i-Pet Blog

PET HINT - Locating a lost pet

2009-05-28T09:22:00.004+10:00

Losing a beloved pet – even for a few hours – is a very distressing experience for pet and owner alike but research shows that reuniting with your pet is much more successful if it can be easily identified. The following steps will help in this process.

First, make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag with your phone number and their name on it and also. Also, ask your vet to microchip your pet, if it hasn’t been done prior to you acquiring the pet. This will identify it for life and details are recorded on a database that will be used to reunite pet and owner in the event that your pet gets lost. Remember to update your details if you change address. Identification tags and micro chipping may be a requirement in your area. Finally, photograph your pet regularly in case you need to use the photo on a “missing” flyer later on.

If your pet does go missing, don’t panic! Look in and around your house first, checking all nooks and crannies including washing machines, clothes dryers and drains. Your dog might have accidently been locked in a room and cats are known for finding excellent hiding holes and ignoring calls.

Dogs and cats rely on their sense of smell to locate their home so place some of your unwashed clothes, your pet’s litter box or favourite toys outside your door to help guide them home.

Door knocking in your local area can also help. While walking the streets, carry your pet’s favourite biscuits in a tin that you can rattle while calling their name. Also carry a flashlight to check dark spaces. A frightened or injured animal will hide and not necessarily come when called.

Phone your local council, animal shelters and vet clinics to leave information on your pet and your contact details, and then distribute flyers with the latest photo and description of your pet in the local area. Remember to withhold several identifying marks of your lost pet in case you need to verify that a person has actually found your pet later on.

Dogs can walk a long way from home so place advertisements in the “Lost and Found” section of your newspaper. There are also sites on the internet that allow you to post a description and photo of your lost pet for free.

Last but not least, visit all the animal welfare shelters and council pounds in surrounding areas every few days. Remember that your description of your pet may not be the same as how the shelter is describing it. State laws vary as to how long an animal has to be kept before it can be rehoused or euthanased.

PET HINT - Choosing a bird

2009-05-28T09:15:00.007+10:00

Birds make wonderful pets. They are cheerful and friendly and the wide variety of shapes, colours and sizes means that you are sure to find one that will comfortably perch in your life.

If you have only a small area for your bird or live in a townhouse or a apartment, keep in mind the smaller breeds such as Budgies, Finches, Canaries and Lovebirds which do not require large aviaries. Smaller birds can also be easier to handle and are normally quieter.

Birds such as Cockatoos and Parrots, while excellent talkers, are also well known for their noisy squawking and are only suitable for people who do not have close neighbours. Many councils, in fact, prohibit the keeping of larger Parrots due to their noise.

If you are looking for a bird that can talk, male Budgies and Cockatiels are a good choice. While male Canaries cost almost double that of female Canaries, they will reward you with their pretty song.

When considering what bird to choose you also need to think about their lifespan. Budgies may only live for five to 15 years but other birds such as Parrots may live to 50 years and Cockatoos up to 100!

All birds love space so buy the largest cage you can afford, making sure that they can fully extend their wings.

Birds are also social so it’s important that they have company, either human or bird. A lonely bird will often develop behavioural problems like feather picking or never-ending screeching which will distress both you and your neighbours.

Some birds such as the native Lorikeet require specialised diets which can be expensive and time consuming to prepare. Other birds are happy with commercial seed mixes and fruit/vegetable treats which are easy to prepare.

When purchasing a bird from a breeder or store, make sure that the cages are clean and the birds have tight, clean and glossy feathers. Some pet stores hand-rear birds that grow into tame, easy to handle pets that are happy to come out of their cages. Make sure that that any bird is fully weaned before taking it home.
Newly purchased birds should be kept away from other birds for several weeks until you are sure they aren’t carrying a disease.

Dogs have morals too

2009-05-28T08:34:00.000+10:00

A new breed of animal behaviour scientists are breaking down old belief systems; that humans alone have morals, ethics and emotions, with the discovery that canines and other animals have rich emotional lives.

Marc Bekoff, a professor and animal behaviourist at the University of Colorado says a dog’s code of ethics is displayed daily in parks, backyards and family rooms. Bekoff has discovered that these things can be measured and has spent thousands of hours in the field observing coyotes, wolves and dogs. After analysing videotapes of the footage, Bekoff is convinced that many animals can tell right from wrong and possess empathy and compassion.

Whilst some behaviour experts still believe emotions and morality are strictly human traits, Bekoff says he is witnessing a turning of the tide with the amount of scepticism dramatically dropping.

In humans, the specific brain structures in which emotions are centred are also present in the brains of other mammals. The similarities don’t end there; the chemicals (called neurotransmitters) which affect these structures are the same in both human and mammalian brains.

Bekoff says dog’s display a range of emotions including; fairness in play, love of company and friends, jealousy, resentment, anxiety, fear, embarrassment, remorse, affection, compassion, grief and loss. Dogs are also thought to have a sense of humour because the same brain structures are active in laughing humans and dogs who are enjoying themselves.

Despite critics citing evidence as often anecdotal, Bekoff argues that thousands of anecdotes equal data.

A Common Cat-Astrophy!

2009-05-25T09:32:00.001+10:00

I had a behaviour consultation the other day for a couple who had two beautiful Birman cats; a three year old male called Pierre and a two year old female called Mischa. The problem was with Pierre who had recently started urinating inside the house, anywhere except his litter tray and usually on the leather furniture. Pierre’s owners were at their wits end with having to clean up after their once house-proud cat.

After we sat down and had a chat it came to light that several things had occurred in the recent past which may have contributed to Pierre’s abnormal (and inconvenient) behaviour; Pierre’s owners moved house several months ago; Pierre had recently reacted anxiously (and very vocally) to the presence of a cat in the front yard, and; Pierre’s owners had bought some new items of furniture and placed them close to where Pierre’s litter tray was located. Another thing worth mentioning was that both cats shared the one litter tray.

So why would these events cause a cat to stop using his litter tray I hear you ask? It all has to do with territoriality. Cats are territorial creatures, some breeds more than others, and they tend to get stressed and anxious when they perceive their territory is under threat. Moving house, for example, can be very traumatic for some cats because they lose their territory and must gain a new one moving from one house to the next.

A neighbour’s cat encroaching on their territory can also be percieved as a threat, as can the addition of new items of furniture to the house. Cats are creatures of habit and even small changes within their environment (such as the addition of new items of furniture) can stress them out. In Pierre’s case, new leather chairs with a strong “new furniture” scent placed next to his litter tray was too much to bear.

Pierre’s owners were advised to provide each cat in the household with their own litter tray (located in a quiet and private area), food bowl and toys to minimise competition for resources within the territory and; that they should be aware that any changes within the cats’ environment can cause stress and anxiety and should be done gradually.

Nursing home cat predicts deaths of patients

2009-05-15T07:45:00.002+10:00

Animals have some truly remarkable abilities. Recent discoveries that dogs are able to accurately detect many forms of cancer and illness in people are amazing scientists and doctors alike. So what happens when we take this a step further? … A cat that can predict death in people may sound like science fiction, but it isn’t.

Oscar was adopted as a kitten from an animal shelter by staff from the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre in the US. Growing up in the third floor dementia unit where patients are treated for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and other illnesses; Oscar has accurately predicted the deaths of 25 patients. At around six months of age, Oscar began making his own rounds of the hospital, just like the doctors and nurses do. He'd sniff and observe patients, and those he curled up next to and stayed with would wind up dying a few hours later. Oscar is so accurate that staff members notify the family of patients if Oscar indicates they might not have long.

Nobody knows exactly how he does it, however there are several theories. One is that Oscar can smell subtle chemical changes in the bodies of dying patients. Another theory is that Oscar reads the body language of the nurses attending to terminal patients and has learned when patients are close to death. However, at the end of the day nursing home staff are not concerned with explaining Oscar’s ability, so long as he gives families a better chance at saying goodbye to their loved ones.

University survey - please take part!

2009-05-11T11:34:00.003+10:00

My name is Amy Richardson, and I am currently in my third year of the Bachelor of Animal Science at the University of Western Sydney. As part of my degree I am required to carry out a project, in conjunction with a client in the Animal industry, for this project I am working with the Petcare Information and Advisory Service.

The purpose of my project is to determine some trends within pet ownership, from aspects such as the acquisition as well as the owners themselves. I ask you to read through the following questions and select the most appropriate answers.

Participation in the survey is optional, however participants must be over the age of 18

Click Here to take survey

Pets at work

2009-05-06T11:22:00.005+10:00

The following considerations are suggested for offices that may wish to allow pets into the work environment. It is guiding information only and any company intending to allow pets should do their own research and seek further advice.

1. Gauge staff interest in allowing pets to visit the work environment. There may be people in your office who are not suited to working in an environment with pets.

2. Check workplace hygiene regulations, especially in regard to areas where food may be eaten, and any Local Government regulations.

3. Establish a pet booking system and ask anyone who wishes to bring a pet to work to register their pet prior to the day. This will allow you to control the number and type of pets that are in the office on any given day.

4. Ensure that any pet that comes to the office is up to date on vaccinations and flea/worm control programs. This can easily be achieved by asking anyone who brings a pet in to sign a registration and indemnity form.

5. Consider asking pet owners to display a pet ID tag with their owners’ name so people and pets can be easily matched up if the pet becomes temporarily separated from its owner.

6. Pet owners should be asked to bring leashes, toys and appropriate bedding to the office so their pet is comfortable and secure. Owners should also be asked to take their pets outside for a toilet break every one to two hours.

7. Pet owners should be asked to supervise their pet throughout the day. If they do have to leave the office for a short time they should have a ‘pet sitter’ colleague who can take responsibility for the pet.

8. Not all pets are suited to visiting the office and a nervous animal can sometimes display aggressive behaviour. Any aggressive behaviour from a pet that is directed towards other animals or people can not be tolerated and there should be a clear policy that owners will be asked to remove their pet from the office if this occurs.

9. Finally, some dogs are not cat lovers and the feeling is often mutual. Offices may want to consider cat only days.

Download these guidelines as a pdf - HERE

The Companionship Award

2009-04-20T14:29:00.002+10:00

The Winner of The Companionship Award for HCAB Short Films 2008 is Andrea Hansen for her short film "A lesson in Love".

Andrea's film showed a grade 5 class learning a valuable lesson about the bond between companion animals and people by hand raising a litter of orphaned puppies.

Andrea is a Veterinary Nurse from Northern Beaches Veterinary Surgery Qld.

Obama’s Final Choice - The Portuguese Water Dog

2009-04-16T08:24:00.004+10:00

On April 11 2009, Bo, a 6-month-old Portuguese Water Dog, was given to U.S. President Barack Obama’s two daughters Sasha and Malia by American Senator, Edward M. Kennedy.

Obama promised his daughters a puppy if he won last year’s election and the gift from the senator was in response to the victory.

Dogs like Bo may look like Poodles, but are in fact water spaniel breeds of gun dogs originally bred to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost tackle and act as couriers from ship to ship or ship to shore. Such a hard working background makes them highly intelligent and loyal companions with great stamina.

However, the Obama’s would be well advised to recognise that such qualities also mean that regular time should be dedicated to vigorous exercise, thorough grooming and committed training routines. Taking these actions will help to address destructive tendencies that arise from boredom and loneliness.

Portuguese Water Dogs need a daily walk of 20 – 30 minutes at least with a regular swim at the local beach or Dog Lake. Importantly, their ears should be cleaned each week - especially after swimming - to prevent disease

And while we can assume that the Obama’s were seeking an energetic dog to complement their active lifestyles, another quality that gained much press was the importance of obtaining a dog that had a low shedding coat. No breed of dog is completely hypoallergenic, however, some – like the Portuguese Water Dog have a tendency to cause fewer problems. This quality has seen the Portuguese Water Dog gain in popularity in recent years although it is still a rare breed in Australia.

No-shed or low-shed breeds that are more commonly available include the Poodle, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Schnauzer, West Highland Terrier and Scottish Terrier breeds. Purposely bred crosses like Golden Doodles also have the no-shed coat.

Regular grooming of such dogs is essential as the coats do not shed and need to be brushed thoroughly several times a week to prevent matting and tangling.

Bo can expect to be skidding and prancing across the marbled floor of the Whitehouse for the next 12 – 14 years and grow to a medium height of 40-50 cm high and weigh between 16-25kg.

The puppy was originally named Charlie, but Malia and Sasha Obama rechristened him Bo in honour of their cousin's cat of the same name. Their parents are said to call the dog "Diddley" because Mrs Obama’s father was nicknamed Diddley, after the musician Bo Diddley.

Does your dog rule the roost?

2009-04-15T09:27:00.000+10:00

Recently I had a behaviour consultation with a client who had an all too common problem – her dog ruled the roost! Rupert; a gorgeous little toy poodle, had been somewhat spoilt and allowed to get away with a little too much. The behaviour which concerned his owner the most was his constant barking at visitors, growling when he didn’t want to be picked up, urinating in the house and acute separation anxiety.

When we discussed Rupert’s behavioural history and how he fits in with the household it came to light that Rupert was treated a bit like royalty. He slept in his owner’s bed, had access to food whenever he wanted, was allowed free range of the house and had no rules or boundaries set in place for him. This, together with his outgoing personality, resulted in Rupert assuming the position of “top dog”.

In order for his family to get some peace, Rupert needed to be brought down a peg or two. I recommended several strategies to Rupert’s owner which involved changing the way they interact with him to make him realise that he does not rule the proverbial roost. Among them was to introduce daily five minute training sessions, where Rupert is asked to perform simple tasks such as “sit”, “drop” and “stay” and is rewarded with treats for his efforts. Another was to feed him at specific times rather then allowing him control over his food intake. Additionally, Rupert was no longer allowed to sleep in his owners bed and was to be given his own bed on the floor. To relieve his separation anxiety Rupert’s owner was instructed to ignore Rupert 10 minutes prior to leaving for the day, and again for 10 minutes upon arriving home. This reinforces that her absence was no big deal and nothing to be anxious about rather than a terrible experience.

So far so good - It’s only been a week and Rupert’s owner has reported that they have already seen positive changes in his behaviour. Rupert is learning that being top dog isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Find your dog a friend

2009-03-25T09:52:00.003+11:00

My dog Bear, a Tibetan Terrier, is a pretty happy guy. We have a good relationship, based on mutual respect and love. We do everything together - walk, eat, sleep, swim, go to dinner parties and the pub, meet my girlfriends for coffee.... I’d take him to work if I could trust him to follow office etiquette (cocking of the leg on handbags, power boards, bins, the photocopier, human legs would be regarded as taboo in my behind-the-times workplace. What’s a bit of doggy wee in exchange for pats on demand?).

And I must say, for a long while, this me-having-to-go-to-work thing was a big fat problem for us both. Separation anxiety hello! And poor Bear, I can’t imagine what he was going through. Did he think I was a cruel mother, putting him in solitary confinement for no good reason? Was he plotting some kind of pay-back by destroying my garden, high heels, and anything left within doggy-reach? I faced a conundrum. I either get a second dog, or put bear into doggy daycare. I lacked the cash for option 1, and option 2, well, what if there were bullies at daycare?

Anyway, point is, Bear and I have put those painful days behind us, and my basil plants for the first time in their life are flourishing. This is all thanks to Sophie, a Maltese X, who lives around the corner. Her mum works too, and after chatting at the local park one day, we decided to force our dogs into friendship to spare us the guilt of leaving them alone all day long.

Now, Sophie and Bear are besties, regular buddies, boyfriend and girlfriend. Call it what you like, they play together twice a week. She comes to our house every Monday, and Bear goes to theirs every Wednesday.

It’s a kind of doggy dating system which gets them socialising, gets us socialising, and saved my shoe collection.

Anyway, to help out others in the same boat, I set up dogtree.com.au, a free, grassroots service to help dog owners connect for the wellbeing of their pet. Find a dog sitter, walking friend, or arrange play dates with a neighbour’s dog while you both go to work. Bear and Sophie love it. And the best part is, in the comfort of his own backyard, Bear can do all the leg-cocking he likes, with no bullies to tell him off.

In Australia 66% of households own a pet. And with so many lonely canines locked up alone all day in backyards, I reckon pairing them up for play dates is a no-brainer. They play, we work, they come home tired and sleep all night long. Bliss.

Good luck and happy searching.

Britt Smith
Founder
dogtree.com.au
helping your dog branch out

What is clicker training?

2009-03-17T13:44:00.000+11:00

Research has shown that animals are more likely to repeat actions that have a positive consequence compared to actions that have a negative consequence. Clicker training is a method of training which takes advantage of this natural tendency by providing positive reinforcement, usually a treat, following a desired behaviour. Although clicker training initially employs classical conditioning, it soon becomes operant conditioning when the animal begins to intentionally repeat an action to earn a reward.

Clicker training has been used to train many species from household pets (dogs, cats and parrots) to those housed in zoos and marine mammal parks. The difference between clicker training and other reward-based training methods is that the animal is told exactly which behaviour resulted in a reward. This is communicated by way of the distinctive and unique ‘click’ sound of the clicker. The ‘click’ sound is used to “mark” a desired behaviour and is followed by a reinforcer (or reward).

Once a desired behaviour has been reinforced several times and is well understood by the animal, a command or “cue” can be introduced. The cue is the name of a behaviour, such as “sit”. To teach an animal the name or “cue” for a behaviour the trainer says the cue before the animal repeats the behaviour. After several repetitions, the animal is rewarded for doing the behaviour, but only after the cue is given.

Clicker training can also be used to reduce bad behaviour through lack of reinforcement. If a behaviour is not rewarded, an animal is less likely to repeat it. Some behaviours are self rewarding, such as barking, and may require the trainer to teach the dog a cue for “silence”.

Animals that are clicker trained tend to be more confident because they have control over the consequences of their actions and they are enthusiastic because they expect training sessions to be pleasurable. Many remember behaviours years later because they were actively involved in the learning process rather than learning passively.

For an introduction to clicker training see this video on Youtube.

Hero Hounds save owners’ lives during the Victorian Bushfires

2009-03-04T10:47:00.000+11:00

Amongst all the sadness and tragedy of the Victorian bushfire disaster, stories of courage and remarkable survival have immerged. Amongst them is the story of Levi, a tenacious terrier and previously unwanted stray, who became a hero when he dragged his elderly owner away from their burning house to the safety of the farm dam.

According to the Herald Sun, 90 year old Gladys Cross had her dog Levi on lead, in preparation to evacuate as the fire approached her Steels Creek home, when all of a sudden her house was ablaze. That’s when Levi sprung into action and dragged Gladys 100 meters through smoke and burning grass to the dam where they sheltered for several hours while they watched their property burn. Gladys survived, receiving only minor burns thanks to her quick thinking K9.

Similarly, the miraculous story of Coco and Cody has become a local legend in the Taggerty region. Husband and wife Peter and Nina were away from their house when they heard about the fires and asked their neighbours to rescue their dogs. When Peter met with his neighbours in Alexandra he was distraught to learn that they had not had time to get Coco and Cody to safety. Nina was particularly affected by the news as she considered her dogs to be “her babies”. Struggling to come to terms with the news and refusing to believe her babies were gone Nina was distraught, so her husband took her to hospital.

Whilst in hospital rumours came in from Taggerty that there was a house still standing and that there were dogs inside barking. Residents went to the rescue of the dogs and as they did so they noticed a near-by shed on fire. They were able to extinguish the flames and save three more houses from destruction. Not only did the dogs’ barking save several properties but the news of their survival was the lifeline that saved Nina, their owner.

Renting with pets - how to find a rental when you own a pet.

2009-02-24T11:06:00.005+11:00

Many rental properties are listed as "no pets".

Ryan Blunden from the Pet Friendly Rentals service has some tips from insiders on how to be successful when applying for a rental property when you own pets. Real estate agent Dennis Wey has told Ryan that pet owners can maximise their chances of being approved for a rental with a

"Reference, reference, reference!"

Read the full interview: Pet Friendly Rentals

Yes you can take your pets on holday too!

2009-02-17T13:29:00.005+11:00

TRAVEL at ninemsn has some useful information on taking your pets on your next trip.

"Leaving your four-legged friend behind when you go on holiday can be a traumatic time — as soon as they see the bags being loaded into the car the look on their faces is enough to melt your heart and even make you think twice about going. So why not take them with you next time?"

Disasters and the importance of identification

2009-02-14T13:59:00.009+11:00

The recent bushfires in Victoria tragically claimed the lives of many, including my honours supervisor from La Trobe University who I had remained good friends with and whom I will miss very much. As well as the loss of human life, many animals, both wild and domestic lost their lives also. Although many animals fled and managed to survive, the difficult task of reuniting domestic animals, especially cats and dogs, with their owners can be made even harder if the animal lacks identification.

Research which looked at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina found that owners that were reunited with lost pets had lower rates of depression than those that were not. This demonstrates the vital companionship role our pets play. Indeed, I have read many stories over the past week telling of Victorians trying to save their pets from the bushfires. The story that stayed with me was that of the woman being winched up to a rescue helicopter who unclipped her harness and fell to the ground to save her dog, both survived. Sadly, not all of these stories had a happy ending as some people died trying to save their animals.

For those humans and animals who survived the fires it is important that they are reunited as soon as possible. Animal shelters are currently working to make this happen however their efforts are hampered when animals lack identification. Microchips and identification tags are relatively inexpensive forms of identification and can help to reunite lost pets with their owners quickly. The important thing to remember is to update your details if you move house or change your phone number. For more information on lost and/or injured pets see the RSPCA, VAAT and DPI websites.

Cats & Stats

2009-02-11T12:36:00.006+11:00

A study has been published by a team from Sydney University on cat ownership in metropolitan Sydney. A random survey of over 2700 homes collected some interesting statistics:

33% of households had one or more cats

of the cat owning households, 76% had only one cat, and 19% had two cats

there were more female cats (55%) than male cats (45%)

the avergae age for a cat was 7 years

97.3% of cats were desexed (spayed / neutered)

Crossbred cats (moggies) outnumbered pedigree cats by a ratio of 3.3:1.

The Burmese was the most common pure-bred breed, followed by the Persian.

Only 5.8% of cats had never visited a veterinarian.

More detailed statistics are available in the article, published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2009). Click this link to go to the article: Demographics and husbandry of pet cats living in Sydney, Australia

Is being licked by a dog unhygienic?

2009-02-02T10:22:00.005+11:00

New research from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University in the USA found that dogs are likely to get germs from their owners.

The researchers also found that "dog owners are more likely to share germs with pets by not washing hands than by sleeping with their dog, or getting licks on the face."

The researchers did not look at the transmission of all types of bacteria - so sensible hygiene practices are always advisable.

Click HERE to read more.

It’s a dog’s life

2009-01-29T07:45:00.001+11:00

Have you ever stopped to think; how good does my dog have it? As I sit here in my lounge room typing on my laptop, my two dogs; Archie a Boxer and Joseph a black Labrador Retriever lie on their beds sleeping, where they have remained for most of the day.

A typical day for my dogs begins with a hearty breakfast followed by a quick game of fetch or tug-o-war in the backyard. When we head off to work, they are kept entertained with the latest chew toys or a puzzle toy filled with treats. In the summer months they even have access to a mini swimming pool so they can cool off on hot days.

Upon our return from a hard days work the dogs are again fed. After dinner it’s time for a training session or another game followed by their evening walk down to the local dog park. Once home, they return to their favourite spot – their beds in the lounge room where they remain until the next morning.

Weekends entail other special things for Archie and Joseph; a trip to the local dog-friendly café, a visit to our family’s house or a treat to chew on.

When I think about it, my dogs don’t have much to worry about. They are given everything their little hearts desire and don’t have to work a day in their lives, except of course to provide unconditional love to us!

Dog vs no-dog - which is the happier household?

2009-01-27T09:59:00.004+11:00

An opinion piece in Melbourne's The Age newspaper last week gave a very personal account of Helen and her dog Chloe. As she recalls the final days in Chloe's life, it is obvious that having a dog in the house is important to Helen.

But she finds that without a dog, she has a sense of freedom in her life.

This is a lovely article describing the conflict between living a "dog-free life" and having "the champagne factor" that comes with having a dog in the home.

Summer heat and your pets

2009-01-22T10:47:00.005+11:00

We all long for summer weather, but for your pet sizzling summer days can be distressing. During summer pet owners must take special precautions to ensure that their pets are adequately catered for when temperatures soar. Now is the time to be prepared for the hot weather.

All domestic pets should always have access to cool, shady areas. For dogs and cats this can be large, thick foliaged trees or wide verandas. In the case of other pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or birds, the cage in which they are housed must never be in direct sunlight. Be particularly careful with bird cages and aquariums that are near windows where the sun may stream in at certain times of the day, as even on a moderately sunny day the sun shining through the glass may be hot enough to be dangerous to the pet’s well-being. Take care that a cage which is in the shade during the morning isn’t exposed to the hot afternoon sun as the shade moves.

All animals must have an adequate supply of cool, clean water. During the summer your pets will drink more water than in winter. If pets are alone during the day it is best to leave them with more than one container of water in case the container is knocked over.
If pets are locked in a house or shed during the day it is essential that the area is well ventilated. A steel garden shed or garage can become a death trap on a hot day.

Never leave pets in a car as even in the shade temperatures within cars can cause death from heat exhaustion in a very short time. Leaving windows down does not prevent the temperature from rising to dangerous levels and may allow the pet to escape on to a busy road or become lost.

Animals suffering from heat exhaustion will pant, lie on their side, be listless and disoriented. In severe cases they may become unconscious. If you think your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion it must be cooled promptly.

Put the animal in a cool and shady area. Damp it down with tepid water (never ice) and fan the animal. Contact your nearest veterinarian urgently but do not transport the animal in a hot car. Only place it in a vehicle which has air conditioning or is cool and airy. Keep the animal damp with cool air playing over its body during the car trip. If the animal is conscious, offer cool, not cold, drinking water. Do not allow the animal to gulp large amounts of water.

Old animals, and the very young, are more susceptible to heat and should be provided with special care during hot weather.

Although many dogs look forward to their regular walk late in the afternoon they should not be walked until the sun goes down during hot weather. Also be aware that concrete and footpaths may be hot enough to burn the dog’s feet.

With a little preparation and consideration for your pet’s well-being, summer will be an enjoyable time for you and your pet.

Polly Want a Cracker?

2009-01-19T20:29:00.000+11:00

Companion (or hand-raised) parrots are popular pets for a number of reasons. Their colourful plumage, unique ability to mimic human speech, superior intelligence and friendly, inquisitive nature make them highly desirable additions to the family. While these characteristics may appeal to you as a potential parrot owner, there are several things you should consider carefully before you commit to parrot ownership.

Parrots are social animals and live in flocks in the wild. For this reason companion parrots are not suitable for workaholics. Lonely, bored parrots are prone to developing behavioural problems such as loud screeching and feather plucking.

Providing a large cage is very important, especially if your parrot is confined to its cage for the majority of the day. Due to their high intelligence parrots must be provided with mental stimulation in the form of interactive toys, a varied diet and training sessions to prevent boredom.

Last but not least, if you are considering purchasing a companion parrot be sure to do your research. Talking to breeders and searching the internet is a good start. There are many different species of companion parrots available whose needs differ considerably.

Hero Hounds

2008-12-24T11:14:00.000+11:00

Recently there have been several stories in the media in which dogs were labelled heroes. “Hero dog saves boy from snake” is the story of Diesel the cattle dog-dingo cross who was hailed a hero after he leapt between a three year old boy and a brown snake, saving the boys life. Diesel received a near fatal bite and was declared the winner of the RSPCA’a animal achievement award.

“Dog rescuing dog a hero in Chile” was the title of another recent story in which a surveillance camera on a freeway in Chile captured a dog running on the freeway and being fatally struck by a truck. Then, another dog came trotting up to the injured dog and dragged it off the road and onto the medium strip, away from the traffic. The video was posted on Youtube and has over three hundred thousand views.

“Clever blind dog a rising TV star” is the story of Myron. Born blind he lost one eye at three months of age to glaucoma and the other eye two months later. Myron was adopted from a local shelter by his caring owners and his zest for life is infectious. Myron’s inspirational story has been told in magazine articles, during visits to libraries and retirement villages and on a recent television appearance on Talk to the Animals.

These stories and many others throughout the ages go to show that the term “hero” is not just for humans - hounds can be heroes too!

A Right Relationship - PART II

2008-12-23T08:00:00.006+11:00

Hints for developing "A Right Relationship"

Understanding comes first.
‘This for that’ assumes you have properly trained what you want your dog to do first. This means pairing a cue such as a hand signal and/or the word ‘sit’ with the behaviour you want (bottom on the ground) followed by a reward many, many times until your dog understands the connection between your cue and the behaviour. This is the ‘education’ part of your responsibility and in most cases will be made much easier for you and the dog if you are able to attend a good reward based training school.

Have a plan.

Many people complain about their dog’s behaviour but when I ask what they would like their dog to do they simply say “be good” but what exactly is ‘good’? Be specific and plan exactly what you will train your dog to do in every routine situation. For example when visitors arrive “I will train my dog to run to his mat and lie down.” Now what you want is clear in your mind and can be transferred into positive action rather than simply shouting at him for jumping up when visitors arrive. This is thoughtful, proactive training and reinforces the idea that you are quietly ‘in control’ of the household and can be depended upon to teach your dog what is expected of him in every day situations.

Take away rewards.

‘This’ for ‘that’ will only work if there is no choice of ‘or the other’. For example, you may offer your dog a treat for coming in the park but if he can choose to play with other dogs instead, he has chosen ‘ the other’ reward – that the environment has provided. Again proactive training is required. Attaching a long line on your dog before he is allowed to ‘go play’ gives you the opportunity to remove the reward of playing with other dogs. Your dog will learn that if I don’t respond to ‘come’ – play ends (you bring the dog in on the long line) and I don’t get a treat. If I do come, I get a treat, a pat and I get to go play again. It is vital that your game is always the best game in town.

Don’t get mad – get even.

Dogs are really impressed by people who are cool, calm and in control. Imagine this scenario and see which owner you would be more likely to accept direction from:

You are a dog out in the yard barking because the kids next door are spraying the hose at each other and screaming.

Owner A: opens the door, steps outside waving his arms around and shouts something very loudly – almost as loud as the kids. You stop and stare briefly then continue barking.

Owner B: Quietly steps out of the house with lead in hand. He attaches the lead asks you to ‘sit’ and gives you a small treat. You are led into the house and asked to settle on your mat for a while.

Owner A has probably achieved nothing. From the dog’s perspective, he joined in the noise making for a while then went inside. If Owner A has ever caught and punished the dog, it is unlikely he would even be able to quickly attach the lead as the dog would have learned to avoid him when he ‘looks and sounds like that!’

Owner B’s dog knew he was under no physical or emotional threat because his training has been based on rewards and positive, instructive interactions. The dog was therefore easily caught and brought inside. Never get mad, just get even by applying sensible management techniques to make it easy for your dog to learn what you want.

Enduring Motivation.

A ‘right relationship’ is built not through fear or intimidation but through trust and mutual respect. By applying the ‘this’ for ‘that’ principle consistently throughout your dog’s life, you are providing access to everything he wants through co-operation with you – a win-win situation for all.

Our thanks again to Karin Bridge, President A.P.D.T. for contributing this article.

A Right Relationship - PART I

2008-12-18T07:52:00.002+11:00

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers is dedicated to enhancing the human-dog relationship through the education of both dogs and owners. Training your dog will be so much easier if you develop a ‘right relationship’ explains Karin Bridge, President of A.P.D.T.

If you really want your dog to co-operate with you and do as you ask you need to teach it not only what you want but also provide a reason why?

You might think of training as simply teaching your dog what words or signals mean - connecting a behaviour such as ‘sitting’ with a signal to sit. This should provide understanding to the dog of what we want.

However dogs are not robots, they will not necessarily do as you ask just because they understand what it means. You must also provide motivation for performing the behaviour – the why?

A classic example was my dog Jack who competed in the highest levels of obedience competitions, yet if my son’s friends asked him to ‘sit’ – he’d just stand and stare as if to say “your nobody special... why should I do it for you ?” This is a large part of ‘who dogs are’. Food, toys and praise are tools you can use to help provide motivation and encourage your dog to repeat the behaviours you want such as ‘sit’ and ‘come’. Ultimately however it is establishing a ‘right relationship’ with your dog that will ensure he will reliably comply with your requests.

Developing a ‘right’ relationship with your dog.

The first step is to earn your dog’s trust and confidence. This is done by providing him with all the things he needs to have a good life, not only the basics such as food, water, shelter and health care but also:

Companionship

Opportunities to meet and greet people

Opportunities to meet and play with other dogs

Regular exercise

A safe environment both in and out of the home. Many dogs feel frightened in new environments. It’s your job to make sure your dog is enjoying play at the dog park or a hug from a young child. Supervise and intervene if necessary so your dog does not have to

An education. Dogs need to learn human etiquette in a positive and nurturing way. Humans expect dogs not to pee in the house, not to pull on a lead, not to jump on visitors, not to dig holes even when bored, not to chase the neighbour’s cat, not to bark at invited guests but to bark at strangers at the door – and lots of other confusing stuff! Your dog isn’t born with this knowledge – he needs YOU to teach it to him

The second step is to teach your dog that all good things come from YOU! You may already be providing good things to your dog but does he know that? Rewards need to be provided as soon as your dog does what you want - ‘this’ for ‘that’. To help you remember, make a list of all the things your dog wants and a list of all the things you want. For example:

DOG DESIRES – ‘THIS’	YOU DESIRE – ‘THAT’
Food x 100 (mostly a proportion of the dog’s dinner NOT lots of special ‘treats’)	Sit x 100 (the doggy equivalent of saying ‘please’)
Go for walk (lead on)	Attention
Your attention	Come
Play tug	Settle
Run free (lead off)	Down
Chase ball	Fetch
Come inside	Quiet
Walk toward park	Walk nicely
Cuddle on couch	Shake hands

Now, it’s a simple matter of continually swapping something your dogs wants - ‘this’ for something you want - ‘that’. Assuming your dog understands what you want - distributing rewards ‘this’ for ‘that’ should ensure he also learns why he should do it for you.

Thanks to Karin Bridge, President A.P.D.T. for contributing this article.

Please come back for PART II of this article - coming soon....

To spoil or not to spoil?

2008-12-16T13:13:00.003+11:00

Many people cannot resist the urge to spoil their dogs, mostly because they love them. Spoiling often takes the form of feeding special treats or allowing the dog to sleep on your couch or bed. Unfortunately, spoiling dogs too much can lead to health and behavioural problems, especially if the spoiling is done indiscriminately and not used as a reward for good behaviour.

I recently received a letter from a man who was caring for his parents Chihuahua, called Candy, while they were on holidays. He became worried when Candy whined and barked when he went on his daily bike ride, so he devised a solution. He bought a bike trailer (meant for carrying children) and now takes the Candy along for the ride. However, he is concerned that he is spoiling her too much and wondered what I thought of the situation.

My response was “no, not at all.” In actual fact I thought his idea was brilliant! Candy was obviously not used to being alone and was experiencing separation anxiety. By taking her with him he provided her with the companionship she craved as well as added socialisation. During these outings Candy got to experience all the exciting sights, smells and sounds of the neighbourhood. I’m sure Candy will miss these outings when her owners return from their holiday.

In my opinion, spoiling dogs is ok but only in moderation. Care should be taken not to indulge your dog too much, especially if using food treats to spoil them. Spoiling should be used as a special reward for good behaviour, rather than given willy nilly. This will reinforce good behaviour and teach your pooch that it is more rewarding to be good!

Landlords urged to drop ‘no pets’ policy

2008-12-07T19:12:00.008+11:00

ABC News: Landlords urged to drop ‘no pets’ policy

Ryan from Pet Friendly Rentals has some interesting comments on the issue of renting with pets.

An article on the ABC News website appeared on the 4th of December, generating a huge debate over the renting with pets issue.

Ryan says:

It’s great to see articles such as this getting mainstream media attention as animal surrendering rates still on the increase with a lack of pet friendly rental accomodation cited as the number one reason.

Read more at Pet Friendly Rentals

Looks can be deceiving!

2008-12-01T09:30:00.011+11:00

In my work as an animal behaviour consultant I see many cases where people make inappropriate decisions when choosing their pet, basing their decision on looks alone. While most people find puppies and kittens simply irresistible, many do not stop to think; how well will this animal fit in with my lifestyle when it’s fully grown? Choosing the right breed or breed type is more important than most people think and can minimise the chances that the pet will end up in a shelter later in life.

Consideration must be given for characteristics such as size at maturity, coat length, exercise and nutritional requirements. In addition, owners need to take into account how much time they will have available to provide companionship, training (if they want a dog), grooming and exercise. Adults are often easier to care for than puppies or kittens because they are already toilet trained and have passed the destructive juvenile stage. An added bonus is that many dogs already know some basic obedience. For people looking for a pet that is less fuss from the onset, a shelter cat or dog may be the most appropriate choice.

Research (and lots of it) is the key to deciding on the most appropriate pet to suit your lifestyle, budget and living situation. Reading books, surfing the internet and joining chat groups is a great place to start. Select-a-pet is an online questionnaire that can help you select an appropriate cat or dog for your lifestyle. See SELECTAPET for more information. Also consider speaking to breeders and people who own the breed or breed type you are considering. The more knowledge you gain on the particular type of pet you are interested in, the more informed your decision will be and the greater the likelihood that you and your new pet will be a perfect match!

Escapee pets: now you see them...

2008-11-30T16:11:00.002+11:00

This video of an enterprising Beagle escaping its enclosure reminds me of some of the 'Houdini' pets I've known as a vet nurse.

Oscar, a striking black Oriental cat, didn't like being left alone and would go in search of human company. At various times he was returned to our clinic by concerned people who had found him at the local shops, lapping up attention on the counter at a video store, and once on a public bus.

Nikita, a brown kelpie, was storm phobic and always jumped the fence at the first sound of thunder. Typically she would be picked up on the road, desperate to jump into the first open car door so she could enjoy the comfort of human companionship.

My own two dogs went through a phase of shooting out the front door every time they could. Gleefully oblivious to all our calls, whistles and threats, they'd usually go down to the lake for a swim, and then bring themselves home. On one of their escapades Ben the Labrador, never very bright, crossed a main road and ran into the side of a passing car. Luckily, he wasn't injured, but the panel beater's bill we received from the driver made him canine non grata for a while.

Escapee pets are vulnerable to theft, cars and attacks from other animals, and can make themselves very unpopular by investigating rubbish bins, hunting wildlife, pooing on lawns etc. A securely fenced yard, with room to run, is a must for dogs (the kind of enclosure shown in the video is clearly inappropriate), and for cats a purpose-built enclosure is a great way to ensure the safety of both your cat and local wildlife.

The lonely, bored pet is far more likely to escape - a companion, plenty of toys and environmental enrichment and of course, lots of attention can help. In many areas there are now 'doggy day care' facilities, as well as individuals who’ll walk your dog or visit your cat while you’re at work. A little planning should prevent your pet from adopting the nickname ‘Steve McQueen’.

Much Loved Moggies

2008-11-06T13:22:00.004+11:00

Amongst the many varieties of cats available as household pets, there's no doubt which one reigns supreme in the popularity department - the moggie! And the much-loved mog is top of the pops for a very good reason. For this basic, no frills feline with its unsophisticated charm has been part of the very wallpaper of our lives for as far back as we can remember

Most of us grew up with a moggie, or at least shared our neighbourhood with one or more. They welcomed us home from school and played with us in the backyard - sometimes even suffering the indignity of being dressed up and wheeled around in a doll's pram! Many an Aussie photo album would bring back fond memories of family rituals which routinely included Puss in the proceedings.

Often we didn't purchase the family moggie - a kitten would be given to us by a neighbour or friend, or an adult cat would just wander into our yard one day and adopt us. Regardless of the lack of pomp and pageantry surrounding these cats, there was always something reassuring, not to mention downright comforting, about seeing them curled up contentedly in front of the fireplace or sunning themselves lazily on the windowsill or the front verandah. They reminded us of home - and life's simple pleasures.

Times have changed, but happily the knockabout Aussie mog is still very much a popular feature of our backyards and households. (It has been estimated that some 90% of Australia's 2.9 million pet cats are moggies). Although moggies do not conform to any standards –coming in a range of shapes and sizes plus a riot of attractive coat colours and patterns - there are certain common denominators. More often than not Aussie mogs are shorthairs (sometimes "fluffies", but seldom with much length of coat). Many are mackerel (striped) or blotched (blobs and swirls) tabbies, which tend to be medium sized and with a reasonably solid build.

Moggies are invariably extremely robust, hardy creatures. Their breeding, based for the most part on natural selection (unlike pampered purebreds there are few arranged "marriages" amongst mogs!) has left a legacy of hybrid vigour. Survival of the fittest has ensured a strong healthy lineage based on natural form and function.
This self-assured, no-fuss feline makes an undemanding pet. Easy to look after and easy to love, moggies fit well into our laid-back Aussie lifestyle - whether there just snoozing in the sun, playing with the kids, or joining the family for a backyard "barbie". Nothing if not adaptable, they are just as much at home in the city or country, making delightful companions for folk of all ages.

The nick-name of moggie is variously attributed to a British dialect variation of the word "Maggie" which originally meant a disheveled old woman, or the name given to a scruffy scarecrow. This tie-in may have had some relevance years back when moggies were more often than not unowned cats, but today's sleek specimens tend to be as well cared for as any of their pedigreed cousins. Nowadays moggie is just an affectionate term used to denote any nonpurebred domestic cat.

Owners may not be aware that they can in fact show their much-loved mogs. For further information about cat shows and exhibiting pet cats, people should contact their local cat club or feline controlling body.

One thing is for sure however, the moggie's lack of aristocratic ancestry will never stop it being "top cat" in the hearts and minds of millions of Australians.

The Companionship Award: Children & Their Pets, The Ultimate Human Companion Animal Bond

2008-10-24T15:22:00.002+11:00

My children Zeb & Brooke playing with their pets

The Companionship Award: Freya and Molly

2008-10-24T08:19:00.002+11:00

Molly, the Border Collie, was brought in by her owner having been run over by a truck. She had a badly fractured pelvis and even after 3 major surgeries it still took over a month before she could walk. In this time her owner became incapacitated and was unable to look after her any more. Being such a kind, gentle dog, I decided to give her a new home. Molly comes to work with me every day. Children who come to the clinic love to play with her and she thrives on the attention too.

The Companionship Award entry: A Lesson In Love

2008-10-23T10:14:00.002+11:00

A grade 5 class has learned a valuable lesson by hand raising a litter of orphaned puppies. A memory they will never forget.

The Companionship Award entry: Arnold and Holly Playing

2008-10-22T09:07:00.004+11:00

Arnold the mini pig came into our clinic suffering from malnutrition on deaths door, here he is 4 weeks later, he now lives on a farm socialising with dogs, cats, horses and a rabbit. As seen in the video he is a very happy social piglet playing with Holly a nurses dog.

The Companionship Award entry: The Human Companion Animal Bond

2008-10-20T08:04:00.001+11:00

A short slideshow showing the similarities of humans and animals - starring Sid the Speagle, Daisy the Beagle, Mick & Smokes the kitty-cats, Arthur Ramshackle the goldfish(RIP) and many more of our furry friends.

The Companionship Award entry: A day in the life of Fynn

2008-10-16T16:13:00.005+11:00

Showing the Human Companion Animal Bond between Fynn and his families two dogs, two rabbits and the cat

Preparing to say goodbye

2008-10-14T16:41:00.004+11:00

Mrs R had tears in her eyes today as she picked up Molly’s medication, probably for the last time. Molly is old now, and aside from a long-term illness she’s struggling to cope with bad arthritis and other age-related changes. She’s blind, deaf and sometimes gets confused. The family has agreed that her quality of life is decreasing and it will soon be time to say goodbye.

We love Molly at the clinic. We’ve been looking after her for years and she’s the perfect patient – friendly, well-behaved and tolerant. She’s had literally hundreds of blood tests, yet never resists the clippers or needle. She’s spent whole days in our treatment room, wagging her tail at everyone who walks past and snoozing in between tests. When we’re done she hops back in her cage without complaint, and she loves to lean in close and enjoy a pat while the vet does whatever they need to. Even without her sight and hearing, she still trusts us. I can’t really imagine Molly not being around, and I know when she makes her last visit to the clinic that we’ll be crying along with her family.

Having said that, everything I love about Molly is just one part of her life. She has been a member of the R family for over a decade, since their kids were small, and has given them all constant love and loyalty. They have fed her, walked her, and picked up after her thousands of times. They’ve swept bags and bags full of her cream coloured fur from their floors and furniture. They’ve got to know all her funny habits and idiosyncracies, and they’ve loved her all the more as she has slowed down and stopped being able to hear them call. As Mrs R said today, Molly is not just part of the furniture or a really great pet; she is “so much a part of us”. There will be great grief at saying goodbye, and life will be forever changed.

Rudyard Kipling, in his heart-wrenching poem ‘The Power of the Dog’, cautions against giving our hearts to our pets, because inevitably we suffer the awful pain of losing them. It’s clearly a poem born of agonising experience, and the advice is sound enough, if avoiding pain is your goal. But when I think of all the Mollys I know, and the people who love them, I can only conclude that it’s worth it. Our pets give us years of unconditional love, companionship and joy. Who would be without that?

Do dog and owner characteristics affect the owner-dog relationship?

2008-10-09T08:12:00.005+11:00

Monash University are inviting people who have owned their dog for 12 or more months to fill in an on-line questionnaire. Included are a personality questionnaire for your dog, and a short one for yourself, a questionnaire about how attached you feel towards your dog and some questions about the activities you do with your dog. Monash University are also collecting demographic information about yourself and about your dog. It takes about 30-45mins to complete all the questions.

To participate in the questionnaire please click on the link below.

Do dog and owner characteristics affect the owner-dog relationship?

Starting out on the right 'paw'

2008-10-01T16:12:00.006+10:00

I often feel sorry for people visiting the vet hospital with their new puppy for the first time. Their lives – and households – have already been turned upside-down by the arrival of a yelping, pooing, wriggly being which bears little resemblance to the tidily groomed and endearingly posed puppies we buy on calendars and greeting cards. They’ve been woken throughout the night, cleaned up more puddles than they ever imagined, and have more than likely already said farewell to some belongings or plants. They gather up the puppy (no small challenge in itself), collar, lead, scattered wits and kids and make their way to the vet hospital, where a barrage of information and advice awaits.

We vet nurses lurk behind the counter, pre-armed with samples of food, pamphlets and handouts, waiting to pounce on the exhausted owner as they make their way through the door.
“What are you feeding Roxy?”
“Have you heard about our puppy parties?”
“How’s Max’s toilet training going?”
Puppy owners, I would not blame you if you turned and ran. Fortunately, most don’t run. Puppy packs in hand, they’re ushered into the consult room, where the vet stands ready to discuss nutrition, worming, fleas, grooming, socialisation, training, microchipping, vaccinations and desexing – and that’s just the basics.

It’s an overwhelming experience for the puppy, too: the waiting room is jam-packed with exciting smells, other animals, new people, bags of food and all kinds of enticements. Naturally, they want to explore (or hide under a chair), but instead they have to sit nicely on the scales, refrain from jumping on the clinic cat and submit to a physical examination which doesn’t allow much room for dignity. We try our best, through cuddles, gentleness and treats, to make it a positive experience for the pup – we don’t want to be the ‘bad guys’!

So why does everyone – puppy owner, puppy, vet nurse, vet – make the effort? I guess it’s because, all going well, that squirmy little bundle of fun is going to delight and disrupt its family for the next 10 to 15 years, and we all want those years to go as well as possible. We want the puppy to grow safely to adulthood. We want her to learn good manners and basic obedience, so she’s a pleasure to live with and handle. We want to ensure he doesn’t suffer due to preventable illnesses. We want her to have a long and truly happy life.

Virtually all of the puppy owners I meet want to do the best for their new friend. Helping them start out on the best ‘paw’ is one of the real joys of my job, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

It's a dog's life... and lovin' it!

2008-07-10T11:12:00.014+10:00

Take our survey!

We want to know about the ways you enjoy life with your dog.

Australians love the companionship their dogs provide! Nearly 40% of Australian households have a dog and owners report a range of benefits from their relationship with their four-legged friends.

Tell us about you and your dog by clicking here to fill in our short survey.

The results of this survey will be published on www.i-pet.com.au in September 2008.

Introducing....The World's Smallest Dog!

2008-07-08T08:01:00.002+10:00

Legends abound with fabulous stories regarding the history of the Chihuahua, including tales of single families keeping upwards of a thousand dogs (each with his own slave!), cremating them with their masters as a guarantee of eternal life and offering Chihuahuas as sacrificial food to the Aztec gods. What is known is that the breed was named after Chihuahua, the Mexican state where it was discovered in the late nineteenth century.

The world’s smallest dog, the Chihuahua is also one of its most popular.

Ideally he should be as small as possible and weigh less than 2.7 kg. Is his popularity any wonder when you consider his portability, his tiny food requirements, his easy groom coat and low exercise needs? Add to that the fact that he is very clean in his habits and ultra alert means you have a built-in family (pocket) watchdog.

Taken all round, the “Chi” is a graceful, alert, swift moving little dog with a saucy expression. Being as small as he is, it is best not to purchase a Chihuahua puppy before 10-12 weeks of age. It goes without saying that he is not the dog for anyone looking for a robust play companion and is better suited for adults or homes with older, gentle children.

The Smooth Coat Chihuahua, as his name suggests, possesses a smooth close, glossy soft textured coat which can be of any colour.

It is believed that the Long Coated variety was subsequently developed in the United States by crossing the Smooth variety with other Toy breeds, thought to have been the Papillon and Pomeranian. Even the Pekingese, Yorkshire Terrier and Toy Poodle have been mentioned as possibilities.

The Long Coat Chihuahua is basically the same dog in all respects as the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, with the obvious exception of his coat. In fact, both types sometimes appear in the same litter, even though they are classified as separate breeds. His coat is long and either flat or slightly wavy with a soft texture. As will all coated breeds, the Long Coat Chihuahua will require regular grooming to keep his coat tangle free.

Victorian councils consider compulsory 24-hour cat confinement

2008-06-30T11:04:00.007+10:00

Councils in Victoria are considering the introduction of compulsory 24-hour cat confinement, triggering strong responses from members of the public. The setting of cat traps as part of the plan has angered cat owners.

Read details of the story in the Leader Press - click here

At least 10 Victorian councils have made it an offence for cats to be outdoors at night. Read more here.

The Cat that was made in Australia! The Australian Mist

2008-06-25T08:58:00.003+10:00

The delightful Australian Mist proudly wears the label 'Made in Australia".

This home-grown Aussie cat breed has evolved from a predominantly Burmese background, with Abyssinian and domestic shorthair input. From this combination has come the most confident and companionable of cats with the loving personality of the Burmese, the intelligence of the Abyssinian and the vigour of the Domestic tabby.

The breed's hallmark spotted jacket comes in a wide variety of attractive hues, from warm brown to blue, chocolate to lilac and gold to peach - with the misty background colours highlighting its delicate but distinctive spots.

A personality-plus puss with a penchant for fun, the Australian Mist thrives on human companionship. Tolerant of even the youngest of children (and not inclined to scratch), these friendly felines enjoy playing games and being part of the hustle and bustle of a busy household making entertaining companions for people of all ages.

Their enjoyment of family life also makes them happy to remain indoors at night, or even lead wholly indoor lives. Some Mists can also be trained to go for walks on leads.

Independent, intelligent and self-assured, these charming cats know exactly what they want out of life - and how to go about getting it!

Winter walks

2008-06-19T13:29:00.005+10:00

It’s easy to spend the winter months snuggled up by the fire with a good book, a box of chocolates and the dog curled up at your feet. Truth be known, the dog would much prefer you to put on your walking shoes, grab a lead and go for a walk.

In most parts of Australia there are very few days where the weather is so bad that a walk is unpleasant. Winter and early spring bring crisp mornings which are far more pleasant for walking than summer heat.

If the weather is nasty, both the dog and owner can wear rain gear. Pet stores have a large choice of dog coats ranging from the purely fashionable in an array of colours and patterns, to the very practical oilskin. It may not be possible to take the dog for a fitting but all you need is the dog’s measurement around the middle at the deepest part of the body, and also the length of body.

In many parts of Australia, dogs are banned from beaches during the warmer months so winter can be an ideal time to take the dog for a walk along a deserted beach. Many beaches allow dogs off lead during this period and there are few dogs which do not react with joy at running free on the sand, sniffing unusual smells of the sea, and even having a paddle or trying to catch waves.

Dogs which get wet during a walk should be toweled off and an old chamois used after to remove water and mud from the coat. Long coated breeds should be dried with a hairdryer and then brushed or combed to prevent the hair from matting.

Both owners and dogs who continue to walk during winter will be trim, taut and terrific when summer arrives.

Take Your Dog to Work Day, Friday June 20, 2008

2008-06-17T13:09:00.009+10:00

Progressive businesses have recognised the value of allowing dogs in the workplace and are supporting an annual event called 'Take Your Dog to Work Day' Friday June 20 in an attempt to support and develop this healthy trend.

Innovative businesses in the US like Amazon, Google, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and universities have developed official pet policies as part of the employee handbook and have set out rules and procedures for introducing and maintaining pets in the work environment.

These initiatives not only encourage worker loyalty and take the strain off leaving pets at home; they can also be effective in stress relief and socialisation of staff as well as having a welcoming nose for clients.

Having a pet at work can:
· increase productivity
· add to a casual corporate environment
· encourage healthy relationships among staff as they socialise with the animals during the day
· encourage needed physical and mental breaks
· enhance the sense of community

Your work might like to think about writing a “Pets at Work” policy. If so, make sure it takes into consideration:
· the needs of non-dog staff and those who may have pet allergies
· a standard of animal etiquette and behaviour
· the security of the office environment
· the importance of up to date vaccinations
· lead requirements when entering or leaving a building
· animal’s being reliably house or office trained so they won’t leave behind any surprises!

Further details on “Take Your Dog to Work Day” are posted on www.muttspace.com.au.

Just Walk Me on the Gold Coast

2008-06-03T14:47:00.005+10:00

Alf Mikelat spent a lot of his working life getting his hands dirty. Before joining the Gold Coast City Council and working his way Team Leader position of Animal Management, he’d made his crust as a mechanic in South Western Victoria.

However, sitting at his desk, sending out reams of fact sheets with contact details of animal behaviourists to people having difficulties with their dogs just didn’t cut it for Alf.

“Experience has taught me that the average person can feel pretty confused with the kind of language we tend use in local government. It can all seem too confusing and overwhelming to people who just want a simple answer on how they can spend more time enjoying their dog in the community.”

So Alf and his team developed the “Just Walk Me” program. Here people that experience difficulty with their dogs can meet up every Sunday with members of the Animal Management group to walk their dogs and become socially responsible pet owners.

“It’s a great opportunity to show people what normal dog behaviour is. Owners can feel nervy about their dogs, but once they understand realise that their dogs are behaving like everyday dogs do, they relax and realise that they have nothing to worry about.”

By sending out flyers to promote the program to people in areas where high regulatory taking place, Alf can bring people having difficulty with their dogs together in open off leash areas.
“It’s a great way to get the dogs that are having problems right out in the open. It means we can deal with issues right in front of us.”

Since it began in October 2007, popularity for the Just Walk Me program has increased across the board. Initially the public open space was deserted but now Alf and his team find that more than 70 people are turning up to exercise their dog, seek guidance and make friends with neighbours.

“The first few times we came, we parked the dog truck in the middle of the park and hopped out in our AMO uniforms. And people took off, all running off in the opposite direction! We learnt that lesson pretty quickly,” he laughs. “We changed our shirts to a friendly green, stuck up some colourful signage and painted up the truck and it wasn’t long before word of mouth got around.”

Alf continues to do the Sunday rounds with two animal management officers, believing that face to face community contact is critical for the program to work.

“We’re here to provide information and answers,” said Alf. “If we can’t answer the questions, we take down contacts and send out whatever information they required.”

Communication is key to running one of these programs successfully, so Alf handpicked animal management officers he knew that community members would feel comfortable to approach.

So far, the program has been a success, with a plateuing of animal complaints just one of the benefits.

Someone like Alf doesn’t rest on his laurels however; Alf has in his sights a pet awareness strategy that takes a cradle to grave approach. With pre-natal programs being rolled out in hospitals, kindergarten programs with the Wiggles and Doris the Dinosaur, and a similar strategy to the Just Walk Me program is being developed to target senior residents with pets who can’t get out as often as they’d like.

“If we can fix just one complaint, one concern, then I reckon we’ve done our job,” says Alf. “Primarily I want to make sure that these Sunday’s are for people with dog problems. Sure it should be fun too, but it’s more important I think, that the dogs with difficulties are getting out where we can tackle those problems head on.”

“I’m really stoked at how well the programs gone. It’s not only been dead easy to run, but dead cheap too!”

How to run a “dead easy, dead cheap” Just Walk Me Program

· Turn one of your trucks into a Just Walk Me truck. Alf got the engineering team to convert his station wagon into a promotional vehicle that also converts into an information table.

· Turn the public image of AMOs on its head. Instead of your usual AMO officer uniform, pick up some shirts in “friendly colours”, green or yellow, and embroider them with the “Just Walk Me” program logo.

· Set up lots of signage in the area advertising the event. Tall “feather” signage like the colourful ones you might see at the beach or at outside events are just the ticket to get people’s attention.

· Link up to an existing health program that’s running in your council. Alf hooked the “Just Walk Me” program in with the Gold Coast City Council’s “Active and Healthy” program. In doing so, he was able to get assistance with signage and promotion.

· Target areas that are displaying the most regulatory action and high registration numbers

· Send out flyers for the programs when sending out regulatory notices or fines

· Handpick officers who have good people skills are and are capable of talking with people from all walks of life

· Evaluate the program both the teams’ progress and dog owner’s general ongoing exercise and training activities.

· Provide a simple healthy morning tea with fruit and juice.

Alf Mikelat has been with the Gold Coast City Council for 6 years. He also works as a chief training officer at Burleigh Heads Surf Life Saving Club.

For further information on local government animal management solutions go to www.ccac.net.au

A purrfect conversationalist

2008-05-29T14:46:00.001+10:00

Most cat owners are able to interpret the range of meows their cat makes and believe it to be the means cats use for communication, but meows are directed almost exclusively at humans. In cat-to-cat communications the meow is used mainly between mother and kitten and not between adult cats.

Cats which live with humans have learnt that a small amount of effort achieves maximum results and have become highly skilled at managing humans to get what they want - food, shelter and human affection.

When cats first began wandering into Egyptian households thousands of years ago, it was probably the pleasant sounding cats that were accepted into human society. Even today it is the pleasant sounding cats which are the most likely to be adopted from pounds and shelters, while the demanding ones risk being left behind.

Scientists have detected sixteen distinct feline vocal sounds and believe there are many others inaudible to humans. It is known that cats can change the inflection of the voice to indicate whether they are happy, sad, anxious, lost, looking for someone, surprised, or even just keen to announce their arrival.

Humans can assign meaning to cat sounds because through long association with cats, they have learnt the connection between various sounds and behaviours.

As well as using the well known “meow” cats use a range of other vocalisations to express their opinion. Hisses, growls and screams are usually made by a frightened or angry cat that feels threatened and wants to discourage attack.

Cats that are permanently confined indoors make chirping and chattering sounds, often accompanied by rapid clicking of the teeth, when looking through windows at birds which are beyond reach.

The way a cat makes its purr is a mystery to scientists but it is thought that it is meant as a means of communication, although scientists are now considering whether it may have a deeper meaning - a type of cat ‘mantra’. Mother cats purr while feeding kittens and the kittens purr along with her. Purring is most often heard when the cat is being petted or stroked by a human and so is interpreted as being the sign of a happy cat. However, cats also purr under stress or when they are in pain. The pitch of the purr varies according to the cat’s mood. Scientists have measured the cat’s purr at a frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz which are the sound frequencies shown in medical tests to improve bone density and promote healing.

Cat owners who feel relaxed and happy with a purring cat on their lap may just be gaining more than companionship.

Latest research – getting a dog can get you fit

2008-05-27T12:17:00.002+10:00

With estimates that only one in 10 Australians over the age of 50 exercise enough to gain any cardiovascular benefit , new research from the School of Population Health at the University of Western Australia may point the way to achieving a more active lifestyle.

The research, published in the March edition of the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, shows that people who acquired a dog increased their recreational walking by 48 minutes per week compared with an increase of only 12 minutes per week for people who did not acquire a dog during the period of the study.

“This means that there is a direct link between getting a dog and increasing the amount of walking you do, and clearly shows that dogs have a significant role in motivating their owners to walk more,” says Hayley Cutt, principal author of the research.

“Moderate exercise, such as walking, has proven health benefits for people of all ages but it is especially important for older people as it is a low impact, no cost option that has a lot of health benefits,” says Mr Trevor Shilton, Manager of Physical Activity, National Heart Foundation.

“Walking is good for cardiovascular health, bone density, joint health and the maintenance of healthy weight levels.

“Being active with our pets can also have social and mental health benefits. Walking is a great way to clear your head of the worries of the day and enjoy the company of others, including our pets. Improved social support is linked with reduced heart disease, and walking the dog can be a great way to improve our interaction with others and with our neighborhood.

“This research supports the idea that it’s never too late to be active. Even among those who have not been active for some years, taking up a new walking program can bring very rapid improvements to your health. Exercise also plays an important role in maintaining muscle and bone mass and our ability to function independently as we get older,” said Mr Shilton.

“Our bodies respond well to exercise, whatever our age, and it is clear that we are more motivated to go for a walk if we have a four-legged friend just waiting for the chance to get out and stretch his or her legs,” he added.

The Pug

2008-05-23T12:05:00.003+10:00

"Multum in Parvo" - a lot of dog in a small space; a particularly apt description for one of the oldest breeds of dog, the Pug.

This endearing little fellow is thought to have originated in China around 400BC but has also been discovered in both Tibet and Japan. It eventually found its way into Europe where it quickly became the favourite of the Royal Courts.

The name "Pug" is thought to have originated from the nickname given to marmosets, a common pet in the 1700’s. It’s believed that the dogs’ facial expression was similar enough to the monkey’s to be granted its’ name.

The breed gained wide popularity throughout the Victorian era and is featured in many art forms of the period wearing either decorative collars or bows around their short, thick necks.

The head of the Pug is massive with a short, blunt, square muzzle. The eyes are large, and prominent, dark in colour with a soft expression. The body is compact and the tail curled as tightly as possible over the hip, with a double curl being considered the ultimate in perfection.

The coat is fine, soft, short and glossy and most commonly coloured in silver or apricot-fawn with velvety black ears and a clearly defined black muzzle or mask. There should be a clearly defined "thumb mark" on the forehead and a black trace down the centre of the back. Although not as common, the Pug also comes in a glossy solid black.

The Pug is an ideal pet for all ages and may be especially suitable for older folks as his exercise needs are quite moderate. It is important to ensure that the Pug is kept cool on warm days as this breed does not cope well with heat. As the Pug is very much a breed which prefers to be a house dog he will generally search out the coolest spot in the house - and certainly the most comfortable whatever the weather!

There are few more endearing dogs than the Pug. It has a natural affinity with children, craves human companionship and although he has a certain dignity about him, manages to combine it with a good sense of humour and a strong desire to be the centre of attention.

Have you heard of hearing dogs?

2008-05-21T07:43:00.002+10:00

There would be few Australians who do not recognise a Guide Dog and acknowledge its right to accompany its owner onto public transport and into stores or restaurants.

Neither so well known nor as identifiable are the “Hearing Dogs” which alert their hearing impaired owners to a variety of sounds.

Hearing Dogs are often smaller crossbreeds obtained from animal welfare shelters after careful assessment of their temperament and trainability.

After months of intensive training using positive reinforcement methods, the dogs are carefully matched with a hearing impaired person.

A Hearing Dog alerts its owner to sounds through the use of its body. It may run back and forth between its owner and the sound or it may physically lead the owner to the sound source.

A Hearing Dog is trained to let its owner know when:

• The phone rings

• The doorbell buzzes

• There’s a knock at the door

• The smoke alarm sounds

• The alarm clock rings

• The kitchen timer sounds

• Its owner’s name is called

In response to either a smoke alarm or alarm clock, a Hearing Dog is taught to jump onto a bed or couch and alert a sleeping person using either a nose nudge or some other form of physical contact.

Because a Hearing Dog is able to alert the owner to the presence of others nearby it is also able to assist in providing a strong sense of security.

A Hearing Dog may also relieve some of the stress associated with communicating to hearing individuals and help the hearing impaired person socialize more effectively and freely. The dog may increase self confidence and esteem as they rely less on others for basic support.

Companionship is another positive aspect of a Hearing Dog with many owners and their dogs sharing a very special bond of friendship and trust.

The RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk

2008-05-15T12:59:00.004+10:00

The place to be on Sunday 18 May is at Australia’s premier pet event the Million Paws Walk.

The Million Paws Walk is a fun day for any animal lover.
Whether you’re a pet owner or not, it’s a great day out and an important fundraising event for the RSPCA.

The Million Paws Walk provides a real festival atmosphere, with entertainment, a great variety of food and drinks, demonstrations and exhibitions, competitions and a host of other great activities in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Funds raised through entry fees and the sale of merchandise help assist the RSPCA to operate its animal shelters, support its Inspectorate services and provide community education on animal welfare issues.

Taking part in the Million Paws Walk is a great way to help animals in need. Each year, the RSPCA in Australia investigates more than 42,000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect.
So, brush off your walking shoes, pull out your pet’s leash and bring along your “best friend” to Australia’s premier pet event.

This year’s event will be held in about 70 locations across Australia with a walk held in every state and territory.

For information on a Millions Paws Walk near you, visit http://www.millionpawswalk.com/

The Grey Ghost Dog – The Weimaraner

2008-05-13T08:13:00.004+10:00

Weimaraners are the grey ghosts of the dog world.

Direct descendants of the St. Hubert Hounds of eight century France, the Weimaraner came into being when a genetic mutation occurred. It created the distinctive colouring that makes the Weimaraner one of the most readily recognised breeds.

In the early days of the breed, the Weimaraner was used by the noblemen of the Court of Weimar as a big game hound, taking scent from the ground, hunting dangerous quarry which it brought to bay and held it for the huntsmen.

Not long after the breed came into being, the hunting of large game became a rarity in Germany because the large game died out with the encroachment of civilisation. The sportsmen then concentrated on smaller game and required a dog which would work on both game and birds. The Weimaraner was then crossed with native bird dogs to develop the breed into the all purpose dog.

The breeding of Weimaraners was jealously guarded by a select few fanciers who selectively chose only the most intelligent dogs to produce the finest stock possible. The Weimaraner was recognised as a breed in Germany in the nineteenth century.

Today the Weimaraner is kept as a sporting dog and used in the very competitive world of field trials but he also is a wonderful family companion. He has a strong sense of territory and makes an excellent watchdog. His temperament and trainability make him a great companion for owners willing to meet his requirements for exercise.

An aristocratic large dog, measuring up to 69cms, the Weimaraner has a short smooth and sleek silver grey coat with the appearance of a metallic sheen. Although rare, there is also a long haired variety in which the coat measures up to 5cms in length on the body with longer feathering on the back of the legs and tail. The eyes of the Weimaraner are a shade of amber or blue-grey, unlike the darker brown found in most other breeds.

When walking the Weimaraner appears rather awkward, but when trotting he has smooth coordination. The Weimaraner is not a breed content to be a kennel or yard dog as he does best when allowed to share in family life.

House-hunting with pets

2008-05-05T13:11:00.006+10:00

Finding pet friendly rental accommodation is not always easy.

Residential tenancy agreements either don’t mention keeping pets or state that written consent is required from the landlord before pets are allowed in rental properties.

In many cases a rental agent is the first point of contact and will have a great deal of influence over who the successful tenant will be. Ask the agent to raise the subject of pets in person with the owner of the property if possible.

To persuade the agent to do this you need to present them with information detailing why you and your pet should be considered as tenants. Presenting information about yourself and your pet in a face-to-face meeting will have a better impact than if it is raised over the telephone.

Seven Ways to Prepare for a Pet-Friendly Rental Agreement

1. Prepare an attractive photograph and résumé on your pet which includes medical records, obedience school certificates

2. Provide written references from past landlords, neighbours, obedience schools, groomers and veterinarians

3. Explain how you provide appropriate levels of exercise and attention and hygienically clean up after your pet at all times

4. Describe the arrangements you make for the care of your pet if you are away on business or holidays

5. If the pet is a dog, explain that you always keep control of it in public places, do not allow it to roam the streets and do not allow unnecessary barking

6. Offer to bring your well-groomed, well-mannered pet to meet the property agent and/or owner to demonstrate it is responsibly cared for and well behaved

7. In addition, mention anything about your pet’s age, activity level or traits which help reinforce that it is a ‘good tenant’.

When the above information is provided with references attached, you will be ensuring the owner/manager makes their decision with the benefit of a full description of your pet and its habits, and in the knowledge that you are a responsible pet owner.

International Guide Dog Day

2008-04-30T10:15:00.005+10:00

International Guide Dog Day will be recognised all over the world on Wednesday 30 April, allowing people to celebrate the contribution Guide Dogs make in assisting people with blindness or vision impairment to get around safely and independently every day.

Guide Dogs spokesperson Manisha Amin says “On this day it is important for the community to remember that Guide Dogs and their users can go anywhere.

“Unfortunately not everyone is aware of this and discrimination against Guide Dog users does still occur” continued Amin.

Working Guide Dogs can legally accompany their owner on all public transport, and in all public places including shopping centres, cinemas, restaurants, and beaches.

Australia’s first Guide Dog user Arnold Cook had been studying in England during the 1940’s and quickly recognized the practicalities of obtaining a Guide Dog to assist him in navigating the busy streets of London. A man of action, he went on to set up the first Guide Dog training centre in Australia in 1951.

Guide Dogs undergo rigorous training to ensure they have the ability to focus on their work in public places which can be noisy and distracting. It takes approximately two years to fully raise and train each Guide Dog. Not every Guide Dog in training graduates and only those with the right personality and a willingness to please and learn are selected.

For more information please visit Guide Dogs Australia.

The Cornish Rex – a most intelligent lap warmer

2008-04-29T09:30:00.003+10:00

The Cornish Rex is a quaint but chic-looking cat, having a long narrow head with a prominent Roman nose, large flared ears and a muscular body rather akin to that of a Greyhound. Its spectacular crimped coat looks and feels like cut velvet.
The Cornish Rex is an intelligent and playful cat with boundless curiosity and makes an enchanting pet for gentle children. It craves human company and affection and gets on well with other cats and dogs.
The only problem with a Cornish Rex is that it has such a mind of its own. It is intelligent enough to get up to mischief, no doubt knowing it is being naughty. But once people have owned a Cornish Rex, they seldom go back to another breed.
Its intelligence makes it adapt easily to car travel, moving house and apartment living, and it is an ideal pet for elderly people as well as families.
Their low allergenic "Poodle-type" coat is low maintenance, sheds minimally and means that many asthma or allergy suffers who are unable to enjoy ownership of other breeds, may be able to live with a Rex.
While the Rex's coat is extremely low maintenance, it does not afford the same protection as a normal coat, so these cats need to be kept warm and dry. To compensate for their lack of guard hairs, the Cornish Rex has a slightly higher surface body temperature than other breeds - making them wonderful lap and foot warmers.

Pets and Home Renovation

2008-04-24T12:20:00.009+10:00

In the current volatile housing market, many people are choosing renovation over relocation.

With 85% of people continuing to live in their home as they renovate (1), it's important that renovators consider the needs of the family pet.

There are many hidden risks to pets in a renovation, not to mention the added stress of having unfamiliar people coming and going, loud noises and less attention than usual from members of the family.

Renovation risks to your pet

Fumes from paint or varnishes

Sharp tools

Power cords from electrical equipment that may be just too tempting for a puppy that loves to chew

Unsecured fencing that may allow your pet to wander

Most pets can be quite happy at home during renovations but it's important to eliminate risks and - as far as possible - reduce stress levels in the household.

Five tips to reduce renovation risks

Don’t forget the basics. Your pet should be wearing a collar and identity tag with your telephone number at all times (even if it is micro-chipped)

Areas such as the garden shed that your pet would not normally be able to access can contain potentially lethal materials such as snail pellets. Make sure your pooch is kept well away from garden sheds or areas containing gardening equipment.

There will be people coming and going from your house during a renovation and they can’t be expected to keep an eye out for your pets. Make sure that your pet is in a secure area at all times.

Make any changes to your pet’s sleeping or eating areas prior to the start of the renovations. Changes in environment or routine can be very stressful for a pet so it is best to establish new habits before any major changes begin.

If your renovations are substantial and you can’t provide safe and secure surroundings for your pets, it may be best to temporarily move your pets to other accommodation. Cats, in particular, can become quite stressed by change and may benefit from being put in a cattery.

Pets look to their owners for love and security so it is important that you make time for your four legged friends during a renovation. Regular walks for a dog and a quiet place for a cat to watch the proceedings can go a long way to reducing the stress of a renovation for you and your best friend.

[1] AAMI research 2005

10 Top Tips for Eco-Friendly Pet Ownership

2008-04-21T09:45:00.005+10:00

Today's guest contributor Dr Kersti Seksel, President of the Australian Companion Animal Council and leading veterinary animal behaviourist recommends 10 top tips for an eco-friendly pet.

1. Keep your cat inside at night
While the majority of cat owners are not required by law to keep their animal inside at night, they are encouraged by Council to do so. This will protect both the native wildlife and your cat. The majority of car accidents and cat fights that injure cats occur at night.

2. Clean up after your dog
To prevent environmental pollution and prevent the spread of infection, use a poop scoop or a bag to pick up the faeces. You can then place it any street litter bin.

3. Train your dog to obey you on cue
Teach your dog to sit, stay and come. If you are in a sensitive environment, being able to trust that your dog will understand and listen to you is crucial. It will also benefit their safety.

4. Keep your dog on a leash when walking in bush land
While walking in bush land, it’s important to keep your dog on a leash and use the stated walkways. This will help protect the native flora and fauna in the area.

5. Use recycled paper for cat litter.
Your local supermarket will stock at least one or two different brands. The best are made from 100% recycled paper, and processed into 100% biodegradable, environmentally safe, pelleted paper products, with no additives or chemicals.

6. Use targeted flea control products that minimize any impact on the environment.
With the newer oral and topical systemic treatments and products on the market, flea control is becoming much safer, more effective and more environmentally friendly than ever before.

7. Consider using alternatives to plastic bags for picking up after your dog
You can also consider recycling plastic bags that would normally go straight into the bin i.e.: bread bags, fruit and veggie bags, chip bags, dog food bags, cereal bags and then newspapers, or paper doggy bags.

8. Use biodegradable doggy bags.
These are readily available from supermarkets and your local pet store.

9. Keep your cats and dogs out of National Parks.
It’s prohibited under the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act to have a pet in a national park, let alone off a leash. But dogs and cats can’t read signs, so it’s up to you as an owner to be responsible.

10. Be aware of pet accessibility in State Parks and Marine Parks.
While most state and marine parks do not allow pets in parks, state forests do but only if on a leash and controlled.

The most important aspect of caring for your pets and the environment is that you take responsibility for doing the right thing – and that includes researching the most socially responsible options for your particular circumstances.

A Decade of Progress - Pet Owners more environmentally Responsible

2008-04-17T08:57:00.004+10:00

The latest research into pet ownership, conducted with approximately 1,000 Australians by Roy Morgan Research has shown that pet owners are more aware of their responsibilities to the environment than they were a decade ago.

Pet ownership brings many benefits to owners and the communities they and their pets are part of, but it is vital that the responsibilities of being a pet owner are understood and acted on.

In 1994, when the last research was done, 63% of owners reported that they kept their cats in at night, whereas in 2006 the comparable figure is 78%.

There are similar improvements in the number of owners who report cleaning up after their dog. 64% of dog owners now report that they ‘always’ pick up their dog droppings, compared with 33% in 1994.

It is particularly pleasing that 61% of the general population felt that the extent to which dog owners pick up droppings had either ‘increased a lot’ or ‘increased moderately’ since 1994.

Carl Carthy, pet lover and CEO of Greening Australia is the owner of two dachshunds, a breed that was originally bred to hunt badgers. He is highly conscious of the need to check the garden because he is lucky enough to have koalas, echidnas and blue tongues lizards visit from time to time.

He checks the garden before letting them out in the morning and never leaves them outside in the garden unsupervised.

Next week, leading animal behaviourist, Kersti Seksel, provides 10 top Eco tips for pet owners

Creating an Under Water World

2008-04-14T09:26:00.001+10:00

An aquarium has been accredited with soothing qualities and after a hectic day at the office the blood pressure is undoubtedly lowered by watching fish glide past.

Aquariums range from basic fish bowls containing one or two common garden variety goldfish to salt water aquariums containing exotic marine life and colourful fish more likely to be found around coral reefs.

There are lots of ways to set up an aquarium in an attractive manner and there are no limits to your fantasy. The size of the aquarium depends on your personal choice and the space available. The number of fish you keep will be determined by the size of the tank. Fish need approximately 1 litre of water per centimetre length of fish.

Decide where you want to put your tank before you set it up as it is almost impossible to move even moderate sized tanks once they are filled with water. A place near the window is not an ideal situation as temperatures will vary greatly and the sunlight will cause algae growth.

If the tank is to be placed on a flat surface, such as a bench or table top, it is important to check that the surface is even as the glass base will break under the weight of the water if the surface is uneven.
If your tank is to have a filter system, lights etc, then a power supply will be needed close to the tank.

The bottom of the aquarium should be covered with river sand or a gravel sold by dealers. Rinse the gravel thoroughly with running water before putting it in the tank. Fish like cover and this can be provided by using rocks of varying sizes as decoration.

Any stones which contain lime or metal are toxic to fish. All rocks should be rinsed with boiling water before being used.

Without preparation tap water is unsuitable to use in aquariums. Your aquarium or dealer will be able to advise you on water conditioners to remove chloride, fluoride etc from the water.

Plants are essential to the environment of your underwater world as well as decorative. Plants enrich the water with oxygen and also provide hiding places for the fish. In the beginning fast growing plants should be placed in the tank. Before planting remove all frayed or sick leaves. Make a hole in the gravel and insert the roots of the plant and cover.

The most important equipment which you can purchase for your tank is a filter system.
This will save you a lot of work keeping the tank clean.
Tropical fish will require heaters in their tank to maintain a constant water temperature.

Rough Coated Collie –a lovable Lassie

2008-04-04T17:07:00.002+11:00

The Rough Collie started life as a rough-and-tumble sheep herding dog in Scotland many years ago.

It was not until Queen Victoria's interest in the breed elevated his status from that of a lowly shepherd's helper to a favourite of royalty and the wealthier classes, that he started climbing the popularity ladder.

Becoming immortalised for all time through M.G.M.'s "Lassie" films, the Collie has gone on to become one of the world's most recognisable and beloved breeds.

No longer in demand as a herder, today's Collie has transferred these abilities to serving as a devoted family dog, with a particular affinity for small children. Never happier than when he has a job to do, the Collie delights in adopting the dual role of family companion and watchdog.

The Rough Collie's abundant two-ply coat, which comes in tonings of sable and white, tricolour, or blue merle, is without doubt his crowning glory. Although it obviously needs regular grooming to keep it clean and in good order, it helps that the Collie is not so profusely coated around the legs as many of the other heavily coated breeds.

Like all working dogs, the Rough Collie needs regular exercise to keep him in trim. Intuitive and anxious to please, he also responds well to training.

Dog in a Ute

2008-04-01T14:28:00.009+11:00

April 5, 2008

The Corrigin Apex Club with assistance from the Corrigin Community is once again organising and running the Dogs in a Ute event. 2008 is the 10 year anniversary of when the small Western Australian town of Corrigan broke the World Record when they attracted 699 Dogs in Utes from right across Australia.

What is it?

The Dog in a Ute event involves the coming together of two great rural Aussie icons - the 'Ute' and man's best friend, the 'Dog' to raise funds to donate back into the community.

In 1998, the event raised $20,000 for the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) and then in 2002, the town smashed it again with 1527 dogs in utes. This time around they raised $60, 000 and again donated the funds to the RFDS and local Community Emergency Services.

Since this day, no other town has been able to break the record.

Any queries about this event can be directed to Coordinator Jenny Barratt on 0439 901 784 or email jbarratt@corrigin.wa.gov.au

The Birman – an ideal indoor cat

2008-03-28T12:51:00.003+11:00

The Birman, or sacred Cat of Burma, is a strikingly beautiful and unusual breed. It has a pale coloured body, dark face, ears, tail and legs, a semi-long coat and white "gloves" on its paws. Its eyes are a beautiful, deep sapphire-blue.

A famous legend is the only explanation we have for their colouring: one hundred pure white cats lived in the Burmese temple of Lao-Tsun. One night the temple was raided and the oldest priest was killed. His pure white cat, Sinh, jumped on the body of his master and the priest's soul entered the cat, and as it did so the white hair of his body became golden (like the Temple goddess), his legs, face, ears and tail became earth coloured and his paws remained white as a symbol of purity.

Birmans have soft voices and are more active than Persians but less active and talkative than Siamese. The coat is more silky than fluffy, and for that reason it rarely mats and is easy to groom and keep in order. However, regular grooming is still a must. They are recognised in most colours with sealpoint and bluepoint being the most common.

Their history is romantic, their looks exotic and they make an ideal companion for owners desiring an indoor cat.

More information on obtaining a Birman

The 2008 Royal Easter Show

2008-03-19T11:15:00.007+11:00

March 20 – April 2, 2008

All creatures great and small are waiting to meet you at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.

From baby bunnies to huge horses, animals of all shapes and sizes are making an appearance.

Get up close to the action during a performance or learn about various breeds in one of the many interactive displays including:

• Grand Parade and Horses – one of the traditional highlights of the show
• The Sunday Telegraph Animal Walk – entertaining, educational and interactive. Suitable for all ages, but particularly great for the kids
• Dairy Farmers Farmyard Nursery – hugely popular – baby bunnies, cuddly calves, little lambs and perfect piglets.
• Milking Barn and Working Dairy – interact with the animals first hand; learn about milk production and dairy farming.
• Dog and Cat Shows – over 3000 dogs strutting their stuff and lots of kittens, cats and laughter.
• Yard Dogs – watch gifted animals working and performing at the Show with demonstrations running throughout the 14 days.
• Dog Flyball – an exciting spectator sport that draws massive crowds to cheer on the dogs while they race.
• Shearing Demonstrations – fun and fast world champion shearers will be showcasing their skills every day at the show in exciting displays.
• Chook Washing – good, clean fun! Watch these cheeky chooks be preened and styled to look their very best.

The Royal Easter Show is internationally renowned for being fun, energetic and educational! So why not take the family? They’ll love you for it!

For more information click here.

Cat Adoption Weekend

2008-03-13T08:24:00.015+11:00

If you’ve been keeping up to date with our “i-pet blog”, you’ll know that cats are the purrfect pet for busy families!

Cats offer loving companionship and are easy, relatively low maintenance pets, just wonderful for a child’s first introduction to the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership.

There are also many cats available through adoption. Giving a pet a second chance at a happy home can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences

With all this in mind, you might like to give a fabulous feline friend a home by visiting the “Cat Adoption Weekend” at the Keysborough Animal Shelter

If you don’t live close to the Australian Animal Protection Society in Keysborough, why not try your local shelter .

As anyone who has gained a pet this way will tell you, your pet will never let you forget how much they love you for it!

When: Saturday, 15th March, 10.00am to 3.30pm & Sunday, 16th March 2008, 11.00am to 3.00pm

Where: The shelter premises – 10 Homeleigh Road, Keysborough, Victoria.

Website: http://www.aaps.org.au/

If you have any enquiries, telephone the shelter on (03) 9798 8415 or (03) 9798 8044.

Five Etiquette Must-Do’s when Off-Leash and Fancy Free

2008-03-11T09:42:00.008+11:00

So you’ve got a great new furry pal and you’re imagining yourself bounding across emerald green grass or gleaming, sandy beaches as your new dog lopes gracefully beside you.
There’s no doubt that off-leash activity is fun and it looks easy, but by developing good off-leash etiquette you can help ensure your dog is one of the most popular pups off-leash!
In Part 1 of our off-leash etiquette blog posts we explored how to best prepare before going to the off leash area. Now in Part 2 we look to what you should do while there.

Part 2: Off–Leash Etiquette: On Ground

ENTERING THE OFF-LEASH GROUND
Always enter the off-leash area with your dog on lead.
Not only will your dog know who’s in charge right from the start, but it also allows you the opportunity to assess the off-leash environment. Look for the mix and behaviour of the dogs in the area and decide whether it’s suitable for your dog that day. Dogs are similar to people in that they make good friends with some dogs and certainly don’t with others.
If you decide that the off-leash area is suitable, it’s a good idea to ask your dog to sit before letting them go off lead. This helps remind him to listen out for you while he runs free. The command “Go free!” or similar is effective and can be used equally well at home or in the off-leash grounds.

REINFORCE THEIR GOOD “AT HOME” BEHAVIOURS “OUT OF HOME”
You’ll often hear people say that their dogs are very well behaved at home, and just plain silly off-leash.
A good way to address this is to do some reward training while at the off-leash areas. Undertake the training at a quiet time so that your dog is not too easily distracted and include commands such as “Wait”, “Stay”, “Sit” and “Heel”. If done regularly, such directions will ensure you have a dog that can be called out of a pack or held back from a difficult situation.

WHILE AT THE PARK
One of the great things about regular off-leash area visits is that not only does your dog get to meet friends, but so do you. Research from the recent People, Pets and Planning Symposium shows that 84% of pet owners spoke with other pet owners when walking their dog and 50% of dog owners got to know others as a result of their dog.
Ultimately, however, the safety of yours and others dogs is a priority, and one of the behaviours you should definitely look to avoid is pack formation.
Dogs left to their own devices may form a pack and then get into mischief (chasing, running away, etc). If the group of dogs is starting to play rough with each other, it’s best to move away for a short time and call your dog to follow.
No matter how enjoyable the company is that you’re keeping, ensure that the company your dog is keeping is similarly well mannered and sociable.

PICK UP YOUR POO
Take your own bio-degradable doggy bags and pick up after your dog. Responsible dog owners recognise that good “poo protocol” is a must if we want to keep our off-leash area privileges maintained.
While many good off-leash areas do supply doggy bag disposal centres, it’s Murphy’s Law that if you don’t carry your own, the poo bag dispenser will either be empty, or miles from where your dog decides to do his business.
Local by laws in many councils require you to carry bags at all times when walking your dog.

RELAX AND HAVE FUN
A well trained dog should look to you as to how to best behave. It’s a good rule therefore to maintain a relaxed, happy and calm composure.
This shouldn’t be too hard as watching dogs chase each other with the wind in their fur and big, drippy smiles on their snouts, is one of the best entertainments you’ll be likely to find in the local neighbourhood.

Purrfect pets for children

2008-03-06T16:05:00.007+11:00

With the latest research showing that pet ownership is associated with lower levels of absenteeism from school due to illness[1], cats have been nominated by the Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS) as the purrfect pet for busy families wishing to introduce children to the joys and responsibilities of pets.

Cats are great companions and enjoy the attention children lavish on pets, provided proper care is taken by the child. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a great first pet.

In many households, children are the driving force when it comes to getting a pet so it is a good idea to use this enthusiasm as an opportunity to talk about the responsibilities associated with pet ownership. Of course, it is also important to make sure that adults are involved in caring for the cat.

Some people associate cats with allergies, and it is certainly true that pets can cause allergic reactions, but there is also an increasing body of work that shows that early contact with animals with fur - particularly cats - can assist in having a lower sensitivity to pet allergies later in life[2].

It’s a good idea to research the type of cat that is best suited to your lifestyle as cats have very different personality traits and physical characteristics. For example, a Russian Blue cat is quite active and will want to be involved in whatever is going on, whereas a Persian cat prefers less activity.

The great Australian moggie also makes a great pet, although it is important to find a well-socialised cat. A kitten that turns up on your doorstep may need a lot of expert care if it is timid or not well socialised.

For families thinking of adding a cat to the household, consider the following three questions.

1. What sort of household do you have?
If everyone in the house is out during the day at school or work, it is a good idea to have two cats as they can help keep each other company.

2. What sort of cat do you want?
There is a cat to suit every family so do your research on the different breeds and don’t forget a moggie from a good home. A good place to start is the information on PIAS’ website – www.i-pet.com.au

3. How much attention will your cat get?
Children need to be taught to be quiet and patient with a cat and to handle it properly. They also need to be taught when to leave a pet alone as too much attention can overwhelm a pet.

Cats are a great addition to any family and with around 25% of Australian households enjoying the companionship of a cat, it is clear that many children are growing up with all the benefits of a feline friend.

[1] Beneficial effects of pet ownership on child immune functioning, Dr June McNicholas et al, University of Warwick.
[2] The effect of pet ownership on the risk of allergic sensitization and bronchial asthma. Liccardi D’Amato et al. Journal of Respiratory Medicine.

The British Shorthair

2008-02-28T10:28:00.006+11:00

The British Shorthair has a rags to riches story. Cats introduced into Britain in Roman times were primarily "working animals" that provided a useful service to man by reducing the mouse population. Centuries of "living rough" produced a line of strong, hardy, self-sufficient and street-wise cats with a stamina borne of exposure to all kinds of inclement weather conditions.

Nineteenth century author and artist Harrison Weir so admired these cats’ natural sturdiness and intelligence that he started selectively breeding the most outstanding specimens he could find. Today those same knockabout qualities ensure that the British Shorthair remains among the most versatile and popular of all cat breeds.

A true no-frills, no-fuss feline, the British makes a perfect pet for busy households. Undemanding and untemperamental, it is easy to care for, easy to live with and, most of all, easy to love!

This "gentle giant", with its massive rounded head, thickset cobby body and short legs has a teddy bear appearance and makes a handsome addition to any home. Its dense but easy to groom fur comes in a comprehensive range of beautiful colourings and coat patterns. The most popular is undoubtedly the classic British Blue. Apart from the more traditional solid colours, the British Shorthair now also comes in attractive new hues and patterns such as lilac and white bi-colour and silver spotted tabby, as well as "Siamese style" colour pointed markings.

British Shorthairs generally get on well with other cats, plus dogs and pets of just about all kinds. They are also extremely resilient when interacting with children. In fact, their placid, easygoing, unflappable nature means that they will take virtually anything in their stride.

The British Shorthair gravitates towards the comforts of home and hearth where it enjoys snoozing and lounging around the house. Having "fallen on its feet", this cool, calm and collected cat nowadays quietly embraces family life, while making a decorative, dignified and much-loved member of the household.

New puppy FAQs....

2008-02-26T15:43:00.004+11:00

In just a few short weeks after birth, puppies become active and fun and in need of guidance, training and socialisation in their new homes.

But what happens in those early days? Here are some FAQs:

What is the gestation period of a dog?
63 days from time of the mating.

How large are newborn puppies?
The size of newborn puppies varies depending on the breed.

Can newborn puppies see?
All puppies are born with their eyes closed and therefore cannot see. Puppies start to open their eyes at about 10-12 days old.

What colour are puppy’s eyes?
Regardless of whether the eye colour of the adult dog is brown, yellow or even blue, the eyes of puppies will be grey and not change to the adult colour until about 12 weeks of age.

What age will the puppy be able to hear?
Although puppies may respond to vibrations they will not begin to hear until about two weeks old. If puppies cannot see or hear how do they find their mother? Puppies are born with a fully developed sense of smell which allows them to locate their mother for a feed. They also seek out the warmth of her body.

At what age do puppies walk?
Puppies are unable to walk when born and will drag themselves to the mother for a feed. At about two weeks old the puppies will start to lift their bodies off the floor and crawl. At approximately three weeks they will be able to walk and by 4 - 5 weeks they will run.

Are puppies born with teeth?
All puppies are born without teeth but by the age of 8 weeks they will have their milk teeth. The permanent teeth appear between 12-18 weeks.

What age do puppies start to play?
Puppies begin to play with their litter at about 3-4 weeks old and at 6-8 weeks will chase and wrestle each other.

What age do puppies start to eat solid food?
Puppies may be given solid food at 3-4 weeks old although they will not be fully weaned until about 6-8 weeks.

When should a puppy have its first vaccinations?
Puppies should have their first vaccinations for the dog diseases Canine Hepatitis, Distemper and Canine Parvo Virus at 6 weeks old, with the next vaccination at 12-14 weeks.

When can a puppy go to a new home?
Puppies are usually weaned by 6-8 weeks and should not go to new homes until they are able to feed and have been vaccinated.

Pet Ownership may address Community Health Crisis

2008-02-18T12:20:00.010+11:00

Pet ownership combined with pet friendly urban planning may help to address urgent social issues of poor mental health, social isolation, obesity and depression. The emerging research was revealed at the recent People, Pets and Planning Symposium held at Deakin University.

An international first, the symposium brought together over a dozen academics and experts who presented research demonstrating the beneficial relationship between companion animals (particularly cats and dogs), social trust and social capital.

Social Capital

While previous research relates to the individual benefits of pet ownership, new research suggests that there are collective benefits for communities via the presence of pets, extending well beyond pet owners themselves.[1]

Dr Lisa Wood, a research fellow of The University of Western Australia, has been investigating the relationship between pets, social capital, neighbourhood environments and health as part of a larger study being conducted in Perth. Her research concludes that:
· 84% of pet owners spoke with other pet owners when walking their dog
· 50% of dog owners got to know others as a result of their dog
· 70% pet owners rarely or never felt lonely
· 74 % pet owners rarely or never found it hard meet others
· 60% of pet owners were more likely to be actively engaged in community activities

“Social capital can take many forms,” said Dr Lisa Wood. “It can be as simple as the lending of a cup of sugar or as inspired as a community rallying towards a common cause. In simple terms, it behaves as the social glue or fabric of our communities. Our research appears to show that pets are playing a vital role in its continued health and development.”

“Overall,” she said “pets’ help people meet each other, chat together and enjoy each other’s company. All of which goes a long way towards building happier, healthier neighbourhoods.”

Urban Planning

Professor Billie Giles-Corti, a Professor at the University of Western Australia, has been examining the effects that urban planning has on social capital.

Her research, taken over a five year period, reveals that neighbourhoods designed with attractive, pet friendly, walkable streets may in fact be helping create effective social networks while concurrently addressing the nation’s obesity epidemic.

“Urban design that plans for community needs and networks,” said Professor Giles-Corti “will encourage people to walk up to three times more than those neighbourhoods characterised by poorly connected streets and inaccessible shops and services.”

Ms Virginia Jackson, a town planner and leading authority on the place of pets in city environments, also spoke at the symposium. Presenting research accumulated over years working with national organisations, Ms Jackson voiced concerns over urban consolidation and pet ownership regulations, regarding them as potential threats to the benefits of companion animals.

While two thirds of Australian households currently own pets, statistics from a 2006 Australian Companion Animal Council report show that pet numbers in Australia are in decline.

“If we want people to continue enjoying the benefits of pet ownership,” said Ms Jackson “then it is vital that in planning our domestic and public spaces, we genuinely consider pet and pet owners needs.”
“If we choose to ignore these needs, there is a very real danger that pet ownership will become an option enjoyed only by the elite few.”

Faye Gravenall, the President of the Eltham Recreational Walkers Group supported Jackson’s words. In presenting the local stories of dog walkers in her area, Faye illustrated the tangible social support that the elderly and the vulnerable found through their daily dog walking activities.

“Dog walkers may not dress in Lycra or wear team colours,” said Ms Gravenall “but we’re just as vital and important to the health of a community as any other group and we need our requirements to be respected.”

Health

With 70% of males and 52% of females classified as overweight or obese in Australia, heart disease and diabetes is taking on alarming proportions in the country’s population.

Since the Baker Institute research of 1992 concluded that pet owners had lower levels of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, researchers have continued in their efforts to study companion animals and their resultant health benefits.

The first study that set out to explore the relationship between a parent and child’s physical activity (PA) levels and dog ownership was presented at the symposium by Dr Jo Salmon, a senior research fellow at Deakin University, Melbourne.

After studying 1200 parents and children across Melbourne, Dr Salmon found that those who owned dogs had significantly higher PA levels than those that did not.

According to the results younger girls that walked dogs exercised 29 minutes more on average than those who did not. Similarly, mothers that walked dogs were 70% more likely to meet exercise guidelines than otherwise.

Hayley Cutt, an Associate Lecturer at the University of Western Australia, has developed a study measuring the health and social implications of dog walking in the community. She delivered the results at the symposium.

“The DAPA Study (Dogs and Physical Activity Study) plainly shows that those who own dogs receive a broad array of physical benefits,” said Ms Cutt “including increased cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and fewer visits to the GP.”

And while just 45% of Australians achieve the sufficient amount of physical activity, 80% of dog owners manage to achieve the recommended levels.

Conclusion

Current community health priorities in developed countries include physical inactivity, obesity and mental health. Overlaying these individual health issues however are worldwide concerns about the social determinants of health and the erosion of social capital.

The results of the research presented at the symposium suggest that pets have the potential to play an important role in a addressing these concerns. With pet ownership rates at more than 60%, the window of opportunity to do so is wide open.
[1] Wood, L., Giles- Corti, B, & Bulsara, M. (2005). The pet connection: Pets as a conduit for social capital? Social Science & Medicine, 61, 1159-1173.

Man’s best friend wins hearts

2008-02-15T10:27:00.002+11:00

Guys, if you’ve tried – and failed – with chocolates, roses or champagne, a Golden Retriever or Labrador may be just the thing you need.

According to the results of a recent online survey for the Petcare Information and Advisory Service, 81% of women said that they found a man who owns a dog more appealing than a man who does not. A further 38% of women selected a Golden Retriever or Labrador as the most appealing dog for a man to own.

82% of women who responded to the survey agreed that the type of dog a man owns reflects his personality. According to the results of the survey, it appears that Labradors and Retrievers are associated with being a responsible family man.

And it seems that whatever women might say about liking sensitive men, it doesn’t necessarily hold true. When asked to nominate the type of dog that it would be least appealing for a man to own, Pugs, Shih Tzus and Poodles received the highest score - 51% of the votes. These dogs were also nominated by 62% of women as likely to be owned by sensitive men.

The survey also showed that having a dog with you helps in getting the conversation going, with 82% of respondents agreeing that it would be more likely for a conversation to occur if the man had a dog with him.

“These results are a lighthearted look at the relationship between man and his four legged best friend but they are supported by a wide range of academic research, including recent research conducted at the University of Western Australia,” said Ms Susie Willis from the Petcare Information and Advisory Service.

“Research by Dr Lisa Wood at that University’s School of Population Health showed that pets encourage social contact, the exchange of favours and increased perceptions of the friendliness of a suburb and sense of community,” said Ms Willis.

Off-Leash Etiquette

2008-02-12T13:38:00.001+11:00

So you’ve got a great new furry pal and you’re imagining yourself bounding across emerald green grass while your new dog lopes gracefully beside you. There’s no doubt that off-leash activity is fun and it may look easy. But as a new pet owner, it’s really important to get properly prepped in off-leash etiquette before hitting the grass with your new canine companion.

Part 1 in Off-Leash Etiquette: You and your New Dog.

Off-leash parks can be wonderful places for dogs and people.

Research has shown that while our dogs frolic, run and wrestle, neighbours and locals meet, greet, chat and even go on to build meaningful, life-long relationships. Dogs act as a natural social lubricant. Their warmth and easy companionship to rubs off on us and we are drawn to each other without pretension or judgement.

However, as with all happy relations, a successful off-leash park comes with agreed social etiquette; an etiquette that over time breeds good will and responsible behaviour from both owners and their dogs.

A good goal to set yourself and your dog for off-leash park behaviour might be this:

For both you and your dog to be respected,

well-like members of the off-leash community

Once you’ve established that, then the strategy for setting off leash behaviour is fairly straightforward. It should include:

· Research
· Training
· Familiarisation as an owner
· Familiarisation for your dog
· Preventative care

Five Must-Dos before hitting the Grass with your New Canine Companion:

1. RESEARCH

Before anything, it’s wise to jump on the internet, walk down to the local library or browse your local bookshop to read up on different off-leash park etiquette. One source of information is not enough. It’s best to read as widely as possible and then collate the most balanced and sensible into a workable program for both you and your dog. Some simple examples might include: commanding your dog to sit before removing the lead or remaining alert to the danger of dog packs forming. More on this next week!

2. PREVENTATIVE CARE

Ensure your dog is fully vaccinated and up to date with preventative health care before getting out and about in the community. Find a vet in the area and establish a good relationship with them. Have a chat to the staff about the local off-leash area while you’re there too. It’s likely they’ll have an inside understanding of what you and your dog might be able to expect.

3. TRAINING

Take your dog and yourself off to obedience classes well before introducing them to the off leash park. Even if your dog comes already “trained”, obedience classes will both help to establish a bond with your dog, while providing opportunities. A happy off-leash dog will be respectful, relaxed, and responding well to direction.

4. FAMILIARISATION (FOR OWNERS)

Take yourself to the off-leash park a few times without your dog first. Go at popular times (generally 6am – 8am and 5pm – 7pm weekdays). This will help give you a little understanding of the particular atmosphere that your closest off-leash park has. It can also be helpful to introduce yourself to a number of the dog owners (and their dog) and chat about the off-leash park, the dogs and the general expectations there. While there you can observe how others are with their dogs and see how the etiquette rules you’ve researched at home are being applied in practice.

5. FAMILIARISATION (FOR DOGS)

On your dog’s first visit to the park, it’s a good idea to take them through the non-off leash area on lead first. Take a walk, let them sniff the ground, meet a few dogs on lead and mark out some territory. You can also map out where doggy poo bag disposal units are (very important!) along with other facilities.

Find your closest dog friendly beach and park

Lure Coursing – Your dog will love you for it

2008-02-05T13:09:00.002+11:00

Is your dog a “Sighthound?”A dog that chases game by sight rather than smell? For example – Afghans , Borzois , Irish Wolfhounds , Italian Greyhounds, Deerhounds , Salukis , Whippets and of course, Greyhounds.

Do they have energy to burn?

Enjoy a bit of friendly competition?

Want to treat them to some exciting outdoor exercise that’s both physically and mentally stimulating?

If you’ve answered yes to all these questions, why not consider signing your canine companion up for some "Lure Coursing".

Lure Coursing is a humane sport (RSPCA endorsed) that attempts to imitate the coursing of a rabbit or hare. Instead of a live rabbit however, the dogs chase an artificial “lure”, usually a bunch of plastic bags. NO LIVE GAME IS EVER USED IN THE EVENT.

The lures are attached to a line or rope that is pulled around by an electric motor specifically designed for the purpose.

A good course pattern is irregular and should simulate the way a rabbit would run in an open field. This sport appeals to big and small dogs and there are often several different breeds running around together making for some wonderfully entertaining afternoons!

Lure Coursing is not just a test of speed. Dogs are also evaluated on their enthusiasm, their ability to maintain a path of close proximity to the lure’s course, their agility and their endurance.

How do you start?

It’s likely that if you contact any of the clubs associated with your breed they will have information about Lure Coursing events in your area.

The Queensland Lure Coursing Association

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Victoria

Dogs Victoria has a list of lure coursing events in Victoria.

White German Shepherd Dog Alliance of Victoria

Siberian Husky Club of Victoria

Of course, your dog doesn’t have to be a pure breed to join in. All they need is a penchant for the thrill of the chase!

The Melbourne Pet and Animal Expo

2008-02-01T16:00:00.001+11:00

If you’re searching for some new ideas to enrich your pet’s life, consider heading down to the Melbourne Pet and Animal Expo at the Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne.

This three day event begins today and ends on Sunday February 3.

Mingle with 15,000 other animal lovers and enjoy animal training competitions, grooming exhibitions, and competitive dog activities such as Lure Coursing from the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Victoria. Plus you’ll find many other pet related activities to suit all age levels.

Next week, find out more about the ancient dog sport of Lure Coursing.

City of Sydney’s Off-Leash Park Proposal

2008-01-31T12:43:00.000+11:00

The City of Sydney recently proposed to add another 29 off leash parks in Sydney’s inner west.

Insightfully, the council is proposing to conduct off-leash community education programs in partnership with the addition, valuing community education as highly as law enforcement in developing responsible off leash protocol.

The plans include free dog obedience training for senior and low income earners and education programs that teach locals and pet owners on the best ways to interact with their dogs.

“The City’s focus will be on education and incentives, with Rangers promoting responsible ownership that keeps parks clean, safe and healthy for the entire community,” said the City’s CEO Monica Barone to Sydney Media

"Where there are incidents of irresponsible dog ownership, such as not picking up dog waste or failing to keep dogs under control, the City will consider enforcement action as a last resort."

According to “The Glebe” the proposal had been roundly accepted by Glebe residents, whose foreshore will be redefined as an off-leash area if the proposal goes ahead.

“Most of the dogs around here are pretty well-trained … so there will be no problem there," said Justin Demovic, who takes his dog, Mia, for a walk once or twice a day. "

The plan is open for public comment until February 1, 2008 by which time the council will have prepared a report detailing the feedback. At the time of writing, 250 submissions have been received, with an equal split of for and against running straight down the middle.

It’s an astute move on the councils part; not only are they recognising the very real benefits of pet ownership in the community, but they are also creating communication channels for sensible off-leash park management.

It seems that they’ve recognised that a community will only benefit from the use of off-leash parks when dogs and their owners abide by standardised, off- leash etiquette.

Next week come back to find out the “10 Top Tips on Off –Leash etiquette”.

On the road again – with the pets

2008-01-10T14:24:00.000+11:00

Retiring baby boomers are boosting the market for pet-friendly holiday destinations as they take to Australia’s roads in search of the perfect holiday.

Research from Tourism Australia shows that between 2000 and 2004, the number of mature-aged Australians travelling increased at a faster rate compared to the number of younger travellers. And a Newspoll report shows that the older the traveller, the more likely they are to take their pet.

“For this age group, maintaining an active social life and enjoying healthy activities like playing golf or walking their dog are part of what they are looking for from their road trip. And with our research showing that pets stimulate social networks, there is every reason for older travelers to take their pets with them,” said Dr Lisa Wood from the University of Western Australia.

“Bonnie, my seven year old Kelpie is a great travel companion and is happy to fit in with whatever plans I make. She enjoys the beach as much as I do and it just wouldn’t be a holiday without her,” says Alan Wood, self-confessed ‘grey nomad’.

The Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS) agrees that it can be beneficial for both pets and people to enjoy a holiday together – particularly if it is for a longer period.

“Pets are very much part a part of the Australian family, with over 53% of households having a dog and / or a cat. Pets provide companionship and are a way of getting to meet other people so – for older people – it is particularly important to maintain these benefits,” says Susie Chaseling from PIAS.

“In the past it was common for cats and dogs to be sent to boarding kennels when the family went away on holiday, whereas people are now recognising that pets can adapt well to travel and there are increasing options for people wishing to take their four legged friend on holiday.

“Our advice is to do your research before you leave home. There are many websites that have information on pet-friendly accommodation, with everything from caravan parks to luxury hotels,” says Ms Chaseling.

PIAS also recommends that before taking to the road with your pet, you should consider these tips:

• Make sure your pet is wearing identification that will allow you to be contacted wherever you are. A mobile number on your pet’s tag is a good option.

• Remember to pack for your pet. It’s a good idea to bring a portable bowl, your pet’s favourite toys or blankets for familiarity and a supply of special treats.

• Many places welcome pets and you can research the options on websites before you embark on your journey.

• It is a good idea to take a harness or carrier box as there may be times on your travels when you need to secure your pet within the vehicle.

• Some cats enjoy travel but they should always be confined whenever travelling to avoid any mishaps.

• Dogs love the open air from a moving car’s window but it can be unsafe for your best friend. It is better to keep the dog inside the car and let it enjoy the fresh air when you get to your destination.

• It is a good idea to take a simple pet first-aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic cream, tweezers (to remove foreign objects from fur) and pet travel medication.

Do dogs help your social life?

2007-10-19T13:39:00.001+10:00

Results are in for the Petcare survey: Do dogs help your social life?
See the full results here

Aussie workers - a dog for the job

2007-09-25T13:49:00.000+10:00

Unlike other domesticated animals put to work or used for food production, dogs have a unique position in our lives, as faithful companion and best friend. We usually own them simply because we love them, they need serve no other purpose, however there are dogs who are trained to perform specialised tasks and whose services to man cannot be overlooked.

In Australia the most common working dogs are those that work with livestock. Australia has developed breeds of dogs, the Australian Kelpie and Australian Cattle Dog and the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog to work in our unique climate and conditions. Of sheep dogs, the Kelpie is one of the best in the world. A good Kelpie can do the work of six men. As Australian as a kangaroo, the Australian Kelpie has a natural instinct and aptitude for the working of sheep, both in open country or in yards, and is renowned for the way in which he runs over the sheep’s backs.

A “true blue” Aussie, the Australian Cattle Dog’s prime function is the movement and control of cattle in both confined and wide, open spaces. Always alert, extremely intelligent, watchful and courageous, this breed is a tribute to the ability of the Australian stockmen who knew what they wanted in a cattle dog and set about producing it.

The rarer Stumpy was bred to do similar work to his better known cousin, the Australian Cattle Dog, and his courage and tenacity are second to none. He has a distinctive appearance that led to his unusual name as he has a gene for a natural bob tail.

Not all Australian breeds were developed to work sheep and cattle. The Australian Terrier evolved from a variety of British terriers that had been brought out to Australia by settlers. Specifically bred for Australian conditions, this hard-bitten tough little terrier was used for everything from guarding the farms and mines to hunting, and killing rats and snakes. Believed to be basically a cross between the Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier, the Australian Silky Terrier was bred to fill the need for a small terrier which would be suited to life in a small house or cottage but, at the same time, would be effective in hunting and killing domestic rodents.

It is important to remember that not all working dogs can adjust well to suburban, backyard living. Extremely active dogs such as sheep and cattle dogs often become bored if they have little to occupy them. If you want a working dog as a pet, it is important to consider how well they will adapt to your environment. If you are not sure seek advice from your vet and other people experienced in dog breeds.

A new pet? Never say never!

2007-09-18T14:42:00.001+10:00

Saying goodbye to a loved pet can be one of the most difficult steps an owner takes.

Dogs and cats, in particular, give us years of unconditional love and companionship and when they die many people report that they feel a much higher than expected sense of loss and grief.

“Many people initially believe that they could never have a pet again, because the sense of loss is so great,” says Dr Emma Whiston, who owns and operates the veterinary service, My Best Friend, which provides end of life care for elderly and terminally ill pets, and bereavement support for their owners.

“Some people question if they can ever love another animal and others feel betrayal and disloyalty to the animal who has died if they bring another pet into their home. Some say they’ll never get another pet because it would be too painful to experience this same level of grief again,” says Dr Whiston.

So how do you know when you are ready for a new pet? Dr Whiston says that the two
most important aspects are that the decision has to come from your heart and the timing has to feel right to you.

“I find it helps people to think of it as starting again with a new pet, rather than replacing their old pet because you can never replace the unique role each pet plays in our lives.

“Once the initial shock and grief of a pet’s death have passed, many people do start to think about getting another pet and there are important considerations – such as your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a pet - to take into account,” says Dr Whiston.

“It is very likely that you will be at a different stage in your life than the one in which you acquired your previous pet so consider the type of pet – and even the breed – that suits your current lifestyle.

“With children in the house, many people are happy to have an active dog that the kids can run around with but on the other hand your new best friend might be a quiet dog that is happy to spend time indoors with you.

“You may also want to consider adopting a pet that is past the puppy or kitten stage.
There are many adult animals in shelters who need a permanent and caring home and
who have great love to give in return. Many people report that this is also an effective way of getting past concerns about house training a new pet,” Dr Whiston says.

If a friend or family member has lost their pet, it is best to let them wait until they feel it is the right time to get a new pet, Dr Whiston cautions.

“Never try to talk a friend or family member into getting another pet. Well-meaning
people sometimes even obtain a new pet for their friend or family member to help them
get over their grief but this can be a real problem if the person is not ready to bond with a pet or if their lifestyle is no longer suited to a pet.

“It is perfectly natural to mourn the loss of a beloved pet and only you will know when you are ready to move on with another pet. My advice to anyone at this difficult time is to remember that the mutual love, trust and companionship they enjoyed with their previous pet is waiting for them when they are ready to find their new best friend,” says Dr Whiston.

For information on finding the pet that may be suited to your lifestyle, visit Select-a-Pet.