Table of contents for September 2023 in Your Dog

Keeping our pets engaged and stimulated always reaps benefits. Bored dogs can get up to all sorts of mischief, and if that sounds familiar, check out page 10 this issue, where top trainer and behaviourist Jackie Drakeford has come up with 10 boredom-busters to help keep your dog happy and out of trouble! They won’t take a huge amount of time, expense, or effort to introduce and your dog will certainly appreciate them. If you fancy a dog-friendly break that’s a bit of a challenge this year, why not consider tackling a long distance walk with your canine companion? On page 14 our feature ‘Going the extra mile!’ covers everything from picking a route to planning ahead, checking your (and your dog’s) fitness, and what to pack. It’s a great…

● September 2 and 3: From 9.30am: The North East Dog Festival, Northumberland College Kirkley Hall Campus, Ponteland, Northumberland NE20 0AQ. This weekend-long canine extravaganza, which has partnered with Scentventure for 2023, is expected to attract 10,000 dog lovers. Highlights include main ring attractions, have-a-go activities, more than 80 exhibitors, food, a wellness tipi with seminars, two charity dog shows, and a breed hang-out area. ● Cost: From £10. ● More info: www.northeastdogfestival.com…

When he’s not working in his Solihull recording studio or performing character voices in films, animation, games, commercials, theme parks, and TV shows, Marc Silk and his dog, Honey, can be found browsing city art galleries or soaking up the peaceful surroundings of nearby Hampton Manor Bakery. Although the Birmingham born voice actor is probably best known for bringing Scooby-Doo and his best pal Shaggy to life in the UK, for Cartoon Network, CITV, commercials, toys, and radio interviews, this iconic canine character is only a small part of Marc’s impressive portfolio. From providing clucks for the Aardman film ‘Chicken Run’ to working with legendary filmmaker George Lucas in ‘Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace’, Marc loves nothing more than spending quality time with his beloved Beagle X…

Humans are very visual creatures. We tend to rely on sight to help us navigate, find each other, identify potential mates, locate food, and obtain information about the world around us. On the other hand, our dogs tend to rely on their sense of smell to learn about their environment. Scent can tell them who or what has been around, help dogs maintain relationships with each other, as well as locate sources of food and water. While it is often discussed how dogs have an exceptional olfactory capability compared to other species, we are continuing to learn more about how dogs scent, and explore ways in which we can harness their specialised skills, even in situations such as detecting disease. Notably, scent work is also something that our companion dogs can…

Elevate your dog’s life to new heights — as your ultimate go-to resource, we provide an extensive range of invaluable insights to ensure your furry companion receives the best care, and experiences the utmost joy. Delve into a world of expert advice, comprehensive health-care information, up-to-date news, and in-depth breed profiles that cater to the diverse needs of every dog owner. Plus much, much more. Join your dog today and get your next issue FOR FREE! Get your next issue for FREE when you subscribe. You will then pay just £3.99 a month thereafter (saving 20% every issue!). This is a trial offer meaning you can cancel anytime! scan me! www.yourdog.co.uk/bestlife Call 01778 395177 quoting YD/SEPT23…

SPONSORED BY THE EXPERT PANEL TAMSIN DURSTON is a canine behaviour officer in Dogs Trust’s canine behaviour and research team. TONY CRUSE is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers. VICKY PAYNE BVetMed, MRCVS is a holistic vet based in East Sussex. HOLLY MASH BVSc, MRCVS specialises in herbal medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition. JOANNE ANGUS LCGI is a founder member of the Guild of Master Groomers. JOHN BURNS BVMS, MRCVS is a vet, and founder of feed company Burns Pet Nutrition. STEPHEN JENKINSON is access adviser to Your Dog, the Kennel Club, and local councils. HEALTH IS PARACETAMOL SAFE FOR DOGS? Q Can dogs be given paracetamol? If so, what conditions or illnesses is it used for? Your Dog reader, Hampshire. VICKY…

HELP FOR PETS CAUGHT UP IN UKRAINE DAM EXPLOSION Thanks to a charitable organisation, more than 1,500 dogs and cats were rescued in one week following the Kakhovka Dam explosion and flooding in Ukraine’s Kherson region. U-Hearts’ Save Pets of Ukraine initiative supported 13 volunteer groups and non-governmental organisations by donating pet food, transportation cages, medications, and metal saws for cutting chains and locks. Cross-breed Druxhok and Newfoundland Buddy are just two of the lucky dogs plucked to safety. Although Druxhok’s owner, Lyubov, was able to save her cat, she couldn’t reach her beloved dog. “I was in my robe and slippers, that’s all,” explained the heartbroken 73-year-old, who lives alone. “Now the water in my house is almost reaching the ceiling. But I don’t care about the furniture or…

DOG DATA The Jack Russell Terrier is the UK’s most affordable dog breed to own, while British Bulldogs are the least, according to a survey by the Insurance Emporium. An Aberdeen woman is urging owners to be on their guard in public spaces after her dog ate a foot-long chicken skewer from a barbecue in a city park. Anne McIntosh initially thought Bowie had stolen some meat off the grill, lit by students in Seaton Park. But when they told her he’d not only swallowed chicken, peppers, and onions but the skewer too, she rushed her Border Collie X Kelpie to the Vets Now clinic in Skene Road. There, vets sedated Bowie and carefully removed the wooden spike, which luckily was still in his oesophagus. “I thought the skewer could…

A charity has launched an emergency appeal to help a brave police dog who needed multiple life-saving operations after falling seriously ill with sepsis peritonitis. Eight-year-old German Shepherd Finn suffered severe complications after swallowing part of a toy, which caused blockages in his stomach and small intestines. The retired general purpose police dog, who served with Sussex Police alongside handler Sue West, before retiring in 2021 due to hip dysplasia, spent eight weeks receiving round-the-clock care at a specialist vet clinic in Surrey. Now retired police dog charity the Thin Blue Paw Foundation is asking for donations to help cover the cost of Finn’s treatment. Already half the £22,800 target has been reached. ● Visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/rpdfinn…

THE MANY VOICES MARC PERFORMS INCLUDE… ● Aks Moe in ‘Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace’. ● More than 30 characters in ‘Danger Mouse’. ● The Sorting Hat from ‘Harry Potter’, heard at Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando, Warner Bros Hollywood, The Harry Potter Exhibition, and Talking Sorting Hat merchandise. ● Grandmaster Glitch in the BBC BAFTA nominated ‘Go Jetters’. ● Clucking chickens in ‘Chicken Run’. ● Bob the Builder (USA and Canada). ● Captain Wayne Rigby in ‘Thunderbirds Are Go!’. ● Commander Cottontail and Chef Pierre in Channel 5 Milkshake! children’s programme ‘Milo’.…

With his knuckles white from gripping the car steering wheel, Mark Taylor leaned forward and closed his eyes, only for a second, to review the decision he had just made. With his life in turmoil due to family and work issues, the building supplies sales rep had resolved to end it all. Mark, from near Guildford in Surrey, had been tipped over the edge by the pressure of sales, and concern about his elderly mum’s dementia and deteriorating health. Revving his car engine, the 59-year-old planned to drive at speed straight into a brick wall. “But two things saved me that day,” explained Mark, recalling that near-fateful morning early in 2021. “The first was taking a moment to rest my head on the steering wheel, and the second was a…

Campaigners have accused ministers of betrayal after the long-awaited Kept Animals Bill has been scrapped. RSPCA head of public affairs David Bowles said: “We are disappointed that MPs have voted against reviving the bill. We want to see animal welfare legislation back on track and we know that the public do too.” Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden added: “When is the Government going to put the needs of animals before political point-scoring?” Environment Minister Mark Spencer said measures in the bill — including those designed to tackle puppy smuggling, pet theft, and the importation of dogs with cropped ears — would now be implemented individually before the next election, rather than in one piece of legislation.…

● NEW PET ADOPTION WEBSITE LAUNCHED TO FIND RESCUE PETS A team of Cambridgeshire animal lovers has launched a new central database to simplify the process of finding the right rescue pets. According to the Relovable Pets website more than 800,000 monthly online searches are made by potential adopters, yet over 100,000 dogs and cats remain in shelters for several months or even years. The website aims to bring all pets available for rehoming under one roof and connect animal lovers with shelters all over the country. “We understand the challenges of searching and registering with the many shelters to find the right pet, and our goal is to make it easier for everyone,” said founder Elaine Scott, whose organisation has launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise £25,000 to help…

DOG DATA Research by Rover.com has revealed 71 per cent of owners would rather invite their dog to their wedding than family and friends, with 37 per cent planning to involve their canine companion in their celebrations. ● AUSTRALIA: Lucy the Labrador has become Australia’s first full-time court facility dog as part of a pilot project to provide comfort to people, especially children, victims of domestic violence, and those with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, who need support during the various stages of the judicial process. The five-year-old dog visits hearings, legal interviews, and mediations in Melbourne’s family court, helping to relieve stress while people navigate the justice system. If feedback from court attenders and staff continues to prove positive, it’s hoped the programme will be made permanent. ● PORTUGAL:…

10 TO GIVE AWAY POTS OF CALMING SUPPLEMENT Aviform’s Natural Calm for dogs is a powder supplement containing a blend of essential amino acids, L-tryptophan, and L-tyrosine, involved in the production of serotonin and dopamine, which help to reduce aggression and stress while working synergistically together. Added ingredients are lemon balm extract and passion flower for calming and relaxation, and taurine, which helps to soothe the nervous system. Natural Calm can be used for potentially stressful occasions such as being left alone at home, car travel, fireworks, thunderstorms, or just everyday y anxiety and stress. We have 10 pots to give away to readers. ● For more information, visit www.aviform.co.uk or call 01953 528008. 6 TO GIVE AWAY ‘GAME ON PUPPY!’ BOOKS Looking for a comprehensive, fun, and effective guide…

Happy travellers My dog, Mia, is a little Jack Russell with a big heart. I got her from a neighbour in Cape Town, South Africa, 14 years ago. Mia was a support dog from the beginning. My existing dog, a mixed Bull Terrier and Shar Pei, Moana Lisa, was going through a bad time as her other older sister and brothers had all passed away in a very short period of time. I watched as she got more and more depressed, not eating or playing like before. Our neighbour’s dog had four puppies and we asked if we could have the only female. Mia was ours within an hour of being born, and we were smitten. The usual wait to get her home took forever, but eventually she was there. Moana…