Combo Pipe

Animal Hospitals Fined For X-ray Violations

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:33:12 +0000

The Department of Environmental Protection has fined two companies, Avian & Feline Hospital of Camp Hill, Cumberland County, and Bowser Dentistry LLC of York, York County, for violations of the Radiation Protection Act.

"The Radiation Protection Act authorizes DEP to monitor X-ray equipment operation and ensure that correct procedures are followed," DEP South-central Regional Director Rachel Diamond said. "These regulations exist to protect the safety of Pennsylvania's residents. Fortunately, there is no indication that these particular violations caused any harm to human or animal health."

DEP fined Avian & Feline Hospital $10,000 after two inspections revealed a multitude of violations. During a March 2011 inspection, DEP discovered the hospital was using tape to fix the controls that restrict the width of the X-ray beam on a portable unit, using the same settings on the X-ray machine for all small animals and had failed to register an X-ray machine. DEP issued a notice of violation that month. A second inspection last June showed the hospital had still not registered an X-ray machine, and the alignment and settings of the portable X-ray machine were still improperly set.

DEP also fined Bowser Dentistry $12,840 for failure to register X-ray machines that were used to evaluate dental patients from 1992 through 2010. DEP issued a notice of violation to the dentist in September 2011. By not registering the X-ray machines with DEP, the facility remained un-inspected during those eight years.

The hospital and dentist took action to correct the violations and both facilities are now in compliance with DEP regulations.

X-ray machines must be registered with DEP within 30 days of being acquired and the X-ray registration becomes valid upon the payment of a fee, which must be paid to the agency annually.

Alarming Figures Show Pet Obesity Reaches Record Levels

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:29:27 +0000

The "fat pet gap" continues to widen according to the latest nationwide survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). The fifth annual veterinary survey found 53 percent of adult dogs and 55 percent of cats to be classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarian. That equals 88.4 million pets that are too heavy according to veterinarians.

"The most distressing finding in this year's study was the fact that more pet owners are unaware their pet is overweight," comments APOP founder Dr. Ernie Ward. "Twenty-two percent of dog owners and 15 percent of cat owners characterized their pet as normal weight when it was actually overweight or obese. This is what I refer to as the 'fat pet gap' or the normalization of obesity by pet parents. In simplest terms, we've made fat pets the new normal."

Perhaps even worse was the finding that the number of obese pets, those at least 30 percent above normal weight or a body condition score (BCS) of 5, continues to grow despite 93.4 percent of surveyed pet owners identifying pet obesity as a problem. The study found 24.9 percent of all cats were classified as obese and 21.4 percent of all dogs were obese in 2011. That's up from 2010 when 21.6 percent of cats and 20.6 percent of dogs were found to be obese. "What this tells us is that more and more of our pets are entering into the highest danger zone for weight-related disorders," says Ward.

Some of the common weight-related conditions in dogs and cats include osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems, kidney disease, and shortened life expectancy. Orthopedic surgeon, APOP Board member and Director of Clinical Research at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Steve Budsberg states, "The prevention of obesity needs to be at the forefront of all discussions people have about the health of their pet with their veterinarian. The body of evidence that shows the negative impact of obesity on all the body's systems is overwhelming. As an orthopedic surgeon I see, on a daily basis, the effects of obesity on dogs and cats with osteoarthritis. It is very frustrating to see how much pain and discomfort excess weight has on my patients. Veterinarians and owners have the ability to stop obesity in our pets. No animal goes to the refrigerator or the pantry and helps themselves. We enable our pets to get fat!"

Ward agrees. "Pet obesity is plainly a people problem, not a pet problem. The most important decision pet owners make each day regarding their pet's health is what they choose to feed it."

Endocrinologist and fellow APOP Board member Dr. Mark Peterson agrees. "Obesity in dogs and cats is not just the accumulation of large amounts of adipose tissue, but it is associated with important metabolic and hormonal changes in the body. For example, heavy or obese cats are up to four times more likely to develop diabetes as a complication of their obesity. Losing weight can lead to reversal of the diabetic state in some of these obese cats."

Treats continue to be a major contributor to weight gain in pets. An online poll conducted in October 2011 by APOP of 210 pet owners found 93 percent of all dog and cat owners gave treats. Ninety-five percent gave a commercial treat with 26 percent reporting they gave their pet treats three or more times a day. "Treats are the silent saboteur of slimming down," remarks Ward. "Those tiny treats often are hiding a significant amount of calories." Ward suggests offering single-ingredient rewards or fresh vegetables such as baby carrots, string beans, broccoli or other crunchy vegetables.

Veterinary nutritionist and internal medicine specialist Dr. Joe Bartges from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and APOP Board member notes that weight gain in pets can be prevented. "Prevention of obesity is much easier than treating it. The major obstacle is to convince pet owners what 'overweight' and 'obese' mean and what it looks like. Veterinary health teams must educate the owner and work with them to prevent and treat obesity in their four-legged family members."

Could Valentine’s Day Kill Your Dog?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:30:43 +0000

Many holidays cause a spike in poison-related cases for animals, and Valentine's Day is no exception. A holiday that's known for chocolate, flowers and cocktails can cause a myriad of poisoning possibilities. The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association is providing tips on how to prevent unwanted consequences with your favorite Valentine's Day treats.

Every rose has its thorn, so says the song – but thorns on roses or other flowers can be dangerous for dogs or other pets. Biting, stepping on or swallowing stems with thorns increases risk for a puncture, which can result in serious infections internally or externally.

Many people receive chocolate on Valentine's Day, but chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic, but dark, milk, semi-sweet and baker's chocolates all can cause adverse reactions. Darker chocolates contain caffeine-like stimulants that cause gastrointestinal, neurologic, and cardiac functions that can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and elevated heart rate. High fat in lighter chocolates can cause life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas, so make sure to keep the chocolate where pets can't reach it.

Cocktails also pose a threat to pets. Because of their smaller size, even a small amount of alcohol stolen from a low-sitting glass or lapped off the floor after a spill can cause dramatic problems like vomiting/diarrhea, lack of coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, and even coma.

In addition, be sure to blow out any unattended candles when you leave the room and put away wrapping paper and bows from gifts after opening. Valentine's Day can be fun for everyone with just a little forethought. If you think your pet has been poisoned, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 800.213.6680.

Half Of UK Dogs Will Receive Christmas Dinner

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:00:40 +0000

Christmas is a time the whole family is together, a time to enjoy and cherish the memories made and it seems Britain’s dog owners are taking this message to heart as a new survey reveals.

The UK’s lucky canines can expect to enjoy the festive season as much as their owners as an incredible 49% of owners will be preparing them their very own special doggie dinner on the big day.

According to the recent survey carried out on behalf of Direct Line Pet Insurance, of the 1,021 dog owners questioned, almost half (49%) are planning to make a special Christmas meal for their dogs and with 46% planning a special family walk with their dog, it will soon be walked off!

Adam Whiteley, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, offered this advice to dog owners: “Dog owners going to the trouble of cooking a special Christmas dinner for their best furry friend are clearly doing so out of love and festive spirit. It’s worth remembering that there are a few things dogs shouldn’t eat at all, even on special occasions, as doing so can make them very ill or even cause death in extreme cases. Chocolate, raisins, onions, and added salt should all be avoided, as should sharp or small bones. It’s a good idea to make sure that all food items and treats are stored well out of reach of pets, during the holidays and all year round.”

According to the survey, 89% of Britain’s dogs can expect a delivery from Santa left under the tree for them to spend the holidays enjoying.

40% Britain’s dogs will have an average of £10 on presents spent this year with a lucky 9% having gifts worth more than £100 awaiting them.

Toys are the most favoured present of choice, but pampering with collars, leads and clothes also top the list of most desired presents.

However, with 26% of Britain’s dogs enjoying chewing presents, it might be advisable to make sure Santa’s little four legged helpers have someone keeping an eye out for them.

K9 Magazine editor Ryan O’Meara offered this thoughts on the findings,“The fact that nearly half of all dog owners are preparing to fully include their canine pals in the Christmas festivities is indicative of just how much the relationship between pets and their owners has changed in modern times. Dogs are now considered fully fledged members of the family and this research highlights just how seriously owners take that relationship. Dogs bring us so much joy every day, it’s nice to hear that owners take great delight in including them at this special time.”

Donald Trump Out, Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan In

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:53:43 +0000

After entrepreneur Donald Trump pulled out of moderating a GOP debate, a "giant ego-shaped hole" was left in the Republican primaries, according to The Colbert Report's Stephen Colbert in a televised December 14 statement — and Nat Geo WILD is springing into action like a lion on a wildebeest.

Nat Geo WILD and Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan have agreed to host the next "Serious, Classy Republican" debate with Colbert as the moderator — and officially invite the candidates to participate! The network has started recruiting pint-sized animal-loving participants from around the country to attend the debate, per Colbert's goal of getting kids involved.

Said David Lyle, chief executive officer of the National Geographic Channels US, "If Colbert wants animals in the buff, we'll get them. If he wants kids in the audience, we'll start before bedtime. Bring on the candidates for the greatest battle in the history of the universe. It will be red in tooth and claw."

Millan, a People's Choice Award winner for Favorite Animal Show, said, "PAC(k) leaders unite! The candidates need someone to moderate with "Tsssst!" power. This is going to be WILD."

In officially challenging the candidates to participate, Millan plans to head to the Iowa Caucus on January 3 — before his new season of Dog Whisperer premieres Saturday, January 7 — to see problem candidate behaviors he can start rehabbing. "Pooches are easy, people are hard, and political candidates … that's a whole different animal," he said.

Don’t Buy Pet Store Puppies Urges Charity

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:22:31 +0000

With the festive season upon us, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), as part of its national "No Pet Store Puppies" campaign, is urging consumers to help fight puppy farm cruelty by refusing to shop at pet stores and on websites that sell puppies.

The Christmas period is one of the busiest times of year for pet stores as many families hope to give the gift of a new puppy, but many consumers are unaware they are supporting the inhumane puppy mill industry by shopping for anything at pet stores that sell puppies.

"The image of an adorable puppy with a red bow is a familiar icon of the holiday season," said Laurie Beacham, senior director of ASPCA Strategy & Campaigns. "Unfortunately, chances are that the puppy in your local pet store came from a puppy mill, and shopping for anything at those stores this holiday season only serves to perpetuate animal suffering."

Consumers who purchase a puppy from a pet store or website run the risk of taking home an unhealthy puppy in addition to the risk of unknowingly supporting a cruel industry. Operators of puppy mills breed dogs in unsanitary, overcrowded conditions where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. The ASPCA believes that consumer action is a critical element in the fight against puppy mills. Convincing consumers not to shop for anything—including puppies and supplies—at stores that sell puppies is the most effective way to stop the demand for puppy mill dogs. The ASPCA ultimately seeks to convince pet stores to limit their business to pet supplies and encourages them to partner with their local shelters to offer adoptable pets in their stores.

As part of the No Pet Store Puppies campaign, 40 outdoor billboards will be unveiled in the Los Angeles, Calif., area to raise awareness about the connection between pet stores and puppy mills and encourage shoppers to give a new life to a homeless dog or cat by adopting from their local animal shelter or rescue organization. Approximately five to seven million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and millions are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them. Billboards in other locations were posted earlier in the year.

Beacham added, "Many people think they are 'rescuing' the cute puppy playing in their local pet store window by purchasing it, but they are actually opening up that cage for another puppy mill puppy. Instead, why not give a lovable shelter dog a special gift of a loving home this season? That makes for a win-win holiday for all."

To learn more about the ASPCA's No Pet Store Puppies campaign, please visit www.NoPetStorePuppies.com.

If you are interested in helping to fight puppy farming in the UK, visit: Puppy Love Campaigns

Cesar Millan To Be Given Award

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:31:35 +0000

North Shore Animal League America will hold its annual DogCatemy Rescue Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 8th at 6:00 pm at the NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square, New York City. Highlighting the life-saving efforts of the Animal League, this annual event will begin with the Closing Bell Ceremony, followed by a celebrity Red Carpet cocktail hour and a program that will spotlight NSALA's guests of honour: Cesar Millan, World Renowned Dog Expert, and David Wicks, Vice President of The NASDAQ OMX Group.

Animal lover and nationally respected co-host of FOX News Channel's FOX and Friends, Brian Kilmeade, will lead the program as Master of Ceremonies. The evening is themed around the rapidly expanding Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum, where beginning at a very young age students are learning about social and emotional skills, and strategies to promote shelter pets, otherwise known as Mutt-i-grees®.

The Animal League will bestow the inaugural "Cesar Millan Award for Excellence in Mutt-i-grees Education" to Cesar Millan, internationally renowned dog rehabilitation expert and star of Nat Geo WILD's 'The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan'. The award recognizes the impact Cesar Millan is having in the humane field and honours him for his many contributions, including the founding of the Millan Foundation. This Foundation funds the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum, a collaboration between North Shore Animal League America and Yale University's School of the 21st Century, promoting the development of calm, confident and caring children who can make a difference in the lives of people and animals.

"Cesar Millan has truly set himself apart as a leader and adoption advocate," said John Stevenson, President of North Shore Animal League America. He added, "His generosity and financial support, as well as his commitment and extensive involvement in the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum are raising the standard for humane education. Cesar's dedication is evident in contributing to new trends and lessons for people and pets to ensure a happy, loving life together."

The Animal League's Corporate Champion Award will be presented to David Wicks, Vice President of The NASDAQ OMX Group. The award recognizes the deep appreciation that Wicks has shown for the precious animals that can be found in shelters and his continuing efforts to identify opportunities to promote the adoption of homeless pets.

"David Wicks has wholeheartedly embraced the Mutt-i-grees Movement, both professionally and personally," said Stevenson. "He has taken every opportunity to promote the message that adoption is the best option when looking for a pet. He himself adopted a German Shepherd Mutt-i-gree from the Animal League and appropriately named the dog Freedom."

The evening will include a special presentation featuring prize-winning Public Service Announcements created by students nationwide, encouraging Americans to adopt Mutt-i-grees. The students participated in a national contest that is part of the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum. A $10,000 Grand Prize grant and three $1,500 Regional Prize grants will be presented to each winning school at the event. The winning schools are from Pennsylvania, California, Kentucky, and Texas. Funding for the contest and grant prizes was made possible through the generosity of the friends and family of Tamara Tullman, a North Shore Animal League America volunteer who adored animals and loved to teach children.

The DogCatemy Rescue Awards Dinner reflects North Shore Animal League America's belief that all shelter pets find a loving home. Since its inception in 1944, the Animal League has saved more than one million lives. The proceeds from the DogCatemy Rescue Awards Dinner will enable the Animal League to strengthen its nationwide rescue efforts, saving nearly 20,000 lives each year. To learn more about North Shore Animal League America, visit AnimalLeague.org.

News distribution by petbuzz – social media for pet brands.

Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber Adopt Puppy

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:48:22 +0000

Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber have adopted a puppy from an animal rescue centre in Winnipeg according to reports.

The pair, who have millions of fans, have been praised for going down the adoption route rather than buying a dog from a pet store, as some other celebrities have done.

High profile dog adoption advocates have helped raise awareness of the positive aspects of taking a dog from a rescue environment in the past and whilst it's hoped that their many fans won't jump in to getting a new dog without properly researching, the adoption gives a much needed shot in the arm to animal welfare advocates who have encouraged people to adopt before buying.

Adopt a dog, bring joy.

October 4th World Animal Day 2011

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:56:08 +0000

Animal lovers are being urged to get involved in World Animal Day 2011 to show their support for animal welfare around the globe.

Launched in the UK on 4 October 2003, organisations, groups, animal shelters, places of worship, schools, clubs and individuals have participated in what was to become an annual event on this special day to celebrate the relationship between man and his animal friends.

Animal enthusiasts can learn more about how to get involved: http://www.worldanimalday.org.uk/get_involved.asp

Resources: http://worldanimalday.org.uk/resources.asp

Just one of the events being carried out for World Animal Day 2011 is The Kucinski Wildlife Foundation's Art and Photo Walk for Animals

Find out more: http://www.kwf-ecological.org.uk/WorldAnimalDay.html

Speaking about World Animal Day 2011, UK WAD Ambassador Ryan O'Meara says:

"Every day of every year animals have such a positive impact on the lives of millions of people. By dedicating a special day to honour that magical relationship, to organise events and to do whatever we can to help raise awareness about various animal welfare concerns, wherever they may be, is a wonderful way for us to commemorate our animal friends. World Animal Day is something I continue to be exceptionally proud to be associated with."

If you'd like to organise your own event or help promote World Animal Day 2011 – go here: http://www.worldanimalday.org.uk/get_involved.asp

Canine Osteoarthritis A Growing Dog Owner Problem

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:38:31 +0000

Canine osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that reduces a dog's mobility. A new report has suggested the problem is a growing concern for dog owners.

Arthritis in dogs is on the rise according to a study published by K9 Magazine.

The condition, which affects the mobility and joints of dogs of any age, is said to be increasing inline with the growing pet obesity problem which has seen more dogs than ever gaining weight and being above the normal healthy BMI for their age and breed.

Experts have suggested that canine osteoarthritis will continue to rise unless pet owners can gain control of their dog’s weight.

One of the key causes of arthritis in dogs is breed type and weight. It’s been claimed that as many as 1 in 4 dogs are above their natural weight.

Canine osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, meaning there is no cure. However treatment and management of arthritis in dogs is readily available, meaning a diagnosis doesn’t have to mean the end of a dog’s ability to enjoy life, go for walks and suffer in pain.

Learn more: https://www.prbuzz.com/home-a-garden/55209-arthritis-in-dogs-concerns-owners.html

Dog Survives Gas Chamber, Gets New Life

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:38:20 +0000

A story to warm the heart – and we all love those!

Meet the dog who survived the gas chamber and now has a new life…

http://bit.ly/sKWZ88

Dog Survives Gas Chamber, Gets New Life is a post from: K9 Magazine

Dog Training Royalty: Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:30:11 +0000

It is interesting to note that these two men whose research had a great impact on our understanding of dog learning and behavior were actually human doctors.

Ivan Pavlov was a Russian physiologist whose main area of study was digestion. Part of his research involved measuring saliva production under various conditions, and part of his experiments involved dogs.

As his research progressed, he started to notice that dogs salivated before they were actually given any food, and he decided to investigate this phenomenon. He worked out that the dogs were fed by laboratory assistants wearing white lab coats, and they responded to these lab assistants even when they didn't have their dinner bowls in their hands.

Pavlov then started connecting food with other signals. For example, he would ring a bell then feed the dogs. Before too long, the dogs would drool at the sound of the bell, anticipating a meal.

A learned response (for example salivation) to a particular trigger (a white coat or the sound of a bell) is known as a conditioned reflex. The process by which dogs make the connection between the stimulus and the reflex is called conditioning. Dog trainers who use clicker training methods will use this phenomenon when they condition their dog to the clicker. They will click, then give their dog a treat over and over again, until the dog links the click with being given a treat.

B.F. Skinner was an American psychologist who studied at Harvard University. His early work was with rats and some apparatus that he constructed. The rats were taught to press a bar, but what happened after they pressed it strongly influenced how often they did so. If pressing on a bar resulted in a treat being dispensed, the rats pressed the bar more and more. He called this behavior “operant conditioning” because it operated under the effects of the environment the rats were in.

Skinner used his newly discovered theories of behavior modification during World War II, when he trained pigeons to keep pecking on a target which kept missiles on track. He then applied them to teaching mathematics to children. At the time, children were asked to complete a whole page of maths problems before being given any feedback, and learning if they had answered them correctly. Skinner invented a “curriculum machine” which delivered questions to a student, assessed their answers and rewarded them for being right. He then spent about 10 years working with students and teachers using operant conditioning to improve learning performance.

Skinner's discoveries are used regularly in dog training, whether it is deliberate or not. Any behavior that is rewarded, is likely to be repeated. So, if you are teaching a dog to sit and give him a treat every time his bottom hits the ground, he is much more likely to sit again, and again. Similarly, if your dog manages to steal a treat when he jumps onto the kitchen table, he has been rewarded for this behavior, and will probably do it again. Whenever you are interacting with your dog, keep a close eye on what you are rewarding.

Dog Training Royalty: Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner is a post from: K9 Magazine

Dogs, Cynology and Anthropomorphism

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:01:32 +0000

Cynology is the study of anything related to domestic dogs. It includes such subjects as the evolution of the dog, and its anatomy and physiology. It covers all aspects of general dog care such as feeding, training and breeding.

Anyone who owns a dog studies cynology in some way. Whenever they think about what they are feeding their dog for dinner, or when they take their canine companion to a training class, they are furthering their knowledge of their dog's health and well being.

It is important that dog owners do learn about how to best care for their pet, but it is even more important for those who want to work with dogs. Why? A solid understanding of the physical and emotional needs of dogs will help you do your job better. Whatever your business, you will be able to quickly recognize when your canine client isn't well, or isn't happy. For example, pet sitters often have to deal with separation anxiety in the dogs they care for. If they are aware of the symptoms of this condition and how to manage it, the dogs in their care will be much happier, and this will result in repeat business for them.

The word “anthropomorphism” is quite a mouthful. It means attributing human characteristics to inanimate objects or animals. Anthropomorphism is widespread, with many people now referring to themselves as their dog's mum or dad. It is responsible for the proliferation of fashion outfits and accessories for our canine companions.

Dogs aren't small furry people. They think differently, and are motivated by instinct and drive. They don't pull the laundry off the washing line because they are angry at you for going out and leaving them alone. They do it because they are bored, and pulling on those colorful flapping clothes is fun.

Another good example of anthropomorphism is when a dog looks guilty when you come home because he has gone to the toilet on the floor. He is not guilty, he is acting submissive because he can interpret your body language – your tension, stomping and loud voice. Frans de Waal is an ethologist (one who studies animal behaviour) and in his 1996 book “Good Natured”, he discusses an experiment that was done on a Siberian Husky. This dog shredded newspapers when her owner was out, and showed all the signs of being guilty when she was scolded on their return. Interestingly, when the owner shredded the newspapers themselves, and scolded their dog, her behaviour was exactly the same. This suggests that she had made no connection between the shredded newspapers and her owner's response.

There is another point that needs to be made about an owner getting angry at their dog when they come home to find puddles on the floor, or their new magazine in pieces. Dogs can't make connections between events that are separated by time. If you come home and get angry at your dog for something he has done while you were out, he has no idea why you are cross, and he will ultimate learn to fear you. This is not good for your relationship with him.

If you do need to correct your dog for his behaviour, then you must do it immediately. Even a few minutes later is too late.

Another circumstance when anthropomorphism causes problems is when a dog is frightened. If a child is frightened, a pat or a hug will soothe and comfort them. If you do the same for your scared pooch, you are actually rewarding him for his behaviour ie being frightened. The result is that he is likely to continue being scared. As a veterinarian, I am often faced with owners who pat and soothe their dog for snapping or growling at me. They hope that this will help their dog settle down, but they are actually increasing the likelihood that his behaviour will continue.

Dogs, Cynology and Anthropomorphism is a post from: K9 Magazine

The Karlton Index A New Way to Measure Dog Health

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 12:16:35 +0000

The first full listing against the framework of The Karlton Index has now been completed and published at www.thekarltonindex.com

The top scoring breed is Dachshunds. Congratulations to the team behind the Dachshund Breed Council for their impressive work and commitment to breed health. The top twenty includes Leonbergers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Hungarian Vizslas. Full list of top twenty available here http://www.thekarltonindex.com/wordpress/?page_id=116

At the other end of the scale several breeds are visibly doing so little in terms of breed health that more than twenty score Zero out of 100 and sixty breeds scored less than double figures. Included in this group of breeds is Shih Tzu, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier. Full list of poor performing breeds can be found at http://www.thekarltonindex.com/wordpress/?page_id=118 On completing the first full index,

Philippa Robinson founder of the Karlton Index says:

“The full review of all breeds has been very enlightening. On the whole findings are disappointing but there are glimpses of brilliant work being done in some quarters like the Dachshund Breed Council and the teams addressing the health agenda in Leonbergers and Vizslas for instance. The teams behind the top performing breeds are characterised by a determined urgency and they tackle health without a hint of complacency. But over twenty breeds scored zero, in other words nothing of substance could be found on health. Clearly the claims that media attention and external criticism of dog breeding is unwarranted and unnecessary because breeders are “doing all they can” to improve the health of dogs, are flimsy at best in this group.

Many in the bottom twenty breeds came from the Toy group. Some of the more controversial breeds like Bulldog, Pug and Neapolitan Mastiff also score poorly despite coming under additional scrutiny from being on the Kennel Club’s list of high profile breeds. I was surprised that many popular breeds like Boxers, Dalmatians and Poodles also came out with low scores.

The framework is based on recognised business improvement tools and to that end the entire aim of the project is to support the work being done by breed clubs. My conclusions are that the Kennel Club and other interested stakeholders should target resources more effectively for breed clubs. They need much more support to develop balanced health strategies and embark upon meaningful health surveillance.”

The next assessment against the Karlton Index is scheduled for Spring 2013

Learn more: www.thekarltonindex.com

The Karlton Index A New Way to Measure Dog Health is a post from: K9 Magazine

What’s Inside K9 Magazine Issue 47?

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:03:04 +0000

Inside K9 Magazine issue 47 we've got a veritable treasure trove of useful articles and information.

Take a look….

Night time dog walking safety tips
http://www.k9magazine.com/k9-insider-september/

Our pick of the best dog collars for 2011
http://www.k9magazine.com/best-dog-collars/

How to teach the recall using a whistle – K9 Magazine's Ryan O'Meara tells us how to teach a dog to recall using the whistle
http://www.k9magazine.com/dog-whistle-training/

Dog personality test: how well do you REALLY know your dog?
http://www.k9magazine.com/dog-personality-test/

Why our friend the dog is the world's greatest salesman
http://www.k9magazine.com/dogs-in-advertising/

How much you should you be feeding your dog?
http://www.k9magazine.com/how-much-should-i-be-feeding-my-dog/

K9 Kitchen: Make your own healthy homemade dog treats
http://www.k9magazine.com/homemade-dog-treats-part-ii/

I find dead people
We spend a day with a cadaver dog handler

What’s Inside K9 Magazine Issue 47? is a post from: K9 Magazine

Clever Dog by Ryan O’Meara Becomes First For Publisher

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:58:38 +0000

Publisher Hubble and Hattie have announced Clever Dog: Life Lessons From Man's Best Friend (by K9 Magazine publisher Ryan O'Meara) as their first foray in to the eBook market.

They say:

Our recently-published book about man's best friend, the clever canine, and what we can learn from him in order to enhance and improve our lives, has been so well received, and is such a great read, that we decided to make it the very first of our Hubble and Hattie titles to be available as an eBook. We are particularly proud that the conversion to eBook was done entirely in-house at Veloce. Initially, the Clever Dog! eBook is available only for Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch), and is downloadable via the iBooks app, which will also allow sample pages to be viewed. Although the eBook costs less than the physical book, its content is identical, and so represents excellent value for money!

ABOUT THE eBOOK
The dog is undeniably the most successful domestic animal of all time. He shares his life with ours, has integrated into our society, and won the hearts and minds of millions of us.
We call ourselves dog lovers because we do sincerely love them: they are fully-fledged members of our family, and we have elevated them to positions of authority in the human world. Assistance dogs, protection dogs, detection dogs, companion dogs … they all enhance our lives immeasurably.

In this book we will examine a whole raft of canine skills and talents, and try to piece together how and why the dog has enjoyed such immense success as a domesticated animal.

We will look at the dog as a problem solver, conflict resolver, and health asset. As a decision maker and hero. And as a loyal and trusted friend.
Clever Dog! is a compendium of life lessons we can learn from our dogs, based on a combination of what we know about them and – indeed – what we think we might know about them.

He's earned his epithet ‘Man's best friend:' in this book, our aim is to examine how he did it and how we might emulate his talents in order to enjoy the same fortune and fulfilment in our lives.

Be happy and successful: learn from the best!

AVAILABLE NOW!

£9.99, $19.95

Clever Dog: What's Inside?

• Interesting take on self development/improvement lessons
• Interesting facts and data on how the human/canine relationship evolved
• Amazing examples of how dogs have succeeded and achieved
• Practical insights into how humans can use the dog as a life example
• Incredible stories of canine bravery, endurance and talent
• Understanding leadership from the world's most famous pack animal
• Learn how to settle conflicts without 'drawing blood'
• Understand how to develop and enhance relationships, learning from the best
• Climb the career ladder by following the winning strategy of the dog
• How to embrace and cherish independence without being a 'loner'

View sample pages and sample text at – http://www.hubbleandhattie.com/books/a-l.html

The Author
Ryan O'Meara is a former professional dog trainer who has dedicated his life to learning about, writing about, and working with his one true passion: dogs.
Upon leaving school at the age of 16, Ryan embarked on his professional dog training career, indulging his love of all things canine. Having achieved success as a trainer, working with more than 2000 dogs, Ryan set up his own business, K9 Media Ltd, a specialist pet publishing company responsible for more than 300 pet related websites, as well as the world-renowned K9 Magazine. Ryan is a World Animal Day ambassador, and he appears frequently in the media discussing all things dog.

Clever Dog by Ryan O’Meara Becomes First For Publisher is a post from: K9 Magazine

Puppy Socialization: Why Does it Matter?

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:16:19 +0000

Early puppy socialization is often cited by experienced owners and dog trainers as one of the single most crucial aspects in the development of a dog's long term behavior.

This is interesting for two reasons:

1. You can't re-wind the clock. So you get just one chance to make an impression on your puppy socialization efforts.

2. If it's so crucial and you only get one go at it, it's little wonder there are so many dogs who are – frankly – under socialized as adults.

Check this article out.

Puppy Socialization: Why Does it Matter? is a post from: K9 Magazine

Dog Proofing Your Home Guide

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:56:16 +0000

Our dogs are so important to us. Their lives and security are in our hands. DogTips.co have recently published a must-read guide to keeping your dog safe in the home.

How to dog proof your home is a simple to follow, detailed plan for keeping your dog safe and deterring potential dog thieves from making your dog one of their latest victims.

You can read it at: http://www.dogtips.co/dog-proof-home/

I'm sure we'd all agree, to lose a dog to theft or straying would place an unbearable burden on our lives as committed, responsible dog lovers.

The 5 minutes it takes to read the guide could, literally, prove to be life saving.

Dog Proofing Your Home Guide is a post from: K9 Magazine

Is This The Happiest Dog in the World?

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:33:58 +0000

Can a dog truly smile with pure, unadulterated joy?

We think yes. Yes they can!

Mental stimulation and fully engaged body language – a perfect advert for the pleasure of bringing out a dog's full potential.

Is This The Happiest Dog in the World? is a post from: K9 Magazine

Best Music Videos Starring Dogs

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:26:40 +0000

Dogs, the world’s most rock n roll animals. Elvis Presley to the Beatles, they’ve all sung about dogs. And since the advent of the music video some musicians have been smart enough to know what advertisers have known for decades, whack a dog in your vid and it instantly becomes 46.3% better than the competition.

Mariah Carey – All I want for Christmas.

Mariah’s dog Jack has appeared in a number of her music videos. This is probably the most famous of them.

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The Cult – Edie

Extra marks for the rock outfit from Britain for including two fantastic looking dogs in the video which also relate directly to the lyrics of the song – “The dogs lay at your feet Edie”

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Guns n Roses – Sweet Child ‘o’ Mine

The intro to this song is what it’s all about. Slash has said he wrote the now iconic opening for a bit of a joke. So it’s nice to see a beautiful looking Rottweiler staring straight at us in the video even before that memorable intro kicks into action.

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Fall Out Boy, The Take Over, The Break’s Over

Bonus points for the emo originals for not only featuring a dog but also basing the entire song around the dreams of frontman Pete Wentz’ stunning Bulldog named Hemingway. This vid really is heavy on the canine action.

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Soundgarden – Blackhole Sun

An iconic video. Weird on a number of levels but not least for the metamorphising face of the harlequin Great Dane who stars.

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Oasis – Songbird

Liam Gallagher chasing dog. Funny. Enough said.

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Jane’s Addiction – Been Caught Stealing

OK so it’s not so much about dogs in the video but this is probably Jane’s most well known song and opens up with a cracking dog bark mixed into the musical intro. Dogs rule musically.

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Snoop Doggy Dogg – Who am I, What’s my Name?

How could we possibly put together a list of dogs in music videos without including the Snoopy Doggy de Dogg himself. Dogs turning into gangstas all over the place here.

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Blur – Parklife

The album cover featured a racing Greyhound. It was the album that cemented the Britpop era. There’s some dogs in the video – but are they Greyhounds? You’ll have to watch.

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The Baha Men – Who Let the Dogs Out?

Who let the dawgs out, who, who, who, who, who, who? implore the Baha men. They ask us over and over again who let the dogs out. They seem quite determined to quiz us as if we might have been involved somehow. Sadly, the song doesn’t reveal the identity of the dog releasing culprit. The song is a huge steaming pile of stink. Video is pretty doggy though.

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OK Go – White Knuckles

Well, we certainly couldn't have a list like this without THIS dog filled music vid now could we?

Did we miss any?

Best Music Videos Starring Dogs is a post from: K9 Magazine

K9 Magazine Issue 52

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:06:31 +0000

Inside this edition of K9 Magazine….

Dog Body Language: How To Read Your Dog’s Mood
Interview With Ali Bastian
Moving Abroad With Your Dog: A Guide To Helping You Relocate
To BARF or Not to Barf? Raw Feeding For Dogs
eBook: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Dog Food
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Pet Friendly Britain: What Makes A Hotel Truly Pet Friendly?
How To Deal With The Loss Of A Loved Dog
….& Lots, Lots More Inside!

Read this edition Click here ►►

K9 Magazine Issue 52 is a post from: K9 Magazine - The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers

Interview With Ali Bastian

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:38:41 +0000

Ali Bastian is a British TV actress best known for playing Sally Armstrong in The Bill and Becca Dean in Hollyoaks. Since reaching the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2009, she has gone onto take starring roles in the West End in Burn The Floor and will soon take up the coveted role of Roxie Hart in Chicago where she will tour the UK.

Ali took time out before she started touring to talk about how she thinks dogs mirror their owners, listening to your mum, the best thing about acting on screen and on stage – and of course tell us all about her best friend, Molly.

Tell us about your dog – we’d like to know everything about her!

I have a 7 ½ month old Cockapoo called Molly. She loves to snuggle. I think she has the loving, affectionate side of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and is the best of both breeds.

She comes with me to work sometimes and whether I’m sitting in a make-up chair or in a dressing room, she’s just so well behaved. She loves children as well which is great, whenever she sees them she gets so excited to play.

I think it’s because at a young age I exposed her to all sorts of situations. She got used to being around children, being taken to different place and going on the tube or bus in London. She’s a good city dog.

When did your interest in pets/animals begin and how long have you been a pet owner?

I grew up with family dogs. We had Danny, a rescue Labrador and he was very protective over my brother and I. He had the loveliest nature. We always had cats, fish, hamsters – one hamster got eaten by the cat actually – it just disappeared out of it’s cage one day!

Animals were always a big part of our childhood which is why I always wanted a dog of my own, but it had to be in the right circumstances. Having a dog is a big responsibility and so after I had finished a job, I knew I had a few weeks at home and bit of time off coming up in the Summer. That was when I decided to get a dog and Molly came into my life.

I found a breeder near Leeds and she was lovely. I went to visit and they were lovely people. I met the other dogs and I was very happy to take Molly home knowing she’d had a good start in life.

It is funny though when you have a dog and start chatting to people about dogs. Molly’s the reason I discovered all about PupAid and heard all about puppy farming. Before Molly I had no idea about it. Now I would really say to anyone thinking about getting a dog to thoroughly research it. More dogs than you probably realise in pet shops or on the Internet are bred by puppy farmers.

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, look at rescue centres, or if you’re looking to buy a puppy once you’ve researched the breed, make sure the breeder is interested in your home, your circumstances and ask to meet the parents.

You’ve been really lucky to become well known for playing two different characters in soaps – Becca Dean in Channel 4′s Hollyoaks for 6 years from 2001, to your move to ITV’s The Bill where you played Sally Armstrong from 2007. Playing those characters for such a long time in ‘Soapland’, how did you avoid becoming type-cast?

Well I spent 6 years at Hollyoaks and 3 years at The Bill so I tried to be as varied as possible in the characters I played. “Soapland” itself is a journey and it’s really great to be able to try different characters and the story lines for each were so different.

I’ve really loved the two characters I’ve played. My character Sally, in The Bill was a bit older and more challenging. My character Becca, in Hollyoaks had an affair with a pupil so that was very different!

I loved my time on both shows, getting to work in different environments with different people, it’s all good for cutting your teeth!

After those roles, you then moved onto what must be every girls dress-up dream, Strictly Come Dancing, where you had huge success and has shaped another stage in your career and very soon we’ll see you take to the stage as Roxie Hart in Chicago. You must be thrilled?

I really got the dance bug after Strictly Come Dancing! I still dance in London at the studios of Karen Hardy (professional dancer on the show until 2009). After Strictly I went back to my roots and went on tour with ‘Verdict’, an Agatha Christie play and it was great to do something a little different for a while.

Playing Roxie in Chicago is such a dream come true.It’s an exciting marriage of everything and I can’t wait!

Would your success on Strictly Come Dancing encourage you to do more reality TV?

This is a preview of the full article. The full content of this item is available to K9 Magazine Premier level members. You can become a member by clicking here If you are already a K9 Magazine member you can log in here.

Finish the following sentence, my dog is… on springs! She’s the bounciest dog.

And finally, this is always a tough question and often requires a fair degree of thinking time but….If Molly had the ability to speak and answer one question and one question only, what would you ask her and what do you think that she would say?

Well my brother lives with me and we say if you look at her you can almost tell what she’s thinking when she looks at you. I think she has a good level of understanding.

But I’d probably ask her if she really did like her dry food and I hope she’d say yes, or tell me what she would like instead.

Many Thanks Ali!

Ali Bastian Was Speaking With Kim O’Mear

K9 Magazine Would Like To Say Thanks To….

Aristopaws.com – for the Love My Dog Collar and Lead Set

Hair of the Dog London – for the Love My Dog Winkley Waterproof Raincoat

Happy Dog UK – for their tasty treats featured here – NaturCroq which is easily digestible and The Fit and Well Happy Dog Snack with Power Alga Spirulina. It contains 30% high-value protein in only 9% fat. The super Premium Snack with vitalising L-Carnitin and the original New Zealand Mussel based on the unique Happy Dog Life plus Concept® and made out of natural ingredients. Choose Happy Dog UK to give your dog the best.

Lush – for their Honey Farm gift set

UrbanPup.com – for their new dog perfume

Wuff in Style – for the soft dog toys

And last but not least, Sharah Smith Photography

Interview With Ali Bastian is a post from: K9 Magazine - The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Dog Food

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:59:40 +0000

Can you understand pet food labels? More to the point, can you understand pet food labels to the point that it makes some sense in terms of matching your dog’s age, weight, breed and lifestyle the right diet?

In this special eBook K9 Magazine gives you the answers to everything you ever wanted to know about dog food and dog nutrition, including:

Q. How important are proteins to my dogs diet? Are some proteins better than others?
Q. How important are carbohydrates to my dogs diet? Are some carbohydrates better than others?
Q. How important are fats to my dogs’ diet? Are some fats better than others?
Q. Should I give my dog vitamin and mineral supplements?
Q. How much should I feed my dog?
Q. How often should I feed my dog?
Q. I have been told that feeding dogs table scraps is not good for them. Why not? Isn’t human food okay for my pet?
Q. Is there a correct amount of vitamins and minerals for my dog? What happens if my dog gets too much vitamins or minerals?
Q. Is dry food better than canned food?
Q. My dog really likes canned foods. Will he be harmed if I only feed him canned food?
Q. My veterinarian recommended feeding my dog a “premium” food. Why is that food better?
Q. Some people leave food out all day long for their dog. Is that good? Won’t your dog eat too much?
Q. I am afraid to change my dog’s food? Will he get sick?
Q. My dog won’t eat his food any
Q. Are there things I shouldn’t feed my dog? more? Why?
Q. Is it okay to give my dog treats? He really likes them.
Q. Are some treats better for dogs than others?
Q. How long will dog food keep? How can I tell if the food is still good?

Click Here to Read an Extract

Consumers are becoming more aware of what’s in the products they buy and eat and are reading food labels more carefully, this scrutiny is being extended to pet food labels.

Pet food labelling is strictly regulated – The Feeding Stuffs Regulations 2002 require a statutory statement to be put on every label or package, which must contain certain obligatory declarations.

All the information given on a pet food label is governed by the Trade Descriptions Act and must therefore be truthful and not misleading about the nature and quality of the product.

Some of the terms required to be used on a label, by the legislation, may raise questions so to ensure you the reader understand your pet food label here is a little guide to what the terms mean;

Direction & Description
These must state: – whether the product is complete or complementary; the species for which the product is intended; directions for use.

Complete food when fed on its own will provide all the nutrients that a pet needs. Complementary food will provide all the nutrients a pet needs when combined with other complementary products, e.g. meat and biscuits.

Typical Analysis

The percentage of the following must be listed:
% Of proteins
% Of oils & fats
% Of fibre in the product
% Of moisture in the product when it exceeds14%
% Of ash in the product (ash represents the mineral content of the food and is determined chemically by the burning of the product).

Ingredients List

The ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight. They can be indicated using category names, which are laid down by the Regulations, such as ‘meat and animal derivatives’, ‘cereals’, ‘derivatives of vegetable origin’. Alternatively ingredients can be listed by their own individual names*. When an ingredient is used that does not fall into any of the prescribed categories, its individual name must be listed. In all other circumstances, mixing individual names and category names in the ingredients list is not permitted.

If particular attention is drawn to a specific ingredient (e.g. With Chicken), the percentage of that ingredient component must also be listed.

This report is free for K9 Magazine Premier members. If you can’t see the download link below you need to log in as a member.

Members: Download Report Below

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Dog Food is a post from: K9 Magazine - The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers

Moving Abroad With Your Dog

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:52:18 +0000

Moving abroad with your dog is a big decision for several reasons. For some, the need to move abroad is exactly that, a need, not a choice. For others it’s a lifestyle choice. For many, the whole idea of moving abroad is dedicated by domestic responsibilities such as dogs, family and work. In this guide we’ll go through the practicalities and considerations you’ll need to factor if you’re in the thinking or planning stages of moving to another country with your canine family members.

Not too long ago a London man was issued with a fixed penalty fine for illegally parking his car. The man in question became annoyed by this. So he emigrated. He had had enough of England, so he left. An over reaction you may think, but take into account that on that day, the man in question would have had a one in one hundred and twenty six chance of being mugged, he would have been breathing some of the poorest quality air in Europe, he could have been subject to council tax tantamount to over £6 a day, and he would have been subject to congestion charges for entering his home town by car, not to mention the ‘big freeze’ that brings our roads to a standstill each year.

To move or not to move; there are simple criteria to help with this decision. Do you want to live in a country that charges you twice to commute through Birmingham? Does the stress of relocation potentially outweigh the stress of staying? If no, you are a prime candidate for relocation.

So now we are left with those to whom relocation is a viable life choice. You people fall into two categories, those who are planning to move within the next eighteen months, and those who are reading this from a Spanish villa that cost the price of a Land Rover Discovery. To those of you planning to emigrate in the next year or so, don’t bother. Do it now or it will never happen. And don’t even think of using your pets as an excuse.

There are two things you should know right now. You can buy a large Italian country house for £40 thousand, and you can take your dogs without any fuss. So forget about a few months time, if you want it start doing it now.

If you already have an idea of where on Earth you want to live, you should consider some of the following in relation to your pets. If you have no idea, these may help you to narrow down the search.

Climate.
Is the country similar in climate to Britain, or will I need to take steps to ensure my dog’s comfort on arrival? Most dogs will adapt without too much fuss, but a dog with a weight problem or even a skin problem could suffer if moved to Northern Australia, South Africa, or even Southern Spain. Consult your vet before you make any firm decisions regarding location if you are concerned about your pet.

Culture.
Are dogs a welcome member of the community in the country I intend to move? Are you considering France where dogs are treated like children and are welcomed into nearly all public places, or is it Spain where stray dogs are considered vermin and pet dogs are cherished?

Location.
Are you moving to a place where your dog is safe or are there potential or hidden dangers? Some parts of Australia are home to the world’s most poisonous animals, we know this but our dogs don’t. Are there more specific problems such as your favoured property being on a steep hill or near a river? You will need to visit the property and surrounding area before even thinking about getting your wallet out.

Convenience.
You may want to get to the other side of the world as soon as possible, but what if you need to come home urgently. Can you get your pet home as quickly as you got him out there? Do you need to get him micro chipped? Is you new home served by an animal airline? You need to check these things out before moving.

You also need to be sure of what function your relocation will perform in your day-to-day life before you look at property. For example, are you going to be moving an existing business to a new location? Are you going to be starting up a new business? Will the property you seek be an investment property? Or are you looking for a new home? All of these factors can and will affect the relocation process.

The first thing you and your family need to settle on is which country best suits your needs. Once you have done this you should start thinking about area and property Once you and your family have settled on an area or town and are keen to acquire property, you really need to think very carefully about legal aspects regarding property acquisition. There are many, many different things that could catch out an unwitting buyer.

You need to take into account currency fluctuations between the time that you settle on a property and the time that you actually hand over the cash. In some cases you will experience discrepancies of as much as 2.5%.

Now is certainly the time to start seeking legal advice if you haven’t already. As with any property purchase it is essential that you have legal advice at all stages but this is even more crucial when dealing with foreign property laws. It is advisable to find a solicitor who is not only bi-lingual, but also conversant and familiar with property law relevant to the country in which you are thinking of living.

It is imperative to bear in mind that other countries, even those in the EU have very different laws regarding property and acquisition. France is a particularly prickly pair when it comes to buying property. The process can be disconcertingly complex and can easily lead to legal mix-ups.

For example, if after purchasing a property it is discovered that, prior to your acquisition of the property, planning regulations had been breached, you as the property owner are responsible for returning the property to its original state and for the cost of doing so. Also beware of getting too excited when viewing property.

An oral expression of intent is legally binding in France (even if you do it English), so refrain from saying or implying verbally anything until at least after the searches have been completed.

With regards to your pets, it is now a lot easier to relocate with dogs and cats in tow without quarantine. As long as your pets are up to date with immunisations and vaccinations, the pet travel scheme (PETS) allows pets to travel almost as freely as humans. Provided that certain regulations such as worming and micro chipping are in hand, free travel is no longer a problem for pets.

One thing it is important to understand is the amount of financial outlay involved in relocation.

Once you have exchanged contracts and readied your pets for travel, you will need to move yourself and your possessions. This is the stressful part; you can however ease the pain by following a few simple steps. It makes sense to have your belongings hauled out of the country before you leave. You can always borrow from friends when you are in this country but if you are arriving in a new country without your things, life will be a nightmare.

There are plenty of things you need to have in place ready for your arrival such as schooling, registration with doctors, employment, notification of authorities that you are a new citizen, registration with utilities firms and much more. It is strongly advised that you do seek professional help in order to ensure that your relocation runs as smoothly as possible.

Moving Abroad With Your Dog is a post from: K9 Magazine - The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers

Pet Friendly Hotels: A Word of Caution

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:36:28 +0000

I walked into a famous high street store on Oxford Street recently. As a visitor to our nation’s capital city I undertook to do all of the usual touristy things which included taking a stroll around this world-renowned shopping emporium, examining merchandise I could neither afford nor had any intention of purchasing. Truth be told, I only wanted to look at the price tags of the items for sale for my own sense of self-amusement, writes Julian Griffin.

Whilst coughing up a less than stifled choking sound when confronted with the price of a very ordinary pair of white cotton gloves, it occurred to me that my shopping experience was being closely observed by a rather anxious little man who seemed to have, if I may borrow a phrase from a recent TV commercial, ‘got my number’.

Although he didn’t actually ‘tut-tut’ out loud I could sense from his glare and arms-folded posture that he would rather I made a swift exit, never to return than continue to wretch at the expensive items on display. Fine, I thought. How was he to know that I wasn’t some eccentric Billionaire intent on relieving his shop of some £30,000 worth of daft hats and obscenely priced Bermuda shorts? I obliged and left sharply.

He knew all right. He probably had to deal with my type all the time and could spot a tyre-kicker a mile off. Later on, whilst taking more time than usual in trying to get value for money out of the most overpriced and ridiculously named cup of coffee in the world, I thought to myself; ‘fair enough’. I was never going to purchase anything, he knew it, I knew it and I was probably making the shop look untidy by having the audacity to be there in the first place. Yes, the effeminate shop assistant with the up-turned nose and rapidly receding hairline. (If you happen to be reading this, you know who you are) was quite reasonable in expecting me to vacate the store. After all, his £4.20 per hour wage should exempt him from having to stoop to the level of entertaining the likes of me, a non-paying, non-interesting, non-entity. Ahh, only in England could I make a defence for the actions of this horrid little man.

They say a smile goes a long way and costs nothing. It’s true. Try it today. Just give someone you don’t know a big ear to ear grin and see what happens.

Good customer service, like that smile, goes a long way too and costs nothing especially in the leisure, entertainment and tourism industry. Us Brits have to tolerate an awful lot of bad customer service. We are, in fact, famous for putting up with it all over the world. Fawlty Towers is funny until the day you actually have to experience that same level of customer service for real.

Hotels have a habit of seeking your custom by telling you how great they are and what extra features they offer over and above their competition in order to encourage a booking from you. Most of us have stayed in hotels good and bad but I’ll let you in on something about the industry that may surprise you. Not all hotels, no matter how smart, plush or basic they may be in terms of bricks and mortar or additional facilities do NOT always offer good customer service. Shocking I know.

As the owner of two well-behaved, non-toxic, non-plague bearing, non-rabid dogs I tend to feel a certain compulsion to take them out and about with me whenever the chance arises to do so. They enjoy it that I do this. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those infernally annoying dog owners who forces my dogs on other people or allows them to jump all over you and then give you a lecture about how they won’t hurt you or do you any (serious) harm despite your obvious state of fear and discomfort (come on people, you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about here). No, I’m just a normal bloke who likes the company of his dogs and the enjoyment of making them happy by loading them into the car to come with me whenever possible.

This applies to holidays too. I don’t use boarding kennels. Absolutely nothing against them at all, they’re just not for me. I like my dogs to experience the joys of a short break from the usual routine, see new places and dig holes in new ground where holes had previously never been dug. I like my dogs to have the same sense of relaxation as I do and to come home feeling they have had a new experience in a new place, met new people and left lots of new holes in new locations.

I’m not a ‘campsite or caravan’ person. As with boarding kennels, nothing against them I just prefer bricks and mortar surrounding me when the rain starts to lash. This means whenever I go away I have to find a pet friendly hotel, bed and breakfast or similar accommodation. Luckily for me with the Internet and all the publications filled with pet friendly accommodation I can go anywhere I like and take my dogs too.

The problem I have, and it is a BIG problem, is that far too many of the hotels and other accommodation providers that describe themselves as pet friendly are, when it really comes down to it, completely un-friendly towards pets. A contradiction in terms you might think so let me put it another way.

What some establishments mean when they describe themselves as ‘pet friendly’ I prefer to translate as ‘pet tolerant’. In other words they accept pets under duress but when you turn up in reception with your bright-eyed, ready to relax pair of Labradors, the receptionist may not throw you out but she should be perfectly entitled to serve you last, make you wait away from proper customers, scowl at you, hold her nose, make a big fuss about any extra cleaning coming off your bill, give you a list of places where you ‘may not bring those in’, warn you about bothering other guests, advise you about basic hygiene issues and pretty much make you feel like a second class citizen carrying the bubonic plague rather than a couple of genuinely well-balanced companion animals.

I have a strong message to any establishments who describe themselves as pet friendly when they actually mean pet tolerant. Don’t. I mean it. I am on a personal crusade to un-cover businesses who are infringing on the trade descriptions act by using the words friendly and pets in the same sentence in order to convince would-be customers that you are actually friendly towards people who stay with pets.

I am not a disease carrier, a second-class citizen, a menace to public order or in fact public health – I am a dog owner. My dogs live in my house with my family and they fit into society perfectly well, some would say they add to it.

Either live up to the description of pet friendly or don’t allow pets at all. I don’t have a problem with banning pets anywhere, it’s a free country and I respect that. But hotel owners, be warned, I am, for the next 12 months, going to be travelling the length and breadth of these Great British Isles and I will be bringing my dogs if your literature tells me I can do so. I am expecting a FRIENDLY welcome and so are my dogs.

Through the pages of K9 Magazine I will bring news of the good, bad and indifferent establishments who describe themselves as pet friendly in order that the millions (yes, millions) of people just like me can enjoy stays at hotels free from the stigma of feeling they’ve done something wrong by simply involving their extended family of the four legged variety to experience the delights of a genuine family holiday in an establishment described as pet friendly.

Hoteliers. You have been warned. If you call yourself pet friendly, make sure that you genuinely are.

Useful Pet Friendly Hotel Links:

Find Pet Friendly Hotels

Pet Friendly Hotels: A Word of Caution is a post from: K9 Magazine - The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:41:04 +0000

Man’s best friend eh? The number of people who would have you believe that there is a generation (or group) of dogs intent on biting people for fun is quite alarming. Why do dogs bite? Well, let’s be clear on one thing, dogs can and do bite. Their mouth is their first line of defence and attack. When dogs do bite the consequences range from shock, minor injuries all the way to fatalities. Dog bites are, in the main, avoidable and a better understanding of dog body language can help us get somewhere near to understanding the reasons and motivations for dog bites and serious dog attacks.

Before we begin though, let’s ask – and try to answer – the question of whether dog bites are a breed specific problem.

Dog Bites: A Breed Specific Problem?

Across dog walking hot spots you will find a mixture of breeds, shapes, and sizes, often allowed to roam around off their leads in the open spaces.

It can be very intimidating when a big, strong, dog approaches you and after a rise in the number of attacks by the popular pet, many people are calling for new measures to make sure that dogs are kept on leads. But are dogs being given a bad reputation unfairly?

I myself am terrified if a large dog comes up to me as I walk my Collie cross on open fields near my home. However this never used to be the case.

Around four years ago my family bought home a young male Weimaraner from the local dog’s home. At first everything was fine but after a few weeks things turned nasty. He went on to bite three members of the family, including me, meaning that we sadly had to send him back to the dog’s home.

It was especially heartbreaking, as 99% of the time he was a normal, loving dog. Something seemed to snap in his mind, he’d have five minutes of savageness then return to being nice and look up at you with his soppy sad eyes. In my opinion this could only be put down to how he was brought up. The same as if a human was treated badly it could have effects later on in their lives and on their mental state.

Despite how much I loved him and felt sorry for him it is the reason why I would never be able to trust a big, strong dog again. Just in case. I still hold the scars from his attack, and know that to have a dog’s jaw clenched around you is one of the most terrifying things that I have ever experienced.

The argument for keeping dog’s on a lead is simple. A dog can turn nasty at any time, and recent reports of family pets turning on children is a clear example of this. When I am out walking my dog not only am I in fear for myself but also for my dog, as she is small, not big built, and would not stand a chance if attacked by a big dog, an increasingly likely event in today’s society in which many dogs are bread to attack.

One breed in particular that has developed a bad reputation is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. At all the local dogs homes inside almost every kennel is a dog of this breed or a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, with the amount of Rottweilers not far behind.

Voluntary group and registered charity, Animal Lifeline, based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire has saved over 10,000 dogs since it was founded over thirty years ago. The group never puts a dog down and always has at least 100 dogs in its kennels waiting to be re-homed.

Nick Fletcher from the centre explains why he thinks so many of these breeds get brought in: “We get all types of dogs in though there is a higher proportion of Staffies than there used to be. This is because the Staffy has become a fashion accessory for many young people, mainly young men. They then find that either the dog isn’t as fierce as they thought, and want to get rid of it, or their circumstances change, particularly if they have a partner. Young couples often have a dog until they have a baby, then they want to dump the dog. Also, many couples split up after a while and return to parents or go into rented accommodation, where they cannot keep a dog.”

It seems that like with a lot of things in today’s world looks are more important than the dog’s behaviour.

Nick added: “People often select a dog because of its looks, so smaller prettier dogs are always the first to be homed. Lovely dogs with nice temperaments are often ignored and remain in kennels for months just because they are plain in appearance.”

It can be easily seen why these people think they look tough with one of these dogs when they are basically being used as a weapon. Some dogs go on to be re-homed and make loving family pets but others will never find a home ever again because of their vicious mentality from their upbringing.

Despite their bad reputation, created through the media, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are in fact known as a trustworthy animal and sometimes referred to as the ‘Nanny Dog’ for their great affection towards children. Owners of so called ‘status dogs’ believe the facts and figures used in today’s news stories about dog attacks are unfair as the majority of attacks by smaller breeds go unreported.

Daniel Berrisford, from Stoke-on-Trent, has owned two Staffordshire Bull Terriers and agrees that the negative press towards the breed is unfair.

“I think the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the same as any other dog; it all depends on how you bring them up as to how they turn out. If you bring a Staffy up to fight then they have the mentality to fight, however if you bring a Staffy up as a loving house dog that is what they will become. Both of the Staffies that I have had would not hurt anyone and I believe it is because they were brought up like that. I think that if you bring them up in the right way you will not find a more loyal and loving dog.

“Some owners only have a Staffy or other strong dogs because they want to bring it up to fight and attack but I think that you could find any breed that has attacked somebody, so for a Staffy to have a particularly bad reputation is ridiculous.

“Little dogs often come up to larger dogs and go to attack them, even if they are on a lead but because the bigger dog retaliates and can do more damage they get the blame. Smaller dogs should be kept on a lead just the same because they can cause just as much trouble.”

The truth is that no dog should be branded a vicious breed when the victims of most attacks do not recognise the exact breed so stick to what they know, and certain dogs get the blame, the reason why there are no real statistics for dog attacks in this country.

It is also difficult to distinguish what actually is an ‘attack’. A recent incident in my area occurred in which the police were involved as a dog had knocked somebody over and ripped a coat. A total accident in which the dog was playing, but accused of a vicious attack just for being a big animal.

The truth is that however much the media tries to scare people about our favourite furry friends, the increase in ‘attacks’ has not risen that much and that dog attacks and collisions involving children have actually declined by approximately 18% over the last 10 years.

With a UK dog population of around eight million, it is an issue that cannot be ignored. Measures need to be brought in to deal with the irresponsible owners who are giving all dogs a bad name, and to protect the public from them so that we can feel safe around the nation’s most popular pet again.

K9 Magazine editor Ryan O’Meara outlines his thesis for our misunderstanding of canine behaviour, body language and intentions as a primary motivating factor in our failure to spot the warning signs of dog aggression.

Understanding Canine Aggression

In this report, you will learn about:

Understanding errors of interpretation
Understanding motives for aggressive behaviour
Understanding how to minimise risk

Summary:
Misinterpretation of canine signals, body language and emotions due to anthropomorphic tendencies.

Why do humans feel the need to attribute human qualities to animals in order to better understand or accept them?

What emotions do dogs have? What we happen to presume about what dogs think is, by definition, open to interpretation and in reality unless dogs learn to talk we shall never actually know what dogs think, although we can, will and should speculate. Dogs dream, we therefore conclude they have ‘imagination’ what they dream about, we do not know. As much as we may not like to admit it, we understand dogs a lot less than we realise.

Can dogs have a social conscience? If not they can’t possibly understand or display emotions such as guilt, shame, jealousy etc – all of which are traits often attributed to dogs in an increasingly anthropomorphic society which is conditioned to believe everything from gloved Disney mice to the socially conscious tales of Lassie. It’s little wonder we grew up with such a distorted view of animal emotions, motives and drives.

It is my finding, having studied many dogs of different breeds in different environments that, whilst dogs are exceptionally responsive to our own emotions and body language, their own emotional spectrum is significantly different. This can be best addressed by asking the simple question; Does my dog really love me?

Does My Dog Love Me?

Considering how complex it is for us to understand such a powerful and misunderstood concept in humans, who have the power of speech and the written word to explain themselves, it is surprising how many of us assume that our dogs love us, love being with us and show loyalty to us for reasons equitable to those of a fellow human.

The most probable answer is dogs do not ‘love us’ in the sense that we love them. They are hard-wired to appease us, to fit in with us and to display behaviours which suit us and our needs – it is the fact that we love them for this which often mistranslates as them performing these behaviours because they love us back.

It is my view that canine emotions are expressed in basic forms. They may display many variations of these basic emotions. A dog can be fearful – and this can often be misinterpreted as guilt or shame. A dog may be fearful of losing rank, status or a tried and tested route to food – and this can often me misinterpreted as jealousy or envy of other dogs or people – it is still a demonstration of a variant of basic fear behaviour.

It is us who attribute our social values and emotional structure to dogs in order to try and make them easier to understand. It is the dog’s unique ability to allow us to believe this that has to be part responsible for their successful relationship with man. The dog will be, whatever we want him to be. This is an error in translation.

After all, if we were truly looking for a companion animal whose emotions were closely linked to our own, surely we would have domesticated the apes and we would now be talking about man’s best friend as a small, domesticated monkey. After all they have many of the same skills that dogs have, they are superior in intelligence, dexterity and trainability.

Could it be that the reason dogs have slotted their paws so firmly under the table of man is because we can attribute any emotion they display as we please? If we say it, we can believe it to be true – with a dog – but with an ape, perhaps it is the fact that they ARE so much like us that it is harder for us to enjoy such a mutually fulfilling relationship with them?

The dog, for want of a better description, will be anything we want him to be. They will play the role of court jester or funeral mourner, if they think it’s what we want. Perhaps it is this for reason alone that they have become the most successful socially domesticated animals on the planet. It is also possibly the reason why the more we think we know about them, the more we are kidding ourselves.

The dog is, in my opinion, a still largely misunderstood animal. We control their environment, their diet, their stimulation, their entire lives – it’s little wonder they feel compelled to ‘love’ us.

The perception problem: Dogs see our world from a different perspective. We can look at the same object or experience the same situations but our and their perception of both can be entirely different. There are various reasons for this. To understand what it is to see the world through the eyes of a dog we need to first accept the physical differences.

They spend their lives between putting their nose to the ground and their eyes gazing upwards. For a dog, life is not conducted at eye level (like us) it is a story happening underfoot and events happen from way on high above. This very fact alone gives us a sense of different the world appears to a dog.

We fail to acknowledge such a fundamental difference in perspective at our own peril. Understanding and accepting this literal matter of fact helps us to try and see things from the dog’s perspective. In the world of the dog, people are most often regarded as friends or are observed as neutral, non threatening animals. However, not all dogs share this view of all people and it is an extremely serious error for any person to assume it.

Motives for aggression in dogs can vary and are dependent on a number of key factors.

Genetics / breeding
Social development in key life-stages
Environmental factors
Behavioural conditioning / reinforcement
Perspective problems / misjudging situations
Misdirection of drives

A dog’s genetic make-up and breeding is a factor too often overlooked in instances where the less ‘extreme’ purpose bred dogs are concerned. A relative novice is inclined toward understanding that a Siberian Husky will not make an ideal pet for an owner who leads a largely urban lifestyle with little or no opportunity to provide regular opportunities for mental and physical stimulation.

However where the edges begin to blur are with breeds (or cross breeds where breeding is unknown) which can often present an image which entices novice owners toward them without properly understanding the very specific lifestyle requirements the dog is likely to demand.

It is the case in my experience that there are many dogs produced by people who do not have sufficient skills, experience or desire to fully comprehend the importance of identifying the suitability of the people they are supplying dogs to. Similarly, many dogs are bred with little or no attention paid to the quality of temperament within their breeding stock. Hence there is a perpetual problem – in select numbers – where unsuitable breeders supply unsuitable dogs to unsuitable new owners. Addressing this issue within the structure of existing UK legislation is not possible.

Coming back to the central theme of under-prepared dog owners, failure to place significant emphasis or attention on the key life-stage development of dogs is a monumental failing.

A Dog’s Key Life-Stage Phases:

Aged between 6 and 16 weeks (extremely important)
Aged between 16 weeks and 6 months (important)
Aged between 6 months and 14 months (VITAL!)

The average day of the average dog is spent waiting for stimulation or events which can break up the monotony of the dog’s normal routine. In some dogs, attempts to stimulate themselves or indeed relieve boredom can manifest in displays of destruction or even aggression. An owner’s failure to properly recognise the signs of problem behaviour, especially displays of aggression – even as a puppy – can encourage the dog to condition itself to responding to certain environmental events with aggression. Small, relatively unimportant events can spark an extreme response in a dog where inappropriate behaviour is left unchecked.

Aggressive behaviours can be the result of misdirected drives.

Example Scenario:
A young dog – for the purpose of this example we shall say a West Highland Terrier – develops a habit of getting excited at 4.00pm each week day when the school children walk by on their way home.

His initial response is curiosity as a result of what he sees an exciting visual stimulus in his otherwise relatively stimulation-free day. On some occasions the children notice the attention the dog is giving them and they tease him. His response is to bark and jump up at the front door.

Over time this conditioned behaviour worsens. Each day he starts to bark, jump and claw at the door as soon as he sees any children in school uniform walking past. His owner’s response to this behaviour is to shout at him as and when he starts barking and jumping up at the door. His owner doesn’t re-direct the behaviour or address it in any other way other than to occasionally shout. Eventually the inevitable happens and the dog manages to escape through the front door when a visitor is leaving the house. He runs out in to the street and bites the first school child he reaches. His owner insists he has never done anything like this before (failing to recognise he had never had the chance before).

This scenario above is a simple example of how behaviour left unchecked can result in an actual attack. The dog has displayed a clear misdirection of an intense prey drive which was initially piqued as a result of an unstimulated lifestyle and escalated as a result of both the uncontrollable element of the children who teased him but exacerbated by his owner’s shouting in response to his barking, which the dog reads as either a reward for his behaviour or sees it as his owner ‘joining in’ with his behaviour.

The problem is confounded as the dog’s owner has failed to grasp the dog’s perspective of what is happening at 4.00pm each day – whilst his owner sees the behaviour as the dog just letting off some steam for 5 minutes per day, the dog’s perspective of the situation is far more serious – he is seeing the school children is prey items which should be pursued vigorously. The dog’s owner has not recognised the ‘value’ placed on the school children by the dog.

The example scenario shows a failure to provide the dog with sufficient daily stimulation, a fundamental misinterpretation of the dog’s emotions (believing him to be ‘letting off steam’), a perspective problem (not recognising how the dog is viewing the school children) and a failure to re-direct a very prominent prey drive behaviour, resulting in a completely avoidable dog attack.

Aggressive behaviour should always, without any exception, be referred to professionals starting with an assessment by a veterinarian to check that there is no medical issue causing the dog’s behaviour.

The key to educating the public about aggressive behaviours in dogs is to impress on dog owners the need for the following:

Initially be aware of how to identify a responsible, high quality dog breeder or rescue shelter
Learn to understand canine emotions and body language. Avoid anthropomorphic errors.
Be aware of the importance of critical key-life stages in the dog’s development
Understand and implement bite inhibition techniques early and maintain them
Provide sufficient stimulation and recognise the role environmental conditioning plays
Understand canine drives and redirect undesirable behaviour as soon as it manifests

In simple terms:

Learn to understand the dog, don’t assume. Provide exercise and stimulation appropriate to the breed and the dog’s individual personality. Learn to recognise misdirected drive. In even simpler terms: dog bites and dog aggression are not breed specific, they are dog (and owner) specific. Dogs are the product of their genetics, upbringing and environment. Irresponsible supply of dogs is a major contributory factor as is the continuing failure to properly understand how dogs think, why they behave as they do and, more crucially, a failure to spot early warning signs of aggression or, more unforgivably, a failure to take appropriate action as and when a dog does show signs of aggression. Risk assessment is often poor in cases of serious dog attacks on children. Owners often misplace trust in their pets when they have no good reason to, particularly if a dog has never been exposed to certain scenarios in the past (e.g. young children visiting the home of a dog who is not used to them).

Dog bites and dog attacks can be largely avoided. Breed bans have been a monumental failure to address the problem of serious and fatal attacks and serve as an ongoing reminder that it’s not just dog owners who misunderstand the primary causes of dog bites, legislators are as guilty of this and that, quite frankly, is unacceptable. If we really want to understand and reduce dog bites, we have to do more to better understand our dogs, properly train them and put ourselves in a position to understand and mitigate risk factors.

© Ryan O’Meara. All rights reserved.
You may re-distribute this white paper
provided all credits and attributions are maintained.

Why Do Dogs Bite? is a post from: K9 Magazine - The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers

K9 Magazine Issue 51

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:41:47 +0000

Inside this edition of K9 Magazine…. How Often Should I Worm My Dog? Interview With Adele Silva Is Fish Good For Dogs? How To Become a Puppy Socialiser eBook: First Aid For Dogs Heart Murmurs In Dogs: What You Need To Know How To Teach A Dog Stay Pet Friendly Britain: Kate Lawler [...]

K9 Magazine Issue 51 is a post from: K9 Magazine - The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers

Interview With Adele Silva

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:06:14 +0000

Adele Silva is best known for playing Kelly Windsor in Emmerdale. Having been acting since she was a young girl, Adele has had roles in Doctor Who, The Bill, Eastenders and more recently The Real Hustle.

Adele spoke to Kim O’Meara about returning to Emmerdale, her latest film, Strippers vs Werewolves and the two loves of her life, Buster and Misty.

Tell us about your dogs – we’d like to know everything about them!

I have two dogs, Buster and Misty. They’re like little and large! Buster is an 8 year old Yorkshire Terrier girl. We’ve always had Yorkies in our family, we’ve had four over the years but Buster was the first we’ve bought. She’s a funny girl really, very lovable and she snorts all the time – she has a small windpipe so she’s always making funny noises. She has the nicest temperament, people love her and she is so funny, sometimes when she gets over excited she’ll wee a little. But she has a lot of health problems sadly so she’s at the vets every two-three months.

Out of the two, Buster is the character. When anyone comes to the house she’ll paw at their legs for fuss. She loves any attention!

Misty is 8 years old aswell and she’s a Shar Pei. She’s the complete opposite to Buster. She’s very stand-off ish. I bought her with an ex-boyfriend of mine. When we got her I’d never had a big dog before, I’d always been used to small dogs. So we went through The Kennel Club route and found a breeder. Misty’s very aloof, she’s quiet and sticks to one person to the point she’ll sit outside the bathroom waiting for them. She’s a lovely girl, she has a great temperament. One memory sticks out in my mind when she got excited when getting ready to go for a walk, she screwed her face up, it went overly wrinkly and she was wiggling her bum around, it was so cute to see.

She’s fiercely protective over the little one, Buster, aswell. If people come round to see us she’ll sit and spectate for 5-10 minutes taking it all in, wheras Buster’s all over everyone from the start happy for fuss and attention.

I think Misty’s personality is just typical of her breed though. I have a friend who has a Shar Pei aswell and she said her dog is just the same.

When I go back home with them Misty is my dad’s best friend, she sticks to him like glue – but I have a feeling that’s because he’s always eating and she knows if she stays around by him she’ll get something to eat.

When did your interest in pets/animals begin and how long have you been a pet owner?

We got our first Yorkie, Goldie, on my 6th birthday. Then we had Dinky, her daughter and then Katie. By the time Katie was with us Goldie had passed away and Misty was home with me.

I think I really benefited growing up with our dogs over the years, my mum has always been really pro-animals. They were great family pets and being Yorkies and small dogs, good for travelling and good with kids.

You’ve probably best known on-screen for playing Kelly Windsor in Emmerdale on and off since 1993. What do you love most about Kelly and do you see her making a come back any time soon?

Well, Kelly couldn’t be any more from me so when I first read about her in 30 seconds/1 minute I thought ‘I really don’t like her’, she’s so sly, a bit of a bitch and has no living parents but she has so many dimensions. In her most recent time back, I got a call and they told me a little about her plans for coming back with a kid, how she would shake things up with Jimmy and Nicola and they asked if I’d like to come back for a few months.

I started acting when I was 8 years old so I have a theatre background. I spent a lot of good years at Emmerdale and I enjoy playing Kelly, she always had great storylines. I get itchy feet and so that’s why I took a break to try other things. At the moment I have no real ties apart from my dogs. I’m not married, I don’t have kids and there’s other things I’d still like to try so I can always look back and say ‘well at least I tried’.

I think Kelly’s a ‘love to hate’ character. I’m really open minded on it so I never say never. Emmerdale’s always a fun place to be with a cast and crew I grew up with so it really feels like going home whenever I go back.

In your down time from Emmerdale you’ve appeared on lots of TV shows and films. Most memorably ITV’s Hell’s Kitchen where you came 2nd, what did you most enjoy about Hell’s Kitchen? Would it encourage you to do more reality TV where there was something to learn from it?

And finally, this is always a tough question and often requires a fair degree of thinking time but….If Misty and Buster had the ability to speak and answer one question and one question only, what would you ask them and what do you think that they would say?

I think I’d ask Buster ‘do you understand why me and my mum are saying?’ and she’d say ‘yes’.

And I think I could ask Misty anything and she’d say ‘whatever’!

Many Thanks Adele!

Adele Silva Speaking With Kim O’Meara

K9 Magazine Would Like To Say Thanks To….

Aristopaws.com – for the soft dog toys

Ancol Breast Cancer Campaign – for the matching dog beds

DogCollarsandClothes.com – for the gorgeous pink leather Swarovski collars

Hair of the Dog – for the grey Angora knit ‘Love’ jumper

John Paul Pet – for their luxury pet care shampoos, conditioners and sprays

Lush – for their Honey Farm gift set

UrbanPup.com – for their new dog perfume

Wuff in Style – for the pink duffle

And last but not least, Sharah Smith Photography

Interview With Adele Silva is a post from: K9 Magazine - The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers

How Often Should I Worm My Dog?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:13:31 +0000

A dog with worms is an unhappy, unfulfilled and potentially very poorly dog. You might be surprised to learn that one of the more common queries we receive is from dog owners who want to know “how often should I worm my dog?”. The frequency of worming is something that requires some further analysis on the topic of worms in dogs on a more general level. You’ll see why when you read on.

Dog worms used to be considered as ‘just something you have to accept’. Not any more. We know that dogs can actually pass on nasty illnesses to humans as a result of worm infection and if that’s not enough to motivate the average dog owner to keep their dog free of worms, the very fact that a worm infestation can actually prove fatal should really do the trick.

Worms generally tend to be more prevalent in younger animals, but there is a common misconception that by simply treating worms in puppies the dog won’t require regular worming as he or she grows. The fact is, a dog can be infected and reinfected with worms at any time. So even a dog who has been wormed very recently can still reinfect themselves within days, let alone weeks.

Zoonotic diseases are those that can be passed on by animals to humans. They can be very serious, in extreme cases can even cause blindness.

In the UK, the two most common types of dog worms are roundworms and tapeworms. Some have complex life histories and may infest more than one type of animal in their life cycle. A good example of this is the flea tapeworm. Here the maggot-like flea immature stage eats the eggs produced by the tapeworm. The egg hatches within the flea and develops in a dog or cat’s intestine when the flea is swallowed during grooming. It is possible that young children can catch this tapeworm from accidentally eating fleas originating on a pet.

The Importance of Worming Your Dog – Expert Advice from VetMedsPlus.co.uk

Most responsible dog owners know that they should be worming their dog but there are many myths regarding why to worm, how often to worm and what to worm with. Here are the facts:

Why worm your dog?

Worms are masters of multiplication and survival so there are plenty of worms out there waiting to infect your dog. Dogs can acquire worm infections when they come across tiny worm eggs from sources such as:

Animal faeces
Contaminated soil
Fleas
Scavenging and hunting
Mother’s milk

There are many different types of worms in the UK including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms and others!

It can be difficult to know if your dog is infected with one of these common intestinal worms. Your dog can appear totally healthy and may not pass worms in their faeces as is often thought. Symptoms of worm infection can include scooting their bottom on the ground, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and a distended abdomen. However, it is better to treat your dog for worms before they start to damage their health. In addition to this a dog with worms poses a health risk to other animals and humans.

How often to worm?

It is recommended that you worm your dog at least every 3 months to kill any worms present and prevent them developing to a stage where they can damage your dog’s health. In certain situations more frequent worming may be needed. An example is in puppies where worming should be carried out every fortnight until the age of 12 weeks. You should consult your vet if you are concerned about the correct worming regime for your dog.

What to worm with?

It is important to use an effective wormer at the correct dose in order to ensure your dog is not infected with worms. Drontal Plus and Cestem are worming products recommended by vets that are available without a prescription. They both contain the same ingredients (pyrantel, praziquantel and febantel) and are effective against all important roundworm and tapeworm species. They are flavoured making them easier to give.

It is also important to control fleas on your dog or they will re-infect your dog with worms and you will be fighting a losing battle!

Roundworms
The large roundworms of dogs and cats produce thousands of eggs and are commonly seen in puppies. Ingestion of these eggs releases the immature worm, which leaves the gut and migrates around the body of the animal eventually ending up in the intestine, where they develop into egg laying mature adult worms. In older animals they usually stop migrating and become stuck in tissues as cysts where they do little harm. In pregnant bitches these dormant stages re-activate and migrate to the mothers intestine, the milk glands and also directly into the puppies in the womb.

Tapeworms
All tapeworms are caught by a pet following the ingestion of raw animal flesh (e.g. mice or birds) containing tapeworm cysts.

One tapeworm of dogs found in sheep rearing areas of the UK is of particular concern. The worm lays eggs that, when eaten from contaminated pasture, develop into large cysts in sheep (hydatid disease). If a human accidentally eats one of these eggs then a similar cyst can develop in the liver or lungs, requiring extensive surgery and (very rarely) proving fatal.

Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Fortunately there is plenty one can do to eliminate the risk of worms…

Remember to dispose of dog faeces safely, cover sand pits when not in use (to prevent cats using them as litter trays), and keep control of your dog in the countryside.

Most importantly, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends that pets be wormed four times a year.

K9 Recommends: Drontal from Vetmedsplus.co.uk @ £2.19

“Available in sizes for puppies/young dogs upwards”

Buy It Now

K9 Recommends: Cestem from Vetmedsplus.co.uk @ £1.99

“Same ingredients as Drontal, but cheaper!”

Buy It Now

How Often Should I Worm My Dog? is a post from: K9 Magazine - The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers

Best Dogs For Children

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:01:44 +0000

One of the more frequent questions we are asked at K9 Magazine is “what are the best dogs for children?”. As many of our regular friends and readers will know, we’re pretty much breed agnostic. That is to say we have a genuine fondness for all dog breeds and it’s our firmly held belief that any dog, if properly trained, socialised and cared for can be the perfect companion for families with children or without. In this article we won’t seek to give you a definitive list of the so-called ‘best dogs for children’, instead we’ll touch on a few of the popular candidates and give an overview of what you should be looking for when selecting the perfect dog to join your family.

Dogs and Children – Do They Mix?

The concept of dogs and children mixing without trouble has become an alien one to the media recently. With tragic dog attacks involving children sadly becoming more prominent in our media, it is essential that two points are address.

The first being that children and dogs can and will get along famously and add value to each other’s lives given the right preparation and approach. Secondly, it is the responsibility of the dog owner to ensure that there dog does not pose a risk to anyone, especially children.

Golden Rule For Integrating a Dog Safely With Children:

Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child. Whether it is for a second, or an hour, whether it is a Yorkshire Terrier or an Anatolian Shepherd, make this mistake and you will be the one to blame if something happens.

Selecting The Best Dog For Kids

Picture if you will a young family. 2.4 young kids, a young, lush lawn and a newly furnished semi on the outskirts of town. For the lucky ones reading, this might be reality. Nothing is more rewarding than starting a family, but for those who got down to prolonging the existence of human kind a few years ago, you may notice that your children’s heads are disproportionately large in comparison with their meek, yet flexible bodies. If their heads do look a bit large it could mean that you have toddlers. Great, everyone loves toddlers. Especially this writer, but what he likes to see more than a happy, healthy young family is a happy, healthy young family talking the dog for a walk.

It is a scientific fact that the presence of a dog reduces the risk of heart disease, that is of course subject to not smoking sixty fags a day and existing on a diet of lard and fried mars bars. It is also a fact (maybe not scientific) that dogs are the best thing since sliced lard bars. So why not add a canine component to your near perfect home set up?

But I sense trepidation among some of you. What if he doesn’t like the kids? What will he do when we are at work and the children are putting the nursery staff through hell? What if he trashes our new pad?

Buy a timber wolf and you would have good reason to ask these questions, but take heed of our recommendations for the most suitable dogs for a young family and you won’t go far wrong. But remember, your children’s bodies will catch up with their heads by the age of about three and a half. So selecting a dog purely on its suitability to co-habit with young children can be a bit of a red herring. Your aim should be to choose the best dog to share your lifestyle with. There are no shortcuts to training and no matter what breed you do select, no dog comes handily pre-packaged to ‘work with children’. It’s down to you as the owner to train and properly rear your dog to become a model canine citizen.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the breeds famed for their suitability for a young family, based on temperament, adaptability, suitability for house sitting while you’re out and ability to endure kids pulling on his ears is…

The Labrador Retriever

Universally regarded as a superb family dog, this chap is friendly, he’s easy to train, he is obsessive about his personal hygiene and more handsome than George Clooney and Brad Pitt put together. Labrador Retrievers are generally fairly laid back in a family environment, combining a playful streak with a propensity to sit in quiet contemplation while you lot tuck into dinner, owning one will enable you to maintain an active social life so long as you consider the practical needs of the dog, such as garden breaks and feeding.

The Labrador Retriever has the distinct advantage of not requiring a lot of grooming, and therefore not leaving wads of fur everywhere. Couple this with this with his intelligent, affable and obedient nature and you’re onto a sure winner. And let’s not forget that these guys, when they are young, are in fact Andrex puppies, so a ten out of ten for general cuteness as well.

A respectable runner up rosette goes to a dog which surely is the pride of many a family.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffy has copped a fair bit of bad publicity recently and has done so in the past, but it has to be said that thousands of families nationwide are benefiting from his loyalty and friendliness as we speak. When it comes to Staffies, in the immortal words of Public Enemy ‘don’t believe the hype’! Staffies are superb family pets and they tend to have a naturally protective disposition toward children.

A relatively small dog, who is particularly suited to the smaller house environment, the Staffy fits in to all family set ups well. A short, coarse coat means that the doggy brush will not need de-fleecing every two days and the Dyson will be able to get up the stairs without choking to death.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a bold, affectionate dog who loves children. He is also quite a strong little character, Phil Buckley, of the Kennel Club, says the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is “a good all round family pet, robust enough to suffer rough play from children and intelligent and obedient enough to be well behaved around the home and amongst strangers.”

Poodle (miniature)

Elegance and a robust personality go hand in hand with the Poodle. But why the Miniature variety? Well, the bigger the Poodle, the less likely he is to be as playful as his smaller cousins, they just tend to be more laid back the bigger they get. The Poodle is a dog that can happily play with children without ever needing to grunt or growl, so laid back in fact that you should not be surprised to see your Poodle serving as an improvised pillow for a snoozing toddler.

This Poodle has some outstanding personality bonus points, but then you get to the coat. Short, curly fur sheds less and this makes the breed ideal for people who are looking for a low shedding dog breed and / or people who may be sensitive to dog hairs.

Just missing out on a medal is the Golden retriever.

A hugely popular dog, with an adorable personality. The Golden Retriever is a dog that looks great, with his shiny thick coat but he also sounds great. He loves a good bark now and then, which can be inconvenient if you have a baby upstairs trying to get some kip.

On the plus side, this chap is always up for playing, and is strong enough to withstand a bit of rough and tumble when the kids get a bit older, secretly I think he loves a bit of a wrestle, and he is a gentleman about it too.

It is common opinion that this dog is so well behaved and easy to train, that the kids could in fact pick up a few pointers off him. Once again, his long fur has let him down in the perfect pet department, but if you are that mad about Golden Retrievers, you won’t mind a bit of extra vacuuming and will soon find that this lad really is a Super Fury Animal.

Next up is the German Shepherd Dog

Perhaps not what one would immediately think of when talking about dogs for young families, but this dog really does take some beating.

Not a suitable breed for all young families, but in the right situation this dog is unbeatable. The biggest entrant so far, the GSD really is an ideal companion for a young family provided you have adequate space and sufficient time to get him trained. A boisterous dog is bad enough in any breed, but when they are this size they can be a real handful if they are not properly trained.

However, as I am sure fellow GSD lovers will agree, once part of the family, this dog will not be beaten on loyalty, friendliness, obedience and looks. But stuffed away in a small flat on his own, he is a different dog.

The GSD requires an experienced hand to guide him towards appropriate family life, but time spent on him in his formative years will reduce the risk of ending up with an aloof, over confident dog later on in life.

Next up is the Yorkshire Terrier

This is one of the most popular dogs in the UK, so he must be doing something right. However, his suitability as a dog for a young family may not match his popularity with more experienced owners. Dogs this small always run the risk of being trodden on or kicked by clumsy youngsters. Do the same to a GSD and he will hardly notice, but a Yorky could be seriously injured if in the wrong place at the wrong time, perhaps sleeping by a door.

Yorkies are easy to train though, which goes someway to explain their huge popularity, and they do love to play, when it suits them. Being a terrier, this little fella may get a bit protective of his owner when guests pop round for tea. But if your one desire is a dog that will curl up on your lap for an afternoon snooze, then look no further, this is the dog for you. But if you want a dog that loves a bit of hands on play then perhaps our next entrant is more up your street.

Next we take a look at a breed that has a special place in everyone’s heart at K9 Magazine.

The Greyhound

The good old Greyhound is not far off being the perfect family dog. But misinformation has resulted in this dog getting a reputation as a bad pet due to his constant need to be exercised, what utter rubbish! The Greyhound needs as much exercise as any other dog his size, he just happens to be a fast runner. Similar to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Greyhound suffers from a totally undeserved image problem. Don’t buy in to the myths surrounding this wonderful, affectionate dog breed.

But aside from his engine like legs, the Greyhound is a loyal and friendly dog who likes to play to with the kids on a regular basis. For the active family, the Greyhound will really benefit and fit in well. But for the average working family, the Greyhound will find his place just as happily.

Combine this with those beautiful big eyes, his short, manageable fur and his affectionate nature, this breed is an absolutely brilliant dog for a young family.

Whilst the list above gives you some introductions to the commonly heralded dog breeds who are universally recognised as working well in a family unit, we again urge you to consider that any dog will always be defined by the work, attention and care invested in it by its owner. If anything, in this article we are at pains to advise you that selecting a dog based only its compatibility with children would be an error. There are overriding factors to consider such as your lifestyle, the time you are at home, the amount of hours you can put in to the dog’s care, training and socialisation as well as your general preparedness to bring a dog in to your family.

Dogs For Adoption That Are Good With Children

One of the very best ways to increase your chances of getting a dog that will be good with children is to adopt one.

Why, you might ask?

Dog adoption shelters are experienced and knowledgeable about placing the right dog with the right owners. They tend to have done solid assessments on the dog’s in their care and make re-homing recommendations on a dog’s suitability based on a number of different criteria factors. Whatever you do, don’t discount the adoption route as the best way to acquire a new dog, you’d be making a glaring omission if you did. Rest assured, there are many dogs waiting for new homes in the rescue shelters across the country that would be just perfect for a family with children.

Take a look for yourself – dogs for adoption that are good with children.

Best Dogs For Children is a post from: K9 Magazine - The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers

How Much Exercise Should You Give an Arthritic Dog?

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:34:51 +0000

Dogs with arthritis will sometimes limp in pain and as dog owners, it’s heartbreaking to watch your dog suffer. As we know, dogs themselves very rarely ‘complain’ and instead are more likely to give you extra licks when you’re trying to comfort them.

One of the best things you can do for your dog once arthritis has been diagnosed by your vet is to modify their lifestyle and exercise routine. Changing a few small things can have a huge impact on their wellbeing and happiness.

Exercise for an arthritic dog can help in many ways. Managing weight is the main reason, as dogs that don’t have exercise regularly do tend to put on weight. This is in turn increases the weight on the joints and can even cause more pain and swelling. Even if a dog is at the correct weight the constant exercise can help to keep the weight under control and thus reduce any extra pressure on the joints.

Exercise for an arthritic dog can help to increase flexibility and this strengthens the muscles around the joint and increases the dog’s endurance. So for example, if dog is just lying in one position, because of the pain, the joints can become stiff and this can increase the arthritic pain. Such regular exercise can also help a dog to sleep better and this in turn will lead to rested muscles.

When you are exercising an arthritic dog, it is better to go in for more number of short walks every day instead of the one long walk that the dog may be used to in its daily routine. Two 15 minute walks a day are ideal and if the dog feels it needs to rest in between, it should be allowed to do so to recover.

Rehabilitation specialist and ‘A Walk in the Park’ expert, David Prydie offers his top tips to readers:

“Exercise is an important part of treating arthritis in dogs. It helps prevent muscle wasting and promotes joint health. Exercise must be tailored for each individual dog in terms of size, age and stage of the disease. Here a few simple tips and stretches that can be done to make the life of an arthritic dog just that bit better.”

Tips:

Warm your dog up with some simple stretches before you go for a walk.

After a walk make sure you give your dog a chance to cool down, wait for the dog to stop panting and repeat the simple stretches.

Go for more frequent short walks rather than one big one.

Stretches

Using low calorie treats encourage your dog to turn its head round toward its flank in order to encourage spinal movement. Introduce this exercise slowly and do not force your dog to move if it is reluctant to do so. Repeat 5 times on both sides

Encourage your dog to take a treat from above its head and then from between its front legs to encourage gentle neck movement. Repeat 5 times.

Ask your dog to sit and then stand and then sit again. Reward each time and repeat 5 times.

Every dog knows its own limitations, so take a cue from the dog. Avoid any climbing or steep roads on your walks. Also consider finding your nearest hydrotherapy pool. Swimming in a warm pool can be fantastic for dogs with joint problems.

You can also encourage the dog to play games of fetch, hide and seek or even with a football as long as you stop as soon as the dog indicates its discomfort.

Watch our video with more top tips courtesy of www.awalkinthepark.co.uk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THc70xENjE8

Article Brought To You By Canine Arthritis Awareness Month

How Much Exercise Should You Give an Arthritic Dog? is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

Living With an Arthritic Dog: How to Make Your Dog’s Life Easier

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:50:33 +0000

If you have a dog that is hesitant to stand up, slow to respond, or inactive, you would probably think that these are just symptoms of ageing. However, regardless of the age, your dog may be suffering from canine osteoarthritis.

Veterinary care for dogs has advanced greatly in recent years which allows us as dog owners to investigate treatments that can help ease the joint pain and give your dog a better quality of life.

Rehabilitation specialist and ‘A Walk in the Park’ expert, David Prydie, offers his top tips to dog owners who feel their dogs may be suffering from canine osteoarthritis.

“Once your dog has been diagnosed with OA there are some simple adjustments you can do to make your dog’s life easier. Dogs, especially those with arthritis, often find laminate or smooth floors difficult to deal with.”

David continues, “Organise mats or runners so the dog can get around without the fear of slipping or falling. Use ramps to help your dog when it needs to go up and down steps and or get in and out of cars. Where appropriate consider the use of harnesses and lifting aids. Consider the use of a coat for your dog in winter, if appropriate.”

Expert Tails Case Study: Fiona Whiting

Mac, a 9 year old German Shepherd, joined the Whiting family as an 8 week old puppy and for most of his life had been an active and energetic dog. 18 months ago Mac developed a slight limp which failed to clear up and eventually lead Fiona to take Mac to the vet.
Acutely aware that, as a breed, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and canine OA, Fiona’s suspicions were confirmed when the vet diagnosed both ailments. Now on medication Mac’s diet is carefully monitored and he is limited to one short walk a day. Fortunately Fiona has a large garden so Mac is still able to enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors.

If you feel your dog may be suffering from arthritis, book an appointment with your vets. After a consultation where your vet will aim to rule out alternative problems which could be causing discomfort, you can then start to plan ahead to give your dog the best quality of life possible.

Watch our video with more top tips courtesy of www.awalkinthepark.co.uk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THc70xENjE8

Article Brought To You By Canine Arthritis Awareness Month

Living With an Arthritic Dog: How to Make Your Dog’s Life Easier is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

5 Most Common Dog Ear Problems

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:33:56 +0000

Our dogs ears are prone to a variety of unpleasant problems. Whether it’s ear infections, debris, ear mites or damage caused by external sources. Here we outline the 5 most common dog ear problems so you know what to look out for when caring for your dog’s health…

The following are the top 5 common dog ear problems.

Allergies

An allergy is often caused by environmental irritants like dust or pollen. Or it caused by food ingredients. Symptoms of an allergy can be itchiness, inflamed ears, and paws. Feeding your dog with food low in allergen will help in preventing allergies. Low-allergen foods do not contain soy, corn, and wheat. Keeping the environment free from dust would be beneficial too. Consult a veterinarian if your dog happens to experience chronic ear infections, as they are experts in determining the cause of the recurring problem.

Ear Infections

Dog ear infections are commonly caused by ear mites, hygiene problems, obscene or warm environment, bacterial infections, and food allergies. Floppy-eared dogs are more likely to experience ear infections and can be a recurring problem. A warm and moist atmosphere caused by the ear flaps would be an ideal place for yeast and bacterial growth. A dog with an ear infection may experience noticeable ear wax discharges. It looks rusty or yellow ear discharges which has an unpleasant odor.

Debris in ears

Dogs’ ear debris must be removed regularly as part of hygiene. Common debris inside a dog’s ear can be foxtails, plant awns, and others. It is advisable to inspect the inner area of the dog’s ear for any possible debris. A regular ear cleaning would be necessary for debris prevention. Debris in a dog’s ear can be bothering and may lead to ear infection.

Parasites

Parasites like to live on your dog’s hair, skin, and even inside their ears. Many of dogs’ diseases are caused by dog parasites. Fleas, ticks, and mites suck your dog’s blood which affects their health. If a dog is constantly itching or scratching and experiencing hair loss, it is possible that there are parasites living on the dog’s body. It must be treated as soon as possible before it leads to a serious problem.

Trauma

It is commonly called dog ear hematoma. It is a type of ear injury that causes swelling. An ear hematoma can be unbearable for a dog. This serious ear problem can be treated through a surgery; however, if it is untreated it can lead to disfigurement of dog’s ear and nearby areas.

For more information on how to care for your dog’s ears, we recommend you take a look here: Ear problems in dogs.

5 Most Common Dog Ear Problems is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

Bringing Your New Puppy Home

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:49:34 +0000

The fun of bringing a new puppy home and introducing him to his new family is a very special experience. He will, of course, become a well-mannered dog, staying quietly at our side, eager to follow our every command. Well, it is a long road from the cuddly puppy to the mature dog, but with some effort and understanding it can be travelled successfully. It all begins with day one in the new home.

The first few days a puppy is in his new home can be trying for both the puppy and the new owner because both are trying to adjust to a new situation. After all, the puppy finds he has been suddenly taken from his den and litter mates and is expected to immediately accept a new, foreign way of life. However, with patience and a sense of humour on the part of the new owner, the first few days can be accomplished with good feelings on both sides.

Breeders and behaviourists generally agree that seven weeks of age (forty-nine days) is the ideal age for a puppy to go to his new home, with six to eight weeks being the most desirable age range. The six- to eight-week old puppy still needs a lot of rest and will take morning and afternoon naps. For the first day or two, however, he might be very excited and spend much of the day in motion, checking out his new home. As long as he is not hurting himself or anything else in the environment, let him investigate wherever and whatever takes his fancy.

If the puppy is eight weeks old when he first comes home, be very patient with him. This is the fear period and sharp noises or harsh treatment will leave him with fear which may take months to overcome. Let him take his time getting acquainted with everything and do not take him to places where he will be subjected to loud and frightening sounds or activities. If possible, trips to the veterinarian should be arranged either before or after the eighth week.

This Article Has Been Brought To You This Month By

If the puppy is ten to twelve weeks old when you first bring him home, he will be more rambunctious, especially if he is one of the larger breeds, and he will sleep considerably less during the day. However, he is at an age where you can get his attention quite easily and where he will want to please you and stay close to you.

Common natural behaviours you will experience include:

- Howling
- Nipping / mouthing
- Crying
- Soiling indoors
- Chewing

Believe it or not, many new owners panic when their pup starts to display one or all of these behaviours. In fact, some owners get so spooked, they convince themselves they have acquired a ‘naughty’ dog and may even return it to the breeder. Relax. All of these things are normal and expected. Puppies play, the mouth, they whine, they howl, they chew. In the early days it’s simply a case of managing and minimising the risks.

You can cure your puppy biting (www.puppybiting.co.uk).
You can cure your puppy’s howling (www.dogadvice.co.uk)
You can housetrain your puppy very easily (www.k9magazine.com)
You can stop your puppy chewing (www.dogtips.co)

Enjoy your puppy, don’t stress and be prepared to spend some time digesting high quality advice and information on how to shape their behaviours.

Don’t forget, you’ll get even more peace of mind by insuring your pup with a reputable provider – so tick that job off as early as possible.

Looking for instant advice on how to select the best pet insurance policy? We can help!

Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance covers up to £7,500 vet’s fees per condition (option 2) – Click here for more information.

>> Highly Recommended: Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance – £7,500 Vet’s Fees & Up to 25% online discount.

Bringing Your New Puppy Home is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

I Found Blood in My Dog’s Urine, What Does It Mean?

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:10:52 +0000

To find blood in your dog’s urine can be alarming. In reality, so it should be. Blood in the urine is an early warning system that, without exception, should prompt you to take your dog to the vet for tests.

In this guide we’ll explain what some of the potential problems blood in the urine can be an indicator of.

• Urinary Tract Infection or UTI – These are the effects related to urinary tract infection in the dog. When a urinary tract infection already exists, it can get worse because it spreads to different areas of your dog’s urinary system. The infection can spread and can cause inflammation to the dog’s kidneys, bladder, prostate, and urethra.

• Bladder Infections or Bladder Stones.

• Kidney Stones. This is caused by the minerals and crystal increase which affects the dog’s urethra.

• Urinary Tract Tumours. A urinary tumour can cause blood discharges through the urine.

• Swallowing Toxic or Poisonous Materials. Blood in the dog’s urine can be caused by poisoning. Chemicals found in insects and rodent’s poisons are a few known causes of such poisoning.

• Internal Bleeding.

• External Injury or Trauma. A dog that has suffered a physical injury can be affected by trauma. Trauma can very be often almost unnoticeable to the eye. If your dog is suffering with trauma, though physically well to the naked eye, blood in the dog’s urine can be an indicator that all is not well.

• Diseases transmitted from Ticks. Babesiosis, Lyme, and other diseases causes by ticks can result in bloody urine in your dog.

• Prostate Gland Infection. This infection only exists in male dogs. Frequent or difficulty in urinating or pain when urinating are some of the known symptoms.

• Uterine Infection. This infection commonly happens in female dogs. If your female dog’s urine is mixed with blood, she may have a uterine infection. It can also exist when your dog is currently on her heat cycle or if the dog has recently given birth.

Physical examination of your dog’s stomach and kidney’s health history are the primary steps your vet will undertake when diagnosing the problem. A urine test is also essential in identifying if your dog’s kidney and bladder are working properly.

If you suspect that your dog has kidney stones, it needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Other diagnostic tests such x-rays and ultrasound may be carried out by the vet when checking the health of your dog’s urinary system.

Possible Treatments

Antibiotics – Kidney stones and urinary tract infections in dogs can be treated with antibiotics.

Surgical Operation – Performing surgery is generally the last option in most situations, but blood in the urine is often serious enough that surgical intervention may be required if the condition your dog is suffering with has progressed.

In all cases, should you spot blood in your dog’s urine you must get him or her examined by a vet as soon as possible.

I Found Blood in My Dog’s Urine, What Does It Mean? is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

Skin Allergies and Hotspots in Dogs

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:43:26 +0000

Unlike humans, the first sign of discomfort usually shown by an allergic dog is itchy, irritated skin. Skin allergies in dogs can cause some dogs also get a runny nose or eyes, sneeze or even suffer from vomiting and diarrhoea. Uncovering the source of the allergy can be quite frustrating for owners and veterinarians alike.

About Skin Allergies in Dogs

Some dogs are allergic to components in their diet. A food allergy can emerge early in life; usually the offenders are beef or soy products. The best way to determine if diet is causing an allergic reaction is to feed hypo-allergenic food for several weeks and see if the signs regress. To be altogether certain of a food allergy, you’d need to challenge the dog with the prior food and see if the signs recur.

Types of Skin Allergies in Dogs

Another common allergic condition is known as atopy. Atopy refers to an inhalant allergy or a reaction to environmental components. Molds, plants, dust, even furniture stuffing fall into this category. Signs of atopy may be seasonal. The only practical way to discover what’s bothering this allergic dog is to ask a veterinary dermatologist to conduct an intra dermal skin test, much as is done with human allergy sufferers.

Then you can try avoiding offensive material, or attempt hyposensitisation. These problems are also best discussed with a qualified dermatologist.

A few comments about some common dog allergies: many dogs are sensitive to flea collars, flea bites or dyes in plastic food dishes. These things are easily identified and corrected. If a flea collar irritates your dog’s neck, remove it and wash the area thoroughly with a mild shampoo. Switch to another type of product. And if your dog’s red, irritated nose is caused by an allergy to dyed plastic by replacing the plastic dish with metal or glass. If it’s an allergy, the condition should be resolved.

Hot Spots in Dogs

One of the most common summertime complaints seen by veterinarians are hot spots – round hairless patches of tender, red, oozing skin which seem to erupt overnight. They are usually found on the rump, although they may appear anywhere on the body. Hot spots are especially prevalent in heavy-coated breeds and in any dog with skin allergies.

Symptoms of Hotspots in Dogs

Hot spots probably begin as a focus of irritation caused by a flea bite, impacted anal sacs or other small annoyances. However, the more the dog licks and chews at the spot, the worse it feels, so the more the animal licks and chews. A small problem explodes into a large one. These lesions need to be treated promptly before you have a dog in agony.

Treatment of Hotspots in Dogs

Treatment of a hot spot begins with clipping away the surrounding hair and cleaning the surface of the wound. The area is then covered with a soothing spray, liquid or ointment. The veterinarian will attempt to find and eliminate the source of the complaint.

Your dog may need to wear an Elizabethan collar (a plastic contraption similar to a lampshade) around his neck, to prevent it from attacking the area further, until the skin begins to heal. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed as well.

Skin Allergies and Hotspots in Dogs is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

12 Ways to Lower Your Vet Bill

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:12:57 +0000

Veterinary charges are one of the biggest expenses that dog owners have to deal with. The problem with vet bills is that you can’t budget for them in the way you can for food or other more fixed outgoings. A large vet bill can come straight out of the blue and hit a dog owner for six ( or six thousand depending on the problem).

But there are ways that every dog owner can reduce their veterinary expenses, from simple practices that you can do at home to smart money saving exercises that could be worth thousands of pounds. Holly Kernot explores the best ways to reduce that vet bill.

There are a variety of basic health checks and routines you can adopt in order to ensure your dog stays in optimum health.

Basic Health Checks.

Performing a regular health check on your dog will enable you to keep on top of any new or recurring health issues. Potentially serious and costly health problems can be nipped in the bud before they escalate into something all together more sinister, which ensures that your dog will be getting a good level of health care and also, enables you to avoid costly vet bills.

Become familiar with your dog.

Become familiar with your dogs, and regularly check their body for any lumps which may have formed. When at the vets, as them to help you identify the signs of a dangerous lump, and what does not constitute as anything to worry about.

Grooming.

A healthy dog has a shiny coat, and you can help maintain this by partaking in a regular grooming exercise. Regular grooming gives you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with your dog and to carry out these checks.

Regular grooming not only removes unwanted hair and reduces the chances of the coat becoming matted, but can also indicate to you the tell tale signs of skin conditions such as dermatitis, which can be costly to treat.

Dermatitis is often indicated if your dog is scratching himself a lot, or if sores or rough areas appear on the skin. If this is the case, a vet should be consulted immediately.

Bathing your dog on a regular basis can ensure your dogs coat stays healthy, using specialist dog shampoo to remove unwanted dirt and grime. Trim those nails.

Dogs nails do need trimming, and vets and grooming parlours do offer this service, but to save money, many owners buy clippers and do it themselves. However, if you exercise your dog regularly, on the pavement, this will keep the nails short anyway.

Dental Care.

As your dog is a carnivore, it is vital his teeth are kept in top condition.
Keep a close eye on your dog’s mouth and conduct basic health checks to ensure there is nothing wrong. For example, smelly breath, red gums which are swollen and teeth that are loose could all be potential indicators of gum disease. Changes in physical behaviour such as a loss of appetite or unusual chewing habits are all causes for concern. [According to Theresa James, of Dog Supplies Advisor.com.]

Vets do conduct teeth cleaning within the surgery, but to compliment this treatment and to maintain optimum oral health, you could invest in a specialised tooth cleaning kit for dogs, consisting of a toothbrush and toothpaste [poultry flavour available!] [Seek veterinary advice before starting programmes]

Ear Checks.

A dog with healthy ears can be identified as having odour free ears free from dirt and grime. If your dog is shaking his head or partaking in a lot of ear scratching, it could indicate there is an infection of some kind, such as haematoma of the ear flap, which is a build up of blood in the ear area, caused often by infection or mites.

Scratching of the ears can also indicate mites, which should be treated by a vet.

Eye Checks.

It is important to look out for changes in your dogs eyes. A clouded eye lens could indicate the presence of a cataract, while a an inflamed membrane covering the lining of the eye lid [and the eye's white area] could signify conjunctivitis.

Exercise.

A good exercise regime is an excellent way to avoid obesity and mobility problems, which can both lead to serious and costly ailments. Ensure that the exercise regime that you provide for your dog is suitable to his situation. Over exercising a young puppy can lead to joint and ligament issues, which can last for a lifetime. Be especially aware when exercising puppies, as they will always be willing to go an extra mile despite what their bodies are telling them.

All dogs need exercise, so why not go to the park for free! Your dog will love socialising with other dogs, going out with their pack [that’s you] and their favourite games, such as fetch.

The benefits here are two-fold. You both get a good workout and your dog can behave in a natural way, chasing, hunting and ‘killing’ something [the ball in this case]. Providing your dog with toys does not have to be an expensive hobby, according to student dog trainer Alison. She says: ‘‘Dogs need playing with, but don’t buy expensive toys, an old T. shirt or piece of string can be a good toy.’’

Having said that, do not over exercise an old dog as this can lead to joint problems which can be expensive to treat, so change your exercise regime so it is delivered in smaller sessions which are manageable for your dog.

Avoid walking your dog in the height of the day, as the hot tarmac underfoot can be painful on paws!

Food.

A balanced and nutritionally rich diet can be the difference between good health and poor health. It is the key to your dog enjoying an optimum quality of life. But good food does not necessarily need to be expensive, all natural diets, for example, can be prepared relatively cheaply if you have the time and inclination. Life stage foods are also an excellent way for an owner to deliver the optimum nutrition to their pet.

According to Alison: ‘‘It’s a false economy to buy cheap food, it’s full of additives which can lead to dogs chewing and digging in the house [which in turn can be expensive if anything needs to be replaced] and can ultimately lead to behaviour problems.

She goes on to say: ‘‘Don’t be bamboozled by the food that vets sell, they can be keen to recommend food to owners which is only available from them and can be expensive- ask why they recommend it and check other good foods for ingredients.’’
Don’t over feed your dog, as this can lead to obesity and further health related problems.

Insurance.

Pet insurance can be a real benefit when it comes to the long term savings on veterinary bills. Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance covers up to £7,500 vet’s fees per condition (option 2). Plus you could get up to 25% online discount and double nectar points on Sainsbury’s shopping for 2 years! Click here for more information.

Flea and worm treatments.

It is possible to buy flea and worm treatments online or from other retailers other than the vets. By regularly cleaning your dogs bedding, you can reduce the risk of fleas.

The RSPCA website asks the following questions to determine if your pets have fleas: ‘‘Is your pet scratching? Can you see tiny brown specs in it’s fur, are there small brown insects scurrying about, do you have unaccounted for insect bites yourself?’’

Shop around for a vet.

Most dog owners go on recommendations from other owners as to which vets they use. If you do not know any other dog owners, ring around some local practices and see how much an initial consultation would cost, and what facilities are available at the vets. For example, some have dog grooming sessions and hydrotherapy pools available. The mistake many people make is to simply register with the nearest practice. Vets can charge what they want and there is often a large discrepancy between surgeries’ fees, so make sure you are getting value for money.

Look out for symptoms.

Symptoms of diabetes for example, can include your dog being more thirsty than usual, urinating more frequently, having a change in appetite and a loss in weight. If you suspect diabetes, go to your vet immediately.

While obesity can be recognised if you cannot feel your dogs ribs through his coat, this disease can lead to heart disease and diabetes so prevention is most definitely preferable to cure.

There are numerous ways you can ensure that you are not paying over the odds for veterinary services. By being diligent and keeping an eye on your dog’s general well being, you can ensure that any visit to the vet is justified. By ensuring that you are getting a good deal from your vet, you’ll never be in the sticky position of having to shell out more than is fair for treatment.

>> Highly Recommended: Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance – £7,500 Vet’s Fees & Up to 25% online discount.

12 Ways to Lower Your Vet Bill is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

Why Is Puppy Socialization So Important?

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:00:54 +0000

Puppy socialization is so important, it’s worth saying twice. A failure to properly socialize young puppies is one of the single biggest reasons for bad dog behavior in adult dogs. Behavior such as aggression (dog on dog), disobedience and general bad manners around other dogs, particularly in public. The long term benefits of a high quality puppy socialization plan simply can’t be stressed enough. You can’t wind the clock back after all.

Puppy Socialization Can Start Early

Proper early socialization of your puppy can have the positive lasting impact over the course of your dog’s life. It really is THAT crucial.

Socializing your puppy is such a critical part of raising a well adjusted dog. Through early puppy socialization, your young dog can learn to fit into society, learn to live with humans and also with other dogs. This leads to a calm, adaptable dog who isn’t fazed by what they encounter in day to day life.

If dogs are not correctly socialized, they may develop inappropriate behaviors when exposed to new situations or new dogs and people. This can include being overly aggressive or fearful in unfamiliar circumstances. Puppy socialization can help your pup adjust to the world around them at an early age.

When Does Puppy Socialization Begin?

Socializing starts when a puppy is still with its mother and with the breeder. A puppy first learns canine body language and pack structure from around three to four weeks of age, while playing and interacting with its litter mates. It is important that a breeder handles her puppies and plays with them regularly, to give them positive early experiences with people.

The ideal time to bring your new puppy home is when he is eight weeks old. The period from eight to twelve weeks of age is very important for socialization, as your pup is very open to learning and enjoying new experiences. It is vital to take advantage of this stage of your puppy’s social development.

Quick puppy socialization tip: It’s a good idea to invite friends and families to your house to visit, bringing with them their well behaved dog. You can also introduce your puppy to calm, well-mannered children. This type of puppy socialization strategy can allow your pup to learn in a relaxed, informal way.

Puppy Socialization Classes

Puppy preschool is also very important for your young dog. It allows puppies to meet and interact with other dogs of a similar age and level of development, as well as learning some basic obedience commands.

This improves the communication skills of your puppy, as well as enhances the bond between dog and owner. It also allows your dog to sniff and explore in a safe and supportive environment.

Other options for socializing your dog can include going to dog friendly places such as off-leash parks and beaches. It is vital to make sure that your puppy is up to date on its vaccinations, as there may be an increased risk of disease in these places. Also, you need to remember that the other dogs which are there may not necessarily be under complete control.

There may even be under-socialized dogs who may frighten your puppy and set it back in its learning. It may even be better to keep your puppy away from these areas until he is more mature and better able to cope.

It takes a lot of work and effort to socialize a puppy well, but it is an investment in his future, and will help him to fit into his world. Doing a good job will lead to a well adjusted and happy companion who can take anything in his stride.

What’s The Most Important Word to Teach Your New Puppy?

The most important word you can teach your puppy is his name. Getting him to recognize and respond positively to his name can really help during the socialization process. Use your pup’s name in a positive context 100% of the time. Don’t scold them using their name, use the word “No!” instead. Their name should evoke a positive response.

The capacity to learn is born in every puppy, to a greater or lesser degree. Your puppy starts learning the moment he enters your house. (He starts learning about you and soon picks up on all your varying idiosyncrasies – whether you realize you have them or not, mark my words – your puppy will!). His capacity to learn grows as he does and is fully developed at the age of about a year. Although he’ll stop physically growing, he never stops learning and the early puppy socialization steps you take from day one can act as the building blocks to having the most well mannered, well behaved dog over the lifetime of your pet.

Puppy Socialization Experiences From Owners

How are other dog owners socializing their puppies?

A question from a puppy owner on the best methods for deploying a puppy socialization strategy that works, elicited some excellent advice:

Get the pup as much exposure to as many different things as possible (without scaring it )

Elsie is just coming up to 16 weeks now.

As a rough guide, she has been coming out with us (carried until she could go down) from 8 weeks old to shops especially garden centres and pet stores which are great for meeting people and seeing different things. She has met horses, cows, dogs, cats, alpacas, sheep, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens and been exposed to cars, lorries, buses, motor cycles, pedal cycles, boats, chainsaws, tractors, JCBs, pony & trap, carriage and four, . . the list is endless.

However she is now, at 16 weeks happy and content in more or less any situation she finds herself in.

She has also learnt to recall (instantly – but I know we will need to keep working on that to keep her focussed as she grows) she sits and waits for her dinner and also will sit when asked now.

Interesting Puppy Socialization Disease Query:

What are the risks of puppy infections vs reward for early socialization?

Today I visited a dog training establishment to observe some puppy socialisation. When I said that it would be another 3 weeks before my puppy was fully protected from her jabs she suggested that, in her opinion, the benefits of early puppy socialisation outweighed the risk of picking up an infection.

I make an assumption that the puppies attending will all have been inoculated (you don’t spend money for socialisation and training and not do basic health care), but the field is used for lots of dog work. At my vets there is a sign saying puppies that haven’t completed their jabs should not be allowed down on the floor for risk of infection.

Any comments/feedback appreciated.

BTW it was really nice to see loads of pups out having fun together…the younger/less sure pups were kept seperate from the older more boisterous one’s.

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A great question. Answered succinctly…

More dogs are put to sleep due to behavioral problems than all other illnesses put together.

To me it is a no brainer IF the environment is safe. My dogs come home at 7 weeks go on the ground immediately and do not have their first vaccination for a couple of weeks.

None have contracted any diseases.

Puppy Socialization Checklist: To achieve the best early puppy socialization results, be prepared to let your puppy get exposure to many new things, new people, new dogs. Be patient but be focussed on the fact that you can’t rewind the clock. Puppy socialization is absolutely crucial for the long term benefit of you and your dog.

Why Is Puppy Socialization So Important? is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

Dog Urine Killing Lawn?

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 16:04:41 +0000

Dog urine killing lawn? Now, that’s a problem many a dog owner has faced and it causes frustration and annoyance that on the one hand we want our dogs to enjoy our garden, on the other, WE want to enjoy our garden as well!

Our well kept lawn is now looking more like a patchwork of green and brown circles because our beloved dog has seen fit to create their own little patterns.

Of course, it’s really not their fault. I’m positive if your dog knew how, he’d process his internal chemicals to such an extent that instead of killing our lawn, his toilet trips were able to grow us a beautiful little flower to remind us just why we love him so much!

In reality, dog owners with ‘doggy patches’ all over their grass is a problem we can solve with just a few simple steps.

How to Stop Dog Urine Killing Your Lawn

Bev McDonald offers her insight in to how she tackled this common canine problem….

It never fails, my two dogs – both lovable and protective Rottweilers – seem to enjoy urinating in the same spot of the backyard, day in, day out. Whether it’s morning, noon or night, it’s down the steps and to the right, donating copious amounts of healthy, adult dog urine in an approximate 4-square-foot area.

The result is a large patch of brown, ugly, burned-out lawn that surrounds the bottom step of the deck. For my nicely landscaped backyard, the large urine burns are rather unsightly.

I realized that unless some serious changes are made (and getting rid of the dogs was NOT an option), then these spots were not going to go away on their own, so I had to start my research and will not share with you what I learned to keep my grass green and my dogs happy and to try and prevent dog urine killing my lawn.

Why Dog Urine Turns Grass Brown

It’s no secret that urine burns grass, as well as many types of shrubs, annual flowers and perennial plants. What causes the burn is nitrogen. When a dog eats a meal, the protein in the food is metabolized. A byproduct of metabolized protein is nitrogen.

The kidneys are responsible for the collection and secretion of many of the body’s unwanted excesses, including byproducts of metabolized foods, such as nitrogen. So, if all is going well with the dog’s bodily functions then excess nitrogen will be flushed out of the dog’s body through his urine.

Here is where things get a bit tricky: Those who work with lawns and plants know that nitrogen is used as fertilizer. So what’s so special about the nitrogen in dog urine that causes it to kill everything green it touches? The secret is in the solution, so to speak.

With fertilizers containing nitrogen, a small amount goes a long way. If you’re using a rotary spreader (which is used to fertilize the lawn), spilling a pile of fertilizer in one spot would be similar to a pool of urine. The concentration would be too high and would kill the grass below.

Once grass is dead from nitrogen burn there’s not much you can do to revive it. If you want healthy green grass, you’re going to have to replant this area. You’ll need to rake up the dead grass and plant new seed.

Replanting dead areas, however, is somewhat of a “band-aid” approach. If you don’t get to the root of the problem (dog urine), you’re likely to wind up with more dead patches of grass all over the lawn.

So, without further ado here’s my top tip to stop dog urine destroying your lawn…

put a small blob of tomato ketchup in their food every day and watch what happens.

Sounds simple, yes? It is! Try it and observe.

So if you’re having similar problems with dog urine killing your lawn, now you have a workable solution that you can implement very easily.

Dog Urine Killing Lawn? is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

How to Dog Proof Your Home

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:26:44 +0000

Straying, dog theft and other disasters can really cause untold emotional damage to the unfortunate dog owners who have to experience the aftermath of a dog going missing. In this comprehensive guide, courtesy of our friends at K9 Magazine, we give you some simple, easy to implement instructions on how you can make your home more secure and, as close as possible, dog proof.

When was the last time your heard a burglar alarm and immediately dropped what you were doing to call the police? More often than not, the shrill, incessant droning of a burglar alarm is the result of somebody forgetting to let the cat out, a large insect disturbing the sensor or simply a power cut. Very rarely are intruders apprehended on the presence of an alarm sounding, so those of us who wish to add an extra element of security to our homes need to think past the burglar alarm systems of old.

For many of us, our dog constitutes a significant part of what we consider to be our house hold security, but if it is our dog that appears on the shopping list of a burglar the ‘beware of the dog’ sign will only serve as confirmation that the goods are inside. A dog being stolen to order is becoming more common, especially where rare pedigrees are concerned. This does not mean we all need to shell out thousands on hi-tech intruder systems and James Bond style gadgets. Any police officer will tell you that your common sense is your best weapon against crime.

We also need to be aware that dogs don’t need to be in the garden to be tempted by an escape. A front door left open for a couple of seconds could be enough time for a bored dog to nip out in search of some fun only to get lost or worse, hit by a car.

Effective home security relies on common sense more than anything. Are points of entry such as doors, windows and skylights blatant adverts to burglars that your home could easy pickings? The most common point of entry in instances of breaking and entering is a ground floor window, at the rear of a property.

Secure Windows

Double glazing is an obvious security enhancement, but there is usually one window that provides the weak spot. Does your downstairs toilet have double glazing, or does it have that frosted glass that obscures the view inside? If it does, that is where your burglar will try to get in first. Nine out of ten double glazed windows are as useful as no double glazed windows from a security point of view.

If a window can’t be easily smashed, it can often be levered or ‘jimmied’ open. John Davies of Everglaze explained why their windows offer an extra element of security. “In independent tests, PVCu used in windows and doors has proven to be the most resistant of materials against break ins. This coupled with state of the art locking systems mean that you can have peace of mind as well as beautiful windows.”

Doors

Doors to the rear of your property are also commons means of break ins. Doors with glass panelling are the most popular for thieves, whereas doors with ‘yield’ locks are the biggest deterrent according to Home Office figures. Janette Taylor of Kershaw’s Door Warehouse explained how to pick a secure door for keeping dogs in and thieves out. “A solid timber fire door is the most secure door you can get aside from the steel ones you see on army bases and in prisons.

The solid timber doors are not that attractive though, but we work by the rule that the door with the least amount of panels is the most secure, a solid timber fire door is one piece of wood, so it has no weak spots. If you want something a little more pleasing to the eye but still relatively tough and resistant, go for a four panel door with mortice and tennon joints.

These are normal looking doors with reinforced joints at the hinge and handle. As far as keeping dogs inside you could go for a concealed door closer. The tension of the springs governs the time it takes for the door to close, but you are really better off making sure your dog is safely inside before you open the door, some of those door closers snap shut very quickly”

General Household Security

Dogs have been known to escape through ground and first floor windows. There are sophisticated locking systems available that allow a window to be partially open and locked at the same time, if you wish to allow in some air whilst ensuring the window will not be nudged open.

Elaborate camera and panic systems are effective in identifying intruders and alerting the police, but they very rarely ensure your stolen goods are returned. Whilst being effective in improving the percentage of burglars being caught, once your home has been breached any security measures you have taken become redundant.

Top Home Security Tips for Dog Owners:

Make your house unappealing to intruders by keeping it well lit.

Make entry difficult by having solid or at least near solid doors.

Ensure all ground floor windows are double glazed, or at least have modern locking systems in place.

Don’t leave tools for a burglar in a place where they are visible. Ladders, house bricks and even skipping ropes have been used to break into houses.

All of the above are useless if you don’t use your common sense.
Lock doors, close windows and ensure your house does not become a soft target.

Dog Proof Your Garden

One thing that strikes fear into any dog owner is the thought that their dog may escape from the garden. This is why dog owners take certain precautions such as locking the gate, accompanying their dog when he is in the garden and in some cases actually keeping the dog on lead whilst he goes for a quick stretch outside. There are obvious risks and easily imagined worst case scenarios every time your dog scratches at the back to door to be let out.

With some careful planning and a little elbow grease, your garden can be escape proof and more importantly it can be intruder proof. The last thing you want to do is spend money ensuring your dog stays on the right side of the fence, only for someone to hop over and steal him.

Your garden need not like a fortress either. Stylish and attractive features can be made out of the most practical and functional elements of a garden. Ensuring that your garden combines security with style and aesthetics is not an easy combination, but it is possible.

There are three main areas that provide security within your garden, the perimeter (fences and walls), the landscape (the layout, position of trees, ponds and other features) and the lighting (Deliberate lighting such as motion activated security lights as well as strategic positioning of trees and walls to allow for more light). Each of these three areas provide focal points for any garden, adding character and charm as well as serving a practical function.

The Perimeter

A determined dog can dig under a fence or even negotiate his way over one. Since an overly tall fence may look displaced in some gardens, consider making access to the fence less tempting to a dog. Water features such as ponds and waterfalls can prevent a dog getting sufficient access to a fence to facilitate an escape. Bushes and shrubs can perform a similar function whilst being cheaper and providing colour.

If you want to keep your dog away from certain parts of the garden, a fence with weld wood panels (From £92.25 for 1.2 metres) is a good option. Louise Tomlin of Jacksons Fine Fencing explained “The weld-wood panel fences are an excellent idea for dog fencing. They don’t make your garden look like an industrial site and are a great plant support providing an easy surface for climbers to grow”

It imperative for the secure garden that the fence goes far enough into the earth to prevent a dog from digging out.

The Landscape

Restricting a dog’s access to points of exit is key to achieving a secure garden. A well positioned pond or rockery can be more effective than an imposing fence or wall. Combined with an effective wall they can be doubly effective. The trick is to think like a dog. How would your dog try to escape? A rockery elevating a dog half way up a fence can do more harm than good in preventing an escape, and can also allow for ease of access for any would be intruder.

Tall trees provide an extra element to your perimeter. But they also reduce the amount of light getting into your garden. A dark, concealed fence is an ideal entry point for an intruder, whereas a pond positioned underneath the lowest point of any fence or wall provides an extra obstacle for any intruder or potential escapee.

The Lighting

Lighting is a key element to the security of both house and home. Placing motion detecting lights strategically around your garden (the cost of which obviously depends on the size of your garden) can ensure that any intruders are deprived of the cover of darkness. Lighting does little to prevent a determined intruder, but it is often used as a deterrent to the opportunist.

Clever lighting adds style and beauty to any garden. Consider placing upwards pointing spot lamps underneath a tree or in a border. Make your garden look twice the size by arranging your lighting in the corners of your garden or at any elevated points such as a rockery or raised decking.

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You can get more helpful (potentially life saving) tips, advice and resources like this by joining the thousands of grateful dog lovers with a K9 Magazine Premier Membership.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jTrtOGdJ7Q

How to Dog Proof Your Home is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.