www.animal-behaviour.org.za
GENERAL NEWSLETTER APRIL/MAY 2010
May/June 2008 General Newsletter
In this Issue:
• Our Members Achievements
• The Dummies guide to Achievements in Dog sports
• All about Parrots
• Babies Don’t Bite!
• Dog Breed Profile- Tervuren
Cat Breed Profile – Siamese
• News and Events
From the Editor…
Hello all, it is with pleasure that we attach your April newsletter. Your next newsletter will be sent to you in June.
So many of our members have had fantastic achievements in the canine profession and we thought that you would enjoy sharing their achievements, so from now on, when we are forwarded information, we will share same with you. As not all of you may be familiar with the terminology used in competition, we have asked Carole and Paula to put together an explanation for you and are featuring the Tervuren Belgian Shepherd, as our Dog Breed Profile.
We look forwarding to meeting a lot of you at our event featuring Sarah Fisher of TV fame on the 21st April.
See you all then!
Charmaine
editor@animal-behaviour.org.za.
Editor
ACHIEVMENTS
Carole O’Leary and Exie
Carole is one of our founding members and the achievements below are not just good, they are outstanding! It is seldom that a dog becomes a double champion in the same year, and Carole and Exie, her Belgian Shepherd (Tervuren) have not only achieved this, but with the last CC in Obedience, she has become a TRIPLE Champion.
v Goldfields Working Trial and Obedience dog of the year- 2009
v NAPC (Northern Areas Provincial Council) Police Dog and ITT Dog of the year - 2009
v Best Track of the Show at RWBA (Rottweiler Working and Breed Association) ITT Show in 2009.
v And last but not least, Exie acquired her 3rd CC in Obedience, which now makes her a Triple Champion.
CH (Breed) ChCA (Carting) ChOB (Obedience) Antwerpse Xcellence of Summerfold ITT5 ex (International tracker trials) PDex (Police Dog)
Her breeder couldn't have given her a better name; she certainly is “Excellence"
Well Done Carole and Exie, we are all so proud of you both!
Dr. Melvyn Greenberg, who is also our Chairman, has been approached by the Veterinary Council of S.A. to be a monitor for the education and examination program in the divisions of animal welfare and behaviour for veterinary students.
Congratulations Melvyn! ABC General Newsletter Page 2 of 8
| Titles of Achievement in Dog Sports (by Carole O’Leary and Paula Jordi) Understanding the different Dog Sports and their qualifications will assist you When choosing a puppy for your home and lifestyle. The Kennel Union of South Africa awards titles to dogs in various disciplines. Most of the rules governing dog sport are standardized throughout the world. Minor differences can be found in other dog federations, but, in general, the rules are similar. This summary explains, briefly, the requirements and achievements awarded to dogs in the different disciplines. The complete set of rules can be found in www.kusa.co.za Most categories of work are on an incremental basis, championship status is only awarded on an acquired achievement in the highest class of each discipline. For example, the Obedience discipline starts with Elementary Beginners, Beginners, Novice, Class A, Class B and Class C which is the highest class. On achieving three Challenge Certificates (CC's) under three different Judges, your dog will be awarded the title of Obedience Champion. This qualification will be added to the dog's name on the Registration Certificate. Only the highest qualification in a discipline will be noted on the dog's Registration Certificate. Championship status precedes the dog's name and any qualifications (in certain disciplines) that are awarded, working up to championship status, will be added behind the dog's name. Once Championship status, in those disciplines, has been achieved, that championship will precede the dog's name and all the other interim qualifications, acquired for that discipline, will fall away. Let’s have a look at the different categories. BREED CHAMPION (CH) Breed championship status is awarded to dogs in the Breed Show Ring where dogs are judged for their appearance, confirmation and temperament according to that specific breed's standard. At a Championship Show, dogs that have beaten all the other dogs of their sex, and are worthy, according to the Judge, will be awarded a CC. (Challenge Certificate) Five CCS’s are required to become a Breed Champion. AGILITY CHAMPION (AG) There are two forms of Agility - Contact Agility and Non-contact Agility. There are three levels of competition in this discipline A1, A2 and A3, where the dogs are judged according to time and points in a course. In order to become an Agility Champion, the dog needs to achieve three CCS’s in the highest level, which is A3. DOG JUMPING CHAMPION (DJ) In this discipline, the dogs are also judged according to time and points in a course. In order to become a Dog Jumping Champion, the dog needs to achieve three CC's in the highest level, which is DJ1 OBEDIENCE CHAMPION (OB) This discipline comprises of six different levels: Elementary Beginners, Beginners, Novice, Class A, Class B and Class C. In order to become an Obedience Champion, the dog needs to achieve three CC's and must score at least 290 points or more out of a total of 300 points under three different Judges. CARTING CHAMPION (CA) There are two levels in this discipline: Novice and Senior. In order to become a Carting Champion, the dog needs to achieve three CCS’s, scoring at least 95% in the Senior level. FIELD TRIAL CHAMPION (FT) This discipline is for Gundogs, where the course is set to simulate a hunt. There are four groups: Retrievers, HPRs (Hunting, Pointing, and Retrieve), Spaniels and Pointers and Setters. These four groups trial separately due to the specific work required from the dogs. There are 5 stakes: Puppy Stake, Junior Stake, Maiden Stake, Novice Stake and Open stake. | In order to become a Field Trial Champion, the dog needs to win, with qualifying points, two Open stakes. WORKING TRIALS (WT) A Working Trial Champion is a dog that is both a Police Dog (PD) Champion and a Tracker Dog (TD) Champion. CH.PD (Police Dog) needs three CC's with qualifying points. CH.TD (Tracker Dog) needs three CC's with qualifying points. Working Trials classes are; Companion Dog (CD), Tracker Dog 1 (TD1) Tracker Dog 2 (TD2) from there, the dog may move onto either TD3 or PD. There is a qualifying mark and a grading of “Excellent" which is added after the name of the stake e.g. CDex. This means that the dog qualified in Companion Dog with an Excellent mark. INTERNATIONAL TRACKER TRIALS (ITT) There are five levels in this discipline: ITT1, ITT2, ITT3, ITT4 and ITT5 (ITT4 and 5 are the same work as FH4 and 5 in Schutzhund) To become a Champion, the dog needs 3CC's in ITT5 with an "Excellent" grading. INTERNAZIONALE PRUFUNGS ORDNUNG (IPO) Only 20 listed breeds are accepted in this discipline. IPO is run under the same rules as Schutzhund (For German Shepherds only) In both, the levels are: Sch1/IPO1 ,Sch2/IPO2 , Sch3/IPO3 Dogs do not acquire Championship Status in this discipline. Instead, dogs winning Nationals gets the title of SA IPO/Sch Champion with the year of the award. They are graded Sufficient (S), Good (G), Very Good (VG) and Excellent (Ex) Dogs that qualify carry the level and grading after their names e.g. Sch3VG In addition to these disciplines there are various other sports available for people to participate in with their dogs, such as: Canine Good Citizen; Flyball; Sheepdog Trials; Dog Dancing; Breed Working Trials. KUSA Specialist Clubs may run events specific to their breed e.g. Beagle Trails, Sledging etc. Child and Junior Handling classes at Breed Shows. Only thoroughbred, registered dogs may enter Breed Shows. With the exception of IPO, Sch and Field Trials, all breeds, cross-breeds and non- registered dogs may participate. Levels of achievement at private dog training clubs and schools are at domestic level only and are not recognized. These serve merely as incentive and motivation for clients to train their dogs. Private school dog trainers and behaviourists should be aware and preferably participate in at least one of these disciplines of Dog Sports as, not only do they indicate what breeds are suitable for what style of work, but the trainer/behaviourist gains more respect and credibility from their clients.eg. a German Shepherd can never be taught Field Trial work as he does not have a "game nose” or a "soft mouth" In addition, participation in these sports strengthen the owner/dog bond, provides stimulation for your dog and most of all it is a great deal of fun for both of you! PPAARRRROOTTSS By: Emmylou Rivers www.birdandexotic.co.za Parrots make amazing pets as long as you ensure that you have the time and energy to care for them properly. As there are many different species available, all with different personalities and needs, you will need to carefully select the correct parrot for you. A captive bred bird is always the best choice as they have been reared around people so tend to become tamer and carry less diseases. If you want a baby bird always ABC General Newsletter Page 4 of 8 choose a weaned baby as there will be less opportunities for accidental mistakes. Try to buy birds from breeders who provide a certificate proving that the bird is free of diseases. Environment The birds’ cage needs to be at least 1m x 1m x 1m to house one adult African Grey, but as with all animals, bigger is definitely better. The bird needs to be able to stretch his wings and flap without any hindrance. The best cage setup for most birds is to have a cage with an indoor and an outdoor area, as this satisfies the birds need for sunshine and the goings on outside also prevent the bird from becoming bored. The indoor portion can be the dark, warm sleeping area. Birds need at least 10 to 12 hours of sleep per day. This mimics the hours of darkness they would receive in the wild. If they do not get enough sleep they, as people do, become grouchy and irritable. Make sure the bird is allowed enough sleep. Give him a quiet, dark area in his cage to sleep in. Most birds love being a part of their ‘flocks’ daily activities so put your birds cage in an area where he can see everything that is going on but ensure he is not in the main traffic flow as he may need a time out from all the action. Birds are very sensitive to environmental allergens so ensure that none of the following are being used anywhere around the bird: cigarette smoke, incense, aerosol cleaning products, perfume or deodorant and that there is minimal exposure to mould and pollens. Non stick pots and pans (Teflon) can release toxins into the air that destroy the birds’ lungs, especially if overheated or left on the stove without food in them. Birds exposed to burning oil, overheated Teflon or smoke can die within minutes. Being extremely curious animals (known as the monkeys of the avian world) birds love to chew anything they can reach. Ensure that your bird toys and cage are safe for your pet. Cages and toys with flaky bits of metal that the bird can ingest can lead to heavy metal toxicity. This can be diagnosed on a radiograph and can be reasonably easily treated if diagnosed early. Untreated metal poisoning is often fatal. Powder-coated cages are better than galvanized cages and Stainless Steel cages are the safest for this reason. Entertainment The bird’s cage should be situated where he can watch activities during the day. If you work all day, allow him a view of the outdoors so that he can watch the outside birds or a view of the street so he can watch the passersby. (Just make sure he is not being terrorized by anything outside.) Toys are very important to your pet’s mental well being. As a bird spends the majority of his time in a cage, he must have lots to do (remember that wild birds spend many hours every day foraging for food and will become terribly bored without sufficient stimulation). Rope perches are great for exercising his beak and feet (Ensure he cannot get his feet tangled in any loose strands of rope) It is highly recommended to use food to keep the bird entertained. Put nuts in toilet paper rolls, tape up the end and enjoy watching the bird destroy the cardboard to find the treats. Birds do need different toys so that they don’t become bored. Rotate the toys in the cage every week, so that the bird gets something ‘new’ and exciting on a regular basis. Cheap homemade toys are also enjoyable: newspaper, wild tree branches (Karee, White Stinkwood, Apple and Sekelbos are safe), cardboard boxes and mealies. Destructible wooden toys help combat boredom and that irrepressible chewing impulse. This will also help to save your household objects from destruction. Rawhide toys make great chews and it also keeps them busy to hide treats in PVC pipes, cover bowls with newspaper so they have to destroy the newspaper to get to their food or to use foraging toys designed to make them work for treats. A radio or TV can also be left on for stimulation. Make certain that your bird has enough to entertain him while you are not present. Birds must learn to entertain themselves and not be dependent on you for all their play. If this occurs you will have a large problem in the form of a needy, over bonded bird. Your bird should enjoy your company but not need to be with you constantly. When you are at home, allow the bird to spend time with you, even if it is only while you are doing chores. Many owners enjoy allowing their bird out of his cage to explore. Birds love discovering new environments and being free to walk, or waddle, where they wish. Remember to ensure that the area the bird will be in is ‘Bird Proof”, with no cables, toxic substances, foods, etc lying around. Remember that he will chew on almost anything so be certain to keep an eye on him while he is out of the cage. ABC General Newsletter Page 5 of 8 Wing Trimming The correct way to trim a parrot’s wings is a controversial subject. We recommend clipping between 5 and 8 (depending on the birds ability to fly) flight feathers (the first long feathers from the tip of the wing). This must be performed on both wings to balance the bird. These first feathers are those used to gain height and leaving the ‘balance’ feathers enables him to make a safe landing. Food Parrots need a balanced diet to be at their optimum health, (see Parrot Diet Pamphlet). It is recommended to feed a balanced, high quality pelleted diet as the majority of the food. The rest of the diet may consist of fruit, vegetables and human food. A tablespoon of seed may be given once a day as a treat as oil rich seeds such as sunflower and peanuts are deficient in multiple vitamins and minerals and are of poor nutritional value. Always remember when feeding your parrot that a tiny bit of food for them is the equivalent to a huge amount to a person due to the size differences. Fresh clean water must be available at all times. If your bird has the habit of bathing in his water bowl, provide another bowl, specifically for bathing. Different species of birds also have different dietary needs so check with your vet what the specific recommendations for your pet are. With thanks to : Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital 012 529 8105 www.birdandexotic.co.za |
|
Babies don’t bite
An expert offers 12 ways to help your dog accept your baby. It starts when you’re pregnant.
Carole O'Leary
Pic: Getty Images
Article originally in Parent24
You can never think too far ahead when it comes to fitting the baby in with your fluffy “kids”. Animal behavioural consultant Carole O’ Leary believes that you should start this process when pregnant instead of waiting for the baby to be brought home. Here are a few of her tips:
1. Think ahead When the baby arrives you will probably have less time for your dog. Get him used to new routines so that he doesn’t associate these changes with the baby. If you think you will walk your dog with the baby try this out with the empty pram. Remember never to attach the dog's lead to the pram as this could be dangerous for the baby.
2. Sleeping Don’t allow the dog on the furniture and beds. It is best get your dog out of this habit long before baby arrives. Make this change long before the due date so he won’t feel protective over his new sleep place.
3. Eating You should be able to remove food from your dog at any time. Practice this with food and toys as it will be useful later on when a toddler does it.
4. The nursery Your dog should be allowed free access to the whole house, but you may decide that you want the dog in the baby room on invitation only.
Start this as soon as possible by closing the nursery door or using a baby gate. Spend time with your dog in the nursery or with the baby's cot and other things. Your dog should be allowed to explore all the new smells and sounds. Encourage your dog to be quiet and lie down by being calm yourself. Try spending time having a rest, a drink or reading in the baby's room.
5. Exposure to children If you know someone with a baby or small children ask them over to meet your dog. Allow your dog in once everyone has settled down and stay calm. If there is any ABC General Newsletter Page 6 of 8
doubt as to how he will react you may need professional help. Never endanger or frighten babies or children unnecessarily.
The more your dog sees and interacts with children the more likely he is going to be OK with the new baby.
6. Using a doll Sprinkle a doll, teddy or cushion with baby powder, or other baby scent, and practice cuddling, carrying and pushing it around in the pushchair. Allow your dog to sniff the doll and use a calm, pleasant tone of voice. Put the doll out of your dog's reach when she is not supervised. Baby toys can be distinguished from dog toys by using this scent method, which will make it easier later on to prevent your dog from destroying toddler's toys.
7. Praise Your Dog Always encourage and praise your dog when he is near the baby or baby room. Never reprimand him. By doing this, your dog will associate the baby with positive things and not become envious of the attention that he is missing out on. Ignore any unacceptable behaviour and try again the next day.
8. Attention Your dog must get used to sharing attention, so spend longer periods ignoring her as the due date approaches. Never try to compensate for what is to come by giving your dog more affection before the baby's birth. If you go to hospital your dog will have to cope with at least 3 days of your complete absence, so she should be used to being alone for a couple of hours at a time.
9. While in hospital Send a dirty nappy and any dirty baby clothes home for your dog to sniff. These should not be given to the dog to destroy, but merely to sniff briefly.
10. Getting home As soon as you and baby are settled and comfortable (within a couple of hours, not the next day or week), allow your dog to come and meet baby. You should be holding baby and someone should be supervising your dog. If you have more than one dog let them in one by one. Allow your dog to sniff the baby and praise him calmly. Spend as much time as possible including the dog in your activities with the baby. However, never leave a baby alone with any dog, no matter how safe you think it is.
11. Hygiene Dogs are not unhygienic, providing they are healthy and well cared for. (Worms can be picked up from the air as well as from dogs.) To be safe de-worm your dog every 3 months while you are pregnant and afterwards. Speak to your vet about getting rid of fleas and ticks as these could be harmful to you or your baby. Note that toddlers may be affected by the poison in flea collars or dip on the dog's coat.
12. Aggression Any sign of aggression should be taken seriously. Get the assistance of an animal behaviour consultant, before it’s too late.
Dog Breed Profile
The Tervuren Belgian Shepherd
There are four recognised varieties of Belgian Shepherd, all having the same confirmation but with different coat types.
With selective breeding over time the temperament of each breed has become more specialised. The Groendal has a black coat whilst the Tervuren, Malinois & Laekenois are all red to fawn with a compulsory black mask, black ears and a black overlay to body coat.
Malinois have a short coat, the Tervuern sports a medium coat and the Laekenois has a wavy to curly coat. ABC General Newsletter Page 7 of 8
Our breed profile this month will be referring specifically to the Tervuren.
| Origin and History: The Tervuren Belgian Shepherd comes from Tervuren, which is near Brussels and is one of four recognised breeds of Belgian Shepherds. They were bred for use in herding and guarding. Appearance: These gorgeous dogs can be various shades of red, fawn or grey with black ears and faces. Their coats are straight and their hair is long, in fact they shed quite heavily up to twice a year, which means that they need to be groomed daily. They can weigh in at approximately 18 to 34 kilograms and the shoulder height varies from 58 to 64 centimetres. Temperament: Tervurens are described as loyal, intelligent, reserved, lively, protective and very, very active. They need loads of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. A job such as tracking, herding or agility is recommended to keep them busy and entertained. Strong bonds are formed with their owners which may lead to them being wary around strangers. Tervurens are very good watch dogs as they are observant and sensitive to the environment. It is advisable to socialize this breed if there are to be other pets in the house, and as with all dogs, although good with children, they should not be left unsupervised with children. Possible Health Concerns: Generally these dogs are free from hereditary diseases. Conditions such as epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid and eye problems are known to sometimes occur. The life span of this breed is estimated at 10-14 years. If you are considering adding a Tervuren to your household, please consider that they need • Vigorous and regular exercise • A “job” such as herding, tracking or participating in a challenging canine sport as an outlet for their natural tendency to chase, nip and poke. • If not sufficiently stimulated behaviour may become destructive • These dogs need to be well socialised in order to get along with other pets and strangers • They require a confident and experienced owner. This is not a breed that is suitable to a novice owner. |
Cat Breed Profile:
Siamese Cats
"Make mine Siamese, if you please."
| Origin and History: There are various theories and legends surrounding the origin of the regal Siamese. The most popular belief is that they originated in Thailand (previously named Siam) where they resided n homes and temples. Appearance: You will recognise the Siamese by its striking blue eyes, large eyes and short haired cream coloured coat, which is accentuated by coloured “points” on the face, ears, tail and the feet. These “points” vary in colour and can be blue, chocolate, lilac or seal. Their bodies are elegant and muscular, the hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs and the tail is shaped like a whip. These wonderful cats weigh anything from 3-7 kilograms and they have a longer lifespan than most other breeds, known to live into their twenties. Character & Temperament: The Siamese is curious and talkative. They love to Chat to their families with their distinctive loud voices and versatile body language. Toys and scratching posts are an absolute necessity and if the owner is away for long periods it is advisable to have another Siamese cat in the household to keep behavioural problems at bay. Some Siamese are known to play “fetch”, they love to be the centre of attention and are extremely affectionate, sometimes also prone to jealousy. Possible Health Concerns: Siamese cats do not appear to have any specific health issues as long as they are vaccinated and de-wormed properly. Take care that your Siamese does not become overweight. From eight years onwards you may consider a full annual check-up at the vet to check teeth as well as liver and kidney function. |
ABOUT THE ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR CONSULTANTS OF SOUTHER AFRICA ©
www.animal-behaviour.org.za
The Animal Behaviour Consultants© of Southern Africa aims to promote well-being and harmony between pet and owner. The ABC aims to continue on-going studies and education in human/animal relationships and to promote and regulate the profession of animal behaviour consultants©.
HISTORY OF THE ABC
The ABC was founded in February 1994 out of the need to give southern African behaviourists a professional governing body. Membership is open to the public, as well as animal behaviour consultants©. Owners of companion animals can consult ABC accredited practitioners with confidence, as they adhere to a code of ethics.
ACCREDITED CONSULTANTS
All of our accredited members undergo a rigorous application procedure prior to receiving their species specific accreditation. The accreditation criteria are stringent and extensive, thereby ensuring the highest levels of knowledge, professionalism and integrity. View a complete listing of all accredited consultants on our website.
CODE OF ETHICS
ABC accredited animal behaviour consultants© resolve at all times to:
• Provide a professional and, confidential service to the owners of companion animals.
• Analyse the behaviour problem thoroughly.
• Treat the animal in liaison with the referring veterinarian.
• Offer appropriate advice and therapy for the animal and owner.
• Treat the animal and owner with understanding and compassion.
• Deal honestly, and fairly, with the public.
• Avoid any action that would discredit the ABC.
• Liaise with all aspects of the animal industry and promote awareness of animal behaviour.
• Take every opportunity to participate in continuing education.
• Keep abreast of all new developments in the science of Ethology.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership of the ABC is open to all. There are three categories of membership:-
• Normal Membership– R90 per year with a R90 joining fee. Normal members receive bi-monthly newsletters, invitations to seminars and workshops, reduced rates for ABC events. Only members are allowed to participate in the competitions – please e-mail Ruth Bots for the membership forms.
• Accredited Membership– On application. Please e-mail our Accreditation Secretary
• Group Membership – Animal organisations are invited to join the ABC on a group membership basis.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the ABC of SA ©.
