Cover Feature

Dogs Behaving Badly

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game for kids at www.safeandsound.

org.uk

Bad Dog or Bad Training?

With 19 fatal maulings in the last 9 years and thousands of people being admitted to hospitals each year from dog related incidents, we need to get to the root cause of this worsening problem. There has been a rise in negative publicity towards dogs and dog owners in recent months, with dog attacks worryingly occurring more often. It would be great if we could just put this all down to media hype but as PC Turner a dog handler from West Midlands police told us “this sadly is a real problem, many young people in particular are getting dogs as a status symbol and encouraging them to attack other dogs or using them to scare passers-by. This is resulting in a number of dogs being put down due to them being deemed dangerous. Responsible dog ownership is the key to solving this problem and I do believe that although some dogs are naturally more aggressive for example German Shepherds, which is why we use them in the forces, it doesn’t mean they can’t be trained to be lovely family pets.”“Oh he’s just a bit over excited”, “she’ll grow out of that” or “if he hasn’t learnt not to do it by now, he never will.” How many times can you recall yourself saying these

these phrases? These are all excuses that independent dog trainer Jennie has heard countless times from owners of all different breeds of dogs. As Jennie suggests “that is exactly what they are, excuses! It is a way for the owners to pass the blame onto the dog so they don’t have to own up to their own responsibilities. Just like with a

child our job is to teach the dog right from wrong.” There is a belief that some dogs are untrainable

and because of their breeding history they are naturally vicious. Jennie doesn’t agree with this view and suggests that there is, a big difference between a dog being badly behaved because of its genetic makeup and a dog being harder to train because of

its characteristics. Breeder and trainer Lucy Simpson grew up around dogs of all shapes

and sizes and breeds before she started breeding dogs. “It’s amazing how many people underestimate the amount of work you have to put into training a dog and certain breeds such as Collies and Hounds are even harder. Collies have an extremely inquisitive nature; they are one of the most intelligent breeds and love to learn. They need stimulation and a lot of exercise or all hell will break loose, walks alone are not enough. Try hiding treats around the garden and send them to search for

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“Just like with a child our job is to teach the dog right

from wrong.”-Trainer Jennie

It is often believed that some breeds such as Pit bulls are innately aggressive; however others suggest it is down to training. We have asked experts from scientists to handlers to breeders give their views on the age-old argument of nature vs nurture and give suggestions on how we can work on improving the situation for our dogs and the people around them.

their reward, it keeps life interesting.” This is similar with hounds they are bred to do a job; if you take that job away from they have no purpose in life unless you fill that gap. Lucy explains further, “so many people walk their dog for 30 minutes a day, then go about their own daily errands leaving the dog to its own devices and are surprised that the dog starts causing trouble. If we put this in human terms, imagine you are locked in the house all day; you don’t have a TV or anything like that to entertain you, people talk to you in passing every so often and you are allowed out for 30 minutes a day, now try and tell me you wouldn’t be driven mad.” Fundamentally it is important to remember that no matter what breed the dog is, they will always require proper training to keep them under control and to en-sure a positive relationship between you and your dog.It would be wrong to suggest, however, that there aren’t some instances where genetics may play a part in aggressive temperament. This can be seen in the vilified Pit bull for example. This is a breed that has been abused so badly by humans that although they didn’t start out as an aggressive breed, it has become part of the breeds make up. In this case nurture has become nature and we asked Donna Sayce, a Dogs Trust Officer to explain further, “the Pit Bull is a very complicated and unique case. We often look at them and see a fighting dog and this is unfair in some ways. The Bull dog was originally bred to assist hunters just like many other dogs; their role was to grip an animal that had been shot. Eventually however, they were stripped of this role and used more and more as companions and for the sport of ‘baiting’, where they were put in a ring to fight against bears, bulls and other large animals. This blood sport was banned in the UK during the

1800’s but this was not the end of the fighting. Owners of Bull dogs started ‘pitting’ their dogs against each other and eventually started breeding them with terriers to get slender fighting dogs; this is the Pit Bull that we see

today.” Although dog fights have been outlawed in most countries across the world, there are still countries such as Japan, Honduras and parts of Russia which allow it and although it has been outlawed in other countries

there are still a vast number of illegal dog fights taking place. So is it fair to condemn dogs like the Pit Bull to the Dan-gerous Dogs List? Well yes and no would be the answer of most experts. In gen-eral it depends on how experi-enced the handler is at rec-ognising poten-tially dan-gerous situa-tions for the Pit bull and those around them and knowing how to manage potential triggers for the Pit bull. If the dog is well socialised and in the right hands, however they can make wonderful pets and Pit bulls have had a long history of being the best friends of many famous figures. President Theodore Roosevelt, President Woodrow Wilson, Helen Keller, Humphrey Boggart and Fred Astaire all shared their lives with these faithful companions. The media has also used these dogs as brand representatives in the USA, with compa- nies like Levi Jeans likening the reliability and sturdiness of their jeans to that of the Pit bulls. Although many people don’t realise it these dogs have also had quite a history of service in the past especially in America and make great utility dogs due to their stamina. Stubby the Pit bull was honoured at the White House and decorated with medals for his bravery during World War One. As the USA doesn’t have a banned dogs list Pit Bulls are still able to earn their stars and stripes and they repeatedly rise to the challenge. Tahoe, Cheyenne and Dakota are search and rescue dogs who worked around the clock after the disaster of the 9/11 attack. Some Pit bulls are used as therapy dogs, others work as drug and explosive detection dogs and many are used for police protection in

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Dogs are highly trainable and love to learn

Rotweiller Brandon in Best in Show

FactPresident The-

ordore Roosevelt, President Woodrow

Wilson, Hellen Keller, Humphrey Boggart and

Fred Astaire all kept Pit bulls as pets

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the same way the police force use German Shepherds in the UK. It is still important to remember, however, that the Pit Bull clearly got its reputation for a reason and this is why they were put on the dangerous dogs list. They were bred to fight and that does make them harder to socialise leading to a sometimes unpredictable nature, particularly in a setting where there are a lot of other dogs. As Donna says “the Pit Bull won’t necessarily be the one to start a fight, but if baited by another dog will usually be the one to finish it.” However there are other ways to work with these dogs, for example many owners of Pit Bulls in America, where they are still legal, exercise them on a tread-mill to ensure they are getting enough ex-ercise which helps to avoid them becom-ing troublesome out of boredom.There are a number of dog organisations who stand by the fact that the dangerous dogs list and current laws are not helping tackle the issue of aggressive dogs. Last November The Kennel Club released a statement entitled ‘Deal with the deed, not the breed’. They suggested that “there are various factors that breed specific legislation ignores that contribute to biting incidents and the Kennel Club maintains that irresponsible ownership is the most common. Instead of a law concerning the criminal and/or anti-social behaviour of some owners and the ignorance and misinformation of others, what currently exists is legislation that punishes a dog simply for the way it looks.”The argument over the Dangerous dogs list is one that won’t be concluded anytime soon, but there are steps we can take as dog owners to ensure that we are do-ing right by our dogs and that we are not risking their futures through our own negligence. All of the experts we spoke to agree that socialisation during infancy is crucial regardless of the breed. Studies show that up to 12 weeks old is when dogs are most receptive to training and learning, this is also the time they are more willing to expe-rience new situations such as meeting other dogs, interacting with children and meeting the postman! Puppy training classes are a great way to do this and it is very important to make the most of this phase. This phase is when we would suggest you start introducing the puppy to children in the family. The Safe and Sound Scheme was at Crufts 2014 showing how this can be done. “We want people to learn and make sure that their children have been taught that it is important how they behave around dogs and they need to be taught how to stay safe” Ken-nel Club Secretary Caroline Kisko told us.At Crufts children were given the chance to play the

Safe and Sound Challenge game which can be found on safeandsound.org.uk. The game works by introducing a range of scenarios and the child then has to select the answer that will keep them safe around a dog. They are awarded safety stars for the correct answer or bite marks if they select the wrong choice. The children were then given the chance to try out what they had learnt with puppy volunteers whilst under supervision.According to the Young Kennel Club it is important that you explain to young children “that the puppy is not a toy or doll so should not be disturbed when resting, picked up,

cuddled, hugged, kissed, carried around or dressed up, these things might make a puppy grumpy

or snappy.” This is a great way to ensure that from the offset the child learns they need to be gentle as being around a puppy can be excit-ing and if the puppy see’s the child is excited they too will become excited and may nip or

scratch accidently.Sometimes even if you do train and socialise your

dog during infancy they still pick up some bad habits, in this instance the best thing to do is seek advice from a trainer or dog behaviourist. It is never too late to correct bad behaviour, although it is easier the younger the dog is. Just as with humans there is no “one size fits all” answer, but an experienced trainer will be able to try techniques more specific to your dog’s temperament and needs.The key things to remember are to do your homework before you go and buy a dog; just because you think a dog is cute, it doesn’t mean it is necessarily right for your lifestyle and it will be unfair to you and the dog to put yourselves in such a situation. Get advice and sign up to training classes, it will benefit everyone involved, don’t be afraid to ask for help from experts; they are there to help not judge and finally enjoy yourself, dogs are wonderful companions who will give unconditional love and affection and endless hours of fun.

Fact

12 weeks old is when dogs are most receptive to training

and learning

A well balanced dog can make a great companion for a child

Showtime

Top DogWagging tails, perfectly groomed coats and trophies galore, it must be Crufts 2014.We saw recorded breaking numbers of visitors and dogs and this is what it was like to be there (without all the barking).

Almost 160,000 dog lovers attended Crufts 2014 which was 7% more than last year. As usual Best in Show is the highlight of the four days but there are so many competitions, activities and stalls to see, so we thought we would give you a glimpse of some of the events from Gundog Sunday.

Doors opened to the public at 8:15am and the first of the events, prepared for an 8:30am start. In the main arena, the agility competitors started the day with a walkthrough of the course, whilst the older teenagers took to the Young Kennel Club ring to show off their handling skills. The activities ring was bustling with workshops in heelwork, agility and showing, giving everyone from the experienced to the complete novice a chance to develop their technique.

By Soraya Homayoonpoor

My day started with a trip to one of the smaller rings to watch the Dogs for the Disabled team. Lou Lou is one of the dogs currently “in training” on the team but is due to begin full-time work as she goes to her new home to become an assistant and companion to a 15 year old girl with Cerebral palsy. Today trainer Charlotte and Lou Lou were showing us just how much these assistance dogs can do for those that need a helping hand or a

11:15amDogs for the Disabled helping paw in this case.

Charlotte explains “most people don’t have any idea of the levels that dogs can be trained to and what’s even better is that the dogs are so eager to learn. Lou Lou can pull the duvet up to make the bed, open drawers and retrieve items and pay for shopping at the till without making a mark on the cash. These dogs are a lifeline to a lot of the people they support who wouldn’t have anywhere near as much freedom without them”

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Discover Dogs is one of my favourite areas of Crufts. With over 200 Kennel Club recognised breeds to meet and play with what’s not to love? The breeders and trainers on each stand are more than happy to talk you through choosing a breed. Discover Dogs runs throughout the four days and shouldn’t be missed.

12pm Discover Dogs

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1:30pm RAF Display Team

2pm Orange Belton English Setter Judging

4:50pm Agility Championship

Technically dogs can’t fly, however, if you weren’t looking closely enough, you could easily think they were with the speed the Agility Championship Finalists were flying through the course. It didn’t particularly matter if it was a large Border Collie or a small Poodle as they all had their own benefits. The smaller dogs found it easier to balance on the see-saw for example, where as the larger dogs

found the jumps much easier. If you are looking for a high adrenaline event to watch this is definitely the one to choose. On the day Natasha Wise and Dizzy, the Border Collie won the title to become this year’s champions.

Many of the other displays are entertaining because they are funny. However, the RAF team brings home how important dogs are in helping our military carry out the work they do. As Lt Bailey explains “myself and many of the other men and women I work with owe our lives to these dogs. They go into extremely dangerous territory and search out pressure plates and IEDs something we would struggle to do without them. As a dog handler in the RAF we are in a partnership with

our dog, we have each other’s back and it is our duty to complete the mission and get each other home safely.” The team weren’t sure if they would be able to make it to Crufts as they were alldown in Somerset helping rescue flood victims. From the applause in the audience, I am sure everyone is very pleased they did make it and that the audience were able to show their appreciation for the brave men, women and dogs in the Forces.

Judging of different Setters was happening across the hall, with four judging rings holding competitions simultaneously.The Orange Belton English Setter judging ring, was one of two types of Setter which had a huge turnout of competitors so competition was fierce. The other large group was the Gordan

Setters who wittled down the numbers with an additional round before the usual heats. Watching these heats is a brilliant way to get a morentimate and close up experience of what showing is like for both the dogs and the handlers before watching the grand Best in Show competition.

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5:45pm Police Operational and Humanitarian Action of the Year 2013

6:30pm Best of British Breeders

5:30pm West Midlands Police Display

This is a competition that opitimises all that the Kennel Club and Crufts represent. The competition rewards the work of British breeders and their dedication to breeding healthy canines.Although it isn’t the highest energy event, it is important in showing potential breeders that deforming dogs so they fit what is believed to be the perfect breed characteristics.

The West Midlands Police put on a fantastic display of teamwork between humans and dogs; they showed us how in sync they need to be with one another when out policing the British streets. Mainly made up of German Shepherds, I would not of liked to have been on the end of some of the bites the dogs were giving in the training exercise, even if the police were wearing padding. The force from the dogs easily knocked

6ft men over and showed how important it is that the handlers had control over and respect from the dogs.

This year’s winners PC Richard Davis and Amber a forensic search dog are an incredible team. Both use initiative and instinct and it is these qualities that have helped them to play a key role in solving a number of very difficult cases and this is what we are commending them for.” This award is giventheir handlers who show dedication to their work in protecting the British public.

Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Wilson presented the award for the Police Dog Team Operational and Humanitarian Action of the Year 2013. He told us “this is an award of recognition of the highest level. I’m not sure a lot of the British public know how much police dogs protect our streets for us. to dogs and

For more information

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www.kennelclub.org.uk

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“PC Richard Davis and Amber

a forensic search dog are an incredible team. Both use initative and instinct”-Asst. Chief

Constable Gareth Wilson

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8pm Heelwork to Music

8:10pm Friends for Life

8:30pm Best in Show

Bagpipes and dancing what more could you ask for? By the end of this heelwork routine everyone wanted to take Border Collie Levi, the real star of the performance home. His walking on hind legs and backwards shuffling had the audience in hysterics. Owner and trainer Mary Ray clearly puts everything she has into helping her dogs shine. Levi has a list of achievements longer than his tail to be proud of and he and Mary make a very special team along with help from fellow trainer Richard Curtis.

Friends for Life is a heart warming display of some of the most inspiring examples of canine assistance work. The finalists were selected and the public was asked to vote in the run up to the finals. As the videos of the finalists were shown in the arena there wasn’t a dry eye in the building. The winners were Lucy Watts and her adorable Springer Spaniel Molly. Lucy suffers from a very rare genetic illness called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, she is confined to a wheel chair and is fed through her

Lance Corporal Konrad after he lost his sight when being attacked with an axe by a soldier during a training exercise. He suffers from with memory problems making it difficult for him to go out on his own, which is where Radley helps, “Before Radley came along, I never went out. He has saved my life, giving me more confidence and a positive outlook for the future.”Lottie Wilcocks was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus; despite this however she has dreams of being a Paralympian. Due to her condition Lottie struggles with everyday tasks such as opening doors, switching lights on and off and picking up items Velvet her Labrador is able to carry out all of these tasks and many more for her. Julie Barret, was feeling

desperately low just before Jessie an abused Mastiff cross came into her life. Julie was constant-ly battling symptoms of diabetes, myalgic encepha-lomyelitis and other painful conditions. To make matters worse she then lost her father. Since being paired with Jessie, Julie says “after finding out what Jessie went through being tortured during early life, my problems seem like nothing, I have a goal in life now and that is to give Jessie the best life I can.”

blood stream. Lucy tells us “Molly has given me confidence but more than that she allows me to haveindependence. Since getting Molly I am able to live what is left of my life in a positive way. I have the confidence to take her out on my own, something I haven’t done in six years. I can’t thank Lottie enough for what she has done for me.” Lucy and Mollys win was well deserved and below are the equally moving stories of the other finalists. Steven is a type 1 diabetic. His medical detection dog Molls, has been trained to detect when his blood sugar levels drop too low and will bark at himand fetch his testing kit.Radley has been aiding former

Best in show is the culmination of all the breed competitions throughout the four days. Emotions run high as the top five dogs are chosen to show again. This year Champion Afterglow Maverick Sabre (aka Ricky), a standard poodle and his handler Jason Lynn were chosen to take home the coveted trophy, by Best in Show judge Mr Jack B Bispham.

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