Fetched Magazine | Issue 3 | FREE Australian Dog Magazine by Fetched Magazine

FETCHED NOVEMBER 2021 ISSUE 3

MAGAZINE FREE

DO DOGS LIKE KISSES? p. 10 LEARN ALL ABOUT GENETIC DEAFNESS IN DOGS p. 4 COVER IMAGE COURTESY OF JAMIE POPPER READ ABOUT SARA CARSON IN OUR Celebrity Spotlight

INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE IN DACHSHUNDS

M agazin e Con t en t s Deaf Dog Tails - Genetic Deafness In Dogs

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By Heather Engel, Dog Trainer & Deaf Dog Advocate

Intervetebral Disc Disease In Dachshunds

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By Barb Bailey-Dahlheimer, Vet Nurse & Rescue Dog Advocate

Do Dogs Like Kisses?

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By Charlotte Bryan, Dog Trainer & Behaviourist

Celebrity Spotlight - Sara Carson & The Super Collies

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Deaf Dog Tails. rr

All Abou t Gen et ic Deaf n ess In Dogs By Heather Engel Many dogs become deaf during their lifetime due to things such as the natural ageing process and ear infections as well as other health conditions, but most deaf dogs are deaf from birth due to genetics. This means that specific breeds have a Heather Engel, Deaf Dog Advocate higher prevalence of congenital sensorineural & Dog Trainer (genetic) deafness than others for example, bull terriers including staffies and roman nosed, cattle dogs, and dalmatians are all breeds known to have high deafness rates. So, what gene is responsible for deafness? in truth there are multiple genes that are beyond my knowledge and scientific ability to explain to you, but the most common ones are the Piebald gene and the Merle gene. The merle gene is a genetic pattern in the fur and sometimes on the skin. The piebald gene is responsible for the mottling colour typically around the head and neck. So, for those of you who are geeks like me, let me give you some statistics. It is estimated that 30% of dalmatians have some form of hearing impairment. It is also estimated that 20% of white bull terriers have a hearing impairment. Dalmatians have such a high prevalence of

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hearing impairment as a result of the available genetic pool within the breed. Reputable breeders are working hard in their breeding programmes to reduce the prevalence of hearing-impaired pups. One breeder I know has successfully reduced the hearing impairment rate amongst their litters to about 10% which is an astounding achievement. Deafness is higher in double merles, meaning both parents carry the merle gene and pass it on to their offspring. Merle dog breeds include Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Great Danes, and Bulldogs just to name a few. You might be wondering how these genes cause deafness or hearing impairment. Both merle and piebald genes influence pigment and/or colour of the coat. So, take yourself back to high school science when you were learning about the anatomy of the ear. Using a very nontechnical explanation about the anatomy of the ear: sound waves are captured by the ear; transmitted though the ear drum into the ossicles (the hammer, anvil and stirrup bones) where they are amplified; then down the ear canal to the cochlear where tiny hairs cells called stereocilia wriggle around in the sound waves to create neuronal magic allowing the auditory nerve and the brain to process these sound waves and interpret them as noise. In dogs with genetic deafness, the gene means that the hair has no pigment causing the hair cells to die (called apoptosis) within a few days of birth. This means that as hairs cells die off the sound waves can no longer be transmitted to the auditory nerve to be processed by the brain and interpreted into what we would consider to be meaningful noise. p.5

Dogs who carry these genes and are bred with another dog who carries the gene frequently produce offspring who are Double Merle. They have hearing and/or vision issues that are believed to be as a result of the lack of pigment (blue eyes). Starburst pupils are common (see photo below), microphthalmia (small eye), off centre pupils (corectopia), and even total blindness are just some of the eye conditions seen in double merle dogs. A 2009 study by Strain et al (https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0257.x) found that only three and a half percent of the dogs in the study who were single merles were deaf but an astounding twenty five percent of the double merle dogs had a hearing impairment and at least one blue eye.

This is why national animal welfare groups like Deaf Dogs Rescue Australia and Hear No Evil try to educate the general public on Above: Stan's Starburst Pupil double merle health conditions and continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hearing and/or vision impaired dogs. Some breeders continue to breed double merle litters and many people fall prey to their marketing about ?rare coat colour ?and ?stunning blue eyes?. As you all know, I?m a deaf dog tragic. I love them, I work with them, I support their owners in training them however, I do not support unscrupulous breeders who continue to disregard the science. As much as I love deaf dogs, I hope that one day we won?t need to pick them up from pounds, take them in from people who call them disobedient because they don?t know that the dog is deaf, or learn of another hearing or vision impaired dog who received the ?green dream? because they were ?defective?.

IVDD in Dach sh u n ds In t er ver t ebr al Disc Disease In Dach sh u n ds By Barb Bailey-Dahlheimer Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD will affect one in four dachshunds. This disease knows no age limits but is most common in dogs between the ages of 3 to 9 years of age. IVDD need not be a death sentence; there are options. Improvements in veterinary medicine and pharmacology make Barb Bailey-Dahlheimer, IVDD treatments [surgical, medical, or Vet Nurse, Rescue Dog Advocate alternative] safer every year. It all comes down to educating veterinary professionals? owners, and breeders, about prevention first and foremost; and although there is no proven way to avoid it completely there is actions you can put in place to give your dachshund the best possible chance of not going down that road. In addition, knowing signs and symptoms of the disease and how to act on these fast is very important. IVDD is Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. It is commonly referred to as intervertebral disc disease, but to be clear, it is a genetic disorder that causes this disease process in the intervertebral discs of the spinal cord. It?s the genetics of the short legs, not the long backs of dachshunds, that pre-disposes them among other breeds to IVDD.

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The intervertebral discs are located between the vertebrae (bones) in the spine and act as ?shock absorbers?, allowing slight movement of the vertebrae. Intervertebral discs contain of two layers: -

Annulus Fibrosus - this being the tough outer fibrous layer Nucleus Pulposus ? jelly like inner core.

Discs have a soft centre, like a jelly cushion. It is a jellylike consistency, a bit like jam in the middle of a doughnut, which is called the nucleus. Surrounding this, is a fibrous ring which is a bit like a hard-tough outer shell, and it is called the annulus fibrosus. The nucleus (the soft gel like centre) is made up of about 80% water, which acts as a cushion when natural forces through movement occurs. It stretches and compresses and acts like a shock absorber between all the vertebrae in the spine with normal movement. The annulus (outer shell) restricts the expansion of the nucleus and provides stability to the spine during any movement or bending of the spine. The vertebral spine is made up of 7 vertebrae in the cervical neck region, 13 in the middle thoracic section and another 7 in the lower lumbar back region. In between all those are the intervertebral discs. IVDD can occur in all areas of the vertebral column and whilst we most commonly see it occurring in the thoracic and lower lumbar region many dachshunds also suffer in the cervical (neck) region. p.8

Disc Disease IVDD was first categorised by Dr Hansen in 1952, Type 1 and Type 2 as there is two distinct ways a disc can degenerate, and Hansen Type 1 is the most commonly type seen in dachshunds. In Dachshunds particularly however, also seen in other breeds however it is seen most in the chondrodystrophic (literally meaning "cartilage maldevelopment") breed of dogs. These breeds have the characteristic of short limbs in relation to their bodies ? it is a form of short-limbed dwarfism related to genetic defects in certain bone and cartilage formation and growth. The degenerating material from the centre of the disc herniates and compresses the spinal cord. The amount of material that herniates and how quickly it happens affects the symptoms seen and the severity of the damage. Clinical signs, which appear quickly, range from pain to paralysis. This is also called IVDE - Disc Extrusion. Dogs with Hansen Type 2 disease are more similar to back problems in people and occur in breeds with normal length legs (non-chondrodystrophic). Instead of the central disc material herniating acutely and putting pressure on the spinal cord, with Type 2, the outer part of disc material gradually protrudes, causing progressive compression of the spinal cord. This is also called IVDP - Disc Protrusion. The clinical signs are similar to Type 1 however, are more typically found in medium to large breeds of dog, between the ages of 5 and 12. Read more about IVDD in Dachshunds on our w w w.f et ch edm agazin e.com .au / ivdd-in -dach sh u n ds.

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Un der st an din g You r Dog Do Dogs Lik e Kisses? Do t h ey see k isses as a sign of af f ect ion ? By Charlotte Bryan Do you ever wonder if dogs like kisses? There is a bit of a science behind this question based on behavioural patterns and it is important that you understand the behaviour of a dog because it will help you to know what they like and do not like.

Charlotte Bryan, Dog Trainer, Behaviourist, Trick Dog Instructor, Canine Fitness Coach

Part of human behaviour is to show our affection by kissing, hugging and cuddling. We long for physical contact and we believe that our animals do too. Kissing is not a natural behaviour for dogs, but many of them learn to enjoy receiving kisses from their human friends. If a dog licks you when you kiss him it is not always a sign of returning your affection. In fact, your dog licking you has many meanings from affection to a way to relieve stress or to show submissiveness. Does Your Dog Understand What a Kiss Means? The way that dogs and humans communicate is completely different.

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We often interpret the way that dogs behave in human ways, but this is wrong. Dogs communicate through body posture and facial expressions. Dog language has evolved since they began living with humans over 30,000 years ago. We do not speak dog language and we can take many things for granted including what we interpret as affection. Kissing is something that humans do with one another and there is not really a comparable behaviour that dogs do in that range. Dogs do not intuitively understand what a kiss means. As we learn what dog behaviours mean, dogs can also learn how to interpret our various behaviours. When we question if dogs know what kisses mean, the most direct answer is no. So, do dogs enjoy being kissed? When you kiss a dog, you are putting your face right up against your dog?s face. You may even hug your dog at the same time. If you wonder how this might feel to a dog, imagine a perfect stranger coming up to you and restraining you with a hug then planting a kiss on your face. A dog does not approach another dog directly. Instead, two dogs approach each other from the side. When you put your face close to a dog it is an extremely assertive behaviour in dog language and if your dog does not understand what you mean by this behaviour, he may take it as a threat. An aggressive dog will stand over a submissive dog to make himself look bigger, and when you look at things this way it is easy to understand why a dog may think of a child trying to kiss it as a threat. Dogs start to understand how to interpret our behaviours and as they do, they learn to associate the kisses that we give them with a form of affection. Some even learn to enjoy kisses and return the affection in their own doggie way. p.11

Watch the Reaction of Your Dog Sometimes dogs will tolerate kisses because we have shown them that they should accept this behaviour as something that is completely normal. Some dogs find human kisses very uncomfortable, and others are threatened by them. It is important to watch the dog for a reaction when you attempt to kiss them. If the dog turns their head away, licks its lips, yawns, stiffens up their posture or licks your face forcefully in return, these can all be signs that they are retreating from your show of affection. Why Does a Dog Lick? Dogs lick one another and you may think that is a kiss type behaviour. Licking has many different meanings. This is an instinctive behaviour that dogs use for communication. Licking can show affection, or it can be used as a greeting. Dogs licking one another or themselves can release endorphins which helps to comfort the dog or release endorphins. Licking is also used to explore scents or to be submissive, to get some attention or to warn others to back off. Mother dogs lick their puppies to help them to eliminate and to groom and comfort them. This is not the same as a human mothing might do to comfort a child, but it is a gesture that carries affection. As puppies grow, they learn to lick their mother ?s mouth. This is a behaviour that is instinctive and is a throwback from wolf ancestry when mother wolves regurgitated food for their pups. Licking can also be a submission behaviour between different dogs where one dog licks the muzzle of the dominant dog to avoid being attacked. Why Does a Dog Lick Your Face? You may think that the dog licking your face is an affectionate signal. Dogs are very observant and if they have licked you to get your attention and had a reaction, they may be trying to get you to pay attention p.12

to them. A dog explores its world using taste, sight, sound and smell. If a dog licks you, it may be trying to get more information about something that you just ate or where you have been recently. Your dog could also lick you to try to let you know that they are anxious or that they need food or water. If a dog is anxious or injured, it could lick someone to let them know that they feel threatened. Is There Any Danger in Kissing a Dog? Most dogs will allow you to kiss them if they are your dog. Some dogs might learn to associate this behaviour with affection, and you will notice their tail wagging means that they are happy about it. Sometimes hugging and kissing a dog can trigger a dog bite to the face, particularly with small children. Children often appear as a threat to a god because of the way that they approach a dog, aggressively and noisily. Always be safe and avoid kissing any dog that you do not know. Watch children around dogs whether they are your own or someone else?s. You never know if that dog has suffered abuse or has issues with trust. You should always let children know that it is important to be respectful towards dogs. Teach them to wait for the dog to come to them for a gentle pet until the dog becomes comfortable with the child. If you have a dog from a young age and socialize it, it may learn to enjoy kisses. Your dog may even learn to understand that kisses and cuddles are the way that you show affection. Does a dog know what a kiss is? Some dogs respond with a slobbery kiss and when your dog is near you or snuggles up to you this can be a sign of affection. Some dogs learn to enjoy being scratched or pet and some express their love differently from others. There is plenty that we as humans do not understand about dog behaviour. Dogs do not really enjoy being kissed and when they lick you in response, that it p.13

not always a sign of affection. Dogs do interpret our body language quite well and understand when we are angry, sad or happy. They learn to adapt their behaviour to live together with their humans and we teach them commands so that they can live with us under our rules. If you plan to kiss your dog, learn to understand their reactions and interpret how they respond. Give your dog some time and space and if your dog does not react adversely to a kiss, then he is okay with it. Just because a dog accepts a kiss from you does not necessarily mean that he will accept a kiss from someone else such as your child. Always be careful and move slowly if you want to kiss your dog.

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Celebr it y Spot ligh t Th e Su per Collies, sem i-f in alist s on Am er ica's Got Talen t , am azin g t r ick dogs By Ashley Michael Whether you are an avid Instagrammer, a dedicated viewer of America's Got Talent or a fan of David Letterman, you are sure to have heard of Celebrity Dog Trainer Sara Carson. Sara competed on Season 12 of America's Got Talent (AGT) and then was invited back to compete on AGT: The Champions where she showcased some incredible dog tricks with her Border Collie x Golden Retriever, Hero. Both Sara and Hero are originally from North Bay, Canada and now reside in the USA. When asked why she chose to appear on AGT, Sara replied "I wanted to showcase how incredible Hero is [and he sure is!] and inspire others to train their dogs at home." And it's not just been the AGT stage where Sara has been inspiring dog owners all over the world, Sara and her Super Collies have also appeared at the CW Dog Honors and on Nickelodeon Unleashed, CW The Big Stage, The Late Show with David Letterman and The Marilyn Dennis Show. Sara has also appeared in dozens of commercials, half time shows, theatre shows, theme parks and more while showcasing her tricks! Most recently Sara has written her own book (pictured right), called "Super Dog Tricks" which features many great topics from the basics and how to create structure at home to fun tricks you can teach your dog and how to string several tricks together into a show routine (called "Canine Freestyle"). Sara's book is available for pre-order on Amazon (official release date is 18 January 2022). Aside from talented Hero who is now 10 years old, Sara's other dogs include two Border Collies, Marvel & Hawkeye, Archer a field Golden and Goose a 3 year old Tabby cat who thinks he is a dog! p.17

Marvel is a 6 year old chocolate Border Collie x Australian Shepherd who, according to Sara, is a total diva! Marvel enjoys chasing down frisbees and hunting for rats! Hawkeye is a 2 year old Border Collie from EC's Border Collies in Southern California whose favourite thing is to give people hugs. Like Marvel, Hawkeye loves frisbees and also Canine Freestyle. Archer is a 6 month old field Golden from Gritz, Grace & Golden in Central California and is still learning the ropes but has already appeared in his first TV show! When this talented group is not on stage or in front of the camera, they spend their days travelling the US and visiting lots of roadside attractions, hiking beautiful landscapes and catching up on some zzz's!

You can follow Sara and her Super Collies as she travels North America in her Jayco RV and Teal Jeep! Follow her and her dogs on Instagram and Facebook @TheSuperCollies and @TheSuperColliesMom. Sara also has her own dog training app called "Puppr " which you can download on android and IOS (@PupprSchool on Instagram). See more photos and get additional information about The Super Collies at w w w.f et ch edm agazin e.com .au / t h esu per collies.

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Ou r Team Ou r Edit or Charlie Kate Contact Charlie at fetchedmagazine@gmail.com Ou r Con t r ibu t or s

Charlotte Bryan

Barb Bailey-Dahlheimer

Heather Engel

Ashley Michael Want to become a Fetched Magazine contributor as well? Visit www.fetchedmagazine.com.au/submissions

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