cheekycairn

Below is information I have just received about a new AVA resource on the use of positive reinforcement training methods for dogs... "Dogs play such an important part in many of our lives and through proper training from an early age they can learn interact in a positive way. With this in mind the Australian Veterinary Association has developed a set of practical recommendations in a guide for dog trainers based on training methods based on positive reinforcement. Reward-based training: a guide for dog trainers outlines the benefits of reward-based training and identifies some of the problems associated with alternative training methods. It also includes a number of case studies, examples of training and comprehensive list of references for further reading on the subject. ‘Positive reinforcement’ is a training method based on the simple approach of giving the dog something it wants to make behaviour more likely to occur again. The AVA believes use of positive reinforcement is the most humane and effective training method as it avoids undesirable behavioural side effects. Positive reinforcement also makes training more enjoyable and helps to improve the bond between the trainer and the pet. For example, Sassy jumps up to greet people: her owners have tried pushing her down and kneeing her to knock her off balance when she jumps. This has not worked, in fact she now jumps from further away to avoid the knee. Sassy should be ignored if she jumps and only receive attention (including eye contact) when she has four paws on the ground. Only when she is standing or sitting should she be rewarded with attention and treats." http://www.ava.com.au/sites/default/files/AVA_website/pdfs/Reward-based%20training%20brochure.pdf

Another article on this story including comments from an Australian breeder is on The Age... http://www.theage.com.au/executive-style/l...0316-1bx40.html China's million dollar dog Sarah McInerney March 17, 2011 - 10:47AM Forget sports cars, designer clothes and fancy apartments. An ancient breed of dog has nuzzled its way into the running to be the next big status symbol for China's rich. An 11-month-old Tibetan Mastiff male puppy has gained the title of the 'world's most expensive dog' after being bought for 10 million yuan ($1.5 million), the London Telegraph reported. It was purchased for this large sum by a coal baron from the north of China who will reportedly use him as stud for other breeders, making as much as 100,000 yuan each time. Kathryn Hay breeds Tibetan Mastiffs in Tasmania and has travelled to China to visit their exclusive mastiff kennels. Outside of China these dogs attract sums of $3000 to $12,000, but there, she has seen puppies with price tags of $870,000. "In China it is like the national symbol, everybody knows what the breed is and the history," she said. "You can't really compare it to a dog in Australia. It is known as almost having a lion in your backyard. It really is the ultimate symbol that you've made it." Because of their rarity, Tibetan Mastiffs are exported all around the world. Hay has shipped three dogs from Europe to Australia and has also sold puppies to people in Singapore, the US and New Zealand. She says dogs from the top Chinese breeders are highly prized because they are seen as more prestigious. "Some of the dogs I saw in China just took my breath away," she says. "They looked really raw, when you're a Tibetan purist you can see the origins of the dog." A large dog, Tibetan Mastiffs can weigh more than 60kg and live for 10 to 14 years. Hay says they are good for people with allergies as they only shed their coat once a year. Regarded as one of the world's oldest breeds, Tibetan Mastiffs were traditionally used for guard duties. Genghis Khan is believed to have kept them. These guardianship traits still exist in the breed today, Hay says. "You've got a very untouched, unspoilt breed," she says. "They can be great pets but you have to be a strong owner because they're not overly domesticated." The good news for potential owners is that despite their size, Hay reports they don't eat too much. They might be good protectors, but they are also fond of lazing around

The Victorian Government has recently introduced a range of new laws to better protect the community from dangerous dogs. Councils now have the power to seize and impound dogs that are found wandering at large in public if they are unregistered/unidentifiable, and the Authorised Officer believes that the dog is a danger to the public (eg has attacked or is likely to attack). If unclaimed by the owner within 48 hours, the dog can be euthanased. If a dog that has previously been declared as a Dangerous Dog (due to attack) is found wandering at large, it can be seized and impounded, and euthanased after 24 hours. Owners must contact the council within 24 hours of impoundment if they wish to prove there were mitigating circumstances for the dog being at large (if this can be proven, the owner may be able to reclaim the dog). Council Officers also have the power to immediately destroy a dog if it is behaving in such a way that it will cause imminent serious injury or death to a person or other animal. Responsible dog owners will not be affected by these laws. Registering, identifying and keeping dogs on the property will prevent the possibility of them being seized and impounded. All cats and dogs aged 3 months and over must be registered with the local council, and must wear their council identification marker whenever they are off the property. New laws have also been introduced that affect owners of declared Menacing, Dangerous and Restricted Breed Dogs. You can access the new legislation (version 42 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994) via: http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/ For more information about these legislation amendments, visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare or call 136 186.

Hens knight at Daylesford Organics Sarah Hudson June 23, 2010 EIGHT years ago, Brendon Eisner and his wife, Kate Ulman, moved to a 20ha Muskvale property. They had a plan to establish a small, organic garden, with enough produce for themselves and a small business. Today, that business, Daylesford Organics, not only supplies some of Victoria's best restaurants - including Daylesford's Lake House and Melbourne's Circa - but last year won a Vogue Produce Award. More recently it was ranked sixth in Australian Traveller Magazine's best gourmet experiences. Aside from producing seasonal fruit and vegetables, the couple also have 1000 free-range chickens, which are guarded by their two Maremmas, Bingo and Banjo. "We back on to the Wombat State Forest so we have a big fox problem," Mr Eisner said. "When we first got the chooks we lost 70 in one hit and about 200 in total. "Since getting the Maremmas we haven't lost one. They live full-time with the chickens. "I often come out in the morning and see them sitting there in the middle of the flock, cross-legged and majestic." http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2...atest-news.html The photo that accompanied the print article was great too.

I have got one...it is fantastic. I have recently moved house and obviously was able to take it with me. It was also great for open homes as I simply removed it and stored it out of sight for when people came through. My dogs were easy to train to use it but that would be no different from a normal dog door. As well I am able to remove it and just lock the door as normal while I am away for extended periods and the dogs are elsewhere. As well it has a cover over the flap in case I want to lock the dogs in or out of the house. It does not allow for a one directional entry though like some dog doors. The only tricky thing for me was how to ensure the door remained locked as the insert does not have a locking facility. While most people would have the skill and tools to be able to attach a lock I am very much a challenged handywoman. However I figured out that if I put a length of wood/metal bar down into the sliding door runner people would be unable to to open the door from the outside and in fact it provides a more secure situation than my dodgy lock on my old door that could probably be jiggled open. The main issue is that now I can't open my door from the outside if for some reason I should lose my front door key or remote garage door opener. A risk I am happy to wear. The other risk...I have a dog that is silly enough to expect it to be there everytime so for those moments when it is removed she is known to smack head first into the glass right about where she expects the flap to be...unfortunately everytime she does it she does not get any smarter and in fact I suspect the blow to her head actually makes her more likely to do it again.

I took my two to Lilydale Lake for the first time on Sunday and had a fantastic time. There was a walkway all around the Lake which you can take dogs onlead (one lap is approx 2.5 km) and also a great off lead area. The off lead area is down below the walkway so quite easy to keep excited dogs contained and not disturb other people. There is also a marvellous creek. While we were there, there was this funny Mal that stole another dog's ball and swam out to the middle of the creek and refused to move or relinquish ball for ages despite pleas from owner and dog that owned the ball who was running up and down the creek bank whimpering. It was very funny. Everyone just waited patiently until the Mal got bored with his game. Dogs slept well that night.

New watchdog for Humane Society Posted: 1:32 AM, February 21, 2010 Ken Moran Animal rights has be come a key phrase for raising money, and some groups such as the Humane Society of the United States raise tons of it saying they save pets and animals. The question is, where does all this money go? The Center for Consumer Freedom is announcing the launch of HumaneWatch.org, a watchdog project dedicated to analyzing the activities of the Humane Society of the United States, the largest anti-hunting and fishing group in the country. HumaneWatch will include a blog written by CCF's director of research, a growing document library, and a database capable of tracking the dozens of nonprofit (and for-profit) organizations that make up HSUS's sprawling financial empire. The Humane Society of the United States has become the animal rights industry's most powerful player, but it has avoided serious public scrutiny for years, says CCF. According to the CCF, HSUS raises nearly $100 million annually from Americans who believe their donations filter down to local pet shelters and improve the lives of dogs and cats. But in 2008, says CCF, less than one half of one percent of HSUS's budget consisted of grants to actual hands-on "humane societies" that deal with the thankless task of sheltering unwanted pets. "Someone has to ask the hard questions about the Humane Society of the United States, and HumaneWatch will be a relentless source of useful information," said CCF director of research David Martosko. "Nearly 1 million Americans donate money to HSUS every year. And most are completely unaware that they're bankrolling PETA-style propaganda, far-reaching anti-meat campaigns, a huge staff of lawyers, and bloated pension plans for HSUS executives." In 2008 alone, the Center says HSUS put more than $2.5 million into pension plans -- money that its own advertising suggested would be put toward the direct care of animals -- and that HSUS neither operates nor is legally affiliated with any pet shelters anywhere. Martosko continued: "Even the best charities can run off the rails, so it's no surprise the professional dog-watchers need their own watchdog." http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports...gfxKKDE9MMPo00O

RSPCA Australia (located in Canberra) is responsible for drawing up national policies for the RSPCA which are then endorsed and adopted by the State RSPCA reps. However, how these policies are them implemented and 'policed' are up to the individual States which operate independently and is also influenced I expect by their relationships with the jurisdictions that manage animal welfare within their States. More information follows copied straight from their website. I believe there is very limited ability for RSPCA Australia to oversee or govern the performance of the individual states which I expect can be a serious issue when some state level RSPCA's "overstep the mark" and damage the reputation of the organisation as a whole. I was going to suggest that people consider becoming a member of their State RSPCA so they then have the ability to vote on the membership of the Board etc. However I was surprised to read that members of canine councils have been refused membership. I wonder if Government is aware of this and, if so, if it would affect their representation on government advisory groups etc. The RSPCA is often represented on these groups as they in turn represent the 'Public' however if they in turn restrict their membership to ensure only their supporters are allowed in I don't see how this can be seen to represent the public. What We Do The RSPCA is a community based charity that works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. RSPCA Australia is a Federation of eight independent State and Territory RSPCA bodies called member Societies. RSPCA member Societies do much of the hands on work traditionally associated with the RSPCA such as the operation of shelters and the Inspectorate plus community education and fundraising. RSPCA Australia is home to a strong science and campaigns team, with a particular focus on farm animal issues. RSPCA Australia is responsible for facilitating national campaigns and events and representing the interests of animal welfare with Government and industry across all areas. http://www.rspca.org.au/what-we-do/how-we-...-ourselves.html

Please see below for information on a dog behaviour event people may be interested in attending. Apologies if this has been posted somewhere already. Regards CC Dear All I’d like to notify you of a companion animal event at which Pauleen Bennett from the Animal Welfare Science Centre in Victoria will be speaking. Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group & Melbourne Metropolitan Practitioners’ Branch Behaviour @ Breakfast - Dispelling the “dominance” myth and achieving control of dog behaviour Stewardship versus dominance as a way of interacting with the natural world Dr. Pauleen Bennett, Animal Welfare Science Centre, Monash University Using an anxiety/frustration model instead of “dominance” for more humane and effective modification of dog behaviour Dr. Robert Holmes, Animal Behaviour Clinics Reconstructing our relationship with dogs with behavioural disorders without human “dominance” Dr. Debbie Calnon, Behaviour Counselling Service Controlling puppy classes, teaching control of pups, and learning self-control by pups Dr. Gaille Perry, Sydney Animal Behaviour Service Date Sunday 22 March 2009 Time 8.30am for 9.00am start - 1.00pm finish Venue Carousel, 22 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park Lake (Melway 2K G9) Meal 3-course breakfast served between speakers Cost $95.00 AVA Members; $130.00 Non-AVA Members For further information, please contact the MMPB Office on (03) 9670 3343

Some additional information for you... AUSTRALIAN company recalls chicken strips after dogs fall ill 10.dec.08 ConsumerAffairs.com Lisa Wade McCormick http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008...pet_recall.html An Australia company has recalled some of its Chinese-made chicken strips because the treats may cause illnesses in small dogs. And those illnesses sound similar to the ones dogs and cats have experienced after eating Nutro food, according to a regular ConsumerAffairs.com reader. The KraMar Pet Company of Australia announced the recall today, saying it has received 15 reported cases of illnesses since it launched its Supa Naturals chicken breast strips 15 months ago. The company acknowledged a possible linked between the treats and instances of Fanconi-Like Syndrome in small dogs. Symptoms of that illness include: • Decreased food consumption, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion of other foods • Decreased activity or lethargy • Vomiting • Diarrhea, sometimes with blood • Increased water consumption and/or increased urination In severe cases, blood tests may indicate kidney failure and glucose in the urine may indicate Fanconi-Like Syndrome, the company said. KraMar officials said it may ask a veterinarian at the University of Sydney to investigate the recent illnesses in the dogs that ate its chicken strips. The company, however, says there is no scientific evidence linking its chicken strips to Fanconi-Like Syndrome. KraMar officials also said the company has tested every shipment of the treats for E.coli, salmonella, and melamine. To date, those tests have come back negative. Nonetheless, the company decided to recall the chicken strips because "KraMar regards the health and welfare of all dogs as paramount." "This precautionary measure has been taken despite the lack of scientific evidence because of our concerns for the welfare of dogs," said KraMar's CEO Bryan Fouche. "We have been in the market of supplying dog care products for over 50 years and our customers rely on us to maintain the care." Fouche said his company is exploring the option of moving its production facility for Supa Naturals products to Australia. KraMar's recall comes a little more than a year after the FDA warned pet owners to be wary of feeding their dogs chicken jerky products, including chicken tenders, strips, and treats. "There is a potential association between illness in dogs and these products," the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warned last September. "(The) FDA has received over 70 complaints involving more than 95 dogs experiencing illness that their owners associated with eating chicken jerky products." FDA officials added, "To date, (the) FDA has not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. The agency has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky." The FDA said it also received information from The Pet Hospital, a network of pet hospitals across the country, that suggested a possible link between eating chicken jerky products and signs of gastrointestinal illness. Some of those symptoms included: decreased appetite, decreased activity, or lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with blood, increased water drinking, and urination. "An individual dog may show some or all of these signs," the FDA said. "Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some dogs have died." At that time, the FDA warned consumers who fed their dogs chicken jerky strips to watch their pets for any of these symptoms. If their dogs showed any of these problems, pet owners were advised to contact their veterinarians and the FDA. "Sounds familiar" A regular ConsumerAffairs.com reader, who heard about this recall, told us today: "Sound familiar?...I can't help but wonder if this is related to the dogs in the US with these type of symptoms (unrelated to the Menu Foods incident)." Reader Carol V. of Rhode Island was referring to the growing number dogs and cats that have experienced similar-digestive type problems after eating Nutro food. Consider the problems Kristy V. of Scottsdale, Arizona, told us her dog suffered after eating Nutro food. "My 18-month-old Weimaraner had been eating Nutro lamb and rice food since he was old enough to chew," she said. "We never had any problems until one day he started vomiting and having explosive diarrhea. Within a couple of days he started having blood in the mucous-filled stool and then he was basically just passing blood. He was very lethargic." Kristy said her vet ran a few tests, but they didn't come up with any conclusive results. "The vet suggested an allergy to the food, which didn't really make sense given the severity of his symptoms," Kristy told us. "We tried giving him chicken broth and white rice, which he would eat. But every time we tried to give him the Nutro he wouldn't eat it. It gave us an idea that there might be something wrong with the food, so we switched him to the Science Diet ID food that the vet has suggested." "Our dog acted like he had been starved, and ate this food ravenously. Within days his stools were solid and he gained the energy that most young Weimaraners should have." Kristy said she contacted Nutro, but the company failed to respond as promised. "I am very disappointed with Nutro and the fact that they have not done anything to recall the products given the amount of complaints and similarity of the symptoms from dogs and cats eating this food," she said. Nutro has repeatedly told ConsumerAffairs.com that its food is 100 percent safe and meets standards set by the FDA, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

Hi Westiemum and Jey Don't worry about me, I have been around for a while...a bit of a lurker. I need to get my posts up though so I can check out this mysterious OT forum. I do not myself support what I posted, I simply thought people might find it interesting reading...nothing like a bit of healthy debate/discussion and a little light entertainment. I have not taken any responses personally especially as none have been directed at me and more at the article. Thanks for enquiring though. Cheers CC.

Hello All I regularly receive media updates about health and welfare issues for animals. A recent one I received was about the Barf diet...as I thought people may be interested in reading it I have pasted it below. Regards CC BARFBLOG: Barfing on the BARF diet 16.aug.08 barfblog Michelle Mazur http://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/2008/08...diet/index.html A raw diet for pets is quite a controversial subject. Processed pet foods are processed with heat, making vitamins and nutrients less available http://www.urbancarnivore.com/uc_online/pages.cfm?ID=33 compared to raw diets. Raw diets are also generally free from additives and preservatives found in traditional pet foods. However, raw diets cost more money per day and require more time and labor in order to prepare the meal. There is also a risk of contamination with bacteria such as Salmonella http://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/2008/03...nts-human-risk/ and E. coli with raw pet food diets. A study conducted by Joffe http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumer...ternatives.html found that 30 percent of dogs on raw food diets had salmonella in their stool. "Dogs eating raw chicken will secrete salmonella into the environment," explains Joffe. "It can cause everything from mild flu-like problems to life-threatening illnesses." The most popular version of the raw diet is called the BARF diet, short for Bones And Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. http://www.animalhealthcare.ca/contents/co...p;keywords=food BARF diets are composed mainly of raw meat and vegetables. Most veterinarians are not happy http://www.animalhealthcare.ca/contents/co...des2.asp?id=140 about these diets because there is no guarantee http://www.avma.org/press/releases/070717_...cooked_food.asp that the pet is receiving a properly balanced and nutritionally complete http://www.animalhealthcare.ca/contents/content.asp?id=71 meal, and there is also the problem of bacterial contamination. The Canadian Veterinarian Medical Association doesn't recommend feeding pets raw food, and neither does the American Veterinary Medial Association. http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/jan05/050115ww.asp If pet owners are looking for an alternative http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumer...ternatives.html to store bought pet food, the optimal word according to the CMVA is "cooked." Make sure to use recipes that call for cooked meats. A healthy recipe includes cooked meat, such as hamburger or chicken, with potato or rice and a mineral supplement. Proper cooking practices, http://www.fda.gov/cvm/foodbornetips.htm such as using a meat thermometer and handwashing, are also essential to ensure the safety of the meal.

Hi All Slightly off topic... I am from Chelsea and have two gorgeous Cairn puppies that I would love to socialise with other dogs. They are only 9 weeks old at the moment so need their second vaccination before they can be taken into the wicked world but if you know of any good puppy pre-schools in the area could you please let me know. I look forward to joining you all once my puppies are old enough. Cheers CC