The commander comes in three different power levels. I would definitely recommend getting the highest powered one. Before you invest this kind of money, I'd recommend going to a self-groom place. See what model they have and how long it takes to dry your dog. Most of them have the Commander 3, I think. The other two products aren't worth the money. It would be cheaper and just about as effective to get a good human hair dryer.

Makes perfect sense. It's called line combing (or brushing) and been used on the longer double coats for who knows how long. The key is to part the hair down to the skin, and comb out from the skin. It's called line combing because when you lay a section of coat down with your hand, the part in the hair forms a line. Brush that section out, then pull a bit more hair forward out from under your hand. Then the line progresses forward over the dog. That's how the show dogs get so fluffy

A "skip" could be a sign of a luxating patella. The kneecap slips out of place causing the dog to limp until the kneecap slides back. Sometimes the dog will straighten or shake the leg to help the kneecap shift back.

If you want to vaccinate the puppies at six weeks, please find a vet to come to your place. The vet's office is one of the very best (worst) places to pick up parvo.

I'm really glad that so many of the fighting dogs kept by Michael Vick were given a chance at rehabilitation and have succeeded so well. Many wanted to write them off and euthanize the bunch. I'm also kind of sad that the same spirit of compassion does not seem to apply to humans... If this man were an animal I think most of you would not give up on him.

Congratulations! What a great feeling, sometimes when things take a detour and then we finally reach the goal it is even sweeter. What adventures are next for Ch Nora?

There is a direct link between 2,4D (the active ingredient in weed-n-feed products and weed killers for use on the lawn) and bladder cancer in dogs.

Rubbing alcohol. Gets ink out of clothing. I'd use lots of paper towel with the alcohol, wet the paper towel and apply, then blot with a clean paper towel. That would avoid too much rubbing which would spread the ink around. Use it in the tub, then wash with a gentle dog shampoo as alcohol can be drying to the skin. If the alcohol ends up getting down to the skin much, a conditioner might be in order to help moisturize the skin. Or a moisturizing shampoo like Nova Pearls.

I think a black lab / golden retriever cross fits very well. The head and muzzle aren't heavy and massive like a chow.

You are supposed to be able to feel the ribs and the backbone. There are no muscles that go over the top of a dog's spine, so anything covering the spine is fat. Some fat is okay, but if you can't feel the spine then it's too much. Here's an explaination that I like. Make a fist with one hand. Run the other hand over the back of your fist. If your dog's ribs feel like that they are too fat. Now run your hand over the knuckles. If your dog's ribs feel like that then they are