Saturday, October 23, 2010

Calling dog lovers in Gauteng - Behaviour & Training Workshop

Paws Abilities Behaviour & Learning Centre


Behaviour / Training Workshops.



“Calming Signals and How Dogs Communicate“

& ”Common Behavioural Problems/Solutions”

The morning will kick off with an informative video which demonstrates amazing examples of various canine communication signals and body language. We will then have a short break for tea/coffee biscuits etc, followed by a talk and discussion on “Common Behaviour Problems / Solutions”. And then an open floor discussion. Afterwards everyone is very welcome to join us for a “Bring and Braai”. Booking is essential!



DATE 28th November 2010.

TIME From 10:00 am to (...... end of braai).

COST R60.00 per person (payable in advance to secure your place).

The cost includes an informative booklet with loads of info.

VENUE The Clubhouse

Paws Abilities Behaviour and Learning Centre

Plot 72

Fifth Road

Cloverdene

Benoni

CONTACT Leigh Macbeth @ 082-706-4374



Please let us know if you intend staying for the braai. A fire will be available for you to cook your meat on and don’t forget to please bring whatever you wish to eat and drink.



Cold drinks / tea / coffee, will be on sale at the Clubhouse, which has safe parking, seating, shade & toilet facilities



AS THIS IS A THEORY WORKSHOP

UNFORTUNATELY WE CAN NOT ACCOMODATE YOUR DOGS!



www.animal-behaviour.org.za

pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com

Join us on Google pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com or Facebook group-The Animal Behaviour Consultants of Southern Africa


VENUE: Plot 72, 5th Road, Cloverdene, (Van Ryn Smallholdings). Benoni

Join us on Google pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com

DIRECTIONS TO:- PHYSICAL ADDRESS

Saturday Training Grounds & Club House                 Plot 72 FIFTH Road, Cloverdene, Benoni

Directions from N12 Witbank / Johannesburg Highway travelling towards Witbank.

1. Take the Putfontein off ramp and turn left into Putfontein Road

2. Take the first road to your left into 3rd Avenue / Laan

3. Turn right into 5th Road / Weg

4. The school entrance is the first gate that you come to on the right hand side. There is a sign on the 6 foot pre-cast wall with a picture of PAW PRINTS on it.

You will see our floodlights and clubhouse and the Grooming Parlour which is the small building on the left hand side.



Directions from Benoni /Rynfield suburbs, travelling away from Benoni.

1. Get onto the Pretoria Road – past the Bunny Park

2. Turn right into Vlei Road, which is the last set of traffic lights on the Pretoria Road. There is a shopping centre on your left hand side (Rynfield Terrace) and a wedding venue (called Royal Palms) on the right hand side.

3. Stay on Vlei Road. (going towards Crystal Park) After a traffic circle ( by the service entrance to Ebotsi golf-estate - which is on the right hand side) the road name changes into Cloverdene Road.

4. Turn Right into 5th Road.

5. We are the last entrance on your left hand side.

6. There is a large sign on the wall with a big picture of PAW PRINTS on it (dead giveaway!) Wrought iron gates and you will be able to see our club-house (lapa) and floodlights, and the Grooming Parlour which is the small building on the left hand side.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

SA Law for Fireworks

The 5th November is Guy Fawkes Day and many people still celebrate with firecrackers even though it’s harmful to animals and pose a danger to users and bystanders.

Attached are posters that form part of the SPCA’s campaign.

Know the law:

No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present (R 1 000 fine). This includes domestic homes.

No person may allow any minor (child) under his or her control to "use, light or ignite" fireworks (R 1 500 fine). No exceptions to this rule.

No person may use fireworks on any agricultural holding or at any school or senior citizens' residence without special Council authorisation ( R 1 000 to R 1 500 fine). This authorisation must be sought well in advance of intended day.

No person can use fireworks within 500 metres of any petrol depot or petrol station without special Council authorisation ( R 1 500 fine).

No person or organisation can "present a fireworks display" unless formally authorised to do so by the Council (at least 14 days' notice before the display is required by Council to consider such an application). Authorisation is also required from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Chief Inspector of Explosives. (Multiple fines of R 1 500 are applicable).

At such a display (should permission be granted) a pyrotechnist and SA Police Services explosives expert must be present at all times. (R 1 500 fines).

No person may deal in fireworks (sell or make available) unless they hold a fireworks licence in terms of the Explosives Act as well as the written authority of the Chief Fire Officer.(R 1 500 fine).
The reign of terror which afflicts our large pet population when people indiscriminately (and often criminally) ignite noisy fireworks at all times of the day and night gets worse every year.

Firm enforcement of the by-laws will assist in reducing the noise and panic levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for "noisy" periods thus producing a quieter, safer environment for all concerned.

 

 

Monday, October 4, 2010

NOW OPEN - DOGGY DAY CARE!

Paws Abilities Behaviour & Learning Centre


Paws Abilities Doggie Day Care Centre.

A specialised service for busy, working moms and dads.



# Does your best friend have too much time on his paws?

# Are you coming home each day to garden damage and more?

# Is your dog or puppy alone all day without adequate mental and physical

stimulation?



If you dog/pup is socially acceptable, here is your solution!



Paws Abilities Doggie Day Care Centre:

 Constant supervision.

 A structured day of entertainment, education, and fun, for your fur kids!

 Play time and socialising opportunities.

 Educational games.

 Rest Time.

 Good manners education (including loose leash walking, and other basic manners).

 Exposure to livestock

 Life skills, confidence building, and much more.

 Full time, part time, half day, and casual care available.


Contact Louise on (011) 969-6103  or 082-890-0905

Or Emma at 082-923-9317


e mail enquiries to louthomp@mweb.co.za

ST Francis of Assessi Day at AACL

Well ,yesterday I spent a wonderful morning at Animal Anti Cruelty League at Regents Park in Johannesburg and I must say it was an absolute honour to be part of their animal celebration.

The minister conducting the blessing reminded us of just how humble we should be in awe of our animal companions and gave a very touching prayer.

The dedicated staff and volunteers put together a fantastic morning with dog displays from local dog schools and trainers. Buddy the Toyota Boxer dog was also there to meet the public - (what a delight he is!)

There were lots of fun competitions and doggie activities, from look a alike competition - to the dog with the best trick and there was lots of talent around!

Lots of good food and goodies were on sale and the white elephant stall was great - I went home with lots of bargins, and all for a good cause.

On the sadder side - the kennels are full and good homes are desparately needed, and there were some wonderful characters in the kennels - just desparate to find their forever homes. So please pass the word to anyone you know who is looking for a new best friend ........................

Again a huge bouquet to the volunteers and staff of the AACL - keep on doing such a wonderful job.

Until next time
Lou

Saturday, October 2, 2010

FINDING A GOOD DOG TRAINING SCHOOL

FINDING A GOOD DOG TRAINING SCHOOL:

By Louise Thompson (Accredited Animal Behaviourist)

 

This usually begins at about five and a half to six months of age ideally after an initial puppy school learning and socialising programme. In the beginning, this 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 their website for details – www.animal-behaviour.org.za Some ABC’s run “Specialist” Schools – concentrating on one or more disciplines. Many schools offer domestic and show obedience classes, as well as other various disciplines of dog sport and fun! Participation in most dog sports requires a certain amount of basic obedience training.

 

KINDS OF DOG TRAINING CLASSES:  Domestic obedience – All dogs should learn the basics of good manners and basic obedience such as how to walk to heel on a leash, to sit, to down, to stand for examination, to stay and to retrieve. This is not only to provide the owner with 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 are fun and exciting for both dog and owner. An “ideal” school uses games and fun exercises to keep both dogs and people focused! Newer dog sports are available at many schools, which can be competitive or just for fun and fitness (of both the dog and owner)!

 

These newer dog sports include: Dog carting, flyball races, 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. Classes should incorporate fun activates which stimulate you and your dogs minds whilst having fun and learning at the same time!

 

All of these activities give your dog something valuable to do and help 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 puppy-hood through to adult dog training.

 

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 can be sometimes at the expense of the dog’s well-being!

 

WHEN CHECKING OUT A DOG TRAINING SCHOOL: Before enrolling in a class, first visit the school WITHOUT YOUR DOG, (as an observer) So that you don’t feel pressured to join in if you are not comfortable with what you observe), and look for the following:

 

·        Do the dogs look happy and relaxed? Are the people friendly and sociable? A friendly, fun, relaxed environment for both dog and handler is vital for learning to be able to take place!

·        Is everyone shouting their 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? A good school does not permit aggression to develop in a training class.

·        Serious cases of aggression should be dealt with via behaviour modification and, sometimes even via private training sessions. The dog-training field is not an appropriate platform for solving behaviour problems – behavioural problems need in depth one-on-one counselling.

·        Does the school provide you with contact numbers of satisfied students who have completed or are enrolled at the training centre?

·        Does the instructor enquire if you are experiencing any problems at home with the dog, and either offer appropriate advice and/or refer you to a professional ABC.

·        What kind of equipment are the handlers using?

·        Would you consider the training equipment cruel? Are the instructors using electric shock or pinch collars? Even check/choke chains, if used incorrectly, can cause severe damage to the muscles, the tendons and even the spine of a dog. Humane, gentle training methods, using food, toys, or other forms of passive motivation are imperative to ensure a good relationship with your dog, and develop a confident, sound, stable dog.

·        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.

 

Some schools routinely use electric shock collars, and steel spike/pinch collars. Pinch collars are made up of steel links with spikes on the inside, which pinch and nip the skin when the leash is pulled! In my opinion, this kind of torture equipment should have gone out with the Spanish Inquisition! Cases are regularly reported of dogs being yanked off their feet, and even hung in trees (by the choke chain & leash) until they lose consciousness. People actually do this and condone the practice, telling you it is training!

 

In my book, this is not dog training, IT IS ABUSE! In my opinion - the sadists, who believe this is the way to train dogs, should find another occupation!

 

Good dog trainers don’t need to choke, yank, hit, yell at or electrocute dogs in order to get them to obey. Good dog trainers use gentle, modern, positive reinforcement methods of learning!

 

Learning should be fun for both the owner and the dog!