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Vet Pets Magazine
MAY 2018, FREE
Dog expert: why you shouldn't give your dog
the snipAWARD-
WINNING PARTNERSHIP:
ONE LADY & HER BORDER
TERRIER
TOP PRODUCTS/PET CARE TIPS & MUCH MORE INSIDE
Vet Pets Magazine
make your dog happy!Is your dog happy? How do you know? What motivates your dog and how can you make sure you're being a good human to your furry companion? Any dog owner likes to think their dog is happy but a recent study about dogs being hugged
shows that many people interpret the signs incorrectly and don't know how to recognise anxiety in their animal. ‘Making
Dogs Happy’ is an illustrated handbook to getting to know your dog better for a happy and fulfilled household. Learn how to tell what motivates your individual dog and you can train your dog accordingly. Written by a veterinarian and a
leading dog trainer, it introduces the idea of dogmanship - the ability to interact with and train dogs.
Published July by Murdoch Books.
Tough ToysWe love these durable and fun toys from the pet experts over at PetSafe. They are great for any pooch that loves to chew as well as figure out a puzzle - how to get the tasty treats out of the toy! They come in an ever
expanding range, and are available from all good pet stores and directly from PetSafe.
Premium pet products, destinations & activities for you & your pet chosen by Sophie
Nell and Rufus, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, assisted by Marie.
Cavaliers’ Choices...
Vet Pets Magazine
PS/We’re always looking for premium products & services to review for both pets and people! Please get in touch with
the boss at [email protected].
Love, Sophie, Nell & Rufus xxx
‘My Chickens and I’ by Isabella Rossellini In this delightful illustrated book, actress and filmmaker Isabella Rossellini shares her newfound passion for raising chickens. When a cardboard carton dotted with airholes arrived at her door, Rossellini expected to
welcome 38 yellow chicks to her Long Island farm. Much to her surprise, her newly hatched brood included a diverse mix of heritage breeds—a discovery that prompted further research into the traits, behaviour and history of each one. Perfectly capturing the fine-feathered glory and surprising intelligence of these spirited backyard birds, ‘My Chickens and I ‘pairs Patrice Casanova’s photographs with Rossellini’s wry observations,
fun facts, and hand-drawn illustrations.Available from all good book stores.
Cavaliers’ Choices...
Vet Pets Magazine
Tony Knight, an internationally-acclaimed Dog
Listener and trainer, on why you shouldn’t get your male dog neutered…
Top Dog Listener:
Why Canine
Castration is Wrong!
Vet Pets Magazine
Tony Knight, an
internationally-acclaimed Dog Listener and trainer,
on why you shouldn’t get
your male dog neutered…
In this current era of #metoo with the likes of Harvey and Donald setting a really bad example, maybe this is not the time for me to write an article questioning the effectiveness of castration!
Speaking as a male, I admit that I also have a soft spot (well, two really) for my own “equipment; men will wince in empathy should they hear a story about some poor chap whose “poor chap” was involved in some kind of painful accident.That said, it is as a dog trainer (and not as a male of the species) that I came to the conclusion many years ago that castration is not all it is cracked up to be.
However, it is still often the first course of action when
dealing with aggression in male dogs.
Too many vets propose this procedure as the cure-all (which comes at a price of
course). I have met many aggressive female dogs in all my years as a Dog Listener – what should we cut off them? Maybe their legs so they can’t run after anyone?
Don’t get me wrong, castration for health reasons or to avoid unwanted puppies is definitely recommended in the first case (and begrudgingly in the second, although intelligent control from dog
owners is preferable). When it comes to dealing with aggressive behaviour though, there is a completely different part of the body that should be
treated (and definitely not removed).
My own old fellow, Kez (I am referring to my dog here) was an
entire male and the most chilled out individual you could have hoped to meet. A very large part (I promise you I am not making these puns on purpose!) of the reason for his calm demeanour was the way I interacted with him to show him that he could relax and trust me with the big decisions. Dogs ask us questions every day to see who they can trust, so when
“Dogs ask us questions every
day to see who they can trust...”
“Castration is not all it
is cracked up to be....”
Vet Pets Magazine
Kez asked, I made sure to give him the right answer. That way, I avoided him taking on the role himself, which could have led to bigger problems.
In nearly every case of dog aggression, there is a big dose of panic added. This does not come from any appendage; rather the belief in a dog’s mind that it is responsible for the safety of its family in a world that it does not understand. That panic can lead to reactions that can understandably be seen as aggressive. Once again, we know that there are females that can also have these aggressive tendencies, but there is not an equivalent, arbitrary, medical procedure for them.
What can make the situation worse for a male that has been given the chop is that they may still have the responsibility of looking after everyone, only now they are constantly
feeling out of sorts. The levels of testosterone take a
massive drop, leaving them prone to feeling vulnerable.
If you have ever had to go to work or look after your
children while feeling unwell, I am willing to bet that you may have been more easily irritated…
On so many occasions, I have been asked to work with highly strung dogs that have previously been castrated, only for their behaviour to remain unchanged or even worsen.
My approach to solving dog aggression is to concentrate
on the other end of the body. Using the way they think is the key to success. Calm and positive communication in their language shows them that you are capable of looking after
everyone, allowing them to relinquish responsibility and relax.
Thankfully, not every veterinarian is still stuck in
the old-fashioned practice of slicing off a mutt’s nuts. There are plenty of professionals out there who have realised that castration for aggression problems clearly does not work. They also know that
there are ways to help solve this problem that do not require drugs, force, pain or surgery. When it comes to helping your dog to be happy and calm, I guess the ball is in your court…
To find out more, visit: www.tonyknightdoglistener.com
“Many vets now realise
that castration for
aggression problems
clearly does not work.”
Female dogs can be aggressive too...
Vet Pets Magazine
Border Terrier ‘Sir Jack Spratticus’ won the Friends for Life ‘Dog Hero’
competition at this year’s Crufts. Owned by Vanessa Holbrow, rescue dog Jack is credited with changing her life...In the first part of our special
feature, Jack ‘explains’ how the two literally saved each other.
FRIENDS FOR LIFE
Vet Pets Magazine
Border Terrier ‘Sir Jack
Spratticus’ won the Friends
for Life ‘Dog Hero’
competition at Crufts earlier
this year. Owned by Vanessa
Holbrow, from Burnham on
Sea, Somerset, Jack, had been
to four homes before being
rescued at the age of 13
months by Vanessa. Jack is
credited with changing
Vanessa’s life, helping her to
live with complex mental
health issues, by giving her
confidence, companionship
and stability. In the first part
of our special feature, ‘Sir
Jack’ explains how the two
have quite literally saved
each other.
Taking me, a Border Terrier (BT) called Jack, on as a re-homed BT in 2012 helps mum live with complex mental health illnesses. Namely these issues are Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD), Dissociative Disorders (DD) and an Eating Disorder (ED) (which is 90% a restrictive type, Anorexia). I give mum a life she never dreamt of in terms of companionship and I help her to get out and about (this was prior to us finding Canine Generated Independence,
GGI). This I will elaborate on later.
Mum maintains it is literally a Godsend to have discovered Border Terrier Welfare UK (BTW), and it is by no means an understatement to say this has been a life changing 'find'. Mum and I from the beginning have been learning and growing together, overcoming difficulties from our pasts and learning coping strategies. Mum then went on to find the organisation CGI in 2017. CGI is “a not for profit organisation,
helping disabled people within the UK wanting to train their own assistance dog to an extremely high standard”. Which is where our next chapter continues. For now I shall start from the beginning of my life with Mum aged 13 months.
On 24 August 2012, I walked into mum’s life with an air of bravado. I say an 'air of bravado' because this was a fragile exterior, masking deep fear and confusion. This was my fourth home.
Vet Pets Magazine
Between you and I, to be rejected again was my reality. On appearances those on the outside may have indeed questioned why I was being re-homed to an individual with complex psychiatric illnesses. Furthermore mum lived in a small block of flats with no enclosed garden. Pfft! to that I thought to myself at the time. I need squirrels to chase at least!
Mum's complex psychiatric history is an extensive one, thirty six years living and fighting to manage daily living. Mum has struggled to the extent that two thirds of her life since graduating in 1993 with a BSc in Applied and Human Biology has been sectioned in old style asylums to begin with and then general adult psychiatric hospitals, specialised eating disorder units and general hospitals. The latter of which mum has been hanging on to life by a hairs breath several times on life support 1994 and 2002 due to attempts on her own life.
Along side this, on more times she can dare mention, mum as an adult has fought back from
being insanely underweight, due to self imposed starvation. Beyond the usual conditions brought on by malnutrition
and an unviable body weight, a plethora of other conditions result and remain, for example, osteoporosis.
Gradually over the last twelve years, with the help of intensive and less intensive
therapy mum has turned things around to a certain degree. Problems partly stem from an unrelenting traumatic and lonely, neglectful existence during her formative years and as a young adult. Therapy enables mum to gain insight, and as a result of this a chance to gain a sense of self, which is in itself excruciating for mum to face. Trauma therapy continues to this day.
When out walking (our favourite past time) mum recognised that even the sight
of a dog helped her. What I mean was seeing one gave her feelings of warmth and she would smile. She couldn't quite reconcile the fact that on the one hand rife suicidal ideation taunted her (a ‘normal’ default thought pattern) and yet the sight of a dog initiated feelings far
removed from contemplating self injury, for example. Furthermore the two could co exist together. So there was no doubting that contact with dogs enabled her on a profound level. Mum’s care coordinator at the time, as part
When out walking (our
favourite past time) mum
recognised that even the
sight of a dog helped her.
Vet Pets Magazine
of her care plan, looked at the possibility of her owning a dog.
Before I came along Mum started on her journey to becoming a dog owner. Mum started volunteering as a dog walker for the RSPCA, moved to rented accommodation permitting dogs (in light of a recommendation from community mental health services) and attended dog training classes without a dog. Mum explained to me that in order for her to feel in any way able and have the chance to hold confidence enough to become a responsible dog owner, this was a definite prerequisite.
I offer mum someone to love and care for. One thing that is novel for mum is my love and acceptance of her. I help her to strongly consider looking after herself, to believe in looking out for herself first and foremost. I help her initiate the want to discover a sense of self and the strength to process that complexity. She adores me I know, furthermore I am
integral to her working hard to stay on track (safe) because I
sense I am very special to her.
Being a extraordinary character would be one descriptive word for myself. I am also adorable and mischievous, despite unsavoury terrier habits! An extraordinarily adaptable poser is a further attribute and love nothing more than being in front of the camera.
A designer, Izabela Peters, spotted one of my photos and this resulted with me being on a cushion and a draught excluder of all things! I model for ‘Scrufts’ handmade dog collars and leads, with mum taking the photographs for
this. Before I came into mum's life, she never realised she was
able to take a decent photograph. Towards the end of 2017 we had the surprise of a lifetime to win a competition.
‘Dog friendly’, (the largest database of dog friendly places to stay in the UK) ran a competition to find twelve dogs with the friendliest faces to feature in this
years Dog Friendly Face of the Year Calendar. The competition attracted more than 3,000 entries and 35,000 votes. Celebrity judge Paul Martin chose me as one of the 12!
On the side, may I also mention, in 2014 I qualified for the Buckham Fair, Re-homed/Rescued Dog Championships. I qualified for this show at Mid Somerset Show where I received a first (mum was in tears). So the following week mum dragged me down to Beaminster, in torrential rain might I add, to be judged along with approximately 70 dogs.
Vet Pets Magazine
Mum was questioned by four judges on different aspects of our story. Then there was a big finale and it was not until this stage mum and I realised how many amazing dogs we were up against. Martin Clunes talked to mum and stroked me. Following this, ten dogs were pulled out to stay in the ring. Number 26 was announced (my number!). After a further circuit of the ring and one final look at us. In reverse order the positions were announced. To my complete shock and delight I came 2nd!
It may be worth sharing with readers that in 2016 having been nominated, I was short listed for The Kennel Club’s Eukanuba ‘Friends For Life Competition’. At the age of 4 I was nominated for the huge
impact I had had on mum’s life.
Mum credits me with helping her, but in reality we have helped one another. Mum took the role of dog ownership seriously. She researched the breed thoroughly prior to rehoming me and took me to various training classes. In the early days we consistently incorporated into our daily walks moves we had learnt in training classes, for example, heel work to music, and agility classes. Our first class (in obedience), the initial paramount lesson to master was how to refrain from barking and lunging for others dogs, for example. I could not understand the logic of mum and I being confined to no more than the space of a cupboard every time I exhibited unacceptable
behaviour. We were excluded from the first few months of obedience sessions. Every time I opened my mouth, mum quietly took us into the cupboard ( a small room in reality). In time I learnt why. If I didn't bark then I was allowed to take part in the class; if I challenged myself to leave a dog alone that was starring at me, I could stay in class… bingo!
To keep my focus solely on mum was the foundation to learning more acceptable behaviour. That was all that was required; I had cracked it! Little did I know there were many many more lessons to come.
The second part of our special feature by Sir Jack is published in the June edition.
Mum credits me with helping
her, but in reality we have
helped one another.
Vet Pets Magazine
AMANDA STUART runs Edie & Reggie Pet Accessories. As well as cute and stylish clothing and accessories for your dog she is also a talented pet artist. Pictured is Pets Magazine’s very own Sophie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Amanda talks to us about her
inspirations and gives some tips for budding artists.
©Amanda Stuart
Art With Soul...
Vet Pets Magazine
AMANDA STUART runs Edie & Reggie Pet Accessories. As well as cute and stylish clothing and accessories for your dog she is also a talented pet artist. Pictured is Pets Magazine’s very own Sophie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Amanda talks to us about her inspirations and gives some tips for budding artists.
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you gets started as a pet artist?
Today I have two Mini Schnauzers ruling the house! I can quite honestly say they are my inspiration in my current freelance working life. I want them to have nice things, be warm in winter, capture images that show their character and to be healthy and happy. That's where the Edie and Reggie Pet Accessories and my ‘Product Pawtnership’ came from, I wanted other dogs to have the opportunity to have nice things too and I get to combine the challenge of animal photography and fab products for dogs. A Product Pawtnership is where a company sends me a dog product(s) and I photograph it with my two pooches, or their other four legged friends, and I keep the products and the company has some professional photos and a review from Edie and Reggie and me. That's it. If after that they wish to hire me for more, then that's great also!
Where do you take your inspiration from?
The character of my dogs - because Schnauzers are full of it! I love their energy and try to
capture it on camera. With a drawing though, it takes on a completely opposite effect, especially with a complete stranger's pet... You are relaying a little of what you think their character is onto a blank piece of paper.
You have a photograph in front of you that their owner has picked for you to draw and you see it come alive with each pencil stroke and by the end of the drawing, it's like you have gotten to know the subject. You have spent hours and hours with it, looking at every hair, glints in their eyes, wondering what they were looking at when the photo was taken by their owner. By the end of the drawing you have imagined the character of the dog and feel as though it is a stranger no more.
Pets Magazine’s Sophie is taking shape
Vet Pets Magazine
character of the dog and feel as though it is a stranger no more.
I enjoy lovingly wrapping and boxing a customer's drawing and I always wonder what the customer will think when they open it and their 2D pet is staring back at them! I always worry if I have captured the character the way the owner knows their animal to be. A drawing is a very personal and unique thing, a one off, just like their dog or pet.
Is pet photography the favourite part of your work? If so, why?
They say never work with kids or animals, well I do both! I just love a challenge I guess. I work part time at a school, so when I go home I have my own little ‘furbabies’ to look after. I was a 'cat' person all of my childhood and to think I wasn't a fully fledged 'dog' person until April 2013 is crazy considering I have built a little business because of my two dogs and has become a daily obsession (in a good way). I contemplated getting a dog for over a year. It was ultra important that it was the right decision for a dog and also for me. The time was right and I welcomed Reggie into my home as a 10 week old puppy, later that year I welcomed Edie too. I would never have thought three years later I'd be doing a
majority of freelance work because of my dogs.
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What are your favourite places and subjects to photograph?
I have use of a studio area, with lights and a white infinity background. There I photograph other companies products as well as my own. If I'm outside, there's no better backdrop than autumn trees and a wood. I also love spring and the wonders of the vast open sea.
Any tips for the amateur pet artist?
Finding a 'subject' that you love always makes it easier and more exciting when you see the drawing coming to life in front of you, nothing but you creating it. It's quite a personal journey I think and by the end, without even knowing it, you've somehow put a personality to the animal. You tend to put that extra bit of heart and soul into it too.
For more information about Amanda’s work and her pet accessories and to order, please visit: http://edieandreggie.wix.com/petaccessories
Vet Pets Magazine
LARS B. ANDERSEN, CEO of Arty Lobster On 3D Pet Sculptures
Click this link to watch the video.
And here’s two examples of Arty Lobster’s fantastic 3D sculptures. Visit their website at www.artylobster.com to order a 3D sculpture of YOUR pet!
