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1 PawPrint Term 1 2016 CLUB RULES 1. All dogs must have a current vaccination certificate and be over 3 months of age. 2. Dogs must be fitted with a lead and collar appropriate to the size and type of dog. 3. Dogs must be under effective control at all times. 4. No dog shall be off lead unless authorized by an instructor. 5. Bitches in season are NOT allowed on the training ground. 6. All handlers must use the bucket and scoops provided to clean up any mess left by their dog, or carry a plastic bag for this purpose. 7. The training panel reserve the right to order any dog from the ground if in their opinion the dog is uncontrollable or a hazard to other dogs or people. The committee also has the right to insist that dogs be muzzled. 8. Club badges must be worn during training. 9. No corporal punishment to be metered out to dogs by handlers/members whilst on the club grounds or participating in club activities. 10. Verbal or physical abuse by a member toward any member or visitor will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Transcript of PawPrint - Bairnsdale & District Dog Obedience Club Incbddoc.weebly.com › uploads › 7 › 6 ›...

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PawPrint Term 1 2016

CLUB RULES

1. All dogs must have a current vaccination certificate and be over 3 months of age.

2. Dogs must be fitted with a lead and collar appropriate to the size and type of dog.

3. Dogs must be under effective control at all times.

4. No dog shall be off lead unless authorized by an instructor.

5. Bitches in season are NOT allowed on the training ground.

6. All handlers must use the bucket and scoops provided to clean up any mess left by

their dog, or carry a plastic bag for this purpose.

7. The training panel reserve the right to order any dog from the ground if in their opinion

the dog is uncontrollable or a hazard to other dogs or people. The committee also

has the right to insist that dogs be muzzled.

8. Club badges must be worn during training.

9. No corporal punishment to be metered out to dogs by handlers/members whilst on the

club grounds or participating in club activities.

10. Verbal or physical abuse by a member toward any member or visitor will not be

tolerated under any circumstances.

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Committee & Positions Holders 2015-16

President Lorna Piper Trial Secretary K Spencer /L Piper

Vice Pres Marlene Hardy Catering Officer Maida Marriott

Secretary Trish Taylor PawPrint Lorna Piper

Treasurer Pearl Findlay-James Grounds Manager

Committee Maida Marriott Assistant Grounds John Jeanes

Committee Scott Dizais Fundraising

Committee Vicki Jerrett R.D.O. Coordinator Kaye Veal

Committee Kerry Spencer Puppy Coordinator Jane Rule

Life Members Honorary Members

Pauline Stewart Kerrie Piper

Lynne Brehaut Karen Blythman

Ian Cameron

Sue Brown

Lynette Burrage

Lorna Piper

Rocky Furnell

Maida Marriott

Club Contacts . . . President. Lorna 0413109921

Vice President.

Marlene Hardy 5152 1204

Puppy Enquiries

R.D.O. Co-ordinator.

All correspondence directed to:

The Secretary PO Box 335

Bairnsdale 3875 Email: [email protected]

Website bairnsdaledogobedience.yolasite.com

CLUB CALENDER ……... 2015-16.

May 21 - Committee Meeting

June 11 - Obedience, Rally Obedience Trial - Bairnsdale

June 12 - Obedience, Rally Obedience - Sale

June 13 - Obedience, Rally, Agility/Jumping - Morwell

June 17 - Committee Meeting

August 6 - no frills Agility/Jumping trial

Avoid tethered dogs!!

They like their own space.

Handlers must clean up

after their dogs.

Field Days

Many thanks to the members that participated in the demos for

the Field Days. Those that transported the equipment back and

forth and gave up their valuable time to promote our club to the

public. Well done to all!

There was time to chat with people and 'show off' our skills.

Hopefully more people will see the fun we can have with our dogs

with a little commitment.

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President's Message

The club has been back for a term now and we have had an influx of new members, and the largest

intake for the Responsible Dog Ownership course in a very long time. It was great to see so many of

you on the grounds with your dogs. I didn't notice any 'fall back' in the dogs' abilities so it appears

you were all working hard over the holidays keeping your dogs in training . . . or the dogs are just

brilliant at remembering their 'stuff'. How lovely to see so many waggy tails and smiling faces!

March 5 & 6 was be a massive undertaking, we had over 800 runs in the agility/jumping/games trial.

This was an amazing weekend, I did see a few members come along and have a look. Thank you to

those that helped, without you we couldn't have the event.

Graduation Day has been and gone with a few of you moving on in classes. If you weren't successful

there is always next time, so make sure you keep up your training. .

A big thankyou needs to be said to those people that are at club at 7.30am getting everything

organised for the day - name badges, poo buckets, water buckets, sign in tables, and all the other

things that miraculously appear - then disappear at the end of the day, perhaps those of you in the

later classes could give a helping hand to pack some things away, it would be greatly appreciated.

Baby puppy class has been operating since the 31 January on Sunday mornings, thanks to Rocky and

Trish for giving up their mornings, this is an amazing class, such fun to see the puppies grow and

those that hide behind their owners the first week come out and join in the second week, then get

really brave by the third week, bouncing the other puppies.

Please remember - give tethered dogs space, also be 100% aware of your dog and dogs around you, it

is lovely to have a chat but this is time for our dogs, we want to keep them happy and safe.

Welcome back everyone - hoping you and your dogs continue to learn new skills and improve old

ones.

Happy Training one and all!

Lorna

Garden Centre 53 Princes Highway, Lucknow 3875

Phone:(03) 5153 0325

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Pain and Dogs

How often has your dog received pain medication?

Pain can be detrimental, years ago vets would advise that pain was ok as it 'slowed' the dog down and gave it

time to rest and recover. Wow imagine having a hysterectomy and then the doctor says no pain medication

as we want you to be quiet and relax . . . hmmm. Luckily this is no longer the norm, after surgery dogs will

receive pain medication as would the human species.

Pain can be hazardous to health. How can you relax when in pain, dogs are no different to humans, but

perhaps their history dictates that they hide pain. Some think this dates back to their origins, an animal in pain

cannot keep up with the pack and is susceptible to attack, so dogs learn to hide pain, it is up to us to

understand when our dogs are in pain - it is hard sometimes to know when our dogs are hurting.

Pain is a stressor and therefore the body release stress hormones. These can affect metabolism, neurological

response and can cause body systems (heart, immune systems etc) to be adversely affected. The pain

response can also decrease appetite cause muscle fatigue and tissue breakdown. The dog becomes tired and

distressed. None of this is good for our dogs. We have the ability to relieve their pain, let's make sure we do!

Appropriate pain relief can assist in healing.

How do we know if our dog is hurting?

Usually quieter than normal and less alert

May hide and avoid other animals or people

May be stiff and unwilling to move

Lie still or move in an abnormal manner

If there is severe pain the dog may be restless, more alert and/or be pacing

Some pain indicators can be panting, shivering and the pupils (eye) may be larger than usual

A dog may stop eating

A dog in pain is more likely to whimper or howl when left alone, they may growl when they are approached and

appear more aggressive, this can be an attempt to protect themselves from more pain. The longer the dog suffers

pain the longer the recovery may be. Veterinarians have methods of reducing the pain your dog experiences.

Make sure your dog has pain relief after operations or injury.

We don't like being in pain - why should our dogs suffer

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201109/do-dogs-feel-pain-the-same-way-humans-do

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Liquor Training

Now clicker training's quite the fad, Results from some are not too bad. The concept stemmed from Pavlov's hound Responding to some special sound. The dog would start to salivate Before he got the food he ate. The modern click does much the same Enhancing our dog-training game. By causing Fido's hopes to raise- Anticipating treats or praise. Sometimes you click to no avail, And other methods also fail. No matter how you plead or shout, Sometimes the dog just won't put out When asked to sit or heel or stay, Thus giving you a rotten day. It makes you feel quite like a fool, And then you start to lose your cool. But if your methods fail for you. There's something else that you can do. Try "liquor training", that's its name, To help you with your dog-sport game. "How does this method work?" you ask Well, first you get a little flask Containing gin or other booze Of any kind that you may choose. Each time your dog decides to goof, You take a sip of '80 proof'. It helps the handler to relax And minimize the stress attacks. When handler's mood is more at ease, The dog may sometimes try to please, Or, then again may still refuse To mind his training P's and Q's. But whether foul results or fair You liquor train -- you just don't care.

Author Unknown

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Bacon Bites

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

1/2 C nonfat milk

1/4 C bacon fat

4 slices bacon (cooked, drained and crumbled)

1/2 C beef or chicken broth

3 C whole wheat flour

1 egg

Preheat oven to 325( F.

In a large bowl, combine egg, milk, bacon fat,

cooked bacon and broth. Mix well. Gradually

add flour. Roll out on floured surface to 1/2

inch thickness. Use bone shaped cookie cutters

and place on lightly greased cookie sheets

about 1/4 inch apart. Bake for 40 minutes. Let

cool. Can be frozen in freezer bags.

Bacon Biscuits

5 cups Whole wheat flour

1 cup Milk

2 Eggs

10 tbsp.Vegetable oil or bacon fat

5 cups Whole wheat flour

1 cup Milk

2 Eggs

10 tbsp.Vegetable oil or bacon fat

1 tbsp.Onion or garlic powder

1/2 cup Cold water

1 tbsp.Vegetable oil or bacon fat

Grease cookie sheet with vegetable oil.

Mix ingredients well. Pinch off pieces of

dough and roll into 5 cm balls. Bake at 3500F

for 35-40 mins, let cool, store in airtight

container

.

Buck's Best Bread Pudding Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 60 minutes

3 eggs

1/4 C honey

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 slices white bread

2 C nonfat milk

Preheat oven to 325( F.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, honey, and vanilla.

Beat together well. Cube 4 slices of bread. Place in

square baking dish or individual oven-proof custard

dishes. Heat milk in saucepan until scalded. Slowly

add 1/2 of the hot milk into the bowl containing the

egg mixture (keep whisking the egg mixture to

temper). Add remaining milk. Place baking dish(es)

into a large pan for a water bath. Pour milk-egg

mixture over cubed bread. Add water to the pan

until the water level is equal to the liquid mixture

level of the baking dishes. Bake uncovered for

about 1 hour. Let cool. Refrigerate.

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Name the cartoon dog mixed up names can be found on page 9

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Whether your pet has fur, feathers

or fins. This is the place to visit -

Lorna's Soapbox

People who buy puppies without realising the impact it can have on their lives for the next 14 or so years,

who don't research before deciding on a breed, it's not all about appearance or what you've heard, or how

the neighbour's dog is, but about hereditary, predisposition and parentage. I become a little bit frustrated

when people come and say 'I have a heeler pup and it keeps biting everyone's ankles', or 'my jack russell

keeps digging holes', 'my rottweiller barks and guards stuff'',' my border collier chases cars'. Please learn

about the breed; heelers move cattle nipping at heels, jack russells are ratters, rotties are a guarding breed,

border collies need to herd something and so on. The breed characteristics don't mean you don't get that

pup, but it does mean you need to work with the inherent nature of the dog. Some dogs drop better than

others, some come back better, some stand for exam better, understanding your breed will help you

become a better trainer and you and your dog will become a better team/family.

This soapbox is due to having brand new puppies in the house and I am worriedly considering their future.

Will the new owners cope and understand the different stages of growth and how important it is to start off

right, it's no good letting a cute pup jump on you then once it hits 50kg decide it has to stop! There are

many stages; cute puppyhood, naughty teenager, bored adult, old and ageing geriatric, how will these

stages be managed by the new owners? I hope, with understanding, patience and love, without anger,

intolerance and frustration - I wish this for all dogs in all homes.

My wishes and hopes

That they go to baby puppy school, learning to learn with their new family.

To be healthy and enjoy life with their family.

To be occupied and trained, learning throughout their lives, being great companions

To be rewarded for good behaviour, not taken for granted

To not be punished, especially for something that is part of being a dog, or the owner's fault.

My worries

Will the pup be over exercised, run on sand too early

Will the adult dog get enough exercise/stimulation, both mental and physical

Will they be fed the correct diet for the different times of life and not get fat

Will the new family learn to 'talk' dog, be understanding and aware

Will they be groomed and not shaved

Will they have a family to play with forever and not be backyard captives

Will there be lots of time for snuggles and companionship

Will they be loved forever, even when misbehaving

Will they learn together so they can travel life's road better together

Will the new family understand that they are dogs and can't always be perfect

For me, after sleep shattered nights and watching them grow, living with them so close they aren't just

pups to be sold but pups that I have a responsibility to, to find them the best home I can. There are always

tears when I part with them, but they go on to a better life with someone who will have more time for them

to give them the attention that they need and deserve, these little bundles of joy.

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Some Cross Breeds that didn't work out.

Collie + Lhaso Apso: Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy transport.

Spitz + Chow Chow: Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up a lot

Bloodhound + Borzoi: Bloody Bore, a dog that's not much fun.

Pyrenees + Dachshund: Pyradachs, a fiery breed.

Pekingese + Lhaso Apso: Peekasso, an abstract dog.

Newfoundland + Basset Hound: Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors

Terrier + Bulldog: Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes.

Bloodhound + Labrador: Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly.

Malamute + Pointer: Moot Point, owned by . . . oh well, it doesn't matter anyway.

Collie + Malamute: Commute, a dog that travels to work.

Deerhound + Terrier: Derriere, a dog that's true to the end.

Bulldog + Shih Tzu: (I'm sure you can figure out what this "new" breed would be called!)

We need to remember that the Designer dog breeds can carry the genetic diseases of the breeds they are

crossed with. Please ensure that the parents have been tested for the genetic problems of their breeds. The

initial 'hybrid vigour' can dissipate with continual breeding, by the third generation genetic disposition may

come into effect, the breeders should be testing their breeding stock for genetic disease.

All dogs are wonderful, and we want the best life possible for them all, free of preventable illness.

SPACE PLEASE

If there is a tethered dog please do not

encroach on its space or let your dog get too

close. Be aware of how close your dog is

getting to other dogs, don't allow contact

without the other owner being aware. Space

too if you see a dog on the grounds wearing

a yellow bandanna.

Yellow bandanna if the dog requires space,

may be over friendly and is in training to be

calm, may be fearful of dogs/people, may

have poor eyesight/hearing. Space please is

what the owner is asking from us.

Name the Dogs

Mutley (Dastardly & Mutley)

Scrappy Doo (Scooby Doo relative)

Copper (Fox & The Hound movie)

Odie (from Garfield)

UnderDog

Bolt (from the movie)

Mr Peabody (and sherman)

Balto (movie)

Hector (Looney Tunes)

Pluto (Disney)

Belvedere

Lady and The Tramp

Santa's Little Helper (The Simpsons)

Snowy (Rin Tintin)

Dollar (Dollarmation - Richie Rich)

Chopper

Chief (The Fos & The Hound movie)

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WITH LOVE FROM A LONELY DOG

I wish someone would tell me what it is I've done wrong.

Why do I have to stay chained up and be left alone so long?

They seemed so glad to have me when I came here as a pup.

There were so many things we'd do while I was growing up.

The master said he would train me as a companion and a friend.

The mistress said she'd never fear to be left alone again.

The children said they'd feed me and brush me every day.

They'd play with me and walk me if I would only stay.

But now the master "Hasn't time".

The mistress said I shed -

She doesn't want me in the house not even to be fed.

The children never walk me, they always say "not now".

I wish that I could please them.

Won't someone tell me how?

All I had, you see, was love.

I wish they would explain

Why they said they wanted mine

And then left it on a chain.

So sad and unfortunately so true in too many cases.

Definitely not the case for these two rehoused dogs.

Monty the English Pointer on the left (how such an

enormous dog can fit into such a small space is a puzzle)

and Bessie the Dalmation on the right.

Visiting is challenging - you have to beat the dogs to the couch :).

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The Foobler - an advertisement, with some points to think about

Even though many dog owners refer to themselves as ‘dog parents’, we’re inclined to forget

just how much our dogs depend on us, not only for basics like food, but to satisfy their

emotional and social needs.

Do we expect too much from our dogs?

1. We expect our dogs to stay out of trouble when

we aren’t at home Scientists say that a dog is as

intelligent as a two to three-year old child. You’d never

leave your three-year old alone at home without a sitter

would you?

But when you come home after a few hours out or a day at work, you expect to find that

your pet has stayed out of mischief all on its own.

Thank goodness, dogs aren’t usually able to get into trouble quite as badly as human

kids, but expecting them to wait for you to come home in a space where there is little

stimulation or entertainment to be had, and still be as good as gold is clearly unrealistic.

What’s the solution?

Of course, most of us have to go to work. The best solution is to give your canine

companion an entertaining toy that he can play with all on his own.

What toy would be fascinating enough to keep your dog busy for hours on end? The

Foobler was designed to do exactly that, and it uses several strategies to keep things

interesting for your dog.

It has movement because it is round and can roll about.

It has sound. A bell rings at pre-set times.

It dispenses treats. When the bell rings, your pup gets his or her reward.

2. We expect dogs to get by without exercise Four out of five dog owners take their dogs for regular walks, but 20% of us are cringing right now. If you’re in the ‘cringe’ group, consider the benefits of exercising your dog. Not only will you keep your pet fitter, healthier and less likely to become obese, but you get to share the same benefits. And your dog will be better behaved when he is able to work off some of that excess energy. Scheduling tip: Life can get very busy, so consider getting up a little earlier every morning so that you can fit your dog walk in. You’ll be much more wide-awake and alert when you get to the office than most of your colleagues! 3. We take away their jobs and get cross when they try to find one What was your dog bred to do? If it’s a sheep or cattle dog, it has a strong herding instinct. If it’s a terrier, it loves to hunt. Either of these instincts can get your pets into trouble.

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Your collie might decide that kids need to be rounded up and your terrier could decide that bicycles are legitimate prey. But one job that every dog loves is foraging. This often gets translated into dustbin emptying or stealing food from kitchen counters. Give your dog a job: Once again, the Foobler deserves a special mention. Hunters, herders and foragers will all love this interactive dog toy. Playing ‘fetch’ also satisfies the doggie urge to work. It gives your dog good exercise and satisfies hunting and herding instincts. And bit of obedience training provides mental stimulation and fun while allowing your dog to feel as if he or she is being productive. 4. We expect our dogs to love being with us – and then we leave them on their own For dogs, loving us comes naturally, but they do need help with being left alone. The best way to get them used to this is to have a departure ritual. Your dog sees you pick up your keys and take your bag. Then you walk towards the garage and drive off. Train your dog to handle its 'alone time': The gentlest way to get dogs used to being on their own is to make your departures relaxed and natural. Demonstrating your feelings of ‘parental guilt’ with lots of attention can actually increase the trauma of your departure. Help your pet to get used to this by starting with short absences and then gradually extending the time you’re away. Having a predictable ‘doggie loving’ routine interspersed with times when you prefer to do your own thing helps your dog to adjust to a schedule. 5. Think about it: your dog is not a human Our dogs are so loving and intelligent that we’re inclined to see them as humans. As a result, we often expect too much of them. Your dog is not a furry human. It has its own needs and instincts. Next time your dog is ‘bad’, ask yourself which instinct their behaviour satisfied. Perhaps the naughty behaviour is a symptom of an unfulfilled need. Regards, Peter and the Team at Foobler [email protected]

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A Big Welcome to our new members……

We hope you enjoy your time with us

TRAINING EQUIPMENT We have some amazing Black Dog Wear stock. We actually manage offer this to members below retail price We have new Treat pouches, smart leads and clickers, poo bag holders, flat collars and training collars. If we don't have what you are after then please remember our sponsors - The Doggy Den and Riviera Pets. Training harnesses are in stock. Please come and have a look

TRAINING TIMES 2016

7:30 - 8:15 am Advanced Agility

8:15 - 8:45 am Intermediate & Foundation Agility

9:30 - 10:00 am Obedience Classes -

Puppies, Transition and Class 1

10.00 - 10:15 am President's Message & Break

10:15 - 11:00 am Class 2, 3 & 4 and Instructors

Please be aware times can change as our available

instructors change. Check website and fb page if you

have been away for a week.

A Bequest

Joan Mawson of Paynesville kindly bequeathed us

$2000. It was with much appreciation that we

accepted this gift

The Committee would like members to pause a

moment and give a moment of thought to this

generous lady.

I am hoping that there is a Rainbow Bridge and

she has passed over it to be with her past four

legged friends.

Thank you Joan, you are in our memories.

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Cropophagia

This is the technical term for 'poo' (faeces/stool) eating - such a lovely topic to think on. There are many dogs that present to veterinarians with this habit. A study of 1500 surveys conducted by the University of California discovered that -

16 percent of dogs eat stools frequently and 85 percent eat other dogs’ poop Intact males are less likely to indulge than neutered dogs of either sex Poop eaters are more likely to live with other dogs and are greedy eaters 40 percent of Border Collies and Shelties are stool eaters; no Poodles were reported to be 90 percent of stools were eaten within two days

Dogs will often sample the poo of rabbits, cats, wombats and other animals, sometimes even their own. Dogs regularly devour things that we think are disgusting. [My dogs are often caught heading for the cat litter tray - Editor]. Mother dogs will clean up after their puppies - perhaps this is also an innate behaviour to keep their den clean and protect from predators. The study also drew the conclusion that faeces eating was a way to keep their area clean. Sometimes the animal whose poop is proving tasty has a digestive problem such as cats with an enzyme deficiency or if they are fed low quality food that is hard for the cat to digest. In these circumstances the poop of the cat is more food than poop. Why do they do it? Sometimes it is common in pups usually stopping when the grow up, some reasons may be:-

o As puppies they may begin to play with their poop and try it out for taste or just something to carry around, if owners over react then the behaviour may be reinforced and inadvertently encouraged.

o Using the incorrect toilet training techniques may also contribute to poop eating - particularly that old habit of sticking the dog's nose in it.

o Sometimes if the pup is punished for 'accidents' then it may eat the poop before it is seen and therefore not be punished.

o Mother dogs clean up after their pups and some pups may learn they habit from them. It may be that the dog's diet isn't sufficient for its needs

Medical problems can contribute to cropophagia - enzyme deficiency (pancreatic insufficiency) may result in dogs eating the faeces of other animals - rabbit poop is rich in enzymes and B vitamins, rich the dog could need. Parasites in the gastro-intestinal organs could result in poop eating.

Certain medical conditions can result in an increased appetite - diabetes, Cushing's disease, thyroid disease or even some medications - leading to poop eating.

Behavioural issues - Dogs may eat poop because they are anxious, lonely, bored or distressed. Puppies that are weaned too soon, don't have enough to eat, have to compete/fight with others or are confined in a small crate and have no physical/mental stimulation can be at risk of becoming poop eaters. It may be a behaviour learned from an older dog. On occasion the dog's diet isn't suitable, or is of poor quality so the dog eats more than it needs or that can be digested so when pooped out it resembles 'food'. Some dog breeds have an instinct to carry things and if there's nothing available in the yard but poop that is what they will pick up.

Managing/treating coprophagia begins with ensuring that their area is clear of poop, when out walking make sure they are on lead and if they begin to investigate faeces build a new behaviour -

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attract attention and ask for a behaviour such as a sit/come which can be rewarded enthusiastically, this can also be done when the dog toilets.

Changing the dog's diet to a more easily digested one or one that has a different protein base. Adding enzyme supplements may help digestion and absorption of the food. Adding a teaspoon (or tablespoon for larger dogs) of pawpaw, pineapple, yoghurt, cottage cheese, (4 tblspns)canned pumpkin or breath freshener to the dog's food may make the poop less pleasant tasting. Block off the cat litter tray, cats can jump over baby gates to get to their litter tray, ensure the cat's diet is correct. Change the dog's diet - unprocessed protein, and add probiotics along with digestive enzymes - check with your veterinarians.

The dog should be given a check over by a veterinarian for any underlying health problems and then these can be properly managed. Never punish a dog for pooping in the house, regular walks and exercise may help toilet training, pups cannot 'hold on' for more than one to three hours depending on their age. Booby trapping the faeces may help - add hot sauce or lemon juice to it.

Make sure that your dog is kept physically and mentally stimulated, well exercised and spend time playing with your dog.

Food additives may not be effective in making the faeces less palatable as the Californian study found out. They also discovered that punishment is not effective, neither were the use of electronic collars or reward based training. The best solution according to the research is to clean up the poop immediately and work on prevention.

For Interest

Rabbits - have a double digestive system where they eat their poop so they can extract every possible nutritious value from their food.

Elephants, giant pandas, koalas and hippos when young eat the faeces of other animals in the herd, the belief is this is the way the bacteria required to digest their food is introduced to their intestines.

Hamsters, guinea pigs also eat their own poop, as do gorillas and chimpanzees, it is thought this improves the absorption of vitamins and other elements.

References Wikepedia http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_coprophagia_dietary_supplements http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/08/23/coprophagia-poop-eating.aspx http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_PoopEating.php http://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/coprophagia-in-dogs-stool-eating

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Classes

Baby puppy class has been running on Sundays since January

with a corgi, three kelpies and a black labrador all joining

together to learn how to sit, drop, come and play with other

dogs, experience tunnels and other play equipment. How

amazing it is to see the pups interact together at this most

important time of their lives. Baby puppy classes are for any

breed 8 - 12 weeks old, this is the most important time of their

lives as they learn to cope with the world and lay the foundation

of their lives within the community. Our instructors give their

time freely and are passionate about promoting the wellbeing of

our four legged friends. There is a lot of work to get the room ready for this class with special floor washes

beforehand and all the packing up afterwards.

We keep our fees low to encourage as many people to help their new puppies begin their partnership with

them in the best possible way. So please, if you know someone who is getting a baby puppy encourage them

to come along to baby puppy classes.

Saturday morning classes started on Saturday 30 January. There was lots of excitement as they met their

doggy friends after the Christmas break. Instructors have been revitalised by their break and look forward to

sharing their experiences and knowledge. Volunteers work hard to help people and their dogs, the

relationship between owner and dog can be a life saver indeed, there are many stories of how dogs keep their

owners/friends with us. What would our lives be without these canine companions - they help keep us safe by

drug and bomb detection, help those of us who cannot see or hear, help those with PTSD/depression, and

those with physical disabilities, they can even help those that suffer from epilepsy, guiding them to safety.

Some can even identify the cancer cells in human bodies, some find us when we are lost, work with us taking

care of livestock - where would we be without these four footed friends.

Bairnsdale & District Dog Obedience Club Inc

PO Box 335 Bairnsdale 3875

[email protected]

bairnsdaledogobedience.yolasite.com