Hero Hounds

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

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

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?

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

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!

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...

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

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

My children Zeb & Brooke playing with their pets

The Companionship Award: Freya and Molly

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

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

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

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

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

Preparing to say goodbye

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?

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'

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. 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)
   


2. 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.
   


3. 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.
   


4. 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.
   


5. 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

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

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

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

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.