The Fila and the Darkness

Ultimate Protection Dog

2006-07-28T18:23:00.000-04:00

Good evening everyone,

It has been a long while since I have posted on our blog site. You have my apologies (Smile).
Joao Ridgley has grown into the epitome of a Fila Brasileiro. I could not be more proud or concerned? His temperament though not yet tested (April 2007) is that of a very protective Fila. The descriptions provided on www.dogbreedinfo.com could not be more accurate. No one is allowed in our home. My parents who live out of state visit on the rarest of occasions and Joao Ridgley would bark and claw and pounce NON STOP. His intenseness is so grand that my father built a partition in my home (which will need to be removed if I ever wish to sell) just so "company" can feel a little safe on their two day visits once a year on "their" side of the house!

Taking him for walks isn't bad. He loves it! People on the other hand are a bit leary always probing, what kind of dog is he? I usually always reply with, "he's a rescue, and I'm not sure." Joao Ridgley never seems to pay them any mind, he's always to busy on explore!

Funny Tale
Yesterday in light conversation over the phone with my mother says, "Where is Ridgley I don't hear him barking?" I replied, he's here, he only barks for a reason: If someone is in the house or near the house. Then she says, "well I guess he's worth every penny you may as well get rid of ADT Security." We sure do sleep good at night knowing we have twice the protection!

Certificate of Completion

2005-09-19T20:50:00.000-04:00

João Ridgley graduated from PetCo Canine Education Puppy Class at 20 weeks of age along with six other remarkable pooches: Maxie (Mixed Breed), Ralphie (Carolina Dog), Jake (Weimaraner), Allie (Papillon), Willow (Mixed Breed), and Dylan (our favorite German Shepherd Dog), mastering his special trick to Speak!

Socialization & Obedience

2005-08-08T19:30:00.000-04:00

João Ridgley started his obedience and socialization classes today at fourteen weeks. And let us say, puppy socialization was a success! He is everything we researched the breed to be... incomparable! He was deemed most confident! There was a six month old Carolina Dog there a little smaller in stature than our pooch being "Alpha" barking at all the dogs, doing the little shoulder dance, just letting them know he was boss. We had João Ridgley in the back because being first time Fila owners we are still weary with knowing what to expect. Anyway, the instructor called us out to the center of the room to meet the Carolina Dog; and our puppy least bit interested walked over just as friendly, as to no big deal; and the Carolina Dog tucked his tail and did not bark once nor look at our puppy, the Carolina Dog actually backed away! The instructor giggled saying aloud, "This is interesting. Ralphie (the Carolina dog) is intimidated by Ridgley."

We are looking forward to many more experiences. However, we think we will ask to sit out the puppy exchange on Monday (the instructor wants everyone to take lead of others dogs and give them a treat; she says it will be good for the dog, but we're not sure)?

Coming of Age

2005-08-01T16:00:00.000-04:00

Has anyone heard the saying, you have missed your window? I guess what I am asking is have I missed the window? We were in the parking lot of Pet Co. the other day and a store employee walked over in awe; she went on about how beautiful João Ridgley is (and since he is 13 weeks and my wanting to socialize him well I let her pet him) she wooed over him for at least two minute petting, rubbing, all those things when out of know where he snapped at her growling and one or two short barks, she jumped back and I pulled him close to me (shocked and thinking oh no, it's true, I've missed the window {the period where the most socialization begins before the ripe old age of twelve weeks}). She was a trooper and laughed it off commenting on her "experiences with other dogs being a Pet Co. employee. We then went inside the store, the puppy and myself and immediately another employee (male) asked what kind of dog is that? I said a Brazilian Mastiff. And he said Uh uh as he was coming down stat from the latter saying, Is this a FilaBrasileiro? I was like yes, how do you know? He went on to say he loves dogs and studies all breeds and has never seen one in person. Immediately he is on the floor with my puppy petting and strong handling him calling all employees over to look. I tried to caution them as to the fact that he just snapped at a lady not five minutes ago but they were too enthused with seeing a Fila in real life; I have to admit, the pup was fine, not one bark (a little submissive urination... which I've never seen, but I guess all the attention was too much for him). Later still in the store, I had to fill out some paper work to enroll him in the puppy class and the leader male employee asked to hold his leash as I wrote; I'm thinking well alright. I give him the lead and the cutest thing. My pup plopped down right beside me so close as not to move one step. This little13 week old puppy would not leave my side. I was impressed! Now I try to take him out amongst people more often (still weary because he hasn't had his complete set of shots), but I fear "the junkyard dog" so I have been taking him out anyway, he lunges towards passerbys, but I think it is more curiousity than aggression. I just want to do what's best for him. I am looking forward to Puppy Socialization Class(es).

A Proud Mommy

2005-07-12T17:00:00.000-04:00

João Ridgley did the cutest thing today.

Bundle of Joy

2005-07-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

Well the big day finally arrived. We picked up our little bundle of joy from the airport yesterday and boy is he big! At just nine weeks his size is impressive. We know many of you are wondering why in the world would anyone put up a web page dedicated to a dog? Well after nearly 7 months of researching the Fila Brasileiro, we feel like experts to the breed and want to convey our diligent findings with the world of canine enthusiast. The funny thing is after finding a reputable breeder with an expecting bitch, about ten days. It was then an additonal two plus months before we acquired João Ridgley (laugh because our total wait was the term of a 9 month pregnancy). How fitting seeing as we would rant on and on about our soon to be arrival with anyone who would listen. Our friends teased during the whelping process asking if we were going to have a "puppy shower," hmmm I wondered? Nevertheless, he is finally here and we are ecstatic!

Best Fila Brasileiro Information Site Available

2005-07-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

Please visit our all inclusive BlogSpot dedicated to the betterment of the Fila Brasileiro (FEE-la Bra-sill-YERO). Our blog has been made possible by enthusiast alike to assist with proper ownership & responsibilities, behavior, true life stories, training, feeding, veterinary care, mental wellness, canine tricks & games, health, grooming, rescue, association(s), dog bite law & dangerous dogs act, advice, breed info, faqs, adoptions, photos, big dog supplies (custom collars, leads, muzzles, fancy dog tags, books, toys, videos & more). We welcome eMails and appreciate the wonderful tales about and tips for the Fila Brasileiro that we have received. Please feel free to reference our BlogSpots frequently for updates as we love to post new information, pictures, links, and share lots of good times, laughs and smiles, while offering free virtual greeting cards to all our visitors at our most popular Fila Brasileiro website.

Sincerely,
João Ridgley& Owner
God has been gracious by the meadows edge!

Happy Birthday João Ridgley

2005-04-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof.

Our Feeding Program

2005-04-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

Puppy feed 5x a day

Feed: Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food Giant Breed Formula (moisten with cool water before serving) or (occasional melted real butter poured over dry food)

Water should always be available! However, NEVER during a meal; and not until One hour after eating a meal!

Avoid exercise, stress, loud noise, and excitement One hour before & Two hours after feeding to prevent bloat!

(As a general rule of thumb: (For Danes Puppies) This chart is base the assumption that a dog may be crated or less active during the day while the owner is at work. Use this guideline to help prevent growth diseases).

2 months 2 to 4 cups per day
3 months 3 to 5 cups per day
4 months 4 to 6 cups per day
5 months 5 to 7 cups per day
6 months 6 to 8 cups per day
7 months 7 to 9 cups per day
8 months 8 to 10 cups per day
9 months 9 to 11 cups per day
10 - 11 months 5-2/3 to 8 cups per day
12 - 20 months 7-2/3 to 9-1/4 cups per day

(These amounts based on a moderate caloric food. This is only a general guideline so they do not consume too many calories before 6 months of age disrupting their growth patterns causing accelerated growth and potential bone problems. Keep the puppy lean, but not skinny. If he is too lean, feed 1 cup more per day. Young adult males may eat as much as 12- 14 cups per day until mature. If this is so, you should switch up to a higher protein for example use a 25% protein 15% Fat and they will have to process less food).

1. Do not let your puppy get too heavy during the growth stages. They should be well covered but lean until their bones set at 2 years.
2. No forced exercise, jogging or road-work, until the dogs are 2 year old and the bones are set. Puppies are just that until at least 18 months of age, when dealing with the giant breeds. They are fragile and need supervised exercise in a fenced in area or daily walks with you. The key ismoderation and common sense in raising these "exotic" animals. The amount of food calories is directly related to the amount of exercise the animal gets per day.

(21 months) Adult feed 2x or 3x a day

Feed: 2.5 lbs (moistened) PURINA PRO PLAN Dry Food - Adult Giant Breed Formula mixed with 2.5 lbs Raw Diet Daily!

Water should always be available! However, NEVER during a meal; and not until One hour after eating a meal!

Avoid exercise, stress, loud noise, and excitement One hour before & Two hours after feeding to prevent bloat!

76 to 100 lbs. 4 to 4-3/4 cups per day
Over 100 lbs. 4 to 4-3/4 cups plus 1/2 cup for each 10 lbs. body weight over 100 lbs. per day

EMERGENCY Dog stops eating/gray mouth/bad breath (MOUTH SHOULD BE PINK)
Call Your Veterinarian Immediately

PURINA PRO PLAN Dog Food (moisten with cool water before serving) or
(occasional melted real butter poured over dry food)

OTHER
Yogurt (spoonful once a day, served chilled)
Cod Liver Oil (teaspoon 2x a week)
Wheat Germ Oil (teaspoon 2x a week)
Fish Oil (Feed one capsule per day until one year of age, then increase to two capsules per day).
Glucosamine Complex 500 mg caplets (a very important dietary supplement for puppies 10 weeks to 14 months. This is a critical period for joint development. Any portion of dosage not needed by the system will simply be urinated out. Please continue with Vitamin C for the life of the dog.
Pet Tabs (daily)

SPICES
Fresh garlic, sage, fennel seed, parsley, ground flax seed, red pepper, chilie spices, italian spices, dried kelp powder, cultured kefir, dried alfalfa leaf powder, bok choy, capsicum, etc. (sprinkled on food occasionally to repel parasites)

RAW DIET Note: Never mix raw flesh with moistened dog food; only mix cooked flesh with moistened dog food.
Apple (vitamin C)
Bear
Baloney
Banana
Bacon
Beef Kidney & Heart (once or twice a week maximum for organ meats)
Carrots (scrape over teeth to achieve acquired taste)
Celery (vitamin C)
Cheese
Chicken & Beef Liver (once or twice a week maximum for organ meats)
Chicken & Turkey Leg Quarters (raw or may cover with water and let simmer for 1 hour)
Chicken & Turkey Necks
Chuck Roast (ask butcher to grind; do not mention it is for a canine)
Cottage Cheese
Deer
Egg Noodles, Pasta, & Rice
Fish (cooked only)
Fresh Ground Beef Chuck (raw or may cover with water and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes)
Grapefruit (vitamin C)
Green Beans
Hard Boiled Eggs
Hot Dogs
Lamb
Moose
Orange (vitamin C)
Pear (vitamin C)
Philly Cream Cheese
Potatoes (mashed only)
Raw Bones ONLY
Raw Eggs with Shell
Sausage
Spinach
Sweet Potatoes (mashed only)
Squash
Tomato
Tripe "unbleached" Green (once or twice a week maximum for organ meats)
Tuna
Zucchini

NO
Chocolate, Grapes, Raisins, Onions, Pineapple, Avocado, Yeast Dough, Mushrooms, Nuts, Kale, Caffeine, Rawhide, Fruit Seeds / Pits, Alcohol, Soy, Beans, Broccoli (in large portions), Cauliflower, Cabbage, or other vegetables that cause gas!

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Showdog Moms & Dads

2005-04-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

watch what happens.