip the ground. And in the image at the top of this article, you can see the dewclaws of a dog extended, ready to grip the water!
Do the Dew(claws)?
If a dog doesn't have dewclaws, the leg will twist on its axis, creating increased pressure on the carpal bones, as well as the elbow, shoulder and toes. A lifetime of this kind of torque and the result can be carpal arthritis or injuries to and subsequent arthritis in other joints of the forelimb, such as the elbow, shoulder, and toes. Remember, the dog is participating in the activity regardless, so there will be concussive pressures on the leg, and if the dewclaw does not help to stabilize the leg, those pressures will be transmitted to other areas of the leg, especially the joints.
2. Grip objects. We have all seen dogs using their dewclaws to grip an object such as a ball or bone (Figure 4). I've even seen many photos of agility dogs gripping the teeter for stability (Figure 5). But did you know that the dewclaws' gripping ability can, in fact, save your dog's life? Check out the video "Dewclaws Do Have a Purpose" for "gripping" views of dogs attempting to get out of water onto ice without the help of those ice picks on the inside of their legs. The video also shows dogs using their dewclaws to grip the ice and escape from a potentially fatal situation. I have known several dogs that drowned after falling through ice in the winter. None of them had dewclaws. If they had, perhaps they would have survived and spared their owners the incredible heartache of watching their dogs die unnecessarily.
Arguments for Removing Dewclaws
1. The dewclaws will get injured. This is the most common reason I hear for removing dewclaws. A friend of mine had such a severe dewclaw injury in one of her dogs that she swore she would remove them on all the dogs she bred subsequently.
But the data indicate that dewclaws are not injured very often. A study published in 2018 showed that the dewclaw was the LEAST likely toe to be injured in agility dogs, in which landing and turning from jumps and other obstacles put the toes at risk for injuries. Thus, it makes no sense to remove the dewclaws because of risk of injury. And, of course, no one would consider removing the 5th digits in the front feet, which are by far the most commonly injured toe.
2. Owners forget to trim the dewclaws. Surely this is a matter of education. Do we really want to remove a functioning digit in all dogs, just because some owners need to be reminded that they must remember to trim the dewclaws?
3. Dewclaws make the forelimb look less straight when viewed from the front in conformation. The AKC states: "The breed standard describes the characteristics of the ideal
dog to perform the function for which it was bred." While we could have long discussions about the veracity of this statement, it is interesting to note that there are VERY few breed standards that require dewclaw removal. I know of only one - the Vizsla breed standard.
A Plea
So, here's a plea to retain dogs' dewclaws. They are a functioning digit. They are the toe least likely to be injured. Isn't this enough to convince us not to do the dewclaws?"
04/27/2024
Took some dog photos the other day--my Master Hunter/MNP stud dog, Roy, and my friend Bret Gardner's dog Bear. Couple of handsome fellas!
03/12/2024
Now this is true bad circumstances with bad ass sleds dynamite dogs!
02/26/2024
Came across this “happy” family photo!
Gary and Jake bird hunting from 2 years ago
02/22/2024
Almost finished…
FORCE FETCH Those of you who are retriever trainers out there know what it is to teach "force fetch" to a dog. Basically, it's like Marine boot camp for a working retriever. Sure, they like to retrieve, but on their terms. However, you can't do more intensive training if they have not been schooled to absolutely fetch on command, and that's what force fetch teaches.
It's an arduous process and it's not fun. It can take up to a month and you have to stay very committed to it, never taking a day off, and it's better if you do several sessions a day. I had gotten behind last year while I had some intense building projects going on, and I let several of my quality females go without. Now with those projects behind me, it was time to go deep into force fetch. I had Desi on the table, on the far right, and four of her kennel mates decided to jump up on the table to show their support.
02/06/2024
FORCE FETCH Those of you who are retriever trainers out there know what it is to teach "force fetch" to a dog. Basically, it's like Marine boot camp for a working retriever. Sure, they like to retrieve, but on their terms. However, you can't do more intensive training if they have not been schooled to absolutely fetch on command, and that's what force fetch teaches.
It's an arduous process and it's not fun. It can take up to a month and you have to stay very committed to it, never taking a day off, and it's better if you do several sessions a day. I had gotten behind last year while I had some intense building projects going on, and I let several of my quality females go without. Now with those projects behind me, it was time to go deep into force fetch. I had Desi on the table, on the far right, and four of her kennel mates decided to jump up on the table to show their support.
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After concluding his studies at the University of Colorado in 1985, Gary Hubbell began learning about things he really cared about--like Labrador retrievers. Fortunately, a well-known Labrador breeder and trainer was right there in the Roaring Fork Valley. Mike Gould was famous for his Grand River line of Labs, and hired Gary as an assistant trainer. Gould’s methods were unconventional, but his Grand River Labs were known as some of the most powerful dogs in the Labrador world, hunting ptarmigan at 13,000 feet, blue grouse at 11,000 feet, pheasants, chukar, sharptail grouse, ducks, geese--if it flew, it was game for a Grand River dog.
As a freelance writer and photographer, Gary began bringing this knowledge to the sporting public through magazines such as Sporting Classics and Shooting Sportsman. In 1999, Gary and his wife, Doris, founded Clinetop Press, and brought two groundbreaking books on Labrador retrievers into the hunting and shooting world: The Labrador Shooting Dog, authored by Mike Gould; and The Pointing Labrador by Paul and Julie Knutson. Gary was the editor, main photographer, and publisher of both books, which gained national acclaim under Gary and Doris’s label, Clinetop Press. “At the time, we were living on our family property north of New Castle, Colorado,” Gary explains. “The dominant mountain range was called ‘The Clinetops’, which was just above our place. So we named our publishing company Clinetop Press, and all our Labradors have the Clinetop name in their registration.”
“My dream has always been to breed classic sporting Labradors for people who want a loving companion and house dog, but also a dog who will swim through an icy river to retrieve a duck or goose,” Gary explains. “Whether it’s a pheasant hunt in eastern Montana, a chukar hunt on the Snake River in Idaho, or a duck hunt in Arkansas, I want my dogs to perform. But just as importantly, many of our puppy buyers just want a loyal companion. Our dogs are famous in many different settings for being sweet, faithful, dependable family dogs. One of my buyers called me, distraught,” Gary explains. “His long-time Lab, a started dog that we had sold him, passed on. He said, ‘Gary, when your dog is out there in the pond swimming around, pulling three grandkids hanging on to his tail, there ain’t nothin’ better than that.’”
“Conformation is very important to me,” Gary explains. “A dog with deficient conformation will let you down in the long run. Whether it’s bad hips, dimming eyesight, or other genetic conditions, a Lab will still want to try. I’ve heard so many sad tales from heartbroken people about having to put their dog down at a young age because of genetic deficiencies that could have been avoided by a conscientious breeder at the very beginning. All of our Labs have been tested for Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Central Nuclear Myopathy (CNM), retinal atrophy (CERF), and of course OFA hips and elbows. All of our breeding stock animals are completely clear of all these genetic conditions.” Not only that, Gary says, an athletic conformation, good-looking head, and general capability are important. “I don’t breed big, overweight dogs,” Gary says. “If you’re looking for a 100-pound Lab, don’t call me. Our females range between 50 and 60 pounds, while the males may sometimes be over 70 pounds, but not often. We breed athletic, fit, capable dogs that can put in a long day of upland hunting in North Dakota or Saskatchewan. Ultimately, however, a Labrador is meant to retrieve waterfowl.” To that end, Gary says, “Our dogs are swimmers. They need to be strong in the water. Think about it--who makes a better swimmer, a guy built like Mark Spitz, who won a pile of Olympic medals at six foot, 165 pounds, or a 340-pound guy who plays offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks?” he asks rhetorically. “My 65-pound Lab is going to be stronger in the water than someone else’s 90-pound Lab.”
Today, the Hubbells’ breeding program is based in Crawford, Colorado, where they own a 118-acre ranch. “It’s an ideal setting for raising dogs,” Gary says. “We have open fields, a little draw with year-round creek water, a couple of ponds, and a year-round canal on the top of the property. We walk our dogs twice a day, every day, off leash. We run a dozen dogs at a time off leash for 45 minutes, and quite often we don’t have to give one command to any of the dogs at any time. I carry a whistle just in case one of them starts to chase a deer or get into a skunk. It’s amazing how well it works. We call it OutWest Kennels, because where are we? Out West. We still keep the Clinetop name for our breeding program, but online we’re known as www.outwestkennels.com.”
“I’ve always liked yellow Labs,” Gary says. “My first Lab, Jaeger, was a yellow Lab. Yes, I know, genetically speaking it’s a recessive trait. And we’ve had some tremendous black Labs. Bosco, Mazie, and Annie were just top shelf. But I have a soft spot for yellow Labs. So over the past several years, I picked out several females that I really liked out of our famous Rebah breedings, and now we have them available for breeding stock females. We’ve developed a line of females that are very light in color, almost white, with fawn-colored markings. Yes, I really like their conformation, their hunting and retrieving ability, and their trainability, but they also have a simply gorgeous coloration. I’m excited to find them a really strong male with a good hunting background for our upcoming litters.”
Started Dogs--OutWest Kennels also raises started dogs. “We have several clients who rely on us to supply them with young dogs who have already been through the puppy cycle of chewing on shoes, messing in the house, and so forth,” Gary explains. “We train them through all that, and we also train the dogs to be citizens. Sit, heel, stay, here, all the basic obedience commands, and then we train them on basic retrieving skills, such as 50-yard single and double retrieves, then water retrieves. Then we introduce our pups to the gun. We start shooting around the kennel, and then shoot while they’re retrieving bumpers. Ultimately we combine the process with retrieving real birds, such as pheasants or ducks. We’re blessed to have a year-round canal that flows past the top of our property. In the winter months, when local ponds and lakes are frozen over, we still have live water flowing through our property, and ducks congregate there. We are able to jump-shoot ducks many days throughout the hunting season, which gives us an excellent chance to introduce young pups to birds and water. In a way, it’s like a cross between duck hunting and pheasant hunting. It’s common for us to bag 2-3 ducks in an hour’s hunt, which is great practice for the pups.”
Animal wranglers and production managers--“We love breeding and training Labradors,” Gary says. “But we like all dogs. We have a German shorthair and two Brittany spaniels as well. We’ve done several photo shoots and film productions for various companies, people who liked our dogs and horses. Our clients include Ralph Lauren Chaps, Victoria’s Secret, the Colorado Tourism Board, Bushnell, Re*****on, Coors, Marlboro, and many more. We have a talent for locating started dogs and stunt dogs. We’ve brought golden retrievers, border collies, horses, mules, teams, Labs, English pointers, and all sorts of animals to photo shoots, with spectacular results.”
