The British Shorthair

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

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

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

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

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

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

New puppy FAQs....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pet Ownership may address Community Health Crisis

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

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

Social Capital

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

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

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

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

Urban Planning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Conclusion

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

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

Man’s best friend wins hearts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Off-Leash Etiquette

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

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

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

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

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

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

For both you and your dog to be respected,

well-like members of the off-leash community

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

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

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

1. RESEARCH

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

2. PREVENTATIVE CARE

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

3. TRAINING

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

4. FAMILIARISATION (FOR OWNERS)

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

5. FAMILIARISATION (FOR DOGS)

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

Find your closest dog friendly beach and park

Lure Coursing – Your dog will love you for it

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

Do they have energy to burn?

Enjoy a bit of friendly competition?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do you start?

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

The Queensland Lure Coursing Association

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Victoria

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

White German Shepherd Dog Alliance of Victoria

Siberian Husky Club of Victoria

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

The Melbourne Pet and Animal Expo

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

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

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

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