Pets Corner

Think Calm

Pets Corner with Leonie St Clair | www.londondogstraining.co.uk

Iam seeing quite a number of clients who are new to dog ownership. To a person, they are committed and desperate to do the very best they can for their new pet. However, many of these owners also have one thing in common and that is a stated desire to provide their dogs with lots of “stimulation”. Quite frequently, these same owners berate themselves for not providing enough of the “s” word and view this lack as the most likely source of whatever problems they are having with their dog. Yes, dogs do need suitable outlets for whatever working drives they come genetically primed with...up to a point. Designer breeds are no exception, a fair few may have a double whammy on the genetic front, picking up on working traits from whatever purebreds have gone into their development. For instance, many cockapoos have a strong dose of working cocker behind them. However, to be realistic, we are not going to train our cockapoo to flush, quarter or pick up in the field. Instead, we use selective training and structured games to satisfy some of the dog’s innate drive. All this is very different from giving our pet freedom to enjoy stimulation all day long. Like a fractious over-tired toddler, an over-stimulated dog can be extremely trying. The most difficult time is at adolescence when the animal is already hyped up on hormones, primed to push the envelope and almost incapable of self-regulation. It easy to think that the fix is more stimulation to tire the dog out. Loads of hard exercise may indeed cause the dog to eventually collapse in an exhausted heap, much to everyone’s relief; but nothing of use is being learned. Dogs in a ‘boom and bust’ cycle of inability to settle and then hours of exercise or, worse, play-fighting with other dogs, are not learning to switch off. Rest and calm are the keys to healthy development, both mental and physical. It is essential that young dogs are given enough stimulation to enjoy life but equally important is developing an off switch and it will pay lifelong dividends. Calm dogs sleep more and consequently learn more too. If you have not taught your dog the importance of calm behaviour, try this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wesm2OpE_2c.

Many dogs will also benefit from a simple strategy known as ‘Learn to Earn’. Quite simply, this programme teaches your dog that although he can get the good stuff from you, whether food, play or cuddles, in return he must first exhibit behaviour you like. All we ask is that the dog exhibits calm behaviour or a polite “sit” in order to get the things he values. This can be surprisingly effective in beginning to teach the dog to slow down and take a beat, learning that calm behaviour gets him access to his favourite things. It also introduces greater structure to interactions throughout the day and gradually the dog learns to accept that if you are not available for interaction and with nothing else to do, he may as well sleep. Of course, within the context of ‘Learn to Earn’ it is vital the dog knows that there will be quality time set aside for him, involving adequate structured exercise, training and play. Outside of this, instead of being in a perpetual state of anticipatory high alert, your dog learns to switch off.

East Dulwich WI

Ladies from the East Dulwich WI bowling in Dulwich Park in July. Big thank you to the club members who introduced us to this fun sport. The East Dulwich Women’s Institute meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at The Castle on the corner of Goodrich Road and Crystal Palace Road. Ladies come at about 7:30pm for an 8:00pm start. In August we shall be welcoming the gardener from Hever Castle. New members and guests most welcome. To find out more email us at: edwicommittee@eastdulwichwi.co.uk

Monday 22 & Tuesday 23 August: Into The Wild Painting Workshop

9.30am – 12.30pm. Kids Summer Holiday Club, Ages 6 to 11. At The Arts Factory we provide an outlet for your child’s creativity to blossom during school holidays. We run holiday club sessions for any child with an interest in art. Goose Green Community Centre, 62A East Dulwich Road, East Dulwich SE22 9AT. www.theartsfactory.london/

Saturday 27 August: Mosaic Workshop 1pm-5pm

Join artist Giulia Manzoni in this one-day workshop to discover the ancient art of mosaics. You will learn how to use mosaic tools and materials to create a unique piece of mosaic art, whilst also discovering more about the history and design process behind it. All materials will be provided. You will be able to select one of four designs which Giulia has created especially for this workshop, which use four artworks from the exhibition, Reframed: Woman in the Window, as inspiration. Selecting your own colour palette from a range of tiles, you will walk away with your own, individual 10x10cm mosaic square and the beginners’ knowledge to continue your adventure in mosaics. Entry to the gallery and exhibition for the hour prior to the beginning of this workshop is also included in the ticket price, allowing you to become inspired by the multidisciplinary artworks on display.

https://my.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/

Wednesday 31 August: Cooking with Scissors

6.45pm-8pm. An opportunity for local business professionals to meet, make new contacts and gain new business. The last Wednesday of every month. Free Admission. Find out more or register at: www.cookingwithscissors.co.uk/ The Lordship Pub, 211 Lordship Lane SE22 8HA

September Preview

Thursday 1 September: An Evening with Maggie O’Farrell

7:30pm - 8:30pm.

Maggie O’Farrell is a bestselling and awardwinning author. She has written eight novels and in 2020 her novel Hamnet won the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Maggie will be discussing her latest novel The Marriage Portrait with journalist Hannah Beckerman. The Marriage Portrait brings to life Florence in the 1560s as Maggie tells the tale of Lucrezia, third daughter of Cosimo de’ Medici. When Lucrezia’s sister dies on the eve of marriage to Alfonso d’Este, ruler of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio, Lucrezia is thrust into the limelight. Alfonso quickly asks for her hand in marriage and Lucrezia faces court life for the first time. With the drama which she illuminated Shakespeare’s world, Maggie brings Renaissance Italy to life and offers an unforgettable portrait of a resilient young woman’s battle for her survival. Tickets: Book & Ticket £35 (Includes a copy of The Marriage Portrait, book RRP £25) Standard Ticket £20 Concession £15. A Village Books and Alleyn’s School Enterprise event. The MCT at Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, Dulwich, SE21 8SU. Book Tickets at:

https://mct.alleyns.org.uk/

Friday 2 September: Live Band Karaoke

7pm - 11:30pm. Belt out classics from Dolly Parton to Metallica, live on stage, backed by a sensational 5 piece band, in front of an electric crowd at Peckham Rye’s historic Ivy House. Pick from around 300 tunes. Lyrics are provided on screen, and our compere will be on stage with you to provide additional support and / or add those critical backing vocals. Doors + signups from 7pm; £6 (adv) / £8 (door, subject to availability). Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, London SE15 3BE. Advance tickets from:

https://live-band-karaoke.designmynight.com

Saturday 3 September: Parkruns in Dulwich Park and Peckham Rye Park

9am-10am. Free, weekly timed 5k run, jog or walk. Every Saturday at 9am promptly starting from Queen Mary’s Gate (Dulwich Park) and Colyton Road Entrance (Peckham Rye Park). Register once and bring your printed barcode (can be used at any parkrun across the world). First-timers briefing at 08.50am.

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/dulwich/ https://www.parkrun.org.uk/peckhamrye/

Saturday 3 September: Peckham Rye Park Fete

12pm-5pm. The Fete will be back this September with renewed vigour and all the familiar traditional attractions: the always popular dog show, children’s fancy dress competition, Punch and Judy, coconut shies and sack races, lots of stalls including the Friends-run ones selling books and plants., together with the Friendsrun Pimms, wine and beer marquee and tea and cakes tent, and various other food stands. Full details in our next issue or keep in touch via

www.peckhamryepark.org/news

Saturday 3 September: Bell House Open Garden

11:30am-1pm. Set behind the Georgian manor house, visitors can explore the peaceful twoacre garden. Bell House is opening its garden for visitors to explore. The Walled Garden comprises of raised beds filled with kitchen essentials grown organically. The House Garden features a rose garden and woodland walk designed to attract wildlife and provide safe habitats. The gardens are a place of community learning, maintained by volunteers who promote gardening as an activity for physical and mental well-being. The gardens are a place of community learning, maintained by volunteers who promote gardening as an activity for physical and mental well-being.

http://www.bellhouse.co.uk/