Alpha Feeds

Alaskan Malamutes are very solid dogs as they were originally bred to pull sledges. Often mistaken for Huskies, Malamutes are actually larger which makes them an excellent working dog breed.

Today, Alaskan Malamutes are best suited to very active homes and an outdoor lifestyle. With thick coats and a strong desire to pull, run and roam, they enjoy an active working life.

Fact file:

Lifespan – 10+ years

Height – 56-64cm

Weight – 34-39kg

Popularity – They are currently the 50th most popular dog in the UK

Temperament:

Alaskan Malamutes are an extremely cheerful and energetic dog. They are great with families, children, other dogs and, although they can be quite a handful, they are definitely one of the friendliest of the large dog breeds. In fact, they make terrible watchdogs because they approach everyone in a friendly way. They are also one of the most patient breeds, which makes them a great companion for puppies and children.

Hunting instinct:

Alaskan Malamutes have a great natural instinct to hunt. They are pack dogs that were bred to run, hunt and work together in a pack, so their pack mentality is strong too. They often pull on their lead until properly trained due to their hunting instinct.

Stubbornness:

Northern dogs and Alaskan in particular are extremely stubborn as well as prone to boredom. This means they like to be mentally challenged with their work and activities. They prefer stimulation over resting.

Grooming:

Alaskan Malamutes have double coats which give them extra warmth in cold temperatures, and this means they shed regularly. They need daily brushing to keep them comfortable and professional grooming twice a year is recommended.

For any information on our range of working dog food and your local stockists, click here or get in touch with us on +44(0) 844 800 2234.

The success of a rescue dog becoming a good gundog relies heavily on the breed, age and agility levels of each individual dog.

Breeds such as English Springer Spaniels are quite often found in rescue centres, after their owners underestimate their high-energy levels and need for regular exercise. Sometimes gundogs that have already been trained to be gundogs can even be found in rescue centres, when gamekeepers are made redundant or find that they simply have too many dogs for their need.

Where to look for a rescue gundog:

You’ll find a dedicated rescue and rehoming charity for virtually every gundog breed out there. Not only is this a reminder of how many dogs need to be rehomed, but it means there are many to choose from and there is likely to be one in your area. While rarer breeds may have only a single rehoming organisation, other breeds such as Labradors and spaniels have many.

Rescue dogs are surprisingly adaptable:

Dogs are amazingly adaptable creatures and have the ability to adjust to a new environment very quickly. There’s a saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” but this simply isn’t true and the majority of trainers will tell you this.

Although there might be a learning curve, a dog can soon be taught to retrieve with both speed and style, as well as actually drop the catch at the end too.

Rehoming is good for the dog, good for the charity and good for the owner:

For many people, having a rescue dog becomes a way of life and they would never consider buying a puppy again. It’s important to find out as much as you can about any rescue dog, what their temperament is like, their history and their age, and bear in mind that the charity will try and find out as much as possible about you as possible too.

Remember, rehoming is taken very seriously:

For example: Springer Spaniel Rescue lists nine strict rules that apply to anyone who wants to rehome a spaniel. The rules are, however, very sensible because if they applied to everyone then there would be far fewer dogs in need of rehoming in the first place. Questions range from previous experience or knowledge of the breed, to having the financial security to pay for veterinary treatment.

Where should I start looking?

An internet search is the best way to start looking for a dog that needs rehoming, check for good charities in your area and be sure to leave your details with them if nothing is right for you at the time.

At Alpha, we pride ourselves on making high-quality dog food that working dogs not only love, but that keeps them fit and healthy, keeping them ready to tackle their working day.

Alpha pet foods contain only the finest ingredients combined to create optimum nutritional advantage. Most of our ingredients are locally produced to guarantee, quality, freshness and traceability…and we only source vitamins and other supplements from the most reputable suppliers.

The Alpha range suits a wide variety of working dogs, with four categories which are suited to how active your working dog is.

Our first category is: Less Active – Rest/Play/Senior

Dog foods for less active dogs provide controlled energy sources for working dogs at rest and seniors.

• Alpha Worker Maintenance – 19% protein and 8% oil
• Alpha Sensitive – 20% protein and 10% oil

Our second category is: Active – Training/Working
Complete recipes that provide the balanced nutrition required by active dogs.

• Alpha Adult Maintenance Sporting Dog – 22% protein and 10% oil
• Alpha Sensitive Extra – 25% protein and 12% oil

Our third category is: Very Active – Racing/Competing
Nutritionally formulated to help promote healthy muscle development and deliver boundless energy and stamina to cope with the most demanding and challenging events.

• Alpha High Performance – 32% protein and 20% oil
• Alpha Racer – 28% protein and 15% oil

And finally, we have: Puppy/Junior

A range of high-quality Alpha dog food that has been specially adapted to suit younger dogs:

• Alpha Sporting Puppy – 29% protein and 17% oil
• Alpha Junior and Active Field Nuggets – 25% protein and 12% oil

Working dogs love our food because of the fresh ingredients and the balanced proteins, oils and carbohydrates for enhanced stamina and work rate. This food is designed to keep dogs active, to keep their energy levels high, and to keep them happy and healthy.

Plus, within each category, we offer a sensitive option that contains no soya or dairy, no artificial colours or flavours, and are wheat gluten free:

• High Performance
• Sensitive
• Sensitive Extra
• Sporting Puppy

To find your nearest stockist, click this link: https://www.alphafeeds.com/online-stockist/

Or if you have any questions about our products, please contact our team directly on 0161 7900487 and we’ll be happy to help.

A Border Terrier is an obedient, affectionate, easily trained, and relatively low maintenance working dog breed, closely related to the Bedlington and Dandie Dinmont.

Their coat is naturally dirt repellent, they don’t tend to snore or drool and they are less aggressive than other traditional terriers. Although bred to work, these are dogs that love being part of the family, so human contact is a must.

Fact file:

• Lifespan – 12 – 15 years
• Height – Males 27 cm, Females 25 cm
• Weight – Males 5 – 6 kg, Females 4 – 5 kg
• The border accounts for 25% of the 28,000 terriers registered with the KC in 2011.

Intelligent

Like most working dogs, Border Terriers are highly intelligent and quickly learn directions and cues. Bred for jobs that require lots of decision making and concentration skills, such as rat hunting, these dogs are highly intelligent and need to regularly exercise their brains.

Working role

They were originally bred to go long distances and run alongside horses in hunts, they also had to be strong and stout to control foxes. They have always been bred for their working qualities and are skillful underground (digging and tunnelling) as well as above ground (chasing and tracking). 

Friendly

Border Terriers are happy dogs who generally get along well with everyone from children to strangers. They are vocal around new people and unfamiliar noises but then their friendliness will take over once they are comfortable. They are happiest when part of the family, around humans.

Easy to groom

These dogs have hard, wiry coats that enable them to withstand wet and cold, and they come in four main colour variations; red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, and wheaten. Periodic stripping (every five to six months) will keep your dog looking neat and tidy.

High energy

Border Terriers have a powerful drive to hunt and dig, as well as an energy level that enables them to keep up with hunters on horseback. They have also been known to chase, attack and even kill neighbourhood cats, squirrels or other small animals due to their strong instincts.

Companionship

Border Terriers thrive when they’re with their people and aren’t meant to live outdoors with little human interaction. They are best described as wonderful companions who play hard and love harder.

Adaptable

These dogs are quite adaptable to different circumstances, possibly due to the huge mixture of similar breeds. Country Life describes them best, as: “Less bouncy than the Jack Russell, more rugged than the Norfolk, more assertive in stance than the Dandie Dinmont or the Bedlington-to which he’s related-and more cuddly-looking than his neighbour, the Lakeland, the border’s pansy-shaped face, wise, dark eyes and pepper-and-salt markings give him the enquiring, professorial air of an otter poking its whiskers above the water.” Perfection.

History

Did you know that the border terrier may well be one of the oldest terriers in Great Britain? As seen in many of the great hunt paintings, they have been used as a hunt terrier by the border Foxhounds since 1869. They were recognised as a breed by the British Kennel Club in 1920 with the formation of the Border Terrier Club and, although never having reached the ring-show popularity of other terriers, they have remained very true to their original form and function.

For any information on our range of working dog food and your local stockists, click here or get in touch with us on +44(0) 844 800 2234.

The care that working ferrets need comes in two forms, physical and mental. As very intelligent animals, they need a secure place to live and lots of mental and physical activity to stop them from getting bored.

Ferrets are exceptionally clean animals which means their living quarters should be cleaned regularly. Because of their tendency to dig, their cage, hutch or court should be kept as secure as possible too.

Living quarters – Inside or outside?

Ferrets are happy both inside and outside. Keeping them inside is a great way to build a bond, especially if you have a lone working ferret. However, if you have multiple ferrets, an outside hutch or purpose-built court with a concrete floor might be the best way to ensure your ferrets can’t escape, or get places they shouldn’t. If building your own court, it should be high enough for you to stand up in.

Feeding and nutrition

Ferrets, like most animals have their own specific dietary requirements. They are obligate carnivores and their good health depends on the quality of their diet. They have such a rapid metabolism and wake up to eat about every four hours. Fresh water and food should always be readily available for them.

Ferrets require a concentrated diet to receive all the calories and nutrients they need to stay fit and healthy as they never eat huge amounts in one go. A ferret’s diet should be high in protein and energy, and low in fibre.

Exercise and play

Putting a short length of drain pipe in the hutch is a good idea to encourage ferrets to go into dark holes. Remember to never force them in, or they may develop a fear.

Ferrets need plenty of variety and stimulation to prevent them from getting bored. They love playing with small balls and tubes that can be used as tunnels too. There are many accessories out on the market but, if you are creative, you can make your own versions using household items or items from the shed.

Handling and care

When handling your ferret it is important to make sure they feel comfortable and secure. It is best to hold them under their front legs. It is also important to check your ferrets’ claws regularly as the front claws grow very quickly. Your ferret will probably not get much chance to wear them down by digging, so it is up to you to clip their claws.

Jobs for working dogs have changed dramatically over the centuries. Their roles began with all sorts of simple, practical tasks, such as helping their human companions with hunting, fishing, herding and farming. More recently, dogs have been set tasks and jobs that majorly help humans, often changing their lives for the better or even saving lives.

Health and Social Care:

From assisting people with disabilities to guiding the visually impaired and detecting life-threatening diseases at early stages, these are just a few ways our canine companions work to save lives every day. Germans shepherds are the most commonly used breeds as they are particularly skilled when it comes to detection.

How do dogs detect diseases?

Dogs can identify tiny odour concentrations of around one per part trillion. That’s the equivalent of one spoon of sugar in two Olympic-sized swimming pools. This is how dogs are able to detect even minor changes in human odour that are often triggered by a medical issue.

Diabetes:

The majority of Medical Alert Assistance Dogs are used to detect diabetes. Trained to detect minute changes in blood sugar levels, when these levels fall or rise outside the normal range the dogs will warn their owner, get help and fetch any vital medical supplies.

Nut allergies:

Other Medical Alert Assistance Dogs are trained to detect the air-borne allergens in an environment, and then alert their client to the dangerous trigger.

Cancer:

Medical detection dogs are carrying out an NHS ethically approved study with their ability to detect urological cancers using their sense of smell. They have the ability to detect breast cancer and the potential to detect other cancers such as lung and colorectal cancers.

Conservation Dogs:

Recently, conservation dogs have been working to detect endangered species which have a low detection probability, such as great crested newts. Being a protected species, their disturbance or destruction is illegal.

How dogs help:

Clearing areas of protected and endangered species can be costly and time consuming. Working closely with the construction industry and ecologists, specially trained detection dogs can make this process quicker, more efficient and more cost effective.

Detecting Harmful/Rare Substances:

German shepherds and the Malinois are particularly skilled when it comes to sniffing out and detecting alcohol, drugs and firearms. These skills also come in handy when it comes to looking for something hidden as their noses can lead us to places that we would struggle to find otherwise.

Training:

It’s important to note that working dogs take a lot of training in order to follow directions, even if they are simply doing what comes naturally to them.

Breeds that are bred to be working dogs require a lot of patience and training. They also require much more mental and physical stimulation than other breeds, but the things they can achieve with the right training are incredible.

For information on our range of working dog food and your local stockists, click here or get in touch with us on +44(0) 844 800 2234.

A Border Collie is not only a very popular working dog breed, it’s also the 12th most popular breed of all dogs and it’s not hard to see why.

Not only are they exceptionally easy to train, highly intelligent and don’t shed much compared to some dogs, but they are also known to be great around children and other animals.

Fact file:

• Lifespan – 10 – 14 years
• Height – Males 48 – 56 cm, Females 46 – 53 cm
• Weight – Males 14 – 20 kg, Females 12 – 19 kg
• Pedigree Breed – Yes – KC Recognised in the Pastoral Group

Most intelligent breed

Their intelligence is really what sets them apart from other breeds in this field.

They rank at number one for intelligence, out of seventy-nine other breeds and are known to be the best herding dog on the planet. For generations, the Border Collie has worked alongside shepherds and love being outside, challenged and exercised.

Once trained, Collies rarely get it wrong and when they focus on an owner or handler, it is usually very hard to break the dog’s focus.

Movement

Border Collies are very energetic, moving freely and smoothly with the minimum of effort. This gives them the accurate appearance of both speed and stealth, especially when herding.

They are incredibly agile dogs, winning many canine sporting activities for their agility skills.

Temperament

As history shows, Collies boast an extremely strong instinct to work alongside man, always ready and alert to any commands they are given. They are patient too, and are good with authority, children and other animals.

Working dog roles

Not only do these dogs work to herd flocks of sheep, but they are a popular choice for search and rescue dogs, as well as tracker and sniffer dogs too.

Pack mentality

Border Collies tend to form a very strong bond with one person in particular. They will always be friendly and affectionate to the rest of the household too.

Prey drive

Herding is a trait that’s deeply embedded in a Collie’s psyche. They have a high prey drive and will chase an animal whether large or small, not necessarily to hurt it, but because they feel the need to. It is important that each Collie understands the “recall” command, and will obey it in an instant, otherwise it’s not wise to let one loose around livestock.

For any more information on our range of working dog food and your local stockists, click here or get in touch with us on +44(0) 844 800 2234.