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Australian Terrier breed health info wanted

Do you live with an Australian Terrier? If so and you have anything to say about the health of the breed, then Doreen Simpkins wants to hear from you. Doreen can be heard in Episode 75 of DogCast Radio, with a profile of the breed. She breeds awesome Aussies, and now she has been asked to sit on the breed health working group. She is interested in collating information and/or research from as many different sources as possible.

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"Berry" odd wolf behaviour

Just spotted this very odd video of wolves eating berries - not the kind of behaviour you expect of them! I know they hunt as a pack, but surely usually the prey moves a bit more? But then our dogs love fruit and veg too. Buddy likes apple and banana, while Star cannot rest if you are eating a pear and she knows she will get the core. She sits waiting patiently like a good dog, but she makes eye contact to ensure you know she is waiting patiently like a good dog.

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Great dog related reading

I'm reading A Dog Year by Jon Katz at the moment. Being a Lab owner I'm loving his descriptions of the peaceful harmony he and his two Labradors enjoyed. I'm also enjoying the vivid depiction of the havoc the arrival of troubled, wild Border Collie Devon brings. It's a very honest account, with Katz owning up to every mistake and loss of temper.

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Nature, nurture or nasty?

Stockholm University research has shown that dogs are getting "dumber". Researchers found that current pedigree dogs are "disinterested, shy and less responsive to commands than their ancestors." They also found that show-quality and "handbag" dogs are the most likely to be affected by this lower intelligence.

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A black Labrador, a burglar, and a bravery award

I have to admit to a weakness for black Labradors, since their is one asleep on my sofa as I write this. He is often to be found snoozing on my sofa, but if he feels there is the need to defend his territory, he is up on his feet and barking, quick as a flash. His hackles go up, creating an impressive mohican effect down his back, and his barks are ear-shattering.

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Pet Airways - fly your dog in style

If you've ever ben faced with the problem of how to move your dog from one country to another, or over a long distance within a country, you may have considered putting your pet on a plane. Up until now you're only real option - unless you have your own jet - was to put your dog in the cargo hold. This is far from ideal in many ways. Now apparently, with the launch of Pet Airways, you have an alternative.

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First Dog - millionth blogpost!

Since little Bo arrived at the White House he has attracted at least as much attention as his famous owner! So I will confine myself to saying that he looks very cute, and wishing the family and Bo many years of fun together. I will also point out for you some interesting comments.

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Good puppy practice

Over the years of putting DogCast Radio together, I've gathered some great advice from the various trainers, breeders and other experts I've interviewed. Here are some tips for dealing with a puppy.

Start as you mean to go on

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How to be the ideal puppy buyer - and more!

I came across Jon Buscall and Kennel Björkwood through Twitter. Jon is a Basset Hound breeder in Sweden, and I am currently arranging a good time to interview him for DogCast Radio. Jon has lots of interesting insights into being a dog breeder, and of course we are often told that the Swedish Kennel Club is a great role model for any Kennel Club to look to.

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Big, bouncy and beautiful - the St. Bernard

We've had some gorgeous St. Bernard photos added to the site today. You can see one at the top of this post, but there are more on the site. Check out Best Buddies, Time for a drink and Dr Watson. That last one is not a new one, but I love the comment, with the quick aside reference to drool and shedding! If you go to our St. Bernard breed profile page and scroll down there are more photos of listeners' dogs to see.

For a photo of a St Bernard with lovely calm eyes and such a benign expression, read the story of Rosie.

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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.