Is it a dominance issue?
Not according to the world's top leading canine ethologists (scientists who study dog behavior). These experts agree that dogs are never out to dominate their owners. What's more, trying to dominate our dog can actually scare and confuse them, leading to disobedience.

Why your dog doesn't obey?
When dogs don't listen to us, it's likely due to flaws in your training methods more than anything else. Unmet physical needs can hinder your dog's ability to follow commands effectively. Let's explore the true reasons behind your dog's lack of responsiveness.

• Tired
• Hungry or Thirsty
• Need to Eliminate
• Full of Energy - A need to burn!
• Health Issues
• Anxiety or Nervousness

He does not have your full attention
Your dog may not listen because you're not giving them your undivided attention. If you're distracted by your phone or preoccupied with other thoughts during training, your dog will pick up on it. It's important to be fully present and focused when giving commands or training your dog. Lack of attention from you can be a reason why your dog doesn't listen.

You don't use reward markers
Your dog may not be listening because you are not using reward markers effectively. A reward marker, such as a "Clicker of Verbal Cue," are essential in communicating to your dog what behavior will earn them a reward. By using reward markers consistently at the beginning of a desired behavior, you can make it clear to your dog what you expect from them. Dogs are more likely to perform behaviors that are associated with rewards, making training more effective and enjoyable for them.

Your dog is not motivated
From your dog's perspective, to increase your dog's motivation, here are some tips for successful reinforcing good behavior:

• Keep training sessions short and frequent - around 2 to 5 minutes, 5 to 10 times a day.
• Vary food rewards by making them - tiny and fragrant to keep your dog interested.
• Use verbal cues in a reassuring and friendly tone to encourage compliance.
• Be generous with food rewards when your dog behaves successfully to reinforce good behavior.
• Avoid using aggressive or intimidating verbal cues that may discourage your dog from listening.

Your asking too much, too soon
Your dog may not listen if you introduce distractions to quickly, overwhelming their ability to focus. Here are some ways we ask too much of our dogs:

• Lack of clarity in communication can lead to confusion about expected behaviors.
• If your dog has been consistently rewarded for a behavior you want to change, it may take time and patience to unlearn that habit.

You didn't let him get used to a new behavior before you cued the behavior. Let your dog adapt to a new behavior before cueing the behavior you want.

Your telling him NOT to do something
Dogs are naturally proactive creatures, always eager to engage in activities and behaviors. They may not understand the concept of stopping or refraining from certain actions, as they are driven by their instincts and past reinforcement. Merely saying "No" or "Stop" might momentarily interrupt their behavior, but it doesn't necessarily communicate the desired message to them. Instead of focusing on what not to do, it is more effective to prevent unwanted behaviors from occurring during training sessions. This allows the dog to learn and adopt more desirable behaviors. By redirecting their attention and guiding them toward positive actions, you can enhance their learning process and improve their listening skills!

Remember, it's not about scolding or punishing your furry friend, but about guiding them towards the right behaviors. With positive and proactive training approach, you can establish a strong bond with your dog and enjoy a harmonious relationship based on mutual understanding and respect. Happy Training!

Article written & provided by
Anna,
AMTC Breeder

February is National Dental Health month for dogs. Educating pet owners on how to ensure their dogs have healthy teeth for a lifetime.

Like humans, dogs can suffer from periodontal disease, broken teeth, tooth decay, and other oral health dental issues leading to:

• Discomfort
• Bad breath
• Pain
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease

When it comes to dental hygiene, taking preventative steps at home along with regular office visits are well worth the effort, not only for your dog's overall health but also their comfort.

How To Tell if My Dog Has Bad Dental Health?
Every dog should have a thorough examination by a veterinarian, that includes the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth. This exam should be part of each yearly exam and signs of oral disease include:

• Foul smell in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing
• Inflamed gums
• Bloody mouth, gums

Foul breath could be a sign that there is something occurring within the mouth that requires a visit to their veterinarian. However, dog's breath are not always "fresh-n-clean" they should not be foul.

What To Look For in My Dogs Mouth?

• Plague - a buildup of material growing on the enamel of dog's teeth within hours of eating. Saliva combines with plaque which hardens, resulting in tartar buildup.

What Can You Do At Home?
A variety of pet-safe dental care products exists from disposable dental wipes to dog-friendly toothpaste and tooth brushes. Ask your vet what's best for your dog's breed. Brushing your dog's teeth typically starts early - after adult teeth have erupted, around 6 months of age. Tips: Get your dog accustomed to the various types of brushing, from touching and opening their lips, to touching the teeth with your finger. Then apply a small amount of canine toothpaste to either your finger or toothbrush and let them taste it. These tips could take days to weeks to familiarize your dog with, but it's important to be patient and be routine - once a day is ideal, but 2-3 times per week would be considered fine by most veterinarians.

Additional Chews & Diets
There are plenty of dog chew toys to diet products on the market for canine oral health. Dog chews - not only create play and prevent destructive behavior, some are intended for dental health. Be cautious in choice of chew as not all chews are created equal. When it comes to the oral health of your dog, prevention and awareness are key to helping keep your dog smiling!

Article written by,
AMTC Health Committee

Whether it's your first time whelping (the process of a female dog giving birth to puppies) or you're experienced, learning more about the process with some basic practices will help you become more prepared and informed.

A whelping dog typically has very few issues during birth, but it's helpful to know what to look for so you can be prepared to help if something arises during labor. Over the course of 58 to 63 days from date of tie (the process of a male and female mating) and a successful tie occurred - expecting mothers will start to show signs of Impending Whelping about 48 hours prior to whelp and will go through three whelping stages, with the first stage there's a few things you should watch for:

• Temperature - your dog's temperature may drop around 12 to 24 hours before active labor begins.
• Eating habits - as the due date approaches, it's common for mothers to feel uncomfortable, anxious, and uneasy. She may not eat her food that day and (not all dog's refuse to eat). Make sure she has plenty of water available to drink.
• Change in behavior - some mothers become more restless, become needy, and may pant and will urinate more frequently and have loose stool due to the added pressure of puppies preparing to deliver.

Second stage - uterine contractions and dilation of the cervix takes place, with a few things you should watch for:

• Nesting - nesting is when your dog seeks out a place to lie down. She will appear restless, digging (appears to be scratching at the ground (floor), frequently checking her vulva (external genitalia) and experience contractions.

The second and third stage of labor happen simultaneously, and you may notice a clear or white sac protruding from the vulva, whelping should be imminent (soon). *If you notate a green discharge - it should be followed by a fetus, as this indicates placental separation.*

First time mothers should be attended by their owners until at least one or two puppies have been born.

Now that you know the basics to Signs of Whelping - what can you do to help your dog through this stage? It typically takes 0-30 minutes for each puppy to be born. Monitor mom - It is common for two puppies to be delivered right after one another, with two placentas. Head-first and tail-first presentations of puppies are normal. Up to two hours between puppies is considered normal. Mom will relax and begin resting and taking care of the puppies whelped in-between puppies - this is normal. Mom will be have whelped all puppies when no more puppies have been born after a period of 3-4 hours and no signs of contractions (active pushing). Each puppy should be delivered with a placenta and your dog has almost certainly consumed them without you noticing. Consuming the placenta by mom is neither beneficial nor detrimental, but consumption of all placentas can result in diarrhea, which is normal. *Contact your veterinarian if more than two hours have passed between the delivery of puppies and mom is still actively pushing as there may be a complication.*

On average, a dog will be in labor 6-12 hours before the start of stage 1 labor, but may last up to 24-36 hours is normal.

After giving birth, it is normal for moms to have some vaginal discharge (lochia), which can range in color from straw (clear tinged with streaks of red), to green, to red, to brown. Lochia usually persists for about three weeks, but may last up to eight weeks long. It should progressively darken in color and decrease over time. Lochia should not have a foul odor. If a foul odor is noted or the amount of lochia increases at any time, seek veterinary care, as this could be a sign of infection or retained placenta. 

As previously mentioned - most dogs whelp without issue. However, there are some exceptions, and there are some common signs your dog is experiencing whelping problems that warrant calling or visiting your veterinarian:

• Discolored discharge - black, dark green, and excessive discharge - puppy placentas are green but not in excess and generally not before a puppy is born. A bit of green discharge (as mentioned above) is okay, but in excess and proceeds with no delivery of puppy is not okay.
• Decreased milk production - little to no milk production, lack of interest in puppies, or aggression toward puppies is not okay.
• Difficulty Whelping - your dog is actively pushing or straining for more than two-to-three hours and no pups have whelped, is not okay.
• Stagnation or Exhaustion - your dog has rested for over three hours but you still suspect or know there are more puppies that have not been whelped, is not okay.
• Whelping Late - failure to start labor, most dog whelp around 63 days plus or minus 5 days from last tie (between 58 and 68 days). If your dog goes more than 68 days past last breeding date, a veterinarian should be consulted.

​Now that you know what's involved in Dog Whelping, you'll be ready to help when the time comes.

Article written by
American Morkshire Terrier Club

Thanksgiving is a holiday of family and food, so don't leave your fur family out of the festivities! Ever wondered what dogs can eat on Thanksgiving? Learn these recipes and safe foods to give your pup a tasty thanksgiving meal this year and every year.

There are several Safe and Healthy Dog Thanksgiving foods and a few are holiday favorites:

• Turkey: Boneless and skinless white turkey meat is a yummy treat that your furry pal will love! Its a healthy snack due to its high protein and low-fat content.
• Ham: Ham has become a leading contender among alternative meats for Thanksgiving, is it safe for dogs? Yes and no. Although ham is not toxic for your dog, it is difficult for your dog to digest. Its best given as a once on special occasion - taste!
• Green Bean Casserole: If you plan on making green bean casserole this year, feel free to give your furry pal a few raw green beans. They contain iron and very few calories! Remember - onions are toxic for dogs, so do not give those leftovers into their food dish.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Prior to mixing those nutrient-rich spuds with butter and brown sugar - a few steamed or broiled (chopped into cubes) sweet potatoes are great for canine digestive health!
• Deserts: Apple Crisp: Apple slices are a safe and healthy treat, but always be sure to set aside apple slices before baking them to give as a treat and always be sure to remove any seeds before serving.​ Pumpkin Pie: Oh My! Believe it or not, sugar-free canned pumpkin is very good for your furry friends GI tract - in small quantities. For a wonderful Thanksgiving desert treat - feel free to place a dollop of canned pumpkin (before you mix anything into it) to their food dish, while making your pumpkin pie.

SO, while we listed some favorite family staples during Thanksgiving - there are foods NOT to Feed Dogs. Here are some of the usual suspects you'll want to avoid giving to your furry friend:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Often laden with butter and cream or milk, mashed potatoes can cause upset stomach and diarrhea in dogs.
   
2. Stuffing or Turkey Dressing: Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, salt, and other spices that can be harmful to dogs. Onions and garlic should be avoided always - since they both are toxic for pets!
   
3. Corn on the Cob: Corn itself is not dangerous for dogs, but the cob of corn can be a serious choking hazard - causing long term gastrointestinal issues.
4. Turkey or Chicken Bones: Dogs love bones, but they don't know which bones are safe to play with and ones that aren't. Turkey and Chicken bones are not digestible! They pose a threat to canine digestive health and can shatter and puncture the intestinal tract, get lodged in the esophagus causing choking!
   
5. Bread Dough: Unbaked bread dough contains yeast. Yeast can be very dangerous when ingested by dogs because it emits gas as it rises (grows within the abdomen) causing a multitude of problems including "bloat." Bloat, medically known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary medical attention.
   
6. Pecans: Pecans, such of those used in pecan pie, can cause stomach upset in dogs when ingested in large quantities.
   
7. Sweets: Everyone should know that chocolate can be toxic to dogs, but there are other sweets that pose a risk you may not be aware of like: sugar in large quantities and artificial sweetener known as Xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can also be (found in some peanut butters) is highly toxic to dogs and requires rapid emergency pet care!
   

Lastly, we have some Safety Tips for Thanksgiving:

• If you're having guests over, remember to advise them against feeding your furry family members their table scraps-even in small amounts. A small amount from several people can result in a large amount by the end of Thanksgiving Day!
• Ensure all your trash is disposed of in a secure place that is out of your dog's reach. Napkins, paper plates, and plastic utensils also pose a risk to dogs.
• Turkey fryers are a rise in popularity and proven to be a danger to canines. The smell of meat remnants, which are highly appealing to dogs who may want to try and get a quick lick, pose severe dangers, both internally and externally! So, always exercise caution with fryers-and never underestimate your dog's ability to get what they want.
• Always keep a close eye on your furry pal during the holidays. Guests, new smells, and opening and closing doors are very easy for your pal to sneak out, get lost, or become overwhelmed.
• Holidays are busy days of the year, don't forget to stick to your dog's routine - feed pets at their normal times and have water available throughout the day!

Take Away
Thanksgiving is a busy day, we hope this post will help your with safe and healthy snack choices for your furry family member and to know what foods should be avoided.

*To help protect your dog on this and every other day of the year, consider a pet insurance plan. A dog insurance policy can help reimburse costs for accidents, illnesses, and more. There's no better gift to your furry family member this year than a dog insurance policy that safeguards them all year long! AMTC Pet Insurance (underwritten by MetLife and/or Healthy Paws) is thankful for responsible pet owners like you.*

We wish you and your pets a healthy, happy Thanksgiving!
*Article written by the American Morkshire Terrier Club

Did you know that, according to an NSF study, dog dishes are the fourth "germiest" things in our home? It's true. That slimy coating that grosses you out each time you pick up your pet's dirty water or food bowl is called "biofilm," and it's made up of hazardous microorganisms that threaten your pet's health — and yours. It doesn't matter if you feed wet food, kibble, or the occasional treat; dirty dog bowls contain harmful bacteria such as:

• E.coli
• Salmonella
• Listeria
• MRSA

Most healthy animals and people can tolerate small amounts of harmful bacteria. But the quantities found in dirty dog bowls can pose a severe risk to animals and people with compromised immune systems.

Dog water dishes are just as unsanitary as food bowls. When your dog drinks, they transfer germs from their mouths (and possible contamination from their food), and dog water at room temperature is an excellent habitat for bacteria. Could you be sure that you are giving your pet fresh water at every feeding?

According to veterinary nutritionist Dr. Emily Luisana, DVM's new study on pet food handling and sanitary practices, you're in the majority if you've let your dishwashing duties slide. In her report, she found that out of 417 surveyed dog owners, less than five percent were aware of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regarding safe storage and feeding practices. Also, only a third of respondents claimed to wash their hands after feeding their pets. Here are some more facts from Dr. Luisana's findings:

• Only 2/3 of those surveyed reported using a different surface for preparing dog food.
• 22% of participating pet owners washed pet dishes once a week.
• 18% washed them at most once every three months (Yikes).
• Once participants began implementing FDA guidelines, contamination detection dramatically dropped.

So, let's attack those disgusting dog dishes, shall we?
The FDA recommends that dog owners wash food dishes between each feeding and the water dish every day or so. However, we suggest you go ahead and wash your dog's water dishes and food dishes after each mealtime to help rule out possible bacteria at all:

• Hand wash them with hot, antibacterial soapy water, by soaking them in the soapy water with two capfuls of bleach added in the water for 10 minutes.
• ​Then, rinse them thoroughly and allow them to air dry.

To avoid cross-contamination, never use the same cleaning scrubs and sponges on your dog bowls that you use for other dishes or household cleaning. Instead, you can keep your dog bowl cleaning tools in a separate container, preferably in a different room from your kitchen.

The following tips are FDA guidelines and recommendations from the CDC
Both strongly advise against feeding store-bought or home-prepared raw diets due to their high risk of contamination to dogs, pet owners, and their families.

• Always wash your hands with warm soapy water after handling pet food.
• Don't let small children near your dog's food or water bowl.
• Avoid playing with your pets immediately after they've eaten.
• Thoroughly clean dog food storage containers before you refill them. Don't forget the scoops!
• Only use storage containers with tight-fitting lids.
• It's a good idea, to keep the original bag (or UPC barcode label & expiration date) with the product until the food is gone, in case of a recall or if you suspect it made your dog ill.
• Dry food should be stored below 80°F; wet food should be refrigerated at 40°F or below.
• Only use stainless steel or ceramic pet food bowls and water dishes. Never use plastic bowls.

​
Cleaning dirty dog bowls might be different from your idea of living the dream. But from your pet's point of view—you're there to serve their needs, and they need to be healthy too!

Conclusion
It’s essential to be aware of the potential risks that come with feeding your dog from dirty bowls. Bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and MRSA can all be present in unkept dog dishes and cause serious health problems for your pet, as well as your self. The best way to prevent these harmful bacteria is to use stainless steel, ceramic or even glass bowls instead of plastic. While these materials may be more expensive upfront, they will save you money in the long run by keeping your dog healthy and avoiding trips to the vet.

So what type of bowls do you use for your dog?
​Let us know in the comments below.

Article provided by
American Morkshire Terrier Club,
Animals Matter, Pet Education

The breed Standard for this unique toy breed sums it up. "A toy dog covered from head to foot with long, flowing uniquely colored hair." But despite the multitude of colors this breed has Two looks.

The puppy cut, essentially is one length all over cut. The most common length is between 1-2 inches over the body, legs, tail, head and ears. Typically, it's done with a clipper fitted with a long guard. Many owners love this style of cut - and with good reason. It's cute, easy to care for and easy for owners to remember by name.

There should not be any clipper marks, uneven coat, or sharp angles left in the fur. Everything should look soft, plush and like a cute fluffy puppy. This cut has often been referred to as the Teddy bear cut, or summer cut. But, the difference between the  Puppy cut and the Teddy bear cut are - these trims differ in length of the coat. Be sure to communicate with your groomer so you don't end up with a cut they assumed!

The Show Model, essentially is a long length of coat to really show off its wonderful coloring and color placement. The most common length is referred to as show free-flowing long coat to the floor. Typically, its hair is neatly tied up in a top knot on the head. This coat will be more prone to tangles, so you'll want to comb and brush it just about every day and use a leave-in conditioner and detangler.

This look is the longest that an American Morkshire Terrier's coat can grow which is floor length and desired for the show ring. This is a beautiful look but not for everyone, it requires a lot of work.

Takeaway, when you are choosing a hair style for your Morkie, do this not only based on what is beautiful, but also on what you can afford to maintain and how much time you have for grooming and upkeep.