August 2018, FREE
Pet Horoscopes
by celebrity astrologer Russell Grant!
STOP TEACHING YOUR DOG TO SIT! - TOP DOG LISTENER PLUS PET STORIES/TOP PET PRODUCT REVIEWS & MORE INSIDE
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Cavaliers’ Choices... Premium pet products, destinations & activities for you & your pet chosen by Sophie Nell and Rufus, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, assisted by Marie.
Paws for Poppies! An excellent selection of pet products from The Royal British Legion, including this lovely dog bowl (pictured.) Not only will your four-legged family love the new products, you’ll also help show your support for The Royal British Legion as all profits raised from their sale will go directly to the charity and help fund their continued work in providing care and support to members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Available from The Royal British Legion’s official online store, The Poppy Shop - www.poppyshop.org.uk, where prices start at just £2.99 for a Poppy Pet Tag.
Camo Clean Dog Robes has launched its own camouflage inspired range of Dogrobes, adding a distinctively different look to its popular collection. Like all Dogrobes, the camouflage collection comes in a full range of nine sizes – from mini to XXXL – and can be personalised with a dog's name or a harness access opening. The drying robes have camouflage print on the outside, with superabsorbent terry toweling material on the ties and inside, which goes next to the dog’s coat to dry it after outdoor swimming, training, bathing or working. Priced from £29.90 and available from their website.
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Cavaliers’ Choices...
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie! How can you treat the thoroughly spoilt pooch in your life? How about a handmade traditional-style metal dog bed? Developed by The Cornish Bed Company, the beds are hand cast by a dedicated team of skilled artisans at a foundry in Par, mid-Cornwall. These wonderfully crafted beds are created using exactly the same methods and materials as humansized beds, and can be made-to-order. Starting at £995, the range includes a miniature four poster and day bed. (Photos by Steven Haywood.)
PS/ We’re always looking for premium products & services to review for both pets and people! Please get in touch with the boss at editor@petsmag.co.uk. Love,
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Sophie, Nell & Rufus
xxx
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The Curious Tale of the Bed Hopping Dog...
Pets Magazine writer LINDA ROBB on why sleeping with a dog on / in your bed can lead to a military operation in nocturnal manoeuvres...
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Rosie, the terrier
By Linda Robb I’ve come to the conclusion on the nights when I sit shivering on the edge of the mattress, that I’ve
she loves nothing more than
Without a word of a lie, there
spread-eagling herself
are now times when getting
lengthways in the centre,
into bed requires the tactics
completely forgetting I will
best deployed by advanced
attempt to turn in.
military personal. I’m sure I’d
pass some SAS test from When she was a puppy it was really spoilt my dog, Rosie... months of learning the so cute, now she’s a hefty and She’s taken to wanting to turn extremely clever eleven year perseverance, ninja stealth and Mensa level planning in early; the grumbling old, even seeing her doing her required to be able to simply sounds start at around eight superman pose is losing most lift up the duvet and climb in. o’clock and ten is the absolute of its charm. latest she likes to be up. Once achieved, even then, Along with many other dog with all that going on she Anytime past ten o’clock, and owners, I genuinely can’t deigns to look at me as if to we have to ignore her full on believe I’ve been putting up say “You’re not really going to strutting across the carpet with her mood swings for so try and lay in that spot are and dramatic exasperation. long. I might laugh, but in you?” and I’m forced to say, However once she’s got the actual fact, she’s turned me often out loud “of course I whole of my bed to herself into some sort of weirdo.
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to judgement, she is old and no amount of last minutes garden visiting makes any difference. When she does want to go out, and it’s not every night, lifting her off of the bed makes me fear I’ll suffer a hernia. As I hop up and down on the spot in the garden, waiting for her
When a dog hogs the bed...
to hurry up, (because I
am, that’s my spot, I’m not
dribbles. Come to think of it, I
have to watch her sniff almost
going to start laying at the
love her even then.
every blade of grass before
bottom of the bed now.”
I’m ashamed to admit that
Even then she still waits until
when it was very cold last
the last minute to move,
month she had decided that
giving an irritated grumble
being on top of the bed
when I try turning over, so
wasn’t warm enough and had
quite often, I lay there stiff as
buried herself under the
a board so that she’s not too
duvet.
put out.
making her mark) all the time, I keep a cautious eye on my surroundings. She would be totally useless if some deranged burglar were to suddenly strike, something her occasional muffled growling warns me of, but it
When I went in I said very
makes me feel a bit safer
Don’t get me wrong, she is
loudly ‘Where’s my dog” and
having her there, if nothing
totally adorable, cute and
the dog shaped lump was all
else in her haste to get their
funny and I love her. Except
wiggly and tail wagging and I
attention they could trip over
perhaps for those times when melted. It would be a cold she does stunning impersonations’ of a windy hurricane with added smell effects, or when she snores, or dream chases, or rolls in something indescribable and
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heart that didn’t laugh at that.
her. And you’ve guessed it the
It’s not unusual for her to
moment she’s back in the
nudge me awake in the early
house she reclaims her space
hours so that she can visit the and I’m back to shivering on garden, and before you jump Pets Magazine
the mattress.
Beloved Terrier Praised for Supporting Son in Throes of Addiction A Shropshire family has highlighted the invaluable support rescue dogs can give to people who are battling addictions. Tottie was born in 2003 and was the last of an abandoned litter of puppies to be homed by the Dogs Trust at Roden Shropshire. She died recently one month short of her 15th birthday but will always be remembered for the love and support she gave to her owner who suffered from alcohol addiction. Tom Maybury died five years ago at the age of 29 but the recent death of Tottie has led Tom’s mother Sally and
Special: Tottie, the terrier
younger brother Henry to raise awareness of how
she was the last to be picked.
wanted a dog. On seeing this
rescue dogs can make such a
Because of her lack of toilet
little one with a huge head Tom
difference to people’s lives.
training she was then returned
decided he wanted her, despite
after a few weeks.
us trying to persuade him
Henry Maybury, Tom’s
otherwise.
brother, said: “Tottie’s brothers “We visited the Dogs Trust and sisters found homes and because Tom was adamant he
“Tom absolutely idolised her,
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she really was his little girl. She
“Students would message me
funded organisation who tackle
would go to work with him,
through Facebook and
the problem of underage
riding in the tractor cabin,
Instagram asking me how Tottie drinking and associated anti-
keeping him company.
was and what she was up to.
social behaviour all across the
Prisoners would beg me to
UK. They invited us to the House
bring her into prisons so they
Of Commons where Henry was
“Sadly, after Tom had been
looking after Tottie for about six could meet her – I wish it had
presented with the ‘Youth
years, he was unable to care for been something I was allowed
Community Champion Award.’ I
her properly because he was
was so proud of him.
fighting his own
to do.
demons, alcohol
“I would never have thought that after
“As the saying goes
addiction. Tottie
the sadness of five years ago of losing
‘a man’s best friend
moved in with mum but Tom visited
my son Tom that I would now feel joy
regularly, walking
from seeing the amazing response to
her – he really did love her to bits.
our addiction programme from students in schools, parents, prisoners
“When Tom moved back with mum for
and those fighting addiction and in recovery.”
a spell of support,
is his dog’ so true in so many ways. But Tom’s Tottie was even more than this bringing so much unconditional love and support to him and us as a family.
she would
We have so much
frequently find Tottie lying on
Tom’s mum Sally said:
to thank Tottie for during those
the bed with him. Tottie played
“Tottie started suffering from
wonderful 14 years and 11
such a large part in Tom’s life
arthritis and dementia last year months of her life. She will be
and I am sure she helped him
and towards Christmas we
sadly missed but never ever
in trying to cope with his
knew she had come to the end,
forgotten.”
demons.
so we all said our goodbyes to a very special lady, who is now
Henry is donating 100% of the
“After releasing the videos and
reunited with her best friend
proceeds from his debut
traveling all around the UK
Tom.”
single ‘Lost Days’ to addiction
visiting schools, prisons and
charities globally. For further
rehabs Tottie became a star in
“We are working with
her own right,” added Henry.
Community Alcohol Partnership and bookings please (CAP) who are a government
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information for donations visit www.henrymaybury.com
Top Dog Listener: Why Teaching Sit to Your Dog is WRONG!
Tony Knight, an internationally-acclaimed Dog Listener and trainer, on why some forms of obedience training are a
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Tony Knight, an
the floor. This lady’s dog resisted her attempts to be pushed down, prompting the trainer to come over, tell the lady that she was “far too soft”, and forcibly shove the dog’s backside down. This caused the dog to yelp – not great.
internationallyacclaimed Dog Listener and trainer, on why teaching your dog to sit is a waste of time. Imagine that you are in town just after a rainstorm. Each time you have to cross the road, you are told to sit down before you can cross. The ground is still wet, and if you refuse your backside is forced down onto the cold, wet surface. Nice…
This treatment carried on for a few weeks; each time I have heard so the trainer I remember well a dog many dog trainers use the owner who had some issues forced the dog’s bottom “sit” command as their down, causing a yelp. It was with their dogs so, like an “cure-all” for problem dog only when the owner awful lot of people who behaviour. It’s almost as if noticed that her dog had don’t know where else to they regard it as a magic trouble walking for a day or turn, she enrolled in dog spell that instantly calms a two after the classes that obedience classes. Of dog. I have said many times course, a big part of the alarm bells started ringing. over the years that training a lessons was teaching the A quick trip to the vets led dog to sit is fine and dandy, dog to sit. The instructor to an X-ray that found but it is not nearly as chronic hip dysplasia. We told everyone to ask their important as many people advised her to stop going to dog to sit. If a dog did not believe it to be. the classes… do so, they were to push their dog’s bottom down to
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Greyhounds find it difficult to sit like other dogs; the way they have been genetically engineered makes it uncomfortable for many. Personally, I had two request for my dogs; to come to me when I asked and to stay where they were if necessary. Sitting, standing or lying down was their choice but I put no pressure on them as frankly it is not important.
South Africa. We were introduced to four elephants that performed “tricks” for us – one stamped its foot, the second shook its ears, while Number Three trumpeted. The fourth one gave us a kiss (actually it sucked at our faces with its trunk). I have subsequently seen where they stick their
happen to parents if they smacked their baby around the head for not getting the idea of saying “Thank you” on the first attempt? Time and patience are both crucial when learning any skill, no matter how basic. Whether you end up on a TV talent show with your dog as it performs incredible feats, or your 4-legged friend only knows to come when you call them, make sure you both enjoy the experience.
“Teaching a dog to sit is OK,
but it is not what makes for a well-behaved and calm
If you enjoy teaching your dog tricks then that is great. Expecting a dog to understand what you mean right away is not realistic. Using force to make them perform risks creates a negative experience or even physical pain (as in the case of our poor dog with the bad hips). Nowadays, we are turned off by the idea of seeing trained animals in a circus as we know that there is often a definite element of force and coercion. Good trainers use no force but do practice plenty of patience. Several years ago, I went to an elephant sanctuary in
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canine.” trunks – I would never have one do that to my face again… Anyway, when I asked the staff how they taught the elephants to do that, I was relieved to hear that they noticed the animals doing them anyway – they simply introduced a treat when they did it to create an association (a lot like clicker training which was originally developed for dolphins). Human babies learn through patience and repetition too; can you imagine what would Pets Magazine
Remember that teaching a dog to sit is OK, but it is not what makes for a well-behaved and calm canine. Knowing how to convince your dog in their language that they can trust you with the big decisions – that’s the real deal. You can see how I use patience and repetition with a puppy here to quickly make progress: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=-DHKgXX0nNs To find out more, visit: www.tonyknightdoglisten er.com
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Pet Horoscopes by Russell Grant
ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)
so much noise others are
When your world needs a hero
alerted to help.
or heroine, it's good you're
Troublemakers are hereby
there to take on the role! When put on notice not to tangle something unexpected
with the king!
happens, your show of bravery will be more than just show;
you really play your part with a
TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st) you're disgruntled. It's bad
spirit of daring do! When you
You're under an irritating cycle
enough when neighbours or
inject yourself into in a scue
currently, but that doesn't
visitors do disagreeable things
your intervention scares away
mean you should take your
and upset your housemate, but
a challenger. When you sense
annoyance out on everyone by
it's unappreciated when you do
danger approaching you make
being naughty or showing
this. A peaceful pet by nature,
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find ways to soothe yourself by now, as your human
identifying obstacles as
retreating to a comfortable
companion is refusing to face
obstacles, but as something to
corner until you feel better and the facts. It may be necessary
leap over, so just keep yourself
more sociable. If your
to make a public scene of some in a posture to vault and it will
companion's wise they'll have
kind. With any luck, your friend be smooth sailing! Keep
nice music playing to keep the
will recognise that you are
working on your human
mood uplifted for both of you.
acting up out of desperation,
companions and before long,
not spite.
you'll get them to change their mind about something that's of
GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)
interest to you. Just remember
A power struggle may begin
LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)
that affection wins more
over an article of clothing. It's
You're generally so lovely to
affection and honey attracts
no surprise your human
live with, so nurturing toward
more pleasant results than
companion wants to wear this
your housemate, so sensitive
vinegar!
welcoming fabric and doesn't
to everyone's needs, it's not
appreciate you wrapping
surprising that once in a while
yourself in it, or worse yet
you want all those same
LIBRA (September 24th-
dragging it across the floor.
attitudes turned in your
October 23rd)
You can pout all you want, but
direction. If you're feeling a
Take care; your stubborn
the bottom line is it's an
little under appreciated or
streak is showing and if you
expensive item and you're not
overlooked, you can always
don't back down you'll be
the one who paid for it!
retreat to a quiet corner until
headed for a heap of trouble
Perhaps you see this game as a your mood shifts, but putting
with your human housemates
way to keep your friend close,
yourself in view of those whose because of this behaviour. Best
but find some other way to
attentions you seek might be a
watch your step and direct
cement your bond!
wiser course currently. One
your pulses to something
look in your sad eyes is sure to
positive, like picking up after
garner a reaction.
people who leave things
CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)
scattered about. All will be well
You could earn your owner
if your friends take the time to
some money by winning a
VIRGO (August 24th-
engage you in vigorous
contest or posing for
September 23rd)
physical play. What is
photographs. Try to be a good
Even with a few challenges in
unchanging is the pleasure you
sport about the whole
your way, you're able to enjoy
find in the arms of your caring
situation. Communicating your
a sweet month; you have a
companion.
desires may be difficult right
natural talent for not
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SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)
AQUARIUS (January
The world of your
21st-February 19th)
imagination just
With your special radar,
keeps growing
you can probably sense it;
bigger and bigger
new energies are on the
the more you feed it!
horizon, but they're not
You exhibit evidence
quite here yet. Get to
of this in your continual communication with other worldly creatures as well as through your artistic expression. Not only are you into dance as a performance medium, but painting has also
you're already thinking your housemates would scold you severely were they to uncover your secret treasure, then you'll know what should be your next move.
become part of your
work preparing for the changes that are coming by sorting out your needs and letting go of things you and your human companion no longer need or use. Once the space is clear, you'll both be more receptive to a fresh start.
repertoire. Was it intentional or CAPRICORN (December 22nd- Besides, it's nice to have a an accident that you wandered January 20th) clean house, don't you think. through a puddle of colours and consequently left your impressionistic marks all over the oor?
You start the month on a high note, eager for action and fun
with friends. If mischief making PISCES (February 20th-March 20th) is what you're focused on, you'll have time, energy and
SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st) Finding strange new objects may tickle your curiosity or appeal to the scientist in you, but take heed; those you live with may not resonate well with your latest discovery! Does it leak or have a strong odour; can you hide it in a way that will evade detection? If
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help to carry it o. With your people working overtime spinning a drama you won't
With all the commotion going on at the start of the month,
it's not surprising if you end up tripping over your own feet or
want to be left out. Your
someone else's! If remodeling
into acting up; perhaps you've
exaggerated even further. Your
companions may be wondering projects are going on, this unfortunate situation will be what exactly has drawn you not been getting enough attention, but whatever it is,
housemate can alleviate problems by setting you up in a
take a breather and try to calm comfortable corner so you're not caught underfoot. yourself; given the passage of time everything changes. Pets Magazine