Important information for dog owners

Dogs enjoy the outdoors anytime of the year, but cold weather and snow can be troublesome. AKC offers these tips to help ensure a healthy winter for your dogs.

• Don't leave your pup outside for too long in the cold; like you, your dog can get frostbite.
• Rinse off your dog's feet after walking on rock salt because it can irritate its foot pads.
• If your dog gets wet from snow or sleet, dry him/her thoroughly with a towel or a blow dryer (set on warm not hot air).
• Be careful if you walk your pet near frozen lakes or ponds; he could slip and become seriously injured.
• Never leave your dog in a vehicle because the cold air could become dangerous.
• Your dog will need a little extra food in colder months for more energy and to keep the body temperature regulated.
• Be aware of poisonous substances, such as anti-freeze, which may smell good and taste sweet to your dog - but is lethal.
• If you have a fireplace, make sure you put up a screen because your dog could get severely burned.
• Dogs can become dehydrated in the winter, as well as in the summer, so always give them plenty of fresh water.

A pedigree is an official documentation of your dog's lineage, or family tree. It names the dog's parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and beyond. To breeders and anyone else interested in preserving the integrity and characteristics of a breed, the pedigree is an invaluable. It is the best, though not perfect, predictor of what is to come. For example, if the dogs in three generations of a particular line of Collies were all of a sweet temperament, then it is quite likely - though again not absolutely certain - that the puppies from a new breeding in that line will be sweet-natured too. The old expression, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree", certainly applies.

The owner of one of the most highly respected Yorkshire Terrier Kennels speaks for many breeders when she says that pedigrees are the basis for all her breeding programs. "You have to study them, and learn to make wise choices," she says, "but nothing provides better information than the pedigree. Without it, you are just in a silly guessing game, and that's not fair to anyone, especially the dogs."

Even owners who have no intention of breeding their dogs often enjoy having a copy of their pedigrees. They can point with pride and respect to their best friend's ancestors, many of whom might be outstanding show or field champions.

For information on obtaining a pedigree for your dog, please contact the AKC at (919) 233-9767

Forget those home gyms, exercise videos, and fitness clubs. You may already have one of the all time great fitness motivators - your ever-ready-to-exercise dog. But start slowly and sensibly. Here are some fitness ideas for you and your pet.

• Walking is a good way for both you and your dog to maintain good health.
• Brisk walking or jogging is the ultimate cardiovascular workout. Keep in mind that natural surfaces such as grass, a dirt hiking path, or beach sand are easier on your dog's feet.
• Hiking is a fantastic way to get fresh air, clear your mind and get the body moving.
• Swimming is a good all-body workout that many dogs love. But keep a watchful eye while your dog is in the water. Your pet may tire before you do.
• Catch. It's hard to find a dog that doesn't enjoy a vigorous game of catch and it can be a great workout for both of you.

Dogs and kids go together, right? Well, yes if they've been taught how to get along. Mutual respect is the key. Here are some tips on how to keep child and dog, safe and happy.

• Teach your child to be gentle, to give the dog space if it becomes anxious, and not to pull the dog's tail, or ears, or pokes its eyes. Explain that since dogs can't talk, they communicate in different ways - with facial expressions, body posture, or barking and growling. Help your child become sensitive to the dog's behavior.
• Teach your dog basic obedience and be consistent in all teaching endeavors.
• Supervise all puppy-child interactions, intervene if play gets rough or out of hand.
• Don't expect any dog to tolerate abuse. And don't force more responsibility on your child than he or she is ready for.