The Afador is a hybrid breed, which is a cross between two established dog breeds. These are sometimes called designer dogs and are not purebreds. The Afador is a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Labrador Retriever. The Afador cannot be properly termed a mutt because the lineage for the puppies is known. However, it not currently recognized by any associations.
Because the Afador is an experimental breed, there are few if any breed standards. The puppies do not always breed true. There is great variation in appearance and temperament. While many of the puppies inherit the structure of the Labrador with the coat of the Afghan, there are just as many that go the other way. The same is true of intelligence and personality traits. Breeders are currently working to stabilize the breed, hoping to keep the best of both breeds. It is unlikely that the Afador will be fully developed as a recognized breed at any time in the near future.
Dog sledding, also known as mushing, is a sport that has been gaining in popularity for some time now. Many people are becoming interested in training their own dogs to pull a sled, whether for racing or simply for fun. However, the process of sled dog training is not as simple as hooking your dog up to a sled. There are suitable breeds to consider, equipment to purchase and training methods to implement.
Appropriate Breeds for Dog Sledding
Traditionally, northern breeds have been used as sled dogs. Common mushing breeds include Alaskan Malamutes, Eskimo Dogs, Samoyeds, Siberian Huskies, Greenlands, Hokkaidokens and Norrbottenspets. They are strong, determined and have a natural pulling instinct.
In recent years, however, other breeds have been successfully trained as sled dogs. German Shepherds, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers and Dalmatians can all be trained as sled dogs. Many mushers used mixed breeds, the most common being the Siberian-Greyhound cross. Most larger breeds can be used if they have a natural desire to pull and enjoy having fun.
Any of these breeds can also make wonderful pets. However, a sled dog is often trained to have a mind of its own, so you if want your sled dog to be a superb house pet as well, you’ll have to take extra steps to ensure it understands the rules of the house.
Types of Dog Sleds Available
Before you can successfully engage in the sport of dog sledding, or even begin sled dog training, you have to first invest in the proper equipment. The most vital item is the sled. Generally, there are two sleds to choose from: the basket sled and the toboggan sled.
Basket sleds are often used by recreational mushers and spring racers. These sleds are light and maneuverable, move quickly over ice and hard-packed snow, and are excellent in high wind conditions. The basket rests quite high off the ground, so gear can be easily kept dry. Basket sleds can also tip easily, especially when maneuvering around corners. Often used by novices, racers and anyone traveling long distances, basket sleds are generally cheaper and easier to master.
Toboggan sleds are designed to carry more gear. They are durable and stable, riding close to the ground. Toboggan sleds are much better in soft snow than basket sleds. If you’re looking for a sled that can carry a lot of gear and run in fresh-fallen snow, then the toboggan sled will be the better choice. However, they will cost more.
Whichever sled you choose, make sure it has a working brake. Typical dog sled brakes consist of a spring loaded wood plank attached to the sled bed at one end. There should be a metal hook on the other end. When riding the sled, you simply push down on the brake, driving the hook down into the snow. This is an easy method of bringing the sled to a halt.
Choosing a Harness for Your Dog
There are many different types of harnesses available, but the novice musher only needs to consider the two most common: the X-back harness and the freighting harness. Since the harness distributes the load across the dog’s muscular-skeletal system, it is arguably the most important piece of dog sledding equipment. Therefore, care should be taken in selecting the most appropriate harness.
The X-back harness, sometimes referred to as a racing harness, is excellent for recreational mushing or whenever speed is required. Though obviously used in racing, it can also be used for other dog driving activities, provided the load is not too burdensome to the dog. An X-back harness should be padded in the front and fit the dog perfectly.
The freighting harness is also referred to as a weight-pulling harness and is used whenever heavier loads are to be pulled. They are commonly used for competitive weight pulling, and are often paired with the toboggan sled. Though often similar in appearance to the X-back harness, the freighting harness has a wooden rod at the rear of the harness, about as long as the dog is wide. This rod is called a ‘spacer.’ When a heavy load is pulled, this harness is stretched and the spacer is well away from the hind legs of the dog. However, for recreational mushing, the spacer would hit the dog frequently, making this kind of harness unsuitable for recreation or racing.
Other Equipment Required for Dog Sledding
In addition to an appropriate sled and harness, you will also require gang lines. These are the ropes that run from the sled to the dog. These are easy enough to purchase and are fairly inexpensive, so always make sure you have extras. You never know when your dog will break the gang line or perhaps become tangled.
You’ll also want to ensure that you have a snow hook while mushing. These large hooks can be looked on as a piece of emergency equipment and is absolutely vital. It can be used to anchor the dog and sled whenever you have to step away. In an emergency, they can also be used in conjunction with the brake to bring the sled to an immediate halt. Make sure you attach the snow hook to the rear of the gang line. Even a single dog, if strong enough, can destroy a sled in an attempt to get free if the sled is between the hook and the gang line.
You should consider the comfort and safety of your dog (or dogs, as the case may be) when taking up the sport of mushing. Each dog should wear booties to protect sensitive feet from the cold and any deicing chemicals found on the snow or ice. Additionally, carry a sled bag. These inexpensive items can be used to protect and restrain an injuring or ill dog, keeping it secure on the sled.
Training a Dog for Mushing
Sled dog training is fairly simple in most cases, but it does require dedication. If possible, start very young. Though even adult dogs can learn to pull a sled, the process is made much easier if you start with a puppy. Get the dog used to the harness as soon as possible. Some dogs take to the harness immediately. Others need more time. If your dog seems nervous about the harness, leave it out for a few days before putting it on the dog. This will allow your pet to get used to the harness.
Once your dog is used to wearing the harness, begin attaching very light objects to the line. The exact weight will depend on the age and weight of your dog, but don’t make it too heavy. You simply need to get the dog used to pulling anything, even if it’s just a pillow.
Probably the most difficult part of training sled dogs is ensuring that they keep the lines taunt. This is vitally important. If the lines become slack, the dogs can become tangled, fights can break out and accidents can occur. Gentle corrections, and using food as rewards, usually works for most dogs. Give the reward whenever the lines are taunt, withholding the food if they are slack. Most dogs get the message fairly quickly.
Wheel dogs (the dogs closest to the sled) need to be trained to pull more weight. Try using a plastic tub into which you can load different weights. In general, you should not begin training your dog to pull weight until it is eighteen months old. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about how much weight your dog is pulling.
Lead dogs, on the other hand, need to be trained in the basic commands of mushing. If you have only one dog, that dog is both your wheel dog and your lead dog. It is not difficult to train your dog to accept mushing commands. It is really no more complex than training your dog to ‘sit’ and most of the same training methods will apply. Your dog must learn the following commands: hike (get moving), gee (turn right), haw (turn left), easy (slow down), and on-by (ignore distractions). These should be spoken in a firm voice, but not yelled.
If ‘gee’ and ‘haw’ confuse you, consider taping the instructions to your sled. More than one musher has been guilty of issuing a command in the heat of a race that sends the dogs down the wrong path. You will also want to train around distractions, as racing is far from a calm sport. Eventually, your dog will get used to pulling a sled no matter what else might be going on.
Never lose your temper when sled dog training. The entire process should be fun for you and the dogs. Remember to invest in the proper equipment, gently guide your dog into understanding what it is you require and consult a professional if necessary, and your dog sledding experience will be fun and exciting.
Those sweet little speckled beagles seen in the window of the local pet shop are actually designed to be one of the most effective hunting dogs. Used for centuries to track rabbits, deer, foxes, coyotes, and various game birds, beagles are bred to hunt. In fact, hunting with beagles is preferred by many hunters, both in Europe and North America.
The Use of Beagles for Tracking
The beagle was originally bred for hunting hare, pheasant and quail in Europe, and this is still what they excel at, though they can be used for tracking virtually any game. Most beagles have an excellent sense of smell and great enthusiasm for the chase. A beagle, when hunting, will follow its nose. A well-trained and enthusiastic beagle can track a trail that is many hours old and will usually be determined enough to follow the trail to its end.
Beagles make decent gun dogs, meaning they can scare up game, allowing the hunter to get a good shot. Their loud, baying cry can cause even the most reluctant prey to leave the security of a bush or thicket. Though this sound may be irritating to neighbors, it is valued by those in the field who choose to hunt with beagles.
Beagles can be hunted either singly, as a brace (otherwise known as a pair), or in packs. Whether hunted in groups, pairs, or alone, beagles do require the appropriate training to be effective in the field. Most kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) organize and host field trials for dogs in the hound sporting group, in which beagles can participate. These same Kennel Clubs can usually point you towards a decent trainer, if you are not skilled in the training of beagles as hunting dogs.
Beagles Are Not Perfect for All Types of Hunting
However, there are some drawbacks to using this highly-spirited breed. Hunting with beagles means that once in a while, you may be led down the wrong path. Sometimes, a beagle will change trails without giving any noticeable sign. For example, if the beagle is tracking quail, and suddenly smells a fox, it may decide of its own accord to follow the fox trail instead. This could lead to frustration on the part of the hunter. A well-trained beagle is less likely to follow the wrong trail, so proper training is key for hunter and dog to work well together in the field.
It is also important to realize that hunting with beagles is not the same as hunting with other breeds. A beagle is not one of the many retriever breeds, and it certainly is not a foxhound or wolfhound. It is unrealistic to expect that your beagle will bound into the water to retrieve the downed fowl, as beagles tend to lack a natural retrieving instinct. It is unfair to think that your beagle, with its small stature, can successfully hold its own against a fox or raccoon, and it certainly cannot take down a deer. They are tracking dogs, and in that capacity, they function very well. They are not generally suitable for hunting outside of this very limited role.
The Effect of Hunting on the Personality of a Beagle
There has been some evidence to suggest that engaging in hunting may change the personality of a dog, regardless of breed. There is also evidence to the contrary. Most experts who have hunted with beagles themselves will agree that a beagle with a high prey drive, when used for tracking or as a gun dog, will experience little in the way of personality change. A dog without a high prey drive is probably not the best choice for a hunting dog anyway.
On the other hand, improper training methods can change the personality of a dog. Any dog which is suitable for hunting will require training methods which are compatible with the breed and temperament of your dog. If you are not familiar with the appropriate methods, consult a qualified trainer.
Beagles are very popular both as pets and hunting dogs in Europe and North America. They are excellent for tracking their prey over great distances and they can scare up game with very little effort. If these strengths are utilized, and they are not expected to do what they cannot, beagles can be a most effective hunting breed.
Dogs have been trained for many things throughout history. They can be used for mushing, hunting, protecting property and even assisting the disabled. However, one of the oldest uses of the dog has been to guard flocks of animals. Flock guard dog training appears to be a fairly straightforward process. However, in reality, training a guardian dog requires patience, time and a willingness to let nature take its course.
Suitable Breeds for Guarding Flocks
Many different breeds have been used to guard flocks in the past. Some of the most popular breeds include Akbash, Bulgarian Shepard, Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Tantra. Most of these dogs also make great companion animals. However, some breeds commonly used as flock guard dogs are not recommended as pets, such as the South Russian Ovcharka or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Dogs chosen for their ability to guard flocks tend to share several characteristics. They are large, independent, territorial, domineering, courageous and protective. Most breeds used for flock guarding weigh more than one hundred pounds, and they tend to be white or light in color. This is deliberate, since many of the animals that these dogs guard are white, including sheep, llama, alpaca, cows and other herd animals. This helps the dogs to blend in with the flock. However, in flocks that are not predominately white, the guardian dog does tend to stand out.
Training Flock Guard Dogs
The desire to defend a flock is very instinctual for most of the breeds that are chosen to guard flocks. This instinct cannot be trained into a dog, so training really begins with the selection of a puppy who displays a desire to protect. It is important to note that flock guard dogs are not herding dogs. They will move naturally through the flock as if a part of it, ever alert to danger, but outwardly calm. As a result, it is important to choose a puppy that has the ability to remain calm despite distractions.
Once a puppy is selected, true training can begin. Puppies need to be socialized from about the age of four to six weeks. The earlier a puppy is exposed to the livestock it will be guarding, the closer the bond will be between the dog and the flock. Because the breeds chosen are so large, most puppies can be placed among young lambs or other flock animals from about eight weeks of age. Guardian dogs will interact more with the animals than with humans, so it is important that the interactions be observed but not generally controlled or manipulated. The more hands off humans can be, the better.
It is important that a flock guard dog be taught to keep its mind on the flock. Therefore, they often aren’t allowed to play with children, spending more of their time socializing with the flock. For safety reasons, they are taught basic obedience when they are young, but this is generally from an adult who is careful not to allow the dog to bond closer with the trainer than with the flock.
As the puppy grows, it instinctively realizes that these animals are not prey, but family. By around five months old, puppies normally begin exhibiting ideal guardian behavior. They are corrected for any chasing and praised for staying calmly with the flock. By the time a puppy is seven months old, the playful phase of puppyhood has begun to pass. At this point, the puppy should be removed from the flock. This helps the dog view the flock as charges to be protected rather than playmates. Most flock guarding dogs will develop other desired guarding behaviors instinctively, including deliberate barking, marking territory and a remarkable concern for their flock.
Dogs that seem suitable at about a year of age are given a trial run. They are assigned smaller flocks to guard. Their behavior should be monitored and observed. Though mistakes should be corrected, in general, the dogs should be left to their own devices. This encourages a stronger bond with the flock and allows the natural instincts of the dog to take over.
Flock guard dogs are expected to protect their flocks from bears, mountain lions, wolves, coyotes and various other predators. A flock of two hundred animals will generally be guarded by only one or two dogs. These dogs are expected to be trustworthy enough to be left alone with the flock for extended periods of time. They instinctively learn to stay with their flock. Though they will drive off intruders, they will always return to the animals they have learned to guard.
Though these dogs spend their entire lives with their flocks, they are not completely isolated from human contact. They are given food, water and shelter by humans and adult dogs are often allowed to play with children for short periods of time. Many of the breeds used as guardian dogs can also double as house pets. However, the dog must always understand that its first priority is the flock it has been trained to guard.
