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THE PACK LEADER
TRIAL RESULTS
Logan Dog Trial 17th Jan. We have three new starters to the trialing ring this year. They will be entering the Sunshine Coast Dog Obedience sweepstake trials on the 24th Feb. Should anyone be interested at having a look at a dog trial, or supporting the competitors you will be very welcome. The location is at Ballinger Park, Ballinger Rd. Buderim. We have started off to an excellent year with all the classes being well patronised. The new classes held at the Guide Dog Training Centre have taken off like a rocket with classes full and numerous people now on waiting lists. Our black and gold shirts now have new words on the back. "Guide Dogs Qld, dog obedience training." Shirts are $30 with embroidery and can be ordered from me or direct from Ed & Anne at Austec, Noosa on 54 424 433. Caps are now $12 from the same supplier.
In-House Competition
As most of you are aware I recently acquired a German Shepherd puppy I named "The Cisco Kid". I have had an interesting reaction from people when I make it known that he may well be my last young dog. I may consider adopting an older dog of mature years but I believe he may well be my last puppy. The reason for my decision is simply that when Cisco (all going well) is about 10 years old, I will be about 60 years of age. I may not have the energy to give a young life the fun it needs.
To expand, I believe an owner of a young active breed should also be young of heart. Being pysically fit enough for a working breed is not enough, one should also be interesting to the dog. The youthful enthusiasm I once had is no longer. I am middle aged and feeling it. This is not a problem however, the problem is that I have to make a conscious effort to get down on the puppies level and do the things a younger owner should do without thinking.
Young dogs need a romp and a wrestle, long walks in bush areas, runs on the beach. As we get older we forget the importance of pulling up a pillow or cushion and laying on the lounge room floor, giving the dog a cuddle whilst watching TV. Or laying out on the grass having a quiet romp and talking baby talk to the dog.
Dogs have a great sense of humour, they love jokes and frivolity. People who can’t see that side of their dog obviously only have their dog as a possession or trophy. The dog needs its games, chasing objects, tugs of war with a bag etc.
You are the parent of an adopted child, you have a responsibility to your new child to make its life interesting.
Too much bother I hear some one say! I haven’t got time for that sort of thing, some one else says! Well if that’s one of my students comments, I would appreciate it if they would find another trainer. If a person cannot see their dog as a living, breathing, emotional animal with an independent mind and the characteristics of young children, they are not welcome to train with me.
It is all too common to see people who are involved in training to take their dogs for long walks daily – with their dogs perfectly in the "heel" position. – that is not a walk for the dog, it is a walk for the owner. Sure, the dog can walk in the heel position at times, and you should also run it through some obedience exercises taking advantage of distractions to teach the dog to focus. But it should also have a wander at the end of the lead (not pull) to check the message banks of the posts and trees, and the numerous other things that interest a dog, which would never occur to us. Let the dog have some of its own time to be a dog.
It is common to see people who barely remember the last time they took their dog for a good run at a nearby park, beach or a swim. The dog must fit into their environment and be happy – how arrogant.
The dog should be one’s best mate, a companion and confidant. The dog won’t reveal your little secrets or critize your physical or mental shortcomings. If the dog is treated with affection and discipline you have a unique creature of God that can give you more pleasure than almost any human.
If only people took the time……..
Health We welcome Homeopath/Natural Therapist, Elaine Holland on board. Elaine will be doing the health column for me starting with this newsletter. The first article is based on the importance of detoxing the dog. Elaine can be contacted on Wynnum Ph. No. 07 33962876.
CLEANSING TREATMENT FOR DOGS Fast the patient for at least one day – giving nothing but fresh water. No exercise this day. Then give:- Equal amounts of: ( ALL RAW) - grated carrot - finely chopped spinach or Asian greens (not silver beet/lettuce) - uncooked fine rolled oats - minced or finely chopped meat Mix together. At the usual feeding time give one tablespoonful to large dogs, one teaspoonful to small dogs.
The quantity should be increased by a spoonful of everything per day until the normal quantity of food is reached. The dog will indicate this by leaving some of the food. The same diet should be maintained for a minimum of 4 weeks.
One day’s fasting per week, when the dog is given plenty of fresh water to drink. Fresh water should be put down at least twice daily. These precautionary measures will ensure that the dog does not have the harmful effects of overfeeding. Another advantage is that it does not cost any more than normal feeding. Nature’s healing powers will do the rest if they are allowed to act. Aude sapere - Dare to be wise, dear animal lover and reader. Source - Homeopathic Medicine for Dogs / A Handbook for Vets and Pet Owners / H.G. Woolfe MVSC Dogs stay totally on that diet for four weeks with nothing else to eat. This is recommended by the author.
Personally, after two weeks, and continued signs of improvement, I would add an egg (free range) plus the crushed shell for calcium. A raw chicken wing is always a crowd pleaser (only if the dog has been brought up this way...) wing tips only if not, and gradually add on the rest of the wing if no adverse symptoms
Why put the dog on the diet? As a matter of course for detoxifying the gut. If the dog is healthy, or appears to be healthy, it is still (in my opinion) a good idea to clean out the bowel and give the dog a 'spring clean'. We don't always know what our friends have been eating!!! Little beggars!!!
My dogs, Phoebe (13 years) & Sam (18 months), have this diet at least three days a week. On other days they get their usual pasta, rice, vegies (fresh & raw), fresh raw fruit, garlic, fresh herbs & their nibblies - nuts - Australian grown organic almonds. And of course, raw meat & fish (fit for human consumption - none of the stuff labeled 'Pet Food Only' Hello Hydatids tape worms. Tinned & dry foods are, well...
I would recommend this diet, in conjunction with the appropriate homeopathic remedy/s to any animal with any of the following: - Skin conditions (itch, rash, hair loss) Ear conditions (pus, itch, head shaking, ear scratching) Gut problems (diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence) Vomiting for no apparent reason (always a good idea to have the dog tested - either muscle testing or at the Vets) Inappropriate diet (cat food, biscuits, chocolate, popcorn etc. etc. etc.) Where worms are a common and/or ongoing problem As a general spring clean at least twice a week Hot weather (especially if this is a 'hot dog' ) Older dogs who do not need as much protein as younger dogs who are still growing, or dogs in their middle years or working dogs. Pregnant bitches need a slightly different diet. This will be discussed another time.
Also recommended, a one day a week fast for dogs over the age of 6 months. I don't know if this is the regular 'recommended' thing to do, but, again, it does help the dog to clean out. If only humans would do this too... Training - "Practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect – perfect practice makes perfect". .............. ... ................. ................ ................ ................ ................. .................. ................. ............ ............ ...... ..... .................. ............. .............. ........... |
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