Leading up to ANZAC day this year Cronulla RSL granted honorary membership for the first time ever to a canine veteran! Pic credit: Cronulla RSL Manic, a 10 year old Belgian Malinois, is now in retirement from the military after serving in Iraq in 2016 and spending a couple of years working in counter-terrorism. For several years he has attended the dawn service followed by a morning at the club with fellow servicemen and women. Pic credit: Cronulla RSL And they love him so that now he is their first honorary canine member, badge and all. You can learn more about Manic’s amazing service, at ..read more

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), also known as ‘doggy dementia’ or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), is a progressive condition that affects the cognitive function and behavior of older dogs, and is similar to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in humans. CCD typically occurs in dogs over the age of 10, although it can affect younger dogs in rare cases. The exact cause of CCD is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from changes in the brain similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s disease.     Symptoms of CCD can vary but often include: Disorientation ..read more

You may not have heard of Technology detection dogs (TDD’s) – in Australia these are highly trained canines that specialize in detecting electronic devices such as mobile phones, USB drives, SIM cards, and other digital storage devices. These dogs are typically employed by law enforcement agencies, corrections facilities, and border security agencies to assist in detecting contraband items that may be hidden by criminals or smugglers. Pic credit: afp.gov.au The training process for technology detection dogs is rigorous and involves teaching the dogs to recognize the unique scent of a chemical ..read more

It is well known that moving house can be a stressful time for families – but your dog can feel it even more, with familiar items being packed away and unfamiliar people coming and going more frequently. But with a bit of planning and care, you can help your furry friend adjust happily to their new home. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother for your dog:   1. Maintain Routine: Dogs thrive on routine, so try to stick to their usual feeding, walking, and playtime schedule as much as possible. This will provide them with a sense of normalcy during the move. 2. Prepare a Safe Sp ..read more

We have all been feeling the financial pinch lately and can benefit from any cost-cutting available. One good tip is to bake your own dog treats using common household (and dog-friendly) ingredients. They are simple to make so kids can get involved (under supervision of course) and you can customise them to suit your own dog’s dietary requirements. Create small size bites as training rewards or to fill a favourite treat toy, and larger sizes for teeth cleaning snacks and to keep them busy for longer. Or as a treat on special occasions! Here are three easy recipes you can try: 1. Peanut Butter ..read more

Image: https://www.facebook.com/Whataboutbunny   You might have seen them on your social media…talking dogs! Actually, these are very smart dogs trained to communicate with their owners using a series of ‘talk buttons’ and one of the earliest examples is Bunny the Sheepadoodle (you can learn more about her here). These talk buttons, also known as communication buttons or AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) buttons, are a tool used to facilitate communication between dogs and their owners. The concept involves teaching dogs to press specific buttons associated with different w ..read more

I think we are all familiar with the appetite of a Labrador, with many of us using the line ‘they’re a Lab so they’ll eat anything’. As it turns out, for many Labs this is true and not entirely due to poor eating habits!   Research in 2016 at the University of Cambridge* in the United Kingdom identified an “obesity gene” that refers to a genetic mutation found in certain lines of Labrador Retrievers, particularly those bred for show rather than working purposes. This mutation affects the gene known as POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin), which plays a role in regulating appetite and metabolism ..read more

Early in January my own dog, Pendlebury (14yr old Chinese Crested), had a stroke – needless to say scary for him and for me. Thanks to fast action from our Vets he has recovered almost completely, and with ongoing medication we hope to avoid recurrence. This event sent me on a steep learning curve, and it may be helpful to share what I have learned. Causes – While strokes in dogs are relatively rare compared to humans, they can occur. The causes of strokes in dogs are not always well-understood, and the signs may vary. Some potential causes include: Cerebral Infarction (Ischemic Stroke): Thi ..read more

You’ve done your research, made your travel plans, booked your tickets and all that’s left is to pack. But what about your dog? Preparing them for boarding is essential to ensure their well-being and comfort during your absence. Here are some tips to help you get your dog ready for a positive boarding experience:   Visit the Boarding Facility in advance: arrange a time prior to the boarding date to familiarise your dog with the surroundings and meet the staff. It can help reduce anxiety for your dog, and you too.   Update Vaccinations: ensure that your dog is up-to-date on vaccinati ..read more

Destructive behaviour in pets, like chewing, digging and barking, can be distressing and costly. Preventing and managing these activities requires a combination of training, supervision, and environmental management. Some things to help address and prevent destructive behaviour in dogs include:   Prevention:   Provide Adequate Exercise: Many destructive behaviours stem from excess energy. Ensure your dog gets regular exercise through walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Consider dog daycare for the days that you cannot provide activity.   Proper Training: Basic obedience tr ..read more