Table of contents for Mar/Apr Issue#136 in Dogs Life

Hi dog lovers, and welcome to another issue of DOGSLife magazine. It might only be February, but boy does it feel as if this year is flying. Having said that, I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say the weather hasn’t helped — it does feel as if summer is well and truly still in the air. With that in mind, when it does cool down a little I’m looking forward to taking Danger and Berry, my two dogs, out and about a little more — and what better way to do that than with some canine sports? Find out more about some of the great sports on offer and how you can get involved in our feature on page 36. This is our training and behaviour issue and…

WINNING LETTER The heat is on Dear DOGSLife, I wanted to email in and remind readers of the importance of keeping your dog cool this summer. Temperatures have been at a record high — it’s very clear global warming is a real problem we’re having to face. My dog Luka is a Kelpie, and while she doesn’t have a long coat to keep clipped during this hot time of year, she’s still feeling the effects of the sun. I’ve ensured she has access to shade and lots of fresh water to keep her hydrated, and have started to shorten our walks. Even if we try to keep our strolls in the early morning or late evening, the humidity just seems to be a little too much for her. I just…

It’s seen as the universal sign of a happy and playful dog, but does a wagging tail really mean a dog is happy? “A wagging tail doesn’t necessarily mean a dog is happy and instead can indicate that a dog is aroused and stimulated, which can be both positive and negative depending on the situation,” Dr Adele Scannell, senior veterinarian at Animal Aid, says. Michelle Lynn, dog trainer at Victorian animal shelter organisation Animal Aid, continues that a wagging tail can signify many different emotions. “A wagging tail can mean anything from ‘I’m happy’ to ‘I’m about to bite you’,” she says. “You can’t just look at a dog’s tail to determine its state of mind; you need to look at the whole picture including the current environment the dog…

Dogs are such a big part of our family that we want to take them wherever we go, whether it’s on holiday or just a fun day out. From dog-friendly parks and camping sites to hotels and events, there’s a tail-wagging place for every dog and his owner to enjoy together. A popular place for dog-loving travellers in America is the Dog Bark Park Inn in Idaho, which is a giant building shaped like a Beagle, complete with doggy-themed amenities such as doggy pillows and doggy biscuits on arrival. But you don’t have to travel across the world to have your dog-loving fun. Caroline Zambrano has put together some of the popular places of interest for dog lovers in Australia. NEW SOUTH WALES Doggy beach at Roland Reserve, Bayview Roland…

Of course, as in real life, there are some matches between pooch and dog sitter that just don’t work. “I met a delightful lady who needed help but I was unable to manage her dog, which was very large and completely uncontrollable! I felt awful but I had to say no unfortunately,” Anne says. “So there is a downside. I’d say people need to know how much time they have, how good they are with dogs — especially larger dogs — and how much they’d like to help out both dog and person. I’m lucky — Erin is lovely and her dog Bonnie is beautiful.” Sharon agrees with this statement. “Absolutely it’s okay if you don’t gel with your match. It’s a bit like a dating website — you simply…

The art of animal photography is becoming a popular choice for many people in Australia and New Zealand. After all, we all love animals and in the age of insta-fame via social media, many people would love to get behind a camera full time. For those looking to get the perfect shot at home, Rachael has a few tips. “The main thing is patience; never expect to get something instantly and always be prepared. If you want to capture something your dog or cat does regularly, know when that time of the day is and be ready.” She always considers the happiness of the animals she shoots as the most important thing, which everyone getting behind a lens should keep in mind. “Make sure the animal is in the right…

• Border Collies need to be groomed regularly. This is a double-coated breed prone to knots/dreadlocks, particularly around the feathering at the back legs and behind the ears. • Extra care is needed when the soft, dense undercoat is shedding; for males this is generally once/twice a year and females before each breeding cycle. Regular warm hydrobaths and blowdrying help during the shedding period and keep the coat clean and healthy. • Don’t shave your Border Collie as this will change the coat texture and may cause the coat to grow back thicker and more wiry, and it will lose much of its natural insulating properties. “To make the Border Collie comfortable in the summer months, a good idea is to have a clam shell filled with water in the…

They may sound similar, but the German Wirehaired Pointer is a totally separate breed to the German Shorthaired Pointer. The GWP is bigger and heavier than the GSP, and not as square in shape. The most obvious difference between the two breeds is the coat, which is the GWP’s most distinctive feature. This dog’s coat is so dense that it protects against cold even in icy water. Naturally, it is more difficult to maintain and needs to be brushed at least twice a week. It may also need stripping from time to time and sheds heavily in summer. Like the GSD, the GWP is a very energetic dog and needs to be kept well exercised and stimulated. It is extremely agile both on land and in water, due to its…

TOP 10 TRAINING TIPS Training is one of the things dog owners can struggle most with. It’s all too easy to falter in your consistency every now and then, resulting in a dog that isn’t disobedient — he simply doesn’t understand what you want! To help you conquer those training woes, the team at Nature’s Best have come up with these fabulous training tips to get your pet sitting and staying like a pro. 1. Be consistent — you can’t expect your dog to understand not to jump up if some of the family allows it to. 2. Reward behaviour you want to see more of. 3. Ignore behaviour you don’t want to see — be proactive, not reactive. 4. Dogs don’t always generalise — practise your training in as…

DOGSLife has two Petcams to give away. PETCAM FROM EYENIMAL The life of a pet is often shrouded in mystery — what do they do when no one is home? Where do they go when they disappear for the night? With the latest innovations from French company, Eyenimal, there is no need to guess. Eyenimal is represented by Pet Innovations in Australia and has released a range of unique, hightech pet products in Australia — video cameras that allow pet owners to see through the eyes of their pet. Petcam is a small camera that can be attached to either a dog or cat’s collar to record daily life as seen from the eyes of the pet. It can record two-and-a-half hours of footage and has a built-in microphone. The…

Victorian Animal Aid cares for around 6000 animals each year, giving every one of them the opportunity of a second chance. Chief executive officer, Mark Menze, says that each day, many dogs arrive at Animal Aid shelters needing to be assessed for behavioural issues. “Understanding canine body language is critical in ensuring that each dog in our care is given the right support in readiness for adoption,” he says. “Team members are trained to observe body language so they can determine what a dog is trying to tell them. This will enable us to develop a plan on how best to assist them.”…

Dr Liisa Ahlstrom, technical services veterinarian at Bayer, outlines the many different benefits of desexing dogs, including: Animal welfare • Preventing unwanted litters • Not adding to the many homeless dogs Practical • Not needing to keep your female socially restricted when she is on heat • No roaming males trying to access your yard • No blood spotting in the home when your female pet is on heat Economical • No vet bills if the female is unable to deliver the puppies unassisted • No additional food or vet bills for the puppies • A desexed dog costs less to register with your local council Medical Desexed males have a lower risk of: • Prostate disease • Perineal hernias • Perianal adenomas And no risk of: • Testicular tumours…

ANIMATES DOG SOFT CRATE Transport your pet in style with the Animates Soft Crate. This durable nylon crate is a great travel solution for those taking their pet on the road this summer. The best part is, it folds down for easy storage so will not take up space permanently. Sounds great to us! To get your hands on one, visit petbarn.com.au DOGUE POP UP COLLAPSIBLE DOG BOWL Keep your dog hydrated with the Pop Up Collapsible Dog Bowl from Dogue. Made from silicon, this eco-friendly product is non-slip, non-toxic, rust-proof and, of course, water-proof. A handy clip attaches to your belt or bag for easy transport and the bowl folds up and down as required. For more information, visit dogue.com.au EARTH RATED DOG WASTE BAG DISPENSER FOR LEASH (AND…

Amanda has two borrowers looking after her two boxers, Louis and Miuccia. Stewart now has a key to the house and simply texts Amanda when he wants to borrow them, lets himself in and takes the two dogs for a great walk. Her other borrower is a recently single mother with two children, and Amanda meets them every Tuesday afternoon in the park to have a doggy playdate with them. The kids absolutely love their time with the dogs and they’re getting used to being around dogs without the huge commitment (for their mother) of owning their own. Amanda is also lining up other borrowers in readiness for a two-week trip overseas so that her beloved pooches have the best care while she’s away.…

Another issue that can affect dogs while travelling in cars is motion sickness. Dr Shane Simpson, director of the Karingal Veterinary Hospital, says the body senses motion in three different ways — through nerve impulses coming to the brain from the inner ear, the eyes and the sensors in the skin surface. “Motion sickness occurs when the body is moved in an unintentional fashion and the brain is unable to coordinate the incoming impulses from these three areas,” he explains. According to Dr. Shane, dogs suffering from motion sickness can show a range of symptoms, including: • Vomiting • Excessive salivation • Restlessness • Whining and increased vocalisation • Excessive licking of the lips Motion sickness in dogs is best treated by prevention. Dr Simpson suggests ensuring your dog faces…

If you’re having a lot of success with your pet photography and your photos are so good they’re all #nofilter, perhaps a career in pet photography is for you. This is an incredibly competitive market, however, so be prepared. “Things have changed dramatically since I started. The competition out there is substantially higher than it used to be,” says Rachael. “It’s hard to encourage people to respect a professional photographer and spend the money to get photos taken.” Even Rachael admits to taking a camera phone to the park with her dog on the odd occasion instead of going the whole hog and bringing along the complete camera; in this digital age it’s all too easy to do things the new way. If digital isn’t your cup of tea and…

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a set of reactions that can occur after someone has been through a traumatic event. Most people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. According to Phoenix Australia — Centre for Post-traumatic Mental Health, about five to 10 per cent of Australians will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. Any event that involves experiencing or witnessing actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence has the potential to be traumatic. For example, being involved in a serious accident, being physically assaulted, being involved in a natural disaster, or being involved in war, either as a civilian or as part of military operations. Almost everyone who experiences trauma will be emotionally affected, and most people will recover quite…

DR MICHAEL ARCHINAL “Dr Ark” has been a vet for 25 years and runs three busy practices with more than 50 staff. For more than a decade, Dr Archinal has appeared regularly on Channel Nine’s Mornings and has been on ABC radio talkback for 15 years. He is passionate about the human– animal bond and gets invited to lecture around the world. He has also written a successful book on the subject. He has been married for 24 years, and has three boys and many pets with attitude. PETA CLARKE Peta has trained animals professionally for 20 years. While her current focus is her lifelong love of working with dogs, she also has a long history training exotic animals for zoos and the film industry. Having studied psychology, Peta is…

There is something about sleek, athletic dogs which always commands the attention of passers by, and watching a German Shorthaired Pointer strut its stuff is truly amazing. The agile GSP belongs to the gundogs group and is the quintessential working dog. Known as a hunt, point and retrieve breed, it was trained to work alongside hunters in the field to serve and help. While the GSP is still used in this capacity in some parts of the world, it is widely considered an outstanding family dog and makes a wonderful companion for those suited to the needs of this breed. GSP puppies are so adorable that it’s very easy to convince yourself this is the right dog for you, but experts warn the GSP is not for everyone and you…

1 Personality: The GSP is a happy, fun-loving, energetic and loyal pooch. A working gundog breed, it is highly intelligent and will do anything to please its family. 2 Favourite activities: This breed is very active and will excel at most field sports. Daily exercise is a must and they will also love regular swims, retrieving and playing ball in the backyard with the family. They develop especially close bonds with their owners and need to be taken in as one of the “pack”. 3 Watchdog qualities: Experts point out that some GSPs will be more friendly than others, but all will alert you with a loud bark to any strangers entering your property. Some will be more reserved than others with people they don’t know. 4 Hereditary disease: This…

Daily: A quick walk and plenty of stimulation is the Chihuahua’s main requirement. Fresh water is important and a shaded area is essential. They need to be fed a well-balanced diet. Remember, your furry friend needs lots of attention and both mental and physical activities. Weekly: This breed has a short coat, which only has to be brushed once or twice a week to remove any knots. Being primarily an inside dog, it should have a bath once a week and will enjoy the attention of a bath and a brush. Monthly: The basic necessities of trimming nails, cleaning ears and eyes apply. Because we have a lot of dry grass in Australia, breeders advise to constantly check for ticks and make sure no grass seeds are stuck in their…

Black Hawk Large Breed Puppy Formula It’s a fact: according to the Pet Ownership in Australia study of 2013, there are more than 4.2 million dogs in Australia, with large and giant breeds making up approximately 21 per cent of the dog population. We like big dogs, but when it comes to owning a large or giant breed pup, it’s important to ensure they’re raised the right way. Too much exercise or stress on those sensitive limbs and joints early on can cause serious problems — and so can feeding the wrong diet. That’s why DOGSLife enjoys Black Hawk Large Breed Puppy Formula. This product contains a balanced phosphorous and calcium ratio with lower protein to help support the growing bodies of large and giant breed dogs, and helps to…

LITTLE LOVES Author & Photographer: Rachael Hale McKenna Publisher: Allen & Unwin RRP: $45 Available: Now, from all good book stores We are long-time fans of the work of the talented Rachael Hale McKenna, and so when Little Loves arrived in the mail we were excited, to say the least. Done in a slightly different style to past works of hers we have devoured, Little Loves is all about the connection between child and animal — a bond that we all know is incredibly strong. Images are taken on location throughout New Zealand, allowing readers to not only get a feel for the joy that exists between human and animal, but the gorgeous Kiwi countryside as well. Animals aren’t limited to our standard dog and cat — there are also…

WE ASKED: SHOULD MORE RENTAL PROPERTIES IN AUSTRALIA BE PET-FRIENDLY? YOU SAID: “Yes! Some people are homeless coz there isn’t enough affordable pet friendly rentals or accommodation.” Amz Bruin “Unfortunately it’s the minority who ruin it for the majority of pet owners who do the right thing, and in turn this has left landlords very cautious about letting future tenants have pets at the property. Get a pet clause inserted into the lease and pay a pet bond to cover yourselves, and get references from previous agents or owners to state your pet was good.” Penny Baxter “Yes definitely. Landlords should be more lenient and not so prejudiced against animals. There are responsible tenants with loving pets who are trained well. If references are good from other agencies, then landlords…

Dogs can’t talk or use words to describe or express how they are feeling, so they rely on signs, signals and body language to communicate their responses and feelings to other dogs and people. “Dog-to-dog body language is often quite subtle and this can be difficult for owners to pick up on,” says Dr Adele Scannell, senior veterinarian at Animal Aid. “It is very important for these signs to be noticed as they can be good indicators of how a dog is feeling and can help identify signs of stress and anxiety in dogs in uncomfortable situations.”…

DOGSLife: How did you come up with the concept for Borrow My Pooch? Sharon Sanders: I have been borrowing other people’s dogs since 2006, when I first started borrowing Hobbs — a beautiful Red Heeler Cattle Dog. On the days that I worked from home I would go and “dognap” her from my friend’s house and she’d keep me company while I worked. I then started to look after a couple of cute Schnoodles, who came with a beautiful house overlooking the beach and ocean. There’s been a Shih Tzu and a couple of Schnauzers between. Living in an apartment and working full time meant that I couldn’t own my own dog, so borrowing other people’s dogs opened up the wonderful world of doggy joy to me. I thought that…

“I’m just a dog fan who, up until now, has not been able to own a dog full time. I’m very grateful to Erin that she visited me, trusted me and we have now established a weekly arrangement to have Bonnie spend a day with me, rather than home alone. We have even got to the point where she will let me pick up Bonnie with her house key when she can’t deliver and I have the time. It is a big commitment, but there is huge payback for your commitment. I look forward to her visit each week and she apparently tugs Erin all the way from her place to mine. So it works for both parties.”…

QUEENSLAND Tony and his BC mates, Murphy and Lucy, get their daily exercise fix at the Boorabbin Picnic Ground in the south-side Brisbane suburb of Wishart. If size and space matter, then Boorabbin Picnic Ground could be the dog park for you. From the huge fully fenced off-leash area to the extensive network of walking paths, Boorabbin is the ideal place to exercise your four-legged friend. Situated about 15 minutes south of Brisbane in family-friendly Wishart, Boorabbin Picnic Ground offers an array of facilities including two playgrounds, half-court basketball, concrete paths for bike riding, barbecue and seating. But the real highlight for me and my BCs is the enormous, grassed off-leash area. You can be a Cesar Millan-style dog whisperer and train your canine athlete on the permanent agility course,…

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Traditionally a working dog, the Border Collie is an active breed that makes a great companion for families happy to keep it stimulated, exercised and loved. Tracie Thompson, breeder at Mystiqview Border Collies, Mount Mee, says that because the Border Collie is an active breed, not all puppies in a litter will suit everyone. “Within a litter there will be extroverts (the social butterfly), the introverts and those puppies in the middle. There is a growing trend and push by some breeders for puppy buyers to choose their puppy at a few days old. This creates a danger as the individual temperament of that puppy is yet to develop and it may not be suitable for the family.” Tracie says beware the saying “pick the first puppy that comes to…

Daily: The GSP is a finely tuned athlete and requires daily exercise and stimulation to keep it happy and healthy. If you are unable to take your pooch out and least once, preferably twice, a day for a good dose of exercise, reconsider buying this breed. Feed an appropriate diet (speak to your breeder or vet) and make sure your pooch always has access to fresh water. Weekly: Wipe coat with a chamois or hound’s glove to keep it shiny and healthy. Check ears and eyes. Check your pooch’s feet and remove any debris that may have collected from outdoor activity. Monthly: Check if nails need clipping. Bath once a month if necessary. Other: If you live in a high-tick area, check your GSP’s body during the summer tick season…

1 Personality Gay spirited and intelligent, neither snappy nor withdrawn, the Chihuahua is an independent breed that is extremely loyal to its master. You will find a lifelong companion in a Chi and you must prepare yourself for some fun as they are quite little characters and love to play the comedian. Their intelligent nature ensures they are inquisitive and their seemingly abundant supply of energy makes them fairly active as well. They can be easy going and are very affectionate little creatures. 2 Suitability: : Perfect for someone looking for a best friend, the Chihuahua loves to follow their mum or dad around for as much of the day as they can. This breed is suited to families with older children as smaller kids often mistake them for toys.…

I remember the first time I saw my pet. Cruz was about six or seven weeks of age, sleeping with his litter mates on the living room floor of the breeder’s house. He was wearing a little green collar and sleeping through puppies barking and bouncing around him and sometimes on him! The breeder clapped his hands to see which of the puppies were reactive. Some jumped up in surprise while others calmly looked up from their lying positions, wondering what the noise was about. Cruz slept through it all! He was perfect. The essential I could not do without is … dog-treat bag and roast chicken to put in it! Cruz can sometimes be very stubborn and roast chicken is the only thing that motivates him to do what…