March 2020, FREE
Good Dog: Why teaching sit is wrong
We meet Britain's loneliest dog PLUS Cavaliers’ Choices/author & retired vet Malcolm D Welshman/Crufts/Snakes/Bunnies! Vet Pets Magazine
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T A S G O D 3D Visitors, and those
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dog’s name engraved on the base, owners can have the dog’s showing dogs, at Crufts, Cruft’s success engraved on the the world’s biggest dog sculpture’s metal base. show, 5-8 March, can have Show goers will be able to take advantage of a 20% discount very life-like 3D (when paying at the show) on sculptures made of their the cost of having their dog immortalised in 3D. dogs. 3D printing experts Arty Lobster https:// www.artylobster.com are at the prestigious dog show in Hall 3, Stand 115. Dog owners will be able to have their dogs presented in breed-specific showing, or ‘stacking’, positions. As well as having the
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“We’re bringing a wide selection of 3D sculptures of dog breeds that customers have ordered from snapshots of their own dogs. All people need to do to have their own 3D dog created for them is to upload several photos of their dog to our website at https:// www.artylobster.com. The Lars B. Andersen, Founder and process is really simple.” CEO of Arty Lobster, said: “The 3D sculptures are perfect Arty Lobster produces 3D mementos of Crufts, as winners prints in sandstone and bronze will be able to celebrate their and there is also a silver 3D dogs’ success with a specially pendant option. To find out engraved sculpture, and have more, visit https:// their dog presented in their www.artylobster.com. breed’s stacking position.
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Is this Britain’s Loneliest Dog? A Terrier cross who came into the care of the RSPCA when his owner sadly passed away has been
worked hard to reassure Diefer, spending time with him daily and introducing new ways to have fun, use his brain and enjoy himself.
waiting 437 DAYS to find
Hayley Crookes, the Animal his forever home. Care Lead at RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre, said: “We are heartbroken that the lovely Diefer arrived in the care of RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre Diefer hasn’t found his forever home yet. He has been so close on 21st December 2018 when but sadly it has fallen through his owner died. when someone showed an interest in him. He was very anxious when he first arrived and as an “He has waited 437* long days intelligent and active dog, he since his owner passed away to needed help from the staff to find a new home. We’re not encourage him to relax. They
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sure why as he is a very friendly dog who deserves a home to call his own. “He goes for lovely leisurely walks and loves to see the sights and take in the world. We have shown him some fun ways to channel his energy by doing things like scent work. We have also helped him tweak his manners, he will now happily swap his toys for another or something equally as fun. Once he is comfortable with you, he is an absolute diamond. His favourite people get cuddles and kisses by the bucket load and he really does enjoy human company.
He has such an affectionate side to him as well as a cheeky side to his personality which we just find very charming!”
time to spend helping Diefer develop his education and training further.”
Nine-year-old Diefer would like to live in an adult-only home with no other pets as he is choosy about the dogs he likes to interact with ensured this was a positive and doesn’t like sharing human experience for Diefer with affection. yummy treats. He is trained to wear a muzzle whilst out walking and is very comfortable in it as the staff
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Hayley added: “He would suit experienced owners who have an active lifestyle with lots of Pets Magazine
If you think you can give Diefer a loving home, contact RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre on 01142 898050.
Rescue Rabbits Help Animal Lover Beat Anxiety
Happy bunnies: Benjamiin and Nancy
A woman who adopted a rescue rabbit says her bunny companion has helped ease her anxiety and gain confidence. Pets can have a positive impact on our wellbeing from providing vital companionship as well as helping us feel more optimistic and lowering blood pressure.
me and that’s how I found Nancy. Her profile description said she’d been with the RSPCA for six months already. Her partner bunny had been very poorly so they were waiting to She travelled from on the see if he would pull through so Siân Burns, 29, from on the Wirral to meet Nancy at the they could be rehomed together Wirral, found this when she RSPCA Manchester and Salford - but sadly he didn’t make it. was going through a tough time branch in June 2019 and it was in her life and suffering from immediately love at first sight. Prior to coming into RSPCA anxiety. She’d read about care, she’d been living in a tiny emotional support animals and Siân said: “I was looking on the enclosure with other rabbits although she doesn’t take RSPCA website for pets near and had been used for
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Nancy everywhere she goes like some emotional support animals, it encouraged her to think about the positive impact pets can have.
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breeding. She’d had a really tough start in life, so I wanted to give her a good home. I felt that she needed me as much as I needed her. She’s so friendly even though she’s been through so much. The support from the RSPCA team helped make the process as stress-free as possible.” Nancy hopped onto Siân’s lap for a stroke as soon as they met, and she settled into her new home with Siân very well. She has since been joined by another bunny companion from the RSPCA branch.
on by his brother as they were both two unneutered males living in a small hutch so he had injuries all over him from fights. Despite this, he has such a laid back personality and he and Nancy bonded really quickly.” Siân has since reached out to the Wirral branch of the charity Mind where she began volunteering as an Admin Assistant. She is passionate about supporting the mental health charity and volunteering was an opportunity to put her previous work skills into practice. She has now started a Siân said: “I knew when I new job in HR at the charity, all adopted her that I hoped she thanks to a little lop bunny who would help make me feel better hopped into her life one but I had no idea just how summer. much she would change things! I’d been through a negative “I would recommend rabbits time, I was no longer working for anyone looking for a pet. and suffering with anxiety and They are very relaxing and it’s my counselling was coming to therapeutic sitting and Siân travels from her home on an end. watching them hop around. the Wirral to the Salford Nancy has helped me so much branch every week to volunteer “After I adopted Nancy, I saw being my un-official therapyfor the RSPCA and she now has that they were advertising for bunny. Without Nancy I two rabbits from the branch volunteers. If I hadn’t adopted wouldn’t have achieved as after rehoming Benjamin in Nancy, I wouldn’t have known much as I have over the last few September 2019. about that. She’s given me the months,” Siân said. confidence to do more. The Siân continued: “Now that I welfare knowledge I had from To help the RSPCA, please was going out more, I didn’t having my own rabbit has visit website or call want Nancy to be lonely so I helped me with my volunteer donation line on 0300 123 spoke to the branch manager work at the branch, and now I 8181. about getting another rabbit. help care for rabbits, guinea Before he came into RSPCA pigs and other small animals. care, Benjamin had been picked
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“When I first started volunteering, I thought if I get nervous around people I can just go and sit with the rabbits, but I’ve gained a lot of confidence since being here. I show people round, talk to inspectors, and chat to people looking to adopt. I have also helped to train new members of the team.”
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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.
No more Tears! Ocryl is an effective gentle eye cleansing solution for dogs which helps the eye stay clear of those annoying tear stains. Ocryl’s ingredients soften crusts for more gentle removal, whilst mild disinfectants and antiseptics inhibit bacterial growth in the damp area around the eye. The formula helps to lighten the porphyrins (iron containing compounds) that contribute to tear staining. Finally, Rose Extract is included for its soothing action and pleasant smell. A good solution to a year-round problem! Ocryl by TVM-uk is available from leading stockists listed at: www.ocryl.co.uk
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
Tipping the scales:
Pet snakes piling on the pounds Pets suffering with too much weight is a problem that stretches beyond the four-legged kind as a leading vet reveals that obesity in snakes is a big issue and suggests that over feeding and lack of exercise are to blame. President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the UK’s leading veterinary body, Daniella Dos Santos said that she saw a large number of pet snakes with obesity issues whilst working as a small animal and exotics vet and that this can be caused by a lack of space to exercise coupled with overfeeding.
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Daniella’s concerns chime with room for physical activity. An inability to maintain an a recent BVA survey of the appropriate body temperature profession which showed that means that snake enclosures vets estimated that half (47%) of
on the size and species of the snake. Daniella added: “Getting the diet right for exotic a pet snake is essential pets in making sure that they brought are healthy, as well as ensuring an appropriate into their environment is practice provided. It is worth were not bearing in mind that having most types of common their five captive snakes can live animal to a minimum of 15 welfare years. The royal python can live up to 30 years needs and the corn snake, 20 met. The years, so keeping them need for a should also be large enough to as pets is a long-term suitable environment was the provide an appropriate commitment. I would urge most common with 89% saying environmental heat level. Other anyone considering getting an research talks about the that that this was the most exotic pet of any kind to really necessity for snakes to be able common need that was lacking. do their research around the to stretch. animal's needs and think “Obesity in pet snakes can have carefully about whether they One such study, published in a serious impact on their health can realistically provide for Vet Record followed some 2018 and welfare, including leading these. Your vet will be happy to guidance issued by Defra on to issues such as liver help if you have any questions.” selling pet animals and the care problems,” says Daniella. of snakes. A draft version BVA recently published contained an acknowledgement The ‘perfect’ size of a snake an action plan for vets to that all snakes should ideally be enclosure will depend on the support them in tackling allowed enough space to stretch species but all pet snakes obesity in companion animals out in full. However, this should have enough space to and says that obesity and passage was later removed roam as well as a place to hide. overfeeding of pets was among before final publication and They also really benefit from their most pressing animal remains controversial for some enclosures with appropriate welfare concerns. veterinary professionals. enrichment.” Snakes are carnivorous, and Accepted research and their perfect diet will depend husbandry practice says that snakes should have enough
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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
All for Arts Sake
Retired vet and author of ‘Pets Aplenty’ MALCOLM D. WELSHMAN on how one pet’s knee problem caused his staff to go weak at their own knees...
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By MALCOLM D. WELSHMAN
time it took to say ‘King Size’. Bathed in an aura of luxurious selfassurance, there was no denying the raw power he exuded. Roberto Mancini his name. Italian.
In the aftermath of a storm earlier in the week, I was presented with a canine casualty of those blustery conditions. Arabella. An elderly Saluki. Elegant. Grey-houndlike. Cream-coloured Malcolm and Dora with soft silky ears. She’d been startled by a flying ‘You can call me Rob if you refuse bin, twisted sharply on wish,’ he said, in a low, husky her lead, and now could voice. scarcely weight bear on her lefthind leg. ‘Boy, do I wish,’ murmured I heard a kerfuffle out in reception and walked through to find both vet nurses, Mandy and Lucy, helping the Saluki up the hospital steps, supporting her hind-legs while the receptionist, Beryl, held the door open. All three of them were very eager to be of assistance – almost overenthusiastic in their support of the dog. And I could see why.
ground; and her left hip was leaning into Romero’s thigh for support. All suspicious of a problem in that leg. I knew from the history Beryl had obtained, that the Saluki was 12 years old and, apart from her annual vet visits for booster vaccinations, had a remarkably free history of problems. Certainly nothing relating to the symptoms she was now exhibiting. ‘Okay, old girl. Let’s see what you’ve been up to,’ I murmured, stroking her head. I turned to Roberto.
Mandy, nudging Lucy. ‘Okay, let’s get the dog through then,’ I said.
‘We’ll ease her down onto the floor.’
Once we had Arabella lying on With the Saluki once in the her left side – which we consulting table, Mandy offered managed very easily as the to stay. Saluki was very obliging, bless her – I palpated and ‘No, it’s fine, thanks,’ I told her. manipulated her right hip, ‘I can manage.’ easing the leg forwards, backwards and out. I then ‘If you’re sure,’ she said, her moved down the leg to test the doe-eyes sweeping up and knee. All sound. No reaction down Roberto’s whip-thin from her. The owner of the Saluki was a body. lean, muscular long-legged But a different story when it young man in narrow jeans. ‘Positive,’ I replied. came to the left leg which I put Loose white T-shirt over through the same movements tattooed arms. Dark hair in a I started my examination of once we’d rolled her onto her gelled quiff, shaved at the sides. Arabella, who had up to then, right side. As I flexed her left Neat, dark beard. Dark, been standing, trembling, knee, she yelped. There was smouldering eyes – ‘Take you putting weight on three legs, give in the joint. The diagnosis to bed’ eyes that would have but not on her fourth – her left- I suspected confirmed. A you flung on a mattress in the hind, its toes just touching the rupture of a ligament in the
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knee-cap.
moment Roberto and Arabella appeared.
having outlined the damage that had been done. No doubt when she’d made that sudden turn on being frightened by the dustbin lid.
now.’
and his latest book ‘Pets Are A Pleasure’ ‘Sorry, sweetie-pie,’ I published by Austin apologised, and looked up at At the final check, all appeared Macauley Publishers Roberto. ‘Seems we’ve located well. Arabella was using her left 0207 038 8312 at £9.67 the problem.’ leg. The plaster could come off. paperback and £3.50 ‘Excellent,’ said Roberto when Kindle edition ‘We can replace it with an he settled his account. ‘Means I www.malcolmwelshman artificial ligament,’ I explained, can get back to the art class .co.uk. *****************************
I saw Beryl was immediately all ears. Art class? What was this about an art class? Roberto explained. He modelled for a ‘But at her age?’ faltered life drawing class. But he hadn’t Roberto. ‘After all, she’s getting done so while Arabella had on in years. Coming up 12.’ been in plaster. Didn’t want to leave her on her own in case I nodded. ‘Rest is the only other there were any problems. ‘But option,’ I said, knowing that now I can attend tomorrow’s sounded obvious. ‘Coupled with class,’ he said, flexing his some anti-inflammatory brawny, tattooed arms. therapy, it might just do the trick.’ Beryl nearly fell off her perch. And was quick to spread the A week later, there was little word. Roberto in the buff. A improvement. brush with him would be enough to make any Botticelli ‘She needs crutches,’ said blush. Can you imagine? Roberto. Mandy certainly did. As did Beryl and Lucy. That gave me the idea. Arabella was admitted to the hospital In the office, next day, I spotted and her right leg put in plaster. three newly purchased sets of ‘That should act as a supportive charcoal pencils and three large crutch,’ I explained. Every week sketch pads all ready to be used for a month, Arabella stomped that evening. I didn’t need to in for a check-up. Same day. know why. Roberto Mancini. Same time. A time when Mandy He was bound to be a big draw. always seemed intent on ***************************** tidying up the waiting room the Malcolm D. Welshman is
author of ‘Pets Aplenty’
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Defying Disability Lisa Vesty, 43, from Enderby near Leicester with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, is experiencing the life changing benefits of dog ownership thanks to the support of an off-road mobility scooter. Lisa is a mother of two sons aged 15 and 20 and works part-time as an administration assistant. She was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome aged 30 despite having the condition from the age of 12. Up until her teens, Lisa excelled in a range of sports including netball and hockey however with increasing pain and mobility difficulties, she had to stop playing and seek medical help. Ehlers Danlos is a condition which affects connective tissues and commonly results in mobility challenges and regular dislocation of joints. Today Lisa has limited walking abilities and requires a mobility scooter or wheelchair to remain mobile.Previously her condition had continued to compromise confidence over many years resulting in difficulties with tackling the outside world on her own. This led to Lisa becoming housebound and struggling to benefit from the local community, seeing friends and in simple terms, fresh air.
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When Lisa decided to take ownership of cocker spaniel Tyler and a rugged TGA Vita S mobility scooter – her life instantly improved forever. Lisa now owns an additional cocker spaniel called Maya who accompanies Tyler and Lisa on regular adventures in their local countryside. Lisa believes her scooter and dogs are an absolute lifeline to positive mental health and without them she would be lost.
looking Vita it sparks up a conversation which always includes the dogs – dog walkers are like a secret club where everyone says hello or wants to chat, it's fantastic.”
bad, she can alternate between her better hand, so the scooter is always in control. In terms of safely walking Tyler and Maya, Lisa has devised a clever way of attaching bungee dog leads to her scooter seat, so they trot alongside the Vita.
Before owning her current Vita S from TGA, Lisa used another scooter however it did not have suspension which caused issues When they have to negotiate narrow gates or parked cars, Lisa approaches with caution and the spaniels are trained to walk behind. By lassoing the leads Lisa explains: "My onto the scooter Lisa dogs and Vita S give can control her Vita me a reason to go out. with both hands and with her joints and back. Trying Increasingly I was finding going hence drive hassle-free. to tackle kerbs was difficult and out on my own so difficult, I resulted in Lisa feeling like her wanted more adventurous Lisa continues: “My life would 'back was being shattered' walks in our neighbouring be impossible without my every time. Her Vita provides fields however my husband scooter and dog ownership motorcycle-engineered works nights so can't go in the would never have happened. I suspension and a bucket seat, day. I never grew up with dogs wished I'd had a decent scooter so her joints are protected from so hadn’t appreciated the when my boys were little so I sharp bumps – hence special bond you get with them could have joined them with dislocation can be avoided. She until now. The three of us go bike rides or fun at the park. also has a dropped shoulder out twice a day along bridal Play is such an important part and scoliosis however can ways, over farmland and along of your relationship with a achieve a comfortable position the old railway line. We meet so dog.” with the scooter's adjustable many people who say to me, tiller and armrests. Another 'how on earth did you get here?' vital feature of the Vita which and I say – 'just look at the helps Lisa is its tiller with 'wig machine I am on!' wag' controls. These allow a user to accelerate or brake “Previously people could be using either their left or right awkward talking to me on my hand. As Lisa's wrists vary in old scooter however things strength, with good days and have changed. With my slick
“Play is such an
important part of your
relationship with a dog.”
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LARS B. ANDERSEN, CEO of Arty Lobster On 3D Pet Sculptures Click this link to watch the video.
And here’s two examples of Arty Lobster’s fantastic 3D sculptures. Visit their website at www.artylobster.com to order a 3D sculpture of YOUR pet!
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