NEWSLETTER
APOLOGY AND CORRECTION
Please would readers kindly note that the individual at the St Albans prison was fined R30 000, not R3 000 as erroneously stated in our newsletter of earlier today.
We sincerely apologise for this error.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
NSPCA NEWSLETTER CORRECTION - GOOD NEWS!
NSPCA NEWSLETTER
E-NEWSLETTER
31 MARCH 2010
ABALONE LEFT TO DIE
The National Council of SPCAs stepped in at Seatek in East London where 2,7 tons of abalone have been humanely euthanased as they were beyond salvation due to starvation. Please go to www.nspca.co.za under MEDIA RELEASES for the full statement issued to the press.
We add a heartening note that the response of the media itself and of the public to media reports has been fully supportive and also extremely caring for these hapless creatures. You may think "and so it should be" which is true. But the expression "bunny hugger" derives from the fact that these animals are cute, cuddly and appealing.
Abalone are marine molluscs, often with "edible" in the dictionary definition. It is tremendous that our inspectors are alert to their welfare, that a Magistrate was sufficiently caring to grant a Court order to us and that YOU, our readers out there, are completely with us on this case.
EDUCATION - LAPDESKS
Lilly SA (Pty) Ltd donated lapdesks to our Education Unit to use as tools for welfare education by finding a genuinely needy beneficiary school.
The N SPCA Education team had the pleasure of visiting the Rise and Shine Learning Centre in Alexandra recently to tell them they had been selected as the recipients of the lapdesks. This decision was difficult but made easier by Gary and Brenda Nel who did the research to assess various leaning centres.
To show their appreciation, the 5 to 6 year old group will be submitting interpretive drawings of "Respect for all creatures" as part of their art and life skills curriculum.
FARM ANIMAL UNIT
We are delighted to report that Carte Blanche won a media award for its coverage of the issue at the farm in Potchefstroom where male chicks were being disposed of by throwing them alive into a disused concrete dam. Criminal charges were laid against the perpetrators at the time and our Farm Animal Unit is waiting to be advised of a Court date.
Readers may recall another case involving chickens: - the St Albans prison where around
3 000 chickens died. As is procedure with State employees, a disciplinary hearing took place first.
The individual was found guilty and was fined R3 000.00.
Until next time
With kind regards
Chris Kuch
SMELLY DOGS
Found this little “gem” on one of the dog tip sites – thought it would be nice to share!
No matter how often our dogs wash themselves or we wash them, sometimes just having a dog in the house can leave a smell. Long after the stain is lifted, dog odors can linger. Follow some of these suggestions to keep from being entrenched in stench.
1. Bathing your dog regularly will help cut down dog odors. If it's too cold to bathe him, use a dry shampoo or massage some baking soda into your dog's coat and brush it out to remove odors.
2. Purchase an electronic air-cleaning system designed to remove dog odors from the air.
3. Make your own carpet freshener by combining one box of baking soda with one tablespoon of orris root (available in herb stores) that has been saturated in your favorite scented oil. Place the mixture in a glass jar and cover with a metal lid in which you've punched holes. Let it sit for a few days so that the baking soda picks up the oil scent then sprinkle it onto the carpet before vacuuming.
4. Use a window fan set on exhaust to make odor elimination a breeze.
5. Odors and stains from feces or urine are protein-based and require an odor neutralizer containing bacterial enzymes to completely eliminate them. Purchase enzyme products at dis- count department stores, health stores, or pet stores.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Ass of Pet Behaviour Councellers
Note from Louise from Paws Abilities
It still amazes me that people actually worship this sadist. Go onto U tube to view him using a shock collar on a GSD who was displaying aggression towards a cat.
The dogs aggression redirects onto Millan and he gets “bit” (not hard enough to knock any common sense into him though) not to mention the horrendous stress levels of the poor cats whose owner had to hold throughout this torture!
OK I feel better now I have “vented” a bit.
Read how the Association of Pet Behavior Counselors reacted to his proposed UK tour!
APBC Highlights Concerns Over Cesar Millan's UK Tour
Date Released:
25/11/2009
The recently announced UK tour by Cesar Millan brings with it controversy and confusion for concerned pet owners and pet behaviour professionals.
The APBC believes that there is much to thank Cesar for – his programmes have made owners aware that the two alternatives for a badly behaved pet are not just “put up with” or “put to sleep”.
It is Cesar’s dog training methods that divide people and here an understanding of science can separate the wheat from the chaff. Whilst thirty years ago some of Cesar’s methods were considered the best science available, dog training has progressed greatly since then.
Today “dominance” and pack theory have been superseded with family orientated constructs of the ways that dogs relate to us and each other. Even the wolf behaviorists who first suggested the “dominance theory” (from whom the dog trainers took it) have since said it was always a false premise.
However, it would be wrong to suggest that all Cesar does is based on fallacy. Consistency, firm boundaries and increased exercise will help many pet dogs, and we know that punishment can work on some dogs for some people in some circumstances. The art is in knowing where it will and where it won’t. It was through developing techniques for the occasions where it won’t work, that alternatives that will work on all dogs for all people in all circumstances are now widely accepted as the best ways to train and rehabilitate dogs.
Punitive ‘alpha rolls’, lead jerks, jabs and other harsh corrections can subdue a dog – if you are fit, quick, agile, strong, and consistent in applying them. But most pet owners are not. Neither do pet owners relish going head to head with an aggressive dog. Get it wrong and the dog can become more aggressive. Why does Cesar need to state, “Don’t try this at home”? It is because some dogs may react aggressively if they feel threatened or fearful, and when a dog becomes confused and anxious about their interactions with people it can make them more likely to be aggressive in general.
Every professional working with dogs needs to constantly review their methods, and most will use a combination of techniques gleaned from various sources as improved welfare-friendly ones become better known.
APBC members regularly work with dogs that show extreme aggression, helping owners to change their dogs’ behavior with methods that can be used at home.
If anyone, including Mr Millan, would like to see these techniques in action, we would be more than happy to demonstrate them.
Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) on "Dog Whispering
The Dangers of "Dog Whispering"
Date Released:
15/12/2009
The APBC has joined with other behaviour and welfare organisations1 worldwide in warning of the possible dangers of using techniques for training dogs that can cause pain and fear, such as some of those seen used by Cesar Millan, who has announced a UK tour next year.
The organisations have joined forces to voice their serious concerns about techniques which pose welfare problems for dogs and significant risk to owners who may copy them. These concerns are shared, and the statement supported, by similar organisations around the world2 and in continental Europe3.
Aversive training techniques, which have been seen to be used by Cesar Millan, are based on the principle of applying an unpleasant stimulus to inhibit behaviour. This kind of training technique can include the use of prong collars, electric shock collars, restricting dogs’ air supply using nooses/leads or pinning them to the ground, which can cause pain and distress. The use of such techniques may compromise the welfare of dogs and may worsen the behavioural problems they aim to address, potentially placing owners at considerable risk. A number of scientific studies have found an association between the use of aversive training techniques and the occurrence of undesired behaviours in dogs.
The organisations believe that the use of such training techniques is not only unacceptable from a welfare perspective, but that this type of approach is not necessary for the modification of dog behaviour. Dog trainers all over the UK use reward-based methods to train dogs very effectively. Where dogs have behaviours which owners find unacceptable, such as aggression or destruction, qualified behaviourists achieve long term changes in behaviour through the use of established and validated techniques of behaviour modification without subjecting dogs to training techniques which may cause pain or distress.
We urge dog owners to carefully consider the help they choose to train their dogs or tackle behavioural problems. Anyone can call themselves a behaviour expert, but we believe that only those with a combination of appropriate qualifications, up to date knowledge as well as skills and experience should be treating dogs, and should only do so in a way which does not put the welfare of the dogs at risk.
Further information on:
• the misconceptions which underlie the use of aversive training techniques
• the development of behaviour in dogs
• the problems associated with the use of aversive training techniques
• finding a suitable trainer or behaviourist
can be found at: www.dogwelfarecampaign.org
1 Dogs Trust, The Blue Cross, Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), The Blue Dog, Wood Green Animal Shelters, World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), The Kennel Club, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Canine Partners, UK , Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB), Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), Association of Pet Dog Trainers, UK (APDT, UK), UK Registry of Canine Behaviours (UKRCB), Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy Study Group (CABTSG), British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and British Veterinary Association (BVA).
2 Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group (AVBIG), American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB), The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Inc. (CCPDT)(USA).
3 European Society of Clinical Veterinary Ethology (ESCVE), European College of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine – Companion Animals (ECVBM-CA), the Flemish Veterinary Working Group on Ethology (VDWE) and Norwegian Association for Pet Behaviour (NAPB) Norsk Atferdsgruppe for Selskapsdyr (NAS).
For further details:
Pippa Hutchison APBC Public Relations
01436 840194 positiveimprint@aol.com
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The APBC, founded in 1989, is the leading organisation in the field of companion animal behaviour and many of its members are at the cutting edge of the latest research into this rapidly growing discipline. The APBC organises a number of seminars and events throughout the year for both the veterinary and behaviour professions. Further information can be found at www.apbc.org.uk
UK leads the way in helping to reduce inherited diseases
Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs):
A Way to Breed Away From Inherited Disease in all Dog Breeds?
Submitted by Freelance Writers on June 29, 2009 – 7:48
The Fight To Save The Cavalier Breed
Groundbreaking research for dogs is taking place at the Animal Health Trust, under Dr Sarah Blott and Dr Tom Lewis, to provide Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in the UK, writes Carol Fowler.
The aim of this project is to develop strategies for breeders for selection against disease while safeguarding the long term health of a breed by maintaining genetic diversity.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed suffers from two very widespread and serious genetic diseases: Heart Disease (Mitral Valve Disease, MVD) and Chiari-like malformation/Syringomyelia (CM/SM) The breed also has lower incidences of Episodic Falling Syndrome, Dry Eye Curly Coat Syndrome, Epilepsy, Deafness, Eye Disease (Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia, MRD) and Pancreatic Disease.
With so many inherited health problems and the two most serious at such a high level of incidence, attempting to eliminate them would reduce the gene pool to a dangerous level. The work at the AHT aims to provide breeders with tools to ‘optimise’ the choice of dogs so that there is low risk of serious genetic disease in the offspring and genetic diversity is maintained at a sustainable level.
How is this done?
In order to provide the Cavalier breed with EBVs for its entire registered population, a huge amount of health data needs to be collected and the pedigree of the dogs known The health data is correctly termed ‘phenotypic measurements’. A dog’s phenotype is what we see in the dog. It includes its physical characteristics, clinical signs, and also heart test results, eye test results and MRI scan (Syringomyelia) information.
The DNA research of Dr Clare Rusbridge and Penny Knowler collated over several years has provided a large database of phenotypic information, DNA and pedigrees for Syringomyelia. The database holds 11,800 related dogs, including over 700 MRI confirmed dogs and over 1,500 DNA samples. Building on this database, additional health data and DNA is currently being collected by Drs Sarah Blott and Tom Lewis. Initially EBVs will be provided for Syringomyelia and Mitral Valve Disease but as data on other health problems builds up, other diseases will be taken into account as well.
Identifying the genes for Syringomyelia
At the same time Dr Guy Rouleau and Dr Zoha Kibar at the University of Montreal, Canada, are using the Rusbridge/Knowler database and DNA to identify the causative genes for Syringomyelia. Finding the SM genes (or gene markers) could enable breeders to use a DNA test to identify at birth the dogs carrying the defective genes. The genetic information could also be fed into the EBV program, enhancing the accuracy of the breeding values.
Analysis of genetic diseases
Some canine genetic diseases are caused by single recessive genes, so that you have a healthy non-carrier of the gene, a healthy carrier of the disease gene (the dog has one copy), and a diseased carrier (the dog has two copies of the disease gene).
Other diseases are more complex in that several genes are involved, so depending on how many of these genes are inherited, a dog is severely, moderately or mildly affected by the condition.
Expression of the disease may be moderated by environmental factors as well, depending on the nature of the particular disease. Hip dysplasia is good example of a condition which is complex and also influenced by environmental factors. Syringomyelia and Mitral Valve Disease are also complex diseases likely to involve more than one gene, and are further complicated by the fact that they are variable onset diseases. Dogs may be affected at a young age or they may not be affected until middle or old age.
A complex statistical technique can be used to estimate the genetic variation between dogs. The heritability of a disease (how much is caused by genes and how much by environmental factors) tells us how quickly selection away from one disease will work; genetic correlations (genetic risk of disease A and disease B and whether breeding away from one disease will lead to an increase in another); and an individual dog’s breeding value. Syringomyelia is reasonably highly heritable which means that reducing its incidence and severity could be achieved within a few generations.
What are Estimated Breeding Values?
An Estimated Breeding Value reflects the genetic risk for an individual dog with regard to disease. It removes the effect of environmental factors and is the most accurate measure of breeding potential. An offspring’s score is the sum of its parents’ score divided by two. The EBV indicates where an animal is in the population’s scale of risk and enables more accurate and sensitive selection against those diseases.
In the current program, EBVs will be given for Syringomyelia and Mitral Valve Disease. Other diseases which are inherited in Cavaliers, such as Epilepsy, Episodic Falling Syndrome, Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia, and Dry Eye Curly Coat, can also be added in at a later date.
Improving the accuracy of EBVs
For EBVs to be accurate you need to have health information on as many family members as possible and as many Cavaliers as possible throughout the UK. This will come in the main from breeders but the contributions from pet owners are also extremely valuable. When the DNA markers/genes for Syringomyelia (and perhaps eventually Mitral Valve Disease, Episodic Falling and Dry Eye Curly Coat) are identified the genetic information will also be added to create more accurate breeding values.
Gene markers identified by a DNA test will give a more accurate prediction of a dog’s disease risk without having to wait for the information from the dog’s offspring. It is very important to note, however, that EBVs and DNA tests must be used as part of a breeding program where inbreeding is controlled. Genetic ‘bottlenecks’ such as that produced by the over use of popular stud dogs (so called ‘popular sire syndrome) must be avoided to maintain genetic diversity and keep the breed as a whole healthy.
Can EBVs change?
Most certainly, yes. As more information from the dog itself, or its relatives, becomes available, the EBV can change as the accuracy of the estimate improves. And since the EBV represents a dog’s genetic risk of disease relative to the rest of the breed, if selection away from a disease is successful then the EBV will fall slightly. This will also affect the average breeding value for the breed as a whole.
Puppies born to sires and dams with breeding values which are better than average will lead to a shift of breeding value distribution, with a new, better average – meaning the breed is getting healthier. For example, a dog previously in the best 20% is now only in the best 40%, since selection has improved breeding values throughout the population.
Mate selection program
An online mate selection program will be provided for breeders and owners whereby they can enter their dog’s pedigree name and know what the estimated breeding value is for their dog, that is, how healthy their dog is in genetic terms. A breeder who is a bitch owner will be able to enter the bitch’s pedigree name and the names of five or more possible mates. The program will be able to give each one a score below, average or above the average for the breed. Alongside each will also be given an indicator of how accurate the score is for that particular dog. The top ranking dog according to its genetic health status will also be provided. It will also be possible to evaluate matings based on both EBVs and projected inbreeding, allowing breeders to select matings that reduce the risk of disease while at the same time restricting inbreeding.
Vets in the UK have a high rate of suicide!
It seems that in the UK vets are people too!
How much pressure are our vets under? It would be very interesting to find out if there are any local statistics available.
So from now on guys. Let’s treat our vets like real people!
New Research On Veterinary Suicide Rate Will Help Profession
Submitted by Jennifer White on March 30, 2010 – 1:34 pm
Responding to a new paper in this week’s Veterinary Record by D J Bartram and D S Baldwin, which finds that veterinary surgeons are four times as likely as the general public, and around twice as likely as other healthcare professionals, to die by suicide as opposed to other causes, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association, said:
“David Bartram’s research in this difficult area is to be applauded. The more we can understand about the reasons behind the high suicide rate amongst veterinary surgeons, the more the BVA and other bodies can do to support vets in crisis.
“As part of the Vetlife Steering Group, the BVA supports fantastic initiatives such as the 24-hour Vet Helpline for vets, vet nurses and veterinary students, and the Veterinary Benevolent Fund.
“The BVA’s Member Services Group (MSG) also spends a lot of time looking at practical initiatives to improve individual vets’ day-to day lives. The recent introduction of the mediation and representation services to help resolve issues between veterinary employees and veterinary employers is a good example of the positive ways in which the BVA can support its members in difficult situations.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Chinese Legal Expets Call for a Ban on Eating Dogs and Cats!
This is something everyone can become involved in!!!
Write a letter to your nearest Chinese Embassy stating your support for the proposed legislation!
WE CAN MAKE A DIFERENCE!!
Chinese legal experts call for ban on eating cats and dogs
------------------------------------------------------------
Chinese legal experts are proposing a ban on eating dogs and cats in a contentious move to end a culinary tradition dating back thousands of years.
The recommendation will be submitted to higher authorities in April as part of a draft bill to tackle animal abuse.
In ancient times, dog meat was considered a medicinal tonic. Today, it is commonly available throughout the country, but
particularly in the north where dog stew is popular for its supposed warming qualities.
In recent years, however, such traditions are increasingly criticised by an affluent, pet-loving, urban middle class.
Online petitions against dog and cat consumption have attracted tens of thousands of signatures. Videos showing the maltreatment of farmed dogs have spurred protests at markets where the animals are bought and sold.
But the drafters of the new proposal want far more drastic measures, which would oblige law enforcement authorities to
close down thousands of dog restaurants and butchers which supply the meat.
According to the draft, illegal sale or consumption of pets would incur a maximum penalty of 15 days in prison for individuals or a 500,000 yuan fine for businesses. Public security bureaus would be obliged to respond to hotline calls from the public about violations.
"We are proposing that all dog and cat eating should be banned because it is causing many social problems," said Chang Jiwen, a law professor at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences who heads the drafting team.
He said recent murders and thefts related to the dog meat trade showed that it had become a source of tension, while the economic impact of a ban would be small because an increasingly affluent population was less dependent on dog and cat meat.
The proposal reflects changing public opinion and international input. Drafters at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences have been consulting for more than a year with Britain's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the US-based International Fund for Animal Welfare.
But the plan for a dog meat ban has stirred up fierce debate between animal welfare groups and defenders of traditional values.
"I support this proposal. Whether you judge this as a question of food security or emotions, there is absolutely no necessity in China for people to eat dogs and cats," said Zeng Li, the founder of the Lucky Cats shelter in Beijing. "We need something more than moral pressure. Beijing's dog restaurants get their meat mainly from vagrant and stolen dogs. In the suburbs, dogs are hung and slaughtered in front of buyers."
Online critics said it was hypocritical to protect only dogs and cats, and that the government should focus on human welfare before protecting animals.
"This is absurd. Why only dogs and cats? How about pigs, cows and sheep," wrote a poster going by the name Mummy on the
Xhinua news agency website.
"I hope the experts went to see what laid-off workers and people in rural areas have to eat. They should pay more concern to problems that people really care about," said another contributor under the name Starfish.
Even before the pet meat ban, the draft bill had already provoked controversy. Initial plans for a comprehensive animal welfare law had to be dropped in the face of criticism that human living conditions ought to be the priority at this stage in China's development.
The focus has now been narrowed to prevention of animal abuse, which is defined as inflicting unnecessary pain and brutality. Even so, it is far from certain that the draft will be adopted by the government or the National People's Congress.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Do you need a dog trainer? or - Do you need an animal behavioiur consultant?
Behaviour & Learning Centre
082-890-0905 louthomp@mweb.co.za
pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com
DO YOU NEED A DOG TRAINER? OR DO YOU NEED AN ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR CONSULTANT?
There is a vast difference between a dog trainer and an animal behaviour consultant. The aims of each one are quite different as is the methodology of learning and treatment/behaviour modification.
A simple way to figure out the difference is to think of the dog trainer as a teacher, and an animal behaviour consultant as someone who works through and finds solutions to problem behaviour issues and other doggy hang up’s!
If you had a toddler who was experiencing nightmares, you would not take him to a teacher for extra lessons – no, of course not, you would take him to a child psychologist!
The same goes for your dog – a good example is to realise that training classes are not suddenly going to cure your dog’s fear of thunder storms, or make him become best friends with every dog he meets. He needs to see a behaviour professional and undergo behaviour modification!
Dog trainers teach class. They provide handlers with the tools to be able to produce a trained dog. They usually work to a set curriculum with specific goals and an end aim.
A dog training class is NOT a suitable platform to resolve behaviour problems.
Some of the more common problems seen by animal behaviour consultants
| õ Aggression towards people or pets. | õ Anxiety / neurosis. |
| õ Self-mutilation. | õ Fighting or incompatibilities. |
| õ Digging or destructive chewing. | õ Escaping or gate bolting. |
| õ Excessive barking or howling. | õ Inappropriate toilet habits. |
| õ Tail chasing, spinning or shadow chasing. | õ Hyper sexuality, leg/object mounting. |
| õ Disobedience, excitability/hyperactivity, excessive jumping up, etc. | õ Fears or phobias including sound sensitivity and thunder phobia |
THE BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATION - WHAT TO EXPECT!
On the day of the appointment, the pet & family members will be seen at the consulting rooms, or occasionally, under special circumstances, the pet will be seen in the owner’s home, or for owners in outlying areas telephonic or e-mail consultations may be arranged.
When seen at the Paws Abilities consulting rooms, on consultation, the pet will be placed in a secure area, where observations will be made, (without the owners influence) whilst a full background and history is taken, and all problems being experienced are fully discussed.
After an in-depth evaluation, an immediate prognosis is given, followed by a brief oral outline of what is needed for the family to achieve a successful resolution. This is backed up with a full written report, detailing the step by step instructions needed for a successful resolution.
The cost varies according to time/location, etc, and an average of two hours is needed.
The fee includes: the consultation, a detailed written report, and telephonic back-up. A successful outcome depends largely on owner co-operation, compliance & the consistency of everyone who interacts, or has dealings with the dog/s.
DOG TRAINING CLASSES –WHAT TO EXPECT
PUPPY SCHOOL AND EARLY EDUCATION:
Educating you and your puppy is a vital part of forming a relationship between you and your puppy. It has been proven that puppies that attend good socialising and learning classes develop into more socially acceptable companion animals and are easier to teach later on in their adolescence. They also present with fewer behavioural problems later on in life. Puppies should begin to attend a reputable puppy socialising and learning group as soon as possible.
Most reputable schools accept pups one week after their first inoculation:
In the past pups were not accepted at training class until they were six months of age. Remember the stages of development. At six months of age, many dogs are in the middle of their “fear of new situations” stage of development – not a great time to start something new!
Owners were also discouraged from taking pups out for health reasons, often being told by professionals that they should wait until their pup’s last inoculation at about four months.
With regard to the health issue, new research from the USA and UK has proved that pups that are isolated from other animals have a lower immune resistance than pups that are exposed. The latter build up a far greater natural immunity! Another advantage of starting early is that if a good foundation is put down, both owner and pup avoid learning bad habits. Any possible problems are also detected early and are managed far sooner with greater success.
WHAT IS A PUPPY SCHOOL?
Puppy School is a place and time where you and your pup are educated. Your puppy learns to be a well-mannered, socially acceptable companion animal - a friend that enhances your life!
PUPPY SCHOOL IS NOT…..
A place where pups of any age indulge in wild unsupervised/unstructured play or are taught formal obedience training (that is only appropriate for a more mature dog).
THE VENUE
Make sure that the following are provided:
A secure area for pups to have free, safe, work and play
A large enough area for pups to play, but small enough for pups to feel secure.
An area that is preferably grassed, which aids in creating a calming atmosphere).
Plenty of shade and easily accessible fresh drinking water.
ATTENDANCE
All the family should be welcome (as should spectators and children) as long as they are well behaved!
WHAT OWNERS SHOULD BRING
The puppy, restrained on a flat soft collar and soft long leash.
Small "Soft Yummy Dog Treats" - highly palatable and easy to digest
Bowl for water & plastic packets to "scoop the poop".
Money (usually to be paid at first lesson).
Hat (for owner). Also, remember to wear comfortable old casual clothes and flat takkies or shoes (not sandals).
Dog brush & dog toys.
Current inoculation/vaccination certificate and a large sense of humour!
THE SCHOOL/INSTRUCTOR SHOULD PROVIDE/OFFER
· Enrolment form, which should state all relevant details of the pup i.e. inoculations/vaccinations and refer to the owner’s goals and expectations for the pup's future.
· Easily accessible water.
· Dustbin.
· First aid kit.
· Booklets/literature/hand-outs on all relevant problems from grooming and puppy care to common behaviour problems experienced by puppy owners.
· Referral to retail outlets for equipment, such as leads/collars/headcollars/toys and other basic doggie necessities, such as grooming equipment etc.
· Basic distraction/desensitisation equipment, i.e. umbrellas, bicycles, sacks, people in strange coats - things that pups should be exposed to during their everyday life.
· Various noises to expose pups to, either on tape or other simulation, i.e. small firecrackers, tapes of gunshot/storms or other "different" noises.
· Some everyday-type physical obstacles to manoeuvre around - i.e. steps, gates, drums, tyres, poles, ramps etc.
· Exposure to other animals, i.e. livestock, cats, fowls, horses, etc.
· Access to a safe "puppy friendly older dog" (role model.)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF INSTRUCTOR
· Knowledge of puppy development calendar and "critical stages" of canine development.
· Knowledge of breeds, and their particular characteristics, development, purpose and genetics.
· Knowledge of puppy health, care, hygiene and housing.
· Behavioural and training knowledge.
· Good communication skills.
· Experience in various disciplines of the dog sports.
· An open mind.
· A sense of humour.
LEARNING METHODS
· All learning should be "fun" for both pups and owners.
· Only kind, gentle and humane methods should be used.
· Positive reinforcement is the generally accepted way of modern training, for both puppies and dogs.
· No punishment or heavy-handed methods are acceptable. This includes check or choke chains, spike or electric collars, they should be considered torture tools!
CRITERIA OF GROUP/CLASS
· History and record-keeping is essential.
· Requirements and purpose/aims of course.
· Achievements, objectives and test.
· Duration of course.
· Weekly programme handouts or other forms of written material.
Care should be taken that the "CORRECT CHOICE" of puppy school is made. This is, after all, where your puppy's entire future character is to be moulded! You can even ask for a couple of references from previous puppy owners. Should you, as the concerned puppy owner, have any doubts or misgivings regarding a class, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS & LEAVE!
FORMAL DOG OBEDIENCE SCHOOL:
This usually begins at about the age of five and a half, to six months of age, after an initial puppy school learning and socialising programme and in the beginning should be a continuation of early learning in puppy school. At this age, all learning should still be fun and mentally challenging, never putting the puppy under too much pressure.
Some schools are run by accredited animal behaviour consultants (see last page for contact details) Some ABC’s run “Specialist” Schools – concentrating on one or more disciplines. Many schools offer domestic and show obedience classes, and other various disciplines of dog sport and fun! Participation in most dog sports requires a certain amount of basic obedience training.
KINDS OF DOG ACTIVITIES:
Domestic obedience – All dogs should learn the basics of good manners and basic obedience such as walking to heel on a leash, sit, down, stand for examination, stay, and retrieve. This is not only for discipline, and control, but also to give the dog some mental and physical stimulation.
Dog training used to be really boring! Years ago training used to involve being marched up and down a field for an hour of military style heelwork! Not anymore! Nowadays classes should be fun and exciting for both dog and owner.
Newer sports are available at many schools, which can be competitive or just for fun and fitness, (of dog and owner!) These dog sports include:- Dog carting, flyball races, and dog jumping and agility even “heelwork to music” – dancing dogs!
Some of the above are incorporated into working trials, and other specialist competitions or sports.
At Paws Abilities we take it even further, with Life Skills Classes, Social Classes, and NEW Dog Sport Classes which combine various disciplines to develop new, exciting dog games for dogs and owners; Rally obedience; Target Recalls; Retrieve and Scent Games (including Handler Hideout and Water Retrieves) Scent games such as Ball Pond, Doggy Basket Ball and even Cross Country – to name but a few of the games that can be played with dogs!
All of these activities give your dog something valuable to do and to work his brain and keep him mentally and physically active and occupied. A dog that works is a happy contented dog.
HINTS FOR FINDING A GOOD DOG TRAINING SCHOOL:
Many dog training schools cater for dogs from puppyhood through to adult dog training.
If you are unsure of the quality of the dog training you might be receiving, contact the ABC of SA Secretary who will refer you to a reputable school in your area:
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD DOG SCHOOL:
Winning prizes is not the most important thing to look for. Don’t be fooled by the trophies on the wall! Some trainers need their students to win at all costs, and this sometimes can be at the expense of the dog’s well being!
Before enrolling in a class, visit the school first WITHOUT YOUR DOG, (as an observer), and note the following;-
WHEN CHECKING OUT A DOG TRAINING SCHOOL:
· Do the dogs look happy and relaxed? Are the people friendly and sociable?
· Is everyone shouting at his or her dogs – screaming, “Leave” and “Foui”? Dogs are not deaf - their hearing is considerably better than ours – why do people shout? All shouting does, is to teach the dog to ignore the owner!
· Is there a lot of dog on dog aggression? In a good dog school aggression is never permitted to develop or escalate and early intervention by instructors defuses aggression before it develops.
· Can the school refer you to people who have completed their training at the school for references
· Does the instructor enquire if you are experiencing any problems at home with the dog, and either offers appropriate advice and/or refers the student to an appropriate professional?
· What kind of equipment are the handlers using?
· Would you consider the training equipment cruel? Spike/pinch collars and even Check/choke chains if used incorrectly can cause severe damage to muscle and tendons and even the spine of a dog.
· Some schools routinely use electric shock collars! In my opinion - this kind of torture equipment should have gone out with the Spanish Inquisition!
· Yanking dogs off their feet, and jerking them around and/or even hanging them up in tree’s (by the choke chain & leash) until they lose consciousness (yes people actually do this, and condone it, telling you it is training!) In my book, this is not learning, it is abuse!
The sadist’s, who tell you this is the way to train dogs, should find another occupation.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR:
· A friendly fun environment for both the dog and handler
· Humane, gentle training methods, either using food/toy gentling motivation.
· Positive reinforcement methods are the only way to train a confident, sound, stable, dog.
· Minimum or no aggression between the dogs. The trainer should have enough experience, Never to permit aggression to develop in class.
· Difficult dogs should have private sessions and behaviour modification (with a qualified behavioural consultant) before they are permitted to work in a class.
· No instructor or handler should ever lose his temper with either a dog or handler, but should always show empathy and understanding of both dog and handler problems.
DOGS WHO DISPLAY LEASH REACTIVITY
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