A dog is for life....although fostering is wonderful!

With Christmas just around the corner, please spare a thought for all of the dogs stuck in kennels, and the hard-working, dedicated people who are looking after them.

If you can, please donate some money, time or items to your local rescues, to provide these poor dogs with the happy Christmas they deserve.
Even better, if you have a little room for one (or several!) of these bundles of love, please contact your local rescue about fostering a dog over the Christmas period.
Many of the dogs in kennels have never had a cosy, comfortable Christmas, so if you can spare a warm bed by the fire, and some leftover turkey, please open your homes and hearts for these little sweethearts.
I promise you, the love and devotion you will receive from them will be so much more fulfilling than any material thing you may receive.

Thank you, and have a wonderful Christmas

xxxxxx Read More!

Very Brief Update

I have now received my certificate from the IPBC, and so am now a fully qualified member!

Whilst I am elated that I have reached this stage, I am working harder than ever on my Advanced Diploma, which is so far going incredibly well.
I am very excited about what the future may bring. But for now, watch this space! Read More!

Oh dear...Not another one

Offering my advice on the purchase of a puppy has kicked off yet another debate on good old Facebook.

Granted, I was not asked for advice, but the suggestion of "Please be careful, this breed [Japanese Akita] can be dominant, and require lots of patient training," led to a few people taking digs at me and the validity of the course I am studying.
Unfortunately, I can't copy and paste the conversation here, as it has mysteriously vanished, but briefly, it continued something like this:
Them: "It isn't how dogs are bred, it is how they are brought up."
Me: "While this is partly true, studies have shown that genetics play a role in the development of inappropriate behaviour."
Them: "I would like to know where you are studying, because your facts are wrong. Anyone who knows dogs knows that you have to assert yourself by pushing them to the floor, and pinning them down until they submit."
BOOM! There it is. Once again, the influence of a certain TV trainer has reared its ugly head and is putting people at risk of a serious bite.
This misguided individual (aged somewhere around 20) has indeed had dogs, but the one that myself and my father had the opportunity to meet a fair few years ago, decided one day that he didn't like my dad, and actually bit him. It was not bad enough to warrant medical attention, it was more of a "You turned your back on me, so I'm gonna bite you in the butt and run," kind of nip.
Now, this person would only have been young at the time, so would not have been able to understand just how dogs think.
Now, however, as a dog owner, they should have a better understanding of canine behaviour.
But no. Instead of reading a few of the thousands of books available on the subject of behaviour, how it develops etc, such as the wonderfully insightful "Think Dog!" by the late, great John Fisher, this person, and many people like them, continue to just get dog after dog without researching the breed, or knowing how to effectively, and SAFELY, deal with problem behaviours.
The conversation continued, where my education, and my ability to raise dogs was put into question. It was even suggested that I don't even own dogs (let alone large breeds), so how would I know about them?
Well, owning a very strong-willed German Shepherd has certainly pushed my buttons at times, including when he went through his challenging phase. But by remaining calm and patient, and following the advice of the great minds in animal behaviour, (Karen Pryor, Gwen Bailey, etc etc) we came through it with a loving, gentle GSD. He hasn't lost his playfulness or lust for life, he just knows that good behaviour is rewarding, bad is not. I have never had to raise a hand to him, and would never EVER consider doing what is becoming known as an "Alpha Roll."
It is dangerous, ineffective and just plain stupidity. Not only do you risk making the behaviour worse, you put yourself and those around you at significant risk of being badly bitten, or even killed.

We so desperately need for those still living in the dark ages to be re-educated. Otherwise, our rescue centres are just going to continue battling against the inevitable, trying to re-home dogs that have been left with behavioural issues because of uninformed owners.

Thankfully, most rescue centres are very thorough in their questioning of owners, and will not allow the dogs to be homed with just anyone.
Isn't it about time to introduce a compulsory short course in care and behaviour before anyone can take on a dog? Or other animal, for that matter?
Your thoughts? Read More!

Forest of Dean Quiz Sheet

I have uploaded the Forest of Dean Quiz sheet that I ran for the Hounds for Heroes fundraiser, so if you would like to have a go, it's here!

Obviously, the winners have already been drawn, so it's just for a bit of fun!

Click here for the quiz sheet

The answer sheet is below, but don't be a spoilsport!! You aren't allowed to look at them until you've finished the sheet!!

Click here for the answers!!

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Read with interest

I have just had a read of this article on the "Cold Wet Nose" blog, belonging to Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dog's Today magazine.

http://coldwetnose.blogspot.com/2010/06/chc-fires-shots-at-vaccine-industry.html

As the owner of three dogs, I know how expensive the vaccinations can be.
I have my opinions, please let me know yours.
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Hounds for Heroes Fundraising Success!

On Sunday 27th June, myself and a group of volunteers ran an Afternoon Tea event at the Community Centre in Lydney, in aid of Hounds for Heroes.
And I am pleased to announce that we raised over £300!

As well as offering tea and coffee (with a biscuit of course!), we also had numerous other stalls:
Home-made cakes, scones, and fresh raspberries (very yummy!)
Guess the name of the teddy
Bric-a-brac and books
Beautiful handmade beaded jewellery
Photo-gifts, cards etc,
A tombola
And a raffle.

Prizes in the raffle included vouchers for Vision Photography in Lydney, and Rebecca Cox Photography of Coleford, A voucher for Country Meats in Lydney, a ladies handbag, four free classes at Club Ginger in Lydney, a voucher for The Real Deal Pie and Cake Co. / Coffee Local of Lydney, A scented gift set, a bath gift set, and a tray of cuppa related goodies!

We also ran a Forest of Dean Quiz sheet, which proved incredibly popular. So much so that we extended it to three prizes instead of one! The questions were all cryptic clues that led to the name of a town, village or tourist attraction in the Forest of Dean. I will make it available asap on here so you can have a go. Of course, you won't get a prize, but it is a bit of fun!

Even though we were up against the England football match, we still managed to raise over £300. I'm sure if we had more publicity, we could have raised some more. However, £300 exceeded my goal for the day, so the hard work really did pay off, as every penny raised will be going to Hounds for Heroes for their "Puppies on Parade" appeal.

Now for the thank you's!! (Please bear with me!)
First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone that popped in for a cuppa and a slice of cake on the day, those who brought the quiz sheet, and those who donated their hard-earned money for such a good cause.

I would also like to thank everyone who helped out on the day by running a stall, volunteering their time to help the event succeed, and especially to those who made the delicious cakes!

A special thanks must go to Councillor Bill Osbourne and his wife who, although they were unable to attend on the day, donated home-made scones and jam, fresh eggs, and two large trays of raspberries, which, I can assure you, were heavenly!

I also must thank all of the local businesses who very kindly donated vouchers, essential items, and prizes for the raffle:
Co-op of Lydney,
Tesco of Lydney,
Harry Tuffins of Lydney,
Scott Shoes,
Club Ginger,
Country Meats of Lydney,
Vision Photography,
The Real Deal Pie and Cake Co. / Coffee Local,
Bah Humbug,
Poppies Florist,
and Rebecca Cox Photography.

Once again, a big thank you to all!!

For more information about Hounds for Heroes, please visit:

www.houndsforheroes.com
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Debating the Dog Trainers

A few months back, I had a friend ask me how to go about becoming a dog trainer. So I launched into a detailed explanation of my research into the subject; academic requirements, practical experience, handling skills and so on. I told them that there is no easy route into dog training, and that they must be prepared to spend a very long time gaining relevant knowledge and experience before they could even consider taking on paying clients. Out of curiosity, I asked what experience they do have. Quick as a flash, they replied "I watch The Dog Whisperer all the time, and have trained my dog with his techniques!"....Oh dear.

I have been a dog person all of my life, but the interest in training has only surfaced in me since acquiring the loving lunatic that inspired this blog. Although I had spent a lot of time around large dogs, especially GSD's, my previous experience was limited to growing up with a Cavalier King Charles, and adopting a highly strung Lhasa Apso (who is still with us, aged 12/13, and still bossing around the large ones - small dog syndrome at its finest!!)
So when I decided to bring another rescue dog in, I was met with a lot of resistance, especially from the large, over-funded company who's name I will not utter.
Initially a little disheartened, I spent hours upon hours researching everything I could about owning a large breed.
Eventually, after a lengthy talk with the National Animal Welfare Trust, I became the owner of Lunik. Upon their advice, I enrolled her into puppy classes with a local trainer. From then on, my passion for dogs was reborn, and I decided to pursue a career with them.
In the beginning, I, like many people, was enthralled by that charismatic character that "Rehabilitates dogs, trains people," and thought that he had a way with dogs that few people do.
However, the more I watched, read and researched, the more the cracks began to show.
I continued to watch the show, (and on occasion, still do) if only to see exactly what he was going to do next. My opinion of the trainer dropped with each show, and the icing on the cake was one aired a few weeks ago, which saw said trainer using an electronic shock collar on a dog that was suffering from severe separation anxiety. One of the first things I learnt when I started studying canine behaviour was that an anxious dog should NEVER be subjected to anything that causes pain, fear, or unnecessary suffering. Not only will this worsen the anxiety, it could cause irreversible damage to the dogs physical and emotional health. Another example of his misguided "treatments" is one that is on as I speak: A St. Bernard puppy, refusing to go up the stairs, is being made to run around the block, then dragged (and I mean that in the most literal sense) up the the stairs with the use of a choke collar.

Many people have joined in the debate about the Dog Whisperer, and like most, I have my own opinions of him. I'm not going to argue that he does seem to have a very high success rate, especially with highly aggressive dogs. But that could be the magic of TV at work. Most of us will never really know just how many failures he suffers.

Currently, CM is being pitted against another TV trainer, "It's me or the dog"'s Victoria Stilwell. Having just spent nearly an hour reading through various dog forums and sites, I have come across the mention of an episode of her show in which she bluntly tells the owners of a Cocker Spaniel that the dog should be put to sleep, after it had bitten a child under the age of 5.
I haven't seen the episode, but I feel I must add something.
Some of the posts were about this episode, and question her ability as a dog trainer, and wonder how someone could suggest putting a dog to sleep.
Unfortunately, this is something that all behaviourists have to be prepared for, even if they never have to actually say the words.
The dog in question, a Cocker Spaniel, is often thought to be an ideal family dog.

Most of the comments I read against VS were written by Americans and / or dog lovers. Those calling her something along the lines of "Stuck up cow" were referring to her no nonsense approach to owners.
She uses positive reinforcement to train the dogs, something which I wholeheartedly agree with. It has worked for two unruly GSD's in my household! However, when it comes to the owners, VS will put it in the simplest terms for them, even if it sounds very harsh. She is often portrayed on the programme as a kind of "headmistress" character, using calm, positive techniques with the naughty dogs, and telling off the owners, who should know better. In one episode, she ends up arguing with one idiot (an American) who refuses to look after one particular dog in the household because it is a foster dog, and he did not agree for it to be there. This meant his partner was left to do all the work, as she did not think it fair to treat one dog different from the next. The argument got rather heated, and so VS walked out, telling him that she cannot train the dogs without his full co-operation.
While I understand that some people may view this as a "temper tantrum", she does, in fact, have a fair and valid point. Working with dogs, especially with those whose behaviour needs modifying, it is important that everyone in the household, and likewise, visitors, must be consistent, otherwise it just won't work. What is the point of one person teaching the dog to stay off the sofa if another person in the house allows the dog to climb all over the furniture?
Unfortunately, too many people treat their dogs as they would treat a child. But they aren't children. The aren't human. They are animals. They need consistency, affection, food, training and exercise. If they don't, they are likely to develop behavioural problems which could easily have been avoided.
Training a dog should be fun and rewarding for animal and human alike. No amount of shouting or physical punishment is going to have any effect other than to create a fearful, possibly aggressive, dog. If it takes telling the owners some home truths, then so be it.

And so the debate rages on. More and more people are turning to the positive, rewarding approach to training, whilst those set in their ways are still using primitive methods such as the "alpha roll." Is their ever going to be an agreement between the two types of trainers? Unfortunately, probably not.
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Hounds for Heroes: Support just keeps on growing

The campaign to raise money for "Hounds for Heroes", the charity set up by Allen Parton to provide trained assistance dogs for injured armed forces and civilian emergency services personnel, is already gaining momentum.


Since it's launch, people the country over (myself included!) have been offering up their support through various fund raising events, ranging from raffles to dog shows, and photography competitions to a special charity ball, which took place on 17th April 2010 at Jury's Inn, Birmingham.
Organised by Lynda Cain and Steph Colquitt of Hounds for Heroes, attendees were treated to a three course meal, with talks from Wayne Palmer, Chairman of Hounds for Heroes, Paul Ross from Help for Heroes, and Matt Croucher GC, author of the best-seller, "Bullet Proof", who was awarded the George Cross for his acts of bravery whilst serving in Afghanistan.
An auction followed, which included prizes such as a signed Man Utd football, a 'Platinum-Deluxe' make-over and photo-shoot, and tickets to a variety of shows, before the disco had people dancing into the night.
In total the evening raised an incredible £4325, which has been split between "Hounds for Heroes" and "Help for Heroes" - both very worthy charities indeed.
For more information, please visit www.houndsforheroes.com

Also aiming to raise funds are a brave bunch of "Canicross" runners. Canicross is the latest doggie sport that is sweeping the country, which involves using specialised leads so you can safely run with your dogs. Simon(42) and Cushla Lamen(40), Nicky Hutchinson(49) and Mark Dunbar(47), along with their canine companions, will be running five marathons over five days, from Ilfracombe to Bulford, as part of the Project 65 Forces March, taking place between 27-31 May 2010. For more information about the Forces March, visit www.project65.net
Information about Canicross can be found at www.canicross.org.uk

Cyclists from specialist supermarket Waitrose are also rising to the challenge by taking a trip to Paris, with the proceeds going to Hounds for Heroes. The group, from Petersfield, Hampshire, took part in a photo shoot on 14th May 2010, which included members of the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, Police force, Fire brigade and Ambulance service, as well as local MP's, Allen Parton with EJ, and adorable reservist puppies, Blaze, Sarge, Gunner and Colonel. Photo's of the day can be found on the Hounds for Heroes Facebook page. ( http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=153732569277 )

One more notable name that must be mentioned is PC Katie Johnson, of Lancashire. On New Years Eve 2007, PC Johnson, a police dog handler and trainer, was shot during a violent robbery at a pub in Bamber Bridge, Preston. She states;
"I became aware of the charity during my recovery period when I read Allen Parton’s (founder of Hounds for Heroes) book."
After contacting Allen to tell him how inspiring his story was, they stayed in touch, and PC Johnson was "honoured" when Allen invited her to become an ambassador for the charity.
"I am absolutely delighted that Katie has decided to get involved and believe she will be a huge asset to the charity." says Gulf War veteran, Allen. "Her knowledge and love for dogs is vital and I think she will be able to provide that link between the charity and police forces across the United Kingdom."

The Hounds for Heores Puppies on Parade appeal is aiming to raise £100,000 to purchase and train five Labrador puppies up to a standard that will assist injured or disabled people.

"Hounds for Heroes is about enablement, independence and an enhanced quality of life for so many injured personnel. We are here to make a difference" says Allen.

For more information, or to lend your support, please visit www.houndsforheroes.com

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Endal: How one amazing dog is still changing the lives of injured services personnel. (UPDATED)

Most people in the doggie world will know the story of Endal, an assistance dog who captured the attention, and hearts, of people the world over, with the amazing story of how he gave owner Allen Parton, a Chief Petty Officer serving in the Royal Navy during the Gulf War, the confidence and independence to rebuild his life, and relationships, after a devastating accident left him with physical and emotional injuries.

After the accident, Allen lost many of his memories, including those of his wife and two children, as well as the use of his legs. Confined to a wheelchair, Allen became completely dependent on others. Being a highly intelligent man, he struggled to accept this, and found himself sinking into despair. That is until one bundle of golden fur adopted him.

While attending Canine Partners, a charity that trains assistance dogs for the disabled, Allen formed a unique relationship with a yellow Labrador called Endal. And the rest, as the say, is History.

Endal looking deservedly proud

Sadly, Endal passed away in Spring 2009, but his legacy lives on in the charity "Hounds for Heroes", a dream come true for Allen Parton.

The charity has been set up to train assistance dogs specifically to give injured Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel the freedom and independence that Allen himself gained from one special little dog.

The charity is still very young, and a group of dedicated volunteers are working tirelessly to raise enough funds to purchase and train the first dogs. Please visit the website (www.houndsforheroes.com) and donate what you can. You can also order a set of dog tags engraved with the Hounds for Heroes logo from eBay. The link can be found on the website.

Allen with EJ (Endal Junior), whom Endal took under his wing before he sadly passed, continues Endal's legacy by providing Allen with independence and companionship. EJ is one of the first dogs to be trained by "Hounds for Heroes."

I would never pretend to understand the hell that our brave servicemen and women go through on a daily basis, especially those injured in the line of duty. However, I do know that dogs can have a profound, positive effect on your health and well-being.
Please lend your support to this wonderful cause.

Below are some photo's of Endal during his day-to-day life as an assistance dog.
I would like to say a big Thank You to Allen Parton for a lovely email, and for sending these photographs.

Endal on a shopping trip.

One of the many tasks that this incredible dog undertook on a daily basis.

Endal's dedication to Allen meant that no job was to big, nor to small.

Endal helping Allen at the cash point machine; it was this display that drew the attention of the media.

Due to his injury, Allen had no memories of his wedding to wife, Sandra. But after Endal gave Allen his confidence back, the couple decided to have a "second wedding" that, after all they have been through, was well and truly deserved.

"Endal" by Allen and Sandra Parton, tells the full story of this extraordinary dog, and is a must-read.

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R$PCA - How your donations are spent

Like all dog lovers, I was absolutely shocked to read about the R$PCA's use of a captive bolt gun to put down 10 German Shepherds in Pontardawe, Swansea Valley, South Wales.

The rescue organisation were called in by a family member after the owner of the Shepherds had passed away. The family were apparently told that they should contact other rescue organisations, as the dogs would almost certainly be euthanised if the R$PCA took them. However, both the German Shepherd Dog rescue and The Dog's Trust have stated that they were not contacted by any one with regards to this matter. The R$PCA were again contacted by the next-of-kin, at which point they went to the property. Once there, the dogs were "assessed."

In an official statement, the R$PCA claimed that "none of the dogs were at all suitable for re-homing due to concerns about their aggressive behaviour and lack of socialisation with people. The dogs were also suffering from a severe skin condition"

Following a discussion with 8 other officers, it was decided that the dogs should be euthanised using a captive bolt gun, as this would "minimise distress to the dogs, while also being the safest method for those people responsible for dealing with the animals"

How is this not distressing?? Who are they trying to fool??

A captive bolt gun is the weapon of choice in slaughterhouses. That's right, they are used in the killing of COWS. But that isn't the worst of it. The bolt gun does NOT kill the animal outright. It is placed against the head, and stuns the animal, creating a hole in the head. To finish the dastardly deed, a rod must then be forced into the animals brain. It is bloody, painful and downright CRUEL.

A spokesperson for the organisation said that "Restraining the dogs and then shaving a limb to prepare for a lethal injection would have caused these animals unnecessary suffering, due to the animals suffering from a severe skin condition"

HOW IS THAT WORSE THAN PINNING A DOG DOWN, SHOOTING A HOLE IN ITS HEAD, THEN STABBING IT IN THE BRAIN???

I fail to believe that these dogs could not have been helped by organisations such as German Shepherd Dog Rescue, and I am positive that many people, myself included, would have offered whatever help they could give to save these poor dogs.

They were somebody's pets. They were loved and cared for, and regardless of a lack of socialisation, should have been given a chance to have a full and happy life. Instead they were cruelly and unnecessarily slaughtered.

Unfortunately, many people are still donating thousands of pounds to the R$PCA, some of which goes into the pockets of the inspectors responsible for this vile crime.
Many rescue organisations rely on small donations to keep afloat, and which are run by volunteers who often work long hours for absolutely no money. These are the people who truly care about animals, dedicated to do whatever they can to help.
The R$PCA, on the other hand....well, I will say no more.

Please take a few moments to click on the link below and follow the instructions to sign the petition. (On the "News" page)

http://www.manytears.co.uk/

There is also lots of information on what else you can do to raise awareness of this crime.

We need to stop this cruelty NOW, before more innocent dogs are needlessly killed by those who are supposed to be helping them.

How would you feel if it was your pet?


NOTE: Due to bullying and threats of legal action by the high paid lawyers employed by the R$PCA, it is now very naughty to use the acronym of the organisation.
A letter to Jayne Shenstone of the German Shepherd Rescue, from an R$PCA lawyer states:
"the protection afforded by the trade mark registration process and the Trade Marks Act 1994 effectively covers the use of the RSPCA acronym in upper and lower case"
Therefore, as you may have noticed, I've had to tweak it a bit!
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Course Update

I am pleased to announce that I have now passed the theory part of my Canine Behaviour course with the IPBC.

Not only have I passed, but I did so with a final grade of 98%. As you can imagine, I am incredibly happy with this result, and am excited about taking the practical assessment.
I have also been asked to be the area rep for the IPBC when I start practising. I am honoured to have been offered this position, and once I have gained the necessary experience, I intend to do whatever it takes to represent good dog ownership and responsible training.

So what happens next?

I have enrolled on an Advanced Diploma course (Canine Behaviour Management) with Compass Education and Training, after which I hope to advance on to a top-up degree. Of course, this is completely dependent on how well I do in the Ad.Dip. Believe me, I will be working my backside off to get there!

In the meantime, I will continue to do my best to regularly post on here, and keep you updated.

Kindest Regards

Kelly xx

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