Pets Magazine May

MAY 2018, FREE

Dog expert: why you shouldn't give your dog the snip AWARDWINNING PARTNERSHIP: ONE LADY & HER BORDER TERRIER TOP PRODUCTS/PET CARE TIPS & MUCH MORE INSIDE

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Cavaliers’ Choices...

Premium pet products, destinations & activities for you & your pet chosen by Sophie Nell and Rufus, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, assisted by Marie.

Tough Toys We love these durable and fun toys from the pet experts over at PetSafe. They are great for any pooch that loves to chew as well as figure out a puzzle - how to get the tasty treats out of the toy! They come in an ever expanding range, and are available from all good pet stores and directly from PetSafe.

make your dog happy!

Is your dog happy? How do you know? What motivates your dog and how can you make sure you're being a good human to your furry companion? Any dog owner likes to think their dog is happy but a recent study about dogs being hugged shows that many people interpret the signs incorrectly and don't know how to recognise anxiety in their animal. ‘Making Dogs Happy’ is an illustrated handbook to getting to know your dog better for a happy and fulfilled household. Learn how to tell what motivates your individual dog and you can train your dog accordingly. Written by a veterinarian and a leading dog trainer, it introduces the idea of dogmanship - the ability to interact with and train dogs.

Published July by Murdoch Books.

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Cavaliers’ Choices...

‘My Chickens and I’ by Isabella Rossellini In this delightful illustrated book, actress and filmmaker Isabella Rossellini shares her newfound passion for raising chickens. When a cardboard carton dotted with airholes arrived at her door, Rossellini expected to welcome 38 yellow chicks to her Long Island farm. Much to her surprise, her newly hatched brood included a diverse mix of heritage breeds—a discovery that prompted further research into the traits, behaviour and history of each one. Perfectly capturing the fine-feathered glory and surprising intelligence of these spirited backyard birds, ‘My Chickens and I ‘pairs Patrice Casanova’s photographs with Rossellini’s wry observations, fun facts, and hand-drawn illustrations.

Available from all good book stores.

PS/ We’re always looking for premium products & services to review for both pets and people! Please get in touch with the boss at editor@petsmag.co.uk.

Love,

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Sophie, Nell & Rufus

xxx

Top Dog Listener: Why Canine Castration is Wrong!

Tony Knight, an internationally-acclaimed Dog Listener and trainer, on why you shouldn’t get

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your malePets dog neutered…

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Tony Knight, an internationally-acclaimed Dog Listener and trainer, on why you shouldn’t get

“Dogs ask us questions every day to see who they can trust...”

your male dog neutered…

In this current era of #metoo with the likes of Harvey and Donald setting a really bad example, maybe this is not the time for me to write an article questioning the effectiveness of castration!

Speaking as a male, I admit that I also have a soft spot (well, two really) for my own “equipment; men will wince in empathy should they hear a story about some poor chap whose “poor chap” was involved in some kind of painful accident.

That said, it is as a dog trainer (and not as a male of the species) that I came to the conclusion many years ago that castration is not all it is cracked up to be.

dealing with aggression in male dogs.

Too many vets propose this procedure as the cure-all (which comes at a price of

owners is preferable). When it comes to dealing with aggressive behaviour though, there is a completely different part of the body that should be treated (and definitely not removed).

“Castration is not all it is cracked up to be....”

However, it is still often the first course of action when

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My own old fellow, Kez (I am referring to my dog here) was an course). I have met many aggressive female dogs in all entire male and the most my years as a Dog Listener – chilled out individual you could have hoped to meet. what should we cut off A very large part (I promise them? Maybe their legs so they can’t run after anyone? you I am not making these puns on purpose!) of the reason for his calm Don’t get me wrong, castration for health reasons demeanour was the way I interacted with him to show or to avoid unwanted him that he could relax and puppies is definitely trust me with the big recommended in the first decisions. Dogs ask us case (and begrudgingly in questions every day to see the second, although intelligent control from dog who they can trust, so when Pets Magazine

Kez asked, I made sure to give him the right answer.

That way, I avoided him taking on the role himself, which could have led to bigger problems.

feeling out of sorts. The levels of testosterone take a

In nearly every case of dog aggression, there is a big dose of Female dogs can be aggressive too... panic added. This does not come massive drop, leaving them from any appendage; rather prone to feeling vulnerable. the belief in a dog’s mind that it is responsible for the If you have ever had to go to safety of its family in a world work or look after your that it does not understand.

That panic can lead to reactions that can understandably be seen as aggressive.

Once again, we know that there are females that can also have these aggressive tendencies, but there children while feeling is not an equivalent, unwell, I am willing to bet arbitrary, medical procedure that you may have been for them. more easily irritated…

Thankfully, not every veterinarian is still stuck in the old-fashioned practice of slicing off a mutt’s nuts. There are plenty of professionals out there who have realised that castration for aggression problems clearly does not work.

They also know that there are ways to help solve this problem that do not require drugs, force, pain or surgery. When it comes to helping your dog to be On so many occasions, I happy and calm, I guess the have been asked to work with highly strung dogs that ball is in your court… have previously been To find out more, visit: castrated, only for their www.tonyknightdoglisten behaviour to remain unchanged or even worsen. er.com

“Many vets now realise that castration for

aggression problems

clearly does not work.”

What can make the situation worse for a male that has been given the chop is that they may still have the responsibility of looking after everyone, only now they are constantly

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My approach to solving dog aggression is to concentrate on the other end of the body.

Using the way they think is the key to success.

Calm and positive communication in their language shows them that you are capable of looking after everyone, allowing them to relinquish responsibility and relax.

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FRIENDS FOR LIFE

Border Terrier ‘Sir Jack Spratticus’ won the Friends for Life ‘Dog Hero’ competition at this year’s Crufts. Owned by Vanessa Holbrow, rescue dog Jack is credited with changing her life...In the first part of our special feature, Jack ‘explains’ how the two literally saved each other.

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Border Terrier ‘Sir Jack Spratticus’ won the Friends for Life ‘Dog Hero’ competition at Crufts earlier this year. Owned by Vanessa Holbrow, from Burnham on Sea, Somerset, Jack, had been to four homes before being rescued at the age of 13 months by Vanessa. Jack is credited with changing Vanessa’s life, helping her to live with complex mental health issues, by giving her confidence, companionship and stability. In the first part of our special feature, ‘Sir Jack’ explains how the two have quite literally saved each other.

Taking me, a Border Terrier (BT) called Jack, on as a re-

GGI). This I will elaborate on

helping disabled people

homed BT in 2012 helps mum live with complex mental

later.

within the UK wanting to train

health illnesses. Namely these issues are Borderline

Mum maintains it is literally a Godsend to have discovered

extremely high standard”.

Which is where our next

Personality Disorder (BPD),

Border Terrier Welfare UK

chapter continues. For now I

their own assistance dog to an

Complex Post Traumatic Stress (BTW), and it is by no means an shall start from the beginning Disorder (cPTSD), Dissociative understatement to say this has of my life with Mum aged 13 Disorders (DD) and an Eating been a life changing 'find'. months.

Disorder (ED) (which is 90% a Mum and I from the beginning restrictive type, Anorexia). I have been learning and On 24 August 2012, I walked give mum a life she never dreamt of in terms of

growing together, overcoming

into mum’s life with an air of

companionship and I help her

difficulties from our pasts and

bravado. I say an 'air of

to get out and about (this was

learning coping strategies.

Mum then went on to find the

bravado' because this was a fragile exterior, masking deep

prior to us finding Canine

organisation CGI in 2017. CGI is

fear and confusion. This was

Generated Independence,

“a not for profit organisation,

my fourth home.

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Between you and I, to be

Along side this, on more times

rejected again was my reality.

she can dare mention, mum as things around to a certain

On appearances those on the

an adult has fought back from

outside may have indeed

When out walking (our

questioned why I was being re-

favourite past time) mum

homed to an individual with

recognised that even the sight of a dog helped her.

complex psychiatric illnesses. Furthermore mum lived in a small block of flats with no enclosed garden. Pfft! to that I thought to myself at

therapy mum has turned degree. Problems partly stem from an unrelenting traumatic and lonely, neglectful existence during her formative years and as a young adult.

Therapy enables mum to gain insight, and as a result of this a chance to gain a sense of self, which is in itself excruciating for mum to face. Trauma

being insanely underweight, due to self imposed starvation.

Beyond the usual conditions brought on by malnutrition

therapy continues to this day.

When out walking (our favourite past time) mum recognised that even the sight

the time. I need squirrels

of a dog helped

to chase at least!

her. What I mean was

Mum's complex

seeing one gave

psychiatric history is an

her feelings of

extensive one, thirty six

warmth and she

years living and fighting to manage daily living.

would smile. She couldn't quite

Mum has struggled to

reconcile the

the extent that two

fact that on the

thirds of her life since

one hand rife

graduating in 1993 with a BSc in Applied and

suicidal ideation taunted her (a

Human Biology has been

‘normal’ default

sectioned in old style

thought pattern)

asylums to begin with

and yet the sight

and then general adult psychiatric hospitals,

of a dog initiated feelings far

specialised eating disorder units and general hospitals.

The latter of which mum has been hanging on to life by a hairs breath several times on life support 1994 and 2002 due to attempts on her own life.

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and an unviable body weight, a plethora of other conditions result and remain, for example, osteoporosis.

Gradually over the last twelve years, with the help of intensive and less intensive Pets Magazine

removed from contemplating self injury, for example.

Furthermore the two could co exist together. So there was no doubting that contact with dogs enabled her on a profound level. Mum’s care coordinator at the time, as part

of her care plan, looked at the

integral to her working hard to

possibility of her owning a dog. stay on track (safe) because I

this. Before I came into mum's life, she never realised she was able to take a

Before I came along Mum

decent photograph.

started on her

Towards the end

journey to

of 2017 we had

becoming a dog

the surprise of a

owner. Mum started

lifetime to win a competition.

volunteering as a dog walker for the

‘Dog friendly’,

RSPCA, moved to

(the largest

rented accommodation

database of dog friendly places to

permitting dogs

stay in the UK)

(in light of a

ran a

recommendation

competition to

from community mental health

find twelve dogs with the

services) and

friendliest faces

attended dog

to feature in this

training classes without a dog. Mum explained to me that in order for her to feel in any way able and have

sense I am very special to her.

Being a extraordinary

years Dog Friendly Face of the Year Calendar. The competition attracted more than 3,000 entries and 35,000

the chance to hold confidence

character would be one descriptive word for myself. I

enough to become a

am also adorable and

Martin chose me as one of the

responsible dog owner, this was a definite prerequisite.

mischievous, despite

12!

votes. Celebrity judge Paul

unsavoury terrier habits! An On the side, may I also

I offer mum someone to love

extraordinarily adaptable poser is a further attribute and

and care for. One thing that is

love nothing more than being

the Buckham Fair, Re-homed/

mention, in 2014 I qualified for

novel for mum is my love and in front of the camera. acceptance of her. I help her to

Rescued Dog Championships. I qualified for this show at Mid

strongly consider looking after

Somerset Show where I

herself, to believe in looking

A designer, Izabela Peters, spotted one of my photos and

out for herself first and

this resulted with me being on

tears). So the following week

received a first (mum was in

foremost. I help her initiate the a cushion and a draught want to discover a sense of self excluder of all things! I model and the strength to process for ‘Scrufts’ handmade dog

mum dragged me down to Beaminster, in torrential rain

that complexity. She adores

collars and leads, with mum

along with approximately 70

me I know, furthermore I am

taking the photographs for

dogs.

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might I add, to be judged

Mum credits me with helping her, but in reality we have helped one another.

Mum was questioned by four

impact I had had on mum’s

behaviour. We were excluded

judges on different aspects of

life.

from the first few months of

our story. Then there was a big

obedience sessions. Every time

finale and it was not until this stage mum and I realised how

Mum credits me with helping her, but in reality we have

many amazing dogs we were

helped one another. Mum took cupboard ( a small room in

up against. Martin Clunes

the role of dog ownership

reality). In time I learnt why. If I

talked to mum and stroked

seriously. She researched the

didn't bark then I was allowed

me. Following this, ten dogs were pulled out to stay in the

breed thoroughly prior to rehoming me and took me to

to take part in the class; if I challenged myself to leave a

ring. Number 26 was

various training classes. In the

dog alone that was starring at

announced (my number!).

early days we consistently

me, I could stay in class… bingo!

After a further circuit of the

incorporated into our daily

ring and one final look at us. In reverse order the positions

walks moves we had learnt in training classes, for example,

To keep my focus solely on mum was the foundation to

were announced. To my

heel work to music, and agility

learning more acceptable

complete shock and delight I

classes. Our first class (in

behaviour. That was all that

came 2nd!

obedience), the initial

was required; I had cracked it!

It may be worth sharing with

paramount lesson to master was how to refrain from

Little did I know there were many many more lessons to

readers that in 2016 having

barking and lunging for others

come.

been nominated, I was short

dogs, for example. I could not

listed for The Kennel Club’s

understand the logic of mum

The second part of our special

Eukanuba ‘Friends For Life Competition’. At the age of 4 I

and I being confined to no more than the space of a

feature by Sir Jack is published in the June edition.

was nominated for the huge

cupboard every time I exhibited unacceptable

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I opened my mouth, mum quietly took us into the

Art With Soul...

AMANDA STUART runs Edie & Reggie Pet Accessories. As well as cute and stylish clothing and accessories for your dog she is also a talented pet artist. Pictured is Pets Magazine’s very own Sophie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Amanda talks to us about her inspirations and gives some tips for budding artists. ŠAmanda Stuart

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AMANDA STUART runs Edie & Reggie Pet Accessories. As well as cute and stylish clothing and accessories for your dog she is also a talented pet artist. Pictured is Pets Magazine’s very own Sophie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Amanda talks to us about her inspirations and gives some tips for budding artists.

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you gets started as a pet artist?

Today I have two Mini Schnauzers ruling the house! I can quite honestly say they are my inspiration in my current freelance working life. I want them to have nice things, be warm in winter, capture images that show their character and to be healthy and happy. That's where the Edie and Reggie Pet Accessories and my ‘Product Pawtnership’ came from, I wanted other dogs to have the opportunity to have nice things too and I get to combine the challenge of animal photography and fab products for dogs.

A Product Pawtnership is where a company sends me a dog product(s) and I photograph it with my two pooches, or their other four legged friends, and I keep the products and the company has some professional photos and a review from Edie and Reggie and me. That's it.

If after that they wish to hire me for more, then that's great also!

Where do you take your inspiration from?

Pets Magazine’s Sophie is taking shape

capture it on camera. With a drawing though, it takes on a completely opposite effect, especially with a complete stranger's pet... You are relaying a little of what you think their character is onto a blank piece of paper.

You have a photograph in front of you that their owner has picked for you to draw and you see it come alive with each pencil stroke and by the end of the drawing, it's like you have gotten to know the subject. You have spent hours and hours with it, looking at every hair, glints in their eyes, wondering what they were looking at when the photo was taken by their owner. By the end of the drawing you have imagined the character of the dog and feel as though it is a stranger no more.

The character of my dogs - because Schnauzers are full of it! I love their energy and try to

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character of the dog and feel as though it is a stranger no more.

I enjoy lovingly wrapping and boxing a customer's drawing and I always wonder what the customer will think when they open it and their 2D pet is staring back at them! I always worry if I have captured the character the way the owner knows their animal to be. A drawing is a very personal and unique thing, a one off, just like their dog or pet.

Is pet photography the favourite part of your work? If so, why?

They say never work with kids or animals, well I do both! I just love a challenge I guess. I work part time at a school, so when I go home I have my own little ‘furbabies’ to look after. I was a 'cat' person all of my childhood and to think I wasn't a fully fledged 'dog' person until April 2013 is crazy considering I have built a little business because of my two dogs and has become a daily obsession (in a good way). I contemplated getting a dog for over a year. It was ultra important that it was the right decision for a dog and also for me. The time was right and I welcomed Reggie into my home as a 10 week old puppy, later that year I welcomed Edie too. I would never have thought three years later I'd be doing a majority of freelance work because of my dogs.

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What are your favourite places and subjects to photograph?

I have use of a studio area, with lights and a white infinity background. There I photograph other companies products as well as my own. If I'm outside, there's no better backdrop than autumn trees and a wood. I also love spring and the wonders of the vast open sea.

Any tips for the amateur pet artist?

Finding a 'subject' that you love always makes it easier and more exciting when you see the drawing coming to life in front of you, nothing but you creating it. It's quite a personal journey I think and by the end, without even knowing it, you've somehow put a personality to the animal. You tend to put that extra bit of heart and soul into it too.

For more information about Amanda’s work and her pet accessories and to order, please visit: http:// edieandreggie.wix.com/ petaccessories

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LARS B. ANDERSEN, CEO of Arty Lobster On 3D Pet Sculptures Click this link to watch the video.

And here’s two examples of Arty Lobster’s fantastic 3D sculptures. Visit their website at www.artylobster.com to order a 3D sculpture of YOUR pet!

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