Spot-On Grooming

07/02/2025

Do your research before buying a harness! Nothing beats proper training to stop pulling on a leash.

This is a repost(ish) but well worth repeating. Many of you have heard me harp on harness fit time and again. Having spent decades evaluating harness fit in working dogs of all types with thermal imaging (as well as having years of working and active dog experience combined with a strong biomechanics knowledge base) using front-clipping or "Gentle Leader" type harnesses only guarantee more structural stress in active dogs that makes for more work for me and other chiro/sports med colleagues. PLEASE only use harnesses that fit with proper ergonomics! [NOTE: I've tweaked the English & syntax in the added-on description below so it might read a little differently.]

"All dog owners should know this fact! A harness like this is a terrible injustice to your pet!! AVOID USING THIS TYPE OF HARNESS !

In a dog's forward movement, a harness with a tape that crosses its chest from side to side hinders it in the same way humans would bother going hiking with an elastic band holding their arms. Physiological movement of the front extremity is prohibited. Just like rubber would inhibit the pendular movement of our ARMS.

Thanks to the "Study of Canine Movement at the University of Jena", we now know that in the dog, the center of rotation of the front limb is at the top of the scapula, but in the human the center of rotation in the arm is in the shoulder. Jena's study demonstrates, among other things, the importance of scapular movement for dog locomotion. Now we understand the importance of taking into account the free movement of the dog's shoulder when choosing a chest harness.
That means there SHOULDN'T be bands across the scapular (orange) area, and they shouldn't cross the chest side to side either.

From the point of view of biomechanics and physiotherapy, it is recommended not to choose getting harnesses that have a strap that goes through the chest laterally, or that have straps that touch or press the scapula.

Always lean towards harness models with ERGONOMIC design, to allow maximum freedom of movement for your dog, improve his well-being and safety during his walk.
Source : REAL CEPPA"

05/17/2025

08/29/2024

Why Choosing a Breeder Who Shows Their Dogs Matters, Even for Pet Owners

When selecting a breeder, you might wonder why it’s recommended to choose one who shows their dogs, even if you have no intention of participating in dog shows yourself. Does this focus on show standards seem excessive or elitist? It’s not, and here’s why.

Dog shows are more than just competitions; they serve as a rigorous evaluation process where dogs are assessed against the breed standard. This standard includes several critical elements:

• Soundness: This refers to a dog’s overall physical and mental health, ensuring all organs and faculties are functioning harmoniously.
• Type: Breed type encompasses not just appearance but also character, bone structure, temperament, and movement, reflecting the essence of the breed.
• Gait: The quality of a dog’s movement is assessed to ensure ease and freedom from structural issues.
• Temperament: This measures a dog’s general attitude towards people and other animals, an essential trait for a well-rounded companion.

So why does this matter to you as a prospective pet owner? If you chose a Poodle, you likely did so because of their renowned qualities: their gentle nature, compatibility with children and other animals, and their ability to make exceptional therapy dogs. Good breeders strive to uphold these positive characteristics through their commitment to breed standards.

While not every puppy from a show-quality litter will be destined for the show ring, all will benefit from the breeder’s dedication to preserving the breed’s positive traits. Puppies that are not suited for the show ring but are well-bred still embody the breed’s essential qualities, making them excellent family pets.

Choosing a breeder who shows their dogs is not about snobbery or elitism; it’s about ensuring that you get a puppy who will grow into a well-rounded, healthy companion that exemplifies the breed you fell in love with. It’s about the breeder’s commitment to preserving the breed’s best traits and ensuring every puppy, regardless of its future in the show ring, starts life with the best possible foundation.

In essence, selecting a breeder who shows their dogs is a way to ensure that your future puppy will be a healthy, well-adjusted member of your family. It’s a reflection of love and respect for the breed, ensuring that all puppies have the opportunity to thrive and bring joy into their new homes.

07/18/2024

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05/04/2024

FYI. Grain free foods do not cause heart problems.
Further research indicates that it is a lack of taurine in the diet, which can be replenished with beef heart.

The lawsuit alleged that Hill’s and a group of veterinarians worked together to manipulate the FDA into examining the possibility that certain grain-free dog foods increased pets’ risk for the potentially deadly heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy.

03/28/2024

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1119333145862559

01/29/2024

We get used to seeing overweight dogs and think it is normal. But showing love with extra treats and food is killing your pet with kindness. It isn't cute, it is deadly.

01/01/2024

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