Total Dog Magazine

Author: Jasmine Kleine

How to Translate Dog Barks

Dogs are so successful at communicating with humans their richly earned title of ‘man’s best friend’ follows them all throughout the world. But how much do we REALLY know about what it is they’re trying to say with their barks, grumbles and unique canine vocabulary?

In this video you’ll get the chance to see – and hear – which barks are attention seeking, which sounds mean ‘back off’ and more.

Enjoy!

If you’d like to see a run down of the various different types of dog barks and what they mean CLICK HERE.

August 19, 2015
Amazon Prime TV Ad Features Lame Dog – Do You Like It?

Did you like this advert?
[wdpv_vote]

August 11, 2015
Have You Got Your Copy of the Latest Edition of K9 Magazine?

K9 Magazine’s latest issue hit the web this week. If you haven’t got your latest copy, why not take advantage of the weekend ahead and download ready to read through while you work, rest of play (as the advert said).

Find out what’s in this issue and download your tablet or flash friendly edition here…

We hope you enjoy 🙂

August 7, 2015
Dog Custody in Divorce: Who Gets to Keep the Dog if we Split Up?

Despite being a nation of pet lovers, new research from The Co-operative Legal Services shows nine out of ten couples (93%) haven’t given any thought as to what would happen to their dog, should they ever split up. Dog custody battles, particularly in cases where couples have divorced, can be tense, drawn out and messy affairs. Fighting for custody of a dog in a divorce or separation is not quite as simple as you might assume.

Dog Custody Research

The research also highlights one in three (31%) of animal loving couples fear their pets could become tug of love victims if they split up, according to research.

Almost one in ten (7%) couples have arranged a pre-nup agreement, also known as a ‘pre-pup’, in order to prevent a furry custody battle and ensure that if their relationship was to breakdown, clear guardianship arrangements would determine who would gain custody of the pet(s).

Further to this, almost a third (31%) of UK couples have or would consider putting an agreement in place in the event that their relationship breaks down. According to the research, 18-24 year-olds are most likely to put an agreement in place, with almost two fifths (38%) doing so, in comparison to only a tenth (11%) of adults aged 55 and over.

Who Wants to Keep Custody of the Dog in a Relationship Breakup?

Interestingly, although almost two fifths (39%) of couples surveyed jointly own the pet(s), with their partner, almost half (44%) of women compared to a quarter (23%) of men say that if the relationship was to break down, they would keep the pet(s). Worryingly, two fifths (38%) of UK adults admit that they have no idea what would happen to their furry companion if they split from their partner.

Tracey Maloney, Head of Private Family at The Co-operative Legal Services, said: “It’s encouraging that a tenth of couples have made decisions about the custody of their pets in the event that they separate.”

“Pets are increasingly being seen as part of the family and when relationships break down, it’s only at that point that couples begin to think about who will gain custody of their pet. A pre-nup agreement can help couples make these important decisions in advance, so that the worst does happen, both parties are clear on who will gain custody of their pet.”

Celebrities who have fought for dog custody:

– Kirsten Dunst and Jake Gyllenhall fought over their German Shepherd post-split

– Kate Moss and Jamie Hince are currently fighting over the custody of their dog Archie

– Lauren Goodger and Mark Wright eventually agreed to joint custody over chihuahua Wrighty after ending their engagement in 2011.

– Hugh Hefner agreed for Playboy bunny Crystal Harris to keep her engagement ring so long as he could keep their dog Charlie.

– Liam Gallagher reportedly consulted lawyers last autumn to seek access to the two dachshunds he shared with Nicole Appleton

– Cheryl Cole won custody of dogs Buster and Coco after her 2010 divorce from footballer Ashley Cole. They reportedly agreed to split their fortune equally, but Cheryl insisted that she keep the two chihuahuas full time.

– After golfer Rory McIlroy ended his six-year relationship with childhood sweetheart Holly Sweeney in 2011, the pair agreed a special custody arrangement for their dogs Theo, a labradoodle, and Gus, a cocker spaniel. Rory kept the dog bult allowed Holly visitation rights.

– When Emma Shepherd separated from her husband last autumn, they amicably agreed how to divide the house, furniture and finances. But there was one battle she didn’t foresee: who would get custody of their beloved pet dog

August 6, 2015
How to Safely Clip Your Dog’s Nails

For many dog owners this is a subject that makes us shudder with dread. How do we safely cut our dog’s nails without causing them pain, cutting too close to the quick and making our best pals yelp?

Ever done it? Ever done it wrong?

Well, we’re here to help.

Trimming your dogs nails can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience for both you and your pet but it doesn’t have to be – if you go about it the right way.

The key to making this experience more pleasant is to get your dog used to having his feet handled. Most dogs don’t care to much for this and if you can start when your dog is a puppy you’ll have a bit of an advantage. However, even older dogs can learn to love getting a little pedicure every so often.

Before you even get out the nail clippers, though, you’ll want to touch your dogs feet often. Just a little touch at first. If your dog pulls away, don’t push it but keep it up, touching his feet often throughout the day. Eventually he’ll get used to it and you can proceed to holding his paws for longer and longer. Once this seems to be acceptable to him (this could take weeks or even months), it’s time to get the clippers out.

When trimming your dogs nails the big thing to watch out for is that you don’t cut into the quick. This is in the middle of your pets nail and contains nerves and blood vessels so it can really hurt if you cut into it or even too close to it. Depending on your dogs nails, you might be able to hold them up to the light and actually see the darker vein of the quick in the middle.

Start by trimming a little off the end, then a bit more until you see pink in the nail or feel like you might be close to the quick. On dark nails, it’s pretty much impossible to tell so you’ll have to just cut enough to trim down the nail or else you will risk cutting the quick. The edges of the nail might be a bit jagged after this so go ahead and file them down until they are smooth or they might end up catching on something.

You might want to have some styptic powder handy in case you do cut into the quick and hold this on the nail to staunch the bleeding.

How do you know when it’s time for trimming your dogs nails?

Your pets nails should just about touch the floor when he walks so if you hear clicking then the nails have grown too long and it’s time for a trim. This usually needs to be done every 4 to 6 weeks but if your dog does a lot of walking on hard surfaces like pavement and concrete you could go longer as the surfaces themselves will help wear down the nails kind of like a natural nail file!

August 5, 2015
[Video] More Evidence That Dogs Change Lives

A dog can be life changing for those who can’t see as well as those who have seen too much.

August 1, 2015
What is National Dog Adoption Month?

National Dog Adoption Month is running this month and to mark the start of the month long campaign, DogsBlog.com has revealed the top 10 celebrities to bring an adopted dog into their homes.

Read our countdown online at the Daily Express who have kindly supported the launch of the campaign.

Throughout October, and beyond, National Dog Adoption Month hopes to encourage more people to visit DogsBlog.com and consider adopting a dog, while also debunking the myths surrounding dogs in rescues.

With over 6,000 dogs now waiting to be re-homed in rescue centres across the UK, the perfect dog for you is most likely sitting in a rescue centre waiting for you to find them.

Snowy, pictured here, is looking for a new home – find out more @ http://www.dogsblog.com/snowy-36/

National Dog Adoption Month runs until October 31st and is aimed at raising the profile of dog adoption by increasing the awareness of the many rescue dogs across the UK in need of a home.

Kim O’Meara, co-founder of the UK dog adoption site DogsBlog.com said:

“Throughout National Dog Adoption Month we hope to debunk the myths about rescue dogs being all damaged goods. Most dogs end up in care through no fault of their own and there are thousands up and down the country sitting, waiting and hoping for a home to call their own.”

To get involved and help spread the word visit the National Dog Adoption Month site (www.dogadoptionmonth.org) – please share how you’ve helped, we’d love to hear from you and see your links and photographs!

July 30, 2015
What This Dog Does Next is Hilarious

July 30, 2015
Dog Reunited with Owner After Being Given Up a Year Ago Remembers Bond

Imagine having to give your dog up because you lost your job and home, then picture one year later being back on your feet and able to bring your dog back home. Well, just this happened to one man and his dog in Missouri.

The Great Plains SPCA shared the touching moment on their Facebook page saying: “Almost a year ago, this man fell on hard times and lost his job and house and had to give up his best friend, Reece. Things turned around for him recently and he just happened to look on our website and saw Reece was still at our Independence Campus, waiting. We were able to reunite them, and needless to say, they both were ecstatic to be together again. Keeping families together – just one of the reasons ‪#‎whywerescue‬

July 29, 2015
Shocking Video of UPS Driver in California Attacking Small Dog

This video shows an unprovoked attack on a small dog by a UPS deliver in Atascadero, California, at an Alzheimer’s home. The dogs owner, Tim Paulsen, who works at the home, was then attacked himself after he intervened, but sadly not before Patch was violently kicked by the UPS employee.

Patch, named after Patch Adams, regularly interacts with the elderly patients at the home and is a huge hit with them due to his friendly nature.

Speaking about the attack, Mr Paulsen said, “As I went to retrieve the dog the driver then hit me in the chest, dislocating my rib from my sternum, and re-breaking one of my ribs. As a result I have medical bills from Twin Cities ER, and I’m still in a great deal of pain from the incident.”

He continued, “This assault was completely unprovoked. I, nor my dogs, did anything to deserve this attack. The driver threatened to kick me as I tried to calm the situation down. I have been struggling due to the severe pain caused by this attack. Patch has been check by a vet however he has had problems since the incident.”

Mr Paulsen is urging UPS to re-evaluate and re-train their drivers.

After contacting UPS for a comment on the story, they have given the following statement to K9 Magazine, “UPS does not condone this driver’s behavior and we have taken disciplinary action. We have contacted the customer and apologized. This incident is a rare exception and does not reflect the positive customer experience typical of tens of thousands of UPS drivers around the country, many of whom have served the same community for decades.”

When K9 Magazine asked the spokesperson to elaborate on whether this person was still employed buy UPS after the violent attack and what UPS’s policy or procedures were in relation to dogs, we were told “We won’t into any specifics on personnel matters and action that was taken. UPS trains drivers to be cautious when confronted by any dog and to protect themselves when threatened. Many of our drivers have long service on their routes and get to know canine friends. They are alert to unleashed dogs and any animals that may dart in the road or be aggressive as they approach a delivery. But the actions in this instance were inappropriate.”

July 22, 2015
Yorkshire Facility to Breed Beagles for Animal Experiements Given Go-Ahead

British Secretary of State Greg Clark has today announced a decision granting permission to Yorkshire Evergreen to farm thousands of Beagle dogs and other animals for experiments has been reached today. The announcement by Mr Clark overturns the decision of East Riding of Yorkshire Council and contradicts a ruling by the previous Secretary of State who rejected similar unpopular plans for a dog farm on the same site.

Celebrities Brian May, Peter Egan and Mark Radcliffe joined the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) campaign to oppose the controversial plans. Legendary Queen guitarist and Save-Me Trust founder Brian May voiced his disappointment at the ruling, saying “I am sickened to hear that this facility is to go ahead, ignoring the views of the public and local authorities, and condemning these best friends of man to thousands of unethical and unnecessary tests. This is an appalling message for Britain to send out to the world.”

Downton Abbey’s Peter Egan was shocked by the decision, saying “This is a tragedy that will see litter after litter of beagle pups reared for the laboratory, where these gentle animals will be force-fed and killed in crude tests that are of little use to people.”

Grahame Morris MP said “I am extremely disappointed that Yorkshire Evergreen’s plans have been approved. It makes absolutely no sense and is completely out-of-step with the government commitment to reduce the number of animals in experiments. I will do all I can to oppose similar plans and encourage scientists to use cutting-edge alternatives to animal tests.”

Yorkshire Evergreen is owned by US multinational animal supplier Marshall BioResources and has attempted to push through plans for a laboratory breeding facility for four years, appealing multiple rejections. The proposals have caused a public outcry in the local community and across the UK, with tens of thousands of people signing petitions and speaking out in opposition.

Earlier this year, a Yorkshire Evergreen director was convicted of illegally killing and mistreating animals by an Italian court. Marshall BioResources’ Italian facility ‘Green Hill’ was closed and the dogs have been re-homed.

Being small and docile, Beagles are preferred test subjects. Dogs are commonly used for ‘toxicology’ experiments where they may be force-fed chemicals and have toxic substances pumped into their veins which can make them so sick that they die in agony. Almost all individuals are killed at the end of the experiment.

There has been a substantial reduction in dog experiments over the past ten years. Latest statistics show that 3,554 dogs were experimented on in Britain in 2013, down from 5,088 in 2003. The NAVS is concerned that the surge in availability of Beagles could lead to a dramatic increase in dog experimentation.

Science is moving away from using animals with far more advanced alternatives available. In addition, public support for animal experiments has fallen and the government has pledged to reduce the number of animals in experiments.

The plans are liable to disrupt the village and local community, potentially subjecting Grimston locals to sound pollution and damaged verges during building work. Further disruption will be caused as young Beagles are transported off to their fates in laboratories and the facility deals with the delivery of supplies and increased disposal of animal waste.

July 16, 2015
Remember to Check the Pavements to Prevent Dog’s Paws Burning

The weekend is upon us and it can be tempting to spend time outdoors with our four legged friends, don’t forget to check how hot the pavements are before venturing out. You can test by placing the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds or, as the poster below says, find a grassy area to walk if the weather is cooling, but the pavements are still hot.

July 3, 2015
Lack of Training & Socialisation Fuels Dog Attacks on Postal Workers

With dog attacks on postmen and women again in the spotlight, vet charity PDSA believes better dog socialisation*, training and exercise could help combat this startling level of canine aggression.

a well socialised dog is a happy dog

This week, Royal Mail has revealed that eight postal workers are attacked by dogs every day in the UK. It reinforces shock findings from the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, which found that on a weekly basis nearly 250,000 dogs are acting aggressively towards people, and over 600,000** dogs are showing aggression towards other pets.

PDSA vet Vicki Larkham said: “The incidence of aggressive or inappropriate behaviour is a huge concern, and can be caused by a lack of socialisation, training and exercise.

“Our research shows that millions of dogs **aren’t getting off-the-lead exercise outside their home or garden for ten minutes or more, on a daily basis. In fact close to a quarter of a million never go for walks on their lead for ten minutes or more at all **. Boredom and inactivity often contribute to anxiety and destructive behaviour.

“A properly trained and socialised puppy is less likely to act aggressively as it grows up. It’s up to every owner to make sure this happens, but unfortunately, many miss out on this vital part of their dog’s development.”

PDSA’s PAW Report is the largest ever annual assessment of pet wellbeing (having surveyed 21,000 pet owners, veterinary professionals and children in the past four years). Produced in conjunction with YouGov, the latest report exposes a grave lack of understanding about how owners can provide their pets’ essential needs, according to Vicki Larkham:

“We are undoubtedly a nation of animal lovers, with four out of five pet owners stating that owning a pet makes them feel physically or mentally healthier. But anti-social behaviour in dogs continues to create problems, fuelled by a worrying lack of training, socialisation and exercise.”

July 3, 2015
Do You Know How Much Water Your Dog Should Drink in Warm Weather?

As the weather hots up, Brits show a surprising lack of awareness when it comes to their dog’s hydration and are happy to let them drink water from puddles, the toilet, their bath and even the nation’s favourite brew – tea, with a quarter of pet owners admitting their dog loves a cuppa, but do you know how much water your dog needs to cope with the warm weather?

The survey, carried out by pet product experts at PetSafe®, to raise awareness about the importance of pet hydration, has found that nearly half (45%) of UK dog owners are unclear about how much water to give their dog to drink and that one in five of dog owners (19%) wouldn’t know how to tell if their pet was dehydrated.

Photo Credit: gailf548

Over half (51%) of dog owners believe that panting is a sign of dehydration – a common misconception – panting is a sign that a dog is too hot or anxious. Over three quarters (80%) of a dog’s body is made up of water and so keeping them hydrated is key while the warm weather peaks for Summer.

As a general rule dogs require 80ml of water per kilogram per day however, the amount should be doubled in warmer climates but the pet product manufacturer says that the average water intake for dogs should be approximately 315ml for very dogs (Yorkshire Terriers), to 560ml for small breeds (Westies), to 1.68 litres for medium sized dogs (Springer Spaniels), to approximately 2.5 litres for larger breeds (Labradors).

June 24, 2015
Have You Got Your Copy of K9 Magazine Issue 84?

K9 Magazine’s latest edition (84) is out now – packed full of great features it’s waiting for you to download today.

This month’s edition features The Queen of Surfing as we catch up with Veronica Grey to find out more about her loving rescue dog, Flash Delirium, before she sets off on her travels for Shark Week.

This issue also sees our Puppy Series re-launch to offer advice to new/would be puppy owners about choosing their new puppy. We also take a look back at some of the extraordinary dogs of war with writer Robert Weintraub, and we take a trip to Borneo with a British based organisation trying to change opinion about dogs throughout the region.

Plus, with the growth of the app market we take a look at the 5 best apps all dog owners should know about before we get a taste for the luxury life and find 5 luxury canine must-haves.

With lots more inside, what are you waiting for? Don’t listen to us, click on the cover below and take a look for yourselves selecting to view either the flash or tablet friendly edition!

Let us know what you most liked, we’d love to hear your feedback.

June 18, 2015