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Episode 36 - RSPCA and Rescue story

36_DogCast_Radio.mp3

Released Sat February 24, 2007
Length: 0:48:05
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RSPCA Shelter

It's a sad but true fact that many of the dogs bought as ill thought through Christmas presents find themselves homeless before spring. We know they end up in shelters, but once there, what is the process that helps put them on the road to a new home?

Host Julie visited the Gonsal Farm RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruely to Animals) shelter to find out more. Did you know that it's much better for a dog to be taken to a home by his owner than to be taken in as a stray, as staff can find out lots of relevant information from the owner. The more the shelter knows about a dog, the more likely it is that they can find a suitable home for the dog. For example if a dog has lived happily with children, this is a good piece of news to have.

After arriving at a shelter, a dog goes through a range of health checks and temperament assessments. For those that pass the assessments and make it to the adoption kennels, so far so good, but what lies in store for those who have problems? Usually a lot of training and patience from staff and volunteers. Most problems can be solved with time.

Once in the adoption kennel is life plain sailing? Which breeds cope well with kennel life? Which breeds don't adapt well? How much enrichment can be provided through food? How do dogs tolerate that worst of problems - noisy neighbours? Find out all this and more as we trace a dog's journey through a rescue shelter.

One dog at Gonsal Farm has been waiting for a home for quite a while, but no one has been taken with her yet. Could you give China a home? For more information about China - and her kennel mates at Gonsal Farm check out the website.

Thief of Hearts - listener contribution

Michelle Muto enjoys listening to DogCast Radio, spending time with her dogs and writing.

Michelle sent us her story about rescuing one of the dogs she shares her life with. Thief of Hearts tells Tasha's story.

Can Tasha overcome her bad start in life and find her forever home?

To find out more about Akita rescue, go to the website of Heart of Dixie Akita Rescue.

Puppy Playtime

In Puppy Playtime, hosted by Jenny we find out about the Westminster dog show top dogs, and how water - in winter or summer - doesn't always mix well with dogs.



Toilet Training

Could you help listener Mark with his problems toilet training his dog?

If you sailed through toilet training with no problems tell us what you did that conveyed the message to your dog so well? If you struggled with toilet training what did you find that worked well finally?

Help us get Mark through this sometimes fraught stage of a dog's life.

For Shirlee Kalstone's advice on house breaking your dog check out episode six of DogCast Radio.



Sharing

273 - dog parkour and dog news discussion

Dog trainer Emma Hendy explains how Dog Parkour can help your bond with your dog, and give you both a new mindset. Julie gives her opinion on some dog news stories which caught her attention.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.