Working Dogs Issue June/July 2014

your free guide to all things dog!

Breed Features:

Blue Heeler&

Beagle

Police Dogs

PLUS:•Keepwarmthiswinter•Appsfordogs•Howsmartisyourdog?•DogCoatReviews

FREE!

Assistance Dogs helping kids

FREE!

Dr Max Stoker is a caring and compassionate Vet with 30+ years experience in small animal

practice.

He sold his very successful practice – the Great Western Animal Hospital - in Sydney in 2004

and he and his lovely wife, Ineke, settled on the Central Coast and created the Bamboo Buddha Cafe, Gallery, Gardens & Nursery at Holgate.

After 30 years of veterinary practice, this was a real sea change.

However, when Pet Stock opened their large pet store at Erina in 2008 and were advertising for

a Pet Vet to operate as a Vet Consultant in their store, Max decided to take up this opportunity

to keep practicing in the profession he loves but without all the stress and frustrations of running a

busy hospital.

Pet Stock Erina, 312 The Entrance Rd, Erina PH: 4367 4066

0416 147 775

bamboobuddha.com.au

Dog Friendly Cafe

• Vegetarian• Organic Coffee• Relaxing Sanctuary

BAMBOO B U D D H A

Ph 4365 5810 221 Wattle Tree Road

Holgate

June/July 2014contents

Regulars4 From the Pack Leader5 Training Tips7 Product Review - Dog Coats19 Kids Corner20 Doggy Recipe - Pumpkin Cookies21 On the Net...23-24 Business Directory

Articles & Features6 Keep warm this winter8 Assistance Dogs & Kids 10 Police Dogs11 Play with Your Dog12-13 Local Guide Dog18 Dog IQ test22 Apps for dogs!

Breed Features14 Blue Heeler15 Beagle

And more!3

Dear Dog Lovers,

Does your dog have a job? My Jack Russell takes her role as guard dog, skate-board chaser and fish catcher very seriously, while my Spoodle does his job of following me everywhere and bringing me his ball with pride!

We’ve researched some amazing dogs this issue, from Police Dogs to Guide Dogs, all with their specific roles within society and to make their humans’ lives so much more enriched! Special thanks to Kate Ladkin and Matey for sharing their story with us.

Check out the dog coat reviews for some stylish and warm additions to your dog’s wardrobe, bake some tasty cookies and test your canine’s IQ (just for fun)!

Stay warm and enjoy the Working Dogs Issue!

Olivia

woofmag.com.au woofmag woofmagcc @woofmagcc

From the Pack Leader

4

How to teach your dog to FETCH?

1. You need a toy your dog likes (e.g. tennis ball, fluffy soft toy, rope), treats and lots of smiles and a positive attitude. If you used the clicker before, use it, your dog will love this game even more. 2. Remember to take small steps in training. You will be more likely to succeed in teaching your dog this and any behaviour if you use ‘baby steps’. 3. Get your dog interested in the toy. Fast movements and lots of encouragement should help. Be exciting to your dog and have fun.4. When the dog puts the toy in his / her mouth - give lots of praise / reward with a treat.5. Get your dog interested in and used to holding the object in the mouth.6. Repeat until the dog can hold the toy in their mouth for a bit longer and returns it to you when you ask for it.8. You can then start moving away from your dog (one step at the time) and call him / her to you. 9. Reward every time your dog returns to you while still holding the toy in their mouth.10. Finally you can start throwing the toy away from you while saying FETCH. Praise your dog for grabbing the toy and encourage / reward for bringing it back to you.

Training Tip

5

6

Keep Warm This WinterFollow our toasty tips and keep pooch warm in the coming months...

Know the breed:Some dog breeds are more prone to the cold than others, while some breeds are adapted extremely well to the cold: Dogs that are great in the cold include Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies and Chow Chows. Dogs that find it harder include Dobermans, toy dogs, low hair or hairless dogs, and Greyhounds.

Provide shelter:Provide appropriate shelter for your dog if they are to spend a lot of time outside, a kennel with adequate bedding will provide warmth and shelter from the elements.

If your dog suffers from arthritis, consider using a heated bed to ease those aches during the colder months.

Dog clothing:Canine clothing can help to keep your dog warm through winter, especially for small or toy dogs, dogs without long hair (for example, whippets and greyhounds), and old or sick dogs. One of the key signs of a cold dog is shivering, just like humans. Dog jackets and jumpers are readily available or you could try your hand at making one! For wetter winters, you might like to attach a rainproof layer over the top but make sure that it is breathable.

Grooming:Avoid clipping your dog’s coat too short because a dog’s full coat is his source of warmth during winter and only bathe indoors and make sure your dog is completely dried before letting him outside.

Feeding:While it is important to eat regularly and well during colder months, in order to keep up energy and warmth, with an indoor dog there is no need to increase the food amounts. Doing so can risk creating an overweight dog. (Dogs don’t need their “comfort” foods like us humans!)

Excercise:Maintain your normal daily/twice daily walks where possible, unless the weather gets too extreme, dogs love nothing more than enjoying that morning or late afternoon sun

and taking in all the smells before snuggling up and staying warm!

Words and Image by Olivia Cavanagh (above image provided by hausofharley.com)

7

Lei Lani Pet Spafrom $15

ph: 4365 6190Cute hand-made, woollen doggy jumpers.

Many designs, colours and sizes. Suitable for smaller dogs.

Drop in to Lei Lani Pet Spa at 171 Serpentine Road, Terrigal

or give them a call!

Haus of Harley$29.99

hausofharley.comDesigned and made exclusively for Haus of Harley,

our coats have maximum comfort, warmth and style in mind. These classic-look coats are fitted with

adjustable velcro straps to provide a more accurate fit - even after your pup has scoffed a few treats - and designed with a high-end fashion look in a

variety of colours and sizes to suit any dog.

8 cont’d pg 9

assistance dogs

PAWS (Parents Autism Workshops and Support) brings together parents of children with autism, to share experiences and explore the potential that a pet dog might have within the family. The program has been running successfully in the UK and the Netherlands for the past two years.The special chemistry shown between a child and dog through Assistance Dogs Australia’s work providing assistance dogs for families with a child with autism, has led us to realise that whilst for some children there will be a clear need for a fully trained assistance dog, a well-trained family pet dog can also have a massively beneficial impact.WorkshopsIf you are considering getting a pet dog, then the workshops cover the pros and cons of getting a dog to help your child and your family.The workshops are designed to provide parents with the information and long-term support for sourcing, choosing, handling and training a pet dog specifically to benefit a child

with autism and the family as a whole.The workshops cover:• Question you might have about owning a pet dog• How dogs can help a child with autism• Selecting the right dog to live with a child with autism• Options for finding a suitable pet dog

• Things to think about when training a dog• Selecting an appropriate training club/trainer• Dog welfare and equipment needs

Parents will attend a series of three, one day workshops over a

period of three months. The workshops are available to families nationwide. Long-term SupportFollowing the workshops, the PAWS team will offer ongoing support to families, through a variety of media, from telephone support to an online forum and family support network.Application ProcessApplicants can apply online or through mail.Families will be informed of the next available workshops sent by email and a welcome pack will be sent.

helping kids

9

Application Criteria• These workshops are open to parents of children aged between 3-16 years, with a clinical diagnosis of autism.• Parents are welcome whether they already have a pet dog or not.• $70 one off payment to cover handouts and light refreshment at each workshop

Long-term Support AvailableFollowing the workshops, the PAWS team will offer ongoing support to families, through a variety of media, from telephone support to an online forum and family support network.

Register for a workshop on our website assistance.dogs.org.au or call Carri Robinson, PAWS Coordinator on 0412 130 364.

Cozette's K'9 Education For all your canine training and behavioural solutions

Cert iii in Dog Training and BehaviourSessions held in your own homeWinter Special $30.00 per hour!

Ph 0422 293 227

10

police dogsThe NSW Police

Dog Unit was formed in 1932 and provides a support service for all operational police in NSW. The Unit’s aim is to provide specialist canine services such as general purpose, drug, firearms/explosive detection and human remains dogs. NSW Police Dogs are amongst the best trained in the world.

The Unit uses various breeds of dogs including German Shepherd, Labrador, Rottweiler, Malinois and is currently introducing English Springer Spaniels.

Role of Dog Unit

General purpose teams are highly skilled and motivated. The General purpose police dog has a keen sense of smell which it uses to track and search for missing persons, suspected offenders or property connected to crime scenes. The locations covered by the team include buildings, thick bush, rural and suburban areas.

The General Purpose dog teams support police at High Risk confrontations, Crowd Control and Urban Search & Rescue disasters.

Drug detection teams, using the dog’s acute nose, are deployed for searching houses, cars, people and personal property for the detection of illegal drugs. The teams offer a high degree of accuracy during

search warrants and screening situations. Being Labradors, their smaller frame and deftness allows them to access all areas easily.A Firearms/Explosive team will use the dog’s keen sense of smell to sniff out and locate guns, ammunition, bombs

and explosive materials. Being Labradors, their inquisitiveness drives them to locate items, whether they are tucked into a belt or buried under the ground. The work of Firearms/Explosive teams are of great value to the community and the capability of NSWPF to deter crime.

Puppy Raising Program

The NSW Police Dog Unit is currently looking for dedicated and enthusiastic people to volunteer their time in socialising and developing young potential Police Dogs.

Raising a young potential Police Dog is a huge responsibility but one which is very rewarding.

More information: police.nsw.gov.au

11

The Importance of Play with Your Dog

Dogs need our attention, and this extends past some gentle patting on the sofa at night and a walk after dinner. While these are both really important, playing with your dog not only stimulates their mind, but it helps build a stronger bond between you and your furry family member as well.

Why playtime is so important for your pooch:

*It helps them develop important skills that will help them interact positively with other dogs and people when exposed to playing with others on a regular basis.*It stimulates your dog both mentally and physically, keeping their mind active and their body healthy.*It is a wonderful way to bond and build a strong relationship with your dog, even if you only have 5 or 10 minutes playtime a day. *It helps get rid of stress. Just like us, dogs can also become stressed so

having regular playtime will help them (and you) de-stress which will lead to an overall happier and healthier loving companion!

TIP: Always reward your dog when you are teaching him/her a new game and remember, you must always be in charge. If your dog gets overexcited, stop the game until they settle down.

Words and Image by Katie Preston ToepferAuthor, Wedding Dogs

12

‘He’s my hero.’

A Girl’s Best FriendTell us about your dog? Matey is a 7 year old Labrador x Retriever. He thrives on discipline, affection, trust, teamwork, challenge, fun and a balanced life.Matey has had some medical problems, so if he’s feeling below par, we take things easy.He has a high degree of initiative & excels at assessing and figuring out how to overcome unusual and difficult working situations.When we achieve something unusual or difficult, he displays his pleasure. For instance, we swim in the ocean together with him as my guide (my hand on his back & me wearing flippers to keep up with him). The first time we achieved this, as soon as we moved from the deep water into the shallows, he swam across the front of me, forcing me to stop, put his front paws gently on my shoulders & gave me a kiss & hug! We’ve got

the photo to prove it too!What did you do before him/how has he improved your life?Before Matey, I lived in accommodation that I felt was unsuitable for a dog. I used a Long

Cane and a Mini Guide. Cane is used mainly for ground or very low work, the mini guide lets you know when you are close to a solid object above ground. The cane & mini guide allow degrees of independence, i.e, walking

along simple routes that I had been oriented to. I’m grateful to the Guide Dog Association for providing mobility and orientation training and the tools required, but felt isolated and limited.Soon after moving into my current home, I was matched with Matey. After only 2 days of training I was given permission to work with Matey over the weekend, providing we remained on our own and crossed no roads. I put my faith in Matey and he responded immediately. The simple act of

repeatedly walking around the block with such ease and speed made me feel free, as if flying. I can’t express how good that felt and still feels.We had 6 weeks of intensive training in the local area, followed by training further afield as required.

Matey has improved my life beyond measure. Day to day living is easier, I can now move freely & walk at speed. My world is bigger, safer, friendlier and infinitely more interesting.Before Matey, simple things such as going to the shops on my own lay somewhere between difficult and impossible.He’s my Guide locally, in the city, in the bush, at the beach. He’s my (almost) constant companion and the value in that alone can’t be underestimated. People who used to walk past me, now say hello. He’s a great bit furry antidepressant. He’s my hero.

For sight-impaired Kate Ladkin, the addition of her Guide Dog Matey 5 years ago has opened up a whole new world for her here on the Coast.

cont’d pg 13

13

Any funny stories about him? A duck decided to nest in the garden. The duck didn’t mind Matey being near her at all. 13 ducklings emerged from the nest & stillMother Duck didn’t mind Matey being close by, and because of the position of the nest, there was not much that could be done aboutit if she did mind! As the ducks grew, they became very fast & seemed to be everywhere all at the same time with their little tweeting sounds. Whenever Matey & I walked out of the door or up the driveway all the ducklings would rush towards him & it was amusing/interesting to be with Matey whilst he figured out how to guide me from A to B without damaging a duckling. The duck family ended up staying in the garden for longer than expected & Matey oversaw everything, as if he were the grand parent!Would you recommend any tips to dog owners?I’d like people to consider that idea that every moment spent with your dog offers opportunities to deepen the bond with your dog and affect the relationship positively.Also, If your dog isn’t responding to training as well as usual, question why, i.e, are you doing something differently, is your dog feeling under the weather etc?Where are yours & Matey’s favourite places to visit on the Coast?Umina Beach Off Leash Area is the perfect leisure space for Matey and me. We began spending time there because it was the only place accessible to us where Matey could expend energy and enjoy time off without overheating and becoming tired. If I could pitch a tent on the beach & call it home, I would. For us, it’s perfect.Matey used his initiative - went completely

against his training. He saved our lives.We were approaching a pedestrian crossing in Woy Woy. A truck had stopped on the opposite side of the road to let us cross and all other traffic noise was drowned out due to the noise from the truck. We walked onto the crossing and were half way across the first lane when, before I was aware of anything unusual, Matey suddenly turned and leapt up at me knocking me backwards with force. The air flow from the speeding car whipped at me - it must’ve only been centimetres away from us. If Matey hadn’t acted in the way he did, it is certain that we both would have been squashed! Matey and I are a working

team. For his benefit I needed to remain calm and confident but it was difficult. When we got home, I rang Guide Dogs so that any issues the incident might have bought up could be addressed immediately.

Distracting a Guide/Service Dog This may seem like

a small thing but the consequences can be serious even if they don’t show immediately, this includes off leash dogs being walked in on leash areas. There is a lovely waterfront walk close to my home that Matey and I used to enjoy everyday. We now only walk along there every so often because so many dogs being walked off leash were allowed to distract him.

I am so grateful to the puppy raisers, who gave Matey such a great start to life and to Guide Dogs for teaming me up with such a great mate! Guide Dogs receives no government help, so without your donations, we wouldn’t have the eyes that allow us independence.

Thank you to Kate Ladkin for sharing her story with Woof Mag! guidedogsaustralia.com

Blue Heeler

14

The Australian Cattle Dog (AKA Blue

Heeler), is a breed of herding dog originally developed for driving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. The Blue Heeler is a medium-sized, short-coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms. It has either brown or black hair distributed fairly evenly through a white coat, which gives the appearance of a “red” or “blue” dog. It has been nicknamed a “Red Heeler” or “Blue Heeler” on the basis of this colouring and its practice of moving reluctant cattle by nipping at their heels. As with dogs from other working breeds, the Blue Heeler has a high level of energy, a quick intelligence, and an independent streak. It responds well to structured training, particularly if it is interesting and challenging. It was originally bred to herd by biting, and is known to nip running children. It forms a strong attachment to its owners, and can be protective of them and their possessions. It is easy to groom and maintain, requiring little more than brushing during the shedding period. The most common health problems are deafness and progressive blindness and accidental injury; otherwise, it is a robust breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. These active dogs now participate in a range of activities beyond the herding they were bred for, including competing with their owners in sporting events and working as assistance dogs.

Like many working dogs, the Blue Heeler has high energy levels, an active mind, and a level of independence. The Cattle Dog needs plenty of exercise, companionship and a job to do, so a non-working dog might participate in dog

sports, learning tricks, or other activities that engage its body and mind.When on home ground, the Blue Heeler is a happy, affectionate, and playful pet. However, it is reserved with people it does not know and naturally cautious in new

situations. Its attitude to strangers makes it an excellent guard dog when trained for this task, and it can be socialised to become accustomed to a variety of people from an early age as a family pet. It is good with older, considerate children, but will herd people by nipping at their heels, particularly younger children who run and squeal.The bond that this breed can create with its owner is strong and will leave the dog feeling protective towards the owner, typically resulting in the dog’s never being too far from the owner’s side.

Most Australian Cattle Dogs love the water and are excellent swimmers. It is not a hyperactive breed, and once one has had its exercise, it is happy to lie at its owner’s feet, or to rest in its bed or crate while keeping an ear and eye open for signs of pending activity. The Blue Heeler is an adaptable dog that can accept city or indoor living conditions, if its considerable exercise and companionship needs are met.

Words by Olivia Cavanagh

15

BeagleThe Beagle is a breed of small to medium-

sized dog. A member of the hound group, it is similar in appearance to the foxhound, but smaller with shorter legs and longer, softer ears. Beagles are scent hounds, developed primarily for tracking hare, rabbit,deer, and other small game. They have a great sense of smell and tracking instinct that sees them employed as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. Beagles are intelligent but single-minded, and popular pets because of their size, even temper, and lack of inherited health problems.From medieval times, the beagle was used as a generic description for the smaller hounds, though these dogs differed considerably from the modern breed. Miniature breeds of beagle-type dogs were known from the times of Edward II and Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I kept a breed known as a Pocket Beagle, which stood 20 to 23 cm at the shoulder.The general appearance of the Beagle resembles a miniature Foxhound, but the head is broader and the muzzle shorter, the expression completely different and the legs shorter in proportion to the body. They are generally between 33 and 41 cm high at the withers and weigh between 8.2 and 15.9 kg, with females being slightly smaller than males on average.The eyes are large, hazel or brown, with a mild hound-like pleading look. Beagles have a strong, medium-length neck (which is long enough for them to easily bend to the ground

to pick up a scent); a broad chest narrowing to a tapered abdomen and waist and a short, slightly curved tail tipped with white. The white tip, known as the flag has been selectively bred for, as it allows the dog to be easily seen when its head is down following a scent. Beagles appear in a range of colors. Although the tricolour (white with large black areas and light brown shading) is the most common.Alongside the Bloodhound and Basset Hound, the Beagle has one of the best developed senses of smell of any dog. Beagles have been known to find a mouse in a field in less than a minute, while Fox Terriers took 15 minutes and Scottish Terriers failed to find it at all. The long ears and large lips of the Beagle probably assist in trapping the scents close to the nose.The typical longevity of Beagles is 12–15 years,which is a common lifespan for dogs of their size.Beagles may be prone to epilepsy, but this can often be controlled with medication.

Although bred for hunting, Beagles are versatile and are nowadays employed for various other roles in detection, therapy, and as family pets. Beagles are used as sniffer dogs for termite detection and have been mentioned as possible candidates for drug and explosive detection. Because of their gentle nature and unimposing build, they are also

frequently used in pet therapy, visiting the sick and elderly in hospital and make a loving, loyal companion to many.

Words by Olivia Cavanagh

171 Serpentine Rd, Terrigal, NSW 2260 Ph: (02) 4365 6190 or (02) 4357 1200

Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm, Saturday 9am – 1pm

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Great Retail selection Cats welcome

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17

Dog TestBelow are some tests that you can do with your dog to measure their intelligence. Don’t try

to do these tests all in one day - your dog may become overwhelmed and not understand why you’re sending them through all these strange and bizarre actions. And the most important thing - don’t be negative! Make these tests fun for your dog - treat them like games! And

always - no matter how high or low they score - give them lots of love and positive attention afterwards.

Towel test: Take a large towel or blanket and gently place it over your dog’s head. If he frees himself from the towel in less than 15 seconds, give him 3 points. If it takes 15-30 seconds, 2 points. Longer than 30 seconds earns 1 point. Bucket test: Place a dog treat or a favorite toy under one of three buckets placed next to each other. Let the dog know which bucket the treat is under, than turn the dog away for a few seconds. Then, let her find the treat. If she immediately goes to the correct bucket give her 3 points. If she takes two attempts, score 2 points. If your dog looks under the other two buckets first, score 1 point. Favorite spot: With your dog out of the room, rearrange the furniture. When he re-enters the room, if he goes directly to his favorite spot give him 3 points. If it takes him 30 seconds to investigate before he finds his spot, give him 2 points. If he decides on a new area completely, score 1 point. Chair puzzle: Place a treat under a table or chair low enough so your dog can only fit her paw and cannot fit her head. If your dog figures how to reach the treat within one minute, score 3 points. If she uses her paws and nose, score 2 points. If your dog gives up, score 1 point. Go for a walk! On a day or time you normally don’t walk your dog, quietly pick up your keys, and his lead

while he’s watching you. If he gets excited immediately, score 3 points. If you have to walk to the door before he knows it’s time to go out, score 2 points. If he sits and just looks confused give him 1 point. Language test:Your dog should be settled comfortably around two meters in front of you.

In the voice tone you use to call your dog call “refrigerator”If the dog shows some response to come give him 3 points, if the dog still has not responded call it’s name. If the dog comes or shows any tendency to move to you score 2 points, if the dog still doesn’t come score him 1 point.Scoring and results 16 points or higher - Brilliant! 13 to 16 points - Well above average 9 to 12 points - Average 5 to 8 points - Below average 1 to 4 points - Not as bright as some, but we still love ‘em!

This testing can be fun, and can give you a general idea about your dog’s intelligence,

but wise pet owners maintain their own criteria. Your dog may not win the Nobel

Prize, or even first place at a dog trial - he may even lose his favorite ball once in awhile - but when it comes to making us happy and

feel good, most of our pets are just downright brilliant!

Sunny’s score = 18Toffy’s score = 15

18

What do you call a dog magician?

A labracadabrador

Fun Fact: The Basenji is the world’s only barkless dog.

19

How did the little Scottish dog feel when he saw a monster?

Terrier-fied!

kids corner

We’d love to see your dog drawings, scan and email them to:sales@woofmag.com.au, the first 3 drawings received will win a gift for

their dog and 1 drawing will be published in the next issue!

20

Ingredients • 2 cups wholemeal flour• 1/2 cup mashed pumpkin• 1 egg• 1/2 cup liver treats broken into pieces

Method

1. Mix all ingredients together2. Roll out dough and use cookie

cutters for some fun shapes.3. Place on lined baking tray4. Brush lightly with milk5. Bake in a moderate oven for 20

minutes or until golden

Thank you to Sandra Stevens for this tasty recipe!

Email your recipe to sales@woofmag.com.au

Doggy Recipe

Pumpkin Cookies

21

On the Net...

STYLE, QUALITY AND PRICE.Collars, leads, harnesses,travel bowls, first aid kits,seatbelt restraintsand clothing.

STYLE, QUALITY AND PRICE.Collars, leads, harnesses,travel bowls, first aid kits,seatbelt restraintsand clothing.

www.hausofharley.comwww.hausofharley.com

for dogs and dog lovers on the Central Coast!

dog combined with the

22

Apps for dogs?!

Free to download to your phone or tablet, Game For Dogs is a simple, fun game for you and

your dog to play together. This game includes high-contrast backgrounds and time-tested movements of virtual toys designed to grab your dog’s attention...the squeaky noise was most confusing for my dog, and she found the movement of the little dog quite

intriguing...for about 1 minute! Maybe your pooch is more tech-savvy than mine.

For the bargain price of $2.49 you can download this virtual squeaky toy for your dog’s

amusement. The displayed toys will react to yours (your dog’s) touch and with 18 different

toys to choose from, you’re sure to find one that keeps Fido busy for hours with iSqueek!

Download for $2.49 from the App Store, Pet Acoustics plays mellow music designed especially

to soothe dogs, cats, and horses. Nine songs are specifically created for dogs, which users report

help their dogs to relax and sleep. The app includes a timer, which is great for when you’re stepping out and want your dog to be calm and relaxed in your

absence.

What will they think of next? If you’re game, introduce your dog to the world of technology and get downloading!

23

Business Directory

Gosford Dog Paws

"Giving dogs a second chance"Pateman Rd, Erina, 2250(02) 4304 4350gosforddogpaws.comfacebook.com/gosforddogpawsMon-Fri 10am-4pmSat-Sun 10am-12noon

Impounding & Adoption Facility

maxwell@groversdogs.com

www.maxwell.energetixaustralia.com.au

ENERGETIX offers a completerange of magnetic jewelleryincluding accessories

for her, him, teens, kids and for petsExclusive designer jewellery for

your pet combined with theforce of magnets!

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT

MAXWELL ENERGETIX offers a complete range of magnetic

jewellery for dogs and dog lovers on the Central Coast!

www.maxwell.energetixaustralia.com.au Emily 0412 602277

24

Central Coast Dog Obedience Training Club KincumberQualified Instructors using positive modern

training methods for well mannered pet dogs and onto competition level.

New classes each month!

Ph: 4384 2688 to register www.ccdotc.com

Central Coast Dog Training Club

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26

I’ve always thought Jet Cavoodle would make a great therapy dog. I’m not sure

if you’ve heard of the idea, it’s where dogs with the right temperament are allowed into Nursing Homes and Hospitals to interact with the residents and patients. There are proven benefits to for everybody involved.

Three locations and a couple of countries later I came across Therapy Dogs Singapore at the Singapore Dog Show. I decided it was time to apply.

After passing the Temperament Test we booked in for our first visit and we haven’t looked back.

Last visit I came up to a man and asked him if he would like to feed or pat Jet and in the best English he told me he couldn’t see him. I quickly realised he was blind but was interested in interacting with Jet. I have an Aunty who is blind so I’ve very used to knowing where to put objects and explaining what’s going on and showing where things are they might miss. Most of the residents don’t speak a great deal especially in English so in this gentleman’s case I could help out far more. I asked him if he wanted a cuddle...’yes’. Jet Cavoodle isn’t a small oodle, he weighs roughly 12kg so is not what I’d call a lap dog and most of the residents are in wheel chairs when we visit. I wasn’t going to let that get in our way.

The second I put Jet onto his lap the gentleman smiled from ear to ear, his face light up. He told me he thought Jet was so soft, gentle and such a good dog. He asked me if he was a boy or a girl and snuggled into him like the real life teddy bear that he his. I know that snuggle I can have one whenever I like, what I’m so pleased about is that I could share that with somebody else and especially

somebody who was so appreciative and who genuinely benefited so much from Jet being there. It was in that moment the benefit of Therapy Dogs was confirmed for me. I always knew the logic behind it but nobody can explain the joy and the emotion the process brings until you come into contact with a gentleman like the kind man I met recently.

I get to share a moment with a dog and another human I don’t know and bring joy that just can’t be explained by the words in this article and I know that’s why we signed up, that’s the reason right there.

Words & Image by Belinda Irvine.myoodle.com

Find My Oodle on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Pinterest

Jet for Therapy

27

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Pick up your free copy in August/September - all about Activities For Dogs!

Activities For Dogs Issue August/September 2014

your free guide to all things dog!

Breed Features:

Dalmation&

Chihauhau

PLUS:• Vaccinating

yourdog

• Agility

• Whichdogsuitsyou?

• ShampooReviews

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