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Dogs Today_April_2024

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Message DWho vets the vets? Competition and Markets Authority investigationOnly 1% chance she’d survive Nine years on, we say goodbye to Fleur Don’t be sheepishHow to stay safe around livestockAll together for firework reformLet’s keep banging on about this!What was Billie Eilish made for? Rescuing dogs & winning Oscars!ogsTodayogsTodayA nose for news, easy on the eye and a heart of goldDog CrushIt’s rough that these collies are becoming rareMore heart more bite❤April 2024£5.99Crufts: a nose for trouble? Another year, another controversyUnhealthy sausage dogs?Germany takes a long look at wienersScent to save usMedical Detection Dogs’ 15th birthday Do try this at home!Sniff tests & nose gamesArthur the KingIs this the best dog movie of all time?Cancer breakthroughsA new test & a vaccinePlus

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Inside this month...News & features 6 Arthur the King: an epic dog film that tells a remarkable true-life adventure 10 Scent to save us: Medical Detection Dogs celebrates its 15th birthday 12 Sniff tests and nose games: try some scent work at home 16 Crufts: a nose for trouble? Another year, another flat-face controversy20 Goodbye, Fleur: tributes to the Romanian rescue who defied all odds 42 Who vets the vets? The Competition and Markets Authority investigates 46 Baby shark: Billie Eilish only has Ocean Eyes for her rescue dog48 Firework reform: keep banging on about ongoing bangs!Over to you!40 Great debate: ‘beware of the dog’ signs56 Postbag: your thoughts on all things canine Training & behaviour24 Proud to be a cookie pusher! It’s an honour to use rewards rather than punishmentOpinion 66 Confessions of a dogaholic: taking a stand – Crufts Investigation 24 Q&A: how can a dog be safe around livestock?; what are the biggest mistakes dog owners can make near roads?; what hazards should dog owners look out for on spring walks?; what promising cancer treatments are on the horizon - and what is the exciting new cancer test?50 Dog crush: meet the Rough Collie Competitions & shopping 32 Subscribe and win!60 Pop the kettle on and tackle our puzzles and competitions Rough Collies. Photo by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)DogsTodayEditorialEditor: Beverley CuddyArt Director: Rosie PeaceChief Sub Editor/Contributing Editor: Claire Horton-BusseyDeputy Editor: Alessandra PacelliIllustrator: Kevin BrockbankAdvertising & sponsorship Sales & Marketing Director: Mike McGlynn 01276 402591Sales Executive - Print & Digital: Tom Jones 01276 402593Office dogsBetty (Old English-Golden Retriever-ish); Honey (Cocker Spaniel); Lennie (Staffie cross); Loki (Border Collie-Kelpie cross); Vicky, Justine & Poison Ivy (Newfoundlands); Sophie (Jack Russell); Triss (Jack Russell)Betty’s Personal Trainer: Kirsten Dillon IMDT A.Dip CBMDogs Today, Brandshare Ltd, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AA. 01276 402599enquiries@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk www.dogstodaymagazine.co.ukPublishers Chief Operations Officer: Graham Smith01276 402598 (graham@wearebrandshare.com)Managing Director: Beverley Cuddy 01276 402597 (beverley@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk)SubscriptionsFor subscription queries call Brandshare on 01276 402599 or email subs@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk. Initial subscription rates: UK & BFPO: 12 issues £46.99, 24 issues £85; Non UK: 12 issues £79.99, 24 issues £145.Direct Debit (UK only): £12.50 for 3 monthsThe editor is always pleased to consider articles and photos from freelancers. However, there is often a considerable delay before material can be assessed. Please include an SAE if you want your work returned. While every care will be taken, no responsibility for loss or damage can be accepted. Competition sponsors and their families are not eligible for any competition.Dogs Today incor porating Perfect Pup is published by Brandshare Ltd, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AA. Tel 01276 402599. Brandshare Ltd reg. office: The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AA.Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 2nd Floor, 5 Churchill Pl, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU.Tel: 020 3148 3333. www.marketforce.co.ukPrinted by The Manson Group.© 2024 Dogs Today. The world copyright of the editorial matter, both illustrations and text, is strictly reserved. Registered as a newspaper for transmission in the UK.The ethical pet magazine for people who really care about dogsFacebook: Dogs Today@beverleycuddy@Dogs_TodayLIMITEDNext issue on sale: 9 May 2024To download Dogs Today for iPad - go to the App store. Android and PC versions are available from Pocket Mags & the Kindle edition from www.amazon.co.ukApril 2024 Dogs Today3

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Inside this month...News & features 6 Arthur the King: an epic dog film that tells a remarkable true-life adventure 10 Scent to save us: Medical Detection Dogs celebrates its 15th birthday 12 Sniff tests and nose games: try some scent work at home 16 Crufts: a nose for trouble? Another year, another flat-face controversy20 Goodbye, Fleur: tributes to the Romanian rescue who defied all odds 42 Who vets the vets? The Competition and Markets Authority investigates 46 Baby shark: Billie Eilish only has Ocean Eyes for her rescue dog48 Firework reform: keep banging on about ongoing bangs!Over to you!40 Great debate: ‘beware of the dog’ signs56 Postbag: your thoughts on all things canine Training & behaviour24 Proud to be a cookie pusher! It’s an honour to use rewards rather than punishmentOpinion 66 Confessions of a dogaholic: taking a stand – Crufts Investigation 24 Q&A: how can a dog be safe around livestock?; what are the biggest mistakes dog owners can make near roads?; what hazards should dog owners look out for on spring walks?; what promising cancer treatments are on the horizon - and what is the exciting new cancer test?50 Dog crush: meet the Rough Collie Competitions & shopping 32 Subscribe and win!60 Pop the kettle on and tackle our puzzles and competitions Rough Collies. Photo by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)DogsTodayEditorialEditor: Beverley CuddyArt Director: Rosie PeaceChief Sub Editor/Contributing Editor: Claire Horton-BusseyDeputy Editor: Alessandra PacelliIllustrator: Kevin BrockbankAdvertising & sponsorship Sales & Marketing Director: Mike McGlynn 01276 402591Sales Executive - Print & Digital: Tom Jones 01276 402593Office dogsBetty (Old English-Golden Retriever-ish); Honey (Cocker Spaniel); Lennie (Staffie cross); Loki (Border Collie-Kelpie cross); Vicky, Justine & Poison Ivy (Newfoundlands); Sophie (Jack Russell); Triss (Jack Russell)Betty’s Personal Trainer: Kirsten Dillon IMDT A.Dip CBMDogs Today, Brandshare Ltd, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AA. 01276 402599enquiries@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk www.dogstodaymagazine.co.ukPublishers Chief Operations Officer: Graham Smith01276 402598 (graham@wearebrandshare.com)Managing Director: Beverley Cuddy 01276 402597 (beverley@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk)SubscriptionsFor subscription queries call Brandshare on 01276 402599 or email subs@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk. Initial subscription rates: UK & BFPO: 12 issues £46.99, 24 issues £85; Non UK: 12 issues £79.99, 24 issues £145.Direct Debit (UK only): £12.50 for 3 monthsThe editor is always pleased to consider articles and photos from freelancers. However, there is often a considerable delay before material can be assessed. Please include an SAE if you want your work returned. While every care will be taken, no responsibility for loss or damage can be accepted. Competition sponsors and their families are not eligible for any competition.Dogs Today incor porating Perfect Pup is published by Brandshare Ltd, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AA. Tel 01276 402599. Brandshare Ltd reg. office: The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AA.Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 2nd Floor, 5 Churchill Pl, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU.Tel: 020 3148 3333. www.marketforce.co.ukPrinted by The Manson Group.© 2024 Dogs Today. The world copyright of the editorial matter, both illustrations and text, is strictly reserved. Registered as a newspaper for transmission in the UK.The ethical pet magazine for people who really care about dogsFacebook: Dogs Today@beverleycuddy@Dogs_TodayLIMITEDNext issue on sale: 9 May 2024To download Dogs Today for iPad - go to the App store. Android and PC versions are available from Pocket Mags & the Kindle edition from www.amazon.co.ukApril 2024 Dogs Today3

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4 Dogs Today April 2024 As we go to press, we are seeing headlines that Germany is considering banning the Dachshund. It gave the newspaper editors the opportunity to write the brilliant headline Auf Wiedersehen, Pet? Facts were rather sketchy below the headlines, but it gave the opportunity to show photos of gorgeous sausage dogs – pure clickbait.But digging – as Dachshunds like to do – it seems there’s not much new. There have long been rumblings against ‘torture breeding’ – knowingly producing dogs who are born to suffer. Norway has been the first to act, banning Cavaliers from being bred unless outcrossed with dogs that will hopefully make them much healthier. The world seems to be becoming much less tolerant of bizarre extremes of dog ‘beauty’ that cause shorter, less healthy lives. That surely is a good thing. The RSPCA’s latest campaign, ‘Born to Suffer’, certainly hits home.It was the Victorians who created the mess; it was in that era that breeding dogs to win at dog shows really took off. But back then, people were still queuing to see disabled people in travelling ‘freak’ shows. It was an ugly time for human behaviour.Our friend the dog turned out to be incredibly malleable genetically and soon breeders were able to vastly ‘improve’ the look of their dogs, probably without any idea of the possible consequences those tweaks might later have. Line breeding was something all the top show people learned, in order to ‘fix’ their type. The science was several steps behind that would alert breeders to the gene erosion that such close breeding inevitably encouraged. The bottlenecks would cause terrible health problems, which no one had previously encountered.Hindsight is a wonderful thing. This is the history all dog breeders have inherited. The challenge we have today is to preserve all the good qualities these ancient breeds have, but to mitigate the damage caused by exaggeration and gene erosion. NO-WIN SITUATIONThose who do try to breed healthier dogs may feel somewhat vulnerable to attack. At Crufts, we had the top-winning French Bulldog – a dog who had passed every health test currently available – being slated in the general media for not having discernible nostrils. Those trying to be a good dog breeder in the 2020s will find it rather a thankless task. The ‘adopt don’t shop’ fraternity would much rather no one bred dogs until all rescues are empty – but if all the good breeders stopped production tomorrow, the puppy farmers would just breed even more unhealthy dogs to fill the gaps. Weekly show newspaper Our Dogs pledged its support to the German Kennel Club in fighting a possible Dachshund ban, but ironically, the breed the German people know and love is a lot less exaggerated than the one we have in the UK! German wieners are generally much healthier than the UK sausage dog; they’re usually longer in the leg and shorter in back.Next month, we’ll have a very helpful article on how to try to avoid back problems if you share your life with a Dachshund. PBeverley CuddyIllustration by Beverley CuddyDear readersBeverley Cuddy is Dogs Today’s Editor and publisher. She shares her life with Betty, an Old English-Golden Retriever-ish dog from Many Tears, and Honey, a Cocker Spaniel.Eco-Friendly European MadeLuxury Orthopaedic Dog BedsEst. 2014Visit us at Crufts 2024 Hall 5 stand 126www.bakerandbray.comGive your dog the ultimate gift of comfort and luxury only a Baker & Bray award winning, eco-friendly orthopaedic dog bed can provide. It’s the bed they would choose! BEDS • COLLARS • LEADS • HEAT REGULATING BLANKETSwww.bakerandbray.com4.9/5 INDEPENDENT CUSTOMER REVIEWS ON JUDGEME

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4 Dogs Today April 2024 As we go to press, we are seeing headlines that Germany is considering banning the Dachshund. It gave the newspaper editors the opportunity to write the brilliant headline Auf Wiedersehen, Pet? Facts were rather sketchy below the headlines, but it gave the opportunity to show photos of gorgeous sausage dogs – pure clickbait.But digging – as Dachshunds like to do – it seems there’s not much new. There have long been rumblings against ‘torture breeding’ – knowingly producing dogs who are born to suffer. Norway has been the first to act, banning Cavaliers from being bred unless outcrossed with dogs that will hopefully make them much healthier. The world seems to be becoming much less tolerant of bizarre extremes of dog ‘beauty’ that cause shorter, less healthy lives. That surely is a good thing. The RSPCA’s latest campaign, ‘Born to Suffer’, certainly hits home.It was the Victorians who created the mess; it was in that era that breeding dogs to win at dog shows really took off. But back then, people were still queuing to see disabled people in travelling ‘freak’ shows. It was an ugly time for human behaviour.Our friend the dog turned out to be incredibly malleable genetically and soon breeders were able to vastly ‘improve’ the look of their dogs, probably without any idea of the possible consequences those tweaks might later have. Line breeding was something all the top show people learned, in order to ‘fix’ their type. The science was several steps behind that would alert breeders to the gene erosion that such close breeding inevitably encouraged. The bottlenecks would cause terrible health problems, which no one had previously encountered.Hindsight is a wonderful thing. This is the history all dog breeders have inherited. The challenge we have today is to preserve all the good qualities these ancient breeds have, but to mitigate the damage caused by exaggeration and gene erosion. NO-WIN SITUATIONThose who do try to breed healthier dogs may feel somewhat vulnerable to attack. At Crufts, we had the top-winning French Bulldog – a dog who had passed every health test currently available – being slated in the general media for not having discernible nostrils. Those trying to be a good dog breeder in the 2020s will find it rather a thankless task. The ‘adopt don’t shop’ fraternity would much rather no one bred dogs until all rescues are empty – but if all the good breeders stopped production tomorrow, the puppy farmers would just breed even more unhealthy dogs to fill the gaps. Weekly show newspaper Our Dogs pledged its support to the German Kennel Club in fighting a possible Dachshund ban, but ironically, the breed the German people know and love is a lot less exaggerated than the one we have in the UK! German wieners are generally much healthier than the UK sausage dog; they’re usually longer in the leg and shorter in back.Next month, we’ll have a very helpful article on how to try to avoid back problems if you share your life with a Dachshund. PBeverley CuddyIllustration by Beverley CuddyDear readersBeverley Cuddy is Dogs Today’s Editor and publisher. She shares her life with Betty, an Old English-Golden Retriever-ish dog from Many Tears, and Honey, a Cocker Spaniel.Eco-Friendly European MadeLuxury Orthopaedic Dog BedsEst. 2014Visit us at Crufts 2024 Hall 5 stand 126www.bakerandbray.comGive your dog the ultimate gift of comfort and luxury only a Baker & Bray award winning, eco-friendly orthopaedic dog bed can provide. It’s the bed they would choose! BEDS • COLLARS • LEADS • HEAT REGULATING BLANKETSwww.bakerandbray.com4.9/5 INDEPENDENT CUSTOMER REVIEWS ON JUDGEME

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very inconvenient love possessed Mikael. He’d never identified as a dog person. In 20 years of highly competitive adventure racing all over the globe, he’d encountered lots of other stray dogs begging for his food. Adventure racing is a tough, single-minded endurance sport – it’s not unheard of for the contestants to die during the races. There’s certainly no time for anyone to pet the local dogs.Mikael was getting older; he thought this might be his last chance to win. The South American race was going well; the team was in second place – they could win if they kept up this punishing pace.Four days into the race, in Ecuador, the team were rushing to refuel and change gear, but a scruffy stray mutt kept staring over at Mikael. He told me he thought the dog looked germy; there was a weeping open sore still bleeding on his back.Mikael admits that giving the dog some of his meatballs wasn’t an altruistic act of friendship; he just thought if he got rid of the last of the food, the dog might clear off – he didn’t want the team catching anything nasty from this stray.Maybe no one had ever shown the dog any kindness before. When the team set off again at their rapid pace, the scruffy dog followed.DOG ON BOARDDays and hundreds of treacherous miles later, when they reached the dangerous water section of the competition, it should have been the natural end to this story. The dog would have to return home – wherever that was. But the crazy dog jumped into the choppy water and started trying to swim after their boats.Mikael had to make a choice: winning or the dog.Could a dog even endure the 14-hour water section of the race? Their boats were tiny. He pulled the dog into his boat. Even though supplies were short, the dog’s needs would now be prioritised.It was the dog’s natural majesty, despite very great adversity, that led Mikael to name him King Arthur. Other members of the team said the dog’s spirit had inspired them keep going, too. A love letter to ArthurForget James Bond, the bond between Arthur and Mikael is stronger than superglue. It’s based on a true story – otherwise you’d not believe it was possible. This is truly an epic dog movieWords BEVERLEY CUDDY6 Dogs Today April 2024AMikael with Arthur. Photo © ESPNApril 2024 Dogs Today 7 When the team all crossed the finish line together, another race would immediately start. Could Mikael convince the authorities to allow him to take Arthur back to Sweden and get him the urgent veterinary care he so obviously needed? SOUTH AMERICA TO SWEDENAnd when the life-saving surgery and that long quarantine period was over, could this South American street dog cope with Swedish domestic life and sharing Mikael with his family? Mikael’s wife had recently had their second baby. Mikael told me, “It was love at first sight. We opened all the doors of the house, so he could choose whether to be with us or not, but immediately he loved us all and instantly became a vital part of our family.”Arthur’s remarkable story went viral and there was soon a best-selling book and two documentaries. And then Hollywood came calling and British director Simon Cellan Jones decided to cast Mark Wahlberg to play Mikael.(Was the director’s name as familiar to you as me? Yes? His half-brother is journalist Rory, who has Sophie, the famous Romanian stray. And Simon was, of course, the maestro behind the classic TV show Our Friends in the North and so much more before the big screen called him. This was only his first dog movie, though. But what a start!)“Finding a dog to play Arthur was really difficult,” Simon told me, “Arthur wasn’t a specific breed, of course – but Ukai was almost a perfect match. We had a few acting dogs lined up, as filming in the jungle in the Dominican Republic was going to be tough, but Ukai was just perfect. He did everything asked of him; it was uncanny how like the real Arthur he was.”Mark was a big dog lover, too – the chemistry was there. He loved the script.Mikael told me, “The real Arthur had tragically died only a few weeks before we started filming and initially the grief was so overwhelming, I just wanted to stop the film. I had to wear sunglasses on set for days, as I was just sobbing so much. UPSTAGED BY UKAI“I’m still grieving, but I’m glad we made the movie. I think this film is like a love letter to my Arthur. A celebration of him.”Will we see Ukai on all the red carpets next year? Messi the dog from Anatomy of a Fall went viral at the Oscars. Simon told me, “While Messi put in an epic performance, Ukai has pushed the envelope even further.”The Hollywood Reporter went further still: “Arthur is played by Ukai, a mutt who delivers the strongest performance in the movie (sorry, Mark).”Deadline magazine said: “This movie and story are a natural for the star, and the supporting cast also is up

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very inconvenient love possessed Mikael. He’d never identified as a dog person. In 20 years of highly competitive adventure racing all over the globe, he’d encountered lots of other stray dogs begging for his food. Adventure racing is a tough, single-minded endurance sport – it’s not unheard of for the contestants to die during the races. There’s certainly no time for anyone to pet the local dogs.Mikael was getting older; he thought this might be his last chance to win. The South American race was going well; the team was in second place – they could win if they kept up this punishing pace.Four days into the race, in Ecuador, the team were rushing to refuel and change gear, but a scruffy stray mutt kept staring over at Mikael. He told me he thought the dog looked germy; there was a weeping open sore still bleeding on his back.Mikael admits that giving the dog some of his meatballs wasn’t an altruistic act of friendship; he just thought if he got rid of the last of the food, the dog might clear off – he didn’t want the team catching anything nasty from this stray.Maybe no one had ever shown the dog any kindness before. When the team set off again at their rapid pace, the scruffy dog followed.DOG ON BOARDDays and hundreds of treacherous miles later, when they reached the dangerous water section of the competition, it should have been the natural end to this story. The dog would have to return home – wherever that was. But the crazy dog jumped into the choppy water and started trying to swim after their boats.Mikael had to make a choice: winning or the dog.Could a dog even endure the 14-hour water section of the race? Their boats were tiny. He pulled the dog into his boat. Even though supplies were short, the dog’s needs would now be prioritised.It was the dog’s natural majesty, despite very great adversity, that led Mikael to name him King Arthur. Other members of the team said the dog’s spirit had inspired them keep going, too. A love letter to ArthurForget James Bond, the bond between Arthur and Mikael is stronger than superglue. It’s based on a true story – otherwise you’d not believe it was possible. This is truly an epic dog movieWords BEVERLEY CUDDY6 Dogs Today April 2024AMikael with Arthur. Photo © ESPNApril 2024 Dogs Today 7 When the team all crossed the finish line together, another race would immediately start. Could Mikael convince the authorities to allow him to take Arthur back to Sweden and get him the urgent veterinary care he so obviously needed? SOUTH AMERICA TO SWEDENAnd when the life-saving surgery and that long quarantine period was over, could this South American street dog cope with Swedish domestic life and sharing Mikael with his family? Mikael’s wife had recently had their second baby. Mikael told me, “It was love at first sight. We opened all the doors of the house, so he could choose whether to be with us or not, but immediately he loved us all and instantly became a vital part of our family.”Arthur’s remarkable story went viral and there was soon a best-selling book and two documentaries. And then Hollywood came calling and British director Simon Cellan Jones decided to cast Mark Wahlberg to play Mikael.(Was the director’s name as familiar to you as me? Yes? His half-brother is journalist Rory, who has Sophie, the famous Romanian stray. And Simon was, of course, the maestro behind the classic TV show Our Friends in the North and so much more before the big screen called him. This was only his first dog movie, though. But what a start!)“Finding a dog to play Arthur was really difficult,” Simon told me, “Arthur wasn’t a specific breed, of course – but Ukai was almost a perfect match. We had a few acting dogs lined up, as filming in the jungle in the Dominican Republic was going to be tough, but Ukai was just perfect. He did everything asked of him; it was uncanny how like the real Arthur he was.”Mark was a big dog lover, too – the chemistry was there. He loved the script.Mikael told me, “The real Arthur had tragically died only a few weeks before we started filming and initially the grief was so overwhelming, I just wanted to stop the film. I had to wear sunglasses on set for days, as I was just sobbing so much. UPSTAGED BY UKAI“I’m still grieving, but I’m glad we made the movie. I think this film is like a love letter to my Arthur. A celebration of him.”Will we see Ukai on all the red carpets next year? Messi the dog from Anatomy of a Fall went viral at the Oscars. Simon told me, “While Messi put in an epic performance, Ukai has pushed the envelope even further.”The Hollywood Reporter went further still: “Arthur is played by Ukai, a mutt who delivers the strongest performance in the movie (sorry, Mark).”Deadline magazine said: “This movie and story are a natural for the star, and the supporting cast also is up

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8 Dogs Today April 2024to the task, even though they eventually are working opposite a talented scene-stealer whose real name is Ukai, doing what I understand is 90 per cent of his own stunts. Shout-out to Jacques Jouffret’s fine cinematography and the dog training by Mathilde de Cagny.”Which made me wonder, what other work had Mathilde done? Remember the Griffon who played opposite Jack Nicholson in my all-time favourite dog movie As Good as it Gets? That was her work. I counted 28 other famous movies she’s credited for – including box office gold Marley and Me. And remember Eddie from Frazier? I only ever watched the show for that dog.Why isn’t there an Oscar for dog training? Mathilde would be unbeatable.Arthur the King could be in UK cinemas now – or soon, according to Lionsgate. Plus, it will be streaming for ever, as will your eyes. Mascara not required, as Jilly Cooper always says. Arthur, everyone will fall in love with you. PIf you can’t get enough of this story, check out the two ESPN documentaries online.And the books: Arthur the King: The dog who crossed the jungle to find a home, by Mikael Lindnord and Val Hudson, and, by the same authors, Arthur and Friends: The incredible story of a rescue dog, and how our dogs rescue us.2024-03-05_ADSPDCONPSuperDog takes our 50 years of award-winning nutritional expertise even further– all the innovation and careful, effective formulation you’d expect from Vitabiotics, now available for your special companion.From vitality to healthy joints and bones, SuperDog formulations provide optimum levels of micro-nutrientsto safeguard the diet of your furriest family member.Proud supporter of Battersea, caring fordogs and cats since 1860From , Amazon, Ocado, and Vitabiotics.com– all the innovation Joints & Bones60 Chewable TabletsHealth & Vitality60 Chewable Tablets*Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Value & Unit Retail Sales 52 w/e 27/1/24.To verify contact Vitabiotics Ltd, 1 Apsley Way, London, NW2 7HF. Vitabiotics Ltd will donate 35p + VAT from the sale of each SuperDog product to Battersea Dogs’ Home Limited which donates its profits to Battersea Dogs’ & Cats’ Home (registered charity number: 206394). Stockists may vary.

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8 Dogs Today April 2024to the task, even though they eventually are working opposite a talented scene-stealer whose real name is Ukai, doing what I understand is 90 per cent of his own stunts. Shout-out to Jacques Jouffret’s fine cinematography and the dog training by Mathilde de Cagny.”Which made me wonder, what other work had Mathilde done? Remember the Griffon who played opposite Jack Nicholson in my all-time favourite dog movie As Good as it Gets? That was her work. I counted 28 other famous movies she’s credited for – including box office gold Marley and Me. And remember Eddie from Frazier? I only ever watched the show for that dog.Why isn’t there an Oscar for dog training? Mathilde would be unbeatable.Arthur the King could be in UK cinemas now – or soon, according to Lionsgate. Plus, it will be streaming for ever, as will your eyes. Mascara not required, as Jilly Cooper always says. Arthur, everyone will fall in love with you. PIf you can’t get enough of this story, check out the two ESPN documentaries online.And the books: Arthur the King: The dog who crossed the jungle to find a home, by Mikael Lindnord and Val Hudson, and, by the same authors, Arthur and Friends: The incredible story of a rescue dog, and how our dogs rescue us.2024-03-05_ADSPDCONPSuperDog takes our 50 years of award-winning nutritional expertise even further– all the innovation and careful, effective formulation you’d expect from Vitabiotics, now available for your special companion.From vitality to healthy joints and bones, SuperDog formulations provide optimum levels of micro-nutrientsto safeguard the diet of your furriest family member.Proud supporter of Battersea, caring fordogs and cats since 1860From , Amazon, Ocado, and Vitabiotics.com– all the innovation Joints & Bones60 Chewable TabletsHealth & Vitality60 Chewable Tablets*Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Value & Unit Retail Sales 52 w/e 27/1/24.To verify contact Vitabiotics Ltd, 1 Apsley Way, London, NW2 7HF. Vitabiotics Ltd will donate 35p + VAT from the sale of each SuperDog product to Battersea Dogs’ Home Limited which donates its profits to Battersea Dogs’ & Cats’ Home (registered charity number: 206394). Stockists may vary.

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also focusing on Parkinson’s disease. Globally, disability and death due to Parkinson’s are rapidly increasing, and the team is determined to improve early diagnosis of this progressive, debilitating disease.PARKINSON’S ODOURPeople with Parkinson’s disease can be left struggling to move, speak, swallow and even breathe. There is currently no defi nitive test for it. Diagnosis is usually made in response to the individual exhibiting motor symptoms, such as tremor and rigidity, or slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and non-motor symptoms. Sadly, there is no cure and Parkinson’s symptoms typically only start when more than half of the relevant nerve cells in the brain have already been lost, which research suggests is up to 20 years after the disease fi rst occurs. Early diagnosis is key. Treatment can slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the intensity of symptoms. Proprietary results from the team of detection dogs proved they could fi nd an individual with Parkinson’s disease very reliably from their odour.The next stage of this project is to show how early in the disease process the dogs can detect the odour. Dogs will be shown samples from patients with symptoms that are often associated with Parkinson’s (but may be other conditions) alongside confi rmed Parkinson’s samples, to see if there are similarities in odour. This information could assist with earlier identifi cation of the disease before a patient displays the more defi nite, debilitating symptoms.EARLY DIAGNOSISMDD believes there is a real potential for dogs to achieve even higher accuracy with increased exposure and refi ned training methods and to detect early-stage Parkinson’s disease, even prior to diagnosis. The dogs could offer a supportive, additional service to assist Parkinson’s diagnosis within the framework of the current tests available, enabling faster, accurate diagnosis and access to treatments that can slow down the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms. The knowledge the dogs provide could also ultimately lead to the development of technology that provides, accurate, non-invasive diagnosis. Pwww.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk/givingApril 2024 Dogs Today11Words BEVERLEY CUDDY10 Dogs Today April 2024Did you know that in the UK in 2013/14, the NHS spent £434 million on treating 184,000 patients with unplanned admissions associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs)? A retrospective observational study using linked health records from almost one million patients above 65 years old in England found that older adults (21 per cent) had at least one clinically diagnosed UTI over the 10-year study period.UTIs can be complicated and life-threatening if left untreated, especially for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, and individuals with neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, who are at a greater risk of developing complications. For these individuals, UTIs may progress rapidly and are the leading cause of hospitalisation. Yet early diagnosis is difficult to achieve and urine culture results take up to 48 hours for laboratory tests to be completed.SNIFFING OUT UTISIn its 15th year, Medical Detection Dogs (MDD) has started a new project to train dogs to detect the odour of UTIs. The dogs will be trained to distinguish between the odour of samples from patients with a UTI and samples taken from healthy volunteers. These dogs will be known as community medical detection dogs, and they will not only help with early UTI diagnosis, but will also offer mental health benefits, such as providing emotional support, encouraging exercise and improving quality of life and cardiovascular health.Once the dogs have proved they can detect the odour in the training room, they’ll work in collaboration with the NHS and healthcare providers to detect UTIs via passive searching (dogs directly sniffing people) in the community. Medical Detection Dogs were among the first in the world to train passive search dogs to detect Covid-19 and those learnings will be invaluable when deploying dogs for this project.Once trained, the dogs will present a new, immediate method of UTI detection for people with neurological impairment, hospitalised patients and the elderly. Medical Detection Dogs is Medical Detection Dogs is celebrating its 15th birthday and is still finding new ways for our best friends to help usScent to save us

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also focusing on Parkinson’s disease. Globally, disability and death due to Parkinson’s are rapidly increasing, and the team is determined to improve early diagnosis of this progressive, debilitating disease.PARKINSON’S ODOURPeople with Parkinson’s disease can be left struggling to move, speak, swallow and even breathe. There is currently no defi nitive test for it. Diagnosis is usually made in response to the individual exhibiting motor symptoms, such as tremor and rigidity, or slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and non-motor symptoms. Sadly, there is no cure and Parkinson’s symptoms typically only start when more than half of the relevant nerve cells in the brain have already been lost, which research suggests is up to 20 years after the disease fi rst occurs. Early diagnosis is key. Treatment can slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the intensity of symptoms. Proprietary results from the team of detection dogs proved they could fi nd an individual with Parkinson’s disease very reliably from their odour.The next stage of this project is to show how early in the disease process the dogs can detect the odour. Dogs will be shown samples from patients with symptoms that are often associated with Parkinson’s (but may be other conditions) alongside confi rmed Parkinson’s samples, to see if there are similarities in odour. This information could assist with earlier identifi cation of the disease before a patient displays the more defi nite, debilitating symptoms.EARLY DIAGNOSISMDD believes there is a real potential for dogs to achieve even higher accuracy with increased exposure and refi ned training methods and to detect early-stage Parkinson’s disease, even prior to diagnosis. The dogs could offer a supportive, additional service to assist Parkinson’s diagnosis within the framework of the current tests available, enabling faster, accurate diagnosis and access to treatments that can slow down the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms. The knowledge the dogs provide could also ultimately lead to the development of technology that provides, accurate, non-invasive diagnosis. Pwww.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk/givingApril 2024 Dogs Today11Words BEVERLEY CUDDY10 Dogs Today April 2024Did you know that in the UK in 2013/14, the NHS spent £434 million on treating 184,000 patients with unplanned admissions associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs)? A retrospective observational study using linked health records from almost one million patients above 65 years old in England found that older adults (21 per cent) had at least one clinically diagnosed UTI over the 10-year study period.UTIs can be complicated and life-threatening if left untreated, especially for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, and individuals with neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, who are at a greater risk of developing complications. For these individuals, UTIs may progress rapidly and are the leading cause of hospitalisation. Yet early diagnosis is difficult to achieve and urine culture results take up to 48 hours for laboratory tests to be completed.SNIFFING OUT UTISIn its 15th year, Medical Detection Dogs (MDD) has started a new project to train dogs to detect the odour of UTIs. The dogs will be trained to distinguish between the odour of samples from patients with a UTI and samples taken from healthy volunteers. These dogs will be known as community medical detection dogs, and they will not only help with early UTI diagnosis, but will also offer mental health benefits, such as providing emotional support, encouraging exercise and improving quality of life and cardiovascular health.Once the dogs have proved they can detect the odour in the training room, they’ll work in collaboration with the NHS and healthcare providers to detect UTIs via passive searching (dogs directly sniffing people) in the community. Medical Detection Dogs were among the first in the world to train passive search dogs to detect Covid-19 and those learnings will be invaluable when deploying dogs for this project.Once trained, the dogs will present a new, immediate method of UTI detection for people with neurological impairment, hospitalised patients and the elderly. Medical Detection Dogs is Medical Detection Dogs is celebrating its 15th birthday and is still finding new ways for our best friends to help usScent to save us

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12 Dogs Today April 2024Our dogs’ noses, in comparison to ours, are incredible. With their significantly superior receptors and complex odour-detecting process, they are used for roles such as locating explosives or drugs, finding missing people, within conservation, medical detection and identifying the use of accelerants in arson attacks. However, away from the operational world of scent detection, there is a growing sport of scentwork accessible to everyone and every breed. Many instructors offer scentwork classes, workshops and competitions. Within the behaviour world, where we often look at changing the emotional lives of our dogs – trying to reduce arousal or reactivity, build confidence, or change how a dog interacts with an environment – scentwork is having a growing impact. It is easily integrated into behaviour modification plans, is accessible for all dogs and adds enrichment to their lives. It can be implemented in a small safe space and at its most basic level doesn’t require any specialist equipment. The popularity of scentwork as a sport stems from the enhanced relationship we can have with our dogs through engaging with them in an activity that is accessible to all breeds, ages and abilities. Scentwork uses the dog’s natural desire to explore an environment with their nose and therefore it is intrinsically reinforcing. Through involvement in scentwork, dogs learn or enhance the skills of problem solving and independence. They may build physical confidence through overcoming challenges in the Words PAULINE WHITTAKERWelcome to the wonderful world of scentwork or scent detection – a world we cannot imagine but where our dogs thriveSniff tests and nose gamesHope. Photo © Nick Lyncharea they are working, and, as a consequence of gaining these skills and being engaged in a sport they find so enjoyable and can easily be successful at, they gain greater resilience, reduced stress levels, lowered arousal and better relaxation and sleep. My own journey into scentwork started several years ago when I was trying to find a new activity for my rescue collie, Maddy. She was a young dog with a multitude of health problems, due to her background and breeding, and scentwork allowed her to have a job and a mental outlet that didn’t physically tax her but was satiating, helped her to relax and reduced stress. I could see her enjoyment with it from the start and the benefits it gave her. SAFE SPACEI switched from agility to scentwork with my noisy, high-arousal collie, Tessa. Scentwork gave her a focus and sense of purpose, and she worked calmly and diligently but with real purpose and enjoyment. We both loved it and have continued success. Tessa has gone on to be one of the top dogs working in the National Nosework Association, currently working at Excellent Level and Scentwork UK Level 9. I am also currently training my young collie pup for his future role as a detection dog. I regularly use scentwork as part of behaviour modification plans within my role as a behaviourist. It is often the anxious or withdrawn dogs who benefit from this the most. Through providing a safe, calm space to develop news skills, I have seen dogs’ lives change with remarkable speed and the guardians know this is something they can usually easily build on and replicate at home. I usually start by putting little food searches out with lots of easy finds. These sessions may need to be short but should always be successful. Over a period of sessions, the dogs usually become more confident to explore, the time needed to adapt to the new environment decreases and anticipation about the activity becomes apparent. GET SNIFFINGClasses and competitions aren’t essential. Here are some simple ideas to add scent-based enrichment to your dogs’ lives today. Firstly, assess whether your dog is more toy- or food-motivated. For a dog who is mostly food-motivated, cut up a favourite treat into small pieces (I use small cubes of cheese or slices of cocktail sausages for this). Start by letting them see you, but not follow you, as you hide a few pieces of food around a room in your house or your back garden/patio. Bring your dog into the search area, let them off the lead if safe to do so, and let them find the food. I introduce a hand signal at the point I want them to start sniffing (close to the first piece of food) and cue the behaviour as ‘find it’ or ‘seek’. Your dog should find the pieces of food easily on these first simple searches and should April 2024 Dogs Today 13 CASE STUDY: MISSYMissy, a four-year-old spaniel, has been participating in scentwork with me for the last two and a half years. I saw her initially for a behaviour consultation due to repetitive behaviours – fly- and dust-snapping, inside and outside of the home – and an inability to relax. Scentwork has been instrumental in resolving these problems. Missy’s guardian, Yvonne, says, “Scentwork has, quite frankly, saved my sanity. It has provided an outlet for channelling a mad spaniel’s busy brain in a positive way. Missy is now able to focus and work in a way I did not believe possible after being stuck in a destructive cycle of repetitive behaviours. All that concentration has a tiring effect and Missy can now settle and relax, making her (and our home life) less stressed. “Through training, I have gained a deeper understanding of Missy and built our relationship in a fun way.”

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12 Dogs Today April 2024Our dogs’ noses, in comparison to ours, are incredible. With their significantly superior receptors and complex odour-detecting process, they are used for roles such as locating explosives or drugs, finding missing people, within conservation, medical detection and identifying the use of accelerants in arson attacks. However, away from the operational world of scent detection, there is a growing sport of scentwork accessible to everyone and every breed. Many instructors offer scentwork classes, workshops and competitions. Within the behaviour world, where we often look at changing the emotional lives of our dogs – trying to reduce arousal or reactivity, build confidence, or change how a dog interacts with an environment – scentwork is having a growing impact. It is easily integrated into behaviour modification plans, is accessible for all dogs and adds enrichment to their lives. It can be implemented in a small safe space and at its most basic level doesn’t require any specialist equipment. The popularity of scentwork as a sport stems from the enhanced relationship we can have with our dogs through engaging with them in an activity that is accessible to all breeds, ages and abilities. Scentwork uses the dog’s natural desire to explore an environment with their nose and therefore it is intrinsically reinforcing. Through involvement in scentwork, dogs learn or enhance the skills of problem solving and independence. They may build physical confidence through overcoming challenges in the Words PAULINE WHITTAKERWelcome to the wonderful world of scentwork or scent detection – a world we cannot imagine but where our dogs thriveSniff tests and nose gamesHope. Photo © Nick Lyncharea they are working, and, as a consequence of gaining these skills and being engaged in a sport they find so enjoyable and can easily be successful at, they gain greater resilience, reduced stress levels, lowered arousal and better relaxation and sleep. My own journey into scentwork started several years ago when I was trying to find a new activity for my rescue collie, Maddy. She was a young dog with a multitude of health problems, due to her background and breeding, and scentwork allowed her to have a job and a mental outlet that didn’t physically tax her but was satiating, helped her to relax and reduced stress. I could see her enjoyment with it from the start and the benefits it gave her. SAFE SPACEI switched from agility to scentwork with my noisy, high-arousal collie, Tessa. Scentwork gave her a focus and sense of purpose, and she worked calmly and diligently but with real purpose and enjoyment. We both loved it and have continued success. Tessa has gone on to be one of the top dogs working in the National Nosework Association, currently working at Excellent Level and Scentwork UK Level 9. I am also currently training my young collie pup for his future role as a detection dog. I regularly use scentwork as part of behaviour modification plans within my role as a behaviourist. It is often the anxious or withdrawn dogs who benefit from this the most. Through providing a safe, calm space to develop news skills, I have seen dogs’ lives change with remarkable speed and the guardians know this is something they can usually easily build on and replicate at home. I usually start by putting little food searches out with lots of easy finds. These sessions may need to be short but should always be successful. Over a period of sessions, the dogs usually become more confident to explore, the time needed to adapt to the new environment decreases and anticipation about the activity becomes apparent. GET SNIFFINGClasses and competitions aren’t essential. Here are some simple ideas to add scent-based enrichment to your dogs’ lives today. Firstly, assess whether your dog is more toy- or food-motivated. For a dog who is mostly food-motivated, cut up a favourite treat into small pieces (I use small cubes of cheese or slices of cocktail sausages for this). Start by letting them see you, but not follow you, as you hide a few pieces of food around a room in your house or your back garden/patio. Bring your dog into the search area, let them off the lead if safe to do so, and let them find the food. I introduce a hand signal at the point I want them to start sniffing (close to the first piece of food) and cue the behaviour as ‘find it’ or ‘seek’. Your dog should find the pieces of food easily on these first simple searches and should April 2024 Dogs Today 13 CASE STUDY: MISSYMissy, a four-year-old spaniel, has been participating in scentwork with me for the last two and a half years. I saw her initially for a behaviour consultation due to repetitive behaviours – fly- and dust-snapping, inside and outside of the home – and an inability to relax. Scentwork has been instrumental in resolving these problems. Missy’s guardian, Yvonne, says, “Scentwork has, quite frankly, saved my sanity. It has provided an outlet for channelling a mad spaniel’s busy brain in a positive way. Missy is now able to focus and work in a way I did not believe possible after being stuck in a destructive cycle of repetitive behaviours. All that concentration has a tiring effect and Missy can now settle and relax, making her (and our home life) less stressed. “Through training, I have gained a deeper understanding of Missy and built our relationship in a fun way.”

Page 14

14 Dogs Today April 2024enjoy being actively involved in the ‘seeking’ behaviour. Knowing your dog is important. Try to assess how many short repetitions of this they can do without feeling pressured, while keeping the same level of motivation and anticipation for the next find. A busy spaniel might like to do lots of repetitions without looking tired at all whereas a more cautious or anxious dog may only cope with a couple of short searches, but you will see this change over time as their confidence and anticipation grows. Work within a dog’s limitations and always consider their enjoyment and emotional state during the exercise. For a dog who is toy-motivated, the toy and the interaction with you will form part of their reward. Whether that is having a game of tuggy or allowing the dog to happily parade around with the toy before you ask for a delivery to hand. If you have a dog who likes to run away with a toy, then try working on the retrieve first or have two toys of equal value so that when they find one, you can cue them to run back to you and engage in play with the second toy.SIMPLE SEARCHESIn a similar way to hiding the food, let the dog see you hide the toy and keep the initial searches very simple. Task them to search and let them explore the environment while they are using their nose to sniff out the location of the toy. Initially, there may be an element of visual searching for both the food and the toy until you make the searches a little harder. That is fine, as it is important that the dog is successful, thereby keeping motivation to search high. Once the dog has learned the game, is enjoying the reward and is motivated and wants to engage when you ask them to search, then the difficulty can be increased. Again, do this in stages. Start by putting the toy or food just out of sight but still very accessible. At a much later point, new and specific odours for the dogs to search for can be introduced. Gun oil and clove are used predominantly in competitions and Kong is often used as a ‘maintenance’ odour. PTo find out more, take a look at the following websites:■www.thenationalnosework association.co.uk■www.scentworkuk.comPAULINE WHITTAKER I run Pauline Whittaker Dog Training Behaviour and Scentwork in Worcestershire. I have been working with dogs for over 25 years and am an APDT and ABTC dog trainer. I hold an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training and the Coape Diploma in Behaviour. I am a provisional member of the APBC. I have also completed a City & Guilds in Scentwork and teach multiple class and workshops in scentwork every week and compete regularly with my own dogs. I live with four dogs – three rescue dogs (Sybil, Tessa and Hope) and Border Collie puppy Moss. www.paulinewhittaker.co.ukTessa. Photo © Mark DoggettLifestyle Policy Limited is an appointed representative of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited. The Insurance Emporium ® is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited (registered in England and Wales no: 294940) which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no: 202748.VISIT THEINSURANCEEMPORIUM.CO.UK/DT99or call 03300 243 980 today!Offer ends 31/12/2024 and is not available in conjunction with any other promo code.PROMO CODE: WOOF99The maximum available discount is 30% - this is a combination of 20% Introductory Discount, 10% Multi-pet Discount and 5% Dogs Today reader Discount. The Introductory and Promo Code Discounts are available from the start of the policy until its rst review/renewal date.UP TO 30%DISCOUNTDOG INSURANCEProtect your pooch with cover for vet’s fees, loss by theft or straying, and death of pet.Available on Time Limited, Maximum Benet and Lifetime.

Page 15

14 Dogs Today April 2024enjoy being actively involved in the ‘seeking’ behaviour. Knowing your dog is important. Try to assess how many short repetitions of this they can do without feeling pressured, while keeping the same level of motivation and anticipation for the next find. A busy spaniel might like to do lots of repetitions without looking tired at all whereas a more cautious or anxious dog may only cope with a couple of short searches, but you will see this change over time as their confidence and anticipation grows. Work within a dog’s limitations and always consider their enjoyment and emotional state during the exercise. For a dog who is toy-motivated, the toy and the interaction with you will form part of their reward. Whether that is having a game of tuggy or allowing the dog to happily parade around with the toy before you ask for a delivery to hand. If you have a dog who likes to run away with a toy, then try working on the retrieve first or have two toys of equal value so that when they find one, you can cue them to run back to you and engage in play with the second toy.SIMPLE SEARCHESIn a similar way to hiding the food, let the dog see you hide the toy and keep the initial searches very simple. Task them to search and let them explore the environment while they are using their nose to sniff out the location of the toy. Initially, there may be an element of visual searching for both the food and the toy until you make the searches a little harder. That is fine, as it is important that the dog is successful, thereby keeping motivation to search high. Once the dog has learned the game, is enjoying the reward and is motivated and wants to engage when you ask them to search, then the difficulty can be increased. Again, do this in stages. Start by putting the toy or food just out of sight but still very accessible. At a much later point, new and specific odours for the dogs to search for can be introduced. Gun oil and clove are used predominantly in competitions and Kong is often used as a ‘maintenance’ odour. PTo find out more, take a look at the following websites:■www.thenationalnosework association.co.uk■www.scentworkuk.comPAULINE WHITTAKER I run Pauline Whittaker Dog Training Behaviour and Scentwork in Worcestershire. I have been working with dogs for over 25 years and am an APDT and ABTC dog trainer. I hold an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training and the Coape Diploma in Behaviour. I am a provisional member of the APBC. I have also completed a City & Guilds in Scentwork and teach multiple class and workshops in scentwork every week and compete regularly with my own dogs. I live with four dogs – three rescue dogs (Sybil, Tessa and Hope) and Border Collie puppy Moss. www.paulinewhittaker.co.ukTessa. Photo © Mark DoggettLifestyle Policy Limited is an appointed representative of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited. The Insurance Emporium ® is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited (registered in England and Wales no: 294940) which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no: 202748.VISIT THEINSURANCEEMPORIUM.CO.UK/DT99or call 03300 243 980 today!Offer ends 31/12/2024 and is not available in conjunction with any other promo code.PROMO CODE: WOOF99The maximum available discount is 30% - this is a combination of 20% Introductory Discount, 10% Multi-pet Discount and 5% Dogs Today reader Discount. The Introductory and Promo Code Discounts are available from the start of the policy until its rst review/renewal date.UP TO 30%DISCOUNTDOG INSURANCEProtect your pooch with cover for vet’s fees, loss by theft or straying, and death of pet.Available on Time Limited, Maximum Benet and Lifetime.

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16 Dogs Today April 2024The Guardian and the Daily Mail both reported that French Bulldog Elton, who won the Utility Group, had ‘no discernible nostrils’. However, Elton had passed the relevant breathing assessment.“The health and welfare of dogs at the show is our priority, and the winning French Bulldog, Elton, has passed all relevant vet health assessments that it has undertaken within and outside the show ring,” said Charlotte McNamara, the Kennel Club’s head of health.“He has a grade 0 score on the Kennel Club/University of Cambridge breathing assessment that was done prior to the show, and which – from Crufts 2025 – will be mandatory for all French Bulldogs, Pugs and Bulldogs before they compete, meaning he is clinically unaffected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS),” she said.“Elton has also passed the show vet check, which is given to all dogs before group judging, and to some breed winners, to ensure there are no visible signs of health concerns on the day of competition.” >In an edition otherwise celebrating the dog’s nose, the Crufts-winning French Bulldog was sadly found lacking by the critics. Photos of the dog endured almost as much scrutiny as the Princess of Wales’s Mother’s Day pic!Crufts: a nose for trouble?Words BEVERLEY CUDDYElton, Utility Group Winner Crufts 2024. Photo © BeatMedia/The Kennel ClubElton, Utility Group Winner Crufts 2024. Photo © BeatMedia/The Kennel ClubMade with highly digestible goats’ milk, used by breeders for years.The healthy way to serve a Puppuccino to your dog.How to use: Pour desired amount of milk from the carton into a suitable cup. Carefully whisk until frothy, serve to your pooch holding the cup for them to drink from. For best results froth with a battery powered mini whisk.A pawfect treat! Newdogs CAN drink Toplife Milk!Yes!est. 2004celebrating20yearsww.toplifeformula.comand al god pet storesAvailable fromExclusive discount for Dogs Today readers: use code DOGS20 at mountainpaws.comProduct shown - Cordura Dog Coat £29.99 High-quality products perfect for exploring

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16 Dogs Today April 2024The Guardian and the Daily Mail both reported that French Bulldog Elton, who won the Utility Group, had ‘no discernible nostrils’. However, Elton had passed the relevant breathing assessment.“The health and welfare of dogs at the show is our priority, and the winning French Bulldog, Elton, has passed all relevant vet health assessments that it has undertaken within and outside the show ring,” said Charlotte McNamara, the Kennel Club’s head of health.“He has a grade 0 score on the Kennel Club/University of Cambridge breathing assessment that was done prior to the show, and which – from Crufts 2025 – will be mandatory for all French Bulldogs, Pugs and Bulldogs before they compete, meaning he is clinically unaffected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS),” she said.“Elton has also passed the show vet check, which is given to all dogs before group judging, and to some breed winners, to ensure there are no visible signs of health concerns on the day of competition.” >In an edition otherwise celebrating the dog’s nose, the Crufts-winning French Bulldog was sadly found lacking by the critics. Photos of the dog endured almost as much scrutiny as the Princess of Wales’s Mother’s Day pic!Crufts: a nose for trouble?Words BEVERLEY CUDDYElton, Utility Group Winner Crufts 2024. Photo © BeatMedia/The Kennel ClubElton, Utility Group Winner Crufts 2024. Photo © BeatMedia/The Kennel ClubMade with highly digestible goats’ milk, used by breeders for years.The healthy way to serve a Puppuccino to your dog.How to use: Pour desired amount of milk from the carton into a suitable cup. Carefully whisk until frothy, serve to your pooch holding the cup for them to drink from. For best results froth with a battery powered mini whisk.A pawfect treat! Newdogs CAN drink Toplife Milk!Yes!est. 2004celebrating20yearsww.toplifeformula.comand al god pet storesAvailable fromExclusive discount for Dogs Today readers: use code DOGS20 at mountainpaws.comProduct shown - Cordura Dog Coat £29.99 High-quality products perfect for exploring

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< After the show, it all kicked off in the Bulldog world with a widely circulated anonymous letter claiming that the judging in their ring wasn’t necessarily a breath of fresh air, either. The letter was signed by ‘the Bulldog cohort’ and it alluded to bribery and corruption, inferring that yachts, villas and cars may have been used to improve a particular dog’s chances of winning. There was also a main-ring protest during Best in Show that was only caught on mobile phones. Due to the swift action of the security guards, no one knew what was going on until Peta claimed it on Facebook. PETA PROTESTA spokesperson for the Kennel Club said, “There was a protest incident involving Peta at Crufts and they were swiftly removed to ensure the safety and welfare of the dogs and owners, who are our main priority.“Far from perpetuating the homeless-dogs crisis as Peta claims, Crufts is a unique platform which educates millions of visitors, and viewers on Channel 4, about how to get the right dog for your lifestyle, so that all dogs, whether rescue dogs or puppies, have a home for life.”Just before Crufts, while bathing and grooming, a young Newfoundland called Bunny went missing. And at the show, a Coonhound call Ruth also escaped and was on the run for some days.Best in Show was the Australian Shepherd, Viking, the top-winning dog all breeds for some time, but the reserve was probably the sofa watcher’s choice, a nine-year-old Jack Russell all the way from Japan, who totally captivated everyone. PSo, a French Bulldog won Best in Group at Crufts. And, as the keeper/carer/servant/confi dant to a much-loved little Frenchie, my heart sank. But why, when I proclaim to love the breed so much, am I deeply saddened?I have dedicated a 15-year (so far) career to animal welfare and medicine. I am a proud veterinary nurse. My code of conduct and beliefs keep me accountable, upholding animal welfare while serving and caring for my patients, their families and my colleagues. My heart sinks when I see a breed known to have so many welfare and medical concerns – medical concerns whereby ethical consideration while breeding falls so far short, I can’t sum it up in a few words. The winning dog may have a gorgeous personality, but there’s no denying that his face is fl at – his nose and muzzle falling far short of healthier outcrosses. But, let’s not get hung up from looking at a single dog. Let’s instead consider the impact of a breed being spotlighted and celebrated in this way. We know through research and numerous benchmarks that the Pug exploded in popularity with very little in the way of healthy breeding. Backyard greeders and fancy colours exceeded those who diligently bred – those who spent weeks researching genetics, medical considerations and temperament of potential matches, and ensuring responsible, lifelong homes could be found before breeding.Those excellent examples of breeders are the minority. They absolutely do exist and promise 18Dogs Today April 2024Author’s own rescued French BulldogVIEWPOINT:Lacey Pitcher MY HEART SANK Viking, Best in Show Crufts 2024 with Melanie Raymond. Photo © Yulia Titovets/The Kennel ClubZen, Reserve Best in Show Crufts 2024. Photo © Heidi Hudson/The Kennel ClubApril 2024 Dogs Today19guardianship for life should the owners’ circumstances change. But, the reality is, those very breeders don’t start churning out pups. They wait. They continue to methodically plan when it is safe and responsible to breed. Instead, greeders ride the wave of popularity and capitalise on the increase in demand – with little, if any, health testing. Temperament, risk and provisions for emergency medical care are barely considered. There is rarely the money in place for the caesarean that so many of the breed require.The veterinary teams will see the smiles on families’ faces as they present their bundles of joy for their fi rst vaccinations. All too often, the smiles are replaced with tears when soon, their breathing is poor. Eyes ulcerated. Knees dislocating. And who will pick up the pieces?The families are at breaking point to pay medical bills, as the risk is so high that insurance is loaded. That’s right. Insurance is calculated based on risk and with so many medical problems prevalent in the breed and growing, that’s a lot of risk. And at the end of the popularity buzz, or when the parents are surplus to requirement, it’ll be the rescues who drop everything, at all hours, supported by volunteers to decide who gets to live. Who can have urgent medical care? Who can be saved? When we celebrate a breed like the Frenchie winning, rescues will begin to prepare for the impending infl ux. An infl ux while they are already on their knees. I adore this breed. It’s because I adore them that my heart sinks to see a Frenchie win. Please check out two ethical, dedicated and responsible rescues that I foster for and support wherever I can: Floof Frenchie Rescue (Facebook page: For The Love of Our Frenchies (Floof) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1845644275719733/) and Frenchie and Friends (Facebook page: Frenchie & Friends Foundation https://www.facebook.com/groups/586377658857786/)They are going to need you.I think it was 2013 when I fi rst became involved with BOAS testing for Pugs. A Pug boy I bred was the fi rst grade 0 Pug tested under the latest research into brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome at Cambridge University. That is when I met Dr Jane Ladlow, and she and her team came to my home and tested 23 Pugs here. At that time, a specially built chamber was used to assess the dogs. By 2018, a new scheme, known as the respiratory function grading (RFG) scheme, was introduced by the Kennel Club, in collaboration with Cambridge University. Having read so much criticism on Cruffa’s Facebook page today about the Best of Breed for Bulldogs, Pugs and, in particular, the French Bulldog who was the winner of the Utility Group at Crufts, I put a post on Cruffa’s Facebook page to try to stem the fl ow of criticism of these brachycephalic breeds by veterinary professionals and lots of armchair warriors. The owners of the dogs who are so publicly criticised must be very upset to read the comments and the way photos of their dogs are being picked over for conformational faults. Crufts is a dog show, and the exhibits are much-loved pets. We who show our dogs know there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ dog, but one thing we all want is to breed and show healthy dogs, and we do this with the breed standard in mind. Ten years ago, obesity was an issue in the brachycephalic breeds and a huge issue with regard to BOAS grading scores. Today, the weight issue is much improved, and very rarely do we see obese dogs being exhibited. More dogs are now BOAS tested and results are beginning to show steady improvement. More RFG vet assessors are being trained under the scheme, and, in 2025, RFG assessments must be carried out on all three breeds as a requirement for entry to Crufts. Judges at Crufts for these three breeds are all made aware of the health concerns and must select their winners with this in mind. Judges fi nd their Best of Breed, and that is when the onslaught starts on social media! The critics of brachycephalic dogs would like to see these dogs excluded from the show ring and a breeding ban introduced. A dog that is RFG grade 0 and has had all required health tests for that breed has been subjected to the most public criticism and no regard given to his owners or to the fact that he is a much-loved pet. Surely, a better way forward would be to acknowledge the progress already made and to encourage the move forward by looking to build on that, rather than pillory those who have already made the fi rst steps along the road for improvement by using all the available tests to aid the breeding of healthier dogs.I think it was 2013 when I fi rst became involved with BOAS testing for Pugs. A Pug boy I bred was the fi rst grade 0 Pug tested under the latest research into brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome at Cambridge University. That is when I met Dr Jane Ladlow, and she and her team came to my home and tested 23 Pugs here. At that time, a specially built chamber was used to assess the dogs. By 2018, a new scheme, known as the respiratory function Library photo. Posed by modelsVIEWPOINT:Sue Lee MUCH-LOVED PETS

Page 19

< After the show, it all kicked off in the Bulldog world with a widely circulated anonymous letter claiming that the judging in their ring wasn’t necessarily a breath of fresh air, either. The letter was signed by ‘the Bulldog cohort’ and it alluded to bribery and corruption, inferring that yachts, villas and cars may have been used to improve a particular dog’s chances of winning. There was also a main-ring protest during Best in Show that was only caught on mobile phones. Due to the swift action of the security guards, no one knew what was going on until Peta claimed it on Facebook. PETA PROTESTA spokesperson for the Kennel Club said, “There was a protest incident involving Peta at Crufts and they were swiftly removed to ensure the safety and welfare of the dogs and owners, who are our main priority.“Far from perpetuating the homeless-dogs crisis as Peta claims, Crufts is a unique platform which educates millions of visitors, and viewers on Channel 4, about how to get the right dog for your lifestyle, so that all dogs, whether rescue dogs or puppies, have a home for life.”Just before Crufts, while bathing and grooming, a young Newfoundland called Bunny went missing. And at the show, a Coonhound call Ruth also escaped and was on the run for some days.Best in Show was the Australian Shepherd, Viking, the top-winning dog all breeds for some time, but the reserve was probably the sofa watcher’s choice, a nine-year-old Jack Russell all the way from Japan, who totally captivated everyone. PSo, a French Bulldog won Best in Group at Crufts. And, as the keeper/carer/servant/confi dant to a much-loved little Frenchie, my heart sank. But why, when I proclaim to love the breed so much, am I deeply saddened?I have dedicated a 15-year (so far) career to animal welfare and medicine. I am a proud veterinary nurse. My code of conduct and beliefs keep me accountable, upholding animal welfare while serving and caring for my patients, their families and my colleagues. My heart sinks when I see a breed known to have so many welfare and medical concerns – medical concerns whereby ethical consideration while breeding falls so far short, I can’t sum it up in a few words. The winning dog may have a gorgeous personality, but there’s no denying that his face is fl at – his nose and muzzle falling far short of healthier outcrosses. But, let’s not get hung up from looking at a single dog. Let’s instead consider the impact of a breed being spotlighted and celebrated in this way. We know through research and numerous benchmarks that the Pug exploded in popularity with very little in the way of healthy breeding. Backyard greeders and fancy colours exceeded those who diligently bred – those who spent weeks researching genetics, medical considerations and temperament of potential matches, and ensuring responsible, lifelong homes could be found before breeding.Those excellent examples of breeders are the minority. They absolutely do exist and promise 18Dogs Today April 2024Author’s own rescued French BulldogVIEWPOINT:Lacey Pitcher MY HEART SANK Viking, Best in Show Crufts 2024 with Melanie Raymond. Photo © Yulia Titovets/The Kennel ClubZen, Reserve Best in Show Crufts 2024. Photo © Heidi Hudson/The Kennel ClubApril 2024 Dogs Today19guardianship for life should the owners’ circumstances change. But, the reality is, those very breeders don’t start churning out pups. They wait. They continue to methodically plan when it is safe and responsible to breed. Instead, greeders ride the wave of popularity and capitalise on the increase in demand – with little, if any, health testing. Temperament, risk and provisions for emergency medical care are barely considered. There is rarely the money in place for the caesarean that so many of the breed require.The veterinary teams will see the smiles on families’ faces as they present their bundles of joy for their fi rst vaccinations. All too often, the smiles are replaced with tears when soon, their breathing is poor. Eyes ulcerated. Knees dislocating. And who will pick up the pieces?The families are at breaking point to pay medical bills, as the risk is so high that insurance is loaded. That’s right. Insurance is calculated based on risk and with so many medical problems prevalent in the breed and growing, that’s a lot of risk. And at the end of the popularity buzz, or when the parents are surplus to requirement, it’ll be the rescues who drop everything, at all hours, supported by volunteers to decide who gets to live. Who can have urgent medical care? Who can be saved? When we celebrate a breed like the Frenchie winning, rescues will begin to prepare for the impending infl ux. An infl ux while they are already on their knees. I adore this breed. It’s because I adore them that my heart sinks to see a Frenchie win. Please check out two ethical, dedicated and responsible rescues that I foster for and support wherever I can: Floof Frenchie Rescue (Facebook page: For The Love of Our Frenchies (Floof) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1845644275719733/) and Frenchie and Friends (Facebook page: Frenchie & Friends Foundation https://www.facebook.com/groups/586377658857786/)They are going to need you.I think it was 2013 when I fi rst became involved with BOAS testing for Pugs. A Pug boy I bred was the fi rst grade 0 Pug tested under the latest research into brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome at Cambridge University. That is when I met Dr Jane Ladlow, and she and her team came to my home and tested 23 Pugs here. At that time, a specially built chamber was used to assess the dogs. By 2018, a new scheme, known as the respiratory function grading (RFG) scheme, was introduced by the Kennel Club, in collaboration with Cambridge University. Having read so much criticism on Cruffa’s Facebook page today about the Best of Breed for Bulldogs, Pugs and, in particular, the French Bulldog who was the winner of the Utility Group at Crufts, I put a post on Cruffa’s Facebook page to try to stem the fl ow of criticism of these brachycephalic breeds by veterinary professionals and lots of armchair warriors. The owners of the dogs who are so publicly criticised must be very upset to read the comments and the way photos of their dogs are being picked over for conformational faults. Crufts is a dog show, and the exhibits are much-loved pets. We who show our dogs know there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ dog, but one thing we all want is to breed and show healthy dogs, and we do this with the breed standard in mind. Ten years ago, obesity was an issue in the brachycephalic breeds and a huge issue with regard to BOAS grading scores. Today, the weight issue is much improved, and very rarely do we see obese dogs being exhibited. More dogs are now BOAS tested and results are beginning to show steady improvement. More RFG vet assessors are being trained under the scheme, and, in 2025, RFG assessments must be carried out on all three breeds as a requirement for entry to Crufts. Judges at Crufts for these three breeds are all made aware of the health concerns and must select their winners with this in mind. Judges fi nd their Best of Breed, and that is when the onslaught starts on social media! The critics of brachycephalic dogs would like to see these dogs excluded from the show ring and a breeding ban introduced. A dog that is RFG grade 0 and has had all required health tests for that breed has been subjected to the most public criticism and no regard given to his owners or to the fact that he is a much-loved pet. Surely, a better way forward would be to acknowledge the progress already made and to encourage the move forward by looking to build on that, rather than pillory those who have already made the fi rst steps along the road for improvement by using all the available tests to aid the breeding of healthier dogs.I think it was 2013 when I fi rst became involved with BOAS testing for Pugs. A Pug boy I bred was the fi rst grade 0 Pug tested under the latest research into brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome at Cambridge University. That is when I met Dr Jane Ladlow, and she and her team came to my home and tested 23 Pugs here. At that time, a specially built chamber was used to assess the dogs. By 2018, a new scheme, known as the respiratory function Library photo. Posed by modelsVIEWPOINT:Sue Lee MUCH-LOVED PETS

Page 20

So many of us felt our hearts break when we saw Fleur’s sad face on those social media posts. She was still in a Romanian kill shelter. She had been so cruelly butchered, her intestines were literally hanging out – and she was battling distemper. Val had got her out of that terrible place and made sure she was swiftly patched up. Fleur was starting to enjoy her new life in England with Andrew and Wendy when disaster struck. That crude botched spay meant her intestines were now starting to rot inside her. An astonishing number of you answered the appeal for help when Val shared the update that only a miracle could save her. In record time, the funds were raised for pioneering surgery at the RVC hospital. It was an op that no other dog had yet survived. The brilliant vets worked through the night and Fleur’s amazing spirit meant that she overcame all the odds. There had been only a one per cent chance of her pulling through. She was a miracle dog.SWEET LIFEFleur went on to live a wonderful, long life with the Morrises. She inspired books, documentaries, made many TV appearances, on massive awards – and she even appeared on a magazine front cover or two! Fleur was also to become a Pat dog, helping explain to children facing scary operations like she had that there is hope and a great life after surgery. >Words BEVERLEY CUDDY20Dogs Today April 2024Photos by Rob King (www.mojoelmundo.com)Goodbye, Fleur The day no one ever wanted to come, the end of an era. I am sure you will all send love to Wendy and Andrew Morris, and, of course, her rescuer, Val Phillips, and to every person who loved Fleur and willed her to survive...What a life you have lived, Fleur; you have your wings now and are our angel looking over us. What a privilege it was to love you and what a wonderful life you had. Thank you to everyone who has followed Fleur’s Journey. Fleur has been a dog of a lifetime. From the day we saw her face on Facebook, I loved her. The brave dog from Romania that had been so badly abused yet was so loving. Fleur loved life and it loved her right back, by hundreds, if not thousands of people all around the world. Her story touched the hearts of so many. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her, but mostly by us. She was a sassy little lady who knew what she wanted with her little nose nudges, to her stealing food. She was very loving and loved her cuddles; she had her routine about who and when she would cuddle and there were times she just wanted to be left alone. She was a fl irty Fleur and had four loves in her life – Ruben, Scoutie, Bailey and Ted. She loved the grandchildren, and her bestie mate was Maggsie.Fleur was delicate, majestic, regal and a bit of a diva at times, never wanting to get her paws wet; she would sofa surf instead. I will miss her dotty soft ears, which gave me great comfort, and her sweet eyes that shined so bright. She was an angel. We will miss her so very much. She had a full life and there are so many people to thank for our adventures together. She won many national awards from Scruffts Best Rescue at Crufts to the red-carpet Animal Hero Awards, even making the local evening news with her story and winning the Battersea Rescue Award. She really did go from street life to sweet life. Nine years of loving you wasn’t enough, my darling, but we will always love you forever in our hearts. All your kind words, love, prayers, and thoughts have been appreciated by all of us and I am so grateful for you all being there from the beginning.WENDY & ANDREW MORRISwww.cobbydog.com

Page 21

So many of us felt our hearts break when we saw Fleur’s sad face on those social media posts. She was still in a Romanian kill shelter. She had been so cruelly butchered, her intestines were literally hanging out – and she was battling distemper. Val had got her out of that terrible place and made sure she was swiftly patched up. Fleur was starting to enjoy her new life in England with Andrew and Wendy when disaster struck. That crude botched spay meant her intestines were now starting to rot inside her. An astonishing number of you answered the appeal for help when Val shared the update that only a miracle could save her. In record time, the funds were raised for pioneering surgery at the RVC hospital. It was an op that no other dog had yet survived. The brilliant vets worked through the night and Fleur’s amazing spirit meant that she overcame all the odds. There had been only a one per cent chance of her pulling through. She was a miracle dog.SWEET LIFEFleur went on to live a wonderful, long life with the Morrises. She inspired books, documentaries, made many TV appearances, on massive awards – and she even appeared on a magazine front cover or two! Fleur was also to become a Pat dog, helping explain to children facing scary operations like she had that there is hope and a great life after surgery. >Words BEVERLEY CUDDY20Dogs Today April 2024Photos by Rob King (www.mojoelmundo.com)Goodbye, Fleur The day no one ever wanted to come, the end of an era. I am sure you will all send love to Wendy and Andrew Morris, and, of course, her rescuer, Val Phillips, and to every person who loved Fleur and willed her to survive...What a life you have lived, Fleur; you have your wings now and are our angel looking over us. What a privilege it was to love you and what a wonderful life you had. Thank you to everyone who has followed Fleur’s Journey. Fleur has been a dog of a lifetime. From the day we saw her face on Facebook, I loved her. The brave dog from Romania that had been so badly abused yet was so loving. Fleur loved life and it loved her right back, by hundreds, if not thousands of people all around the world. Her story touched the hearts of so many. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her, but mostly by us. She was a sassy little lady who knew what she wanted with her little nose nudges, to her stealing food. She was very loving and loved her cuddles; she had her routine about who and when she would cuddle and there were times she just wanted to be left alone. She was a fl irty Fleur and had four loves in her life – Ruben, Scoutie, Bailey and Ted. She loved the grandchildren, and her bestie mate was Maggsie.Fleur was delicate, majestic, regal and a bit of a diva at times, never wanting to get her paws wet; she would sofa surf instead. I will miss her dotty soft ears, which gave me great comfort, and her sweet eyes that shined so bright. She was an angel. We will miss her so very much. She had a full life and there are so many people to thank for our adventures together. She won many national awards from Scruffts Best Rescue at Crufts to the red-carpet Animal Hero Awards, even making the local evening news with her story and winning the Battersea Rescue Award. She really did go from street life to sweet life. Nine years of loving you wasn’t enough, my darling, but we will always love you forever in our hearts. All your kind words, love, prayers, and thoughts have been appreciated by all of us and I am so grateful for you all being there from the beginning.WENDY & ANDREW MORRISwww.cobbydog.com

Page 22

22Dogs Today April 2024Sadly, just a few days before Fleur passed away, Wendy and Andrew’s other much-loved rescue collie, Freddie, died unexpectedly – perhaps he wanted to go ahead to keep Fleur company? It was a week of great sadness and loss, but the Morrises were touched by the messages of support that came from all around the world.Sleep well, Fleur; we’ll never, ever forget you. LITTLE BRAMBLESI am so very sorry to hear the sad news about Fleur. What an amazing life you gave her, and she inspired and helped people in a way that is impossible to calculate. My husband had recently died in 2014 and I wanted to do something positive in his name, so I donated to the initial appeal for this special girl. I’ve always followed her story and have been so uplifted over the past nine years. She was surrounded by love and kindness, and it was always so heartwarming to see. I understand your grief will be heavy indeed, but thank you for giving her a remarkable journey. Bless you both.SUE PRATTI met Fleur a few times at my grooming salon for a pamper. I have the most beautiful photo of her and my (at the time) young daughter while Fleur got a bath. She was a very sweet, kind little soul. LYNNE BLUNDELLNot a post I wanted to see. Oh, my lady Fleur, my heart’s broken. May your journey over the bridge be a peaceful one. Rest easy, my pawfect girl.PAUL WHYTONShe was such a beacon of hope and left a massive impression on everyone who had the pleasure to spend time with her.PENEL MALBYOh, I’m so sorry; this is sad news. I met Fleur in the very early days when she came to my studio for a photoshoot – a very shy, sweet little girl who blossomed into a superstar. Sending love to Fleur’s family.CAROLINE KINGHow very sad. Thinking of Fleur’s family and everyone that knew her.TRACEY JONESI had the pleasure meeting Fleur a few years ago at Crufts. She was so lovely and my heart feels for Wendy and family after losing Freddie and now Fleur. There are no words I can say, such a sad loss.PAULA ANSTEE-STORRIEFor all those that loved her from afar, and those who had the pleasure of her hair on their clothes, think of beautiful Fleur – a dog of a lifetime.LYNNE LANDOh, how sad. Having lost two within a fortnight of each other, I know the terrible sadness you’re feeling right now, but what a life you gave her – so different to what she would have had.DOMINIC HIGGINSSo sorry to hear of your loss. Fleur was such a beautiful and special girl. You and Andrew gave her such a lovely life, thanks to your constant dedication and love, which I know she returned tenfold. I’m so grateful we had the opportunity of meeting her.BRIGITTE BARTONThis is such sad news. My heart goes out to her family. RIP, little Warrior Princess! JULES O’DWYERWendy and Andrew, just wanted to send hugs on the loss of your gorgeous dogs, Freddie and Fleur. They had the most wonderful lives with you guys, baggage long forgotten. Enjoy the memories you made together.SABINE HINTEREGGERWe are with you in these times of sadness and loss, hugs to all of you! But it’s time to say ‘thank you’ to both of you for giving her a wonderful life.Fleur was a brave dog. She trusted Wendy so much and rewarded her with love. She reached celebrity status and she truly deserved it. Fleur lived against all odds and her fans and all at Valgrays are in deep shock at her loss. Pain free now at rainbow bridge, in loving memory of a very special dog. Princess Fleur of Valgrays will never be forgotten.VAL PHILLIPSspecial dog. Princess Fleur of Valgrays will never be forgotten.Freddie & FleurApril 2024 Dogs Today23KAREN GARRETTI’m so sorry for your losses – Freddie and now Fleur. I met Fleur at Crufts a while ago and she was the cutest. I cried tears for her when she was so ill at the beginning of her journey with you. Sending so much love to you all.AMBER HILLARYTwo very special dogs crossed the rainbow bridge this week. I feel incredibly privileged that I got to love them as my own and spend the time I did with them, and I will cherish every memory. Both loved raiding the bin, relaxing in the sun and being totally spoilt by their fabulous family, Wendy and Andrew Morris, who my heart goes out to at this incredibly sad time.AMANDA SLADEBless her heart, she had the heart and bravery of a lioness. She touched so many hearts across the world! It was an honour to follow her life story and be a part of that miracle journey. ANETA NETTY PANIMASZI’m so sorry to hear that. Fleur was such a bright light! So glad we had the pleasure of meeting you all. Run free, baby girl.JO MOOROh no. I’m so, so sorry. Much love and strength to you all. She was so lucky to have you.HELEN D SELWYNFleur was as blessed to fi nd you guys as you were to have her.MARGARET HUNTSo sorry for you. She had a wonderful life with you. I have followed her from the beginning. FRANCES WRIGHTFleur was such a special, brave dog who touched so many hearts.ELAINE WILLOSo very, very sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. I remember when Fleur arrived and her journey with you. Sending love and hugs.NICOLINA MACKENZIEShe was a legend in her own lifetime and will continue to be bravest of all rescue dogs. SUSAN BYEWriting this through tears. I never met Fleur but have followed her journey. NANCY RICHARDSONI followed Lady Fleur’s journey all the way. What a brave little lady Fleur has been. KERRY RICKETTS-COLEI was so pleased that I met her in person. She totally defi ed the terrible odds and had a lovely long life in the end. I’m crying my eyes out writing this.FAY MCCALLUMI am beyond broken for you, my friend. How can life be so unfair? Please know that we hold you in our thoughts and send so much love to you and beyond. Run free, Fleur, another shining star in the sky tonight. P

Page 23

22Dogs Today April 2024Sadly, just a few days before Fleur passed away, Wendy and Andrew’s other much-loved rescue collie, Freddie, died unexpectedly – perhaps he wanted to go ahead to keep Fleur company? It was a week of great sadness and loss, but the Morrises were touched by the messages of support that came from all around the world.Sleep well, Fleur; we’ll never, ever forget you. LITTLE BRAMBLESI am so very sorry to hear the sad news about Fleur. What an amazing life you gave her, and she inspired and helped people in a way that is impossible to calculate. My husband had recently died in 2014 and I wanted to do something positive in his name, so I donated to the initial appeal for this special girl. I’ve always followed her story and have been so uplifted over the past nine years. She was surrounded by love and kindness, and it was always so heartwarming to see. I understand your grief will be heavy indeed, but thank you for giving her a remarkable journey. Bless you both.SUE PRATTI met Fleur a few times at my grooming salon for a pamper. I have the most beautiful photo of her and my (at the time) young daughter while Fleur got a bath. She was a very sweet, kind little soul. LYNNE BLUNDELLNot a post I wanted to see. Oh, my lady Fleur, my heart’s broken. May your journey over the bridge be a peaceful one. Rest easy, my pawfect girl.PAUL WHYTONShe was such a beacon of hope and left a massive impression on everyone who had the pleasure to spend time with her.PENEL MALBYOh, I’m so sorry; this is sad news. I met Fleur in the very early days when she came to my studio for a photoshoot – a very shy, sweet little girl who blossomed into a superstar. Sending love to Fleur’s family.CAROLINE KINGHow very sad. Thinking of Fleur’s family and everyone that knew her.TRACEY JONESI had the pleasure meeting Fleur a few years ago at Crufts. She was so lovely and my heart feels for Wendy and family after losing Freddie and now Fleur. There are no words I can say, such a sad loss.PAULA ANSTEE-STORRIEFor all those that loved her from afar, and those who had the pleasure of her hair on their clothes, think of beautiful Fleur – a dog of a lifetime.LYNNE LANDOh, how sad. Having lost two within a fortnight of each other, I know the terrible sadness you’re feeling right now, but what a life you gave her – so different to what she would have had.DOMINIC HIGGINSSo sorry to hear of your loss. Fleur was such a beautiful and special girl. You and Andrew gave her such a lovely life, thanks to your constant dedication and love, which I know she returned tenfold. I’m so grateful we had the opportunity of meeting her.BRIGITTE BARTONThis is such sad news. My heart goes out to her family. RIP, little Warrior Princess! JULES O’DWYERWendy and Andrew, just wanted to send hugs on the loss of your gorgeous dogs, Freddie and Fleur. They had the most wonderful lives with you guys, baggage long forgotten. Enjoy the memories you made together.SABINE HINTEREGGERWe are with you in these times of sadness and loss, hugs to all of you! But it’s time to say ‘thank you’ to both of you for giving her a wonderful life.Fleur was a brave dog. She trusted Wendy so much and rewarded her with love. She reached celebrity status and she truly deserved it. Fleur lived against all odds and her fans and all at Valgrays are in deep shock at her loss. Pain free now at rainbow bridge, in loving memory of a very special dog. Princess Fleur of Valgrays will never be forgotten.VAL PHILLIPSspecial dog. Princess Fleur of Valgrays will never be forgotten.Freddie & FleurApril 2024 Dogs Today23KAREN GARRETTI’m so sorry for your losses – Freddie and now Fleur. I met Fleur at Crufts a while ago and she was the cutest. I cried tears for her when she was so ill at the beginning of her journey with you. Sending so much love to you all.AMBER HILLARYTwo very special dogs crossed the rainbow bridge this week. I feel incredibly privileged that I got to love them as my own and spend the time I did with them, and I will cherish every memory. Both loved raiding the bin, relaxing in the sun and being totally spoilt by their fabulous family, Wendy and Andrew Morris, who my heart goes out to at this incredibly sad time.AMANDA SLADEBless her heart, she had the heart and bravery of a lioness. She touched so many hearts across the world! It was an honour to follow her life story and be a part of that miracle journey. ANETA NETTY PANIMASZI’m so sorry to hear that. Fleur was such a bright light! So glad we had the pleasure of meeting you all. Run free, baby girl.JO MOOROh no. I’m so, so sorry. Much love and strength to you all. She was so lucky to have you.HELEN D SELWYNFleur was as blessed to fi nd you guys as you were to have her.MARGARET HUNTSo sorry for you. She had a wonderful life with you. I have followed her from the beginning. FRANCES WRIGHTFleur was such a special, brave dog who touched so many hearts.ELAINE WILLOSo very, very sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. I remember when Fleur arrived and her journey with you. Sending love and hugs.NICOLINA MACKENZIEShe was a legend in her own lifetime and will continue to be bravest of all rescue dogs. SUSAN BYEWriting this through tears. I never met Fleur but have followed her journey. NANCY RICHARDSONI followed Lady Fleur’s journey all the way. What a brave little lady Fleur has been. KERRY RICKETTS-COLEI was so pleased that I met her in person. She totally defi ed the terrible odds and had a lovely long life in the end. I’m crying my eyes out writing this.FAY MCCALLUMI am beyond broken for you, my friend. How can life be so unfair? Please know that we hold you in our thoughts and send so much love to you and beyond. Run free, Fleur, another shining star in the sky tonight. P

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24 Dogs Today April 2024 EXPERT ADVICEMartina Miradoli, Border Collie and Herding Breeds specialist (thatlldoacademy.com) explains...The vast amount of land in the UK – 71 per cent – is farmland and around 22 million sheep can be found scattered around the countryside. The vast public footpath network enables walkers to access our beautiful landscapes with their dogs, and these footpaths often put dogs and their owners in situations where they might come into contact with livestock. It might come as a shock to learn that a recent report by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) found that claims amounting to £2.2m were made against dog attacks in 2023, an increase of 30 per cent from the previous year.Dogs are predators and, without appropriate Photo posed by modelsQuick questionHow can a dog be safe around livestock?Do you have a problem you’d like answered by an expert? Or do you Email your question to enquiries@dogstodaymagazine.co.ukApril 2024 Dogs Today 25 training, may end up chasing and potentially injuring a prey animal such as sheep and lambs. Some alarming statistics from the NFU’s recent survey reveal a growing trend of more dog owners opting to let their dogs roam off-lead in rural areas compared to the previous year – 68 per cent in 2023, compared to 64 per cent in 2022. Less than half (49 per cent) said their beloved pet will not reliably return when recalled. Almost eight per cent of those surveyed confessed that their dogs have engaged in the pursuit of livestock, yet a staggering 46 per cent remained convinced that their canine companions lack the ability to inflict harm. Additionally, over half (54%) expressed the idea that they don’t need to implement any training to prevent the behaviour of chasing farm animals.Sheep don’t have to be bitten for there to be severe consequences from a sheep-worrying event. Even if a dog doesn't attack and just wants to ‘play’ a game of chase, the simple act of being chased by an unfamiliar dog can cause immense stress to a prey animal, which can panic and exhaust itself, break limbs, or even cause the abortion of lambs. With lambing season upon us, it is imperative that dog owners and trainers come together to reduce livestock worrying and to implement strategies and training to prevent lambs and their mothers from stress and injury.It is our duty as dog owners to ensure we have adequate control of our dogs all year round, but this can be a bigger challenge during spring and summer when the number of sheep in the countryside more than doubles and you may come to find sheep in a field that was completely empty during winter. It is always good practice to check the field you walk into and to keep your dog on a lead until you are sure there are no livestock present. SAVING LIVESTraining dogs to recall and ignore other animals can be a challenging process and sometimes basic training is not enough to prevent your dog’s natural instinct from taking over and initiating a chase that can have huge consequences. Certain breeds may find reliability around livestock even more challenging than others, as selective breeding over many generations has tweaked their DNA to such a degree that the instinct to chase comes pre-programmed! We need to be responsible when choosing the right breed to fit our lifestyle and circumstances, and also be prepared to put the time and effort in to train any breed the best we can.Many dogs will chase squirrels, rabbits and birds if allowed to in city or semi-rural areas, and that habit itself can be enough to promote livestock chasing if allowed to be practised. The reality is that while responsible owners can still get access to training opportunities when it comes to recalling away from wildlife, not everyone has regular access to livestock to practise training safely.I emphasise to my students that they must always keep dogs on a lead and under control around livestock. I do it myself if I walk through a field of sheep that are not my own, and my dogs are trained sheepdogs. Some dogs will find it difficult to walk through a field and may bark and pull on the lead, so training to pass livestock calmly is beneficial to both ou want advice from someone with personal experience of the issue?

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24 Dogs Today April 2024 EXPERT ADVICEMartina Miradoli, Border Collie and Herding Breeds specialist (thatlldoacademy.com) explains...The vast amount of land in the UK – 71 per cent – is farmland and around 22 million sheep can be found scattered around the countryside. The vast public footpath network enables walkers to access our beautiful landscapes with their dogs, and these footpaths often put dogs and their owners in situations where they might come into contact with livestock. It might come as a shock to learn that a recent report by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) found that claims amounting to £2.2m were made against dog attacks in 2023, an increase of 30 per cent from the previous year.Dogs are predators and, without appropriate Photo posed by modelsQuick questionHow can a dog be safe around livestock?Do you have a problem you’d like answered by an expert? Or do you Email your question to enquiries@dogstodaymagazine.co.ukApril 2024 Dogs Today 25 training, may end up chasing and potentially injuring a prey animal such as sheep and lambs. Some alarming statistics from the NFU’s recent survey reveal a growing trend of more dog owners opting to let their dogs roam off-lead in rural areas compared to the previous year – 68 per cent in 2023, compared to 64 per cent in 2022. Less than half (49 per cent) said their beloved pet will not reliably return when recalled. Almost eight per cent of those surveyed confessed that their dogs have engaged in the pursuit of livestock, yet a staggering 46 per cent remained convinced that their canine companions lack the ability to inflict harm. Additionally, over half (54%) expressed the idea that they don’t need to implement any training to prevent the behaviour of chasing farm animals.Sheep don’t have to be bitten for there to be severe consequences from a sheep-worrying event. Even if a dog doesn't attack and just wants to ‘play’ a game of chase, the simple act of being chased by an unfamiliar dog can cause immense stress to a prey animal, which can panic and exhaust itself, break limbs, or even cause the abortion of lambs. With lambing season upon us, it is imperative that dog owners and trainers come together to reduce livestock worrying and to implement strategies and training to prevent lambs and their mothers from stress and injury.It is our duty as dog owners to ensure we have adequate control of our dogs all year round, but this can be a bigger challenge during spring and summer when the number of sheep in the countryside more than doubles and you may come to find sheep in a field that was completely empty during winter. It is always good practice to check the field you walk into and to keep your dog on a lead until you are sure there are no livestock present. SAVING LIVESTraining dogs to recall and ignore other animals can be a challenging process and sometimes basic training is not enough to prevent your dog’s natural instinct from taking over and initiating a chase that can have huge consequences. Certain breeds may find reliability around livestock even more challenging than others, as selective breeding over many generations has tweaked their DNA to such a degree that the instinct to chase comes pre-programmed! We need to be responsible when choosing the right breed to fit our lifestyle and circumstances, and also be prepared to put the time and effort in to train any breed the best we can.Many dogs will chase squirrels, rabbits and birds if allowed to in city or semi-rural areas, and that habit itself can be enough to promote livestock chasing if allowed to be practised. The reality is that while responsible owners can still get access to training opportunities when it comes to recalling away from wildlife, not everyone has regular access to livestock to practise training safely.I emphasise to my students that they must always keep dogs on a lead and under control around livestock. I do it myself if I walk through a field of sheep that are not my own, and my dogs are trained sheepdogs. Some dogs will find it difficult to walk through a field and may bark and pull on the lead, so training to pass livestock calmly is beneficial to both ou want advice from someone with personal experience of the issue?

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26 Dogs Today April 2024 dog and owner – as well as the sheep!Let’s not forget that dogs can be shot if found worrying livestock; and they can also get injured while chasing – there are many stories of dogs falling off cliffs, getting stuck somewhere difficult to access, or simply getting lost. Both dogs and livestock will sadly keep losing their lives unless dog owners start implementing training plans and good management.THREE ELEMENTSTraining a dog to ignore livestock comes with some challenges – the first being that it cannot be done without livestock! And this is why, as a dog trainer that lives on a farm and owns sheep, I decided to introduce workshops and classes to give dog owners the opportunity to learn how to teach their dogs to ignore, and if needed, recall away from livestock using positive training approach.The three elements I teach in my workshops and classes are disengagement, recall and impulse control. Without one of the three elements, the other two cannot be strong enough. These training elements are more advanced than your basic puppy class or obedience training.■Disengagement is what I would consider the most important element. The aim is to build a default disengagement from sheep and engagement back to owner. I am a Control Unleashed Certified Instructor, and I often use the ‘Look at That’ game training technique; pairing the sight of sheep with something reinforcing coming from the owner. This training technique requires a gradual approach to sheep, exposing the dog to the easiest situation possible at the beginning so that they will succeed and never find themselves barking or reacting to the presence of the sheep. A gradual approach and proximity to the livestock is an important part of this programme; dogs should never approach sheep if they can’t reliably respond to training in their presence.■Recall training has to be reliable in other circumstances before you can even start approaching a pen with sheep, and dogs need to have enough motivation and drive to come back to you in order to make the decision that even in the presence of sheep, coming back is a high-value behaviour. Building a reliable recall using positive reinforcement and motivation is at the base of all my training programmes, and to train dogs to recall away from sheep is no different.■Impulse control involves improving the dog’s ability to listen to instructions even in the presence of something really exciting, and goes beyond simply teaching your dog not to take a treat! With the use of toys and fun games, we teach dogs how to delay the gratification to ‘chase’ something in order to have something else instead delivered from the owner, and this training process includes an emergency stop while the dog is running or chasing. Training impulse control involves layers of difficulties that test the dog’s ability to control their impulses and allows them to stretch that limit and improve their listening skills.AVOID HAVING TO RETRAIN!One of the most important parts of teaching dogs to ignore and be more controlled around livestock is to never allow your dog to experience the chase. Like in any other training, the less we have to retrain, the easier it is for the dog to be successful! Initially, my sheep (which are well used to dogs and not stressed by their presence) are in a pen, where they cannot run far and trigger the dog’s chase drive. As the training progresses over several sessions, the situation is adapted to more closely resemble the situation that you will find on a walk through a field, where sheep are just doing sheep things while the owner trains the dog. OWNER RESPONSIBILITY Equally important to the training of the dog is good management from the human side of the partnership! Be vigilant when entering fields, stay on public footpaths and if there is livestock in a field, consider whether you can reroute your dog walk via another path. If this is not possible, then ensuring your dog is on a suitable lead with a well-fitting collar or harness is a must.With time and careful practice, livestock will just become part of the wider environmental picture for the dog and you will be able to enjoy your walks in the countryside with a well-behaved dog at your side while keeping livestock safe and farmers happy! PPhoto © Martina Miradoli (thatlldoacademy.com)Quick questionDog Fender, the only collar on the market that can assist you in defending your pet against aggressive dog attacks.  How does it do that?By generating a protective shield around your dog's throat and neck. Radius 40 metres approx  • Gives peace of mind• Waterproof• Made with durable material• Powerful night-lights• Available in three sizesPets bring your owners!Find your local store at www.justforpets.co.uk

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26 Dogs Today April 2024 dog and owner – as well as the sheep!Let’s not forget that dogs can be shot if found worrying livestock; and they can also get injured while chasing – there are many stories of dogs falling off cliffs, getting stuck somewhere difficult to access, or simply getting lost. Both dogs and livestock will sadly keep losing their lives unless dog owners start implementing training plans and good management.THREE ELEMENTSTraining a dog to ignore livestock comes with some challenges – the first being that it cannot be done without livestock! And this is why, as a dog trainer that lives on a farm and owns sheep, I decided to introduce workshops and classes to give dog owners the opportunity to learn how to teach their dogs to ignore, and if needed, recall away from livestock using positive training approach.The three elements I teach in my workshops and classes are disengagement, recall and impulse control. Without one of the three elements, the other two cannot be strong enough. These training elements are more advanced than your basic puppy class or obedience training.■Disengagement is what I would consider the most important element. The aim is to build a default disengagement from sheep and engagement back to owner. I am a Control Unleashed Certified Instructor, and I often use the ‘Look at That’ game training technique; pairing the sight of sheep with something reinforcing coming from the owner. This training technique requires a gradual approach to sheep, exposing the dog to the easiest situation possible at the beginning so that they will succeed and never find themselves barking or reacting to the presence of the sheep. A gradual approach and proximity to the livestock is an important part of this programme; dogs should never approach sheep if they can’t reliably respond to training in their presence.■Recall training has to be reliable in other circumstances before you can even start approaching a pen with sheep, and dogs need to have enough motivation and drive to come back to you in order to make the decision that even in the presence of sheep, coming back is a high-value behaviour. Building a reliable recall using positive reinforcement and motivation is at the base of all my training programmes, and to train dogs to recall away from sheep is no different.■Impulse control involves improving the dog’s ability to listen to instructions even in the presence of something really exciting, and goes beyond simply teaching your dog not to take a treat! With the use of toys and fun games, we teach dogs how to delay the gratification to ‘chase’ something in order to have something else instead delivered from the owner, and this training process includes an emergency stop while the dog is running or chasing. Training impulse control involves layers of difficulties that test the dog’s ability to control their impulses and allows them to stretch that limit and improve their listening skills.AVOID HAVING TO RETRAIN!One of the most important parts of teaching dogs to ignore and be more controlled around livestock is to never allow your dog to experience the chase. Like in any other training, the less we have to retrain, the easier it is for the dog to be successful! Initially, my sheep (which are well used to dogs and not stressed by their presence) are in a pen, where they cannot run far and trigger the dog’s chase drive. As the training progresses over several sessions, the situation is adapted to more closely resemble the situation that you will find on a walk through a field, where sheep are just doing sheep things while the owner trains the dog. OWNER RESPONSIBILITY Equally important to the training of the dog is good management from the human side of the partnership! Be vigilant when entering fields, stay on public footpaths and if there is livestock in a field, consider whether you can reroute your dog walk via another path. If this is not possible, then ensuring your dog is on a suitable lead with a well-fitting collar or harness is a must.With time and careful practice, livestock will just become part of the wider environmental picture for the dog and you will be able to enjoy your walks in the countryside with a well-behaved dog at your side while keeping livestock safe and farmers happy! PPhoto © Martina Miradoli (thatlldoacademy.com)Quick questionDog Fender, the only collar on the market that can assist you in defending your pet against aggressive dog attacks.  How does it do that?By generating a protective shield around your dog's throat and neck. Radius 40 metres approx  • Gives peace of mind• Waterproof• Made with durable material• Powerful night-lights• Available in three sizesPets bring your owners!Find your local store at www.justforpets.co.uk

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28 Dogs Today April 2024 EXPERT ADVICECatrin George, animal wellbeing specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance, shares five mistakes you may be making when it comes to road safety…■Avoiding high-vis gearWhether you’re out walking on a dark and foggy winter evening, or using a crowded pavement on a busy summer’s day, standing out and being seen is vital. No matter the conditions, your dog should be on a lead at all times near a road, but kitting your dog in reflective gear (and making sure you wear some yourself) can also help keep them safe at any time of day or night.■Prioritising play over trainingEvery owner knows the importance of training to help build and strengthen your bond and foundation of trust, but helping them learn commands that support their safety is critical. Teaching your dog to sit when they approach a kerbside and not to cross the road without a specific command could really help increase your safety together. This should be done whenever you’re at a kerb, even if the road is clear and the dog is on a lead. This way, they will learn that they should never cross a road without your permission. However, you cannot fully rely on this and you should always be cautious near roads, whether they are quiet country lanes or busy highways.■ Assuming your dog notices their full surroundingsSome dogs develop tunnel vision when they’re in hot pursuit of a ball or something else that’s caught their eye. Unfortunately, this can sometimes mean they are not fully aware of their surroundings. If your dog has a high prey drive, make sure they are on the lead when they are close to any road. This includes when walking them in open parks bordered by roads, even if it’s quiet; you never know when they might spot something and give chase. When it comes to the wellbeing of our pets, it’s always better to be prepared. ■Forgetting that overexcitement can lead to dangerEven well-behaved dogs can lose control if they are extremely excited, which could be a risk if you’re near a road. Try to behave calmly, and discourage over-exuberant behaviour near roads and cars from the day you first bring your dog or puppy home. Make sure you’re keeping toys and balls out of sight near roads so they know it is not playtime, and keep treats on hand to encourage and reward good, calm behaviour. This will teach them to approach these things with caution. ■Opening car doors before fastening leadsWhen getting your dog in or out of the car, make sure their lead is securely fastened before opening the door and check that the road is clear. Catrin adds, “There are several steps you can take to improve your dog’s road safety training if you are walking around roads and pathways. We all want our pets to be safe and it is best to be very careful near roads, whether they are quiet country lanes or busy carriageways.“It takes a lot of constant practice, and you will need to be patient and provide regular praise for good behaviour. In the long run, investing time in your dog’s road safety training can be life-saving!” PPhoto posed by modelsQuick questionWhat are the biggest mistakes dog owners can make near roads?April 2024 Dogs Today29EXPERT ADVICESpring has sprung, and so have potentially toxic plants, as well as other seasonal hazards. Cliverton, dog walker insurance providers, have paired with A Dog’s Life podcast host Anna Webb to share tips to keep your dog safe on spring walks.■Hazardous plantsWalking in the park or hiking with your dog should be a fun adventure, a good source of exercise, and a bit of mental health respite for you and your pet. As such, you don’t want to be worrying about the complications you can face if your dog eats something they shouldn’t.Anna Webb says, “Many spring plants like daffodils and tulips can be toxic to dogs in the right quantity, but the bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins, so are particularly hazardous if eaten.”Looking out for large quantities of these fl owers is important to prevent your dog from eating them – especially if there are decorative fl owerbeds near a picnic bench or other resting place. Keeping them on a lead is the easiest way of ensuring they’re not wandering off and having a munch without you knowing.Webb continues to say these plants can be particularly hazardous as “they can also cause a stomach or throat blockage, which is a big vet emergency. Hyacinth plants similarly can cause stomach upsets, irritation and vomiting.”■What else to avoid during spring?It isn’t only fl owers that dogs can get their mouths on when out walking. In fact, plenty of hazards and litter can cause problems for your walks during springtime.Webb continues, “Be very mindful of sticks – throwing a stick can cause a huge vet emergency. When thrown, they can turn into a ’javelin’ with the stick piercing the throat lining. Chewing sticks can also splinter, and shavings can similarly get stuck in your dog’s throat.”Outside of natural hazards, litter can also cause a problem. In fact, the State of our Trails Report found that there were approximately 9.1 million single-use litter products around the UK. These products, from bottles to packets, can cause a problem for your dog, who might suffocate, eat something they shouldn’t, or stand on something dangerous without your knowledge.“Be aware of takeaways and debris left from picnics. Plaster containers and cutlery with foodstuffs or crumbs are of high value to dogs, who are natural-born scavengers. Discarded chicken bones are another red alert. Cooked bones splinter and can get stuck in the throat,” Webb says.To prevent your pet from eating something they shouldn’t or standing on dangerous litter, try to keep them away from unclear footpaths. These can include hedges or long grass areas where the ground isn’t clearly visible. This way, you can see any hazards for your pet. Stick to designated footpaths where possible and check areas before letting your dog explore.■Off the menuIf you notice that your dog is behaving differently after their walk, looks in pain or discomfort, or shows any symptoms that are worrying you, take them to the vet. Remember, you know your dog and their behaviour best.If there are symptoms such as vomiting or skin allergies, it is best to get your pet checked out. This can be from a number of factors, and not always worrying ones, but it is best to get the dog seen by a vet if you’re concerned or unsure what they might have eaten.Webb says, “The best advice to a dog walker is to take a piece of the suspected plant or fl ower to the vet to allow for quick diagnosis. If you think your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, the best advice is to go to the vet where they can give a sickness injection. This obviously makes the dog vomit everything currently in its stomach. It is always better to be safe than sorry. The foodstuff must be prevented from being absorbed into the system within six hours.”With better weather on the horizon, it makes sense that we are going to be spending more time outside with our dogs. However, the hazards that can come from both litter and toxic plants can be very real for dog owners and walkers alike. Making sure you’re taking precautions and visiting the vet when necessary is essential for the health and safety of your furry friend. PJack Russell Terrier. Photo posed by a modelQuick questionWhat hazards should dog owners look out for on spring walks?What hazards should dog owners look out for on spring walks?

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28 Dogs Today April 2024 EXPERT ADVICECatrin George, animal wellbeing specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance, shares five mistakes you may be making when it comes to road safety…■Avoiding high-vis gearWhether you’re out walking on a dark and foggy winter evening, or using a crowded pavement on a busy summer’s day, standing out and being seen is vital. No matter the conditions, your dog should be on a lead at all times near a road, but kitting your dog in reflective gear (and making sure you wear some yourself) can also help keep them safe at any time of day or night.■Prioritising play over trainingEvery owner knows the importance of training to help build and strengthen your bond and foundation of trust, but helping them learn commands that support their safety is critical. Teaching your dog to sit when they approach a kerbside and not to cross the road without a specific command could really help increase your safety together. This should be done whenever you’re at a kerb, even if the road is clear and the dog is on a lead. This way, they will learn that they should never cross a road without your permission. However, you cannot fully rely on this and you should always be cautious near roads, whether they are quiet country lanes or busy highways.■ Assuming your dog notices their full surroundingsSome dogs develop tunnel vision when they’re in hot pursuit of a ball or something else that’s caught their eye. Unfortunately, this can sometimes mean they are not fully aware of their surroundings. If your dog has a high prey drive, make sure they are on the lead when they are close to any road. This includes when walking them in open parks bordered by roads, even if it’s quiet; you never know when they might spot something and give chase. When it comes to the wellbeing of our pets, it’s always better to be prepared. ■Forgetting that overexcitement can lead to dangerEven well-behaved dogs can lose control if they are extremely excited, which could be a risk if you’re near a road. Try to behave calmly, and discourage over-exuberant behaviour near roads and cars from the day you first bring your dog or puppy home. Make sure you’re keeping toys and balls out of sight near roads so they know it is not playtime, and keep treats on hand to encourage and reward good, calm behaviour. This will teach them to approach these things with caution. ■Opening car doors before fastening leadsWhen getting your dog in or out of the car, make sure their lead is securely fastened before opening the door and check that the road is clear. Catrin adds, “There are several steps you can take to improve your dog’s road safety training if you are walking around roads and pathways. We all want our pets to be safe and it is best to be very careful near roads, whether they are quiet country lanes or busy carriageways.“It takes a lot of constant practice, and you will need to be patient and provide regular praise for good behaviour. In the long run, investing time in your dog’s road safety training can be life-saving!” PPhoto posed by modelsQuick questionWhat are the biggest mistakes dog owners can make near roads?April 2024 Dogs Today29EXPERT ADVICESpring has sprung, and so have potentially toxic plants, as well as other seasonal hazards. Cliverton, dog walker insurance providers, have paired with A Dog’s Life podcast host Anna Webb to share tips to keep your dog safe on spring walks.■Hazardous plantsWalking in the park or hiking with your dog should be a fun adventure, a good source of exercise, and a bit of mental health respite for you and your pet. As such, you don’t want to be worrying about the complications you can face if your dog eats something they shouldn’t.Anna Webb says, “Many spring plants like daffodils and tulips can be toxic to dogs in the right quantity, but the bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins, so are particularly hazardous if eaten.”Looking out for large quantities of these fl owers is important to prevent your dog from eating them – especially if there are decorative fl owerbeds near a picnic bench or other resting place. Keeping them on a lead is the easiest way of ensuring they’re not wandering off and having a munch without you knowing.Webb continues to say these plants can be particularly hazardous as “they can also cause a stomach or throat blockage, which is a big vet emergency. Hyacinth plants similarly can cause stomach upsets, irritation and vomiting.”■What else to avoid during spring?It isn’t only fl owers that dogs can get their mouths on when out walking. In fact, plenty of hazards and litter can cause problems for your walks during springtime.Webb continues, “Be very mindful of sticks – throwing a stick can cause a huge vet emergency. When thrown, they can turn into a ’javelin’ with the stick piercing the throat lining. Chewing sticks can also splinter, and shavings can similarly get stuck in your dog’s throat.”Outside of natural hazards, litter can also cause a problem. In fact, the State of our Trails Report found that there were approximately 9.1 million single-use litter products around the UK. These products, from bottles to packets, can cause a problem for your dog, who might suffocate, eat something they shouldn’t, or stand on something dangerous without your knowledge.“Be aware of takeaways and debris left from picnics. Plaster containers and cutlery with foodstuffs or crumbs are of high value to dogs, who are natural-born scavengers. Discarded chicken bones are another red alert. Cooked bones splinter and can get stuck in the throat,” Webb says.To prevent your pet from eating something they shouldn’t or standing on dangerous litter, try to keep them away from unclear footpaths. These can include hedges or long grass areas where the ground isn’t clearly visible. This way, you can see any hazards for your pet. Stick to designated footpaths where possible and check areas before letting your dog explore.■Off the menuIf you notice that your dog is behaving differently after their walk, looks in pain or discomfort, or shows any symptoms that are worrying you, take them to the vet. Remember, you know your dog and their behaviour best.If there are symptoms such as vomiting or skin allergies, it is best to get your pet checked out. This can be from a number of factors, and not always worrying ones, but it is best to get the dog seen by a vet if you’re concerned or unsure what they might have eaten.Webb says, “The best advice to a dog walker is to take a piece of the suspected plant or fl ower to the vet to allow for quick diagnosis. If you think your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, the best advice is to go to the vet where they can give a sickness injection. This obviously makes the dog vomit everything currently in its stomach. It is always better to be safe than sorry. The foodstuff must be prevented from being absorbed into the system within six hours.”With better weather on the horizon, it makes sense that we are going to be spending more time outside with our dogs. However, the hazards that can come from both litter and toxic plants can be very real for dog owners and walkers alike. Making sure you’re taking precautions and visiting the vet when necessary is essential for the health and safety of your furry friend. PJack Russell Terrier. Photo posed by a modelQuick questionWhat hazards should dog owners look out for on spring walks?What hazards should dog owners look out for on spring walks?

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30Dogs Today April 2024 In early 2022, Golden Retriever Hunter was treated for bone cancer. Only 30 per cent of dogs with this type of cancer live longer than 12 months. Hunter now has no evidence of cancer thanks to his treatment, which included a novel vaccine therapy developed by a Yale researcher.During a sunny morning on Florida’s Gulf Coast last month, an 11-year-old Golden Retriever named Hunter bounded through a pine grove. Snatching his favourite toy, a well-chewed tennis ball attached to a short rope, he rolled through the tall grass, with an energy that seemed inexhaustible. A passerby might not have even noticed that this playful Golden had only three legs.Two years ago, Hunter, who worked as a search and rescue dog for a decade, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer that kills upwards of 65 per cent of the dogs it affl icts within 12 months.But now, thanks in part to a novel cancer vaccine developed by Yale researcher Mark Mamula, Hunter has no signs of cancer.The treatment, a form of immunotherapy that is currently under review by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), has undergone clinical trials. And the results are promising; for hundreds of dogs, including Hunter, the vaccine has proved effective.Mamula, a professor of medicine (rheumatology) at Yale School of Medicine, believes the vaccine offers a badly needed weapon in the fi ght against canine cancer. “Dogs, just like humans, get cancer spontaneously; they grow and metastasize and mutate, just like human cancers do,” said Mamula. “If we can provide some benefi t, some relief — a pain-free life — that is the best outcome that we could ever have.”There are about 90 million dogs, living in 65 million households, in the United States alone. Around one in four dogs will get cancer. Among dogs 10 years or older, that ratio jumps to around one in two. Yet the therapies used to treat these cancers remain fairly antiquated, Mamula says.Researchers have found that in dogs, as is the case for humans, several types of cancer overexpress proteins known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These include colorectal cancer, breast cancer and osteosarcoma. One type of treatment currently given to human patients with these cancers involves monoclonal antibodies, proteins that can bind to and affect the function of EGFR and/or HER2. However, patients can develop a resistance to them and their effects wane over time.In developing the new treatment, Mamula and his team wanted to take a different approach. Monoclonal antibody treatments are produced from one immune cell and bind to one part of the EGFR/HER2 molecules, but Mamula and his team Photo posed by modelsQuick questionWhat promising cancer treatments are on the horizon?April 2024 Dogs Today 31 wanted to induce a polyclonal response. Doing so, he says, would create antibodies from multiple immune cells, rather than just one, that could bind to multiple parts of the EGFR/HER2 molecules instead of a single area. This would, in theory, reduce the likelihood of developing resistance. The research team tested many different candidates in order to find just the right compound. They eventually found one. After first testing it in mice, and finding promising results, they initiated their first clinical trial in dogs in 2016. To date, more than 300 dogs have been treated with the vaccine through clinical trials that are still ongoing at 10 sites in the US and Canada. The findings, which have been published in a peer-reviewed study, have shown that the treatment creates antibodies that are able to home in on and bind to tumours, and then interfere with the signalling pathways responsible for tumour growth. According to the research team, the vaccine increases the 12-month survival rates of dogs with certain cancers from about 35 per cent to 60 per cent. For many of the dogs, they have found, the treatment also shrinks tumours. While launching clinical tests of the vaccine’s effectiveness in humans may be a logical future step, for now Mamula is focused on getting USDA approval of the vaccine for dogs and distributed for wider use.“I get many emails from grateful dog owners who had been told that their pets had weeks or months to live but who are now two or three years past their cancer diagnosis,” Mamula said. “It’s a programme that’s not only valuable to me as a dog lover. Witnessing the happiness that successful therapies provide to families with dogs is incredibly rewarding.” PEXCITING NEW CANCER TEST FOR DOGSIn a significant advancement for veterinary oncology, the first minimal residual disease (MRD) test specifically designed for dogs has been launched. This innovative test, K9-LiquiDX, marks a new era in canine cancer care, offering vets and pet owners a powerful tool for early relapse detection and precision cancer monitoring. It’s big news for dog lovers, as it enhances the management and treatment of cancer in dogs by providing critical insights into the presence of cancer cells that traditional diagnostics may miss.Developed by leading scientists and veterinary oncologists, K9-LiquiDX uses advanced molecular diagnostics to detect the minute traces of cancer cells left behind after treatment or surgery. This highly sensitive test is designed to identify the earliest signs of relapse, allowing for timely intervention and tailored treatment strategies. It represents a significant leap forward in our ability to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatments and adjust protocols as needed to improve outcomes for our canine companions.BENEFITS OF K9-LIQUIDX:■Early relapse detection: empowers vets with the ability to detect a cancer relapse sooner, even before clinical symptoms develop■Precision cancer monitoring: provides a detailed understanding of the cancer's behaviour and response to treatment, enabling more personalised and effective management strategies■Enhanced treatment strategies: facilitates informed decisions regarding treatment adjustments, potentially leading to better outcomes and quality of life for dogs with cancerDr Maciej Parys, CEO of Cancan Diagnostic, the company behind the test, emphasised the impact of this launch, stating, “K9-LiquiDX is more than just a diagnostic test; it has a potential to revolutionise how we monitor dogs with cancer and help them and their families through improvement of their quality of life. By focusing on early relapse detection and precision monitoring, we're opening new pathways for personalised cancer care in veterinary medicine. This test is a testament to our commitment to pioneering advancements that make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners.”

Page 31

30Dogs Today April 2024 In early 2022, Golden Retriever Hunter was treated for bone cancer. Only 30 per cent of dogs with this type of cancer live longer than 12 months. Hunter now has no evidence of cancer thanks to his treatment, which included a novel vaccine therapy developed by a Yale researcher.During a sunny morning on Florida’s Gulf Coast last month, an 11-year-old Golden Retriever named Hunter bounded through a pine grove. Snatching his favourite toy, a well-chewed tennis ball attached to a short rope, he rolled through the tall grass, with an energy that seemed inexhaustible. A passerby might not have even noticed that this playful Golden had only three legs.Two years ago, Hunter, who worked as a search and rescue dog for a decade, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer that kills upwards of 65 per cent of the dogs it affl icts within 12 months.But now, thanks in part to a novel cancer vaccine developed by Yale researcher Mark Mamula, Hunter has no signs of cancer.The treatment, a form of immunotherapy that is currently under review by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), has undergone clinical trials. And the results are promising; for hundreds of dogs, including Hunter, the vaccine has proved effective.Mamula, a professor of medicine (rheumatology) at Yale School of Medicine, believes the vaccine offers a badly needed weapon in the fi ght against canine cancer. “Dogs, just like humans, get cancer spontaneously; they grow and metastasize and mutate, just like human cancers do,” said Mamula. “If we can provide some benefi t, some relief — a pain-free life — that is the best outcome that we could ever have.”There are about 90 million dogs, living in 65 million households, in the United States alone. Around one in four dogs will get cancer. Among dogs 10 years or older, that ratio jumps to around one in two. Yet the therapies used to treat these cancers remain fairly antiquated, Mamula says.Researchers have found that in dogs, as is the case for humans, several types of cancer overexpress proteins known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These include colorectal cancer, breast cancer and osteosarcoma. One type of treatment currently given to human patients with these cancers involves monoclonal antibodies, proteins that can bind to and affect the function of EGFR and/or HER2. However, patients can develop a resistance to them and their effects wane over time.In developing the new treatment, Mamula and his team wanted to take a different approach. Monoclonal antibody treatments are produced from one immune cell and bind to one part of the EGFR/HER2 molecules, but Mamula and his team Photo posed by modelsQuick questionWhat promising cancer treatments are on the horizon?April 2024 Dogs Today 31 wanted to induce a polyclonal response. Doing so, he says, would create antibodies from multiple immune cells, rather than just one, that could bind to multiple parts of the EGFR/HER2 molecules instead of a single area. This would, in theory, reduce the likelihood of developing resistance. The research team tested many different candidates in order to find just the right compound. They eventually found one. After first testing it in mice, and finding promising results, they initiated their first clinical trial in dogs in 2016. To date, more than 300 dogs have been treated with the vaccine through clinical trials that are still ongoing at 10 sites in the US and Canada. The findings, which have been published in a peer-reviewed study, have shown that the treatment creates antibodies that are able to home in on and bind to tumours, and then interfere with the signalling pathways responsible for tumour growth. According to the research team, the vaccine increases the 12-month survival rates of dogs with certain cancers from about 35 per cent to 60 per cent. For many of the dogs, they have found, the treatment also shrinks tumours. While launching clinical tests of the vaccine’s effectiveness in humans may be a logical future step, for now Mamula is focused on getting USDA approval of the vaccine for dogs and distributed for wider use.“I get many emails from grateful dog owners who had been told that their pets had weeks or months to live but who are now two or three years past their cancer diagnosis,” Mamula said. “It’s a programme that’s not only valuable to me as a dog lover. Witnessing the happiness that successful therapies provide to families with dogs is incredibly rewarding.” PEXCITING NEW CANCER TEST FOR DOGSIn a significant advancement for veterinary oncology, the first minimal residual disease (MRD) test specifically designed for dogs has been launched. This innovative test, K9-LiquiDX, marks a new era in canine cancer care, offering vets and pet owners a powerful tool for early relapse detection and precision cancer monitoring. It’s big news for dog lovers, as it enhances the management and treatment of cancer in dogs by providing critical insights into the presence of cancer cells that traditional diagnostics may miss.Developed by leading scientists and veterinary oncologists, K9-LiquiDX uses advanced molecular diagnostics to detect the minute traces of cancer cells left behind after treatment or surgery. This highly sensitive test is designed to identify the earliest signs of relapse, allowing for timely intervention and tailored treatment strategies. It represents a significant leap forward in our ability to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatments and adjust protocols as needed to improve outcomes for our canine companions.BENEFITS OF K9-LIQUIDX:■Early relapse detection: empowers vets with the ability to detect a cancer relapse sooner, even before clinical symptoms develop■Precision cancer monitoring: provides a detailed understanding of the cancer's behaviour and response to treatment, enabling more personalised and effective management strategies■Enhanced treatment strategies: facilitates informed decisions regarding treatment adjustments, potentially leading to better outcomes and quality of life for dogs with cancerDr Maciej Parys, CEO of Cancan Diagnostic, the company behind the test, emphasised the impact of this launch, stating, “K9-LiquiDX is more than just a diagnostic test; it has a potential to revolutionise how we monitor dogs with cancer and help them and their families through improvement of their quality of life. By focusing on early relapse detection and precision monitoring, we're opening new pathways for personalised cancer care in veterinary medicine. This test is a testament to our commitment to pioneering advancements that make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners.”

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32Dogs Today April 2024 Dogs Today is only £12.50 quarterly if you pay by Direct Debit* ■Save more than £20 over the year■Delivered free to your door Plus you also get:■A £15 voucher for PurrfectlyYappy.com(minimum spend £75). Call us for the special code!■The chance to win one of 50 Nerf dog toysJoin our exclusive Sub Club! Call 01276 402599 (lines open weekdays 9am-5pm) or subscribe online www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/product/dogs-today-uk-subscriptionsAll new subscriptions will commence with the current issueOverseas prices: £79.99 for 12 issues or £145 for 24 issuesWith newsagents and supermarkets reducing their shelf space for magazines, it’s getting harder to fi nd us. Help us by subscribing – and reap the rewards:The fi rst 50 new or renewing subscribers this month will receive a fabulous Nerf dog toy – so even your dog can benefi t. It’s a win-win-win situation!Please remember to include your dog’s breed/size and age in ‘Dog breed and size’ during checkout. Subscription gifts are only available to the fi rst 50 subscribers each month (sorry, UK subscribers only).Help us by subscribing – and reap the rewards:Buy direct and save more than £20 a year!*UK only. By entering, you confi rm that your details will be passed on to the company providing prizes for distribution & marketing purposes.SUBSCRIBE NOW& start saving today!Bamboodles would like to introduce you to the newest way to satisfy your dog’s inherent need to chew. The Bamboodles T-Bone is created using a bamboo and nylon mix. The natural strength of the bamboo fi bre combines with the nylon fi bres to create a longer-lasting, chew toy that is not only satisfying but also durable – for even the most aggressive of chewers.The amazing T design means dogs have the autonomy to use their paws and hold the bone upright, giving them ease and independence to gnaw away to their heart’s content. The raised nubs help to control plaque and tartar build-up, promoting clean teeth and healthy gums. Get a grip!ADVERTISING FEATUREDid you know that chewing is scientifi cally proven to calm your dog down? These T-designed Bamboodles help your dog to hold their own chew while they blissfully gnaw away Designed to make your dog’s tail wag■Occupy your dogDiscourage destructive chewing■Care for their teethRaised nubs help to control plaque and tartar build-up, promoting clean teeth and healthy gums■Easy to useThe ‘T-bone’ shape allows your dog to hold their Bamboodle with their paws and keep it stable while chewing ■Enjoyable realistic textureMimics wood for an authentic and satisfying chew experienceyour dog’s tail wagThese cool T-Bone chews come in three sizes and three flavours (beef, chicken and peanut butter).For more information, visit www.bamboodles.co.ukor check out Bamboodles on Facebook and Instagram

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32Dogs Today April 2024 Dogs Today is only £12.50 quarterly if you pay by Direct Debit* ■Save more than £20 over the year■Delivered free to your door Plus you also get:■A £15 voucher for PurrfectlyYappy.com(minimum spend £75). Call us for the special code!■The chance to win one of 50 Nerf dog toysJoin our exclusive Sub Club! Call 01276 402599 (lines open weekdays 9am-5pm) or subscribe online www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/product/dogs-today-uk-subscriptionsAll new subscriptions will commence with the current issueOverseas prices: £79.99 for 12 issues or £145 for 24 issuesWith newsagents and supermarkets reducing their shelf space for magazines, it’s getting harder to fi nd us. Help us by subscribing – and reap the rewards:The fi rst 50 new or renewing subscribers this month will receive a fabulous Nerf dog toy – so even your dog can benefi t. It’s a win-win-win situation!Please remember to include your dog’s breed/size and age in ‘Dog breed and size’ during checkout. Subscription gifts are only available to the fi rst 50 subscribers each month (sorry, UK subscribers only).Help us by subscribing – and reap the rewards:Buy direct and save more than £20 a year!*UK only. By entering, you confi rm that your details will be passed on to the company providing prizes for distribution & marketing purposes.SUBSCRIBE NOW& start saving today!Bamboodles would like to introduce you to the newest way to satisfy your dog’s inherent need to chew. The Bamboodles T-Bone is created using a bamboo and nylon mix. The natural strength of the bamboo fi bre combines with the nylon fi bres to create a longer-lasting, chew toy that is not only satisfying but also durable – for even the most aggressive of chewers.The amazing T design means dogs have the autonomy to use their paws and hold the bone upright, giving them ease and independence to gnaw away to their heart’s content. The raised nubs help to control plaque and tartar build-up, promoting clean teeth and healthy gums. Get a grip!ADVERTISING FEATUREDid you know that chewing is scientifi cally proven to calm your dog down? These T-designed Bamboodles help your dog to hold their own chew while they blissfully gnaw away Designed to make your dog’s tail wag■Occupy your dogDiscourage destructive chewing■Care for their teethRaised nubs help to control plaque and tartar build-up, promoting clean teeth and healthy gums■Easy to useThe ‘T-bone’ shape allows your dog to hold their Bamboodle with their paws and keep it stable while chewing ■Enjoyable realistic textureMimics wood for an authentic and satisfying chew experienceyour dog’s tail wagThese cool T-Bone chews come in three sizes and three flavours (beef, chicken and peanut butter).For more information, visit www.bamboodles.co.ukor check out Bamboodles on Facebook and Instagram

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34 Dogs Today April 2024Border Collie. Photo posed by a modelhas become a colloquial term used for people who do only kind things with dogs to help them learn and understand. I grew up in the era of smacking dogs with a rolled-up newspaper, throwing plastic bottles containing coins on the floor to make them stop what they were doing, and things to ‘show them who the boss is’ because they are ‘pack animals’ and need an ‘alpha/pack leader’. Despite this outdated alpha/pack leader theory being based on 1940s research, it still perpetuates through the canine world, but that is a discussion for another day. Fortunately, we now know better. PERSONAL PUNISHMENTWhen many people hear the word ‘aversive’, they assume it only means measures like electric shock collars or hitting, but it is a little more complicated than that. Some dogs enjoy playing in the water, and some dogs absolutely hate it. Some dogs love being scratched on the chest, and some dogs find this quite unpleasant. I can guarantee that if you sit with a friend and discuss your dogs’ respective likes and dislikes, you will find numerous differences. One of my dogs loved to sleep on the bed, while the other preferred to hop up for an occasional cuddle, then chose to sleep on his bed on the floor. ROOTS OF CHANGEJust like humans, every dog is delightfully unique, and it is ultimately down to the animal to decide what they do and do not like or what they find aversive or enjoyable. Dogs are sentient beings and have the right to decide what is OK and what isn’t. So, aversive means something that a particular dog finds to be unpleasant at that specific moment. Force-free is far easier to define, meaning without the use of force or not doing something that the dog finds unpleasant, and a behaviour modification programme is also self-defining – a programme that is implemented in order to change a specific behaviour. We do what we do because of how we feel, either physically or emotionally, and dogs are no different. The root of changing behaviour means changing the way we feel. If we feel sad, we might cry, and if we want the crying to stop, the most obvious thing to do Proud to be a cookie pusher Aversive training methods aren’t limited to shock collars. One dog’s pleasure could be another dog’s punishment. How well do you know your own dog?Words KELLY OLDAKER Illustration KEVIN BROCKBANKPunish or reward? Correct or redirect? It is maybe the most commonly discussed topic in the world of dog training and behaviour, and it is one that often causes the fur to fly. I am personally aware of friendships that have ended because of these discussions.Before we begin, I would like to state that I am a proudly upstanding cookie pusher, which

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34 Dogs Today April 2024Border Collie. Photo posed by a modelhas become a colloquial term used for people who do only kind things with dogs to help them learn and understand. I grew up in the era of smacking dogs with a rolled-up newspaper, throwing plastic bottles containing coins on the floor to make them stop what they were doing, and things to ‘show them who the boss is’ because they are ‘pack animals’ and need an ‘alpha/pack leader’. Despite this outdated alpha/pack leader theory being based on 1940s research, it still perpetuates through the canine world, but that is a discussion for another day. Fortunately, we now know better. PERSONAL PUNISHMENTWhen many people hear the word ‘aversive’, they assume it only means measures like electric shock collars or hitting, but it is a little more complicated than that. Some dogs enjoy playing in the water, and some dogs absolutely hate it. Some dogs love being scratched on the chest, and some dogs find this quite unpleasant. I can guarantee that if you sit with a friend and discuss your dogs’ respective likes and dislikes, you will find numerous differences. One of my dogs loved to sleep on the bed, while the other preferred to hop up for an occasional cuddle, then chose to sleep on his bed on the floor. ROOTS OF CHANGEJust like humans, every dog is delightfully unique, and it is ultimately down to the animal to decide what they do and do not like or what they find aversive or enjoyable. Dogs are sentient beings and have the right to decide what is OK and what isn’t. So, aversive means something that a particular dog finds to be unpleasant at that specific moment. Force-free is far easier to define, meaning without the use of force or not doing something that the dog finds unpleasant, and a behaviour modification programme is also self-defining – a programme that is implemented in order to change a specific behaviour. We do what we do because of how we feel, either physically or emotionally, and dogs are no different. The root of changing behaviour means changing the way we feel. If we feel sad, we might cry, and if we want the crying to stop, the most obvious thing to do Proud to be a cookie pusher Aversive training methods aren’t limited to shock collars. One dog’s pleasure could be another dog’s punishment. How well do you know your own dog?Words KELLY OLDAKER Illustration KEVIN BROCKBANKPunish or reward? Correct or redirect? It is maybe the most commonly discussed topic in the world of dog training and behaviour, and it is one that often causes the fur to fly. I am personally aware of friendships that have ended because of these discussions.Before we begin, I would like to state that I am a proudly upstanding cookie pusher, which

Page 36

36Dogs Today April 2024is to stop feeling sad. We might do this by listening to a happy song, hugging a loved one, eating some cake or going for a run. Another thing that might stop us from crying could be if someone told us in no uncertain terms that if we didn’t stop crying immediately, there would be serious consequences. Would we stop crying? Possibly. Would we still feel sad? Probably, and maybe also afraid. All that has happened is the crying has been stopped or suppressed in order to prevent the threatened ‘serious consequences’ that we might encounter as a result.This is the difference between force-free and aversive behaviour modifi cation.How about if you were crying, and someone came over, gave you a big hug, a slice of cake and whispered menacingly in your ear, “You had better stop crying or else…” Would you stop crying? Would you have enjoyed the hug? Would you stop feeling sad? Would you feel confused? How would you feel the next time that person hugged you, even without the menacing whisper? This is why the use of aversives is not compatible with a force-free behaviour modifi cation plan.In my opinion, any relationship needs to be built on trust, consistency and respect, and this includes the relationships that are formed between dogs and humans. I believe there is no quick way to build these bonds, and they can only be curated and nurtured with time, care and effort. The value of positive emotion is of lower value than negative emotion, so any single bad thing needs many positive things to counteract it. Again, if we think in human terms: if you bite into 50 apples, and the last one contains half a worm, how many bites will it take before you trust biting into an apple again? >KELLY OLDAKERKelly is deeply passionate about helping humans to build lasting, meaningful relationships with their pets, using communication, kindness and compassion. Her goal is to help animal guardians live in harmony with their pets, and her dream is to open a force-free, fear-free training and boarding facility with an onsite co-operative care veterinary practice. After working in many different areas from offi ces, to cabin crew, to safari guide in Africa, Kelly has now completed her DipCABT (Coape) and is offering virtual consultations to help humans and their companions across the globe to build solid bonds that will last a lifetime.Visit www.animalaffect.com for more information.MEET THE PRACTITIONERS...In order to build bonds that will cement your relationship with your companion, you can never give them a reason not to trust you. Just one zap with an e-collar, one smack with a rolled-up newspaper or one squirt with a water spray is all it takes to break those bondsPetit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Photo posed by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)INVEST IN DOG GOLD!LLeett PPaabblloo tteellll yyoouu wwhhyy bbuuyyiinngg tthheessee uunniiqquuee lliimmiitteedd eeddiittiioonn ppiiccttuurree bbooookkss ((ffoorr bbootthh cchhiillddrreenn && aadduullttss)) wwiillll yyiieelldd mmoorree tthhaann aannyy pprrooppeerrttyy iinn22002244AAnndd ffoorr eevveerryy bbooookk ssoolldd nnoott oonnllyy ddooeess aa hhuunnggrryy sshheelltteerr ddoogg ggeett ssoommee ggrruubb,, PPaabblloo ggeettss aa bbeellllyy rruubb!! WWW.THEADVENTURESOFPABLO.COM

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36Dogs Today April 2024is to stop feeling sad. We might do this by listening to a happy song, hugging a loved one, eating some cake or going for a run. Another thing that might stop us from crying could be if someone told us in no uncertain terms that if we didn’t stop crying immediately, there would be serious consequences. Would we stop crying? Possibly. Would we still feel sad? Probably, and maybe also afraid. All that has happened is the crying has been stopped or suppressed in order to prevent the threatened ‘serious consequences’ that we might encounter as a result.This is the difference between force-free and aversive behaviour modifi cation.How about if you were crying, and someone came over, gave you a big hug, a slice of cake and whispered menacingly in your ear, “You had better stop crying or else…” Would you stop crying? Would you have enjoyed the hug? Would you stop feeling sad? Would you feel confused? How would you feel the next time that person hugged you, even without the menacing whisper? This is why the use of aversives is not compatible with a force-free behaviour modifi cation plan.In my opinion, any relationship needs to be built on trust, consistency and respect, and this includes the relationships that are formed between dogs and humans. I believe there is no quick way to build these bonds, and they can only be curated and nurtured with time, care and effort. The value of positive emotion is of lower value than negative emotion, so any single bad thing needs many positive things to counteract it. Again, if we think in human terms: if you bite into 50 apples, and the last one contains half a worm, how many bites will it take before you trust biting into an apple again? >KELLY OLDAKERKelly is deeply passionate about helping humans to build lasting, meaningful relationships with their pets, using communication, kindness and compassion. Her goal is to help animal guardians live in harmony with their pets, and her dream is to open a force-free, fear-free training and boarding facility with an onsite co-operative care veterinary practice. After working in many different areas from offi ces, to cabin crew, to safari guide in Africa, Kelly has now completed her DipCABT (Coape) and is offering virtual consultations to help humans and their companions across the globe to build solid bonds that will last a lifetime.Visit www.animalaffect.com for more information.MEET THE PRACTITIONERS...In order to build bonds that will cement your relationship with your companion, you can never give them a reason not to trust you. Just one zap with an e-collar, one smack with a rolled-up newspaper or one squirt with a water spray is all it takes to break those bondsPetit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Photo posed by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)INVEST IN DOG GOLD!LLeett PPaabblloo tteellll yyoouu wwhhyy bbuuyyiinngg tthheessee uunniiqquuee lliimmiitteedd eeddiittiioonn ppiiccttuurree bbooookkss ((ffoorr bbootthh cchhiillddrreenn && aadduullttss)) wwiillll yyiieelldd mmoorree tthhaann aannyy pprrooppeerrttyy iinn22002244AAnndd ffoorr eevveerryy bbooookk ssoolldd nnoott oonnllyy ddooeess aa hhuunnggrryy sshheelltteerr ddoogg ggeett ssoommee ggrruubb,, PPaabblloo ggeettss aa bbeellllyy rruubb!! WWW.THEADVENTURESOFPABLO.COM

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38 Dogs Today April 2024< There is a veritable plethora of evidence out there, based in science, that suggests force-free techniques produce better results than aversive methods and that aversive techniques negatively impact the welfare of animals – just a couple of these are shown below, but the list is long. The science of emotion, or affect, in the mammalian brain is complex, and different emotions are controlled in different areas of the brain with different neurotransmitters and connections. For example, the amygdala alone, which is a part of the limbic system, has areas that all play different roles in core emotions. BUILDING TRUSTWe could dig down into the neuroscience of emotions or the psychological and physiological impact that aversives have, but ultimately, for me, it comes down to trust. In order to build bonds that will cement your relationship with your companion, you can never give them a reason not to trust you. Just one zap with an e-collar, one smack with a rolled-up newspaper or one squirt with a water spray is all it takes to break those bonds. People often argue that a squirt of water or a beep from a collar isn’t going to hurt them. Physically, no, it probably won’t. But will it break their trust? Will they want to come to you when you call them? Will they want to relinquish that fabulous sock they have just found in the bathroom? Will they feel totally calm and relaxed (and more importantly, safe) in your presence?Trust and consistency are crucial elements in a force-free behaviour modification plan. If there is no trust or consistency, then the plan will not work.An important element of force-free behaviour modification is ensuring that your dog is in the best possible state of mind and has all their physical and emotional needs met. Ensuring that your companion has everything they need for a happy, balanced life will greatly assist in preventing negative feelings from occurring and will also promote the ability to learn. It is often these negative emotions that result in what we humans perceive to be ‘problem behaviours’. KIND HEARTEDIn short, if you want to help your furry friend, help them with your whole heart. Commit to cementing those bonds and building a lifetime full of trust and love. You only need to watch how quickly a dog who has been removed from horrific circumstances becomes open to trusting again. It astounds me just how forgiving these amazing creatures are and how willing they are to put their faith in us humans. It doesn’t take much – you just need to be kind. They don’t understand in the same way that we do, and we can’t explain to them in words why we are doing what we are doing. As the old saying goes, ‘actions speak louder than words’, and this is never truer than when we need to communicate with animals. PYour Pooch Pic transformed into a stunning Pop Art CanvasSpice up your walls with our custom portraitsUPLOAD YOUR PIC TODAY: www.canvasfunk.co.ukGreat as gifts • We pop art hoomans too!25%discount!Promo code: DT25Expires: 25.06.24*Digital previews will be sent via email and will be low resolution and watermarked.Personalised one-to-one contact with our digital artist.A no obligation digital preview*- view before you buy.Established in 2006.As seen in Dogs Monthly, ITV’s This Morning & Channel 5’s The Wright Stuff .

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38 Dogs Today April 2024< There is a veritable plethora of evidence out there, based in science, that suggests force-free techniques produce better results than aversive methods and that aversive techniques negatively impact the welfare of animals – just a couple of these are shown below, but the list is long. The science of emotion, or affect, in the mammalian brain is complex, and different emotions are controlled in different areas of the brain with different neurotransmitters and connections. For example, the amygdala alone, which is a part of the limbic system, has areas that all play different roles in core emotions. BUILDING TRUSTWe could dig down into the neuroscience of emotions or the psychological and physiological impact that aversives have, but ultimately, for me, it comes down to trust. In order to build bonds that will cement your relationship with your companion, you can never give them a reason not to trust you. Just one zap with an e-collar, one smack with a rolled-up newspaper or one squirt with a water spray is all it takes to break those bonds. People often argue that a squirt of water or a beep from a collar isn’t going to hurt them. Physically, no, it probably won’t. But will it break their trust? Will they want to come to you when you call them? Will they want to relinquish that fabulous sock they have just found in the bathroom? Will they feel totally calm and relaxed (and more importantly, safe) in your presence?Trust and consistency are crucial elements in a force-free behaviour modification plan. If there is no trust or consistency, then the plan will not work.An important element of force-free behaviour modification is ensuring that your dog is in the best possible state of mind and has all their physical and emotional needs met. Ensuring that your companion has everything they need for a happy, balanced life will greatly assist in preventing negative feelings from occurring and will also promote the ability to learn. It is often these negative emotions that result in what we humans perceive to be ‘problem behaviours’. KIND HEARTEDIn short, if you want to help your furry friend, help them with your whole heart. Commit to cementing those bonds and building a lifetime full of trust and love. You only need to watch how quickly a dog who has been removed from horrific circumstances becomes open to trusting again. It astounds me just how forgiving these amazing creatures are and how willing they are to put their faith in us humans. It doesn’t take much – you just need to be kind. They don’t understand in the same way that we do, and we can’t explain to them in words why we are doing what we are doing. As the old saying goes, ‘actions speak louder than words’, and this is never truer than when we need to communicate with animals. PYour Pooch Pic transformed into a stunning Pop Art CanvasSpice up your walls with our custom portraitsUPLOAD YOUR PIC TODAY: www.canvasfunk.co.ukGreat as gifts • We pop art hoomans too!25%discount!Promo code: DT25Expires: 25.06.24*Digital previews will be sent via email and will be low resolution and watermarked.Personalised one-to-one contact with our digital artist.A no obligation digital preview*- view before you buy.Established in 2006.As seen in Dogs Monthly, ITV’s This Morning & Channel 5’s The Wright Stuff .

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40 Dogs Today April 2024 Coll Ferguson✗I think ‘dogs roaming free’ is a better sign to have, as ‘beware of the dog’ does imply you already know the dog will attack, and this will go against you in court.Ian Thomson?I think the world’s gone mad. If someone breaks into your home, they deserve what they get because they shouldn’t be there in the first place.Photo posed by modelsGreat DebateIf you have an opinion on this subject that is not already covered here, putting ‘Great Debate’ in the subject line. Please limit your response to Karen Rhodes✗I did a course with John Rogerson about 17 years ago and he said then that those signs imply you have a dangerous dog.Are ‘beware of the dog’ signs worth it? For centuries, they have been used to discourage burglars or warn visitors of the presence of dogs, but now, with an increasing number of thieves targeting dogs, as well as the fact the Dangerous Dogs Act applies on private property, is it inadvisable to use them?April 2024 Dogs Today41Hannah Maria Ester Ward✗I always thought they were likely to go against you in court, so I don’t use them!Tima Lund✗I have a sign that says, ‘keep gate closed, dogs running free’, which may alert thieves that there are dogs to steal, but doesn’t imply my dogs are dangerous... so if someone jumped the fence and got bitten, I never said my dogs are dangerous.Mike Applegate✓I have never seen it as a warning that the dogs are dangerous, just to ‘be aware’ that there are dogs! I always thought it was common courtesy for people coming up to your place, like the postie. I’m not saying the dog is going to bite their butt cheeks off, just making them aware that there are dogs! I am keeping it. If it comes to fi ghting it in court, so be it. As for thieves, all my dogs are adult, spayed mutts, so I admit I was never very concerned. They have no monetary value for thieves.Christine Smylie✗We had some nice signs, but took them down. We don’t want to advertise the presence of dogs, even though they are crossbreeds and spayed. They are very much indoor dogs. We love them and want to keep them safe from theft.Jen Glass?It depends. If the sign simply warns that there is a dog on the premises, I see no problem. If the sign includes the drawing or photo of a scary looking dog, as far too many do, then I can see why it could be taken as proof that the dog is dangerous. Sara Burney✗A ‘beware of the dog’ or ‘please close the gate’ sign is an advert to dog thieves.Sam White?We have an old ‘beware of the dog’ sign my dad put up almost 20 years ago, when we had German Shepherds who spent a lot of their time playing in the garden. At the time, we never thought about dog theft, and we assumed that if a burglar broke in, no one in their right mind would think of blaming the dogs if they bit them! But looking back, maybe we were just naive as to how the world works. The sign was never removed, and in a way I’m fond of it because it reminds me of our old dogs. But I don’t know. It may be time to do away with it.Gaz Morris✗I was told 30 years ago by a solicitor that ‘beware of dog’ signs go against you in court, as they are seen as an admission that you have dangerous dogs. A little like home owners being prosecuted for beating up burglars. It’s all messed up!Carole Morton✗All down to interpretation. There was a thing a few years ago, saying you’re advertising the fact that you have a dangerous dog. It’s getting to the point where it’s worrying to say anything about your dog.Carla Clifford?I have small dogs who are friendly with everyone, so the entire angle of it working against me in court should they bite a burglar – as if, they’ll sell their soul for a belly rub! – never concerned me. This is the fi rst time I’ve considered it as a possible neon sign for dog thieves, though, and it is concerning. Never had a problem before, so I’m not sure. I’ll need to think it over.Pauline Gray✓I fi nd that the odds of my dogs getting in trouble for biting a burglar or being targeted by thieves are smaller than the risk they may get loose because a delivery driver left the gate open, so I’d rather have the sign up to warn of their presence. Pe, email enquiries@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk o 100 words.Next month’s topic is: “Should every dog be muzzle trained just in case? When the government announced the XL Bully ban, 55,000 people plus had to quickly acquire and train their dogs to wear a muzzle. Should we all accustom our dogs to the muzzle as part of early training and own one that fi ts should it ever be needed?”Email editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk with your thoughts, putting ‘Great Debate’ in the subject line or write to ‘Great Debate’, Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AANo Yes MaybeThis month’s result57%14%29%

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40 Dogs Today April 2024 Coll Ferguson✗I think ‘dogs roaming free’ is a better sign to have, as ‘beware of the dog’ does imply you already know the dog will attack, and this will go against you in court.Ian Thomson?I think the world’s gone mad. If someone breaks into your home, they deserve what they get because they shouldn’t be there in the first place.Photo posed by modelsGreat DebateIf you have an opinion on this subject that is not already covered here, putting ‘Great Debate’ in the subject line. Please limit your response to Karen Rhodes✗I did a course with John Rogerson about 17 years ago and he said then that those signs imply you have a dangerous dog.Are ‘beware of the dog’ signs worth it? For centuries, they have been used to discourage burglars or warn visitors of the presence of dogs, but now, with an increasing number of thieves targeting dogs, as well as the fact the Dangerous Dogs Act applies on private property, is it inadvisable to use them?April 2024 Dogs Today41Hannah Maria Ester Ward✗I always thought they were likely to go against you in court, so I don’t use them!Tima Lund✗I have a sign that says, ‘keep gate closed, dogs running free’, which may alert thieves that there are dogs to steal, but doesn’t imply my dogs are dangerous... so if someone jumped the fence and got bitten, I never said my dogs are dangerous.Mike Applegate✓I have never seen it as a warning that the dogs are dangerous, just to ‘be aware’ that there are dogs! I always thought it was common courtesy for people coming up to your place, like the postie. I’m not saying the dog is going to bite their butt cheeks off, just making them aware that there are dogs! I am keeping it. If it comes to fi ghting it in court, so be it. As for thieves, all my dogs are adult, spayed mutts, so I admit I was never very concerned. They have no monetary value for thieves.Christine Smylie✗We had some nice signs, but took them down. We don’t want to advertise the presence of dogs, even though they are crossbreeds and spayed. They are very much indoor dogs. We love them and want to keep them safe from theft.Jen Glass?It depends. If the sign simply warns that there is a dog on the premises, I see no problem. If the sign includes the drawing or photo of a scary looking dog, as far too many do, then I can see why it could be taken as proof that the dog is dangerous. Sara Burney✗A ‘beware of the dog’ or ‘please close the gate’ sign is an advert to dog thieves.Sam White?We have an old ‘beware of the dog’ sign my dad put up almost 20 years ago, when we had German Shepherds who spent a lot of their time playing in the garden. At the time, we never thought about dog theft, and we assumed that if a burglar broke in, no one in their right mind would think of blaming the dogs if they bit them! But looking back, maybe we were just naive as to how the world works. The sign was never removed, and in a way I’m fond of it because it reminds me of our old dogs. But I don’t know. It may be time to do away with it.Gaz Morris✗I was told 30 years ago by a solicitor that ‘beware of dog’ signs go against you in court, as they are seen as an admission that you have dangerous dogs. A little like home owners being prosecuted for beating up burglars. It’s all messed up!Carole Morton✗All down to interpretation. There was a thing a few years ago, saying you’re advertising the fact that you have a dangerous dog. It’s getting to the point where it’s worrying to say anything about your dog.Carla Clifford?I have small dogs who are friendly with everyone, so the entire angle of it working against me in court should they bite a burglar – as if, they’ll sell their soul for a belly rub! – never concerned me. This is the fi rst time I’ve considered it as a possible neon sign for dog thieves, though, and it is concerning. Never had a problem before, so I’m not sure. I’ll need to think it over.Pauline Gray✓I fi nd that the odds of my dogs getting in trouble for biting a burglar or being targeted by thieves are smaller than the risk they may get loose because a delivery driver left the gate open, so I’d rather have the sign up to warn of their presence. Pe, email enquiries@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk o 100 words.Next month’s topic is: “Should every dog be muzzle trained just in case? When the government announced the XL Bully ban, 55,000 people plus had to quickly acquire and train their dogs to wear a muzzle. Should we all accustom our dogs to the muzzle as part of early training and own one that fi ts should it ever be needed?”Email editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk with your thoughts, putting ‘Great Debate’ in the subject line or write to ‘Great Debate’, Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AANo Yes MaybeThis month’s result57%14%29%

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42Dogs Today April 2024The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it wants to move forward with a full review after 56,000 people responded to its initial enquiry when the review was launched last September.The CMA outlined the following concerns:■Consumers may not be given enough information to enable them to choose the best veterinary practice or the right treatment for their needs.■Concentrated local markets, in part driven by sector consolidation, may be leading to weak competition in some areas.■Large corporate groups may have incentives to act in ways which reduce choice and weaken competition.■Pet owners might be overpaying for medicines or prescriptions.■The regulatory framework is outdated and may no longer be fi t for purpose.The CMA revealed that since 2013, about 1,500 of the 5,000 vet practices in the UK have been acquired by six of the largest corporate groups: CVS, IVC, Linnaeus, Medivet, Pets at Home and VetPartners.Sarah Cardell, the CMA chief executive, said, “Our review has identifi ed multiple concerns with the market that we think should be investigated further. These include pet owners fi nding it diffi cult to access basic information like price lists and prescription costs – and potentially overpaying for medicines.“We are also concerned about weak competition in some areas, driven in part by sector consolidation, and the incentives for large corporate groups to act in ways which may reduce competition and choice.“Given these strong indications of potential concern, it is time to put Words BEVERLEY CUDDYWho vets the vets?Who vets the vets?The competition regulator is preparing to launch a formal investigation into the 2-billion-pound veterinary market after identifying “multiple concerns” for the UK’s 16 million pet ownersour work on a formal footing. We have provisionally decided to launch a market investigation because that’s the quickest route to enable us to take direct action, if needed.”LOSS OF INDEPENDENTSIndependent vet practices accounted for 45 per cent of UK veterinary practices in 2021, down from 89 per cent in 2013. The CMA said the situation suggested the regulatory framework may be outdated and no longer fit for purpose. Most of the industry’s regulations date to 1966, and primarily cover individual veterinary surgeons rather than non-vet owners, like the corporations that now own 60 per cent of vet surgeries. It means the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has limited leverage over the chain-owned practices.“The provisional view is that outcomes for consumers could be improved if regulatory requirements and/or elements of best practice could be monitored or enforced more effectively,” the CMA said.CONSUMER CONSULTATIONIt will run a four-week consultation, before launching a formal investigation, giving it power to potentially mandate that vets give certain information to consumers, cap prescription fees, or order the sale of businesses or assets, which could include breaking up some vet chains.British Veterinary Association president Dr Anna Judson said, “The veterinary sector has changed significantly over recent years and the Competition and Markets Authority’s proposed investigation provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on how both veterinary teams and practices can continue to provide clients with the best possible service.“Rising prices are a concern for everyone, but it’s vital to recognise there is no NHS for pets. Whether they are employed by corporate or independently owned practices, vets deliver highly specialised, tailored care for the UK’s pets and the cost is a fair reflection of investment in medical equipment, supplies and medicines, and the time vet teams dedicate to the care of each patient.“At the British Veterinary Association, we’re keen to see healthy competition and consumer choice and so we are already taking steps to support vet practices to be more transparent both in terms of costs and practice ownership. It’s important that clients have as wide a choice of vet practices as possible so they can find a service that best suits the needs of themselves and their animals.“We’re pleased to see the CMA acknowledging the need for reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act and for regulation of vet practices, something we have been calling for. As the legislation stands, it’s not fit for purpose and is failing both vet teams and clients.“It’s important not to pre-empt the outcome of the CMA’s investigation. When the CMA launched its initial review, vet teams in practice found themselves on the end of unpleasant, often abusive behaviour, which is unacceptable. It’s important to remember that vets enter this high-pressure profession out of genuine care for animals and will always prioritise their health and welfare. We will continue to engage constructively with the CMA by responding to this latest consultation and will continue to play a leadership role in driving positive change for vets and their clients.”BVA senior vice-president Malcolm Morley told MPs at an Efra select committee that findings from the CMA’s review of household pet services could act as a “catalyst” for long-sought reform of the veterinary sector’s legislative framework.The RCVS has been lobbying successive governments over two decades for change.SEEKING CLARITYA statement on its website stated, “Whilst it is not in our remit as a professional regulator to influence business structures, local markets or price levels, we do recognise the CMA’s concerns over clarity of medicines’ supply options and pricing information. Our current guidance to the profession is already aligned with the CMA’s recommendations, but we know there is always more we can do to highlight these requirements to both the professions and the animal-owning public.“To this end, we set up a Public Advisory Group in 2023 to help support our work from a consumer perspective, a current key workstream of which is developing improved online advice to help animal owners get the best out of their interactions with their vet team.“More immediately, we will take some time to read and digest the CMA’s recommendations in April 2024 Dogs Today 43 M o s t o f t h e i n d u s t r y ’ s r e g u l a t i o n s d a t e t o 1 9 6 6 , a n d p r i m a r i l y c o v e r i n d i v i d u a l v e t e r i n a r y s u r g e o n s r a t h e r t h a n n o n -v e t o w n e r s , l i k e t h e c o r p o r a t i o n s t h a t n o w o w n 6 0 p e r c e n t o f v e t s u r g e r i e s . I t m e a n s t h e R o y a l C o l l e g e o f V e t e r i n a r y S u r g e o n s h a s l i m i t e d l e v e r a g e o v e r t h e c h a i n - o w n e d p r a c t i c e sPhoto posed by models

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our work on a formal footing. We have provisionally decided to launch a market investigation because that’s the quickest route to enable us to take direct action, if needed.”LOSS OF INDEPENDENTSIndependent vet practices accounted for 45 per cent of UK veterinary practices in 2021, down from 89 per cent in 2013. The CMA said the situation suggested the regulatory framework may be outdated and no longer fit for purpose. Most of the industry’s regulations date to 1966, and primarily cover individual veterinary surgeons rather than non-vet owners, like the corporations that now own 60 per cent of vet surgeries. It means the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has limited leverage over the chain-owned practices.“The provisional view is that outcomes for consumers could be improved if regulatory requirements and/or elements of best practice could be monitored or enforced more effectively,” the CMA said.CONSUMER CONSULTATIONIt will run a four-week consultation, before launching a formal investigation, giving it power to potentially mandate that vets give certain information to consumers, cap prescription fees, or order the sale of businesses or assets, which could include breaking up some vet chains.British Veterinary Association president Dr Anna Judson said, “The veterinary sector has changed significantly over recent years and the Competition and Markets Authority’s proposed investigation provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on how both veterinary teams and practices can continue to provide clients with the best possible service.“Rising prices are a concern for everyone, but it’s vital to recognise there is no NHS for pets. Whether they are employed by corporate or independently owned practices, vets deliver highly specialised, tailored care for the UK’s pets and the cost is a fair reflection of investment in medical equipment, supplies and medicines, and the time vet teams dedicate to the care of each patient.“At the British Veterinary Association, we’re keen to see healthy competition and consumer choice and so we are already taking steps to support vet practices to be more transparent both in terms of costs and practice ownership. It’s important that clients have as wide a choice of vet practices as possible so they can find a service that best suits the needs of themselves and their animals.“We’re pleased to see the CMA acknowledging the need for reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act and for regulation of vet practices, something we have been calling for. As the legislation stands, it’s not fit for purpose and is failing both vet teams and clients.“It’s important not to pre-empt the outcome of the CMA’s investigation. When the CMA launched its initial review, vet teams in practice found themselves on the end of unpleasant, often abusive behaviour, which is unacceptable. It’s important to remember that vets enter this high-pressure profession out of genuine care for animals and will always prioritise their health and welfare. We will continue to engage constructively with the CMA by responding to this latest consultation and will continue to play a leadership role in driving positive change for vets and their clients.”BVA senior vice-president Malcolm Morley told MPs at an Efra select committee that findings from the CMA’s review of household pet services could act as a “catalyst” for long-sought reform of the veterinary sector’s legislative framework.The RCVS has been lobbying successive governments over two decades for change.SEEKING CLARITYA statement on its website stated, “Whilst it is not in our remit as a professional regulator to influence business structures, local markets or price levels, we do recognise the CMA’s concerns over clarity of medicines’ supply options and pricing information. Our current guidance to the profession is already aligned with the CMA’s recommendations, but we know there is always more we can do to highlight these requirements to both the professions and the animal-owning public.“To this end, we set up a Public Advisory Group in 2023 to help support our work from a consumer perspective, a current key workstream of which is developing improved online advice to help animal owners get the best out of their interactions with their vet team.“More immediately, we will take some time to read and digest the CMA’s recommendations in April 2024 Dogs Today 43 Words BEVERLEY CUDDYMost of the industry’s regulations date to 1966, and primarily cover individual veterinary surgeons rather than non-vet owners, like the corporations that now own 60 per cent of vet surgeries. It means the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has limited leverage over the chain-owned practicesPhoto posed by modelsWho Vets the Vets.indd 43Who Vets the Vets.indd 43 03/04/2024 20:5903/04/2024 20:59

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44 Dogs Today April 2024full, consider how we might most usefully respond to the upcoming consultation, and look forward to working closely with the CMA to bring about veterinary legislative reform to modernise our regulatory framework.”Animal welfare campaigner Linda Joyce-Jones said in a Facebook live, “It’s a ground-breaking report. Yes, we do need another Veterinary Surgeons Act. But last year, the RCVS received £2.5 million in donations from the big six corporate stakeholders. The biggest of the six, IVC, made more than a billion pounds in profit last year. FAIR PRICING“But this issue is not all about money, it needs to be about animal welfare. I am concerned about all those on the front line in every veterinary profession and every pet. These pets are members of our family and that is who this needs to be about. I urge everyone to take an active part.”IVC Evidensia, the largest of the six veterinary chains, said, “We will engage openly and constructively with the CMA as they look to better understand the sector. The veterinary profession is modernising rapidly in response to increased demand from owners and to the increase in pet ownership since the Covid-19 pandemic.“IVC Evidensia is committed to providing customers with a wide range of high-quality care and treatment options, all provided by highly qualified, dedicated veterinary professionals. Our highly skilled vets and vet nurses recommend and provide the care best suited to both a patient’s medical needs and an owner’s financial position, even in the most technically and emotionally challenging of situations. We receive feedback from around half a million customer visits a year on the quality of the care we provide, including on pricing communication and clarity, which is overwhelmingly positive.“We have always sought to ensure our pricing is appropriate, fair and competitive, and inform customers before any cost is incurred for any treatment. Costs for the veterinary profession have risen rapidly, driven predominantly by a chronic shortage of qualified vets, coupled with necessary improvements to pay and conditions for veterinary teams, and by inflation across energy, medicines and other areas.DEADLINE LOOMS“The well-being of the animals we treat is always our top priority, and we are immensely proud of our incredibly hardworking clinical and support teams and their ongoing commitment to provide outstanding animal care and customer service.”The CMA has launched a four-week consultation to seek views from the sector on the proposal to launch a market investigation. The consultation closes on 11 April 2024 at which point it will consider the responses received and a decision will be made on how to proceed. PWhilst it is not in our remit as a professional regulator to influence business structures, local markets or price levels, we do recognise the CMA’s concerns over clarity of medicines’ supply options and pricing information” - RCVSPhoto posed by modelsPet Protection Reimagined.IMPACT TESTED PET CAR SEATSExpertly EngineeredFROM THE MAKERS OF NUNA®We’ve combined decades of innovative product development, premium craftsmanship, and advanced impact testing to bring you industry-changing pet protection systems that are evaluated against United Nations ECE child restraint safety criteria.TAVOPETS.COM | Available Online And In Halfords Stores

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44 Dogs Today April 2024full, consider how we might most usefully respond to the upcoming consultation, and look forward to working closely with the CMA to bring about veterinary legislative reform to modernise our regulatory framework.”Animal welfare campaigner Linda Joyce-Jones said in a Facebook live, “It’s a ground-breaking report. Yes, we do need another Veterinary Surgeons Act. But last year, the RCVS received £2.5 million in donations from the big six corporate stakeholders. The biggest of the six, IVC, made more than a billion pounds in profit last year. FAIR PRICING“But this issue is not all about money, it needs to be about animal welfare. I am concerned about all those on the front line in every veterinary profession and every pet. These pets are members of our family and that is who this needs to be about. I urge everyone to take an active part.”IVC Evidensia, the largest of the six veterinary chains, said, “We will engage openly and constructively with the CMA as they look to better understand the sector. The veterinary profession is modernising rapidly in response to increased demand from owners and to the increase in pet ownership since the Covid-19 pandemic.“IVC Evidensia is committed to providing customers with a wide range of high-quality care and treatment options, all provided by highly qualified, dedicated veterinary professionals. Our highly skilled vets and vet nurses recommend and provide the care best suited to both a patient’s medical needs and an owner’s financial position, even in the most technically and emotionally challenging of situations. We receive feedback from around half a million customer visits a year on the quality of the care we provide, including on pricing communication and clarity, which is overwhelmingly positive.“We have always sought to ensure our pricing is appropriate, fair and competitive, and inform customers before any cost is incurred for any treatment. Costs for the veterinary profession have risen rapidly, driven predominantly by a chronic shortage of qualified vets, coupled with necessary improvements to pay and conditions for veterinary teams, and by inflation across energy, medicines and other areas.DEADLINE LOOMS“The well-being of the animals we treat is always our top priority, and we are immensely proud of our incredibly hardworking clinical and support teams and their ongoing commitment to provide outstanding animal care and customer service.”The CMA has launched a four-week consultation to seek views from the sector on the proposal to launch a market investigation. The consultation closes on 11 April 2024 at which point it will consider the responses received and a decision will be made on how to proceed. PWhilst it is not in our remit as a professional regulator to influence business structures, local markets or price levels, we do recognise the CMA’s concerns over clarity of medicines’ supply options and pricing information” - RCVSPhoto posed by modelsPet Protection Reimagined.IMPACT TESTED PET CAR SEATSExpertly EngineeredFROM THE MAKERS OF NUNA®We’ve combined decades of innovative product development, premium craftsmanship, and advanced impact testing to bring you industry-changing pet protection systems that are evaluated against United Nations ECE child restraint safety criteria.TAVOPETS.COM | Available Online And In Halfords Stores

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46 Dogs Today April 2024 t must be awesome to have a parent who is an international singing star, famous all over the world, but what if you are a dog and your owner is that global megastar? Actually, for most star dogs, it is one long yawn – and Shark is no exception! “I adopted him a few years ago,” Billie related. “I had another dog, Pepper, at the time. Pepper was with us for years, since I was very young, and when he went, it was so very, very sad.“Shark was with us before Pepper went and they got on really well. Pepper was in charge, of course, and Shark missed him when he went. That said, Shark kind of took over and runs the show now. Even though he is a few years older now, he is still young and playful – to say the least!”Billie Eilish is just part of her name; in full, it is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell. Although she was born in Los Angeles – her mother Maggie, an actress and teacher, and her father, Patrick, an actor – she is of both Scottish and Irish descent, hence her name Eilish, which is Gaelic for Elizabeth.“I had a lot of varied musical and performance influences, and I think it was pretty clear that I was likely to grow up to be in some form of entertainment; it was certainly what I wanted. My older brother Finneas and I were both home-schooled and having a mother who was both a teacher and into music was a great help. She taught us the basics of songwriting when we were very young.Baby SharkDouble Oscar-winning singer songwriting star Billie Eilish only has Ocean Eyes for SharkIPhotos © Instagram @billieeilishApril 2024 Dogs Today 47 “I loved music from the very start and I used to listen to The Beatles a lot, but really I just loved the whole music business and I found many singers and bands really inspiring. I think I was about 11 when I wrote my first song and I don’t remember thinking much about what else I would do for a career. It was pretty focused on singing. I did go to dance classes too, but I got an injury, which meant I was a bit limited.”The idea of Billie Eilish being limited is almost unthinkable. She is not only a brilliant performer but a free thinker too.“I’ve always been my own person,” she said. “I like to be with people, but I am also pretty happy on my own. I like to live up to the expectations of myself that I impose on myself. Sometimes it is thought that I don’t smile very much; people who know me also know that is not true. I am pretty happy most of the time – not all the time, of course – but then who is?”FAILED FOSTERBillie is certainly very happy when she is with Shark, either at home or going for walks.“I have always been a really huge dog lover,” she revealed. “Not just my own dogs, but often when I am out, I see someone else’s dog and I just have to talk to it. They are just great fun, but more than that they are loyal friends and stick with you no matter what. You can feel really low and your dog will just snuggle up close and look at you with those beautiful eyes and the world seems a much better place straight away.“During the Covid pandemic, I decided to foster Shark to help out the Angel City Pit Bulls, which is a rescue centre in Los Angeles. Of course, he made himself at home straight away and when it came to the time for him to go back, I just couldn’t do it, so I formally adopted him and have never regretted it. That’s what dogs do to you – they make you melt.”It’s not just dogs that Billie has a soft spot for. For some years, she had a pet tarantula named Cooli.“We were pretty close and he also listened to me when I sang or just wanted someone to talk to. We were together for a long time and he was good company – not quite the same as dogs, of course.”She also has a rescue cat called Misha.“Misha is great and also lovely to have around. She gets on quite well with Shark and has the measure of him. They play, but she soon lets him know when she has had enough and he doesn’t push it, he knows what claws are for.” Could there be more dogs to join the Eilish household?“No plans,” she revealed. “It was good when Pepper and Shark were together, but Pepper had been with me while I was growing up and he was so very special. Shark is also very special now and I am not sure if he would be as happy as Pepper was to have another dog around. Probably he would, because he is a little older and wiser now – well, older anyway.WE ARE FAMILY“You never know, one of these days I might meet another dog and we look at each other and next thing I know he has joined the family.”What a family to join! Lovers of music, lovers of entertaining huge crowds and lovers of dogs.“It is a family thing. I grew up with dogs as part of the family. They were never just working dogs or just pets, they really were – well, family. Isn’t that the right way for dogs? They want to be part of the family, so let them, they are worth it.” PWords BERNARD BALE“I adopted Shark a few years ago. I had another dog, Pepper, at the time. Pepper was with us for years, since I was very young, and when he went, it was so very, very sad... They got on really well. Pepper was in charge, of course, and Shark missed him when he went. That said, Shark kind of took over and runs the show now. Even though he is a few years older now, he is still young and playful – to say the least!”

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46 Dogs Today April 2024 t must be awesome to have a parent who is an international singing star, famous all over the world, but what if you are a dog and your owner is that global megastar? Actually, for most star dogs, it is one long yawn – and Shark is no exception! “I adopted him a few years ago,” Billie related. “I had another dog, Pepper, at the time. Pepper was with us for years, since I was very young, and when he went, it was so very, very sad.“Shark was with us before Pepper went and they got on really well. Pepper was in charge, of course, and Shark missed him when he went. That said, Shark kind of took over and runs the show now. Even though he is a few years older now, he is still young and playful – to say the least!”Billie Eilish is just part of her name; in full, it is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell. Although she was born in Los Angeles – her mother Maggie, an actress and teacher, and her father, Patrick, an actor – she is of both Scottish and Irish descent, hence her name Eilish, which is Gaelic for Elizabeth.“I had a lot of varied musical and performance influences, and I think it was pretty clear that I was likely to grow up to be in some form of entertainment; it was certainly what I wanted. My older brother Finneas and I were both home-schooled and having a mother who was both a teacher and into music was a great help. She taught us the basics of songwriting when we were very young.Baby SharkDouble Oscar-winning singer songwriting star Billie Eilish only has Ocean Eyes for SharkIPhotos © Instagram @billieeilishApril 2024 Dogs Today 47 “I loved music from the very start and I used to listen to The Beatles a lot, but really I just loved the whole music business and I found many singers and bands really inspiring. I think I was about 11 when I wrote my first song and I don’t remember thinking much about what else I would do for a career. It was pretty focused on singing. I did go to dance classes too, but I got an injury, which meant I was a bit limited.”The idea of Billie Eilish being limited is almost unthinkable. She is not only a brilliant performer but a free thinker too.“I’ve always been my own person,” she said. “I like to be with people, but I am also pretty happy on my own. I like to live up to the expectations of myself that I impose on myself. Sometimes it is thought that I don’t smile very much; people who know me also know that is not true. I am pretty happy most of the time – not all the time, of course – but then who is?”FAILED FOSTERBillie is certainly very happy when she is with Shark, either at home or going for walks.“I have always been a really huge dog lover,” she revealed. “Not just my own dogs, but often when I am out, I see someone else’s dog and I just have to talk to it. They are just great fun, but more than that they are loyal friends and stick with you no matter what. You can feel really low and your dog will just snuggle up close and look at you with those beautiful eyes and the world seems a much better place straight away.“During the Covid pandemic, I decided to foster Shark to help out the Angel City Pit Bulls, which is a rescue centre in Los Angeles. Of course, he made himself at home straight away and when it came to the time for him to go back, I just couldn’t do it, so I formally adopted him and have never regretted it. That’s what dogs do to you – they make you melt.”It’s not just dogs that Billie has a soft spot for. For some years, she had a pet tarantula named Cooli.“We were pretty close and he also listened to me when I sang or just wanted someone to talk to. We were together for a long time and he was good company – not quite the same as dogs, of course.”She also has a rescue cat called Misha.“Misha is great and also lovely to have around. She gets on quite well with Shark and has the measure of him. They play, but she soon lets him know when she has had enough and he doesn’t push it, he knows what claws are for.” Could there be more dogs to join the Eilish household?“No plans,” she revealed. “It was good when Pepper and Shark were together, but Pepper had been with me while I was growing up and he was so very special. Shark is also very special now and I am not sure if he would be as happy as Pepper was to have another dog around. Probably he would, because he is a little older and wiser now – well, older anyway.WE ARE FAMILY“You never know, one of these days I might meet another dog and we look at each other and next thing I know he has joined the family.”What a family to join! Lovers of music, lovers of entertaining huge crowds and lovers of dogs.“It is a family thing. I grew up with dogs as part of the family. They were never just working dogs or just pets, they really were – well, family. Isn’t that the right way for dogs? They want to be part of the family, so let them, they are worth it.” PWords BERNARD BALE“I adopted Shark a few years ago. I had another dog, Pepper, at the time. Pepper was with us for years, since I was very young, and when he went, it was so very, very sad... They got on really well. Pepper was in charge, of course, and Shark missed him when he went. That said, Shark kind of took over and runs the show now. Even though he is a few years older now, he is still young and playful – to say the least!”

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48 Dogs Today April 2024he ‘firework season’, so named by the government, starts in October and continues until January. The ongoing problem of prolonged use and misuse of fireworks by unlicensed individuals during this ‘season’ and other random times, causes misery and distress to humans and animals alike. Without further restriction, the public at large are able to purchase fireworks and set these off without giving anyone notice. With no one able to predict when and where those fireworks will be used, and a lack of enforcement of the current legislation, people with conditions such as dementia, PTSD and autism spectrum disorders are severely affected, while many domesticated, farmed, and wild animals suffer intense distress, sometimes leading to injury and even death. No one can guard themselves or their animals against such haphazard use. The litter created and the environmental impact also cannot be denied.Our associated organisation, the Firework Campaign (https://fireworkcampaign.com), has been at the forefront of a 10-year campaign to strengthen the current legislation and to clarify responsibility for its enforcement. To date we have succeeded in securing a debate before parliament on five occasions. We know that there are hundreds of thousands of people who want to see changes to the legislation, as is evident by our ongoing petition.The current legislation, which provides no protection for humans, is incorporated into the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and makes it illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to animals, and yet fireworks continue to be let off close to premises such as stables, farms and rescue centres.BEHIND CLOSED DOORSThere is also the human cost, in terms of mental health, much of which is hidden behind closed doors, and the more publicised incidents involving people’s pets and other animals. Just a small survey reveals dogs and rabbits that have literally died of fright, animals that have run away from home and been run over, horses that have aborted foals, injured themselves – sometimes fatally – in their stables and fields, or fallen into a river. Then there was the rare zebra foal that simply ran into a brick wall and died. The stories go on and on and we cannot let this situation do the same; there has to be a point where enough is enough. We are asking people to join AFLR (Association for Firework Legislation Reform). This umbrella organisation gathers charities, organisations and businesses to stand together with the Firework Working Group in their efforts to put pressure on the government, to convince them their outdated firework legislation and current stance that ‘education is the way forward’ are not enough.Organisations that have animal welfare at heart – such as trainers, behaviourists, charities, rescues, vet businesses and pet insurance – can help by simply backing AFLR and in consequence supporting the FWG. We would ask that you permit us to list you as one of a great number asking for a change in the law. You will need a logo that we can use as proof of your support and a website.Individuals can also sign up to support the group; they will be counted but names will not be published. Please join us in our endeavours. We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully to adding your support. Together we are stronger. PFor more information, email contact@aflr.co.uk or visit www.aflr.co.uk and click ‘Contact us’Words JULIE DOOMEThere have been many petitions, and public support is strong, and yet legislative change never happens. What more will it take to control firework use? Keep banging on about the ongoing bangs!Firework reform TPet therapies include deep coat-conditioning experiences, a delicately scented blueberry facial, full grooms, a de-shedding Ayurveda treatment, a pamper paw-dicure and even professional teeth cleaning. All grooming is highly customised, and no project is too complex for Kelly and her team. Owners booking their pampered pooch in for a KD Pet Spa treatment can enjoy discounted wellness therapies and lavish experiences for themselves at Charlton House – or simply opt to while away pet-free hours in elegant, restful surroundings with delicious menus and fast wi-fi .Email info@kdgroomingstudio.co.uk or call 01963 34110 for more infoThe BBC’s ‘Pooch Perfect’ Winner Kelly Davis has joined forces with Somerset’s most welcoming country house and spa retreat, Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House, to open a Luxury Pet Grooming Spa offering a full package of pet pampering and grooming treatments in a purpose-built salon.Taking the concept of pet-friendly breaks to a new level of excellence, pet parents heading to enjoy the historic estate’s swim-in, swim-out pool, thermal spa, fi tness studio and steam and treatment rooms can now bring along their furry babies to enjoy pet-tailored spa therapies and grooming treatments under the tender, expert care of Kelly and her team.Characterised as Britain’s ‘Best Groomer’ by the BBC, Kelly is a fully qualifi ed master groomer, who in addition to running two grooming studios and accredited training courses also hosts a yearly dog grooming competition, Supergroom South West, raising money for her Animal Rescue Centre, Little Gems Rescue.

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48 Dogs Today April 2024he ‘firework season’, so named by the government, starts in October and continues until January. The ongoing problem of prolonged use and misuse of fireworks by unlicensed individuals during this ‘season’ and other random times, causes misery and distress to humans and animals alike. Without further restriction, the public at large are able to purchase fireworks and set these off without giving anyone notice. With no one able to predict when and where those fireworks will be used, and a lack of enforcement of the current legislation, people with conditions such as dementia, PTSD and autism spectrum disorders are severely affected, while many domesticated, farmed, and wild animals suffer intense distress, sometimes leading to injury and even death. No one can guard themselves or their animals against such haphazard use. The litter created and the environmental impact also cannot be denied.Our associated organisation, the Firework Campaign (https://fireworkcampaign.com), has been at the forefront of a 10-year campaign to strengthen the current legislation and to clarify responsibility for its enforcement. To date we have succeeded in securing a debate before parliament on five occasions. We know that there are hundreds of thousands of people who want to see changes to the legislation, as is evident by our ongoing petition.The current legislation, which provides no protection for humans, is incorporated into the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and makes it illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to animals, and yet fireworks continue to be let off close to premises such as stables, farms and rescue centres.BEHIND CLOSED DOORSThere is also the human cost, in terms of mental health, much of which is hidden behind closed doors, and the more publicised incidents involving people’s pets and other animals. Just a small survey reveals dogs and rabbits that have literally died of fright, animals that have run away from home and been run over, horses that have aborted foals, injured themselves – sometimes fatally – in their stables and fields, or fallen into a river. Then there was the rare zebra foal that simply ran into a brick wall and died. The stories go on and on and we cannot let this situation do the same; there has to be a point where enough is enough. We are asking people to join AFLR (Association for Firework Legislation Reform). This umbrella organisation gathers charities, organisations and businesses to stand together with the Firework Working Group in their efforts to put pressure on the government, to convince them their outdated firework legislation and current stance that ‘education is the way forward’ are not enough.Organisations that have animal welfare at heart – such as trainers, behaviourists, charities, rescues, vet businesses and pet insurance – can help by simply backing AFLR and in consequence supporting the FWG. We would ask that you permit us to list you as one of a great number asking for a change in the law. You will need a logo that we can use as proof of your support and a website.Individuals can also sign up to support the group; they will be counted but names will not be published. Please join us in our endeavours. We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully to adding your support. Together we are stronger. PFor more information, email contact@aflr.co.uk or visit www.aflr.co.uk and click ‘Contact us’Words JULIE DOOMEThere have been many petitions, and public support is strong, and yet legislative change never happens. What more will it take to control firework use? Keep banging on about the ongoing bangs!Firework reform TPet therapies include deep coat-conditioning experiences, a delicately scented blueberry facial, full grooms, a de-shedding Ayurveda treatment, a pamper paw-dicure and even professional teeth cleaning. All grooming is highly customised, and no project is too complex for Kelly and her team. Owners booking their pampered pooch in for a KD Pet Spa treatment can enjoy discounted wellness therapies and lavish experiences for themselves at Charlton House – or simply opt to while away pet-free hours in elegant, restful surroundings with delicious menus and fast wi-fi .Email info@kdgroomingstudio.co.uk or call 01963 34110 for more infoThe BBC’s ‘Pooch Perfect’ Winner Kelly Davis has joined forces with Somerset’s most welcoming country house and spa retreat, Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House, to open a Luxury Pet Grooming Spa offering a full package of pet pampering and grooming treatments in a purpose-built salon.Taking the concept of pet-friendly breaks to a new level of excellence, pet parents heading to enjoy the historic estate’s swim-in, swim-out pool, thermal spa, fi tness studio and steam and treatment rooms can now bring along their furry babies to enjoy pet-tailored spa therapies and grooming treatments under the tender, expert care of Kelly and her team.Characterised as Britain’s ‘Best Groomer’ by the BBC, Kelly is a fully qualifi ed master groomer, who in addition to running two grooming studios and accredited training courses also hosts a yearly dog grooming competition, Supergroom South West, raising money for her Animal Rescue Centre, Little Gems Rescue.

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50 Dogs Today April 2024 My Dog CrushMany of us have ‘dog crushes’ – soft spots for breeds or types that we love but know we’ll probably never own for lots of terribly sensible reasons. Maybe you don’t have enough hours in the day for the dog you dream of. Perhaps you have a wandering eye and there are just too many dogs to fit into a lifetime. Or you already have a house squashed full of adored allsorts that chose you.In this feature we go through popular dog crushes and take a fresh look at what it would be like to actually live with them.Rough CollieApril 2024 Dogs Today51The glam Rough Collie is forever reminiscent of the great Hollywood star Lassie.Character & behaviourA loving, affectionate companion, the Rough Collie is a soulmate to many. It’s no surprise, then, that this is a breed you keep returning to. An incredible 27% of our survey had owned more than seven Rough Collies in their lives so far. 43% said they were initially drawn to the breed because they’d loved Lassie as a kid. The breed’s vocal tendency was summed up by one owner: “The way Lassie would bark to tell people that Timmy was stuck under a tree by the watering hole… I suspect that one reason this breed was chosen for the fi lms and series is that they do bark a lot!”Ironically for a breed that is on the barky side, the Rough Collie can be noise sensitive. 60% hate fi reworks and thunder, and 22% are scared of other sounds. General sensitivity and ‘spookiness’ were mentioned many times in the survey and 16% said their collies were afraid of unexpected things.Exercise47% enjoy 30-60 minutes a day and 39% enjoy more than an hour. The rest stressed how versatile the breed is. “They would be happy with as much or as little as you can manage,” said one owner. Another told us, “Rough Collies adapt to the owner. Mine gets two hours minimum a day because I love walking, but he would happily be a couch potato.”GroomingAs with many different breeds, the Rough Collie coat has undergone changes in many breeding lines over the last 50-plus years. Some love the thicker, longer coat; others prefer the original coat – and there’s no denying that it is more practical. One survey respondent said the breed is a rare sight these days because “the new style of coat is unmanageable for regular people to maintain”.Our survey respondents came from both camps and 25% said they used a professional groomer as well as regularly brushing the dog themselves. Around half groom every day or every few days and the other half groom every week or every couple of weeks. 53% said their dog loves to be groomed; 38% said their dog tolerates it, but it needs to be done in short bursts. The rest either “hates every aspect of grooming and bathing”, “doesn’t mind brushing but hates the comb” or “hates the bath”.HealthThe Kennel Club strongly recommends hip and eye testing and DNA tests for CEA/CH (collie eye anomaly/choroidal hypoplasia) and MDR1 (multiple-drug sensitivity). There are also tests available for PRA (rcd2), the eye condition progressive retinal atrophy, and also a DNA-based risk test for DM (degenerative myelopathy), a devastating condition where there is a deterioration in the structures in the spinal cord that are responsible for transmission of nerve impulses. It is progressive and results in paralysis. Photo by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)Our survey of Rough Collie owners revealed:Lively Labrador?BUY COLLARS, LEADS & HARNESSESOur survey of Rough Collie owners revealed:

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50 Dogs Today April 2024 My Dog CrushMany of us have ‘dog crushes’ – soft spots for breeds or types that we love but know we’ll probably never own for lots of terribly sensible reasons. Maybe you don’t have enough hours in the day for the dog you dream of. Perhaps you have a wandering eye and there are just too many dogs to fit into a lifetime. Or you already have a house squashed full of adored allsorts that chose you.In this feature we go through popular dog crushes and take a fresh look at what it would be like to actually live with them.Rough CollieApril 2024 Dogs Today51The glam Rough Collie is forever reminiscent of the great Hollywood star Lassie.Character & behaviourA loving, affectionate companion, the Rough Collie is a soulmate to many. It’s no surprise, then, that this is a breed you keep returning to. An incredible 27% of our survey had owned more than seven Rough Collies in their lives so far. 43% said they were initially drawn to the breed because they’d loved Lassie as a kid. The breed’s vocal tendency was summed up by one owner: “The way Lassie would bark to tell people that Timmy was stuck under a tree by the watering hole… I suspect that one reason this breed was chosen for the fi lms and series is that they do bark a lot!”Ironically for a breed that is on the barky side, the Rough Collie can be noise sensitive. 60% hate fi reworks and thunder, and 22% are scared of other sounds. General sensitivity and ‘spookiness’ were mentioned many times in the survey and 16% said their collies were afraid of unexpected things.Exercise47% enjoy 30-60 minutes a day and 39% enjoy more than an hour. The rest stressed how versatile the breed is. “They would be happy with as much or as little as you can manage,” said one owner. Another told us, “Rough Collies adapt to the owner. Mine gets two hours minimum a day because I love walking, but he would happily be a couch potato.”GroomingAs with many different breeds, the Rough Collie coat has undergone changes in many breeding lines over the last 50-plus years. Some love the thicker, longer coat; others prefer the original coat – and there’s no denying that it is more practical. One survey respondent said the breed is a rare sight these days because “the new style of coat is unmanageable for regular people to maintain”.Our survey respondents came from both camps and 25% said they used a professional groomer as well as regularly brushing the dog themselves. Around half groom every day or every few days and the other half groom every week or every couple of weeks. 53% said their dog loves to be groomed; 38% said their dog tolerates it, but it needs to be done in short bursts. The rest either “hates every aspect of grooming and bathing”, “doesn’t mind brushing but hates the comb” or “hates the bath”.HealthThe Kennel Club strongly recommends hip and eye testing and DNA tests for CEA/CH (collie eye anomaly/choroidal hypoplasia) and MDR1 (multiple-drug sensitivity). There are also tests available for PRA (rcd2), the eye condition progressive retinal atrophy, and also a DNA-based risk test for DM (degenerative myelopathy), a devastating condition where there is a deterioration in the structures in the spinal cord that are responsible for transmission of nerve impulses. It is progressive and results in paralysis. Photo by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)Our survey of Rough Collie owners revealed:Lively Labrador?BUY COLLARS, LEADS & HARNESSESOur survey of Rough Collie owners revealed:

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My Dog CrushOriginsThe Rough and Smooth Collie share the same origins, coming from energetic, hardy Scottish sheepdogs. Coat length and colour were variable initially – it was the dog’s working ability that mattered, above anything else. If a dog could herd sheep reliably in the Highlands, the coat didn’t matter. That changed with the advent of dog shows and separate classes for Sheepdogs Rough and Sheepdogs Smooth began in 1870. Queen Victoria had several Rough Collies, both in Balmoral and in Windsor, which put the breed in the spotlight and increased its popularity. But nothing raised the breed’s profi le like the long-running programme Lassie. Filming from 1954 to 1973, and appearing on our TV screens for many years after, the series was hugely popular around the world and made the Rough Collie a longed-for pet for many. Half a century on and the Rough Collie is still synonymous with Lassie for many, though the breed is no longer as popular as it once was.52Dogs Today April 2024 ●Elegant ●Sensitive ●Hairy ●Vocal ●Gentle ●Loving ●Loyal ●Intelligent ●Beautiful●RegalTraits●Delilah●Fergus ●Marvin ●Boomer ●Brooke ●Phoenix ●Margot●Flynn ●Heidi ●HugoBest namesApril 2024 Dogs Today53Gilly and Matt StringerLiving with Rough Collies has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It’s a journey of mutual understanding, unwavering loyalty, and boundless love. Allow me to share with you the remarkable qualities of the Rough Collie breed and the profound impact they’ve had on my life.Rough Collies will give you everything you could desire in a canine companion – sensitivity, protectiveness, intelligence and a mischievousness that never fails to bring a smile to your face. They are a pleasure to be around. They possess an innate wisdom and perceptiveness, attuned to our emotions with an uncanny ability to provide comfort when needed. Their desire for companionship knows no bounds; they thrive in the presence of their pack, whether human or fellow canines. Our beloved tri-color Luna, for instance, possesses an extraordinary intuition, often sensing when someone in the household isn’t feeling their best and offering solace in her own gentle way. The breed’s sociable nature extends beyond the confi nes of home; they eagerly befriend other dogs on walks and even show a remarkable affi nity to other animals, as evidenced by Luna’s playful interactions with our indoor bunnies.Caring for Rough Collies involves a commitment to their grooming needs, which I undertake with devotion. Daily grooming sessions are complemented by weekly tasks, ensuring their coats remain pristine and their nails trim. During moulting, a bit more time may be required, but the bond forged during these moments of care is immeasurable.SOULMATESMy affi nity for Rough Collies traces back to my childhood fascination with Lassie, whose iconic image captured my imagination. I was four when my parents took me to collect our fi rst puppy. I wanted to bring home their mum, as she was the only one that looked like Lassie, only to be told the puppy will be like Lassie once she is older. We came home with a bundle of fl uff and I have never looked back since. We have now had the privilege of sharing our lives with 11 Rough Collies: Niki, Skipper, Sabre, Joe, Skye, Lassie, Lassie 2, Elle, Balla, Isla and Luna.Little did I know that collies would bring me closer to my soulmate now husband. He sent me an email at work stating, “Find attached picture of my best friend”. On opening the email, there, staring back at me, was Joe, his Rough Collie! Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting countless Rough Collie enthusiasts, each echoing the sentiment that these dogs hold a special place in their hearts. Their enduring loyalty and gentle nature ensure that once you’ve experienced life with a Rough Collie, no other breed can compare. Our journey has led us to Rough and Smooth Collie dog shows, where the sight of these majestic creatures in all their splendour never fails to captivate.Inspired by my deep-rooted love for the breed, I embarked on a personal project to create a photo family tree, tracing the lineage of our beloved collies through generations. It’s a testament to their enduring legacy and the profound impact they’ve had on our lives.In our household, Rough Collies aren’t just pets; they’re cherished members of the family, each with their own unique personality and quirks. When we venture out with our faithful companions Isla, Luna and Skye, we’re often greeted with nostalgic remarks from passers-by, such as, “You don’t see those dogs much nowadays” or “I grew up with a collie”, a testament to the enduring magic of Rough Collies.In conclusion, living with Rough Collies has been a journey of love, companionship, and unwavering devotion. Their presence fi lls our lives with immeasurable joy, and their legacy will forever be etched in our hearts. For those fortunate enough to share their lives with these remarkable creatures, the bond formed is nothing short of extraordinary. POwner’s viewDirty Dachshund?Dachshund?BUY SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER & SPRAYSGilly Stringer with (left to right) Skye, Elle, Isla and Balla

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My Dog CrushOriginsThe Rough and Smooth Collie share the same origins, coming from energetic, hardy Scottish sheepdogs. Coat length and colour were variable initially – it was the dog’s working ability that mattered, above anything else. If a dog could herd sheep reliably in the Highlands, the coat didn’t matter. That changed with the advent of dog shows and separate classes for Sheepdogs Rough and Sheepdogs Smooth began in 1870. Queen Victoria had several Rough Collies, both in Balmoral and in Windsor, which put the breed in the spotlight and increased its popularity. But nothing raised the breed’s profi le like the long-running programme Lassie. Filming from 1954 to 1973, and appearing on our TV screens for many years after, the series was hugely popular around the world and made the Rough Collie a longed-for pet for many. Half a century on and the Rough Collie is still synonymous with Lassie for many, though the breed is no longer as popular as it once was.52Dogs Today April 2024 ●Elegant ●Sensitive ●Hairy ●Vocal ●Gentle ●Loving ●Loyal ●Intelligent ●Beautiful●RegalTraits●Delilah●Fergus ●Marvin ●Boomer ●Brooke ●Phoenix ●Margot●Flynn ●Heidi ●HugoBest namesApril 2024 Dogs Today53Gilly and Matt StringerLiving with Rough Collies has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It’s a journey of mutual understanding, unwavering loyalty, and boundless love. Allow me to share with you the remarkable qualities of the Rough Collie breed and the profound impact they’ve had on my life.Rough Collies will give you everything you could desire in a canine companion – sensitivity, protectiveness, intelligence and a mischievousness that never fails to bring a smile to your face. They are a pleasure to be around. They possess an innate wisdom and perceptiveness, attuned to our emotions with an uncanny ability to provide comfort when needed. Their desire for companionship knows no bounds; they thrive in the presence of their pack, whether human or fellow canines. Our beloved tri-color Luna, for instance, possesses an extraordinary intuition, often sensing when someone in the household isn’t feeling their best and offering solace in her own gentle way. The breed’s sociable nature extends beyond the confi nes of home; they eagerly befriend other dogs on walks and even show a remarkable affi nity to other animals, as evidenced by Luna’s playful interactions with our indoor bunnies.Caring for Rough Collies involves a commitment to their grooming needs, which I undertake with devotion. Daily grooming sessions are complemented by weekly tasks, ensuring their coats remain pristine and their nails trim. During moulting, a bit more time may be required, but the bond forged during these moments of care is immeasurable.SOULMATESMy affi nity for Rough Collies traces back to my childhood fascination with Lassie, whose iconic image captured my imagination. I was four when my parents took me to collect our fi rst puppy. I wanted to bring home their mum, as she was the only one that looked like Lassie, only to be told the puppy will be like Lassie once she is older. We came home with a bundle of fl uff and I have never looked back since. We have now had the privilege of sharing our lives with 11 Rough Collies: Niki, Skipper, Sabre, Joe, Skye, Lassie, Lassie 2, Elle, Balla, Isla and Luna.Little did I know that collies would bring me closer to my soulmate now husband. He sent me an email at work stating, “Find attached picture of my best friend”. On opening the email, there, staring back at me, was Joe, his Rough Collie! Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting countless Rough Collie enthusiasts, each echoing the sentiment that these dogs hold a special place in their hearts. Their enduring loyalty and gentle nature ensure that once you’ve experienced life with a Rough Collie, no other breed can compare. Our journey has led us to Rough and Smooth Collie dog shows, where the sight of these majestic creatures in all their splendour never fails to captivate.Inspired by my deep-rooted love for the breed, I embarked on a personal project to create a photo family tree, tracing the lineage of our beloved collies through generations. It’s a testament to their enduring legacy and the profound impact they’ve had on our lives.In our household, Rough Collies aren’t just pets; they’re cherished members of the family, each with their own unique personality and quirks. When we venture out with our faithful companions Isla, Luna and Skye, we’re often greeted with nostalgic remarks from passers-by, such as, “You don’t see those dogs much nowadays” or “I grew up with a collie”, a testament to the enduring magic of Rough Collies.In conclusion, living with Rough Collies has been a journey of love, companionship, and unwavering devotion. Their presence fi lls our lives with immeasurable joy, and their legacy will forever be etched in our hearts. For those fortunate enough to share their lives with these remarkable creatures, the bond formed is nothing short of extraordinary. POwner’s viewDirty Dachshund?Dachshund?BUY SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER & SPRAYSGilly Stringer with (left to right) Skye, Elle, Isla and Balla

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My Dog Crush54Dogs Today April 2024 What would you change?●“Nothing, they are perfect”●“Stop them being so spooky”●“Fewer knots”●“Make their hearing less sensitive”●“Volume control and an off-switch for woofi ng!”●“Make the coat non-stick for mud and other even more disgusting substances!”●“Make them live longer”●“Make them slightly bolder”●“Wind back 60 years”Best Facebook group●Collielife●Rough and Smooth Collie Rescue UK Trendy Terrier?BUY BANDANAS & BOW-TIESGrooming tips●“Use a coat detangler regularly to avoid having to pull out any matted fur; this stops the fur from matting in the fi rst place. It is also more enjoyable for the dog if their coat is not pulled when being groomed”●“Get good brushes and combs” ●“Make sure every part of the dog is groomed – get down to the skin each time”●“Always wash off mud after a walk with lukewarm water and dry off with a towel”●“If unsure of grooming, seek professional advice from a breeder or use a professional groomer” ●“Do not bath regularly, it removes essential oils in coat”●“Invest in a grooming table, your back will thank you”●“Check their feet for grass darts in summer and their faces and tails for ticks if walking in long grass”●“Pay attention to behind the ears, behind elbows and under tail. Brush fi rst, then comb with a wide-tooth comb. Use groom spray. Hold the root if you have a knot to avoid pulling”●“The more you brush, the less you have to vacuum”●“Start grooming early!”April 2024 Dogs Today55Love the breed? Shop the breedPlayful PapillonBUY TOYS, TUGS & TREAT HIDERSv Your Rough Collie is the light of your life, right? This vintage porcelain dog has been upcycled into a lamp. £79 from Twistofsomerset on www.etsy.com^ There are still a few chilly nights to go before summer – and then it will soon be autumn and winter again! This hot-water bottle will keep your feet warm while snuggling your real-life Rough Collie. £18 from Forgetmeknotwales on www.etsy.com^ This long-handled canvas tote bag comes in four designs and can be personalised with a name or initials. From £10.99 from DakCraftDesigns on www.etsy.comPartying Rough Collie greetings card – blank inside for your ^ own message. Can be personalised for an extra 90p. From £3.75 from PetIllustration on www.etsy.com. Or, for something truly special, why not have a personalised illustration of your own pet and create custom greetings cards? The artist only needs a photo to work from and they take less than two weeks to arrive at your door. Prices start from just £30^ 11oz ceramic mug. £10.99 from ElspethRoseDesign on www.etsy.com

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My Dog Crush54Dogs Today April 2024 What would you change?●“Nothing, they are perfect”●“Stop them being so spooky”●“Fewer knots”●“Make their hearing less sensitive”●“Volume control and an off-switch for woofi ng!”●“Make the coat non-stick for mud and other even more disgusting substances!”●“Make them live longer”●“Make them slightly bolder”●“Wind back 60 years”Best Facebook group●Collielife●Rough and Smooth Collie Rescue UK Trendy Terrier?BUY BANDANAS & BOW-TIESGrooming tips●“Use a coat detangler regularly to avoid having to pull out any matted fur; this stops the fur from matting in the fi rst place. It is also more enjoyable for the dog if their coat is not pulled when being groomed”●“Get good brushes and combs” ●“Make sure every part of the dog is groomed – get down to the skin each time”●“Always wash off mud after a walk with lukewarm water and dry off with a towel”●“If unsure of grooming, seek professional advice from a breeder or use a professional groomer” ●“Do not bath regularly, it removes essential oils in coat”●“Invest in a grooming table, your back will thank you”●“Check their feet for grass darts in summer and their faces and tails for ticks if walking in long grass”●“Pay attention to behind the ears, behind elbows and under tail. Brush fi rst, then comb with a wide-tooth comb. Use groom spray. Hold the root if you have a knot to avoid pulling”●“The more you brush, the less you have to vacuum”●“Start grooming early!”April 2024 Dogs Today55Love the breed? Shop the breedPlayful PapillonBUY TOYS, TUGS & TREAT HIDERSv Your Rough Collie is the light of your life, right? This vintage porcelain dog has been upcycled into a lamp. £79 from Twistofsomerset on www.etsy.com^ There are still a few chilly nights to go before summer – and then it will soon be autumn and winter again! This hot-water bottle will keep your feet warm while snuggling your real-life Rough Collie. £18 from Forgetmeknotwales on www.etsy.com^ This long-handled canvas tote bag comes in four designs and can be personalised with a name or initials. From £10.99 from DakCraftDesigns on www.etsy.comPartying Rough Collie greetings card – blank inside for your ^ own message. Can be personalised for an extra 90p. From £3.75 from PetIllustration on www.etsy.com. Or, for something truly special, why not have a personalised illustration of your own pet and create custom greetings cards? The artist only needs a photo to work from and they take less than two weeks to arrive at your door. Prices start from just £30^ 11oz ceramic mug. £10.99 from ElspethRoseDesign on www.etsy.com

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56 Dogs Today April 2024 Your news & viewsGet in touchWe love to hear your news and views, and see photos of your dogs! Email editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk Write to us at Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AA As reported on page 42, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is preparing to launch a formal investigation into the veterinary market after identifying “multiple concerns” in an initial review. Two people have written to us following the decision...GREAT EXPECTATIONSI write to express my increasing worry at the impact this review may have on vets, vet nurses and receptionists. Vets hold a practice together. It is a hard job, not for the faint-hearted. Even with scheduled hours and out-of-hours covered by a rotation of staff, this profession is exhausting. No vet does this job just for the money with the hours they do, the stress and responsibility of the job.The mental exhaustion is astonishing. Caring vets struggle to switch off from the animals who present medically as a conundrum or the emergencies that we pet owners expect them to be there for. The responsibility that falls on this profession is huge. We expect them to have all the up-to-date equipment, knowledge and drugs. Overheads, training, maintaining stock of expensive drugs, updating veterinary equipment (X-ray machines, ultrasounds, endoscopes, blood laboratory equipment etc) – this all comes at a huge price! All of these tools enable vets to do their job and enable them to treat our pets effectively. The continued personal development (CPD) helps keep the staff up to speed with new methods. Advancements in medicine tends to move so quickly that some vets would still be in the dark ages with their diagnostics and treatment methods if they didn’t make investments into their practice all the time. This does all come at a cost – to be on their game!I worry about the impact this review will have on vets’ mental health with regard to how social media tends to berate the profession for pricing – particularly when it is known that one of the highest suicide rates is actually within this profession. Social media can be such a beast when it concerns turning on people (in any form), so this investigation really needs to be handled sensitively.It makes sense to have some kind of benchmark. But please consider how this has been presented in the media, with people now asking on Facebook for the cheapest vets rather than the best vets. Cheap does not necessarily mean good. It really concerns me that some journalists have chosen to put a slant on how they have portrayed bills. For example, referencing the Photo posed by a modelPostbagJoin the debateVoice your opinions on news stories and other topics on our Dogs Today Magazine Facebook page or through our website www.dogstodaymagazine .co.ukCommitted to creating the perfect canal cruise for you, your family and your four legged friends in the heart of England.www.kateboats.co.uk 01926 492968 Self drive narrowboat hire

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56 Dogs Today April 2024 Your news & viewsGet in touchWe love to hear your news and views, and see photos of your dogs! Email editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk Write to us at Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AA As reported on page 42, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is preparing to launch a formal investigation into the veterinary market after identifying “multiple concerns” in an initial review. Two people have written to us following the decision...GREAT EXPECTATIONSI write to express my increasing worry at the impact this review may have on vets, vet nurses and receptionists. Vets hold a practice together. It is a hard job, not for the faint-hearted. Even with scheduled hours and out-of-hours covered by a rotation of staff, this profession is exhausting. No vet does this job just for the money with the hours they do, the stress and responsibility of the job.The mental exhaustion is astonishing. Caring vets struggle to switch off from the animals who present medically as a conundrum or the emergencies that we pet owners expect them to be there for. The responsibility that falls on this profession is huge. We expect them to have all the up-to-date equipment, knowledge and drugs. Overheads, training, maintaining stock of expensive drugs, updating veterinary equipment (X-ray machines, ultrasounds, endoscopes, blood laboratory equipment etc) – this all comes at a huge price! All of these tools enable vets to do their job and enable them to treat our pets effectively. The continued personal development (CPD) helps keep the staff up to speed with new methods. Advancements in medicine tends to move so quickly that some vets would still be in the dark ages with their diagnostics and treatment methods if they didn’t make investments into their practice all the time. This does all come at a cost – to be on their game!I worry about the impact this review will have on vets’ mental health with regard to how social media tends to berate the profession for pricing – particularly when it is known that one of the highest suicide rates is actually within this profession. Social media can be such a beast when it concerns turning on people (in any form), so this investigation really needs to be handled sensitively.It makes sense to have some kind of benchmark. But please consider how this has been presented in the media, with people now asking on Facebook for the cheapest vets rather than the best vets. Cheap does not necessarily mean good. It really concerns me that some journalists have chosen to put a slant on how they have portrayed bills. For example, referencing the Photo posed by a modelPostbagJoin the debateVoice your opinions on news stories and other topics on our Dogs Today Magazine Facebook page or through our website www.dogstodaymagazine .co.ukCommitted to creating the perfect canal cruise for you, your family and your four legged friends in the heart of England.www.kateboats.co.uk 01926 492968 Self drive narrowboat hire

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58Dogs Today April 2024 cost of paracetamol on one televised footage at £20, when in fact this is likely to be Pardale, which is formulated paracetamol with codeine at the right strength prescribed for the animal in that vet’s care. (Noting prescription rules have changed vastly in the last six months for the veterinary profession, making it harder for vets to actually create a cheaper bill with drug administration and written prescriptions.)Unfortunately, there is a cost implication to any drug the vets keep in stock. They cannot give a written prescription for a drug if the animal has never had it previously.I have six dogs and I have never felt overcharged by my own vet. I have always felt they work very hard and do their best by my animals in their care. I implore the CMA to be respectful and mindful of how devastating the review could be to practices and hardworking caring individuals. Heidi MYour news & viewsPhotos posed by modelsJohn ReynoldsI found some shoelaces I never got to use and four socks. Three from three different pairs I owned, and one that remained a mystery because I am sure I never at any point owned a pair of socks that looked like that...Irene PrestonBallpoint pens, all in the space between the side of the sofa and the wall. Most of them were barely chewed. We only found out where the pens were disappearing when she chewed one properly and came over to me with red ink over her muzzle. Of course, I laugh about it now, but I nearly died on the spot.Ava ChambersHair bands. So many hair bands. All the hair bands that had gone missing over months, all behind the same potted plant I never bothered to move. I counted a dozen of them. Rather relieved to have solved that mystery, as I thought I was going mad!Millie MarshMy dog puts every single toy I get her under the same desk. But at least it’s her toys, so it’s a legal stash!Liz BrownI found a small stash of plastic bottle caps in a potted plant, but I have no idea whose stash it was – my dog’s or the cat’s.From FacebookOWNERS DESCRIBE WHAT THEY FOUND WHEN THEY UNCOVERED THEIR DOGS’ SECRET STASH...Postbagleast it’s her toys, so it’s a legal stash!I found a small stash of plastic bottle THE PRICE OF CAREI am a vet and the founder of VetHelpDirect, a vet practice comparison service and animal health blog. We published the prices for 2,000 veterinary practices in January, and have data on over 6,000 practices in the UK, including who owns them. Comparing prices for veterinary services can be quite challenging due to various factors. Firstly, the pricing structure varies between practices. For instance, some practices may include additional items, such as food, a buster collar, and post-operative checks in their castration package, while others may charge for these separately. This lack of uniformity makes direct comparisons diffi cult.Secondly, the level of service offered by veterinary practices can vary signifi cantly. Some practices boast advanced facilities like in-house CT scans, specialised teams and sophisticated laboratory equipment, while others prioritise affordability. Understanding where a particular practice stands on this spectrum can be unclear for consumers.Lastly, vets themselves may have different approaches to care. Some may opt for extensive investigations to cover all possible conditions, while others may take a more symptom-based approach. These differences in philosophy can impact both the care received and the associated costs.We’ve been working on providing transparency in these areas and have ambitious plans to enhance this transparency even further over the next six months.Susie SamuelA unique dog-friendly Welsh castle, conveniently set within a glorious 40 acre country park, with idyllic shaded woodland paths, lakes and off -lead dog walksExperience dog-friendly Wales atCraig Y Nos Castle“There’s plenty of space to roam freely off the lead. I won’t get lost, but if I do, their dog-friendly parkland is all fenced in”“Dogs stay free so I can holiday with my owners, and they’ll save on kennel fees!”“In the evening I can keep my owners company in the dog-friendly Patti Bar“Craig y NosCastle has 25 dog friendly en-suites, so my owner has plenty of rooms to choose from”Join our Dog-Friendly Discount Club for free and receive regular discounted Dinner B&B off ers and our monthly newslettersCall: 01639 731167 or 01639 730205Email: info@craigynoscastle.comwww.dogfriendlywales.com

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58Dogs Today April 2024 cost of paracetamol on one televised footage at £20, when in fact this is likely to be Pardale, which is formulated paracetamol with codeine at the right strength prescribed for the animal in that vet’s care. (Noting prescription rules have changed vastly in the last six months for the veterinary profession, making it harder for vets to actually create a cheaper bill with drug administration and written prescriptions.)Unfortunately, there is a cost implication to any drug the vets keep in stock. They cannot give a written prescription for a drug if the animal has never had it previously.I have six dogs and I have never felt overcharged by my own vet. I have always felt they work very hard and do their best by my animals in their care. I implore the CMA to be respectful and mindful of how devastating the review could be to practices and hardworking caring individuals. Heidi MYour news & viewsPhotos posed by modelsJohn ReynoldsI found some shoelaces I never got to use and four socks. Three from three different pairs I owned, and one that remained a mystery because I am sure I never at any point owned a pair of socks that looked like that...Irene PrestonBallpoint pens, all in the space between the side of the sofa and the wall. Most of them were barely chewed. We only found out where the pens were disappearing when she chewed one properly and came over to me with red ink over her muzzle. Of course, I laugh about it now, but I nearly died on the spot.Ava ChambersHair bands. So many hair bands. All the hair bands that had gone missing over months, all behind the same potted plant I never bothered to move. I counted a dozen of them. Rather relieved to have solved that mystery, as I thought I was going mad!Millie MarshMy dog puts every single toy I get her under the same desk. But at least it’s her toys, so it’s a legal stash!Liz BrownI found a small stash of plastic bottle caps in a potted plant, but I have no idea whose stash it was – my dog’s or the cat’s.From FacebookOWNERS DESCRIBE WHAT THEY FOUND WHEN THEY UNCOVERED THEIR DOGS’ SECRET STASH...Postbagleast it’s her toys, so it’s a legal stash!I found a small stash of plastic bottle THE PRICE OF CAREI am a vet and the founder of VetHelpDirect, a vet practice comparison service and animal health blog. We published the prices for 2,000 veterinary practices in January, and have data on over 6,000 practices in the UK, including who owns them. Comparing prices for veterinary services can be quite challenging due to various factors. Firstly, the pricing structure varies between practices. For instance, some practices may include additional items, such as food, a buster collar, and post-operative checks in their castration package, while others may charge for these separately. This lack of uniformity makes direct comparisons diffi cult.Secondly, the level of service offered by veterinary practices can vary signifi cantly. Some practices boast advanced facilities like in-house CT scans, specialised teams and sophisticated laboratory equipment, while others prioritise affordability. Understanding where a particular practice stands on this spectrum can be unclear for consumers.Lastly, vets themselves may have different approaches to care. Some may opt for extensive investigations to cover all possible conditions, while others may take a more symptom-based approach. These differences in philosophy can impact both the care received and the associated costs.We’ve been working on providing transparency in these areas and have ambitious plans to enhance this transparency even further over the next six months.Susie SamuelA unique dog-friendly Welsh castle, conveniently set within a glorious 40 acre country park, with idyllic shaded woodland paths, lakes and off -lead dog walksExperience dog-friendly Wales atCraig Y Nos Castle“There’s plenty of space to roam freely off the lead. I won’t get lost, but if I do, their dog-friendly parkland is all fenced in”“Dogs stay free so I can holiday with my owners, and they’ll save on kennel fees!”“In the evening I can keep my owners company in the dog-friendly Patti Bar“Craig y NosCastle has 25 dog friendly en-suites, so my owner has plenty of rooms to choose from”Join our Dog-Friendly Discount Club for free and receive regular discounted Dinner B&B off ers and our monthly newslettersCall: 01639 731167 or 01639 730205Email: info@craigynoscastle.comwww.dogfriendlywales.com

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60Dogs Today April 2024 Tea breakName: _________________________________________________________Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Postcode: _________________________Telephone: _____________________________________________________Email address: ___________________________________________________Breed/type of dog: _______________________________________________MARCH SOLUTION: Across: 1 Cross; 4 Pooch; 8 Centavo; 9 Earth; 10 Ears; 11 Alsatian; 13 Blue Peter; 16 Trainers; 17 Hare; 20 Leads; 21 Obeying; 22 Order; 23 Trace. Down: 1 Cocker; 2 Owner; 3 Seal; 4 Poodle parlour; 5 Overacts; 6 Harrier; 7 China; 12 Pug-nosed; 13 Bravado; 14 Italy; 15 Beagle; 18 Akita; 19 Meat.591210201481715321131618122274196231 1252624Gyles Brandreth’s Prize Crossword!Complete the crossword grid, then post your entry to arrive by 2 May 2024 to: April Crossword, Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AA. The fi rst correct entry drawn after the closing date will win a Kong Shakers Honkers Flamingo dog toy worth £8.99. Available from PurrfectlyYappy.com The judge’s decision is fi nal in all competitions. How to enterPut the kettle on and have a go at our competitions!Quick Clues Across2 Not yet been taught anything (9)7 Down, presumably (3,2)9 Holy War foe (7)10 Former Soviet republic, home of hound (7)12 European hound (5)13 Railway carriage providing overnight accommodation (7)18 Hardly a superficial injury (4,3)21 Spins round (5)22 European country, home of a breed of 14 Down (7)24 Female dogs (7)25 See 15 Down (5)26 (And 14 Down) Large, muscular German breed (9,8)Quick Clues Down1 Let off the lead (7)2 A preposition (4)3 Japanese breed (4)4 Northern terrier (8)5 Subtlety (6)6 Washington singer? (5) 8 Dogs Today, for instance (5)11 Formality (3)14 See 26 Across15 With 25 Across, colourful description of an Irish Setter (3)16 Wandered off (7)17 Alan..., presenter and former BBC controller (6)19 European unit of currency before the Euro (3)20 Welsh breed (5)21 Descriptive of a mad dog (5)22 A continent (4)23 Stitched (4)Cryptic Clues Across2 Like a puppy playing under a tin? (9)7 Still in bed, dress? The reverse (3,2)9 A run between poles for one from a north London rugby team (7)10 Notes I scribbled on a hound’s home (7)12 Type of partridge dog for the wife? (5)13 An exhausted Fido on the railway track? (7)18 Wound suffered by dupe etc (4,3) 21 Parts of films about angling? (5)22 Home of a ‘14 Down’, seen in a transatlantic trial, tailless (7)24 More than one female dog is very keen to follow Beagle at first (7)25 Common canine colour, as shown by the WI (5)26 (And 14 Down) Unusually bored chap, northern thief grabbing southern breed (9,8)Cryptic Clues Down 1 Here’s a French meadow: quiet! Give dog some freedom (7)2 Atop some pup, once (4)3 Dangerous breed to the Salvation Army (4)4 Yorkshire Terrier has a drink after getting dried (8)5 NE city rebuilt with refinement (6)6 Girl is a bit of a kennel maid in a home (5)8 What Crufts winner gets (5)11 Part of 5 Down is no problem for huskies (3)14 See 26 Across 15 Blushing like a Setter? (3)16 Ready to wander beyond street, went off without a lead (7)17 BBC high-up adjusted net, boy (6) 19 Euro-money used by speculators (3)20 Well I never! US soldier provides a dog (5) 21 Like a mad dog beginning to bark in attack (5)22 Continent, prime source of all Salukis, it’s assumed (4) 23 Four quarters stitched together (4)decision is fi nal in all competitions. decision is fi nal in all competitions. April 2024 Dogs Today61Upon barking out their famous catchphase Upon barking out their famous catchphase incorrectly, the newest recruit to the incorrectly, the newest recruit to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles team was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles team was found to be an imposter. ‘Cockerbunga’ found to be an imposter. ‘Cockerbunga’ just wasn’t quite right!just wasn’t quite right!Winning captionPhoto submitted by Tania Evans, via emailPitbull Terrier (posed by a model) Anatolian Shepherd Dog by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)Carol Louise BellFebruary Caption Runners-upCross QuestionCan you guess which breeds Princess’s parents are? By day he was mild-mannered janitor Henry; by night, he was Hong Kong Phooey, Number One Super Guy!Sue Withyhays BrownDognatello on the look-out for fellow turtles Mastifangelo, Leonbergo and RuffaelClare WilliamsThe winning caption will win a K9 Immortals Octopus dog toy worth £12.99 and the person who sends the fi rst correct answer to the Cross Question will win a Kong Shakers Honkers Duck worth £10.99, both available from www. purrfectlyyappy.comEmail your Caption Competition & Cross Question entries together with your contact details to comps@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk or post to: April Competitions, Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AA, to arrive by 2 May 2024Caption this!February Cross Question SolutionTitan’s parents are an Anatolian Shepherd Dog and a Pitbull TerrierThe fi rst correct answer came from Sue Withyhays Brown +The Masked Singer has really gone to the dogs this seriesSue Smith It’s a cooling eye-mask dahhling; it’s simply all the rageLynn TullochHibernation mode is on. Wake me up in summer!Julia O’ConnorDo you have a funny pic you’d like us to feature? Please email it to us at comps@dogstodaymagazine.co.ukCan you come up with a witty and amusing caption for this photo? How to enterEllerby, a Bearded Collie. Photo submitted by Annie Robson (www.EllerbysExtras.etsy.com)Winners of the Cross Question and Caption Competition will win a prize from Purrfectly Yappy

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60Dogs Today April 2024 Tea breakName: _________________________________________________________Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Postcode: _________________________Telephone: _____________________________________________________Email address: ___________________________________________________Breed/type of dog: _______________________________________________MARCH SOLUTION: Across: 1 Cross; 4 Pooch; 8 Centavo; 9 Earth; 10 Ears; 11 Alsatian; 13 Blue Peter; 16 Trainers; 17 Hare; 20 Leads; 21 Obeying; 22 Order; 23 Trace. Down: 1 Cocker; 2 Owner; 3 Seal; 4 Poodle parlour; 5 Overacts; 6 Harrier; 7 China; 12 Pug-nosed; 13 Bravado; 14 Italy; 15 Beagle; 18 Akita; 19 Meat.591210201481715321131618122274196231 1252624Gyles Brandreth’s Prize Crossword!Complete the crossword grid, then post your entry to arrive by 2 May 2024 to: April Crossword, Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AA. The fi rst correct entry drawn after the closing date will win a Kong Shakers Honkers Flamingo dog toy worth £8.99. Available from PurrfectlyYappy.com The judge’s decision is fi nal in all competitions. How to enterPut the kettle on and have a go at our competitions!Quick Clues Across2 Not yet been taught anything (9)7 Down, presumably (3,2)9 Holy War foe (7)10 Former Soviet republic, home of hound (7)12 European hound (5)13 Railway carriage providing overnight accommodation (7)18 Hardly a superficial injury (4,3)21 Spins round (5)22 European country, home of a breed of 14 Down (7)24 Female dogs (7)25 See 15 Down (5)26 (And 14 Down) Large, muscular German breed (9,8)Quick Clues Down1 Let off the lead (7)2 A preposition (4)3 Japanese breed (4)4 Northern terrier (8)5 Subtlety (6)6 Washington singer? (5) 8 Dogs Today, for instance (5)11 Formality (3)14 See 26 Across15 With 25 Across, colourful description of an Irish Setter (3)16 Wandered off (7)17 Alan..., presenter and former BBC controller (6)19 European unit of currency before the Euro (3)20 Welsh breed (5)21 Descriptive of a mad dog (5)22 A continent (4)23 Stitched (4)Cryptic Clues Across2 Like a puppy playing under a tin? (9)7 Still in bed, dress? The reverse (3,2)9 A run between poles for one from a north London rugby team (7)10 Notes I scribbled on a hound’s home (7)12 Type of partridge dog for the wife? (5)13 An exhausted Fido on the railway track? (7)18 Wound suffered by dupe etc (4,3) 21 Parts of films about angling? (5)22 Home of a ‘14 Down’, seen in a transatlantic trial, tailless (7)24 More than one female dog is very keen to follow Beagle at first (7)25 Common canine colour, as shown by the WI (5)26 (And 14 Down) Unusually bored chap, northern thief grabbing southern breed (9,8)Cryptic Clues Down 1 Here’s a French meadow: quiet! Give dog some freedom (7)2 Atop some pup, once (4)3 Dangerous breed to the Salvation Army (4)4 Yorkshire Terrier has a drink after getting dried (8)5 NE city rebuilt with refinement (6)6 Girl is a bit of a kennel maid in a home (5)8 What Crufts winner gets (5)11 Part of 5 Down is no problem for huskies (3)14 See 26 Across 15 Blushing like a Setter? (3)16 Ready to wander beyond street, went off without a lead (7)17 BBC high-up adjusted net, boy (6) 19 Euro-money used by speculators (3)20 Well I never! US soldier provides a dog (5) 21 Like a mad dog beginning to bark in attack (5)22 Continent, prime source of all Salukis, it’s assumed (4) 23 Four quarters stitched together (4)decision is fi nal in all competitions. decision is fi nal in all competitions. April 2024 Dogs Today61Upon barking out their famous catchphase Upon barking out their famous catchphase incorrectly, the newest recruit to the incorrectly, the newest recruit to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles team was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles team was found to be an imposter. ‘Cockerbunga’ found to be an imposter. ‘Cockerbunga’ just wasn’t quite right!just wasn’t quite right!Winning captionPhoto submitted by Tania Evans, via emailPitbull Terrier (posed by a model) Anatolian Shepherd Dog by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)Carol Louise BellFebruary Caption Runners-upCross QuestionCan you guess which breeds Princess’s parents are? By day he was mild-mannered janitor Henry; by night, he was Hong Kong Phooey, Number One Super Guy!Sue Withyhays BrownDognatello on the look-out for fellow turtles Mastifangelo, Leonbergo and RuffaelClare WilliamsThe winning caption will win a K9 Immortals Octopus dog toy worth £12.99 and the person who sends the fi rst correct answer to the Cross Question will win a Kong Shakers Honkers Duck worth £10.99, both available from www. purrfectlyyappy.comEmail your Caption Competition & Cross Question entries together with your contact details to comps@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk or post to: April Competitions, Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AA, to arrive by 2 May 2024Caption this!February Cross Question SolutionTitan’s parents are an Anatolian Shepherd Dog and a Pitbull TerrierThe fi rst correct answer came from Sue Withyhays Brown +The Masked Singer has really gone to the dogs this seriesSue Smith It’s a cooling eye-mask dahhling; it’s simply all the rageLynn TullochHibernation mode is on. Wake me up in summer!Julia O’ConnorDo you have a funny pic you’d like us to feature? Please email it to us at comps@dogstodaymagazine.co.ukCan you come up with a witty and amusing caption for this photo? How to enterEllerby, a Bearded Collie. Photo submitted by Annie Robson (www.EllerbysExtras.etsy.com)Winners of the Cross Question and Caption Competition will win a prize from Purrfectly Yappy

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62Dogs Today April 2024 6644Julywww.foreverhoundstrust.orgPRIORY ROAD ASCOT BERKSHIRE SL5 8RJ01344 882689We are a non-destruction sanctuary for abandoned & unwanted dogsRegistered Charity No. 256728established 1958ecueCharity SpotlightWelcome to Charity Spotlight - a handy reference point for good folk doing great work. We’re helping to raise the profi le of this diverse group and we encourage you to get involved with them, by offering a forever home, fundraising or volunteeringIf you’d like to see your organisation featured in these pages, please call us on 01276 402591 for more detailsNEUTER AND SPAY,NO MORE STRAYSWe neuter and spay thousands of dogs and cats in Romania every yearCharity No: 1172316www.animalsni.ukPayPal email: donations@animalsni.ukwww.animalsni.ukEden Animal Rescue is a registered charity which has been caring for animals since 1995. We started with a small number of people who fostered animals in their own homes. We help and care for neglected or unwanted animals and arrange for the provision of good homes for them. The scale of our work is huge; in an average year we home 400+ cats and kittens and 120 dogs – not to mention rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs.Eden Animal Rescue is proud of the fact that we have a non-destruct policy and believe that NO healthy animal should ever be put to sleep. We always seek the opinion of our vets and behaviourist and it would be only on their advice that an animal would be euthanised.For many years our busy rescue centre was located near Shap, Cumbria, but in 2016 we moved to a purpose-built centre at Moorlands Head Farm, Newbiggin, Temple Sowerby, Penrith. Our new home has proved to be a wonderful place for our animals – the space, atmosphere and surroundings contribute massively to their wellbeing. As well as welfare needs and behavioural work, we also pay veterinary bills for vaccinations, neutering, any treatment required and microchipping. While an animal is with us, we provide care, companionship and understanding and do all we can to match them to a great new home and owner.Having only a small team of dedicated staff, we rely heavily on the work of our fantastic volunteers. To be able to do the valuable work we do at EAR, we are continuously fundraising and we rely on your support and donations. We really could not do it without your generosity.If you would like to donate to Eden Animal Rescue so we can continue our work, please contribute via BACS transfer using the reference ‘Donation’: Bank Barclays Bank plc Sort Code 20-66-97 Account Name Eden Animal Rescue Account Number 40558877 Follow us on our website & social media: www.edenanimalrescue.org.ukFacebook: Eden.Animal.Rescue Instagram: edenanimalrescueFor adoption enquiries: Email admin@edenanimalrescue.org.uk Phone 01931 716114THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.Registered Charity Number 1117113Charity of the monthEden Animal Rescue April 2024 Dogs Today636644JulyJuly6655As a rescue charity, Rushton helps abandoned, abused and unwanted dogs on a international scale. Rescuing dogs from all over the world. especially the meat trade in Asia and China.Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1139999Call Now:+44 (0) 1823 49 10 52To rescue, rehabilitate and rehome vulnerable and at risk dogs from YorkshireSaving Yorkshire’s DogsRegistered Charity No 1167291Tel: 07562 986101Email: savingyorkshiresdogs@gmail.comWeb: www.sydrescue.org.ukFind us onWE RESCUE KILL SHELTER AND ABANDONED DOGS FROM ROMANIA AND REHOME THEM IN THE UK AND GERMANYwww.barkingmaddogrescue.co.uk@barkingmaddogrescue @bmdrdogs www.petsavers.org.ukFinding the cures for serious pet illnesses, helping them live longer, healthier livesBecome a Companion & Keep Tails WaggingWith a Regular GiftScottish Charity No. SC006914www.seniorsta yclub.co.ukseniorsta yclub@hotmail.co.ukSenior Staffy ClubOur aims are:www.leicesteranimalaid.org.ukTel 01455 888257Registered Charity No. 242560Rescue and rehoming centre for dogs and catsRegistered Charity No. 1077588We rescue and rehome 100s of dogs and cats in London every year Please help us to help more www.themayhew.org020 8962 8000 Sponsor a puppy from just £1 a week. Visit guidedogs.org.uk/DogsToday A charit y reg istered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).Please contact us or visit our website for more information.Heathway, Colton, Rugeley, Staffs WS15 3LY Tel 0871 560 2282www.bordercollietrustgb.org.ukReg Charity No 1053585 Rescue centre open daily 9-11 am 2-4 pm We rescue and rehome collies and collie crosses throughout the UK. Why not subscribe to our ’Border Collie World’ quarterly magazine? Only £10.00 pa.BORDER COLLIE TRUST GBAS SEEN ON CHANNEL 4woodgreen.org.ukBringing pets and people closer togetherRegistered Charity No. 298348 00526nc0819Smokey Paws provides pet oxygen masks to the fire service.But many more masks are needed. You can donate via www.smokeypaws.co.uk or email info@smokeypaws.co.ukThe next pet saved could be yoursRegistered Charity No. 1077588Help us to help moreWe rescue and rehome 100s of dogs and cats in London every year themayhew.org020 8962 8000We are a small dog and cat rescue that specialises in the rehabilitation of pets who need their second chance at happiness. No matter your age, location or family status PAWS gives everyone a chance to be a part of the rescue story. www.pennineanimalwelfaresociety.orgGreyhounds make great pets★ Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust has been rehoming Greyhounds since 1988★ We have rehomed over 2,300 retired Greyhounds★ Kennels in Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire & Epping Greyhounds since 1988 We have rehomed over 2,300 retired Greyhounds Kennels in Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire & Eppingwww.lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust.co.uk07941 313025kev@lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust.comRAYSTEDERegistered charity no 237696www.raystede.org01825 840252Rescuing and rehoming animals in Sussex

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62Dogs Today April 2024 6644Julywww.foreverhoundstrust.orgPRIORY ROAD ASCOT BERKSHIRE SL5 8RJ01344 882689We are a non-destruction sanctuary for abandoned & unwanted dogsRegistered Charity No. 256728established 1958ecueCharity SpotlightWelcome to Charity Spotlight - a handy reference point for good folk doing great work. We’re helping to raise the profi le of this diverse group and we encourage you to get involved with them, by offering a forever home, fundraising or volunteeringIf you’d like to see your organisation featured in these pages, please call us on 01276 402591 for more detailsNEUTER AND SPAY,NO MORE STRAYSWe neuter and spay thousands of dogs and cats in Romania every yearCharity No: 1172316www.animalsni.ukPayPal email: donations@animalsni.ukwww.animalsni.ukEden Animal Rescue is a registered charity which has been caring for animals since 1995. We started with a small number of people who fostered animals in their own homes. We help and care for neglected or unwanted animals and arrange for the provision of good homes for them. The scale of our work is huge; in an average year we home 400+ cats and kittens and 120 dogs – not to mention rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs.Eden Animal Rescue is proud of the fact that we have a non-destruct policy and believe that NO healthy animal should ever be put to sleep. We always seek the opinion of our vets and behaviourist and it would be only on their advice that an animal would be euthanised.For many years our busy rescue centre was located near Shap, Cumbria, but in 2016 we moved to a purpose-built centre at Moorlands Head Farm, Newbiggin, Temple Sowerby, Penrith. Our new home has proved to be a wonderful place for our animals – the space, atmosphere and surroundings contribute massively to their wellbeing. As well as welfare needs and behavioural work, we also pay veterinary bills for vaccinations, neutering, any treatment required and microchipping. While an animal is with us, we provide care, companionship and understanding and do all we can to match them to a great new home and owner.Having only a small team of dedicated staff, we rely heavily on the work of our fantastic volunteers. To be able to do the valuable work we do at EAR, we are continuously fundraising and we rely on your support and donations. We really could not do it without your generosity.If you would like to donate to Eden Animal Rescue so we can continue our work, please contribute via BACS transfer using the reference ‘Donation’: Bank Barclays Bank plc Sort Code 20-66-97 Account Name Eden Animal Rescue Account Number 40558877 Follow us on our website & social media: www.edenanimalrescue.org.ukFacebook: Eden.Animal.Rescue Instagram: edenanimalrescueFor adoption enquiries: Email admin@edenanimalrescue.org.uk Phone 01931 716114THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.Registered Charity Number 1117113Charity of the monthEden Animal Rescue April 2024 Dogs Today636644JulyJuly6655As a rescue charity, Rushton helps abandoned, abused and unwanted dogs on a international scale. Rescuing dogs from all over the world. especially the meat trade in Asia and China.Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1139999Call Now:+44 (0) 1823 49 10 52To rescue, rehabilitate and rehome vulnerable and at risk dogs from YorkshireSaving Yorkshire’s DogsRegistered Charity No 1167291Tel: 07562 986101Email: savingyorkshiresdogs@gmail.comWeb: www.sydrescue.org.ukFind us onWE RESCUE KILL SHELTER AND ABANDONED DOGS FROM ROMANIA AND REHOME THEM IN THE UK AND GERMANYwww.barkingmaddogrescue.co.uk@barkingmaddogrescue @bmdrdogs www.petsavers.org.ukFinding the cures for serious pet illnesses, helping them live longer, healthier livesBecome a Companion & Keep Tails WaggingWith a Regular GiftScottish Charity No. SC006914www.seniorsta yclub.co.ukseniorsta yclub@hotmail.co.ukSenior Staffy ClubOur aims are:www.leicesteranimalaid.org.ukTel 01455 888257Registered Charity No. 242560Rescue and rehoming centre for dogs and catsRegistered Charity No. 1077588We rescue and rehome 100s of dogs and cats in London every year Please help us to help more www.themayhew.org020 8962 8000 Sponsor a puppy from just £1 a week. Visit guidedogs.org.uk/DogsToday A charit y reg istered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).Please contact us or visit our website for more information.Heathway, Colton, Rugeley, Staffs WS15 3LY Tel 0871 560 2282www.bordercollietrustgb.org.ukReg Charity No 1053585 Rescue centre open daily 9-11 am 2-4 pm We rescue and rehome collies and collie crosses throughout the UK. Why not subscribe to our ’Border Collie World’ quarterly magazine? Only £10.00 pa.BORDER COLLIE TRUST GBAS SEEN ON CHANNEL 4woodgreen.org.ukBringing pets and people closer togetherRegistered Charity No. 298348 00526nc0819Smokey Paws provides pet oxygen masks to the fire service.But many more masks are needed. You can donate via www.smokeypaws.co.uk or email info@smokeypaws.co.ukThe next pet saved could be yoursRegistered Charity No. 1077588Help us to help moreWe rescue and rehome 100s of dogs and cats in London every year themayhew.org020 8962 8000We are a small dog and cat rescue that specialises in the rehabilitation of pets who need their second chance at happiness. No matter your age, location or family status PAWS gives everyone a chance to be a part of the rescue story. www.pennineanimalwelfaresociety.orgGreyhounds make great pets★ Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust has been rehoming Greyhounds since 1988★ We have rehomed over 2,300 retired Greyhounds★ Kennels in Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire & Epping Greyhounds since 1988 We have rehomed over 2,300 retired Greyhounds Kennels in Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire & Eppingwww.lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust.co.uk07941 313025kev@lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust.comRAYSTEDERegistered charity no 237696www.raystede.org01825 840252Rescuing and rehoming animals in Sussex

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64Dogs Today April 2024 We are a family-owned business with self-drive narrowboats for weekends and short breaks, and week-long holidays from both bases (Stockton or Warwick). We also have boats available for longer hire periods, when you want to escape and include your canine family member.This is not camping on water, the boats come equipped with everything you need for a relaxing holiday afl oat: fully equipped galley (including fridge and 4 hob gas cooker), a bathroom with a fl ushing toilet, and a shower, plenty of hot water, central heating and a TV for the days you need to catch up with the real world! Don’t forget with narrowboat hire the boat is the holiday – you don’t need to allow for those expensive days out during the week! Our quoted prices INCLUDE diesel and damage waiver (and linen and car parking) – if you are comparing prices with other narrowboat holiday fi rms, make sure you compare like for like!Star ratings for each narrowboat are displayed on the relevant pages, and online availability and reservation is now also a feature, but feel free to phone or email if you would like to discuss your canal holiday plans.www. kateboats.co.uk | Email: enquiries@kateboats.co.uk | Tel: 01926 492968Holiday of the MonthAdvertising featureWant to advertise your business in our classifi ed adverts section?Call Mike McGlynn now on 01276 402591 or send an email to mike@dogstoday magazine.co.ukwww.dogs-holiday.co.ukDogs stay free!Boturnell Farm CottagesHome from home for you and your dogs. If they are relaxed, then you can relax. Every cottage has an enclosed garden for those late night & early morning comfort breaks. PLUS: 8 acres of woods ● Throws for the furniture ● Animal fi rst aid kit EXMOOR COAST & COUNTRYWoodcombe Lodges & CottagesSet in 3 acre gardens on a quiet country lane on the edge of the Exmoor National Park yet within 1 mile of shops, pubs, beach & seafront.South West Coastal Path, Coleridge Way, Two Moors Way.Prepared walks from our door. Dogs welcome, Free Wifi.www.woodcombelodges.co.ukwoodcombelodges@outlook.com | Telephone: 01643 702789Classifi ed advertsHolidays, Charities, Services & ProductsApril 2024 Dogs Today65Grooming Product of the MonthWelcome to Abbfabb Acadamy, home to the exclusive range of the fi nest quality grooming scissors. I n a world full of various sizes and models of scissors and accessories available coupled with large amounts of information, we really do understand that it is hard to know exactly which dog grooming scissors to invest in. It is at this point I will tell you that you need not look any further. We are extremely proud of the dog grooming scissors we offer to groomers and we believe whole-heartedly in our mission to provide you with the very best dog grooming scissors.Also, as a family owned business since 1990, we are very proud of the expertise we offer where quality and precision is our passion. Plus we are well on the way to becoming a totally eco-friendly company thanks to our continued efforts to reduce any negative impact we may be having on our environment.Advertising featureAbbfabb Grooming ScissorsSee the full collection at www.abbfabbgroomingscissors.comour passion. Plus we are well on the way to becoming a totally eco-friendly company thanks to 6622July

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64Dogs Today April 2024 We are a family-owned business with self-drive narrowboats for weekends and short breaks, and week-long holidays from both bases (Stockton or Warwick). We also have boats available for longer hire periods, when you want to escape and include your canine family member.This is not camping on water, the boats come equipped with everything you need for a relaxing holiday afl oat: fully equipped galley (including fridge and 4 hob gas cooker), a bathroom with a fl ushing toilet, and a shower, plenty of hot water, central heating and a TV for the days you need to catch up with the real world! Don’t forget with narrowboat hire the boat is the holiday – you don’t need to allow for those expensive days out during the week! Our quoted prices INCLUDE diesel and damage waiver (and linen and car parking) – if you are comparing prices with other narrowboat holiday fi rms, make sure you compare like for like!Star ratings for each narrowboat are displayed on the relevant pages, and online availability and reservation is now also a feature, but feel free to phone or email if you would like to discuss your canal holiday plans.www. kateboats.co.uk | Email: enquiries@kateboats.co.uk | Tel: 01926 492968Holiday of the MonthAdvertising featureWant to advertise your business in our classifi ed adverts section?Call Mike McGlynn now on 01276 402591 or send an email to mike@dogstoday magazine.co.ukwww.dogs-holiday.co.ukDogs stay free!Boturnell Farm CottagesHome from home for you and your dogs. If they are relaxed, then you can relax. Every cottage has an enclosed garden for those late night & early morning comfort breaks. PLUS: 8 acres of woods ● Throws for the furniture ● Animal fi rst aid kit EXMOOR COAST & COUNTRYWoodcombe Lodges & CottagesSet in 3 acre gardens on a quiet country lane on the edge of the Exmoor National Park yet within 1 mile of shops, pubs, beach & seafront.South West Coastal Path, Coleridge Way, Two Moors Way.Prepared walks from our door. Dogs welcome, Free Wifi.www.woodcombelodges.co.ukwoodcombelodges@outlook.com | Telephone: 01643 702789Classifi ed advertsHolidays, Charities, Services & ProductsApril 2024 Dogs Today65Grooming Product of the MonthWelcome to Abbfabb Acadamy, home to the exclusive range of the fi nest quality grooming scissors. I n a world full of various sizes and models of scissors and accessories available coupled with large amounts of information, we really do understand that it is hard to know exactly which dog grooming scissors to invest in. It is at this point I will tell you that you need not look any further. We are extremely proud of the dog grooming scissors we offer to groomers and we believe whole-heartedly in our mission to provide you with the very best dog grooming scissors.Also, as a family owned business since 1990, we are very proud of the expertise we offer where quality and precision is our passion. Plus we are well on the way to becoming a totally eco-friendly company thanks to our continued efforts to reduce any negative impact we may be having on our environment.Advertising featureAbbfabb Grooming ScissorsSee the full collection at www.abbfabbgroomingscissors.comour passion. Plus we are well on the way to becoming a totally eco-friendly company thanks to 6622July

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Iremember daydreaming about winning Crufts Best in Show with my beloved Beardie Chi-Chi. As a young adult, I worked at Crufts for the weekly Dog World and then, for many years, I was access all areas for the Kennel Club, usually wearing their vile bright green uniform. Dogs Today had a huge trade stand when we were still part of the carelessly rich Daily Mail, until we really upset the KC chairman and got banned. At the height of hostilities, KC staff were banned from even reading Dogs Today! Lovely charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People almost got ejected when they tried to give our mag away in exchange for donations.Eventually, the KC mellowed, and we were invited back. I wasn’t exactly pulling at the lead – I knew it would involve a huge amount of work for very little gain. Our resident artist, Kevin of Windlesham, was tasked with making the stand both spectacular and cost effective.He made some brightly coloured wooden dog kennels, and we fi lled them with free samples from our lovely advertisers. We then charged the public £1 for a back copy of Dogs Today and a carrier bag, and they were invited to take one item out of each kennel. Bargains at Crufts were as rare as Cockapoos and the other traders were soon complaining, as our massive queue was blocking their much bigger, emptier stands. KC offi cials were summoned to make sure our staff did not set foot outside our tight boundaries.Another vital part of our little stand was the fridge. Inside were very many bottles of cheap sparkling wine behind a few bottles of expensive Champagne. They ensured a constant stream of weary mainstream journalists stopping by to get our opinions on what was usually a very dry event.Having endured a ghastly uniform when I worked at the KC, I made sure our staff had something slightly less offensive – although it was so bright, staff could be seen from the next hall. We all wore our orange pawprint Jack Wolfskin fl eeces with pride. The only negative was that everyone at the show would ask us where they could buy one! If only we’d sold fl eeces and not magazines, we would have made a fortune! One year (the last time the BBC televised Crufts), I presented on shopping, which the advertisers loved. Then BBC News did a live link to our tiny stand to talk about tail docking; another time, Channel 4’s Big Breakfast did a live link every day. We certainly made the most of a very small space.The year a general election was imminent, Kevin made a beautiful Ballot Box(er), so we could give live updates on how the dogs at Crufts might vote. All the political parties played along, producing their Dogifestos. MPs joined the journalists at the Dogs Today w(h)ine bar - even Screaming Lord Sutch stopped by!All this was observed by stern KC onlookers. Still no ban.I fi nally chose to stop going to Crufts the year after I gave birth to son Kieran. The hotel bill for all those helping with the childcare had been uneconomic. But baby Kieran cheerfully wore his promotional T-shirt on the stand – we were searching for the best fl ea in show and giving away £1,000 for the rarest. We had been sponsored by a very generous fl ea treatment company. One so fi endishly powerful that the prize could only be claimed by an enterprising student who had brought a hedgehog fl ea with him. PIllustration KEVIN BROCKBANKhad a huge trade stand when we were still part of the carelessly rich until we really upset the KC chairman and got banned. At the height of hostilities, KC staff were banned from even reading ! Lovely charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People almost got ejected when they tried to give our mag away in exchange for donations.Eventually, the KC mellowed, and we were invited back. I wasn’t exactly pulling at the lead – I knew it would involve a huge amount of work for very little gain. Our resident artist, Kevin of Windlesham, was tasked with making the stand both spectacular and cost Having endured a ghastly uniform when I worked at the KC, I made sure our staff had something slightly less offensive – although it was so bright, staff could be seen from the next hall. We all wore our orange pawprint Jack Wolfskin fl eeces with pride. The only negative was that everyone at the show would ask us where they could buy one! If only we’d sold fl eeces and not magazines, we would have made a fortune! 4’s Confessions of a dogaholic66Dogs Today April 2024 Takinga standREVOLUTIONARYHEADCOLLARStops dogs pulling on the lead and gives you back control.Life-Changing products for you and your dog!Also available: Collars, Non Slip Leads and Gripper Training Leads offering added security and confidence throughout the winter months.NO MORE PULLING • NO MORE RIDING UP • NO MORE RUBBINGNO MORE COMING OFF • NO MORE DISCOMFORT‘Matching accessories in a selection of colours’ with high quality workmanship and fittings.Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine & Feline Behaviour AssociationCall to join the ever growing number of people changing toDogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www.dogmatic.org.ukWINNER2020Global100Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 – UK‘PRODUCT I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT’For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BESTWinners 2013-2024AWARDED ‘Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020-21 - UK’ and Most Innovative Dog Collar Manufacturers 2019

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Iremember daydreaming about winning Crufts Best in Show with my beloved Beardie Chi-Chi. As a young adult, I worked at Crufts for the weekly Dog World and then, for many years, I was access all areas for the Kennel Club, usually wearing their vile bright green uniform. Dogs Today had a huge trade stand when we were still part of the carelessly rich Daily Mail, until we really upset the KC chairman and got banned. At the height of hostilities, KC staff were banned from even reading Dogs Today! Lovely charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People almost got ejected when they tried to give our mag away in exchange for donations.Eventually, the KC mellowed, and we were invited back. I wasn’t exactly pulling at the lead – I knew it would involve a huge amount of work for very little gain. Our resident artist, Kevin of Windlesham, was tasked with making the stand both spectacular and cost effective.He made some brightly coloured wooden dog kennels, and we fi lled them with free samples from our lovely advertisers. We then charged the public £1 for a back copy of Dogs Today and a carrier bag, and they were invited to take one item out of each kennel. Bargains at Crufts were as rare as Cockapoos and the other traders were soon complaining, as our massive queue was blocking their much bigger, emptier stands. KC offi cials were summoned to make sure our staff did not set foot outside our tight boundaries.Another vital part of our little stand was the fridge. Inside were very many bottles of cheap sparkling wine behind a few bottles of expensive Champagne. They ensured a constant stream of weary mainstream journalists stopping by to get our opinions on what was usually a very dry event.Having endured a ghastly uniform when I worked at the KC, I made sure our staff had something slightly less offensive – although it was so bright, staff could be seen from the next hall. We all wore our orange pawprint Jack Wolfskin fl eeces with pride. The only negative was that everyone at the show would ask us where they could buy one! If only we’d sold fl eeces and not magazines, we would have made a fortune! One year (the last time the BBC televised Crufts), I presented on shopping, which the advertisers loved. Then BBC News did a live link to our tiny stand to talk about tail docking; another time, Channel 4’s Big Breakfast did a live link every day. We certainly made the most of a very small space.The year a general election was imminent, Kevin made a beautiful Ballot Box(er), so we could give live updates on how the dogs at Crufts might vote. All the political parties played along, producing their Dogifestos. MPs joined the journalists at the Dogs Today w(h)ine bar - even Screaming Lord Sutch stopped by!All this was observed by stern KC onlookers. Still no ban.I fi nally chose to stop going to Crufts the year after I gave birth to son Kieran. The hotel bill for all those helping with the childcare had been uneconomic. But baby Kieran cheerfully wore his promotional T-shirt on the stand – we were searching for the best fl ea in show and giving away £1,000 for the rarest. We had been sponsored by a very generous fl ea treatment company. One so fi endishly powerful that the prize could only be claimed by an enterprising student who had brought a hedgehog fl ea with him. PIllustration KEVIN BROCKBANKhad a huge trade stand when we were still part of the carelessly rich until we really upset the KC chairman and got banned. At the height of hostilities, KC staff were banned from even reading ! Lovely charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People almost got ejected when they tried to give our mag away in exchange for donations.Eventually, the KC mellowed, and we were invited back. I wasn’t exactly pulling at the lead – I knew it would involve a huge amount of work for very little gain. Our resident artist, Kevin of Windlesham, was tasked with making the stand both spectacular and cost Having endured a ghastly uniform when I worked at the KC, I made sure our staff had something slightly less offensive – although it was so bright, staff could be seen from the next hall. We all wore our orange pawprint Jack Wolfskin fl eeces with pride. The only negative was that everyone at the show would ask us where they could buy one! If only we’d sold fl eeces and not magazines, we would have made a fortune! 4’s Confessions of a dogaholic66Dogs Today April 2024 Takinga standREVOLUTIONARYHEADCOLLARStops dogs pulling on the lead and gives you back control.Life-Changing products for you and your dog!Also available: Collars, Non Slip Leads and Gripper Training Leads offering added security and confidence throughout the winter months.NO MORE PULLING • NO MORE RIDING UP • NO MORE RUBBINGNO MORE COMING OFF • NO MORE DISCOMFORT‘Matching accessories in a selection of colours’ with high quality workmanship and fittings.Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine & Feline Behaviour AssociationCall to join the ever growing number of people changing toDogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www.dogmatic.org.ukWINNER2020Global100Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 – UK‘PRODUCT I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT’For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BESTWinners 2013-2024AWARDED ‘Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020-21 - UK’ and Most Innovative Dog Collar Manufacturers 2019

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