Dog Lovers Show Wrap

Rainy Melbourne weather didn’t deter a large turnout to the annual Dog Lovers Show at the Exhibition Building in Carlton over the weekend.  Lucky double pass winners from the Paw Friends Facebook page among them.  The point of difference from most Melbourne ‘show events’, where the focus seems to be sales above everything?  The presence of our four legged friends! They added a literal soft touch to the event. 

The Show’s emphasis seemed less about selling and more about dog appreciation and celebration. Interspersed between stalls spruiking doggy foods, coats, toys, and pet photography deals, pooches surprised and delighted.  Large malamutes, tiny Chihuahuas, bull terriers, pugs and others from breed-specific rehoming groups were available to learn about and pat.  While upstairs, dog breed clubs proudly showed off staffies, golden retrievers, French bulldogs, poodles etc.  I discovered the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, two-thirds the size of a golden retriever and absolutely gorgeous.

Two stages hosted information sessions about managing dog health and behaviour, while entertainment rocked the main arena.  TV vet Dr Katrina Warren showcased the talents of the Wonder Dogs, a group of border collies. While Farmer Dave, of Big Brother fame, compered the main arena action, entertaining the crowd with witty commentary as dogs participated in agility, races, obedience and fun tricks. He told of how he grew up on a farm, the youngest of 11 kids, with the job of feeding all the farm dogs.  Thus began his love affair.  He lives on the farm still, just a mere 30 minute drive to his parents’ home - on the same property!

The focus on the hope rehabilitation offers rescue dogs, and the presence of older dogs, was well thought out and effective.  Pablo, a small dog that has been rehomed four times due to aggressive behaviour, won all the races in the small dog K9 x-country event and displayed excellent manners. Finally some wins for the little guy!  Another dog who originated from a puppy farm -and who had to learn to stand when rehomed due to the cramped conditions there - performed tricks on stage with finesse.  And an 8 year old dog completed the agility course, proving it’s a fun activity for any dog, regardless of age.  They all received great applause.

The Dog Lovers Show is for dog owners, prospective owners and also dog lovers in general.  Even if you don’t or can’t own a dog, but love dogs, this show is for you.  So head along next year!

 

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Man's best friend courts tennis stars

The Australian Open tennis is in full swing so it's interesting to read top seeds Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka have secret weapons in tow on tour that are contributing to their mental stamina - petite canines. Fur kids are helping them unwind and stay balanced while away from home comforts on the tennis circuit.

Check out this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/sports/tennis/31tennisdogs.html

Graeme the 'rock star' cat gets his moment in the Sun

Feline trainspotter: Graeme the cat visits a Melbourne train station on the Hurstbridge line twice a day to drop off and pick up his owner. Check out this video from today (17 Sept '11) to witness his antics. I've seen Graeme with my own eyes so it was fantastic to learn more about him in today's Herald Sun. What a delight for commuters and his owners seeing him on the train platform, he would definitely brighten many a day!

Stars and Stripes

If Los Angeles is the land of celeb spotting, let's not leave our humble sidekick, the

pooch, out of that equation. And I don't refer only to Toto or Lassie lookalikes.

On a trip to LA last year, man's best friend made its presence felt wherever l went. Whether it was ritzy doggy day care centres in the more exclusive parts of town, where chihuahuas donned jewels, or this 'dude' pictured above left in the formerly run down, but recently glamified, Hollywood Blvd. Decked out in an LA Lakers basketball sweatshirt, this dog looked like a definite star, chillin' on the Hollwood Walk of Fame, only a hundred metres from Demi Moore's Japanese eatery. Later that day the starry eyed pooch graced my hotel TV screen in an episode of The Hills.

While in hip Melrose Avenue, I witnessed slim young humans enter a building for a 'Dog Bone' casting call. Hopefully a pooch was the star there.

And at the LA Farmers Market l discovered The Bakery for Dogs overflowing with treats tempting enough for human consumption. The Boxer Brownie was one of many that appealed to me. No doubt stars from nearby TV studios, where shows such as The Young and the Restless are produced, stock up here for their beloved pooches.

Tips for Dogs Fearful of Tiles/Floorboards

As pet owners we want to ensure our pet/s are healthy physically and mentally and as well-adjusted as possible to optimise their quality of life and happiness and the relationship between pet/s and owners.

Pet behavioural issues are common, however, so l thought why not share tips here to counter those pesky issues and improve everyone's happiness quota =) Feel free to email me any issues you want covered.

POSSIBLE CAUSES & SOLUTIONS:

1. The sound of their nails on flooring may spook them

» Keep nails trim and filed

2. They may have slid on tiles when very young which has led to avoidance

» Praise them when they walk on tiles and use distraction to focus their attention elsewhere than on their fear

3. They may not have been exposed to slippery floors before

» Gradual exposure, not pandering to their fear and making the floor a fun and calm experience (toys, treats...) is the answer

OTHER TIPS:

Always be Positive, Patient and Encouraging when training your pet.

• Put food bowl at edge of tiles, then move it over time further onto tiles (this is desensitisation, as opposed to flooding which can make dogs more nervous)

• Put dog on a leash and walk back and forth over tiles – use treats as encouragement

• Lie on the floor with treats and favourite toys and the dog will want to come onto tiles and play with you

• Rugs with rubber backing or clear plastic runners with slightly sticky undersides can result in dogs feeling more secure underfoot

• Doggy booties with traction may have your best friend running up and down the hall in no time =)

• Paw wax from a pet shop can help reduce the slipperiness factor

Anti-Puppy Farm Rally Day

This Sunday, 19th September, at 12 noon there will be a Puppy Farm Awareness Rally at the steps of Paliament House in Spring St, Melbourne. Speakers include Derryn Hinch and Moira Rayner and animal welfare groups will be there in support of an accountable pet industry that doesn't include factory farming of puppies which leads to mistreatment of animals and a surplus of dogs. No doubt Hugh Wirth, the RSPCA Victoria President and veterinarian, will lend his vocal chords to the cause.

There will be food and stalls in the Treasury Gardens afterwards and people are encouraged to bring along their crowd-friendly dogs for a truly Dogs Day Out.

Check out http://www.oscarslaw.org/index.php for more details.