Hot Dogs
In light of a media story released Feb 2017 about a Qld Police dog (Waco) dying of heat stroke I ask everyone to be vigilant about providing a cool place for your dog to retreat to. Waco’s handler would be devastated. I also believe that had this not been a police dog, it wouldn’t have even made the news.
Whilst other folks are cancelling a hike or event due to extreme temperatures the ‘force’ are still out there trying to keep us safe. Police dogs are cared for with the height of vigilance but crime still occurs regardless of the weather. This particular event happened on one of our hottest days on record whilst tracking an offender. Dogs can be extremely focused when they are ‘doing’ something and I’ve no doubt this was the case. The problem is that animals don’t always display signs of trouble until the trouble has taken hold. Many a dog with an injured paw would still fetch into pain and then further until he literally couldn’t walk, if his drive was strong enough and if given the opportunity. Let’s face it, determination and reliability are two of the great qualities which have made dogs such excellent work partners for humans.
In the future there may be a device we can attach to our working animals to monitor things like body temperature. Then of course each animal is unique in its make up just as people are. My heart goes out to Waco’s handler as the case is investigated due to police dogs being recognised as staff.
Leah & Angela OMeara Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)
Not to be confused with Physics please. Some folks appear to have a gift in being able to communicate with animals. Although I don’t posses that gift I am not prepared to claim they do not. It really sounds fascinating. If Police departments have used psychics for their work, then why not use them for animals?
Behaviour Adjustment Training can be used for dogs suffering from fear, frustration or anxiety. Even if the above has displayed aggression B.A.T. is still a helpful tool. It involves gradually introducing the dog to the stimulus but in a very controlled fashion. This type of training is often arranged with ‘set-ups’ e.g. your buddy with a mobile phone up the end of the footy field. You can let him know when to appear from behind the brick building and when to disappear. Perhaps he will have a decoy dog with him if the problem has been with other dogs. The scenario acts like a rehearsal for real life situations.
I was recently reading a forum regarding the docking of dogs tails and cropping of dogs ears. The conversation began with a new dog owner trying to decide whether she should have her dog’s ears cropped or leave them natural.
Let’s talk about jumping up on people because that is one of the most common behaviours things that get dogs into trouble. It’s a natural thing for a dog to do and he just wants to get your attention. But I can see no practical reason for anyone to encourage this action in a pet dog. He doesn’t know the difference between your gardening gear and your best dinner suit. He may trip up or scratch an elderly person with delicate skin. He may scare the heck out of a child (yes, even if he’s small). If you want to show him your love, don’t reward him for jumping, go and spend some time playing with him.
If you’ve attended a fundraising event there is a possibility you may have seen ‘Tex & Bundy’. The famous pair support charity fundraisers with their presence and man do they get around. ‘Bundy’ is a stumpy tailed blue cattle dog who goes everywhere with her owner ‘Tex’ and she’s known as ‘the dog on the bike’. She just loves her time on the motorbike and the duo is regularly spotted at motorcycle events amongst other gatherings.
Hi folks, I’d like to talk about an Internet article I recently read about the Cesar Milan’s ‘Showdown with Holly’ episode. It was a scathing attack on Cesars approach and the way he dealt with a labrador that resulted in him being bitten. I couldn’t resist responding with the following… “I agree wholeheartedly with much you are saying however let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Criticism is best when constructive right? Even though Cesar Milan uses some techniques I don’t agree with I don’t remember him claiming to be perfect. Also every episode I ever watched starts by asking folks not attempt the techniques they are about see without a professional. This in itself can raise a discussion e.g. ‘I also like shows which say please do try this at home’.
Without bees our food cannot grow. A disease called American foulbrood now threatens hives in Australia and dogs are great at being trained to sniff out problems. Foulbrood is a bacterial disease affecting the brood and leaves behind a spore, which is contagious. Hives in countries with a white winter have periods where the bees stay inside for longer but here in the land down under most areas do not have snow in the winter.
If you watched ABC’s episode of 7.30 regarding racing greyhound export from Australia, you’ll understand the angst we felt whilst watching the abhorrent treatment of animals for the sake of human entertainment. We feel truly ashamed knowing this export has not been stopped.