On Respect Your Cat Day it’s important to remember who’s really in charge (not you)

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Cats can recognise your voice. So yes, they are just ignoring you. Cat parents are probably smiling and nodding right now, and dog parents? Well, they’re just shaking their heads, jealous they haven’t experienced what it feels like to be owned by a cat. Earning your cat’s respect is a journey, not a destination, and what a beautiful journey it is.

While most cats demand our respect and unwavering devotion every day of the year, Respect Your Cat Day, celebrated annually on the 28th of March, is the perfect reminder why we love catering to their needs so much, explains Marycke Ackhurst, pet behaviour expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Speaking to this point, Abigail Tucker, author of The Lion in the Living Room: How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over the World, says cats primed us to love them, partly because of their humanoid faces – those big eyes remind us of our own babies – and partly because they didn’t fear us as much as other animals did. Now, cats are a global obsession, especially online, where figures like the late Grumpy Cat have more followers (and earning potential) than many human celebrities. So, in many ways, cats rule us.

However, Tucker adds, cat parents take great pleasure from making their cats happy, even if it is more challenging. Finding their sweet spot, whether it be a toy, a treat, or a certain kind of scratching, brushing, or petting that brings on the contented sound of purring is deeply satisfying. Humans, bred to live in groups, are prone to want to please others, and what better challenge than a cat?

And what do cat parents know pleases their cat more than anything in the world? Sleeping and eating. “Cats can sleep anywhere between 12 and 16 hours a day, with energy conservation being one of the main reasons for their extended sleep periods. This is where the term ‘cat nap’ originates. In addition to deep sleep, cats can doze off for brief moments at a time, lasting anywhere from five to 30 minutes, but remain on high alert for predators or prey – a biological impulse. If your cat has ever fallen asleep sitting up, she’s doing what she’s supposed to,” Ackhurst adds.

Despite your cat’s lengthy sleep requirements, she is anything but lazy, explains Ackhurst. In fact, for the four to seven hours of the day your cat isn’t sleeping, cat parents should make sure their cat gets plenty of play and exercise. A rigorous play session is especially important in the evening, when your cat is hardwired to begin the ‘hunt.’ Provide your cat with some fun DIY toys such as an empty toilet roll and string or some feathers attached to a stick, and a durable scratching post to shred (another innate cat behaviour) – remember to always supervise your cat when playing with these items as they can be destroyed and ingested.

Then, there’s food. Do cats think about food? “Yes, they love thinking about food,” says Ackhurst.  The thought of food can pop into their heads at the slightest stimulation – you entering the kitchen, the sound of a pouch or bag opening. This is when you’ll hear their ‘meow’ song in different tones. “Cats are survivors,” Ackhurst explains, and food is always on their mind even if they are fed sufficiently and on time. In the wild, once they’ve eaten, they need to start thinking about the next meal so as not to risk becoming too hungry and weak.

If you really want to earn respect from your mini feline ruler then offering them some of Hill’s delicious food in flavours like chicken, tuna and lamb will really get their purrs going.

Hill’s knows cat parents like treating their cats like royalty. That’s why cat parents will receive a free bowl* to suit the cat kings and queens in their homes, with every bag of Hill’s Feline purchased, 1.5kg and bigger. The promotion is running at selected participating Hill’s stockists around the country, while stocks last.  

Source: Hills

Body Language of Dogs

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Body language – Image shared by Dr. Karen Becker

Body language – Image shared by Dr. Karen Becker

What is your Dog telling you with their body language from Head to Tail?

Most animals use body language as well as sound and smell in order to communicate with one another.  Body language is the movements of animals’ facial expressions, eye behaviour, posture, and the movement of their body parts is inherent in all creatures including humans.

A common saying in animal welfare is that we are the voice for the voiceless, but more recently I agree rather with the saying that we are the voice of the unheard. So, my question to you is this:  Are you hearing what your dog is saying through their body language?

Many people think that it is easy to ‘read’ their dog, but there are so many subtle signs that many people don’t pick up on. Decoding your pet or another pet’s body language is not as straightforward as looking at a tail wag or the ears. Lexi Donnelly, a behaviour consultant at Best Friends Animal Society, shares how you usually see several dog body language signals happening at once. To make dog expressions even more nuanced, “Body language signals can be challenging due to breed difference and physical appearance, such as cropped ears, docked tails, wrinkles, etc.”

WHY IS BODY LANGUAGE IMPORTANT?

Dogs don’t use words, but through the gestures of our canine companions they can express a wide range of emotions and actions and it is crucial for communication. Your ability to understand and interpret body language can help you to pick up on unspoken issues or feelings in your pets. When we understand body language, we can better understand our pets and meet their needs which will deepen our relationship. Dog bites and fights can also be prevented by better understanding and predicting behaviour.

I am not a behaviourist, but I will share some of the basics I have learned about this topic. We can’t begin to cover the full extent of dog body language (or other animals) in one article, so we will look at the basics only! Check out these PAWSOME BODY LANGUAGE pictures from www.RPLUSDOGS.com and here are a few body gestures from other species.

To understand a dog’s communication signals, it’s necessary to pay attention to specific body postures, movements, and facial gestures although we do need to look at them all together and within context too. Gilbert-Gregory gives the following cues:

HOW A DOG LOOKS WHEN RELAXED

Posture — The weight is carried evenly; may do a play bow or wiggle.

Tail — Relaxed and neutral position; may be wagging.

Ears — Neutral position.

Mouth — May be open with tongue hanging out, or may be closed with lips relaxed over teeth.

Eyes — Soft, with normal pupil size.

Appetite — Readily eats.

HOW A DOG LOOKS WHEN ANXIOUS

Posture (and fur) — Piloerection (raised hair on the shoulders and back); might roll over and lift a forelimb.

Tail — Might be tucked in under the body.

Mouth — Might show a submissive smile (a very wide smile), or may be panting, lip licking and/or yawning.

Ears — Pinned back.

Eyes — Whale eye (white portion of the eye showing at corner or rim), pupil dilation, or averted gaze.

Body language – Image shared by Dr. Karen Becker

HOW A DOG LOOKS WHEN AGGRESSIVE

Posture — Muscles tense, weight shifts back and low to the ground; may also roll over to expose belly or raise one paw.

Hair — Piloerection is a red flag.

Tail — May be tucked or low to the ground; may be wagging slowly or rapidly.Mouth — Pulled back, with possible growling, snarling, excessive panting, lip licking, chewing, or yawning.

Body language – Image shared by Dr. Karen Becker

CALMING SIGNALS

Some of these body gestures are referred to as “calming signals” and it is a way your pet tells you they are uncomfortable or not a threat, yet so many people and especially parents miss this. They include: Breaking eye contact/turning away, lifting a paw, sniffing the ground, freezing/stillness, showing the whites of the eye (whale/moon eye), lip licking (when not eating), yawning (when not tired), walking slowly, “smiling”, wagging tail, panting, play bow, exposing the belly/lying on back, shake/shiver, lowered head and more.

A note on a dog’s hair – When you see a dog’s hair raise, most people think it is only a bad sign, but it could be arousal, discomfort, or fear. Similar to when we get goosebumps from an awesome story or when watching a scary thriller.

Images by R+Dogs

THE MYTH ABOUT WAGGING TAILS

Many people will say: ” the dog’s tail was wagging so I know they just wanted to play.” In an article by Dr. Karen Becker, she shares how wagging tails do not always indicate happiness or pleasure. This is a good reason why you should stop using the tail wagging as a sign that all is okay. Tail wagging probably evolved as a dog-to-dog form of communication, since it appears dogs message each other through tail wags.

A 2013 study suggests that dogs who see another dog wagging to the left respond anxiously, with elevated heart rates and dogs who see another dog wagging to the right remain relaxed. Other tail wagging signals include full body wags, the “circle wag”, tip of the tail wags and stiff or rigid wags.

Donnelly breaks it down to:

  • A high tail wag can be over-arousal or early warning signal that the dog is frustrated or fearful.
  • A loose, half-mast wag can be comfortable and playful.
  • A low tail wag can signify fear and serve as an early warning signal.
  • Tail between the legs – this body posture is not one of confidence or feeling at ease.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

When you are trying to decode your dog’s gestures it’s important to look at the whole picture and within context. What happened when the behaviour was displayed? Dogs will most likely not display only one gesture at a time and you will have to look at the whole body, not just one part. Although some body language is universal, focus on your pet’s individual body language. Next time you interact with your dog, look specifically at their body language. Look at how their posture changes when they are in different situations.

Always look at the body language when you want to touch an animal. Touch should always be with clear consent, voluntary and with ongoing permission. We refer to it as PET-PET-PAUSE.  The safest bet is when you let the dog approach you and initiate the interaction. If you notice they are stressed and showing any of the calming signals, move away and take them to a safe space to help them relax.

REMEMBER T-E-M-P: Tails, ears & eyes, mouth and posture.

I have heard people brag about how well their dog listens to them, but I want to know how well you listen to your dog by observing, understanding and reacting to their body language and through it help them navigate this human world, they were forced into, better.  Make the time to really “get” your four-legged best friend because it will improve your relationship and avoid unfortunate interactions.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER DO BETTER!

Source: The bulletin

Do you think you have an aggressive dog?

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DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE AN AGGRESSIVE DOG

Image: Pixabay

Animals being aggressive is a complex behaviour and should be identified correctly and addressed immediately by qualified individuals!

Aggressive behaviour is probably the most common behavioural problem in dogs seen by behaviour professionals and the most dangerous one seen in companion dogs.  Many behaviours that people perceive as aggressive are actually normal forms of communication. Behaviour is one of the most common reasons why people surrender animals, especially dogs to shelters and aggression is one of them.

As the Whole Dog Journal shares: “The broad spectrum of “aggressive behaviours” is technically called “agonistic behaviours” and is defined in ethology as, “pertaining to the range of activities associated with aggressive encounters between members of the same species or social group, including threat, attack, appeasement, or retreat.” So, while a growl-lunge-bite sequence would be easily recognized by most people as aggression, more subtle agonistic behaviours such as a freeze, a hard stare, or even a lack of eye contact, may go unnoticed (and unaddressed)”. The lack of understanding of basic and normal animal behaviour remains part of the problem!

Part of the problem is also that there has been a cultural shift about dog aggression. I agree with Patt Miller that our culture has become over-sensitized to dog bites.  In the past, if a child was bitten by a neighbour’s dog, the mother would usually question the child about what they did to provoke the animal. Nowadays, however, the first response is to contact a lawyer or a behaviour specialist (less likely), or even take the dog to a shelter. We have become a society that is increasingly fearful of aggression. Read more about the Pitbull crisis in SA and dog bite prevention.

DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE AN AGGRESSIVE DOG

SOME FACTORS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO DOG AGGRESSION

Aggression in animals can be caused by a variety of factors, such as fear, excess energy, self-defence, or pain and physical discomfort for example.

1. Lack of Socialization: Dogs that are not properly socialized may become aggressive when they encounter unfamiliar people or animals. Pups learn valuable information about behaviour from their mom/dad.  If they are removed before 10-12 weeks, then this could affect their future behaviour negatively too.  

2. Fear: Dogs may become aggressive when they feel threatened or scared which is a normal response for us as humans too. “Aggressive” behaviour when defending themselves or a mom protecting her puppies are also examples.

3. Pain: Dogs in pain may become aggressive as a way to protect themselves.

4. Dominance: Dogs may become aggressive in an attempt to establish dominance over other animals or people. Whether people believe it or not, animals do establish hierarchy and what appears to be aggressive behaviour might be part of that, although possibly normal. Sometimes just the company of other dogs may be stressful to your dog which may lead to “aggressive” behaviour.

5. Breed genetics: Some breeds of dogs might be predisposed to aggression and bad breeding practices have certainly contributed to this. All dogs can bite, but some may do more damage than others. Aggression can’t be blamed on the breed.  The breed of a dog can tell you what they can do, but how they are raised and cared for, determines what they will do.  I believe dog bites are 100% preventable and understanding body language is key to prevention.

6. Hormones: An earlier study showed that dogs with high levels of the hormone vasopressin may be more aggressive than dogs with lower levels; higher levels of oxytocin (the “love hormone”) and higher oxytocin-to-vasopressin levels are seen in the breeds least likely to behave aggressively. Hormone levels when a bitch is in heat may contribute to “aggressive” behaviour for both her and males. One of the many reasons we support spay & neuter.

7. Your response: The owner’s prior experience with dogs can contribute to or reinforce certain behaviours and when you panic it may worsen the situation. Animals need calm and confident owners. Remember that aggression can be learned; your pup can learn that if he acts aggressively, the things that scare him will go away. This means that his aggressive behaviour is rewarded, and will become more frequent.

MORE ON BEHAVIOUR

Reactivity

Reactivity is a reaction to something that makes a dog uncomfortable.  It always starts subtly and as signals are missed, ignored, or punished.  We then start to see behaviours that become a problem for us, like growling, snarling, lunging and biting.

Resource guarding (including food, toys, humans etc.)

All animals engage in defending their resources and resources come in a variety of forms. Some may make sense, others may not. It may also seem surprising to you that your dog may resource guard items because they have an abundance of things. Food, toys, you…..but resource guarding isn’t about things. It’s about feelings as R+Dogs explains it including:

  • The fear of losing out on something
  • The fear associated with not having any control
  • The fear that comes with intimidation (implied or unknowingly present)
  • The fear of the unknown
  • The fear of no escape
  • The fear of being unsafe

Resource guarding can also be linked to pain so please have your dog thoroughly checked for pain by your vet.

Trigger stacking – when the behaviour happens “out of the blue”

We’ve all experienced days when it feels like everything is going wrong and we’re left feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and ready to lash out at the next person who speaks to us. This person may think we have a serious attitude problem or need anger management when in reality, we’re just having a really bad day and don’t usually act this way. The same is true for dogs. Behaviours that appear out of the blue or are out of character can often be attributed to the stacking of different triggers.

A trigger can be anything that causes a dog to become overwhelmed and have a negative reaction. These can be small, seemingly insignificant things that we may not even notice, but they can add up and eventually lead to a reaction that is out of proportion to the stimulus. When the dog’s stress levels reach a certain point, the next event, no matter how small, can cause an unexpected reaction.

Examples include: Someone at the gate, the garbarge truck passing, strange man fixing the pool, someone on a bike passing, other dogs barking, a kid that hugs the dog etc. If this happens each on a consecutive days you likely avoid the stacking, but if it all occured in one day, they might “snap” with something simple due to stacking of triggers.

WHY PUNISHMENT IS NOT THE ANSWER!

Punishment is not the solution because it only suppresses the symptoms. Physical, punishment-based training is outdated. Such methods may include the use of choke chains, shock collars, or alpha rolls (physically rolling a dog onto the ground and holding him there) and hitting them.  While these methods peaked in popularity in the 1960s, the science of dog training has advanced significantly in the last 50 years and today’s reputable trainers/behaviourists overwhelmingly shun them in favour of positive reinforcement or reward-based conditioning. Remember punishment, whether physical or mental, can harm your pet.

Never punish a growl, which usually precedes the bite or snap action. This way they will learn from you that it is safer to skip the growl because you will punish it and then they bite “out of the blue”.  A growl is a way of communicating that they are not happy and that they need your help! No bite is “out of the blue!”

DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE AN AGGRESSIVE DOG

Image by Good Guardianship

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

You need an aggression-modifying action plan. A blanket approach can’t be followed for aggression and an evaluation by a qualified behaviourist, not just a dog trainer is important as well as addressing the individual needs of that animal if it is correctly identified as aggressive behaviour.

  • My first stop will always be to go for a vet check to rule out any underlying medical issue or pain.
  • Educate yourself about dog body language so you can be aware of your dog’s more subtle agonistic behaviours. Listen to what your pet is saying through their vocalizations or body language. TEMP – tails ears/eyes, mouth and posture. Also learn basic first-aid for pets in case of an emergency.
  • Find out what is the cause of aggression or stressors and stress levels. Look for subtle signs too. Avoid putting them in situations where they may be compelled to act aggressively and also to help them cope. Take steps to eliminate it from their life if possible. If it is something that can’t be removed, try to manage it by removing the dog from the environment when the stressor is present or re-directing your pet’s attention. If it is too difficult to be removed or managed, try to change their opinion of the stressor (gradually) through counter-conditioning or behaviour modification in the presence of the stressor. Redirect their attention or give them a job. Always stay calm!
  • Contact a behaviourist and make the time to follow the plan. Search for a behaviourist near you and ask for references. Remember that you need to look out for your pets, so if you feel uncomfortable with any trainer/behaviourist, then walk away and find someone else.  We only support fear-free reward-based training methods.  You can follow R+Dogs more on aggression and reactivity.
DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE AN AGGRESSIVE DOG

Image by Dr. Karen Becker

  • Become a calm-confident guardian by setting rules and boundaries and being consistent.
  • Meet all their needs physically and emotionally through species-appropriate enrichment.
  • Never force affection and let them come to you.

This only includes the basics and each situation must be assessed by a qualified behaviourist and an individual plan needs to be formulated to help the particular animal cope.

Many people wait too long before getting help for their dogs. Invest in learning about body language so you can help your pet to better navigate this human world they were forced into. They are your responsibility and just as most won’t dump their angry child on an already overwhelmed welfare system, you shouldn’t give up on the animals in your care because you are not meeting their needs or understanding their behaviour.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

5 Tips to make sure bath time is a tail-wagging experience – for you and your dog

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Giving your fur friend a regular bath is an essential part of keeping them happy and healthy. Bathing keeps their coats clean and also keeps them free from pesky parasites. But for dogs, its can sometimes be a stressful experience so it’s good to get yourself prepared before you even turn on the tap. Melissa-Rae Lourens, Founder of Kreature Comforts, shares her 5 top tips for a fun, safe and stress-free bath time experience for you and your dog.

  • Ensure you have pet friendly shampoo

First things first – what do you use to wash them? And no, Sunlight is not the right answer…

When it comes to washing your furry best friend, it’s important to use a product that is both safe and effective. Many pet owners wonder if they can use a dishwashing detergent like Sunlight to wash their dogs. While Sunlight is often used to clean up major events, such as oil spills on wildlife, it’s not recommended for regular use on pets. Here’s why:

    • These detergents are formulated for use on dishes and not for use on pets. It’s designed to cut through grease and grime, which can be harmful to your dog’s skin and coat. Dishwashing detergents can strip away the natural oils that keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny. This can lead to dry, itchy skin and a dull coat.
    • Dishwashing detergents can be irritating to your dog’s skin. The chemicals in these detergents can cause skin irritation, redness, and even chemical burns. Dogs have much more sensitive skin than humans, so even a small amount of dishwashing detergent can be harmful to them.
    • Dishwashing detergents are not formulated to deal with the specific needs of a dog’s coat. Dogs have a different pH balance than humans, which means that their skin and coat require different care. Using a product that is not specifically formulated for dogs can throw off the pH balance of their skin and lead to irritation, dryness, and other issues.

So what should you use instead? There are many pet shampoos on the market that are safe and effective for use on your pup. These shampoos are formulated to meet the specific needs of your dog’s skin and coat, and they come in a variety of formulas to address different issues such as dry skin, fleas, and allergies.

When choosing a dog shampoo, it’s important to read the label and choose a product that is appropriate for your dog’s specific needs. If your dog has sensitive skin or allergies, look for a gentle shampoo, The Sensitive One from Pride + Groom is free of harsh chemicals and rich in soothing essential oils like Quinoa and Lavender.  If your dog has dry skin, look for a shampoo that contains moisturizing ingredients like Coconut oil and Flaxseed oil which can help dry skin, dandruff and even lessen shedding after a bath.

  • Make them comfortable

When washing your dog, it’s important to follow a few basic guidelines to keep them safe and comfortable. First, never use hot water to wash your dog, as this can burn their skin. Use lukewarm water instead, and make sure to wet your dog thoroughly before applying shampoo. Lay down a towel or non-slip mat, to help your dog feel like they are on solid ground. Have their favourite treat close by to reward them for being such a good sport after you’re done.  If your using a tub you might find it helpful to sit with your feet in the tub, this will help you determine if the temperature is suitable and will also give your pup a great sense of security as you don’t feel so far removed.

  • Make the experience a bonding moment

Talk to them in a soothing tone of voice while you’re bathing them, the sound of your voice reassures them and helps them to feel secure. Dogs pick up many cues about their environment and possible threats from their caregivers. Having a smile and a little conversation with your pup while giving them a bath will work wonders to reduce any anxiety they have about water. You can also try using a massaging wet brush to help you get a deep clean and give your pup a soothing massage brush. Look out for products that are easy to handle, for example, the cone nozzle on our Pride + Groom bottles is designed to allow the user to work with one hand, keeping the other free to keep on your dog while you apply your shampoo, this is not only great for keeping them calm but also for gently guiding them away from any possible escape routes they plan on taking.

  • Remember you’re probably going to get drenched

Dress for the occasion. It’s also important try and avoid scolding your dog while giving them a bath as much as you can, the more positive reinforcement they receive while being bathed the more it will lessen their anxiety.

  • Routine is key

As with most things, practice makes perfect, the more often you bath your dog, the more they will know what to expect and that there’s nothing to be scared of.

Whether it’s romping in the mud, or rolling in the smelliest item they can find, dogs always seem to find a way to get smelly and dirty. Follow these basic guidelines for washing your dog, and your pet will be clean, healthy, and ready for snuggles!

Source: kreature Comforts

 

The story of Heidi and Joe

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Hedi and joe

The story of Heidi and Joe that we posted on Facebook on Tuesday last week, has been shared and liked by 1000s and we could not believe when it made it onto the Good Things Guy website and Facebook page and then we were alerted that the story had been picked up by EWN and we believe that this story has also been shared on international news sites – WOW!

Quite a few people have reached out to us about Heidi, and one person sent an email to enquire about adopting her but has not come back to us as yet Heidi has remained in isolation due to concerns that she may have contracted Rabies, but it is a case of so far so good and we aren’t seeing any signs that have Dr Elsa or the team worried. She is eating and drinking well, we have dewormed her, treated her for ticks and fleas and have started her on a vaccination regime. The wound on her leg is healing nicely and as mentioned before that isn’t really anything to worry about.

She will remain in isolation until tomorrow morning, which will be slightly more that 7 days since she arrived at our clinic. From there we will need to work on her confidence as she is a very small and scared little dog, thankfully she has been able to interact with Jan (he is vaccinated against Rabies) and although she is quite timid, she does seem to understand and respond to a gentle tone and a kind hand. She LOVES laying and rolling around on the grass, which makes us think she has been kept in terrible circumstances before she got stuck on the mountain, after the zoomies, she loves nothing more than a patch of grass in the warm sun.

So, did an owner ever come forward? In fact, yes, someone did claim to be her owner and we have asked for proof of ownership as we simply won’t hand her over and nothing has been forthcoming. Surprise, surprise they are now not answering their phones and have not called us back.

In a couple of days, she will technically be a stray and then we will make sure she will be sterilised and once she is ready, we will start looking for a forever home for her.

Some time at our clinic, with our team and our pack of calm and relaxed clinic dogs will do wonders for her and we have also been chatting about bringing in a local dog trainer to work with her. This little girl just needs, time, space and love, which we will make sure she gets in abundance!

As Heidi, will probably stay for us for a little while, if you would like to donate any funds towards her ongoing care, then we would really appreciate that. Please could you use HEIDI as a reference, so that we can tag any donations directly to her care.

Our banking details in case you need them are:

Cluny Animal Trust
Standard Bank
Account Number – 035 278 846
Branch – Bethlehem (055033)
Swift Code – SBZAZAJJ

If you do donate, please would you send your proof of donation to imogen@clunyanimaltrust.co.za as we would love the opportunity to say thank you! Of course, if you prefer to remain anonymous, we understand that to😊

So, what about Joe? Because of the Rabies concerns, after we found out he had been bitten by Heidi, we did try to source the initial vaccine for him, but we came up short. We were incredibly grateful to the community of Clarens for rallying around and donating the funds that were needed to make sure that Joe got the 4 Rabies vaccinations he needed in the time frames required.

We are very grateful that because of your generosity and support that we can help animals like Heidi and we want to thank you for helping us to continue to make a positive difference to the many animals here in the eastern Free State. 

Source: Cluny Animal Trust

IMDT 2 Day Career International Accredited Education for Dog Trainers and Dog Lovers

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IMDT 2 Day Career International Accredited Education for Dog Trainers and Dog Lovers

IMDT 2 Day Career International Accredited Education for Dog Trainers and Dog Lovers

Dates: 15 & 16 April 2023 – Cape Town

Duration: 2 days. 09h30 – 15h30

VENUE: 15 – 16 April to be held In Cape Town

The 2 day Career As A Dog Trainer’ Course offers a wealth of information and practical

demonstrations for those wishing to expand their dog training and behaviour knowledge:

  • The science of how dogs learn

  • Exploring body language

  • Group class planning & dynamics

  • Principles of canine behaviour

  • Building a one to one consultation

  • Behaviour modification & rehabilitation

  • Practical demonstrations

  • Case studies

This is a very popular Course for attendees of all standards and is 50% of the curriculum required for the Open College Network Level III  Accredited Qualification ‘Principles of Dog Training And Behaviour’.

  • Due to the intensity of the course content, attendees do not bring dogs to this course.

  • Cost R1200

  • Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

  • You can bring your own lunch.

RESERVATION AND BOOKING LINK:

Facebook event link:

Source: The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers South Africa

How do I stop my dog barking?

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Image: Pixabay

Controlling the noise level of your dog is an important part of being a responsible owner. After all, excessive barking can be annoying, not just for you but for your neighbours as well.

Why all the noise
The first step to managing the problem is to understand why a dog barks. Some dogs will bark to let you know they want something. Perhaps they are hungry, thirsty or just want to play.

When this becomes unreasonable, it is time to teach him other ways to attract your attention; like pawing or waiting by the door or bowl.

Playtime
Many dogs will bark when they see other dogs to invite them to come and play. This is perfectly normal, but it is up to you to decide how much barking is acceptable and make your dog wait to play until he can be quiet.

Home alone
Your dog may bark if left alone. Try leaving some music on, or playing the radio to provide familiar human noise. You can also give him some toys that require extended work and attention to keep him occupied while you’re out.

A good way of reducing anxiety is to give your dog an old unwashed piece of clothing or anything that will smell strongly of his family.

Once you are home, be sure to enjoy some vigorous play and exercise with your dog. He’ll have missed you and there’s no better way of re-establishing the bond.

On guard
One of the most common reasons for a dog to bark is as an alarm. If your dog sees someone approaching the house he will bark to let you know. Since he sees you as the head of the pack, he will want you to investigate.

Stick to a system
In all aspects of dog training you need to have a system. Dogs respond to routine and this will greatly increase your chances of success. You may have already been to obedience classes with your puppy, if you didn’t, then why not give it a go now? It’s never too late to teach old dogs new tricks and they are great places to learn skills in handling your dog.

Hush
One way to teach your dog a ‘hush’ command is to silence or distract him every time he barks. Use something that makes a loud noise, like a can full of coins, to get his attention then issue a firm ‘hush’ command.

When your dog stops barking, praise and reward him. Never shout when you want him to stop, this can cause anxiety and undermine any learning. Also, you can easily confuse your dog if he thinks you are barking too. Yelling only reinforces the barking habit.

To summarise
Training is always the best way to correct your dog’s behaviour. Remember though, that most barking is a normal part of being a dog. It is only when it becomes unreasonable and disrupting that you need to take action.

If the barking persists, your vet will be able to give additional advice and may even suggest some other techniques.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Kidney Function Tests for Cats & Dogs Get Even Better

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Image: Pixabay

Diagnostic test gets even better

The IDEXX SDMA is a revolutionary kidney function test which gives you the power to detect kidney disease much earlier. It can identify problems up to 4 years earlier in cats and 2 years earlier in dogs.

In just one year the IDEXX SDMA test identified over 1.6 million pets worldwide with probable kidney disease that the traditional test would have missed. In fact, before the IDEXX SDMA test this disease could only be identified once 75% of the kidney function was already lost.

Kidney disease is a prevalent, serious disease that’s being under diagnosed. Previous studies have found that 1 in 3 cats and 1 in 10 dogs are likely to develop kidney disease in their lifetime.

Ask your vet for an IDEXX SDMA test – it’s simple and earlier detection means earlier intervention, which can give your pet the best chance at a longer, happier and healthier life.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Dealing with dog fleas

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Image: Pixabay

Few things can be quite as frustrating to a dog owner as dog fleas. They can give painful bites and in some cases transmit disease. An infestation is irritating but manageable and with just a little work they can be treated and prevented.

What are they?
The first step to dealing with fleas is to make sure you understand them and their lifecycle. Fleas are small, flightless insects that survive on blood. They should be visible to the naked eye but if your dog has dark fur you may have an easier time seeing them against the skin. Otherwise, you have to hunt for them.

An irritant at every stage
A flea goes through four stages in its lifetime: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Adult females lay eggs in batches of 20. These are laid on the host but are usually quick to fall to the ground. Eggs are very small, oval shaped and grey or white in colour.

Once the eggs hatch, larvae emerge which feed mostly on debris such as faeces, dead insects or vegetable matter. Within a week or two the larvae will spin cocoons and pupate for another one to two weeks. Adult fleas emerge and must immediately find a host for a source of blood.

Fleas tend to specialise in a particular kind of host. The type you’ll find on your dog won’t normally feed on humans but there are always exceptions.

Prevention
It is much better to prevent a flea infestation in the first place than to try and eliminate one later. Unfortunately it ‘s difficult to guess the source of a flea infestation until you’ve already had one.

Careful vacuuming with particular attention paid to nooks, crannies and upholstered furniture will go a long way towards getting rid of eggs, larvae and cocoons.

If you’ve never had fleas in your home before, the most likely way for them to get in is to be carried from outside by your dog.

If you know he has been infested after a trip to a certain location (a friend’s house for example) then in future, you should bathe and comb him whenever he returns home from that particular place. Use a fine-toothed comb and keep soapy water on hand to drown the fleas.

If the outdoor source is as close as your front lawn then there’s little you can do besides taking extra precautions during flea season.

Spotting the signs
You can tell if your dog has fleas when he is scratches or bites excessively or develops a rash on his skin, Eggs or flea dirt (dark, hard pellets of digested blood) either in his fur or on his bedding are also a good indicator.

Treatment
Your vet can recommend a number of treatments to help quickly eliminate fleas and their eggs. These usually work by killing adult fleas (and turning your pet into a walking flea death trap!) or by weakening larvae.

Because treatment usually only affects fleas in one of their life stages it is important to supplement any treatment with diligent cleaning of your dog’s bedding.

Be wary of flea treatment products not provided by your vet. As ever, it is always wise to consult with your vet before beginning any sort of treatment on your animal.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

New-to-market local pet brand goes to the dogs – and they wouldn’t want it any other way

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New-to-market local pet brand goes to the dogs – and they wouldn’t want it any other way

Kreature Comforts, South Africa’s newest brand of pet products, takes a different approach by designing and curating products that celebrate the unique dog-ness of our furry friends.

Every day we see the latest celeb carrying their pooch around in a bling-encrusted carrier, or a young couple taking their fur baby out for a stroll on the trendiest lead, or a fancy set of food and water bowls that are stunning to look at but highly impractical. As collective dog lovers, we need to face the harsh reality that often we choose our pet accessories because they’re “just so cute”, without considering whether or not they’re the best choice for our doggos. 

Luckily for Fido and Fifi, recently launched, Kreature Comforts, only stocks products that are loved by their most discerning customers – dogs themselves. “There are scores of well-intentioned pet owners out there who are buying the things that they’re attracted to instead of thinking about what is most functional for their pets”, says Melissa-Rae Lourens, Director of Kreature Comforts. “This is largely due to the fact that many products that are wonderful for your pets are just not always as appealing to pet owners as they are to pets.

As brands sell their products to people and not the pets using them, pets often get lost in the equation during product development, leading to overpriced impractical products that don’t serve to enhance the lives of pets and their parents but rather end up leading to frustration and the reinforcement of problematic behaviors.”

So what exactly should pet owners be looking for when shopping? Melissa says a range where every design, texture, flavour, and formula has been scrutinised to find the only most exceptional products for both pets and their parents to enjoy.

She continues, “We are providing something different because of the intention and thought that goes into the design of each item to produce not only a product but also a certain outcome when using it. Take for example a dog leash. It’s a simple design made to serve a simple purpose, right? Wrong. Most companies approach the design of their collars and leads from an aesthetic point of view or alternatively they end up overengineering them by including unnecessary features which results in frustratingly impractical products. We, on the other hand, fully accept and understand that not all pets are well behaved ‘angels’ we also understand why that is, we tailor our products to suit the more mischievous aspects of their nature without compromising on the visual appeal of the product. By considering the natural tendencies and behaviors of both pets and their parents our products result is a more balanced, happy and fulfilling experience for everybody – and every fur-body.”

Kreature Comforts is also the exclusive South African stockist of Pride + Groom, a globally celebrated brand of grooming products, (even Oprah is a fan). Pride + Groom is a female founded company based in New York and has been flying off of shelves everywhere from Bloomingdales to Selfridges to name but a few.

“Social media has normalized the humanisation of pets, and pet product suppliers are capitalising on this without really realising the impact it has on pet wellbeing. We are much more interested in developing products that allow your dog to simply be a dog, so that you can get back to enjoying one of life’s greatest pleasures instead of feeling the need to turn them into hairy four-legged humans’, concludes Melissa.

Currently only available online, you can shop the Kreature Comforts range here.

Source: Kreature Comforts