Dogs Today_August_2021 : simplebooklet.com

Inside this month News features 4 Editor s letter fading away 6 Chips were on the menu in parliament this month 10 Dame Judi Dench says dogs are the best actors 12 Itching to solve a skin problem We announce the 16 18 26 36 40 top 30 best things to try Why are aversive collars still legal in England Thirty years on from the disastrous Dangerous Dogs Act Debbie Bridges putting the fun back into fundraising Scientific proof that our dogs support is tangible Growing older pains and what to do about them Over to you 24 Great Debate is it best to ignore puppy biting 32 Postbag what matters to you PET TRIBUTE FUND Training behaviour 48 Victoria Stilwell how to avoid conflict when one becomes two 52 Peter Neville s Safari True Case you ve got to laugh the aardwolf is a hyena Investigation 38 Q A big dog dilemmas 42 Dog crush would a Hovawart be a wizard idea Competitions shopping 50 Subscribe and win 56 Pop the kettle on and tackle our puzzles and competitions PE T TRIBUTEFUND BAT TERSEA ORG UK Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is a charity registered in England and Wales 206394 Hovawart Photo by Tim Rose www timrosephotography co uk At Battersea we understand how hard the loss of a beloved pet is But celebrating the joy they brought to your life can help to ease the burden a little VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND OUT MORE The ethical pet magazine for people who really care about dogs Facebook Dogs Today Editorial beverleycuddy Dogs_Today Editor Beverley Cuddy Art Director Rosie Peace Chief Sub Editor Contributing Editor Claire Horton Bussey Deputy Editor Alessandra Pacelli Illustrator Kevin Brockbank Proof readers Katie Horton Bussey Alys Horton Bussey Advertising sponsorship Advertising Sponsorship Manager Mike McGlynn 01276 402591 Office dogs Betty Old English Golden Retriever ish Honey Cocker Spaniel Madi collie cross Nellie Staffordshire Bull Terrier Isla Lurcher Beth Justine Poison Ivy Newfoundlands Sophie Jack Russell Betty s Personal Trainer Kirsten Dillon IMDT A Dip CBM Dogs Today Brandshare Ltd The Old Print House 62 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8AA 01276 402599 enquiries dogstodaymagazine co uk www dogstodaymagazine co uk Publishers Opinion 66 Confessions credit control stinks REMEMBERING THEM TODAY AND EVERY DAY WITH A SMILE That s why we ve created Pet Tribute Fund So you can share happy memories of your beloved pet whilst raising vital funds for the dogs and cats at Battersea as they wait to find a home where they ll raise smiles every day DogsToday LIMITED Chief Operations Officer Graham Smith 01276 402598 graham wearebrandshare com Managing Director Beverley Cuddy 01276 402597 beverley dogstodaymagazine co uk Subscriptions For subscription queries call Brandshare on 01276 402599 or email subs dogstodaymagazine co uk Initial subscription rates UK BFPO 12 issues 39 50 24 issues 61 EU countries 12 issues 65 20 Rest of the world airmail 12 issues 79 80 Direct Debit offer UK only 9 99 for 3 months with 1 month free trial and a 1 sign up fee The editor is always pleased to consider articles and photos from freelancers However there is often a considerable delay before material can be assessed Please include an SAE if you want your work returned While every care will be taken no responsibility for loss or damage can be accepted Competition sponsors and their families are not eligible for any competition Dogs Today incorporating Perfect Pup is published by Brandshare Ltd The Old Print House 62 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8AA Tel 01276 402599 Brandshare Ltd reg office The Old Print House 62 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8AA Distributed by Marketforce UK Ltd 2nd Floor 5 Churchill Place Canary Wharf London E14 5HU Tel 020 3148 3333 www marketforce co uk Printed by The Manson Group 2021 Dogs Today The world copyright of the editorial matter both illustrations and text is strictly reserved Registered as a newspaper for transmission in the UK Photo Tim Rose www timrosephotography co uk Next issue on sale August 17 To download Dogs Today for iPad go to the App store Android and PC versions are available from Pocket Mags the Kindle edition from www amazon co uk August 2021 Dogs Today 3

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Dear readers Beverley Cuddy Honey H oney is blossoming into a slightly bigger very small dog She s still dinky compared with Betty but it makes me a little sad to wonder why she and her brother were the only ones to survive in that litter It had been a fairly big one luckily for Honey it wasn t the smallest ones who died I remember being terrified about fading puppy syndrome back in the 1970s and 80s It was a relief when much of the mystery was solved So why is it coming back Before the internet was there to connect us all it was hard to compare notes on the similarities of cases People were very nervous and calling their vets pre emptively Back then if a vet or doctor didn t know what to do the answer was often a prescription of antibiotics For many breeders The Book of the Bitch remains the bible Even though it was written decades ago it s not been bettered The co author Kay White is sadly no longer around to see its lasting impact or to use her knowledge and experience into solving the latest pup challenge Back when I was growing up it was Kay who I remember joining up the dots The pups autopsies were showing nothing obvious No physical deformities no virus But then she spotted no bacteria Well if those annoying yoghurt commercials are correct there should be good bacteria in the gut The theory was that mum was often given antibiotics that went straight through her milk into the pups tummies Many of these pups were starving to death as they couldn t digest LIFEBLOOD There must be some drugs that are OK for nursing mums to have but that list got shorter and fewer litters were fading away Now that I talk to breeders every day with my work at Tailwise I started hearing of puppies lost to fading and it made me wonder if it s happening again But the more I asked the more diverse the stories Some people think it s the herpes virus or even the vaccine to prevent it One lady had paid for autopsies Beverley Cuddy is Dogs Today s Editor and publisher She shares her life with Betty an Old English Golden Retrieverish dog from Many Tears and has just been joined by Honey a Cocker Spaniel puppy 4 Dogs Today August 2021 which were inconclusive but they are expensive to do so not everyone does So I thought why not start a survey to collect data on fading puppies just to see if there are any patterns I mentioned this on social media just before writing this and was told of a person in Dogue de Bordeaux who had come across a radical way of treating the fade It was based on a method used for a similar thing in horses where blood is taken from a pregnant horse and used in a transfusion to the foal When this was done with the blood of a pregnant dam and fading pups the results were amazing The theory seems to be that pups who didn t get enough colostrum have their immune system kick started by the blood transfusion The method came with warning of shock being a possible side effect of introducing new blood but when littermates have already died the breeders felt it was a risk worth taking P www surveymonkey co uk r FadingPuppies

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Words ALESSANDRA PACELLI Illustrations KEVIN BROCKBANK Chipping forecast sentencing and a fine of at least 5 000 as opposed to a simple theft of property was not scheduled for debate despite receiving over three times the number of signatures necessary to be considered We were however hopeful that the Animal Welfare Sentience Bill which recognised animals as sentient beings in law as opposed to simple chattel as is currently the case was a sign that change was on its way We hoped to hear more news during this debate and we did On 28 June MPs debated two e petitions relating to microchipping It was a positive debate with a few really interesting promises that seem to bode well in the fight against pet theft A s our readers know June was a very busy month for animal welfare After a promising parliamentary debate on banning exploitative puppy imports as well as the import of mutilated dogs two more days were circled on our calendar right at the end of the month 28 and 29 June The latter marked the day the Animal Welfare Sentencing Bill officially came into force increasing maximum custodial sentences for animal cruelty in England and Wales from six months to five years The tenfold increase was the crowning achievement of years of campaigns for animal welfare and it was celebrated but we were much more focused on a battle animal lovers have yet to win On Monday 28 June a debate took place concerning two e petitions calling for Fern s Law and Tuk s Law respectively Jonathan Gullis member of the Petitions Committee opened the debate on both The campaign for Fern s Law is calling for it to be made compulsory for rescues pounds and veterinary practices to scan a pet in the case of vets when a dog is presented for the first consultation or at its yearly check up It is named after a Cocker Spaniel who was stolen from her 6 Dogs Today August 2021 family in 2013 and then reunited after being found straying in 2019 Opening the debate Jonathan Gullis said Fern was in a pretty sorry state having been used for breeding during those six years After a veterinary check up there was evidence that Fern had been taken to a vet for a medical procedure during that time but because it is not compulsory for vets to scan dogs for microchips when they are first presented Fern was not reunited with her family for years That was a missed opportunity How many other dogs and cats have been lost this way THROUGH THE CRACKS It was only when Fern was abandoned and a kind soul brought her to another vet as a stray that she was reunited with her owners This is one of the contradictions of the issue It seems that vets are happy to scan dogs brought in as strays but sold on and kept byfinding missing dogs and cats that have a new keeper are not always scanned It takes the same amount of time to scan a dog brought in as a stray as it does to scan one brought in by an owner so why cannot vets scan dogs by default Gullis quoted animal welfare campaigner and vet Marc Abraham OBE as having said Vets are CRIME AND PUNISHMENT missing a trick by not scanning dogs as standard It is not a complicated procedure to scan a dog It does not need to be done by a vet The receptionist could do it while the owner is waiting in reception The petition for Tuk s Law also concerns microchipping laws but under different circumstances Named after a young and healthy rescue dog who was euthanased by request of someone who was not his registered keeper and despite having rescue back up the campaign is calling to make it a legal requirement that no healthy animal can be destroyed by a vet without the vet first scanning the animal s microchip to confirm that the person requesting euthanasia has the authority to do so and that the dual registration contact detail on the microchip is assessed and honoured Gullis added I was pleased to hear that progress on this campaign has been made and the BVA has worked with the campaign and government to strengthen its guidance to vets The new guidance which underpins the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons code of professional conduct advises that veterinary surgeons should scan for a microchip in dogs prior to euthanasia where in their professional judgement destruction of the dog is not necessary on animal health or welfare grounds That is a welcome change but the Tuk s Law campaigners argue that it does not go far enough They argue that the new code needs to be publicised and enforced to save the lives of many dogs It quickly became clear that both petitions enjoyed broad support across party lines Labour and Co operative MP Luke Pollard joked he found himself in an awkward position in his agreement with Conservative Sir Iain Duncan Smith I will be talking to myself in the mirror later do not worry he added causing some laughter PET THEFT ACTION In all fairness any animal lover would have found it difficult to disagree with anything that Sir Iain Duncan Smith had to say as well as fully supporting both petitions and agreeing that data across some 16 different microchip databases should be centralised he brought encouraging news concerning a tougher stance on pet theft a high reward lowrisk crime that is on the rise In the July issue of Dogs Today we noted that the latest e petition to make pet theft an offence of its own with eight years minimum I draw the House s attention to the report stage of the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill for which I and my honorable friend the member for Ipswich Tom Hunt have tabled three new clauses Sir Iain Duncan Smith said New clause 14 would require the sale of pets by cheque or bank transfer basically banning cash sales New clause 15 would make it compulsory for microchipped pets to be scanned by vets who must check that the microchip number is registered on an approved database and confirm the correct registered keeper New clause 16 would make the offence of pet theft a specific category of crime carrying a much more significant fine and or incarceration All three clauses would make the sale of stolen dogs markedly more difficult and riskier In a notable departure from the government s previous stance that the current penalties are enough of a deterrent against pet theft he added Why would they not steal a valuable pet and sell it They might get a 250 fine They are just laughing their heads off Dogs are now valuable merchandise There is no real criminal penalty for stealing one so why not do it That is one reason why violent thefts have increased dramatically What the hell do they care if they smash somebody to the ground hurt them normally an elderly person and take their dog August 2021 Dogs Today 7

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home might well have been available The honorable member for East Kilbride Strathaven and Lesmahagow Dr Lisa Cameron also mentioned the dark side of domestic abuse that can underlie some of these tragic cases We have listened carefully to the campaign s concerns and worked hard with the veterinary profession to develop an approach that has won approval from all sides The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons amended its guidance in May so that when a healthy dog is presented to be put down the vet is now required to scan the microchip and check the details on the microchip database This will enable them to consider whether anyone else has an interest in the animal such as a rehoming centre that might well be able to prevent the animal from being put down On 5 July 2021 during the debate over the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Robert Buckland MP said On pet theft it is vital that the underlying seriousness of this type of criminality is fully reflected by the law That is why since its launch on 8 May the pet theft taskforce has been working to look at the wider issues I am grateful to my right honorable friend the member for Chingford and Woodford Green Sir Iain Duncan Smith for his work on this I am able to say in the strongest terms that we will act to drive out this pernicious crime His new clauses address some of the issues at the heart of where we will take action I give him and others the assurance that it is our intention to make any necessary changes to this Bill in the Lords before it returns to the Commons once we have finalised the detail of exactly what is needed using a range of powers including primary legislation The effect of these changes will I believe help to achieve what he and other honorable and right honorable members are seeking to achieve today WAKE ME UP Victoria Prentis Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs responded to the petitions on behalf of the Government I assure everyone that action is being taken There is 8 Dogs Today August 2021 Because your dog deserves the BEST Global 100 2020 WINNER Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 UK REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR Stops dogs pulling on the lead and gives you back control Life Changing products for you and your dog 8 TIMES WINNER OF Product I can t live without WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS Stop Press Needless to say all this was music to our ears At the time of writing the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill is in its report stage it remains to be seen whether the government will take this opportunity to make pet theft a less attractive and lucrative crime For Dog People by Dog People a long list of animal welfare issues to get through and we are working through it We are keen not to delay she said On Tuk s law specifically steps have already been taken to give greater assurance that the microchip database information is checked whenever a healthy dog is presented for euthanasia I pay tribute to Sue Dawn and Dominic the driving forces behind this campaign for their tireless efforts to highlight the plight of Tuk and other dogs who were put down when an alternative The guidance underpins the code of professional conduct for vets Any vet practising in the UK is required to adhere to it Notification of the change to the guidance was sent to every registered vet and was well publicised in sector publications I am grateful to the veterinary profession for its positive engagement on this Concerning Fern s Law and pet theft as a whole she added the government s pet theft taskforce will report its findings at the end of July In the autumn following the recommendations of the taskforce we will work on the legislative and non legislative measures that can help to deal with pet theft she said Items that we are working on include stopping cash payments creating a new pet theft offence or offences where necessary and considering measures on the compulsory scanning of microchips We need to use every available tool in our response to this It remains to be seen whether the recommendations will go far enough and if so to what extent they will be taken on board for real action however after some very productive months in parliament we look forward to autumn with cautious optimism P NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF NO MORE DISCOMFORT AWARgDCoEllDar Best Do 20 21 UK 0 2 r re tu c fa u Man tive Dog Most Innova cturers Collar Manufa 2019 Also available Collars Non Slip Leads and Gripper Training Leads offering added security and confidence throughout the winter months Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Feline Behaviour Association Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www dogmatic org uk Winners 2013 2021 Dogmatic UK Ltd is on Facebook Matching accessories in a selection of colours with high quality workmanship andToday fittings June 2020 Dogs 67

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Words BERNARD BALE Cats might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Dame Judi Dench but this Oscar winning actress simply adores dogs Great dame Judi looks back on her past with many great memories but really she is far more interested in the future I have sometimes been described as a national treasure she said I really don t like that It makes be sound as if I am in a dusty drawer behind the scenes of the British Museum and only brought out when there is a jubilee or something That s not me at all I might have clocked up a few years since my birth certificate was signed but there is plenty of life left in me yet I am enjoying my work and still having fun I have always had a love of dogs I think it was part of my upbringing said Judi They are always such good fun to have around friendly loyal all the things you hope for from your best friends I ve had a number of dogs through the years and always hate it when they depart You cannot help but love your dogs they give you everything and don t ask for very much in return I never understand how people can be cruel to them or to any other animal come to that Oscar winning Dame Judi is rarely involved with anything that is not a huge success Even though her own performance was acclaimed in the film offering of Cats the actual production was not well received It happens sometimes a shame really because a lot of production work went into it and many people really did enjoy seeing it You can never please everybody you can only try to please the majority Judi s performances have been pleasing people for decades I m an actress she said That s it I like to think that simply being an actress is enough but often people want to put you into some sort of box with a label on it that says comedy actress or Shakespearean actress I have never been comfortable with that I am an actress and that means you should be able to turn your hand to anything and not be limited by a label If that sounds a bit of an attack 10 Dogs Today August 2021 UPSTAGED from Dame Judi it isn t She is one of those people who rarely fails to smile for very long She has a wicked sense of humour and is perfectly happy to laugh at herself and not take life too seriously Maybe my humour comes from my Irish heritage she said My mother was from Dublin and my father wasn t born there but was brought up in Dublin She was a seamstress in theatre and he was a doctor so I have quite a mix within me I have relatives all in the west of Ireland in Dublin and over the border in the north I have been to quite a few Irish parties so I know full well that Irish people love to laugh and have fun I hope I am like that I do find that while I do not feel my age at all I notice things about myself that are a little surprising I really feel that I am a 40 something but I am aware that I don t rush about like I used to I was never one to sit around for long but now I quite enjoy sitting around and I have to convince myself that there really is a need for me to get up out of that comfy chair NOT SO GOLDENEYE I am not short of energy though The only real problem is with my sight I need a lot more light than I used to I ve got what they tell me is macular degeneration My mother had it too Apparently it is something that you can get when you grow older a bit like a bus pass I suppose Your sight gradually gets worse and you have to live with it I can see myself one day walking on stage and addressing my lines to a prop tree thinking that I am talking to the leading man It is a good idea not to get too close to the edge of the stage either You can just see the headlines Judi Dench falls into orchestra pit Judi remains a very down toearth person who refuses to fit into a category or give in to what is expected of someone at her age or with her obvious talent I have never been complacent she revealed I am aware that I must be of some use at what I do otherwise I would not have been doing it for so long but I still get a bit nervous from time to time even if it is a role that I have played many times before TOMORROW NEVER DIES Sometimes when you are a shooting a film the word goes round that someone famous is visiting and if it is someone you admire but have never actually met before it can be quite testing I remember Sophia Loren visiting a set once and I became a bundle of nerves She was lovely and I don t know what made me nervous but there I was getting all tense over it Judi has used her fame and status to help a number of dog charities including Greyhounds in Need which is devoted to the rescue and rehoming of Greyhounds and for which she is patron I always like to do my best to highlight these charities If it has made a difference to just one dog then it has been well worth it There are many Greyhounds in need each year as indeed there are other dogs in other circumstances I am a great believer in trying to rescue dogs and urge people to think first of a rescue dog if they are looking at having a dog join the family When you see a dog get another chance a new home that is safe and comfortable you can see a difference in their eyes At first they don t believe their good fortune and then when they learn to trust they are just so happy Judi s own favourite I just love Shih Tzus I have one myself and we are almost inseparable When I did Kenneth Branagh s Murder on the Orient Express my character had two dogs and they were Shih Tzus so that was a real bonus Dogs can upstage you of course but it is well worth it as many of them are born actors and can teach us a few things well me anyway P August 2021 Dogs Today 11

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Words BEVERLEY CUDDY READER SURVEY Rash decisions BEFORE AFTER Most vets will tell you that skin issues can be one of the hardest things to treat Plus there are now so many products and remedies offering assistance where do you start We thought we d ask you to share what has helped in the past I She had terrible tear stains A few weeks later I could see a difference in Heidi s face I was very surprised I would recommend Ocryl to any dog with tear stains Chrissie Osborne Heidi s owner VISIBLE RESULTS WITHIN 2 WEEKS t seems obvious but skin never sleeps and we shouldn t take it for granted It multi tasks all the time It protects the body s other organs and provides the interface that gives our dogs their sense of touch Depending on size it can be as much as 24 per cent of the dog s body weight and these cells are constantly being renewed Good skin is far from cosmetic it s essential WHAT WORKED FOR YOU Without a doubt the survey delivered the message that you are what you eat Most of you said a change of diet was what made the most difference to a skin problem 72 Change of diet 44 Antihistamines from the vet 43 Adding omega 3 fatty acids 36 Aloe vera products 35 Applying coconut oil 30 Colloidal silver 26 Vet only meds 23 Oatmeal bath 2 1 Dilute apple cider vinegar sprayed 16 Vitamin E supplements 15 Allergy shots from the vet 15 Turmeric based products 1 1 Dust reduction in the home 10 Better flea treatment for dog and house 8 Stopping using hairdryers 12 Dogs Today August 2021 What diet change provided the best improvement 1 Change to raw 2 Change to grain free 3 Change to a single protein 4 Change to fish based food 5 Change to vet prescribed food 6 Change to dry food 7 Change to a homemade diet 8 Change to wet food SKIN SOLUTIONS Ocryl for Eyes A gentle eye cleansing solution for dogs cats and exotic pets Watch Heidi s full story at Combats unsightly tear stains and keeps them at bay Cleans away uncomfortable crusts and debris Also contains soothing Rose Extract ocryl co uk Here are the top 30 things that you described as being a great help Now it s not scientific and many more people had not tried these than had tried them but of those who had used them these had the highest rating This is a very mixed bag including things for your doggie first aid tin food supplements vet only meds and things to spray on But in our 30 years of writing this magazine we know that lots of you have had dogs with stubborn skin issues and for most people it wasn t the first thing they tried that worked Ocryl is available from your vet or via ocryl co uk TVMUK tvm_uk tvm_uk June 2020 Dogs Today 67

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YOUR TOP 30 SKIN SOLUTIONS 1 Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare 2 Petnat Dermacton Spray 3 YuDerm Moulting Dog 4 Dorwest Omega Star for Dogs 5 Pooch Mutt Bionic Biotic Digestion Skin Coat 6 Allergy X from Verm X 7 8 in 1 Vitality Brewer s Yeast 8 The Dog Doctors Hot Spot Foam Aloe Vera 9 Dorwest Soothe Calm Shampoo 10 Dorwest Garlic Fenugreek Tablets 11 Dorwest Wheatgerm Oil 12 Dorwest Keeper s Mix 13 YuDerm Itching Dog 14 YuDerm Boost 15 Dorwest Skin Balm 16 Vetericyn Wound and Skincare 17 Quercetin by Pure Encapsulations 18 Naturvet Brewer s Dried Yeast 19 ProDog Shine 20 Vet s Best Skin and Coat 21 Progroom Dog Skin Balm 22 Yumega Show Dog 23 YuMega Itchy Dog 24 Dorwest Evening Primrose Oil 25 Dorwest EasyGreen 26 Cytopoint Zoetis 27 Dorwest Green Releaf 28 Dorwest Elderberry Nettle Extract 29 Pooch Mutt Salmon Oil 30 Seraquin YOUR SKIN STORIES Only a full bodysuit stopped the grass allergy problem completely but it was uncomfortable for her the vet prescribed herbs and local honey which made a huge difference but didn t cure it With my current Lab the change in diet after diagnosis made such a difference I would say she s cured as long as we don t let her have any wheat or rice products Single protein raw complete food with Vince the Vet Digestion and Immunity supplements helped enormously Thornit helps with seasonal allergy itching No more baboon bum I give flowers of sulphur in the feed if they itch they are both so and sos for rolling in fox poo and a lot of our foxes are dying of fox mite I have reached the stage where I am also dosing the foxes Jam sandwiches with the sulphur inside Seems to be working Changed to grain free duck dry Aatu dog food and hemp seed oil every day and had great success We went from big flakes on the skin and itchy all time to clear skin and less itching although still with some scratching especially in the spring and summer months My Beardie puppy scratched so much coat out and had so many scabs I washed with colloidal silver and when dry massaged in plenty of Pet Nat s Dermacton cream Within a couple of weeks it s almost gone and the coat is growing well I ve loads of similar stories using these two products All dogs were changed to completely natural raw food I use Wormcount rather than routine worming and no tick and flea treatments All in my opinion aggravate the skin In one case the itchiness was caused by full anal glands Once emptied problem gone The most recent case has been treated wonderfully with a fine film of coconut oil applied directly to the coat and skin near the tummy during gentle grooming Patches of dry frazzled fur have disappeared We ve also been using new Butcher s treats for joints and coat 14 Dogs Today August 2021 Raw feeding Leucillin spray and oatmeal bath soap P

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Words ALESSANDRA PACELLI Dog walking needn t be hell Shreddies get rid of the smell Despite promises the use of e collars and other aversive training methods is still legal in England T he Kennel Club called for swift action to implement a ban on the use of electric collars in England following a Court of Appeal judgment in May that dismissed the appeal of the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association and Petsafe Ltd The appeal alleged that Defra s proposed ban on electronic shock collars was irrational and violated property rights Writing to Zac Goldsmith the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs DEFRA minister the Kennel Club stated that the outcome of the legal challenge which had previously delayed Defra from bringing about any legislative action saw the appeal from the Electric Collar Manufacturers Association and Petsafe Ltd thrown out as the government presented evidence to demonstrate that electric shock collars can have a detrimental effect on the welfare of dogs The judgment came mere days after the government had announced a new Action Plan for Animal Welfare which will ban the use of electric collars Research funded by Defra demonstrated that electronic collars can have a detrimental effect on the welfare of dogs by causing them unnecessary 16 Dogs Today August 2021 Illustration by Kevin Brockbank Ban them harm and suffering with 25 per cent of dogs trained with shock collars showing signs of stress Dr Ed Hayes head of public affairs at the Kennel Club said The Court of Appeal judgment should be the final step on this hard fought path to ban the use of electric shock collars in England and we have written to the minister to urge that the strong words and commitments made are swiftly converted into action We are delighted that the government has committed to banning these unnecessary and cruel devices in their action plan research demonstrates that a reward based approach is more effective than delivering painful electric shocks when training dogs and leading veterinary bodies in the UK and Europe are aligned in their opposition against shock collars We have been extensively lobbying the UK government and the devolved administrations for years on this issue The government previously committed to banning these harmful devices however the legal challenge which has now finally been brought to a close had considerably delayed Defra from acting There is now no room to lose the forward momentum in bringing about the ban The use of electric shock collars has already been banned in Wales under the Animal Welfare Electronic Collars Wales Regulations 2010 with anyone found guilty of using electronic shock collars on a dog or cat liable to up to a year in prison and or a fine The RSPCA is also calling to ban the use of pinch prong collars which are still legal to use in England myshreddies com F L AT U ELIMINATING L E N C E F I LT E RBAGS ING ODOUR U N D E RW E A R PINCHING PROBLEM The RSPCA s head of companion animals Sam Gaines said Pinch collars are based on the principle of applying something painful or frightening to stop an undesirable behaviour very simply when a dog pulls on the lead the prongs of the collar close around the neck which can cause pain or discomfort which reduces the chance of the dog pulling on the lead again Research has shown that aversive training techniques like pinch collars can cause pain and distress and can compromise dog welfare She added We want to see these collars banned not only because of the risks they pose to dog welfare but because they have great potential to cause abuse or to be misused P Dog Insurance with up to 30 off Visit theinsuranceemporium co uk DT99 or call 03300 243 980 today Entertainment Leisure Insurance Services Entertainment Leisure Insurance Services Limited and Lifestyle Policy Limited are appointed representatives of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited The Insurance Emporium is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited registered in England and Wales no 294940 which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no 202748 The 30 discount is made up of 20 Introductory Discount plus 10 Multi pet Discount if appropriate The Introductory Discount is available for the rst 12 premium payments on lunar and calendar monthly policies or one premium payment on annual policies O er ends 31 12 2021 and is only redeemable on monthly policies and not where premiums are paid annually Our Defaqto 5 Star Rating applies to Lifetime Gold Pet Insurance policies

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Words ALESSANDRA PACELLI Illustrations KEVIN BROCKBANK On 5 July 2021 MPs discussed an e petition calling for breed specific legislation BSL to be replaced by a new statutory framework The discussion lasted barely more than half an hour with very few in attendance and the only real news is that yet more research is coming Thirty years of hurt I n July 2017 I was invited to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to meet a dog called Francis who had been brought to the charity as a stray He was a big lovable boy with a long lolling tongue and a wagging tail happy to play with his ball and sit on command for a treat He would have made a lovely family dog the staff told me but I was not there to take him home as much as I would have loved to I was only there to document his final day The next morning Francis would be put to sleep He was young and healthy so he was not being put to sleep on humane grounds quite the contrary Francis was condemned to death for the most inhumane reason as measurements were taken he matched those of a Pit Bull type Had his chest or head been just a little more narrow had his legs been a couple of inches shorter he may have been spared but it was not the case Those inches deemed him a dangerous type and one without an owner as well he could not be legally rehomed a crestfallen Battersea staff member told me Their only option was to put him to sleep in accordance with the Dangerous Dogs Act even though Francis passed every temperament assessment with flying colours I would like to tell you that a miracle happened but it was not the case Like many before and after him Francis was destroyed the next day for no other reason than his looks 18 Dogs Today August 2021 The breed specific legislation BSL that bans four dog breeds Pit Bull Terrier Japanese Tosa Fila Brasileiro and Dogo Argentino is specific in name only In truth it bans any dog that is a type whether dogs are classed as a banned type depends on what they look like rather than their actual breed A Labrador Staffie cross could very well be classed as a type to be seized and destroyed depending on their measurements INCHES FROM DEATH Their owners can face lengthy legal battles to save their dogs with the burden of proof resting entirely on them it is not up to the court to prove the dog is dangerous but up to owners to prove they are not in a complete turnabout from the usual innocent until proven guilty formula Anita Mehdi found as much the hard way when her dog Lola an American Bulldog cross was seized after a neighbour reported her as a Pit Bull type in August 2019 Police came and said they needed to take Lola away she said I was hysterical I never imagined such a thing could happen Lola was such a sweet dog never hurt a soul I had to lead her out of the house and it was heartbreaking I didn t even know where they were taking her I asked if I could give her some toys or a blanket or some of my clothes with my scent because she is so sensitive but even that was denied August 2021 Dogs Today 19

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Lola Luckily Lola was allowed to go home much quicker than most dogs in her position do although she was very hungry and stressed After passing her assessment she is now an exempt dog which means she has to be muzzled and on a lead at all times in public which severely restricts Anita s ability to meet her exercise needs but she is alive As for Anita the more she looked into BSL the more upset she became I spoke with a dog legislation officer DLO who told me that the most common dogs to be typed are Staffie Labrador crosses she said I found out there were litters where some puppies were typed and killed while their siblings were spared It was absurd How could any of this keep the public safe 20 Dogs Today August 2021 OUR PENLAN RANGE HAS HAD A MAKEOVER BITING ISSUES DEED VS BREED There is plenty of evidence to say it does not Over the years there have been countless reports and studies underlining the unfairness of the current law and its failings in keeping the public safe with cases of dog attacks steadily rising Dog charities across the board the Communication Workers Union and the British Veterinary Association are outspoken in their opposition to the current law BVA senior vice president Daniella Dos Santos said We have long campaigned for a total overhaul of the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act because it targets specific breeds rather than deeds and gives a false impression that dogs not on the banned list are safe Evidence gathered as part of our recent policy update further supports our view that breedspecific legislation has been ineffective in its intended aims thereby failing to properly protect the public or safeguard dog welfare over the last three decades We would like to see robust fit for purpose legislation that effectively tackles individual acts of aggression and irresponsible ownership rather than banning entire breeds We ll be writing to the Home Office and Defra and will be joining up with other campaign organisations in the lead up to the DDA s 30th anniversary in August to attendance the actual discussion lasted little more than half an hour To his credit Elliot Colburn MP for Carshalton and Wallington laid down an impassioned case for changing the Dangerous Dogs Act The data suggest that the act has indeed failed to achieve its intended purpose he said The four breeds covered by the act account for only a small fraction of legal cases brought under the Dangerous Dogs Act Between 1992 and 2019 only eight per cent of cases involved those four breeds I spoke with a dog legislation officer who told me that the most common dogs to be typed are StaffieLabrador crosses I found out there were litters where some puppies were typed and killed while their siblings were spared It was absurd How could any of this keep the public safe Anita Mehdi Lola s owner push for effective evidence based solutions An e petition calling for BSL to be replaced by a new statutory framework was discussed in parliament on 5 July While we have been impressed by the amount of animal welfare issues recently discussed in parliament and the promising developments we were rather underwhelmed by this one With hardly anyone in At the same time the number of hospital admissions since the act was introduced has risen from 3 079 in 1999 to 8 859 in 2020 a 188 per cent increase Campaigners have also pointed to other areas where the legislation falls down It fails to tackle the issue of irresponsible owners because the focus is on the breed which detracts from the real problem of poor animal husbandry welfare and training of a dog He went on to point out the injustice of deeming dogs as types based solely on their measurements and how this targets several common crossbreeds the stress and difficulties the current law causes exempted dogs and their owners with the obligation to be muzzled and on a lead at all times how owners have been tricked into signing over their dog for destruction how dogs experience stress and turmoil after seizure and tragic cases when dog owners killed themselves because they could not afford to apply to have their dog exempted Daniel Zeichner MP for Cambridge also argued that the current law is ineffective He said It is sometimes slightly dangerous to take just a few statistics and assume cause and effect but the fact that there has not been a reduction in the number of dog bites raises questions about the effectiveness of the legislation He added There is no robust scientific evidence to suggest that the banned dog breeds are more likely to be involved in instances of dog biting or fatalities than any other breed or type of dog Again NEW LOOK SAME NUTRITIOUS RECIPE Expert nutrition team freephone 0800 083 6696 UK 1800 83 66 96 ROI Or Webchat burnspet co uk burnspet burnspetfood

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I recognise that Pit Bull Terriers are crossbreeds which is why we refer to them as a type rather than a breed Prentis added Identification of prohibited type dogs is made by dog legislation officers who are police officers specially trained for the purpose The same standard is used by all those officers to identify a Pit Bull type I have that standard here and I am very happy to share it with my honorable friend it is based on the American Dog Breeders Association standard of conformation IGNORING EVIDENCE We would like to see robust fit for purpose legislation that effectively tackles individual acts of aggression and irresponsible ownership rather than banning entire breeds We ll be writing to the Home Office and Defra and will be joining up with other campaign organisations in the lead up to the DDA s 30th anniversary in August to push for effective evidence based solutions BVA senior vice president Daniella Dos Santos as the honorable gentleman said between 1992 and 2019 only eight per cent of dangerously out of control dog cases involved banned breeds The legislation simply is not working it is not stopping dog bites Of course the animal welfare consequences are sad as has been outlined Dogs that do not necessarily pose a risk are being seized and placed in kennels There is something self fulfilling about that because as the honorable gentleman also outlined the physical and mental stress caused can mean that dogs then begin to act out and show aggressive behaviour which might not have happened had they been kept with their original families Speaking on behalf of the 22 Dogs Today August 2021 government Victoria Prentis Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs recognised that the behaviour of any dog depends on several factors including the training the actions of the owner and the environment in which it lives MISTAKEN IDENTITY However she said the government is concerned that lifting restrictions may lead to more tragedy adding that Pit Bulls have been involved in about one in six fatal dog attack incidents despite the fact dogs of various crosses of different common breeds are often deemed a Pit Bull types based on measurements alone making this classification dubious at best There is however a glimmer of hope the government commissioned research in collaboration with Middlesex University to look at responsible ownership across all breeds of dog Prentis added The research identifies and examines the factors that might cause dog attacks and how to promote responsible dog ownership The report is still being peer reviewed but we will publish it in the next couple of months The report will make recommendations on improving the recording of dog attack incidents so that we have a proper evidence base as more data in this area is badly needed The recommendations in the Middlesex University report will provide the basis to consider further reform in this area I look forward to future discussions on this important subject It is very important that we proceed with caution on the basis of robust data It remains to be seen whether research by the Middlesex University report will help bring the current breed specific legislation to an end but we re not holding our breath reports calling for its overhaul with evidence have been ignored several times before A comprehensive 2018 report by the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee questioned the effectiveness of Section 1 of the DDA but in January 2019 the government still declined to make any changes leaving innocent dogs like Francis to be put to sleep for no reason but their looks as dog bite figures keep climbing across the country P Delivering quality pet products for over 60 years Unbeatable Customer Service Need advice Get in touch today

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Photo by Tim Rose www timrosephotography co uk Posed by models Great Debate If you have an opinion on this subject that is not already covered here email enquiries dogstodaymagazine co uk putting Great Debate in the subject line Please limit your response to 100 words Puppy play biting is an issue most dog owners are familiar with it can sting quite a bit The common advice is to ignore the puppy when he play bites ending the interaction entirely Is not reacting the best way to stop puppy play biting Emma Judson Yelping can make matters worse depending on why they are biting If they want a response yelping gives them a response and if they want a response it s likely they need attention Puppies don t seek attention without reason they need a lot of attention We need to find ways of teaching them better ways to ask and to meet their needs before they have to up the ante in seeking attention Anne Bone Make a huge noise as if the dog has ripped off your arm and pretend to cry Then let him make it up to you by his appeasement Play some more Keep doing it whenever he hurts you That s always worked for us It s never failed in fact Emma Pine Yelping and pulling away would only make my puppy more excited and he d go out of his way to get me yelping again Interrupting all interaction without a word did the trick for me Nev George I screamed like a girl when my Patterdale sunk his needle like teeth into me and after a while he cottoned on that he was hurting me From then on he went really soft mouthed I did the same with our Cavapoo and he picked it up almost instantly When we have a play fight and he gets too excited I have to use the command enough and he stops immediately Michael Lewis Normally it s just a mouthing thing that puppies do when they re excited or tired it usually stops around six or seven months old It s obviously quite painful when they have their sharp puppy teeth so try not to pull your hand away too quickly We tend to just use the word no at increased volume until they take notice Don t try to make it too complicated just use your voice It s always worked for us Darren Moody Puppies who are biting are usually either over tired or overstimulated or both If they re over tired I ll crate them if they re over stimulated I generally do some training such as position training that requires them to use their brains It usually calms and tires them at the same time 24 Dogs Today August 2021 Clare Kennett I was told to yip like a hurt puppy but Teddy just bit me harder Amanda Foster Brown Stop it command immediately into the crate with chew toys for teething and leave the room Liz Laker We use a positive interruptor with our four monthold Cocker The biting has all but stopped other than occasionally if she s over tired Our positive interruptor is a kiss sound she stops biting looks at us and we reward with a yessss and a treat Worked for us Veronica Upton Many years ago I watched a video on YouTube regarding this subject I had a new nippy pup so I gave the idea a go and it worked It is so simple put the puppy in a sit in front of you while holding a treat in each hand You hold out both hands with palms down in a fist so the pup can smell the treats inside Show the hand to the pup when they start to nip say a firm no pull the hand back and get the pup back in a sit As soon as they stop nipping open the opposite hand palm up and give the treat Same for nipping feet sit on a chair swinging legs a little with treats in your hand and use the same technique Always treat from the opposite hand to the one they are nipping You have to be consistent and repeat throughout the day until they get the idea Denise Harding I currently have an eightmonth old Aussie puppy He has been absolutely horrific with his biting and nothing worked except time I tried everyone s guaranteed foolproof methods over months but nothing could beat his stubbornness and lack of caring for consequences He eventually slowed down and stopped in his seventh month I had to put up with holes in clothes punctures and bruises every day since January Kelly Abraham Place a teething toy in their mouth Mieke Drossaerts Say a strong no and distract the pup with a toy or order the pup to calm down like going on his bed And now the most important part praise him if he does so This month s result 6 19 75 Yes No Maybe Lesley Greer Say no and throw in a distraction Dawn Melville The only thing that worked for my pup a few years ago was standing stock still not batting an eyelid The behaviourist told me it was to do with how dogs read our body language It worked for my dog but he only stopped mouthing me anyone else was fair game Jeannie Gee Puppies tend to be more intent on biting and being more impulsive when they re over tired Firstly I would be shoving an appropriate bite thing in their mouth a nice soft toy or tuggy If they aren t interested and they bite to hurt I would yelp and look offended Then if they come at you again calmly grab their house line and it s nap time You need to have a puppy on a house line so when they are being silly you can grab the line no chasing as that s just making it a more fun game and put them in a pen or crate with a Lickimat They re usually in need of a nap and are fighting it as toddlers do P Next month s topic is Should there be a cap on the price of puppies Email editorial dogstodaymagazine co uk with your thoughts putting Great Debate in the subject line or write to Great Debate Dogs Today The Old Print House 62 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8AA August 2021 Dogs Today 25 Yes Ma No

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Words DEBBIE BRIDGES It s one step at a time for a small animal rescue centre with big ambitions Walking the walk B ack in the spring of 2019 the world was a different place and the prospect of raising 1 2 million for a much needed new kennel block looked daunting but doable to the team at Animals in Distress a small rescue centre based in south Devon The dogs in the charity s care have been housed in former Greyhound racing kennels since 1994 when two large bequests allowed them to purchase the buildings and move from privately boarding the dogs in local kennels until suitable homes could be found The accommodation was never ideal having no outside runs and although clean and safe for the dogs the old kennels are now well past their sell by date as well as expensive to heat and noisy 26 Dogs Today August 2021 Left Ula and Debbie heading for the coast path Above Jane with Meeko who anticipates a right turn on the coast path Drafted in to spearhead The Big Bark Appeal as campaign manager Rosey Oakes was confident the money could be raised in time to see work start on building the charity s smart new kennel block within the two year timescale The first year was all about raising awareness says Rosey We built up relationships with local businesses and planned to start asking for sponsorship and raising funds in the spring of 2020 We all know what happened next But seeing the scheme hit the buffers with the arrival of Covid 19 wasn t the end of the charity s aspirations and returning to work after nearly a year of furlough Rosey says she s had plenty of thinking time and is bursting with fresh ideas to get The Big Bark Appeal back on track ROAD AHEAD Many local companies will be struggling now so we can no longer rely on corporate support alone she explains We re focusing instead on grant applications and our supporters have been coming up with some fantastic fundraising ideas sky diving is very popular Every little bit counts at a time like this and it s hoped another supporter s idea will not only turn a modest profit but also be useful to local dog owners both old and new Jane Rowell has been an enthusiastic supporter of Animals in Distress since adopting Meeko a Border Collie Husky cross some two and a half years ago and she came up with the suggestion of creating a book describing the favourite walks of some of the dogs who ve found their forever homes through the charity Turning up at a windswept car park on the coast near Dartmouth my dog Ula and I are looking forward to trying out Meeko s favourite walk We find Rosey and Jane already unloading excitable dogs from their cars and after the requisite bout of sniffing and wagging we re off When we got Meeko we found ourselves looking for dog friendly circular walks the whole family would enjoy Jane tells me It struck me how useful it would August 2021 Dogs Today 27

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That lasted about a week Rosey laughs Then Mo arrived at the centre a tiny scrap of a thing only two weeks old Her mother had rejected her and she still bears the scar on her head from where she d pushed her away She was quite sickly and we soon realised she had very little in the way of vision THIRD TIME LUCKY Mo was hand reared by the dedicated kennel staff who Rosey now realises had a bit of a conspiracy going on They kept finding an excuse to ask me to hold her for a moment and although I d made it clear I wasn t looking for a dog it turns out they knew better We watch Mo charging around with Meeko and Ula and aside from blundering into legs and dogs occasionally you d never know she s only partially sighted Now the official ambassadog of the charity she s living proof that even the tiniest scrap with the most tenuous of holds on life deserves a chance She s the happiest dog ever says Rosey She just Photos Poppy Jakes Photography be if there was a book of local walks available to anyone adopting a dog We find ourselves temporarily thwarted at a gate which though previously allowing easy access to the field beyond now boasts a shiny new padlock But with varying degrees of help and encouragement the dogs all make it over the adjacent stile Regrouping on the other side we agree this is the sort of detail the book should include so anyone with a dog of St Bernard proportions who doesn t happen to be a weight lifter might choose to sit this one out Luckily the fields on the way to the coast path are currently cow free so we can let the dogs off to get properly acquainted and generally have a blast Which leaves us able to relax and talk about every owner s favourite subject our dogs I learn that while Jane and her family were more than ready for another dog in their lives Rosey had promised her partner Stuart she wouldn t be bringing any animals home when she started her new job at Animals in Distress Seriously loves everyone and everything and I can t imagine life without her With the wind whipping at our waterproofs we head downhill towards the sea and clip the dogs back on their leads as we join the coast path which comes dangerously close to the edge in places It s another point to mention in the book which Rosey says will be more than simply a collection of walks As well as putting in the sort of information that s invaluable to dog walkers we re going to include the stories of each of the dogs alongside their favourite walks she says Meeko s story is one of third time lucky and Jane says it was through no fault of his own that he d already had two homes by the time she adopted him He s something of a live wire and as the Rowells like nothing better than a good walk he s the perfect fit for their lifestyle Each of Jane s three children has willingly taken responsibility for an aspect of his care and Meeko has responded with unwavering and impartial devotion He s loyal to every member of the family she says There s a spot on the landing where he can keep an eye on all of us and that s his happy place As Jane regales us with Meeko stories I m starting to think he could fill a book all by himself but his ballthieving and football pitch invading activities are only part of the fun loving dog he s blossomed into and Jane says he s also incredibly sensitive to people s moods intuitively offering comfort whenever it s needed I can t explain how much of an impact he s made on the whole family she says He brings us all so much joy and he s spoilt with lots of love HAPPY AMBLING Back at the car park we re parting like old friends and I m already looking forward to returning with Ula to do this walk again But before we do that we have an important job to do for Rosey She hands me the instructions she s written for Mo s favourite walk which Ula and I have agreed to test drive so if we re never seen again she can assume a vital detail was left out A few days later sees us parking up in a small village Approaching the coast path it s time to put the dogs back on leads Above left Rosey and Ambassadog Mo at work Above right The old kennels are past their sell by expensive to heat and noisy Left A computer generated artist s impression of the new kennel block where dogs like Chester above will one day be housed in more comfort 28 Dogs Today August 2021 August 2021 Dogs Today 29

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on the eastern edge of the Dartmoor National Park where we re met by old friends and frequent walking companions Nean and her Golden Retriever Bess After all if we re going to get lost we may as well do it in good company Nominating Nean as guinea pig in chief I hand her Rosey s directions tucked in a plastic sleeve in case the famously changeable Dartmoor weather decides to take a turn for the worse She studies them carefully Two pubs and a cafe along the way she declares cheerfully We set off keeping the map stowed away at the bottom of the rucksack for emergency use only The route takes us along quiet country lanes and through ancient woodland and we find Rosey s instructions are spot on the whole way And if we hadn t come across a stray lamb on the road and spent a futile 20 minutes trying to reunite the uncooperative critter with its mother we might even have made it back to the cars without a soaking I drive home looking forward to telling Rosey it s a wrap and reflecting what a contrast today s tranquil amble has been compared to Meeko s dramatic stretch of coastline Putting together a collection of these little gems is surely going to mean there s something for everyone whether they re new dog owners staycationers or even people like me who thought they knew the area inside out We all love a happy ending and maybe including the dogs stories will do more than simply warm the cockles Perhaps they ll also serve as a reminder of all the dogs still waiting patiently for a family of their own every book sold and every donation to The Big Bark Appeal is for them P Leads to follow www animalsindistress uk com info animalsindistress uk com Facebook animalsindistressipplepen Twitter aidipplepen Instagram animalsindistress and LittleMoRescuePup ADVERTISING FEATURE ADVERTISING FEATURE Get your dog s Vitality back B iogenicPet Vitality is dedicated to the wellbeing of our beloved four legged friends It is the ultimate rejuvenating daily supplement to restore vitality and give a healthy longevity for the golden years BiogenicPet Vitality regenerates damaged and inflamed tissues repairs injured joints and ligaments and alleviates chronic joint pain After 15 years and thousands of amazing recoveries we are confident that your dog and cat will benefit from the Vitality product and improve their quality of life You can make your purchase or give the Vitality tablets a 30 day risk free trial by enrolling into the Vitality Challenge Trial BASIL Basil eight and a half had TPLO tibial plateau levelling osteotomy surgery for a torn cruciate a couple of years ago and his mobility isn t what it used to be much to his annoyance says owner Robyn Burnett as he still likes to charge about like a youngster After starting the Vitality Challenge Trial Robyn quickly saw such an improvement that she took Basil out of retirement and entered him in a couple of dog shows He is free from any stiffness and pain and able to move freely Robyn said We plan to keep him on this product now for the rest of his life since he s doing so well and we want him to remain happy and healthy for as long as he can Nean and Bess take a stone bridge in their stride Nean keeps the team on track with Rosey s directions ALICE Alice 11 is a retired canicross dog who has competed in races in Europe and the UK In her older years she found longer walks an effort although wasn t lame and didn t have obvious arthritis In the words of owner Ann Newman she was no longer herself she didn t enjoy walks the way she used to and was noticeably slower by the end After starting her Vitality Challenge Trial however Ann noted an improvement She s showing signs of her old self Ann said She actively goes in front on our walks now instead of lagging behind She will run off into the woods and has done some tree climbing too ACE Ace 11 is a former fire service search dog Due to extreme rescue missions and physical demand Ace developed a severe case of arthritis in his front left paw Ace could not stand on that foot or run and play with his friends and the inactivity took a toll on the rest of his body Then BiogenicPet Vitality in collaboration with Dogs Today magazine announced the Vitality Challenge Trial which Ace entered In little over a month Ace was able to use his once immobile foot play with his friends and keep on improving his condition Owner Michael Dewar said Having used Biogenic Vitality and seen the positive results it had on Ace I can recommend it to anyone who is in a similar position I want to thank the team from Biogenic Vitality from the bottom of my heart for giving Ace the hero dog a more pain free and happier life P To learn more visit our website at Out on to the open moor with Ula and Bess on lead in case of sheep 30 Dogs Today August 2021 biogenic pet vitalitychallenge August 2021 Dogs Today 31

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Postbag A word from Your news views LIFE OF BARNEY We rescued Barney from a place in Spain that was known as the killing station but I will refer to it as the pound because I just can t bear to call it by its local name Barney had never been indoors he had never chased after a ball and had not been treated very well at all He had bruises all over his body and dermatitis which the vet said was from stress When he had been dumped outside the gate at the pound they had to cut off a rope around his neck that was so tight his skin was growing around it We first saw Barney on a Facebook page that a wonderful charity had set up to try to rehome these poor dogs before the inevitable happened It was love at first sight He looked so small and scared The note underneath his picture stated that the other dogs would pick on him and push him out of the way so he struggled to get any food He was sad lonely and had a fresh cut on his ear where he had been bitten by another dog We arranged to visit him as soon as possible as soon as we saw him we knew we had to bring him home I don t think I have ever seen such a sad frightened dog but he was quite happy to let us stroke him and take him for a little walk The day we brought him home he gingerly climbed up on to the sofa and slept for a whole day From day one he loved being close to us and having cuddles He loved everyone who came around to see him he never barked or growled although sadly I suspect that was because no one had ever taken any notice of him before When we brought Barney home in 2010 he was about three years old He is now 12 and is still the same beautiful cuddly boy he has always been Barney does still have some struggles he doesn t like loud noises Fireworks and the crackles of a fire make him nervous causing him to seek comfort from one of his humans He will jump if someone sneezes loudly or if something is dropped on the floor He will even shake and cower if anyone picks up an object that he doesn t like the look of such as the broom and a rolled up newspaper It is unimaginable what this poor dog must have been through However there is much that is positive He absolutely loves chasing the ball we had to teach him and going for walks which take ages as he sniffs everything He loves other dogs and surprisingly cats He will often Get in touch We love to hear your news and views and see photos of your dogs Email editorial dogstodaymagazine co uk Write to us at Dogs Today The Old Print House 62 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8AA Join the debate Voice your opinions on news stories and other topics on our Dogs Today Magazine Facebook page or through our website www dogstoday magazine co uk play with his cat brother and they regularly curl up together in his bed Barney loves everyone and everyone loves him He has brought so much joy to our family we couldn t imagine life without him I know not everyone has a story like ours Some dogs are so damaged by their traumatic past that it is almost impossible for them to ever trust a human again However I implore anyone who is considering inviting a dog into their family to consider a rescue There are so many dogs desperate to be loved and looking for their forever homes Sarah Donovan From Facebook IT SEEMS THAT SOME PEOPLE NEED HELP WITH IDENTIFYING TICKS Michele Kosty I used to groom dogs and had a man call and tell me his Cocker Spaniel had ticks and he needed someone to remove them because when he tried the dog would bite him When the man brought the dog in I couldn t find any ticks so I asked him to show me where they were When he did so I said Those are his nipples you are trying to pull off no wonder he was biting you He started arguing that he was a boy and didn t have nipples I told him to do me a favour go home lift up his shirt and look in a mirror and if he still thought boys didn t have nipples he could bring him back in 32 Dogs Today August 2021 Phoenix Silberbach My husband thought our dog s nip was a tick too Meet Bought By Many 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Six of the best ADVERTISING FEATURE Nilaqua Pets A rinse free pet shampoo using a unique water based formula that requires zero extra water to clean your pets It s simple to use just apply massage into a foam then towel off the product removing tough odours dirt fox poo urine blood and mud Our no rinse shampoo is available in Mulberry Peppermint Natural Flea and Tick Repellent and our brand new Coconut Puppy Edition Protection for up to six hours No more stressful bath times for you or your pet Get 20 off the entire range use code DOGSTODAY20 www waterlesspetshampoo co uk Laughing Dog Food Our Naturally Complete recipes have been carefully crafted with delicious wholesome ingredients to create a complete balanced meal that is gentle and nourishing Naturally Complete is 100 single species which means the only animal protein is from our tasty Atlantic salmon chicken or lamb All our naturally wholesome ingredients are ethically sourced and from salmon chicken and lamb that has been passed for human consumption Formulated free from grains and gluten soya dairy egg and sugar No artificial additives No GM ingredients or fillers All made on our family farm in Lincolnshire from start to finish www laughingdogfood com 0800 098 8057 Bob Martin Flea free Tick free Worry free For over 125 years Bob Martin has been helping keep pets free from fleas and ticks making vet quality products available and affordable With Bob Martin s range of treatment and prevention products it couldn t be easier to say goodbye to pesky parasites Plus Bob Martin s products are regulated and approved by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate meaning you have added peace of mind that they are safe and effective Get 20 off your first online order Use code FIRST20 and enjoy free delivery too Visit www bobmartin co uk or follow us on Facebook BobMartinUK and Instagram bobmartinpets 34 Dogs Today August 2021 TastyBone Proudly made in Great Britain TastyBone has a wide variety of products that ensure your dog has an unrivalled chewing experience no matter their size breed age or chewing strength With seven ranges and made from 100 virgin nylon TastyBone comes in many shapes and sizes and is packed with irresistible flavours right through to the core Chewing a TastyBone each day improves oral hygiene promoting healthier teeth and gums The saliva produced while chewing also helps to break down plaque and prevents tartar build up Use code DOGS20 and get 20 off your first online order www tastybone com Posh nosh for your dogs Feed your dog right the natural way Here at Brown s Pet Range we ve worked extensively with British Manufacturers Zoological Nutritionists with over 50 years of experience in the production of dog food Together our goal was to produce a high quality complete diet The end product A food with a high meat content and a compact ingredient list produced with only natural ingredients and herbs meaning you know exactly what you are feeding your dogs Claim 50 off when you buy a dozen with discount code dogs2day www brownspetrange com collections posh nosh for dogs Perfect Pet Gift Boxes VIPF Club Perfect Pet Gift Boxes choose from standard bespoke or surprise options With a range to suit all budgets you re sure to find something special for your dog cat or bunny With the Perfect Pet VIPF Club busy owners can select a convenient monthly delivery to suit their needs and budget Each comes with member benefits such as freebies and discounts September sees the launch of the Perfect Pet Patisserie too Dogs Today readers can apply a 20 discount to the Tough Chew Toy Box valid until 31st August using code DogsToday at checkout www perfectpetclub co uk Deliciously moist bite sized pieces of chicken fillet filled with a luxuriously creamy puree made with the highest quality natural ingredients We are giving away bundles of Churu Bites treats for dogs worth over 30 to 10 lucky readers Plus FREE sample packs for everyone Grain Potato F ree No Fillers Just scan the code to enter Competition closes 31st August Follow us on Facebook Instagram Inaba_UK www inabafoods pet The finest collection of Argentinian embroidered dog collars leads plus beaded and luxury collars leads from Kenya all made exclusively for us www leatherdogcollar co uk sales gauchobelts co uk 01258 837599

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to turn to their pets for social support and were eager to see any increase in figures for key areas of social support Due to anonymity we were unable to have people from our previous sample take the questionnaire again and we collected data from a convenience sample As predicted increases were seen in each of the key areas of social support particularly for shared activity physical contact and availability the areas of human social interaction that were most hindered by the spread of the virus and the tight lockdown that followed Just over 45 per cent of respondents also reported that during lockdown their dogs helped them through tough times more or much more than before Words ALESSANDRA PACELLI Covid support The past year and a half has been difficult for everyone but for Sunita Thind it s been especially hard She credits her dog Ghost for getting her through the dark times and she s not the only one W hen the Covid pandemic sent the UK into its first lockdown Sunita Thind was already battling ovarian cancer By her side as well as family friends and doctors there was the constant presence of a handsome Samoyed called Ghost Sunita says I had ovarian cancer recurrence and lost both my ovaries I went through multiple surgeries to get rid of cysts lost my hair and fertility after going into early menopause and to top it all off I caught Covid while undergoing chemotherapy Ghost has been my constant companion helping me stave off loneliness isolation and depression He s a very gentle loving boy who wants to be by my side constantly We have such a deep connection and he is part of my everyday life I am now getting over Covid related anxiety and depression my anxiety gets to its peak before each cancer scan at the hospital but staying with him and petting him always helps me feel better If I m feeling faint he will come and lie down beside me It didn t matter to him if I lost my hair or ovaries he needed me and I needed him He s a constant source of love and comfort and I don t know what I would do without him Even my doctor said he is good for my health both mental and physical he keeps me going There are days when no matter how awful you feel you still don t want to burden your loved ones with your problems but he s still there There is that presence that warmth that touch it really does help The fact that pet dogs provide a unique form of support will come to no surprise to dog owners but individual personal experience has little value when it comes to evidence based approaches on policies A new paper published in Frontiers in Psychiatry in April 2021 fills that gap exploring the true extent of social support provided by dogs both before and after the pandemic The Value of Companion Dogs as a Source of Social Support for Their Owners by Jonathan Bowen Antonio Bulbena and Jaume Fatj details the findings from a prepandemic representative sample of Spanish dog owners as well as from a convenience sample obtained during the Covid 19 lockdown in Spain Speaking to Dogs Today about the findings Jon Bowen says We were really excited about this paper This was the first time that the extent of social support 36 Dogs Today August 2021 from dogs has been evaluated using a representative sample population and the first time such a paper has been accepted into a major psychiatry journal A representative sample is balanced in terms of sex age groups education and so forth So our findings have general implications for the whole of dog owning society When we first started this study in 2019 of course we had no idea a pandemic was coming so it was very lucky that we collected this data when we did The research looked at several different aspects of social support availability of the source of support shared activities self disclosure physical contact and opportunities for caregiving SILENT COMPANIONS Availability is a vital aspect of the social support provided by dogs pre pandemic over 90 per cent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statements My dog provides me with constant companionship and If everyone left me my dog would still be there for me In terms of shared activity over 94 per cent of the sample said they play with their dog every day or every few days just over 86 per cent hug their dog just as often physical contact and just under 70 per cent tell their dogs things they don t tell anyone else therefore fulfilling the need of self disclosure with a confidant In terms of opportunities for caregiving over half of the respondents said they give their dogs treats or groom them at least once a day or once every few days The findings from the representative sample population indicate that the majority of dog owners feel that their dogs help them through tough times Jon says We found that the type of support dog owners reported getting from their pets did conform to the known characteristics of social support availability shared activity physical contact and acting as a confidant Many will look at people with dogs and say something along the lines of Oh it s like your child but that s not right it s something different it s a kind of social support and relationship of its own with its own place in one s relationships and support network What we re interested in looking at is how dogs fit into this network To give an example there are things you d tell your friends but would not tell your parents or children similarly there are things you tell your dog that you would tell no one else because you don t need to worry UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP My husband has a high pressure job and he d come home so tired and stressed sometimes you don t want to add to that But Ghost was there I could talk to him spend time with him and it always helped before during and after lockdown And of course he helped my husband feel better too over possibly upsetting them or stressing them out over problems you know they cannot help you with or getting blowback Dogs are not going to reflect back that stress Of course they cannot answer or help you solve the problem but this aspect of the relationship should not be dismissed Sometimes you re not seeking a solution but simply looking to vent and dogs help immensely They are there listen and think no less of you that presence alone has value TIME OF CRISIS This rings true when it comes to Sunita s relationship with Ghost Sunita had other sources of social support to fall back on her husband family friends but wasn t always able to confide with them My husband has a high pressure job and he d come home so tired and stressed sometimes you don t want to add to that she says But Ghost was there I could talk to him spend time with him and it always helped before during and after lockdown And of course he helped my husband feel better too When the Covid pandemic struck and Spain went into lockdown Jon saw a chance to collect more data under extraordinary circumstances We decided to distribute the same questionnaire again to see the scale of social support provided by dogs in the midst of a crisis the timing was just right for this rather unique opportunity Jon said We expected people Over 50 per cent of respondents said their dogs provided more or much more companionship than before and over 48 per cent hugged their dogs more or much more often There was only a 21 per cent increase in using dogs as confidants but this may be due to the fact technology allows us to talk to each other regularly even if physically far away Jon says Looking at the responses we found that the relationship between dog and owner is highly adaptable and capable of compensating changes in other sources of social support In order to make the most of these benefits the paper reads we have two options firstly to create interventions that take advantage of the presence of a dog in the household and secondly to identify and minimize perceived costs for the owner so that the dog can be most effective as a social support While pet ownership can be hugely beneficial to one s well being as reported in our July issue this is not always the case if the pet disrupts one s life or has issues the owner is unable to cope or help with it can actually result in a poorer quality of life I am not saying we should just give everybody a dog and everything would be great of course Jon says After all we are now seeing the consequences of people getting animals on impulse solely to have companionship during lockdown Not everyone is meant for pet ownership or would benefit from it However even before the pandemic there were many people who struggled to afford to keep a pet they already had and that pet is an immensely important source of emotional support to them State or local interventions could help people to keep those pets which might have major public health benefits in terms of mental well being We focused on dogs but we have no doubt other pets may be beneficial too Authorities could intervene to support people with pets or people who might benefit from having a pet where pet ownership is an option It s something well worth looking into Jon is certainly going to keep looking into this the paper was only the starting point for a bigger project he says We treated it as a first step but this is a major area of research we are moving into We want to develop a more specific way of understanding the support that animals provide to people and the nature of it And I am very very excited to see what we ll find P August 2021 Dogs Today 37

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Dogue de Bordeaux Photo posed by models Quick question Do you have a problem you d like answered by an expert Or do you want advice from someone with personal experience of the issue Email your question to enquiries dogstodaymagazine co uk What are the specific challenges of looking after large dogs 38 Dogs Today August 2021 EXPERT ADVICE Dr Jessica May UK lead vet at the video vet service FirstVet gives her advice on how to best care for bigger dogs The pandemic has seen a huge spike in the popularity of dogs and larger breeds have been particularly popular However caring for bigger dogs can present unique challenges Prospective pet parents should always research which breed their home and lifestyle is most suited to before bringing a dog home Space to roam Bigger dogs will be suited to a home where they have space to wander throughout the day Most large dogs will thrive in a house with a garden or outdoor space to stretch their legs and play although it is important to make sure that this area is secured properly to avoid any escapes Having access to open spaces or the countryside is also an advantage as larger dogs may struggle to navigate built up city areas and crowded pavements Regular exercise Owners of big dogs should have plenty of time on their hands to ensure they can keep their canine occupied and exercised Larger breeds usually need more exercise than average meaning two long walks a day as a general guideline although this does vary for each dog Working breeds such as German Shepherds or Border Collies are usually most in need of regular exercise due to their energetic nature as well as the need to exercise their brain For any dog the amount of exercise they get should be fairly consistent each day so avoid going for a 10 minute walk one day and a 10 mile hike the next Aim to build a regular exercise routine with your pet Housemates It is also worth thinking about how a big pet will fit into your household dynamic If you have small children it is important to know that dogs do not always have perfect awareness of what s around them Toddlers may get knocked over by a dog darting around the house or they may put themselves in a dangerous situation if they do not approach the dog carefully when playing Interactions between a child and any dog no matter its size should always be supervised by an adult You might also want to consider how a large dog would interact with other pets in the household If you have smaller pets such as cats rabbits or guinea pigs then it is best to keep them out of your dog s reach particularly if your chosen breed has a high prey drive Health issues While larger dogs can lead perfectly healthy lives there are some common health issues that owners should look out for Joint issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are a common problem among dogs of large stature Elbow dysplasia is an inherited condition where the elbow joint develops abnormally which can cause pain stiffness and swelling as a dog grows progressing to arthritis Hip dysplasia is a similar issue where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit properly These problems can be particularly pronounced in larger dogs because they grow so quickly Owners should screen breeding dogs prior to mating to reduce the risk of these diseases occurring in the litter Puppy owners should be on the lookout for any signs of decreased mobility or unusual gait Catching and managing joint issues early and maintaining a healthy weight throughout life is the best way to prevent them from worsening Large dog breeds are often also at higher risk of hypothyroidism where the thyroid gland does not secrete enough hormones which affects the dog s metabolism The most noticeable symptom of hypothyroidism is weight gain There can also be other symptoms such as hair loss and an intolerance to the cold Owners should look out for any changes in their dog s weight without a change in appetite and consult a vet if they have any concerns Safety and training Although you may not have to worry about small dogs sniffing around the kitchen countertops a big dog with a big appetite may be able to scoop up anything you leave around This makes it particularly important to make sure that your home is properly pet proofed You can use barriers to bar access to no go zones in the house Training is particularly important especially for when you have visitors when a big dog jumps up it is not only bad manners but can be dangerous if it knocks someone off balance This means that first time owners should seriously consider whether they are ready to commit to a strict training routine before they bring a large dog home However as with any pet if you put in the time and effort to keep them healthy and happy large dogs can bring great affection and companionship into your home P August 2021 Dogs Today 39

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Words CLAIRE HORTON BUSSEY M adi my short legged collie cross has always been a pocket rocket Walking in our local woodland she d sprint off in one direction circle us widely and check we were all happily in a family flock with no stragglers and then zoom off in another direction This zoom return zoom pattern would be repeated for the length of each walk For every mile we walked she must have notched up five Madi is now 14 Her zooms have become gentler ambles and I ve become slower too We both have dodgy knees Once she began to struggle to get out of her bed in the morning I contacted my vet Stiffness in the mornings or after rest is a common sign of arthritis Once warmed up Madi can still jump up on to the dining room table if one of the kids accidentally leaves a chair untucked quite a feat when you have Corgilength limbs But after a lengthy snooze she needs a good stretch and some gentle movement to shake the stiffness I ll write about our journey through the pain relieving medication options that we ve considered and used in a future issue but this month I want to cover the non veterinary basics that are important with all cases of osteoarthritis What is OA First what exactly is osteoarthritis OA OA is also known as degenerative joint disease and as its name suggests relates to the wear and tear of the joint structures Bone deterioration can be seen on X rays though OA also affects all the tissues of the joint which aren t seen on radiographs There will be changes to the cartilage lining of the joint synovial fluid and the associated muscles tendons and ligaments When a joint is unstable the body responds by laying down more bone and the synovial membrane also increases producing watery liquid However this liquid isn t as effective at lubricating the joint as the usual fluid and eventually the joint becomes drier The muscles supporting the joint will also atrophy through reduced use 40 Dogs Today August 2021 There are many warm comfortable beds to choose from and Madi has a variety around the home Her favourite apart from my super kingsize is an orthopaedic one that has a firm cushioned ring along the edge for her to use as a head rest The mattress is well supported so she doesn t struggle too much to get out of it some of the softer beds or beanbag types can prove too difficult for those who aren t good on their legs Weight management Old bones With age comes experience wisdom and often arthritis But pain shouldn t be an inevitable part of life for our golden oldies Given that the shock absorbing cartilage and cushion of synovial fluid is damaged in OA it s important that the dog s weight is kept down Obesity will cause unnecessary pressure on unstable joints as well as the myriad of other health disadvantages Most vet practices offer free weight clinics where you can receive advice support and regular checks to ensure you keep your dog in a healthy weight range Madi has many diverse breeds in her genetic make up a DNA test has shown she s 50 per cent Border Collie with the remaining 50 per cent comprising Corgi Dobermann Australian Cattledog Finnish Lapphund Jack Russell and others but I ve always been surprised that the Labrador doesn t feature Madi s spirit animal is the Labrador She lives to eat and can find a dropped pea within a fivemile radius Madi would be the size of a cow if her feeding wasn t closely monitored She has a small breakfast and evening meal like really small given her short stature and then dried food from her permitted ration to be used as treats throughout the day This gives her far more joy than two larger meals a day and helps keep her interest when we re on walks or doing some gentle training Above all it ensures she never exceeds her daily food allowance and puts on weight Safe exercise Because the shock absorbency of the joints is compromised and bone rubs against bone in her hindlimbs jumping is another no no for Madi hence my annoyance when the kids leave the dining chairs out and she jumps up and then down from exploring the table I carry Madi in and out of the car now which she accepts but if she were bigger I d invest in a ramp In fact maybe I should get one for the dining room Controlled swimming is a great exercise if your dog enjoys the wet stuff Sadly Madi does not but regular hydrotherapy sessions with qualified experts is a fabulous non weight bearing exercise for building up a dog s muscles and improving mobility Your vet will be able to recommend some hydrotherapy centres in your area and many insurance policies cover the treatment Regular exercise is very important for muscle tone and for keeping the dog s brain stimulated too Madi is pretty deaf now her sight isn t what it was and she sleeps a lot more than she used to but walks are still so important for her quality of life She doesn t accompany us on all day hikes like the old days but she still gets at least an hour a day sometimes broken up into three or four 20 minute walks Her other senses might be waning but her sense of smell is still keen and it s a pleasure to see how much she enjoys exploring with her nose and a new walk with novel whiffs will tire her out where a familiar jaunt does not However because Madi now has a slightly different gait and doesn t walk as far as she once did her nails We d love to hear about your oldies Do you have any tips you d like to share with others Write in see contact details on page 3 and include a photo or two of your dog and we will feature the best in Postbag do need clipping for the first time in her life so keep an eye on your own oldie s feet A good bed Child safety gates are a must once a dog is wobbly on the stairs to prevent any tumbles Luckily Madi can still master the stairs comfortably and chooses whether to sleep on my bed or in her own bed at night Where once she d curl up as tight as a cat she now usually lies stretched out on her side which is more comfortable for those with OA There are many warm comfortable beds to choose from and Madi has a variety around the home Her favourite apart from my super kingsize is an orthopaedic one that has a firm cushioned ring along the edge for her to use as a head rest The mattress is well supported so she doesn t struggle too much to get out of it some of the softer beds or beanbag types can prove too difficult for those who aren t good on their legs For the ultimate in luxury there are even heated pet beds for the winter months or a heated pet pad can be covered with a blanket and placed in your dog s usual bed Warm joints are definitely happier than cold ones Sure footing Expecting your dog to navigate slippery laminate floors when arthritic is like putting your nan in a pair of rollerblades to make a cup of tea A non slip rug is a good alternative if you can t change your flooring Stooping down to eat or drink can also take its toll if your dog is unstable Raised bowls will make meal times far more comfortable P August 2021 Dogs Today 41

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Sponsored by Photos by Tim Rose www timrosephotography co uk T My Dog Crush hese little known working dogs are highly intelligent and ever alert Gentle and affectionate at home Hovawarts love to be outward bound and are very active NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR Our survey of Hovawart owners revealed Awarded Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018 UK Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Fe Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 2 Character M any of us have dog crushes soft spots for breeds or types that we love but know we ll probably never own for lots of terribly sensible reasons Maybe you don t have enough hours in the day for the dog you dream of Perhaps you have a wandering eye and there are just too many dogs to fit into a lifetime Or you already have a house squashed full of adored allsorts that chose you In this feature we go through popular dog crushes and take a fresh look at what it would be like to actually live with them 42 Dogs Today August 2021 Hovawart These guard dogs are naturally watchful and want to know what s going on Very laid back with a guarding instinct explains one owner A third of our sample are described as geniuses by their owners and the rest are very clever for a dog These dogs are smart enough to keep their owners on their toes They have their own mind and will think for themselves rather than listening to every command given to them said one respondent Coat care Our owners generally give their dogs a good comb about once a week They do shed a bit but it s generally manageable Health The majority of our owners say their dogs are healthy and live to a reasonably good age for a fairly large breed Hovawarts should be screened for hip dysplasia and the breed club also runs a thyroid function test Exercise Training These are intelligent dogs with a strong instinct to work Still only 60 of our owners say they are easy to train That s probably because Hovawarts can be stubborn and are inclined to think for themselves They are not soppy retrievers advises one owner They have to be under control or can make wrong decisions if the owner isn t on the ball With the right training approach however Hovawarts can excel at scent work activities They are very active and 40 of our sample get more than two hours of exercise a day For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF NO MORE DISCOMFORT REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR Awarded Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018 UK Winners 2013 2019 Dogmatic UK Ltd is on Facebook Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Feline Behaviour Association Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www dogmatic org uk August 2021 Dogs Today 43

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My Dog Crush Traits Intelligent Inquisitive Loyal Energetic Friendly Gentle Origins H ovawart means something like guardian of the estate in German which gives us a hint of this breed s original function These hardy working dogs were used as guard dogs on German farms and estates from the 13th century but they remained very much below the radar for most of their history and came quite close to disappearing altogether The breed was resurrected after the First World War by Kurt Konig a zoologist who set about combing the Black Forest region for the last remaining descendants of this old breed The modern Hovawart was developed by crossing a number of similar working dogs and the breed was recognised by the German Kennel Club in the 1930s Hovawarts didn t arrive in the UK until the 1980s and they are now an established although still littleknown breed 44 Dogs Today August 2021 Downsides Prone to territorial barking Can be stubborn Owner s view H ester Oxborrow has had Hovawarts in her life for decades and now has two females Tiva and Tara She always wanted a natural looking dog she says and loves anything that can work and is intelligent Over the years Hester has done all sorts of activities with her dogs from search and rescue to trekking Although they can be trained to do lots of things Hovawarts are not necessarily as biddable as some more familiar breeds Hester warns that unless you work on getting a really strong bond with them they tend to go and do their own thing It s important she suggests to do a lot of things together although they are people oriented and very affectionate with their owners Best Facebook Groups Keep Calm and Papillon Papillon Lovers For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF NO MORE DISCOMFORT REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR Awarded Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018 UK Winners 2013 2019 Dogmatic UK Ltd is on Facebook Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Feline Behaviour Association Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www dogmatic org uk August 2021 Dogs Today 45

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My Dog Crush Love the breed Shop the breed v Warning may start talking about Hovawarts 11oz mug 12 49 with free UK postage from Mug Monster Co on etsy com Best names Ava Samson Vixen Flynn Ziva Willow Murphy Anita Hovawart print from 15 02 for a 5x7 print up to 77 38 for a 16x20 A 10 pack of notecards is also available for 16 39 Postage from the US K9 Art Gallery on etsy com Hovawart antics While on a walk demonstratively took another direction and asked me to follow to her favourite dog training club 15 minutes away in the opposite direction Hovawart T shirt featuring rhinestones and metal studs In black white or grey and in sizes from XS to 3XL Long and short sleeved available From 30 at Figaro Masks on etsy com though be aware that postage is from the US and is therefore costly Jumped a 7ft wall in the garden and stood on top just to see what was over it Opens drawers and takes the veg out Greetings card featuring five partying Hovawarts 3 70 blank or 4 60 with a personalised message Free UK postage Amber Marie s Studio on etsy com She sits in the wardrobe if you leave the door slightly open Goes into stealth mode and crouches down when she sees another dog walking towards her Won t budge until she meets them Best Facebook group v Matching large and small cotton bag 18 99 with free UK postage from Tailzgifts on etsy com Hovawarts UK For Dog People by Dog People For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF NO MORE DISCOMFORT REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR Awarded Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018 UK Because your dog deserves the BEST NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF NO MORE DISCOMFORT REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR Winners 2013 2019 Dogmatic UK Ltd is on Facebook Awarded Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018 UK Winners 2013 2019 Dogmatic UK Ltd is on Facebook Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Feline Behaviour Association Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Feline Behaviour Association Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www dogmatic org uk Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www dogmatic org uk 46 Dogs Today August 2021 August 2021 Dogs Today 47

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Victoria Stilwell New friends Integrating a new dog or cat into a household with an existing pet can be tricky but the transition is more likely to go smoothly if the right guidance is given from the start Victoria Stilwell is a world renowned dog trainer best known as the creator and host of the international hit TV series It s Me or the Dog as well as Greatest American Dog on CBS Dogs Might Fly on Sky One and her web series about police K9s and their handlers Guardians of the Night A passionate advocate for positive dog training methods she is the founder of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training Behavior www vsdta com and the CEO of Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training www vspdt com Visit www positively com for news about Victoria s work and details about her books The Secret Language of Dogs Train Your Dog Positively and It s Me or the Dog 48 Dogs Today August 2021 T he key to peaceful coexistence is monitoring interactions and finding ways to reduce situational and environmental stress for each pet Before you bring a new dog into the home with an existing dog remove any triggers that could create tension between them such as food chews or toys This will reduce the need for either dog to compete over resources and avoid the locationguarding that commonly occurs in multi dog households Start by introducing your existing dog to the new one outside and on neutral territory The more choices both dogs have to either interact or put distance between themselves and explore the better There are more interesting things to discover outside than in the home and distractions give both dogs a chance to focus on something else rather than being forced to interact Keep the dogs on the lead until they are comfortable and if all goes well give them some time for off lead discovery or play before bringing them inside Give your new dog the chance to discover the new environment with or without the other dog present If your existing dog is uncomfortable with the new arrival you can create a process where the new dog s presence means good things happen to your existing dog Stand in the room with the resident dog and have a friend or family member walk into the room with the new dog As the new dog enters the room give praise high value treats or play a game with your existing dog Tell your new dog how good she is too so that both receive positive attention in the other s presence Relaxed fluid body language and a willingness to engage in social contact with you and each other will indicate that the technique has been successful Until you have a clearer picture about how protective the dogs might be over resources then toys chews and meals should only be given when they are separated If your new dog is naturally inquisitive she might want to investigate the existing dog s food bowl or share the toy he is chewing which will likely cause a disagreement that could escalate into something more serious It is essential that both dogs feel safe around each other and their resources so identifying triggers and minimising stress will prevent challenges from developing ADAPTING TO CHANGES Walking the dogs together allows them to have positive experiences in each other s presence The new dog might require less exercise than your existing dog to begin with but a small walk every day will help build up stamina and increase the bond between them Start teaching your dog life skills and cues that she can follow while giving your existing dog a refresher course Teach each dog separately at first before bringing them to do the exercises together and be careful that the rewards you use while they are close together do not cause tension between them Management is equally important to maintain calm and baby gates are very effective for giving each dog space and time apart important in any multi dog household If your dogs are still not comfortable being around each other put them in separate rooms and only allow them to interact if they are safe and have space around them such as in your garden Be prepared for occasional quarrels that happen even between the best of friends Hopefully these will be few and far between if you take care not to subject either dog to any situation that causes discomfort If your existing dog does not adapt to the new dog and both are stressed rehoming options might have to be explored for the new dog but this can be avoided if you are diligent in applying all teaching and management procedures so that they can live peacefully together in a stress reduced environment Remember your existing dog might not have had much say in choosing his new friend so be sensitive to the adjustments he has to make in order to adapt to the changes you will all experience when you bring a new dog into the home CATTY REMARKS If you are bringing a new dog into the house with an existing cat you should allow the cat to retain as much freedom as she had before the new arrival and make sure there are areas for her to go that are off limits to the dog It s inevitable that once there is an encounter your dog might experience a few corrective kitty swipes so make sure your cat s nails are kept short to avoid injury During initial introductions let your dog explore his environment and keep your cat in another room behind a door and a baby gate This ensures there isn t a chance meeting between the two until you are ready Building a good relationship from the start and supervising initial meetings is key Once your dog has explored part of the house without the cat put him into another room and allow your cat to investigate where the dog has been This gives her an opportunity to smell the new dog and get important information before they meet Once you are ready to have the cat and dog greet open the door and let them sniff each other through a baby gate Both your dog and cat will dictate how long they need before they can physically greet in the same room but it s usually a good idea to do this exercise for a few days so they get comfortable with each other s presence When it s time to have them in the same room put your dog on a harness and loose leash just in case he decides to chase the cat or you need to remove him quickly Make sure there are places for your cat to escape to and get up high such as a cat tree Both animals will respond much better if they feel safe so provide a bolt hole a high area for the cat and a crate for the dog to go to when they need space Use plenty of praise for calm greetings and if something does happen gently separate the two and go back to the previous level where both were comfortable Gradually build up to the point where you can try another greeting Your dog and cat might not become best friends over night but they should accept each other s presence in time Though dogs and cats might be historical foes the beauty of each species is that they can form intra species relationships and it s this ability and flexibility that helps create harmony P August 2021 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G Join our exclusive Sub Club With newsagents and supermarkets reducing their shelf space for magazines it s getting harder to find us Help us by subscribing and reap the rewards Buy Get your first issue for only 1 Then it s 9 99 quarterly by Direct Debit The UK s No 1 vitamins direct and save more than 17 a year UK only Save money enjoy a 17 04 saving over the year available now for those with 4 legs Delivered free to your door Subscriber only competitions page 59 15 voucher for PurrfectlyYappy com minimum spend 75 Call us for the special code TM Chance to win one of 50 Nerf dog toys Get the magazine before it s in the shops SuperDog takes our 50 years of awardwinning nutritional expertise even further all the innovation and careful effective formulation you d expect from Vitabiotics now available for your special companion From vitality to healthy joints and bones SuperDog formulations provide optimum levels of micro nutrients to safeguard the diet of your furriest family member Call 01276 402599 lines open weekdays 9am 5pm or subscribe online www dogstodaymagazine co uk product dogs today uk subscriptions All new subscriptions will commence with the current issue Overseas prices Europe 65 20 for 12 issues Rest of World 79 80 for 12 issues Joints Bones Health Vitality 60 Chewable Tablets 60 Chewable Tablets Canine expert The first 50 new or renewing subscribers this month will receive a fabulous Nerf dog toy so even your dog can benefit It s a win win win situation See my expert tips to help care for your SuperDog Paul Manktelow Visit www super dog co uk From UK s No 1 Vitamin Company By entering you confirm that your details will be passed on to the company providing these prizes for the purposes of distribution marketing 50 Dogs Today August 2021 2021 04 21_ADSPDCONP Please remember to include your dog s breed size and age in Dog breed and size during checkout Subscription gifts are only available to the first 50 subscribers each month sorry UK subscribers only Proud supporter of Battersea caring for dogs since 1860 Available from www super dog co uk SCAN FOR INFO Source Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Value and Unit Retail Sales 52 w e 30 01 21 To verify contact Vitabiotics Ltd 1 Apsley Way London NW2 7HF UK s leading supplements for humans Vitabiotics will donate 10p from the sale of each product to Battersea Battersea Dogs Cats Home registered charity number 206394

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When is a wolf not a wolf When it s a hyena I n taxonomy there are always outliers individual creatures that just don t fit the category boxes we so neatly have lined up in our biological classification systems I am often perplexed for example by certain African creatures The striped polecat for example or honey badger fascinating creatures that are neither dogs nor cats aren t viverrids like a mongoose genet or civet and so end up classified as mustelids together with otters mink and skunks of all creatures One such confusing species is southern and east Africa s aardwolf The name is Dutch and Afrikaansderived and literally means earth wolf It has other colloquial names maanhaarjakkals is used frequently in the Karoo and Kgalagadi desert regions of South Africa and Namibia and is Afrikaans for maned jackal I ve also seen this creature referenced as a civet hyena and termite hyena in research papers which are fairly accurate names Aardwolves have peri anal glands for scent marking much like civets and they feed almost exclusively on trinervitermes termites They are also the smallest member of the hyaenidae family The aardwolf was formerly classified in its own family protelidae before being lumped together with the world s three hyena species and superficially at least they do resemble a small striped hyena Its full scientific name is Proteles cristatus and it is the only living member of the subfamily protelinae Proteles is derived from the Greek words protos and teleos meaning complete in front which references the five digits on the front feet with only four on the rear Cristatus is Latin for provided with comb and refers to the bristly mane that runs almost the entire length of the body MANE EVENT The aardwolf has a slender muzzle black vertical stripes on a coat of yellowish fur and a long distinct mane down the midline of the neck and back It also has one or two diagonal stripes down the fore and hindquarters along with several stripes on its legs The mane is raised during confrontations to make the aardwolf appear larger Its lower leg from the knee down is all black and its tail is bushy with a black tip but it lacks the throat spot of other hyenas Aardwolf Pierre Duval 52 Dogs Today August 2021 The aardwolf is about 55 80cm long excluding the tail which is about 20 30cm long and stands about 50cm at the shoulders An adult weighs approximately 7 10kg Aardwolves in the south of the continent tend to be smaller than the east African version The teeth and skull are similar to those of other hyenas though smaller and its cheek teeth are specialised for eating insects It does still have canine teeth but unlike other hyenas they are used primarily for fighting and defence It also has exceptionally large ears similar to those of a striped hyena As an aardwolf ages it usually loses some of its teeth though this has little impact on its feeding habits due to the comparative softness of diet This is a creature of grassland savannah and desert and a range restricted and defined by the occurrence of its favoured food termites of the family hodotermitidae specifically on Trinervitermes They locate their food by sound and from the scent secreted by the soldier termites and may consume up to 250 000 termites per night using their long sticky tongues Aardwolves spend most of the year in shared territory containing upwards of a dozen den sites rotating the use of these every six weeks or so An adult pair together with their most recent offspring occupy a territory of between one and four square kilometres They are monogamous Copulation takes an incredible one to four hours Gestation lasts around 90 days and two to five cubs are born usually in November or December Cubs are independent at around four months of age An aardwolf pair typically has multiple dens which are usually abandoned aardvark springhare or porcupine dens or on occasion crevices in rocks They have numerous middens sites within their territory When they deposit excreta at their middens they dig a small hole and cover it with sand If their territory is infringed upon they will chase the intruder If the intruder is caught a fight will often occur This is often accompanied by soft clucking hoarse barking and a type of roar When food is scarce the stringent territorial system can be abandoned and as many as three pairs may occupy a single territory Territory is marked by both sexes as they both have developed anal glands from which they extrude a black substance that is smeared on rocks or grass stalks in five millimetre long streaks The aardwolf also has scent glands on the forefoot and penile pad Aardwolves are incredibly shy and nocturnal and so are only very rarely seen They tend to sleep in burrows by day and during the summer may sometimes rest outside their den during the night and sleep underground during the heat of the day On occasion during the winter they can become diurnal feeders especially during the coldest periods when they may also stay in their dens at night to conserve energy PEACEFUL CO EXISTENCE They are not particularly fast runners nor are they adept at fighting off predators When threatened the aardwolf may attempt to mislead its foe by doubling back on its tracks If confronted it will raise its mane adopting a more menacing appearance and emit a foulsmelling liquid from its anal glands The aardwolf is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN They are not considered common across its range but no recent decrease in their population size has been perceived Farmers tend to respect the aardwolf as a controller of termites and tend to leave them alone Insecticides and feral dogs are possible threats however I have not seen a great many aardwolf in my 28 years of guiding safaris because they are so secretive incredibly shy Peter Neville with dingo by Andrew Rae Rae Safaris Johannesburg Peter Neville above was an Adjunct Professor at the Ohio State University USA for many years and one of the co founders of the cutting edge behaviour and training course provider Coape the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology see www coape org Andrew Rae with African Painted Dog Safari adventures Peter now works as an ethology guide with our guest author Andrew Rae of Rae Safaris above specialising in tracking and studying African Wild Dogs and other large predators all over southern and East Africa and on Iceafaris in Antarctica www raesafaris co za When he is not doing that he lives in Helsinki Finland with his partner Stella Spooch their Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and two loud cats Peter has presented a canine behavioural case history for Dogs Today from his behaviour practices in the UK and South Africa since our very first issue and has invited Andrew to step in to write the current special series covering Africa s wild canids including foxes and hyenas Peter and Andrew have just finished writing a book Memoirs of a Safari Guide with former Dogs Today cartoonist Russell Jones covering their many amazing and hilarious experiences in Africa Publication is due later this year August 2021 Dogs Today 53

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Star Dogdog Food Rated 5 5 onallaboutdogfood co uk Is 5your urinating more Uk s First Grain Gluten and Dairy free often and in All Life Stages Nutritionally Balanced pain Low Carbohydrate Diet The complete solution for urinary health Natural protection of the lower urinary tract Green tea acts as an anti inflammatory Cranberry pulp for anti adhesive action Melon acts as an antioxidant Dogs ad OUTPUT pdf 1 28 05 2021 C M Y CM MY Lotty CY CMY K Leo Molly 01206 251animal 941 range visit For more information and to view our full companion info bentleysdogfood co uk www vetark co uk products dogs cats www bentleysdogfood co uk 16 17 above Some of the reactions I ve received from my pet portraits Seeking an artist to depict your dog in a very special portrait Look no further Costing depends on size and complexity a typical price painted or pencil for A4 size is 195 For more details just get in touch I m friendly Hope you like Lotty our GSD above PET portraits by GRAHAM grahamhe hotmail co uk tel 07747 529880 54 Dogs Today August 2021 High In Omegas Palatable tablet and powder form Amazing and beautiful active and less likely to hide in countryside devoid of apex predators like the leopard and lion The rolling hinterland of the Karoo is a great example of this privately owned swathes of semiarid farmland that continue to TASTE OF THE OCEAN That s just amazing and almost entirely nocturnal In fact for some time I wondered if they weren t just a figment of someone s imagination way back in time and became a myth that just got carried forward I have found them to be more daytime BENTLEY S host the region s smaller wildlife denizens I recall driving my pick up one late afternoon through the hill country of a farm called Honingkrans close to the Fish River I stopped the vehicle near a lofty viewpoint and switched off the engine The surrounding swaying grass was tinted that impossible salmon colour that precedes the sunset and all the world was hushed Off to the left something crossed an open tract of reddish ground and then stopped to gaze in my direction My breath caught in my throat as I beheld an adult aardwolf It moved on slowly into longer grass and after barely a minute had disappeared I couldn t stop smiling as I descended that dusty track to the distant farmstead in the gathering gloom An aardwolf wow No myth they really do exist P You ve brought her back to us Aardwolf Leon Marais Safari adventures HENDERSON GAvA Graham Henderson GAvA Aviation www grahamhendersongava co uk KIEZEBRINK UK Ltd FOCUS ON FOOD Exotic Animal Feeds Raw Food Diets TOP QUALITY RAW FOODS Extensive range of raw meat BARF and whole prey diets Single source proteins and elimination diets Fast frozen and next day delivery Online ordering facility See our full range of products on our website www kiezebrink co uk Email office kiezebrink co uk 01284 810779

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Tea break Put the kettle on and have a go at our competitions Winners of the Breedsearch Cross Question and Caption Competition will receive a bottle of the wonderful shampoo from The Missing Range from Completely Conkers Caption this In the ring Just for fun Unscramble the jumbled letters in the circles Breedsearch Can you find the names of our last three crushes B A I O J C Z C B Y V P N C B H G M E E G W O B O W C O O G I F B E X L A L Z O O E T T C B B E X F G R O D H A S W L G K I J F I N D Q C Y O A G L O U E R G L I P E E A S G R N T O E C W R E C J P Q E R L S O W B C O N B K O B O I D D G D H H I F C D A E F E O R Q D S E C N D A K T L R D F D O X N Z Q I N O E E L I L U L K E R R Y B L U E R H J Q I L T A Y D R V L O T V S J C F E V C N N A O D O P T WOVA R O K R C E N A C L E N O H C O O P C G Search up down forward backward and on the diagonal to find the missing words Owners of these have the groomer on speed dial American Cocker Kerry Blue Bedlington Labradoodle Bichon Frise Lowchen Bolognese Poochon Cesky Terrier Poodle Cockapoo What to do if you see a lost dog TA Eight lucky winners of the Breedsearch picked at random will win a bottle of luxury dog shampoo from The Missing Range from Completely Conkers and the winners of the Cross Question and Caption Competition will each win a bottle too This bespoke collection of natural dog grooming products is blended using only the finest pure essential oils that smell divine Each shampoo features a very special missing dog The range is dedicated to all missing dogs wherever they may be and is inspired by Conker a much loved Spanish Water Dog who went missing on 22 November 2013 in Oxfordshire and has not yet been found The manufacturer s greatest wish is to reunite the featured long lost dogs by telling their stories on the bottles of Completely Conkers The first lost dogs to appear will be Izzy Megan Chester Lexi Hansum Hugo and of course Conker You can hear each dog s story in their owners own words at https completelyconkers co uk Speak softly don t call whistle or chase Contact owner if you are actively looking for a missing dog Use slow movements show you are not a threat Don t approach head on at speed UP IN IN RIC Can you come up with a witty and amusing caption for this photo Don t look directly at the dog avoid eye contact C Do you have a funny pic you d like us to feature Please email it to us at the address on the facing page It was the dragon I m just refilling it August Caption Runners up He had seen a programme about clever dogs who sniff out drugs But it wasn t that sort of weed Jack Baines I am burying the remote no more football in this house I ve never seen the humans so tense Kate Wellesley STOP DROP THINK Sit crouch or lie on the ground keeping the dog in sight S EEM RH Winning caption Elliot Austin Photo submitted by Laura Ljh T S W P G I Cross Question Can you guess which breeds Jess s parents are China coming up Jacqueline Gregory How to enter If the dog runs away don t chase Follow from a distance stopping and dropping if the dog turns around July Cross Question Solution Don t attempt to catch or restrain the dog unless you re confident that you will get him or her the first time Norma s parents are a Chihuahua and a Cocker Spaniel Send your Breedsearch Cross Question Caption Competition entries together with your contact details via email to comps dogstodaymagazine co uk or post to August Competitions Dogs Today The Old Print House 62 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8AA to arrive by 17 August 2021 The first correct answer came from Rosemary Webb In the ring answer A Hovawart B Maltese C Miniature Pinscher 56 Dogs Today August 2021 August 2021 Dogs Today 57 Chihuahua Cocker Spaniel posed by models Lure with food if possible throwing it away from you but also not directly at the dog

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Prize crossword Compiled by Gyles Brandreth Quick clues Down Across 1 1 1 Loads of hunting dogs 5 4 And 2 Down Pet show expert exercising fat Lurchers after start of competition 7 5 8 Entertain being a course of inspiration 5 9 One time gardener and javelin expert 7 10 Emulating a retriever Charming 8 11 Means say to provide dairy product 4 13 Luncheon sure gets disturbed invaded by 500 dogs 7 6 16 Where Americans park to get their items in an auction 4 17 Shot Dickens pet 5 3 20 Like Peke having facial feature see that s unusual 7 21 Bangara Mastiff s home I wager is near far side of the mount 5 22 New arrival who ll pay up 7 23 Look after a kind of shark 5 8 9 10 11 13 16 17 20 21 22 23 Groups of 13 Across for example 5 And 2 Down Founder of annual dog show 7 5 Cause to smile 5 Percy former gardening expert 7 Obeying master s order to retrieve stick 8 Watery liquid separated from curd 4 Swiss hunting dogs 7 6 Great amounts 4 Bill Sikes dog Oliver Twist 5 3 Crested Dog toy breed 7 Kyi Apso country 5 Colonist 7 Hospital worker 5 1 2 3 4 8 2 3 4 5 6 7 12 14 15 16 18 19 Looking for fun like a puppy or kitten 7 See 4 Across German formerly Alsatian 8 Toy breed formerly associated with southern Madagascar 5 2 6 River of northern England 4 Little lion dog 7 Homeless dog 5 Incorrect form of classical language 3 5 Garden plant attractive to felines 7 Scottish sheepdog informal 7 British breed of terrier developed from the Sealyham 5 Smouldering bit of coal 5 Dog s dinner 4 6 5 7 9 10 11 Down 1 12 13 15 14 2 3 18 17 16 4 19 20 7 22 23 Name _________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ____________________________ Postcode _________________ Telephone _____________________________________________ Email address ___________________________________________ Breed type of dog _______________________________________ 58 Dogs Today August 2021 12 14 We occasionally loan our address list to charities and companies we feel may be of interest to you Please tick if you do not wish to receive this information Q 15 16 18 19 Not yet subscribing Visit www dogstodaymagazine co uk or turn to page 50 to rectify that immediately This month s prize One lucky subscriber will win a mug featuring the warning May contain dog hair Let s be honest half of what us dog owners ingest contains the odd stray hair or 12 unless you re the owner of a non shedding breed of course This ceramic mug makes a great gift for a dog owner or acts as an ice breaker if you have a non dog owner round for a cuppa Dishwasher safe Win this The winner of this month s crossword will receive a pack of Soopa Kale and Apple Dental Sticks Find more Soopa dog treats at PurrfectlyYappy com How to enter Complete the crossword grid then post your entry to arrive by 17 August 2021 to August Crossword Dogs Today The Stables Saddlers Halt 86 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8LZ The first correct entry pulled out of the hat after the closing date will win the prize The judge s decision is final If you aren t lucky enough to win the mugs can be purchased from the BeeMoreBeardie shop on RedBubble com July Solution Across 5 Terrier 7 Petra 9 Trot 10 Reindeer 11 Scrunch 12 Rare 14 Jack 16 Dingoes 18 Springer 20 Flea 21 Sleek 22 Estrela Down 1 Writer 2 Hearing dogs 3 Herder 4 Free 6 Eurasia 8 Bichon Frise 13 Russell 15 Kyi Leo 17 Oxford 19 Puli Code Breaker Can you crack the code to find this poor dog joke We ve given you the word DOGS to get you started A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U VWX Y Z 19 21 6 23 S __ __ O __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ G __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Bichon Frise by Tim Rose www timrosephotography co uk 5 6 21 High spirited entertainment at theatre sold out we hear 7 See 4 Across Collie s master quietly takes her into hut 8 Oddly coloured tent housing a small fine coated dog 5 2 6 River breeze do you say 4 Dog initially contented tucking into cheap fowl 7 Fellow on street in the Littlest Hobo 5 Nero s pet language 3 5 Pet perched on brand new plant 7 Animal from the isle perhaps 7 More than half lucky like a terrier 5 Remembering to keep piece of wood burning 5 Male prepared some food 4 Sub Club Hello subscribers We think it s time for you to get even more perks than just getting the magazine cheaper postage free and before everyone else This area of the magazine is just for you to say thank you for supporting us by buying your magazine direct We really appreciate it and it really helps us Cryptic clues Across 4 Dogs Today 10 3 12 20 14 23 7 6 9 17 20 7 20 8 1 26 21 G __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ D __ O __ G __ 20 19 14 20 2 4 1 26 21 6 21 __ __ S __ __ __ __ __ __ __ G __ __ __ __ 20 23 16 17 22 20 2 2 1 26 21 14 12 20 26 17 17 How to enter Email your answers to comps dogstodaymagazine co uk and put August Sub Club in the subject line We will need your full name and address to check you are on our current subscriber list Or post the answer with your name and address to August Sub Club Dogs Today The Old Print House 62 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8AA or enter online at www dogstodaymagazine co uk category competitions One winner picked at random after 17 August 2021 will win the prize For full terms and conditions see page 3 August 2021 Dogs Today 59

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Products HolidaysTraining Products Classifi ed adverts Classified Adverts Holidays Want to advertise your Want to advertise your business business in ed section inour ourclassifi classified section Contact james petsubjects co uk Contact mike orpetsubjects co uk call now on 01276 858 880 or call now on 01276 402591 Luxury self catering lodges in the Yorkshire Dales Yorkshire Cottage Style Double Storey Lodges two bedrooms sleeps 2 to 4 Set in a peaceful valley just over one mile from Richmond in North Yorkshire are these Self Catering Yorkshire Cottage Style Lodge Accommodations They offer great value Yorkshire Dales self catering holidays all year round 01748 822406 info flowerydell lodges com L U X U RY S E L F C AT E R I N G A C C O M O DAT I O N g Do friendly Now with Hot Tub www yorkshirelogcabins com Dog friendly holiday park in Cornwall theparkcornwall com Three beautifully converted Victorian farm stables ooer elegant luxury and peaceful retreats situated on our working farm surrounded by the beautiful Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve and bordered by the River Ouse Comfort really is at the heart of Appletree Cottages spacious single story layouts means weary legs can easily rest after a day exploring before you discover one of our lovely nearby pubs Visit appletree cottages co uk In accordance with the government road map 01430 430 677 vivienne sweeting btinternet com DOG FRIENDLY BREAKS PEAK DISTRICT Very dog friendly family run Country Inn with self contained rooms in the grounds Open e from th l 12th Apri 2021 Dog Partridge Over 15 of our properties are dog friendly with enclosed gardens complimentary dog bowls and even a doggie bag full of goodies will be waiting your arrival There are many pubs and restaurants in the area that welcome dogs with open arms O N T H E P E M B R O K E S H I R E C OA S T 2 PEOPLE 4 NIGHTS We can t wa it to see you Fabulous Beer Garden Terrace serving Dinner Lunch and Drinks Overnight stays short breaks available from 12 4 21 In room dining also available for all meals including breakfast and drinks 01335 343183 www dogandpartridge co uk FROM ONLY T C s Apply H o l i d a y s yo u r d o g wo u l d l ove The WooF Guide BY COASTAL COTTAGES Call us on 01437 772 742 Or Visit thewoofguide com With some great accommodation deals to Worry Less Luxury Gift Boxes choose is theLess perfect Whenthis Worry Design sister duo Christie and Caroline can t face cooking place to stay We arechauffeuring Dog another meal children to endless extra curricular activities or Friendly so free to husbands they turn to their trusty dogs for sage advice or listening tofeel grumpy bring your little general appreciation This has inspired them to create a whole new line of gifts friends with you 1 Night and cards dedicated friends in our lives that don t talk back when you come to the four legged Midweek B B AWARD WINNING HOLIDAY PARK IN DORCHESTER DORSET just 140The pick to stay Yourlitter is their of the Luxury Gift Boxes packed of a selection of Luxury stone built self catering holidayfull cottages deep into Hardy subsequent nights pets can rundesign led free Country near Dorchester Dorset Almost half of our properties are doggy themed products Each boxincontains a mug fridge magnet 50 off dog friendly and the grounds include a fully enclosed dog exercise our stunning scentedon candle and framed print themed to the name of box and all packaged area perfect for a gentle morning stroll before setting out for the day grounds whilst you up in a luxury gift box www greenwoodgrange co uk with a magnet seal Choose between the Dog Lover hello greenwoodgrange co uk 01305 268874 take in the breathtaking box scenery the Dog Vibes Only box and the Wet Nose and Waggy Tails box Dog Friendly Accommodation in Wales 01639 731 167 For more information or to order your Gift box please visit Pet Product of the Month Craig Y Nos Castle www dogfriendlywales com or www craigynoscastle com Dogs Today Today July August 2021 60 2020 6 0 Dogs Brecon Road Pen y Cae Powys SA9 1GL www worrylessdesign com Pet Health Product of the Month BiogenicPET Vitality is a fast acting highly effective supplement for dogs and cats It contains low molecular weight peptides comprised of natural growth factors which are quickly and easily assimilated and transported through the bloodstream to their specific receptor sites There are specific growth factors to address and optimize certain functions throughout the body i e Connective Tissue Growth Factor to promote collagen production and to assist joint repair and pain relief Epidermal Growth Factor to promote and assist skin renewal Nerve Growth Factor to promote neural cell survival and alleviate anxiety and depression Fibroblast Growth Factor to promote overall cellular regeneration through reprogramming the lifecycle of the adult cells Insulin like Growth Factors to balance the endocrine system and restore the body s disrupted physiology The above factors will aid the body s ability to recover naturally and faster from injuries to restore its youthful energy and to help you provide your pet with a longer healthier and most importantly happier life August 2021 Dogs Today 61

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Classified Adverts adverts Classified The Dog Lovers Registration Club Charities Products Art Charities Training Art Lintran K9Westie award winning dog UK ReHoming equipment transport systems Registered Charity England Wales 1108659 Scotland SC045329 Estate Cars Dog trailers pick up s vans All 4 x 4 vehicles Register your Pedigree puppies and adult dogs online for beautiful gold bonded pedigree paperwork with same day processing Westie ReHoming is a charity dedicated to the welfare and rehoming of the West Highland White Terrier We take in westies needing a new start in life and place them into a suitable home where they will be Dogloved Gunand System have their needs met T 01673 885959 enquiries lintran co uk www lintran co uk For more information visit www dogregclub co uk or call either 0161 792 2479 or 0161 729 2350 www westierehoming org information westierehoming net 0844 879 Lintran 4260 PO BoxHouse 4204 Swindon SN2 9LA SS Brentwood 30 YEARS Lincoln Road Faldingworth westierehoming4 Westie ReHoming Market Rasen Lincs LN8 3SF missed with the due to retire inspirational speaker John Rogerson Heathway Colton Rugeley Staffs WS15 3LY Tel 01889 577058 www bordercollietrustgb org uk Products Services The Emotional Art of Dog Training not to be First Aid Kit A specialised kit for you your dog in the great outdoors 15 OFF using code DOGMAG15 Adventure Together w w w m o u n t a i n p a w s c o u k Dog Trainer ofMonth the Month Dogs For Charity the GoodFor Good Charity ofofthe Month Dogs Pet Portrait Artist of the Month Dogs for Good needs your help toStar double the number ofGood people with disabilities Dogs for needs your help to the number of people with disabilities UK Sniffer Dogs Animal Awards winner Best Trainer double Behaviourist we can support with dogs We re an innovativewe charity exploring ways dogs can support dogs We re an innovative exploring ways dogs can help As seen on Dragons Den we are course providers specifi cally with in scent detection work andcharity tracking can help people overcome specific challenges and enrich and improve lives people overcome specific challenges and enrich and improve lives and communities Our aim is to improve dogs lives through nosework By applying our knowledge as dog trainers and communities We are passionate about our We future and how we can are passionate ourhelp future and wetheir can help more people with the use of and scent instructors we have developed a programme that willabout enable owners tohow give dogs more people with the use of our assistance dogs our assistance dogs positive scent experience which not only teaches them to work and play with scent but how to Discover all of the ways we help Discover all of the ways we help use scent to rectify problems in pet dogs when adults it comes behaviour Assistance Dog our assistance dogs support andtochildren with a rangedogs support adults and children with a range of Assistance Dog our assistance Who are our courses for Everyone Scent work is benefi cial for every dog and any breed from of disabilities and also children with autism disabilities and also children with autism young puppiesDog to golden oldies nervous fearful dogs to dogs recovering illness or injury Community our community dogs or and their specialist handlers tofrom Community Dog our help community dogs and their specialist handlers help to improve We likentheir the independence benefits of scent training and to mindfulness for dogs it helps with calming stress relief bonding and improve wellbeing skills their independence wellbeing and skills gives a physical and mental workout We have online and practical courses for owners andand a team of to instructors allwith an Family Dog our Family Dog team gives advice and support to help families Family Dog our Family Dog team gives advice support help families around the UK who provide trials with an autistic child to get classes the mostworkshops out of theirand relationship their petout dog autistic child towith get the most of their relationship with their pet dog Contact Jamie or Gemma www uksnifferdogs com www dogsforgood org 01295 252600 info dogsforgood org www dogsforgood org 01295 252600 info dogsforgood org www dogsmonthly co uk August 2021 2020 62 6 2 Dogs Today July March 2020 81 Portraits by Debbie K Morris Bring your favourite pet photo to life with a true likeness drawing by an experienced and talented artist The combination of Debbie Morris s passion for dogs and artistic super realism allows her to forever capture the magical moments of our beloved companions transforming them into beautiful artwork that will last a lifetime Debbie will work with you from start to finish taking you on the journey of producing a completely personalised and realistic drawing that you will cherish forever Email debbiemorris1810 outlook com or message her on Facebook Portraits by Debbie K Morris or Instagram debbiemorris1810 or visit Debbie s website www portraitsbydkm co uk 10 off by quoting Dogstoday Offer valid until 30 September 2021 August 2021 Dogs Today July 2020 Dogs Today 663 3

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CharitySpotlight Spotlight Charity established 1958 We are a non destruction sanctuary for abandoned unwanted dogs PRIORY ROAD ASCOT BERKSHIRE SL5 8RJ 01344 882689 We rescue and rehome 100s of dogs and cats in London every year themayhew org 020 8962 8000 Registered Charity No 256728 We rescue and rehome collies and collie crosses throughout the UK Why not subscribe to our Border Collie World quarterly magazine Only 10 00 pa Sponsor a puppy from just 1 a week BORDER COLLIE TRUST GB Registered Charity No 1077588 Welcome Welcome to to Charity Charity Spotlight Spotlight a handy reference point for good folk le of folkdoing doinggreat great work work We re We rehelping helpingto toraise raise the the profi profile of this diverse diversegroup group of of people people and and we weencourage encourage you youto to get get involved involved with withthem them be beitit fundraising fundraising or or even even volunteering volunteering Help us to help more Please contact us or visit our website for more information Heathway Colton Rugeley Staffs WS15 3LY Tel 0871 560 2282 www bordercollietrustgb org uk Visit guidedogs org uk DogsToday Reg Charity No 1053585 Rescue centre open daily 9 11 am 2 4 pm AS SEEN ON EL BCT_0310 4x1 indd CHANN1 A charity registered in England and Wales 209617 and Scotland SC038979 4 1 10 16 55 42 4 Bringing pets and people closer together woodgreen org uk www foreverhoundstrust org Registered Charity No 298348 00526nc0819 Legacy Gift Charity of the month Improve the lives of Type 1 Diabetic children by leaving a gift in your Will Help us train dogs to give children back their lives Mayhew Chilterns Dog Recue hypohounds org uk Charity of the month We are an animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs cats andChilterns communities in London and CDRS overseas Founded in 1963 Dog Rescue Society has a long Smokey Paws provides pet oxygen masks to the fire service A A please call us on 01276 402591 for more details 2021 DogsToday TodayAugust July 2020 64 64Dogs bmdrdogs www barkingmaddogrescue co uk Registered Charity No 1077588 by delivering a broad range of communitybased veterinary welfare and education services fter many years of hard workWe run unique CDRS is an independent charity It programmes like Pet Refuge CDRS bought its own premises receives no Government funding and offering a fostering service for owners going in Chivery near Tring Herts and relies entirely of the through a short term crisis on andthe wegenerosity raise awareness developed purpose built facilities forthe realities publicand to continue vital rescue about impact ofits animal welfareand dogs with nowhere else to turn rehoming work support would to bring about change to helpYour animals like Cyril The Rescue Centre has 40 pictured kennels above be greatly appreciated Cyril was rescued from a puppy and a small team of highly trained farm and was in a dreadful state traumatised staff who provide outstanding further After information please in and covered For in wounds several months care for dogs of all ages types contact CDRS and then found his ourand care he slowly recovered backgrounds in need of protection Tel 01296 623885 forever home training and rehoming in addition enquiries cdrs org uk Our teams are constantly workingtoto save animals from a life of cruelty and a 5 star licence boarding www chilternsdogrescue org uk neglect support for local people in crisis and find forever homes for animals in need kennels under floor But Large we receive nohave government funding Any amount you can give will help heating plenty of of animals natural light with save hundreds in need indoor and outdoor areas Green technology has been incorporated to reduce running costs Sensitive landscaping has created a woodland walk for adopters tothemayhew org get To potential find out more visit or call us on 020 8962 8000 to knowYou thecan dogs wildlife andour work at themayhew org donate If you d like to see your donate to areas support organisation featured in these two DogZones to provide or grassy by calling 020 8206 5870 pages please call us on 01276 enrichment paddocks for the dogs to If you d like to see your organisation featured in more thesedetails pages 858880 for play socialise and relax barkingmaddogrescue We rescue and rehome 100s of dogs and cats in London every year Please help us to help more www themayhew org 020 8962 8000 But many more masks are needed history of rescue and rehoming and continues to grow thanks to t Mayhew we aim to promote the dedication and enthusiasm of many dog lovers animal welfare WE RESCUE KILL SHELTER AND ABANDONED DOGS FROM ROMANIA AND REHOME THEM IN THE UK AND GERMANY The next pet saved could be yours You can donate via www smokeypaws co uk or email info smokeypaws co uk rescue and rehome Saving We collies and collie crosses throughout the UK Why not Yorkshire s subscribe to our Border World quarterly Dogs Collie magazine Only 10 00 pa Registered Charity No 1167291 To rescue COLLIE rehabilitateTRUST and rehome BORDER GB vulnerable atour risk dogsforfrom Yorkshire Please contact usand or visit website more information Heathway Colton Rugeley Tel WS15 07562 Staffs 3LY 986101 Tel 0871 560 2282 Email savingyorkshiresdogs gmail com www bordercollietrustgb org uk Web www sydrescue org uk Reg Charity No 1053585 Find uscentre on Rescue open daily 9 11 am 2 4 pm Become a Companion AS Keep Tails Wagging SEEN ON N1EL BCT_0310 4x1 indd H C ANWith a Regular Gift Registered Charity in England and Wales No 1139999 4 As a rescue charity Rushton helps abandoned Bringing pets abused and unwanted dogs on a international and people scale Rescuing dogs from all over the world especially the meat trade in Asia and China closer together 4 1 10 16 55 42 woodgreen org uk Your chance to win at www aht org uk lottery Call Now 44 0 1823 49 10 52 mail rushtondogrescue co uk Registered Charity Number 209642 Registered Charity No 298348 00526nc0819 Scottish Charity No SC006914 Senior Staffy Club Dogs Today 2018 Charity spotlight lottery23 01 2018 advert v3 indd 14 47 10 1 Our aims are Rescue and rehome sta ordshire bull terriers and sta y cross dogs aged 7yrs Recruit foster carers all over the UK Encourage volunteers at En our kennels in Sta ord and Worcester www seniorsta yclub co uk seniorsta yclub hotmail co uk Rescue and rehoming centre for dogs and cats www leicesteranimalaid org uk Tel 01455 888257 Registered Charity No 242560 Finding the cures for serious pet illnesses helping them live longer healthier lives barki www petsavers org uk Smokey Paws provides pet oxygen masks to the fire service But many more masks are needed www August 2021Dogs DogsToday Today665 July 2020 5 We r of do

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Confessions of a dogaholic I t was my first early morning trip to the new office in my new to me somewhat temperamental red Peugeot 205 It dawned on me I was the actual boss I wasn t exactly suffering from imposter syndrome because I wasn t even able to pretend to be a boss I didn t know where to start Sally preferred our new car with the more basic cloth seats instead of the velour but the pale grey interior would prove very difficult to get stains out of especially blood splatter Long story another time Sal bravely strode up the rickety old metal fire escape that was the only entrance to our new canine publishing empire Designer Rosie had opted to work from home which was just as well as we only had room for two and a half desks and didn t have enough plug sockets The dogs helpfully covered up any visible bits of the ghastly carpet Beneath us were an Indian restaurant a hairdresser and Barclays Bank It wasn t exactly Fleet Street GLOW UP 66 Dogs Today August 2021 You can t be publisher and editor he said It s madness you ll never do it But I was also selling the adverts which to me was worse than cleaning the toilets which was also my job I loathed asking people for money Every call went on for hours as we just chatted and it was pure pity that made them book ads One chap took control of the rambling call You really are rubbish at selling advertising aren t you Would you like me to do it for you Dogs love to chew but traditional rawhide can cause choking and digestive problems Better Bones are safe to chew easy to digest and help maintain healthy teeth gums CREDIT CONTROL So that s how Michael Lazarus came to work with us and through him the amazing Fiona whom many of our advertisers believed was Patsy from Ab Fab And that was after they d met her Everything was going remarkably well but you know what that means there was soon to be a disaster of epic proportions One of my advertisers wasn t very nice He d spotted that I was young and green and had decided to take advantage He turned up at the office unannounced it was dark and Sarah was about to go home He was a big bloke and he angrily complained he d not sold many of his ghastly doggie jute bags He wanted me to take his products in lieu of payment for his advert It was all very awkward For a start where would we put them There was nowhere for him to sit so he stood in front of my desk and I was beginning to weaken just to get him to leave And then Sally came to my rescue She turned her back on him looked me in the eye and sprayed his legs and briefcase with liquid poo He paid and left and Sally s name was soon added to the contents page as our credit controller P Illustration KEVIN BROCKBANK I decided to improve the paper quality to take the magazine up market I wanted to make it perfect bound and glossy with better photos and more features There was literally no one to stop me My management style was just to admit I had no idea what I was doing to throw myself on their mercy People were very very kind Well most were I had to do the work of very many people as well as being the editor A friend in publishing had been very pessimistic Pay up or else Wrapped with real Chicken Breast zeusdog co uk RAWHIDE FREE AVAILABLE NOW IN ALL GOOD PET SHOPS

Dogs Today_August_2021

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