Dr Jo's blog

• Warringah dog owners – see you at the Dogs Big Day Out today. Come and woof/say hello to me #
• @KrisseeDee u should visit a shelter, not necessarily to buy, just a reality check in reply to KrisseeDee #
• @yourdogs out on Sydney Harbour tonight, minus pets. Then dog day out – working – tomorrow in reply to yourdogs #
• Anyone got exciting pet (or even human) plans this weekend? #
• Enjoy! RT @kristinrohan: Excited about @TheSassySEO's first paid speaking gig today…Carpet Cleaners of Sydney, get ready to ROCK! #
• Remember, if u r looking to add a kitten to your family today, check out those needing homes at http://www.awlnsw.com.au #
• Wishing i could relax today – http://bit.ly/dDgrlg #
• @KerryPintado Piper may have a new lease on life. Expecting same of Umberto tonight- wearing a kilt, 1st time ever! in reply to KerryPintado #
• So sweet. I recommend both RT @iggypintado: A very biased #FollowFriday for @KerryPintado who is 4 followers away from 2,000 ! #
• Had to happen! RT @dogsandcats: Revenge of the Cat http://youtu.be/pYyI51a463E #
• [New Post] The best things in life are free: relax like your pet – via #twitoaster http://bit.ly/9dICXC #
• So you're ready for a dog… http://ow.ly/2v1Gm #
• Can you save a life in Sept? http://bit.ly/cUoEFZ #
• @pitbullmom77 try http://bit.ly/h01Yg thanks to @lukegrange in reply to pitbullmom77 #
• @ClickWebDesign exactly – staff galore to sell but no one to repair (after buying 4 family iphones & an ipad!) in reply to ClickWebDesign #
• @planetshark thanks – i am a fan of mashable – great resource centre – will look out some basics in reply to planetshark #
• @lukegrange thanks – these are great and nice and basic. – just what I needed #twitter in reply to lukegrange #
• @Dave_Nicol fantastic – will get the rss feed of your blogs. Doing a project with Unis around Aus/NZ. Thanks for your help in reply to Dave_Nicol #
• Need to pass on a Twitter 'How to" for beginners. Does anyone have a recommendation of a site? #
• [New Post] Media animals… – via #twitoaster http://bit.ly/9gUbCq #
• @sammygould sick this wk with a cold but other than that very good, keeping busy with cats, dog & people in reply to sammygould #
• @sammygould sounds ideal. Good luck! in reply to sammygould #
• @sammygould what's the job for? in reply to sammygould #
• @petsearch Wow – how do you lose a Great Dane! (Don't mean to joke, just have visions of a "lost" dane roaming the streets – unseen!) in reply to petsearch #
• RT @petsearch: Lost gr8 Dane x in Ruse on Sat 7 Aug "zeus" male blck w/white chest, chipped blck & slvr stud collar1300 309 004 #
• What a classic! Interspecies joy RT @petxpert: "YouTube – Labrador and Dolphin" ( http://bit.ly/b65YQB ) #
• RT @yohanik: Paul McCartney joins PETA in asking NASA to halt monkey experiments http://bit.ly/cOOaNF #
• Hey I can now link my weekly twitter updates to my blog – technology is working well http://bit.ly/bYvwB6 #
• Two iphones needing repairs and it takes a week to get an appointment with apple store. Not happy #
• RT @petsearch: Lost Blue Burmese Cat Epping Tues 24 aug "bram" male blue/grey desexed & chipped wearing redcollar ph pet search 1300 309 004 #
• RT @vetmedsydney: Just a reminder we are offering free dental checks during the month of August. Call us or drop in. #
• RT @isagold: I need more followers so I can follow more anipals … PLEASE follow @Isagold Pls RT… thx #
• Have a vote – what's your favourite? RT @toptentopten: Follower List @JoanneRighetti The Top Ten Twitter dogs: http://bit.ly/7G0B7 #
• @HotdogWithSauce sometimes a letter froom your vet can help too. Good luck in reply to HotdogWithSauce #
• @naturallywaggin so true! in reply to naturallywaggin #
• A great resource if you are liviing in the city with a pet… http://bit.ly/bLBbSW #petsinthecity #
• @HotdogWithSauce some advice on renting here… http://acac.org.au/. Can u offer to pay a bond? Should be our right to have a pet!! in reply to HotdogWithSauce #
• Some very cute kittens looking for homes at AWL in Sydney. Listen here… http://bit.ly/d8WG8F #
• Gene for Fatal Brain Disorder Discovered in Dogs http://bit.ly/c7y6xv #
• Thanks for the RTs @TimWebster2UE @PetLoverSarah @SuperTriviaGuy #
• So sad RT @SimonneLee: My beautiful Siamese Fighting Fish – RIP Raphael 24.8.10 #
• Warringah dog people – are u coming to the Dog's Big Day Our this Sun? http://bit.ly/cNHQXU #
• Listen to pet talk podcast- Animal Welfare League (& cute kittens) & pet problems solved at http://www.2ue.com.au #
• Nothing like a cuddle with a kitten to make u feel better! #
• Taking some special guests into Radio 2UE (@Radio2UE ) today – will they be feathered, furred or finned? http://www.2ue.com.au #
• RT @petsearch: Lost Dog in Ballarat on Mon 16 aug "Roxy" Spoodle apricot coloured desexed & chipped ph pet search 1300 309 004 #
• Feeling lethargic today – why are kids so generous with their bugs?! Still, I have a dog & a cat by my side #
• @ieditandwrite4u i went to the first smw but have been away every one since. Hoping to be here for next. in reply to ieditandwrite4u #

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Chilli at beach

Today I walked my dog at the beach. She was loving it, chasing sticks into the water. Swimming, running, digging. Pure doggy pleasure.

The day was warm (for late winter) and there was a cool breeze. To watch Chilli dig a hole in the sand, lie in it with her favourite stick in her mouth and utter a sigh of relaxation, as the breeze whisked through her floppy, long-haired ears – made me think… the best things in life are free. Especially if you are a dog.

Beach relaxation

Then I thought, well I’m really not much different. Give me a towel on a beach, wind through my hair and a cocktail in my mouth and well… I’m happy too!!

Pets give us that reality check. Slow down. Take time to feel the heat of the sun, the warmth of the breeze. Chill out.

My cat Ginger is an expert at ‘chilling’, especially if you put a blanket on your knee. (We now time how long it takes “Ging” to appear when we shake a blanket – around 2 secs!)

Ginger's favourite spot

Sometimes, you just have to take a leaf out of your pet’s relaxation book. Go with it. Chill out. Less loose…

And then sometimes it’s just not such a pretty site

sleeping dad, sleeping kitten

How do you relax with or like your pet?

• RT @NancyGeorges: Join us @ Social Media Women 14 September where I will be talking about all things Shopping Cart & E-Commerce! #smwomen #
• Must remember to vote. Must remember to vote. Am I the only person who may forget to vote?!! #
• @FiBendall thanks Fi. I used Oovoo once before. Might look into it again. Much appreciated in reply to FiBendall #
• @phillColeman thanks for the web conferencing suggestion. Much appreciated in reply to phillColeman #
• RT: @iggypintado Support Tony's Black Dog Ride by @hollingsworth #TonyBlackDogRide http://t.co/Resn26L PLS RT #
• @iggypintado @KerryPintado …and a little wine , cheese & chocolate tasting too, I hope. Enjoy in reply to iggypintado #
• Welcome to Twitter! @vcaworld #
• well done! RT @PIAS_Australia: http://ow.ly/2sbtr 50 ppl, 20 dogs & 2 cats in 1 room in a hotel, smiles everywhere .. it's bn a big week. #
• Has anyone used a visual web conferencing service? One that doesn;t cost a lot? Recommendations please #webconfereincing #nscm #
• So lovely to have a warm evening. Dinner outdoors tonight – nice. #
• WWF election scorecard of environmental issues http://bit.ly/czu1T1 #
• @Motorbikes_Lady cats are the best at finding a sunny winter spot or a cool summer spot in reply to Motorbikes_Lady #
• Animals in my house have a hard life… http://tweetphoto.com/39931434 #
• Leo the cat in his fav spot http://tweetphoto.com/39926232 #
• @wilsondasilva u r welcome. Serious about the emus (even wrote about them once http://bit.ly/3W6pP ) in reply to wilsondasilva #
• What weird and wonderful things does your pet eat… http://bit.ly/bBRu0H #
• OK so even worse than an emu! RT @wilsondasilva: Extinct 'terror bird' was undisputed heavyweight of avian predators http://bit.ly/czq7ib #
• @AwareNetConnect yes I bet it is- too many nice scents in the air, birds to watch in reply to AwareNetConnect #
• How warm is it in Sydney today? could spring be here? #
• Great resource for pet owners in the city… http://bit.ly/bCBopG #
• @Beati3 tips here http://bit.ly/bPJVI9 Leo will be groomed as long as it involves treats & lots of them! in reply to Beati3 #
• Is separation anixety an issue for you & your dog? Is it for many of my clients http://bit.ly/tFI7C #
• Watch a dog wedding live at http://bit.ly/aDGyTM #
• Today's pet podcast (short but sweet) http://bit.ly/cjsv2n #
• On @radio2ue soon, talking pets & their misbehaviour http://www.2ue.com.AU #
• Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore & vet Katrina Warren at launch of Pets in the City http://www.petsinthecity.net.au http://tweetphoto.com/39511642 #
• Off to Pets in the City launch today #
• How did you choose your pet? Choosing a pet http://bit.ly/9rMOzQ #
• On facebook and have a question about your pet's behaviour? Join me at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pet-Problems-Solved/226412715897 #
• RT @toptentopten: Follower List @JoanneRighetti The Top Ten Pets for Kids: http://bit.ly/PQ0sn #
• Off to UWS today to talk to biology students #

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Today at Radio 2UE, I had to comment on puppy farms and pet shops – controversial topics in this day and age of pet ownership where pets are central to family life – adored, fashionable and – well, babied.

People obtain their pets from all sorts of places – breeders, stores, shelters, friends. In my opinion there are good and bad breeders, good and bad pet shops, good and bad shelters, just as with every other business and hobby in life. Very few people, however,  knowingly buy from a puppy farm. Could your dog have come from one? The answer is – maybe – if you did not ask, did not meet his or her parents or breeder and if your dog is a currently fashionable breed of dog.

How does this dog make you feel? Is it a shelter dog, a pet store window dog or a puppy farm dog? Answer: we cannot know without more information.

So what are puppy farms?

Farms or mills are establishments where large numbers of puppies are bred. Due to the numbers of animals produced there is little time for individual contact which is absolutely vital for a young animal’s socialisation process or stage of life.  Animals may be caged their entire lives and be repeatedly bred from. Dogs may suffer physically and/or psychologically.

Think about it. You know there is a demand for dogs, as you’ve been reading about it in the newspapers, watching TV programs and have seen numerous dogs in your community – pampered pooches whose owners spare no expense. You want to set up a business. Why not cater for the doggy demand? Current demand is for non-shedding, medium sized dogs. Why not cross some breeds and see what happens/ Demand is there. Why not breed more? Before you know it, you have a profitable business – a puppy farm.

I have nothing against businesses generating profits, responding to demands. Where there are living creatures at stake, however, the guidelines need to differ. Do you have time to give each and ever pup a cuddle, every day?

Some large breeding establishments do care for animals quite adequately when it comes to physical health, vaccinations, exercise etc. They may still fail, however, to carry out adequate people contact but is this covered in current code of practice recommendations? But then some breeders also refuse to let their pups meet young children, other animals etc. All breeders have a responsibility to provide nourishing care for all their animals.

Where a breeder becomes a farmer is not defined (some breeders also keep large numbers of dogs or cats in cages with little human contact) but if you are concerned about which breeder to get your puppy from, enquire from your State or National body (Canine or Kennel Club, in NSW it is Dogs NSW).

About pet shops

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with a pet shop or pet store. They sell goods for pets, that we pet owners require. Traditionally they have sold animals too. The pet industry has stated that most people, contrary to popular belief, do not make impulsive purchases from pet stores (yet most of us hear people expressing statements such as “oh poor thing, we should give it a home” as we pass pet store windows, crowded with the pet-loving viewing public). It also appears to be a fallacy that shelters are full of pet shop puppies relinquished when passed their cute-by date. People who make such sweeping statements about the pet shop industry do need to be careful to check their facts.

Most pet stores nowadays do not sell puppies and kittens, although many will still sell fish, birds and other small animals. The Pet Industry Association of Australia has helped pet stores develop policies, such as – no pets in pet shop windows, no buying on first day, cooling off periods etc. You might like to check if your pet store is a member of a pet industry association such as PIAA.

Some smaller or regional shelters find homes for their pets through pet stores. Foster carers do not have space or inclination to let people come to their homes to buy rescued dogs so they sell them through the local pet store. Are these pet shops doing the wrong thing by selling these pets? What about the breeder who has found homes for 11 of the 12 pups (perhaps only expecting half that number therefore not having families lined up prior to the birth)and decide to sell the last through the local pet store. Is this wrong? What happens to the pups that don’t get sold in the pet store? Each of us has our own views and our own values. If you are unsure about the practices of your pet store, then ask.

Shelter pup looking for a home

Demand and supply

Puppy farms exist because there is a demand for the dogs. Some may sell their produce through pet stores Others have websites and will deliver your dog to you. Others may place an add in the local paper, just as backyard breeders do. A high price does not mean a better bred dog, contrary to what many owners believe. I have even heard people refuse to go to shelters to look at dogs as they are not pedigree or not expensive enough! And yet a currently popular designer dog is simply a mixed breed too. (I have nothing against mixed breeds. I own one – adopted from a shelter.)

As long as there is demand for cute-looking, middle sized, minimal-shedding pups, there will be a supply available. No matter how they are bred or cared for or sold. This is human nature, In time, I would hope that responsible dog breeders look at what people want and need. Breed standards in some cases may be a hundred years out of date. We no longer need a dog to sweep the long grass and retrieve prey. We need a dog who likes nothing more than a sofa and a cuddle and an occasional walk. Is it wrong to encourage breeders to breed for this temperament? Again, we shall differ in our moral and ethical standards. But isn’t that what makes the pet industry and the world of pets an exciting place to be?

To summarise

• Pets should be wanted and loved. It is the responsibility of the owner to choose a pet that suits their lifestyle and to find out where the animal has come from and how it has been cared for.
• Society needs to look at producing animals that people want to live with (this, is of course, within reason – a dog is a dog and should be valued for that).
• Society and we pet lovers, need to demand adequate laws, codes of practice and ensure that our support goes to well-run, ethical businesses.

Your comments and thoughts are welcome.

Kids and pets go together. Yes, life would be simpler without either but the rewards from having them outweigh the disadvantages. Having both more than doubles the lifetime of pleasure at watching them interact.

Pets like children. When brought up together, dogs and cats will actively seek out children to cuddle up to, to play with. While some people worry about the pet’s proximity to a baby, adequate adult supervision means there is little danger, if the pet has been socialised with young children prior to a baby coming into the family.

Families often acquire a pet when their children are young. While this may not be the best time, as so much time and energy is directed towards the children (and how much can be left for the pet?), it is a time when our nurturing desires are to the fore. As humans, we have so much love to give, so it makes sense to have both.

Sometimes it is difficult to give, give, give and the pets do get ignored for a little while while the children are small but most families come back on board and return to showering their pets with affection. While we should never employ the pet to be a babysitter, they do make excellent companion, They never seem to tire of the fun and games that children provide.

Pets can also teach children about nurturing an the responsibility of caring for them.Most kids love the opportunity to feed a pet or give it cuddles. Few, however, like to deal with picking up the poo or emptying the litter box. Then the responsibility falls back to mum or dad. Perhaps this will teach the children not to acquire a pet themselves until they are fully responsible for all aspects of their care.

One of the great joys of being a parent is when a child receives a pet of their own. My boys have each been given a cat (by us – never a good idea to give a pet as a present unless you are the one who’ll be responsible) on their 8th birthday, as I was (man, many years ago!!). The joy on their faces is indescribable.

Watching children grow up and still care for their pets is truly amazing. It may not be cool to hug your parents and you have to be ultra-cool with your mates but with your pet you can be yourself. Teenagers give their pets hugs and tell them secrets, just as they did when they were small.

And then one day, all too soon, the last day of the pet’s life arrives. Just like you, your child sobs. And you know you have brought up a child who will care for the creatures of the world. that has to be a good thing. Children and pets go together.

How people select the gender of their pets intrigues me. Many people I speak to appear to have a definite preference for one or the other. “Definitely a male.” “Always female.” Overall, we balance the world.

There is no doubt that the gender does make a difference to their personality and to our interaction with our pet (Kurt et al 2009). It also makes a difference to the problems we are likely to encounter. For instance male dogs may exhibit more separation related distress than females (McGreevy & Masters 2009). I don’t think, however, that most people are thinking of potential problem when they choose their dog (although I have to say having a female dog who does not stop at every lamp post is attractive in my opinion )

People often ask me which to choose -male or female – and I generally don’t give them a definitive answer. Most pet owners will choose based on childhood pets and their genders, their partner’s preference, even biases they have for one gender overall. If it’s a second animal of the same species they are acquiring then I advise getting one of the opposite sex, especially if they are close in age and personality type.

Do you have a preference for male or females dogs or cats? Please comment on which and why below.

Kurt, K., Schoberl, I, Bauer, B, Thibeaut A. & Wedl, M. (2009). Dyadic relationships and operational performance of male and female owners and their male dogs. Behavioural Processes [Behav. Processes]. Vol. 81: 383-391.

McGreevy, P. & Masters, M. (2009). Risk factors for separation-related distress and feed-related aggression in dogs: Additional findings from a survey of Australian dog owners. Applied Animal Behavioural Science, 101: 320 – 328.

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OK – who’s competitive? Does winning a prize make you want to enter competitions? Is it the prize or the thrill of the chase?

I am involved in a competition just now, the prize being pet advice from me. More details here. Radio 2UE and Lickables dog treats have got together to offer a behaviour consult for a dog owner in Sydney.

It’s got me thinking. I could offer more prizes – consults, pet products eg. toys, books. What else? I need you to tell me. What would you like to win? Then I have to start thinking about what you have to do to win (photo comp, essay comp, best tip, worst cat/dog problem)! Suggestions welcome… thanks,

Jo

This week I brought Skye from Bugshop on to my Radio 2UE spot. Skye is an entomologist. Her business to to education and provide a supply of insects – or bugs, if you prefer – as pets. She brought several creatures with her… 3 giant burrowing cockroaches, a giant panda snail and a stick insect.

Wonderful, alternative pets! Obviously not the pet for everyone, given the reaction of people around the insects. Yet, visiting schools, the reaction is one of interest. Kids have not yet developed entomophobia, a fear of insects. When do we develop this dislike? When we get stung by a bee? When we have a plague of cockroaches in our apartment?

Could you keep an insect as a pet? Tell us why you would never keep a bug as a pet. Or alternatively, if you have or can picture yourself doing so, what appeals to you? (Comments below)

You can listen to the radio program here. More about keeping insects as pets here. More about animals other than cats and dogs here.

Thanks to my pets and my son I now have a Roman nose. You can imagine what it looks like – the protruding bump at the top, very distinguished looking on the right face; only my Roman bump is not distinguished, it is red!

I went shopping today to my local Pet Barn. Huge Pro Plan bags of cat food and dog food are low to the ground. Bend the knees and lift. Easy! It’s when it comes to Fancy Feast I struggle. Multi-pack boxes are on the top shelves.

I blame my son. He is doing a science experiment at home for a school assignment. He has chosen to look at cats’ preferences for two flavours of Fancy Feat wet cat food – Salmon versus Turkey Prime Fillet.

Turkey Prime Fillet was the problem. The Salmon Prime Fillet multi-pack was retrieved from the top of the packs on the top shelves, no problem. The Turkey pack was sitting at the bottom of the top shelf, under other multi-packs. When I struggled to grab it, down came all the rest, on to my nose.

Even my dog got a fright! Not sure if it was the tumbling of the Fancy Feast or my hopping around, grabbing my rapidly swelling nose. Chilli dog quickly recovered, though with the enticing smells all around her. I on the other hand wondered if I’d ever be able to smell again.

So would you like to know which flavour cats prefer? Stay tuned, I’ll let you know…

Give me your predictions – Salmon or Turkey???

Fancy Feast Turkey Prime Fillet

Fancy Feast Salmon Prime Fillet

Is my dog a lucky dog or what?! Here we are just walking in the rain. Alone. Chilli and I. Is no one else mad enough to go to the park when it rains? Does you dog like the rain? Does your cat?