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!