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Winter walks

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.

Just Walk Me on the Gold Coast

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

Latest research – getting a dog can get you fit

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 Grey Ghost Dog – The Weimaraner

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.

10 Top Tips for Eco-Friendly Pet Ownership

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.

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

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.

Pet Ownership may address Community Health Crisis

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.

Off-Leash Etiquette

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

City of Sydney’s Off-Leash Park Proposal

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”.