Westies & Besties - January 2022 by Westies & Besties Magazine

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Happy New Year! Let’s jump straight in, feet first, with a spring in our step! Clare Palmer provides some great tips on how to kick off 2022 with a new and fun fitness routine for pups that have put on a bit of weight over the last 12 months. She reveals how to liven things up with games, puzzles, and varied exercise patterns to keep our Westies healthy and happy as we strive to give them their best lives.

Publisher – Westies & Besties Ltd Fidlas Road | Cardiff | CF14 5LZ

In our Special Report this month we talk to reputable Westie breeder, Deborah Colvin Borgo, from the United States on what makes a good dog breeder and Tyrone Kalogeresis on his passion for ‘showing’ his West Highland White Terriers. We also catch up with Justine Shone on what to do when buying a new puppy and Amy Ockelford of the RSPCA updates us on what’s happening in dog shelters across the UK. Mark Randell tells a story of ‘hope’ in his latest crime column while Dr. Paul Boland explains the vital information we need to know when it comes to the connection between a dog’s brain and its gut!

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EDITOR’S NOTE Editor Kim Latham Tel: +44 7496 310169 Email: info@westiesandbesties.com Commercial Director Alex Griffin Tel: +44 7496 310173 Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com Columnists Mark Randell Faye Andrews Rachel Bolton

Front Cover Image Max by Tyrone Kalogeresis Printing Cambrian Printers Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the “Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by Cambrian Printers. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westie & Bestie logo/ masthead are marks of Westies & Besties Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Westies & Besties magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials, in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All pictures have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the ASA. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert.

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS January 2022

6-9 HEALTH

14-15 HEALTH

22-25 FEATURE

Dr Paul Boland reveals the important link between a Westie’s brain and its gut

Jan Russell updates us on natural flea treatments for the upcoming itchy season

Clare Palmer offers tips and suggestions for a new and healthy routine for your canine pals

26-45 SPECIAL REPORT

48-50 CRIME

Our bumper cover story this month includes interviews with a Westie breeder, a Westie trainer, a dog behaviourist and a dog charity

Ex-Police detective Mark Randell offers us a glimmer of hope when it comes to the fight against animal abuse

Westies & Besties - January 2022

PHOTO CREDITS CREDITS PHOTO Clockwise from top left: Deborah Colvin Borgo, Max owned by Tyrone Kalogeresis, RSPCA, shutterstock_90646837 shutterstock_90646837

H E A LT H

The Vital Connection Between the Gut and the Brain WHAT HAPPENS IN THE GUT HAS A STRONG EFFECT ON THE BRAIN OF BOTH DOGS AND HUMANS BY DR PAUL BOLAND BVSC MRCVS

esearch has shown how the gut and brain are connected and it is referred to as the gut brain axis. What happens in the gut has been shown to have a positive or negative effect in the brain of dogs and people. A healthy functioning gut microbiome has many beneficial effects not only in the gut but also in the brain. The complex community of bacteria and other microorganisms in the gut is called the microbiome. The beneficial bacteria in the gut are essential for optimal health because they aid digestion, support the immune system, produce 90% of the bodies serotonin, produce Vitamin K and B Vitamins, crowd out harmful bacteria, produce short chain fatty acids such as Butyrate and produce enzymes. Having a poorly functioning gut microbiome may lead to intestinal disease, behavioural problems, allergies, obesity, liver disease and diabetes mellitus. Therefore, many Veterinary Surgeons and Doctors now advise a supplement that contains both probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are the good gut bacteria such as Enterococcus Faecium, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Prebiotics are the fibres such as Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) that provide nourishment to help maintain probiotic levels.

Westies & Besties - January 2022

Above: Dr Paul Boland

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock 1184643754

H E A LT H

PHOTO CREDIT Supplied by Pixabay

H E A LT H

Another important natural supplement for the gut is bentonite clay which is a natural clay with a fine, soft texture. It forms a paste when mixed with water and hence can increase stool volume. It also contains minerals such as calcium magnesium and iron and can help to remove toxins from the body by sticking to their ions or other molecules. Bentonite clay has also been shown to improve gut integrity. The link between the central nervous system and gut microbiome has been of significant interest in recent years. Reduced gut health has been linked to anxiety and mood function in dogs and cats. Probiotics help to restore a normal gut microbiome, and therefore have a potential role in the prevention of anxiety and behavioural issues. Previous anxiolytic supplements have focussed on introducing materials that are aimed at the monoamine neurotransmitters of the brain and not the health of the gut. Now researchers are concentrating on improving the gut health alongside working with an animal behaviourist for dogs with many behavioural problems. A clear link has been established between the health and amount of the beneficial bacteria of the gut and the affect this has on the brain and hence mood function. The body maintains symbiotic relationships

with prokaryotic organisms, some of which are known as probiotics. In the gastrointestinal tract, these organisms help metabolize food and maintain intestinal health. Probiotics compete with pathogenic bacteria for physical space and nutrients in the host tissue. Probiotics are thought to be able to block pathogenic bacteria from finding a spot on the host tissue to bind and grow. Healthy gut function and the effects of the brain are being increasingly studied especially in relation to the production of Serotonin. Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilizes mood and anxiety, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Serotonin also helps with sleeping, eating, and digestion, however, if the brain has too little serotonin, it may increase issues with all these conditions. It is estimated that up to 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut and is primarily found in the enteric nervous system located in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). There is a clear link between the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system which includes the brain via the vagus nerve and studies are showing a clear link between a healthy gut improved mood function. The vagus nerve is part of the parasymphatic nervous system that counteracts the stress response of the body known as the “fight or flight” response which is governed by the

Westies & Besties - January 2022

PHOTO CREDIT Supplied by Pixabay

H E A LT H

sympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve innervates the gut and travels up to the brain via the heart. Stimulating the vagus nerve has many beneficial effects on the brain because it clams down the parts of the brain linked to anxiety, learning, and mood. Omega 3 fatty acids are important to your pet’s health in ways you’d never expect. High levels of Omega 3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) play an important role in the healthy functioning of the brain, heart, joints, skin, eyes, immune system and coat. DHA supplementation supports healthy brain function in dogs and a new study by Dr Ragen McGowan at the latest Purina research summit found that Omega 3 fatty acids may be the key to reducing anxiety in dogs. The study found that in addition to the other ways that Omega 3s can help your dog, it can also decrease anxiety. Out of 24 Labrador Retrievers studied, 21 of those or 87% showed a reduction in cortisol levels and lowered heart rate in situations designed to induce anxiety. This natural alternative could mean a breakthrough in both behavioural training and a reduction in the dose and side effects caused by common medications.

Other natural supplements that can help in anxiety related behavioural problems include: • L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine which are required for the production of serotonin which promotes a sense of calm. • Valerian root extract that helps to soothe and ease anxiety. • Calcium and magnesium support the nervous system and muscle function. • B Vitamins are important to regulate mood functions. After many years of research, I changed my mind on pet food about 10 years ago. Now, I strongly recommend feeding a species-specific raw food diet because ultra-processed dried and tinned pet food is lacking in many micronutrients and omega 3 fatty acids that are so important to optimal health. There are many great manufacturers producing brilliant raw food diets and today 20% of dogs in the UK are fed a raw food diet. For more information on Dr Paul Boland and his clinic visit: www.jpholisticnutrition.com

A DV E RTO RI A L

Westies & Besties - January 2022

A D V E RTORI AL

A DV E RTO RI A L

What challenges do you face when educating dog owners about raw feeding? One of the biggest challenges is around the misconceptions and myths associated with a raw diet. There is a general lack of awareness of how convenient it can be and the nutrition it can provide being natural, unprocessed and good food when compared to other options. What are the 5 most common improvements customers notice when changing their dog’s diet to raw? There are a multitude of benefits to a raw diet for pets. 92% of Bella & Duke’s customers noticed improvements in their pets’ health within only a few weeks of switching to a raw diet. Benefits of a raw diet can include:

• Glossier coat & less itchy • Their poo will be more compact, well-formed and firmer • Improved digestion and boosted immune system • Improved and more balanced energy levels • Calmer and less reactive

Why and when was Bella & Duke formed/ established? The company started in July 2017 and was initially based in Blairgowrie before expanding into Inverkeithing and Rosyth. After losing their dogs to cancer, Mark and Tony cofounded Bella & Duke upon researching the

negative impacts of processed foods on our pets. They launched Bella & Duke with an aim to educate other cat and dog owners on the nutritional outcomes of their pets’ diets and to challenge the pet industry on the nutritional standards in conventional processed foods. Both Mark and Tony believe their dog’s diet was one of the main contributing factors to the chronic diseases they died from, and this belief was what started Bella & Duke. They both found a remarkable improvement in their dogs’ coat, breath, teeth, energy levels and overall behaviour after switching to a raw food diet. So good in fact, that Mark’s dog Trinity after switching to a raw diet at the age of 10 lived to 16 years old and was in a better condition than she had been prior. They knew they didn’t have all the answers, but they had the questions as to the impact a pet’s diet can have. Between them they had a skill set of manufacturing, IT and raw materials, so they made a product initially at home and tested it, found a small manufacturer and went out there, got initial customers and some fantastic feedback that made them feel they had the chance to do something right. Bella & Dukes Co-founder Tony Ottley has a 5-year-old Westie called Alfie, tell us more about him. In the 90’s, Tony was living in Hereford and remembers watching Crufts with his family. That year, a lovely Westie won, and Tony absolutely fell in love with the breed. He was lucky enough to be able to adopt a westie shortly after, an amazing wee fella called Hogie, who lived to 18 and a half years old.

Westies & Besties - January 2022

PHOTO CREDIT Supplied by Bella & Duke

A D V E RTORI AL

Co-founder Tony with Alfie

A few years later, Alfie joined the pack. Although the smallest of the litter, Alfie has grown up to be the perfect size, weight, and shape for a Westie. He has a wonderful temperament and is nicknamed the Boy Scout because he is so obedient. Alfie has been fed raw since he was around six months old. Although Westies are known for being prone to skin conditions, Alfie has never had any health problems like this and is in beautiful condition. Our customers have

noticed amazing changes in various breeds of dogs when they switch to raw, but with Westies being so close to Tony’s heart, he is keen for Bella & Duke to run a specific study to see if raw feeding can help turn around Westies who have sadly suffered from chronic skin issues that the breed is so prone to. If you’ve seen amazing changes in your Westie since switching to raw, or even more specifically Bella & Duke we would love to hear and share your story.

H E A LT H

Flea and Worm treatments – ARE THEY SAFE?

ARE YOU TREATING YOUR WESTIE FOR SOMETHING HE DOESN’T EVEN HAVE?

Above: Jan Russell

BY JAN RUSSELL

e all dread it. You suddenly spot a crawling thing in your dog’s fur or a hard grey lump and panic sets in.

Ahhh! Fleas or a tick seem to send us into a frenzy and it’s unnecessary, frankly.

The ingredients in flea and tick tablets are all toxic (they paralyse and kill things) so it’s pretty obvious when you think about it that they also do damage to our dogs. Why would you put a lethal pesticide in to your dog on purpose? I asked myself this question some 10 years ago.

Lots of owners go to their vets and are given a tablet to ‘protect’ their dogs and we blindly go along with this advice often paying a monthly subscription for these treatments. But are these tablets safe? The short answer is no. The drugs used in all of the available flea and worm treatments, (Afoxolaner, Fluralaner, Sarolaner and Lotilaner) work in the same way. When your dog swallows the tablet, the drugs circulate in their blood and when a flea or tick bites it is exposed to the chemical. This kills the fleas and ticks. The drugs are pesticides that work by attacking the nervous system of the fleas and ticks causing death. All these drugs are classed as Isoxazolines, which bind to Chloride channels in nerve and muscle cells in the flea or tick, in simple terms they block nerve signals and paralyse the bug.

The theory behind all of these Isoxazolines is that because your dog is much larger than a flea a little bit of poison won’t hurt it. But some owners are giving a little bit of poison every month for years. Now owners are reporting serious side effects from these drugs which are often neurological in nature like seizures. This is because these drugs work by attacking the nervous system of the pest. Reported side effects include • Tremors • Seizures • Ataxia – stumbling and falling • Vomiting • Diarrhoea • Terrible skin irritations • Lethargy and worst case scenario, death It is very hard to get information on damage to our pets, but research is available if you start to look. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States is now alerting pet owners and vets of the potential for neurological adverse

Westies & Besties - January 2022

H E A LT H

Billy no mates and Herbal dog also sell excellent products.

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_257647210

For ticks the remedy is get them off quickly and to ensure you use a good disinfectant and keep an eye on the bite. If you use a proper tick remover, the bug should come out whole but even if a bit is left in it usually comes to the surface of the skin and disappears. With worms I always ask the question “Has your dog got worms?” The answer is usually a horrified, “no!”

events in dogs and cats when treated with drugs that are in the Isoxazoline class and they publish figures. It doesn’t make for nice reading but it is important that if you suspect a reaction in your pet you report it. So what alternatives are there to drugs and spot-ons? With fleas there are a lot of alternatives including treating your house and not your dog. Twice a year use a flea and mite house spray all around your home including carpets and curtains. You must not stay in the house or leave your pet in the house until the spray has dried and dissipated. Washing your dog’s bedding regularly and hoovering both your carpets and dog beds also helps to keep the pests away. There are plug ins available which kill fleas and mites, and these are also effective for dust mites. Diatomaceous Earth is great for removing fleas and so are the many natural cedar and herbal shampoos available used with a nit comb in the bath. As to prevention there are now some good natural products on the market including herbal spot-ons. I make up a spray which works well for repelling fleas and ticks using essential oils which I spray round the legs in flea season. Courtesy of Dr Karen Becker co-author of The Forever Dog: 1 Cup of water 10 drops lavender oil 5 drops lemon grass oil 2 drops of neem oil. Shake. Give them a good spray round the legs

So why treat your dog with chemicals for something he doesn’t even have? Worming tablets work by poisoning the worms. These drugs also kill the beneficial organisms that live in your dog’s gut which can affect digestion, the way your dog absorbs nutrients and their immune system. The easy way to treat worms safely is to feed organic ground pumpkins seeds with their food regularly and these seeds can be used to treat worms effectively too - ½ tsp per 10 kgs. Pumpkin seeds contain the amino acid Cucurbitin which paralyses the worms and eliminates them from your dog’s digestive tract. If you are a raw feeder and even if you aren’t, furry rabbit ear treats are also very effective at removing worms from the gut. As an aside, most raw feeders will tell you their dogs never get fleas or worms. This is because the fleas love the sugar generated by the carbohydrates in dry food. To ensure that worms are not present in your dog, especially Lung worm, which is harder to detect until your dog starts coughing and some damage is done, a regular worm count needs to be done. This involves sending off a sample every three to four months to a laboratory. Vince the Vet does a very good product with free advice should worms be identified. Westies, as we all know, are susceptible to skin issues and putting these toxic products on them really doesn’t help so my advice would always be go natural. There is absolutely no need to treat your dog with chemicals for something that he doesn’t even have…

A DV E RTO RI A L

CLINICAL SIGNS OF ALLERGY BY DR SUE PATERSON MA VETMB

What types of skin allergy do dogs get? Canine skin allergy can be divided up into four distinct categories. The most common canine allergy is flea allergy which, as its name suggests, is a reaction to flea bites, more specifically the saliva of the flea, which is injected into the dog’s skin when the flea feeds. Food allergy is also common, caused by a reaction to the different components of a dog’s diet. This can be a major constituent such as a protein like beef or chicken, a carbohydrate like rice, or to an additive or flavouring. The Westie along with the Labrador Retriever are recognised as two breeds that are overrepresented when it comes to food allergy. Atopic dermatitis which is the equivalent of atopic eczema in people is defined as an allergic reaction to environmental allergens such as pollens or house dust mites. The Westie is recognised as being predisposed to atopic dermatitis and across all breeds this is usually listed as the third most common canine allergy. The rarest of all of the canine skin allergies is a contact allergy. Contact allergy is common in people because their skin is

exposed. Humans can react to a wide range of things including cosmetics, clothes or almost any household object. Most dogs are covered in a thick furry coat which tends to make them less susceptible to contact allergy. What signs are typical of each type of canine skin allergy? Dogs with flea allergy tend to have itchy sores and hair loss on their backs. There is an area which is usually referred to as the “flea triangle” that extends from the base of the tail to the middle of the back which is the area where signs are most commonly observed. Flea allergy never affects the ears and rarely affects the feet, face or underside. Therefore, as a dermatologist if I see involvement of the back of a dog, I always want to make sure that treatment is in place to protect an animal from fleas, in order to eliminate that as a cause for their itching.

Contact allergy in the dog is usually caused by

Westies & Besties - January 2022

PHOTO CREDITS shutterstock_1408962617

One of the most important skills that any veterinary dermatologist needs, is the ability to recognise the typical distribution patterns of skin lesions seen in the different species. Although there are skin diseases that do not obey the rules, many skin problems present in a very typical way. In equine skin disease for example “Sweet itch” an allergic reaction to midge bites leads to rubbing and hair loss of the mane and tail. Where cats are allergic to flea bites, they often develop a crusty rash on their backs called miliary dermatitis. The same types of pattern analysis can be applied to skin problems that affect the dog especially allergy.

A D V E RTORI AL

PHOTO CREDITS shutterstock_1945391908

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS THAT ANY VETERINARY DERMATOLOGIST NEEDS, IS THE ABILITY TO RECOGNISE THE TYPICAL DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF SKIN LESIONS SEEN IN THE DIFFERENT SPECIES

HEAT MAP OF AFFECTED AREAS OF SKIN FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS (AD) IN THE WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER Pale blue areas rarely affected in atopic dermatitis Yellow areas are those less commonly affected and usually mild disease Red on feet suggests this area is very commonly and often severely affected Orange areas on the ears, around mouth and underside commonly affected in atopic dermatitis

WESTIES ARE PRONE TO BOTH FOOD ALLERGY AND ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND BOTH CONDITIONS COMMONLY AFFECT THEIR FRONT FEET

something they lie on or walk on. This may be in their bedding e.g. the fabric it is made from, or a detergent, fabric conditioner etc. applied to it. Alternatively, it may be a chemical in their immediate environment such as oil or cement dust. The worst contact allergy seen by the author was on a Jack Russell, who reacted to soap powder on the floor of the owner’s laundrette. Contact allergy only affects the hairless areas of the body which means the itchy lesions tend to be seen on the undersides of the feet and on the hairless abdominal skin

and especially in an entire male dog on the testicles. Where a contact allergy is caused by something applied directly to the skin such as a shampoo, cream, ear drop etc. then it will only affect the specific areas where it has been applied. Therefore, unless the contact allergen is a shampoo that can penetrate through a hair coat, contact allergy is always seen on relatively hairless sites so will not affect the back, legs or face. Atopic dermatitis in its typical presentation affects the feet, creases of the elbows and hocks (ankles on the back legs), the armpits, groin and the face. In addition, it almost always affects the ears. Atopic dermatitis is probably the most common cause of ear disease in the dog and the Westie is no exception. Whilst all breeds can have signs in all of the predisposed areas, it has been shown that different breeds have different weighting of the different sites. A multi-centre international study looking at more than 1,000 itchy dogs studied by 35 veterinary dermatologists in 15 different countries showed marked breed patterns (Wilhem, 2010). A breed such as the French bull dog showed involvement of all of the areas listed but tended to be most severely affected on the front feet and in the armpits. German Shepherd dogs most marked signs were on the front feet and in the groin. A heat map of the areas affected in the Westie is reproduced below and shows that

Westies & Besties - January 2022

PHOTO CREDIT Dr. Sue Paterson

A DV E RTO RI A L

both front and back feet are severely affected, followed by the armpits, groin and ears.

Are signs alone enough to make a diagnosis? Whilst the distribution of signs is really helpful in the start of the investigation of any skin disease, by themselves the signs should only help direct further investigation and should not in the author’s opinion be used as a basis for treatment. Having said that, Westies are prone to both food allergy and atopic dermatitis and both conditions commonly affect their front feet, but it should be noted that there are other skin conditions that can also affect this area and look identical. Demodectic mange for example is caused by a mite that lives within the skin and causes irritation and infection of the feet. The therapy for this problem is very different to that for allergy and in fact some of the allergy drugs can make it worse. So, whilst a knowledge of clinical signs can help direct further tests, they can never replace them.

PHOTO CREDIT Dr. Sue Paterson

The signs of food allergy in the dog can overlap exactly with those of atopic dermatitis which can make it challenging to differentiate between the two diseases by clinical signs alone. The institution of a low allergy diet is usually recommended to assess if improvement can be seen with a switch of diet suggesting that the food is a trigger for the irritation. Food allergy can however present with non-dermatological signs which can be present at the same time as skin disease. Food allergy commonly causes gastro-intestinal signs. Some dogs present with sickness and diarrhoea whilst other can have more subtle signs such as rumbling, called borborygmus, or increased frequency of defaecation. Where dogs pass motions more than 3- 4 times a day the author recommends some form of dietary trial. Mood swings, behavioural problems and even convulsions (White, 1988; Rosser, 1993) have been attributed to diet in some cases, where a resolution of signs has been recorded after the diet has been changed.

References Breed-associated phenotypes in canine atopic dermatitis Wilhem, S et al Vet Dermatol 2010 Food hypersensitivity in 30 dogs White, S.D JAVMA 1986 Diagnosis of food allergy in dogs Rosser, E JAVMA 1993

Westies & Besties - January 2022

F E AT U R E

New Year, New Routine for your Westie IF YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS PUT ON A FEW POUNDS OVER CHRISTMAS IT MAY BE TIME TO CREATE A FUN AND HEALTHY NEW SCHEDULE FOR YOUR BEST PAL

Above: Clare Palmer

BY CLARE PALMER

hen the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve, it usually seems to bring about positive thoughts on how we have another opportunity to improve our lives for the better. But do we give enough thought to our dog’s well-being too? All dogs need to have daily walks unless of course they are recovering from injury, surgery or decompressing from a trauma. According to the PDSA, in 2019, research from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report, highlighted that thousands of dogs in the UK have never been walked at all. Here are some tips to ensure your furry friend loses some extra pounds, gets more active, and enjoys their walks to the best of their ability. Body Condition Why not give your dog a once over ‘body condition scoring’ at home. This is the term used by vets to determine a healthy shape for every dog, regardless of breed and size. Observe them from the top and side and they should have an obvious ‘waist’, tucked in and neat. Under the dog’s tummy, there should be no bulge. If you

feel along the side of your dog, the ribs, spine, and hips should be obvious to touch but not protruding. Sniffing Dogs must be allowed to go for a walk to help relieve stress and keep their brains active. Sniffing is what they do best, and this is also an action to relieve stress. Always give your dog time to sniff as much as they want to, after all, it’s their walk, not yours! Not having enough walks can lead to boredom which in turn can lead to unwanted behaviour such as barking, chewing, overgrooming and toileting in the home. Games and Toys on Walks If your Westie likes to catch or chase a ball, make sure it’s not small enough for them to swallow. Rings and frisbees are great toys for dogs to run and catch. Sticks should be avoided due to them being able to splinter and cause internal damage to your dog. Some dogs are motivated to carry a toy on walks, such as balls, squeakies and soft toys. This behaviour can certainly help calm them if they are a little nervous of traffic, bikes and sudden noises.

Westies & Besties - January 2022

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_2018552315

F E AT U R E

PHOTO CREDIT supplied by Pixabay

not having enough walks can lead to boredom which in turn can lead to unwanted behaviour such as barking, chewing, over-grooming and toileting in the home

Vary your Walks Just like a ‘couch to 5k’, try speeding your walks up for a short time then slowing to normal pace for a minute or so, then speeding up again. This is a great exercise for both walkers and dogs, it keeps things interesting too. Taking different routes where possible and appropriate for your dog, are always good as your dog will find new smells and get more enrichment from the walk. Changing direction is a great way for your dog to keep interested in its walk and doing this randomly throughout the walk will help your dog to get the most out of the route. Duration and Frequency The age, ability, and personality of your Westie will determine the ideal duration and frequency of walks. According to the PDSA, if your dog is a puppy then they should be walked for a ratio of five minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice daily and when they are fully grown they can go out for much longer. At this point, exercise as much as necessary, and the suggested duration for a Westie by the PDSA is a minimum of 1 hour + daily. For senior dogs, keep the exercise short and gentle but keep walking. Keep the route close to where you started the walk, in case they get tired, and always allow them to have a good sniff! If your dog suffers from dementia, loss of sight, or hearing then it is

suggested to keep the walks familiar. If you get home and your dog is still full of energy, then it’s likely that the walk isn’t long enough. However, if your dog is struggling to walk or even reluctant to go then it’s very likely had enough or you may need to reduce the duration, or even change the route. At-Home Exercise There are several ways you can exercise your Westie at home. The PDSA suggests that a mobile dog can get a lot of good exercise from being encouraged to climb the stairs and be rewarded with its favourite toy at the top. A plastic hula-hoop can also be used to encourage your dog to walk or jump through. If your dog is less mobile, then some broom handles laid in a row for the dog to step over are good for joints, muscles, and brain function, as is a low sturdy platform such as an exercise step, or low wooden crate. Running/Hiking If you are an active person and enjoy running or hiking, why not take your dog too? If it’s an active dog, then it may enjoy going for a jog with you. Exercise would need to be built up gradually otherwise unfit dogs could sustain injuries, just like humans can. Short routes are best to start with.

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Low Impact Exercise If you or your Westie struggle to walk far or if your canine pal is recovering from an operation or injury, then there are other things you can do to make sure your dog gets the mental exercise it needs. Puzzle games are a great way of keeping your dog alert, and there are many things you can do that are cost-free if you look at your recycling! Toilet roll inner tubes with a treat hidden inside and the ends folded over are usually very well received, as are boxes filled with newspaper with their favourite toy hidden inside. Another idea is to teach your dog a new trick, whether that be to lay down, shake a paw, or something more elaborate, your dog will enjoy low impact brain training, and this too helps build the bond between you and your dog.

F E AT U R E

Flyball and Agility For those Westies that love to learn and are equally very active, flyball and agility are activities that are rewarding for both owner and dog. Not only will your dog be learning new skills and practicing its obedience, but he/she will be strengthening its bond with you too.

puzzle games are a great way of keeping your dog alert, and there are many things you can do that are cost-free if you look at your recycling!

Swimming Whether you like swimming in the sea or not, your dog may enjoy joining you! Alternatively, a purpose-built dog swimming facility is a great way to help dogs of most ages gain better fitness whilst having fun.

Just like many of us wear exercise watches, there are some available for our furry friends. ‘Pitpat’ is a popular dog activity monitor that can easily fit on your dog’s collar or harness. It helps you keep an eye on their activity level, to help manage their weight, and to see what kind of exercise they are getting if in someone else’s care such as kennels/ boarders or if in the care of a dog walker. It’s also such a fun way of seeing how many miles your dog has walked!

PHOTO CREDIT Lola by Clare Palmer

There will always be other points to consider when exercising your dog, such as road safety make sure you and your dog can be seen with high-viz clothing/lights. Weather is a big factor when out walking, and it’s important to ensure that your dog will be comfortable with the weather conditions. If your dog is frightened of the outside world then a qualified behaviourist may be necessary to help your dog’s anxieties, and if your dog is unwell, then it’s imperative you are mindful of their food quality and quantity while they get less exercise.

try speeding your walks up for a short time then slowing to normal pace for a minute or so, then speeding up again

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The Breeder AMERICAN WESTIE BREEDER, DEBORAH COLVIN BORGO, REVEALS HER PASSION FOR PURPOSE BRED, WELL-BRED AND PURE-BRED DOGS AND WHY HER PUPPIES ARE HER LEGACY BY KIM LATHAM

What makes a good dog breeder? What should people look out for? A good breeder will always stand behind their dogs, will be there for the life of the dog with help and advice, and will always be willing to take that dog back no matter its age or health, without question. They do not breed dogs without papers. They are preservation breeders and care as much about what that breed was originally intended for, as well as their looks. They love their breed, put their heart and soul into it, and consider every new owner of one their babies a member of their extended family. They choose the family lucky enough to have one of their puppies because a dog is never “just a pet”, it is the breeder’s legacy.

PHOTO CREDIT Deborah Colvin Borgo

Do you breed Westies yourself? Tell us about how this started and what criteria people must meet in order to have one of your Westies. Yes, I do. It started after I had finished my first show dog and wanted to breed one even better. Although every breeder would like to see their puppies’ become champions, I would almost prefer they go into a performance home, since that means they will hopefully continue to be active their entire life. I also look for someone that has had westies before, knows the breed, loves it, and understands their idiosyncrasies. Brooke

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

While Westies & Besties magazine supports ‘adopt don’t shop,’ we believe it is important to distinguish between responsible and legitimate breeders and illegal backyard puppy farms. Our special report this month focuses on breeding, showing, and how to prepare your home for a new puppy bought from a respected and licensed breeder as we acknowledge that not everyone, for various reasons, is able to adopt a Westie from a shelter.

Many people argue that if people bought from reputable breeders there would be fewer Westies in kennels as they would have fewer health issues. What are your thoughts on this? I personally believe in purpose bred, well bred, purebred dogs, and that every dog owner has the right to get a dog that best suits their home and their needs. I love mixed breeds, but they are not my choice. Taking on a rescue dog is not for everyone. Not everyone is capable of managing the work in rehabilitation or dealing with potential temperament problems. Although it is okay to be angry about the number of homeless dogs in the world, understand that the reputable breeder is just as angry, and they are not the cause. Did you have a lot of interest in puppies over Christmas? I would never sell a puppy as a gift. The new owner needs to pick the puppy, as well as the puppy needs to be comfortable with the new owner. Christmas is too hectic a time to try and bring a new puppy into a home as they require time and attention to get off to a good start How many Westies do you have? Tell us about them. I currently have six westies; Vinny (14), Brooke (11), Carrie (5), Moe (4), Sia (3) and Bindi (six months). I bred Vinny, Brooke, Moe, and Bindi, and Carrie and Sia are the offspring of puppies that I bred. They are all descendants of my first show dog Yoda, and Bindi is generation #11.

Your Westies take part in regular competitions – how did this come about? What kind of competitions do they enter and how many medals have they won? Do you think the stimulation is good for Westies? How do you train them? I first started showing in conformation to find out if my dog was good enough to be bred. After getting a championship on each of my dogs I started doing performance events to continue spending time with them as well as with the new friends I made along the way. All my dogs except for the baby are champions, as well as having numerous performance titles. Our national club gives a Versatile dog award: Sia has her Versatile Dog, Moe his Versatile Dog Excellent, Brooke and Vinny, their Master of Versatility and Carrie her Master of Versatility 2. Continuing to participate helps them stay fit both mentally and physically. Vinny at 14 is still actively participating in AKC scent work and just recently earned his master level in the Scent work elements of buried and containers. I train one or more dogs a little almost every day either in a class or just five minutes in the kitchen. How important is dog training? Do all your Westies enter competitions? Do they love it? Have you made friends with other Westie owners over the years after meeting them at competitions? Training is extremely important. Even small dogs need to be socialized, polite around other dogs

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5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A BREEDER

A REPUTABLE BREEDER WILL SHOW YOU THE PUP’S PARENTS

A REPUTABLE BREEDER WILL TAKE THE PUPPY BACK IF YOU

ENCOUNTER ANY PROBLEMS THAT RESULT IN YOU HAVING TO GIVE UP THE DOG

A REPUTABLE BREEDER WILL ISSUE YOU WITH KENNEL

PAPERS/CERTIFICATES AND WILL HAVE DOCUMENTS FROM THE VET TO PROVE THE PUPPY IS HEALTHY AND HAS BEEN VACCINATED

A REPUTABLE BREEDER WILL NOT RELEASE THE PUPPY

TO YOU UNTIL IT IS AT LEAST EIGHT WEEKS OF AGE OR EVEN OLDER

A REPUTABLE BREEDER WILL INTERVIEW YOU AS MUCH AS

YOU INTERVIEW THEM AND WILL DECIDE IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT OWNERS FOR THEIR PUPPY!

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and people, know to come when they’re called, and be comfortable in a crate. Dogs need a job to be happy and training gives them that job. All my dogs do competitions and love it, primarily because I try to find what they are best at so that it is fun for them. It also gives us important bonding time. Since I have multiple dogs, they get to be my favorite that day. Over the years my best friends are those people I have met through my dog activities or to whom I have sold a puppy. Bindi Earthdog

You’re also a designer and showcase some of your beautiful Westie work on Facebook. How long have you had Westies for and how much do they still inspire you and your work (even if it’s just for fun!) I have had westies since 1971 when I got my first puppy while I was in art school. She attended classes with me and even made it into the year book. They are still my favorite subject to draw and paint and never fail to inspire me with their personality and antics.

Bindi’s first Christmas 2021

Do you show your Westies? If so, can you tell us about the different categories and how people start off entering these competitions? I show my dogs in conformation, obedience, rally obedience, agility, coursing, scent work, earthdog, barn hunt, trick dog, and have just started tracking. My best advice is to find a good training facility with knowledgeable instructors that compete as well. Attend events and volunteer to help. You will learn a lot, meet many wonderful new people, and become addicted to dog sports.

PHOTO CREDIT Deborah Colvin Borgo

Sia Barnhunt

What have your Westies taught YOU? Perseverance, fortitude, and most importantly a sense of humor!

Carrie tracking

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The Competitor TYRONE KALOGERESIS REVEALS HIS PASSION FOR WESTIES AND HOW ‘SHOWING’ BECAME AN INTEGRAL PART OF HIS LIFE

ne day my mother saw a commercial that featured a beautiful white dog. She fell in love with that dog but didn’t know what kind of breed it was. After visits to our library, we discovered the dog was a West Highland White Terrier. My mother insisted she had to have one, so we began our search. We didn’t know anything about breeders, puppy mills, dog clubs or breeder referral lists back then. We just found an ad in the newspaper for Westie puppies. We drove to the person’s house and saw the puppies she still had. NERVOUSMy brother picked out a puppy he really liked and said this is the one, this is Duffy.

Max was an exceptionally beautiful puppy, and we quickly became attached. Max was supposed to keep my mother company when she was alone, however, that all changed when I received a flyer from the local Westie club about a tracking seminar. I attended the seminar with Max to learn about tracking and was amazed to see dogs using their noses to follow a scent put there by someone walking. I learned so much in those

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PHOTO CREDITS Tyrone Kalogeresis

Duffy grew up to be a wonderful Westie that was a joy and kept my mother company when she was home alone. I started to teach Duffy small stuff like sit, down, and how to walk on a leash. These wonderful times ended when Duffy was diagnosed with lymphoma and died at age seven. I was devastated when Duffy died and I wanted to have another Westie, so I started to save my money. On September 10, 2001, a Westie pup came into this world that would change my life forever.

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PHOTO CREDIT Tyrone Kalogeresis

While learning about tracking with Max, I discovered another sport that showed off the natural instincts of the Westie –Earthdog

two hours that I was hooked! I quickly joined the Westie club in my area and a group that tracked every Sunday. While learning about tracking with Max, I discovered another sport that showed off the natural instincts of the Westie -- Earthdog. When I started Max doing Earthdog, I had no idea how to train for it. I researched online about Earthdog and found a book by an Earthdog judge. I made my own tunnel out of cardboard and trained Max to enter the tunnel. Later I trained Max in a real underground tunnel that a club member had in her backyard. Max took to it right away. After all this training, I entered Max in an Introduction to Quarry at a test. When it was Max’s turn, he didn’t hesitate to enter the tunnel and barked up a storm at the rats. I was thrilled Max did well at IQ, so I entered him in Junior. Unfortunately, Max took too long to get to the rats and didn’t pass. During the winter, Max trained more with his makeshift tunnel and got faster getting to the rat. That spring, Max was ready for his next Earthdog test. Max tried going into the Junior tunnel, but it was full of water, and he refused to go any further. I was disappointed because I thought Max was going to get his first Junior leg that day. The next day, the weather cleared, and the tunnels weren’t full of water. The judges even put kitty litter in the tunnels to dry them out. Before the start, I was worried that Max wasn’t going to pass. When it was his turn to go to ground, I started to get nervous. I let Max go and told him

to “Go tunnel.” He went straight for the tunnel entrance, went in and to my surprise, he didn’t come back out. Suddenly, I heard him bark! Max barked his lungs out and I shed some tears. When the judge waved me over to get him out of the tunnel, Max didn’t want to come out, but he finally ran out of breath and let me take him out of the tunnel. I was so happy for my little white dog, that I broke down and really let it out. I had never thought I could train a dog to do something and be successful at it. I hugged Max all the way back to the clubhouse, not minding the fact that I was covered in mud. Max went on to earn his JE title several months after he earned his first JE leg. That was the first title I had ever earned on a dog, but it wouldn’t be the last. We started to train for Senior, but we put most of our effort into getting Max ready for his first tracking test. When the time came, I thought we were ready, however, I was wrong. Max didn’t like the vegetation rubbing against his belly and couldn’t find the first turn. I didn’t give up on my little man. We got into another tracking test and same results. My faith never wavered in Max, and we moved on to the next test. This time Max did much better, but he couldn’t find the third turn on the track. Yes, I was disappointed to say the least, but I still loved my little white dog. After three failures at a tracking title, we continued to practice with the tracking group every Sunday morning. One day, a member suggested I try obedience with Max. Why not? I signed up Max for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) class just to

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see how he would handle doing basic obedience. To my surprise, Max took to it right away. After Max earned his CGC, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue doing obedience. I really liked doing tracking and Earthdog with Max, but I wasn’t sure if he did. As we trained in obedience Max started to focus his attention on me and was willing to work. During our lessons, our instructor urged us to consider Rally Obedience. Max entered his first Rally trial. This whole new world that I was stepping into made me nervous and Max could tell I was nervous about it. My nervousness disappeared as we started the course and when we finished, Max had earned his first Rally leg. The next would be even better when Max earned 1st place! I was hooked big time on Rally Obedience. Max would go on to finish his RN title the following month. I looked at Max and he looked back at me with love in eyes. Tracking and Earthdog took a backseat, as we continued training in obedience and Rally. Max’s first two obedience trials didn’t go well for him, with Max not qualifying in either. When it came time for Max’s third attempt in Novice obedience, he didn’t disappoint. Max earned a nice score from the judge and a 2nd place. After that trial, it would be three years before Max finally earned his Companion Dog title. Max continued his adventures in Rally after his foray in the obedience ring. Max earned his Rally advanced title in three straight trials. My mother was our biggest supporter. Every time we came home from a trial she always asked if Max got a ribbon. After Max earned his Rally Advanced title, mother took ill and died a month later. After her death, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue training and showing. My brother noticed I was quiet and told me my mother would be upset if I quit showing as she was proud of what we had achieved so I decided to keep going. The Excellent level in Rally almost finished Max’s obedience and Rally career. His first time in the ring wasn’t pretty, but he passed. The next several trials, Max started eliminating in the ring, and moving slowly. I had Max examined by my vet and nothing showed up that would pinpoint the problem. Finally, the vet tested his thyroid and it showed he had a low thyroid. Once Max got on the right medication, he was his old self in the ring and finished his Rally Excellent title. With Max earning his Rally Excellent title, I decided to have Max earn his Rally Advanced Excellent title. This required showing in two different classes

in a single trial, which Max had never done. The first few trials he didn’t fare well, but soon Max was double qualifying and finished his RAE title.

We drove to Wisconsin, Iowa,Michigan and Indiana to compete. We stayed in hotels, shared meals together, took long walks, and enjoyed each other’s company

I was going to stop showing him in Rally and obedience and go back to tracking and Earthdog. However, I felt more in tune with my dog when I did Rally and obedience than I did in any other sport. So, we never looked back. We drove to Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Indiana to compete. We stayed in hotels, shared meals together, took long walks, and enjoyed each other’s company. When everything was said and done, Max would be the first Westie to earn a RAE6 title. While still getting RAE legs, a friend kept bugging me about finishing Max’s Companion Dog title. I entered Max in a show at McCormick Place in Chicago. Once we entered the ring, Max gave it his all and earned his second Novice leg with a 1st place. Two months later he earned his Companion Dog (CD) title. Once Max earned his CD and RAE6 titles the question that faced us is what to do now? We’d done all that we set out to do in the ring and Max was getting older and having problems seeing. I decided to enter him in Beginner’s Novice for a final hurrah in the obedience ring and then let Max retire on top. It took four obedience trials for Max to earn this final title. We would just sit together waiting for our turn, take long walks, share food together, and soak it all in one more time. These would become some of my fondest memories of Max.

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PHOTO CREDIT Tyrone Kalogeresis

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Westies & Besties - January 2022

PHOTO CREDIT Tyrone Kalogeresis

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green having been in the ring only eight times. Vincent would prove me wrong once again. We drove 30 minutes to a trial and when it was our turn, I had no idea what to expect from him. We started off fine, but Vincent started to act goofy, and I had to give a few extra commands that cost us points. Sits and downs were last. This exercise always made me nervous, but more so with Vincent. Vincent decided to be a good boy! We qualified but didn’t earn a placement. It didn’t matter; he earned his CD in three straight trials. Vincent would go on to earn more titles in obedience plus titles in FAST CAT, Coursing, and Trick Dog. Max went with us to some events just so he could feel part of the adventure. When Vincent wasn’t showing, we would all hang out together. I will treasure those moments with my two little white dogs forever. PHOTO CREDIT Tyrone Kalogeresis

Max became accustomed to having a brother and Vincent took a shine to Max. Right away I started training Vincent in obedience and he took to it quickly. Max, Vincent, and I became one big happy family and we traveled together as much as possible. After Vincent turned one, we packed up the car and drove east to Westie Nationals for Vincent’s debut in obedience. I learned by my mistakes with Max. When Vincent walked into the ring the first time, he looked like he belonged there. He was green and a bit aloof in the ring, but he did well enough to earn a 3rd place. In the afternoon session he fared better earning a 1st place. Vincent would earn his third Beginner’s Novice leg at the Westie National Obedience trial with a 2nd place.

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With Max retired and enjoying the good life, I continued going to obedience and Rally trials. I would visit with friends, help at trails, help show other people’s dogs, and talk to judges about the sport and where it was going in the future. Deep down, I really missed training and showing a dog in obedience and Rally. Several years passed and the desire to show again was getting to me. I wasn’t planning on getting another Westie until Max was gone, but the desire and passion to show kept building. I drove eight hours and picked up a Westie I named Vincent.

After a year of obedience training with a private instructor, I ventured back east with Vincent to try for his Rally Novice title. I was sad to leave Max, due the fact he was having problems seeing and I wasn’t sure he could take the long car ride. Vincent did well in his first two Rally trials with two nice 2nd place scores, but he saved the best for last. We had a couple days to ourselves to relax and hang together. When Friday finally arrived, Vincent was ready, but I wasn’t. I was super nervous, and Vincent could tell. I felt like I was going to blow it in the ring. A close friend who was at the trial told me to snap out of it, walk briskly, but not in a rush and I would be fine. I took a deep breath, walked into the ring with Vincent and just started to do our stuff. When we walked out of the ring, I thought we did okay, but I was in complete shock when the judge gave us a perfect score of 100! What a way to complete his title! Once Vincent earned his RN, we shifted gears toward obedience. Vincent quickly earned two legs for his Companion Dog title with subpar scores…but he earned them. Vincent was still

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The Behaviourist PREPARING YOUR ENVIRONMENT BEFORE BRINGING HOME A PUPPY IS THE KEY TO HAVING A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SAFE CANINE FRIEND BY JUSTINE SHONE

hen deciding to buy a puppy, think about your lifestyle. What breed of dog are you looking for that suits your lifestyle e.g., your home environment, space, and work commitments? Do you like lots of holidays through the year? Are you a lazy person? If you are a lazy person, then a Malinois dog will not suit you! You need to know how much time that you must train and exercise your dog. Bringing a puppy into your family is a big decision in your life whatever the breed you buy. This is a lifetime commitment because they are part of your family. Make sure everyone in the family is on board in wanting to get a puppy.

Research is important Research where are you going to buy your puppy from. Pedigree pups should be Kennel Club registered and the breeder should be on the Kennel Club assured breeders list. Crossbreeds also have their own clubs, so you can look on their websites for approved breeders. Do not buy puppies online, from pet shops or from puppy farms.

JUSTINE SHONE

Do not buy puppies online, from pet shops or from puppy farms.

Puppies should not leave the bitch until they are eight weeks old, but some breeders will wait till they are 12 weeks old before selling them. Always ask to see the Dam and make sure that she is nice and friendly and not nervous because temperament can be inherited.

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PHOTO CREDIT Pixabay

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Veterinary matters Your pup will need to go the veterinary centre for their vaccinations, worming, flea treatment and microchipping. Microchipping is a legal requirement. Pups can have antibodies from their mother until they are 12 weeks old. This natural immunity can prevent the puppy vaccines from working. Therefore, a lot of vets still recommend vaccinating at eight and 12 weeks of age. Some vets do not like the L4 vaccine for Leptospirosis because of reported vaccine reactions and they still use L2. Have a chat with your vet about pet insurance. Environment You will need a puppy proof home to keep your puppy safe, so it is a good idea to have this ready for when your puppy arrives home. Therefore, I like playpens or crates if used correctly and not abused because they are a great training tool to have. Make the crate or playpen a positive place for your puppy by putting their bed inside and their enrichment toys, such as a stuffed Kong because this can be very calming and a brain

You will need a puppy proof home to keep your puppy safe, so it is a good idea to have this ready for when your puppy arrives home.

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stimulus for your puppy. Place your puppy’s crate in the quietest corner of the most used room in the house, such as a family room so that your puppy does not associate crating with feeling isolated. The crate or pen should never be used as a punishment for your puppy, only positive training should happen with the crate. Introduce your puppy to the crate gradually and never force your puppy inside it. At first get them comfortable going in and out on their own by tossing a few treats inside without closing your puppy in. Do not forget that your puppy has come into a new environment, so everything is going to be very overwhelming and stressful to begin with, so take baby steps. If you find your puppy is not settling at night in their crate, set a crate up in your bedroom, this way you can gradually get them used to crate training and not feeling isolated. Then you can start moving the crate towards your bedroom door, then eventually on the landing when your puppy is more confident about being in their crate. Puppy socialisation Your puppy will need life skills socialisation and this does not mean taking your puppy to the local park and letting them mix with people and dogs that you don’t know. This can be very damaging to your puppy’s training and their future behaviour if your puppy isn’t getting the correct socialisation. When socialising your puppy make sure to take it slow and be aware of your puppy’s limits. Make the interactions positive and give plenty of treats and praise. Everything is new to your puppy, so every encounter is an opportunity to make a positive association. The idea behind socialisation is that you want to help your puppy become used to all types of sights, sounds, and smells in a positive manner. Proper socialisation can prevent a dog from being fearful of children, or of riding in the car, and it will help them develop into a well-mannered happy companion. Improper socialisation can lead to behavioural problems later in life. Physical development An eight to 12-week-old puppy will be quiet and small even if it is a puppy of a large breed. Puppies are physically vulnerable and a bit clumsy. They need plenty of supervision, therefore the crate or puppy pen is a good idea when they can’t be supervised. Expect your young puppy to sleep a lot during this stage. Most puppies will sleep about 18 to 20 hours a day to support their fast-growing brains and bodies. I cannot stress how important it is to let your puppies sleep and have some chill time. So, for example

if you have a young child and your child is over excited playing with your puppy, your puppy could get over excited and may start mouthing and go over the threshold because they are over tired. This is where your dog behavioural problems can start to develop if you don’t intervene. This is when your crate training will be very useful, you can place your puppy inside their crate with some calming enrichment puzzles such as a food stuffed Kong, to have some relaxation and sleep time.

Your puppy will need life skills socialisation and this does not mean taking your puppy to the local park and letting them mix with people and dogs that you don’t know.

An over tired puppy What does an overtired puppy look like? You might be thinking that it will be easy to spot an overtired puppy, but some of the symptoms can be very confusing. Your puppy might show only a couple of signs or all of them within a few minutes. A tired child can be a nightmare and tired puppies are no different! A tired puppy can nip and bite, if they do out of nowhere, it could be because they are getting tired and don’t have any other way of expressing themselves. Hyperactivity, though it might seem counterproductive, some puppies become more active when they get overtired. When your puppy is eventually sleeping or resting whatever you do, do not disturb them let them sleep. Puppy training Do not leave your puppy for hours inside the crate (or any dog for that matter) because puppies still need house training, and they need frequent

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Never punish your puppy for toileting in the house because this will make your puppy more anxious

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PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1307399836

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It’s important if you’re struggling with puppy training to invest in some help with a dog trainer/behaviourist.

When your puppy is out of the crate do not give them the run of the house until they are fully house trained. Baby gates are a good idea so you can manage the situation, the more freedom the harder it will be for you to house train your puppy. When you start your puppy toilet training, take them out, if possible, every hour into the garden, always go outside with them, so you can reward them with a treat when they have been to the toilet. Times to take them out also include after sleeping, eating, drinking or playtime because this is normally when they will need to go outside to the toilet. Look out for signs that your pup may need the toilet. The signs include sniffing the ground, turning in circles, and starting to squat. If you see these signs, then gently interrupt your pup, and take them outside to see if they will go the toilet. If they go to the toilet then reward them, if not just quietly return them indoors. But make sure that you give them enough time to do their business before returning them inside, patience is key. Never punish your puppy for toileting in the house because this will make your puppy more anxious, and this will not help your puppy’s toilet training to improve because they are still learning what to do. Puppies have smaller bladders than older dogs, so they need to urinate more often than adult dogs. Many puppies will not gain full bladder control until four to six months old. If your puppy goes to the toilet in the house, simply disinfect the spot with a non-ammonia-based product and remove the smell with a pet odour neutraliser.

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breaks. It is important that you do not leave your puppy during the day for long periods in the crate because this can cause a lot of stress to your puppy and even lead to separation anxiety or isolation stress. They could also start having accidents in the crate.

their family! Teach your children that certain games, like fetch for example is an appropriate activity to engage with the puppy. Encourage your kids to always try and be gentle with the puppy, even during playtime. Remind your kids that activities like pulling on the puppy’s tail, or ears or poking them, for example are hurtful and may make the puppy fearful and cause them to snap or nip especially as the puppy grows. It is best that when kids are playing with the new puppy that you are present and ready to show them the correct way to play together. Getting ready to walk your puppy First you will need to get your puppy to wear a collar/harness and leash inside your house before going outdoors so they can get used to wearing the harness. This slow and steady approach with treats and praise for encouragement, helps your puppy make positive associations with the harness. Then, before attempting a walk outdoors practice going for a walk inside your home with fewer distractions. Puppies can begin basic training and loose lead walking in your home or garden as young as eight weeks old. I recommend using a harness for your puppy to start walking as opposed to a collar, this will protect a puppy’s neck and back from potential injury caused by lead pulling on a collar. It’s important if you’re struggling with puppy training to invest in some help with a dog trainer/ behaviourist. For more information on Justine and her work at VIP Dogs visit: www.jpholisticnutrition.com

If you have children Just as puppies need training, so do children. At the earliest age, you can begin to teach the fundamentals of respecting animals and their boundaries. The first thing to teach your child is that the puppy is not a toy! They are a living and feeling being that needs love and gentle treatment to grow up happy and into a well-mannered adult dog. Children could be inclined to include the puppy in their play activities, but young puppies need time to adjust to their new home. Puppies are not toys, but they do enjoy and need playtime to learn good manners and grow their bond with

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The Dog Charity HOW WILL SHELTERS COPE WITH AN INFLUX OF DOGS IN 2022? BY AMY OCKELFORD FROM THE RSPCA

o much has changed over the last two years and the world looks very different to how it once did. One area that has changed drastically is pet ownership; particularly in the ways we spend time with our pets and the problems our pets are facing as a result of lockdown. With many of us spending so much more time at home, it’s unsurprising that there was a huge surge in demand for pets - particularly dogs - as families sought companionship during lockdown. Having lost my elderly rescue dog, Sammy, at the beginning of the pandemic, I joined the masses in taking on another dog during lockdown and welcomed RSPCA rescue Storm - a six-year-old collie cross who had been abandoned - into my home. I’m an experienced dog owner and knew what I was taking on when we adopted Storm. Many other people who have taken on a dog - perhaps for the first time - during lockdown will also have fully considered the long-term impact, responsibility, and costs of adopting a dog too. But there are also fears that some who may have taken on a dog on a whim have not thought long-term about how they’ll care for these lockdown puppies as they grow up (possibly having missed out on vital socialisation, training, and early experiences) and what will happen to them when life returns to normal again.

AMY OCKELFORD (WITH STORM)

it’s unsurprising that there was a huge surge in demand for pets - particularly dogs - as families sought companionship during lockdown.

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PHOTO CREDITS Supplied by the RSPCA

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Many families will have considered the long-term commitment of taking on a dog, but some may not have been thinking post-lockdown about how they’ll care for their new pet when they return to work or how they’ll pay for them if they should be hit by the recession. We fear that we will see a major dog welfare crisis this year as huge numbers of dogs are relinquished to rescue centres, sold online or even abandoned; with struggling charities, like the RSPCA, forced to pick up the pieces. During the first nine months of lockdown between 23 March and 31 December 2020 - the adoption pages of our website had almost 40 million views, compared to 23 million over the same period the previous year as more people searched for rescue dogs they could give a loving home to. During the same nine-month period, our fostering pages saw a spike in views up 244% compared to the previous year, while our information about how to rehome a dog surged by 87%. The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association found that 3.2 million households acquired a pet during the pandemic (in 2020). And there was a national shortage of dogs with rescue centres emptying and many dogs receiving hundreds or thousands of applications. While it was wonderful to see so many dogs going off to new homes, it also led to many potential buyers resorting to buying dogs online and created an opportunity for unscrupulous breeders, dealers and traffickers bringing in sick puppies from overseas and selling on dogs who’d been bred in appalling puppy farms. Our fear now is that many of these dogs have got used to having their owners at home and may struggle to adapt once working from home ends and people begin to migrate back to the office. We know that one of the major reasons dogs are relinquished into rescue centres is due to behaviour problems and research suggests that separation related anxiety may affect 85% of dogs. This could result in more dogs coming into rescue centres as owners return to work and they struggle to cope. Many of the puppies bought during lockdown may now be approaching adolescence, a period of time where big behavioural changes can occur. This period does typically pass but can bring additional challenges for owners, if unprepared, for how best to manage their dog during this time. On top of this, any dogs who came from poor breeders may have missed out on vital early-life experiences to help shape them into happy, well-behaved dogs and these behavioural challenges could now be reaching a point where owners simply don’t know what else to do.

While lockdown was, in many ways, a great time to introduce a new dog into your home; with families spending more time at home and with lots of time for training, walking, and settling them in. Lockdown also brought many challenges for new dogs and puppies. Training classes were limited due to Government restrictions and opportunities to get out and about and meet new people, other dogs and experience new sights and sounds were also limited. This means that a whole generation of dogs have possibly missed out on basic experiences that could now be causing concerns as they reach adult-hood, such as fears of strangers or anxieties in busy settings. Sadly, we are beginning to see the impact already. Over the months in 2021 we’ve seen a monthly increase of the number of people visiting our advice pages online about giving up your pet, with this spiking in August 2021 at almost 11,000 clicks (more than double that of February). With many people continuing to work from home and the full impact of the pandemic financially not yet having been felt, we fear that things are still to worsen. At the RSPCA, we head into 2022 holding our breath and hoping that our fears will not be realised. However, sadly, many of the rescue groups and welfare organisations fear that this year will be when we start to see dogs flooding into our care from homes who can no longer care for them, afford to look after them, or deal with their behavioural challenges. All of this at a time when many of the charities left picking up the pieces and doing their best to rehabilitate and rehome these dogs are themselves reeling from the financial impact of the pandemic on our own fundraising and donations. So, as we look to the future and at what life postlockdown will look like, we would urge anyone thinking of getting a dog to think long and hard about whether they can care for that dog for the rest of their lives. Please do lots of research first and consider adopting instead shopping. We’d also encourage anyone who took on a dog during lockdown to help prepare their dogs for life postlockdown so that when the day comes that you head back to the office, you have a dog who is happy and settled being left home alone. And we’d urge anyone with a pandemic puppy who is now struggling with behavioural challenges to please speak to their vet and a clinical animal behaviourist for support.

Westies & Besties - January 2022

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FINALLY, PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE RSPCA TO HELP US BE THERE FOR THE DOGS WHO NEED US THIS WINTER AND FOR THE REST OF 2022. YOU CAN JOIN THE WINTER RESCUE AND DONATE TO OUR WORK BY VISITING WWW.RSPCA.ORG.UK/RESCUEXMAS.

OSCAR Fourteen-year-old Oscar is a very sweet chap who sadly ended up in RSPCA care after his owner’s circumstances changed meaning they could no longer take care of him. He’s a handsome boy who is looking for a retirement home but is still full of life and is sure to fill any new owner’s heart with joy! He absolutely loves people and would be suitable for a family with children if they understand his age and his need for space. He has limited sight due to cataracts and is partially deaf so will need new owners who can be mindful of this.

Find out more about him online or contact RSPCA Mount Noddy, in Sussex, on info@rspcamountnoddy.org.uk.

PHOTO CREDIT Supplied by the RSPCA

He loves to go for short toddles on the South Downs and enjoys snoozing on the sofa. He is friendly with other dogs but can be startled by bouncy dogs so any social interactions will need to be supervised. He’s spent his whole life as the only pet so we think it would be best for him to go to a home where he’ll be the only pet with patient owners who can take life at his pace!

HOW QUALITY FOOD NOURISHES YOUR WESTIE’S HEALTH

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YOUR DOG REQUIRES A BALANCED COMBINATION OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS As animal diseases including allergies and cancer increases, a more holistic approach to pet care has become increasingly important, if our faithful friends are to live healthy and happy lives. Holistic animal care addresses the entire body, rather than its parts. It considers the animal’s mental and physical health, the environment around them and focuses on prevention as well as just treatment of symptoms. Nutrition is central to holistic animal care and influences your pet’s emotional as well as physical wellness. Poor nutrition compromises an animal’s curative potential and leads to health imbalances, toxicity and disease. Good nutrition promotes a strong immune system, normal reproduction and growth. Food communicates with cells and controls our pet’s genes! Due to our more recent understanding of ‘Nutrigenomics’ we are increasingly aware of how quality foods nourish your pet’s genes, (cats and dogs have approximately 21,000 genes), encouraging gene expression which gives beneficial instructions to the body promoting health, rather than instructions that will cause the animal’s body disease and harm. To achieve optimal health and vitality, your pet needs a balanced combination of quality essential nutrients from protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals. Phytonutrients are increasingly recognised as a valuable addition to your pet’s diet. These plant chemicals, which include carotenoids and flavonoids from herbs, spices, fruit and vegetables are not essential, but when consumed, have been shown to convey beneficial effects on health. Your pet also needs to be able to digest, absorb, detoxify and eliminate properly and high quality foods are essential to these processes. The poorer the quality of food, the fewer nutrients the animal absorbs, and the more waste products are produced. Whilst appropriately balanced, species specific,

home prepared food is a very healthy option for your pet, it is not always practical for many people and high-quality commercial foods can be an alternative. But as pet owners, we need to be discerning and read the labels on the food products that we buy, which can be a bit of a minefield to say the least! Check out not only the ingredients list but also the quality of the food, looking out for labels that say, organic, grass-fed, ethically reared, human grade quality. Manufacturers may also split up different forms of similar ingredients to make the overall content of a particular ingredient appear lower; for example ground wheat, wheat flour etc. If listed as a whole wheat would contribute to a larger proportion of the overall food, which may not be desirable. Be aware of manufacturers adding a synthetic ingredient called propylene glycol which is an undesirable preservative which has commercial uses including anti-freeze and is linked to allergic reactions. With dried or canned foods and also pet treats, choose those which are sugar-free and are low or devoid of fillers and chemical additives - this includes chemicals added for preservation, colour or taste enhancement, including nitrites and sulphites. These chemicals can cause inflammation, allergies and metabolic complications in animals, by damaging healthy tissues and placing undue stress on vital organs. Whilst the animal’s body detoxifies harmful waste products and chemicals through the liver, kidneys, gut and skin, once the liver and kidneys become overburdened, the body attempts to detoxify through the skin, hence coat and skin problems including allergies can emerge. Chronic inflammation underlies many of the health problems our pet’s experience, including obesity and ageing. Environmental Toxins and Chemicals – not good for health Every pet has a considerable amount of chemicals in their body, because they walk through them, breath them in, eat and drink them. Unfortunately,

Westies & Besties - January 2022

PHOTO CREDITS Healthful Pets

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toxins and chemicals can be ingested and absorbed by our pets from unfiltered tap water and the everyday chemicals we use in our homes, gardens, in certain pet shampoos and creams, worm, flea and tick preventatives and the toys we provide for their entertainment. One well recognised chemical toxin is BPA (Bisphenol A). This is used to make plastics and resins and is found in plastic water bottles, canned foods (pets and humans), food packaging and it leaches into foods and water. BPA mimics oestrogen in the body and has hormone disrupting effects that not only affect our health but our pet’s health too. As pet owners, we need to ensure a wholesome, toxin-free approach to diet and the environment around our animals and indeed ourselves in order to promote wellness. Animals nurture us by giving us unconditional love and we can nurture them implementing the following suggestions: • Ensure your pets are fed a nutritionally balanced, species specific, raw diet. This is the best diet that you can feed your dog or cat. It is unadulterated and contains all the enzymes and phytonutrients that are typically destroyed during food processing. An unbalanced diet can lead to a number of health issues. • Select a range of protein sources such as chicken, turkey, venison, lamb, duck, and rabbit and rotate these to ensure your pets gets variety and to reduce the risk of food intolerances. • If you are unable to feed a raw diet then other options include a nutritionally balanced cooked homemade / commercial prepared diet, human grade wet food and human-grade dry food using high quality animal proteins and not inferior quality grain-based options, opt for specifically named protein sources rather than “poultry or meat”, look for foods containing fresh sources of vegetables and fruit. • The worst diet that you can feed your pets is an unbalanced homemade diet – raw or cooked which can lead to many health issues and even potentially fatal. • Take great care when choosing dog and cat toys, ensuring that they are not made with plastic containing dyes, BPA and phthalates as when chewed these will be ingested.

your pet ingesting these chemicals and provide fresh, good quality filtered water at all times. • Reduce chemicals and toxins in your home by avoiding artificial air fresheners and scented candles and smoking near your pet. Opt for nontoxic/natural based cleaning products. • Avoid sugar, chocolate, cow’s dairy, raw salmon, grapes, raisons, tomatoes, onions, xylitol, strawberries, peanuts, soy, citrus fruits. • Avoid feeding high glycaemic carbohydrates from corn, sugar, wheat and white rice. (brown rice is fine) If you choose to feed your dog or cat your own formulated raw food diet, rather than from a commercial source, then do seek the advice and support of an animal nutritionist or holistic veterinarian for example, to ensure your animal receives the proper balance of nutrients. You can find out about over 1,500 UK dog foods here: https://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk/ At Healthful Pets, we have endeavoured to choose where possible, foods, supplements, and treats which are low in chemical additives and feeding utensils and toys that are BPA free. What complementary treatments would you recommend for pets? How can someone find a complementary therapist for their pet? From time to time during your pet’s life, there may be times when supplementing home prepared, species appropriate diets with good quality, carefully selected animal appropriate vitamins, minerals and essential fats is extremely beneficial to your pet’s health and longevity. The main areas of supplementation include joint & mobility support, skin & coat health including allergies, eye and ear health, digestion and gut health as well as optimising the immune system. Natural flea & tick prevention products are increasingly popular as well as calming support especially at times of stress such as moving house, going to the vets or Bonfire Night. It is recommended you seek the advice and support of an animal nutritionist or holistic vet to determine what types of nutritional or issuetargeted supplements are most appropriate for your pet.

• Always use BPA-free plastic, stainless steel, or ceramic water and feeding bowls again to avoid

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Hope in Communities THE NEW YEAR BRINGS RENEWED FAITH FOR EX-SENIOR POLICE DETECTIVE, MARK RANDELL, AS HE CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD IN TEACHING THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPROVED ANIMAL WELFARE AROUND THE WORLD

Above: Mark Randell

ver Christmas some of you will perhaps have watched Shawshank Redemption for the umpteenth time and may remember Red’s immortal line: “Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

My project last year was about making changes for animals which began in Chernivtsi, a beautiful Ukrainian city near the Romanian border. Here with a local volunteer group called ‘Not Indifferent’ I wanted to run a children’s art competition to encourage those aged eight to 13 to paint or draw why animals are so important in the community. The pictures they produced are astonishing. Over 350 children drew dogs, cats and wild animals and their interpretation of love for them. There were winners of course but the real victor was the community, as a new generation took another step in making lives better for everyone.

Westies & Besties - January 2022

PHOTO CREDITS All images supplied by Mark Randell

The start of a New Year offers fresh hopes and improved animal welfare around the world is one of mine, as it has been each year since 2011 when I retired from the police.

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PHOTO CREDITS All images supplied by Mark Randell

The start of a New Year offers fresh hopes and improved animal welfare around the world

Across europe there appears to be a growing recognition that the way animals are treated has such an integral impact on our society and community that it is no longer just a minor issue

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We know that witnessing animal abuse has a huge impact on child development and the converse is true. So much can be gained when children learn compassion towards animals. The year 2021 also saw young officers from the Ukrainian Police Academy launch a calendar about the need to rescue dogs and I had the opportunity to train 200 young lawyers at two Ukrainian Universities in Chernivsti and Lutsk. To top it all, after two years of campaigning for a wide-ranging new law - ‘2351’ which offers hope for wild, farmed and companion animals, the law was passed and came into force in November 2021. The work in Ukraine is only possible because of The Naturewatch Foundation. There was change too in Greece with a new law covering all companion animals that offers hope in a country that has now raised maximum jail sentences for felony abuse to 10 years, the toughest in Europe. Across Europe there appears to be a growing recognition that the way animals are treated has such an integral impact on our society and community that it is no longer just a minor issue. England and Wales have of course now raised the jail term for animal abuse and are working towards legislation that fully recognises sentience. As any Westie owner knows too well, animals have real feelings that can be affected by how we treat them. So yes, hope is important and with signs of life perhaps returning to ‘normal’ we can really turn our attention to making lives better for all animals and I’m quite sure your Westie would agree that is a VERY good thing.

PHOTO CREDITS All images supplied by Mark Randell

For more information on the work of The Naturewatch Foundation, visit: https://naturewatch.org/

Westies & Besties - January 2022