From the Editor

With Victoria once again in lockdown and borders closed we can be thankful that NSW is plodding on carefully and remaining COVID safe with restrictions easing a little.

It is with a glimmer of hope on the horizon, that the Blue Mountains Dog Training Club held the very first show at Orchard Hills on Saturday, July 4. With strict safety guidelines in place and COVID restrictions adhered to, both the club and competitors managed to enjoy their Obedience and Rally Trial and as you can tell from the coverage of the event on pages 8 -10, it was a very happy one, with all participants wearing great smiles after being in lockdown for so many months. Thanks to Susan Dellas for organising the copy and results,and to Margo Turnbull for the photographic coverage, all received in record time so it could make this edition.

‘How Young is too Young for a Family Pet?’ is a topic often discussed, particularly for novice pet owners, however, online insurance comparison service comparethemarket.com.au commissioned a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 1,002 Australian parents to find out at what age they think is appropriate for their children to have a pet (both cats and dogs). In addition, parents were questioned whether the size of the pet matters and what would be the reasons for not allowing kids to have pets at an earlier age. The results may surprise you. Please turn to page 12 and read on.

We’ve all had dogs howl at some time or the other, however, do we know what it means? This is a dog’s form of communication, along with whining, growls and let’s not forget barking. We have a feature which looks into why dogs howl, the types of dog howls and how to combat excessive howling. This artcile commences on page 15.

There are a number of different news articles from vets including one on Pet phobias (fear of noises, thunderstorns, fireworks, etc). Dr Jenni Green, Veterinary Director from the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden and Small Animal Veterinarian discusses the symptoms of phobias, what can occur and more importantly what can be done to assist in these situations. Please turn to page 7.

CQUniversity Veterinary Nursing Teacher Courtney Liddy, manages animals both with their physical and psychological health concerns and discusses the possible development of negative pet behaviours when owners commence going back to work, after being in COVID isolation. She offers very simple solutions and ways to avoid problems. This article commences on page 25.

Our spotlight breed feature is the friendly and very adaptable Brittany. With its amiable nature and willingness to please, the Brittany is easy to train and does particularly well at agility as well as joining in with human sports, such as swimming, jogging and endurance. The Brittany is very energetic with great stamina, however, it is also happy to chill out beside you. The spotlight feature commences on page 20.

Winners of the ‘Texicoats’ competition in June’s magazine were: Doris Leadle, Helen Pakalns and Margaret Davis, who were all thrilled with their win!

Kerry Kerry Christofi

DOGS NSW Editor / Advertising Manager

25 & 50 year Memberships

Congratulations to those members listed below who have reached their 50 and 25 year membership status. We would like to acknowledge these members and thank them for their continuing support of our organisation. If you would like to check your membership’s longevity, please call DOGS NSW on 9834 3022 or email: info@dogsnsw.org.au

50 Year members

• 1936 Mr Bruce Hall • 1951 Mrs Magda Hall • 1970 Mrs Lynette McKay • 1970 Mr & Mrs Lynn & Carolyn Butler • 1970 Mrs Lynette Jones • 1970 Miss Marelyne MacLeod-Woodhouse

25 Year members

• 1985 Miss Julie-Anne Morris • 1990 Mrs Marion Scaresbrook • 1992 Ms Kerry Beckhaus • 1994 Mr & Mrs Greg & Barbara Katon • 1995 Ms Christine Hanney

Email: petergoldstien12@gmail.com Factory: 7am to 3.30pm (Mon. to Fri.) 8am to 12.00 (Saturday)