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KATAZA – Cape of Good Hope SPCA Intervenes

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By: Rhys Krohn

KATAZA

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has spent an extensive period of time monitoring the integration, movements and behaviour of SK11 / Kataza since we were notified of his relocation to Tokai. We hoped he would integrate and be able to live out his natural life on the Peninsula but we are now concerned about his wellbeing and welfare, and that of other animals and the public in general. For this reason, we approached the City of Cape Town on 21 October 2020 with a proposal to capture SK11 / Kataza and relocate him to the Riverside Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Limpopo. The rehabilitation centre is owned and managed by well-known primatologist Mr Bob Venter, who welcomes the arrival of SK11 / Kataza. All costs associated with the relocation process will be borne by Cape of Good Hope SPCA on receipt of approval from Cape Nature.

A representative of the City of Cape Town responded on 22 October 2020 informing the Cape of Good Hope SPCA that, inter alia, the City does not agree with certain statements expressed in our correspondence regarding the condition and behaviour of SK11 / Kataza. The representative also informed us that the City of Cape Town does not own the wild baboons in the Cape Peninsula and that the Cape of Good Hope SPCA would need to approach Cape Nature for the relevant permits. 

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has submitted an application to Cape Nature today for the necessary permit to capture and relocate SK11 / Kataza to the Riverside Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. We are of the view that this is the only solution for SK11 / Kataza at this stage. Relocating SK11 / Kataza back to his natal troop in Slangkop is not an option as he will be met with the same reintegration challenges. We are particularly concerned about his raiding behaviour escalating in his natal territory, which may result in dire consequences for him, something that the Cape of Good Hope SPCA aims to avert with this proposed solution.

We wish to assure our supporters that we will continue to fight for SK11 / Kataza and will do everything within our statutory powers to ensure he is afforded the protection he deserves.

All media related enquiries may be directed to info@capespca.co.za

Source: SPCA

 

‘Fairy tails’ come true: Netflix show finds forever homes for SA shelter dogs

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‘Fairy tails’ come true: Netflix show finds forever homes for SA shelter dogs

The 13-part South African series ‘A Dog for Life’ will see the show’s ‘ideator’ match shelter dogs with their forever homes around Cape Town.

This isn’t your average matchmaking show, in fact, you won’t find any mismatches, cringing blind dates or awkward conversation starters here, only tears of joy, heart-warming moments, and laugh out loud encounters. This is A Dog for Life, a 13-part South African docu-reality series sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition which will air on Netflix from 15 June 2021.

ABOUT ‘A DOG FOR LIFE’

“A Dog for Life is a show about the extraordinary, very tangible bond between people and shelter dogs. It is impossible to determine the rescuer from the rescued,” explains owner of production company Grays Matter Films, Samantha Gray, who produced and co-directed A Dog for Life.

Over the course of the 13 episodes, presenter and show ideator Sue White will match shelter dogs with their forever homes around Cape Town. Through a quirky doggy dating process, Sue helps humans to look beyond the fluff and fall in love with the one.

The dogs are a mix of scruffy, grubby, perky, goofy, beautiful, shy, boisterous, delinquent, and angelic. Despite being abandoned, with a stroke of luck they have found their way to their halfway houses at existing shelters – Fallen Angels, Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch, Honey’s Garden, Animal Anti Cruelty League (AACL), DARG, WOOF Project and Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

“Getting involved in a show like this was a natural fit for us. Hill’s has always been committed to transforming lives, those of pets, and in turn their pet parents. Since 2002, the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Programme has provided shelters with the life-changing nutrition they need to help homeless pets find forever homes,” says Carla Bath from Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

LANDING THE SHOW ON NETFLIX

Gray and White say A Dog for Life delivered on all their expectations of being sniffed, slobbered, and yes occasionally weed on, but they didn’t mind that in the least.

“I especially loved being able to showcase the extraordinary, very tangible bond between humans and shelter dogs. Having been blessed with rescue dogs throughout my life, with animal welfare very close to my heart, A Dog for Life really resonated with me. And, of course, landing the show on Netflix was the ultimate tail-wagging moment,” says Gray.

So, how does the matchmaking process on A Dog for Life work? Gray provides a brief overview without giving away too much:

  1. Sue interviews potential families and then goes about looking for a fur baby at the partner shelters that will match the different family’s lifestyle and needs.
  2. The people of this story are as unique and special as the dogs are; artsy, funny, millennials, retirees, and from all walks of life. They all divulge their reasons for wanting to be a pet parent.
  3. Sue then assesses their needs and compares them to her catalogue of hopeful dogs, curating a selection for them to choose from.
  4. They will match the temperament of the dog to the temperament of the home. They don’t want to match a 12-year-old Chihuahua with a marathon runner looking for a running buddy.
  5. They know the pooches may need a little makeover, and some might need help with ‘social awkwardness,’ that’s why they bring in the experts to guide them and ensure these fur babies have nothing standing in their way. From grooming sessions with animal behaviourist Kieran Piper, they’ll make sure they’re shiny, bushy-tailed and can confidently put their best paw forward.

LAUGH UNTIL YOU CRY

Gray and White added that time and time again, through the stories they encountered, their paradigms continued to shift.

“We met people we ordinarily would not meet, and we fell in love with them. All of them. They shared their hearts so fully and openly. They were brave in their vulnerability and astonishing in their courage. Some families and our interactions made us laugh until we cried, and with some, we wept. We stand in authority here, knowing with absolute certainty that dogs are the greatest rescuers of all. We cannot call them ‘rescues’ – we, the humans, are the rescued. Quite frankly, the earth would be a miserable place without dogs. And if you didn’t know that already, you will after watching A Dog for Life.”

Source: The South African

Winter Blues? Add enrichment to your dog’s daily life

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Enrichment

Winter Blues? Add enrichment to your dog’s daily life

Enrichment – What is it?

Enrichment is a critical part of an animal’s daily life.  It shouldn’t be thought of only as a “treat” or only to provide when you’re leaving them on their own. Their everyday should be filled with enriching activities so they can live physically and emotionally healthy lives. Enrichment can help reduce undesirable behaviours that may develop as a result of boredom because the dog starts to entertain himself. Excessive barking, chewing or digging up the garden can be a result of boredom. By introducing enrichment into your dog’s life, you can prevent these unwanted behaviours from developing in excess and strengthen that wonderful bond between you and your pet dog.

Scenting & Scatter Feeding:
A dog navigates the world through his nose, so you can imagine how important scenting is for him. Scatter some of your dog’s daily portion of pellets into the garden, so he needs to use his nose to find them.  This scenting activity helps stimulate a part of your dog’s brain that helps promote calm.  Ditch the food bowl and get your dog using his wonderful brain and nose for his mealtimes. When dogs have to forage (sniff, search) for their food rather than eat out of a bowl, we are stimulating and seeing to their natural instincts.

Play “hide-the-treats”:
Hide treats or your dog’s favourite toys in the garden, encourage them to use their nose to find them.  Take a towel and roll up the treats inside. Your dog needs to use his brain to figure how to get the treats out.

Enrichment

A puzzle feeder:
These can slow fast eaters down and stimulate the mind. These days there are so many options and difficulty levels available in stores.

Egg box ball feeder:
Put treats in an egg box and place tennis balls on top of the hidden treats. He’ll have to scent, push and paw to get them out.

Kongs:
A durable rubber feeding toy that can be filled with the dog’s daily food allowance.  They are incredibly useful at relieving boredom, providing good mental stimulation and relieving stress or inappropriate chewing of other household items.  Soak some of your dog’s pellets in warm water, fill the KONG, “plug” the top with something like plain yoghurt or liver paste and there you have it – a fun, challenging work-to-eat toy.

On a Budget?
Everyday objects like egg boxes, paper rolls (the cardboard tube from the kitchen paper towels or toilet paper cardboard) come in handy.  Fill them up with dog pellets or treats and it will keep them stimulated for ages.  Dogs enjoying chewing, shredding or tossing them about to get the pellets out.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Teach Kids How to Behave Around Dogs

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Kids

Teach Kids How to Behave Around Dogs

Teach kids to: OBSERVE

Understand how animals communicate through their body language.

  • Dogs communicate with their whole body- from head to tail. 
  • Teach kids how to observe a dog, not touch.
  • Find out more about how dogs communicate by getting in touch with an accredited behaviourist or force-free training school.
  • When adopting a pet be sure to research many great online resources relating to understanding your animal’s behaviour and body language cues.

Stranger Danger: DO NOT TOUCH

A good life lesson for children is to teach them never to pet an animal they do not know.

  • “Leave them alone and do not touch” – this safety rule is there to prevent potential bites and also disease exposure from strays or unknown animals in the community.
  • Teach a child that if a dog chases them, “STAND LIKE A TREE”. 

What this means is, plant their roots into the ground:

  1. Stand still, like a tree
  2. Arms (branches) to their chest and
  3. Look at the ground (do not stare at the dog). 

Important to note:

Usually, an energetic dog will become more excitable if a child starts running and screaming.  

Whereas, if the child is taught to stand still this prevents a situation from escalating, so a parent or caregiver can intervene if necessary.

Other important lessons!

  • Teach children that animals need to give their consent to being touched, picked up or handled.
  • Not all animals enjoy patting, handling, being brushed or being picked up.
  • Teach children to give them space while they are eating and not to disturb them while sleeping.
  • A lot of pets do not like to be hugged as it is not a natural interaction for them – it can feel threatening or restrictive.
  • Teach your child to avoid startling a resting dog and to rather call the dog over to them than invade their personal space.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Is your dog normal, healthy and happy?

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dog

Is your dog normal, healthy and happy?

A Normal and a happy and healthy dog will exhibit various signs and behaviors that indicate their well-being and contentment.

It’s important to note that individual dogs may have different personalities and temperaments, so their expressions of happiness may vary. However, if you notice any significant changes in your dog’s behaviour or physical health, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure their well-being and address any potential health concerns.

Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care are vital in maintaining a happy and healthy life for your canine companion.

Here are some common signs of a happy and healthy dog:

  • Energetic and Playful: A happy dog will have good energy levels and will engage in playful behavior. They will be excited to play with toys, run around, and interact with their human family.
  • Tail wagging: Tail wagging is a classic sign of a happy dog. However, it’s essential to interpret the wagging in context with other body language.
  • Healthy Appetite: A healthy dog will have a consistent and healthy appetite. They will eagerly eat their meals and maintain a stable weight.
  • Clear and Bright Eyes: The eyes of a happy and healthy dog will be clear, bright, and free from excessive tearing or discharge.
  • Shiny Coat: A well-groomed and healthy dog will have a shiny and lustrous coat. Their skin will be free from dryness, flakes, or excessive oiliness.
  • Normal Bowel Movements: A happy and healthy dog will have regular and firm bowel movements without any signs of diarrhea or constipation.
  • Good Dental Health: Healthy teeth and gums are signs of a content dog. They should have clean teeth and fresh breath.
  • Affectionate and Cuddly: A happy dog will seek affection and enjoy cuddling with their human family members.
  • Responsive to Commands: Training and socialization play a role in a dog’s happiness. A well-trained and socialized dog will respond positively to commands and interact well with others.
  • Contentment During Rest: When a dog is content, they will relax comfortably during rest periods and may lie on their side or back, showing they feel safe and secure.
  • Social Interaction: A happy dog will enjoy spending time with their family members, other dogs, or even meeting new people.
  • Good Hydration: A happy and healthy dog will drink water regularly and stay hydrated.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

How to help adolescent dogs through this teenage developmental stage

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dogs

How to help adolescent dogs through this teenage developmental stage

A large majority of dog guardians are not even aware that their dogs go through developmental stages. One of the most challenging phases is the teenage phase or “adolescence”. Generally speaking, adolescence in dogs is roughly between 6 months and 12 months or up to 18 to 24 months in age (dependent on breed, type or individual).

Just think about teenage humans, it too can be a challenging time as the brain and hormonal development can cause behavioural challenges, mood changes and frustration. The same applies to our dog companions.

The unfortunate reality is a massive population of dogs are handed into shelters or given up as unwanted during this “teenage dog” phase, purely because of the lack of the family’s knowledge or preparedness that comes with this passing developmental stage.

What to expect:

  • Exuberant, boisterous behaviour
  • Excessive chewing
  • Fearfulness of novelty
  • Appearing to not listen
  • Chewing, chewing and more chewing

Understand that they are not being naughty or purposefully disobedient- remember this is a challenging time for teenage dogs too!

How to help:

Remember, dogs learn by association and will repeat what they find rewarding. So, reward behaviours you do want them to do using food, praise and play.  For example, if you do not want your dog to keep jumping up on people, then teach them an alternative behaviour- like rewarding them when they have four paws on the ground or redirecting them to fetch a toy.

Learning should always be FUN and enjoyable using positive reinforcement methods. Punishment will only cause more fears, the inability to learn if they are worried or stressed and will break their trust in you.  Go back to the basics like teaching a recall (your dog coming back to you), exploring a fun obstacle course, teaching a high five, a sit and so on.

Brain games! Teenage dogs have plenty of excess energy and it is advised to provide more mentally enriching activities that aid problem-solving, promote calm and reduce frustration. Food puzzles, feeding from Kongs, snuffle mats, and plenty of edible chews are recommended as well as scent games and teaching them fun exercises will help tire their minds without compromising their growing bodies.

Keep things predictable, safe and consistent. Young dogs typically experience another “fear period” and need your support and understanding.  One day they may seem full of confidence and the next be fearful of things.  Help them feel safe by gradually helping them learn positive associations to things that may worry them at a pace and distance they feel comfortable.

During this stage, relationship building is the most important. Continuing to have a strong relationship with your dog is important because it will help you continue to exercise patience in times when your teenage dog is simply being a teenage dog.

If you are struggling to understand your teenage dog’s behaviour it is advised to seek the professional help of a certified or accredited animal behaviour consultant or a certified trainer who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods only. Quick fixes will always do more damage in the long run.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Housetraining your puppy!

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puppy

Housetraining your puppy!

Housetraining a puppy can be challenging, however with consistency, proper management, and positive reinforcement, you can housetrain your puppy effectively.

Here are some guidelines for more successful housetraining:

  1. Ensure a designated toileting area ( for example, outside in the yard on the grass )
  2. Use positive reinforcement. When you reward your dog (praise, play, food, toys, etc.) when they respond to you or offer an action or a behaviour that you like, then that behaviour is likely to be repeated. Your dog learns that good things happen to them when they do the thing you like.
  3. Applying positive reinforcement methods to housetraining means rewarding our puppy every single time they toilet in the designated area.
  4. Take your puppy on leash to the designated area and wait it out ( be patient, they’re still learning). Once puppy has eliminated, reward them!  Remember not to take pup off the lead until they’ve finished, as puppies can become so easily distracted or run off to play and may not have been done relieving themselves.
  5. Set a timer for every 1-2 hours, so that you can take puppy out to their designated area regularly.
  6. Did you know that pups cannot hold their bladder for long like adult dogs? A general rule of thumb is to take puppy outside to their designated toilet area every hour, as well as after eating, before bedtime and after a nap are good times for a toilet break.
  7. Observe your puppy’s body language for signals they may need to toilet. Pawing at the ground, circling, sniffing or standing at an exit may be signs they need a toilet break.
  8. If your pup has an accident inside the home and you observe them doing it, quickly and gently interrupt them and take them to their designated area.
  9. Do not hit, smack or push the puppy’s face in it this will ONLY MAKE THINGS WORSE and cause FEAR.
  10. Punishment will only prolong the learning process and increase fear and stress. Punishment does not teach the pup where to eliminate and the use of punishment will only make them fear you and break their trust in you.

TOP TRAINING TIP: don’t be stingy with reinforcement. Puppy treats must be tasty and motivating! We recommend tiny bite sized liver biltong ( available at SPCA Vetshop ) as it is a high value food reward and your pup will learn effectively, safely and have fun!

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA