Details

Written by: editorial board Pastore del Caucaso

Category: Articles

It is not difficult to adopt a dog of Caucasian Shepherd breed in our country, but it is difficult to understand if we are the right masters for him. It is disconcerting to see people who are worried about looking for a puppy with a pedigree (the best specimens, those of pure race, are imported from Russia), and then abandon it on the street, at the kennel, in pensions; many times some breeders have been seen to bring back the dog because "too demanding".

It is not to be objected that the Caucasian Shepherd is a very demanding animal. Who, among the various forums and online guides, writes that it is suitable as a first dog and that can be adopted by an inexperienced family, probably wrong, and increases the risk of abandonment of the puppy. The Caucasian Shepherd needs a master with a very strong, decisive character and a vast experience with large dogs: even if you buy or adopt a puppy, do not forget that sooner or later it will grow and its needs will change. hand that grows and the age advances. The dog must raise him and make him understand the right and wrong actions, as any parent would do with his child. It is certainly not claimed that a dog should be treated as good or better than human beings, but the necessary conditions must be created to make him develop his natural predilections. The Shepherd of the Caucasus is so named because it was originally used to defend the flock and the house of the shepherds, from thieves of cattle and predatory animals such as bears, even coming to kill them or to sacrifice themselves for the master. It is well understood that this dog must be educated in an optimal way (or trained, whatever you want.) Even children must be trained to respect the dog, especially while eating: it is a bad idea to take away the bowl of food while it is intent to eat , as well as engage in particularly violent games.You can hurt or hurt even children because of the size of the animal, which perhaps seeks to escape unscathed to the typical little children (the most common are the furrows, the look for ride it, the fingers in the eyes and / or cling to the mane.) It is therefore appropriate to educate the children on the arrival of a Caucasian Shepherd in the family.

The Caucasian Shepherd, for his size and for his very rustic character, needs a house with a garden since he is a puppy, in order not to jeopardize the correct physical and mental growth. It is better that there is a real garden, with the typical turf, but if you have the space it would be better to create a small area covered with rocks and sand, so that the dog, while running or playing, naturally develops the his musculature and a harmonious posture, in addition to accelerating the setting. After all, his ancestors grew up in villages and mountain lands.

It relates very well with other puppy animals, less when it is already an adult, but it is enough to get them used to it and make them understand that they are an integral part of the home. The Caucasian shepherd will become so fond of it that he would fight to be killed for the family members and for the "flock" (the other animals in the house). It is ideal for those who have a single house with a garden, very far from the town, if not isolated. With the Caucasian Shepherd, no other alarms are needed at home, because, like his predecessors, an adult specimen can perceive a stranger miles away, attacking him when he is sufficiently approached to him. Unless you are the master, you should never look a dog like that in the eye, because they perceive it as a sign of challenge, while some agree to be approached gently, without making sudden movements. In reality, the Caucasian Shepherd is not a dog suitable for those who want to subdue it, but for those who want to build a constant relationship every day between the animal and the owner, without using violence, but sweet firmness.

It should not be surprising if the price of the Caucasian Shepherd can change according to the breeding. The price is determined by the characteristics and the quality of the subject, in addition to the bloodline. The bloodline is nothing more than a set of details on the morphology, on the character and all those characteristics that are transmitted by genetic means, so as to identify an accurate selection in a specific race. In one race there may be one or more lines of blood, with more or less different characteristics, but always remaining within a specific race. The quality of the animal and its bloodline are decisive for setting its value, in addition to the qualifications acquired by its parents, and the type of pedigree. The age of the animal is also decisive: the smaller it is, the less it is worth. It is valuable even if a farm provides a written guarantee (usually health, morphological or character).

In Italy there are many shepherd breeding farms in the Caucasus, especially in the north or central Italy. Visiting the Caucasian Shepherd Breeding section, you will discover locations and characteristics of the breeding.

As already mentioned, it sometimes happens that owners not really "civil", abandon this dog, because they do not know or do not want to handle it. That's why, in Northern Italy, two experienced trainers have founded SOS Caucaso, a sort of refuge of the Caucasian Shepherd, in this place the dogs stay until the right master is found. Assisted by veterinarians and with the support of local and international farms, they are able to better advise those who want to adopt a Caucasian Shepherd, not minding whether or not they have a pedigree. SOS Caucaso also manufactures nice gadgets with hair lost by animals, as well as recommending herbal remedies for small health disorders of these extraordinary animals. If you want you can contact SOS Caucaso by consulting the website of the same name.

Details

Written by: Redazione Pastore del Caucaso

Category: Articles

The health of the Caucasian Shepherd is closely related to the hygienic conditions in which he lives. Keeping your environment tidy and clean is the first step to having a strong and healthy dog ​​for a long time.
Generally, the Caucasian Shepherd is a very robust dog with very good health. Being a very massive dog since childhood, every possible effort is forbidden to puppies, to prevent damage to the joints and promote a correct and harmonious development.
It is important to find a good veterinarian and set up periodic checks. Usually, puppies born on the farm are already vaccinated, but it is always better to ask for confirmation, in order to inform the veterinarian and plan the vaccinations and the annual prophylaxis. During the summer, you have to protect it from fleas and ticks with an effective antiparasitic (they exist in spray version that in pipettes, the vet will indicate the most suitable) as well as do a thorough inspection of the hair. It is essential to protect the dog from the Filariosis Cardio Pulmonare, a disease caused by a worm that is implanted in the heart and in the circulatory system, bringing the animal to death: the parasite is transmitted through the mosquito bite. Prophylaxis is done annually, as the veterinarian will prescribe a specific drug, such as the one used to eradicate bowel worms to puppies.

Another threat that can be lethal for the Caucasian Shepherd is the Processionary. It is a butterfly larva, a moth parasite that does the cocoon on pines, oaks, birches, hazelnuts, chestnuts and other young trees. The caterpillars crawl from the tree to the ground, which is very dangerous because the Caucasian Shepherd and all the dogs sniff the territory, inhaling or ingesting the stinging hairs that cover this insect, which is recognized because the whole colony moves in a row, as a procession. If the dog is not cured in time, it may die suffocated, because the tongue will become bigger and bigger due to the inflammation in progress, not to mention the digestive system. As a first cure, the owners of normal dogs require an immediate wash of the mouth with water, using a pump or a syringe without a needle, but with a Caucasian Shepherd it is absolutely not the case, because it can have unpredictable reactions. The only solution is to go to the vet and hope to catch him in time, because even if the animal survives, the hairs of the insect can cause cell death, thus resulting in necrosis and loss of portions of language or d ' intestine. Although the Caucasian Shepherd is a very vigorous and strong dog, these interventions are very drastic and invasive. Prevention first of all: if the fleas and ticks can be sprayed with special products, for the caterpillars of the Processionary you can burn the nests on the trees as soon as they appear, while to capture those on the ground there are pheromone traps, nondonious for the dog and man. You must not feel guilty, also because this insect can have these harmful effects on human beings. This is why the fight against the Processionary is mandatory by law, so if you do not feel able to provide it properly, you can ask the help of a gardener.

The weight of the Caucasian Shepherd must be monitored constantly, as it is already a very burly dog, and we must not increase it too much, as serious problems such as gastric dilatation or obesity can arise. It is necessary to try to keep the dog active and not sedentary, even if it is necessary to estimate that the vitality tends to decrease with age. Also in this case it is good to deal with the vet, to study a tailor-made feeding of our four-legged friend. Dividing meals into portions to be distributed at specific times can prevent the dog from eating continuously and more than necessary, it can be a solution to control the weight, but being a very active dog, he needs to ride every day.
It may happen that the Caucasian Shepherd may suffer from constipation, but it is absolutely normal for a dog of this size. It is sufficient to replace pasta and rice with dry bread, but if the trouble should continue, it is advisable to warn the veterinarian as a precaution.
The ears are a part of the Caucasian Shepherd to be treated in a perfect way. Once the puppies were cut, but now it's not like that anymore. The auricle will then collect more moisture, more dirt and more earwax, favoring inflammation and ear infections. Once a week and when it should be bathed, it is better to clean them with a little sterile gauze (cotton leaves residues) and mineral water, or alternatively with an infusion of chamomile. Beware of the temperature of the liquid: even we humans do not like to have a boiling or icing in the ear, and do not forget to dry it well. Water and chamomile can also be used to clean the eyes, another very important and delicate part of the animal, as well as solving the problem of possible redness and swelling, caused by dust and pollen that infiltrates inside the eye.

The hair of the Caucasian Shepherd must be kept clean and tidy, brushing it frequently to remove excess dust and dead hair, especially during the season change. Long-haired animals, during the so-called wet suit, lose a considerable amount of hair, so do not be afraid. The dog should not take frequent baths, in order not to ruin the beautiful coat and favor the onset of fungi and other pathologies (with the washing it also removes the protective layer of the skin). The ideal would be to wash it 3-4 times a year, usually in summer, with a specific and very delicate detergent, but if the quadruped should get very dirty, there are on the market dry shampoos and detergents, less aggressive than normal ones, in addition to wet wipes for babies.
In theory, the owners should also take care of the cleaning of the teeth, rubbing them with dry gauze and bicarbonate, rubbing them with energy, but if the dog is not used to being a puppy, it is advisable to let the veterinarian do not a Caucasian Shepherd when he has his hand inside his mouth! To keep them healthy, in addition to taking care of the feeding you can give the dog some beef bones.

The owners have to worry when the Caucasian Shepherd proves apathetic, behaves differently than usual, has attacks of diarrhea or vomiting, drinks a lot, refuses food or stays in a corner suffering: in these cases it is better to take it to the vet for a complete visit.

Details

Written by: Redazione Pastore del Caucaso

Category: Articles

Taking care of the Caucasian Shepherd's nutrition is very important to preserve his health. You do not need any special food, just take into account the basic rules, which apply to all breeds of dogs. We must remember that it is a dog and not a man, so if humans like to change at the table, the dog instead tends to be very routine. That's why, if you need to replace the food to the Caucasian Shepherd, you have to do it gradually, first to integrate a small part of the new food with the usual one, amount that will go up until there is no trace of food in the bowl usual.
It is good to do this practice, also to preserve the dog from digestive problems: many owners do not care, thinking that the animal does not notice the difference between one and the other. In part it is true, because the dog has few taste buds, but compensates with the sense of smell, so he will smell the dishes and then soon realize the difference. Even if the dog were to accept it without problems, the new food could cause disturbs to the digestive system, slightly serious in appearance, but extremely debilitating for the dog. If you buy a Caucasian Shepherd puppy yet, you have a chance to set the right eating habits easily. An adult dog will have already been used to a certain type of eating, you can try to change it using the method described above, but it will be difficult to replace ready-made meals available on the market with homemade delicacies.

The owners underestimate the healthy alternative of homemade dog meals, folding only on ready-made solutions, for convenience and habit thinking that alternating cans and crisps the dog is healthy. The foods made at the moment are far better than those prepared, even if someone objects that the crunches have all the substances that the dog needs. Moreover, we humans are also divided between those who eat only things prepared at home, those who can not cook and choose ready-made dishes, or eat both one and the other. A pet owner should try to get used to eating home-made meals, but also to ready meals, as long as they are prepared with natural ingredients, available from specialist stores. If you cook the dishes at home, it is very important to give them warm to the animal, as it appreciates a lot more than cold dishes, provided you do not serve them too hot; if the leftover food is stored in the refrigerator, it is better to take it out a few hours before use, in order to serve it to the dog at room temperature.
The dog is an omnivorous animal, but the balance of the various nutritional properties varies according to the size of the dog. The typical meal of a Caucasian Shepherd should be mainly meat, with a side of rice or well-cooked pasta and some vegetables, with a small addition of grated Grana cheese, or a little ricotta, to balance the contribution of football. Obviously, it would be advisable to give the Caucasian Shepherd some lean meat instead of red meat, but nothing happens if, for once, you want to make an exception to the rule, as long as it does not become a bad habit. If you want to reward the dog, you can give him a bone with confidence, as long as it is an ox and not the chicken or rabbit bones, very dangerous because too small, too crumbly and very dangerous because a small pointed part, if ingested, can pierce the intestine of the dog.If the dog is still a puppy, instead of cheese you can give a small amount of warm milk in a separate bowl, while adult dogs are advised to significantly reduce the portion of the liquid, dilute it a lot with water, or not give it at all , because in large doses can cause diarrhea and intestinal problems to the animal, which also happens with starches. To overcome this problem, just cook stewed pasta and rice. Many owners, but also many breeders, have the conviction that the dog is greedy of raw meat, so they give it to him without however taking into account the dangers involved. It is therefore a good idea to cook chicken and pork perfectly, to avoid the risk of parasites and bacteria, while for other meats you can try various types of cooking (with blood, well cooked or medium cooking). You can experiment with various cooking methods, but it is advisable not to give the dog fried or overcooked meat. However, it is good to leave a bowl of fresh water, especially if the animal has ingested dry food.
It can happen that the dog does not want to eat vegetables, which must be very cooked, steamed or boiled, to make them more digestible. To make them eat, you can sprinkle with meat broth (so the dish will remain hot and the dog will lick the broth, rich in vitamins), or you can finely chop and blend, always to mix them with food and accustom the dog to taste. The most suitable are the zucchini, when it is season, and carrots, but it is important that they are fresh.There are foods that the Caucasian Shepherd, like all dog breeds, should not take certain foods. Raw eggs are dangerous, because in the albumen are substances that lead the dog not to assimilate the vitamins, but can safely eat the yolk, both cooked and raw. The liver is a food that the Caucasian Shepherd loves particularly, a pity that he can not eat this food too often, because it can lead to a Vitamin A intoxication. Food bandits are grapes and raisins, garlic and onion, highly toxic; all the sweets, for the high sugar content, chocolate, even in small quantities, very poisonous for the dog (200 gr of extrafondente would kill a dog of 12 kg), the sausages too fat. Woe to give the Caucasian Shepherd alcohol, beer and wine. Seasoned cheeses can only be mixed with regular food in small quantities. The cheese must be treated more as a natural calcium supplement than as a food. It is not wrong to give the food advanced from the table to the Caucasian Shepherd, but pay attention to the type of food. From time to time, it is good to give the Caucasian Shepherd some unsalted dry fish, for the well-being of fur and teeth.
It is important to set times for meals, so that the dog does not take the habit of receiving food at all times. The adult specimens will have to eat 2-3 times a day, while the puppies may be 4-5 times, obviously reducing the portions. If you have only the slightest doubt, you can seek advice from the vet, who, if you find food shortages, will recommend a natural supplement, to shred and mix with food, to make it more palatable.

Details

Written by: Redazione Pastore del Caucaso

Category: Articles

The characteristics of the Caucasian Shepherd show that it is not a dog suitable for everyone. Even if you decide to take it puppy, you have to take into account that its character changes, growing. Experts have found that puppies from nine to fourteen months change rapidly, due to their maturity and their environmental and life experiences.

A very serious mistake to avoid absolutely, both with puppies and adults of Caucasian Shepherd, is to instigate aggression. It 's normal that this breed has a certain mistrust towards people, this is one of its peculiarities, the solution is to give it time and wait for it to become attached to the family and the home environment. We must keep in mind that it will always be wary and aggressive with strangers, because it is in its nature: originally, he protected flock and shepherd, so it is normal that he tends to re-propose the pattern of primordial behavior.
The guides and manuals that depict this breed of dog as fit for all sincerely do not tell the full truth: the Caucasian Shepherd is a challenging breed, the master must be firm, firm in his decisions and must never be weak. The puppy must immediately understand who is in charge, in order to recognize the authority, the leader, in the owner. If the owner shows weak, the dog's character will crush him, and this can become potentially dangerous for himself and for others. The younger the sample, the more likely it is to "train" it successfully.

The Caucasian shepherd is sure of himself and proud of it, an adult specimen will not be easily subjected, so the owners must have a steady hand and be determined. We must proceed with the method trying to respect it, leave its spaces, and do not bother him during sleep or when he eats. Even if you only want to move the bowl, it is likely that he takes this gesture as an invasion. It is as if inside his massive body there were two personalities: a docile and tender, also affable with the children, and the other ruthless, ready to growl and bite people or animals that for him or for the master represent a danger, making him a deadly guardian. After all, it is in his nature "to defend".

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog in front of a potential danger, will emit a kind of particular growl, very deep, perceptibly good if you keep it on a leash, as it transmits the vibrations. It will raise its tail and move it rhythmically, making wavy movements. He will move his head to the side, as the potential danger approaches, without losing sight of him. This is the most unequivocally dangerous signal, because it means that it is taking aim to launch the final attack. On the other hand, if he is in a guard state, he does not bark or scream, he merely controls potential intruders. Usually it also allows him to enter the perimeter, but only to trap them. So, if you see a Caucasian shepherd wagging his tail on a farm or at a friend's or friend's house, it's probably best to choose one of the two solutions: move away cautiously, or call the owners.
After all, the accidents between humans and dogs are caused by the misunderstanding of intentions: this is why the general rule is to immediately show a leader, not to beat him when he makes a mistake (violence generates violence, just a reproachful phrase, short and concise), try to respect the spaces of the animal and never make sudden movements, because the animal can have exaggerated reactions.
The Caucasian Shepherd is proud and proud: he does not need to prove his strength with other dogs. So, if walking, a small or medium-sized dog catches it, barking, it is very likely that the Caucasian shepherd does not worthy of the slightest attention. Paradoxically, if you get used to living with other dogs or other animals, it will have a very protective instinct also towards them, as it also considers them as part of the family.

Since each litter is composed of many dogs, and each dog has its own peculiarities, it may happen that one is more playful than the other, or that a puppy has a more introverted character, while another one is more aggressive. As already mentioned, the character of puppies is influenced by growth, life experiences and environmental factors.

Of course, this breed is not suitable for living in a cramped apartment, not even a puppy. It is an active dog, needs open spaces, to feel free, run, let off steam, and to develop its powerful physical qualities and its powerful musculature. Relegating him to a small space is likely to undermine his pride, making him unhappy, suspicious and potentially aggressive. It must be taken into account that, as for human beings, he too will have his crooked days, sometimes he may be moody, but the solution is not to be discouraged and to show himself resolute in front of him, he must understand that he is the master who commands, not he. If you feel that every attempt is not successful, you can search, through your veterinarian or breeder, a dog expert who has had direct experience with this breed of dog.