It’s show time!

The 132nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is now in progress! Some of the best dogs in the country will be competing for the coveted Best in Show title. Catch the final breed showing and Best in Show competition tonight on the USA Network.  Madison Square Garden opens it’s doors to thousands of dog fanciers, handlers, groomers, owners and most importantly pure bred dogs every year. Sorry no mutts allowed, but this is a great chance to see where the mutts originated from… Can you find the breeds that make up the Schnoodle, chab, whoodle and snickerdoo?

Here are a few little “did you know” facts about Westminster:

• In 1907 the first Best in Show title went to a Smooth Fox Terrier bitch named CH. Warren Remedy…she is the only dog to have won Best in Show three times!


• In 1888  a woman named Anna Whitney was the first woman to judge at Westminster! She judged 117 St. Bernards.


• Up until his death in summer of 2006 you could spot famous trainer Captain Haggerty sitting in the front row of every Westminster Dog Show.


• Neither the Belgian Malinois (Leinie’s breed) or the Irish Terrier (Pepper’s breed) have ever won a Best in Show at Westminster.


• In 2007 the Dandi Dinmont Terrier that won best in Terrier Group was co-owned by the comedian Bill Cosby. The dog’s name is Harry.


• 169 Breeds and varieties from 7 different groups will be judged over a two day period.


• There are four new breeds eligible for the first time at Westminster in 2008: the Plott (Hound Group), the Tibetan Mastiff (Working), the Swedish Valhund(Herding) and the Beauceron (Herding).


• For more information about purebred dogs, AKC dog shows in your area, or some great fun facts check out the American Kennel Club.

Follow Me Dog Training LLC believes that the dog you choose is always going to be the Best in Show of your family. Mutts, mixes, rescue dogs and purebred dogs all share a place in our hearts. We also believe that responsible breeding, training and care are the things that will keep dogs in our homes for many years to come. If you choose a dog to live with your family please train them, follow local pet laws and be respectful of everyone’s right to own a dog. Westminster always brings certain breeds into the spotlight. Before you purchase a purebred dog research how it might fit into your lifestyle. Responsible breeders love to talk about their chosen breed!

When you bring a new dog home (rescue or puppy) contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC for a FREE demonstration and evaluation.

Dog Names: Choosing The Right One, The First Time by Richard Livitski

After searching long and hard, you’ve finally found the perfect dog. So what’s next?… Finding the perfect dog name of course!

Considering that over the course of your puppies lifetime his name will be used over 30,000 times, and that 1 in 5 new dog owners want to change their dogs name in the first year, choosing the right puppy name should be given as much care and thought as you showed when finding your pooch in the first place.

Below I’ve listed 10 dog naming tips taken from my website to be mindful of when looking for the right name, they are…

1. Avoid names that sound like common commands such as Go, Stay, Sit, etc. This might cause confusion for your puppy when trying to train it.

2. Be mindful that your dog might outgrow it’s name. The name Buttercup might be appropriate for a cute puppy, but not when it becomes a full grown Great Dane!

3. Choose a name with one or two syllables. Dogs not only learn it quicker, but it makes them easier to train as well.

4. Watch out for trendy names that might cause embarrassment once the trend is passed. Do you want people to realize from your dog’s name that you were once a big fan of Disco?

5. If you’ve adopted an older dog, it’s best to keep her current name so that it doesn’t become confused. If for some reason you must change it, consider a name that sounds similar or rhymes.

6. Beware of the common trend to name dogs after people. Though doing so is not a bad thing in itself, if you name your pup after a friend or family member, they might take offense. Although you might think naming your dog Sally after your favorite Aunt is an honor, Aunt Sally might not. Also, be kind to your dog and name her after someone you like.

7. Does the dog name rhyme with something negative? Or maybe with the name of a family member or friend? Once discovered, you might be one of those 1 in 5 people who want to change their dogs name!

8. Stay away from potentially embarrassing names. The name “Pee Wee” might be funny at first, but as the joke gets old, how will you feel in a year or so when you have to call “Pee Wee” home at night?

9. Pick a name that matches your dogs own unique appearance or personality. The name Electra might be a good name for an energetic pooch, but not for one that like’s to sleep all day.

10. Ask your dog what he thinks! Since it’s going to be his name, you might want to narrow your search down to your own 5 favorite names, then try them out on your dog. You’d be surprised how well he responds to some, yet yawns at others.
Keeping in mind the above tips when searching for dog names will not only ensure a long, happy friendship with your dog, but also help to avoid a mid-life name change.

When Richard Livitski isn’t busy running around after his own dogs, he’s busy searching for more unique, cool and funny dog names for http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Livitski http://EzineArticles.com/?Dog-Names:-Choosing-The-Right-One,-The-First-Time&id=306666

Secrets to Dog Training – Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

Pittsburgh, PA area: Quincy, Sweet Blindish Beagle needs rescue!! TIME IS RUNNING OUT

Sun. Feb. 7:  There is now a generous donor of $ 50 to a qualified rescue to save Quincey!

This guy is at a shelter that is full and he doesnt have much longer…PLEEZE HURRY!!!! IF anybody can help, contact Lynn at

lynn577@hotmail. com (hotmail. com) or call 412-225-5333

From: Lynn Ready <lynn577@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, Feb 5, 2010 at 8:09 PM
Subject: RE: about an hour south of Pittsburgh, PA: Blindish Beagle needs rescue- TIME IS RUNNING OUT

hi! we have a blind dog named quincy, a beagle, who is in a kill shelter an hour south of pittsburgh. is there anyone who can help get him out of there? if so please contact me atlynn577@hotmail. com or call 412-225-5333 thanks!

Quincey is a sweet mature beagle boy looking for a forever home with a family who will take good care of him.  He was found as a stray by the dog warden during the freezing cold days of January.  Sadly, Quincey’s vision is impaired which made surviving on his own even more difficult for this sweetheart of a dog.  

The staff members at the shelter say he is no trouble at all and just wants love from anyone who comes his way.  He does run into things when he walks in an unfamiliar place, but he tries his best to get around.  Most visually impaired dogs are able to navigate in a home once they become familiar with their surroundings.
The shelter where Quincey currently resides is a traditional one and would be thrilled to see him get a happy home.