Dog Cloning. What Do You Think?

Dog cloning is in the national news again. Lancelot, a yellow labrador retriever puppy has been delivered to a couple in Boca Raton this week.

Lancelot is not the first dog cloned (first in the United States for commercial purposes), but he is the most expensive. $155,000 was the price the couple paid to have their former dog cloned. A California biotech company called BioArts teamed with a South Korean company, Sooam Biotech Research, to clone the dog.

The 10-week-old golden Labrador retriever is a clone, created in South Korea by a California biotech firm from the DNA of the first Sir Lancelot, the beloved pet of Ed and Nina Otto of Boca Raton.

The leading scientist was Dr. Hwang Woo-suk who lost his research professorship at Seoul National University in 2004 after fraudulently claiming he had cloned human embryos and stem cells.

The original ”Lancelot” died last year. Five years ago the owners, Ed and Nina Otto, had cryogenically banked DNA samples hoping that some day they would be able to clone Lancelot. They did. His name is Lancelot Encore. You can see the video below.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rf2opcuBrI[/youtube]

As a master trainer, I believe it is going to be hard to decide if Lancelot Encore is mentally and physically the same as the first Lancelot. After all, Lancelot Encore is going to be psychological shaped by a totally different world and set of scenarios than the first one.

I don’t think I would ever want my dog cloned. At any rate, my two best friends, Baron and Otwin will be buried with me one day. That is the highest form of love I can show them after they are gone.

At any rate, dog cloning is coming. What will you do?

DNA Testing For Dogs

DNA Testing For Dogs

DNA testing has now gone to the dogs. Have you ever adopted a mixed breed dog or knew someone that had a mixed breed dog and you wondered what breeds he was made of?

Now you can stop wondering. A company is coming out with a DNA test so that you can identify the breeds of your dog. MMI Genomics has a kit (“Canine Heritage”) that will identify up to 38 different dog breeds.

The kit will include a swab to wipe inside of a dog’s cheeks. It also includes sterile packaging so you can ship it to them for identification. Test results will be received in four to six weeks.

I actually think if the pricing is reasonable there will be some demand for this product. And pricing should be reasonable. The AKC utilizes this company for breed and genetic lineage verification … a dog paternity test if you will.

I will let you know more as I learn more if anyone is interested.  Maybe this is the start of a new breed definition

Your Dog’s Health Problems – Obesity and Slentrol

It can only happen in the western world. If being overweight or obese is one of your dog’s health problems, there is an answer.

It’s called Slentrol and its made by Pfizer. The FDA approved Slentrol last Friday.

Can you believe it? You can now take your dog to the vet and have him or her take a pill and lose weight.

Whatever happened to portion control, reduction in snacks and exercise? Yes, dogs are suffering the same misfortune their owners are – laziness and no time.

Except in this instance, the owners are at fault.

I know there may be situations where an obese dog may need this medication, but I hope and pray veterinarians will use this drug wisely and not succumb to pressure from pet owners.

As a dog trainer, I see alot of overweight dogs. How do I address this when it is one of my client’s dog’s health problems? We discuss diet, beginning an obedience program or just taking a 30 minute walk every day. It works wonders … for all involved!

Note:  One other solution to get your dog more exercise is to consider an electronic fence.  :)