August/September 2014 by Woof Mag

Activities for Dogs Issue

Aug/Sept 2014

FRE

Breed Features: Dalmatian & Chihuahua

Surfs up Dogs!

Flyball Fun!

PLUS:

• Vaccinating your dog • Agility • Which dog suits you? • Shampoo Reviews

your free guide to all things dog!

Dog Friendly Cafe • Vegetarian • Organic Coffee • Relaxing Sanctuary

BAMBOO BUDDH A

Ph 4365 5810 221 Wattle Tree Road Holgate bamboobuddha.com.au

Dr Max Stoker is a caring and compassionate Vet with 30+ years experience in small animal practice. He sold his very successful practice – the Great Western Animal Hospital - in Sydney in 2004 and he and his lovely wife, Ineke, settled on the Central Coast and created the Bamboo Buddha Cafe, Gallery, Gardens & Nursery at Holgate. After 30 years of veterinary practice, this was a real sea change. However, when Pet Stock opened their large pet store at Erina in 2008 and were advertising for a Pet Vet to operate as a Vet Consultant in their store, Max decided to take up this opportunity to keep practicing in the profession he loves but without all the stress and frustrations of running a busy hospital.

0416 147 775

Pet Stock Erina, 312 The Entrance Rd, Erina PH: 4367 4066

contents

August/September 2014

Regulars

Articles & Features

4 From the Pack Leader 5 Training Tips 9 On the Net... 10 A Day In The Life Of...NEW! 16 Product Review - Dog Shampoos 23 Doggy Recipe - Homemade Mince 24-25 Kids Corner 27-28 Business Directory

6-7 Vaccinating your dog 8 Flyball 11 Choosing the right dog 17 Surfing Dogs 20 Quiz 21 Fun activities to do! 22 Agility 30 Helping Homeless Pets

Breed Features 18 19

Dalmatian Chihuahuaha

And more!

From the Pack Leader Dear Dog Lovers, The weather’s warming up and there’s no excuse not to get out and about with your dogs, soaking up the sun and enjoying some activities together! We have some great information in this issue for the very active pooch who would love to try their paw at the ever popular Flyball or Aligility. Read about dogs who surf, check out the winner of our draw a dog competition and try out the easy, tasty and healthy recipe idea on page 24! Get active and enjoy the Activities for Dogs Issue!

Olivia IMPORTANT CHANGES TO WOOF MAG: from the next issue, Woof Mag will be an Online Magazine, available to read at woofmag.com.au. You can also Subscribe to receive a copy via post for $30 for a 1 year subscription. Order at woofmag.com.au! woofmag.com.au

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@woofmagaus

Training Tip

Wait for food training:

Teaching your dog to WAIT for their food is very important as it teaches them impulse control or in other words, polite manners. Neither moving to the dining area and preparing food for your dog should be a cue for him or her to start barking and jumping up and down with excitement nor placing a bowl of food on the floor should be a signal for your dog to ‘dive’ into the bowl and start eating. So how do we learn this behaviour? Ask your dog to sit. Tell him or her to WAIT. Slowly lower the bowl to the ground while your dog is sitting. If your dog gets up (and it is likely that he or she will), you may use your ‘no reward’ marker such as Ooops! or Ah! Ah! and raise the bowl. Ask your dog to sit again and repeat the procedure. Don’t put the bowl down unless your dog sits and waits quietly and patiently. If he or she does - use your release command OK! or EAT! so your dog knows it is ok to move and start eating. Remember every dog learns at his or her own pace but if you are consistent and patient your dog will quickly learn that their dinner will be served without delay if they wait for it.

Vaccinating Your Dog

ver the past 40-50 years, Veterinarians have recommended annual vaccinations of dogs. This has been associated with a dramatic reduction in the prevalence of infectious diseases such as Distemper and Parvo Virus.

senior pets. When pups are born, they usually have some natural protection from maternal antibodies via their mother’s milk. However some puppies don’t get much or any milk and some mothers don’t have a lot of antibodies in their milk – as they may not have been vaccinated. That is why it is important to give puppies their 1st Vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks. If the mother has maternal antibodies to help protect her pups, usually by 10 to 12 weeks these have mostly gone – so it is recommended that puppies are given their 2nd Vaccination at this age. However, some mothers still have high levels of maternal antibodies in their milk until later and these antibodies could prevent full protection developing. This is why best practice is that pups have a 3rd Vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks.

Parvo Virus causes gastroenteritis which is highly contagious, spreading through infected faecal material of dogs. It can survive for long periods in the environment including garden soil, contaminated cages or shoes with faecal material. The clinical signs include depression, loss of appetite, severe vomiting & diarrhoea containing blood. Death can occur rapidly (within 24hrs of clinical signs being apparent) and treatment is often ineffective. Puppies are especially prone to this disease which is more often than not, fatal.

Once a puppy is vaccinated against these infectious diseases, there is some argument within scientific circles as to how long this protection or immunity from disease will last.

Distemper is caused by another virus and is a highly contagious disease which can cause conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, convulsions (seizures) and spinal cord damage. If dogs do survive the acute stages of infection they are often left with permanent brain damage. CIRD (canine infectious respiratory disease) more commonly known as Canine Cough is another highly infectious disease causing tracheobronchitis and occurs mainly in dogs kept in close confinement with other dogs – in kennels, doggy day-care centres and veterinary hospitals. While not usually fatal, the harsh, hacking cough can persist for weeks, even months and can lead to further health problems especially in puppies and

A period of 3 years has been claimed and seems to be accepted by many veterinarians for Parvo virus and Distemper. However, the scientific rationale behind this suggestion is based on a small number of studies and there seems to be a strong argument to go back to annual vaccinations. You only have to go to diseasewatchdog.org to see how many recent outbreaks of Parvo virus there has been around Australia. cont’d pg 7

The questioning as to vaccines safety and suggestion of human vaccines causing autism has perhaps contributed to questioning the safety of companion animal vaccines. However, there has been no causative link shown between diseases in dogs and vaccination of dogs.

There has also been a recent outbreak of Distemper – a disease not seen for a long time. It has been suggested that this could be due to the 3 Year Vaccination Protocol adapted by many vets – as this could create less of a herd immunity. Dogs should be vaccinated against Canine Cough/Kennel Cough every year as mucosal immunity is short and re-exposure to antigen in the vaccine is necessary to continue to activate effector cells (the immune cells that work fighting pathogens).

Some dogs, especially puppies, do have reactions to vaccinations. This usually means that they become lethargic, off their food and very sensitive to touch – but they return to normal within 24 hours. This is a seldom occurrence and even more rarely, dogs can have an allergic reaction to a vaccine, whereby their lips & face may swell and they might develop whorls on their skin. They respond very quickly to an antihistamine injection and soon return to normal.

Dogs kept in a single-pet household, that don’t socialise (or only socialise at the park with the same other dogs in the neighbourhood) are not likely to be regularly exposed to pathogens and immunity may wane, putting them more at risk – if they were to come in contact with the virus from an infected dog. These dogs may require annual vaccinations in order to be sure of protection.

Words by Dr Max Stoker Pet Stock, Erina

lyball is a dog sport in which teams of dogs race against each other from a start/ finish line, over a line of hurdles, to a box that releases a tennis ball to be caught when the dog presses the spring-loaded pad, then back to their handlers while carrying the ball.

Flyball provides an entertaining and active way to interact with your dog and other dog enthusiasts in an environment that is fun while allowing the dogs exercise and enjoyment. It is an especially effective way to burn off the energy of dogs with a high drive to work, such as Border Collies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Flyball is run in teams of four dogs, as a relay. The course consists of four hurdles placed 3 metres apart from each other. The hurdle height is determined by the shoulder height of the smallest dog in the team. Each dog must return its ball all the way across the start line before the next dog crosses. Ideal running is nose-to-nose at the start line. The first team to have all four dogs cross the finish line error free wins the heat. Penalties are applied to teams if the ball is dropped or if the next relay dog is released early.

The popularity of Flyball stems from the fact that it is one of the competition activities available to mixed-breed dogs, allowing rescued mutts and non-pedigree dogs to shine alongside their purebred canine counterparts. Flyball is not limited to the size of the breed, as smaller dogs such as Jack Russell Terriers, Whippets and even miniature poodles, often compete with great success in mixed-breed teams. Many casual pet owners use their flyball time more as a way to relax and socialize with other dog owners than as a competition, and many champion flyball dogs are essentially pet dogs with a hobby, rather than dedicated sporting or working dogs. Flyball can be a real sport for dedicated performers and a hobby for all!

Flyball started as a dog sport in the late 1960s and early 1970s, in Southern California. Some dog trainers combined scent hurdle racing with the dogs bringing back a tennis ball to the finish line. Then a tennis balllaunching apparatus was added and the first flyball box was born. The first Flyball tournament was held in 1983 in the USA. Flyball has now expanded into many countries including Australia, Canada and South Africa, and in European countries such as Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Austria and the United Kingdom have National flyball tournaments and also hold joint annual European championships.

Find out more information about Flyball in your area on the internet.

On the Net...

A day in the life of... a Dog Groomer I have made many friends

i everyone my name is Carlos Aspitia, owner-operator of Pamper Dog wash.

in my clients.

There are times when I am a few blocks away and owners realize I am about to arrive as the dogs get excited.

My love for animals is what made me establish the business in 2005. I love what I do because I never know what each day will bring. Especially as I meet new clients every week.

And some, won’t let me leave when I am done if we don’t have a few minutes play time.

I don’t believe in arriving and sticking the dog in the bath.

Have I ever got bitten? Of course!!! It’s part of the job, but 3 times in 9 years is not so bad, right?

“ Your dogs are my clients, and they are my priority.”

This is sometimes more stressful for nervous and timid dogs as they need more time to relax beforehand.

Words by Carlos Aspitia Pamper Dog Wash 0410 033 896

Because of this and because I take my time with them all, I become their friend and earn their trust and respect. Owners often ask me for tips and advice on dog behaviour and I really love being able to help with this. I love the challenge.

Which dog suits you?

o you have decided to get a dog. Wonderful! Adding a new family member to the household is a beautiful but big decision so please make sure you are ready to take a new pet into your home. Careful research and planning is essential. Being a responsible pet owner means more than just providing food, water and shelter. There are a few crucial points that need to be considered:

size, breed, temperament, energy levels, exercise requirements, affection level, ease of training and grooming requirements. Your lifestyle and household circumstances also need to be taken into account and factors such as suitable and safe accommodation, residence restrictions, working hours, busy social life, children and other animals in the household, etc. Consult all family members before getting a pet. There might be times when adopting a dog is not recommended. Purchasing a pet should never be an impulsive decision or in a hurry. Sadly there are some people who get a dog without consulting other members of their household, assuming ‘once they see him/her, they’ll love him/her.’ Unfortunately, in some instances, the animal ends up in the shelter, so all members of the family need to be aware of responsibilities.

Remember animals are for life. Potential dog owners need to remember that animals are a commitment for the lifetime of the pet and should not be discarded “once the novelty wears off’. Review your budget. There are many costs involved with pet ownership. Potential dog owners need to be prepared to pay for ongoing costs associated with food, vaccinations, annual health checks, vet bills, training, boarding, toys and bedding as well as unexpected emergency veterinary care. Choose the right pet for you. Sadly many people get a dog for the wrong reasons or do not properly research the type that will suit their lifestyle. You need to consider a list of characteristics of the dog in question that will fit into your family and lifestyle including the right age,

Words by Kasia Motte

Be Social

hen you think about the word socialisation, what comes to mind? The term socialisation is based on the interaction between species, such as human to human, human to animal and animal to animal. After vigorous studies credited mainly by Dr. John Paul Scott, we as dog owners, carers and trainers benefit from the knowledge of early socialisation practices to teach puppies how to cope with elements of stress that life or even habitats creates.

walking around the lagoon, running in the yard, grooming and training and the best thing is, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all in a controlled Pet Friendly environment.

With proper and controlled exposure to these degrees of stress, our puppies learn to happily adjust which essentially allows them to develop into better adjusted, happier and healthier adult dogs. At Pet Resorts Australia, we have a lot of guests coming to stay with us throughout the year and we all know that one of the main things that will help dogs enjoy their stay is being social with the staff and the other dogs. We have a range of activities in which all our canine guests will benefit from such as, Doggy Day-care, swimming in the pool, Find out more by visiting: www.petresortsaustralia.com Words by Glenn Cooke Pet Resorts Australia

Fungal Infection

andida is yeast. So let’s talk about yeast infections and why the signs of candida is so ripe within our pets. Candidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection (mycosis) of any species from the genus Candida. Also commonly referred to as a yeast infection. Both people and dogs have a normal amount of healthy levels of yeast that occur naturally on the body. The typical normal, healthy flora of dogs is a naturally occurring staph, as well as a light layer of naturally occurring yeast. These healthy levels of flora are possible thanks to a balanced immune system. Like a pair of scales, the harmony is achieved when they are both equal and evenly balanced and that’s what you want your dog’s immune function to be… balanced! An underactive immune system can lead to yeast overgrowth, because it can’t control the balance. The other end of the spectrum is an overactive immune response where allergies present themselves. This can also lead to problems with yeast spreading Candida throughout the bodies systems and organs rendering them dysfunctional. Typically steroid therapy is prescribed to shut off the immune response and suppress the need to itch. As this treatment improves symptoms it does not fix the underlying cause of the allergies. The steroid therapy also shuts down other functions of the immune system which is needed to aid in recovering a balance with

in the body to protect and heal. When your dog’s immune system is turned off with drugs, it can’t do its job of regulating and balancing normal flora levels, so your pet ends up with increased yeast growths - Candida. So once the steroid treatment period has expired the candida will rise again with vengeance. Although temporarily you have stopped the dog from itching, you have just allowed it to multiple with in the body and potentially spread. When a dog has allergies and possibly secondary skin infections, often antibiotics are prescribed. Antibiotics are well-known to destroy all good bacteria along with the bad, wiping out healthy yeast levels in the process, so these drugs often make a bad situation worse. Another reason an allergic dog, in particular, can end up with a lot of candida is he can actually develop an allergy to yeast. Meaning that a dog is having an allergic response to its own natural flora. This situation can be very problematic because the dog’s allergic response can affect his whole body. These dogs are often red from the tip to tail, their entire bodies are flaming red and irritated. So dogs with an underactive immune system or that are immuno-suppressed can end up with candida (yeast infection), as well as dogs that have overactive immune systems, or allergies. Candida can present itself in many ways. You can sometimes smell a dog with a yeast infection as its not a normal doggie odour. So

if your dog has stinky paws or musty-smelling ears, chances are they’re dealing with a yeast overgrowth. Another sign your dog is yeasty, is scratching. Yeast overgrowth is tremendously itchy. If it’s a problem with the paws, they won’t be able to leave them alone. The same goes for their ears. A lot of butt scooting can also be a clue. Yeast overload is an advanced stage of an unbalance of Candida with in the bodies systems and organs. If your dog is spending a lot of time digging at them self to relieve intense itching, take heed. Whether it’s a bacterial or yeast infection, they’ll need your help to solve the problem.

comes from the inside and 10% is topical. So please learn how to read a dog food label.

If your pet is dealing with yeast overgrowth, there are a couple of things you’ll need to do. First step, you must address their diet! It’s the source at where most of what is going wrong with the dog has stemmed from. Diet is the foundation of health. The way you nourish your dog is either going to help his immune system manage Candida, or it’s going to feed a potential or existing overgrowth situation. Yeast needs sugar as a source of energy. Carbohydrates break down into sugar and candida thrives on sugars so remove the sugars out of their diets.

You won’t only save valuable money on routine vet appointments for unnecessary pharmaceutical treatments, your pet will share a much happier and healthier life with you. So cleaning up the Candida on the inside of the body will make the topical itching, scratching, gnawing, biting, licking, break outs (hot spots) and other rashes and inflammations disappear.

Dog owners really need to start learning how to read and understand a dog food label. Often owners are poisoning pets on a daily basis without realising it. Most all commercial dry dog foods are extremely poor in nutrients and made up of high loaded carbohydrate fillers and synthetic supplements some of these should never be fed to a dog. However, with clever marketing and celebrity endorsements owners naively buy these brands and feed it to their beloved pets not realising the high risks associated with weakening their pet’s immune system allowing sickness and disease to engage. So we find 90% of your pet’s overall health

For more info contact us here at: CANINE HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTRE 95 Showground Rd, Narara 02 4324-9992

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Words by Sharlene Goodworth

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etshopAustralia.com.au, the worldrenowned on-line retailer of pet supplies, sponsored the popular Surfing Dogs Spectacular for the third year running at the 2014 Cricks Noosa Festival of Surfing.  An instant hit when it was introduced at the 2012 Noosa Festival, the Surfing Dogs Spectacular has become one of the festival’s most popular events, attracting thousands of non-surfers to Noosa’s Main Beach and being seen around the world on social media.   Festival director Phil Jarratt said he was thrilled that VetshopAustralia.com.au had come back on board with a bigger two-day program of events for dog lovers and surfers who love dogs.   “To be honest, when VetshopAustralia. com.au came to us with this idea, we didn’t know what to think. But it didn’t take us long to realise that the Surfing Dogs have an irresistible and universal appeal. Everyone loves to see dogs having fun on the beach, but our surfing dogs have delight written all over them every wave they catch.”  VetshopAustralia.com. au’s Director and head Veterinarian, Dr Mark Perissinotto, said the award-winning on-line retailer had found a great fit with the Noosa Festival, with coverage of the Surfing Dogs taking their brand around the world.

On Saturday morning,a beginners workshop was held, which encouraged the general public to bring their four legged companions along for a crash course in surfing, plus general tips on dog water safety and obedience. On Saturday afternoon at the PJ Burns Festival Village, there was a Master Class for intermediate surfing dogs and owners.   In the lead-up to the Festival’s traditional Hawaiian opening ceremony at sunset on Sunday 9th March, the VetshopAustralia. com.au Surfing Dog Spectacular featured the best of Australia’s surfing dogs in an exhibition contest that delighted the capacity crowd.    In keeping with beach regulations, all participating dogs were kept strictly in the control of their owners throughout the event and were on leads when on the sand.

‘Everyone loves to see dogs having fun on the beach.’ VetshopAustralia.com.au’s Surfing Dog Spectacular commenced on Saturday 8th March, hosted by world champion waterman and dog trainer Chris De Aboitiz.

For more information please visit surfingdogspectacular.com.au

he Dalmatian is a breed of dog whose roots trace back to Croatia and its historical region of Dalmatia. The Dalmatian is noted for its unique black or liver spotted coat and was mainly used as a carriage dog in its early days. Today, this dog remains a wellloved family pet. When full grown, its weight normally ranges between 16 and 32 kg. Eye color varies between brown, amber, or blue, with some dogs having one blue eye and one brown eye, or other combinations. Life expectancy of these spotty dogs is around 13 years. Dalmatian puppies are born with plain white coats and their first spots usually appear within three weeks after birth. After about a month, they have most of their spots. Dalmatians are a relatively healthy and easy to keep breed. Like other breeds, Dalmatians display a propensity towards certain health problems specific to their breed, such as deafness, allergies and urinary stones. The roles of this ancient breed are as varied as their reputed ancestors. They were used as dogs of war, guarding the borders of Dalmatia. To this day, the breed retains a high guarding instinct; although friendly and loyal to those the dog knows and trusts, it is often aloof with strangers and unknown dogs. Dalmatians have a strong hunting instinct and are an excellent exterminator of rats and vermin. Dalmatians are perhaps best known for their role as fire-fighting apparatus escorts and firehouse mascots. Since Dalmatians and horses are very compatible, the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the carriages

to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the fires. Dalmatians are often considered to make good watchdogs, and they may have been â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;powerful, active and useful to fire brigades as guard boisterousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dogs to protect a firehouse and its equipment. Fire engines used to be drawn by fast and powerful horses, a tempting target for thieves, so Dalmatians were kept in the firehouse as deterrence to theft. They are powerful, active and boisterous dogs that do need discipline. You can expect young pups to dig holes in the yard and chew up your plants too! In the mid 1990s, increased popularity due to high public exposure from films such as 101 Dalmatians led to over-breeding by some unscrupulous profit seekers. Little regard was made for the health and mental well-being of the breed, leading to issues relating to poor health and dubious temperament. Not all breeders were so careless, and it is important to purchase puppies from reputable breeders. Dalmatians have a stable, outgoing nature which suits an active family. Words by Olivia Cavanagh

Chihuahua

elieved to have originated in Mexico, Chihuahuas are very small dogs, and are the smallest breed recognized by some kennel clubs. There are two main varieties recognized by kennel clubs, the short-haired and the long-haired.

sometimes painful disease hydrocephalus. It is often diagnosed by the puppy having an abnormally large head during the first several months of life, but other symptoms are more noticeable since “a large head” is such a broad description.

Generally, the height ranges between 15 and 23 cm, weighing in at between 1.5 and 3kg and average lifespan is around 12-15 years. The temperament of its human guardian can make a difference in the temperament of the pup. Tempered Chihuahuas can be easily provoked to attack, and are therefore generally unsuitable for homes with small children. The breed tends to be fiercely loyal to one particular guardian and in some cases may become over protective of the person, especially around other people or animals. They do not always get along with other breeds, and tend to have a “clannish” nature, often preferring the companionship of other Chihuahuas or Chihuahua mixes over other dogs. These traits generally make them unsuitable for households with children that are not patient and calm. Chihuahuas love their dens and will often burrow themselves in pillows, clothes hampers, and blankets. They are often found under the covers or at the bottom of the bed, deep in the dark and safety of what they believe is their den. This breed requires expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. Chihuahuas are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as epilepsy and seizure disorders.

Overfeeding a Chihuahua can be a great danger to the dog’s health, shortening its life and leading to diabetes. Many Chihuahuas have molleras, or a soft spot in their skulls, and they are the only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull.This is not a defect, it is a normal adaptation facilitating the passage through the birth canal and growth and development of the domed-type of forehead.

Chihuahuas, and other toy breeds, are prone to the

‘Courageous, lively and proud!’ Chihuahuas have a tendency to tremble or shiver when stressed, excited or cold. Chihuahuas, especially the short-coat variety, are less tolerant of cold than larger breeds, and may require a sweater or boots in cold weather. They will seek warmth in sunshine, under blankets, or on furniture, human laps or even on the back of a larger dog! Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about, these are active little dogs that need a daily walk. The Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and adventurous, and they love affection! Words by Olivia Cavanagh

Dog Trivia Quiz

As a regular Woof Mag reader, by now you should be a walking dog encyclopedia! See if you really are dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend and take our quiz!

1. Normal adult dogs have how many teeth? A) 24 B) 38 C) 42 D) 32

2. Through what part of the body do dogs sweat? A) Mouth B) Ears C) Nose D) Paws 3. True or False: Dogs can only see in black and white. 4. What is the most common training command taught to dogs? A) Stay B) Beg C) Sit D) Dance 5. What is a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most highly developed sense? A) Taste B) Smell C) Sight D) Touch 6. Puppies are delivered how many weeks after conception? A) 36 B) 22 C) 9 D) 16

7. What is the favorite dog breed of the Queen of England? A) Corgi B) Basenji C) Poodle D) Pomeranian

8. Which TV series had a dog named K9 who was also a robot? A) Full House B) Star Trek C) Doctor Who D) Law & Order 9. Which dog breed is the smallest of them all? A) Dachshund B) Shih tzu C) Pomeranian D) Chihuahua 10. Which dog breed has a black tongue? A) Husky B) Labrador C) Weimaraner D) Chow chow

12. Which dog yodels instead of barks? A) Komondor B) Otterhound C) Basenji D) Basset hound 13. True or False: Dalmatians are born with spots. 14. What is the name of the labrador dog who starred in Neighbours? A) Jack B) Bouncer C) Bingo D) Fido 15. Who appeared on the cover of the first issue of Woof Mag? A) Elle Macpherson B) Sheridyn Fisher C) Julia Gillard D) Paris Hilton

11. The first dogs registered in the American Kennel Club belonged to what group? A) Herding B) Sporting C) Working D) Hound

Check your answers on page 30 20

Fun Activities To Do With Your Dog Tired of tug-o-war and fetch? Try these fun and stimulating games with your pooch: Makeshift indoor agility course Firstly clear enough space in the lounge room so that your dog doesn’t get hurt and can run around freely. Using a couple of rolled up old blankets and other everyday items create your own obstacle course. Firstly walk your dog around the course a few times so they get used to it. Then while you wait at one end, call them from the other end of the room and watch as he/she jumps over the blankets and other obstacles. Hide and Seek Kongs and other toys that can be filled with treats are great for this game. Ask your dog to sit and stay while you hide in another room. Once you’ve found a good hiding place, call your dog and ask them to find you. Once they have, reward them with treats and plenty of pats and praise. Treasure Hunt Dogs love this game because they have a great sense of smell! Simply hide some of your dogs favorite treats around the home or backyard. Alternatively you can use a few treat holding toys. Make sure your pooch doesn’t see where you’re hiding their treats. Once you’ve finished hiding the treats invite your dog to begin their treasure hunt!

Words and Images by Katie Preston Toepfer Author, Wedding Dogs

Agility

og agility is a dog sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. Dogs run off leash with no food or toys as incentives, and the handler can touch neither dog nor obstacles. Consequently the handlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s controls are limited to voice, movement, and various body signals, requiring exceptional training of the animal and coordination of the handler. In its simplest form, an agility course consists of a set of standard obstacles laid out by a judge in a design of his or her own choosing in an area of a specified size. The surface may be of grass, dirt, rubber, or special matting. Depending on the type of competition, the obstacles may be marked with numbers indicating the order in which they must be completed. The history of dog agility can be traced to a demonstration at the Crufts Dog Show in the late 1970s in the United Kingdom. Dogs were run around a course designed similar to horse jumping courses during intermission as a way to entertain the audience. It has since spread rapidly around the world, with major competitions held worldwide. Courses are complicated enough that a dog could not complete them correctly without human direction. In competition, the handler must assess

the course, decide on handling strategies, and direct the dog through the course, with precision and speed equally important. Many strategies exist to compensate for the inherent difference in human and dog speeds and the strengths and weaknesses of the various dogs and handlers. Each dog and handler team gets one opportunity together to attempt to complete the course successfully. The dog begins behind a starting line and, when instructed by his handler, proceeds around the course. The handler typically runs near the dog, directing the dog with spoken commands and with body language (the position of arms, shoulders, and feet). Because speed counts as much as accuracy, especially at higher levels of competition, this all takes place at a full-out run on the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part and, in places, on the handlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part as well. A moderate to high level of fitness is required from the handler. Scoring of runs is based on how many faults are incurred. Penalties can include not only course faults, such as knocking down a bar in a jump, but also time faults, which are the number of seconds over the calculated standard course time, which in turn is determined based on the competition level, the complexity of the course, and other factors. Find out about Agility training for your dog by contacting a local dog trainer.

Doggy Recipe

Homemade Mince Method

Ingredients • 450g minced beef • 200g minced chicken • 200g minced turkey • 450g baby carrots • 2 small baking potatoes • 3 cups brown rice • 3 eggs, slightly beaten • 3 cups chicken stock • 2 cups water

1. Cook all 3 minced meats in a large saucepan 2. Add rice, chicken stock and water. Cook on medium heat for 30 minutes. 3. Add potatoes and carrots, and slightly beaten eggs. Cook for an additional 20 - 30 minutes. 4. After cooking, put mixture into storage containers. Freeze portions and defrost as needed.

Email your recipe to sales@woofmag.com.au

kids corner

Thank you for all the great drawings of dogs! We coud only choose 1 winner to publish, congratulations to Natalie Adby! Why did the dog cross the road? To get to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;barkingâ&#x20AC;? lot!

What happened when the dog went to the flea circus? He stole the show!

Fun Fact: Dogs are immune to funnel web spider venom 24

more for the kids!

$30!

Woof Mag is going digital! From next issue, you can read online at

woofmag.com.au 26

Business Directory ENERGETIX offers a complete INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT

range of magnetic jewellery

including accessories MAXWELL ENERGETIX offers a complete ofand magnetic for pets teens, kids for her, him,range jewellery for dogs and dog lovers Exclusive designer jewellery for on the Central Coast! your pet combined with the force of magnets!

www.maxwell.energetixaustralia.com.au

Emily 0412 602277 maxwell@groversdogs.com www.maxwell.energetixaustralia.com.au Collars shampoos toys & supplements for the tougher breeds!

(find us at Lakehaven Markets, Contact 0401818695 dirtymutz.com 2nd Saturday/month)

Gosford Dog Paws Impounding & Adoption Facility "Giving dogs a second chance" Pateman Rd, Erina, 2250 (02) 4304 4350 gosforddogpaws.com facebook.com/gosforddogpaws Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Sat-Sun 10am-12noon

Central Coast Dog Obedience Training Club Kincumber

Qualified Instructors using positive modern training methods for well mannered pet dogs and onto competition level. New classes each month!

SPECIALISING IN OVERNIGHT PET SITS YOUR HOME OR OURS

Ph: 4384 2688 to register www.ccdotc.com Central Coast Dog Training Club

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Helping out Homeless Pets

he â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bonnie homeless not ownerless Projectâ&#x20AC;? began in May 2014 on the Central Coast of NSW. Having been involved in rescue for a number of years Colleen, founder of Puppy Love Rescue, recognized a need to assist people with keeping their pets rather than having to surrender them due to financial constraints. Many of these people have pets as their sole companion and often go without themselves to make sure their animals are fed and cared for.

Monthly flea treatment is done as is regular worming. Our clients often spend the day allowing their pets to be spoilt whilst they have a chat and a cuppa with like minded animal loving people. This project has no funding and is run with the generous support of donations. If you would like to contribute please LIKE us on Facebook. Words by Kattrina Schyndel

Quiz Answers: 1. C) 42 2. D) Paws 3. False. Dogs can see multiple colors. 4. C) Sit 5. B) Smell 6. C) 9 weeks 7. A) Corgi 8. C) Doctor Who 9. D) Chihuahua 10. D) Chow chow 11. B) Sporting Group 12. C) Basenji 13. False. Dalmatian puppies are born white; their spots come in later. 14. B) Bouncer 15. B) Sheridyn Fisher

In the 3 months of operation we have microchipped, vaccinated, desexed and vet checked numerous cats and dogs. These veterinary expenses are difficult to meet for many. In addition each dog is fitted with a winter jacket, new lead, harness and collar as well as supplied with toys,food and bedding.

Next Issue . . .

ber 2014

October/Novem

Dog Friendly Cafes!

Off-Leash Areas Breed Features: s n io ss se b O • Dog nch Bulldog ecor re D F d e m e h T • Dog & al v o m e R k ic T • n Shepherd a li a tr s s u w A ie v • Lead Re

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