The Enrichment Effect

Animals raised in enriched environments have been shown to have the following physiological changes over animals raised under standard laboratory conditions: •Larger brains •More new brain cells and neural connections •Better brain cell survival. The result of these physical changes in brain structure result in the following intellectual emotional benefits: •Improved ability to learn remember…

By TSK Editor, ago

The Sbt Heritage Centre Opening

A new logo was designed, incorporating the Black Country flag, echoing the fact that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the only true breed founded in the heart of the Black Country, amidst the smoke and fires of the iron and chain foundries and the brick cones of the glassworks. The flag depicts the black of…

By TSK Editor, ago

Thoughts On Breeding

Many people starting out at breeding and rush to use the current highest scoring dog without any research and they are gambling against the house. That wonder dog may have been the odd one out in a sub-standard litter and the pups are likely to be like them. Next, of course, is the fact that…

By TSK Editor, ago

The 5 Virtues

Seeing virtue in others is a difficult task because I think we have been programmed to criticize. I am not sure why, maybe it is our own insecurities leaking out. I learned a lesson from a respected Judge and breeder many years ago and it has changed the way I see other dogs and in…

By TSK Editor, ago

From Clueless To Champion

Friend: “What are you doing this weekend?” Me: “Showing Bonnie at breed show” Friend: “Why on earth are you doing that?” Me: “Because I want to learn about the breed ring and I think Bonnie is worthy of some letters before her name” Friend: “No handler?” Me: “NO” Friend: “I don’t know why you bother”…

By TSK Editor, ago

Judging Abroad

It was an honor to be asked to judge both of these assignments, as it has been so many great shows here in the US. There are some differences when you get asked to judge an assignment abroad. You should do your diligence and learn the process that they are used to doing at …

By TSK Editor, ago

Reprogramming The Secondhand Dog

One mistake that I see and I cannot stress enough is the over emotional human who thinks it best to coddle, impose and add more stress to second hand dog. Whether the dog you have adopted is an introverted, passive dog or an extroverted, anxious, reactive dog. Imposing upon them will only add to your…

By TSK Editor, ago

Tan Point Markings Aka Black And Tan

Black and tan is not actually a colour, it is a pattern. The gene which creates the black and tan coat determines the pattern that the colours take up, not the actual colours themselves. Whatever colour ,or combination of colours, a dog inherits from its parents, it can still have the “black and tan” pattern….

By TSK Editor, ago