If it's all about experts and amateurs, then let's let one of our resident experts Maggie, our Yorkshire Terrier, have a go at it.
We asked Maggie if she'd like to contribute her expertise, and share her accumulated years of canine wisdom with our site visitors.
She's happily agreed (for a dog treat, of course) to do her best to answer any and all of your questions.
Please also search this page to read her responses to other general dog ownership, dog training, and dog behavior frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Would you like to "Ask Maggie" a dog question? Now's your chance to "ask the expert"!
We'll post the answers to your question just as soon as Maggie has finished eating and playing, so please check back soon-and thanks for your interest!
Chris from the United States writes: "My family would like to have a dog added to it, but historically am allergic to dogs. Hubby is convinced that husky's (he had many in the past) are "hypoallergenic," than other breeds. I've researched a little, and haven't seen them on the list of dogs that produce less allergens to sensitive people. Have I missed something, or is he sadly mistaken? I would love to hear from you soon. We plan to visit some local breeders to see how I react when in contact with the dogs." Maggie answers: Thanks for your question Chris, and how exciting it is to add a new dog to the family! It seems that there is a lot of interest in hypoallergenic dogs these days, even the President-Elect's family is searching for one.
A dog's coat type is an important consideration when choosing a dog, especially if you suffer from allergies. Dogs with thick double coats will shed more than other breeds.
While the Siberian Husky is very intelligent, and strikingly handsome with those beautiful eyes, you might want to look elsewhere for a breed which will be more hypoallergenic to your allergy sensitivity.
Siberian Husky's have a thick, wooly, double coat, and during the spring and fall seasons, shed massive amounts of their fur everywhere. Not an ideal situation if you're an allergy sufferer. Not only could you be allergic to the dog, you'd also be exposing yourself to extra allergens, by cleaning up all that fur!
Better to look at a dog breed that sheds less. For example, the Standard Poodle is a highly intelligent large dog, with a thick, wooly, curly double coat, but the difference is that it does not shed. And its fur is very soft, with almost human hair quality. True, it does need grooming, but you need not go to extremes with a poodle clip.
Another dog worth considering is the Labrador Retriever which has a hard, dense water-repellent coat. It requires minimal grooming, with minimal shedding, and is an equally intelligent dog that is great with children.
When you do visit local breeders, do mention your allergies and ask their opinions regarding sensitivity.
Having a dog and allergies don't have to be mutually exclusive, and as you know, research is key to finding the right dog.
Best of luck in your search, and drop us a line to let us know what breed you've chosen.
Chelsea from the United States writes: How do you stop a 1 year old from gnawing on everything outside? He just started doing it." Maggie answers: Thanks for your question Chelsea, and how exciting it is have a new dog! Although your dog has grown physically, a 1 year-old is still acting like a puppy in many ways with his behavior. As you are discovering, he can also acquire less than desirable habits...including gnawing.When Toby (my little brother) came to live with us, he began chewing and gnawing kitchen chairs indoors. Not a good habit! We had to find ways to divert his attention to non-destructive behavior and give him positive ways to express his "need to chew".
If your dog is gnawing items outside, he could be sending the message that he is bored, and needs more mental activity. Try giving him his own set of chew toys that can be used for outside play only. "Booda" bones, made of a rope-type material, are great and practically indestructible. Tennis balls, fetch toys, frisbees can be used to play catch with him, and keep him out of mischief, and tire him out!. He'll grab these with his mouth and learn that these are his toys.
You might also want to try applying "bitter apple" or some other type of deterrent on outside objects when you go out with him. This bitter taste of this product will discourage him from chewing on items he should leave alone.
If you do catch him gnawing, say "stop", or "no" in a loud, firm voice, to get his attention. Remember, you want to discourage the bad behavior and reward the good behavior. Everytime he chews/gnaws his toys, give him lots of praise, and an occasional food treat to reward and reinforce.
Best of luck with your dog, and drop us a line to let us know how he is progressing.
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