Total Dog Magazine

Author: Jasmine Kleine

  • First Dog on Scene of Manchester Terror Attack – A Heroic Canine

    First Dog on Scene of Manchester Terror Attack – A Heroic Canine

    The British Transport Police Dog who was first on the scene following the devastating terror attack on Manchester Arena, is to be honoured by leading vet charity PDSA.

    Police Dog (PD) Mojo will receive the PDSA Order of Merit* at a ceremony later this month, for his devotion to duty under the most horrendous circumstances, on 22 May 2017.

    Today, Mojo’s former handler and now owner, PC Phil Healy, was joined by PDSA Director of Fundraising, Nigel Spencer, to announce his forthcoming award.

    https://i.imgur.com/mWdjGJd.png

    Discussing Mojo’s award, Nigel said: ‘Mojo’s actions on that fateful night enabled the emergency services to carry out their vital work, by helping to search and clear the area of potential secondary devices. Mojo worked tirelessly under conditions he’d never experienced before. For that devotion to duty and service to society, PDSA is honoured to recognise him.”

    Mojo’s Story

    On 22 May 2017, Police Dog Mojo and his handler PC Phil Healy had returned home after an early shift. Later that evening, news came through of an explosion at the Arianna Grande concert inside Manchester Arena. Phil and Mojo immediately made their way back to work.

    PC Healy explained: “On our way over to the Arena, I heard over the police radio that the explosion had been caused by a detonated device and that many people were injured. We also heard that fatalities were already being confirmed.

    “We were the first dog team on the scene and it was very chaotic. Our first task was to search Victoria train station’s concourse, which was being used as the main casualty treatment area for the incident. Mojo searched around the injured victims to make sure that the area was safe and clear of further explosives, for the responding emergency services and the public.”

    PC Healy and Mojo were then moved into the Arena itself and to the site of the explosion. Mojo worked in horrendous conditions, searching for secondary devices among the sea of unattended, abandoned items, to secure the area and ensure the safety of the Firearms Units and other attending emergency services working in the area.

    PC Healy said: “Mojo was working well but he was somehow different. It was as though he didn’t want to be there, among the carnage that surrounded him. But despite this he worked on, clearing the area so that the Firearms Unit could move out of the area safely.”

    PC Healy and Mojo were later joined by other dog teams and together, they searched the whole stadium. Mojo worked alongside his handler until 7am the following morning. On their way home, Mojo and PC Healy were called out again to follow up on reports of a suspicious item elsewhere.

    Speaking about Mojo’s award, PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “PD Mojo worked tirelessly through unimaginable scenes of destruction and utter chaos. His role on the night was to make others safe – members of the public along with the responding emergency services, who each had their vital part to play. His dedication to duty, despite clearly being distressed by what he saw, makes him a deserving recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit.”

    Mojo retired from British Transport Police duties in August this year, but his service will always be remembered.

    Inspector Paul Miles from British Transport Police nominated Mojo for the award. He said: “I am so proud to see Mojo recognised by PDSA in this way. He acted in the finest traditions of policing, under circumstances that you can never fully train for. PC Healy and Mojo have made a stellar team in their time together and, as Mojo adapts to a life of retirement, it’s a wonderful moment to pause and reflect on his service and actions.”

    Phil added: “There is no doubt that what Mojo experienced that night had a lasting effect on him, as it has all of us. His receiving the PDSA Order of Merit is a fitting way to recognise his actions. The ceremony will be emotional – I am extremely proud of him.”

    Mojo will receive his PDSA Order of Merit at a special closed event later this month. The ceremony will also recognise the work of Greater Manchester Fire Service dogs, Cracker and Echo, whose awards were announced in August.

    Mojo will become the 20th recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit, which, to date, has been awarded to seven dogs and ten horses. For more information about the previous recipients, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pdsaorderofmerit.

    PDSA’s Animal Awards Programme was instituted in 1943 by the charity’s founder, Maria Dickin. She believed that if animals were recognised for their heroic actions, it would help to raise their status in society, ensuring that they are better treated.

  • Fireworks Cause So Much Stress For Animals It’s Time We Changed The Law

    Fireworks Cause So Much Stress For Animals It’s Time We Changed The Law

    As pet owners prepare to keep their animals safe and calm during tomorrow’s Bonfire Night celebrations, more than 3800 people have also responded to the RSPCA’s call call to contact the UK Government to change firework regulations

    The RSPCA, which receives hundreds of calls each year about animals distressed by fireworks , wants to restrict private displays on all but four days of the year. A petition set up Julie Doorne from the FAB Firework Abatement campaign has already generated over 250,000 signatures in less than three weeks.

    A new video released today from the charity reveals the stress animals can suffer as a result of unplanned displays.

    It shows rescue dog Charlie, a Lhasa Apso cross heavily panting with stress and he took six hours to calm down after fireworks were randomly set off while he was out on a walk in September.

    Charlie’s owner Lynette Robb said: “We were in the park at about 5.30pm on a weekday and it was still bright and sunny.

    “On the way there a firework went off and Charlie stopped and looked around, after some encouragement he carried on walking to the park.

    “Then whilst in the park two more fireworks went off and Charlie stopped – we say he puts his brakes on because you can’t move him – and began shaking vigorously, panting and crying.

    “He wouldn’t walk any further and I had to carry him home.

    “He’s a six-year-old rescue dog who’s come from an abusive background and is really scared of loud noises.

    “He continued to be distressed, shaking, crying and panting for the entire evening and didn’t calm down until about midnight – that is six hours.

    “It’s just so unfair and upsetting to see him like that. It’s happened multiple times before and since then too. As it’s daylight you couldn’t even see the fireworks so there was no point.”

    In 2011 the RSPCA received 255 calls regarding animals and fireworks, which has steadily risen to a peak of 533 in 2017. In the last five years the charity received 2,300 calls about fireworks.

    Incredibly, a Change.org petition set up by Julie Doorne from the FAB Firework Abatement campaign has already generated over 250,000 signatures since it was set up on October 16.

    It is now hoped that a Westminster Hall debate will be arranged to discuss the regulation of fireworks – making public support even more crucial.

    RSPCA campaign manager Eloise Shavelar said: “Clearly there is widespread public concern about this issue as can be shown by huge number of people signing petitions year on year calling for change.

    “It’s heartbreaking to hear Charlie’s story, this shouldn’t be happening in 2018 – we are calling on a urgent review of the current regulations to better protect animals and those who care for them.

    “We want to see the UK Government listening to people and strengthening the existing acts and restricting the use of fireworks to traditional days of the year like bonfire night.”

    The RSPCA now wants to see the private use of fireworks restricted to certain days; November 5, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

    The charity would also like to see the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks for public sale reduced from 120 decibels – above the human pain threshold for noise – to 97 decibels. This is likely to further reduce the stress to animals*.

    In January 2018, the UK Government set up the Office for Product Safety and Standards following two Parliamentary debates, about the negative impact of fireworks, many months on, there has been little movement on this issue.

    Julie Doorne, who started the change.org petition said: “This is the third petition we have started which has far exceeded our expectations really showing people’s strength of feeling on this issue.

    “Stories like Charlie’s show that there are animals out there suffering right now and the Government need to react to that and stop these loud, random and unwanted displays.”

    An RSPCA survey from February this year shows that 38% of dogs* are fearful of loud noises such as fireworks meaning thousands of animals’ lives are made a misery by fireworks every year.

    More information and resources about how reduce stress in animals during fireworks season see: www.rspca.org.uk/fireworks

  • Meet the Australian War Hero Dog Who Has Just Received An Award for Saving Lives

    Meet the Australian War Hero Dog Who Has Just Received An Award for Saving Lives

    Meet Kuga. At eight months old he began training with the Australian Special Air Service Regiment and in 2010, he was deployed to Afghanistan with his handler for his first tour.

    On 26 August 2011, during their second tour, he and his handler were part of a Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) troop conducting a mission to capture a senior Taliban insurgent in the Khas Uruzgan district.

    Photo Credit: Commonwealth of Australia 2018

    After landing by helicopter near a target compound, the unit began their patrol. Kuga and his handler were located next to the river.

    Kuga was then instructed to search for concealed insurgents or improvised explosive devices (IEDs) located along the river’s edge. As the patrol moved closer to the target compound, Kuga indicated an enemy presence and moved down towards the river.

    Photo Credit: Commonwealth of Australia 2018

    As he entered the water and swam across the river to the opposite bank, he was targeted and injured by bursts of automatic fire. His handler moved into position to support him while Kuga continued to swim, undeterred, by the close-range fire. After reaching the bank, he charged towards a small tree line where his handler was able to identify the enemy’s location and witnessed an insurgent firing at Kuga at close range.

    While apprehending the insurgent, Kuga was shot again, causing him to lose his grip.

    During the incident, Kuga was shot five times: twice in the ear, once in the toe, once in the cheek (which exited through the neck) and once in the chest, which exited the shoulder and broke his upper-left leg. Kuga also received shrapnel wounds to his lower spine.

    Despite his injuries, the brave Belgian Malinois swam back across the river when recalled by his handler, who administered emergency first aid and requested a helicopter medical evacuation for him. Kuga was subsequently treated in Afghanistan and Germany, before returning to Australia for further treatment and rehabilitation.

    Sadly, Kuga passed away in kennels less than a year later and although inconclusive, it was believed that his body succumbed to the stress placed upon him due to the injuries sustained in the incident. Kuga’s death is officially recorded as ‘Died of Wounds’.

    Today he was posthumously awarded the equivalent of the animals Victoria Cross by the PDSA for his remarkable and brave actions during his mission to capture a senior Taliban insurgent. He is the first Australian dog to receive the accolade.

    Corporal Mark Donaldson VC accepted the award on the regiment’s behalf alongside Australian Army special operations military working dog, Odin.

    Photo Credit: Commonwealth of Australia 2018

    On receiving the award, he said, “Kuga’s actions that day in Afghanistan were heroic. There’s no doubt in anybody’s mind that he saved lives. He just wouldn’t give up on his mates and doing his job.

    “Kuga and the other military working dogs in Afghanistan saved countless lives, whether they were finding IEDs or tipping us off to an enemy presence before we’d seen them. Kuga’s PDSA Dickin Medal is for the all military working dogs who worked alongside us in Afghanistan and every day since.”

  • All Saints’ Nicole Appleton Has Launched a Halloween Competition to Find Cutest Dog

    That’s right. All Saints’ Nicole Appleton, who is a huge dog lover, wants to see your cute dog photos this Halloween on her social networking app for pet lovers and she’s even teamed up with a pet camera manufacturer to offer one lucky winner the chance to win their own Furbo.


    Pictured left to right with Nicole, Bridget – Ruby

    Earlier this year, inspired by her own two dogs, Ruby and Bridget, Nicole launched the social networking app for pet lovers, Petscene. Now she’s asking pet lovers to share their pets with her on the app, with a competition in place that promises one lucky winner their very own Furbo pet treat camera.

    To have some fun and be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is download the Petscene app from the App Store or from the Google Play store for Android phones and share your pets Halloween photos, tagging in #PetSceneHalloween before 31st October.

     

  • Halloween Revellers Dressed Up Urged to Think of Homeless Pets

    Halloween Revellers Dressed Up Urged to Think of Homeless Pets

    Halloween revellers are being urged not to approach homeless people and their pets while wearing fancy dress costumes for fear it could make the homeless dogs stressed and anxious.

    Michelle Southern, founder of Street Paws, a UK charity that supports pet owners who are homeless, says seeing people in spooky outfits is terrifying for dogs.

    Michelle said, “It’s scary enough being homeless and not only being worried about your own safety but your pet as well.

    “But at Halloween, it’s even more stressful for homeless people as there are so many revellers out in fancy dress costumes.

    “For a dog living on the street, they have no idea why people are dressed up, and it can make them very stressed and anxious if people run up and shout and try to scare them.”

    Street Paws support homeless dogs and have also helped several cats in 18 cities and towns across the UK with 150 vets and nurses who give health checks, flea and worming treatment and vaccinations to the dogs.

    The charity was founded in Newcastle in 2016 by Michelle, 48, a former Vets4Pets practice manager after she recognised that while there were soup kitchens for homeless people, there wasn’t the same support for their pets.

    Michelle added, “Winter is a difficult time for our clients and their animals with the cold weather, fireworks and Halloween and Christmas parties making many city centres intimidating places.

    “We understand that people want to celebrate and have fun, we just ask that they are considerate to the animals and their owners and leave them alone and don’t set off fireworks near them.

    “If they do want to help, ask if they would like a warm drink or some water or food for their dog. Sometimes showing a little kindness by simply stopping to say hello is enough to lift their spirits.”

  • Dog Dental Care: How to Clean Dogs Teeth

    Knowing how to clean a dog’s teeth is important not only as part of a dog dental care regime, but it is also a great way to bond with your dog, whatever their age.

    But before we share with you our advice on how to clean your dog’s teeth, let’s answer some of the most common questions about the subject.

    Dog Dental Care Facts

    ‘How many teeth does a dog have?’ – asks Ann Rice.

    Like humans, dogs are born without teeth. But when they are only a few weeks old, a puppy will begin to develop milk teeth.

    By 16 weeks, a puppy will have 28 milk teeth before giving way to their adult teeth at around 6-8 months old.

    Adult dogs have 42 teeth.

    ‘How do I get rid of dog breath?’ – asks Marcia Barrett.

    Acoording to dog groomers, a dog’s diet can play a key role.

    Brushing their teeth and gums to keep them healthy and free from plaque using chew toys and dental chew treats, such as Pedigree® DentaStix Twice Weekly™ is scientifically proven to help reduce tartar build-up and helps to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy and strong.

    ‘How often should I clean my dog’s teeth?’ – asks Lynsey Rayner.

    Every day.

    How to Clean Dogs Teeth

    Longtime dog owner Carole Matthews shared her advice with us on how best to clean a dog’s teeth. Here are her four top tips on how to get a dog comfortable with the practice.

    1. Get prepared

    You will need a few essential items to clean your dog’s teeth at home.

    The first is a suitable toothbrush that’s sized to fit their teeth perfectly for maximum benefits.

    If your dog is a toy or miniature breed, a small pet toothbrush is ideal.

    If your dog is a small dog, I find that a child’s toothbrush will work well and for any medium-large breeds, an adult’s toothbrush will be suitable.

    Next, you’ll need a dog toothpaste and luckily, they are mostly quite meaty flavours (my own dogs love the beef flavour). Human toothpaste has chemicals that could be harmful, so a toothpaste made just for dogs will make sure you avoid any unnecessary or harmful chemicals.

    2. Treat it like a training session and start slowly

    Find a quiet spot for you and your dog to sit down together away from any distractions.

    If you can, try to do this at the same time every day so it becomes routine for your dog and you.

    The goal is to get them used to the idea of having their teeth cleaned, so treat the learning process like a training session.

    Keep the sessions short, this may be only a few minutes, don’t worry if that’s the case, just remember to stop while your dog is still relaxed and happy.

    3. Getting your dog used to the toothpaste

    To get your dog used to the toothpaste and brush, first introduce the toothpaste to them by putting a small amount on your finger and allowing them to lick it off. This is why choosing a flavoured toothpaste designed to appeal to dogs works well!

    Next, after your dog has shown they like the taste of the toothpaste, put a little more on your finger and run your finger along a gum on the inside of their mouth.

    You should do this for a few days until your dog is comfortable before introducing the toothpaste on a toothbrush.

    Remember, it’s all about taking small steps to make sure your dog is fully comfortable and happy because brushing their teeth will be a regular activity for you and your dog to enjoy a few moments of bonding time together. I always try to start this practice with my dogs from a young age to get them used to it.

    4. Introducing the toothbrush

    After a few days, introduce the toothbrush and allow your dog to lick the toothpaste from its bristles.

    Once your dog is comfortable with the toothbrush, wet the bristles and add toothpaste, pushing the toothpaste down into the bristles.

    Next, begin by brushing the front teeth slowly in small circular motions. Begin with the left side before moving to the right. Stop regularly to allow your dog to lick the brush and feel like they’re receiving a reward.

    You may need to hold your dog’s muzzle gently to keep their mouth closed (this is to stop them chewing when the brushing begins). If so, this is perfectly normal, just remember to take it in small steps so your dog remains calm and comfortable. It will also help to keep you calm too if you’re nervous when doing for the first time (which is also perfectly normal, I was too).

    Once your dog is happy to let you brush their front teeth and canines (the longest teeth), you can move onto their back teeth, repeating the process as above.

    It may take your dog a couple of weeks to feel entirely comfortable with having their teeth cleaned. Each dog will get comfortable at their own pace. The trick is not to rush and make sure you stop each session when they’re still happy, so you end on a positive note.

    As well as daily cleaning, you can help your dog’s dental care regime by introducing other fun items, such as chew toys or treats, which are designed specifically to help remove plaque from their teeth as they chew.

    I’ve found chew treats work brilliantly for dogs of all ages, so even if your oldest dogs start to chew their toys less because their teeth become more sensitive, something you’ll no doubt have noticed if you’ve ever owned an older pup, a tasty dental treat will usually always tempt them!

    And of course, it’s always worth setting up a regular health check with your vet for a dental check-up once or twice a year.

    This article is sponsored by PEDIGREE® DentaStix Twice Weekly™.

  • Revealed: The Dogs That Could Be Extinct Sooner Than You Think

    Revealed: The Dogs That Could Be Extinct Sooner Than You Think

    New research has found that celebrities and social media may be driving once-popular breeds into extinction, as new owners demand ‘fashionable’ breeds, inspired by famous owners, according to Direct Line Pet Insurance.

    Sadly, with celebrity ownership boosting the popularity of French Bulldogs and Pugs, several once-loved breeds have drastically fallen in numbers, with several facing the worrying possibility of becoming extinct in the UK in the next 50 to 100 years.

    The breed that has faced the most drastic drop in numbers over the last ten years, and is therefore at greatest risk of dying out, is the Yorkshire Terrier.

    Dog breeds at risk of extinction

    In 2008, there were just under 4,000 Yorkshire Terriers bred in the UK, yet in 2017 there were only 876 – a radical fall of 78.1%. If the numbers continue to fall at this rate, Yorkshire Terriers would disappear altogether by 2060.

    Bichon Frises are also at risk, as their numbers have dropped by almost three quarters (72%) in the last ten years, from 2757 to just 769. If these trends continue, Bichon Frises may only be around until 2070.

    Similarly, in 2008, there were just over 7000 West Highland White Terriers bred, but by 2017, the number of Westies had reduced by 71%. Should this trend continue, the breed could disappear by 2080.

    Top five breeds that have fallen in popularity

    Yorkshire Terrier – fallen by 78%
    Bichon Frise – fallen by 72%
    West Highland White Terrier – fallen by 71%
    Bull Mastiff – fallen by 70%
    Siberian Husky – fallen by 65%

    Other breeds that are also at risk of dying out include Bull Mastiffs, Siberian Huskies, Schnauzers and King Charles Spaniels.

    While these breeds dwindle in numbers, others are rapidly growing, as is the case with French Bulldogs.

    Ownership of French Bulldogs has increased more than thirtyfold in the last ten years, with 1,025 owned in 2008 in comparison to over 30,000 in 2017.

    Most of this rise in popularity has occurred over the last three years, as their numbers grew by over 300% between 2014 and 2017.

    More than half of dog shelters, according to dogsblog.com believe celebrities and social media are driving sales of ‘fashionable’ breeds such as Boston Terriers, Pugs and Miniature Dachshunds.

    Top five breeds that have risen in popularity

    French Bulldog – risen by 3,013%
    Boston Terrier – risen by 400%
    Pug – risen by 240%
    Miniature Dachshund – risen by 223%
    Bulldog – risen by 208%

    Commenting on the research findings, Prit Powar, Head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, said, “It is sad to think that some of the dog breeds we are familiar with in the UK may not exist in the next 100 years, if the trends we are seeing continue. Celebrity ownership undoubtedly influences the desirability of breeds and those that are unfashionable appear to be paying the price.

    Powar continued, “We would like to encourage prospective dog owners to consider one of these ‘at-risk’ breeds, in order to secure these loveable dogs’ futures. As always, owners should conduct thorough research into their preferred breed before committing, to ensure that the dog is compatible with their lifestyle and they can meet that breed’s needs.”

    The real impact of designer dogs: animal shelters fear worst

    The reason behind certain breeds becoming more or less popular is debated amongst rescue shelters, as 77% have recorded a rise in abandoned dogs in their care over the last year, and 86.2% predict a rise of ‘designer dogs’ in particular in rescue over the next ten years, due to their current popularity.


    Freddie is a Cockapoo who found himself in rescue after being bred and ‘unsold’

    Ryan O’Meara, dogsblog.com co-founder, said: “Not every person who buys or adopts a popular breed or cross-breed will do so having been inspired by celebrities or social media. However, it is evident that changes in the popularity of certain breeds coincide with celebrity and influencer ownership which can be analysed to predict which dogs, for example, may fall completely off the radar.

    “Sadly, dogs that have fallen in numbers are also some of the most common breeds in animal rescue shelters. Our research showed that the average age of a dog abandoned to a rescue shelter is just two years and two months old, which supports our research showing a correlation between the fast pace of ever-changing popularity and pet abandonment.”

  • 3 Dog Breeds That Could Be Extinct by the 22nd Century

    New research has found that celebrities and social media may be driving these once-popular breeds into extinction, as new owners demand ‘fashionable’ breeds, inspired by famous owners, according to Direct Line Pet Insurance.

    Sadly, with celebrity ownership boosting the popularity of French Bulldogs and Pugs, several once-loved breeds have drastically fallen in numbers, with several facing the worrying possibility of becoming extinct in the UK in the next 50 to 100 years.

    Meet the three breeds most at risk of extinction

    The Yorkshire Terrier

    In 2008, there were just under 4,000 Yorkshire Terriers bred in the UK, yet in 2017 there were only 876 – a radical fall of 78.1%. If the numbers continue to fall at this rate, Yorkshire Terriers would disappear altogether by 2060.

    The Bichon Frise

    Bichon Frises have dropped by almost three quarters (72%) in the last ten years, from 2757 to just 769. If these trends continue, Bichon Frises may only be around until 2070.


    Photo credit: dogsblog.com

    The Westie

    In 2008, there were just over 7000 West Highland White Terriers bred, but by 2017, the number of Westies had reduced by 71%. Should this trend continue, the breed could disappear by 2080.

    Other breeds that are also at risk of dying out include Bull Mastiffs, Siberian Huskies, Schnauzers and King Charles Spaniels, with breeders opting to breed more ‘in fashion’ breeds, sparking enormous rises in breeds, such as French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs and Miniature Dachshunds.

    According to dogsblog.com, more than half of dog shelters, believe celebrities and social media are driving sales of these ‘fashionable’ breeds.

    Commenting on the research findings, Prit Powar, Head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, said, “It is sad to think that some of the dog breeds we are familiar with in the UK may not exist in the next 100 years, if the trends we are seeing continue. Celebrity ownership undoubtedly influences the desirability of breeds and those that are unfashionable appear to be paying the price.

    Powar continued, “We would like to encourage prospective dog owners to consider one of these ‘at-risk’ breeds, in order to secure these loveable dogs’ futures. As always, owners should conduct thorough research into their preferred breed before committing, to ensure that the dog is compatible with their lifestyle and they can meet that breed’s needs.”

  • Simon Cowell Helped to Save These Dogs From the Dog Meat Trade

    Simon Cowell Helped to Save These Dogs From the Dog Meat Trade

    Music mogul Simon Cowell has helped animal charity Humane Society International to save these nine dogs from a dog meat farm in South Korea. The farm the dogs were held on will now be closed and the animal charity will help the farmer to expand his medicinal herb farm.

    This will be the 13th farm that has now been closed, saving countless animals lives, as the animal charity works to re-focus farmers in other fields, phasing out the cruel trade.

    The nine dogs (pictured below), now named Dermot, Robin, Indie, Tessa, Millie, Luna, Olive, Nara and Sandie, will rest up in HSI’s partner shelter in Korea before flying to the UK next month to find adoptive homes. This part of their journey has been funded by Simon Cowell.

    Photo Credit: Jean Chung/For HSI

    Photo Credit: Jean Chung/For HSI

    Photo Credit: Jean Chung/For HSI


    Photo Credit: Jean Chung/For HSI

    Photo Credit: Jean Chung/For HSI

    Photo Credit: Jean Chung/For HSI

    This isn’t the first time Simon Cowell has supported HSI’s #EndDogMeat campaign. Last year he gave an exclusive interview to Good Morning Britain on the eve of HSI’s rescue team setting off for Seoul on another rescue mission. He was incredibly moved by the plight of dogs suffering on the farms, and pledged to help directly to bring more dogs to safety.

    Simon told GMB’s Pip Tomson, who has been involved in rescue efforts and herself owns a dog saved from this fate, said, “It’s like eating your friend. It’s the fact you’re eating such a kind, helpless, sweet animal.”

    And Simon’s sentiments are increasingly echoed by campaigners in South Korea who are vociferously opposing killing dogs for meat.

    In July a petition on the government’s website calling for an end to the trade was signed by more than 200,000 people and prompted an official response from the President’s office. The government pledged to consider removing dogs from the legal definition of livestock, a move that could make a significant dent in the brutal industry.

  • This Dog Camera Helped This Rescue Dog Find a New Home

    This Dog Camera Helped This Rescue Dog Find a New Home

    Meet Sally. She’s a 3-year old Greyhound who was one of Battersea Dogs Home’s longest stay residents – until she received a Furbo Dog Camera.

    The rescue explained, “Unfortunately, black greyhounds tend to be less appealing to the public as they do not photograph as well and studies have shown people find black animals less attractive.

    “There also tends to be less interest in greyhounds as they are perceived as not being very cuddly. However, anyone who has had a greyhound cuddle, will know they are the best snugglers!”


    Photo Credit: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

    Sally was rehomed twice but sadly, she was returned both times to the rescue’s kennels. It soon became apparent that Sally’s downfall was her separation anxiety.

    When left alone she would become destructive, whine and howl, chew through doors causing cuts to herself. Her anxiety was so bad that new owners were unable to leave her for more than just a few minutes.

    Her rescue explained, “Sally’s separation soon became visible to us too, she was stressed and anxious whenever she was left in kennels and chill out areas.

    “We had to find a way to help with Sally’s separation so that when she found her next home, she would stay there.”

    How the Furbo Dog Camera Helped to Solve Sally’s Separation Anxiety

    Her rescue shared how the dog camera helped them to identify what was going on.

    “We were able to set up Furbo in one of our home style rooms and put a training plan in place to help Sally see being left alone as a positive thing.

    “We can leave dogs with chews and tasty things, but once we are out of the room, there is no way to continually reward the dog for being left. Until Furbo!

    “Now, we could reward Sally for choosing to be calm and set off Furbo whenever we saw her relaxing and offering calm behaviour.

    Using the Furbo Dog Camera to Formulate a Training Plan

    “We put together a training plan for Sally and got to work.”

    The environment for the plan was a homeroom set up with a blanket in the room, a high-value chew (such as a gooseneck or puzzle) on the blanket ready and the Furbo set up with tasty treats.

    This is how she got on:

    Goes near mat, set off Furbo √ √ √ x √
1 Paw on mat, set off Furbo √ √ √ √ √
2 paws on mat, set off Furbo x √ √ √ √
3 paws on mat, set off Furbo √ √ √ √ √
4 paws on mat, set off Furbo √ √ √ √ √
Head down on mat, set off Furbo √ √ √ √ x
Down on mat, set off Furbo √ √
Down on mat, 1 second, set off Furbo
Down on mat, 2 seconds, set off Furbo
Down on mat, 3 seconds, set off Furbo
Down on mat, 4 seconds, set off Furbo
Down on mat, 5 seconds, set off Furbo
√ = perfect x = imperfect 5x √s = ready to move on

    “Before long Sally was starting to relax when left. Her calm attitude quickly made her more attractive to potential new homes and she was starting to curl up and sleep when left alone in the chill out areas. We now had something that was working so we could pass this over to her new owners.

    “Most importantly, we had a happy Sally who is now finally in her forever home.”

    The article is sponsored by Furbo Dog Camera.

    Read more about the Furbo Dog Camera online here

  • I Gave My Rescue Dog a Dog Treat Camera, This is What Happened

    I Gave My Rescue Dog a Dog Treat Camera, This is What Happened

    Danny is our first rescue dog. Three years ago, he joined our family after we lost Chloe, our Labrador. Shortly after, our oldest dog was diagnosed with cancer. When we said ‘yes please’ to Danny joining our family, we also said ‘yes please’ to a puppy, Christopher. So it’s fair to say that it was an unusually stressful time, but a noisy house was what our older dog needed. As well as being unwell, she was lonely.

    Danny had been abandoned and he was rescued from a council pound kennels with 24 hours left on the clock, meaning if he hadn’t been claimed by his then owners or didn’t find a rescue space, he wouldn’t be here today.

    Danny spent time in rescue kennels, recovering from his ordeal, gaining weight and health before he could travel to our home.

    A few short weeks later, he arrived and it soon became apparent that this beautiful, kind dog, who was the size of a miniature horse, had experienced a pretty stressful life and this had left him with anxiety issues.

    Danny now

    Our other dogs helped him, but his stressed attitude meant that we couldn’t leave our three dogs together whenever we weren’t at home.

    It wouldn’t be fair for his running back and forth constantly to keep the others on red alert for two reasons. One as a puppy, Christopher was impressionable and he could have developed anxiety himself and two, Mia needed to rest after two operations in short succession.

    So, we got a dog treat cam. We chose the Furbo dog camera for two main reasons.

    It looked stylish and had a two way mic.

    This meant that if we were away from home, whichever of our phones had the Furbo app installed would receive an alert to say ‘Your dog is barking’ and we could ‘call in’. Danny could hear our voices, we could dispense treats and it would ease his concerns.

    It would also teach him that being left alone wasn’t a bad thing, good things (treats) could happen.

    And it works. We usually get a notification that he’s barking once, about 10-15 minutes after we’ve left home, and after calling in, having a chat and dispensing treats, he settles down and we get no further notifications that he’s stressed and barking.

    Anyone who has had a dog with anxiety issues knows that it’s an ongoing training situation. But this special little treat tossing camera has made a massive impact.

    We feel more comfortable knowing that if he’s upset and barking, which he doesn’t do while we’re home, we can call in and resolve the issue (for our neighbours I imagine this is also appreciated), and we calm him down so he feels more relaxed and happy.

    After his start in life, that’s all we want. To make him happy and give him the best life possible, with each day full of fun and good memories.

    The article is sponsored by Furbo Dog Camera.

  • 5 Facts About Dog Treat Cams That You Might Not Know

    The pet technology market is booming. Here are five facts about dog treat cameras that we think you should know.

    Dog treat cameras are on Amazon’s no 1 best seller list

    According to a recent study, 9 in 10 dog owners worry about leaving their pet home alone so it’s perhaps no wonder that the Furbo dog camera is a best selling product on Amazon around the world with fans in Japan, Canada, America, Mexico, France and Britain.

    TV presenter and dog lover Ellen DeGeneres even gushed about the Furbo on her TV show as a gift idea in the lead up to Christmas.

    They can help to combat dog anxiety behaviours

    This article explains how one dog owner used her Furbo dog treat camera to help her rescue dog feel more settled when his family were out of the home.

    And the treat tossing technology has even helped dogs to find homes

    Two dogs in a London based animal rescue centre who had been struggling to find new forever homes, found new homes thanks to their pet camera.

    By using the dog treat cam to see what the dogs were doing when left alone, the treat cam helped to explain behavioural issues to the rescue’s dog trainers, which allowed them to help cure each dog’s off-putting behaviours, including pacing and barking when worried, which saw them spend more time in rescue than they deserved.


    Wylie, pictured above, was one of the dogs the dog treat camera helped / Photo Credit: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

    Friends and family who’ve moved away can keep in touch with their favourite dog

    Okay so no one’s really going to admit who their favourite family dog is, not openly anyway, but with shareable apps, friends and family who’ve moved away can download the app and log in before calling up to check in for a ‘snack call’ with their favourite pup whenever they’re missing them.

    The two way audio, which is not a standard feature on all dog treat cams but can be found on the Furbo, allows the dog to hear your voice and vice versa before you dispense treats to remain the dog’s favourite person (until the next Furbo caller dials in).

    And if your dog has a habit of disappearing in the night, you can check on them

    A pretty good safety mechanism for the home, the dog treat cam lets you open the app and see what’s going on in the home, within reach of the pet treat cam, of course.

    For those of us whose dogs sleep nearby, when our dogs suddenly leave the room it can be confusing. Some dogs with natural guarding instincts may be more attuned to strange noises so are likely to patrol the home, others – perhaps the greedy, opportunistic ones – may choose to wander to see if any crumbs have been left.

    A select few dog treat cams have night vision cameras, so you can take photos and videos during the day and night and catch your canine version of a honey badger who are known for their nighttime bin raids, in action.

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    The article is sponsored by Furbo Dog Camera.

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  • Dog Beach Bans Ends, Until Springtime Anyway

    Dog Beach Bans Ends, Until Springtime Anyway

    As of today, 1st October, dogs are welcomed back to almost all of the UK’s beaches until Springtime.

    In the UK, owners can now take their dogs on coastal walks without worrying about dog ban fines which, during the summer months, average £393, with a maximum penalty of £1,000, according to new research by Direct Line Pet Insurance.

    Dog owners in Wales will notice the biggest difference, as half of their beaches had summer restrictions on dogs in place. While Scotland’s beaches were the most welcoming to pets during the summer season, with only ten per cent having a seasonal ban in place.

    Despite the easing of restrictions, owners still have responsibilities when taking their dogs to the beach. Owners must make sure they clean up after their dogs and be in control of the pet whilst on the beach.

    Owners also have a duty to remain vigilant of other beach users and make sure that their dogs are not causing unwanted distress. Penalties for failing to comply vary between £50 – £80 but can rise up to £1,000.

    Prit Powar, Head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line commented: “Even though owners can now bring their dogs back on most beaches, it’s important to be respectful of other visitors. Not all beach users are comfortable around dogs, so owners must ensure their pets are under control and well-behaved.

    “It is also important to note that October is in the midst of autumn, which translates to tidal changes and rougher sea waters, so owners need to be extra mindful of their dogs’ whereabouts around the water. Many dogs love the beach, but safety must always be a priority and we advise owners to check if it is safe for their dog to go swimming before letting them off the lead.”

  • If You Know a Rescue Caring for a Dog Fighting Survivor, Read (& Share) This

    If You Know a Rescue Caring for a Dog Fighting Survivor, Read (& Share) This

    A new scheme has been launched to help animal rescue centres meet the costs of caring for dogs that have been injured in barbaric and illegal dog fights.

    The League Against Cruel Sports will provide up to £500 for any dogs that are being cared for after being exploited in this sickening practice.

    Suzanne Heaney, Dog Fighting Programme Manager at the League Against Cruel Sports, said:

    “Over the last 20 years there have been around 150 prosecutions for dog fighting in the UK. At the League Against Cruel Sports we receive hundreds of reports each year from the public about their suspicions that dog fighting is taking place in their communities, and we believe the RSPCA receive a similar number of reports. It’s clear from these simple statistics that dog fighting remains a significant animal welfare issue in the UK. The public are concerned about what’s happening on the ground and want more to be done to tackle this horrendous abuse.

    “Given the level of abuse these dogs endure, those lucky enough to make it to a local rescue centre face a long haul to reach good health, often needing significant veterinary treatment to deal with physical injuries, as well as behavioural support to deal with psychological trauma. Intensive support of this kind is expensive and yet many wonderful rescue centres go the extra mile to help these dogs. That’s why the League is launching a scheme to provide funding to help meet the costs of caring for each dog.”

    The League is in touch with several animal rescue centres to help potential dog fighting victims. Other rescue centres who wish to apply for a grant can do so by contacting the charity through its website or by emailing reportdogfighting@league.org.uk. All the details on the scheme and how to apply can be found here.

    The League is also reaching out to rescue centres to ask them to share key intelligence in strict confidence about the people and places involved in dog fighting in the UK.

    The League’s professional investigators will follow up on the information you provide to ensure it’s properly looked into, while maintaining your confidentiality and letting you know how our investigation is progressing.

    If members of the public want to report their suspicions about dog fighting (without applying for funding) please contact the League’s confidential Online Animal Crimewatch reporting service. Or call in confidence on 01483 361 108 or email crimewatch@league.org.uk.

    Heaney concluded, “Dogs caught up in dog fighting are naturally loyal friends who’ve been abused by dog fighters and made to behave in an unnatural way. They’re the true victims of this appalling crime and need support so that they can go on to live good lives with people who care about them. The funding the League provides will help rescue centres provide that dedicated support.”

  • Vets Warn No-Deal Brexit Could Leave Parts of the Workforce at Breaking Point

    Vets Warn No-Deal Brexit Could Leave Parts of the Workforce at Breaking Point

    As the British Government reveals it is planning for a ‘no deal’ exit from the European Union, vets are warning that a no-deal Brexit could add up to a logistical nightmare for areas of the workforce and lead to serious shortfalls in capacity for vets certifying animals and animal products entering and exiting the UK.

    New technical notices released on 24th September 2018 offer guidance to businesses and citizens in the event of a no-deal Brexit across areas including pet travel and the import and export of animals and animal products coming to and from the UK.

    Essentially, pets would continue to be able to travel from the UK to the EU, but the level of documentation and health checks, and subsequently costs involve to pet owners preparing to travel, will rise.

    Why Brexit Will Cost More

    If the UK has “unlisted” third country status following withdrawal from the EU, then dogs, cats and ferrets would need to prove they have been effectively vaccinated against rabies by undergoing a rabies antibody titration test at least thirty days after vaccination and no fewer than three months before their travel date.

    Pets would need to travel with an animal health certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian, which would then be valid for ten days from the date of issue until entry into EU member states.

    RSPCA Head of Public Affairs David Bowles echoed concerns saying, “Travelling with your pet will become more difficult, with dogs and cats being delayed or even turned back at borders in a no-deal scenario.

    “The new process and restrictions will depend how fast and on what level the UK is finally listed but it is certain that with no deal, travelling with your dog or cat will radically change and may prevent some people from travelling.”

    The latest Government notices also advise that a new domestic version of TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) – the web-based veterinarian certification tool used by the European Union for controlling the import and export of live animals and animal products within and without its borders – will be introduced at the beginning of 2019, with the aim of it being fully embedded by the EU withdrawal date in March.

    Brexit Will Reduce the Number of Vets in the UK

    Nearly half of vets registering to work in the UK every year come from the EU, and 95 per cent of Official Veterinarians working in abattoirs come from overseas, mainly the EU.

    The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warned that Brexit could exacerbate existing shortages and recruitment problems in the workforce and is calling for vets to be reinstated on the Shortage Occupation List to safeguard against shortfalls in capacity.

    Simon Doherty, BVA President, said: “We’ve been exploring the impact of Brexit for a long time, and today’s technical notices really underline how a no-deal situation could put a strain on large and crucial sections of the veterinary workforce.

    “The risk of shortages of OVs working in abattoirs or carrying out certification is well documented, but the impacts could also be keenly felt in the small animal sector if new pet transport requirements lead to a surge in demand for vets to carry out rabies vaccination and testing prior to travel. It’s highly likely that owners will not only be affected by veterinary capacity shortfalls, but also face long waits and additional costs for giving an animal the all clear to leave the UK.

    “We are also concerned that BVA, the representative organisation for vets, has not been approached yet to get involved in the testing and training process for the new version of TRACES. As vets will be the primary users of the new system going forward, it is important to involve us early on to address any teething problems and ensure a smooth transition ahead of March.

    “These technical notices are an important step in putting some of the issues that a no-deal Brexit could present out in the open and helping businesses to prepare accordingly. Going forward, it is critical that the government fully engages with the veterinary profession on matters which may have a bearing on their vital work supporting animal welfare, public health and standards in the supply chain.”