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.
|
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 ©.
No comments:
Post a Comment