Generation Time in English Shepherd Breeding Programs

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The average generation time, also known as the mean interval between generations, can be calculated by breeders to understand and manage the genetic diversity of their breeding program. Here’s a general way to calculate it: Create a List of Breeding Dogs: First, list all the dogs that have been used for breeding in your program … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Generation Time in English Shepherd Breeding Programs," OBTESA, Accessed May 20, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Delineating Conservation-Minded and Production-Oriented Dog Breeders

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

In the diverse world of dog breeding, various approaches are taken towards the propagation of breeds. Two contrasting methodologies that often come to the fore are those of conservation-minded breeders and production-oriented breeders. Conservation-minded breeders and production-oriented breeders have different priorities and practices. The following list of delineations can help potential puppy buyers make informed … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Delineating Conservation-Minded and Production-Oriented Dog Breeders," OBTESA, Accessed May 20, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Factors Influencing Life Expectancy of English Shepherds and Other Breeds

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This review synthesizes the existing literature on factors that influence the life expectancy of dogs. The factors examined include breed, genetics, diet, physical activity, veterinary care, dental health, obesity, training methods, owner behavior consistency, engagement in activities, and the living environment. The review highlights the importance of each factor in maintaining a dog’s overall … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Factors Influencing Life Expectancy of English Shepherds and Other Breeds," OBTESA, Accessed May 20, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Evidence-based Leadership for the English Shepherd Community

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When a person or group of people believe anecdotes and weak science over rigorous science, it can be referred to as “pseudoscience” or adherence to “confirmation bias.” Pseudoscience involves beliefs, theories, or practices that claim to be scientific but do not adhere to the scientific method or lack empirical evidence. Confirmation bias is the tendency … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Evidence-based Leadership for the English Shepherd Community," OBTESA, Accessed May 20, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

First Friend Fact #132

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

“Zoomies” in dogs, scientifically known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are sudden bursts of energy where a dog runs around wildly, often in circles or back and forth. While the exact cause of zoomies is not fully understood, it is generally believed to be a natural way for dogs to release pent-up energy, excitement, … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "First Friend Fact #132," OBTESA, Accessed May 20, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

The Impact of Early Life Experiences on Neonatal Dogs

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Neonatal dogs, like other mammalian neonates, are highly sensitive to their early environment. The experiences and conditions they encounter during this critical developmental period can have lasting effects on their behavior, health, and overall well-being. Recent research has shed light on the importance of various factors, such as early life stress, maternal care, social … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "The Impact of Early Life Experiences on Neonatal Dogs," OBTESA, Accessed May 20, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Prenatal Learning and its Relevance to Dog Breeding

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Applied dog breeding is a complex practice that encompasses various factors, including genetics, health, temperament, and physical traits. One often overlooked aspect in the breeding process is the role of prenatal learning and the influence of maternal stress during pregnancy on the development and behavior of puppies. Scent & Sound Recognition Research suggests that puppies … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Prenatal Learning and its Relevance to Dog Breeding," OBTESA, Accessed May 20, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

The Impact of Dog Domestication on Mesolithic and Epipaleolithic Hunting Strategies in Northern Europe and Western Asia

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This entry summarizes the impact of dog domestication on hunting strategies during the Mesolithic period in northern Europe and the Epipaleolithic or Natufian period in western Asia. It explores the transition from Paleolithic hunting methods, which relied heavily on direct impact weapons, to the more efficient long-distance projectiles and cooperative hunting techniques that emerged … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "The Impact of Dog Domestication on Mesolithic and Epipaleolithic Hunting Strategies in Northern Europe and Western Asia," OBTESA, Accessed May 20, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Neural Crest Implications for Applied English Shepherd Breeding

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The neural crest, an embryonic structure that contributes to the development of various traits, plays a significant role in the interconnectedness of size, color, behavior, and facial features. Imagine a mobile with four strings dangling from acentric arms balancing connections to size, color, face and behavior. If you pull (select for) one, the others will … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Neural Crest Implications for Applied English Shepherd Breeding," OBTESA, Accessed May 20, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Intra-specific and Inter-specific Use of Attention-seeking Behaviors by Dogs

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Dogs are renowned for their strong social bonds, not just with humans but also with other dogs. Their ability to communicate and engage in complex social interactions is a product of their evolution as a domesticated species. Dogs use a variety of attention-seeking behaviors in both intra-specific (within their species) and inter-specific (between species) … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Intra-specific and Inter-specific Use of Attention-seeking Behaviors by Dogs," OBTESA, Accessed May 20, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.