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Sign up for change for the better

If in the wake of the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, you would like to express your desire to see change at the British Kennel Clubs, there are a number of petitions you could sign.

Vet Joe Inglis has set up a petition here www.petitionthem.com/default.asp?sect=detail&pet=4262 the aim of which is that “The Kennel Club will ban extreme inbreeding such as brother to sister matings, and enforce strict codes of conduct for all breeds, to ensure animal welfare is the number one priority.”

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Ted Kerasote

We have just enjoyed a weekend with Ted Kerasote, author of Merle’s Door. I have mentioned Ted and his wonderful book before in this blog www.dogcastradio.com/blog/4556_if_you_go_down_to_the_woods_today.htm but I make no apology for mentioning it again.

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Scotland the great holiday destination (and trouble at home)

We have just returned from a brilliant holiday in Scotland – a peaceful isolated dog-friendly cottage, Loch Ness just minutes away, beautiful scenery and lots to do,; who could ask for more? We loved it and so did Buddy and Star.

We stayed at Rowan Cottage (www.lochnesshideaways.co.uk/) and our host Janet made us feel very welcome indeed. The dogs accompanied us on a gondola trip up the Glen Nevis range near Fort William (www.nevisrange.co.uk/summer/index.asp), as well as enjoying a boat trip on Loch Ness (www.jacobite.co.uk/).

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The dangers of dog training

Dog training can be rife with dangers. The dog can misbehave, you can have an off day, it can pour down with rain, you can be held up by a sheep on the way home. Yes, you heard right – you can be held up by a sheep on the way home, and it happened to me the other day.

It is a delightful drive to my agility trainer’s home, the scenery is breathtaking. Buddy and I had completed a session, and I was feeling that we were progressing nicely. We were on the way home, windows down, music playing, not a care in the world. Then the sheep appeared.

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Underdogs and Greatest Dogs

There are some great TV treats for dog lovers. America’s Greatest Dog on CBS in America is absolutely fascinating. The contestants and their dogs, who are from a variety of backgrounds, live together for the duration of the show. There is the constant danger of being relegated to the dog house, and the promise of winning time in the luxury accommodation.

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Judging by appearances

The other day I met a friend’s dog, Delby. He’s a beautiful Pekingese, and he was so sweet trotting along. Having enquired whether he would welcome the attention, I called to him and held my hand towards him. Far from the snooty aloof response I expected, he scampered over happily, fur ruffling with each movement. He sniffed my hand and was quite happy to be fussed.

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DogCast Radio Episode 70

Episode 70 of DogCast Radio is now available, so you can catch up with some of the people we met at the Cold Wet Nose Show. The day was such fun, for both us and the dogs. I only have one regret from the day – we left the VIP tent just before Chris Evans (www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chrisevans/) arrived, and returned just after he had left. Aaargh!

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AB 1634

AB 1634 is a bill in California that has been brought to my attention by Bichon Frise breeder, Matthew Culmore. (http://homepage.mac.com/mculmore/Bichons/) This legislation seeks to force owners to spay or neuter their dogs by the age of six months. While I can understand the dreadful suffering that motivates the bill, it seems there are many problems with such harsh measures.

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Obama's dog

Finally an election issue I can really get my teeth into! Which dog breed should the Obama family choose? The American Kennel Club has advice for the family on their website. (www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3536 )
You can visit and vote for the breed you feel is the best candidate. Choices are Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Poodle, Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer.

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Off to Cold Wet Nose Show!

The big day is almost here and a little later today we’re starting our journey to the Cold Wet Nose Show. Beverley Cuddy has been blogging about the show which you can find at www.coldwetnose.blogspot.com/ and it sounds absolutely fantastic.
If you’re in the UK and you’re free tomorrow take a look at the show’s website www.thecoldwetnoseshow.co.uk/ Kate and Gin who made it to the final ten of Britain’s Got Talent will be appearing, there’ll be fun dog show classes, dock dogs, and too many other things to mention.

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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.